bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low-frequency radiation from a vibrating cap on a rigid spherical shell with a circular aperture
Authors: Bellows Samuel D. , Leishman Timothy W.
Published: December 2023

Theoretical models based on spherical geometries have long provided essential insights into the directional behavior of sound sources such as loudspeakers and human speech. Because commonly applied models predict omnidirectional radiation at low frequencies and increasing directionality at higher frequencies, they fail to predict the directional characteristics of certain sources with different source geometries. These sources include violins and open-back guitar amplifiers that have openings or ports connecting a cavity or enclosure to the exterior domain. This work presents the low-frequency radiation from a vibrating cap on a rigid spherical shell with a circular aperture to study the directional characteristics of such sources. The proposed model predicts dipolar radiation at very low frequencies, monopolar radiation near the Helmholtz resonance, and increasing directionality at higher frequencies. Experimental results based on measuring the sound field of an open-back spherical loudspeaker validate the theoretical model and highlight its utility in predicting directional behavior.
Dissolved organic phosphorus promotes
Cyclotella
growth and adaptability in eutrophic tropical estuaries
Authors: Liu Jiaxing , Ding Xiang , Xia Xiaomin , Zhou Linbin , Liu Weiwei , Lai Yanjiao , Ke Zhixin , Tan Yehui
Published: December 2023

Dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP) is an important nutrient for phytoplankton growth in oligotrophic oceans. However, little is known about the impact of DOP on phytoplankton growth in eutrophic waters. In the present study, we conducted field monitoring as well as
in situ
and laboratory experiments in the Pearl River estuary (PRE). Field observations showed an increase in the nitrogen-to-phosphorus ratio and DOP in recent years in the PRE. The phytoplankton community was dominated by nanophytoplankton
Cyclotella
in the upper and middle estuary, with high concentrations of DOP and light limitation during the ebb stage of the spring to neap tide in summer. The relative abundance of
Cyclotella
in natural waters was higher after enrichment with estuarine water with a background of 0.40–0.46 µM DOP
,
even when dissolved inorganic phosphorus was sufficient (0.55–0.76 µM). In addition, the relative abundance of
Cyclotella
in natural waters was higher after enrichment with phosphoesters. Laboratory culture results also confirmed that phosphoesters can enhance the growth rate of
Cyclotella cryptica
. Our study highlights that
Cyclotella
can become the dominant species in estuaries with increased levels of phosphoesters and low and fluctuating light adaptability and under the joint effect of dynamic processes such as upwelling and tides. Our results provide new insights into the role of
Cyclotella
in biogeochemical cycles affected by DOP utilization and potential applications in relieving the hypoxia of tropical eutrophic estuaries.

IMPORTANCE

This study provides evidence that
Cyclotella
can become the dominant species in estuaries with increased levels of phosphoesters and low and fluctuating light adaptability and under the joint effect of dynamic processes such as upwelling and tides. Our study provides new insights into the role of
Cyclotella
in biogeochemical cycles affected by dissolved organic phosphorus utilization, especially affected by anthropogenic inputs and climate change. Potential applications include relieving the hypoxia of tropical eutrophic estuaries.
Increased circulation of human adenovirus in 2023: an investigation of the circulating genotypes, upper respiratory viral loads, and hospital admissions in a large academic medical center
Authors: Abdullah Omar , Fall Amary , Klein Eili , Mostafa Heba H.
Published: December 2023

An increase in the circulation of human adenoviruses (HAdV) in 2023 was notable. HAdV genotypes circulating were characterized. Viral loads, clinical presentations, and outcomes were associated with the genotypes. Remnant respiratory samples positive for HAdV after standard-of-care testing at the Johns Hopkins Microbiology laboratory (
N
= 270) were collected for genotyping by next-generation sequencing of the hexon gene. HAdV loads in respiratory samples were assessed using droplet digital PCR. The association between predominant genotypes, outcomes, and viral loads was evaluated. Of a total of 249 samples with characterized HAdV genotypes, 179 (71.9%) were genotype B3. HAdV-B3 was associated with a statistically significant increase in viral loads in respiratory samples, specifically in patients 5 years and younger. Patients infected with HAdV-B3 were primarily in the age group 3–5 years in contrast to patients infected with non-B3 genotypes who were younger than 3 years. Strict criteria for defining HAdV-related admission identified a hospitalization rate of 14.8%. Infections with HAdV-B3 were not associated with an increased likelihood of HAdV-related admissions. The circulation of HAdV-B3 in 2023 after at least 2 years of reduced detection likely contributed to the increased number of cases.

IMPORTANCE

The circulation of human adenoviruses (HAdV) increased in 2023. In this manuscript, we show that HAdV-B3 was predominant in 2023 in a cohort characterized by the Johns Hopkins Hospital System. We also show that HAdV-B3 was associated with an increase in viral loads in respiratory samples and provide a correlation with the clinical presentations and outcomes.
Supplemental Material: Astronomically forced paleoclimate and sea-level changes recorded in the continental margin of the South China Sea over the past ~23 m.y.
Authors: Wei Xiaosong , al. et
Published: December 2023

Astronomically forced paleoclimate and sea-level changes recorded in the continental margin of the South China Sea over the past ~ 23 m.y.
Enhancing Human Glycoprotein Hormones Production in CHO Cells Using Heterologous Beta-Chain Signal Peptides
Authors: Sinegubova M. V. , Kolesov D. E. , Dayanova L. K. , Vorobiev I. I. , Orlova N. A.
Published: December 2023

