bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the effects of nest management on a recovering raptor using integrated population modeling
Authors: Cappello Caroline D. , Jacobson Kenneth V. , Driscoll James T. , McCarty Kyle M. , Bauder Javan M.
Published: October 2024

Evaluating population responses to management is a crucial component of successful conservation programs. Models predicting population growth under different management scenarios can provide key insights into the efficacy of specific management actions both in reversing population decline and in maintaining recovered populations. Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) conservation in the United States has seen many successes over the last 50 years, yet the extent to which the bald eagle population has recovered in Arizona, an important population within the Southwest region, remains an area of debate. Estimates of the species' population trend and an evaluation of ongoing nest‐level management practices are needed to inform management decisions. We developed a Bayesian integrated population model (IPM) and population viability analysis (PVA) using a 36‐year dataset to assess Arizona bald eagle population dynamics and their underlying demographic rates under current and possible future management practices. We estimated that the population grew from 77 females in 1993 to 180 females in 2022, an average yearly increase of 3%. Breeding sites that had trained personnel (i.e., nestwatchers) stationed at active nests to mitigate human disturbance had a 28% higher reproductive output than nests without this protection. Uncertainty around population trends was high, but scenarios that continued the nestwatcher program were less likely to predict abundance declines than scenarios without nestwatchers. Here, the IPM‐PVA framework provides a useful tool both for estimating the effectiveness of past management actions and for exploring the management needs of a delisted population, highlighting that continued management action may be necessary to maintain population viability even after meeting certain recovery criteria.
Effect of correcting iron deficiency on the risk of serious infection in heart failure: Insights from the IRONMAN trial
Authors: Foley Paul W. , Kalra Paul R. , Cleland John G.F. , Petrie Mark C. , Kalra Philip A. , Squire Ian , Campbell Philip , Chapman Callum , Donnelly Patrick , Graham Fraser , Hannah Andrew , Lang Ninian N. , Matthews Iain , Leslie Stephen J. , Pellicori Pierpaolo , Piper Sue , Ray Robin , Savage Hernry O. , Spencer Chales , Walsh John , Wong Yuk‐Ki , Ford Ian ,   on behalf of the IRONMAN Study Group
Published: October 2024

Aims

Concerns exist that intravenous (IV) iron might increase the risk of infections. The IRONMAN trial provided an opportunity to investigate whether giving IV ferric derisomaltose (FDI) to patients with heart failure and iron deficiency alters the rate of hospitalization or death due to infections.

Methods and results

IRONMAN was a randomized trial of IV FDI versus usual care in patients with symptomatic heart failure, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤45%, and transferrin saturation (TSAT) <20% or ferritin <100 μg/L. Infection was a pre‐specified, blindly‐adjudicated, safety endpoint. The primary analysis of interest was infection as the main reason for hospitalization or death, using first and recurrent events analyses. The composite primary event of interest tended to be lower in those randomized to FDI when analysed as first (hazard ratio [HR] 0.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.62–1.01, p = 0.055) or recurrent event (rate ratio 0.85, 95% CI 0.64–1.13, p = 0.089). The composite results were driven by fewer hospitalizations for infection (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.49–0.98, p = 0.032), with 5% fewer patients (absolute reduction) experiencing such an event if assigned to FDI. Similar trends were observed for recurrent events (HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.62–1.10). Further analyses suggested that the reduction in hospitalizations due to infection with FDI was restricted to patients with TSAT <20%.

Conclusions

In patients with heart failure and a reduced LVEF, correction of iron deficiency is not associated with an increased risk of hospitalization or death from infection, and may reduce such events, especially when TSAT is <20%.

Clinical Trial Registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02642562.
Amino Acid–Based Block Copolymer Templates‐Dependent Enhancement of Physicochemical and Electrochemical Characteristics of Mesoporous Carbons
Authors: Sivanantham M. , Tewari Chetna , Senthamaraikannan Ramsankar , Kim Young Nam , Bhatt Diksha , Padamati Ramesh , Sahoo Nanda Gopal , Jung Yong Chae
Published: October 2024

Amino acid–based block copolymers (BCPs) have distinct features such as secondary structure formation, chirality, amphoteric nature, non‐toxicity, and biodegradability, setting them apart from other BCPs. This suggests that amino acid–based BCPs may exhibit unique self‐assembly behaviors. Despite these advantages, they have not yet been utilized as templates for mesoporous carbons (MCs) synthesis. Here, we investigate, for the first time, the effect of hydrophobicity of two different poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) conjugated amino acid–based BCP templates (PEG‐poly(β‐benzyl‐l‐aspartate) (PEG‐PBLA) and PEG‐poly(γ‐benzyl‐l‐glutamate) (PEG‐PBLG)) on the construction of MC materials and also their physicochemical and electrochemical characteristics. MCs produced using PEG‐PBLA and PEG‐PBLG as templates are labeled CPBLA and CPBLG, respectively. Utilizing amino acid–based BCP systems enabled achieving MC materials with nearly 1 at% nitrogen doping without external nitrogen dopants. Physicochemical analysis showed CPBLA had a smaller particle size, higher specific surface area, pore size, and hydrophilicity due to increased oxygen and nitrogen contents, as well as a higher defective structure than CPBLG. The higher hydrophilicity of PEG‐PBLA led to the formation of CPBLA MC particles with smaller size and higher specific surface area of 602 m2g−1 and pore size of 7.8 nm. Cyclic voltammetry demonstrated that CPBLA had superior charge‐storing capacity (specific capacitance of 147 F g−1 at 1 mv s−1) than CPBLG, attributed to its better physicochemical properties. These promising findings suggest that amino acid–based BCP systems can serve not only as templates but also as carbon and nitrogen sources, offering potential for high‐performance electrochemical energy storage devices.
Regulating the formation of Müller glia‐derived progenitor cells in the retina
Authors: Taylor Olivia B. , El‐Hodiri Heithem M. , Palazzo Isabella , Todd Levi , Fischer Andy J.
Published: October 2024

