bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Value of Imaging Measurements in Micrognathia‐Related Fetal Airway Obstruction Within a Fetal Center
Authors: Eyring J.B. , Allen Wesley P. , Bayazid Leith O. , Hemeyer Brandon M. , Walker Stephen , Orb Quinn T. , Grimmer J. Fredrik , Rampton John , Meier Jeremy D.
Published: September 2024

Objective

Fetal imaging often identifies signs of upper airway obstruction due to micrognathia that may require airway intervention at delivery. This study investigated the role of quantitative fetal imaging measurements in predicting the need for otolaryngology consultation and intervention within a multidisciplinary Fetal Center.

Methods

Data were retrospectively collected from expectant mothers attending a multidisciplinary Fetal Center from January 2017 to October 2023. Cases of fetal micrognathia associated with potential upper airway obstruction were analyzed, focusing on prenatal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, genetic testing results, and interventions at birth.

Results

Among 25 pregnancies identified, diverse prenatal diagnoses were observed. Post hoc quantitative fetal ultrasound/MRI measurements included inferior facial angle, anteroposterior diameter, biparietal distance, and Jaw Index. Otolaryngology teams were present at delivery for a subset of cases, with various interventions performed, including tracheostomy and intubation. Lower gestational age at birth, rather than more severe quantitative measurements, was associated with the need for intervention. Intubation failure due to airway difficulty was also predicted by lower gestational age.

Conclusion

While certain quantitative fetal imaging measurements are often used for clinical decision‐making regarding airway management at birth, they did not clearly predict the need for airway intervention in our sample. Gestational age is an important consideration in decision‐making for fetal teams and should be considered in preterm fetuses to plan for airway difficulties. The findings highlight the complexity of fetal micrognathia management and highlight the need for further research to refine predictive models and optimize clinical decision‐making in this challenging clinical scenario.

Level of Evidence

Level 3 Laryngoscope, 2024
Visible Light‐Induced Polymerization to Access Polyamides
Authors: Hu Haiyan , Zheng Nan , Song Wangze
Published: September 2024

Visible light‐induced polymerization, as a promising and green strategy, is showing great potential in preparing value‐added polymers. Herein, a visible light photoredox catalysis method is reported to afford a library of polyamide with high yields (up to 99%) and high molecular weights (Mws) (up to 71 000 g mol−1). Dithioacids and diamines as the monomers, and 9‐mesityl‐10‐methylacridinium tetrafluoroborate (Mes‐Acr‐MeBF4) as the organic photoredox catalyst give the polyamides with structural diversity in air under mild conditions without extra metal, base, or additives.
Clear the fog: Can public–private collaborative supervision promote the construction of a high‐quality public health system?
Authors: Shen Neng , Zhang Jing , Cao Yang Chun , Zhang Lin , Zhang Guoping
Published: September 2024

Approaches to stimulating the initiative of collaborative cooperation of multiple subjects and the enthusiasm of public–private collaborative supervision are important to ensure the high‐quality development of the social public health system. This study constructs a four‐agent evolutionary game model with a medical enterprise, health administrative department, medical institution, and the social public as the core subjects. Using MATLAB 2018b to conduct simulation analysis, the cooperation strategy and operation mechanism of multiple subjects in the social public health system under public–private collaborative supervision are revealed, and the evolutionary stability strategy of multiple subjects under different situations is further explored. The results show (1) three evolutionary stability points in the system, which all exist in a state of loose government supervision. (2) Increasing the penalty limit can effectively regulate the behavior of medical enterprises and medical institutions; however, it is not conducive to the performance efficiency of the government in the long run. (3) Government incentives can stimulate the enthusiasm of all subjects to participate in the social public health system but should be controlled within a reasonable range. Excessive financial incentives make it easy for medical enterprises and institutions to form policy dependence.
Model aims to help recovery process following suicide attempt
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: September 2024

Observing an important need to help people on their journey of recovery following a suicide attempt, researchers have developed a new model for recovery that could help those individuals find meaning in their lives again. The article, “The Transtheoretical Model of Change and Recovery from a Suicidal Episode,” is published in the September issue of Archives of Suicide Research.
The multigrid discretization of mixed discontinuous Galerkin method for the biharmonic eigenvalue problem
Authors: Feng Jinhua , Wang Shixi , Bi Hai , Yang Yidu
Published: September 2024

The Ciarlet–Raviart mixed method is popular for the biharmonic equations/eigenvalue problem. In this paper, we propose a multigrid discretization based on the shifted‐inverse iteration of Ciarlet–Raviart mixed discontinuous Galerkin method for the biharmonic eigenvalue problem. We prove the a priori error estimates of the approximate eigenpairs. We also give the a posteriori error estimates of the approximate eigenvalues and prove the reliability of the estimator and implement adaptive computation. Numerical experiments show that our method can efficiently compute biharmonic eigenvalues.
Extinction and stationary distribution of stochastic hepatitis B virus model
Authors: Gokila C. , Sambath M.
Published: September 2024

In this article, we develop a Hepatitis B virus model with six compartments affected by environmental fluctuations since the Hepatitis B virus produces serious liver infections in the human body, putting many people at high risk. The existence of a global positive solution is shown to prove the positivity of solutions. We demonstrate that the system experiences the extinction property for a specific parametric restriction. Besides that, we obtain the stochastic stability region for the proposed model through the stationary distribution. To determine the appearance and disappearance of infection in the population, we find and analyze the reproduction ratio
. In addition, we have verified the condition of the reproduction ratio through the graphical simulations.
Developing an accurate and efficient tool for the internalizing spectrum: A simulation study of the adaptive algorithm to the Inventory of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms II (IDAS‐II)
Authors: Sanchez‐Garcia M. , De la Rosa‐Cáceres A. , Rossi G. , Diaz‐Batanero C.
Published: September 2024

Objectives

This research simulates an adaptive version of the IDAS‐II (IDAS‐CAT).