We studied the influence of heterologous signal peptides in the β-chains of glycoprotein hormones on the biosynthesis of these hormones in a transiently transfected culture of Chinese hamster ovary cells CHO S. When the natural signal peptides of the β-chains were replaced with the heterologous signal peptide of human serum albumin, cell productivity was increased 2–2.5 times for human luteinizing hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin, and human thyroid-stimulating hormone, but not for human follicle-stimulating hormone. No significant increase in cell productivity was observed for human azurocidin signal peptide and human glycoprotein hormone α-chain signal peptide. The used approach allows quick assessing the effect of heterologous signal peptides on the biosynthesis of heterodimeric proteins of various classes.
Management of Buerger’s disease during pregnancy
Authors: Sousa Silva Ângela Encarnação , Braga António , Andrade Ana , Braga Jorge Sousa
Published: December 2023

Buerger’s disease (BD), also known as thromboangiitis obliterans, is a non-atherosclerotic inflammatory disorder of unknown aetiology that affects small-sized and medium-sized vessels of the extremities. It is usually observed in middle-aged adults, especially those who smoke or use tobacco products. This condition is more frequently observed in men, although recent findings indicate an increasing prevalence among women, potentially due to increased cigarette use. The association between pregnancy and BD is rare, with only a few published cases. Previous reports have indicated that BD may worsen during gestation due to the characteristic hypercoagulable state of pregnancy. In addition, it seems to be associated with intrauterine growth restriction secondary to infarction of placental vessels. Careful obstetric management of maternal and fetal status is mandatory in pregnancies complicated with BD. We report a successful case of a pregnancy in a patient with BD treated with low-molecular-weight heparin.
A rare case of infection and spontaneous rupture in ovarian mucinous cystadenoma
Authors: Sheokand Seema , Siwatch Sujata , Kundu Reetu , Saha Pradip Kumar
Published: December 2023

Ovarian cysts exhibit variable clinical presentations depending on their size, type and resulting sequelae. Rupture of ovarian cysts is infrequent, and cyst infections are even rarer. Here, we report an unusual case involving a young, non-pregnant woman who presented acutely with features of peritonitis and sepsis and was found to have a complex adnexal mass. Following a rigorous diagnostic evaluation, which included an urgent exploratory laparotomy and salpingo-oophorectomy, common diagnoses including tubo-ovarian abscess, endometriotic cyst and pelvic tuberculosis were ruled out. Instead, she was diagnosed with an ovarian mucinous cystadenoma that had become infected, possibly due to pelvic inflammatory disease, leading to spontaneous rupture. Such a presentation has rarely been reported, especially in a non-pregnant setting. Therefore, we emphasise the importance of considering this rare complication as a potential differential diagnosis in similar clinical presentations and discuss the management implications, including the importance of adequately treating pelvic inflammatory disease.
Microbial keratitis in lattice corneal dystrophy: microsporidia as a new cause
Authors: Dutta Anirban , Das Sujata , Priyadarshini Smruti Rekha , Mishra Dilip K
Published: December 2023

A patient in his sixth decade presented to us with redness, pain and a deterioration of vision in his left eye. He had previously been diagnosed with lattice corneal dystrophy (LCD). He was diagnosed with microbial keratitis, and mixed infection was confirmed on culture (bacteria and fungus) with a protracted healing period before resolution of keratitis. He presented 2 years later with similar issues in the same eye and was noted to have a second episode of microbial keratitis, with microsporidia spores noted on gram, potassium hydroxide and calcofluor white stains. He was diagnosed with microsporidial stromal keratitis and underwent therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty. Unfortunately, he suffered a recurrence of microsporidial keratitis following surgery with eventual transplant failure. Microsporidia as an infection in LCD has, to our knowledge, not been previously reported. We aim to discuss microsporidial infection and recurrent microbial keratitis in the setting of LCD.
Multifocal hepatic abscess post-ERCP
Authors: Patel Samit , Southall Clea , Varghese Roy
Published: December 2023

A woman in her 40s presented to hospital with cholangitis. A magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography showed a moderately dilated common bile duct and mild intrahepatic duct dilatation with sludge. She underwent a successful endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and sphincteroplasty. She subsequently developed recurrence of fevers and abdominal pain with rising inflammatory markers. Initial investigations and imaging were unremarkable. A positron emission tomography scan demonstrated multiple fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-avid hepatic lesions, and subsequent imaging confirmed multifocal liver abscesses without a drainable collection. The patient was managed with intravenous co-amoxiclav initially before switching to oral antibiotics, however, represented 1 week later with similar symptoms. Her antibiotic coverage was broadened to intravenous pipercillin-tazobactam, and she was discharged on this with follow-up in clinic. This case report highlights the rare complication of hepatic abscesses following ERCP and the importance of considering this as a differential in patients who present with sepsis following the procedure.
Case of primary low-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin
Authors: Krogh Sara , Bak Nielsen Mette , Kornerup Linda Skibsted , Dam Gitte
Published: December 2023

A man presents a 4 mm skin tumour at his general practitioner. The tumour is removed on the suspicion of a dermatofibroma. Important differential diagnoses are sebaceous neoplasms, melanomas, Merkel cell carcinomas and large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, and metastases of neuroendocrine neoplasms from the gut or lung. Immunohistochemical staining excluded sebaceous neoplasm, melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma, however, was positive for multiple neuroendocrine markers. Relevant scans showed no signs of a primary tumour anywhere else. The final diagnosis was a primary low-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin. At 30 months follow-up, there was no sign of recurrence.
Denosumab for an inoperable giant cell tumour of the ischial bone
Authors: Paul Aaron Gerarde , See Lei Peng , Ohn May Honey , Ohn Khin Maung
Published: December 2023

