bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Representation of Women Among Cardiology Grand Rounds Speakers in the United States
Authors: DeFilippis Ersilia M. , Muppala Supriya , Kaur Gurleen , Huston Jessica H. , Harrington Robert A. , Capers Quinn , Douglas Pamela S. , Mahmud Nadim , Reza Nosheen
Published: December 2024

Importance

Women are underrepresented in leadership positions in cardiology. Institutional grand rounds (GR) are platforms through which faculty can gain professional exposure and access to career development opportunities. The gender diversity of invited cardiology GR speakers has not been investigated.

Objective

To examine the representation of women among cardiology GR speakers in the United States.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study reviewed all 626 internal medicine residency training program websites in the American Medical Association’s FRIEDA directory to identify publicly available records of cardiology GR. Grand rounds from September 1997 through December 2022 were included; GR with more than 1 speaker and trainee-led case conferences were excluded.

Exposures

Grand rounds speaker gender.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Data on GR topic focus, speaker gender, and academic rank were collected.

Results

A total of 3806 GR lectures at 42 institutions were included; 799 (21%) were delivered by women and 3007 (79%) by men. The proportion of women GR speakers increased by 1% per year and increased for each topic over time with the exception of electrophysiology and basic/translational science. Women were most likely to speak on women’s cardiovascular health (80 lectures [10.0%] vs 17 [0.6%] for men; P < .001).

Conclusions and Relevance

Women compose about 1 in 5 cardiology GR speakers with modest growth in representation over time but remain underrepresented as GR speakers for procedural cardiology and basic/translational science topics.
Intravascular Sympathetic Stimulation to Facilitate Catheter Ablation of Premature Ventricular Complexes
Authors: Markman Timothy M. , Tschabrunn Cory M. , Callans David , Marchlinski Francis E. , Nazarian Saman
Published: December 2024

Importance

Infrequent intraprocedural premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) limit the efficacy of catheter ablation. Intravascular stimulation of sympathetic nerves via vertebral veins (VVs) has been used to activate cardiac sympathetic tone and may promote PVCs.

Objective

To characterize the ability of direct electrical sympathetic stimulation via VVs to induce PVCs at the time of catheter ablation.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This prospective case series involved adult patients undergoing catheter ablation of PVCs, with rare or absent PVCs despite standard provocation, at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania between 2022 and 2024. Stimulation was performed via the left VV (20 Hz, up to 25 mA).

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was PVC frequency, assessed before, during, and after stimulation. A multilevel mixed-effects Poisson regression was used to compare the rate of PVCs during the procedure.

Results

Fifteen patients (mean [SD] age, 60 [17] years; 10 male [71%]) had a mean (SD) preprocedure PVC burden of 16.3% (8.6%) (median [IQR], 17.0% [11.5%-21.5%]), and 7 of 15 had undergone at least 1 prior unsuccessful ablation. Provocation of PVCs was attempted with isoproterenol, atrial and ventricular burst pacing, and minimal sedation in all patients before VV stimulation. Throughout the 10-minute period before VV stimulation, patients had a mean (SD) of 1.3 (1.4) PVCs (median [IQR], 1.0 [0.0-2.5] PVCs). During VV stimulation, PVCs were noted in all patients (mean [SD], 8.2 [5.7] PVCs per minute; median [IQR], 6.0 [4.5-13.0] PVCs per minute). In the 10-minute period after VV stimulation, patients had a mean (SD) of 5.1 (6.6) PVCs per minute (median [IQR], 3.0 [0.5-6.5] PVCs per minute). After VV stimulation, ablation was guided by activation mapping in 7 patients and by pace mapping alone in the remaining patients. Postablation monitoring demonstrated a mean (SD) 1.3% (2.3%) burden of PVCs (median [IQR], 0.0% [0.0%-2.5%]), with 9 of 15 patients having less than 1% burden of PVCs. There were no adverse events related to VV stimulation.

Conclusions and Relevance

These findings suggest that intravascular sympathetic stimulation via the VV can be used to safely provoke PVCs during catheter ablation.
Universal Health Checkups and Risk of Incident Diabetes and Hypertension
Authors: Takeuchi Masato , Shinozaki Tomohiro , Kawakami Koji
Published: December 2024

Importance

Type 2 diabetes and hypertension are obesity-related, noncommunicable diseases becoming increasingly common worldwide. In 2008, Japan launched a nationwide universal health checkup program, Specific Health Checkup (SHC), for the primary prevention of obesity-related diseases, but its effectiveness has been understudied.

Objective

To investigate the association of the SHC program with incident diabetes and hypertension, using a target trial emulation framework.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study used data from a longitudinal health care database involving both checkup history and medical encounter records in Japan. Individuals aged 40 to 74 years, without diabetes or hypertension, and without a prior checkup history, were eligible. Individuals were repeatedly assessed for eligibility from April 1, 2008, to March 31, 2020, to assemble sequential cohorts of 78 620 SHC participants and 214 554 nonparticipants. Statistical analysis was conducted from June 8 to December 30, 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The composite risk of incident type 2 diabetes or hypertension over a period of up to 10 years, defined as the combination of a newly documented diagnosis and use of relevant medications. A propensity score–weighted survival analysis was conducted to adjust for baseline variables. A series of sensitivity analyses and a negative outcome control analysis were conducted using depression as a benchmark.

