bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How do editors use editorials to lead their journals? Insights from the field of human resource management
Authors: Plakhotnik Maria S.
Published: December 2023

Editorials have earned a special place among many practices, tools, and policies available to editors for journal advancement. Despite the vital and diverse roles of editorials in academic journals, they have rarely been systematically analysed for common characteristics or patterns. In this study, I approached editorials as a leadership practice of journal editors. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to understand how editors use editorials to lead their journals. To render a manageable set of editorials and, at the same time, to capture the latest trends, I focused on editorials published in 2022 in top journals in the field of organizational behaviour/human resource management indexed by Scopus. The sample consisted of 120 editorials found in 103 journals managed by 21 publishers. I analysed the editorials using qualitative content analysis that was guided by two research questions: (1) How commonly do editors use editorials? (2) What objectives do editors pursue in their editorials? The analyses showed that editorials appear to be neither a regular nor a common practice. An overwhelming majority of editorials were written to validate existing knowledge. The findings raise several important issues, including an unclear contribution of editorials, perceived or factual, to academic journals and the editor's role in the journal development process. Journal editors, editorial board members, publishers, universities, and organizations associated with journals should consider revisiting their policies and practices to ensure a purposeful, meaningful, and systematic use of editorials.
Recent Advances in Engineering Carriers for siRNA Delivery
Authors: Yang Chengbin , Lin Zheng‐Ian , Zhang Xinmeng , Xu Zhourui , Xu Gaixia , Wang Yu‐Min , Tsai Tzu‐Hsien , Cheng Pei‐Wen , Law Wing‐Cheung , Yong Ken‐Tye , Chen Chih‐Kuang
Published: December 2023

RNA interference (RNAi) technology has been a promising treatment strategy for combating intractable diseases. However, the applications of RNAi in clinical are hampered by extracellular and intracellular barriers. To overcome these barriers, various siRNA delivery systems have been developed in the past two decades. The first approved RNAi therapeutic, Patisiran (ONPATTRO) using lipids as the carrier, for the treatment of amyloidosis is one of the most important milestones. This has greatly encouraged researchers to work on creating new functional siRNA carriers. In this review, the recent advances in siRNA carriers consisting of lipids, polymers, and polymer‐modified inorganic particles for cancer therapy are summarized. Representative examples are presented to show the structural design of the carriers in order to overcome the delivery hurdles associated with RNAi therapies. Finally, the existing challenges and future perspective for developing RNAi as a clinical modality will be discussed and proposed. It is believed that the addressed contributions in this review will promote the development of siRNA delivery systems for future clinical applications.
Probabilistic limit theorems induced by the zeros of polynomials
Authors: Heerten Nils , Sambale Holger , Thäle Christoph
Published: December 2023

Sequences of discrete random variables are studied whose probability generating functions are zero‐free in a sector of the complex plane around the positive real axis. Sharp bounds on the cumulants of all orders are stated, leading to Berry–Esseen bounds, moderate deviation results, concentration inequalities, and mod‐Gaussian convergence. In addition, an alternate proof of the cumulant bound with improved constants for a class of polynomials all of whose roots lie on the unit circle is provided. A variety of examples is discussed in detail.
Automated Quantification of Eye Tics Using Computer Vision and Deep Learning Techniques
Authors: Conelea Christine , Liang Hengyue , DuBois Megan , Raab Brittany , Kellman Mia , Wellen Brianna , Jacob Suma , Wang Sonya , Sun Ju , Lim Kelvin
Published: December 2023

Background

Tourette syndrome (TS) tics are typically quantified using “paper and pencil” rating scales that are susceptible to factors that adversely impact validity. Video‐based methods to more objectively quantify tics have been developed but are challenged by reliance on human raters and procedures that are resource intensive. Computer vision approaches that automate detection of atypical movements may be useful to apply to tic quantification.

Objective

The current proof‐of‐concept study applied a computer vision approach to train a supervised deep learning algorithm to detect eye tics in video, the most common tic type in patients with TS.

Methods

Videos (N = 54) of 11 adolescent patients with TS were rigorously coded by trained human raters to identify 1.5‐second clips depicting “eye tic events” (N = 1775) and “non‐tic events” (N = 3680). Clips were encoded into three‐dimensional facial landmarks. Supervised deep learning was applied to processed data using random split and disjoint split regimens to simulate model validity under different conditions.

Results

Area under receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.89 for the random split regimen, indicating high accuracy in the algorithm's ability to properly classify eye tic vs. non–eye tic movements. Area under receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.74 for the disjoint split regimen, suggesting that algorithm generalizability is more limited when trained on a small patient sample.

