bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum isthmin-1 is a potential biomarker for metabolic dysfunction associated fatty liver disease in patients with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Lei Xiaohui , Chen HaiYan , Xu YuXin , Yang Zhuoran , Zhang Lili , Wang Cong , Du Hu
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Metabolic dysfunction associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a prevalent condition in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Isthmin-1 (ISM1) is an adipokine that promotes glucose uptake and improves glucose tolerance and hepatic steatosis. Although ISM1 has been shown to be associated with T2DM, its role in patients with MAFLD and metabolic syndrome (MetS) remains insufficiently examined. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum ISM1 and MAFLD in patients with T2DM and the potential involvement of MetS in this association.

Research design and methods

A total of 250 participants were divided into four groups: 60 patients with T2DM and MAFLD, 60 with newly diagnosed T2DM, 60 with MAFLD, and 70 healthy controls. Serum ISM1 levels were measured using ELISA. The distribution of ISM1 concentration in the combined data was divided into quartiles, and the Cochran-Armitage trend test was performed to estimate the significant trends across increasing quartiles.

Results

Compared with the controls, patients with coexisting MAFLD, MetS, and T2DM exhibited significantly elevated serum ISM1 concentrations. Serum ISM1 levels in the overweight/obese group were also higher than those in the lean group. Serum ISM1 levels were positively correlated with body mass index (BMI), uric acid, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting insulin, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance and negatively associated with age and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). BMI, TC, and HDL-C were independently associated with serum ISM1 concentration. The relative risks for MAFLD, T2DM, and T2DM with MAFLD increased significantly with higher ISM1 quartiles. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between serum ISM1 levels and the number of MetS components, with the elevated plasma levels of ISM1 escalating the risk of developing MetS to some extent.

Conclusions

The combination of ISM1 with TG and UA was identified as the best predictive factor for diagnosing MAFLD and MetS, potentially due to their contribution to aggravating the metabolic state.
Prevalence and associated factors of psychological distress among patients with breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tang Wen-Zhen , Mangantig Ernest , Iskandar Yulita Hanum P , Cheng Shi-li , Yusuf Azlina , Jia Kui
Published: September 2024

Objective

This paper aims to evaluate the literature on the prevalence of psychological distress and its associated factors in patients with breast cancer.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang were searched from inception to 11 June 2024.

Eligibility criteria

Studies reported data on the prevalence and correlates of psychological distress were included. Review, letter, conference abstracts and articles not available in English and Chinese were excluded.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two researchers independently conducted literature screening, data extraction and bias risk assessment. Meta-analysis was employed to estimate the prevalence and correlates of psychological distress in patients with breast cancer. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale were used for quality assessment. Meta-analysis was performed by using the R V.4.1.1 software.

Results

In total, 34 studies representing 13 828 patients with breast cancer were included in the study. Most of the studies were cross-sectional study (n=25, 73.53%%). The pooled prevalence of psychological distress was 50% (95% CI 42% to 58%, I2=98%). Results showed that psychological distress was positively correlated with younger age (z=0.13, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.20), having children (z=0.39, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.61), poor financial situation (z=0.12, 95% CI −0.03 to 0.26), short time since diagnosis (z=0.19, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.36), previous treatment (z=0.15, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.27), distant metastasis (z=0.31, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.52), chemotherapy (z=0.22, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.38), prior emotional status (z=0.40, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.50), body image damaged (z=0.10, 95% CI −0.01 to 0.21), negative coping (z=0.12, 95% CI −0.11 to 0.34), communication avoidance (z=0.32, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.39) and negatively correlated with married (z=−0.25, 95% CI 0.45 to −0.02), high education level (z=−0.19, 95% CI −0.40 to 0.05), having insured (z=−0.04, 95% CI −0.15 to 0.08), full employment (z=−0.40, 95% CI −0.61 to −0.14), time of completion of treatment (z=−0.12, 95% CI −0.30 to −0.06), surgery (z=−0.05, 95% CI −0.53 to 0.45), social support (z=−0.18, 95% CI −0.29 to −0.06), post-traumatic growth (z=−0.19, 95% CI −0.34 to −0.03), good physical conditions (z=−0.17, 95% CI −0.29 to −0.04), positive coping (z=−0.22, 95% CI −0.53 to 0.15).

Conclusion

Our findings indicated that the prevalence of psychological distress in patients with breast cancers was 50% and 21 correlates of psychological distress. Screening and evidence-based interventions are urgent and essential to address this public concern and promote the health of patients with breast cancer.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023397109.
Impact of increasing post-filter ionised calcium target on regional citrate anticoagulation efficacy in ICU continuous renal replacement therapy: the non-inferiority randomised controlled Ca-CIBLE protocol
Authors: Assefi Mona , Braik Rayan , James Arthur , Clavieras Noémie , Baron Elodie , Blanchard Florian , Constantin Jean-Michel
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is a critical therapeutic intervention for patients with severe acute kidney injury in intensive care. However, premature filter clotting remains a significant challenge during CRRT, impacting treatment efficacy, costs and patient outcomes. Anticoagulation is essential to maintain circuit patency, with regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) emerging as a preferred strategy due to its favourable bleeding profile. The standard target for post-filter ionised calcium (iCa) concentration during RCA-CRRT is set between 0.25 and 0.35 mmol/L, although evidence supporting this range is limited. We hypothesise that a higher post-filter iCa target (0.35–0.45 mmol/L) can provide comparable circuit patency while potentially reducing adverse effects associated with citrate administration.