We summarize recent findings in different animal models regarding the different cell‐signaling pathways and gene networks that influence the reprogramming of Müller glia into proliferating, neurogenic progenitor cells in the retina. Not surprisingly, most of the cell‐signaling pathways that guide the proliferation and differentiation of embryonic retinal progenitors also influence the ability of Müller glia to become proliferating Müller glia‐derived progenitor cells (MGPCs). Further, the neuronal differentiation of MGPC progeny is potently inhibited by networks of neurogenesis‐suppressing genes in chick and mouse models but occurs freely in zebrafish. There are important differences between the model systems, particularly pro‐inflammatory signals that are active in mature Müller glia in damaged rodent and chick retinas, but less so in fish retinas. These pro‐inflammatory signals are required to initiate the process of reprogramming, but if sustained suppress the potential of Müller glia to become neurogenic MGPCs. Further, there are important differences in how activated Müller glia up‐ or downregulate pro‐glial transcription factors in the different model systems. We review recent findings regarding regulatory cell signaling and gene networks that influence the activation of Müller glia and the transition of these glia into proliferating progenitor cells with neurogenic potential in fish, chick, and mouse model systems.
Macroscale Gradient Dysfunction in Alzheimer's Disease: Patterns With Cognition Terms and Gene Expression Profiles
Authors: Wang Dawei , Li Zhuangzhuang , Zhao Kun , Chen Pindong , Yang Fan , Yao Hongxiang , Zhou Bo , Wei Yongbin , Lu Jie , Chen Yuqi , Zhang Xi , Han Ying , Wang Pan , Liu Yong
Published: October 2024

Macroscale functional gradient techniques provide a continuous coordinate system that extends from unimodal regions to transmodal higher‐order networks. However, the alterations of these functional gradients in AD and their correlations with cognitive terms and gene expression profiles remain to be established. In the present study, we directly studied the functional gradients with functional MRI data from seven scanners. We adopted data‐driven meta‐analytic techniques to unveil AD‐associated changes in the functional gradients. The principal primary‐to‐transmodal gradient was suppressed in AD. Compared to NCs, AD patients exhibited global connectome gradient alterations, including reduced gradient range and gradient variation, increased gradient scores in the somatomotor, ventral attention, and frontoparietal regions, and decreased in the default mode network. More importantly, the Gene Ontology terms of biological processes were significantly enriched in the potassium ion transport and protein‐containing complex remodeling. Our compelling evidence provides a new perspective in understanding the connectome alterations in AD.
Neural Mechanisms of Social Interaction Perception: Observing Interpersonal Synchrony Modulates Action Observation Network Activation and Is Spared in Autism
Authors: Bierlich Afton M. , Scheel Nanja T. , Traiger Leora S. , Keeser Daniel , Tepest Ralf , Georgescu Alexandra L. , Koehler Jana C. , Plank Irene Sophia , Falter‐Wagner Christine M.
Published: October 2024

How the temporal dynamics of social interactions are perceived arguably plays an important role in how one engages in social interactions and how difficulties in establishing smooth social interactions may occur. One aspect of temporal dynamics in social interactions is the mutual coordination of individuals' behaviors during social interaction, otherwise known as behavioral interpersonal synchrony (IPS). Behavioral IPS has been studied increasingly in various contexts, such as a feature of the social interaction difficulties inherent to autism. To fully understand the temporal dynamics of social interactions, or reductions thereof in autism, the neural basis of IPS perception needs to be established. Thus, the current study's aim was twofold: to establish the basic neuro‐perceptual processing of IPS in social interactions for typical observers and to test whether it might differ for autistic individuals. In a task‐based fMRI paradigm, participants viewed short, silent video vignettes of humans during social interactions featuring a variation of behavioral IPS. The results show that observing behavioral IPS modulates the Action Observation Network (AON). Interestingly, autistic participants showed similar neural activation patterns as non‐autistic participants which were modulated by the behavioral IPS they observed in the videos, suggesting that the perception of temporal dynamics of social interactions is spared and may not underly reduced behavioral IPS often observed in autism. Nevertheless, a general difference in processing social interactions was found in autistic observers, characterized by decreased neural activation in the right middle frontal gyrus, angular gyrus, and superior temporal areas. These findings demonstrate that although the autistic and non‐autistic groups indeed differed in the neural processing of social interaction perception, the temporal dynamics of these social interactions were not the reason for these differences in social interaction perception in autism. Hence, spared recruitment of the AON for processing temporal dynamics of social interactions in autism does not account for the widely reported attenuation of IPS in autism and for the widely reported and presently observed differences in social interaction perception in autism.
The Effect of Segmentation Method on Medial Temporal Lobe Subregion Volumes in Aging
Authors: Mazloum‐Farzaghi Negar , Barense Morgan D. , Ryan Jennifer D. , Stark Craig E. L. , Olsen Rosanna K.
Published: October 2024