Conclusions

The algorithm was successful in detecting eye tics in unseen validation sets. Automated tic detection from video is a promising approach for tic quantification that may have future utility in TS screening, diagnostics, and treatment outcome measurement. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Metabolomics at the tumor microenvironment interface: Decoding cellular conversations
Authors: Berrell Naomi , Sadeghirad Habib , Blick Tony , Bidgood Charles , Leggatt Graham R. , O'Byrne Ken , Kulasinghe Arutha
Published: December 2023

Cancer heterogeneity remains a significant challenge for effective cancer treatments. Altered energetics is one of the hallmarks of cancer and influences tumor growth and drug resistance. Studies have shown that heterogeneity exists within the metabolic profile of tumors, and personalized‐combination therapy with relevant metabolic interventions could improve patient response. Metabolomic studies are identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets that have improved treatment response. The spatial location of elements in the tumor microenvironment are becoming increasingly important for understanding disease progression. The evolution of spatial metabolomics analysis now allows scientists to deeply understand how metabolite distribution contributes to cancer biology. Recently, these techniques have spatially resolved metabolite distribution to a subcellular level. It has been proposed that metabolite mapping could improve patient outcomes by improving precision medicine, enabling earlier diagnosis and intraoperatively identifying tumor margins. This review will discuss how altered metabolic pathways contribute to cancer progression and drug resistance and will explore the current capabilities of spatial metabolomics technologies and how these could be integrated into clinical practice to improve patient outcomes.
The c.386A>C p.(Asn129Thr) variant in SMAD4 is likely to be pathogenic, causing Juvenile Polyposis Syndrome. A case report of a mosaic variant
Authors: Valentín Fátima , de Tejada Alberto Herreros , Gonzaléz‐Vioque Emiliano , García‐Simón Natalia , Sánchez Antonio , Romero Atocha
Published: December 2023

Background

Juvenile Polyposis Syndrome (JPS) is a rare autosomal dominant hereditary disorder characterized by the development of multiple hamartomatous gastrointestinal polyps. Here, we present a case of JPS with a mosaic variant in SMAD4.

Methods

Exome sequencing TRIO analysis, using germline DNA from the biological mother and father along with the index case (IC).

Results

A 46‐year‐old male with no family history of cancer presented with chronic iron deficiency anemia and was diagnosed with massive gastric polyposis (≥100 polyps). At the age of 59, he underwent a total gastrectomy, revealing numerous polyps occupying the entire gastric mucosa, including a 5 cm gastric hyperplastic polyp with high‐grade dysplasia and focal adenocarcinoma. TRIO analysis identified the c.386A>C p.(Asn129Thr) variant in the SMAD4 gene at an allele frequency (AF) of 22%, suggesting its mosaic origin. Subsequently, the variant was found in heterozygosity in the IC's son, who exhibited two subcentimeter polyps in the colon and seven inflammatory gastric polyps with gastric inflammatory areas and hyperplasia, suggesting that the c.386A>C p.(Asn129Thr) variant in SMAD4 segregated with the phenotype.

Conclusion

Our study provides evidence supporting the classification of the c.386A>C p.(Asn129Thr) variant in SMAD4 as a likely pathogenic variant. This finding contributes to improved accuracy in the diagnosis and genetic counseling of JPS.
Ground states of weighted 4D biharmonic equations with exponential growth
Authors: Baraket Sami , Dridi Brahim , Jaidane Rached , Rădulescu Vicenţiu D.
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we are concerned with the existence of a ground state solution for a logarithmic weighted biharmonic equation under Dirichlet boundary conditions in the unit ball
of
. The reaction term of the equation is assumed to have exponential growth, in view of Adams' type inequalities. It is proved that there is a ground state solution using min‐max techniques and the Nehari method. The associated energy functional loses compactness at a certain level. An appropriate asymptotic condition allows us to bypass the non‐compactness levels of the functional.
Biallelic truncating TTN variants in M‐band encoding exons cause a fetal lethal titinopathy
Authors: Li Ming‐wei , Li Fan , Cheng Zhen‐xing , Cheng Jin , Wu Quan , Wang Zhi‐xin , Wang Fei , Zhou Ping
Published: December 2023

To report two novel TTN variants associated with fetal recessive titinopathy, thereby broadening the range of TTN variants that can lead to titinopathy. Clinical information on the fetus and parents was gathered, and genomic DNAs were extracted from the fetal tissue and family members' peripheral blood samples. Exome sequencing on fetal DNA was performed and following bioinformatics analysis, the suspected pathogenic variants were confirmed through Sanger sequencing. Prenatal ultrasound performed at 29 weeks of gestation revealed hydrops fetalis, decreased fetal movements, multiple joint contractures and polyhydramnios. Intrauterine fetal death was noted in the third trimester. Exome sequencing revealed compound heterozygous variants in the TTN gene: a paternally inherited allele c.101227C>T (p.Arg33743Ter) and a maternally inherited c.104254C>T (p.Gln34752Ter) allele. These variants have not been previously reported and are evaluated to be likely pathogenic according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines. We report a fetus with hydrops fetalis and arthrogryposis multiplex congenita associated with a compound heterozygote in the TTN gene. Our report broadens the clinical and genetic spectrum associated with the TTN‐related conditions.
Multicenter study evaluating target attainment of anti‐Factor Xa levels using various enoxaparin prophylactic dosing practices in adult trauma patients
Authors: Chanas Tyler , Gibson Gabrielle , Langenstroer Elizabeth , Herrmann David J. , Carver Thomas W. , Alexander Kaitlin , Chui Sai Ho Jason , Rein Lisa , Ha Michael , Maynard Kaylee M. , Bamberg Kristen , O'Keefe Mary , O'Brien Marisa , Gonzalez Mariela Cardona , Hobbs Brandon , Pajoumand Mehrnaz , Peppard William J.
Published: December 2023

Study Objective

Enoxaparin is standard of care for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in adult trauma patients, but fixed‐dose protocols are suboptimal. Dosing based on body mass index (BMI) or total body weight (TBW) improves target prophylactic anti‐Xa level attainment and reduces VTE rates. A novel strategy using estimated blood volume (EBV) may be more effective based on results of a single‐center study. This study compared BMI‐, TBW‐, EBV‐based, and hybrid enoxaparin dosing strategies at achieving target prophylactic anti‐Factor Xa (anti‐Xa) levels in trauma patients.

