bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a New Patellar Tendon Bearing Brace With Offloading Monitoring and Adjustability: A Pilot Study
Authors: Chamani Vahid , Bahramizadeh Mahmood , Khosravi Mobina , Biglarian Akbar , Amjad Gholamreza Ghorbani , Mousavi Seyyed Mohammad Ebrahim , Arazpour Mokhtar
Published: December 2024

Background and Aims

The patellar tendon‐bearing (PTB) brace is a crucial device designed to lessen axial forces on the tibia. The newly designed PTB brace allows clinicians to measure offloading amount in the realtime. This study aimed to explore the relationship between a rise in displacement between the foot plate and calf shells of this new PTB brace and changes in the amount of offloading on the tibia.

Methods

This pilot study used a sample of five individuals with midshaft tibia fractures to investigate the effectiveness of the PTB brace under different conditions. The PTB brace was tested in six different conditions, with the displacement between the foot plate and calf shells varying in increments of 0.5 cm, from 1 cm to 3.5 cm.

Results

The new PTB brace provided varying levels of offloading, ranging from 22% to 38%. As the vertical distance between the calf shells and foot plate increased, the offloading levels also increased significantly. The study observed significant differences in weight reduction (p = 0.02) and offloading percentages (p = 0.048) when comparing 1 cm and 1.5 cm displacement.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that maintaining a distance of 1.5 cm or more between the calf shells and foot plate is effective in reducing weight and offloading on the tibia. These results have important implications for clinicians using PTB braces to treat tibia fractures, highlighting the importance of adjusting the displacement of the PTB brace to optimize patient outcomes.
Factors Predicting Renal Outcomes in Hypertensive Emergencies With Severe Renal Impairment: A Single‐Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Nakazato Rei , Mii Akiko , Kamijo Natsumi , Tani Takashi , Arakawa Yusuke , Otsuka Toshiaki , Sakai Yukinao , Kashiwagi Tetsuya , Iwabu Masato
Published: December 2024

Background and Aims

Hypertensive emergencies, characterized by elevated blood pressure (BP) and multiple organ damage, have poor prognosis. Patients occasionally show gradual improvement in renal function with appropriate antihypertensive treatment despite renal impairment. However, reports analyzing factors predicting prognosis in patients with hypertensive emergencies and severe renal impairment are limited. This retrospective study aimed to investigate clinical features and predictors of renal outcomes in such patients.

Methods

Patients admitted to our hospital diagnosed with hypertensive emergency with severe renal impairment (serum creatinine [Cr] level > 2.5 mg/dL) between 2007 and 2021, were enrolled and divided into two groups: those who received renal replacement therapy (RRT) after 3 years (RRT group) and those who did not (non‐RRT group); clinical characteristics and laboratory data were compared.

Results

Fifteen patients were enrolled, with a median age and serum Cr level of 48 years and 5.97 mg/dL, respectively. No significant between‐group difference was observed in serum Cr levels or kidney size. However, the non‐RRT group exhibited significantly higher levels of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels and significantly lower platelet counts (PLT), suggesting development of microangiopathic hemolysis due to severe endothelial damage. Furthermore, the non‐RRT group exhibited lower serum potassium levels than the RRT group, accompanied by high plasma renin activity and serum aldosterone levels, suggesting activation of the renin‐angiotensin system (RAS). In the non‐RRT group, serum Cr, LDH, potassium levels, and PLT improved significantly after treatment.

Conclusions

Serum LDH, potassium levels, and PLT are useful predictors of renal prognosis in hypertensive emergencies with extremely poor renal function. In some cases, severe renal damage can be ameliorated by appropriate antihypertensive therapy. A positive response to treatment often signifies a favorable prognosis. Furthermore, early initiation of RAS inhibitors may be beneficial for lowering BP and providing renal protection.
An Exploratory‐Descriptive Qualitative Study on Accessing Eye Health Services at the Community Level in the Gamo and Gofa Zones, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Alemu Tsegaye , Seyum Dawit , Gebre Mulate , Sisay Alemayehu
Published: December 2024

Background and Aims

Access to eye health care, which has a substantial influence on quality of life, is crucial for preventing and treating vision impairments. The determinants of access to eye health care in Ethiopia, especially in the Gamo and Gofa Zones in southern Ethiopia, are not well known. Therefore, this study aimed to identify barriers to accessing eye health services at the community level.