Results

Sequential cohorts consisted of 78 620 SHC participants (median age, 46 years [IQR, 41-53 years]; 62.7% women) and 214 554 nonparticipants (median age, 49 years [IQR, 44-55 years]; 82.0% women) from 153 084 unique persons, each of whom entered the study cohort a mean (SD) of 1.9 (1.5) times. Within a median follow-up of 4.2 years (IQR, 2.7-6.3 years), the primary end point occurred among 11.2% of all individuals (10.6% of the SHC participants and 11.4% of the nonparticipants), with a lower hazard ratio (HR) among the SHC recipients (HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.89-0.92); the difference in cumulative incidence at 10 years was −1.6% (95% CI, −1.8% to −1.3%). The sensitivity analyses showed similar results. The negative control analysis suggested the potential for residual confounding (HR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02-1.07); the bias-calibrated HR was 0.86 (95% CI, 0.84-0.89) for the primary outcome.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, within a median of 4.2 years of follow-up, SHC recipients had a 9.8% lower risk of incident diabetes and hypertension (13.8% in the bias-calibrated analysis). The cost-effectiveness of the SHC and its transportability to other regions are unclear, requiring future investigations.
Evaluating frailty scores across experimental groups in rodent models: bridging physical and cognitive domains
Authors: Mladenovic Aleksandra , Pracer Smilja
Published: December 2024

Frailty, a reversible clinical geriatric syndrome, impairs the ability to maintain homeostasis, leading to severe consequences such as hospitalization and death. Cognitive frailty, characterized by the co‐occurrence of physical frailty and cognitive impairment, has garnered increasing attention in recent years. Preclinical models, especially rodent studies, are essential for understanding frailty and developing interventions to mitigate associated conditions. Traditionally, animal studies have focused solely on physical frailty. We have pioneered the inclusion of cognitive parameters by developing a novel physical‐cognitive frailty score (FS) in animal research, in order to assess the effectiveness of anti‐aging interventions. Here, we provide a detailed example of the FS calculation at the group level, which can serve as a guide for other studies. This dual‐focus approach also helps in understanding how physical frailty and cognitive impairment interact to exacerbate adverse health outcomes and provides an opportunity to evaluate potential interventions that target both physical and cognitive dimensions of frailty more reliably.
Commentary on “Consumed by Creed”
Authors: Fillon Adrien A. , Larigaldie Nathanael , Brown Nicholas J. L.
Published: December 2024

“Consumed by Creed” is a research article that suggests a link between obsessive‐compulsive symptoms and support for political violence. Analyzing the article and the data set provided by the authors, we found errors in their methodology and procedures, accompanied by a high degree of researcher freedom that could have led to the finding of false‐positive results. Given the important political and psychological implications of the claimed findings and the weakness of the evidence presented, we recommend substantial caution in interpreting the results reported in the article, and we urge researchers to drastically improve current research practices in the field of radicalization to ensure that policy decisions are based on valid and reliable evidence.
Enhanced Cell Adhesion Properties of a Collagen‐Mimicking Peptide Through Site‐Specific L‐DOPA Incorporation
Authors: Pasi Deutschman Mor , Zevi Gal , Chen Saray , Kryukov Olga , Kass Itamar , Cohen Smadar , Alfonta Lital
Published: December 2024

Collagen, a key structural protein in the extracellular matrix (ECM), provides essential physical and biological support for cells, making it indispensable in tissue engineering (TE). Producing collagen‐mimicking polypeptides (CMPs) in E. coli offers advantages such as rapid production, cost efficiency, and ease of genetic modifications. These CMPs can self‐assemble into collagen fibrils, although they lack the post‐translational modifications (PTMs) required for structural stability. To address this, the described E. coli system employs genetic code expansion to incorporate L‐3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine (L‐DOPA) into CMPs at specific sites. The catechol side chain of L‐DOPA enhances molecular structural stability, supports cellular attachment, and promotes cell growth. These CMPs form a triple‐helix structure and self‐assemble in vitro to construct collagen fibrils, with the inclusion of L‐DOPA significantly enhancing the fibrillation process. The CMPs are biocompatible, enabling the spreading and increased metabolic activity of human fibroblasts cultured on 2‐D hydrogels or within 3‐D scaffolds, contingent on the presence of L‐DOPA‐incorporated CMPs. This system allows for precise genetic modifications, incorporating non‐canonical amino acids to customize CMP properties for diverse TE applications. This innovative strategy merges TE and synthetic biology to improve collagen‐based biomaterials, providing custom‐made solutions.
Visible‐ and Near‐Infrared Light‐Driven Molecular Photoswitches for Biological Applications
Authors: Xu Yang , Tang Yuqi , Li Quan
Published: December 2024

