bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioprocess in‐line monitoring and control using Raman spectroscopy and Indirect Hard Modeling (IHM)
Authors: Müller David Heinrich , Börger Marieke , Thien Julia , Koß Hans‐Jürgen
Published: April 2024

Process in‐line monitoring and control are crucial to optimize the productivity of bioprocesses. A frequently applied Process Analytical Technology (PAT) tool for bioprocess in‐line monitoring is Raman spectroscopy. However, evaluating bioprocess Raman spectra is complex and calibrating state‐of‐the‐art statistical evaluation models is effortful. To overcome this challenge, we developed an Indirect Hard Modeling (IHM) prediction model in a previous study. The combination of Raman spectroscopy and the IHM prediction model enables non‐invasive in‐line monitoring of glucose and ethanol mass fractions during yeast fermentations with significantly less calibration effort than comparable approaches based on statistical models. In this study, we advance this IHM‐based approach and successfully demonstrate that the combination of Raman spectroscopy and IHM is capable of not only bioprocess monitoring but also bioprocess control. For this purpose, we used this combination's in‐line information as input of a simple on–off glucose controller to control the glucose mass fraction inSaccharomyces cerevisiaefermentations. When we performed two of these fermentations with different predefined glucose set points, we achieved similar process control quality as approaches using statistical models, despite considerably smaller calibration effort. Therefore, this study reaffirms that the combination of Raman spectroscopy and IHM is a powerful PAT tool for bioprocesses.
Listening to life: Sonification for enhancing discovery in biological research
Authors: Braun Rhea , Tfirn Maxwell , Ford Roseanne M.
Published: April 2024

Sonification, or the practice of generating sound from data, is a promising alternative or complement to data visualization for exploring research questions in the life sciences. Expressing or communicating data in the form of sound rather than graphs, tables, or renderings can provide a secondary information source for multitasking or remote monitoring purposes or make data accessible when visualizations cannot be used. While popular in astronomy, neuroscience, and geophysics as a technique for data exploration and communication, its potential in the biological and biotechnological sciences has not been fully explored. In this review, we introduce sonification as a concept, some examples of how sonification has been used to address areas of interest in biology, and the history of the technique. We then highlight a selection of biology‐related publications that involve sonifications of DNA datasets and protein datasets, sonifications for data collection and interpretation, and sonifications aimed to improve science communication and accessibility. Through this review, we aim to show how sonification has been used both as a discovery tool and a communication tool and to inspire more life‐science researchers to incorporate sonification into their own studies.
Superhomicide offenders: Nosology, empirical features, and linkages to sexual and multiple murder typologies
Authors: DeLisi Matt
Published: April 2024

The nosology for criminals who murder multiple victims is at once well‐established and controversial, perhaps because theorists have largely segregated such offenders from the broader criminal population. The current study introduces the superhomicide offender, an individual convicted of at least five murders, to locate multiple homicide offenders within the criminological and epidemiological science pertaining to the most pathological offenders, and statistically place them with other conceptualizations of severe offenders at the 95th percentile of the offending distribution. Relative to other capital murderers, superhomicide offenders have lengthier criminal history, greater conviction history, and coextensive psychopathology characterized by psychopathy, sexual sadism, homicidal ideation, cluster A and B personality disorders, and major depressive disorder. Superhomicide offenders are profoundly psychopathic with 20 of the 39 offenders reaching the clinical threshold of 30 or more on the PCL‐R, and 19 of the 39 are sexually sadistic. Regarding extant typologies of sexual and multiple homicide offenders, 15 are serial murderers, 17 are sexual homicide offenders, 17 are mass murderers, and 17 are spree murderers. Twenty‐four of the 39 superhomicide offenders (61.5%) met criteria for multiple typologies, suggesting the new prototype can help unify the study of those who perpetrate multicide and embed them within criminological and epidemiological models that specify pathological antisocial outcomes.
Electroosmotic Flow in Fractal Tree‐Like Convergent Microchannel Network
Authors: Jing Dalei , Qi Peng
Published: April 2024

Electroosmotic flow (EOF) in a fractal tree‐like microfluidic network has wide applications. To reduce the fluid resistance of EOF in the network, this paper numerically studies the influences of the branch convergence α, the level convergence κ, the length ratio λ, the branching number N, the maximum branching level M, and the channel height H of a fractal tree‐like convergent microchannel network (FTCMCN) on the EOF flowrate and analyzes the optimal structure of FTCMCN to maximize the EOF transport efficiency. The present paper finds the optimal structure of FTCMCN and its dependence on the various geometric and structural parameters. This work is beneficial to the optimization design of the FTCMCN to achieve the highest EOF transport efficiency.
Influence of the Replenishment Methods of the Sending Tanks on Pneumatic Conveying Characteristics
Authors: Zhou Jiawei , Yan Xiangyu , Guo Xiaole , Zheng Zebing , Wang Qinghui , Wang Yingjia
Published: April 2024