Methods

2021 participants from both community (n = 1692) and patients (n = 329) samples completed the IDAS‐II. Item response theory metric properties of the IDAS‐II full test and the 20‐items of the general depression (GD) scale were obtained. The efficiency and accuracy of different computerized adaptive algorithms were simulated. Different subsamples completed additional external measures in order to gather evidence of validity of the scores estimated with the simulated adaptive algorithms selected.

Results

Both unidimensional computerized adaptive testing algorithm selected for the GD scale and the bifactor model chosen for the full test, allow 70% reduction in the length of administration, maintaining a measurement error below 0.30 on the general and 0.50 on the specific factors. Results show high correlations of the scores estimated with the adaptive algorithms and the estimates based on the full test, as well as correlations with external criteria almost equal to those generated with the full test.

Conclusions

IDAS‐CAT could be a reliable and fast tool for measuring internalizing spectrum.
Learning While Serving: The Role of Informal Learning Activities, Self‐Efficacy, and Managerial Support in Learning Outcomes of AmeriCorps Members
Authors: Ma Yinglin
Published: September 2024

Volunteer learning enriches the volunteering experience and enhances volunteers' human and social capital. While previous studies have discussed the benefits and outcomes of volunteer learning, few delve into volunteer learning mechanisms. This study identifies several learning mechanisms by examining the role of informal learning activities, including self‐reflection and knowledge sharing, in volunteer learning outcomes. Furthermore, drawing from the social cognitive theory and organizational management literature, this study investigates how volunteers' community service self‐efficacy and managerial support factors influence their learning activities and outcomes. Using longitudinal survey data from four consecutive service years in the Ohio state‐level AmeriCorps programs, findings show that volunteer members' self‐efficacy and several managerial support factors predict their learning activities early in their service year and learning outcomes toward the end. Findings also reveal that self‐efficacy and managerial support fully mediate the effects of volunteer learning activities on their learning outcomes. The study sheds light on volunteer learning mechanisms and offers practical guidance for volunteer managers to support volunteer learning while serving their communities.
Manipulating a novel epoxy‐based composite with core–shell rubber particles for designing a structural adhesive in aluminum–aluminum bonded joints
Authors: Aliakbari Maryam , Moini Jazani Omid , Moghadam Majid , Martín‐Martínez José Miguel
Published: September 2024

Epoxy adhesives become very brittle after curing due to their high‐crosslinking degree. For increasing the toughness of epoxy adhesives, the addition of different toughening agents has been proposed. In this study the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA)/dicyandiamide epoxy network has been modified by adding an emulsion latex containing core–shell rubber particles (CSPs) prepared by means of seeded emulsion polymerization. The CSPs consist of poly (butyl acrylate) (PBA) as core and methyl methacrylate (MMA) copolymerized with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) as shell. The effects of adding various amounts of the emulsion latex on the mechanical properties, thermal stability, adhesion, and microstructure of the cured epoxy resin were investigated. The CSPs were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The mechanical properties, thermal stability, adhesion to aluminum plates, and microstructure of the cured epoxy resin were investigated by stress–strain, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), single lap shear test, and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), respectively. The addition of 7 wt.% emulsion latex to epoxy enhanced the tensile strength and the toughness of the dumbbell‐shaped samples by 421% and 4388% with respect to neat epoxy, respectively. Furthermore, the single lap shear strength increased in 33% and an increase of 71°C in the initial decomposition temperature of the epoxy was obtained by adding 7 wt.% CSP, without affecting the maximum decomposition temperature. The FESEM micrographs of the fractured surfaces indicated that the major toughening mechanisms were CSP de‐bonding, plastic void growth, and shear bond yielding.
Multilevel challenges to equitable inclusion of children in trials when parents use languages other than English: A qualitative report from Children's Oncology Group's Diversity and Health Disparities Committee Language Equity Working Group
Authors: Santacroce Sheila Judge , Beauchemin Melissa P. , Pelletier Wendy , Robles Joanna M. , Ruiz Jenny , Blazin Lindsay J. , Aristizabal Paula , Orjuela‐Grimm Manuela , Hall Anurekha G. , Kahn Justine , Kline Cassie , Seif Alix E. , Velez Maria C. , Winestone Lena E.
Published: September 2024

Background

Increasing representation in clinical trials is a priority for the National Cancer Institute and Children's Oncology Group (COG). Our survey of COG‐affiliated institutions revealed that many sites have insufficient processes and resources to enroll children whose parents use languages other than English (LOE). We describe reported barriers and facilitators to enrolling children in clinical trials when parents use LOE and propose opportunities for improvement.