Molecular photoswitches can undergo isomerization under light exposure, making them uniquely attractive for high spatiotemporal resolution remote control of biological functions. Visible and near‐infrared (NIR) light, with their low energy consumption, high safety, and strong tissue penetration, are particularly suitable for biological applications. Therefore, developing visible‐ and NIR light‐driven molecular photoswitches for biological use is of great significance. This review introduces the most common visible‐ and NIR light‐driven molecular photoswitches and presents the state‐of‐art of their applications in bioimaging, biosensing, drug delivery, photocontrolled cancer phototherapy, and photopharmacology. The opportunities and challenges of the photoswitches for their future development in biological applications are outlined.
Pixel‐Level Hardware Strategy for Large‐Scale Convolution Calculation in Neuromorphic Devices
Authors: Zhang Xianghong , Liu Di , Wu Jianxin , Cheng Enping , Qin Congyao , Gao Changsong , Shan Liuting , Zou Yi , Hu Yuanyuan , Guo Tailiang , Chen Huipeng
Published: December 2024

For convolution neural networks, increasing the performance of hardware computer systems is crucial in the era of big data. Benefiting from the neuromorphic devices, producing the convolutional calculation at the crossbar array circuit has become a promising approach for high‐performance hardware computer systems. However, as computation scales, this hardware system faces the challenge of low resource utilization efficiency and low power efficiency. Here, a novel pixel‐level strategy, leveraging the dynamic change of electron concentration as the process of convolution calculation, is proposed for high‐performance hardware computer systems. Compared with the crossbar array circuit‐based strategy, instead of at least four devices, raised the power efficiency to 413% and decreased the training epochs to 38%. This work presents a novel physics‐based approach that enables highly efficient convolutional calculation, improves power efficiency, speeds up convergency, and paves the way for building complex convolution neural networks with large‐scale convolutional computation capabilities.
High‐Speed and Scalable Wet Spinning of Graphene/Liquid Crystalline Elastomer Composite Filaments
Authors: Martinez Antonio Proctor , Decker Lucy K. , Wang Kunyu , Kim Jong Bin , Murray Christopher B. , Yang Shu
Published: December 2024

Liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) are promising candidates for the development of soft, environmentally‐responsive actuators and have recently been explored for application in smart textiles and soft robotics. To realize the potential of LCEs within these systems, the fast, scalable, and continuous production of LCE filaments at controlled diameters is critical. Here, a wet‐spinning method is presented for the scalable manufacturing of graphene/LCE composite filaments. Through a double diffusion mechanism, the graphene/LCE precursors rapidly crosslink into tangible filaments without the use of UV light, instead taking advantage of solvent exchange and high catalyst influx. The continuous production of polydomain graphene/LCE filaments can achieve speeds up to 4500 m h−1. Through π−π interactions between graphene and the LCE matrix, the composite graphene/LCE filaments across a broad range of diameters (137 to 1128 µm) can be obtained with high integrity, achieving actuation stresses and strains up to 3.66 MPa and 44%, respectively, in 3 s. The filaments are showcased as artificial muscles, where both thin and thick filament sizes are of interest. The presented scalable wet‐spinning method will open new opportunities to design smart textiles and soft robotics from fibers of controlled sizes.
STING‐Activating Polymers Boost Lymphatic Delivery of mRNA Vaccine to Potentiate Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Zhang Miao , Wang Yongling , Li Benhao , Yang Bowei , Zhao Mengyao , Li Bingyu , Liu Jianping , Hu Yaxin , Wu Zhaoming , Ong Yenhui , Han Xiaolin , Ding Lingwen , Zhu Kongfu , Li Jianwei , Luo Min , Chen Shengqi , Peng Ling , Zhang Longjiang , Chen Xiaoyuan , Ni Qianqian
Published: December 2024

The unprecedented success of mRNA vaccines against COVID‐19 has inspired scientists to develop mRNA vaccines for cancer immunotherapy. However, using nucleoside modified mRNA as vaccine, though evading innate immune toxicity, diminishes its therapeutic efficacy for cancers. Here, we report a polyvalent stimulator of interferon genes (STING) activating polymer (termed as PD) to bolster the immunogenicity of mRNA vaccine. PD is made of tertiary amine units and conjugated with a biodegradable alkyl chain. Co‐formulation of PDs bearing different number of tertiary amines with lipid materials and mRNA resulted in the lipid‐like nanoparticles (PD LNPs) which effectively promoted lymphatic delivery and elicited robust immune activation via the STING signaling pathway. Notably, PD with eighteen tertiary amines (PD18) is predominant in balancing immune activity and tolerability. Subcutaneous administration of PD18 LNPs containing ovalbumin (OVA) mRNA enhanced the frequency of antigen specific CD8+ T cell with immune memory, leading to potent anticancer efficacy that surpassed 2′3’‐cGAMP in both prophylactic and therapeutic cancer models. Additionally, PD18 LNP‐based mRNA vaccine showed conferred resistance to cancer challenge for up to 60 days. Overall, this study offers a new perspective of using STING‐ activating polymer for imparting synergistic activity in mRNA vaccine‐based cancer immunotherapy.
Expandable Fast Li‐Ion Diffusion Network of Li‐Rich Mn‐Based Oxides via Single‐Layer LiCo(Ni)O2 Segregation
Authors: Yang Yali , Luo Tie , Zuo Yuxuan , Wang Hangchao , Gao Chuan , Cai Junfei , Yang Tonghuan , Xiao Wukun , Yu Yue , Xia Dingguo
Published: December 2024