Data on pressure signals and gas flow rate signals was collected under various experimental conditions. A comparative analysis was conducted to investigate the gradient changes of the fluidizing gas, the supplemental gas, and the pressurizing gas. A three‐factor three‐level orthogonal experiment was carried out. The results demonstrated that the proper use of the fluidizing gas can enhance the steady condition of the conveying process. Increasing the flow rate of the supplemental gas can improve the steady flow pattern, while the pressurizing gas has the opposite effect. The degree of influence of these parameters on the steady condition of the conveying process was shown to follow the order of fluidizing gas valve opening, pressurizing gas valve opening, and regulating gas valve opening.
Gasification Reaction on CeO2(111) and Effects on the Structural and Electronic Properties of Adsorption Molecules
Authors: James Rubinsin Nowilin , Timmiati Sharifah Najiha , Lim Kean Long , Isahak Wan Nor Roslam Wan , Karim Nabila A.
Published: April 2024

Producing hydrogen (H2) from biomass gasification offers exceptional benefits regarding renewable energy sources, zero‐carbon emission, cost‐effective processes, and high efficiency. The addition of catalysts to biomass gasification could accelerate the process and minimize the formation of coke. However, the catalyst deactivation caused by carbon deposition, poisoning, and sintering is still a significant problem in the gasification process. Therefore, achieving sustainable exploitation of the renewable natural resource of biomass requires substantial development and optimization of the present gasification process. The efficiency of gasification might decrease because of such a process. In this study, CeO2(111) is chosen to investigate the analysis of adsorption molecules during catalytic gasification using the density functional theory method. Three catalyst models, CeO2(111), Zr‐CeO2(111), and Ni‐CeO2(111), have been studied in this work in terms of structural, electronic, and adsorption molecule properties. The structural and electronic properties of the modified catalyst model show the ligand and strain effect on the alloy, with the addition of Zr and Ni as second metals promoting the adsorption capability. Searching for active sites is also carried out by adsorption of selected atoms and molecules and used as a preliminary study to find possible active sites for gasification reactions. The Zr‐CeO2(111) and Ni‐CeO2 catalysts exhibit better adsorption ability on atomics and molecules. The Zr and Ni metals are suitable second metal candidates for the catalyst to proceed with the gasification reaction and simultaneously reduce carbon deposition, poisoning, and sintering problems.
Luminescence and Energy Transfer Properties of Color‐Tunable Dy3+, Eu3+ co‐Activated NaGdSiO4 Phosphor for WLED with Great Thermo‐Stability
Authors: Wang Xihu , Wang Xuyang , Chai Xiaona , Li Jun , Hu Jinyu
Published: May 2024

A series of NaGd1‐x–ySiO4: y Dy3+–x Eu3+ phosphors were synthesized by a high‐temperature solid‐phase method. The optimal doping ion concentration of Dy3+ ions for this phosphor was determined to be 1 % from the emission spectra. The energy transfer between Dy3+ and Eu3+ ions at 351 nm was investigated by photoluminescence spectra and fluorescence decay curves. At the excitation wavelengths of 275 nm, 351 nm, 366 nm, and 394 nm, a change from yellow to white to red light can be realized by adjusting the doping concentration of Eu/Dy ions. Particularly, by testing the temperature‐dependent fluorescence spectrum of the phosphor, it can be found that the luminous intensity of the phosphor is as high as 96 % when 394 nm excitation is employed at 413 K. It was the maximum at this temperature comparing with other phosphors as far as we know. The color coordinate values show that the NaGd1‐x–ySiO4:×Dy3+–y Eu3+ phosphors are very close to the white light color coordinates (x=0.33, y=0.33) under 351 nm excitation. Meanwhile, the correlated color temperature is between 5062–7104 K. These results indicate that this phosphor is a promising candidate for high‐quality WLED.
Comparisons of successful and failed Phase III trials of drugs and biologicals tested for mitigation of oral mucositis in patients being treated with radiotherapy with or without concomitant chemotherapy for cancers of the head and neck
Authors: Liang Lang , Sonis Stephen T.
Published: April 2024

Oral mucositis (OM) remains a significant toxicity among patients being treated with radiotherapy (RT) alone or with concomitant chemotherapy (CRT) for cancers of the head and neck (HNC). Given its clinical significance as an unmet need and its potential commercial viability, the pharmaceutical industry has been actively pursuing an effective intervention. Despite this interest and activity, only a few agents have been studied in Phase III trials (n = 6). The objective of this study was to identify common features that differentiate successful and failed Phase III OM trials. We used the United States Patent and Trademark Office Patent Public Search database to search patents with “oral mucositis” in the claims. We then searched ClinicalTrials.gov and PubMed to determine if Phase III or Phase II trial data for identified biologics/drugs had been published. We assessed each Phase III and Phase II trial for characteristics that may be associated with trial success or failure. We considered a study as a “success” if the primary endpoint reached statistical significance, and we considered a study as “failure” if the primary endpoint did not reach statistical significance. Of the three successful Phase III trials, one investigated avasopasem manganese (Galera Therapeutics) and two examined palifermin (Amgen). The three failed trials included those evaluating dusquetide (Soligenix), iseganan hydrochloride (IntraBiotics Pharmaceuticals), and clonidine (Monopar Therapeutics). We found that differences in the level of sponsor funding, patient inclusion criteria including radiation source and concomitant chemotherapy regimen, and concordance of primary efficacy outcomes between Phase II and Phase III trials influenced outcomes. To properly design clinical trials for OM in HNC patients, it is important that researchers and sponsors take note of specific study characteristics associated with success or failure, particularly with Phase III trials where the risks and costs are the highest.
Chitosan‐coated nanoparticles in innovative cancer bio‐medicine
Authors: Rezaei Niloufar , Zarkesh Ibrahim , Fotouhi Alireza , Alikhani Hani Keshavarz , Hassan Moustapha , Vosough Massoud
Published: April 2024

