bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Habitat suitability and distribution patterns of Rouget's rail (Rougetius rougetii Guérin‐méneville, 1843) in Ethiopia
Authors: Argaw Hailu Tilahun , Bekele Afework , Atickem Anagaw , Stenseth Nils Chr. , Tsegaye Diress , Bogale Bezawork Afework
Published: September 2024

Geographical distribution and diversity patterns of bird species are influenced by climate change. The Rouget's rail (Rougetius rougetii) is a ground‐dwelling endemic bird species distributed in Ethiopia and Eritrea. It is a near‐threatened species menaced by habitat loss, one of the main causes of population declines for bird species. The increasing effects of climate change may further threaten the species’ survival. So far, the spatial distribution of this species is not fully documented. With this study, we develop current potential suitable habitat and predict the future habitat shift of R. rougetii based on environmental data such as bioclimatic variables, population density, vegetation cover, and elevation using 10 algorithms. We evaluated the importance of environmental factors in shaping the bird's distribution and how it shifts under climate change scenarios. We used 182 records of R. rougetii from Ethiopia and nine bioclimatic, population density, vegetation cover, and elevation variables to run the 10 model algorithms. Among 10 algorithms, eight were selected for ensembling models according to their predictive abilities. The current suitable habitats for R. rougetii were predicted to cover an area of about 82,000 km2 despite being highly fragmented. The model suggested that temperature seasonality (bio4), elevation, and mean daily air temperatures of the driest quarter (bio9) contributed the most to delimiting suitable areas for this species. R. rougetii is sensitive to climate change associated with elevation, which leads shrinking distribution of suitable areas. The projected spatial and temporal pattern of habitat loss of R. rougetii suggests the importance of climate change mitigation and implementing long‐term conservation and management strategies for this threatened endemic bird species.
Match workload and international travel associated with (ACL) injuries in professional women's football
Authors: den Hollander Steve , Culvin Alex , Kerkhoffs Gino , Gouttebarge Vincent
Published: September 2024

Women's football has grown in popularity, competitiveness and professionalism, increasing the demands placed on players and their injury risk. This study aimed to identify differences in the match workload and international travel between injured and non‐injured professional women's footballers. The study was conducted as an observational, retrospective, case‐control study over two football seasons (2021/2022 and 2022/2023) in four top‐tier European women's football leagues. Fifty‐eight professional women football players (81 injuries) formed the injury group and were matched with 81 elite women football players (162 non‐injuries), from the same league, to form the control group. For each injury, cumulative match workload (minutes played, appearances, days between matches, rest) and international travel (distances, time, time zones crossed) were calculated over a 28‐day period preceding the injury, for both the injured players and matched controls. The injured group had a higher number of instances of less than 5 days between matches compared to the controls (p = 0.03, effect size = 0.3, small). The anterior cruciate ligament injury group made more appearances (p = 0.09, effect size = 0.8, moderate), had more instances of less than 5 days between matches (p = 0.09, effect size = 0.8, moderate) and had less rest time (p = 0.12, effect size = 0.8, moderate) than the control group. No meaningful differences were observed between the hamstring injury group and the control group. These findings underscore the importance of careful consideration when developing match fixture schedules in elite women's football, particularly concerning the number of matches scheduled in a short period. Strategies to increase rest and recovery are recommended to safeguard players against injuries.
Assessing the Electrochemical Performance of a Novel Low‐Cost Screen‐Printed Electrode Based on Apis mellifera Beeswax Modified with Vulcan@Chitosan Used for Acetominophen Detection
Authors: Gallina Fernando C. , Oliveira Igor G. S. , da Silva Adriana C. , de Carvalho Adriana E. , Barros Willyam R. P.
Published: September 2024

The present work reports the development of a highly sensitive electrochemical platform, constructed using screen printed electrode based on Apis mellifera beeswax (SPWE) – employed as substrate, and its application for acetaminophen (AC) detection. The sensor was produced using graphite ink and varnish glass solubilized in acetone. The SPWE was modified with a dispersion of chitosan (0.5% m/v) − functionalized Vulcan XC72R carbon black (Vulcan@Chitosan). Electrochemical characterization was performed using cyclic voltammetry (−0.7 to +0.8 V vs. pseudo‐graphite) and chronoamperometry in 0.1 mol L−1 KCl in the presence of 1.0 mmol L−1 [Fe(CN)6]3−/[Fe(CN)6]4−. Through the application of differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) using 0.1 mol L−1 PBS at pH 6.5, the proposed SPWE/Vulcan@Chitosan sensor was found to exhibit significant improvements in current response relative to the AC electrochemical detection. The sensor exhibited linear dynamic range of 0.05 to 4.0 μmol L−1 (n= 3), with R2= 0.992 and theorical LOD of 0.013 μmol L−1 (RSD= 3.80%). The AC detection was conducted in real matrices of river water, synthetic urine and synthetic saliva using the DPV technique yielded a mean recovery rate of 103% (RSD= 3.52%), exhibiting a high degree of accuracy. The SPWE/Vulcan@Chitosan electrochemical platform demonstrated high stability, good reproducibility and satisfactory repeatability; the current responses were not affected by the reutilization of the beeswax substrate for the production of new electrode. The findings of this study show that the proposed modified electrode is a simple, low‐cost sensing device which has proven to be highly efficient when applied for the AC detection in different matrices.
Effect of soil hydrological conditions on rainfall erosion on coastal saline soil slopes
Authors: Tang Shengqiang , She Dongli , Lv Haishen , Wang Hongde , Sun Xiaoqin
Published: September 2024

