bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combination of Diosmetin With Chrysin Against Hepatocellular Carcinoma Through Inhibiting PI3K/AKT/mTOR/NF‐кB Signaling Pathway: TCGA Analysis, Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamics, In Vitro Experiment
Authors: Yu Xiang , Zhang Di , Hu Chengming , Yu Zejun , Li Yang , Fang Cheng , Qiu Yinsheng , Mei Zhinan , Xu Lingyun
Published: October 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most prevalent malignant tumor. Hepatocellular carcinogenesis is closely linked to apoptosis, autophagy, and inflammation. Diosmetin and chrysin, are two flavonoid compounds, exhibit anti‐inflammatory and anticancer properties. In this study, the TCGA database was utilized to identify differentially expressed genes between normal subjects and HCC patients. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics analyses were employed to assess the binding affinity of chrysin and diosmetin to key proteins in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR/NF‐κB signaling pathway. Western blotting and RT‐qPCR were used to measure the protein and gene expression within this pathway. The results indicated that HCC patients had elevated levels of PI3K, AKT, mTOR, and P65 proteins compared to normal subjects, which adversely affected patient survival. Molecular docking and dynamics studies demonstrated that diosmetin and chrysin are effectively bound to these four proteins. In vitro experiments revealed that the combination of diosmetin and chrysin could induce apoptosis, enhance autophagy, reduce inflammatory mediator production, and improve the tumor cell microenvironment by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR/NF‐κB signaling pathway. Notably, the synergy score for the combination of diosmetin (25 μM) and chrysin (10 μM) was 16. Thus, the diosmetin–chrysin combination shows promise as an effective therapeutic approach for hepatocellular carcinoma due to its strong synergistic effect.
Identification of spontaneous patient‐reported complaints related to perianal fistula in patients with Crohn's disease
Authors: Bootsma Lars , Vollebregt Paul F. , van Bodegraven Adriaan A. , van der Horst Danielle , Han‐Geurts Ingrid J. M. , Felt‐Bersma Richelle J. F.
Published: October 2024

Aim

To identify patient‐reported complaints affecting quality of life in Crohn's disease patients with a perianal fistula, and to compare differences between subgroups.

Method

A questionnaire was distributed to 1667 patients from the Dutch Crohn's and Colitis Patients' organization, those patients with Crohn's disease and perianal fistula were included. Patients were asked to report (using free text) their most important fistula‐related complaints affecting their quality of life. All responses were structurally analyzed and categorized. Data comparisons were made between subgroups: women versus men, patients with versus without current presence of a seton, and patients aged ≤40 versus >40 years.

Results

Of 743 respondents (44.6%), 123 patients with Crohn's disease and perianal fistula were included (92 women, median age 41 years [IQR 34–56] and 36 with seton). A total of 776 complaints were allocated to 36 categories, with 19 reported in >10% of patients. Perianal fistula‐related complaints affected nearly all patients (95.9%). Impact on psychological status (71.7% vs. 29.0%; p < 0.0001) and on sexual activities (37.0% vs. 16.1%; p = 0.003) were more common in women than men. Younger patients more often reported insecurity (38.7% vs. 18.0%; p = 0.026), shame (29.0% vs. 11.5%; p = 0.024), and impact on sexual activities (40.3% vs. 23.0%; p = 0.048) than older patients. Patients with a seton more frequently reported self‐experienced malodour (50.0% vs. 23.0%; p = 0.005), physical activity limitations (41.7% vs. 19.5%; p = 0.014), and work/study impact (22.2% vs. 5.7%; p = 0.019).

Conclusion

We identified 19 perianal fistula‐related complaints reported by >10% of patients. These complaints may guide improvement of current outcome measures.
Economic freedom and legal gender disparity
Authors: Kramer Claudia Williamson
Published: October 2024

Using a panel dataset from 1970 to 2019, this paper theorizes and empirically demonstrates that countries with higher levels of economic freedom have fewer legal differences between men's and women's economics rights. Specifically, economic freedom promotes equal legal treatment of women to work, get paid, and be entrepreneurs. This finding is robust to controlling for income, political institutional quality, and country and period fixed effects. Furthermore, economic freedom's impact is amplified in democratic countries. The results challenge the prevailing notion that capitalism is detrimental to women, instead providing evidence that economically free countries favor less legal discrimination against women.
Development of an assay for the detection of the federally threatened Florida eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon couperi) using soil eDNA
Authors: Santamaria Carlos A. , Galbraith Emily , Gainsbury Alison M.
Published: October 2024