Giant cell tumour of bone is a benign, locally aggressive osteolytic tumour that typically affects skeletally mature young individuals. It predominantly emerges within the metaphysis, extending towards the epiphysis of long bones, while occurrences in flat bones are exceptionally rare. We present a case of a woman in her late 20s who presented with a large right ischial mass. A biopsy confirmed the mass as a giant cell tumour. The tumour extended to the acetabulum, and due to the potential risk of significant bleeding and contamination during en bloc excision, a prudent approach involved initiating denosumab therapy, a monoclonal antibody targeting receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand therapy, before proceeding with radical surgery. Denosumab therapy successfully rendered a previously inoperable tumour favourable for surgical intervention. We went on to perform a type 2 and 3 internal hemipelvectomy, followed by a reconstruction with a hip endoprosthesis replacement.
Effect of dietary almond hull on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbial, fecal score, and noxious gas emission in growing pigs
Authors: Ahammad Golam Sagir , Lim Chai Bin , Kim In Ho
Published: December 2023

In a 42-day study, 195 growing pigs (Landrace × Yorkshire × Duroc) weighing 23.83 ± 1.95 kg were randomly divided into three treatments, each with 13 replicates and 5 pigs (3 barrows and 2 gilts) per pen. The treatments were control (CON)—basal diet, and basal diet with 3% and 6% almond hull as treatment (TRT) 1 and 2, respectively. The results show a significant increase ( p < 0.05) in average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) for both treatment 1 and treatment 2 by week 6 when compared to the control group. This improvement in ADG and ADFI exhibits a consistent trend ( p < 0.10) throughout the overall trial period in comparison to the control group. Additionally, there is a tendency for enhanced gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) at the end of week 6 ( p < 0.10) in comparison to the control group and remained constant ( p > 0.05). No significant impact ( p > 0.05) on nutrient digestibility and fecal microbiota was observed. However, NH3 gas showed a tendency to decrease ( p < 0.10). Results suggested that almond hulls could improve growth and reduce ammonia gas without adverse effects on digestion, microbiota, and fecal score.
Efficient Exact Enumeration of Single-Source Geodesics on a Non-Convex Polyhedron
Authors: Tateiri Kazuma
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we consider enumeration of geodesics on a polyhedron, where a geodesic means locally-shortest path between two points. Particularly, we consider the following preprocessing problem: given a point [Formula: see text] on a polyhedral surface and a positive real number [Formula: see text], to build a data structure that enables, for any point [Formula: see text] on the surface, to enumerate all geodesics from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] whose length is less than [Formula: see text]. First, we present a naive algorithm by removing the trimming process from the MMP algorithm (1987). Next, we present an improved algorithm which is practically more efficient on a non-convex polyhedron, in terms of preprocessing time and memory consumption. Moreover, we introduce a single-pair geodesic graph to succinctly encode a result of geodesic query. Lastly, we compare these naive and improved algorithms by some computer experiments.
AN EMPIRICAL EXAMINATION OF MODERATING INFLUENCES OF ORGANIZATIONAL SLACK ON THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN TMT CHARACTERISTICS AND THEIR FIRMS’ DEGREE OF SEARCH RISK-TAKING
Authors: SUZUKI OSAMU
Published: December 2023

One remaining challenge in research on variable risk-taking by organizations is to reconcile mutually contradictory arguments on associations between organisational slack and organisational degree of risk-taking. We focus on moderating (rather than moderated) influences of organisational slack to argue that slack governs the strength of the association by unleashing the discretion of top management teams (TMTs), while the direction of the association depends on the characteristics of TMTs. Accordingly, as slack increases, organizations led by TMTs characterised by high-risk preference pursue risky search initiatives more aggressively, while decisions by TMTs characterised with low-risk preference grow more risk-avoiding. Our empirical examination of the Japanese electronic appliances industry from 2006 to 2017 empirically supports the argument with endogeneity robust inference on the coefficient of the slack variable. Organisational slack alleviates concerns over constraints on decisions, thereby unleashing discretion to pursue as well as to avoid search risk-taking.
Pre-training Question Embeddings for Improving Knowledge Tracing with Self-supervised Bi-graph Co-contrastive Learning
Authors: Wang Wentao , Ma Huifang , Zhao Yan , Li Zhixin
Published: December 2023

Learning high-quality vector representations (aka. embeddings) of educational questions lies at the core of knowledge tracing (KT), which defines a task of estimating students’ knowledge states by predicting the probability that they correctly answer questions. Although existing KT efforts have leveraged question information to achieve remarkable improvements, most of them learn question embeddings by following the supervised learning paradigm. In this article, we propose a novel question embedding pre-training method for improving knowledge tracing with self-supervised
Bi
-graph
Co
-contrastive learning (
BiCo
). Technically, on the basis of self-supervised learning paradigm, we first select two similar but distinct views (i.e., representing objective and subjective semantic perspectives) as the semantic source of question embeddings. Then, we design a primary task (structure recovery) together with two auxiliary tasks (question difficulty recovery and contrastive learning) to further enhance the representativeness of questions. Finally, extensive experiments conducted on two real-world datasets show BiCo has a higher expressive power that enables KT methods to effectively predict students’ performances.
Seroconversion and Prevalence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen among Vaccinated Health Care Workers in Ashanti Region, Ghana
Authors: Obeng Michael Agyemang , Okwan Daniel Kobina , Adankwah Ernest , Owusu Pisco Kofi , Gyamerah Samuel Asante , Duah Kluivert Boakye , Paintsil Ellis Kobina
Published: December 2023

