bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Small‐Molecular Donor Based Efficient Organic Solar Cells with Thermally Stable Morphologies†
Authors: Feng Wanying , Bai Yuyang , Wang Jiaying , Yuan Shaohui , Wan Xiangjian , Chen Yu , Kan Bin , Chen Yongsheng
Published: August 2024

Comprehensive Summary

Small‐molecular organic solar cells usually exhibited unsatisfactory device stability, which might originate from their molecular diffusion behaviors. Herein, based on the all‐small‐molecule system HD‐1:BTP‐eC9, we reported a dimerized acceptor DC9, and its corresponding monomer acceptor eOD. In comparison with eOD, the dimeric acceptor DC9 displayed higher glass transition temperature (Tg) but reduced molecular planarity and crystallinity. The all‐small molecule blend utilizing HD‐1:eOD demonstrated a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.13%, surpassing the value of 14.10% for the HD‐1:DC9 blend. While, incorporating polymer donor PM6 into the HD‐1:DC9 blend improved its morphology and charge transport dynamics, resulting in a device efficiency of over 16%, representing the rare case utilizing small‐molecular donor and dimeric acceptor with PCE over 16%. Morphological characterization results affirmed that the surface morphologies and molecular packing behaviors of the blend films based on HD‐1 were largely retained even after prolonged annealing and aging at 85 °C. Consequently, the PCEs of the blend films based on HD‐1:eOD, HD‐1:DC9, and HD‐1:PM6:DC9 consistently remained over 98% of their initial efficiency after 1000 h of thermal annealing aging at 85 °C. These findings highlight the potential of small‐molecular based active layer in the fabrication of efficient and stable OSCs.
Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Functionalization of Sealed PDMS Microfluidics: Application to Capillary Pumping and Enhanced Cell Growth
Authors: Zeniou A. , Kefallinou D. , Dimitrakellis P. , Xenogiannopoulou E. , Grigoriou M. , Dimoulas A. , Boumpas D. T. , Tserepi A. , Gogolides E.
Published: August 2024

Microfluidic devices serve as essential tools across diverse fields like medicine, biotechnology, and chemistry, enabling advancements in analytical techniques, point‐of‐care diagnostics, microfluidic cell cultures, and organ‐on‐chip models. While polymeric microfluidics are favoured for their cost‐effectiveness and ease of fabrication, their inherent hydrophobic properties necessitate surface functionalization, often post‐sealing. Here, we introduce a versatile apparatus for functionalizing sealed microfluidic devices using atmospheric plasma processing, with a focus on PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) microfluidics. Through meticulous analysis of surface properties and capillary speed, before and after plasma treatment, along with a comparison between vacuum and atmospheric plasma functionalization methods, we demonstrate the efficacy of our approach. Subsequent experimentation within 3D PDMS microfluidic chambers, combining atmospheric pressure plasma treatment with collagen coating to facilitate mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) growth over five days, reveals enhanced initial cell adhesion and proliferation, highlighting the potential of our method for improving cell‐based applications within microfluidic systems.
Patient's Experiences of a Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Informed Crisis Intervention for Psychosis Delivered in Inpatient Settings: A Qualitative Exploration
Authors: Wood Lisa , Butterworth Hannah , Nyikavaranda Patrick , Ariyo Aderayo , Malde‐Shah Nira , Guerin Ella , Birken Mary , Persaud Karen , Dare Ceri , Morant Nicola , Johnson Sonia
Published: August 2024

Cognitive behaviour therapy for psychosis (CBTp) should be offered to patients receiving psychiatric inpatient care, yet very little is known about patients' perspectives on this. The aim of this study was to examine patients' experiences of a CBTp‐informed intervention delivered in inpatient settings. We recruited 10 participants from the intervention arm of a randomised controlled trial examining the feasibility and acceptability of a CBTp‐informed intervention for psychiatric inpatient settings. We undertook semistructured interviews examining their experiences of the intervention and analysed them using thematic analysis. The study was conducted in partnership with a coproduction group of key stakeholders (people with lived experience, family and carers, and clinicians). The intervention was found helpful by almost all participants, and all participants would recommend it to others in similar situations to themselves. The results demonstrated that participants valued the therapist's professionalism and emphasised the importance of the therapeutic relationship. Participants highlighted the importance of the therapy focusing on navigating admission and developing skills to manage the crisis experience so they could return to their normal lives. Participants described challenges to having psychological therapy in the acute crisis context including therapy interruptions and ongoing distressing experiences of psychosis. The study demonstrated the importance of prioritising the therapeutic relationship, that therapy was a valued process to navigate admission and discharge, but that some environmental and patient‐level challenges were present. Further research is needed to explore inpatients' experiences of psychological interventions in this setting.

Trial Registration

ISRCTN trial registry: ISRCTN59055607
Asymmetric π‐Extension Design of Long Wavelength Rhodamine Derivatives for Imaging and Phototherapy
Authors: He Long , Huang Jing , Zhang Xingxing , Ren Tianbing , Yuan Lin
Published: August 2024

Rhodamine dyes have been extensively explored for bioimaging and therapeutic applications over the past few decades. However, it remains a challenge to design long‐wavelength and large Stokes shift rhodamine derivatives to meet the requirements of fluorescence imaging and phototherapy in deep living tissues. In this work, a pyridine aromatic unit was inserted into the rhodamine derivatives (AC‐Fluor: ACF) skeleton to prepare a series of stable rhodamine derivatives, named ACFPs, to achieve long emission wavelength (>650 nm) and large Stokes shift (~60 nm) by tuning the conjugated systems and electronic symmetry. Moreover, ACFPs are capable of continuously producing superoxide radical (O2−⋅) under long wavelength irradiation. This study presents a novel paradigm for improving the optical properties of rhodamine, which has led to the development of a novel tool for image‐guided phototherapy for cancer treatment.
Bilevel access control and constraint‐aware response provisioning in edge‐enabled software defined network‐internet of things network using the safeguard authentication dynamic access control model
Authors: D S Sahana , S H Brahmananda
Published: August 2024