Design

Multicenter, retrospective review.

Data Source

Electronic health records from participating institutions.

Patients

Adult trauma patients who received enoxaparin twice daily for VTE prophylaxis and had at least one appropriately timed anti‐Xa level (collected 3 to 6 hours after the previous dose after three consecutive doses) from January 2017 through December 2020. Patients were excluded if the hospital‐specific dosing protocol was not followed or if they had thermal burns with > 20% body surface area involvement.

Intervention

Dosing strategy used to determine initial prophylactic dose of enoxaparin.

Measurements

The primary end point was percentage of patients with peak anti‐Xa levels within the target prophylactic range (0.2‐0.4 units/mL).

Main Results

Nine hospitals enrolled 742 unique patients. The most common dosing strategy was based on BMI (43.0%), followed by EBV (29.0%). Patients dosed using EBV had the highest percentage of target anti‐Xa levels (72.1%). Multiple logistic regression demonstrated EBV‐based dosing was significantly more likely to yield anti‐Xa levels at or above target compared to BMI‐based dosing (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.29‐5.62, p < 0.001). EBV‐based dosing was also more likely than hybrid dosing to yield an anti‐Xa level at or above target (aOR 2.30, 95% CI 1.33‐3.98, p = 0.003). Other pairwise comparisons between dosing strategy groups were nonsignificant.

Conclusions

An EBV‐based dosing strategy was associated with higher odds of achieving anti‐Xa level within target range for enoxaparin VTE prophylaxis compared to BMI‐based dosing and may be a preferred method for VTE prophylaxis in adult trauma patients.
Seasonal variations of gravity‐wave parameters over the northern and southern Tibetan plateau radiosonde observatory
Authors: Qian Tingting , Wei Junhong , Liu Ge , Wang Shuguang , Xue Haile , Zhang Qiang
Published: December 2023

Seasonal variations of gravity‐wave parameters over the northern and southern Tibetan Plateau are studied using high vertical‐resolution L‐band radiosonde data during the period 2014 to 2019. The wave parameters include wavelength, frequency, phase speed, group velocity, perturbation energies and momentum fluxes. The synoptic effects on the gravity‐wave parameters are discussed and assessed with the Pearson correlation. The tropospheric vertical wavelengths as estimated from the zonal wind perturbation were found to show a pronounced decrease over the southern Tibetan Plateau in the warm season. The tropospheric (stratospheric) horizontal wavelength is shortest (longest) in summer, and the stratospheric horizontal wavelength is longer than the tropospheric horizontal wavelength. The ratio of the intrinsic frequency to the Coriolis parameter is 2.5–5 (2–4.5) with a summer (winter) maximum in the troposphere (lower stratosphere). The ratio is generally higher in the north than in the south. The typical value of the mean tropospheric (stratospheric) intrinsic‐phase speed is 3.5–6 (2–11) m·s−1. The mean intrinsic‐phase speed in the south is mostly larger than that in the north. The tropospheric zonal ground‐based group velocities are dominantly eastward in all seasons. The stratospheric zonal ground‐based group velocity shifts from eastward in summer to westward in winter. In the troposphere, the seasonal cycles of the kinetic energy (KE) and potential energy (PE) exhibit regional differences. The tropospheric vertical fluctuation energy (VE) is independent of both season and region. The stratospheric KE, PE and VE are smaller in the warm season. The negative zonal momentum flux and positive meridional momentum flux are strongest in winter and summer.
Podocyte injury and death: New insights into lupus nephritis pathogenesis and therapy
Authors: Shi Xiaolei , Wang Zhipeng , Tang Ruihan , Chen Wei
Published: December 2023

Lupus nephritis (LN), an immune complex‐mediated glomerulonephritis, is one of the most severe complications of systemic lupus erythematosus. Current therapeutic regimens for LN mainly involve nonspecific immunosuppressants and biologics targeting immune cells, but these treatments are not always effective and some patients are nonresponsive and susceptible to recurrence. Podocytes are essential for maintaining the glomerular filtration barrier. Injury to and loss of podocytes lead to proteinuria, a hallmark of renal involvement and LN. Podocytes are, therefore, emerging as prospective therapeutic targets for LN. There are numerous mechanisms underlying podocyte malfunction in LN, with autophagy, mitochondrial dysregulation, and programmed cell death being the main processes behind podocyte loss. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding podocyte dysfunction in LN pathogenesis and discusses potential therapeutic interventions targeting podocytes in LN.
On‐column trace‐level formation of N‐nitrosamine in a liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analytical system
Authors: Wickens James R. , Dominey Andrew P.
Published: December 2023