Background. Health care workers (HCWs) constantly stand at a high risk of exposure to the hepatitis B virus because of the nature of their work. Hence, it is mandatory for HCWs to undergo hepatitis B vaccination. However, most HCWs in Ghana do not check their HBsAb titre after completion of their primary vaccination. This study assessed the prevalence of HBsAg and the seroconversion rate among vaccinated health care workers in the Ashanti Region, Ghana. Materials and Methods. A semistructured open-ended questionnaire was pretested and administered to 424 HCWs. Two (2) ml of blood was drawn and qualitative analyses (HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBeAb, and HBcAb) were done on the blood samples. Samples that tested positive to HBsAb were quantified using ELISA. Data obtained were analysed using GraphPad Prism 9. Results. Out of the 424 study participants, 271 (63.9%) were females and 153 (36.1%) were males. Seroconversion (≥1 mIU/mL) and seroprotection (≥10 mIU/mL) through vaccination only among study participants were 67.5% (n/N  = 286/424) and 58.0% (n/N  = 246/424), respectively. Prevalence of hepatitis B viral infection was 2.4% (n/N  = 10/424). Anti-HBc seropositivity was 13.2%, and anti-HBs seronegativity was 24.1%. 2.4% (n/N  = 10/424) of study participants were negative to HBsAg but positive to HBcAb. In addition, 8.5% (n/N = 36/424) of the study participants were seroprotected due to exposure and recovery from previous HBV infection. Age, the number of doses received, taking a booster dose, and keeping a vaccination record card were significant factors influencing seroconversion status. Conclusion. This study reaffirms the need for HCWs to undergo a supervised primary hepatitis B vaccination course. Postvaccination serological testing should be done for all HWCs to confirm immunity and reduce their chances of contracting HBV infection.
Transmembrane and Ubiquitin-Like Domain-Containing 1 Promotes Glioma Growth and Indicates Unfavorable Prognosis
Authors: Liu Yinggang , Cai Changcheng , Wu Ke , Hu Libo
Published: December 2023

Background. Ubiquitin-related proteins have garnered increasing attention for their roles in tumorigenesis. Transmembrane and ubiquitin-like domain-containing 1 (TMUB1) is a recently discovered protein in the ubiquitin-like domain family, yet its involvement in glioma remains poorly understood. This study is aimed at investigating the functional significance and clinical relevance of TMUB1 in glioma. Methods. We conducted a comprehensive analysis using two cohorts: a retrospective glioma cohort from our hospital and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort. The mRNA levels of TMUB1 were assessed through reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Clinical associations of TMUB1 in these cohorts were evaluated using correlation tests, chi-square tests, and survival analyses. Additionally, we performed TMUB1 knockdown in U87 and LN-229 human glioma cell lines, and cellular growth was assessed through the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Results. Our results revealed that TMUB1 expression was elevated in glioma tissues compared to normal brain tissues. Notably, lower TMUB1 expression correlated with favorable characteristics such as lower World Health Organization (WHO) grade and 1p/19q codeletion. Moreover, patients with higher TMUB1 levels in glioma tissues exhibited worse prognosis in both TCGA cohort and our retrospective cohort, underscoring its prognostic significance in gliomas. Cellular experiments demonstrated that TMUB1 silencing suppressed the growth of glioma cells. Conclusions. TMUB1 emerges as a novel and clinically relevant prognostic biomarker for gliomas. Targeting TMUB1 holds promise as a potential strategy for glioma treatment. This study contributes valuable insights into the multifaceted role of TMUB1 in glioma pathogenesis and its potential as a diagnostic and therapeutic target.
Genitourinary Blastomycosis in a Young Male Patient: A Case Report and Review of Diagnostic Challenges
Authors: Hillman Emily , Fu Hangcheng , Obid Randa , Anele Uzoma A.
Published: December 2023

Disseminated blastomycosis is an endemic fungal infection that rarely manifests with genitourinary involvement. We present a unique case of a 28-year-old professional male gamer with a remote history of hemoptysis and cervical lymphadenopathy who presented with hematospermia, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), and persistent groin abscesses after left orchiectomy at an outside hospital. He underwent drainage of groin abscess and prostate biopsy for an abnormal digital rectal exam which revealed disseminated blastomycosis requiring systemic, long-term antifungal treatment. We have also included a review of literature to note clinical patterns in presentations and highlight the diagnostic challenges that this infection presents.
Study on Mechanical Properties of Cement–Jute Fiber Modified Weak Expansive Soil
Authors: Cheng Xuelei , Li Qiqi , Hai Ran , Li Shunqun , Hui Cun , Zhang Zhizeng
Published: December 2023