Soil erosion on bare slopes in coastal reclamation areas reduces the efficiency of water conservation projects and poses a threat to the water environment in saline tidal flats. Slope shape and soil hydrological conditions are affected by severe soil detachment and rapid sedimentation processes during rainfall, which in turn influence soil erosion processes. In this study, the influences of slope gradient, slope length, initial soil water content and groundwater depth on slope erosion processes of saline sodic soils were investigated through simulated rainfall experiments. We found that the effect of slope gradient on soil loss varied with slope length. For the long‐slope treatments with the same total length of initially air‐dried soil (AD), the unit width sediment yield rate (Rs) significantly (p = 0.05) increased with increasing slope gradient from 30° to 60°. For the short‐slope treatments with different total lengths, opposite trends were observed for the runoff rate and Rs variation with increasing gradient. The Rs values of the slopes with initially saturated surface soil (SS) and a groundwater depth of 0.8 m (GW) were significantly (p = 0.05) greater than that under the AD treatment. On the 60° SS treatment slopes and 45° and 60° GW treatment slopes, soil erosion induced distinct collapse failure and altered the original slope shape, yielding lower gradients and larger lengths, which significantly (p = 0.05) increased Rs in turn. Canonical correlation analysis (CCA) revealed that 71.6% of the variance in the set of dependent variables (sediment yield and runoff) could be explained by the first pair of canonical variables, which mainly represented slope topography factors, and 12.1% of the variance could be explained by the second pair, which mainly represented soil hydrological conditions. The conclusions of this study could provide a theoretical foundation for slope protection in coastal reclamation areas.
The Solid‐State Battery Applicational Technology: Material Characteristics and Charge–Discharge Mechanisms of Iron Chloride Electrodes
Authors: Chen Zhi‐Yue , Hung Fei‐Yi , Chang Kai‐Chieh
Published: September 2024

This study delves into the unique characteristics of an iron chloride cathode with a solid‐state electrolyte (SSE) and the construction of a button cell battery (BT cell) for its evaluation. The iron ions in this system can provide either divalent or trivalent ions, which possess a higher electrical capacity (~200 mAh/g) and competitive advantages. The solid‐state electrolyte materials, iron compounds (chloride, oxide), exhibit high activation in electrochemistry. After the cycle test, the ferric chloride electrolyte transforms into another iron hydroxide compound due to its high activation. The study examines iron, ferric oxide (Fe2O3), and ferrous chloride (FeCl2) as cathode materials and evaluates their impact on the battery. Cyclic voltammetry compares the potential and current values of the redox reactions among the three. Finally, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) explores the ferric chloride layer and iron hydroxide in ferrous chloride. The study focuses on the high electrochemical activity of the iron chloride layer and explores the crystal structure and composition for electrochemical analysis. The findings of this study are crucial for understanding the potential of iron‐ion batteries and the role of iron compounds in improving battery performance.
The impact of the size of the energy deficit on the rate of body weight in 6 months and willingness to continue reduction program conducted online–An intervention study
Authors: Woźniak Jakub , Woźniak Katarzyna , Pajtel Kornelia , Wrzosek Michał , Włodarek Dariusz
Published: September 2024

Overweight and obesity are among the most serious public health problems, making new methods for their prevention, as well as treatment, constantly being sought. This study was designed as a 6 month intervention study. The main objective was to evaluate the effect of an energy deficit (10%, 20%, and 25%—groups D10, D20, and D25, respectively) on the rate of weight loss and waist and hip circumferences. The protocol was completed by 180 participants. Men as well as women comprised 90 patients each. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 30.5 ± 5.0 kg/m2 (min 21.3–max 49.2). Among the patients, there were 86 with a BMI indicating overweight. Fifty‐four patients had class 1 obesity, while the remaining 30 patients had class 2 or greater obesity. After 6 months of intervention, the D10 group noted a 7.6% (median) reduction in weight, the D20 group a 9.9% (median) reduction in weight, and the D25 group a 10.3% (median) reduction in weight. After the intervention, 51.7% of patients chose to continue further weight reduction already outside the research protocol. Key factors influencing the willingness to stay on the diet longer than 6 months were higher baseline body weight and/or higher BMI and a rate of weight loss of at least 1.5% of body weight per month. In summary, it appears that a larger energy deficit (on the order of 20%–25%) is most appropriate in terms of weight loss lasting 6 months and motivation for continued therapy.
The impact of long‐term care insurance on the utilization of inpatient service: Evidence and mechanisms in China
Authors: Han Xiao , Wang Hanyang , Du Xia
Published: September 2024

This paper empirically investigates the impact of public long‐term care insurance (LTCI) on the utilization of inpatient services and associated expenditures among disabled Chinese individuals, using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study from 2011 to 2018. Employing a staggered difference‐in‐difference approach within a propensity score matching framework (PSM‐DID), the study finds that the introduction of LTCI significantly reduces the likelihood of inpatient service usage by 4.2%, the annual number of inpatient admissions by 10.2%, the annual inpatient cost by 16.2%, the out‐of‐pocket expenses by 20.7%, and the reimbursement expenditure by the public medical insurer by 9.9%. The study further explores the mechanisms underlying these effects and identifies that the Substitution Effect, where care services in community healthcare centers and nursing homes replace hospitalizations, outweighs the Income Effect generated by LTCI benefits. By leveraging the quasi‐natural experimental setting of diverse LTCI policies across cities, the study also examines the heterogeneous impacts of LTCI based on household income, eligibility criteria, and reimbursement methods. The findings underscore the positive role of LTCI in controlling medical expenses and alleviating congestion in urban hospitals, offering valuable insights for promoting “Healthy Aging”.
SNHG14 promotes triple‐negative breast cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and chemoresistance by regulating the ERK/MAPK signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Bin , Xing Ai‐Yan , Li Guang‐Xin , Liu Long , Xing Chungen
Published: September 2024