In the recent decade, nanoparticles (NPs) have had enormous implications in cancer biomedicine, including research, diagnosis, and therapy. However, their broad application still faces obstacles due to some practical limitations and requires further development. Recently, there has been more interest in the coated class of nanoparticles to address those challenges. Chitosan‐coated NPs are simple to produce, biodegradable, biocompatible, exhibit antibacterial activity, and have less cytotoxicity. This study provides an updated and comprehensive overview of the application of chitosan‐coated NPs as a promising class of NPs in cancer biomedicine. Additionally, we discussed chitosan‐coated lipid, metal, and polymer‐based nanoparticles in biomedical applications. Furthermore, different coating methods and production/characterization procedures were reviewed. Moreover, the biological and physicochemical advantages of chitosan‐coated NPs, including facilitated controlled release, greater physicochemical stability, improved cell/tissue interaction, and enhanced bioavailability of medications, were highlighted. Finally, the prospects of chitosan‐coated NPs in cancer biomedicine were discussed.
Anti‐NSCLC role of SCN4B by negative regulation of the cGMP‐PKG pathway: Integrated utilization of bioinformatics analysis and in vitro assay validation
Authors: Yang Xiujun , Liu Qun , Li Gang
Published: April 2024

Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a malignant tumor with low overall cure and survival rates. Uncovering abnormally expressed genes is significantly important for developing novel targeted therapies in NSCLC. This study aimed to discover new differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of NSCLC. The DEGs of NSCLC were identified in eight data sets from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The expression profiles and the prognostic significance of SCN4B in LUAD and LUSC were analyzed using GEPIA database. LinkedOmics was used to identify co‐expressed genes with SCN4B, which were further subjected to KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. SCN4B‐overexpressing plasmid (pcDNA/SCN4B) was transfected into A549 and NCI‐H2170 cells to elevate the expression of SCN4B. MTT and TUNEL assays were performed to evaluate cell viability and apoptosis. Relying on the screened DEGs from GEO database, we identified that SCN4B was significantly downregulated in LUAD and LUSC. We confirmed the downregulation of SCN4B in NSCLC tissues using GEPIA database. SCN4B has a prognostic value in LUAD, but not LUSC. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of SCN4B‐related genes showed that cGMP‐PKG signaling pathway might be involved in the role of SCN4B in NSCLC. Overexpression of SCN4B in A549 and NCI‐H2170 cells inhibited the cell viability. Besides, SCN4B overexpression induced apoptosis of A549 and NCI‐H2170 cells. SCN4B inhibited the expression of PKG1 and p‐CREB in NSCLC cells. Moreover, the inhibitory effects of SCN4B on tumor malignancy were attenuated by the activator of PKG. In conclusion, integrated bioinformatical analysis proved that SCN4B was downregulated and had a prognostic significance in NSCLC. In vitro experimental studies demonstrated that SCN4B regulated NSCLC cells viability and apoptosis via inhibiting cGMP‐PKG signaling pathway.
Enhancing oxygen evolution reaction via hydrogen plasma treatment: Unveiling the functionality of CN defects and the role of Fe in NiFe Prussian blue analogs
Authors: Ruan Qingdong , Li Dan , Wu Chaoling , Huang Chao , Chu Paul K.
Published: April 2024

The rational design of electronic and vacancy structures is crucial to regulating and enhancing electrocatalytic water splitting. However, creating novel vacancies and precisely controlling the number of vacancies in existing materials systems pose significant challenges. Herein, a novel approach to optimize the concentration of the CN vacancy (VCN) in the NiFe Prussian blue analog (PBA) nanocubes is designed by incorporating the H2 or O2 plasma treatment. The relationship between the VCN and catalysis is analyzed, and results show that a moderate concentration of VCN (6.5%) can enormously enhance oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity of NiFe PBA. However, an excessive amount of VCN disrupts the crystal structure and hinders the transportation of charge carriers, consequently leading to inferior OER. Furthermore, the VCN significantly activates the activity of Fe sites, inducing preferential adsorption of OH− on Fe sites, followed by adsorption on Ni sites, thereby optimizing the reaction pathway and significantly promoting OER performance. In addition, VCN also suppresses Fe leaching, giving the catalyst excellent durability. This study reveals the feasibility of creating unconventional defects in nanomaterials and precisely controlling the number of vacancies for diverse catalytic and energy applications.
Association between biomarkers of zinc and copper status and heart failure: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Ruixin , Yao Jiali , Chen Kexian , Peng Wei
Published: May 2024

Aims

Previous studies have investigated the relationship between heart failure (HF) and levels of zinc and copper, but conflicting results have been reported. This meta‐analysis aims to clarify the role of zinc and copper in HF progression by examining the associations between HF and concentrations of these minerals.