By controlling the network, the Internet of Things (IoT)‐connected software‐defined network (SDN) limits the scalability of IoT devices. Since SDN depends on a centralized controller that attackers can easily affect, it is incredibly susceptible to attacks. Secure access control to the SDN controller was the focus of the prior methods for controller scalability and restricted trust management. A framework called Safeguard Authentication Dynamic Access Control (SANDMAC) is suggested to safeguard and offer useful services to enterprises. Authentication confirms legitimacy after all users and applications have been registered. To improve network security, policies let users grant access to account attributes, legal activities, and temporal components. The administrator lessens conflicts between the methods by validating and saving the policies in the database. The services are provided to dependable customers using the forensic‐based investigation algorithm, depending on the quality of service and software level agreements requirements, decreasing reaction times and maximizing resource usage. Performance comparisons between the new and previous efforts are validated using a variety of parameters, and the proposed work is validated using the iFogSim application. According to the findings, SANDMAC significantly raises key performance indicators. SANDMAC specifically keeps false positives at 3.5% and accomplishes a low response time of 60 ms for roughly 800 authorized accesses. SANDMAC is a better option because of these enhancements, which result in longer network lifetimes and more dependable data transmission.
Bifunctionally Hydrophobic MOF‐Supported Platinum Catalyst for the Removal of Ultralow Concentration Hydrogen Isotope
Authors: Heo Huiryung , Jang Jeong‐un , Jeong Euna , Kim Hyung‐Ju , Kim Young Jin , Park Chan Woo , So Jungseob , Koh Dong‐Yeun
Published: August 2024

Water often presents significant challenges in catalysts by deactivating active sites, poisoning the reaction, and even degrading composite structure. These challenges are amplified when the water participates as a reactant and is fed as a liquid phase, such as trickle bed‐type reactors in a hydrogen‐water isotope exchange (HIE) reaction. The key balance in such multiphase reactions is the precise control of catalyst design to repel bulk liquid water while diffusing water vapor. Herein, a platinum‐incorporated metal‐organic framework (MIL‐101) based bifunctional hydrophobic catalyst functionalized with long alkyl chains (C12, dodecylamine) and further manufactured with poly(vinylidene fluoride), Pt@MIL‐101‐12/PVDF, has been developed which can show dramatically improved catalytic activity under multi‐phase reactions involving hydrogen gas and liquid water. Pt@MIL‐101‐12/PVDF demonstrates enhanced macroscopic water‐blocking properties, with a notable reduction of over 65% in water adsorption capacity and newly introduced liquid water repellency, while exhibiting a negligible increase in mass transfer resistance, i.e., bifunctional hydrophobicity. Excellent catalytic activity, evaluated via HIE reaction, and its durability underscore the impact of bifunctional hydrophobicity. In situ DRIFTS analysis elucidates water adsorption/desorption dynamics within the catalyst composite, highlighting reinforced water diffusion at the microscopic level, affirming the catalyst's bifunctionality in different length scales. With demonstrated radiation resistance, Pt@MIL‐101‐12/PVDF emerges as a promising candidate for isotope exchange reactions.
Characterizing atrial fibrillation in patients with and without heart failure across the ejection fraction spectrum: Incidence, prevalence, and treatment strategies
Authors: Valente Valeria , Ferrannini Giulia , Benson Lina , Gatti Paolo , Guidetti Federica , Melin Michael , Braunschweig Frieder , Linde Cecilia , Dahlström Ulf , Lund Lars H. , Fudim Marat , Savarese Gianluigi
Published: August 2024

Aims

Heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) often coexist. We explored AF incidence, prevalence, and treatment strategies in patients with versus without HF across the ejection fraction (EF) spectrum.

Methods and results

We analysed patients with HF from the Swedish HF Registry (1 December 2005–31 December 2021), matched 1:1 by sex, age, and county of residence to patients without HF from Statistics Sweden. Two study cohorts were derived (i) to assess AF prevalence and treatments, and (ii) to evaluate AF incidence and related predictors. Overall, 195 106 patients were considered, 50% of them with HF (of whom 54% with HF with reduced [HFrEF], 23% mildly reduced [HFmrEF], and 23% with preserved EF [HFpEF]). From 2006 to 2021, AF prevalence increased in both patients with (57% to 58%) and without HF (8% to 11%). HF patients, particularly if with HFrEF, were more likely receiving AF treatments than those without HF. Over time, antiarrhythmic use decreased, while rate control drugs and oral anticoagulant use, and AF‐related procedures increased, regardless of HF and EF. During a median follow‐up of 3.7 years, in 86 210 patients without AF, incident AF risk was two‐fold higher in HF versus non‐HF (hazard ratio [HR] 2.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.45–3.12), highest in HFpEF (HR 3.12, 95% CI 2.65–3.67) versus HFrEF (HR 2.68, 95% CI 2.34–3.06) and HFmrEF (HR 2.53, 95% CI 2.17–2.94).