Methods

A community‐based, exploratory descriptive qualitative study was conducted among adult women and men residing in two zones from June 2 to July 10, 2023. A purposive sampling technique was utilized to collect qualitative data. In‐depth interviews and FGDs were included among the purposefully selected study participants. During the interviews and discussions, digital audio recording was carried out. The data were analysed via the inductive thematic analysis technique and direct quotations from participants' opinions. The respective themes and subthemes provided a detailed overview of the findings, and the Atlas software was used to support the analysis.

Findings

Nine FGDs were conducted among 90 participants. Moreover, a total of 26 in‐depth interview participants were included. The mean (±SD) age of the participants in the in‐depth interviews was 32.96 ± 4.8 years. The most commonly cited barriers (1) poor awareness and misperception, financial constraints and community‐based health insurance implementation gaps; (2) lack of social support; (3) lack of healthcare accessibility, shortage of basic medical equipment; (4) cultural eye care practices and (5) poor road access, rough topography, and difficulty reaching areas, which are identified as obstacles for accessing eye health services.

Conclusion

This study identified pertinent barriers that hinder access to eye health care in the study area. Therefore, tailored strategies are needed to tackle the challenges. This approach is helpful for the local context and offers actionable insights for health policymakers and program designers.
Advancements in Molecular Diagnosis and Pharmacotherapeutic Strategies for Invasive Pituitary Adenomas
Authors: Xu Dingkai , Wang Ling , Zheng Maohua
Published: December 2024

Background

The overwhelming majority of pituitary tumors consist of pituitary adenomas (PAs), which have recently also been termed pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs). Clinically significant PAs occur in approximately one in every 1000 individuals, while other types of pituitary tumors, such as craniopharyngiomas and pituicytomas, are significantly less common. Although PAs are generally benign, a subset of them exhibits malignant‐like biological traits. They tend to infiltrate and grow aggressively into adjacent tissues and organs, including the dura mater, cavernous sinus, and sphenoid sinus. This invasive behavior often results in the destruction of the normal anatomical architecture of the sella turcica and skull base. Clinically, such tumors are classified as invasive PAs (IPAs), emphasizing their aggressive and destructive nature.

Objective and Significance

Currently, the diagnostic indicators for IPAs frequently suffer from suboptimal sensitivity and specificity. The invasiveness assessment of PAs lacks a definitive gold standard and instead serves as a predictive tool, with a greater number of indicators met suggesting a higher likelihood of invasiveness. Consequently, a comprehensive approach that integrates imaging, pathological, molecular biological, and other disciplinary metrics is crucial for accurate evaluation. Despite surgery being the primary treatment modality for IPAs, their malignant‐like behavior complicates complete resection, resulting in lower resection rates and heightened postoperative recurrence, necessitating multiple surgeries. Therefore, adjunctive drug therapy is often necessary for IPA patients. Preoperative drug therapy can shrink tumor size, facilitating resection and postoperative recovery, mitigating hormone imbalances, delaying recurrence, and enhancing patients' quality of life.

Conclusions

This article comprehensively reviews the diagnostic criteria for assessing the invasiveness of PAs in the domains of imaging, pathology, and molecular biology, provides an overview of the current research status of drug therapy for these conditions, and deepens our insight into the biological and therapeutic aspects of the tumor microenvironment in PAs.
Colposcopy referrals and CIN3 detection after triage by host cell DNA methylation and/or HPV genotyping in HPV positive women with low‐grade cytology from a population‐based Dutch primary HPV screening trial
Authors: Verhoef Lisanne , Bleeker Maaike C. G. , Polman Nicole , Kroon Kelsi R. , Steenbergen Renske D. M. , Ebisch Renée M. F. , Melchers Willem J. G. , Bekkers Ruud L. M. , Molijn Anco C. , van Kemenade Folkert , Meijer Chris J. L. M. , Heideman Daniëlle A. M. , Berkhof Johannes
Published: December 2024