Accurate information on species range contraction is the cornerstone of effective biodiversity conservation. The eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon couperi) is an apex predator in Florida and, similar to many species native to Florida, is threatened by widespread habitat destruction. Environmental deoxyribonucleic acid (eDNA) monitoring of this elusive snake would provide a non‐invasive approach to improve our knowledge of the species' range and distribution. We designed and tested an eDNA assay that can detect the presence of D. couperi from soil samples from their natural scrub habitat in Florida. We validated our assay in silico, in vitro, and in situ. Furthermore, we investigated the influence of temperature and humidity on the degradation rate of eDNA over time. We successfully amplified the cytochrome b gene for D. couperi at concentrations as low as 3 × 10−3 ng/μL and successfully detected the presence of D. couperi in 2 of 30 in situ field soil samples. The degradation experiment resulted in detectable DNA for 10 days. Interestingly, temperature and humidity had no effect on the degradation rate of eDNA in our experimental conditions. This study provides support for soil eDNA applications to detect the presence of a federally threatened species in their natural environment bolstering our ability to monitor the conservation and management of imperiled species. Environmental DNA provides an additional conservation tool to quickly and effectively monitor species range shifts driven by multiple anthropogenic stressors to promote the persistence of imperiled species.
Seasonality Structures Avian Functional Diversity and Niche Packing Across North America
Authors: Keyser Spencer R. , Pauli Jonathan N. , Fink Daniel , Radeloff Volker C. , Pigot Alex L. , Zuckerberg Benjamin
Published: October 2024

Assemblages in seasonal ecosystems undergo striking changes in species composition and diversity across the annual cycle. Despite a long‐standing recognition that seasonality structures biogeographic gradients in taxonomic diversity (e.g., species richness), our understanding of how seasonality structures other aspects of biodiversity (e.g., functional diversity) has lagged. Integrating seasonal species distributions with comprehensive data on key morphological traits for bird assemblages across North America, we find that seasonal turnover in functional diversity increases with the magnitude and predictability of seasonality. Furthermore, seasonal increases in bird species richness led to a denser packing of functional trait space, but functional expansion was important, especially in regions with higher seasonality. Our results suggest that the magnitude and predictability of seasonality and total productivity can explain the geography of changes in functional diversity with broader implications for understanding species redistribution, community assembly and ecosystem functioning.
Deciphering the Intricate Control of Minerals on Deep Soil Carbon Stability and Persistence in Alaskan Permafrost
Authors: Guo Yi‐Xuan , Yu Guang‐Hui , Hu Shuijin , Liang Chao , Kappler Andreas , Jorgenson Mark Torre , Guo Laodong , Guggenberger Georg
Published: October 2024

Understanding the fate of organic carbon in thawed permafrost is crucial for predicting climate feedback. While minerals and microbial necromass are known to play crucial roles in the long‐term stability of organic carbon in subsoils, their exact influence on carbon persistence in Arctic permafrost remains uncertain. Our study, combining radiocarbon dating and biomarker analyses, showed that soil organic carbon in Alaskan permafrost had millennial‐scale radiocarbon ages and contained only 10%–15% microbial necromass carbon, significantly lower than the global average of ~30%–60%. This ancient carbon exhibited a weak correlation with reactive minerals but a stronger correlation with mineral weathering (reactive iron to total iron ratio). Peroxidase activity displayed a high correlation coefficient (p < 10−6) with Δ14C and δ13C, indicating its strong predictive power for carbon persistence. Further, a positive correlation between peroxidase activity and polysaccharides indicates that increased peroxidase activity may promote the protection of plant residues, potentially by fostering the formation of mineral‐organic associations. This protective role of mineral surfaces on biopolymers was further supported by examining 1451 synchrotron radiation infrared spectra from soil aggregates, which revealed a strong correlation between mineral OH groups and organic functional groups at the submicron scale. An incubation experiment revealed that increased moisture contents, particularly within the 0%–40% range, significantly elevated peroxidase activity, suggesting that ancient carbon in permafrost soils is vulnerable to moisture‐induced destabilization. Collectively, this study offers mechanistic insights into the persistence of carbon in thawed permafrost soils, essential for refining permafrost carbon‐climate feedbacks.
Future directions in myelodysplastic syndromes/neoplasms and acute myeloid leukaemia classification: from blast counts to biology
Authors: Della Porta Matteo G , Bewersdorf Jan Philipp , Wang Yu‐Hung , Hasserjian Robert P
Published: October 2024

Myelodysplastic syndromes/neoplasms (MDS) and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) are neoplastic haematopoietic cell proliferations that are diagnosed and classified based on a combination of morphological, clinical and genetic features. Specifically, the percentage of myeloblasts in the blood and bone marrow is a key feature that has historically separated MDS from AML and, together with several other morphological parameters, defines distinct disease entities within MDS. Both MDS and AML have recurrent genetic abnormalities that are increasingly influencing their definitions and subclassification. For example, in 2022, two new MDS entities were recognised based on the presence of SF3B1 mutation or bi‐allelic TP53 abnormalities. Genomic information is more objective and reproducible than morphological analyses, which are subject to interobserver variability and arbitrary numeric cut‐offs. Nevertheless, the integration of genomic data with traditional morphological features in myeloid neoplasm classification has proved challenging by virtue of its sheer complexity; gene expression and methylation profiling also can provide information regarding disease pathogenesis, adding to the complexity. New machine‐learning technologies have the potential to effectively integrate multiple diagnostic modalities and improve on historical classification systems. Going forward, the application of machine learning and advanced statistical methods to large patient cohorts can refine future classifications by advancing unbiased and robust previously unrecognised disease subgroups. Future classifications will probably incorporate these newer technologies and higher‐level analyses that emphasise genomic disease entities over traditional morphologically defined entities, thus promoting more accurate diagnosis and patient risk stratification.
Toughening effect and mechanisms of AlN whiskers on a low‐temperature sintered AlNw/AlN ceramics
Authors: Zhang Dian , Liu Xuan , Liu Yijun
Published: October 2024

