bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-Term Followup after Electrocautery Transurethral Resection of the Prostate for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Kallenberg F. , Hossack T. A. , Woo H. H.
Published: November 2011

Introduction. For decades, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) has been the “gold standard” operation for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) but is based mainly on historic data. The historic data lacks use of validated measures and current TURP differs significantly from that performed 30 years ago.Methods. Men who had undergone TURP between 2001 and 2005 were reviewed. International prostate symptom score (IPSS), quality of life (QOL) and peak urinary flow rate (Qmax⁡), and postvoid residual (PVR) were recorded. Operative details and postoperative complications were documented. Patients were then invited to attend for repeat assessment.Results. 91 patients participated. Mean follow-up time was 70 months. Mean follow-up results were IPSS—7; QoL—1.5;Qmax⁡—23 mL/s; PVR—45 mL. These were an improvement from baseline of 67%, 63%, 187%, and 80%, respectively. Early complication rates were low, with no blood transfusions, TUR syndrome, or deaths occurring. Urethral stricture rate was higher than anticipated at 14%.Conclusion. This study shows modern TURP still produces durable improvement in voiding symptoms which remains comparable with historic studies. This study, however, found a marked drop in early complications but, conversely, a higher than expected incidence of urethral strictures.
Contribution of the Residual Body in the Spatial Organization of Toxoplasma gondii Tachyzoites within the Parasitophorous Vacuole
Authors: Muñiz-Hernández S. , González del Carmen M. , Mondragón M. , Mercier C. , Cesbron M. F. , Mondragón-González S. L. , González S. , Mondragón R.
Published: November 2011

Toxoplasma gondii proliferates and organizes within a parasitophorous vacuole in rosettes around a residual body and is surrounded by a membranous nanotubular network whose function remains unclear. Here, we characterized structure and function of the residual body in intracellular tachyzoites of the RH strain. Our data showed the residual body as a body limited by a membrane formed during proliferation of tachyzoites probably through the secretion of components and a pinching event of the membrane at the posterior end. It contributes in the intravacuolar parasite organization by the membrane connection between the tachyzoites posterior end and the residual body membrane to give place to the rosette conformation. Radial distribution of parasites in rosettes favors an efficient exteriorization. Absence of the network and presence of atypical residual bodies in a ΔGRA2‐HXGPRT knock‐out mutant affected the intravacuolar organization of tachyzoites and their exteriorization.
The Natural History and Clinical Syndromes of Degenerative Cervical Spondylosis
Authors: Kelly John C. , Groarke Patrick J. , Butler Joseph S. , Poynton Ashley R. , O'Byrne John M.
Published: November 2011

Cervical spondylosis is a broad term which describes the age related chronic disc degeneration, which can also affect the cervical vertebrae, the facet and other joints and their associated soft tissue supports. Evidence of spondylitic change is frequently found in many asymptomatic adults. Radiculopathy is a result of intervertebral foramina narrowing. Narrowing of the spinal canal can result in spinal cord compression, ultimately resulting in cervical spondylosis myelopathy. This review article examines the current literature in relation to the cervical spondylosis and describes the three clinical syndromes of axial neck pain, cervical radiculopathy and cervical myelopathy
Chemometrics in Fingerprinting by Means of Thin Layer Chromatography
Authors: Komsta Łukasz
Published: November 2011

The paper is written as an introductory review, presenting summary of current knowledge about chemometric fingerprinting in the context of TLC, due to a rather small interest in the literature about joining TLC and chemometrics. The paper shortly covers the most important aspects of the chemometric fingerprinting in general, creating the TLC fingerprints, denoising, baseline removal, warping/registering, and chemometric processing itself. References being good candidates as a starting point are given for each topic and processing step.
“Deciphering the Shema: Staircase Parallelism and the Syntax of Deuteronomy 6:4”
Authors: Kraut Judah
Published: November 2011

Abstract

The unusual syntax of Deut 6:4 has long puzzled expositors of the Hebrew Bible. None of the many solutions posed by commentators has ever gained widespread acceptance. The continuing, increasingly strained, efforts to unravel the verse’s syntax testify to the desirability of a new approach. In this essay, I show that the key to understanding Deut 6:4 lies in the recognition that Moses’s exhortation is couched in the AB//AC structure known as “staircase parallelism”. This pattern yields a meaning of ABC—in this case, “YHWH our God is one!” I defend this proposal in three ways, establishing that Deuteronomy is a suitable context for staircase parallelism, that at least two solid biblical precedents share the same basic sentence construction, and that staircase parallelism is literarily apropos in Deut 6.
The Love-Fear Antinomy in Deuteronomy 5-11
Authors: Arnold Bill T.
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Examines the lexemes “love” (ʾhb) and “fear” (yrʾ) in Deut 5-11 in order better to understand the way they complement each other in both their cognitive and affective domains. The affective domain of “love” in Deuteronomy has not been appreciated fully in exegetical work on chs. 5-11 because (a) most scholars assume a commanded love can only be cognitive, and (b) the ancient Near Eastern treaty parallels suggest such a cognitive, behavioral interpretation. This study will argue not only that “love” in Deut 5-11 has affective connotations, confirming other recent research on this topic, but will suggest further that love-terminology and fear-terminology have been combined in Deuteronomy in both their cognitive and affective aspects in order to demarcate the connotations of each. The result of this deliberate antinomy is that “love” is restricted in order to prevent an affection devoid of reverence. Conversely, “fear” is restricted to prevent a terror devoid of delight. The two lexemes complement each other in Deut 5-11 deliberately to define the covenant relationship between YHWH and Israel, and thereby create a covenant ethic for ancient Israel.
Peter John Olivi on Perceptual Representation
Authors: Adriaenssen Han Thomas
Published: November 2011