Procedures

We sent a 20‐item survey to COG‐affiliated institutions. Five items allowed respondents to expand on replies to questions about (a) local institutional review board (IRB) requirements regarding translation of consent documents, (b) contributors to provider discomfort consenting parents who use LOE, (c) available language services and resources, and (d) barriers to enrolling children whose parents use LOE or offer ideas about approaches to improvements. Two pairs of researchers independently coded free‐text responses and compared results for concordance.

Results

A total of 139 (N = 230; 60%) institutions returned the survey. Respondents were mainly physician principal investigators (n = 79/139; 57%) at the United States sites (n = 118/139; 85%) serving less than 100 newly diagnosed children per year (n = 99/139, 71%). They described challenges at multiple levels. Proposed approaches to improvements included centralized provision of translated materials and video educational materials in various languages, and collaborating with IRBs on regulatory processes that protect families and facilitate equitable clinical trial access.

Conclusions

Clinical trial consortia, such as COG, face challenges in enrolling representative samples. Further research is required to design and implement multilevel interventions to ensure equitable access for all, regardless of language used, and mitigate disparate research participation.
Influence of intravenous iron on bacterial infection risk immediately following kidney transplantation
Authors: January Spenser E. , Dubrawka Casey A. , Progar Kristin , Kurwicki Karli , Delos Santos Rowena
Published: September 2024

Background

Kidney transplant recipients are at higher risk of infections due to immunosuppression, especially in the perioperative period after receiving induction therapy. Administration of iron has been linked to bacterial infections. This study investigated if receipt of intravenous iron at the time of kidney transplant increased bacterial infections post‐transplant.

Methods

This single‐center, retrospective study compared patients who received intravenous iron at the time of kidney transplant to those who did not. Patients were followed for 12 weeks after transplant. The primary outcome was incidence of bacterial infections following transplant; hemoglobin and transfusion needs were also examined.

Results

A total of 416 patients who received intravenous iron were compared to 416 patients who did not. Bacterial infections were similar between groups (14.4% iron group vs. 15.9% non‐iron group). Intravenous iron did not influence bacterial infections on univariable or multivariable analyses when other infection confounders were accounted for. Patients who did not receive intravenous iron required more packed red blood cell transfusions in the 3 months following transplantation, but this was driven by factors other than intravenous iron as demonstrated by a post‐hoc analysis.

Conclusions

Intravenous iron did not increase the risk of bacterial infections in the immediate post‐kidney transplant setting. Bacterial infections after transplant were associated with female sex, increasing age at transplant, receipt of transfusions, and increased duration of urinary catheters.
Thermoset and thermoplastic polymer composite with date palm fiber and its behavior: A review
Authors: Islam Shahidul , Karim Fahmida‐E‐ , Islam Md. Redwanul , Saeed Md. Abu , Alam Kazi Ashraful , Khatun Mst. Mohini
Published: September 2024

Date palm fibers possess mechanical properties to synthetic fibers, making them a promising material for fabricating sustainable composites. Date palm fibers exhibit particular hydrophilicity and good mechanical characteristics, which require for particular considerations in composite compositions. Date palm fibers are an incredibly adaptable kind of vegetable fiber which is often used in structural composites. Date palm has also demonstrated promise in a number of other applications, including construction, lighter materials, and sports products. The goal of this study is to present an extensive summary of the current status of research date palm fiber reinforcement composites. This article gives a summary and analysis of the most significant studies on thermoset and thermoplastic composites reinforced with date palm fiber. This document also provides a summary of the primary attributes of date palm fibers, discusses how to improve their characteristics chemically, describes how to create and characterize date palm fiber composites, and highlights prospects for further study. This paper concludes with a few essential suggestions and future directions that highlight the problems that need to be solved in more in‐depth research and possible composites industrialization.

Highlights

Overviewing the composites made from date palm fiber

Different properties of date palm fibers

Mechanical behavior of date palm composites

Applications of date palm composite

Future prospects of the date palm composites.
Maximum Vertical Pocket Versus Amniotic Fluid Index: Assessing Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Patients With Polyhydramnios
Authors: Kraus Alexandria C. , Kucirka Lauren M. , Shah Hina , Prieto Juan C. , Stringer Jeffrey S. A. , Chescheir Nancy C. , Manuck Tracy A. , Boggess Kim A.
Published: September 2024

Objectives

To describe differences in outcomes in pregnancies complicated by polyhydramnios based on whether the diagnosis was made by maximum vertical pocket (MVP), amniotic fluid index (AFI) or both.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study examining ultrasound assessment of amniotic fluid in singleton pregnancies, June 2014 to May 2021, with amniotic fluid volume measured at ≥ 20 weeks gestation. The proportion of pregnancies with mild, moderate or severe polyhydramnios diagnosed by (1) MVP, (2) AFI and (3) both MVP and AFI was evaluated. Modified Poisson regression models estimated the relative risk of adverse outcomes for pregnancies with polyhydramnios compared to those with normal fluid. All models were adjusted for potential confounders and analyses stratified by the presence or absence of foetal anomalies.

Results

Of 14 883 pregnancies, 13 557 (91.1%) had both normal AFI and MVP. Polyhydramnios was most frequently diagnosed by MVP (n = 602/1326, 45.5%). All cases diagnosed by either MVP or AFI were mild. Those with polyhydramnios by both MVP and AFI had an increased risk of perinatal mortality (adjusted relative risk [aRR] = 5.94, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 3.07−11.50), including IUFD (aRR = 5.58, 95% CI 2.81−11.09) and neonatal death (aRR = 13.07, 95% CI 1.72−99.60). Findings were similar when the analysis was stratified by the presence or absence of foetal anomalies.