The functional role and molecular mechanisms of small‐nucleolar RNA host gene 14 (SNHG14) in triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) progression remain unclear. The expression levels of SNHG14 in breast cancer samples and cell lines were determined using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities were detected using MTS and transwell assays. By RNA sequencing, differentially expressed genes were identified between the SNHG14 siRNA and the negative control group. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses were used to predict the targets and pathways regulated by SNHG14. pRAF, pMEK, and pERK expression were measured by western blot. The xenograft model was constructed to access the biological function of SNHG14 in vivo. A minimal patient‐derived xenograft model was established to evaluate the sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs. Our data indicated that SNHG14 expression was increased in TNBC tissues and cell lines. SNHG14 knockdown attenuated the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of TNBC cells both in vivo and in vitro. High SNHG14 expression was associated with lymph node metastasis and a high Ki67 index. The targets of SNHG14 were mainly enriched in the MAPK signaling pathway. pRAF, pMEK, and pERK expression were downregulated after being transfected with SNHG14 siRNA. Compared with the negative control group, the expression of CACNA1I, DUSP8, FGF17, FGFR4, FOS, PDGFRB, and DDIT3 was increased, and the expression of MKNK1 was decreased in the SNHG14 siRNA group. Minimal patient‐derived xenograft model demonstrated that knockdown of SNHG14 enhanced the sensitivity to Docetaxel in vivo. Compared with the DMSO group, the proliferation of Docetaxel‐resistant MDA‐MB‐231 cells was decreased in Dabrafenib, PD184352, and FR180204 treatment groups. SNHG14 knockdown inhibits TNBC progression by regulating the ERK/MAPK signaling pathway, which provides evidence for SNHG14 as a potential target for TNBC therapy.
Three‐Dimensionally Printed Biphasic Calcium Phosphate Ceramic Substrates as the Sole Inducer of Osteogenic Differentiation in Stromal Vascular Fraction Cells
Authors: Brochet Louis , Thomann Céline , Chocarro‐Wrona Carlos , Abawi Ariana , Nolens Grégory , Marquette Christophe , Dufour Alexandre
Published: September 2024

The stromal vascular fraction (SVF) is a derivate of fat tissue comprising both adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells and endothelial cells and serves as a promising cell source for engineering vascularized bone tissues. Its combination with osteoconductive biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) ceramic may represent a point‐of‐care agent for bone reconstruction. Here we assessed the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation capacities of SVF on 3D printed BCP implants, in comparison with isolated adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD‐MSCs). AD‐MSCs and SVF isolated from human donors were seeded on plastic or 3D printed BCP ceramics with sinusoidal or gyroid macrotopography and cultured in the presence or absence of osteogenic factors. Vascular, hematopoietic and MSC surface markers were assessed by flow cytometry whereas osteogenic activity was investigated through alizarin red staining and alkaline phosphatase activity. Osteogenic factors were necessary to trigger osteogenic activity when cells were cultured on plastic, without significant difference observed between the two cell populations. Interestingly, osteogenic activity was observed on BCP implants in the absence of differentiation factors, without significant difference in level activity between the two cell populations and macrotopography. This study offers supportive data for the use of combined BCP scaffolds with SVF in a perspective of a one‐step surgical procedure for bone regeneration.
5‐Fluorouracil treatment represses pseudouridine‐containing miRNA export into extracellular vesicles
Authors: Qu Shimian , Nelson Hannah M. , Liu Xiao , Wang Yu , Semler Elizabeth M. , Michell Danielle L. , Massick Clark , Franklin Jeffrey L. , Karijolich John , Weaver Alissa M. , Coffey Robert J. , Liu Qi , Vickers Kasey C. , Patton James G.
Published: September 2024

5‐Fluorouracil (5‐FU) has been used for chemotherapy for colorectal and other cancers for over 50 years. The prevailing view of its mechanism of action is inhibition of thymidine synthase leading to defects in DNA replication and repair. However, 5‐FU is also incorporated into RNA causing defects in RNA metabolism, inhibition of pseudouridine modification, and altered ribosome function. We examined the impact of 5‐FU on post‐transcriptional small RNA modifications (PTxMs) and the expression and export of RNA into small extracellular vesicles (sEVs). EVs are secreted by all cells and contain a variety of proteins and RNAs that can function in cell‐cell communication. We found that treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells with 5‐FU represses sEV export of miRNA and snRNA‐derived RNAs, but promotes export of snoRNA‐derived RNAs. Strikingly, 5‐FU treatment significantly decreased the levels of pseudouridine on both cellular and sEV small RNA profiles. In contrast, 5‐FU exposure led to increased levels of cellular small RNAs containing a variety of methyl‐modified bases. These unexpected findings show that 5‐FU exposure leads to altered RNA expression, base modification, and aberrant trafficking and localization of small RNAs.
The genetic analysis of eight families with hemophilia B in Mongolia: Identification of two novel mutation
Authors: Munkhuu Purevdorj , Bazarragchaa Munkhtsetseg , Ichinkhorloo Purevdorj , Yoo Ki‐Young , Ayush Enkh‐Amar , Batjargal Ochbadrakh , Namjil Erdenebayar , Jav Sarantuya , Purevdorj Erkhembulgan , Lkhagvasuren Sodnomtsogt
Published: September 2024

Background

This study aimed to conduct molecular diagnostics among individuals with hemophilia B (HB) and carriers of hemophilia in Mongolia.