Sixteen groups of comprehensive tests were undertaken to examine the modifications in the mechanical characteristics of weak expansive soil resulting from the inclusion of a composite material comprising cement and jute fibers. The aim of the tests was to analyze the unconfined compressive strength and shear strength. The results reveal that (1) as the modified material content increased, the stress–strain curve of the modified soil progressively became steeper, with a more pronounced peak value. Under the same strain condition, the stress variation increased accordingly. After the stress reached its maximum, a sudden phenomenon of brittle axial compression failure occurred. (2) With the increase in cement content, the unconfined compressive strength and shear strength of the modified expansive soil gradually increased, reaching the highest shear strength when the cement content was 8%. With the increase in jute fiber content, the unconfined compressive strength and shear strength of modified expansive soil increased first and then decreased, reaching the highest value when the content was 0.5%. (3) The cohesion of modified expansive soil increased with the increase in cement content. When the cement content was 8%, the cohesion of the soil sample was as high as 298.29 kPa. The cohesion of modified expansive soil increased first and then decreased with the increase in fiber content. When the jute fiber content was 0.5%, the cohesion reached the maximum value. (4) The internal friction angle of the modified expansive soil increased with the increase in cement content. When the cement content was 8%, the internal friction angle of the soil sample increased by 2.64°. The cohesion of modified expansive soil increased first and then decreased with the increase in fiber content. When the jute fiber content was 0.5%, the internal friction angle reached the maximum value.
Research on the Estimation Model of Energy Consumption Capacity for Reinforced Concrete Components with Axial Force
Authors: Wang Yukui , Yan Shijun , Zhang Dan , Hu Zhangqi
Published: December 2023

The research group utilized the estimation model of energy consumption capacity for reinforced concrete components without axial force to assess the energy consumption capacity of 92-reinforced concrete components from the PEER database, which were subjected to axial force and bending. The study also examined the impact of design parameters, including longitudinal reinforcement ratio, transverse reinforcement ratio, axial compression ratio, and shear-span ratio, on the estimation results. The research findings revealed that when applying the estimation model of energy consumption capacity for reinforced concrete components without axial force to calculate the energy consumption capacity of reinforced concrete components with axial force, there was a significant deviation rate in the estimation of cumulative energy consumption. The relationship between the deviation rate of cumulative energy consumption and longitudinal reinforcement ratio, axial compression ratio, and shear-span ratio remained unclear. However, a more apparent linear relationship was observed with the transverse reinforcement ratio. By conducting a quantitative analysis of the transverse reinforcement ratio, the researchers proposed an modified estimation model of energy consumption capacity for reinforced concrete components with axial force. Nonetheless, the accuracy of the modified estimation model was found to be high within the range of 0–250,000 kN mm of cumulative energy consumption. For cumulative energy consumption exceeding 250,000 kN mm, further experimental and theoretical research is still required to enhance the reliability of the modified estimation model.
Mitral Valve Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair Volumes and Trends
Authors: Kumar Kris , Simpson Timothy F. , Golwala Harsh , Chhatriwalla Adnan K. , Chadderdon Scott M. , Smith Robert L. , Song Howard K. , Reeves Ryan R. , Sorajja Paul , Zahr Firas E.
Published: December 2023

Background. Despite an association between operator volumes and procedural success, there remains an incomplete understanding of the contemporary utilization and procedural volumes for mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (MTEER). We aimed to identify annual operator procedural volumes, temporal trends, and geographic variability for MTEER among Medicare patients in the United States (US). Methods. We queried the National Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Database for a CPT code (33418) specific for MitraClip device from 2015 through 2019. We analyzed annual operator procedural volumes and incidence and identified longitudinal and geographic trends in MTEER utilization. Results. From 2015 through 2019, a total of 27,034 MTEER procedures were performed among Medicare patients in the US. The nationwide incidence increased from 6.2 per 100,000 patients in 2015 to 23.8 per 100,000 patients in 2019, a 283% increase over the study period (Ptrend < 0.001). The incidence of MTEER by state varied by nearly 900% (range 5.5 to 54.9 per 100,000 person-years). In 2019, the mean annual MTEER operator annual volume was 9.1 MTEER procedures and had grown from 6.2 per year in 2015. Conclusions. In this nationwide study of Medicare beneficiaries in the United States, we identified a significant and sustained increase in the utilization of MTEER devices and operators and growth in annual procedural volumes from 2015 through 2019 with considerable variability in utilization by state. Further studies are needed to understand the clinical impact of variability in utilization and the optimal procedural volumes to ensure high efficacy outcomes and maintain critical access to MTEER therapies.
In Situ Sol-Gel Assembly of Graphitic Carbonitride Nanosheet-Supported Colloidal Binary Metal Sulfide into Nanosandwich-Like Multifunctional 3D Macroporous Aerogel Catalysts for Asymmetric Supercapacitor and Electrocatalytic Oxygen and Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Parale Vinayak G. , Kim Younghun , Phadtare Varsha D. , Kim Taehee , Choi Haryeong , Patil Umakant M. , Park Hyung-Ho
Published: December 2023

It is challenging to develop scalable and stable multifunctional catalysts for energy storage and conversion applications. To address the above challenges, we designed 3D macroporous nanosandwich-like aerogels using an in situ sol-gel assembly for 2D g-C3N4 nanosheet-supported NiCo2S4 nanoporous aerogels. The resultant in situ method not only assembles NiCo2S4 but also 2D g-C3N4 into the sandwich-like 3D network, allowing rapid ion and electron transport. The potential of g-C3N4 and NiCo2S4 in electrochemical energy storage and electrocatalysis is promising for improving its electrochemical activities. The synthesized 3D NiCo2S4/g-C3N4 (3%) composite aerogel electrode achieved a remarkable specific capacitance value, 1083 F·g-1 at 5 mA·cm-2 current density with 87.03% cyclic stability. Furthermore, the asymmetric electrochemical supercapacitor device was fabricated with a maximum specific energy of 43 Wh·kg-1, with outstanding electrochemical stability of about 97% over 10,000 charge/discharge cycles. In addition, NiCo2S4/g-C3N4 (3%) catalysts achieved 294 and 155 mV as oxygen and hydrogen evolution reaction overpotentials, respectively, at 20 and 10 mA·cm-2 current density values. This study provides a new method for the conversion of 2D sheets and 0D colloidal network into 3D macroporous nanocomposite aerogels in multifunctional applications.
Modelling and Investigation of the Dynamic Behavior of a Penny-Shaped Interface Crack in Piezoelectric Bimaterials
Authors: Zhang Yani , Li Junlin , Liu Di , Xie Xiufeng
Published: December 2023