Conventional aluminum nitride (AlN) ceramics exhibited insufficient mechanical properties expected from their potential applications in the presence of dynamic loads and intensive stresses caused by thermal shock. In this study, the mechanical properties of AlN ceramics were enhanced by toughening them using AlN whiskers (AlNw) via gel casting followed by low‐temperature sintering at 1650°C. The addition of AlNw simultaneously increased the bending strength, toughness and thermal conductivity of the AlN ceramics. The maximum values of the bending strength, toughness, and thermal conductivity of 9.0 wt% AlNw/AlN were 303.92 MPa, 3.92 MPa·m1/2 and 186.53 W·m−1·K−1, respectively, which were higher than those of the AlN ceramics by 39.93%, 61.31% and, 15.61%, respectively. The AlNw in AlNw/AlN ceramics tightly bonded with the ceramic matrix, leading to two characteristic toughening mechanisms in the ceramics: crack pinning and deflection at irregular grain boundaries caused by doped whiskers, as well as bridging and stress relaxation caused by whiskers incorporated with the grains. Moreover, the one‐dimensional morphology of AlNw can provide a channel for quick photon transport, thereby enhancing the thermal conductivity of AlNw/AlN.
A woman with mycosis fungoides, vitiligo, and a new hand nodule
Authors: Feghali Joelle , Lavin Leore , Ng Spencer , Linos Konstantinos , Geller Shamir
Published: October 2024

A 70‐year‐old African American female with a history of stage IV mycosis fungoides in remission presented with a gradually enlarging, red, ulcerated nodule on her right dorsal hand. The lesion was biopsied, and it showed intraepidermal proliferation with cytologic atypia and increased vasculature in the papillary dermis. Immunohistochemical staining indicated a yes‐associated protein 1 (YAP1) rearrangement, confirmed by RNA sequencing, revealing a YAP1::MAML2 (mastermind‐like transcriptional coactivator 2) fusion. The lesion was diagnosed as an eccrine porocarcinoma (EPC). The occurrence of EPCs following radiotherapy or trauma has been documented. This case highlights the importance of considering EPCs in patients with extensive skin treatments and immunosuppression history.
Macrophage polarization‐related gene signature for risk stratification and prognosis of survival in gliomas
Authors: Zhong Weiming , Xiong Kaifen , Li Shuwang , Li Chuntao
Published: October 2024

Macrophage polarization plays an essential role in tumour immune cell infiltration and tumour growth. In this study, we selected a series of genes distinguishing between M1 and M2 macrophages and explored their prognostic value in gliomas. A total of 170 genes were included in our study. The CGGA database was used as the training cohort and the TCGA database as the validation cohort. The biological processes and functions were identified by GO and KEGG analysis. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to compare survival differences between groups. Importantly, we built a risk score model using Cox regression analysis based on the CGGA and verified it in the TCGA database and our sequencing data. Patients with gliomas in the high‐risk group were associated with high pathologic grade, IDH WT status, MGMT promoter unmethylation, 1p19q non‐codeletion and prone to have a poor outcome. GEPIA results revealed that CD300C, CNRIP1 and MYO1F are the most related genes of immune infiltrations. The differential expression of these genes between low‐grade gliomas and glioblastomas was confirmed by q‐RT‐PCR. Macrophage polarization‐related gene signatures can predict the malignancy and outcome of patients with gliomas and might act as a promising target for glioma immunotherapy in the future.
Dominance and size affect foraging position choice by Arctic grayling (Thymallus arcticus)
Authors: Holubová Michaela , Peterka Jiří , Simon Troy , Neuswanger Jason , Grossman Gary
Published: October 2024

Salmonid fishes are a widespread and economically important group of fishes that are strongly affected by anthropogenic environmental degradation. Consequently, studies on their behavior and ecology are essential for their conservation. Wild Arctic grayling (Thymallus arcticus) were observed in an unimpacted Alaskan river using underwater video observations for two consecutive summers (2015 and 2016). Foraging, aggressive behavior, and position held by individual fish were quantified. Fish held focal positions in the water column most of the time (mean = 81%), active foraging was observed for 14% of the observation periods, and antagonistic interactions occurred during 5% of the time. The analysis of intraspecific aggression revealed that aggressive interactions occurred between conspecifics of similar sizes (±100 mm), although the winners of bouts were significantly larger than the losers. Notably, initiators emerged as more successful in these bouts compared to receivers, irrespective of body length. These findings underscore the significance of conducting field studies to gain valuable insights into the behavior of fish in their natural stream environments.
Development of an Initial Screening Scale to Detect Patients With Chest Pain From Acute Coronary Syndrome in the Emergency Department
Authors: Jang Kyeongmin , Choe Kwisoon
Published: October 2024

Background

Identifying patients with chest pain potentially due to acute coronary syndrome (ACS) early is crucial for triage nurses. They need a reliable, validated screening tool.