Methods

Eight patients (six severe, two mild) with HB and their 12 female relatives were enrolled from eight families. Sanger sequence was performed for mutation identification. The questionnaire survey was conducted to evaluate carrier symptoms in female relatives.

Results

Two families had a history of HB. A total of five different variants (c.223C > T; c.344A > G; c.464G > C; c.187_188del; and c.1314_1314delA) were identified in six patients with severe HB. Of these, two (c.187_188del and c.1314_1314delA) were novel. No variant in the entire F9 was found in two patients with mild HB. Nonsense c.223C > T (p.Arg75*) mutation was detected in two unrelated patients. Carrier testing identified five mothers as carriers, while one younger sister was a non‐carrier. The carrier status of six female relatives of the two mild patients remained undetermined. By questionnaire survey, only one of the five genetically identified carriers displayed noticeable symptoms of being a carrier.

Conclusion

The novel variants c.187_188del and c.1314_1314delA can cause severe hemophilia B. This study did not observe a significant association between symptoms and carrier status in the five carriers.
Development and external validation of a novel modality for rapid recognition of aortic dissection based on peripheral pulse oximetry waveforms
Authors: Luo Jing‐chao , Zhang Yi‐jie , Niu Ying , Luo Ming‐hao , Sun Feng , Tu Guo‐wei , Chen Zhao , Zhou Si‐ying , Gu Guo‐rong , Cheng Xu‐feng , Zhao Yu‐wei , Zhou Wan‐ting , Luo Zhe
Published: September 2024

Background

Aortic dissection (AD) is a life‐threatening cardiovascular emergency that is often misdiagnosed as other chest pain conditions. Physiologically, AD may cause abnormalities in peripheral blood flow, which can be detected using pulse oximetry waveforms.

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the feasibility of identifying AD based on pulse oximetry waveforms and to highlight the key waveform features that play a crucial role in this diagnostic method.

Methods

This prospective study employed high‐risk chest pain cohorts from two emergency departments. The initial cohort was enriched with AD patients (n = 258, 47% AD) for model development, while the second cohort consisted of chest pain patients awaiting angiography (n = 71, 25% AD) and was used for external validation. Pulse oximetry waveforms from the four extremities were collected for each patient. After data preprocessing, a recognition model based on the random forest algorithm was trained using patients' gender, age, and waveform difference features extracted from the pulse oximetry waveforms. The performance of the model was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and decision curve analysis (DCA). The importance of features was also assessed using Shapley Value and Gini importance.

Results

The model demonstrated strong performance in identifying AD in both the training and external validation sets. In the training set, the model achieved an area under the ROC curve of 0.979 (95% CI: 0.961–0.990), sensitivity of 0.918 (95% CI: 0.873–0.955), specificity of 0.949 (95% CI: 0.912–0.985), and accuracy of 0.933 (95% CI: 0.904–0.959). In the external validation set, the model attained an area under the ROC curve of 0.855 (95% CI: 0.720–0.965), sensitivity of 0.889 (95% CI: 0.722–1.000), specificity of 0.698 (95% CI: 0.566–0.812), and accuracy of 0.794 (95% CI: 0.672–0.878). Decision curve analysis (DCA) further showed that the model provided a substantial net benefit for identifying AD. The median mean and median variance of the four limbs' signals were the most influential features in the recognition model.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the feasibility and strong performance of identifying AD based on peripheral pulse oximetry waveforms in high‐risk chest pain populations in the emergency setting. The findings also provided valuable insights for future human fluid dynamics simulations to elucidate the impact of AD on blood flow in greater detail.
A new nomogram for the evaluation of detrusor underactivity and bladder outlet obstruction in nonneurogenic female patients with lower urinary tract symptoms who undergo urodynamic studies
Authors: Barco‐Castillo Catalina , Sotelo Perilla Melida , Rangel Amaya Jaime , Castaño Juan Carlos
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Micturition physiology differs in men and women. However, the results in standard urodynamic studies in women with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) were extrapolated from studies in men. Nowadays, the only validated nomogram for females is Solomon–Greenwell's. However, it only evaluated bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) without considering detrusor underactivity (DU). This study aims to create a nomogram that includes an evaluation of DU and BOO in nonneurogenic women and validate it against videourodynamic studies along with other nomograms.