Conclusions

The use of MVP was associated with a higher likelihood of polyhydramnios diagnosis versus AFI. Polyhydramnios, diagnosed by either MVP or AFI, was mild. Polyhydramnios diagnosed by both measures was associated with an increased risk of perinatal mortality.
Engineering approach to construct robust filter for mismatched nonlinear dynamic systems
Authors: Emami Alireza , Araújo Rui , Cruz Sérgio , Aguiar A. Pedro
Published: September 2024

This article proposes a novel approach to design a robust estimator that is able to keep its consistency in system state estimation when system process model mismatch occurs. To successfully develop such an estimator, not only the estimation strategy proposed but also the designer's knowledge and experience about the system behavior are crucial and determining. To assess the performance of the resultant estimator, its performance is compared with that of three well‐known estimators, that is, the unscented Kalman filter, the cubature Kalman filter, and the extended Kalman filter on the IEEE 5‐generator 14‐bus system. The results indicate that the proposed method has led to an estimator outperforming its rivals under the presence of model errors.
Facile Preparation of High‐Performance Free‐Standing Micro‐Supercapacitors by Optimizing Oxygen Groups on Graphene
Authors: Chen Shiyu , Sun Hui , Chen Yuewen , Fang Qihan , Huang Ziyuan , Liu Yuan , Chen Jie , Chen Mingming , Cao Dawei
Published: September 2024

Free‐standing micro‐supercapacitor (MSC) devices without substrate or current collectors are promising for practical applications. However, it is still difficult to prepare high‐performance free‐standing MSC devices because of the requirement of optimized active sites, conductivity, ion diffusion, controlled patterns, moisture susceptibility, etc. Here, it is proposed that the optimization of oxygen level on graphene is promising to solve these requirements because of the balance of sp2 and sp3 hybridization. Using the medium‐oxidized graphene, the flexible, conductive, hydro‐stable, easy‐processing film can be facilely obtained, which facilitates the preparation of free‐standing MSC electrodes. After constructing with gel electrolyte, the free‐standing MSC device shows a high capacitance of 898.4 mF cm−2 using aqueous‐gel electrolyte and 383.6 mF cm−2 using ion‐gel electrolyte with mass loading of ca. 10 mg cm−2. Correspondingly, the MSC device can achieve a landmark energy density of 42.6 µWh cm−2 at 0.85 mW cm−2 (7.1 mWh cm−3 at 141.7 mW cm−3). The advantages of high performance, facile preparation, and low inactive components make the free‐standing MSC device promising for practical applications.
Luminescent Solar Concentrators for Greenhouse Applications Based on Highly Luminescent Carbon Quantum Dots
Authors: Hosseinpanahi Kambiz , Abbaspour‐Fard Mohammad Hossein , Golzarian Mahmoud Reza , Goharshadi Elaheh K. , Vomiero Alberto
Published: September 2024

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are promising luminophores for luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) in transparent photovoltaic greenhouse covers due to their high ultraviolet (UV)‐light absorption coefficient, which is vital for plant growth. Herein, high quantum yield (75%) and large Stokes shift (0.706 eV) CQDs are synthesized by a simple, fast, cheap, and mass scalable method. A comprehensive study on the LSC engineering is carried out. Thin layers of CQDs with different concentrations of 1, 3, and 5 wt% and different number of layers (1–5) are coated on glass and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) waveguides, sized 5 × 5 × 0.6 and 15 × 15 × 0.6 cm3. The best performing single‐layer LCS exhibits power conversion efficiency (PCE) and optical efficiency as high as 1.6% and 6.5%, respectively (LSC size 5 × 5 × 0.6 cm3), and 1.19% and 3.27% (LSC size of 15 × 15 × 0.6 cm3), respectively. Over 90 days, stability tests show a 2% PCE decrease. Tests on a small‐scale greenhouse model demonstrate that transparent photovoltaic LSC roofs not only produce electricity but also control temperature inside the greenhouse. Hence, CQD‐based LSCs synthesized by the scalable method can be used in commercialization of transparent greenhouses photovoltaic covers.
Deciphering the Role of Hydrogen in the Degradation of Silicon Solar Cells under Light and Elevated Temperature
Authors: Hammann Benjamin , Vieira Rodrigues Pedro , Aßmann Nicole , Kwapil Wolfram , Schindler Florian , Schubert Martin C. , Glunz Stefan W.
Published: September 2024

In recent years, significant attention has been paid to the research of light‐ and elevated‐temperature‐induced degradation (LeTID) in silicon solar cells due to the substantial power loss and instability it causes. It has been discovered that the presence of hydrogen is closely linked to the occurrence of LeTID. In this study, a thorough review and re‐assessment of previously published results is conducted and connected with newly obtained data. The findings indicate a complex interaction between different hydrogen complexes and the LeTID defect states. The precursor of LeTID is connected to molecular hydrogen (H2), while the LeTID degradation and regeneration are related to the binding of atomic hydrogen to the precursor and defect, respectively. A detailed description of the various reactions that occur under illumination and in the dark is provided. Additionally, explanation is given on how pre‐annealing can significantly affect the kinetics of LeTID during subsequent light soaking. Furthermore, a comprehensive hydrogen model that incorporates these various reactions and demonstrates an agreement between simulation and experimental results is developed. Finally, the implications of the findings on strategies for mitigating LeTID are discussed.
Dibenzo‐Fused Heterocycles: A Decade Update on the Syntheses of Carbazole, Dibenzofuran, and Dibenzothiophene
Authors: Sreekumar Anjana , Nair Ajil R. , Raksha C. , Gopika S. , Padmanabhan S. , Gopalakrishna Pai R. , Sivan Akhil
Published: September 2024