Abstract

This paper studies Olivi’s account of perceptual representation. It addresses two main questions: (1) how do perceptual representations originate? and (2) how do they represent their objects? Regarding (1), it is well known that Olivi emphasizes the activity of the soul in the production of perceptual representations. Yet it is sometimes argued that he overstresses the activity of the soul in a way that yields a philosophically problematic result. I argue that Olivi was well aware of the problem that could be raised for his theory and that he sought to cope with it. Regarding (2), Pasnau argues that for Olivi, causal relationships with external objects determine the content of perceptual representations. I argue that, rather, perceptual representations are about their objects because they are their similitudes. This makes him an internalist about representational content.
Ambrosiaster’s Interpretations of Romans 1:26-27
Authors: de Bruyn Theodore
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Scholarly discussions of patristic interpretations of Romans 1:26-27 have overlooked the fact that Ambrosiaster revised his reading of the passage. In the first version of his commentary on Romans, Ambrosiaster understands verse 26 to refer to “unnatural” sexual relations between women and men, whereas in the second and third versions he understands the verse to refer to “unnatural” sexual relations between women. The paper examines the differences between the three versions, explains Ambrosiaster’s remarks, and situates his interpretation within the moral outlook and exegetical tradition of Latin Christian writers.
Augustine’s Manichaean Dilemma in Context
Authors: van Oort Johannes
Published: November 2011

Abstract

This article describes the study of ‘Augustine and Manichaeism’ in context, mainly focusing on the recent book on the theme (the first one of a projected trilogy) by Jason David BeDuhn.
“An inconsequential boil” or a “terrible disease”? Social perceptions of and state responses to syphilis in the late Ottoman empire
Authors: Boyar Ebru
Published: November 2011

From the last quarter of the nineteenth century, the Ottoman state started to perceive syphilis as a dangerous menace threatening the security of the state and the welfare of society. It therefore began to undertake measures to contain the disease and prevent it spreading. In particular the province of Kastamonu became the hub of the campaign against syphilis and the central government set up an invasive system of enforced pre-nuptial health checks, regular controls of the hamams and barber shops there, as well as imposing restrictions on the mobility of local residents, controls which had a direct impact on the everyday lives of the population. Among these measures the effective application of pre-nuptial health checks, directed at both male and female subjects of the province, was hampered by the resistance of the population, who did not perceive syphilis as dangerous, and in consequence the local and central governments and their agents, such as the medical personnel, who were responsible for the imposition of such measures, were forced to modify some measures and ignore others in order to avoid a confrontation with the local population.
Malta and the study of Arabic in the sixteenth to the nineteenth centuries
Authors: Cassar Carmel
Published: November 2011

The Holy See became aware of the potential evangelising role of the Maltese in Ottoman lands at least from the mid-sixteenth century. This had much to do with Malta's geographical proximity to North Africa, coupled with the ability of the Maltese to speak a native Semitic language, believed to be close to Arabic, while at the same time being fervently Catholic Christians. Malta was singled out for this role mainly because the majority of Levantine Christian communities, then largely under Ottoman rule, were known to speak some form of Arabic. The combination of these factors appeared to be an excellent combination of circumstances to the Catholic Church authorities in Rome who believed that Malta was ideally suited for the teaching of Arabic. In Rome there was a general belief that the establishment of a school of Arabic in Malta, would help make the Catholic Church more accessible to the Christians of the Levant. However, despite continuous efforts, throughout the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, by the Holy Congregation of Propaganda Fide, the teaching of Arabic never really took off in Malta. Under British colonial administration, in the early nineteenth century, Arabic remained on the list of subjects taught at the University of Malta and was later introduced at the Lyceum and the Valletta Government School. The British colonial authorities may even have encouraged its teaching and for a brief time, in the mid-nineteenth century, the well known Lebanese scholar Ahmad Faris al-Shidyaq, was lecturer of Arabic at Valletta. The end of Arabic teaching during World War One coincided with the emergence of the belief, pushed by Lord Gerald Strickland, that the Maltese descended from the Phoenicians. It was believed that the Maltese had preserved ancient Phoenician, rather than Arabic, over the millennia. By associating the Maltese with the ancient Phoenicians Strickland was simply saying that the Maltese might have had Semitic origins but that did not mean they were Arabs.
Application of Short-Range Lidar in Wind Shear Alerting
Authors: Chan P. W. , Lee Y. F.
Published: November 2011