Methods and analysis

This multicentre randomised controlled non-inferiority trial will compare a low post-filter iCa target (0.25–0.35 mmol/L) with a higher post-filter iCa target (0.35–0.45 mmol/L) in patients undergoing RCA-CRRT in the intensive care unit. A total of 412 CRRT sessions will be randomised with a 1:1 ratio into these two groups. The primary outcome is the incidence of filter clotting. Secondary outcomes include filter lifespan, post-filter iCa levels, citrate infusion rates, the occurrence of metabolic adverse effects, financial costs and blood loss.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has obtained approval from the ethics committee (Ethics Committee Est III, Nancy, France) and patients will be included after providing informed consent. The results will be disseminated at academic conferences and in peer-reviewed publications. All procedures were developed in order to assure data protection and confidentiality.

Trial registration number

NCT05814341.
Unilateral biportal endoscopic versus microscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis in China: study protocol for a prospective, randomised, controlled, non-inferiority trial
Authors: Wu Zizhao , Luo Ting , Yang Yang , Pang Mao , Chen Ruiqiang , Xie Peigen , Yang Bu , He Lei , Huang Zifang , Li Shangfu , Dong Jianwen , Liu Bin , Rong Limin , Zhang Liangming
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis is a common cause of low back or leg pain and disability in the elderly population. Patients with spinal stenosis who fail to respond to conservative treatment often require surgical interventions. Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) with microscopic tubular technique (MT-TLIF) is a well-established procedure for lumbar spinal stenosis. Recently, a novel MIS technique, unilateral biportal endoscopic TLIF (UBE-TLIF), has been frequently performed to treat spinal stenosis. However, the efficacy and safety of using UBE-TLIF in this population have not been well examined.

Methods and analysis

A total of 96 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis will be randomly assigned to the UBE-TLIF group or the MT-TLIF group at a 1:1 ratio to receive UBE-TLIF or MT-TLIF treatment respectively. The primary outcome is the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score at 1 year after receiving the surgery. Secondary outcomes include the ODI scores at additional time points, Visual Analogue Scale score, 36-Item Short Form Survey questionnaire, EuroQol 5 Dimensions questionnaire, radiological measurements (disc height, lumbar lordosis angles and vertebral fusion rate) and general condition during hospitalisation.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol is approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University. All participants of the study will be well informed and written informed consent will be requested. Findings from this trial will be published in peer-reviewed publications, specifically in orthopedic and spinal journals. The completion of this study will not only examine the use of UBE-TLIF in lumbar spinal stenosis but also provide helpful clinical references.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2300069333.
Information exchange, responsibilities and expectation management in interhospital transfers: a qualitative study of hospital medicine physicians and advanced practice providers
Authors: Yu Amy , McBeth Lauren , Westcott Claire , Nicklas Jacinda M , Mueller Stephanie , Dorsey Holliman Brooke , Ozkaynak Mustafa , Jones Christine D
Published: September 2024

Introduction

The transfer of patients between hospitals, known as interhospital transfer (IHT), is associated with higher rates of mortality, longer lengths of stay and greater resource utilisation compared with admissions from the emergency department. To characterise the IHT process and identify key barriers and facilitators to IHT care, we examined the experiences of physician and advanced practice provider (APP) hospital medicine clinicians who care for IHT patients transferred to their facility.

Methods

Qualitative descriptive study using semistructured interviews with adult medicine hospitalists from an academic acute care hospital that accepts approximately 4000 IHT patients annually. A combined inductive and deductive coding approach guided thematic analysis.

Results

We interviewed 30 hospitalists with a mean of 5.7 years of experience. Two-thirds of interviewees were physicians and one-third were APPs.

They described IHTs as challenging when (1) exchanged information was incomplete, inaccurate, extraneous, and/or untimely, (2) uncertainty impacted care responsibilities and (3) healthcare team members and patients had differing care expectations. As a result, participants described patient safety issues such as delays in care and inappropriate triage of patients due to incomplete communication of clinical status changes.

Recommended improvement strategies include (1) dedicated individuals performing IHT tasks to improve consistency of information exchanged and relationships with transferring clinicians, (2) standardised scripts and documentation, (3) bidirectional communication, (4) interdisciplinary training and (5) shared understanding of care needs and expectations.

Conclusions

Physicians and APP hospital medicine clinicians at an accepting hospital found information exchange, care responsibilities and expectation management challenging in IHT. In turn, hospitalists perceived a negative impact on IHT patient care and safety. Highly reliable and timely information transfer, standardisation of IHT processes and clear interdisciplinary communication may facilitate improved care for IHT patients.
Influence of vitamin D supplementation on muscle strength and exercise capacity in Mongolian schoolchildren: secondary outcomes from a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Ganmaa Davaasambuu , Hemmings Stephanie , Jolliffe David A , Buyanjargal Uyanga , Garmaa Gantsetseg , Adiya Unaganshagai , Tumurbaatar Tumenulzii , Dorjnamjil Khulan , Tserenkhuu Enkhtsetseg , Erdenenbaatar Sumiya , Tsendjav Enkhjargal , Enkhamgalan Nomin , Achtai Chuluun-Erdene , Talhaasuren Yagaantsetseg , Byambasuren Tuya , Ganbaatar Erdenetuya , Purevdorj Erkhembulgan , Martineau Adrian R
Published: September 2024

Objective

To determine whether weekly oral vitamin D supplementation influences grip strength, explosive leg power, cardiorespiratory fitness or spirometric lung volumes in Mongolian schoolchildren.