Polycyclic heterocycles are the most common and critical structural motifs found in a variety of natural products, medicines, fertilizers, and advanced materials. Because of their widespread use in biologically active compounds and material chemistry, functionalised dibenzo heterocyclic compounds, especially dibenzofuran, dibenzothiophene, and carbazole derivatives, garnered much attention over time. Scientists are especially interested in elucidating more efficient techniques for developing these industrially essential compounds. Dibenzo‐fused heterocycles can rapidly be synthesised using highly efficient transition metal‐catalysed strategies as well as by economic metal‐free reaction conditions. This review includes a detailed overview of the most recent significant synthetic techniques, both metal‐catalysed and metal‐free, to produce these industrially significant and medicinally important dibenzo‐fused heterocycles.
RB1 Mutations Induce Smoking‐Related Bladder Cancer by Modulating the Cytochrome P450 Pathway
Authors: Mao Zhenguang , Gao Fang , Sun Tuo , Xiao Yi , Wu Jiajin , Xiao Yanping , Chu Haiyan , Wu Dongmei , Du Mulong , Zheng Rui , Zhang Zhengdong
Published: September 2024

Cigarette smoking causes multiple cancers by directly influencing mutation burden of driver mutations. However, the mechanism between somatic mutation caused by cigarette smoking and bladder tumorigenesis remains elusive. Smoking‐related mutation profile of bladder cancer was characterized by The Cancer Genome Atlas cohort. Integraticve OncoGenomics database was utilized to detect the smoking‐related driver genes, and its biological mechanism predictions were interpreted based on bulk transcriptome and single‐cell transcriptome, as well as cell experiments. Cigarette smoking was associated with an increased tumor mutational burden under 65 years old (p = 0.031), and generated specific mutational signatures in smokers. RB1 was identified as a differentially mutated driver gene between smokers and nonsmokers, and the mutation rate of RB1 increased twofold after smoking (p = 0.008). RB1 mutations and the 4‐aminobiphenyl interference could significantly decrease the RB1 expression level and thus promote the proliferation, invasion, and migration ability of bladder cancer cells. Enrichment analysis and real‐time quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR) data showed that RB1 mutations inhibited cytochrome P450 pathway by reducing expression levels of UGT1A6 and AKR1C2. In addition, we also observed that the component of immunological cells was regulated by RB1 mutations through the stronger cell‐to‐cell interactions between epithelial scissor+ cells and immune cells in smokers. This study highlighted that RB1 mutations could drive smoking‐related bladder tumorigenesis through inhibiting cytochrome P450 pathway and regulating tumor immune microenvironment.
Philip Whitehead Blackburn
Authors: Spedding Neil
Published: September 2024

A recognised pig clinician, his impact on pig farming is acknowledged internationally.
A year of challenges and highlights
Authors: Judson Anna
Published: September 2024

Anna Judson looks back on her time as BVA President and to the opportunities ahead.
Preparation, pharmacokinetics and anti‐obesity effects on dogs of nuciferine liposomes
Authors: Lu Jiang , Xu Yi‐Tian , Qian Xiao‐Liang , Zhu Dao‐Xian , Lu Jin‐Ye , Ma Hui , Liu Jing
Published: September 2024

Background

Nuciferine (NUC), a natural compound extracted from lotus leaves, has been proven to have anti‐obesity effects. However, the development and application of NUC as an anti‐obesity drug in dogs are hindered due to its poor water solubility and low bioavailability.

Objective

To promote the development of NUC‐related products for anti‐obesity in dogs, this study prepared NUC into a liposome formulation and evaluated its characteristics, pharmacokinetics in dogs, and anti‐obesity effects on high‐fat diet dogs.

Methods

NUC liposomes were prepared by the ethanol injection method, using NUC, egg lecithin, and β‐sitosterol as raw materials. The characteristics and release rate in vitro of liposomes were evaluated by particle size analyser and dialysis method, respectively. The pharmacokinetics in dogs after oral administration of NUC‐liposomes was carried out by the high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Moreover, we investigated the anti‐obesity effect of NUC‐liposomes on obese dogs fed with a high‐fat diet.

Results

NUC‐liposome was successfully prepared, with an EE of (79.31 ± 1.06)%, a particle size of (81.25 ± 3.14) nm, a zeta potential of (–18.75 ± 0.23) mV, and a PDI of 0.175 ± 0.031. The cumulative release rate in vitro of NUC from NUC‐liposomes was slower than that of NUC. The T1/2 and relative bioavailability of NUC‐liposomes in dogs increased, and CL reduced compared with NUC. In addition, the preventive effect of NUC‐liposomes on obesity in high‐fat diet dogs is stronger than that of NUC.