Conclusions

Atrial fibrillation prevalence, anticoagulant use, and AF‐related procedures increased over time regardless of HF, with HF patients more likely receiving AF treatments. In HF, despite higher AF prevalence and incidence in HFpEF, AF treatment use remained modest, calling for further implementation.
The intra‐ and interrater reliability of isometric muscle contractions using a novel fixation system for a hand‐held dynamometer
Authors: Schindler Jessica B. , Hancock Clifford L. , Zifchock Rebecca A. , Bode Victoria G. , Ramsay John W.
Published: August 2024

A novel fixation system for a hand‐held dynamometer (HHD) was designed to enable isometric muscle measurements on various muscle groups of strong, healthy individuals in a field setting. The objective of this study was to evaluate the intra‐ and interrater reliability of the system and determine its suitability for use by multiple researchers within large‐scale data collections during field activities. Four researchers tested eight healthy subjects, who each completed eight different maximal isometric muscle strength assessments using the HHD fixation system. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) results were evaluated with a 95% confidence interval. ICC results for interrater reliability demonstrated excellent agreement of all eight measurements tested. ICC results for intrarater reliability demonstrated excellent agreement for six out of eight measurements. This system provides a new opportunity for several different high‐quality maximal muscle strength measurements to be collected by multiple data collectors on large numbers of strong, healthy individuals in a field setting.
Integrating foresight and evaluation: The example of ParEvo
Authors: Davies Rick J.
Published: August 2024

This paper aims to encourage connections between the fields of program evaluation and foresight practice by describing the use of a web application ParEvo as an example of how foresight methods can incorporate evaluative thinking. It begins by introducing the field of foresight practice, along with its differences and commonalities with that of evaluation. It then introduces ParEvo.org and its uses to date, along with a detailed description of how a ParEvo exercise is implemented. An overview is also given of how different types of evaluation activities are built throughout the implementation process. Attention is then focused on three different types of embedded theories of change, and how they can be evaluated. The paper concludes with two observations about the breadth and depth of evaluative thinking present in ParEvo processes and the supporting platform. Some limitations are also acknowledged, arising from the rich nature of the outputs generated and the decentralized nature of the design and operation of ParEvo exercises.
Multidimensional challenges of internationalization among universities in Southeast Asia: A scoping review of empirical evidence
Authors: Kanmodi Kehinde Kazeem , Salami Afeez Abolarinwa , Amzat Jimoh
Published: August 2024

Internationalization plays a crucial role in building the international competitiveness and profile of a university. However, the process of internationalization can be very challenging. The understanding of these challenges is very crucial for internationalization implementation and improvement. This scoping review aimed to map the existing empirical evidence on the peculiar challenges of internationalization among universities in Southeast Asia. This scoping review was conducted based on Arksey and O’Malley's methodological framework and it was reported using the PRISMA‐ScR checklist. Ten research databases were systematically searched to retrieve all literature relevant to the review question. The retrieved articles were deduplicated and screened based on the review's eligibility criteria, and only the eligible articles were included in the review. Thereafter, relevant data were charted, collated, and summarized from the included literature and presented as results. A total of 34 articles were included in this review. Most of them were qualitative studies (26/34) and from studies conducted in Malaysia (21/34). The reported internationalization challenges in these articles were multidimensional and ranged from the individual to governmental level; however, the most reported challenges were the ones at the individual level which include issues related to adjustment/coping, trust, limited personal resources, family, and essential survival needs. There are numerous challenges facing the implementation of internationalization among universities in Southeast Asia. More efforts need to be placed at all levels to improve the status quo.
Wood and Mint Aroma Interactions During Spirit Oak Cask Maturation: A Sensory Case Study
Authors: Nhouchi Zeineb , Lafleur Cassandre , Chalut Pauline , Vallet Nadine , Vivas Nicolas , Vivas Nathalie , Picard Magali
Published: August 2024

The aroma of fine matured spirits is typically complex, resulting from numerous reactions occurring during the production process and some developing during maturation in oak casks. The refreshing sensation brought by mint notes was often expected, even after years of maturation. The main challenge lies in achieving an aromatic balance characterised by the seamless integration of woody aromas while maintaining the initial distillate's freshness. The present study examines the sensory effects associated with the interactions between wood, mint and cold sensations in spirits. Nine spirit model solutions were prepared, representing different combinations of terpene ketones (imparting mint aroma) and wood compounds, each at three concentration levels. The quantitative composition of mint compounds simulated varying degrees of mintiness in the distillate (low, medium and high), while the concentrations of wood compounds mimicked three maturation periods (short, intermediate and long term) in wooden casks. Samples were sensorily analysed by discriminative (triangle test) and rate‐all‐that‐apply (RATA) methodologies. An increase in woody intensity was notably perceived in samples with a low‐mint profile and containing wood compounds associated with medium and long‐term maturation. However, no significant sensory differences were observed in mint and cold perception between model solutions regardless of the simulated maturation conditions, indicating a limited influence of the studied wood compounds on the sensation of freshness in spirits due to competitive perceptual interactions with terpene ketones.
Anticancer potential of decursin, decursinol angelate, and decursinol from Angelica gigas Nakai: A comprehensive review and future therapeutic prospects
Authors: Sestito Simona , Ibba Roberta , Riu Federico , Carpi Sara , Carta Antonio , Manera Clementina , Habtemariam Solomon , Yeskaliyeva Balakyz , Almarhoon Zainab M. , Sharifi‐Rad Javad , Rapposelli Simona
Published: August 2024