Methods and results

We utilized STATA 12.0 software to calculate the standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for serum zinc and copper levels in patients with HF compared with healthy controls (HCs). The meta‐analysis indicated a lower serum zinc level in patients with HF compared with HCs, using a random effects model (SMD = −0.77; 95% CI: −1.01, −0.54; I2 = 61.9%, the P‐value for Q test = 0.002). Additionally, the meta‐analysis showed an increased serum copper level in patients with HF compared with HCs, using a random effects model (SMD = 0.66; 95% CI: 0.09, 1.23; I2 = 93.8%, the P‐value for Q test < 0.001). Meta‐regression analysis indicated that publication year, age, and gender were not responsible for heterogeneity across studies.

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis demonstrates that patients with HF have lower serum zinc and higher copper concentrations compared with healthy subjects. However, the potential of zinc supplementation as a therapy for HF should be approached with caution. The heterogeneity among the included studies was found to be high. It is recommended that further well‐designed large sample studies be conducted to validate these findings.
A supervised approach for improving the dimensionless frequency estimation for time‐domain simulations of building structures on embedded foundations
Authors: Kusanovic Danilo , Ayoubi Peyman , Seylabi Elnaz , Asimaki Domniki
Published: April 2024

The analysis of soil–structure interaction (SSI) problems has been established successfully in recent decades. In particular, the solution in the frequency domain provides an exact and efficient method for computing the response of the coupled system. Despite this, the state of practice as a first attempt to incentivize time domain analyses compatible with standard finite element packages introduces the so‐called dimensionless flexible‐base frequency. This frequency, which depends solely on the structure‐to‐soil‐period ratio, allows transforming the frequency domain analyses into time domain analyses using frequency‐independent soil impedance values. However, if such frequency exists for the combined system, it must depend on several physical variables. In this work, we propose a supervised approach to obtain the flexible‐base dimensionless frequency at which the frequency‐independent soil impedance should be used. The analysis is carried out using five dimensionless parameters, and the importance of each one to the estimation of the dimensionless flexible‐base frequency is investigated. We use an inverse problem based on ensemble Kalman inversion (EnKI) to obtain the optimal frequency of the interaction. The data obtained are then employed in a machine‐learning framework to map a set of dimensionless parameters to such a frequency. The generated mapping is finally verified, and a significant improvement in time‐domain simulations is shown compared to the state of practice.
An integrated geophysical approach for gold from Wayand‐Nilambur granulite terrain, Kerala (India)
Authors: Babu S. Bangaru , Patel Sunil Kumar , Singh R. B.
Published: April 2024

The Wayand‐Nilambur granulite terrain in Kerala (India) is well‐known for vein‐type gold mineralization within the quartz veins. Based on the previous geological, petro‐physical and geophysical characteristics of Wayand‐Nilambur gold deposit, the integrated geophysical survey was carried out to delineate the favourable prospecting zones. In the present study, detailed ground geophysical surveys, that is, magnetic, electrical resistivity/chargeability surveys were carried out in an area of 2 km2 in Kattikallu and Kalkulam blocks to delineate the ore deposits in terms of depths and extensions through the structural shear zone, locate the anomalous sources and the geometry of the Au‐rich sulphide zone and its depth continuity in the subsurface. These surveys brought out prominent resistivity and chargeability zones over known magnetite‐quartz veins that are associated with low‐grade sulphide bands at the central part of the Kattikallu block. The prominent potential zone is characterized by strong bipolar magnetic anomalies over the quartz veins. Based on the 2D inversion of resistivity data, the resistivity low zone of order 80–600 Ω m and chargeability of 21–25 mV/V are observed at a depth range of 5–20 m. In Kalkulam block, the magnetic survey has also brought out high intensity anomaly zones over quartz veins, the same quartz veins are mapped by high chargeability of 10–35 mV/V and low resistivity of 185–400 Ω m. The dipole‐dipole configuration produces two parameters, that is, resistivity and chargeability, these methods distinguish the anomalies along the two selected profiles in the study area. An attempt was made for combining the resistivity and chargeability values to identify the anomalous zone boundaries. The results of inversion indicated that the conductive bodies are located at the subsurface, with depths ranging from 5 to 25 m. Based on this integrated geophysical study, we suggested two borehole sites for further geo‐scientific studies in view of mineralization.
Market power, optimal scale and competition promotion in banking: Analysis in the GCC region
Authors: Alfaihani Sara , Badunenko Oleg , Jaffry Shabbar
Published: April 2024

We propose an approach to identify optimally scaled banks and analyse the competition levels among banks in different stages of production in six countries of the Gulf region. The empirical results show that the global financial crisis curbed the rise in the market power of banks, but the market power continued to increase straight after 2009. Also, we show that the existing methods fail to identify that a significant proportion of banks across different countries, up to 90%, are operating at an optimal scale. Finally, we discuss the misclassification of banks by the traditional approach to scale analysis and its implications for decision‐making by competition authorities and central banks that assess and promote competition in banking. We advocate a more nuanced approach to competition policy that recognizes the potential impact of various phases of banks' production process on the competition.
Evaluation of oral targeted anticancer drug interactions and their management by oncology pharmacists
Authors: Wede Sarah L. , Schultze Madeline D. , Reeves David J.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Oral targeted anticancer drugs (OTADs) have become a key component of therapy for multiple malignancies, and their use continues to expand. While several studies have identified numerous drug interactions (DIs) associated with these oral therapies, very few have described the role of an oncology pharmacist in DI management.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to quantify moderate/severe DIs with OTADs at initiation and describe the role of the pharmacist in interaction detection and management.