Methods

Multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted in children aged 6–13 years at baseline attending 18 schools in Ulaanbaatar. The intervention was weekly oral doses of 14 000 IU vitamin D3(n=4418) or placebo (n=4433) for 3 years. Outcome measures were grip strength, standing long jump distance and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations (determined in all participants), peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak, determined in a subset of 632 participants using 20 m multistage shuttle run tests) and spirometric outcomes (determined in a subset of 1343 participants).

Results

99.8% of participants had serum 25(OH)D concentrations <75 nmol/L at baseline, and mean end-study 25(OH)D concentrations in children randomised to vitamin D versus placebo were 77.4 vs 26.7 nmol/L (mean difference 50.7 nmol/L, 95% CI 49.7 to 51.4). However, vitamin D supplementation did not influence mean grip strength, standing long jump distance, VO2peak, spirometric lung volumes or peak expiratory flow rate, either overall or within subgroups defined by sex, baseline 25(OH)D concentration <25 vs ≥25 nmol/L or calcium intake <500 vs ≥500 mg/day.

Conclusion

A 3-year course of weekly oral supplementation with 14 000 IU vitamin D3elevated serum 25(OH)D concentrations in Mongolian schoolchildren with a high baseline prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. However, this intervention did not influence grip strength, explosive leg power, peak oxygen uptake or spirometric lung volumes, either overall or in subgroup analyses.

Trial registration number

NCT02276755.
User-driven instructions reduce errors in child restraint use: a randomised controlled trial in Sydney, Australia
Authors: Brown Julie , Keay Lisa , Elkington Jane , Dai Wennie , Ho Catherine , Charlton Judith , Koppel Sjaan , McCaffery Kirsten , Hayen Andrew , Bilston Lynne E
Published: September 2024

Background and objectives

Crash injury risk is reduced when a child correctly uses an appropriate restraint; however, incorrect restraint use remains widespread. The aim of this study was to determine whether product information developed using a user-driven approach increases correct child restraint use.

Methods

We conducted a two-arm double-blinded parallel randomised controlled trial in New South Wales, Australia 2019–2021. Participants were current drivers who were either an expectant parent or a parent of at least one child residing in the greater Sydney metropolitan area who were interested in purchasing a new child restraint. The intervention was user-driven product information consisting of instructions printed on an A3 sheet of paper, swing tags with key reminders and a video accessed via Quick Response codes printed on the materials. The control group received a postcard summarising legal child restraint requirements. The primary outcome was the correctness of child restraint use observed during home visit approximately 6 months after restraint purchase. Correct use was defined as no serious error or <2 minor errors. The secondary outcome was a count of observed errors.

Results

427 participants were recruited. Home visits were conducted for 372 (190 intervention and 182 control). Correct use was more common in the intervention group (37.4%) compared with the control group (24.2%, p=0.006). Participants receiving the intervention were 1.87 times more likely to correctly use their restraint than those in the control group (95% CI 1.19 to 2.93).

Conclusions

The results provide evidence for the effectiveness of user-driven instructions as a countermeasure to restraint misuse.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12617001252303.
Pathogenic
SATB2
missense variants affecting p.Gly392 have variable functional implications and result in diverse clinical phenotypes
Authors: den Hoed Joery , Hashimoto Hirokazu , Khan Mubeen , Semmekrot Fleur , Bosanko Katherine A , Abe-Hatano Chihiro , Nakagawa Eiji , Venselaar Hanka , Quercia Nada , Chad Lauren , Kurosaka Hiroshi , Rondeau Stephane , Fisher Simon E , Yamamoto Shinya , Zarate Yuri A
Published: September 2024

SATB2
-associated syndrome (SAS) is caused by pathogenic variants in
SATB2
, which encodes an evolutionarily conserved transcription factor. Despite the broad range of phenotypic manifestations and variable severity related to this syndrome, haploinsufficiency has been assumed to be the primary molecular explanation.