Li‐rich Mn‐based cathode materials exhibit a remarkable reversible specific capacity exceeding 250 mAh g−1, positioning them as the preferred choice for the next generation of high‐energy density lithium‐ion battery cathode materials. However, their inferior rate and cycling performance pose significant challenges. In this context, a Li‐rich material incorporating an expanded fast Li‐ion diffusion network has been successfully synthesized. This advancement involves the introduction of a single‐layer of LiCo(Ni)O2 with high Li‐ion diffusion coefficients into the crystal structure of Li‐rich cathode, thereby enhancing the rate performance, achieving an impressive capacity of 212 mAh g−1 at 5 C. Furthermore, the single‐layer LiCo(Ni)O2 can effectively isolates Li2MnO3 phase domains, thereby enhancing the structural stability during the anion redox process, consequently extending the electrochemical stability limits. Operating within a voltage range of 2.1–4.6 V, the capacity retention reaches 80% after 400 cycles, with a voltage decay of merely 0.74 mV per cycle. This innovative utilization of an expanded fast Li‐ion diffusion network provides invaluable insights that will guide the development of strategies aimed at unlocking rate capability in layered oxide cathode materials.
Sustainable Approaches for Managing Phthalate Pollution: Navigating Challenges, and Establishing the Future of Environmental Protection
Authors: Marcharla Eswar , Chauhan Smarika , Hariharan Sneha , Punniyakotti Parthipan , Sundaram Thanigaivel , Ganesan Swamynathan , Kim Woong , Govarthanan Muthusamy
Published: December 2024

Phthalates have become a widespread environmental pollutant that has severe implications for aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. They are found in various sources, including industrial processes, consumer products, and food packaging, resulting in significant environmental contamination. Their persistence and ability to bioaccumulate present significant risks, especially impacting reproductive, developmental, and endocrine systems in humans. This review explores how phthalates function as mixed micropollutants, adding complexity to their evaluation and control in environmental systems. It also focuses on remediation strategies using novel biotechnological approaches, such as enzymatic degradation, genetic engineering, microbial remediation, and nanotechnology‐based approaches. Enzymatic degradation utilizes specific enzymes for the breakdown of phthalates, thereby, transforming them into less toxic metabolites. Novel genetic engineering techniques have opened possibilities for improving the breakdown of phthalates by microorganisms, offering potential solutions for more efficient remediation. Nanotechnology‐based approaches showcase the effectiveness of nanomaterials in absorbing and breaking down phthalates on a molecular scale. This review also highlights the importance of microbial consortia and biochar‐microbial composites for environmental restoration. The unique contribution of this review lies in its comprehensive analysis of advanced biotechnological strategies for phthalate remediation, emphasizing the synergistic potential of novel techniques to protect and safeguard the environment for future generations.
Modifying the Electronic and Magnetic Properties of ZrO2${\rm ZrO}_{2}$ Monolayer Through Sp Doping: A First‐Principles Study
Authors: Thuy Huynh Thi Phuong , Van On Vo , Guerrero‐Sanchez J. , Hoat D. M.
Published: December 2024

Designing 2D materials for multifunctional applications becomes increasingly important because of the development of diminutive devices. In this work, doping with non‐transition metals (M@ systems; M = Na, Mg, Al, and Si) and nonmetals (X@ systems; X = B, C, N, and F) is proposed to modify the electronic and magnetic properties of monolayer. Pristine monolayer is a 2D insulator with a large bandgap of 4.40(6.08) eV obtained from standard(hybrid)‐based calculations. The monolayer is magnetized with total magnetic moments of 3.00, 2.00, and 1.00 upon doping with Na, Mg, and Al metals, respectively. In these cases, magnetic properties are produced mainly by O atoms around doping sites. Meanwhile, Si doping induces no magnetism in monolayer, preserving its nonmagnetic nature. However, the bandgap suffers from a large reduction of the order of 22.27%. The monolayer magnetization is also achieved by doping with B, C, N, and F atoms, where total magnetic moments of 3.00, 2.00, 1.00, and 0.97 are obtained, respectively. For ‐type doping cases, nonmetal impurities produce mainly magnetic properties, meanwhile, Zr atoms generate mainly the magnetism of F‐doped monolayer. Interestingly, feature‐rich half‐metallic nature (in Na@, Mg@, C@, and F@ systems) and magnetic semiconductor nature (in Al@, B@, and N@ systems) are also obtained. By analyzing Bader charge, the roles of charge loser and charge gainer are confirmed for non‐transition metal and nonmetal impurities, respectively. The results may introduce new 2D materials suitable for spintronic applications.
Examining the Impact of Row Planting on Labor Use for Sustainable Food Production Among Maize Farmers in Rural Ghana
Authors: Jumpah Emmanuel Tetteh , Alem Habtamu , Adams Abdulai , Ratinger Tomáš , Bavorová Miroslava
Published: December 2024

Smallholder farmers are reverting to traditional production methods due to the high opportunity costs and unintended consequences of new technologies. This study focuses on row planting technology, which is labor‐intensive and slow without mechanized operations. Data from 224 nonadopters and 237 adopters of row planting were analyzed using ordinary least squares and instrumental variable techniques. The results show varying effects of row planting on yield and income across different agroecological zones, with labor use being endogenously determined. Comparing labor requirements, we found that row planting demands an additional 14.79 man‐hours per acre over broadcasting seeds. The current dissemination approach of sustainable intensification technologies such as row planting prioritizes yield‐enhancing technologies over mechanization, hindering adoption. We propose integrating small‐scale mechanization, such as small‐scale planters and harvesters, to reduce labor hours and promote sustainable intensification technology adoption.
Encapsulation of Pt species into MFI zeolite with tunable acid sites boosts reductive amination towards tertiary amines
Authors: Xiong Zhuo , Meng Biao , Chen Cailing , Liu Xiaoling , Wu Chao , Wu Yue , Xu Meng , Xu Hongzhong , Dai Yihu , Han Yu , Zhou Yu , Xi Shibo , Wang Jun
Published: December 2024