Early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are associated with volume reductions in specific subregions of the medial temporal lobe (MTL). Using a manual segmentation method—the Olsen–Amaral–Palombo (OAP) protocol—previous work in healthy older adults showed that reductions in grey matter volumes in MTL subregions were associated with lower scores on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), suggesting atrophy may occur prior to diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment, a condition that often progresses to AD. However, current “gold standard” manual segmentation methods are labour intensive and time consuming. Here, we examined the utility of Automatic Segmentation of Hippocampal Subfields (ASHS) to detect volumetric differences in MTL subregions of healthy older adults who varied in cognitive status as determined by the MoCA. We trained ASHS on the OAP protocol to create the ASHS‐OAP atlas and then examined how well automated segmentation replicated manual segmentation. Volumetric measures obtained from the ASHS‐OAP atlas were also contrasted against those from the ASHS‐PMC atlas, a widely used atlas provided by the ASHS team. The pattern of volumetric results was similar between the ASHS‐OAP atlas and manual segmentation for anterolateral entorhinal cortex and perirhinal cortex, suggesting that ASHS‐OAP is a viable alternative to current manual segmentation methods for detecting group differences based on cognitive status. Although ASHS‐OAP and ASHS‐PMC produced varying volumes for most regions of interest, they both identified early signs of neurodegeneration in CA2/CA3/DG and identified marginal differences in entorhinal cortex. Our findings highlight the utility of automated segmentation methods but still underscore the need for a unified and harmonized MTL segmentation atlas.
HBcrAg is associated with prognosis of hepatitis B virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma in patients after hepatectomy undergoing antiviral therapy
Authors: Liu Jian , Zhang Xiaofeng , Lin Jianbo , Dai Chun , Xie Zhihao , Shi Xintong , Zhu Bin , Cui Longjiu , Wu Yeye , Jing Yuanming , Fu Xiaohui , Yu Wenlong , Wang Kui , Li Jun
Published: October 2024

Serum hepatitis B core‐related antigen (HBcrAg) is considered a surrogate marker of the amount and activity of intrahepatic covalently closed circular DNA. This study aimed to explore the prognostic value of HBcrAg on patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after curative hepatectomy undergoing antiviral therapy (AVT). Data of 949 consecutive patients with HBV‐related HCC undergoing curative resection between 2010 and 2013 were reviewed. Serum HBcrAg levels were measured at surgery (baseline) for all patients and at the time of 2 years postoperatively (on‐treatment) for those without recurrence. Primary endpoint was tumor recurrence. High HBcrAg levels are associated with malignant phenotypes. HBcrAg independently affected both recurrence and overall survival (OS) in patients with negative hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg−, p = .007 and p = .042, respectively) but not in their positive HBeAg (HBeAg+) counterparts (p = .100 and p = .075, respectively). Patients with high baseline HBcrAg had higher late, but not early recurrence rates than those with low baseline HBcrAg levels, regardless of HBeAg status (HBeAg+: p = .307 for early, p = .001 for late; HBeAg−: p = .937 for early, p < .001 for late). On‐treatment HBcrAg independently affected late recurrence in patients stratified by both cirrhosis and HBeAg (p < .001 for all). The predictive power of HBcrAg kinetics for late recurrence was better than that of the baseline and on‐treatment HBcrAg. High HBcrAg levels during long‐term AVT are associated with late recurrence of HCC after hepatectomy. Combining baseline and on‐treatment HBcrAg might be valuable in identifying patients at a high risk of relapse and stratifying surveillance strategies postoperatively.
The crop mined phosphorus nutrition via modifying root traits and rhizosphere micro‐food web to meet the increased growth demand under elevated CO2
Authors: Zhou Na , Han Xue , Hu Ning , Han Shuo , Yuan Meng , Li Zhongfang , Wang Sujuan , Li Yingchun , Li Hongbo , Rengel Zed , Jiang Yuji , Lou Yilai
Published: October 2024

Elevated CO2 (eCO2) stimulates productivity and nutrient demand of crops. Thus, comprehensively understanding the crop phosphorus (P) acquisition strategy is critical for sustaining agriculture to combat climate changes. Here, wheat (Triticum aestivum L) was planted in field in the eCO2 (550 µmol mol−1) and ambient CO2 (aCO2, 415 µmol mol−1) environments. We assessed the soil P fractions, root morphological and physiological traits and multitrophic microbiota [including arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), alkaline phosphomonoesterase (ALP)‐producing bacteria, protozoa, and bacterivorous and fungivorous nematodes] in the rhizosphere and their trophic interactions at jointing stage of wheat. Compared with aCO2, significant 20.2% higher shoot biomass and 26.8% total P accumulation of wheat occurred under eCO2. The eCO2 promoted wheat root length and AMF hyphal biomass, and increased the concentration of organic acid anions and the ALP activity, which was accompanied by significant decreases in calcium‐bound inorganic P (Ca‐Pi) (by 16.7%) and moderately labile organic P (by 26.5%) and an increase in available P (by 14.4%) in the rhizosphere soil. The eCO2 also increased the growth of ALP‐producing bacteria, protozoa, and bacterivorous and fungivorous nematodes in the rhizosphere, governed their diversity and community composition. In addition, the eCO2 strengthened the trophic interactions of microbiota in rhizosphere; specifically, the eCO2 promoted the associations between protozoa and ALP‐producing bacteria, between protozoa and AMF, whereas decreased the associations between ALP‐producing bacteria and nematodes. Our findings highlighted the important role of root traits and multitrophic interactions among microbiota in modulating crop P‐acquisition strategies, which could advance our understanding about optimal P management in agriculture systems under global climate changes.
Large Book‐Tax Differences, Bankruptcy and Firm Efficiency
Authors: Rahiminejad Sina
Published: October 2024