Long-range lidar systems have been used operationally at the Hong Kong International Airport for wind shear alerting. They are used for monitoring the headwinds over the last 3 n mi of all of the runway corridors of the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). This paper discusses the results of a trial of using short-range lidar (SRL) in the alerting of wind shear over a particular runway corridor by performing more frequently updated wind measurements over a specific section of this corridor in which many wind shear reports are received. The radial resolution of the lidar is 75 m and the data are updated every 20 s. Three different ways of wind shear alerting based on SRL’s data are studied, namely, the deviations of the measured radial velocities from the uniform background flow (the “velocity fluctuation”), eddy dissipation rate (EDR), and autocorrelation of radial velocity. The performance of these methods is studied by comparing with the pilot wind shear reports. The velocity fluctuation has the best skill in capturing the wind shear reports. By combining the wind shear alerts from SRL with those from the Wind Shear and Turbulence Warning System (WTWS), it is possible to achieve a probability of detection (POD) of pilot wind shear reports of about 90%, with a percentage of time on alert (PTA) of about 10% only. This even outperforms the existing overall wind shear alerting service (WTWS plus subjective wind shear warnings issued by aviation weather forecasters) by significantly reducing PTA. As such, the present study shows that it is possible to combine wind shear alerts from SRL and WTWS for automatic wind shear alerting without the need of human intervention, at least for a particular runway corridor of HKIA.
Getting the whole picture: combining throughput with content in microscopy
Authors: Rimon Nitzan , Schuldiner Maya
Published: November 2011

The increasing availability and performance of automated scientific equipment in the past decades have brought about a revolution in the biological sciences. The ease with which data can now be generated has led to a new culture of high-throughput science, in which new types of biological questions can be asked and tackled in a systematic and unbiased manner. High-throughput microscopy, also often referred to as high-content screening (HCS), allows acquisition of systematic data at the single-cell level. Moreover, it allows the visualization of an enormous array of cellular features and provides tools to quantify a large number of parameters for each cell. These features make HCS a powerful method to create data that is rich and biologically meaningful without compromising systematic capabilities. In this Commentary, we will discuss recent work, which has used HCS, to demonstrate the diversity of applications and technological solutions that are evolving in this field. Such advances are placing HCS methodologies at the frontier of high-throughput science and enable scientists to combine throughput with content to address a variety of cell biological questions.
Urea-induced Direct Synthesis of Nanostructured α-Ni(OH)2 on Nickel Foam
Authors: Lv Sa , Xing Shuangxi
Published: November 2011

A convenient hydrothermal route was designed for the direct synthesis of nanostructured α-Ni(OH)2 on nickel foam in an aqueous solution only containing Ni(NO3)2 and urea. The obtained urchin-like Ni(OH)2 displayed good electrochemical activity with a maximum specific capacitance of 103 mA h g−1 at a current density of 2.5 A g−1.
Rapid Access to 3-Aryltetralin Skeleton via C(sp3)–H Bond Functionalization: Investigation on the Substituent Effect of Aromatic Ring Adjacent to C–H Bond in Hydride Shift/Cyclization Sequence
Authors: Mori Keiji , Sueoka Shosaku , Akiyama Takahiko
Published: November 2011

The concise construction of 3-aryltetralin skeleton via hydride shift mediated C–H bond functionalization was achieved. In this process, the benzylic [1,5]-H shift occurred smoothly to furnish tetralin derivatives in good to excellent chemical yields. The electronic and steric properties of the aromatic ring adjacent to the C–H bond influenced significantly the reactivity of this transformation.
The photographic stare
Authors: ANDREWS JORELLA
Published: November 2011

Using an image taken by Reuters’ photographer Nicky Loh during the 2009 earthquake in Sumatra, this article rethinks in positive terms the experience of being captivated by photographs, including ‘disaster’ photographs that are often described as problematically spectacularizing.
In order to do this I bring together two propositions, that of the photograph as a uniquely articulated prosthetic stare on the one hand, and as an inorganic but powerful ‘agent’ or ‘actor’ on the other. My main theoretical resources come from Donna Haraway’s
well-known 1988 essay ‘Situated knowledges’ and Maurice Merleau-Ponty’s 1961 essay ‘Eye and mind’.
‘A fanzine of record’: Merseysound and mapping Liverpool’s post-punk popular musicscapes
Authors: LASHUA BRETT , COHEN SARA
Published: November 2011

This article focuses on one particular fanzine – Merseysound – and how it provides a grassroots account of Liverpool’s post-punk scene over a three-year period (1979–1982). The fanzine draws attention to the material and historical context of the post-punk scene
and provides a rich and detailed mapping of the performance venues connected to it. This article begins by introducing Merseysound and explaining how it was produced. It is then divided into three sections in order to consider how the fanzine: (1) chronicled the emergence and development of
Liverpool’s postpunk music scene and connected it to conventional narratives of urban decline and renewal; (2) promoted the idea that the scene had one core venue; and (3) mapped other venues connected to the scene and relations between those venues. The case of Merseysound shows that
fanzines are a useful historical resource for research on punk and post-punk. They provide a record of local punk and post-punk scenes but they were also active agents within those scenes, helping to create the groups, identities and ideologies involved. In this way fanzines can highlight
the complex and dynamic relationships between music and place.
Reconstructions in ultrasound modulated optical tomography
Authors: Allmaras Moritz , Bangerth Wolfgang
Published: November 2011