A model reaction between di‐n‐butylamine and sodium nitrite was studied to investigate trace‐level N‐nitrosamine formation. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) analysis of kinetic time points from an in‐progress reaction showed a systematic offset in nitrosamine concentration between quenched and unquenched samples. By combining samples of amine and nitrite in the needle of the autosampler it was demonstrated that N‐nitrosamine was formed in the LC–MS system. Further experimentation indicated that nitrosation was occurring on‐column.
Toward Ultrahigh‐Rate Energy Storage of 3000 mV s−1 in Hollow Carbon: From Methodology to Surface‐to‐Bulk Synergy Insights
Authors: Sun Mingming , Guo Wei , Zhang Hepeng , Zhang Qiuyu
Published: December 2023

Despite great efforts on economical and functionalized carbon materials, their scalable applications are still restricted by the unsatisfying energy storage capability under high‐rate conditions. Herein, theoretical and methodological insights for surface‐to‐bulk engineering of multi‐heteroatom‐doped hollow porous carbon (HDPC) is presented, with subtly designed Zn(OH)F nanoarrays as the template. This fine‐tuned HDPC delivers an ultrahigh‐rate energy storage capability even at a scan rate of 3000 mV s−1 (fully charged within 0.34 s). It preserves a superior capacitance of 234 F g−1 at a super‐large current density of 100 A g−1 and showcases an ultralong cycling life without capacitance decay after 50 000 cycles. Through dynamic and theoretical analysis, the key role of in situ surface‐modified heteroatoms and defects in decreasing the K+‐adsorption/diffusion energy barrier is clarified, which cooperates with the porous conductive highways toward enhanced surface‐to‐bulk activity and kinetics. In situ Raman further aids in visualizing the reversibly dynamic adsorption/releasing of the electrolyte ions on the tailored carbon structure during the charge/discharge process. The potential of the design concept is further evidenced by the enhanced performances in water‐in‐salt electrolytes. This surface‐to‐bulk nanotechnology opens the path for developing high‐performance energy materials to better meet the practical requirements in future.
Memristor‐Based Bionic Tactile Devices: Opening the Door for Next‐Generation Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Yang Chuan , Wang Hongyan , Cao Zelin , Chen Xiaoliang , Zhou Guangdong , Zhao Hongbin , Wu Zhenhua , Zhao Yong , Sun Bai
Published: December 2023

Bioinspired tactile devices can effectively mimic and reproduce the functions of the human tactile system, presenting significant potential in the field of next‐generation wearable electronics. In particular, memristor‐based bionic tactile devices have attracted considerable attention due to their exceptional characteristics of high flexibility, low power consumption, and adaptability. These devices provide advanced wearability and high‐precision tactile sensing capabilities, thus emerging as an important research area within bioinspired electronics. This paper delves into the integration of memristors with other sensing and controlling systems and offers a comprehensive analysis of the recent research advancements in memristor‐based bionic tactile devices. These advancements incorporate artificial nociceptors and flexible electronic skin (e‐skin) into the category of bio‐inspired sensors equipped with capabilities for sensing, processing, and responding to stimuli, which are expected to catalyze revolutionary changes in human‐computer interaction. Finally, this review discusses the challenges faced by memristor‐based bionic tactile devices in terms of material selection, structural design, and sensor signal processing for the development of artificial intelligence. Additionally, it also outlines future research directions and application prospects of these devices, while proposing feasible solutions to address the identified challenges.
Blocking Metal Nanocluster Growth through Ligand Coordination and Subsequent Polymerization: The Case of Ruthenium Nanoclusters as Robust Hydrogen Evolution Electrocatalysts
Authors: Wang Xiaohong , Li DongXu , Dai Juguo , Xue Qian , Yang Chunying , Xia Long , Qi Xueqiang , Bao Bingtao , Yang Siyu , Xu Yiting , Yuan Conghui , Luo Weiang , Cabot Andreu , Dai Lizong
Published: December 2023

Metal nanoclusters providing maximized atomic surface exposure offer outstanding hydrogen evolution activities but their stability is compromised as they are prone to grow and agglomerate. Herein, a possibility of blocking metal ion diffusion at the core of cluster growth and aggregation to produce highly active Ru nanoclusters supported on an N, S co‐doped carbon matrix (Ru/NSC) is demonstrated. To stabilize the nanocluster dispersion, Ru species are initially coordinated through multiple Ru─N bonds with N‐rich 4′‐(4‐aminophenyl)‐2,2:6′,2′′‐terpyridine (TPY‐NH2) ligands that are subsequently polymerized using a Schiff base. After the pyrolysis of the hybrid composite, highly dispersed ultrafine Ru nanoclusters with an average size of 1.55 nm are obtained. The optimized Ru/NSC displays minimal overpotentials and high turnover frequencies, as well as robust durability both in alkaline and acidic electrolytes. Besides, outstanding mass activities of 3.85 A mg−1Ru at 50 mV, i.e., 16 fold higher than 20 wt.% Pt/C are reached. Density functional theory calculations rationalize the outstanding performance by revealing that the low d‐band center of Ru/NSC allows the desorption of *H intermediates, thereby enhancing the alkaline HER activity. Overall, this work provides a feasible approach to engineering cost‐effective and robust electrocatalysts based on carbon‐supported transition metal nanoclusters for future energy technologies.
Engineering Platelet Membrane‐Coated Bimetallic MOFs as Biodegradable Nanozymes for Efficient Antibacterial Therapy
Authors: Shi Qingying , Zhao Ye , Liu Meihan , Shi Feiyu , Chen Liuxing , Xu Xinru , Gao Jing , Zhao Huabing , Lu Fuping , Qin Yongji , Zhang Zhen , Lian Meiling
Published: December 2023