Methods

This retrospective analysis was completed utilizing an electronic health record review of adult patients initiated on an OTAD with pharmacist documentation of medication review between July 2020 and July 2022. The outcomes of this study included the incidence of moderate/severe DIs, the distribution of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic DIs, the incidence of pharmacist documentation of moderate/severe DIs, prescriber acceptance of documented pharmacist‐recommended interventions, the evaluation of severe DIs, and presence of DI related adverse effects within 60 days of OTAD initiation.

Results

Two hundred sixty‐six patients were included. Forty‐six percent (122/266) of patients had at least one moderate/severe DI identified by investigators with a total of 220 moderate/severe DIs detected. Fifty‐eight percent (127/220) of the identified DIs were pharmacokinetic and 42% (93/220) were pharmacodynamic in nature. Pharmacist documentation was present for 36% (75/207) of the moderate DIs and 92% (12/13) of the severe DIs identified at OTAD initiation, and prescribers accepted 94% (82/87) of the pharmacists' recommended interventions. Lastly, 12.5% (26/208) of the incidence of adverse effects was potentially related to moderate/severe DIs within 60 days of OTAD initiation.

Conclusion

Clinically significant (moderate/severe) DIs are common in patients receiving OTADs and may impact patient outcomes. Pharmacists can help to identify, prevent, and create a plan of action for the management of DIs and we advocate for their involvement in the management of OTAD therapies.
Anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation among early adolescents during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Danzo Sarah , Kuklinski Margaret R. , Sterling Stacy A. , Beck Arne , Braciszewski Jordan M. , Boggs Jennifer , Briney John S. , Charvat‐Aguilar Nancy , Eisenberg Nicole , Kaffl Abnette , Kline‐Simon Andrea , Loree Amy M. , Lyons Vivian H. , Morse Erica F. , Morrison Kristi M. , Negusse Rahel , Scheuer Hannah
Published: April 2024

Background

Anxiety and depression are among the most common and debilitating psychiatric disorders affecting youth, with both related to increased suicide risk. While rates of youth anxiety and depression were increasing before the COVID‐19 pandemic, the pandemic further negatively impacted adolescent mental health. Unfortunately, few studies have examined prevalence of these concerns among early adolescents (ages 10−13) longitudinally during the pandemic.

Method

The current study examined self‐reported anxiety and depression symptoms, and suicidal ideation amongst a general pediatrics population of 11‐ to 13‐year‐olds (n = 623) from March through September 2020 (early‐pandemic) and approximately 7 months later (September 2020 through May 2021; mid‐pandemic). Paired samples proportions were used to examine changes in prevalence of moderate to severe anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation from early‐ to mid‐pandemic.

Results

Results highlight high initial rates and stability in anxiety and suicidal ideation, as well as a significant increase in depression (42.9% increase; p < .05) among the full sample during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Prevalance of concerns were greatest for females and Hispanic youth during the early‐pandemic, and generally highest for females and Medicaid insured youth at mid‐pandemic.

Discussion

Results extend recent research and underscore the need for continued monitoring of mental health concerns across development for youth who grew up during the COVID‐19 pandemic; highlighting the need for sustainable, effective, and accessible early detection, prevention, and intervention strategies. Improving these services is critical to support youth who experienced pandemic‐related stressors, and to prepare for supporting youth during future disruptive and isolating events.
Release of phosphorus and metal(loid)s from manured soils to floodwater during a laboratory simulation of snowmelt flooding
Authors: Weerasinghe Viranga , Amarakoon Inoka , Kumaragamage Darshani , Casson Nora J. , Indraratne Srimathie , Goltz Douglas , Gao Xiaopeng
Published: May 2024

Phosphorus (P) and metal accumulation in manured agricultural soils and subsequent losses to waterways have been extensively studied; however, the magnitudes and the factors governing their losses during spring snowmelt flooding are less known. We examined the P and metal release from long‐term manured soil to floodwater under simulated snowmelt flooding with recent manure additions. Intact soil columns collected from field plots located in Randolph, Southern Manitoba, 2 weeks after liquid swine manure treatments (surface‐applied, injected, or control with no recent manure addition) were flooded and incubated for 8 weeks at 4 ± 1°C to simulate snowmelt conditions. Floodwater (syringe filtered through 0.45 µm) and soil porewater (extracted using Rhizon‐Mom samplers) samples were periodically extracted and analyzed for dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP), pH, zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), and arsenic (As). Mean floodwater DRP concentrations (mg L−1) for manure injected (2.0 ± 0.26), surface‐applied (2.6 ± 0.26), and control (2.2 ± 0.26) treatments did not differ significantly. Despite manure application, DRP loss to floodwater did not significantly increase compared to the control, possibly due to the elevated residual soil P at this site from the long‐term manure use. At the end of simulated flooding, the DRP concentrations increased by 1.5‐fold and 5‐fold in porewater and floodwater, respectively. Metal(loid) concentrations were not affected by manure treatments in general, except for Zn and Mg on certain days. Unlike DRP, where porewater and floodwater concentrations increased with time, metalloid concentration in porewater and floodwater did not show consistent trends with flooding time.
Treatment sequencing and impact of number of treatment lines on survival in follicular lymphoma: A national population‐based study
Authors: Wästerlid Tove , Dietrich Caroline E. , Oksanen Anna , Spångberg Linn Deleskog , Wahlin Björn E , Enblad Gunilla , Andersson Per‐Ola , Kimby Eva , Smedby Karin E.
Published: April 2024