Conclusions

The liposome formulation of NUC was conducive to improve its relative bioavailability and anti‐obesity effect in dogs.
Mallard winter use of conservation program and nonprogram lands in Mississippi
Authors: Lancaster Joseph D. , Boudreau Melanie R. , Kaminski Richard M. , Street Garett M. , Mini Anne E. , Nelms Kevin D. , Davis J. Brian
Published: September 2024

Prior to the 19th century, the Mississippi Alluvial Valley (MAV) was a vast bottomland hardwood forest ecosystem with associated wetlands and intrinsic resources. Conversion for human uses in the 20th century transformed the MAV into an agriculturally dominated system. Since the late 1980s, federal and state incentivized conservation programs for landowners have helped restore wetlands on private lands in the MAV. Given the need to evaluate incentivized private lands in relation to waterfowl use, we used a sample of 241 radiomarked female mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) and evaluated their use of private and public lands in the Mississippi portion of the MAV during winters 2010–2015. Our objective was to examine mallard use of public, incentivized private, and non‐incentivized private lands and to evaluate if use changed by time of day and during and after the hunting season. Among all diurnal and nocturnal locations of mallards, 43.3% (n = 3,995) occurred on public lands, 19.5% (n = 1,802) were on incentivized private lands, and 37.2% (n = 3,432) on non‐incentivized private lands. Of mallard locations on incentivized private lands, mallards exhibited greatest use of Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE; 12.4%) and Conservation Reserve Program tracts (CRP; 4.7%). Mallards used public lands more diurnally within hunting seasons and more during hunting seasons than post‐hunting season, which we attributed to the presence of designated sanctuaries that may have provided refuge from hunting and other disturbances. Post‐hunting season, mallards increased their use of incentivized and non‐incentivized private lands, perhaps to exploit seasonal emergent wetland and remnant agricultural foods. Radiomarked mallards used a variety of landcover types across public and private land, reinforcing the importance of habitat complexes for wintering mallards and other dabbling ducks. Conservation program lands, such as CRP and WREs, provide emergent and forested wetlands that complement flooded agricultural lands and natural wetlands in the MAV. When areal availability estimates of incentivized private lands are accessible from government or other partners, we encourage future researchers to investigate selectivity by mallards and other waterfowl of public, incentivized, and non‐incentivized lands.
Thin-wall vacuum decay in the presence of a compact dimension
Authors: Antoniadis Ignatios , Bielli Daniele , Chatrabhuti Auttakit , Isono Hiroshi
Published: September 2024

Abstract

We study the problem of false vacuum decay in arbitrary dimensions, in the presence of gravity, and compute the transition probability within the thin-wall approximation, generalising the results of Coleman and de Luccia. In the particular case of one compact dimension, we present explicit formulae for the Euclidean Bounce configuration that drives the transition from a de Sitter to Minkowski or from a Minkowski to anti-de Sitter vacua.
Colored vertex models and Iwahori Whittaker functions
Authors: Brubaker Ben , Buciumas Valentin , Bump Daniel , Gustafsson Henrik P. A.
Published: September 2024

We give a recursive method for computing all values of a basis of Whittaker functions for unramified principal series invariant under an Iwahori or parahoric subgroup of a split reductive group G over a nonarchimedean local field F. Structures in the proof have surprising analogies to features of certain solvable lattice models. In the case $$G=\textrm{GL}_r$$

G
=

GL
r

we show that there exist solvable lattice models whose partition functions give precisely all of these values. Here ‘solvable’ means that the models have a family of Yang–Baxter equations which imply, among other things, that their partition functions satisfy the same recursions as those for Iwahori or parahoric Whittaker functions. The R-matrices for these Yang–Baxter equations come from a Drinfeld twist of the quantum group $$U_q(\widehat{\mathfrak {gl}}(r|1))$$

U
q

(

gl
^

(
r
|
1
)

)

, which we then connect to the standard intertwining operators on the unramified principal series. We use our results to connect Iwahori and parahoric Whittaker functions to variations of Macdonald polynomials.
Passive leg raising test versus rapid fluid challenge in critically ill medical patients
Authors: Majunke Natascha , Philipp Dan , Weidhase Lorenz , Pasieka Bastian , Kunz Kevin , Seidel Frank , Scharm Robert , Petros Sirak
Published: September 2024

Background

The passive leg raising (PLR) test is a simple test to detect preload responsiveness. However, variable fluid doses and infusion times were used in studies evaluating the effect of PLR. Studies showed that the effect of fluid challenge on hemodynamics dissipates in 10 min. This prospective study aimed to compare PLR and a rapid fluid challenge (RFC) with a 300-ml bolus infused within 5 min in adult patients with a hemodynamic compromise.

Materials and methods

Critically ill medical patients with signs of systemic hypoperfusion were included if volume expansion was considered. Hemodynamic status was assessed with continuous measurements of cardiac output (CO), when possible, and mean arterial pressure (MAP) at baseline, during PLR, and after RFC.