In this study, I investigate the relationship between large book‐tax differences (BTDs) and the probability of firm bankruptcy and financial distress. I argue that large BTDs provide valuable information regarding corporate bankruptcy. Using the Altman Z‐score and Ohlson O‐score models, I find that firms with large negative BTDs (LNBTDs) are less likely to experience financial difficulty and bankruptcy. In contrast, firms with large positive BTDs (LPBTDs) show a higher likelihood of financial distress and bankruptcy. Additionally, the LNBTD subset, contrary to the LPBTD group, demonstrates higher firm efficiency.
Molecular determinants of skeletal muscle force loss in response to 5 days of dry immersion in human
Authors: Velarde Mathias , Sempore Michel‐Yves , Allibert Valentine , Montel Valérie , Castells Josiane , Treffel Loïc , Chopard Angèle , Brioche Thomas , Cochon Laetitia , Morel Jérome , Bastide Bruno , Durieux Anne‐Cécile , Stevens Laurence , Freyssenet Damien
Published: October 2024

Background

Astronauts in Earth's orbit experience microgravity, resulting in a decline of skeletal muscle mass and function. On Earth, models simulating microgravity have shown that the extent of the loss in muscle force is greater than the loss in muscle mass. The reasons behind this disproportionate loss of muscle force are still poorly understood. In the present study, we hypothesize that alongside the loss in skeletal muscle mass, modifications in the expression profile of genes encoding critical determinants of resting membrane potential, excitation‐contraction coupling and Ca2+ handling contribute to the decline in skeletal muscle force.

Methods

Healthy male volunteers (n = 18) participated in a 5‐day dry immersion (DI) study, an Earth‐based model of simulated microgravity. Muscle force measurement and MRI analysis of the cross‐sectional area of thigh muscles were performed before and after DI. Biopsies of the vastus lateralis skeletal muscle performed before and after DI were used for the determination Ca2+ properties of isolated muscle fibres, molecular and biochemical analyses.

Results

The extent of the decline in force, measured as maximal voluntary contraction of knee extensors (−11.1%, P < 0.01) was higher than the decline in muscle mass (−2.5%, P < 0.01). The decline in muscle mass was molecularly supported by a significant repression of the anabolic IGF‐1/Akt/mTOR pathway (−19.9% and −40.9% in 4E‐BP1 and RPS6 phosphorylation, respectively), a transcriptional downregulation of the autophagy‐lysosome pathway and a downregulation in the mRNA levels of myofibrillar protein slow isoforms. At the single fibre level, biochemical and tension‐pCa curve analyses showed that the loss in force was independent of fibre type (−11% and −12.3% in slow and fast fibres, respectively) and Ca2+ activation properties. Finally, we showed a significant remodelling in the expression of critical players of resting membrane potential (aquaporin 4: −24.9%, ATP1A2: +50.4%), excitation‐contraction coupling (CHRNA1: +75.1%, CACNA2D1: −23.5%, JPH2: −24.2%, TRDN: −15.6%, S100A1: +27.2%), and Ca2+ handling (ATP2A2: −32.5%, CASQ1: −15%, ORAI1: −36.2%, ATP2B1: −19.1%).

Conclusions

These findings provide evidence that a deregulation in the expression profile of critical molecular determinants of resting membrane potential, excitation‐contraction coupling, and Ca2+ handling could be involved in the loss of muscle force induced by DI. They also provide the paradigm for the understanding of muscle force loss during prolonged bed rest periods as those encountered in intensive care unit.
Are emotions and psychophysiological states experienced when observing a child sexual abuse interview associated with confirmation bias in subsequent question formulation?
Authors: Segal Aleksandr , Bakaitytė Aistė , Kaniušonytė Goda , Ustinavičiūtė‐Klenauskė Laura , Haginoya Shumpei , Žukauskienė Rita , Santtila Pekka
Published: October 2024

When interviewing children in suspected child sexual abuse (CSA) cases, a common mistake is for interviewers to only ask questions that aim at confirming their initial assumption. Here, we sought to investigate whether experienced emotional states and psychophysiological parameters measured when following a (simulated) CSA interview would be associated with confirmation bias in subsequent question formulation. Psychology students (N = 60, Mage = 22.75) followed a (simulated) CSA interview while their facially expressed emotions (anger, sadness, disgust, surprize and relief), galvanic skin response, heart rate (HR), and HR variability (HRV) were registered. The interview was then interrupted, and the participants were asked to formulate additional questions they would ask of the interviewee. As predicted, we found that participants who got more (vs. less) disgusted by the interview asked more questions biased towards confirming CSA. Against our expectations, participants who got more (vs. less) surprized also asked more questions biased towards confirming CSA. We also found, as predicted, that lower HRV was associated with more abuse confirming questions. Results suggest that emotions and psychophysiological states participants experience when observing a CSA interview are associated with confirmation bias in how questions are formulated.
Palaeoenvironmental evolution and decline of the harbours of the Roman and Early Byzantine city of Elaiussa Sebaste (southeastern Turkey): natural and anthropic causes
Authors: Melis Romana , Borgia Emanuela , Agostini Samuele , Celant Alessandra , Di Rita Federico , Forte Emanuele , Salvi Gianguido , Colizza Ester
Published: October 2024