Materials and Methods

For the first analysis (creation cohort), we included 183 women with LUTS who underwent videourodynamic study between 2022 and 2023. Exclusion criteria were females with neurologic diseases, renal transplantation, and trouble performing the flow‐pressure study. Baseline characteristics of the patients, urodynamic parameters, and classifications on different nomograms and indexes were evaluated. A logistic regression found Qmax and PdetQmax as predictors for DU and BOO. The Barco–Castillo nomogram was created by clustering analysis and adjusted by the results of the logistic regression. A second (test) cohort was evaluated from 2023 to 2024, including 142 patients for the validation of the nomogram. A p < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

All urodynamic parameters were compared between both cohorts, with no significant differences. The median age of the creation cohort was 50 years old (interquartile range [IQR] 39–63). All patients had LUTS and a previous standard urodynamic study without a clear diagnosis. The cluster analysis had a p < 0.05 for two groups of BOO (yes/no) and two of DU (yes/no). We created the graph based on the logistic regression results and adjusted it according to the data. The median age of the test cohort was 44 years old (IQR 33.75–59) and had the same indication for the videourodynamic study. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for BOO showed an accuracy of 85.4% for Barco–Castillo nomogram, 68.5% for Blaivas–Groutz, 58.1% for Solomon–Greenwell, 57.1% for BOOI, and 50% for LinPURR. For DU, accuracy was 80.5% for PIP‐1, 80.2% for Barco–Castillo, 76.6% for BCI, and 70.1% for LinPURR.

Conclusions

When evaluating women's urodynamic studies, it is important to focus on female physiology and discourage the use of parameters previously standardized in men. We encourage using the new Barco–Castillo nomogram to determine BOO and DU in women as the currently easiest and more accurate tool.
Assessment of cognitive–motor functions in adults with perceived neuropsychological problems using NIH toolbox after remote biofield energy treatment as non‐pharmacological intervention: A randomized double‐blind placebo controlled trial
Authors: Trivedi Mahendra Kumar , Branton Alice , Trivedi Dahryn , Mondal Sambhu , Jana Snehasis
Published: September 2024

Non‐pharmacological interventions include physical activity, biofield energy therapy, reiki, Tai chi, and therapeutic touch. However, no reports analyzed the effectiveness of biofield therapy on cognition and motor function performance in adult subjects. The study aimed to investigate the impact of remote biofield energy healing therapy on cognition and motor functioning in adults with self‐perceived neuropsychological impairments. This was a randomized double‐blind clinical trial that involved 114 participants with self‐perceived neuropsychological impairments. The participants were divided into three groups (control, sham control, and biofield intervention). Cognitive and motor function scores were assessed using the NIH Toolbox at baseline (day 0), day 90, and day 180. The biofield treatment group showed significant improvements in language function (p < 0.0001), working memory (p < 0.0001), and episodic memory (p < 0.0001) scores. Other cognitive functions also improved, although not statistically significant. The biofield intervention group also demonstrated significant enhancements (p < 0.05 to p < 0.0001) in locomotion, standing balance, dexterity, grip strength, and muscle endurance. No adverse effects were reported. The results suggest that remote biofield energy therapy is a safe, noninvasive intervention that improves cognitive and motor functions in adults. Further research is needed to understand its clinical benefits.
Violence and sharp force trauma in Nusaybin/Girnavaz Mound/Türkiye Late Roman–Early Islamic human remains
Authors: Köroğlu Tolga , Erol Ayla Sevim , Ocak Mert , Orhan Kaan
Published: September 2024

Girnavaz Mound (Höyük), located in modern Türkiye, was studied between 1982 and 1991. The mound, inhabited from the Late Uruk Period to the Neo‐Assyrian Period, was later abandoned and repurposed as a cemetery during the Late Roman–Early Islamic Period. Anthropological studies on skeletons from this cemetery analyzed 148 individuals from this period, revealing notable trauma in five individuals. This study examines the skeletal remains of four individuals with perimortem sharp force trauma and one individual with an in situ arrowhead injury. Macroscopic and CT analyses indicated that both perimortem and antemortem trauma were intentional. The skull and body bones of four individuals displayed incision trauma likely inflicted by sword‐like cutting weapons, suggesting murder and decapitation, possibly as a form of execution. One individual had an arrowhead lodged in the tibia, indicating the person lived for some time with the injury and was buried with the arrowhead. This study aims to infer the period's political conflicts and cultural structures based on the trauma evidence. The findings suggest that the observed trauma may be linked to massacres and murders resulting from regional conflicts. This study offers exemplary insights into the mechanics and analysis of sharp force and perimortem trauma. Additionally, it sheds light on the social and historical context of the period.
Outcomes of proton therapy to infradiaphragmatic sites in pediatric patients with Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Jiang Cecilia , Kim Michele , Han Xiaoyan , Chelius Monica , Hoover Travis , Kersun Leslie , Reilly Anne F. , Hubbeling Harper , Cummings Elizabeth , Kurtz Goldie , Hill‐Kayser Christine , Plastaras John P. , LaRiviere Michael J.
Published: September 2024

Background

Proton therapy (PT) has potential advantages in pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma (pHL). However, there are limited data on PT, specifically to infradiaphragmatic targets. We report on PT planning details, doses achieved to organs at risk (OARs), and clinical and toxicity outcomes for patients with pHL who received PT to infradiaphragmatic regions.

Methods

This is a retrospective study including patients treated between 2011 and 2022. Demographic and clinical factors were collected, and toxicity was reported using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 5.0. Dosimetric and clinical factors associated with key outcomes were assessed via Cox regression. Photon plans were generated for all patients, and the paired t‐tests or Wilcoxon signed rank sum tests were used for dosimetric comparisons.