In this study, we describe eight individuals with
SATB2
variants that affect p.Gly392 (four women, age range 2–16 years; p.Gly392Arg, p.Gly392Glu and p.Gly392Val). Of these, individuals with p.Gly392Arg substitutions were found to have more severe neurodevelopmental phenotypes based on an established rubric scoring system when compared with individuals with p.Gly392Glu, p.Gly392Val and other previously reported causative
SATB2
missense variants. Consistent with the observations at the phenotypic level, using human cell-based and model organism functional data, we documented that while all three described p.Gly392 variants affect the same residue and seem to all have a partial loss-of-function effect, some effects on SATB2 protein function appear to be variant-specific. Our results indicate that genotype–phenotype correlations in SAS are more complex than originally thought, and variant-specific genotype–phenotype correlations are needed.
Histone modifications in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: pathogenesis insights and therapeutic implications
Authors: Wei Yanning , Jiang Yuanyuan , Lu Yufei , Hu Qiping
Published: September 2024

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a commonly encountered genetic ailment marked by loss-of-function mutations in theDystrophingene, ultimately resulting in progressive debilitation of skeletal muscle. The investigation into the pathogenesis of DMD has increasingly converged on the role of histone modifications within the broader context of epigenetic regulation. These modifications, including histone acetylation, methylation and phosphorylation, are catalysed by specific enzymes and play a critical role in gene expression. This article provides an overview of the histone modifications occurring in DMD and analyses the research progress and potential of different types of histone modifications in DMD due to changes in cellular signalling for muscle regeneration, to provide new insights into diagnostic and therapeutic options for DMD.
Rare disease genomic testing in the UK and Ireland: promoting timely and equitable access
Authors: Ellard Sian , Morgan Sian , Wynn Sarah L , Walker Susan , Parrish Andrew , Mein Rachael , Juett Ana , Ahn Joo Wook , Berry Ian , Cassidy Emma-Jane , Durkie Miranda , Fish Louise , Hall Richard , Howard Emma , Rankin Julia , Wright Caroline F , Deans Zandra C , Scott Richard H , Hill Sue L , Baple Emma L , Taylor Robert W
Published: September 2024

Purpose and scope

The aim of this position statement is to provide recommendations regarding the delivery of genomic testing to patients with rare disease in the UK and Ireland. The statement has been developed to facilitate timely and equitable access to genomic testing with reporting of results within commissioned turnaround times.

Methods of statement development

A 1-day workshop was convened by the UK Association for Clinical Genomic Science and attended by key stakeholders within the NHS Genomic Medicine Service, including clinical scientists, clinical geneticists and patient support group representatives. The aim was to identify best practice and innovations for streamlined, geographically consistent services delivering timely results. Attendees and senior responsible officers for genomic testing services in the UK nations and Ireland were invited to contribute.

Results and conclusions

We identified eight fundamental requirements and describe these together with key enablers in the form of specific recommendations. These relate to laboratory practice (proportionate variant analysis, bioinformatics pipelines, multidisciplinary team working model and test request monitoring), compliance with national guidance (variant classification, incidental findings, reporting and reanalysis), service development and improvement (multimodal testing and innovation through research, informed by patient experience), service demand, capacity management, workforce (recruitment, retention and development), and education and training for service users. This position statement was developed to provide best practice guidance for the specialist genomics workforce within the UK and Ireland but is relevant to any publicly funded healthcare system seeking to deliver timely rare disease genomic testing in the context of high demand and limited resources.
Opioid-related mortality after occupational injury in Washington State: accounting for preinjury opioid use
Authors: Boden Leslie I , Asfaw Abay , O'Leary Paul K , Tripodis Yorghos , Busey Andrew , Applebaum Katie M , Fox Matthew P
Published: September 2024

Objectives

To estimate the impact of occupational injury and illness on opioid-related mortality while accounting for confounding by preinjury opioid use.

Methods

We employed a retrospective cohort study design using Washington State workers’ compensation data for 1994–2000 injuries linked to US Social Security Administration earnings and mortality data and National Death Index (NDI) cause of death data from 1994 to 2018. We categorised injuries as lost-time versus medical-only, where the former involved more than 3 days off work or permanent disability. We determined death status and cause of death from NDI records. We modelled separate Fine and Gray subdistribution hazard ratios (sHRs) and 95% CIs for injured men and women for opioid-related and all drug-related mortality through 2018. We used quantitative bias analysis to account for unmeasured confounding by preinjury opioid use.

Results

The hazard of opioid-related mortality was elevated for workers with lost-time relative to medical-only injuries: sHR for men: 1.53, 95% CI 1.41 to 1.66; for women: 1.31, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.48. Accounting for preinjury opioid use, effect sizes were reduced but remained elevated: sHR for men was 1.43, 95% simulation interval (SI) 1.20 to 1.69; for women: 1.27, 95% SI 1.10 to 1.45.

Conclusions

Occupational injuries and illnesses severe enough to require more than 3 days off work are associated with an increase in the hazard of opioid-related mortality. The estimated increase is reduced when we account for preinjury opioid use, but it remains substantial. Reducing work-related injuries and postinjury opioid prescribing and improving employment and income security may decrease opioid-related mortality.
Rational Gambling
Authors: Shasha Dennis
Published: September 2024

Bettor to bet more with favorable odds.
Specialized Pulmonary Vascular Cells in Development and Disease
Authors: Sharma Arnav , Niethamer Terren K.
Published: September 2024