Nanocatalytic‐based wound therapeutics present a promising strategy for generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) to antipathogen to promote wound healing. However, the full clinical potential of these nanocatalysts is limited by their low reactivity, limited targeting ability, and poor biodegradability in the wound microenvironment. Herein, a bio‐organic nanozyme is developed by encapsulating a FeZn‐based bimetallic organic framework (MOF) (MIL‐88B‐Fe/Zn) in platelet membranes (PM@MIL‐88B‐Fe/Zn) for antimicrobial activity during wound healing. The introduction of Zn in MIL‐88B‐Fe/Zn modulates the electronic structure of Fe thus accelerating the catalytic kinetics of its peroxidase‐like activity to catalytically generate powerful ROS. The platelet membrane coating of MOF innovatively enhanced the interaction between nanoparticles and the biological environment, further developing bacterial‐targeted therapy with excellent antibacterial activity against both gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria. Furthermore, this nanozyme markedly suppressed the levels of inflammatory cytokines and promoted angiogenesis in vivo to effectively treat skin surface wounds and accelerate wound healing. PM@MIL‐88B‐Fe/Zn exhibited superior biodegradability, favourable metabolism and non‐toxic accumulation, eliminating concerns regarding side effects from long‐term exposure. The high catalytic reactivity, excellent targeting features, and biodegradability of these nanoenzymes developed in this study provide useful insights into the design and synthesis of nanocatalysts/nanozymes for practical biomedical applications.
Advances of LiCoO2 in Cathode of Aqueous Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Ma Hailing , Wang Fei , Shen Minghai , Tong Yao , Wang Hongxu , Hu Hanlin
Published: December 2023

Aqueous lithium‐ion batteries offer promising advantages such as low cost, enhanced safety, high rate capability, and the ability to deliver considerable capacity at 1.8 V, making them ideal candidates for large‐scale reserve power sources for renewable energy. However, the practical application of aqueous lithium‐ion batteries has been hindered by the poor cycle stability of layered cathode materials, including LiCoO2, in neutral aqueous electrolytes. This review examines the working principles, material limitations, and research progress of aqueous lithium‐ion batteries. The types and characteristics of materials used in the cathode of aqueous lithium‐ion batteries are summarized, with a primary focus on the attenuation mechanisms of LiCoO2 when used as the cathode material in aqueous electrolytes. Furthermore, this review explores the advancements in utilizing LiCoO2 in the cathode of aqueous lithium‐ion batteries, as well as the combination with machine learning. By addressing these critical aspects, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of aqueous lithium‐ion batteries and shed light on future development and application prospects.
Circuit Simulator Implementation of an Equivalent Circuit Model of Self‐Assembled Electret Vibrational Energy Harvesters Based on An Energy Diagram
Authors: Tokuno Kyosuke , Kinoshita Shohei , Kayaguchi Hideyuki , Kurihara Keisuke , Ishii Hisao , Tanaka Yuya , Yamane Daisuke
Published: December 2023

This paper reports an equivalent circuit model of self‐assembled electret (SAE) micro‐electro‐mechanical systems (MEMS) vibrational energy harvesters (VEHs). For the first time, a detailed equivalent circuit model of the SAE‐MEMS VEH has been implemented on a circuit simulator, considering the device energy diagram. The implemented equivalent circuit model allows analysis of the relationship between output current and SAE properties, device structures, and electrode materials. The validity of the model is confirmed by comparing the measurement and simulation results. Thus, the proposed model would be useful for the design of SAE‐MEMS VEHs. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Epidemiological and histopathological characteristics of thyroid carcinoma in a Tunisian health care center
Authors: Ben Thayer Maissa , Khanchel Fatma , Helal Imen , Chiboub Dorra , Raoueh Hedhli , Ben Brahim Ehsen , Jouini Raja , Chadli‐Debbiche Aschraf
Published: December 2023

Background

Thyroid carcinoma (TC) accounts for almost 0.5%–1% of total malignancies. Its incidence is increasing rapidly worldwide. Several studies have drawn up the epidemiological profile of TC and its clinical and pathological features. However, to date, no similar studies have been conducted in Tunisia.

Aims

To establish an epidemiological profile of TC in a Tunisian health care institute and to analyze its clinical and histopathological characteristics in our institute.

Materials and Methods

We present a retrospective study reviewing the cases of TC diagnosed in our institution in a 4‐year period.

Results

We collected a sample of 192 cases of TC. It consisted of 31 males and 161 females (83.8%) with a sex‐ratio M/F of 0.19. The mean age was 46.4 years. Papillary thyroid carcinoma was the most frequent histological subtype. The multifocality rate was 33.8%. The mean size of TC was 2.2 ± 1.9 cm. 60.9% of TC were staged pT1 and 20.3% had nodal involvement. Papillary thyroid microcarcinomas were noted in 37.5% of cases.