High‐risk HPV (hrHPV)‐based screening has led to many unnecessary colposcopy referrals, mainly because of direct referral after low‐grade cytology (ASC‐US/LSIL). DNA methylation and genotyping tests on ASC‐US/LSIL samples have the potential to significantly improve the efficiency of screening. In this study, 12 triage strategies were constructed from FAM19A4/miR124‐2 or ASCL1/LHX8 methylation, HPV16/18 or HPV16/18/31/33/45 genotyping and 1‐year repeat cytology. The performance was evaluated on 215 hrHPV‐positive ASC‐US/LSIL samples from the IMPROVE trial (NTR5078). Performance was measured by colposcopy referral rate, positive predictive value (PPV) for detecting precancer (CIN3), and negative predictive value (NPV). To evaluate efficiency, strategies were ordered by the cumulative colposcopy referral rate after 1‐year cytology and compared by the marginal PPV to detect one additional CIN3 (mPPV). The most conservative strategy (referral when HPV16/18 and FAM19A4/miR124 methylation results are positive) had a direct referral rate of 5.2%, a cumulative referral rate after 1‐year cytology of 54.1%, and mPPV of 19.3%. Replacing HPV16/18 by HPV16/18/31/33/45 increased the cumulative 1‐year referral rate to 54.6%, and yielded an mPPV of 10.0%. Similar results were obtained for strategies with ASCL1/LHX8 methylation. Of all strategies, referral after an HPV16/18/31/33/45 positive, ASCL1/LHX8 methylation‐positive, and/or 1‐year cytology‐positive result yielded the highest direct and cumulative 1‐year colposcopy referral rates of 64.4% and 79.1%, respectively. The NPVs after 1‐year cytology varied between 98.1% and 99.4%, warranting a return to routine screening. Altogether, DNA methylation‐based triage strategies are recommended as they are discriminative for CIN3 and control the number of immediate colposcopy referrals.
Gehyra Geckos Prioritize Warm Over Humid Environments
Authors: Skelton Kade , Day Kimberley , Weitzman Chava L. , Schlesinger Christine , Moritz Craig , Christian Keith
Published: December 2024

Maintaining stable hydric and thermal states are dual challenges for reptiles that inhabit terrestrial environments with variable conditions across time and space. Under some conditions, reptiles face a conundrum where both physiological parameters cannot be simultaneously maintained at preferred levels by behavioral or physiological means. Prioritization of behavioral regulation of hydric or thermal state, and at which point this prioritization changes, was tested for nine species of congeneric tropical geckos by assessing their use of microhabitats with distinct thermal and hydric conditions in a controlled environment. Gehyra geckos were presented with two crevices of contrasting humidity levels, and time spent in either crevice was recorded across three ambient temperature treatments of 32°C, 27°C, and 22°C. Temperatures in the humid crevice matched ambient air temperature, whereas temperature in the dry crevice was maintained at 32°C. In these trials, all species showed greater use of the dry (and warm) crevice in the 27°C and 22°C treatments, while there was no strong preference for the humid or dry crevice in the 32°C treatment. Thus, Gehyra geckos prioritized thermoregulation and maintained thermal state through behavioral responses, and humid microhabitats were not selected even when it did not compromise the animal's thermal state. Although selection for preferred thermal conditions was prioritized in the short term, this does not preclude the possibility that hydric state can be regulated on a seasonal time scale.
Epstein‐Barr Virus Infection Presenting With Acute Gastrointestinal Involvement. Report of Two Cases of Epstein‐Barr Virus Colitis in Kidney‐Transplant Recipients and Scoping Review of the Literature
Authors: Díez‐Vidal Alejandro , Arroyo‐Acosta Carlos , Elvira‐Lafuente Carolina , Díaz‐Pollán Beatriz , Grandioso‐Vas David , Loeches Belén , Azores‐Moreno Javier , Marcelo‐Calvo Cristina , Martínez‐Martín Patricia , González‐García María Elena
Published: December 2024

Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) is a herpesvirus capable of establishing lifelong latent infections, leading to a wide spectrum of diseases. It can affect multiple organs, including the gastrointestinal tract, typically through lymphoproliferative syndromes or gastric cancer, while acute gastrointestinal disease is rare and poorly understood. Two cases of EBV‐induced acute colitis in kidney transplant recipients were described. Additionally, a scoping review of the literature was conducted to identify all reported cases of EBV infection presenting with acute gastrointestinal involvement. A total of 11 174 articles from PubMed and Embase were analyzed, from which 30 articles were ultimately selected, encompassing 33 cases. Two distinct patient profiles emerged. Patients with gastric‐limited disease were typically healthy women and exhibited a benign course, characterized by a more acute presentation and complete recovery in all cases. In contrast, patients with intestinal disease were often immunocompromised, presenting with deep colonic ulcers frequently associated with rectal bleeding, high rates of perforation, frequent need for surgical intervention, and significant mortality. Antiviral therapy and reduction of immunosuppression were commonly employed, although no specific treatment approach demonstrated a clear benefit in reducing mortality or complications. In conclusion, EBV‐related gastrointestinal disease varies by patient immunocompetence and the site of involvement. Gastric‐limited disease usually has a favorable prognosis, while intestinal involvement in immunocompromised patients is linked to severe complications and higher mortality. Individualized treatment strategies and vigilant long‐term follow‐up are needed due to the lack of standardized treatment protocols and the risk of relapse or development of EBV‐associated lymphoproliferative disorders.
Association of Socio‐Environmental Burden and Inequality With Cancer Screening and Mortality
Authors: Zindani Shahzaib , Khalil Mujtaba , Rashid Zayed , Altaf Abdullah , Woldesenbet Selamawit , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: December 2024

Background and Objectives

Social and environmental injustice may influence accessibility and utilization of health resources, affecting outcomes of patients with cancer. We sought to assess the impact of socio‐environmental inequalities on cancer screening and mortality rates for breast, colon, and cervical cancer.

Methods

Data on cancer screening and environmental justice index social and environmental ranking (SER) was extracted from the CDC PLACES and ATSDR, respectively. Mortality rates were extracted using CDC WONDER. Screening targets were defined by Healthy People 2030.

Results

Among census tracts, 14 659 were classified as “low,” 29 534 as “moderate,” and 15 474 as “high” SER (high SER denoting greater socioenvironmental injustice). Screening targets were achieved by 31.1%, 16.2%, and 88.6% of tracts for colon, breast, and cervical cancers, respectively. High SER tracts were much less likely to reach screening targets compared with low SER tracts for colon (OR: 0.06), breast (OR: 0.24), and cervical cancer (OR: 0.05) (all p < 0.001). Median mortality rates for low and high SER were 16.7, and 21.0, respectively, for colon, 13.4, 14.75, respectively, for breast, and 1.0, 1.6, respectively, for cervical cancer (all p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Socioenvironmental disparities negatively influence cancer screening and mortality, underscoring the need to reduce environmental injustices through measures like equitable cancer screening services.
Eruptive Xanthomata Manifesting in Tattoos
Authors: Stonesifer Connor , Morquette Alexandra , Li Jeffrey N. , Elman Scott A. , Elgart George W.
Published: December 2024

Eruptive xanthomata represent a rare, but important pruritic dermatosis for which an accurate diagnosis can prevent life‐threatening complications. We present the case of a 29‐year‐old female with no prior medical history who presented to clinic for evaluation of a pruritic papular eruption of 2 weeks' duration. Notably, examination revealed numerous papules within the boundaries of her long‐standing tattoos. Biopsy of these lesions revealed a diagnosis of eruptive xanthomata. Eruptive xanthomata are observed in the setting of extreme hypertriglyceridemia (> 3000 mg/dL) and, importantly, they koebnerize to areas of acute and past trauma. Examination of tattoos is vital in dermatologic practice as changes, particularly induration, can be suggestive of systemic disease. This case emphasises that the differential of koebnerization within tattoos should include eruptive xanthomata.
Stream bryophytes promote “cryptic” productivity in highly oligotrophic headwaters
Authors: Thellman Audrey N. , Wooster Tammy , Malcom Heather , Rosi Emma J. , Bernhardt Emily S.
Published: December 2024