We introduce a mathematical model for ultrasound modulated optical tomography and present a simple reconstruction scheme for recovering the spatially varying optical absorption coefficient from scanning measurements with narrowly focused ultrasound signals. Computational results for this model show that the reconstruction of sharp features of the absorption coefficient is possible. A formal linearization of the model leads to an equation with a Fredholm operator, which explains the stability observed in our numerical experiments.
Perfil da publicação científica brasileira sobre a temática da classe hospitalar
Authors: Barros Alessandra Santana Soares e , Gueudeville Rosane Santos , Vieira Sônia Chagas
Published: November 2011

O objetivo do trabalho foi descrever o perfi l da publicação científi ca brasileira sobre a temática da escolarização em hospitais, iniciativa justifi cada a partir do reconhecimento da importância da produção científi ca na legitimação e consolidação de uma nova área do saber. Foram analisados 47 artigos publicadosem periódicos científi cos entre os anos de 1997 e 2008. Tratou-se, basicamente, de um estudo de avaliação do Estado do Conhecimento (ou Estado da Arte) de uma área de interesse crescente dentro da Educação Especial: a escolarização de crianças hospitalizadas e/ou doentes crônicas, designada pelo MEC segundo o termo Classe Hospitalar. Do ponto de vista do corpus empírico, tratou-se de uma pesquisa documental, alicerçada metodologicamente na Análise de Conteúdo. Os artigos da amostra foram quantifi cados e qualifi cados segundo o tipo de investimento empírico predominante, quais fossem: ensaio, relato de experiência, relatos de pesquisa original (pesquisa com desenho de investigação) ou revisão de literatura. Buscou-se, também, identifi car se o periódico ao qual o artigo pertencia encontrava-se indexado em bases de dados: SciELO, Edubase, Bireme e catálogo do INEP. Descreveu-se, ainda, a distribuição dos artigos por área de conhecimento e por instituições de onde provinham. Os principais resultados obtidos revelaram que dos 47 artigos analisados 22 foram classifi cados como sendo oriundos de pesquisa original, apenas dois periódicos encontravam-se indexados em todas as bases de dados consideradas em relevância e as publicações foram originadas, em sua grande parte, da atividade de pesquisadores estabelecidos em instituições federais de ensino superior.
Novel Oral Anticoagulants and Their Role in Clinical Practice
Authors: Wittkowsky Ann K.
Published: November 2011

The complexities of oral anticoagulation with warfarin have led to the search for more practical alternative agents. Novel direct factor IIa inhibitors and direct factor Xa inhibitors currently in development can be administered at a fixed dose and do not require routine coagulation monitoring and ongoing dosage adjustment to ensure their effectiveness and safety. A number of phase III trials of these agents for the prevention of venous thromboembolism associated with orthopedic surgery and acute medical illness, for the treatment of venous thromboembolism, and for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation have been completed, with almost universally positive results. If these novel agents are approved for use in the United States, the future of oral anticoagulant therapy will allow a more nuanced approach to drug selection than has been available in the past. Attention to drug interactions and renal function will be required, as methods to measure the presence of these agents are not precise, cannot quantify the degree of anticoagulant present, and are influenced by the changes in serum drug concentrations during the dosing interval. In the future, patient preferences and the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of individual drugs will be able to be matched to optimize therapy. These new agents represent a new paradigm for anticoagulation that promises to improve patient care in the long term.
Intensifying Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Adding Insulin
Authors: Peters Kyle R.
Published: November 2011

Treatment for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus is typically initiated with a combination of lifestyle modification and oral drugs. This treatment provides sustained glycemic control in some patients, but many others require administration of insulin as their disease progresses and pancreatic β cells are lost. One of the most important points in long‐term care for patients with type 2 diabetes is the transition to insulin therapy. Health care professionals must choose the most appropriate insulin preparations for management of patients with type 2 diabetes who cannot achieve treatment goals by using other therapies. These include basal, premixed, and basal‐bolus insulin regimens. In addition, there are multiple approaches to initiation of insulin treatment, including addition of basal insulin to oral drugs, switching patients to a premixed insulin formulation, or basal‐bolus treatment. The pharmacist can play a key role in the transition to insulin therapy by providing education and assisting in day‐to‐day management of patients with type 2 diabetes who require insulin for intensification of treatment.
Clinical Features of Cardio-Renal Syndrome in a Cohort of Consecutive Patients Admitted to an Internal Medicine Ward
Authors: Fabbian F , Pala M , De Giorgi A , Scalone A , Molino C , Portaluppi F , Mikhailidis D.P , Manfredini R
Published: November 2011

Introduction:

Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) is a disorder of the heart and kidney whereby interactions between the 2 organs can occur. We recorded the clinical features of CRS in patients consecutively admitted to an Internal Medicine ward.

Patients and Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed the anthropometric, history, clinical, biochemical and treatment characteristics in 438 out of 2,998 subjects (14.6%) admitted to our unit (from June 2007 to December 2009), diagnosed with CRS, according to Acute Dialysis Quality Initiative (ADQI) recommendations. Estimated glomerular filtration (eGFR) was calculated using several equations: MDRD (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease; 2 variations GFRMDRD186, GFRMDRD175), Mayo, Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) and Cockroft-Gault.