The ancient city of Elaiussa Sebaste, currently Ayaş, is located on the southeastern coast of Turkey. It was one of the main trading Mediterranean harbours from the Augustan period until the early Byzantine era. The Arab invasion in the 7th century ce marked its definitive abandonment. A significant historical topic concerns the palaeoenvironmental evolution of the northern and southern harbours of Elaiussa Sebaste, including their decline and burial. An interdisciplinary study analysed six cores drilled in the current plains corresponding to the former harbour basins. A geoelectrical study, integrated with borehole stratigraphy, reconstructed the geometry of the carbonate bedrock that forms the accumulation base of the marine sediments. Sediments deposited from the 8th century
bce to the 6th century
ce include the development phases of the ancient city from the 3rd century
bce onwards. Sedimentology, micropalaeontology (foraminifers, ostracods), palaeobotany (pollen, non‐pollen palynomorphs, microcharcoals, plant macroremains) and Pb isotopes provided a model of the environmental evolution in both harbour basins. The main harbour expansion phase, marked by a change in Pb concentration, is hypothesized to have occurred between 140 and 220
ce, which is consistent with the historical sources indicating the development of the city during the mid‐Roman Imperial period.
Guidelines for the Prophylaxis and Treatment of Peritoneal Metastases From Colorectal Cancer: A GRADE‐Approach for Evidence Evaluation and Recommendations
Authors: Goéré Diane , Kusamura Shigeki , Lurvink Robin J. , Cinquini Michela , Piso Pompiliu , Levine Edward , Hubner Martin , Cortés Guiral Delia , Brandl Andreas , Spinelli Antonino , De Hingh Ignace H. J. T. , Deraco Marcello
Published: October 2024

Colorectal peritoneal metastases (CPM) are common in colorectal cancer patients. This article aims to provide GRADE guidelines for the use of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in two clinical situations: (1) To determine the value of adjuvant HIPEC for the prevention of CPM in high‐risk colorectal cancer patients; (2) to determine the impact on survival of cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC followed by adjuvant systemic chemotherapy as compared to systemic chemotherapy alone in patients with CPM.
Comprehensive evaluation of deep neck infections: A retrospective analysis of 111 cases
Authors: Aksoy Ahmet , Demirkıran Berat Baturay , Bora Adem , Doğan Mansur , Altuntaş Emine Elif
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Our study will analyze patients' clinical characteristics, treatment strategies, and complications with deep neck infection (DNI) using their medical records for five years.

Methods

The present study included 111 patients diagnosed with DNI in our clinic between January 2018 and March 2023. The patients' complaints at admission, sociodemographic characteristics, season of diagnosis, findings from laboratory tests, radiological imaging performed at the time of first diagnosis, abscess localization, medical and surgical treatment methods used, and complications developing during follow‐up were retrospectively examined.

Results

The mean age of the patients included in the study was 38.51 ± 16.92 (6–87 years). There was a significant correlation between chronic disease, smoking behaviours, oral hygiene, and DNI among patients based on their sociodemographic characteristics and medical history (p < .005). DNI development did not differ by season (p > .005). Physical examination findings predominantly revealed neck masses (39.6%) and peritonsillar abscesses (32.4%), and patients with peritonsillar abscesses had a shorter length of hospital stay than those with other localizations. No severe complications occurred during the clinical follow‐up.

Conclusion

Chronic diseases, smoking, and poor oral hygiene are the primary risk factors for developing DNIs. If an abscess is located in a critical area, it may require extended hospitalization and surgery under general anesthesia. Therefore, addressing these risk factors and encouraging good oral hygiene practices are crucial to preventing DNIs and reducing the need for intensive treatment.
Broadband Long‐Wave Infrared On‐Chip Silicon‐based Surface‐Enhanced Laser Spectroscopy Enabled by Gradient Nanoantenna Array
Authors: An Donglai , Liu Zihao , Tang Zhouzhuo , Ni Jing , Wang Qi Jie , Yu Xia
Published: October 2024

Silicon‐based on‐chip broadband surface‐enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA) is highly desired for integrated micromolecular detection systems, taking advantages of CMOS mass production, low cost, high sensitivity, etc. However, the silicon platform is difficult to operate in the mid‐infrared wavelength region above 4 µm where abundant fingerprint characteristics of biomolecules are located, because of the strong absorptions in silicon dioxide cladding above 4 µm. Here, a large‐core rib silicon waveguide‐integrated gradient nanoantenna array is proposed for broadband long‐wave infrared biomolecular detection. It is shown that Low loss propagation of light in the long‐wave infrared region up to 7 µm (1428 cm−1) in silicon photonics can be achieved while avoiding complex fabrication techniques. A gradient nanoantenna array is designed on the waveguide to achieve broadband enhancement from 5 to 7 µm (1428–2000 cm−1). Laser spectroscopy of bovine serum albumin on the chip is demonstrated, showing enhancement of absorbance by approximately ten times over laser transmission spectroscopy in the amide bands. Such a platform opens up a new horizon of silicon‐based on‐chip SEIRA biomolecular detection.
Conductivity Insights Into the Carbon Nanotubes Mobility Restricted by the Long‐Branched Chains During the Thermal Annealing, Fast Shear Flow and Melt to Solid Cooling Process
Authors: Li Jixiang , Maazouz Abderrahim , Lamnawar Khalid
Published: October 2024