Recent observations document increased abundance of algae in the headwater streams of Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest (HBEF). It is possible that this “greening up” of HBEF streams may be due to climate change, with rising temperatures, altering terrestrial phenology, and shifting hydrologic regimes. Alternatively, stream “greening” could be from the slow recovery of stream chemistry after decades of acid rain, which has led to rising pH, declining concentrations of toxic Al3+, and low solute concentrations. Four years of weekly algal measurements on artificial moss and ceramic tiles, along with six nutrient enrichment experiments, revealed new insights about the interactions between these two autotrophs. We found that in protected weir ponds and in stream channels, algal biomass was higher on artificial moss substrates than on tiles—with this effect amplified in the stream channels. These results suggest that bryophytes can provide physical protection from flood scour or may trap nutrients to support algal growth. In stream channels, algal biomass was higher in well‐lit habitats and time periods indicating strong light limitation. We only measured nitrogen and phosphorus limitation of algal biomass in nutrient enrichment experiments conducted within weir ponds, with higher light availability and lower flow. By comparison, results from the remaining four instream experiments provided little evidence for nutrient limitation, with only one trial showing increased algal growth in response to nutrient addition. The most striking implication of our study is the role of bryophytes in providing refugia, and potentially nutrients, to algae in shaded and oligotrophic headwater streams.
mRNA m5C Alteration in Azacitidine Demethylation Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Chen Ziwei , Guo Yingyu , Zhang Zaifeng , Li Chang , Zhang Lili , Liu Ye , Sun Gaoyuan , Xiao Fei , Feng Ru , Zhang Chunli
Published: December 2024

The DNA demethylating therapy with azacitidine (AZA) is a promising therapeutic strategy for elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). AZA primarily inhibits DNA methylation, promotes cell differentiation and apoptosis in AML. However, as a cytosine nucleoside analog, AZA also has the potential to be incorporated into RNA molecules. To assess the impact of AZA on RNA m5C methylation during demethylating therapy, we conducted Nanopore direct‐RNA sequencing on samples from three AML patients pre and after demethylating therapy, as well as on HL‐60 cells pretreated with AZA. We performed an integrated analysis of the transcriptome and the m5C methylome, contrasting the states of complete remission with those of active disease (AML). Our results revealed an extensive demethylation effect at the RNA level attributable to AZA and found that mRNA m5C modification may play a pivotal role in the progression of AML. Additionally, S100P was identified as a biomarker with significant prognostic implications. We also conducted a conjoint analysis of the transcriptome and the m5C methylome of the full‐length transcripts, uncovering several dysregulated mRNA isoforms. Collectively, our findings indicate that mRNA m5C methylation is implicated during AML progression, and AZA exhibits an overall suppressive effect on this process.
Development of a local nomogram‐based scoring system for predicting overall survival in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: A rural appalachian experience
Authors: Mohamed Rowida , Sangani Rahul G. , Kamal Khalid M. , LeMaster Traci J. , Rudisill Toni Marie , Scott Virginia G. , Kelley George A. , Wen Sijin
Published: December 2024

Background

Accurate staging systems are essential for assessing the severity of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and guiding clinical management. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of pulmonary comorbidities and body mass index (BMI) in IPF, develop a nomogram predicting overall survival (OS), and create a nomogram‐based survival prediction model.

Methods

Patients with IPF were identified from electronic medical records of the West Virginia hospital system. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) Cox regression analysis was used for variable selection, and a nomogram was constructed. Risk groups were defined based on the nomogram's probability tertiles. The performance of the nomogram‐based model was evaluated using Harrell's concordance index (C‐index) and the Hosmer–Lemeshow test.

Results

The study included 152 patients with IPF. The majority of the patients were elderly, male, and had a BMI above 24 kg/m2. The median survival duration was 7.6 years. The survival rates were 91% at 1 year, 78% at 3 years, and 68% at 5 years. LASSO regression selected carbon monoxide lung diffusion capacity percentage predicted (DLco%), BMI, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary embolism, and sleep apnea as independent predictive variables. The nomogram demonstrated good discrimination (C‐index = 0.71) and calibration.