Noble metal‐catalyzed reductive amination of carbonyl compounds using molecular hydrogen is a promising green route for amine synthesis, but a challenge remains to boost the atomic efficiency of noble metal species. Herein, MFI zeolite encapsulated Pt species with tunable Si/Al ratios were synthesized to allow the formation of Pt nanoparticles (NPs) with almost the same loading amount, particle size, and electronic state. Confining Pt NPs allows the spatial satisfaction for the synergy of metal centers and acid sites, and Pt@ZSM‐5(100) with a moderate Si/Al ratio performed high efficiency in the conversion of carbonyl compounds and boosted high TOF of 23,409 h−1 in reductive amination of benzaldehyde. Combined with structure refinement, x‐ray absorption fine structure (XAFS), in situ Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and theoretical calculation, the study indicated that modulating the Si/Al ratio enables the fine rationalization of the microenvironment. The moderate Si/Al ratio causes suitable acid intensity that significantly contributes to the carbonyl compound activation and product desorption.
Particle Acceleration in Solar Flares From Radio and Hard X‐Ray Spectra
Authors: Valio Adriana , da Silva Douglas F. , Li Hui
Published: December 2024

For a deeper understanding of the physical processes at play in solar flares, it is necessary to analyze the flare emissions at multiple wavelengths. This multifrequency approach enables the characterization of energetic electrons accelerated from hundreds of keV and up to several tens of MeV. This study reports on the observation of 10 solar flares, in which the spectral parameters were determined for the cm/mm and x‐ray bands. The radio spectrum was fitted using gyrosynchrotron emission whereas the hard x‐rays fit considered a model of thermal plus nonthermal emission of accelerated electrons. The results show that the spectral indices of the energy distribution of nonthermal electrons emitting in millimeter and hard x‐rays do not agree, with the millimeter spectral index being approximately 2 units harder than that of hard x‐rays. These findings are consistent with previous research and suggest the existence of a break in the energy spectrum of accelerated electrons. Moreover, for the only flare where photons exceeding 1 MeV were detected, the hard x‐ray spectra exhibited a broken power‐law where the index of the electron distribution above ~500 keV agreed with the inferred radio spectral index.
Structural Fellowships do Cardiology Fellows a Disservice
Authors: Schwartz Bryan G.
Published: December 2024

Growth of new TAVR programs has slowed significantly in recent years.

Dedicated structural fellowship opportunities continue to increase.

Most job opportunities for interventional cardiology remain in coronary interventions, not structural interventions.

Interventional cardiology fellows are best served by completing interventional fellowship in 1 year as opposed to pursuing a dedicated structural year.
Immediate Use of Impella CP for High‐Risk Percutaneous Coronary Intervention After Repair of Thrombosed Aortic Coarctation
Authors: Jiménez‐Rodriguez Gian Manuel , Garcia‐Montes José Antonio , Eid Lidt Guering , Solis‐Jimenez Fabio
Published: December 2024

Aortic coarctation represents up to 7% of congenital heart diseases and is associated with hypertension and coronary artery disease, which continues to be the leading cause of death even after successful surgical repair. However, there is limited knowledge of managing both conditions, especially in the setting of an acute coronary syndrome. We herein present the case of a 53‐year‐old man with a history of hypertension who initially presented with an ST‐elevation myocardial infarction successfully treated with thrombolysis and hemodynamic compromise. During angioplasty, an incidental finding of aortic coarctation was noted. After a thorough evaluation by the heart team, it was determined that percutaneous revascularization with ventricular support was necessary due to the high surgical risk. Aortic coarctation repair was performed first, followed by successful angioplasty with the placement of an Impella CP device through the newly implanted aortic stent. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a patient with both STEMI and aortic coarctation treated sequentially and using only a percutaneous approach. It is also the first reported case where a ventricular assist device (VAD) was used to support high‐risk PCI in a patient with a repaired aortic coarctation.
The small molecule peptide ANXA114‐26 inhibits ovarian cancer cell proliferation and reverses cisplatin resistance by binding to the formyl peptide receptors receptor
Authors: Li Nana , Yan Peihua , Guo Ling , Wang Huiyan , Cui Baohong , Teng Lichen , Su Yajuan
Published: December 2024