The present work provides a unique insight to reveal the long chain branching (LCB) influence to the nano‐fillers, that is via analyzing the conductivity evolution during the thermal annealing, fast shear flow and melt to solid cooling process. Meanwhile the crystallization behavior is also discussed. A linear polypropylene (PPC) and a long chain branched polypropylene (PPH) are chosen as the two polymer matrices with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as the nanofillers. During the thermal annealing process, a more obvious growth of electrical conductivity of linear PPC nanocomposites are observed compared with LCB PPH nanocomposites. The harder movement of CNTs inside LCB PPH matrix may be the main reason. This also can be reflected by the conductivity evolution during slow cooling process where a decrease‐then‐increase (DTI) phenomenon is found for PPC/CNTs systems due to the rebuilding of CNTs conductivity network after crystallization. By contrast, this does not happen for PPH/CNTs systems.
Tremor Severity and Operative Parameters Predict Imbalance in Patients Undergoing Focused Ultrasound Thalamotomy
Authors: Jha Rohan , Wadhwa Aryan , Chua Melissa M.J. , Cosgrove G. Rees , Rolston John D.
Published: October 2024

Background

Imbalance is the most commonly reported side effect following focused ultrasound (FUS) thalamotomy for essential tremor (ET). It remains unknown which patients are more likely to develop imbalance following FUS treatment.

Objective

To identify preoperative and treatment‐related sonication parameters that are predictive of imbalance following FUS treatment.

Methods

We retrospectively collected demographic data, preoperative Fahn‐Tolosa‐Marin Clinical Rating Scale for Tremor (FTM) scores and FUS treatment parameters in patients undergoing FUS thalamotomy for treatment of ET. The presence of imbalance was evaluated at several discrete time‐points with up to 4 years of follow‐up. Multiple machine learning classifiers were built and evaluated, aiming to maximize accuracy while minimizing feature set.

Results

Of the 297 patients identified, the presence of imbalance peaked at 1 week following operation at 79%. This declined rapidly with 29% reporting imbalance at 3 months, and only 15% at 4 years. At 1 week, total preoperative FTM scores and Maximum Energy delivered in FUS could predict the presence of imbalance at 92.8% accuracy. At 3 months, the total preoperative FTM scores and maximum power delivered could predict the presence of imbalance with 90.6% accuracy. Post‐operative lesion size and extent into thalamic nuclei, internal capsule, and subthalamic regions were identified as likely key underlying drivers of these predictors.

Conclusions

A machine learning model based on preoperative tremor scores and maximum energy/power delivered predicted the development of short‐term imbalance and long‐term imbalance following FUS thalamotomy.
The Effect of Dysautonomia on Motor, Behavioral, and Cognitive Fluctuations in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Mahajan Abhimanyu , Morrow Christopher B. , Seemiller Joseph , Mills Kelly A. , Pontone Gregory M.
Published: October 2024

Background

Motor and nonmotor fluctuations adversely impact the quality of life in Parkinson's disease (PD). Dysautonomia, a feature frequently associated with PD and a possible adverse effect of dopaminergic therapy, may be comorbid with fluctuations.

Objective

We sought to evaluate the effect of dysautonomia on motor and nonmotor fluctuations in PD.

Methods

Two hundred subjects with PD were evaluated in both on and off dopamine states to assess changes in symptoms related to dopaminergic fluctuations. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess the association of dysautonomia with motor, cognitive, and psychiatric worsening from on to off states with adjustment for disease duration, levodopa equivalent daily dosage (LEDD), and dopamine‐agonist LEDD.

Results

Subjects with dysautonomia had greater odds of clinically meaningful change in motor features (odds ratio [OR]: 3.0), cognition (OR: 3.4), and anxiety (OR: 4.3) compared to those without dysautonomia.

Conclusions

Dysautonomia may be a contributory mechanism behind fluctuations in PD. The exact nature of this relationship deserves further evaluation. © 2024 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
AAPM task group report 135.B: Quality assurance for robotic radiosurgery
Authors: Wang Lei , Descovich Martina , Wilcox Ellen E. , Yang Jun , Cohen Alan B. , Fuerweger Christoph , Prabhu Anand , Garrett Jeffrey A. , Taylor David D. , Noll Matt , Dieterich Sonja
Published: October 2024