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is a clinically heterogeneous disease. The need for treatment, treatment sequencing, number of treatment lines, and its association with survival have not been described in a population‐based setting. We identified all patients diagnosed with FL in the Swedish Lymphoma register from 2007 to 2014, followed until 2020, with detailed data on progression/relapse, transformation, and 2nd and further lines of therapy. During a median follow‐up of 6.8 years, 1226 patients (69%) received 1st systemic treatment, 358 patients (20%) were managed with watch‐and‐wait (WaW) only, and 188 (10%) patients were treated with radiotherapy and did not require additional therapy during the study period. Among patients starting systemic treatment, 496 (40%), 224 (18%), and 88 (7%) received 2nd‐, 3rd‐, or 4th‐line therapy, respectively. The 10‐year cause‐specific cumulative incidence of transformation was 13%. Among patients managed with 1st line R‐single, R‐CHOP, or BR, 54%, 33%, and 29% required 2nd line, respectively. The cumulative probability of starting subsequent treatment within 2 years was 26% after 1st line and 35% after 2nd line treatment. Two‐year OS following 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th line systemic treatment was 84%, 70%, 52%, and 36%, respectively, and remained similar when excluding transformations. We conclude that a substantial proportion of FL patients can be managed with WaW for a long period of time, while patients who require multiple treatment lines constitute a group with a large clinical unmet need. These results constitute valuable real‐world reference data for FL.
Antibiotic route and outcomes for children hospitalized with pneumonia
Authors: Cotter Jillian M. , Hall Mathew , Neuman Mark I. , Blaschke Anne J. , Brogan Thomas V. , Cogen Jonathan D. , Gerber Jeffrey S. , Hersh Adam L. , Lipsett Susan C. , Shapiro Daniel J. , Ambroggio Lilliam
Published: April 2024

Background

Emerging evidence suggests that initial oral and intravenous (IV) antibiotics have similar efficacy in pediatric community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP), but further data are needed.

Objective

We determined the association between hospital‐level initial oral antibiotic rates and outcomes in pediatric CAP.

Designs, Settings, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study included children hospitalized with CAP at 43 hospitals in the Pediatric Health Information System (2016–2022). Hospitals were grouped by whether initial antibiotics were given orally in a high, moderate, or low proportion of patients.

Main Outcome and Measures

Regression models examined associations between high versus low oral‐utilizing hospitals and length of stay (LOS, primary outcome), intensive care unit (ICU) transfers, escalated respiratory care, complicated CAP, cost, readmissions, and emergency department (ED) revisits.

Results

Initial oral antibiotics were used in 16% (interquartile range: 10%–20%) of 30,207 encounters, ranging from 1% to 68% across hospitals. Comparing high versus low oral‐utilizing hospitals (oral rate: 32% [27%–47%] and 10% [9%–11%], respectively), there were no differences in LOS, intensive care unit, complicated CAP, cost, or ED revisits. Escalated respiratory care occurred in 1.3% and 0.5% of high and low oral‐utilizing hospitals, respectively (relative ratio [RR]: 2.96 [1.12, 7.81]), and readmissions occurred in 1.5% and 0.8% (RR: 1.68 [1.31, 2.17]). Initial oral antibiotics varied across hospitals without a difference in LOS. While high oral‐utilizing hospitals had higher escalated respiratory care and readmission rates, these were rare, the clinical significance of these small differences is uncertain, and there were no differences in other clinically relevant outcomes. This suggests some children may benefit from initial IV antibiotics, but most would probably do well with oral antibiotics.
Computed tomography‐based automated 3D measurement of femoral version: Validation against standard 2D measurements in symptomatic patients
Authors: Schmaranzer Florian , Movahhedi Mohammadreza , Singh Mallika , Kallini Jennifer R. , Nanavati Andreas K. , Steppacher Simon D. , Heimann Alexander F. , Kiapour Ata M. , Novais Eduardo N.
Published: April 2024