Results

A total of 124 patients with a median age of 65.0 years were included. Their acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II score was 19.7 ± 6.0, with a sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score of 9.0 ± 4.4. Sepsis was diagnosed in 73.3%, and 79.8% of the patients were already receiving a norepinephrine infusion. Invasive MAP monitoring was established in all patients, while continuous CO recording was possible in 42 patients (33.9%). Based on CO changes, compared with those with RFC, the false positive and false negative rates with PLR were 21.7 and 36.8%, respectively, with positive and negative predictive values of 70.6 and 72.0%, respectively. Based on MAP changes, compared with those with RFC, the false positive and false negative rates with PLR compared to RFC were 38.2% and 43.3%, respectively, with positive and negative predictive values of 64.4 and 54.0%, respectively.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated a moderate agreement between PLR and RFC in hemodynamically compromised medical patients, which should be considered when testing preload responsiveness.
Change in the serum selenium level of patients with non-metastatic and metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) during radiotherapy as a predictive factor for survival
Authors: Ohlinger Julia , Vordermark Dirk , Ostheimer Christian , Bache Matthias , Tzschoppe Therese , Demircan Kamil , Schomburg Lutz , Medenwald Daniel , Seliger Barbara
Published: September 2024

Background

Lung cancer remains a serious medical problem. The trace element selenium seems to be a promising prognostic marker or therapeutic option for cancer patients.

Methods

We enrolled 99 patients with histologically confirmed NSCLC undergoing radiotherapy. The serum selenium level of these patients was determined prior to irradiation (t0), after reaching 20 Gy (t1), and at the end of radiotherapy (t2). Selenium concentrations were measured with total-reflection X‑ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectroscopy. We formed three subgroups according to the change in serum selenium levels across timepoints, and Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to estimate overall survival (OS). Further subgroups were patients with/without metastatic disease. We used adjusted Cox regression models.

Results

The change in selenium concentration was especially significant between t0 and t1 for the whole study group (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.5, p = 0.03) as well as in patients with metastasized NSCLC (HR = 0.3, p = 0.04) after adjustment. The baseline selenium value in patients with non-metastasized NSCLC was associated with overall survival (HR = 0.3, p = 0.04). The change in selenium levels between t0 and t2 was significant in patients with metastatic lung cancer (HR = 0.1, p = 0.03). Patients with increased serum selenium levels during radiotherapy between the start of treatment (t0) and t1 had better OS (HR = 0.46, p = 0.05).

Conclusion

Especially patients with increasing selenium levels during radiotherapy showed an improved overall survival. Thus, serum selenium might be a predictive factor for OS in NSCLC patients. The value of supplementation of the trace element is subject to future research.
Constraint Maps with Free Boundaries: the Obstacle Case
Authors: Figalli Alessio , Kim Sunghan , Shahgholian Henrik
Published: September 2024

This paper revives a four-decade-old problem concerning regularity theory for (continuous) constraint maps with free boundaries. Dividing the map into two parts, the distance part and the projected image to the constraint, one can prove various properties for each component. As has already been pointed out in the literature, the distance part falls under the classical obstacle problem, which is well-studied by classical methods. A perplexing issue, untouched in the literature, concerns the properties of the projected image and its higher regularity, which we show to be at most of class $$C^{2,1}$$

C

2
,
1

. In arbitrary dimensions, we prove that the image map is globally of class $$W^{3,BMO}$$

W

3
,
B
M
O

, and locally of class $$C^{2,1}$$

C

2
,
1

around the regular part of the free boundary. The issue becomes more delicate around singular points, and we resolve it in two dimensions. In the appendix, we extend some of our results to what we call leaky maps.
Evaluation of epilepsy lesion visualisation enhancement in low-field MRI using image quality transfer: a preliminary investigation of clinical potential for applications in developing countries
Authors: Figini Matteo , Lin Hongxiang , D’Arco Felice , Ogbole Godwin , Rossi-Espagnet Maria Camilla , Oyinloye Olalekan Ibukun , Yaria Joseph , Nzeh Donald Amasike , Atalabi Mojisola Omolola , Carmichael David W. , Cross Judith Helen , Lagunju Ikeoluwa , Fernandez-Reyes Delmiro , Alexander Daniel C.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Low-field (LF) MRI scanners are common in many Low- and middle-Income countries, but they provide images with worse spatial resolution and contrast than high-field (HF) scanners. Image Quality Transfer (IQT) is a machine learning framework to enhance images based on high-quality references that has recently adapted to LF MRI. In this study we aim to assess if it can improve lesion visualisation compared to LF MRI scans in children with epilepsy.

Methods

T1-weighted, T2-weighted and FLAIR were acquired from 12 patients (5 to 18 years old, 7 males) with clinical diagnosis of intractable epilepsy on a 0.36T (LF) and a 1.5T scanner (HF). LF images were enhanced with IQT. Seven radiologists blindly evaluated the differentiation between normal grey matter (GM) and white matter (WM) and the extension and definition of epileptogenic lesions in LF, HF and IQT-enhanced images.

Results

When images were evaluated independently, GM-WM differentiation scores of IQT outputs were 26% higher, 17% higher and 12% lower than LF for T1, T2 and FLAIR. Lesion definition scores were 8–34% lower than LF, but became 3% higher than LF for FLAIR and T1 when images were seen side by side. Radiologists with expertise at HF scored IQT images higher than those with expertise at LF.

Conclusion

IQT generally improved the image quality assessments. Evaluation of pathology on IQT-enhanced images was affected by familiarity with HF/IQT image appearance. These preliminary results show that IQT could have an important impact on neuroradiology practice where HF MRI is not available.
Correction to Successful treatment of staghorn stones with flexible ureteroscopy and thulium fiber laser (TFL) lithotripsy: initial experience with 32 cases
Authors: Gul Tawiz , laymon Mahmoud , Alrayashi Maged , Abdelkareem Mohamed , Salah Morshed
Published: September 2024

Purpose

To investigate the efficacy and safety of flexible ureteroscopy with thulium fiber laser lithotripsy for management of renal staghorn stones.