Many naturally derived compounds are currently used in oncotherapy. Besides official medicine, complementary and alternative medicine practices, including old herbal remedies, are widely used and accepted as additional tools in cancer treatment. Angelica gigas Nakai (AGN), a medicinal herb in Asia, has roots historically used in medicine. This review focuses on key bioactive compounds from AGN roots – decursin, decursinol angelate (DA), and decursinol (DOH). Exploring their source, biosynthesis, and therapeutic mechanisms, the review highlights their role in cancer treatment. Biotechnological strategies for enhanced production and semisynthetic derivatives with anticancer properties are discussed. The study emphasizes the promising pharmacological potential of decursin, DA, and DOH in various therapeutic applications, particularly cancer treatment. The review also underscores innovative approaches to increase production and explores semisynthetic derivatives as a promising avenue for future natural product‐based drug discovery. This concise overview provides valuable insights into the potential of AGN‐derived compounds in the field of natural product‐based therapeutics.
The role of radiotherapy in the treatment of sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma: A population‐based analysis
Authors: Zhao Xin , Pei Ziqi , Song Xiang , Jin Gang
Published: August 2024

Background

Sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC) is a rare, aggressive disease with ambiguous management and poor prognosis. This study aimed to evaluate the role of radiation therapy (RT) and explore the optimal treatment sequence.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of survival trends of 410 SNUC patients between 1973 and 2015.

Results

The 5‐year cancer‐specific survival (CSS) rate (45.1%) and overall survival (OS) rates (38.1%) were reported in the 84‐month median follow‐up. Radiotherapy was a prognosticator for improving CSS (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.425, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.299–0.603, p = 0.000) and OS (HR = 0.415, 95% CI: 0.303–0.570, p = 0.000), either with surgery (p = 0.000) or without surgery (p = 0.000). However, in a combined therapy of surgery and RT, preoperative and postoperative RT (5‐year OS rates were 47.1% and 45.6%, respectively, p = 0.486) were not significantly different.

Conclusions

Radiotherapy plays a key role in improving SNUC survival rates. No significant difference in survival rates was observed in preoperative and postoperative RT treatment.
Causes and investigation of stillbirths in Brazil: A multicentre cross‐sectional study in 10 referral maternity hospitals
Authors: Brasileiro Mariana , Metelus Sherly , Griggio Thayna B. , Vieira Matias C. , Dias Marcos A. B. , Leite Débora F. , da Cunha Filho Edson V. , Schreiner Lucas , Ramos José Geraldo L. , Haddad Samira M. , Osanan Gabriel , Mayrink Jussara , de Jesús Guilherme R. , Fernandes Karayna G. , Pasupathy Dharmintra , Cecatti José G. , Souza Renato T.
Published: August 2024

Objective

Understanding the local characteristics and statistics related to stillbirths may be the first step in a series of strategies associated with a reduction in stillbirth ratio. The aim of this study was to estimate the fetal mortality ratio and evaluate the investigation processes related to the causes of death, comparing the investigation according to the specific cause of death.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was retrospectively conducted in 10 tertiary obstetric care centers. Medical records of women with stillbirth managed between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2018 were analyzed and classified, according to sociodemographic characteristics, and gestational and childbirth data, culminating in stillbirth. The stillbirth ratio and its causes were presented in proportions for the study period and individually for each health facility.

Results

Cases of 3390 stillbirths were analyzed. The stillbirth ratio varied from 10.74/1000 live births (LBs) in 2009 to 9.31/1000 in 2018. “Intrauterine hypoxia and asphyxia” (ICD‐10 P20) and “unspecific causes of death” (ICD‐10 P95) represented 40.8% of the causes of death. Investigation for TORCHS and diabetes occurred in 90.8% and 61.4% of deaths, respectively. Placental and necroscopic tests were performed in 36.6% of the cases.

Conclusion

The adoption of a rational and standardized investigation of stillbirth remains an unmet need; the use of additional tests and examinations are lacking, especially when unspecific causes are attributed.
Paramedian access to the pelvis as a strategy in patients with bladder adhesions to the abdominal wall
Authors: Nieto‐Calvache Albaro José , Basanta Nicolas , Hussein Ahmed M. , Rivera‐Torres Luisa Fernanda , Palacios‐Jaraquemada José Miguel
Published: August 2024

Synopsis

In cases of dense bladder adhesions to the abdominal wall, the paramedian approach to the pelvis is an alternative to reduce the frequency of complications.
Splenic vein rupture in pregnancy: A case report and systematic review of the literature
Authors: Kane Daniel , Keaney John M. , Tunney Elizabeth , Daly Ronan , Doyle Emma , Conneely John B. , McCaul Conan , Geary Michael , Donnelly Jennifer , McCarthy Claire M.
Published: August 2024

Splenic vein aneurysm (SVA) rupture is a rare clinical entity, with few case reports detailing its occurrence during pregnancy. We describe a case of a SVA rupture and present a systematic review of the literature in relation to splenic vein rupture, with or without aneurysm. Our case was of a 30‐year‐old woman, Para 4 at 37 weeks' gestation who presented with significant abdominal pain and subsequent maternal collapse. Massive intra‐abdominal hemorrhage was identified, with splenic vessel rupture suspected. A splenectomy and partial pancreatectomy were performed along with massive blood product transfusion. There was both maternal and fetal survival with no long‐term sequelae at follow‐up. Histological examination of the spleen and its vessels noted a SVA rupture. In a subsequent systematic review of the literature, we identified 10 cases of splenic vein rupture with only two previously documented cases of SVA rupture in pregnancy. Maternal and fetal survival has only been reported in two cases of splenic vein rupture, with ours being a third.
ADT‐UNet: An Innovative Algorithm for Glioma Segmentation in MR Images
Authors: Zhipeng Liu , Jiawei Wu , Ye Jing , Bian Xuefeng , Qiwei Wu , Li Rui , Zhu Yinxing
Published: August 2024