Aims

This study aims to develop an initial screening scale to detect ACS in patients presenting with chest pain in the emergency department.

Methods

We analyzed electronic medical records of 3131 chest pain patients from 103,041 emergency department visits between January 2018 and December 2019. ACS diagnosis was confirmed by cardiologists through clinical symptoms, electrocardiograms, and cardiac enzyme levels. The study proceeded in four stages: (1) identifying potential ACS predictors through a literature review, (2) validating these predictors with experts, (3) comparing data between ACS and non‐ACS patients and (4) developing a screening scale based on identified predictors. Statistical methods included univariate analysis and binary logistic regression. The scale's accuracy was assessed using ROC curve analysis and compared to existing tools.

Results

Eight significant ACS predictors were identified: male sex, age over 49 for males and over 65 for females, typical symptoms, initial pain scale score of 6 or higher, pain duration of at least 10 min, history of ACS, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Each predictor was scored, with typical symptoms and severe pain receiving higher scores, totaling up to 10 points. A score of 6 or more indicated high ACS risk, demonstrating accuracy comparable to the HEART and TIMI score systems.

Conclusion

This study developed a new ACS screening scale for use by triage nurses in emergency departments. This scale can facilitate early detection and intervention for patients at high risk of ACS.
Implementing LEARN: Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Training for High School Students, Parents, and School Personnel
Authors: Walsh Elaine , Tapp Zoe , Mallonee Emma , Hakansson Camille , Leigh Ambyr , Reibel Megan
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

Adolescent suicide is a public health issue, and school is an ideal setting for prevention activities. LEARN is a peer‐led gatekeeper training for high school personnel, parents, and students. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of LEARN as a gatekeeper training.

METHODS

Paired t tests were used to compare pre‐ and post‐training surveys for 4983 LEARN participants.

RESULTS

Participants reported an increased likelihood of engaging in each LEARN step: looking for signs, empathizing and listening, asking about suicide thoughts and plans, reducing danger, and connecting the person with help. Most participants were highly satisfied with the peer trainer's delivery of content.

CONCLUSIONS

LEARN gatekeeper training was successfully implemented in high schools with students, parents, and school personnel. All groups reported increases in likelihood of approaching and providing support and connections for at‐risk individuals and rated the trainer as effective, indicating satisfaction with the peer‐led training format.
The Roles of Neural Networks in Language Acquisition
Authors: Portelance Eva , Jasbi Masoud
Published: October 2024

How can modern neural networks like language models be useful to the field of language acquisition, and more broadly cognitive science, if they are not a priori designed to be cognitive models? As developments towards natural language understanding and generation have improved leaps and bounds, with models like GPT‐4, the question of how they can inform our understanding of human language acquisition has re‐emerged. As such, it is critical to examine how in practice linking hypotheses between models and human learners can be safely established. To address these questions, we propose a model taxonomy, including four modelling approaches, each having differing goals, from exploratory hypothesis generation to hypothesis differentiation and testing. We show how the goals of these approaches align with the overarching goals of science and linguistics by connecting our taxonomy to the realist versus instrumentalist approaches in philosophy of science. We survey recent work having adopted each of our modelling approaches and address the importance of computational modelling in language acquisition studies.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice of Master Nursing Specialist Students Toward Catheter‐Related Thrombosis: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Yao Nian , Hu Jiaji , Lv Jiaxin , Yu Haixia , Peng Sha , Ma Guiyuan , Tang Siyuan , Zhang Jinghui
Published: October 2024

Evaluating Master of Nursing Specialist (MNS) students' knowledge, attitudes, and practice regarding catheter‐related thrombosis (CRT) prevention and treatment is beneficial in developing effective CRT training for them. This study thus aimed to explore their knowledge, attitudes, and practice toward CRT. This was a cross‐sectional study that included 1046 MNS students in China. The results revealed that the median scores for the participants' knowledge, attitudes, and practice were 12 (interquartile range: 9–14), 55 (interquartile range: 50–65), and 62 (interquartile range: 51–71), respectively. There was a positive correlation between knowledge and attitudes, as well as attitudes and practice. Age, school level, proactively learning CRT knowledge, gender, enrolment method, participation in clinical practice time, and attendance at CRT training were related to knowledge (p < 0.05). Attendance at CRT training and experience using thrombosis risk assessment forms were related to attitude and practice (p < 0.05). Gender and experience caring for CRT patients were associated with practice (p < 0.05). MNS students have insufficient knowledge of CRT prevention and treatment, and the practice needs to be improved. However, their attitudes are positive.
Trends in atopic dermatitis prevalence among the Chinese population (1990–2021) with projections for 2022–2030
Authors: Zhou Jingjing , Chen Huijing , Zhou Shangcheng , Liu Ailing , Liang Shanshan , Sun Xiaoning , He Kaiyue
Published: October 2024

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) has the highest disease burden among all skin diseases. However, reports on AD prevalence trends in China are limited. This study aimed to investigate the time trends of AD prevalence in China from 1990 to 2021 and to explore the age and sex differences.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study, 2021. We analyzed the annual percentage change in the crude prevalence rate and age‐standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) of AD from 1990 to 2021 using the Joinpoint model. We predicted the future prevalence of AD from 2022 to 2030 using the Bayesian age–period–cohort model.