Chemo‐resistance in ovarian cancer is currently a major obstacle to the treatment and recovery of ovarian cancer. Therefore, identifying factors associated with chemo‐resistance in ovarian cancer may reverse chemo‐sensitization. Using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (ITRAQ) technology, we found a small molecule peptide with annexin 1 (ANXA1) as a precursor protein. Then, we explored the effects and mechanisms of this small molecule peptide on the proliferation, apoptosis, and drug resistance of ovarian cancer resistant cells through CCK‐8, EdU cell proliferation assay, Annexin V‐FITC/PI assay, Western blot,qRT‐PCR. ANXA114‐26 was highly expressed in the serums of sensitive patients. ANXA114‐26 promoted apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells and increased the sensitization of ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin. The ANXA114‐26 and ANXA1 competitively bind formyl peptide receptors (FPR). ANXA114‐26 decreased multidrug resistance‐associated protein 1 (MRP1) expression in ovarian cancer cells through the FPR/Cyclin D1/NF‐ĸBp65 pathway. We found a peptide derived named ANXA114‐26 in the serum of ovarian cancer patients. It can reduce ovarian cancer cell proliferation and reduce MRP1 expression through the FPR/Cyclin D1/NF‐ĸBp65 pathway.
A Case of Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Which Tumor Control Was Achieved by Re‐Administering Atezolizumab and Bevacizumab
Authors: Hagiwara Satoru , Oda Itsuki , Ueshima Kazuomi , Komeda Yoriaki , Nishida Naoshi , Yoshida Akihiro , Yamamoto Tomoki , Omaru Naoya , Matsubara Takuya , Kudo Masatoshi
Published: December 2024

Background

Fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FL‐HCC) clinically occurs in young people aged 20–30 years, who often have a normal liver background. We propose a treatment for such cases in which a combination therapy of atezolizumab and bevacizumab is followed by sandwiching radiation therapy to release tumor antigens and then re‐administering the combination therapy of atezolizumab and bevacizumab (ABC conversion therapy).

Case

The patient is a 15‐year‐old girl. On April 18, 2022, she noticed skin yellowing and visited her local doctor. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a large mass in the right lobe of the liver and bile duct obstruction due to the tumor. She also had a nodule on her chest that appeared to be a metastatic tumor and was referred to Kinki University Hospital in April 2023. She was suspected to have FL‐HCC based on contrast‐enhanced ultrasound and CT scan results. There were findings suggestive of lung metastasis; however, she underwent a right hepatic lobectomy on May 17, 2023, considering the risk of liver failure and intra‐abdominal bleeding due to the large liver tumor. A CT scan conducted on July 25, 2022, showing increased lung metastases, and she started atezolizumab/bevacizumab combination treatment on October 20, 2022. On March 15, 2023, multiple lung metastases and new intrahepatic lesions appeared, which was diagnosed as progressive disease (PD), and lenvatinib was discontinued. On November 17, 2023, radiation therapy (25 Gy/5 Fr) was administered to the lung and intrahepatic lesions to release tumor antigens, and on November 27, 2023, atezolizumab and bevacizumab combination treatment was resumed to control the tumor.

Conclusion

Combination therapy with atezolizumab, bevacizumab, and radiation therapy may be an option for the treatment of FL‐HCC.
Mixed clastic‐carbonate lake margin systems: An example from the Triassic of East Greenland
Authors: Andrews Steven D. , Guo Li
Published: December 2024

Lake margin deposits are the subject of increased study, but this is often focussed on either clastic or carbonate/microbial dominated end members. This study examines the interaction of clastic and carbonate systems. The Upper Triassic Edderfugledal Formation in East Greenland provides superb exposures through a carbonate dominated lacustrine succession. Fluctuations in lake level, interpreted as a response to cyclic, orbitally forced, climatic variance resulted in a highly mobile lake shore zone. The response of the shore zone environment to these fluctuations in lake level, and the interaction of both clastic and carbonate components, are documented in this study. A general trend from more arid to more humid conditions is recognised through the Edderfugledal Formation. This trend is reflected in a transition from more ephemeral lacustrine conditions with low sediment input to conditions where lacustrine episodes were more prolonged and clastic input was increased. Deposits reflecting more ephemeral conditions are dominated by extensive post‐depositional disruption including desiccation, pedogenic processes and evaporite precipitation. These effects increase towards the lake margins where exposure was most common and most prolonged. Increasingly humid conditions and the associated longer‐lived lacustrine developments and increased clastic sediment input resulted in a very different form of lake margin. During transgressive phases sediment input was pushed back to the lake margin allowing extensive microbialite development. Ooidal shoals developed in shallow water beyond the extent of clastic input. The lakeward migration of the ooidal shoals and the progradation of clastic systems eventually stifled the microbialites prior to the next transgressive event. In a mixed clastic‐carbonate lacustrine setting the interaction of sediment supply and production are key factors in governing facies development and these are in turn predominantly controlled by lake‐level change and lake margin bathymetry.
Samarium Diiodide/Samarium‐Mediated Deoxygenative Hydroborylation of Aldehydes
Authors: Liu Chengwei , Ma Yilin , Zhou Wei
Published: December 2024

A samarium diiodide/samarium‐mediated direct deoxygenative hydroborylation of aldehydes with hydroborate ester has been reported. In this method, unactivated aldehydes and hydroborate ester have been employed as starting materials for the synthesis of primary alkyl borate esters. Broad substrate scope and excellent functional group tolerance has been demonstrated that this is a robust method for deoxygenative hydroborylation of aldehydes.
Sensitive and Fast Simultaneous Voltammetric Determination of Dopamine and Uric Acid Using Simple Screen‐Printed Carbon Electrode Without Pretreatment and Modification
Authors: Niaz Abdul , Arain Muhammad Balal , Soylak Mustafa
Published: December 2024