The precise delineation of glioma tumors is of paramount importance for surgical and radiotherapy planning. Presently, the primary drawbacks associated with the manual segmentation approach are its laboriousness and inefficiency. In order to tackle these challenges, a deep learning‐based automatic segmentation technique was introduced to enhance the efficiency of the segmentation process. We proposed ADT‐UNet, an innovative algorithm for segmenting glioma tumors in MR images. ADT‐UNet leveraged attention‐dense blocks and Transformer as its foundational elements. It extended the U‐Net framework by incorporating the dense connection structure and attention mechanism. Additionally, a Transformer structure was introduced at the end of the encoder. Furthermore, a novel attention‐guided multi‐scale feature fusion module was integrated into the decoder. To enhance network stability during training, a loss function was devised that combines Dice loss and binary cross‐entropy loss, effectively guiding the network optimization process. On the test set, the DSC was 0.933, the IOU was 0.878, the PPV was 0.942, and the Sen was 0.938. Ablation experiments conclusively demonstrated that the inclusion of all the three proposed modules led to enhanced segmentation accuracy within the model. The most favorable outcomes were observed when all the three modules were employed simultaneously. The proposed methodology exhibited substantial competitiveness across various evaluation indices, with the three additional modules synergistically complementing each other to collectively enhance the segmentation accuracy of the model. Consequently, it is anticipated that this method will serve as a robust tool for assisting clinicians in auxiliary diagnosis and contribute to the advancement of medical intelligence technology.
Zinc phosphate glass microspheres promoted mineralization and expression of BMP2 in MC3T3‐E1 cells
Authors: Tang Tianyi , Kang Ping , Verisqa Fiona , Nguyen Linh , Knowles Jonathan C.
Published: August 2024

Degradable phosphate glasses have shown favorable properties for tissue engineering. By changing the composition of the glasses, the degradation rate, and ion release are controllable. Zinc oxide can function as a glass network modifier and has been shown to play a positive role in bone formation. Also, phosphate glasses can easily be processed into microspheres, which can be used as microcarriers. This study aims to develop zinc phosphate glasses microspheres and explore the optimized size and composition for applications in bone tissue engineering. Zinc–titanium–calcium–sodium phosphate glasses with 0, 1, 3, 5, or 10 mol % zinc oxide were prepared and processed into microspheres. The smaller microspheres ranged in size from 50 to 106 μm, while the larger ones ranged from 106 to 150 μm. The characteristics of glasses were examined. The osteoblastic cell line MC3T3‐E1 was cultured on the surface of microspheres and the cell viability was examined. To evaluate osteogenic differentiation, Alizarin Red S staining, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and western blot analysis were performed after 14 days. Different sizes of zinc phosphate glass microspheres were successfully made. The glass microspheres with <10 mol % zinc oxide were able to support the adhesion and proliferation of MC3T3‐E1 cell lines. The relative gene expression of BMP2 was significantly upregulated in the smaller glass microspheres containing 3 mol % zinc oxide (26‐fold, p < .001) and both sizes of microspheres containing 5 mol % zinc oxide (smaller: 27‐fold, p < .001; larger: 35‐fold, p < .001). Additionally, cluster formation was observed in glass microspheres after 14 days, and the mineralization of MC3T3‐E1 cell lines was promoted. Based on these findings, the glass microspheres containing 3–5 mol % of zinc oxide can promote osteogenic differentiation for MC3T3‐E1 cells.
けいれん発作を伴う意識障害の病態把握と診断の一助として脳血流イメージングMRI arterial spin labelingを用いた2症例の検討(Cerebral blood flow measurement by arterial spin labeling MRI for the diagnosis and pathophysiological examination of convulsive seizures with impaired consciousness: A report of two cases)
Authors: 修平 新山 , 有 平松 , 正典 中條 , 敬太 馬場 , 祐輝 久保 , 満仁 佐藤 , 泰之 垣花
Published: August 2024

近年，造影剤が不要で放射線被ばくもない脳灌流画像を得る方法としてASL（arterial spin labeling）というMRIシーケンスが救急の現場においても用いられるようになっている。今回我々は，けいれん発作を伴う意識障害の病態把握にASLを用いた2症例を経験した。症例1は80歳代の男性で，もともと大酒家であった。意識障害を伴うけいれん発作を認め，入院時には脳梗塞も鑑別に挙がったが，ASLでは頭頂葉から側頭葉および後頭葉にかけて高信号による灌流上昇の所見を認め，アルコール離脱に伴う急性症候性発作と診断した。症例2は70歳代の女性で，意識障害を伴う強直間代性けいれんを認めた。脳波では高振幅徐波が目立つものの，明らかな焦点は特定できなかった。ASLでは左側優位の頭頂葉および後頭葉に灌流上昇の所見があり，意識障害の改善に伴いASL所見も消失していた。脳波でも徐波はみられなくなっていたため，高齢発症の初回けいれん発作と診断した。ASLは，夜間休日実施が困難な脳波検査と異なり，脳の形態と血流分布を1回の検査で同時に評価でき，造影剤や被ばくを伴わずに繰り返して行うことができるという点で，救急領域では利便性の高い有用な検査法である。とくに虚血によるものか判断に迷う場合やけいれん発作において，他のMRIシークエンスや脳波，臨床所見と組み合わせることで，発作焦点の推定や経時的評価に有用と考えられる。
(+)‐Catechin attenuates CCI‐induced neuropathic pain in male rats by promoting the Nrf2 antioxidant pathway to inhibit ROS/TLR4/NF‐κB‐mediated activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome
Authors: Jing Bei , Chen Zhen‐ni , Si Wai‐mei , Zhao Jia‐ji , Zhao Guo‐ping , Zhang Di
Published: August 2024