Results:

Mean age was 80±8 years, 222 (50.6%) were males, 321 (73.2%) were smokers, 229 (52.2%) were diabetic, 207 (47.2%) had a history of acute myocardial infarction, 167 (38.1%) had angina, 135 (30.8%) were affected by cerebrovascular disease, 339 (77.3%) had peripheral arterial disease. CRS was type 1 in 211 cases (48.2%), type 2 in 96 (21.9%), type 3 in 88 (20.1%), type 4 in 29 (6.6%) and type 5 in 14 (3.2%). eGFR, calculated by different formulae, ranged between 31 and 36 ml/min/1.73 m2. GFR was lower in CRS type 3 than in the other types, and the values ranged between 24 and 27 ml/min/1.73 m2. Mean hospital length-of-stay (LOS) was 9.8±6.3 days. Diuretics were the most prescribed medication (78.7%); only 5 patients underwent haemodialysis.

Conclusions:

CRS is common, especially in the elderly. CRS Type 1 was the prevalent subset and patients had stage 3-4 renal insufficiency. Results obtained from the GFR equations were similar although the Mayo equation tended to overestimate the eGFR.
NCCR Chemical Biology: Interdisciplinary Research Excellence, Outreach, Education, and New Tools for Switzerland
Authors: Sturzenegger Susi , Johnsson Kai , Riezman Howard
Published: November 2011

Funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation to promote cutting edge research as well as the advancement of young researchers and women, technology transfer, outreach and education, the NCCR (Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research) Chemical Biology is co-led by Howard Riezman,
University of Geneva and Kai Johnsson, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL).
A Greatly Under-Appreciated Fundamental Principle of Physical Organic Chemistry
Authors: Cox Robin A.
Published: November 2011

If a species does not have a finite lifetime in the reaction medium, it cannot be a mechanistic intermediate. This principle was first enunciated by Jencks, as the concept of an enforced mechanism. For instance, neither primary nor secondary carbocations have long enough lifetimes to exist in an aqueous medium, so SN1 reactions involving these substrates are not possible, and an SN2 mechanism is enforced. Only tertiary carbocations and those stabilized by resonance (benzyl cations, acylium ions) are stable enough to be reaction intermediates. More importantly, it is now known that neither H3O+ nor HO– exist as such in dilute aqueous solution. Several recent high-level calculations on large proton clusters are unable to localize the positive charge; it is found to be simply “on the cluster” as a whole. The lifetime of any ionized water species is exceedingly short, a few molecular vibrations at most; the best experimental study, using modern IR instrumentation, has the most probable hydrated proton structure as H13O6+, but only an estimated quarter of the protons are present even in this form at any given instant. Thanks to the Grotthuss mechanism of chain transfer along hydrogen bonds, in reality a proton or a hydroxide ion is simply instantly available anywhere it is needed for reaction. Important mechanistic consequences result. Any charged oxygen species (e.g., a tetrahedral intermediate) is also not going to exist long enough to be a reaction intermediate, unless the charge is stabilized in some way, usually by resonance. General acid catalysis is the rule in reactions in concentrated aqueous acids. The Grotthuss mechanism also means that reactions involving neutral water are favored; the solvent is already highly structured, so the entropy involved in bringing several solvent molecules to the reaction center is unimportant. Examples are given.
Association of Awareness, Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Factors, and Stage of Dietary Change with Fruit and Vegetable Consumption: A National Survey
Authors: Van Duyn Mary Ann S. , Kristal Alan R. , Dodd Kevin , Campbell Marci K. , Subar Amy F. , Stables Gloria , Nebeling Linda , Glanz Karen
Published: November 2011

Purpose.

To examine associations of awareness, intrapersonal and interpersonal factors, and stage of change with consumption of fruits and vegetables.

Design.

Nationally representative, random digit dial survey conducted in 1997 with a response rate of 44.5%. Psychosocial correlates of fruit and vegetable consumption were assessed using regression analyses.

Setting.

United States.

Subjects.

A total of 2605 adults who were 18 years and older.

Measures.

Awareness of the “5 A Day for Better Health” program and its message, along with stage of change; taste preferences; self-efficacy; and perceived benefits, barriers, threats, social support, and norms related to fruit and vegetable consumption.

Results.

Awareness and intrapersonal and interpersonal factors explained 24% of the variance in fruit and vegetable consumption beyond the 9% explained by demographic characteristics. Knowledge of the 5 A Day message was associated with a 22% increase in fruit and vegetable consumption. Self-efficacy for eating fruits and vegetables and taste preferences (affect) were the factors most consistently and strongly associated with both higher consumption and higher likelihood of being in action or maintenance stages of change. Affect and perceived barriers were more strongly associated with increased vegetables and salad than fruit.

Conclusions.

Dietary intervention programs to increase fruit and vegetable consumption should emphasize the 5 A Day message, increased self-efficacy, and ways to make vegetables more palatable and easily accessible. Understanding the factors that influence dietary choices should be used when designing dietary interventions.
Risk of Second Cancer in Erdheim-Chester Disease
Authors: Pegoraro Francesco , Peyronel Francesco , Errahmani Mohamed-Yassir , Catamerò Francesco , Papo Matthias , Cohen-Aubart Fleur , Tesi Michelangelo , Razanamahery Jerome , Charlotte Frederic , Le Scornet Tanguy , Aouba Achille , Roos-Weil Damien , Tondo Annalisa , Sieni Elena , Amoura Zahir , Emile Jean-François , Annesi-Maisano Isabella , Vaglio Augusto , Haroche Julien
Published: February 2025