A simple, commercially available, unmodified screen‐printed carbon electrode (SPCE) was investigated for the simultaneous voltammetric determination of dopamine (D/A) and uric acid (U/A) in a medium of very low concentration of supporting electrolyte for the first time. The ordinary, simple SPCE from DropSens (DS‐SPCE) was found to be able to separate the overlapping peaks of D/A and U/A with a wide peak potential separation of 300 mV in a medium of very low concentration (0.001 M) of NaH2PO4 as supporting electrolyte (buffer of low capacity) at pH 8.0. Medium of low concentration of electrolyte made it possible to expose the bare electrode surface for its high catalytic activity which resulted into a high peak current signals, particularly for D/A. The DS‐SPCE showed excellent electrocatalytic performance than the other SPCE. The effect of electrolyte concentration and pH on the electrocatalytic behavior of electrode were thoroughly discussed. The DS‐SPCE displayed a sensitive results in good linear ranges from 0.1–5 to 6–20 µM for D/A and 0.5–41.5 µM for U/A. The disposable electrode demonstrated better discrimination ability toward the detection of D/A and U/A over ascorbic acid and other potential interfering species. Moreover, the sensor presented sensitive and highly accurate results in human urine samples without preliminary treatment. The DS‐SPCE sensor was found to be simple, efficient, fast, low cost, and greener than the other reported modified sensors, while providing better sensitivities to detect D/A and U/A simultaneously. Thus, the bare, unmodified DS‐SPCE can be a convenient sensing device for the routine analysis of D/A and U/A, without requiring any complex pretreatment and modification steps of the electrode.
Short‐ and Long‐Term Swallowing Outcomes in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Receiving TORS and Adjuvant Therapy
Authors: Weiland Abigail C. , Samant Sandeep , Clain Alex E. , Martin‐Harris Bonnie
Published: December 2024

Background

Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) is a common morbidity resulting from the treatment of head‐and‐neck squamous‐cell carcinoma (HNSCC) due to surgery and chemoradiation. Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is a minimally invasive surgical technique for the management of HNSCC, which ideally avoids many of the known complications of open surgery. Research describing physiologic swallowing impairment after surgery using videofluoroscopy is lacking.

Methods

We evaluated videofluoroscopic swallowing studies of 37 patients who received TORS for head and neck cancer using a validated scoring tool, the Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile (MBSImP), at three time points including baseline.

Results

Patients had worsened physiologic impairments in the immediate post‐operative and late post‐operative periods, particularly in components related to airway protection. Many patients also had baseline swallowing impairment.

Conclusions

Further research is required to elucidate dysphagia at discrete time points before and after treatment as well as with different and evolving adjuvant therapy protocols.
A Learning Model with Memory in the Financial Markets
Authors: Singh Shikta , Chandrasena Supun , Shi Yue , Alhussaini Abdullah , Diebolt Claude , Enilov Martin , Mishra Tapas
Published: December 2024

Learning is central to a financial agent's aspiration to gain persistent strategic advantage in asset value maximisation. The implicit mechanism that transforms this aspiration into an observed value gain is the speed of error corrections (demonstrating, an agent's speed of learning) whilst facing increased uncertainty. In such a setting, perpetual learning can lead to a type of memory that financial agents can exploit as an information set to plan for their next strategic decisions. The existing literature focuses predominantly on a learning model with a long‐lag characterisation of asset values. However, recent methodological advances show that long memory can be generated from a learning model with just one lag. In this paper, we exploit this strand of literature and integrate the new construct into our proposed duration‐compliant ‘social distance’ mechanic as an alternative robust model of learning in a financial market. We assess the efficacy of our approach with a numerical example and a calibration exercise.
Measurement of thiol/disulfide homeostasis and ischemic modified albumin levels in patients with uterine leiomyomas
Authors: Akcan Bengü Nur Bariş , Yikilmaz Büşra Karagöz , Zorlu Uğurcan , Erel Özcan , Neşelioğlu Salim , Özyurt Esra , Tekin Özlem Moraloğlu , Elmas Burak
Published: December 2024

Objective

The aim is to contrast the serum levels of thiol‐disulfide homeostasis and ischemic modified albumin between patients with leiomyoma and healthy individuals and to assess the impact of oxidative stress on the etiopathogenesis of leiomyoma.

Methods

In this prospective case‐control study, a total of 154 participants were included, consisting of 77 cases diagnosed with leiomyoma and 77 healthy individuals without leiomyoma. The demographic characteristics and ultrasonographic findings of the participants were recorded, and parameters such as albumin, ischemia‐modified albumin, and thiol‐disulfide homeostasis were evaluated. The results obtained from the analyses were compared between the two groups.