The objective of this study was to investigate the potential mechanisms by which (+)‐catechin alleviates neuropathic pain. Thirty‐two male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into four groups: the sham group, the chronic constriction injury (CCI)group, the CCI+ ibuprofen group, and the CCI+ (+)‐catechin group. CCI surgery induces thermal hyperalgesia in rats and (+)‐catechin ameliorated CCI‐induced thermal hyperalgesia and repaired damaged sciatic nerve in rats. CCI decreased SOD levels in male rat spinal cord dorsal horn and promoted MDA production, induced oxidative stress by increasing NOX4 levels and decreasing antioxidant enzyme HO‐1 levels, and also increased protein levels of TLR4, p‐NF‐κB, NLRP3 inflammasome components, and IL‐1β. In contrast, (+)‐catechin reversed the above results. In i vitro experiments, (+)‐catechin reduced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in GMI‐R1 cells after LPS stimulation and attenuated the co‐expression of IBA‐1 and NLRP3. It also showed significant inhibition of the NF‐κB and NLRP3 inflammatory pathways and activation of the Nrf2‐mediated antioxidant system. Overall, these findings suggest that (+)‐catechin inhibits the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome through the triggering of the Nrf2‐induced antioxidant system, the inhibition of the TLR4/NF‐κB pathway, and the production of ROS to alleviate CCI‐induced neuropathic pain in male rats.
Stability of flucytosine 100 mg/mL suspension as an alternative to intravenous administration
Authors: Huang Pamela , Corallo Carmela , Chiang Cherie , Leong Yoke Chee , Tong Bianca
Published: August 2024

Background

Flucytosine is an antifungal agent used in combination with other medicines for the treatment of fungal infections. It was available as intravenous (IV), oral tablet, and capsule formulations up until October 2021, when the IV product, Ancotil, was discontinued with no alternative brands available.

Aim

This study aimed to formulate a suitable formulation with appropriate stability data for medium to long‐term nasogastric (NG) administration use.

Method

Flucytosine 500 mg tablets (Ancotil) were crushed and suspended in (1) Ora‐Plus (OP) + Ora‐Sweet (OS) and (2) Ora‐Blend (OB) to produce 100 mg/mL suspensions (n = 3 for each suspending base) that were stored at 2–8°C in amber glass bottles until assayed. Appearance, odour and pH, and the concentrations of flucytosine in the suspensions were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography on days 1, 8, and 15. A subjective assessment of the ease of suspension for NG administration via a size 10fr nasogastric tube (NGT) was also tested. Ethics approval was not required for this research article as it was a stability study and did not contain human participants or human data.

Results

One of the three OB suspension bottles demonstrated significant suspension clumping resulting in all OB suspensions being excluded from further analysis. There was no change in appearance, odour or pH with the OP + OS based flucytosine suspensions and they extruded easily through a size 10fr NGT with minimal force. The three OP + OS bottles of flucytosine suspension were stable (>98% at all timepoints assessed) for 15 days at 2–8°C when stored in amber glass bottles.

Conclusions

The OP + OS suspensions showed chemical stability for up to 15 days when stored under refrigerated conditions and protected from light, making this a suitable multidose enteral alternative to IV flucytosine.
Characterization and application of Bacillus velezensisD6 co‐producing α‐amylase and protease
Authors: Wang Zong‐Min , Wang Shuang , Bai Hua , Zhu Lan‐Lan , Yan Hong‐Bo , Peng Lin , Wang Yan‐Bo , Li He , Song Yue‐Dong , Liu Ji‐Zhou
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

Research on the co‐production of multiple enzymes by Bacillus velezensis as a novel species is still a topic that needs to be studied. This study aimed to investigate the fermentation characteristics of B. velezensis D6 co‐producing α‐amylase and protease and to explore their enzymatic properties and applications in fermentation.

RESULTS

The maximum co‐production of α‐amylase and protease reached 13.13 ± 0.72 and 2106.63 ± 64.42 U mL−1, respectively, under the optimal fermented conditions (nutrients: 20.0 g L−1 urea, 20.0 g L−1 glucose, 0.7 g L−1 MnCl2; incubation conditions: initial pH 7.0, temperature 41 °C, 8% inoculation size and 30% working volume). Moreover, the genetic co‐expression of α‐amylase and protease increased from 0 to 24 h and then decreased after 36 h at the transcriptional level, which coincided with the growth trend of B. velezensis D6. The optimal reaction temperature of α‐amylase was 55–60 °C, while that of protease was 35–40 °C. The activities of α‐amylase and protease were retained by over 80% after thermal treatment (90 °C, 1 h), which indicated that two enzymes co‐produced by B. velezensis D6 demonstrated excellent thermal stability. Moreover, the two enzymes were stable over a wide pH range (pH 4.0–8.0 for α‐amylase; pH 4.0–9.0 for protease). Finally, the degrees of hydrolysis of corn, rice, sorghum and soybeans by α‐amylase from B. velezensis D6 reached 44.95 ± 2.95%, 57.16 ± 2.75%, 52.53 ± 4.01% and 20.53 ± 2.42%, respectively, suggesting an excellent hydrolysis effect on starchy raw materials. The hydrolysis degrees of mackerel heads and soybeans by protease were 43.93 ± 2.19% and 26.38 ± 1.72%, respectively, which suggested that the protease from B. velezensis D6 preferentially hydrolyzed animal‐based protein.