Endothelial cells (ECs) develop organ-specific gene expression and function in response to signals from the surrounding tissue. In turn, ECs can affect organ development and morphogenesis and promote or hinder disease response. In the lung, ECs play an essential role in gas exchange with the external environment, requiring both a close physical connection and a strong axis of communication with alveolar epithelial cells. A complete picture of the composition of the pulmonary endothelium is therefore critical for a full understanding of development, maintenance, and repair of the gas exchange interface. Defining the factors that control lung-specific EC specification, establish EC heterogeneity within the lung, and promote the differing contributions of EC subtypes to development, health, and disease will facilitate the development of much-needed regenerative therapies. This includes targeting therapeutics directly to ECs, developing pluripotent or primary cell–derived ECs to replace damaged or diseased vasculature, and vascularizing engineered tissues for transplant.
Microbial Fuel Cell Based on Ensifer meliloti
Authors: Bendinskaite Sigita , Bruzaite Ingrida , Rozene Juste , Mockaitis Tomas , Zinovicius Antanas , Morkvenaite-Vilkonciene Inga , Ramanaviciene Almira , Ramanavicius Arunas
Published: September 2024

The world’s growing energy crisis demands renewable energy sources. This issue can be solved using microbial fuel cells (MFCs). MFCs are biocatalytic systems which convert chemical energy into electrical energy, thereby reducing pollution from hazardous chemical compounds. However, during the development of MFCs, one of the most significant challenges is finding and assessment of microorganisms that generate sufficient redox potential through metabolic and catalytic processes. In this research, we have used Ensifer meliloti (E. meliloti) bacteria to design MFCs based on consecutive action of two redox mediators (9,10 - phenanthrenequinone (PQ) and potassium ferricyanide), which transferred charge between E. meliloti bacteria and graphite rod electrode. A viability study of E. meliloti culture showed that PQ significantly inhibits the growth of bacteria at 0.036 mM. Cyclic voltammograms were registered in the presence of 20 mM of potassium ferricyanide and different concentrations (0.036 and 0.071 mM, 0.11 mM, 0.14 mM, 0.172 mM, 0.32 mM) of PQ. Four days of lasting assessment of the microbial fuel cells in two-electrode systems showed that the maximal open circuit potential during the experiment raised from 174.9 to 234.6 mV. Power increased from 0.392 to 0.741 mW m−2.
Lithium Plating Using a Thermoplastic Vulcanizate Electrolyte
Authors: Costalin Mehdi , Barcha Cédric , Rousselot Steeve , Foran Gabrielle , Nicolle Paul , Prébé Arnaud , Dollé Mickael
Published: September 2024

Lithium metal anodes have generated significant interest due to their high theoretical capacity. However, issues such as dendrite growth or cell failure caused by lithium loss with either liquid electrolytes or solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) have hindered its widespread commercialization. In this work, we report on the electrochemical characterization of symmetric Li-SPE-Li cells made with a thermoplastic vulcanizate electrolyte, PCl:HNBR LiTFSI. Full plating of the lithium metal (LiM) electrode was achieved at 100 μA.cm−2 in pressurized pouch cells. This was confirmed ex situ using scanning electron microscopy which showed the absence of dendrites. The Sand equation was employed at higher current densities to determine that the lithium diffusion coefficient at 60 °C is 1.7 × 10−8 cm2.s−1. The calculated threshold current density j* was approximately 200 μA.cm−2. The determination of the theoretical current density limit may provide critical information for the understanding of the behavior of cathode materials during cycling with lithium metal. Cell failure at high polarization or from short circuiting was experimentally confirmed in symmetric Li-Li cells where 100 cycles were performed at a current density below j* with 0.1 mAh.cm−2 of charge per cycle, while 0.5 mAh.cm−2 of charge rapidly induced cell failure.
Chemo-Mechanical Hysteresis of Sulfur Conversion Electrodes via Operando Acoustic Transmission
Authors: Sun Kerry , Thorsteinsson Gunnar , Stiber Alexandra , Katzman Libby , Chang Wesley , May Richard , Steingart Daniel A.
Published: September 2024

The chemo-mechanics of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries are unique in lithium-based batteries because sulfur undergoes a solid-liquid-solid transition during each half-cycle. The dissolution of sulfurous species in liquid electrolytes is a primary degradation mode in Li-S systems. While this challenge is well known, tracking and measuring sulfur liquefaction requires ex-situ experiments or hard-to-parallelize X-ray techniques. Here, we show that operando acoustic analyses can track both physicochemical phase changes and the mechanical dynamics of sulfur lithiation. We show time-of-flight can monitor sulfur phase changes during density and effective elastic moduli dynamics. Acoustic wave damping is highly sensitive to the state-of-matter transitions of the sulfur electrode. By accounting for cell dilation from Li plating and stripping, we show sulfur’s chemo-mechanical phase changes dominate time-of-flight’s nonlinear, non-monotonic signatures. By utilizing inter-cycle and intra-cycle time-of-flight trends, we develop a semi-quantitative method that can be calibrated to measure the dissolution of sulfur into the electrolyte and verify this with ex-situ TGA and XRD. Lastly, we pair acoustics with voltammetry to observe slow chemo-mechanical dynamics alongside the sluggish kinetics of sulfur utilization. Operando acoustic analyses can elucidate the chemo-mechanical dynamics of the sulfur electrode noninvasively and aid development efforts to slow and mitigate S migration.
Electrochemical Reactivity of Hydrogen Storage Materials: Exploring Borohydride and Hydrazinium Salt Mixtures
Authors: Xu Jiahe , Leick Noemi , Addison Bennet , Prochaska Kelly , Van Allsburg Kurt M. , Christensen Steven T. , Gennett Tom , Ndione Paul F. , Young James L.
Published: September 2024