Materials and methods

Thirty-two patients with staghorn stones were recruited. Stone characteristics including: width, length, volume and density were analyzed. Ablation speed, laser efficacy and laser activity were recorded. The primary outcome was to assess stone free rate after the procedure using spiral CT scan.

Results

The median stone volume was 7339 (3183–53838) mm3. Median operative and lasing time were 135 (70–200) and 117 (50–180) minutes, respectively. The mean total energy delivered was 63.9±30 KJ with a median ablation speed of 1.3 (0.5–4.9) mm3/sec. Mean laser efficacy was 7.5 ±3.6 Joules/mm3. A total of 12 complications occurred in 8 patients (25%). The median hospital stay was 7 (3.5–48) hours and 30 patients (93.7%) were discharged on the same day of surgery. After the first session, seventeen patients (53%) were stone free with no residual fragments while six (19%) patients had residuals ≤ 2 mm. Nine patients (28%) had residuals > 2 mm with median residual size of 4 (3–9) mm. A second intervention was required in 4 cases.The overall stone free rate after completion of treatment was 65.6%.

Conclusion

Flexible ureteroscopy with thulium fiber laser lithotripsy is a safe and effective treatment option for staghorn stones with stone free rate comparable to standard PCNL with advantages of minimal morbidity, minimal blood loss and shorter hospital stay.
Allogeneic amnion transplantation for the management of cutaneous graft-versus-host disease with associated ulcers: A promising therapeutic strategy
Authors: Siegmund Andreas , Wolff Daniel , Pagani Andrea , Ruewe Marc , Klein Silvan , Herr Wolfgang , Prantl Lukas , Geis Sebastian
Published: September 2024

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) is the cornerstone treatment for various hematopoietic disorders, but its utility is often compromised by chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGvHD), affecting skin integrity and leading to ulcer formations. Traditional treatments, including systemic and topical therapies, frequently fail in severe cases. This study retrospectively examines three patients with therapy-resistant ulcers due to cGvHD post-alloSCT treated at the University Hospital of Regensburg in 2023. We evaluated the therapeutic impact of human amniotic membrane (hAM) transplantation—a novel approach utilizing hAM’s anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-fibrotic properties for wound healing. Surgical debridement was followed by hAM application and routine follow-up. HAM transplantation led to complete wound closure in two out of three patients and a significant reduction in local pain and infection rates. The treatment alleviated the need for regular dressing changes within three months in two patients, demonstrating the hAM’s efficacy in fostering rapid and sustained healing. The utilization of hAM represents a promising alternative for the management of refractory skin ulcers in cGvHD patients, particularly when conventional methods are inadequate.
Percutaneous recanalization of non-cirrhotic extrahepatic portal vein obstruction in children: technical considerations in a preliminary cohort
Authors: Marra Paolo , Franchi-Abella Stephanie , Hernandez José A. , Ronot Maxime , Muglia Riccardo , D’Antiga Lorenzo , Sironi Sandro
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Portal hypertension resulting from non-cirrhotic extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) in children has been primarily managed with the Meso-Rex bypass, but only a few patients have a viable Rex recessus, required by surgery. This study reports a preliminary series of patients who underwent interventional radiology attempts at portal vein recanalization (PVR), with a focus on technical aspects and safety.

Methods

A retrospective review of consecutive patients with severe portal hypertension due to non-cirrhotic EHPVO at a single institution from 2022, who underwent percutaneous attempts at PVR, was performed. Technical and clinical data including fluoroscopy time, radiation exposure, technical and clinical success, complications and follow-up were recorded.

Results

Eleven patients (6 males and 5 females; median age 7 years, range 1–14) underwent 15 percutaneous transhepatic (n = 1), transplenic (n = 11), or simultaneous transhepatic/transplenic (n = 3) procedures. Rex recessus was patent in 4/11 (36%). Fluoroscopy resulted in a high median total dose area product (DAP) of 123 Gycm2 (range 17–788 Gycm2) per procedure. PVR was achieved in 5/11 patients (45%), 3/5 with obliterated Rex recessus. Two adverse events of grade 2 and grade 3 occurred without sequelae. After angioplasty, 4/5 patients required stenting to obtain sustained patency, as demonstrated by colour-Doppler ultrasound in all PVR after a median follow-up of 6 months (range 6–14).

Conclusion

Our preliminary experience suggests that 45% of children with non-cirrhotic EHPVO can restore portal flow even with obliterated Rex recessus. In non-cirrhotic EHPVO, PVR may be an option, if a Meso-Rex bypass is not feasible, although the radiation exposure deserves attention.

Clinical relevance statement

Innovative percutaneous procedures may have the potential to be an alternative option to the traditional surgical approach in the management of non-cirrhotic EHPVO and its complications in children not eligible for Meso-Rex bypass surgery.

Key Points

Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension in children has been traditionally managed by surgery with Meso-Rex bypass creation.

Percutaneous PVR may restore the patency of the native portal system even when the Rex recessus is obliterated and surgery has been excluded.

Interventional radiological techniques may offer a minimally invasive solution in complex cases of EHPVO in children when Meso-Rex bypass is not feasible.