CONCLUSION

This is a systematic study on the co‐production of α‐amylase and protease by B. velezensis D6, which is crucial in widening the understanding of this species co‐producing multi‐enzymes and in exploring its potential application. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Relevance of ineffective esophageal motility to striated esophageal muscle contraction: Studies with high‐resolution manometry
Authors: Hung Jui‐Sheng , Lei Wei‐Yi , Wong Ming‐Wun , Yi Chih‐Hsun , Liu Tso‐Tsai , Chen Chien‐Lin
Published: August 2024

Striated esophageal muscle contraction (SEC) is important for pharyngeal swallowing and deglutition augmentation against aspiration. Its clinical relevance is unclear in patients with ineffective esophageal motility (IEM). In this study, we aimed to characterize and compare SEC in consecutive patients with and without IEM. All eligible patients were evaluated for SEC, primary and secondary peristalsis using high‐resolution manometry (HRM) with one mid‐esophageal injection port. Primary peristalsis was assessed with 10 5‐mL liquid swallows and multiple rapid swallows (MRS), while secondary peristalsis was performed with rapid air injections of 20 mL. All peristatic parameters of HRM were measured, and SEC and its contractile integral (SECI) were evaluated. One hundred and forty patients (59.3% women, mean age 46.1 ± 13.1 years) were included. There was no difference in SECI between patients with and without IEM (p = 0.91). SECI was also similar between patients with and without secondary peristalsis for IEM (p = 0.63) or normal motility (p = 0.80). No difference in SECI was seen between patients with and without MRS for IEM (p = 0.55) or normal motility (p = 0.88). SECI was significantly higher in male patients than female patients in IEM patients (p = 0.01). SECI significantly correlated with age in patients with normal motility (r = −0.31, p = 0.01). Aging may have a negative impact on SEC in patients with normal motility, while gender difference in SECI occurs in IEM patients. Neither secondary peristalsis nor MRS influences SECI.
Biologically driven isotope fractionation in ultrastructurally different shell portions of freshwater pearl mussels (Margaritifera margaritifera): Implications for stream water δ18O reconstructions
Authors: Gey Christoph J. , Pfister Laurent , Türk Guilhem , Thielen Frankie , Leonard Loic , Schmitt Katharina E. , Schöne Bernd R.
Published: August 2024

Oxygen isotopes in stream water can serve as natural tracers of watershed dynamics. Freshwater pearl mussels provide δ18Owater estimates that overcome temporal and spatial limitations of instrumental records. The reliability of shell‐based δ18Owater reconstructions depends on understanding which shell layer biomineralizes closer to oxygen isotopic equilibrium with ambient water. To determine this, both the (outer) prismatic and (inner) nacreous sublayers of the outer shell layer were sampled. Over 2500 isotope values were obtained from shells collected from the Our River (Luxembourg) and from mussels cultured in tanks at constant temperature and monitored δ18Owater. Calculated δ18Owater from the prismatic portion was in excellent agreement with monitored δ18Owater, while δ18Oshell of the nacreous portion was systematically offset by +0.43‰, overestimating δ18Owater by +0.53‰. Although shell portions were formed simultaneously from the same extrapallial fluid, they underwent different fractionation mechanisms, presumably due to differences in carbonic anhydrase activity catalyzing mineralization processes.
Snapshot Polarized Light Scattering Spectrometric Fiberscopy for Early Cancer Detection
Authors: Tuniyazi Abudusalamu , Mu Tingkui , Jiang Xiaosa , Lang Xuechan , Li Qiuxia , Yu Haodong , Han Feng , Ban Jiang , Qin Bin
Published: August 2024

Polarized light scattering spectroscopy (PLSS) is a promising nondestructive method for early cancer detection through capturing single scattered light from the epithelium. A novel fiber‐based snapshot PLSS endoscopy capable of collecting single scattered light through a single optical path is introduced. In the endoscope, a simple combination of a fixed multiorder retarder followed by a fixed linear polarizer is proposed at the distal location of multimode fiber for encoding the scattered spectra for the first time. The encoded spectrum is recorded by a fiber spectrometer and subsequently decoded using a compressed sensing (CS) algorithm. The resulting Stokes spectrum S1 is used to iteratively invert the size of the epithelial nucleus for early cancer detection. As an alternative, the normalized spectrum S1 is directly weighted for early cancer identification, offering an innovative non‐iterative method for rapid diagnosis. A proof‐of‐concept prototype of the fiber‐based snapshot PLSS endoscope is built and its effectiveness is validated through experiments on both tissue physical models and ex vivo gastrointestinal samples.
Optimal control of variably distributed‐order time‐fractional diffusion equation: Analysis and computation
Authors: Zheng Xiangcheng , Liu Huan , Wang Hong , Guo Xu
Published: August 2024

Fractional diffusion equations exhibit competitive capabilities in modeling many challenging phenomena such as the anomalously diffusive transport and memory effects. We prove the well‐posedness and regularity of an optimal control of a variably distributed‐order fractional diffusion equation with pointwise constraints, where the distributed‐order operator accounts for, for example, the effect of uncertainties. We accordingly develop and analyze a fully‐discretized finite element approximation to the optimal control without any artificial regularity assumption of the true solution. Numerical experiments are also performed to substantiate the theoretical findings.
Comprehensive fertility preservation can be offered in a timely manner around gonadotoxic therapy in children and adolescents
Authors: McElhinney Kathryn L. , McLean Samantha K. , Zarnegar‐Lumley Sara , Laronda Monica M. , Rowell Erin E.
Published: August 2024

Background

Treatment for certain childhood cancers and nonmalignant conditions can lead to future infertility and gonadal failure. The risk of treatment delay must be considered when offering fertility preservation (FP) options. We examined the timeline from FP referral to return to treatment (RTT) in pediatric patients who underwent FP due to iatrogenic risk for infertility.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed of patients with FP consultation due to an increased risk of iatrogenic infertility at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago from 2018 to 2022. Data on diagnosis, age, treatment characteristics, and procedure were collected.