To validate 3D methods for femoral version measurement, we asked: (1) Can a fully automated segmentation of the entire femur and 3D measurement of femoral version using a neck based method and a head‐shaft based method be performed? (2) How do automatic 3D‐based computed tomography (CT) measurements of femoral version compare to the most commonly used 2D‐based measurements utilizing four different landmarks? Retrospective study (May 2017 to June 2018) evaluating 45 symptomatic patients (57 hips, mean age 18.7 ± 5.1 years) undergoing pelvic and femoral CT. Femoral version was assessed using four previously described methods (Lee, Reikeras, Tomczak, and Murphy). Fully‐automated segmentation yielded 3D femur models used to measure femoral version via femoral neck‐ and head‐shaft approaches. Mean femoral version with 95% confidence intervals, and intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated, and Bland‐Altman analysis was performed. Automatic 3D segmentation was highly accurate, with mean dice coefficients of 0.98 ± 0.03 and 0.97 ± 0.02 for femur/pelvis, respectively. Mean difference between 3D head‐shaft‐ (27.4 ± 16.6°) and 3D neck methods (12.9 ± 13.7°) was 14.5 ± 10.7° (p < 0.001). The 3D neck method was closer to the proximal Lee (−2.4 ± 5.9°, −4.4 to 0.5°, p = 0.009) and Reikeras (2 ± 5.6°, 95% CI: 0.2 to 3.8°, p = 0.03) methods. The 3D head‐shaft method was closer to the distal Tomczak (−1.3 ± 7.5°, 95% CI: −3.8 to 1.1°, p = 0.57) and Murphy (1.5 ± 5.4°, −0.3 to 3.3°, p = 0.12) methods. Automatic 3D neck‐based‐/head‐shaft methods yielded femoral version angles comparable to the proximal/distal 2D‐based methods, when applying fully‐automated segmentations.
Serum vitamins and trace elements in vitiligo patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Iraji Fariba , Seyedyousefi Sarah , Heidari Asieh
Published: April 2024

Vitiligo is one of the most common pigmentary skin disorders, which significantly impacts the quality of life. The aetiology and pathophysiology of vitiligo are still unclear, but one of the proposed mechanisms is oxidative damage interrupting melanogenesis. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the serum levels of trace elements and vitamins and to systematically review the evidence comparing vitiligo patients with a healthy group. We comprehensively retrieved all studies related to vitiligo and the serum levels of vitamins and minerals from databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Magiran, SID and ISC up to December 2022. Quality assessment and data extraction were conducted by two independent reviewers. Pooled standard mean differences with 95% confidence intervals were estimated using random‐effects models. Our meta‐analysis revealed no significant differences in serum levels of Vitamin B12 and copper. It was concluded that serum concentrations of Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and zinc were lower in vitiligo patients. Conversely, these patients exhibited higher levels of selenium and folic acid compared with healthy individuals. These results might affect the potential use of vitamin and mineral supplementation in vitiligo treatment.
Noninterportal capsulotomy of hip arthroscopy showed improved outcomes in borderline hip dysplasia: A retrospective study with minimum 2‐year follow‐up
Authors: Liu Yuwei , Liang Xinzhi , Xie Jie , Lu Wei , Hu Yihe , Ouyang Kan
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The present study aimed to evaluate the functional outcomes of hip arthroscopy using a noninterportal capsulotomy technique to address labral tears in patients with borderline hip dysplasia (BHD). Additionally, we also compared these outcomes with those of patients with BHD who underwent the standard repaired interportal capsulotomy (RIPC) arthroscopy.

Methods

Data from patients with BHD were retrieved from a database of patients who underwent arthroscopic hip surgery with noninterportal capsulotomy or RIPC to treat labral tears between January 2014 and December 2020. Data collected included both pre‐ and postoperative patient‐reported outcomes (PROs).

Results

A total of 58 patients (noninterportal capsulotomy, n = 37; RIPC, n = 21) with a mean age of 30.9 ± 5.6 and 28.6 ± 5.5 years, respectively, met the inclusion criteria. All of the patients underwent a minimal 2‐year follow‐up. The mean lateral centre‐edge angle was 23.3 ± 1.2° in the noninterportal capsulotomy group and 23.7 ± 1.0° in the RIPC group, with no significant difference. The PROs improved from the preoperative to the latest follow‐up, with a p < 0.001. There were no differences between the groups.

Conclusion

Using strict patient selection criteria, hip arthroscopy with noninterportal capsulotomy demonstrated significant pre‐ to postoperative improvements in patients with BHD and achieved results comparable to those from hip arthroscopy with RIPC.

Level of Evidence

Level III.
Conversion to knee arthroplasty is more common after meniscectomy than meniscus repair in patients older than age 40
Authors: Runer Armin , Özbek Anil , Dadoo Sahil , Keeling Laura , Grandberg Camila , Engler Ian , Irrgang James J. , Hughes Jonathan D. , Musahl Volker
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To describe rates of conversion to unicompartmental or total knee arthroplasty (KA) in patients over the age of 40 years (at initial surgery) after partial meniscectomy (ME) or meniscal repair (MR).

Methods

Patients over the age of 40 undergoing isolated ME or MR between 2016 and 2018 were extracted from a single healthcare provider database. Data on patient characteristics, type of initial surgery, number of returns to the operating room, as well as performed procedures, including conversion to KA, were recorded. Comparative group statistics as well as a Kaplan–Meier survival rate analysis were performed.