Results

No significant differences were observed in the demographic characteristics between the groups. A significant difference was observed between the leiomyoma and control groups regarding serum albumin parameters, serum ischemic modified albumin, and serum dynamic thiol‐disulfide parameters (P < 0.001). No significant difference was found in the ratios of disulfide/total thiol, disulfide/native thiol, native thiol/total thiol (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

There was a notable contrast in the levels of albumin, ischemic modified albumin, albumin/ischemic modified albumin ratio, total thiol, native thiol, and disulfide between individuals with uterine leiomyomas and healthy individuals in the control group. Oxidative stress is believed to play a causative role in the etiopathogenesis of uterine leiomyomas.
The development of the Promoting First Relationships home visiting program and caregivers’ comments about their experiences across four RCT studies
Authors: Oxford Monica , Abrahamson‐Richards Tess , O'Leary Rae , Booth‐LaForce Cathryn , Spieker Susan , Lohr Mary Jane , Rees Jennifer , Kelly Jean
Published: December 2024

Promoting First Relationships (PFR) is an evidence‐based home‐visiting program for caregivers and their children from birth to age 5 years. It focuses on caregiver–child interaction, attachment, and relationship quality using video feedback of unedited recordings to elicit reflection and provide positive feedback linked to knowledge development. This paper provides a brief history of PFR and reports on a qualitative study of 222 caregivers’ comments about their PFR experiences following participation in one of four randomized controlled trials conducted over the past decade in the United States (two studies within child welfare setting, one study with Native American families, and one study with Spanish and English‐speaking mothers), using a thematic analysis approach to code excerpts from written satisfaction surveys and oral satisfaction interviews. Caregivers’ comments about PFR were positive and were classified into four major thematic areas: a caring, trusting relationship with the provider; enthusiastic program endorsement; improved relationship with their child; and reports of their personal growth and development. The qualitative results align with the key components of the PFR program and confirm aspects of the PFR theory of change model.
School counseling district leaders’ experiences with anti–DEI laws and policies: A phenomenological investigation
Authors: Goodman‐Scott Emily , Sampson Darrell J. , Johnson Kaprea F. , Sawyer‐Mays DeHaven
Published: December 2024

School counseling district leaders (SCDLs) are instrumental in shaping district policy, supporting school counselors, and interfacing with both internal and external constituents; as such, their systemic lens is of particular importance, given the K‐12 pushback on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) occurring at the state‐ and district‐levels. As a result, we conducted a critical application of Husserl's phenomenology to understand the collective experience of a sample of SCDLs (N = 10) working in locations with anti‐DEI laws and/or policies, specifically those restricting Black, indigenous, and people of color and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning rights and topics. Through the findings, participants shared that navigating the anti‐DEI systems resulted in increasingly complex leadership roles, overcoming fear to recommit to their students and professional values, and finally, combating anti‐DEI efforts through advocacy. Recommendations for future practice and research are included and grounded in a multi‐systemic approach and advocacy.
Comprehensive Analysis of Deuterium Isotope Effects on Ionic H3O+…π Interactions Using Multi‐Component Quantum Mechanics Methods
Authors: Udagawa Taro , Kanematsu Yusuke , Ishimoto Takayoshi , Tachikawa Masanori
Published: December 2024

Deuterium isotope effects on interaction energies and geometrical parameters in several H3O+(D3O+)…ene and H3O+(D3O+)…yne complexes, which involve O‐H(D)…π interactions, have been analyzed using the MP2 level of the multi‐component molecular orbital method (MC_MP2), which can incorporate the nuclear quantum effects of light nuclei, such as protons and deuterons. The MC_MP2 calculations revealed that D3O+ replacement reduced the interaction energies of the complexes and induced changes in geometrical parameters. In addition, natural energy decomposition analysis (NEDA) revealed a strong correlation between the H/D isotope effects on the H/D…π distances and on each energy component.
Tissue Engineering 3D‐Printed Scaffold Using Allograft/Alginate/Gelatin Hydrogels Coated With Platelet‐Rich Fibrin or Adipose Stromal Vascular Fraction Induces Osteogenesis In Vitro
Authors: Baniameri Sahar , Aminianfar Hossein , Gharehdaghi Niusha , Yousefi‐Koma Amir‐Ali , Mohaghegh Sadra , Nokhbatolfoghahaei Hanieh , Khojasteh Arash
Published: December 2024

Incorporating autologous patient‐derived products has become imperative to enhance the continually improving outcomes in bone tissue engineering. With this objective in mind, this study aimed to evaluate the osteogenic potential of 3D‐printed allograft‐alginate‐gelatin scaffolds coated with stromal vascular fraction (SVF) and platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF). The primary goal was to develop a tissue‐engineered construct capable of facilitating efficient bone regeneration through the utilization of biomaterials with advantageous properties and patient‐derived products. To achieve this goal, 3D‐printed gelatin, allograft, and alginate scaffolds were utilized, along with stem cells derived from the buccal fat pad and human‐derived components (PRF, SVF). Cells were seeded onto scaffolds, both with and without SVF/PRF, and subjected to comprehensive assessments including adhesion, proliferation, differentiation (gene expression and protein secretion levels), penetration, and gene expression analysis over 14 days. The data was reported as mean ± standard deviation (SD). Two‐way or one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed, followed by a Tukey post hoc test for multiple comparisons. Statistical significance was determined as a p value below 0.05. The scaffolds demonstrated structural integrity, and the addition of PRF coatings significantly enhanced cellular adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation compared to other groups. Gene expression analysis showed increased expression of osteogenic and angiogenic markers in the PRF‐coated scaffolds. These findings highlight the promising role of PRF‐coated scaffolds in promoting osteogenesis and facilitating bone tissue regeneration. This study emphasizes the development of patient‐specific tissue‐engineered constructs as a valuable approach for effective bone regeneration.