Results

Twenty‐one patients comprising 22 PT courses were included. Median follow‐up was 5.0 years, and mean age was 14.2 years. Median dose was 21 Gray equivalent (GyE) over 14 fractions. Top acute grade 1 (G1) toxicities included fatigue (59%) and anorexia (36%). Rates of acute G2 and G3+ toxicity were 18% and 0%, respectively. After PT, no local or marginal failures occurred. Five percent experienced disease progression, who were all successfully salvaged, and all patients were alive and disease‐free at last follow‐up. No secondary malignancies developed. Compared to photon radiotherapy, PT achieved significantly lower doses to the bowels, stomach, spleen, pancreatic tail, liver, kidneys, and pelvic bones.

Conclusions

PT is well‐tolerated and leads to excellent oncologic and toxicity outcomes with long‐term follow‐up. PT confers dosimetric advantages when compared to photons.
Pylorus‐preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy with superior mesenteric vein resection and reconstruction in a child with recurrent hepatoblastoma after liver transplantation
Authors: Ziogas Ioannis A. , Gosain Ankush , Schulick Richard D. , Roach Jonathan P. , Del Chiaro Marco
Published: September 2024

Pancreaticoduodenectomy with vascular reconstruction is rarely performed in children. We present a 3‐year‐old male with stage IV hepatoblastoma and pre‐treatment extent of disease (PRETEXT) stage III with tumor into the portal vein and superior mesenteric vein (SMV), and with brain and lung metastases status post chemotherapy and stereotactic radiosurgery to left frontal brain lesion. He then underwent deceased donor liver transplant with Roux‐en‐Y hepaticojejunostomy complicated by two recurrences to bilateral lungs treated with wedge resections. His course lastly involved a third hepatoblastoma recurrence to the SMV that was managed with pylorus‐preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy with SMV resection and reconstruction.
Influence of alumina and PMMA on mechanical properties and aging behavior of 3D printed PLA composites: A comparative study
Authors: Nallamuthu Ramasamy , Thirugnanasamabandam Arunkumar , Kadirgama Kumaran , Chong William , Thangamani Geethapriyan , Alarifi Abdullah
Published: September 2024

This study intends to investigate the mechanical, thermal, and aging behaviors of 3D‐printed PLA (polylactic acid)‐blend with 10% polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and 10% alumina polymer composites for biomedical applications using compressive, DSC, and DMA analysis. The experimental results revealed that aged PLA blend with alumina samples increased compressive strength by 60.1% and 37.8% during hydrolytic and enzymatic degradation, respectively, compared to aged PLA samples. Also, it was reported that the PLA blend with PMMA samples increased compressive strength by 51.1% and 24% after hydrolytic and enzymatic degradation, respectively, as compared to aged PLA samples. Furthermore, DSC analysis revealed that alumina blended samples had a higher Tg than pure PLA and PMMA blended samples. In addition, DMA investigation revealed that the Tg of aged neat PLA, PLA/PMMA, and PLA/alumina increased by 4.38%, 4.8%, and 4.6%, respectively, compared to unaged polymer composites. Additionally, PLA/alumina‐aged samples exhibited stronger aging properties than neat PLA and PLA/PMMA blended‐aged samples. It was reported that the weight loss of PLA/Alumina was lowered by 10.7% and 15.6% compared to aged PLA/PMMA samples, for hydrolytic and enzymatic aging respectively. It was found that PLA alumina has better mechanical, thermal, and degradation resistance than PLA materials.

Highlights

Alumina and PMMA materials were blended with PLA.

Examined the aging and mechanical properties of PLA blended composites.

Utilized hydrolytic and enzymatic aging for biomedical applications.

Evaluated mechanical strength performance of aged and unaged samples.

DSC and DMA were utlised for this research.
Performance and safety of volume guarantee ventilation in neonates using the fabian ventilator, a multicenter study
Authors: Molnar Zoltan , van Leuteren Ruud W. , Wilińka Maria , Szczapa Tomasz , Hutten Jeroen , Gupta Amit , Piwowarczyk Pawel , Wróblewska‐Seniuk Katarzyna , Chojnacka Karolina , van Kaam Anton H. , Belteki Gusztav
Published: September 2024

Objective

To evaluate the performance (i.e., agreement between set and measured parameters) and safety (adverse events, device malfunctions, and ventilator alarms) of the fabian HFOi neonatal ventilator in volume guaranteed (VG) mode during conventional ventilation. To analyze the impact of leakage around the endotracheal tube and the set maximum allowed inflating pressure (Pmax).

Design

Prospective multicenter observational study.

Methods

Clinical and ventilator data were collected from 71 infants receiving VG ventilation for ≥12 h in four neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Ventilator settings, parameters, and alarms were downloaded with 0.5 Hz sampling rate.

Results

Data from 4,341 h of ventilation were analyzed. The median (interquartile range, IQR) of the absolute difference between the target and measured expired tidal volume was 0.76 (0.51–1.16) mL/kg. It was less when leak was <50% (median 0.36, IQR: 0.25–0.64 mL/kg, p < .001) and even less when the required peak inflating pressure (PIP) was also below Pmax (median: 0.09 mL/kg, IQR: 0.00–0.16 mL/kg, p < .001). On NICUs setting Pmax higher, tidal volume was maintained significantly closer to target. In 56 patients VG was continued until extubation. Two ventilator malfunctions were reported, none of them resulting in patient harm. “Tidal volume not reached” alarm occurred 32 times hourly, usually lasting for <10 s.