Conclusions

Pulmonary comorbidities and BMI have significant prognostic value in IPF, emphasizing the necessity for consistent screening, assessment, and management of these factors in IPF care. Furthermore, the nomogram‐based staging system showed promising performance in predicting OS and represents an actionable staging system that could potentially improve clinical management in IPF. Further validation of the nomogram is warranted to confirm its utility in clinical practice.
Stability Analysis of Split‐Step θ$$ \theta $$‐Milstein Scheme for Stochastic Delay Integro‐Differential Equations
Authors: Liu Linna , Zhou Shuaibo , Fang Jianyin
Published: December 2024

This paper introduces and analyzes a split‐step ‐Milstein (SSTM) scheme specifically designed for stochastic delay integro‐differential equations (SDIDEs). Given reasonable assumptions regarding the drift term, diffusion term, and integral term, it is established that for small stepsize constraint, the SSTM method with is mean square exponential stable. Additionally, the result shows that also demonstrates the same stability under more stringent conditions on stepsize. Ultimately, two numerical experiments are presented to verify the validity of the obtained results.
Doubly Exponential Growth and Decay for a Semilinear Heat Equation With Logarithmic Nonlinearity
Authors: Long QunFei
Published: December 2024

In this note, we consider the initial boundary value problem for a parabolic equation with logarithmic nonlinearity, which has been studied by Chen et al. and Han. We firstly estimate the upper bound function with doubly exponential property for the weak solutions and establish the doubly exponential decay and at most doubly exponential growth criteria for the weak solutions by the logarithmic Sobolev inequality, the derivative formula for the product, the Newton–Leibniz formula, and the logarithmic properties. We secondly establish a newly infinity blow‐up criterion such that the lower bound function of weak solutions is at least doubly exponential growth by the nonconcavity method and the nonincreasing property for the energy functional. We finally establish a sufficient condition such that the upper bound function with doubly exponential growth is greater than or equal to the lower bound function with doubly exponential growth by the quotient comparison principle. In addition, we also find the threshold of the doubly exponential growth and the doubly exponential decay and obtain for any as These research results improve previous results from both decay and growth.
Effective Dynamics for a Class of Stochastic Parabolic Equation Driven by LéVy Noise With a Fast Oscillation
Authors: Zhao Jin‐Wei , Ge Bin , Liu Lu
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we mainly study the effective dynamic behavior of a class of stochastic parabolic equations driven by Lévy noise with a fast oscillation, and the coefficients of the system are assumed to satisfy the non‐Lipschitz condition. The work in the article is roughly divided into two parts. The first part, due to the change of conditions, we must consider the existence and uniqueness of the solution of the system. In the second part, we show that the original system driven by Lévy noise is reduced into an effective equation. To be more accurate, the fast component equation is averaged out, and there exists an effective process converging to the original stochastic parabolic equation. The main contribution is that the obtained results can extend the existing results from the Lipschitz condition to a weaker condition with a wider application scope, that is, the non‐Lipschitz condition, and the driving process is Lévy noise, which seems new in the existing literature.
New Wigner Distribution and Ambiguity Function for the Offset Fractional Fourier Transform and Their Applications
Authors: Minh Lai Tien
Published: December 2024

This paper introduces the new offset fractional Fourier Wigner distribution and offset fractional Fourier ambiguity function (OFrWD and OFrAF). Moreover, many various useful properties of them are also derived. Besides, convolutions via offset fractional Fourier transform are also introduced. Furthermore, the relationships between proposed convolutions and the OFrWD as well as OFrAF are also obtained. In addition, with the help of simulation, applications of OFrWD and OFrAF are established, such as designing multiplicative filters in the offset fractional Fourier transform (OFrFT) domain and detecting the parameters of single‐component and multicomponent linear frequency‐modulated (LFM) signals.
Compact Non‐Planner Inverted Stacked Modified Microstrip Antenna With Enhanced Performance of Ultra‐Wideband Applications
Authors: Verma Sonmati , Singh Rajiv Kumar , Srivastava Neelam , Verma Alka , Sarkar Anirban
Published: December 2024

This article introduces a compact non‐planner inverted stacked microstrip antenna tailored for ultrawideband (UWB) applications. The innovative design of the antenna features a folded feed technique combined with a slotted lower patch and an additional parasitic upper patch, showcasing a novel approach to enhancing performance. Compactness is achieved by integrating a shorting wall, significantly reducing the antenna size without compromising performance. The proposed antenna demonstrates exceptional simulated bandwidth (S11<−10 dB) of 11020 MHz (3.6–14.62 GHz), equivalent to 120.9%, and measured impedance bandwidth of 11310 MHz (3.63–14.94 GHz), reflecting a substantial fractional bandwidth of 121.80%. Furthermore, it achieves a peak gain of 9 dBi, making it highly suitable for UWB operations. The combination of its compact size, extensive bandwidth, and stable radiation patterns makes this antenna a highly effective and appropriate choice for UWB technology.
Comparative Analysis of Vestibular Dysfunction and Compensation in Ramsay‐Hunt Syndrome and Vestibular Neuritis
Authors: Lovin Benjamin D. , Vrabec Jeffrey T.
Published: December 2024