This cohort study analyzes the risk of second cancers in a cohort of 515 patients with Erdheim-Chester disease followed up at 2 histiocytosis centers in France and Italy.
Selenium vs Control for Graves Ophthalmopathy in a Selenium-Sufficient Area
Authors: Ahn Hwa Young , Lee Min Joung , Jung Kyong Yeun , Kim Hyo-Jeong , Jung Eun Hye , Chung Chae Won , Kim Kyungsik , Jang Jinsun , Park Young Joo , Lee Jeong Kyu , Cho Sun Wook
Published: February 2025

Importance

Graves ophthalmopathy significantly diminishes patients’ quality of life due to its immune-mediated inflammatory effects on the orbital tissues. Selenium, with its antioxidative properties, has shown potential for improving Graves ophthalmopathy progression and quality of life (QOL); however, its effectiveness in selenium-sufficient regions is not well established.

Objective

To determine whether selenium supplementation improves QOL in patients with mild to moderate Graves ophthalmopathy in selenium-sufficient regions.

Design, Setting, and Participants

The Efficacy of Selenium Supplementation for Mild-to-Moderate Graves’ Ophthalmopathy in a Selenium-Sufficient Area (SeGOSS) trial was a randomized, open-label multicenter study. Eighty-four patients with mild to moderate Graves’ ophthalmopathy were enrolled; 70 completed the study. Participants were selected based on Graves ophthalmopathy diagnosis and sufficient selenium levels. Data were analyzed from October 2023 to March 2024.

Interventions

Participants received selenium supplementation combined with vitamin B complex for 6 months.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was improvements in Graves ophthalmopathy QOL (GO-QOL) scores at 6 months. Secondary outcomes included changes in GO-QOL scores at 3 months, the proportion of patients showing improvement based on GO-QOL scores, clinical activity score, and ophthalmic examinations at 3 months and 6 months, and changes in thyroid autoantibodies at 3 months and 6 months.

Results

There was no improvement in changes in the total GO-QOL scores between the selenium group (31 female patients [83.8%] and 7 male patients [16.2%]; mean [SD] age, 40.8 [11.7] years) and control group (24 female patients [72.7%] and 9 male patients [27.3%]; mean [SD] age, 42.9 [14.2] years) for the primary outcome at 6 months (mean [SD], 12.2 [22.5] vs mean [SD], 11.2 [20.2]; difference, 0.9; 95% CI, −9.3 to 11.3; P = .85). However, at 3 months, a higher proportion of patients in the selenium group showed improved GO-QOL scores compared with the control group (78.4 vs 48.5%; difference, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.08-0.51; P = .01). The selenium group also had higher rates of improvement in proptosis reduction (49.5 vs 15.1%; difference, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.11-0.51; P = .01) at 3 months, though these effects were not sustained at 6 months.

Conclusions and Relevance

These results suggest that selenium supplementation did not improve QOL or clinical parameters in patients with mild to moderate GO in selenium-sufficient regions at 6 months. Some potential QOL benefits noted at 3 months supports consideration of further investigation of selenium for patients seeking treatment for Graves ophthalmopathy .

Trial Registration

Clinical Research Information Service Identifier KCT0004040
Stochastic variation in the FOXM1 transcription program mediates replication stress tolerance
Authors: Segeren Hendrika A. , Wierenga Kathryn A. , Riemers Frank M. , van Liere Elsbeth A. , Westendorp Bart
Published: February 2025

Oncogene‐induced replication stress (RS) is a vulnerability of cancer cells that forces reliance on the intra‐S‐phase checkpoint to ensure faithful genome duplication. Inhibitors of the intra‐S‐phase checkpoint kinases ATR and CHK1 have been developed, but resistance to these drugs remains problematic. Understanding drug tolerance mechanisms is impeded by analysis of bulk samples, which neglect tumor heterogeneity and often fail to accurately interpret cell cycle‐mediated resistance. Here, by combining intracellular immunostaining and single‐cell RNA‐sequencing, we characterized the transcriptomes of oncogenic RAS‐expressing cells with variable levels of RS when challenged with a CHK1 inhibitor combined with gemcitabine. We identified 37 genes differentially expressed between tolerant and sensitive cells, including several FOXM1 targets. While complete knockdown of FOXM1 impeded cell proliferation, partial knockdown protected cells against DNA damage, and improved recovery from drug‐induced RS. Remarkably, knockdown of individual FOXM1 target genes UBE2C and MKI67 also mitigated DNA damage, uncovering unanticipated roles for these in the replication stress response. Our results suggest that low levels of FOXM1‐dependent gene expression during S and G2 phase protects cells against excessive DNA damage during drug‐induced replication stress.
Enhancing Ion Transport and Suppressing Electron Conduction: a Hybrid Interlayer for Stable Garnet‐Based Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Xiang Xing , Du Congkun , Zhao Rufang , Zhao Zhenzhen , Ji Xin , Liu Dongyang , Li Zhihan , Wang Huihu , Zhang Yanhua , Zhao Yun , Liu Xinghui , Chen Fei , Wu Jian‐Fang
Published: February 2025