Conclusion

The fabian HFOi ventilator maintains tidal volume close to its target, particularly when leak is <50% and when PIP is below Pmax. In most patients VG can be continued until extubation. Despite frequent ventilator alarms, ventilator malfunctions occur very rarely.
Oral Health in Tanzania: Unmasking Its Neglected Dimension
Authors: Edward Majani , Agyapong Daniel , Paul Innocent Kitandu , Idris Ibrahim , Boris Gbassara Koulagna , Kengo Nathan Ezie , Kpiebaya Emelia Azeyele , Musa Shuaibu Saidu , Lucero‐Prisno Don Eliseo
Published: September 2024

The World Health Organization's definition of oral health underscores its holistic nature encompassing physiological, psychosocial, and functional dimensions. The current estimates of oral diseases in Tanzania and around the world underscore the urgency of intervention, particularly in light of rising sugar consumption trends. The unique challenges facing Tanzania, including inadequate knowledge, limited infrastructure, and disparities in oral healthcare access, are analyzed within the broader context of sub‐Saharan Africa's health priorities. This article addresses the multifaceted challenges of oral health neglect in Tanzania, emphasizing the imperative need for a comprehensive and integrated approach. The discussion offers a detailed exploration of determinants contributing to oral health neglect, spanning socioeconomic, behavioral, and commercial factors, with a focus on their implications for Tanzanian communities. Recommendations are presented as a strategic roadmap, encompassing public health education, integrated healthcare services, government intervention, educational programs, community engagement, financial accessibility, and research initiatives. By synthesizing these recommendations into a cohesive framework, a proactive and collaborative approach to mitigate the consequences of oral health neglect in Tanzania, emphasizing the need for transformative policies and cultural sensitivity, is therefore envisioned.
Mitochondrial STED Imaging and Membrane Potential Monitoring with a Cationic Molecular Probe
Authors: Gao Lu , Dalapati Rana , Gao Beibei , Huang Xiaoyu , Zhao Dan , Wang Fu , Zang Ling
Published: September 2024

Mitochondria are essential organelles that not only undergo dynamic morphological changes but also exhibit functional activities such as mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). While super‐resolution techniques such as stimulated emission depletion (STED) nanoscopy can visualize the ultrastructure of mitochondria and the MMP probe can monitor mitochondria function, few dyes meet both demands. Here, a small molecule (MitoPDI‐90) based on perylene diimide with cationic groups is reported and used for mitochondrial STED imaging and MMP indication. Characterized by excellent photostability, biocompatibility, and high quantum yield, MitoPDI‐90 exhibits STED imaging compatibility, facilitating visualization of mitochondrial cristae and time‐lapse imaging of highly dynamic mitochondria in living cells. Besides, MitoPDI‐90 targets the mitochondria through electrical potential, also enabling live‐cell MMP monitoring. MitoPDI‐90 allows for super‐resolution visualization and time‐lapse imaging of mitochondria, and more importantly, indication of changes in MMP, providing insight into the functional activity of live‐cell mitochondria.
A Facile Low Prevacuum Treatment to Enhance the Durability of Nonfullerene Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Samir Mohamed , Sacramento Angel , Almora Osbel , Pallarès Josep , Marsal Lluis F.
Published: September 2024

Herein, a straightforward vacuum‐assisted method is introduced to enhance the stability of nonfullerene organic solar cells (OSCs). The method, termed “prevacuum” involves subjecting the active layer (D18:Y6) to a low‐pressure vacuum (−1 bar) before thermal annealing at 100 °C. Compared to untreated devices, prevacuum‐treated OSCs exhibit a notable increase in power conversion efficiency from 13.71% to 14.90%. This enhancement is attributed to improved light absorption and charge extraction, as evidenced by external quantum efficiency measurements. Moreover, prevacuum treatment significantly improves device stability under operational conditions, with a 30% power loss occurring after 8.25 h compared to 4.5 h for untreated devices. This improvement is attributed to the removal of volatile components and impurities during the vacuum process, leading to a more hydrophobic and stable active layer. The study demonstrates the efficacy of prevacuum treatment as a simple and accessible method for enhancing the performance and longevity of OSCs, paving the way for their broader application in sustainable energy technologies.
Sonographic and magnetic resonance imaging findings in post‐traumatic median nerve neuroma: A case report
Authors: Atik Irfan , Apalan Deniz , Atik Seda , Gul Enes
Published: September 2024

Nerves are frequently damaged in cases of blunt or penetrating injuries to the limbs. Post‐traumatic neuromas arising from peripheral nerves are formations that emerge after nerve injury, potentially leading to swollen and agonizing nerve terminations upon severance. Post‐traumatic neuromas commonly appear as irregular, non‐cancerous nodules formed due to injury‐induced damage. The most common clinical symptom is neuralgic pain significantly the patient's quality of life. The main peripheral nerve abnormalities that lead to a referral for imaging are benign peripheral nerve tumors such as schwannoma, neurofibroma, and traumatic pathologies. This case report discusses a 35‐year‐old woman who presented with a neuroma in her wrist months after a laceration and trauma, with typical imaging findings on sonographic and magnetic resonance imaging.
Static Thermochemical Model of MIDREX: Genetic Algorithm Validation and Green Ironmaking with Hydrogen and Coke Oven Gas Injection
Authors: Yadav Sunil , Srishilan C. , Shukla Ajay Kumar
Published: September 2024