Electrochemical characterization of hydrogen storage materials was conducted in a non-aqueous environment to investigate the direct electrochemical release and consumption of hydrogen and the potential for regeneration. We first address the challenge of minimal solubility of the synthetic precursors, sodium borohydride (NaBH4) and hydrazinium bromide (N2H5Br), in both organic and inorganic solvents. We next determine and calibrate a reference electrode formulation compatible with our non-aqueous media and analytes that demonstrates a stable reference potential. We employ cyclic voltammetry (CV) to characterize the precursors and mixtures thereof. Each CV peak is assigned to a corresponding electrochemical reaction. Using the rate-dependent CV method and Randles–Ševčík equation, we calculate the diffusion coefficient of each chemical (NaBH4 and N2H5Br). Analysis of the CVs, coupled with 11B NMR analysis, reveals a room temperature chemical transformation of NaBH4 and N2H5Br mixtures into hydrazine borane (N2H4BH3). These results are particularly significant, considering the limited information available on the electrochemical characterization of metal borohydride and hydrazinium salt in non-aqueous media. This work establishes a foundation for adapting a non-aqueous electrochemical system to further study the borohydride family of chemistries and to design and develop electrochemical devices for direct electrical and chemical energy interconversion with hydrogen storage materials.
Association of Dietary Patterns with Metabolic Syndrome among Middle‐Aged Adults in Shiraz, Iran: Shiraz Heart Study (SHS)
Authors: Motazedian Nasrin , Zibaeenezhad Mohammad Javad , Sayadi Mehrab , Khademian Fatemeh , Hasanzadeh Mohaddeseh , Ghorbanpour Ali , Shamsaeefar Ashkan
Published: September 2024

Introduction. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a noncommunicable disease with a high burden, including the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular events, and death. It is characterized by abdominal obesity, elevated blood pressure, increased fasting plasma glucose levels, hypertriglyceridemia, and reduced levels of high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. MetS is preventable by modifying lifestyle and dietary patterns, which are major contributing factors. This research aimed to investigate the dietary patterns of the Shiraz Heart Study (SHS) and their associations with the occurrence of MetS and its components among middle‐aged residents of Shiraz. Methods. Based on data from the Shiraz Heart Study (SHS), a prospective cohort study, the nutritional status of 1,675 participants was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Three food patterns were extracted from the analysis named as vegan, western, and carbohydrate. Subjects were categorized into three levels for three major dietary patterns: low, moderate, and high, based on their adherence to each pattern. After adjusting the effect of co‐founder variables, the relationship between dietary patterns, and the risk of developing MetS was analyzed. Results. Of the 1,675 participants, 728 (43.5%) of them were male. The prevalence of MetS was 47.2%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that high adherence to the vegan pattern was negatively associated with the occurrence of MetS (P value <0.001), while low adherence to the western pattern was also negatively associated (P value <0.05). Conclusion. Healthier diets, such as vegan diets, are significantly related to lower rates of MetS among the 40–70‐year‐old people in Shiraz, Iran.
Numerical and Graphical Analysis of the Revan Topological Indices for Double Graph and Strong Double Graph of Alkanes
Authors: M. Vishu Kumar , Pathuri Siva Kumar , Shruthi Rekkala , A. K. Indira , Khan Umair , Bishnani Shivani Sanjay , Muhammad Taseer , Verma Anjali
Published: September 2024

Numerous large graphs may be constructed from smaller ones, and graph operations are important in many graph theory applications. Here, we investigate the double and the strong double graphs as two graph‐theoretical procedures. Alkanes, which simply contain hydrogen (H) and carbon (C) molecules and no additional functional groups, are the most basic and simplest hydrocarbons found in organic molecules. Topological indices come in a variety. There are several degree‐based topological indices, including the Banhatti, Zagreb, Randi, and Revan indices (RI). In this paper, we compute a generic formula the first, second, and third Revan topological indices on the double graph and strong double graph of alkanes.
Challenges and Issues in English Presentation Through Synchronous Online Conference Platforms in Higher Education
Authors: Apridayani Aisah , Kamaruddin Abdul , Sukkaew Nootchanat
Published: September 2024

There remains a dearth of answers to certain inquiries regarding oral English presentations, despite the growing interest in this field in recent years. The current study examined Thai university students’ perspectives on their English presentation abilities, the difficulties they encounter when delivering English presentations in an online environment, and their preferred mode of presentation. They enrolled in a 12‐week online course on English presentation and communication skills through the Zoom application. This study employed a qualitative methodology and utilized reflective writing from students in response to four open‐ended questions that prompted respondents to consider their experiences. A thematic approach was applied to the reflective essays to identify recurring themes and patterns within the data. The findings of the analysis indicated that, overall, the students expressed the need for enhancement in their English presentation abilities. Furthermore, this research emphasized several challenges that students confronted when delivering online presentations, encompassing nonverbal communication, anxiety, the audience’s engagement, and addressing questions. Despite the apparent convenience of online presentations, they conveyed a preference for face‐to‐face presentations. Interaction, teacher and peer support, and a desire to become a professional presenter were the three factors that affected their preference. This study establishes a fundamental basis for subsequent investigations and proposes strategies that higher education instructors can implement to enhance their students’ English presentation skills.
An Observational Study on the Clinical Characteristics and Prognosis of Patients With Interstitial Lung Disease Secondary to Dermatomyositis and Antisynthetase Syndrome
Authors: Lei Ling , Ma Zongbo , Ma Xuejia , Pan Dongmei , Chen Zhanrui , Qin Fang , Dong Fei
Published: September 2024

Objective: Identify the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) combined with interstitial lung disease (ILD).