In this section, the dynamic propagation behavior of a penny-shaped interface crack in piezoelectric bimaterials is analyzed. The objective of this paper is to use the boundary conditions of the penny-shaped interface crack to study the dynamic propagation of the crack under the action of load, so as to provide some valuable implications for the fracture mechanics of the piezoelectric bimaterials and simulate the interface crack between piezoelectric bimaterials, it is necessary to establish a suitable model and give appropriate boundary conditions according to the actual situation. The elastic displacement and potential equations are constructed according to the structural characteristics of the circular crack. In the case of a given displacement or stress, the Laplace transform and Hankel transform are used to simplify the problem into an integral equation with unknown functions. According to the boundary conditions, the corresponding unknowns are obtained, and the closed solution is derived. The results show that the fracture toughness of a penny-shaped interface crack in piezoelectric bimaterials is related to the thickness of the material, the impact time, the material characteristics, and the electric field. At the same time, it can be found that different materials have different roles in the crack propagation, so it is very important to study the crack opening displacement (COD) intensity factor of the crack for safety design.
Supplementary Table 7 from Combination of Itacitinib or Parsaclisib with Pembrolizumab in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors: A Phase I Study
Authors: Munster Pamela , Iannotti Nicholas , Cho Daniel C. , Kirkwood John M. , Villaruz Liza C. , Gibney Geoffrey T. , Hodi F. Stephen , Mettu Niharika B. , Jones Mark , Bowman Jill , Smith Michael , Lakshminarayanan Mani , O'Day Steven
Published: December 2023

Supplementary Table 7. Serious TEAE ≥5% of patients by MedDRA preferred term (safety population).
Supplementary Figure 1 from Combination of Itacitinib or Parsaclisib with Pembrolizumab in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors: A Phase I Study
Authors: Munster Pamela , Iannotti Nicholas , Cho Daniel C. , Kirkwood John M. , Villaruz Liza C. , Gibney Geoffrey T. , Hodi F. Stephen , Mettu Niharika B. , Jones Mark , Bowman Jill , Smith Michael , Lakshminarayanan Mani , O'Day Steven
Published: December 2023

Supplementary Figure 1. Singleplex and Multiplex immunohistochemistry examples.
Associations Between Serum Iron Biomarkers and Breast Cancer Tumor Size
Authors: Von Holle Ann , Thompson Rachel L. , O'Brien Katie M. , Sandler Dale P. , Weinberg Clarice R.
Published: December 2023

Excess iron has been shown to promote tumor growth in animals whereas iron deficiency has been associated with reduced or slowed tumor growth. The objective of this analysis was to estimate the associations between serum iron biomarkers and tumor size at diagnosis and metastatic status in a sample of breast cancer cases from the Sister Study.

The analytic sample included 2,494 incident breast cancer cases with information on tumor size and iron biomarkers, including serum iron (mcg/dL), ferritin (mcg/dL), and percent transferrin saturation, measured in serum collected at baseline. We used Spearman rank correlation and linear regression models to assess the associations between one SD changes in serum iron biomarker levels and natural log of tumor size (cm) adjusting for body mass index and age at study entry.

We did not find strong associations between any of the three serum iron biomarkers and tumor size. Adjusted regression slopes (95% confidence interval) were −0.016 (−0.048 to 0.016) for serum iron, −0.032 (−0.064 to <0.001) for ferritin, and −0.010 (−0.043 to 0.023) for transferrin saturation.

This study did not provide evidence supporting the hypothesis of a positive association between breast cancer tumor size at diagnosis and prediagnostic serum iron levels. Conflicting evidence between this study and previous research in animal models suggests that iron in the human tumor microenvironment may operate independently of circulating iron or body iron stores.

Iron has shown protumorigenic activity in animal models, but our data do not support a positive relationship between breast tumor growth and iron status.

Significance:

Using a large sample of women from a U.S. prospective cohort, we assessed associations between several serum iron measures at baseline and breast cancer tumor size and metastatic status. All estimated associations were close to zero with no evidence to support our hypothesis of higher body iron levels associated with larger tumor size. These results suggest the human tumor microenvironment operates independently of circulating serum iron levels.
WNT4 Regulates Cellular Metabolism via Intracellular Activity at the Mitochondria in Breast and Gynecologic Cancers
Authors: Sottnik Joseph L. , Shackleford Madeleine T. , Robinson Sydney K. , Villagomez Fabian R. , Bahnassy Shaymaa , Oesterreich Steffi , Hu Junxiao , Madak-Erdogan Zeynep , Riggins Rebecca B. , Corr Bradley R. , Cook Linda S. , Treviño Lindsey S. , Bitler Benjamin G. , Sikora Matthew J.
Published: December 2023