This work presents the development and validation of a static thermochemical model for predicting process parameters in the MIDREX shaft furnace, a method used for producing direct reduced iron from lump ore and pellets. Industrial plant data is used to validate the model. Furthermore, the model is utilized to analyze the process based on different parameters. Genetic algorithm (GA) is used to estimate the critical parameters of the process (like reaction factors and extent of reactions) and validate the model with industrial data. Further investigations are conducted to assess the possibility of replacing the reformer gas (bustle gas) with hydrogen and coke oven gas (COG) to make the process greener and almost free from carbon emissions, using a systematic approach of overall heat balance, using already developed coupled thermodynamics and kinetics‐based model, and further using those data to estimate the reaction factors and extent of reactions using GA to be used in the static model. The results demonstrate the feasibility of replacing hydrogen and COG without much adverse effect on the process outcomes; however, this results in better metallization and reduced carbon footprint of the process effectively.
Reversed‐Phase Analytical Method for Enantioselective Analysis of Ormeloxifene Hydrochloride: Application to Bulk Drug and Quality Control Analysis
Authors: Sanap Sachin Nashik , Agrawal Sristi , Bisen Amol Chhatrapati , Mishra Anjali , Verma Sarvesh Kumar , Akhtar Tahseen , Haq W. , Kumar Atul , Bhatta Rabi Sankar
Published: September 2024

The article reports simple, rapid, and novel enantioselective reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC) for separation of (−)‐(3R, 4R)‐ormeloxifene hydrochloride (d‐ORM) and (+)‐(3S, 4S)‐ormeloxifene hydrochloride (l‐ORM) (ORM, centchroman) using chiral stationary phase (Chiral‐AGP, Chiracel OJ‐RH, and ChiraDEX HR). The best enantiomeric separation was obtained on the ChiraDEX HR (α = 0.89, Rs = 1.9) column with a gradient mode elution using a combination of ammonium acetate (10 mM, pH 4.0) and methanol as a mobile phase. The flow rate and column oven temperature were 0.7 mL/min and 30°C, respectively. The detection limits (λmax 280 nm) for d‐ORM and l‐ORM were 0.170 and 0.169 µg/mL, whereas quantification limits were 0.516 and 0.512 µg/mL. The method was validated according to the International Council on Harmonization (ICH) regulatory Guidelines Q2 (R1) in terms of its accuracy, precision, sensitivity, linearity, specificity, robustness, and solution stability. The designed analytical method could be extended as a quality control tool for pharmaceutical quality assessments as well as isomeric quantification of ORM in industrial bulk manufacturing.
The Novel Application of EUK‐134 in Retinal Degeneration: Preventing Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress‐Triggered Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cell Apoptosis by Suppressing MAPK/p53 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Tsou Shang‐Chun , Chuang Chen‐Ju , Hsu Chin‐Lin , Chen Tzu‐Chun , Yeh Jui‐Hsuan , Wang Meilin , Wang Inga , Chang Yuan‐Yen , Lin Hui‐Wen
Published: September 2024

Age‐related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness, is characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. EUK‐134 is a mimetic of SOD2 and catalase, widely used for its antioxidant properties in models of light‐induced damage or oxidative stress. However, its effects on the retina are not yet clear. Here, we investigated the capability of EUK‐134 in averting AMD using sodium iodate (NaIO3)‐induced Balb/c mouse and ARPE‐19 cells (adult RPE cell line). In vivo, EUK‐134 effectively antagonized NaIO3‐induced retinal deformation and prevented outer and inner nuclear layer thinning. In addition, it was found that the EUK‐134‐treated group significantly down‐regulated the expression of cleaved caspase‐3 compared with the group treated with NaIO3 alone. Our results found that EUK‐134 notably improved cell viability by preventing mitochondrial ROS accumulation‐induced membrane potential depolarization‐mediated apoptosis in NaIO3‐inducted ARPE‐19 cells. Furthermore, we found that EUK‐134 could inhibit p‐ERK, p‐p38, p‐JNK, p‐p53, Bax, cleaved caspase‐9, cleaved caspase‐3, and cleaved PARP by increasing Bcl‐2 protein expression. Additionally, we employed MAPK pathway inhibitors by SB203580 (a p38 inhibitor), U0126 (an ERK inhibitor), and SP600125 (a JNK inhibitor) to corroborate the aforementioned observation. The results support that EUK‐134 may effectively prevent mitochondrial oxidative stress‐mediated retinal apoptosis in NaIO3‐induced retinopathy.
Patent urachus with subcutaneous communication and ventral abdominal swelling in a domestic short‐hair cat
Authors: Evans Douglas , Banks Charlotte Louise , Simpson Matthew , Llanos Cesar , Rossanese Matteo
Published: September 2024

A 3‐month‐old, male, entire, domestic shorthair kitten underwent investigations for stranguria and haematuria, and was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection secondary to a suspected extramural vesicourachal diverticulum. Lower urinary tract signs resolved with a 14‐day course of amoxicillin clavulanate. Three months later, the kitten re‐presented for investigation of acute onset ventral abdominal discomfort and bruising. On presentation, clinical examination revealed omphalitis and subcutaneous bruising, with no evidence of an umbilical stoma. Ultrasonography demonstrated a patent urachus communicating with the subcutaneous tissue space, resulting in accumulation of urine at the level of the umbilicus. A ventral midline coeliotomy was performed to allow resection of the urachal remnant, including a partial cystectomy. The cat was urinating normally within 10 hours postoperatively, and the wound healed without complication. No postoperative complications or recurrent lower urinary tract signs were reported at follow‐up (312 days).