Results

A total of 337 patients (n = 149 with ovaries, n = 188 with testes) had an FP consultation. Of patients with ovaries, 106 (71.1%) underwent ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC), 10 (6.7%) completed ovarian stimulation/egg retrieval (OSER), and 33 (22.1%) declined FP. Of the patients with testes, 98 (52.1%) underwent testicular tissue cryopreservation (TTC), 48 (25.5%) completed sperm banking (SB), and 42 (22.3%) declined FP. Median time from referral to FP consultation was short (ovaries: 2 days, range: 0–6; testes: 1 day, range: 0–5). OSER had a significantly longer RTT versus OTC and no FP (52.5 vs.19.5 vs. 12 days, p = .01). SB had a significantly quicker RTT compared to TTC or no FP (9.0 vs. 21.0 vs. 13.5 days; p = .008). For patients who underwent OTC/TTC and those who declined FP, there was no significant difference in time from consultation to treatment.

Conclusions

It is feasible to promptly offer and complete FP with minimal delay to disease‐directed treatment.
Ecological integration of Vespa velutinaLepeletier, 1836 in South Korea: a comprehensive study of co‐occurrence and interaction patterns with native social wasps
Authors: Park Woong‐Bae , Do Yuno , Choi Moon Bo
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

The spread of Vespa velutina Lepeletier, 1836 (Asian hornet) in South Korea poses a threat to biodiversity and agriculture. Traditional species interaction models often fail to capture the complexity of invasive species dynamics. This study used association rule learning (ARL) and clustering analyses to explore the interactions of V. velutina with native Vespidae species in South Korea, with the aim of uncovering patterns of coexistence and competition.

RESULTS

Over 4 years (2020–2023), 304 traps were strategically placed across South Korea to collect data on Vespidae species. Our findings showed that Vespula flaviceps, Vespa crabro, and Vespula koreensis were the most frequently encountered species. V. velutina was also widespread, suggesting its successful integration into local ecosystems. The ARL analysis, using the ‘apriori’ algorithm, identified significant co‐occurrence patterns and potential interactions. The rules generated indicated both competitive and coexistent relationships with varying levels of association strength across different regions. Clustering analyses, including hierarchical and k‐means clustering, grouped species based on their occurrence similarities. The distinct clusters formed in the analysis highlighted the unique ecological roles and interactions of V. velutina and other Vespidae species in South Korean ecosystems.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms the successful establishment of V. velutina in diverse South Korean ecosystems and highlights its complex interactions with native species. These findings support the need for nuanced management strategies that consider the intricate ecological relationships of V. velutina. This approach is crucial for the effective management of invasive species and ecosystem conservation. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Clinical characteristics and anticoagulation patterns of patients with acute pulmonary thromboembolism and hemoptysis
Authors: Li Yiyao , Xue Peijun , Zhang Ting , Peng Min , Sun Xuefeng , Shi Juhong
Published: August 2024

Hemoptysis is a frequently encountered manifestation in cases of acute pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE), significantly impacting clinical decision‐making. Despite its clinical relevance, studies focusing on patients with acute PTE and hemoptysis are notably scarce. In this retrospective study, we examined data from hospitalized patients with acute PTE at Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) between January 2012 and October 2020. Among the 896 patients analyzed, 105 (11.7%) presented with hemoptysis. Patients with hemoptysis were younger, had higher RRs, and frequently reported chest pain, predominantly showing a negative sPESI score. A significant association with autoimmune diseases was observed (39.0% vs. 16.1%; p < 0.001), along with higher occurrences of pulmonary infections (29.5%), lung cancer (21.0%), and chronic heart failure (16.2%). Hemoptysis in PTE is multifactorial; 51.4% of cases were PTE‐related, with 85.2% experiencing mild hemoptysis. Among patients with disease‐related hemoptysis (13.3%), 90.9% with massive hemoptysis had underlying diseases, predominantly lung cancer. In 35.2% of cases, the cause of hemoptysis remained undetermined, with vasculitis accounting for 29.7%. Anticoagulation strategies varied with the severity of hemoptysis; 82.9% with mild and only 27.3% with massive hemoptysis received therapeutic‐dose anticoagulation. Multivariate analysis identified massive hemoptysis as the most significant determinant of anticoagulation decisions. Patients with massive hemoptysis had the poorest outcomes, with an in‐hospital mortality rate of 36.4% and 72.7% receiving reduced or no anticoagulation.
Bronchoscopic retrieval of an aspirated tooth following high‐speed motor vehicle accident
Authors: Azam Hamza , Wu Peter
Published: August 2024

Key message

A 28‐year‐old man aspirated a tooth into his right lower lobe bronchus following a high‐speed motor vehicle accident. Initial retrieval attempts failed with a flexible bronchoscope, but a cryoprobe successfully dislodged and retrieved the tooth. Cryoprobe should be considered for bronchoscopic foreign body removal when conventional methods are unsuccessful.