Conclusion

Our results were consistent with those of the literature. A high proportion of pT1 and pN0 tumors were noted in our series, suggesting that TC's diagnosis and management was performed at an early stage of the disease in our institution. In addition, our study enabled us to notice the impact of the Coronavirus disease 19 crisis on the management of TC in our institution. Further studies are needed to establish the epidemiological profile of TC in Tunisia and to assess its clinical and pathological features.
Standardizing process in acute biliary disease
Authors: Tranter‐Entwistle Isaac , Eglinton Tim , Connor Saxon
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The perioperative management of biliary disease (BD) is variable across institutions with suboptimal outcomes for patients and health care systems. This results in inefficient utilization of limited resources. The aim of the current study was to identify modifiable factors impacting patients' time to theater, intraoperative time, and time to discharge as the constituents of length of stay to guide creation of a perioperative management protocol to address this variability.

Methods

Data were prospectively captured at Christchurch Hospital for all adult patients presenting for cholecystectomy between May 2015 and May 2022. Pre, post, and intraoperative factors were assessed for their impact on time to theater, operative time, and postoperative hours to discharge.

Results

Four thousand five hundred seventy‐seven patients underwent cholecystectomy during the study period, of which 2807 (61%) were acute presentations and made up the cohort for analysis. Time to theater was significantly impacted by preoperative imaging type, while operative grade and the procedure type had the most clinically significant impact on operative time. Postoperatively time to discharge was significantly impacted by drain placement.

Conclusions

Standardizing management of BD would likely result in significant savings for the health care system and improved outcomes for patients. The data seen here evidence the importance of appropriate imaging selection, intraoperative difficulty operative grade identification, and low suction drain selection. These data have been incorporated in a perioperative management protocol as standardization of care across the patient workflow in BD is a sensible approach for ensuring optimal use of scarce resources.
Between High and Low Tide. Participatory Approaches to Managing England’s Coastal and Riverine Natural and Cultural Heritage: A Case Study from the CITiZAN Initiative
Authors: Hutchinson Oliver , Finneran Niall
Published: December 2023

The English coastline represents arguably the most extensive and diverse natural landscape in the country, drawing a wide range and number of visitors annually. Here we focus specifically on the intertidal zone, the part of the shore revealed before and after the high tide. This is an area of rich ecological diversity and also of important historical interest. The intertidal zone is not just associated with the sea, but also the tidal zones of rivers and their estuaries. In this chapter, we will be considering the impact of the recently completed Heritage Lottery Funded CITiZAN project (Coastal and Intertidal Zone Archaeological Network) and how it sought to engage communities in the recording of fragile cultural and natural heritage on Britain’s coasts. Although obviously having an archaeological focus, we argue that this project can act as a template for future sustainable inclusive and participatory approaches to managing coastal heritage, and not solely in the UK.
Vaginal temperature of lactating cows during heat waves or normal summer day and effect of additional daily cooling treatments as heat load mitigation strategy
Authors: Vitali A. , Grossi G. , Lacetera N.
Published: December 2023

The vaginal temperature (VT) of lactating Holstein cows was monitored in not heat wave (NHW) and in heat wave (HW) summer days. Temperature humidity index (THI) was monitored and assigned to four classes of heat load (HL): THI < 68 null; 68 < THI < 74 low; 74 < THI < 80 moderate; and THI > 80 high.

Five daily treatments consisting of continuous forced ventilation and sprayed water (1′ on follow by 5′ off) were assumed as control cooling protocol (CC) and compared with two experimental cooling protocols (EC) applied in the feed bunk and based on the CC plus two additional cooling treatments which lasted a total of 90′ (EC90) or 150′ (EC150) in the day.

Sixty lactating cows were enrolled in two summer trials carried out in NHW or HW. In each trial, 10 cows were cooled by CC, 10 by EC90 and 10 by EC150. Twenty additional cows were monitored in a fall trail to have reference value of THI and VT under thermoneutral conditions (TN). Each trial lasted 72 h, and measurements of VT were carried out by intra-vaginal data loggers.

The 33% of observed THI was within the high class of HL during HW, whereas THI never exceeded the upper threshold of moderate or low class of HL in NHW and TN, respectively.

Multiparous and high yielding cows were more sensitive to HL, and the increased daily cooling treatments reduced heat load during hot conditions. However, during heat waves a certain degree of hyperthermia occurred even with intensive cooling management based on seven daily treatments.
Comparison of three-dimensional soft tissue changes according to the split pattern after sagittal split osteotomy in patients with skeletal class III malocclusion
Authors: Yazaki Mai , Aihara Tomoki , Okamoto Daigo , Saito Shizu , Suzuki Hikari , Nogami Shinnosuke , Yamauchi Kensuke
Published: December 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to analyse the changes in soft tissue and hard tissue stability associated with the split pattern, i.e. long split (LS) or short split (SS), after sagittal split osteotomy.

Materials and methods

Patients who underwent sagittal split ramus osteotomy were classified into LS or SS groups according to postoperative computed tomography images. They were examined via lateral cephalography and three-dimensional (3D) optical scanning before surgery (T0) and 1 (T1), 3 (T2), and 12 (T3) months after surgery. Six standard angles (SNA, SNB, ANB, FMA, FMIA, and IMPA) were used as measures of hard tissue change. The two sets of 3D data were superimposed, and the volumetric differences were calculated as the soft tissue change. The areas evaluated were delimited by 10 × 20-mm rectangles in the frontal aspect and a 25 × 25-mm square in the lateral aspect.