Results

A total of 3638 patients (47.8% female) were included, with 3520 (96.8%) undergoing ME and 118 (3.2%) MR. Overall, 378 (10.4%) patients returned to the OR at an average of 22.7 ± 17.3 months postoperatively. Conversion to KA was performed more frequently in patients after primary ME (n = 270, 7.7%) compared to those with MR (2.5%, n = 3, odds ratio [OR]: 3.2, p = 0.03). Compared to ME (2.3%, n = 82), two times as many patients undergoing MR returned for subsequent meniscus surgery (MR: 5.9%, n = 7, OR: 2.6, p = 0.02). Time from primary surgery to KA (ME: 22 ± 17 months, MR: 25 ± 15 months, p = 0.96) did not differ between the treatment groups. Survivorship was 95% for ME and 98.2% for MR after 24 months (p = 0.76) and 92.5% and 98.2% after 60 months (p = 0.07), respectively.

Conclusion

The overall reoperation rate after meniscal surgery was 10.4% in patients over the age of 40 years. Patients treated with primary ME have over three times higher odds to undergo subsequent KA compared to those treated with MR. However, patients with primary MR have a higher rate of subsequent meniscus surgery compared to those undergoing primary ME. This information is important when considering and treating a patient over the age of 40 and meniscal injury.

Level of Evidence

Level III study.
Sparse linear array synthesis using artificial neural network and nonconvex optimization
Authors: Li Hanyu , Zhou Haijing , Liao Cheng
Published: April 2024

The concept of sparse array synthesis has attracted considerable attention due to its potential to reduce hardware costs in array design and enhance the efficiency of array aperture utilization. In contrast to conventional artificial neural networks (ANNs), a more efficient encoder–decoding ANN framework is proposed in this letter for designing sparse linear arrays. The decoder is pretrained with a randomly generated training set, enabling its ability to rapidly predictiction of far‐field patterns. This process considers the actual coupling effect among the antenna elements. The output of the encoder is used as the input of the decoder to synthesize the sparse arrays by providing the desired pattern to the encoder. During the training process, a novel ‐norm minimization nonconvex optimization method is integrated into the proposed framework to reduce the number of activated elements. The effectiveness and efficiency of the method are demonstrated through numerical and full‐wave simulations for synthesizing various linear sparse arrays, including large‐scale arrays. In comparison to existing algorithms, our proposed method exhibits superior computational efficiency and predicted accuracy with fewer elements.
Novel FR4‐based low loss reconfigurable filter with four operating modes using movable transmission lines
Authors: Wang Qunliang , Jiang Yanfeng , Wang Yanxiong
Published: April 2024

In the letter, a novel reconfigurable filter using movable transmission lines is proposed. The filter is based on substrate‐integrated‐suspended‐line structure with two inner layers, fabricated on low‐cost FR4 substrate. The suspension line and the cavity are completely covered by copper. The suspension line could be freely moved in the air cavity. In the novel structure, the coupled lines have a variable coupling coefficient. With the movements of two transmission lines, the filter has four operating modes and can be tuned, with low insertion loss of less than 0.45 dB, showing promising properties.
Sex‐Specific Survival and Treatment Delay in Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Kalavacherla Sandhya , Poulhazan Solene , Funk Emily , Sacco Assuntina G. , Guo Theresa
Published: April 2024

Objective

As the majority of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is diagnosed in males, outcomes among females are not well‐characterized. We identify sex‐specific factors in OPSCC to refine female prognostication.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort.

Setting

National Cancer Database (NCDB).

Methods

OPSCC cases from the 2004 to 2019 NCDB were identified. Sociodemographic, clinical, and treatment characteristics (including timing between diagnosis and treatment administration) were compared between sexes. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models were constructed to characterize survival in overall and female‐only cohorts. Similar multivariable binomial logistic regression and survival models were constructed to assess odds of treatment delays and their effects on survival, respectively.

Results

A total of 192,973 OPSCC patients were identified; 36,695 (19%) were female. Females had more human papillomavirus (HPV) negative, lower clinical T and N stage, and higher comorbidity disease. Females experienced lower survival in HPV negative (hazard ratio, HR = 1.11, P < .001) but not HPV‐positive disease. Females were more likely to have any treatment initiated over the median of 28 days (odds ratio, OR = 1.04, P = .014) or delays in adjuvant radiotherapy initiation over 6 weeks (OR = 1.11, P = .032). Treatment delay over 60 days (HR = 1.17, P = .016) and delay in adjuvant therapy initiation (HR = 1.24, P = .02) were associated with worse survival among females.

Conclusion

In one of the largest analyses of OPSCC, females had poorer survival than males, specifically in HPV‐negative disease, despite presentation with less advanced disease. Notably, delays in any treatment initiation and adjuvant radiotherapy initiation were more likely in HPV‐negative women and associated with worse survival, highlighting potential systemic weaknesses contributing to poor prognosis among females.
Sleep‐related disorders in children: A narrative review
Authors: Cohen Yogev , Reiter Joel , Gileles‐Hillel Alex
Published: April 2024

Sleep‐related disorders in children can significantly impact children's physical, emotional, and cognitive development and constitute a major source of parental concern. This comprehensive review aims to describe sleep‐related disorders commonly encountered in pediatric practice, their etiology, diagnosis, and management strategies. The review explores various disorders prevalent in different age groups, including insomnia, sleep apnea, parasomnias, and circadian rhythm disorders, highlighting the importance of early identification and intervention for optimal child health and well‐being.