Wnt ligand WNT4 is critical in female reproductive tissue development, with WNT4 dysregulation linked to related pathologies including breast cancer (invasive lobular carcinoma, ILC) and gynecologic cancers. WNT4 signaling in these contexts is distinct from canonical Wnt signaling yet inadequately understood. We previously identified atypical intracellular activity of WNT4 (independent of Wnt secretion) regulating mitochondrial function, and herein examine intracellular functions of WNT4. We further examine how convergent mechanisms of WNT4 dysregulation impact cancer metabolism. In ILC, WNT4 is co-opted by estrogen receptor α (ER) via genomic binding in WNT4 intron 1, while in gynecologic cancers, a common genetic polymorphism (rs3820282) at this ER binding site alters WNT4 regulation. Using proximity biotinylation (BioID), we show canonical Wnt ligand WNT3A is trafficked for secretion, but WNT4 is localized to the cytosol and mitochondria. We identified DHRS2, mTOR, and STAT1 as putative WNT4 cytosolic/mitochondrial signaling partners. Whole metabolite profiling, and integrated transcriptomic data, support that WNT4 mediates metabolic reprogramming via fatty acid and amino acid metabolism. Furthermore, ovarian cancer cell lines with rs3820282 variant genotype are WNT4 dependent and have active WNT4 metabolic signaling. In protein array analyses of a cohort of 103 human gynecologic tumors enriched for patient diversity, germline rs3820282 genotype is associated with metabolic remodeling. Variant genotype tumors show increased AMPK activation and downstream signaling, with the highest AMPK signaling activity in variant genotype tumors from non-White patients. Taken together, atypical intracellular WNT4 signaling, in part via genetic dysregulation, regulates the distinct metabolic phenotypes of ILC and gynecologic cancers.

Significance:

WNT4 regulates breast and gynecologic cancer metabolism via a previously unappreciated intracellular signaling mechanism at the mitochondria, with WNT4 mediating metabolic remodeling. Understanding WNT4 dysregulation by estrogen and genetic polymorphism offers new opportunities for defining tumor biology, precision therapeutics, and personalized cancer risk assessment.
IMPACT OF SELENIUM IN RESTORATION OF THYROID FUNCTION AND OUTCOMES OF ANTI-TUBERCULOSIS CHEMOTHERAPY IN THYROIDAL DYSFUNCTION
Authors: Matveyeva S. L. , Shevchenko O. S. , Tudor O.
Published: December 2023

The effect of selenium on thyroid status and outcomes of chemotherapy was studied at examination of 180 tuberculosis patients with the pathological structural changes of thyroid. A subclinical hypothyroidism was diagnosed at this category of patients. Subclinical hypothyroidism progressed under antituberculosis chemotherapy. Prescribing of selenium nitric restored thyroid function with the increasing of blood level of free thyroxine and decreasing of thyroid stimulating hormone and also optimized the results of chemotherapy with increasing the percentage of tuberculosis patients stopped bacilli excretion and healing of the cavities in lungs. Thus sodium selenite was recommended like accompanying medicine if antituberculosis chemotherapy.
УКРАЇНСЬКИЙ ФОЛЬКЛОР ПРО ІНФЕКЦІЙНІ ХВОРОБИ
Authors: Андрейчин М. А. , Юкало В. Я.
Published: December 2023

Розглянуто твори українського фольклору, в яких відображено уявлення наших предків про інфекційні хвороби, запобігання їм і лікування. Аналіз легенд, замовлянь, прислів’їв і приказок, народних оповідань, чумацьких пісень дає змогу стверджувати, що український народ мав сформований протягом своєї історії цілісний міфологічний антропоморфний світогляд. Останній відносно задовільно пояснював виникнення і поширення інфекційних хвороб. Збір і аналіз фактичного матеріалу українського фольклору про інфекційні хвороби розширює історію їх вивчення на ранніх етапах людства. Ознайомлення лікарів і студентів із наведеними даними доповнить їхні фахові знання.
IS THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF WOMEN WHO WENT ABROAD DURING THE FULL-SCALE RUSSIAN-UKRAINIAN WAR REALLY HIGHER COMPARED TO WOMEN WHO STAYED IN UKRAINE?
Authors: Sadova-Chuba Z. T. , Slaba O. R. , Hrushkovska D. T. , Vasyliv M. S.
Published: December 2023

Purpose: to research the quality of life of different women: those who, despite the risks, remained in Ukraine, and those who were forced to move.

Materials and Methods. 376 young (25–44 years old) women were interviewed using WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. The survey was anonymous and voluntary. The questionnaire was distributed in the form of a Google form.

Results. Russia's military invasion of the sovereign European state Ukraine at the time of the democratic values dominance on the territory of Europe became a real challenge for the entire civilized world. Naturally, the war affects the emotional state, everyday life, public opinion, interpersonal relations, socio-economic situation, employment, public activity, all the factors that determine the quality of life. Despite the fact that most women do not take part in hostilities, they felt the consequences of the invasion no less acutely than men, who were forced to defend their homes from the first days of the war. A huge number of women were forced to leave their homes and rebuild their lives. For a woman, especially with minor children, this is a real challenge, because despite humanitarian aid from supporting countries, they are deprived of their families and friends, the part of life that inspires and supports them to the fullest extent.

The study showed that, in general, the quality of life of women who were forced to leave Ukraine and are in physical safety during the war is not higher than that of women who stayed at home and risk their lives every day. We tried to analyze which areas of women's lives were most affected by the war. Women who left Ukraine, despite feeling safe, suffer from a lack of microsocial support and are generally not satisfied with their physical and psychological well-being, which has an impact on the overall quality of a woman's life.