AAPM Task Group Report 135.B covers new technology components that have been added to an established radiosurgery platform and updates the components that were not well covered in the previous report. Considering the current state of the platform, this task group (TG) is a combination of a foundational task group to establish the basis for new processes/technology and an educational task group updating guidelines on the established components of the platform. Because the technology discussed in this document has a relatively small user base compared to C‐arm isocentric linacs, the authors chose to emphasize the educational components to assist medical physicists who are new to the technology and have not had the opportunity to receive in‐depth vendor training at the time of reading this report. The TG has developed codes of practice, introduced QA, and developed guidelines which are generally expected to become enduring practice. This report makes prescriptive recommendations as there has not been enough longitudinal experience with some of the new technical components to develop a data‐based risk analysis.
Background phase induced steady‐state effects in velocity quantification using phase‐contrast MRI
Authors: Fischer Carola , Speier Peter , Schaeffter Tobias , Giese Daniel
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Flow quantification using phase‐contrast (PC) MRI is based on steady‐state gradient echo (GRE) sequences and is hampered by spatially varying background phase offsets. The purpose of this work was to investigate the effect of steady‐state disruptions during PC‐MRI GRE sequences on these background phases. Based on these findings, a specific sequence and timing is suggested, and caution is expressed when using typical correction algorithms.

Methods

Steady‐state responses in stationary tissue were investigated in different prospectively triggered through‐plane phase‐contrast MRI sequence. Different spoiling methods (gradient spoiling/FISP versus gradient+RF spoiling/FLASH) and interleaving of flow encoding gradients (every TR vs. every ECG cycle) were investigated using simulations, in phantoms and in vivo. Additionally, the effect of relaxation times on the phase offsets was simulated and measured. The impact on image‐ and phantom‐based background phase correction was studied.

Results

Good agreement between simulation and phantom measurements were observed. Different sequences lead to different spatiotemporal and tissue dependent background phases. Average flow rates in the popliteal artery were over‐ and underestimated for ECG‐interleaved and TR‐interleaved FISP acquisitions compared to FLASH, respectively.

Conclusion

Background phase measurements are influenced by steady‐state effects leading to potentially false background phase quantification. Current background phase correction methods cannot correct for the disturbance.
Exploring the lived experiences of adults using home enteral nutrition and their caregivers: A meta‐aggregation qualitative systematic review
Authors: Sandhu Rebekah , Elliott Treeva , Hussain Whitney , Engbers John , Kassam Rosemin
Published: October 2024

Home enteral nutrition (HEN) provides nutrition through a tube to individuals at home who cannot meet their needs by mouth. Systematic reviews have explored the experiences of HEN subpopulations, such as those with head and neck cancers. Given HEN services care for adults with various underlying conditions, a synthesis of the experiences of all adults using HEN and their caregivers is warranted. The purpose of this study is to summarize the experiences of HEN adult users and their caregivers regardless of underlying condition. Medline, PsychINFO, EmBase and CINAHL were systematically searched in January 2024. Studies with qualitative results and adult participants and focused on HEN were included. Studies with participants in nursing facilities, results using word counts, or not in English were excluded. Study quality was assessed using the Johanna Briggs Institute (JBI) qualitative checklist. Study design and participants' details were extracted. Themes were collated using the JBI meta‐aggregative method. Forty studies (n = 732) were included. Three synthesized findings were identified: positive experiences (very low ConQual score), negative experiences (low ConQual score), and facilitators and coping mechanisms (moderate ConQual score). Although more negative than positive experiences were reported, users and caregivers who developed coping mechanisms or accessed supports viewed HEN as a worthwhile experience. Those with few supports or coping mechanisms did not. Based on this review, it is proposed that before starting HEN, users and caregivers should be made aware of the available supports and coping mechanisms. As negative experiences arise, healthcare providers should help users and caregivers access supports to improve their experiences.
Preparation and Evaluation of Polyethylene Glycol Conjugated Polyethylene Imine‐Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles for Paclitaxel Delivery to Cervical Cancer Cells
Authors: Aram Elham , Khonakdar Hossein Ali
Published: October 2024

The purpose of this study was to synthesize and characterize the therapeutic effect of paclitaxel‐loaded polyethylene glycol modified polyethylene imine‐coated iron oxide nanoparticles on cervical cancer cell line (HeLa cell). The physiochemical characteristics of nanocarriers were confirmed by using several methods including X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed the magnetic nanoparticles with size of 35 nm and excellent magnetic properties could load paclitaxel with capacity (16%) and encapsulation efficiency (80%) that has revealed pH‐dependent release behavior. The anticancer effects of nanoparticles were investigated using MTT assay. In comparison to free drug, paclitaxel‐loaded magnetic nanocarrier revealed more cytotoxicity against HeLa cell line and also resulted in an increased rate of apoptotic cancer cells, assessed by flow cytometry analysis. Furthermore, the developed magnetic nanocarrier showed suitable hemocompatibility which can be used in clinical applications.
A comprehensive luminal breast cancer patient‐derived xenografts (PDX) library to capture tumor heterogeneity and explore the mechanisms of resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors
Authors: Segatto Ilenia , Mattevi Maria Chiara , Rampioni Vinciguerra Gian Luca , Crestan Nicole , Musco Lorena , Favero Andrea , Dall'Acqua Alessandra , Di Giustino Gabriele , Mungo Giorgia , D'Andrea Sara , Gava Chiara , Ruggiero Federica , Dugo Matteo , Gerratana Lorenzo , Puglisi Fabio , Massarut Samuele , Bomben Riccardo , Callari Maurizio , Perin Tiziana , Baldassarre Gustavo , Belletti Barbara
Published: October 2024