Results

A total of 42 sides (26 patients) were analysed, including 20 (16 patients) in the SS group and 22 (16 patients) in the LS group. We found no significant differences in cephalographic angle or soft tissue changes in the frontal aspect between the SS and LS groups. We found significant differences in the subauricular region from T0–T1 (p = 0.02), T0–T2 (p = 0.03), and T0–T3 (p = 0.037) in terms of soft tissue changes in the lateral aspect. The volume increase associated with posterior mandibular movement was greater in the LS group.

Conclusions

We found that LS patients with mandibular prognathism exhibited increased subauricular volumes following mandibular setback.

Clinical relevance

It is essential to predict the postoperative facial profile before surgery. The split pattern after sagittal split osteotomy affects the postoperative profile of patients with mandibular prognathism.
A Deep Learning Application for Building Damage Assessment Using Ultra-High-Resolution Remote Sensing Imagery in Turkey Earthquake
Authors: Xia Haobin , Wu Jianjun , Yao Jiaqi , Zhu Hong , Gong Adu , Yang Jianhua , Hu Liuru , Mo Fan
Published: December 2023

Rapid building damage assessment following an earthquake is important for humanitarian relief and disaster emergency responses. In February 2023, two magnitude-7.8 earthquakes struck Turkey in quick succession, impacting over 30 major cities across nearly 300 km. A quick and comprehensive understanding of the distribution of building damage is essential for efficiently deploying rescue forces during critical rescue periods. This article presents the training of a two-stage convolutional neural network called BDANet that integrated image features captured before and after the disaster to evaluate the extent of building damage in Islahiye. Based on high-resolution remote sensing data from WorldView2, BDANet used pre-disaster imagery to extract building outlines; the image features before and after the disaster were then combined to conduct building damage assessment. We optimized these results to improve the accuracy of building edges and analyzed the damage to each building, and used population distribution information to estimate the population count and urgency of rescue at different disaster levels. The results indicate that the building area in the Islahiye region was 156.92 ha, with an affected area of 26.60 ha. Severely damaged buildings accounted for 15.67% of the total building area in the affected areas. WorldPop population distribution data indicated approximately 253, 297, and 1,246 people in the collapsed, severely damaged, and lightly damaged areas, respectively. Accuracy verification showed that the BDANet model exhibited good performance in handling high-resolution images and can be used to directly assess building damage and provide rapid information for rescue operations in future disasters using model weights.
Review and assessment of the German tidal energy resource
Authors: Korte Alexander , Windt Christian , Goseberg Nils
Published: December 2023

To mitigate climate change, a transformation of the energy sector towards a low-emission power generation is necessary. Tidal energy technology has matured in recent years and has the potential to balance Europe’s future power grid. While reviews of the tidal energy resource exist for a number of European countries, along the German North Sea coast is overlooked so far. This paper closes this gap and provides a comprehensive review and assessment of the German tidal energy resource. Germany’s North Sea coast is characterised by comparatively low current velocities and shallow waters. Using available data from the EasyGSH-DB North Sea Model, Germany’s practical tidal energy resource is estimated in a range between 66.6 and 565.8 GWh y$$^{-1}$$

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to, excluding the most energetic sites in the estuaries of Elbe, Weser, and Ems. A stakeholder questionnaire aimed at tidal energy technology developers has shown that it is considered important to further develop the technology towards the use in shallow water and under low current velocities.
Sink-traps are a major source for carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae transmission
Authors: Regev-Yochay Gili , Margalit Ili , Smollan Gillian , Rapaport Rotem , Tal Ilana , Hanage William P. , Pinas Zade Nani , Jaber Hanaa , Taylor Bradford P. , Che You , Rahav Galia , Zimlichman Eyal , Keller Nati
Published: December 2023

Objective:

We studied the extent of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) sink contamination and transmission to patients in a nonoutbreak setting.

Methods:

During 2017–2019, 592 patient-room sinks were sampled in 34 departments. Patient weekly rectal swab CPE surveillance was universally performed. Repeated sink sampling was conducted in 9 departments. Isolates from patients and sinks were characterized using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and pairs of high resemblance were sequenced by Oxford Nanopore and Illumina. Hybrid assembly was used to fully assemble plasmids, which are shared between paired isolates.

Results:

In total, 144 (24%) of 592 CPE-contaminated sinks were detected in 25 of 34 departments. Repeated sampling (n = 7,123) revealed that 52%–100% were contaminated at least once during the sampling period. Persistent contamination for >1 year by a dominant strain was common. During the study period, 318 patients acquired CPE. The most common species were Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Enterobacter spp. In 127 (40%) patients, a contaminated sink was the suspected source of CPE acquisition. For 20 cases with an identical sink-patient strain, temporal relation suggested sink-to-patient transmission. Hybrid assembly of specific sink-patient isolates revealed that shared plasmids were structurally identical, and SNP differences between shared pairs, along with signatures for potential recombination events, suggests recent sharing of the plasmids.