Conclusion. Women who stayed to live in Ukraine during the war experience anxiety much more often than women who left the country, but remain socially active, able to work and feel healthier.
СТАН ТРИВОЖНОСТІ, САМОПОЧУТТЯ, АКТИВНОСТІ ТА НАСТРОЮ У СТУДЕНТІВ, ЯКІ ПЕРЕХВОРІЛИ НА КОРОНАВІРУСНУ ХВОРОБУ
Authors: Вадзюк С. Н. , Тимошів В. С.
Published: December 2023

Мета: визначити стан тривожності, самопочуття, активності та настрою у студентів, які перехворіли на коронавірусну хворобу.

Матеріали і методи. Було проведено тестування 100 студентів віком 18–20 років, які перехворіли на коронавірусну хворобу, в два етапи: через тиждень після перенесеної хвороби і через місяць. Тривожність (особистісну та ситуативну) досліджували за допомогою шкали тривоги Спілбергера – Ханіна (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory – STAI). Самопочуття, активність та настрій ми визначали із використанням тестової методики самооцінки функціонального стану «САН» (В. А. Доскіна та ін.).

Результати. Відмічено позитивну динаміку зниження рівня ситуативної та особистісної тривожності, а також відновлення самопочуття, активності та настрою в осіб, які перехворіли на коронавірусну хворобу. В обстежуваних одразу після перенесеної хвороби ситуативна тривожність становила (44,48±1,93) бала, через місяць – (33,16±1,29) бала, а особистісна тривожність одразу після перенесеної хвороби – (45,88±1,73) бала, через місяць – (34,0±1,55) бала.

Установлено залежність самопочуття, активності та настрою від рівня тривожності у студентів, які перехворіли на коронавірусну хворобу.

Вивчення цієї проблеми дозволить прогнозувати відновлення стану здоров’я і професійну успішність в умовах підвищених стресових чинників, окреслювати шляхи адаптації та реабілітації осіб, які перехворіли на коронавірусну хворобу в даних умовах.

Висновки. В обстежуваних студентів спостерігалося підвищення рівня тривожності та зниження самопочуття, активності та настрою одразу після перенесеного захворювання, проте через місяць відмічено позитивну динаміку зниження рівня ситуативної та особистісної тривожності, а також відновлення самопочуття, активності та настрою у студентів, які перехворіли на коронавірусну хворобу. Одразу після перенесеної хвороби ситуативна тривожність становила (44,48±1,93) бала, через місяць – (33,16±1,29) бала, а особистісна тривожність одразу після перенесеної хвороби – (45,88±1,73) бала, через місяць – (34,0±1,55) бала. Спостерігалося достовірне покращення рівня самопочуття (середні позитивні зв’язки (rxy=0,49)), активності (високі позитивні зв’язки (rxy=0,51)) та настрою (високі позитивні зв’язки (rxy=0,63)) в обстежуваних через місяць після перенесеного захворювання, порівняно з обстежуваними одразу після перенесеної хвороби. Установлено залежність самопочуття, активності та настрою від рівня тривожності в осіб, які перехворіли на коронавірусну хворобу.
СТАТЕВО-ВІКОВА СТРУКТУРА СМЕРТНОСТІ НАСЕЛЕННЯ УКРАЇНИ ВІД НЕІНФЕКЦІЙНИХ ХВОРОБ УПРОДОВЖ 2005–2021 РР.
Authors: Рудень В. В.
Published: December 2023

Мета: з’ясування своєрідних статево-вікових особливостей смертності з причини неінфекційних хвороб серед населення України упродовж 2005–2021 рр. як базис для напрацювання диференційованих механізмів мінімізації неповоротних втрат людського ресурсу.

Матеріали і методи. Виконано епідеміологічне, одномоментне, суцільне дослідження з використанням біостатистичних даних бази Державного комітету статистики України за 2005–2021 рр., із застосуванням для епідеміологічного аналізу комп’ютерного пакета Microsoft Office Excel (2021) та низки наукових медико-біостатистичних методів із врахуванням принципів системності.

Результати. Аргументовано, що в загальній кількості смертей, спричинених НІХ в Україні (Мніх=80,3±0,9 %), у період 2005–2021 рр., показник частки померлих осіб чоловічої статі в середньому становив Мч=47,3±0,6 % (Мч=252 936±503; при Мч=1230,1±35,1/100 000), тоді як медіально частка померлих жінок із даної причини смерті являла Мж=52,7±0,7 % (М=281 189±530, де Мж=1175,6±34,3/ о/оооо).

Встановлено найвищий відсоток числа смертей із причини НІХ у віці 60 років і старше, при середньорічній частці М=85,5±0,9 % (М=456 268±675; Р=4748,4±68,9/100 000), тоді як середня частка померлих осіб віком 18–59 років з аналізованої причини склала М=14,4±0,4 % (М=77 336±278) населення даної вікової категорії, при М=286,9±17/100 тис., у той час, коли показник частки померлих від НІХ віком 0–17 років вказував на пересічний процентний вираз М=0,1±0,03 % (М=520±23) осіб даної вікової категорії з М=6,4±2,5/100 000.

Висновки. Отримані біостатистичні дані засвідчують про необхідність напрацювання на рівні держави та МОЗ України відповідних програм щодо диференційованих механізмів мінімізації неповоротних втрат для їх реалізації на державному, регіональних і місцевих рівнях, що дозволило б у громадському здоров’ї підвищити якість життя населення, зберегти та відновити у наявному людському ресурсі життєвий, духовний, економічний, соціальний, трудовий, морально-політичний, воєнний та оборонний потенціал незалежної країни тощо.