Results

The total ASPR decreased slightly from 1990 (1357.93 per 100,000) to 2021 (1347.11 per 100,000). The ASPR of females (1457.64 per 100,000) was higher than that of males (1247.04 per 100,000) in 2021. The prevalence rate of AD was highest in the under 5 years old age group (3455.56 per 100,000) and the 5–9 years old age group (3360.31 per 100,000). By 2030, the predicted ASPR of AD will be 1394.36 (per 100,000) in males and 1603.69 in females (per 100,000). The predicted prevalence rate in the under 5 years old (3996.14 per 100,000 in males and 3990.68 per 100,000 in females) and 5–9 years old (3714.61 per 100,000 in males and 3963.96 per 100,000 in females) age groups will be higher than those in other age groups.

Conclusion

Despite a slight decrease from 1990 to 2021, there has been an increasing trend since 2015 in the total AD burden. Given the increasing burden of AD on Chinese children and females, healthcare practitioners should enhance community education, improve disease management abilities of patients and caregivers, and reduce the burden and healthcare costs of AD.
Public Health Interventions Targeting the Prevention of Adolescent Vaping: A Scoping Review
Authors: DiCasmirro Jamie , Tranmer Joan , Davison Colleen , Woo Kevin , Toon Danielle , Hubeny Michael , Ross‐White Amanda , Goldie Catherine
Published: October 2024

Objective

Despite a brief decline during the COVID‐19 pandemic, vaping behaviors among adolescents continue to be an international public health concern because of associated health risks and harms. A thorough investigation of existing interventions preventing adolescent vaping is needed to help address this public health crisis and reduce serious and avoidable vaping‐related health risks. We reviewed the literature to identify public health interventions aimed at preventing adolescent vaping and summarized their key components and outcome measures.

Design

We conducted a scoping review of the literature using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology searching in MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, PsycINFO, ProQuest, and Web of Science. Two reviewers screened 589 records for relevance. Studies from any location, reported in English, and described vaping prevention interventions targeting adolescents were included. Records were excluded if they were reported in other languages, published outside the review timeframe, lacked an evaluation, focused on cessation‐based interventions, or were review articles. Data extracted included intervention type, key components, and outcome measures.

Results

Thirty‐eight included articles were identified and categorized into three intervention categories: school‐based, public education/risk communication campaigns, and public policies/government regulations. Key components of the interventions included format, duration, and topics. Formats varied from single to multi‐sessions. Prominent topics covered included risks and harms associated with vaping, and the most frequently reported outcome measures used were knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs.

Conclusion

Our findings summarize existing public health interventions found in the literature and insights into approaches used to address the global adolescent vaping crisis.
Prior exposure to racial discrimination and patterns of acute parasympathetic nervous system responses to a race‐related stress task among Black adults
Authors: Volpe Vanessa V. , Kendall Emmett B. , Collins Abbey N. , Graham Matthew G. , Williams Jonathan P. , Holochwost Steven J.
Published: October 2024

Black adults' prior exposure to racial discrimination may be associated with their acute parasympathetic reactivity to and recovery from a new race‐related stressor. Existing analytical approaches to investigating this link obscure nuances in the timing, magnitude, and patterns of these acute parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) responses. In a re‐analysis of a prior study, we utilize an hidden Markov model (HMM) approach to examine how prior experiences of racial discrimination are associated with intraindividual patterns of (1) physiological states of PNS activity and (2) patterns of and variability in transitions between these physiological states. Participants (N = 118) were Black young adults (range 18–29 years; Mage = 19.67, SDage = 2.04) who completed an online survey to index prior racial discrimination exposure, followed by an in‐person lab visit during which their PNS activity in response to a race‐related stress task was measured via electrocardiogram and converted into respiratory sinus arrhythmia. HMMs indicated evidence for two states: baseline and a second state representing a significant reduction in respiratory sinus arrhythmia. Most participants (93.22%) demonstrated a blunted response to the task, indicating that they did not transition from baseline during the procedure. Prior racial discrimination was not associated with HMM states or state transition parameters. Blunted physiological responses may be an important area of future investigation that could inform early life course mental and physical health screenings.
Assessing systemic inflammatory markers in psoriasis: A retrospective study
Authors: Solak Berna , Kara Rabia Öztaş
Published: October 2024

Background

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease often associated with serious cardiovascular comorbidities. The aim of this study was to investigate the systemic inflammatory burden in psoriasis by examining various inflammatory markers and to assess the relationship between these markers and the severity of the disease.