Methods: IIM‐ILD patients who were hospitalized at Guangxi Medical University from January 2017 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed and classified as having dermatomyositis (DM)‐ILD or ‐ILD. Clinical and laboratory results were analyzed.

Results: There were 39 males and 111 females, the mean age of disease onset was 50.4 ± 12.3 years, and the median disease duration was 3 months (range: 1–6). Ninety‐seven patients had DM‐ILD, and 53 had ASS‐ILD. The DM‐ILD group had 72% positivity for the anti‐MDA5 antibody and 5.2% positivity for the anti‐Mi‐2 antibody; the ASS‐ILD group had 67.9% positivity for the anti‐Jo‐1 antibody and 17% positivity for the anti‐EJ antibody. Muscle symptoms, skin ulcers, rash, rapidly progressing interstitial lung disease (RP‐ILD), and elevated levels of serum carcinoembryonic antigen were more common in DM‐ILD patients (all p < 0.05). However, pericardial effusion and pleural effusion, elevated creatinine kinase, and elevated C‐reactive protein were more common in ASS‐ILD patients. After a median follow‐up of 15.5 months, there were more deaths in the DM‐ILD group (42.3% vs. 13.2%, p < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that RP‐ILD, dyspnea, and the usual interstitial pneumonia type of ILD had negative associations with overall survival (OS), and arthralgia had a positive association with OS (all p < 0.05).

Conclusion: DM‐ILD patients were more prone to secondary RP‐ILD and skin ulcers, had milder symptoms of myositis and less severe serositis, and had lower survival rates than the ASS‐ILD patients. RP‐ILD, dyspnea, and the usual interstitial pneumonia type of ILD had adverse effects on prognosis, but arthralgia was a protective factor.
Hyper-Interferon Sensitive Influenza Induces Adaptive Immune Responses and Overcomes Resistance to Anti–PD-1 in Murine Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Du Yushen , Salehi-Rad Ramin , Zhang Tian-hao , Crosson William P. , Abascal Jensen , Chen Dongdong , Shi Yuan , Jiang Hong , Tseng Yen-Wen , Ma Xi , Hong Mengying , Wang Sihan , Wang Xijuan , Tang Kejun , Hu Shiyao , Li Yuting , Ni Shaokai , Cai Yiqi , Tappuni Shahed , Shen Yong , Liu Bin , Sun Ren
Published: September 2024

Despite recent advances in immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors, many patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) fail to respond or develop resistance after an initial response. In situ vaccination (ISV) with engineered viruses has emerged as a promising antigen-agnostic strategy that can both condition the tumor microenvironment and augment antitumor T-cell responses to overcome immune resistance. We engineered a live attenuated viral vaccine, hyper–IFN-sensitive (HIS) virus, by conducting a genome-wide functional screening and introducing eight IFN-sensitive mutations in the influenza genome to enhance host IFN response. Compared with wild-type influenza, HIS replication was attenuated in immunocompetent hosts, enhancing its potential as a safe option for cancer therapy. HIS ISV elicited robust yet transient type I IFN responses in murine NSCLCs, leading to an enrichment of polyfunctional effector Th1 CD4+ T cells and cytotoxic CD8+ T cells into the tumor. HIS ISV demonstrated enhanced antitumor efficacy compared with wild-type in multiple syngeneic murine models of NSCLC with distinct driver mutations and varying mutational burden. This efficacy was dependent on host type 1 IFN responses and T lymphocytes. HIS ISV overcame resistance to anti–PD-1 in LKB1-deficient murine NSCLC, resulting in improved overall survival and systemic tumor-specific immunity. These studies provide compelling evidence to support further clinical evaluation of HIS as an “off-the-shelf” ISV strategy for patients with NSCLC refractory to immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Supplementary Figure 1 from MYC is Sufficient to Generate Mid-Life High-Grade Serous Ovarian and Uterine Serous Carcinomas in a p53-R270H Mouse Model
Authors: Blackman Alexandra , Rees Amy C. , Bowers Robert R. , Jones Christian M. , Vaena Silvia G. , Clark Madison A. , Carter Shelby , Villamor Evan D. , Evans Della , Emanuel Anthony J. , Fullbright George , O’Malley Matthew S. , Carpenter Richard L. , Long David T. , Spruill Laura S. , Romeo Martin J. , Orr Brian C. , Helke Kristi L. , Delaney Joe R.
Published: September 2024