Cubic doped Li7La3Zr2O12s (LLZOs) are promising solid‐state electrolytes (SSE) for solid‐state lithium batteries due to their excellent lithium‐ion conductivities and electrochemical stability. However, they face the challenge of lithium dendrite growth. Here, a hybrid interlayer–alloy phases (LiZn, Li22Sn5, Li5Sn2) and Li2O–is created by an in situ reaction between the modified layer Zn2SnO4 (ZSO) on LLZO and lithium metal anodes. Benefiting from the synergistic effect of the fast lithium‐ion conduction of the Li5Sn2 alloy, the strong affinity between the LiZn alloy and LLZO, and electronic insulator Li2O, a super‐conformal structure at the Li/ZSO‐LLZO interface is formed, effectively inhibiting the formation of lithium dendrites in ZSO‐LLZO SSE. Consequently, Li/ZSO‐LLZO/Li symmetric batteries deliver stable cycling (2500 h under 0.3 mA cm−2 at 25 °C and 6000 h under 0.5 mA cm−2 at 60 °C) performances with superhigh critical current densities of 2.5 mA cm−2 at 25 °C and 3.8 mA cm−2 at 60 °C. Moreover, the LiFePO4/ZSO‐LLZO/Li battery delivers capacities of 137.45 mAh g−1 under 1 C for 500 cycles and 111.78 mAh g−1 under a high rate of 2 C for 300 cycles. This work with a hybrid interlayer opens a boulevard for designing energy‐dense and long‐life solid‐state batteries.
Enhanced quantitative detection of delamination defects in large‐tow carbon fiber composites using pulsed thermography
Authors: Sun Hongyu , Yang Shuang , Wang Jun , Wu Chaoqun , Chen Xi , Wang Jingsheng , Chen Kaiwen
Published: February 2025

Large‐tow carbon fiber fabrics generate considerable structured background texture noise in infrared thermographic inspections due to their nonuniform thermal properties. The presence of such noise poses notable challenges to the reliable and precise detection of defects. To address this issue, this article proposes a defect detection method that integrates the frame averaging difference (FAD) algorithm and principal component analysis (PCA). The method utilizes FAD to remove nontime‐varying noise, improving the contrast‐to‐noise ratio of defect signals. It then employs PCA to separate background texture noise. Building upon this foundation, a region growing segmentation (RGS) algorithm based on fuzzy affinity (FA) was introduced. The algorithm integrates a spatial distance function based on both pixel intensity and spatial proximity, significantly enhancing the accuracy of defect region segmentation. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed method, artificial delamination defects were simulated by embedding Teflon films between layers. Large‐tow carbon fiber fabric composite laminates were then fabricated as test samples. The experimental results demonstrate that the algorithm effectively reduces the error rate in defect detection for large‐tow carbon fiber composite laminates. This study provides a practical technical solution for the nondestructive testing of large‐tow carbon fiber composites and shows strong applicability and robustness under complex background noise conditions.

Highlights

Quantitative detection of defects in large‐tow carbon fiber fabric laminates using long‐pulse infrared thermography.

A principal component analysis algorithm based on frame averaging differences was proposed.

A region growing segmentation algorithm based on fuzzy affinity was proposed.
Natural Matrine‐Integrated Pollen Delivery Systems for Allergic Contact Dermatitis Treatment
Authors: Wang Yuwei , Cai Lijun , Zhang Yuanyuan , Cong Yan , Zhao Yuanjin
Published: February 2025

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is an inflammatory dermatitis with a high morbidity and recurrence rate. Scientific attention is focused on the development of safe and comfortable therapeutics of ACD. Herein, we propose a natural matrine‐integrated pollen delivery system for the ACD treatment. Sunflower pollens were collected and defatted to serve as adhesive drug carriers for matrine. Specifically, the exquisite porous and hollow structures of the pollen shells can absorb matrine and realize the sustained drug release. Besides, the prickly surface morphology can strongly adhere to the inflamed skin sites, which can prolong the duration of the drug. By utilizing them in an ACD model and an acute pruritus model of mice, we have demonstrated that these matrine‐integrated pollen shells can decrease the swelling degree of mice ears and weight loss, down‐regulate inflammatory response, and improve the scratching times. These results indicate that our matrine‐integrated pollen delivery systems have great potential to serve as natural topical preparations for skin disease therapy.
Multifunctional Silk and Gelatin Composed Microneedle Patches for Enhanced Wound Healing
Authors: Fan Lu , Wang Li , Wang Xiaoju , Li Minli , Gu Hongcheng , Zhang Hongbo
Published: February 2025

Wound healing has been a continuous critical focus in clinical practice, posing the ongoing challenges and burdens to patients. Current attempts tend to develop multi‐drug loaded patches with spatial design. Herein, we present a multifunctional microneedle patch that integrates different drugs into separated regions for wound treatment. The microneedle patch is composed of silk fibroin‐methacryloyl (SilMA) as the base, loaded with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and has gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) tips loaded with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The backing is endowed with antimicrobial properties by AgNPs act as an antimicrobial barrier against bacterium invasion. In addition, the tips encapsulated with VEGF can effectively promote cell proliferation and angiogenesis, which is favorable for wound repair. Based on these characteristics, such an integrated microneedle system significantly prevented bacterial infection and promoted wound healing in vivo. Therefore, it is conceived that such a system can find more practical values in wound healing and other fields.
MRI-Based Brain Tumour Detection and Classification Using Random Forest Algorithm
Authors: Jareena Begum D. , Chokkalingam S. P.
Published: February 2025