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted on medical records of patients who visited the dermatology outpatient clinic between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2022. The study included patients with psoriasis vulgaris and healthy volunteers. Demographic data, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score, C‐reactive protein, monocyte‐high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, monocyte‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, systemic immune‐inflammation index, and Systemic Inflammation Response Index were analysed and compared.

Results

A total of 278 psoriasis patients and 90 healthy volunteers were analysed. Compared to the control group, psoriasis patients showed significantly higher systemic immune‐inflammation index, Systemic Inflammation Response Index, neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, monocyte‐high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, serum C‐reactive protein levels, neutrophil count, monocyte count, body mass index, and waist circumference (p < 0.001, p = 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.014, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.046, p < 0.001, and p = 0.011, respectively). Among patients with severe psoriasis (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index >10), systemic immune‐inflammation index, neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, and serum C‐reactive protein levels were significantly higher compared to patients with mild/moderate psoriasis (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index ≤10). In the ROC curve analysis, the optimal cut‐off (AUC, sensitivity, specificity) values for neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, systemic immune‐inflammation index, and platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio were found to be 2.11 (0.592, 62%, 57%), 552.9 (0.579, 61%, 58%), and 111.9 (0.578, 64%, 46%), respectively. The inflammatory parameters that showed correlation with Psoriasis Area and Severity Index were systemic immune‐inflammation index, Systemic Inflammation Response Index, neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, monocyte‐high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, monocyte‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, and C‐reactive protein.

Conclusion

The findings of this study suggest that systemic immune‐inflammation index, Systemic Inflammation Response Index, neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, monocyte‐high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, and C‐reactive protein values have the potential to serve as simple and cost‐effective markers for assessing the inflammatory burden in individuals with psoriasis.
Effectiveness of meaning‐centered interventions on existential distress and mental health outcomes in cancer survivors and their family caregivers: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Wang Ziqi , Xu Dongsheng , Yu Shuanghan , Liu Yantong , Han Yujie , Zhao Wei , Zhang Wei
Published: October 2024

Background

Cancer is a global public health concern that causes psychosocial and spiritual challenges in those who suffer from it and their family caregivers. Meaning‐centered interventions have a positive impact on improving anxiety and depression in patients with advanced cancer. However, the impact of meaning‐centered interventions on existential distress of patients with cancer and family caregivers' mental health is still unclear.

Aims

To examine the efficacy of meaning‐centered interventions in alleviating existential distress, enhancing quality of life, and fostering a sense of meaning among cancer survivors and their family caregivers.

Methods

This systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analysis 2020 statement. A comprehensive search was conducted from inception until September 2023 across nine databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO, The Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Scopus, WANFANG, and CNKI. Heterogeneity testing and meta‐analyses were conducted using Review Manger 5.3. We calculated standard mean deviations and 95% confidence intervals and presented forest plots for assessing intervention effects. Two reviewers independently evaluated the risk of bias of all included articles. STATA 17.0 was used for publication bias analysis.

Results

The review included 25 studies with 2399 participants, and 22 were included in the meta‐analysis. Meaning‐centered interventions enhanced quality of life, alleviated existential distress, and reduced depressive symptoms and cancer‐related fatigue. They did not affect spiritual well‐being. The subgroup analysis showed that the individual form and long‐term intervention (≥3 months) enhanced the quality of life in cancer survivors. Meaning‐centered interventions reduce depression in advanced cancer survivors more than in mixed‐stage cancer survivors. Meaning‐centered interventions significantly enhanced benefit finding for family caregivers.

Linking Evidence to Action

Meaning‐centered interventions may improve mental health for patients with cancer and their family caregivers. Future research must include diverse cultural perspectives to understand the impact of meaning‐centered interventions on various groups.
Effect of prolonged sitting on dynamic cerebral autoregulation in the anterior and posterior cerebral circulations
Authors: Saito Shotaro , Tsukamoto Hayato , Karaki Marino , Kunimatsu Narumi , Ogoh Shigehiko
Published: October 2024

Individuals who experience prolonged sitting daily are reported to be at risk of developing cerebrovascular disease, which is associated, in part, with attenuation in cerebral blood flow regulation. However, the effect of prolonged sitting on dynamic cerebral autoregulation (dCA), a crucial mechanism of cerebral blood flow regulation, remains unclear. Additionally, cerebrovascular disease occurs heterogeneously within cerebral arteries. The purpose of the present study was to examine the hypothesis that prolonged sitting attenuates dCA in the cerebral circulation heterogeneously. Twelve young, healthy participants were instructed to maintain a seated position for 4 h without moving their lower limbs. Mean arterial pressure and mean blood velocities of the middle cerebral artery (MCA Vm) and the posterior cerebral artery (PCA Vm) were measured continuously throughout the experiment. The dCA was assessed using transfer function analysis (TFA) with mean arterial pressure and either MCA Vm or PCA Vm. In the MCA, very low‐frequency TFA‐normalized gain decreased significantly during 4 h of prolonged sitting (P = 0.029), indicating an improvement rather than attenuation in dCA, despite a significant reduction in MCA Vm after 4 h of continuous sitting (P = 0.039). In the PCA, PCA Vm remained stable throughout the 4 h sitting period (P = 0.923), and all TFA parameters remained unchanged throughout the 4 h of sitting. Contrary to our hypothesis, these results suggest that the dCA in both the MCA and the PCA was well stabilized in healthy young individuals during acute prolonged sitting.
A Variable Orifice Damping Mechanism for a Reciprocating Piston-Cylinder Pump
Authors: Melling Jonathan , Dumnov Daniil , Nørgaard Christian , Johnston Nigel , Sell Nathan
Published: October 2024