Conclusions:

CPE-contaminated sinks are an important source of transmission to patients. Although traditionally person-to-person transmission has been considered the main route of CPE transmission, these data suggest a change in paradigm that may influence strategies of preventing CPE dissemination.
Fruits and vegetable consumption, and its association with hypertension among women in Ghana: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Okyere Joshua , Ayebeng Castro , Owusu Bernard Afriyie , Dickson Kwamena Sekyi
Published: December 2023

Objective:

This study aimed to examine the association between fruit and vegetable consumption (FVC) and the risk of hypertension among women in Ghana.

Design:

Data from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey were used. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed using Stata version 14. The study reports the adjusted OR (AOR) and CI.

Setting:

Ghana

Participants:

A total sample of 4168 women was used in the analysis.

Results:

Among women who met the WHO’s recommended intake of FVC, 13·1 % had hypertension. The intake of the recommended servings of fruit and vegetables was not significantly associated with hypertension. However, the likelihood of being hypertensive was significantly associated with increasing age (AOR = 6·1; 95 % CI = 4·29, 8·73), being married (AOR = 1·7; 95 % CI = 1·14, 2·57) or formerly married (AOR = 2·3; 95 % CI = 1·44, 3·70), and being overweight (AOR = 1·6; 95 % CI = 1·24, 2·07) or obese (AOR = 2·4; 95 % CI = 1·82, 3·20).

Conclusion:

The study concludes that there is no significant association between FVC and hypertension risk among women in Ghana. While this study did not find a significant association between FVC and hypertension risk among women in Ghana, it underscores the point that other multifaceted factors influence hypertension risk. As such, public health campaigns should emphasise a balanced and holistic approach to promoting cardiovascular health, including factors beyond FVC. The findings also highlight the need to target high-risk populations (i.e. older women, married and formerly married women, and overweight or obese women) with hypertension prevention education and related interventions.
Non–target site mechanisms of cross-resistance evolution to florpyrauxifen-benzyl in 2,4-D–resistant Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri)
Authors: Hwang Jeong-In , Norsworthy Jason K. , Barber L. Tom , Butts Thomas R.
Published: December 2023

The evolution of herbicide resistance in weeds can reduce the herbicide’s efficacy, depleting crop yield and quality. Our group previously confirmed 2,4-D resistance in three Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson) populations (R1 to R3). In the current study, the first filial (F1) seeds of 2,4-D–resistant populations were subjected to screening tests for resistance to other auxin-mimicking herbicides, florpyrauxifen-benzyl (FPB; 30 g ai ha−1) and dicamba (560 g ae ha−1). Dicamba killed all resistant populations. FPB provided 100% control of only the R3 population. Sensitivities to FPB were reduced by 2 and 35 percentage points in R1 and R2 populations, respectively. Pretreatment with malathion increased FPB sensitivity by 15 percentage points in the R2 population. FPB resistance characterization and mechanism were evaluated using a purified line of the R2 population (F2). The FPB sensitivity was 29-fold lower in the F2 line than in the susceptible (S) standard. Absorption, translocation, and total metabolism of FPB were similar for S and R2 populations. However, less florpyrauxifen-acid (FPA) was detected in the R2 population (17.0% to 25.4%) than in the S population (22.8% to 33.2%), due to its rapid metabolism and/or reduced production with resistance evolution. Because the results of the non–target site resistance mechanism evaluation observed in this study were insufficient to account for the 29-fold reduced sensitivity of the R2 population to FPB, further genetic studies are needed to investigate the presence of target-site resistance in that population.
Light partitioning strategies impact relative fitness of weeds and cover crops when drill-interseeding in corn
Authors: Wallace John M. , Mazzone Tosh , Pelzer Christopher , Ryan Matthew R. , Wayman Sandra
Published: December 2023

Drill-interseeding cover crops into corn (Zea mays L.) is an emerging establishment method in northern U.S. production regions. However, cover crop performance in interseeded systems remains variable, and creating environments that are conducive to cover crop but not weed growth is challenging. Cultural practices that partition resources between corn and interseeded cover crops have potential to improve performance if weeds are adequately managed. This study evaluated interactions among corn hybrids differing in leaf architecture (upright, pendulum), corn row spacing (76 cm, 152 cm), and interseeding timing (V3, V6) on light transmittance, relative fitness of cover crop species (cereal rye [Secale cereale L.], annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam), red clover [Trifolium pratense L.]) and weeds, and corn grain yield at three U.S. Northeast locations. Results showed that light transmittance through the corn canopy was greater in 152-cm row spacing compared with 76-cm row spacing at the V6 growth stage, with the magnitude of difference increasing at the V10 corn growth stage. Corn hybrids had a marginal effect on light transmittance. The effect of row spacing and interseeding timing on fall cover crop biomass varied across cover crop species and locations. In 76-cm rows, interseeding earlier (V3) increased cover crop biomass production. The relative fitness of cover crops was greater than that of weeds in each combination of cultural practices that included narrow spacing (76 cm), whereas the relative fitness of weeds was greater than that of cover crops when interseeding in wide rows (152 cm). The effect of row spacing on corn yield varied among locations, with higher yields observed in 76-cm row spacing compared with 152-cm at two of three locations. Our results show that interseeding early (V3) on 76-cm row spacing can balance cover crop and corn production management goals, while placing cover crops at a relative fitness advantage over weeds.