A brain tumour develops when cells in the brain multiply abnormally and out of control. The possibility of fatality makes this growth dangerous. The brain regulates everything from memory to vision to emotions. Recognizing these tumours is a challenging and complex task due to their location, size, and shape. There have been a number of successful attempts to enhance detection. However, the current level of precision is insufficient. This study details a method with a high likelihood of success in identifying brain cancers. The approach is implemented in Python LAB by use of an image segmentation technique and a classifier. One such classifier is the Random Forest Algorithm. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and the Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) are also employed. The created method is put to the test using a dataset available on the Kaggle platform. The acquired results were approximately 97.68% accurate. A confusion matrix and a comparison of the developed method to other research in the literature are included in the investigation to facilitate the implementation of the proposed strategy in image testing. This Research shows that the offered system is superior to others in terms of detection rate, false positive rate, and recall. Results from this study showed that the developed method was effective at detecting brain tumours due to its high levels of accuracy, precision, and recall. According to the proposed strategy, it is essential to provide professionals who diagnose brain tumours with access to such technology.
PPP1R13L drives cervical cancer progression by suppressing p63-mediated PTEN transcription
Authors: Wang Anjin , Liu Xuelian , Liang Ziyan , Yao Shijie , Wan Shimeng , Ren Hang , Gao Yang , Wang Hua , Cai Hongbin
Published: February 2025

PPP1R13L is a conserved inhibitor of p53, selectively regulating a subset of p53 target genes. Previous studies have reported that PPP1R13L promotes cervical cancer progression, yet its precise mechanism remains unclear and warrants further investigation. In this study, we utilized public databases to reveal the correlation between PPP1R13L and tumor progression pathways. Subsequently, we performed functional assays both in vitro and in xenograft models to assess the impact of PPP1R13L on cervical cancer. Our results demonstrate that PPP1R13L promotes cervical cancer cell proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cycle progression, and glycolysis via the PTEN/AKT/mTOR pathway. Mechanistically, PPP1R13L regulates the transcription of PTEN through its Ank-SH3 domain interaction with p53 family, p53 and p63. In 293T cells, p53 originally exhibits significantly higher transcriptional activity than p63. However, in cervical cancer—where E6 continuously degrades p53 and p63 is highly expressed—p63 demonstrates a transcriptional activity for PTEN that is comparable to, or even surpasses, that of p53, depending on E6 expression levels. Additionally, in C33A, an HPV-negative cervical cancer cell line, the p53 R273C mutation causes PPP1R13L to exert an opposite effect, and p63 is shown to be inhibited by PPP1R13L independently of p53. Finally, the response elements of PPP1R13L-regulated p53 family target genes were experimentally validated on p63 for the first time. This provides a sequence basis for the selective regulation of p53 family target genes by PPP1R13L. In summary, we underscore the specificity of the PPP1R13L/p63/PTEN axis in cervical cancer and propose that PPP1R13L holds potential as a therapeutic target for cervical cancer treatment.

Graphical abstract
Efficient Quantum Gibbs Samplers with Kubo–Martin–Schwinger Detailed Balance Condition
Authors: Ding Zhiyan , Li Bowen , Lin Lin
Published: February 2025

Lindblad dynamics and other open-system dynamics provide a promising path towards efficient Gibbs sampling on quantum computers. In these proposals, the Lindbladian is obtained via an algorithmic construction akin to designing an artificial thermostat in classical Monte Carlo or molecular dynamics methods, rather than being treated as an approximation to weakly coupled system-bath unitary dynamics. Recently, Chen, Kastoryano, and Gilyén (arXiv:2311.09207) introduced the first efficiently implementable Lindbladian satisfying the Kubo–Martin–Schwinger (KMS) detailed balance condition, which ensures that the Gibbs state is a fixed point of the dynamics and is applicable to non-commuting Hamiltonians. This Gibbs sampler uses a continuously parameterized set of jump operators, and the energy resolution required for implementing each jump operator depends only logarithmically on the precision and the mixing time. In this work, we build upon the structural characterization of KMS detailed balanced Lindbladians by Fagnola and Umanità, and develop a family of efficient quantum Gibbs samplers using a finite set of jump operators (the number can be as few as one), akin to the classical Markov chain-based sampling algorithm. Compared to the existing works, our quantum Gibbs samplers have a comparable quantum simulation cost but with greater design flexibility and a much simpler implementation and error analysis. Moreover, it encompasses the construction of Chen, Kastoryano, and Gilyén as a special instance.
Twisted Verlinde Formula for Vertex Operator Algebras: The Prime Case
Authors: Dong Chongying , Lin Xingjun
Published: February 2025

For a rational and

$$C_2$$

C
2

-cofinite vertex operator algebra V with an automorphism group G of prime order, the fusion rules for twisted V-modules are studied, a twisted Verlinde formula which relates fusion rules for g-twisted modules to the S-matrix in the orbifold theory is established. As an application of the twisted Verlinde formula, a twisted analogue of the Kac-Walton formula is proved, which gives fusion rules between twisted modules of affine vertex operator algebras at positive integer levels in terms of Clebsch–Gordan coefficients associated to the corresponding finite dimensional simple Lie algebras.