Digital Displacement pumps (DDP) are variable displacement radial piston pumps. Each cylinder comprises of a solenoid operated low pressure check valve and a passive high pressure check valve. Variable displacement is achieved by altering the number of active cylinders, and the proportion of the stroke for which the cylinder is pressurised. DDP has been demonstrated to be quieter and possess a significantly less tonal sound quality than traditional variable displacement axial piston swashplate pumps[1]. However, as the industry continues to trend towards battery electric driven excavators, the existing masking noise produced by conventional diesel combustion engines will cease to exist. Consequently, the hydraulic system will be the most significant noise source on the machine, driving the need to further refine pump Noise, Vibration & Harshness (NVH) performance. Passive check valves produce a characteristic in-cylinder pressure overshoot as upstream pressure has to be sufficient to overcome downstream pressure forces, plus resistive spring and damping forces responsible for holding the valve in place. Within a DDP, the transient nature of a pressure overshoot is very effective at exciting several different high frequency responses of the pump, most noticeably fluid-borne noise, and consequently radiated noise. This paper presents a method for incorporating a damping mechanism within a piston which reduces pressure overshoot, allowing an investigation into the relationship between pressure overshoot, fluid-borne noise and radiated noise. Modelling methodology is presented demonstrating a reduction in pressurisation rate and overshoot during the pumping cycle. Several key design variables are shown to give a large range in tuning scope. Initial test results are presented, demonstrating good model correlation and improvement in NVH performance.
Extension of the Flow Calculation in ISO 6358 by Real Gas Behavior to Enhance Accuracy of Hydrogen Simulations
Authors: Reinertz Olivier , Schmitz Katharina
Published: October 2024

The flow resistance of pneumatic valves and restrictors is usually characterized and modeled by means of ISO 6358. Under ideal gas assumption, which is valid for conventional pneumatics, the proposed equations fulfill the task with sufficient accuracy. The development of hydrogen storage systems and filling stations requires modelling of hydrogen networks at pressures of up to 100 MPa. Under these conditions, ideal gas assumptions are no longer valid, and the flow behavior is only roughly approximated by means of the existing equations. Contrary to this, the real gas effect on the critical flow through measurement nozzles is intensively discussed in ISO 9300. It includes tabulated flow factors for the supercritical flow regime for a small number of selected gases but excludes the effect on subcritical flow.

To circumvent these shortcomings, this paper presents at first an easy-to-implement numerical approach to model the real gas flow through ideal nozzles using tabulated thermodynamic values. Thereof, the set of equations in ISO 6358 is enhanced, to include real gas effects by means of tabulated factors to ease implementation and reduce calculation efforts by omitting iterative solving. Both approaches cover the entire flow regime and allow unrestricted application for all gaseous media and operating points. After model validation, the effects on the flow rate are discussed, emphasizing the need for such models.
Energy Efficient Pneumatic Drive for Membrane Pumps
Authors: Schmid Matthias , Reinertz Olivier , Schmitz Katharina
Published: October 2024

Membrane pumps are frequently employed for liquid pumping under various conditions. Advantageous of the design is an absence of the need for lubrication and moving seals, making the pumps very robust. This makes them particularly suitable for use in the food processing and pharmaceutical industries and allows use in applications with abrasive liquids. Although the pneumatic drive allows operation in potentially explosive environments, for example, it also requires a considerable amount of energy. The present work aims to reduce the compressed air requirement by increasing the efficiency.

Firstly, in this paper, losses in current systems are highlighted. The significance of actually unused expansion energy is explained and an approach for its utilization is introduced. In this context, the modification of the system with an upstream throttle is also described. This is particularly important with regard to the new type of mechanism for efficiency optimization, which is presented next. It consists of a spring with negative spring stiffness, which is used to utilize the expansion energy. This suppresses the expansion during the first motion interval, temporarily stores and releases its energy during the stroke. This supports the displacement and reduces the pressure requirement in the drive chamber over the stroke. By means of a lumped parameter simulation, the usual operating conditions with downstream throttling and pressure reducer are examined. The results are compared to the variant with upstream throttling and the new concept with a bistable mechanism. The results validate the huge potential for compressed air savings up to 85 % at an average of 60 %.
An Improved Thermal Modelling Approach for Industrial Hydraulic System Applications, Prioritizing Computational Time Reduction and Thermal Condition Analysis
Authors: Al-Issa Ahmad , Schulze Tobias , Weber Jürgen
Published: October 2024