Ovgp1 transgene expression
Discovery of a Novel CUL3 Variant: Unveiling Epilepsy and Newly Associated Dysmorphic Traits in a Turkish Patient
Authors: Colak Yavuzhan , Yilmaz Mustafa , Ozkan Kart Pinar , Terali Kerem , Turkyilmaz Ayberk , Cansu Ali
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Cullin-3, encoded by the CUL3, is a core component of the ubiquitin E3 ligase complex. Through binding to specific adapters, this scaffold protein mediates the ubiquitination of a number of substrates, targeting their proteasomal degradation. Pathogenic variations of the CUL3 are thought to cause autism and neurodevelopmental disorders, but so far, few studies have been associated with the phenotype “neurodevelopmental disorder with or without autism or seizures (NEDAUS, #OMIM: 619239).” This study aimed to present the first Turkish patient with a NEDAUS phenotype exhibiting novel clinical and genotypic findings. Case Presentation: A 7-year-old patient with seizure, speech delay, decreased eye contact, and autistic behaviors was referred to our clinic. The patient was evaluated through clinical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. Physical examination revealed extremity findings (brachydactyly, tapering fingers). Single whole-exome sequencing analysis was performed for clinical diagnosis. A novel missense variant, c.368T>A (p.Leu123Gln) in CUL3, was discovered in the patient. Additionally, computational studies were employed to gain structural and mechanistic insights into the putative damaging impact of the variant. Computational analyses indicated that the p.Leu123Gln substitution may affect the stability and binding behavior of cullin-3. The detected variant was confirmed by the Sanger method and screened in family members by the same method and was found to be de novo. Conclusion: By presenting the first Turkish case of a novel missense variant with a CUL3-related NEDAUS phenotype, this study contributes to the expansion of the genotypic and phenotypic spectrum of the disease.
Additive Inhibition of HERG Channels Expressed in Xenopus Oocytes by Antipsychotic Drugs and Citrus Juice Flavonoid Naringenin
Authors: Yang Keun-Hang Susan , Isaev Dmytro , Oz Murat
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Citrus juice has been shown to cause QT prolongation in electrocardiograms of healthy volunteers, and naringenin, a major flavonoid found in citrus juice, has been identified as the potent inhibitor of human ether-a-go-go-related gene (HERG) channels as the cause of QT prolongation. Inhibition of HERG channels and prolongation of QT interval by antipsychotic drugs such as haloperidol, chlorpromazine, and clozapine have also been shown. However, naringenin’s effect on HERG channel function in conjunction with antipsychotic medications has not been investigated. Methods: In the present study, we evaluated the effect of combining naringenin with antipsychotics on the function of HERG channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Results: When 30 µm naringenin was added to antipsychotic drugs (1 µm haloperidol, 10 µm chlorpromazine, or 10 µm clozapine), significantly greater HERG inhibition was demonstrated, compared to the inhibition caused by antipsychotic drugs alone. Co-application studies also showed that the magnitudes of inhibitions caused by naringenin + antipsychotics were similar to that predicted by the allotopic interaction model, suggesting that naringenin and antipsychotics bind to the HERG channel at different sites. Conclusion: The results suggest that there is an additive interaction between antipsychotics and naringenin. Due to the potential for repolarization heterogeneity and a decrease in repolarization reserve, this additive HERG inhibition may increase the risk of arrhythmias.
Transbronchiale Kryoablation als lokale Behandlung von malignen Tumoren der zentralen Atemwege
Authors: Hamakawa Masamitsu , Niwa Takashi , Fukuda Yasushi , Yokoyama Toshihide , Ishida Tadashi
Published: September 2024

Einleitung: Die transbronchiale Kryoablation wurde bei Tumoren der peripheren, aber nicht der zentralen Atemwege durchgeführt. Wir berichten über eine transbronchiale Kryoablation bei 2 Patienten mit Läsionen der zentralen Atemwege. Falldarstellung: Bei Fall 1 handelte es sich um eine 86-jährige Frau, die eine intratracheale Metastase in Verbindung mit einem postoperativen Rezidiv eines Lungenadenokarzinoms entwickelte. Der Tumor wurde mit einer elektrochirurgischen Hochfrequenz-Schlinge und drei transbronchialen Kryoablationen reseziert. In den 5 Monaten nach dem dritten Eingriff trat kein tracheales Rezidiv auf. Fall 2 war ein 83-jähriger Mann, der eine intermediäre Bronchialmetastase in Verbindung mit einem postoperativen Rezidiv eines Plattenepithelkarzinoms der Lunge entwickelte. Der Tumor wurde mittels elektrochirurgischer Hochfrequenz-Schlinge und transbronchialer Kryoablation reseziert. Im Bronchus intermedius trat 12 Monate nach der Behandlung kein Tumorrezidiv auf. In beiden Fällen war das einzige unerwünschte Ereignis eine leichte Blutung.
First photographic record of the Red Giant Gliding Squirrel Petaurista petaurista Pallas, 1766 (Mammalia: Rodentia: Sciuridae) from Sattal, Uttarakhand, India
Authors: Chetia Hiranmoy , Jayant Gupta  , Murali Krishna Chatakonda
Published: September 2024

We report the first record of a Red Giant Gliding Squirrel Petaurista petaurista albiventer in the Sattal area of Nainital District, Uttarakhand, India. We sighted three Red Giant Gliding Squirrels in the canopies of oak trees on 28 March 2024, between 1900 and 2200 h. This adds to the known distribution of the subspecies within India. The multiple forest fires during the survey highlights a potential threat to the region’s biodiversity.