Breast cancer (BC) is marked by significant genetic, morphological and clinical heterogeneity. To capture this heterogeneity and unravel the molecular mechanisms driving tumor progression and drug resistance, we established a comprehensive patient‐derived xenograft (PDX) biobank, focusing particularly on luminal (estrogen receptor, ER+) and young premenopausal patients, for whom PDX models are currently scarce. Across all BC subtypes, our efforts resulted in an overall success rate of 17% (26 established PDX lines out of 151 total attempts), specifically 15% in luminal, 12% in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive (HER2+) and 35% in triple negative BC. These PDX mirrored morphologic and genetic features of BC from which they originated, serving as a reliable tool to investigate drug resistance and test therapeutic strategies. We focused on understanding resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i), which are crucial in the treatment of patients with advanced luminal BC. Treating a sensitive luminal BC PDX with the CDK4/6i palbociclib revealed that, despite initial tumor shrinkage, some tumors might eventually regrow under drug treatment. RNA sequencing, followed by gene set enrichment analyses, unveiled that these PDXs have become refractory to CDK4/6i, both at biological and molecular levels, displaying significant enrichment in proliferation pathways, such as MTORC1, E2F and MYC. Using organoids derived from these PDX (PDxO), we observed that acquisition of CDK4/6i resistance conferred cross‐resistance to endocrine therapy and that targeting MTORC1 was a successful strategy to overcome CDK4/6i resistance. Considered together, these results indicate that our PDX models may serve as robust tools to elucidate the molecular basis of BC disease progression and, by providing the possibility to simultaneously test different therapies on the same tumor, to surmount treatment resistance. While this approach is of course not feasible in the clinic, its exploitation in PDX may expedite the identification and development of more successful therapies for patients with advanced luminal BC. © 2024 The Author(s). The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Triple‐structured polyvinylidene fluoride‐based composite films with high conductivity and EM shielding properties
Authors: Zhou Teng , Tan Yanyan , Yang Renyuan , Xu Yuhuan , Zhan Xiao , Du Jingyu , Diao Kunlan , Qin Shuhao , Zhang Daohai
Published: October 2024

Functionalized thin films with excellent flexibility and conductivity can meet the current requirements for electromagnetic(EM) shielding materials. In this paper, 2D transitions metal carbide and nitride nanomaterials Ti3C2Tx MXene were prepared by chemical exfoliation, and PVDF/MWCNTs/3 wt%/RGO@Fe3O4@ AgNWs‐10 based on PVDF/MWCNTs‐3 wt%/RGO@Fe3O4@AgNWs‐10, The samples were prepared through a simple solution mixing process followed by vacuum‐assisted filtration (VAF), and PVDF/MWCNTs/MXene/RGO@Fe3O4@AgNWs three‐layer PVDF‐based composite films, which were analyzed for electrical conductivity and EM shielding properties, which increased and then decreased with the rise in the Ti3C2Tx MXene content, in which the highest electrical conductivity of the three‐layer composite films of M3/MX‐10/R@F@Ag was obtained when the Ti3C2Tx MXene addition amount reached 10 mL as 3.9 × 103 S/m, the EMI SET is 54.9 dB, the EMI SEA is 44.8 dB, the absorption loss is 81.6%, and the SSEt of the M3/MX‐10/R@F@Ag three‐layer composite film is the highest 1672.5 dB/(cm−2·g). And the SEA/SER ratios of the M3/MX‐X/R@F@Ag three‐layer composite films are all greater than 1. The result shows that the EM attenuation mechanism of the M3/MX‐X/R@F@Ag three‐layer composite films is primarily driven by absorption loss and that the incorporation of Ti3C2Tx Mxene improves the EM shielding performance of the composite films. The relatively novel exploration of the performance study and structural design of the M3/MX‐X/R@F@Ag three‐layer EM shielding composite film provides structural design and research ideas for the application of the new MXenes material in EM shielding composites.

Highlights

The addition of Ti3C2Tx MXene will generate more conductive network nodules

A complete 3D conductive network is constructed in the membrane

This paper discusses the influence of Ti3C2Tx MXene on EM shielding

Multiple internal reflections of EMW between Ti3C2Tx MXene 2D nanosheets

The EM shielding mechanism of the film is discussed from the angle of 3D
Interdisciplinarity through internationality: Results from a US–Mexico graduate course bridging computational and plant science
Authors: Chitwood Daniel H. , Rougon‐Cardoso Alejandra , VanBuren Robert
Published: October 2024

Interdisciplinarity is used to integrate and synthesize new research directions between scientific domains, but it is not the only means by which to generate novelty by bringing diverse perspectives together. Internationality draws upon cultural and linguistic diversity that can potentially impact interdisciplinarity as well. We created an interdisciplinary class originally intended to bridge computational and plant science that eventually became international in scope, including students from the United States and Mexico. We administered a survey over 4 years designed to evaluate student expertise. The first year of the survey included only US students and demonstrated that biology and computational student groups have distinct expertise but can learn the skills of the other group over the course of a semester. Modeling of survey responses shows that biological and computational science expertise is equally distributed between US and Mexico student groups, but that nonetheless, these groups can be predicted based on survey responses due to subspecialization within each domain. Unlike interdisciplinarity, differences arising from internationality are mostly static and do not change with educational intervention and include unique skills such as working across languages. We end by discussing a distinct form of interdisciplinarity that arises through internationality and the implications of globalizing research and education efforts.