Efficiently modelling and analyzing the thermal behavior of industrial hydraulic systems poses a significant challenge due to their intricate nature and the multitude of components. In addition, existing thermal models rely on cross-coupled parameters, such as temperature, pressure, flow rate, etc. and numerous measurement sensors. This results in prolonged modelling times that by far exceed the actual operational duration of the modelled hydraulic system by a factor of 2 to 6.5 times for a time-step 2 × 10−4 s or less. To address this issue and align with industrial requirements, an improved lumped parameter model is presented based on average transient temperature Tavg. This simplifies enthalpy calculations and accelerates simulation time.
Influence of Dissolved Air Content on Cavitation in Internal Gear Pumps
Authors: Böttig Paul , Müller Lutz , Osterland Sven , Weber Jürgen
Published: October 2024

Internal gear pumps are one of the most popular fixed-displacement hydraulic pumps due to their high reliability, low pressure pulsation, and comparatively low cost.

Following previous research on stationary valve models, using high-speed imaging technology and simulation to better understand the interactions of dissolved air, cavitation, and cavitation erosion, an internal gear pump was examined.

The goal of the experiment was to determine the individual influences of gas and vapour cavitation on suction-side cavitation, which determines a hydrostatic pump’s top speed. The identification of the individual mechanisms leads to considerable improvements in the modelling of cavitation effects in numerical simulations of hydrostatic pumps.

To realize this, a commercially available Eckerle internal gear pump was modified to be see-through with no major changes to its flow geometry. The pump’s top speed was increased to 5000rpm. A variety of sensors and high-speed imaging were used to determine pump performance and cavitation intensity. The examined parameters of the experiment were dissolved air content, suction pressure, and rotational frequency.

The recorded measurements were used to create a characteristic map of the pump’s volumetric efficiency under constant load pressure for varying suctions pressures and dissolved air contents. The hardware-triggered images were taken synchronized with the pump’s rotation and captured the gears in 260 equally spaced frames per revolution.

The images of the individual gear positions were processed to determine the cavitation intensity at each operating point.
Agent-Based Control of Fluid Systems Using Microcontrollers: Development and Integration
Authors: Lefemmine Oscar L. , Meck Tobias C. , Logan Kevin T. , Pelz Peter F.
Published: October 2024

Fluid systems play a crucial role with respect to economic and societal interests, and their increasing complexity demands intelligent control concepts for efficient operation. Conventional control approaches have limitations, making distributed control, based on so-called agents, a promising solution. In distributed control an agent is allocated to a component of the fluid system. Utilizing sensors and actuators the agent perceives and manipulates its surrounding. Furthermore, the exchange of information between agents is crucial to this control method. This paper presents the physical implementation of two agent-based controllers into a test rig for distributed water supply systems, focusing on the hardware components needed. The considered fluid system comprises several active and passive components like pumps and valves, respectively. As a first step, a pump and a valve are equipped with an agent. A minimal example of distributed control is presented in which the volumetric flow rate through the valve is measured by a sensor and shared with the pump agent, which then controls the pump’s speed accordingly. To enable this, the agent must have suitable rotational hardware interfaces to connect sensors and actuators and facilitate communication with other agents. At the core of each agent lies an ESP32 microcontroller, which operates as a discrete PID controller and enables web-based communication for data exchange.
Diagnostic performance of PET-CT and technical efficacy of ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy of small and intermediate size malignant supraclavicular lymph nodes
Authors: Choi Woo Hee , Bae Jiwon , Shin Jae Ho
Published: October 2024

Aim: We aimed (1) to determine optimal PET-CT SUV and ultrasound (US) features associated for malignant smallintermediate size supraclavicular lymph nodes (SCN) and (2) to evaluate technical efficacy of core needle biopsy (CNB). Materials and methods: Between 2020 and 2023, CNB of SCN with short-axis less than 15 mm were included. PET-CT was evaluated for optimal SUV cut-off value. Multivariate logistic regression was performed for US features. Technical efficacy of CNB (success rate) was calculated, and US features were compared between satisfactory CNB specimen and unsatisfactory CNB specimen.Results: Eighty-four SCN per 80 patients (age 64.0±17.2 years, 45.2% female) were included. The optimal SUV cut-off value was 1.1 with diagnostic accuracy of 89.8%. US features associated with malignancy were anteroposterior dimension ≥9 mm and absence of hilum. The overall CNB success rate was 94%, and unsatisfactory specimen demonstrated shorter transverse diameter (12 mm vs 5 mm, p<0.001), and non-parallel orientation (20.3% vs. 100%, p<0.001).Conclusion: CNB should be considered for small-intermediate size SCN with SUV exceeding 1.1, anteroposterior dimension ≥9 mm, and absence of hilum. SCN with shorter transverse diameter and non-parallel orientation may result in unsatisfactory CNB specimen.