Objective

To investigate vestibular loss and compensation in Ramsay‐Hunt syndrome with dizziness (RHS‐D) and vestibular neuritis (VN).

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study from 2019 to 2023.

Setting

Tertiary care neurotology practice.

Methods

Patients with RHS‐D or VN who underwent videonystagmography, including cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP), caloric stimulation, rotary chair, and oculomotor testing, were reviewed and stratified by vertigo etiology. The main outcome measures were rates and severity of vestibular loss, as measured by cVEMP and caloric stimulation, and of vestibular compensation, as measured by rotary chair and oculomotor testing.

Results

Ten patients were found to have RHS‐D and 22 with VN. Caloric and cVEMP abnormalities were noted in 100 and 70% of RHS‐D patients compared to 60 and 20% with VN (P = .029 and P = .034, respectively). RHS‐D patients were significantly more likely to present with concurrent caloric and cVEMP abnormalities compared to VN (70 and 13%, respectively; P = .009). Vestibular loss appeared more severe in RHS‐D compared to VN suggested by significantly lower mean bithermal slow phase velocity sum (3.8 and 21 degrees per second, respectively), greater canal paresis (78.7 and 40.2%, respectively), and greater cVEMP amplitude asymmetry (64 and 31%, respectively) (P = .014, P < .001, and P = .053, respectively). Regarding vestibular compensation, abnormal gain asymmetry was present in 88% of RHS‐D patients with a mean asymmetry of 31.2 compared to 11% in VN with a mean of 14.0 (P = .019 and P = .003, respectively).

Conclusion

Compared to VN, RHS‐D patients appear to suffer from a more profound vestibular loss and a worsened ability to compensate for such deficits.
Development and Validation of an Explainable Prediction Model for Postoperative Recurrence in Pediatric Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Jiang Sijie , Qi Bo , Xie Shaobing , Xie Zhihai , Zhang Hua , Jiang Weihong
Published: December 2024

Objective

This study aims to develop an interpretable machine learning (ML) predictive model to assess its efficacy in predicting postoperative recurrence in pediatric chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

Study Design

A decision analysis was performed with retrospective clinical data.

Setting

Recurrent group and nonrecurrent group.

Methods

This retrospective study included 148 pediatric CRS treated with functional endoscopic sinus surgery from January 2015 to January 2022. We collected demographic characteristics and peripheral blood inflammatory indices, and calculated inflammation indices. Models were trained with 3 ML algorithms and compared their predictive performance using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC) curve. Shapley Additive Explanations and Ceteris Paribus profiles were used for model interpretation. The final model was transformed into a web for interactive visualization.

Results

Among the 3 ML models, the Random Forest (RF) model demonstrated the best discriminative ability (AUC = 0.728). After reducing features based on importance and tuning parameters, the final RF model, including 4 features (systemic immune inflammation index (SII), pan‐immune‐inflammation value (PIV) and percentage of eosinophils (E%) and lymphocytes (L%)), showed good predictive performance in internal validation (AUC = 0.779). Global interpretation of the model suggested that L% and E% substantially contribute to the overall model. Local interpretation revealed a nonlinear relationship between the included features and model predictions. To enhance its clinical utility, the model was converted into a web (https://juice153.shinyapps.io/CRSRecurrencePrediction/).

Conclusion

Our ML model demonstrated promising accuracy in predicting postoperative recurrence in pediatric CRS, revealing a complex nonlinear relationship between postoperative recurrence and the features SII, PIV, L%, and E%.
Epoxy resin‐based biomass composites based on modified corn stalks: Preparation, properties, and toughening mechanism
Authors: Lou Chunhua , Yang Yuxin , Jiang Siyu
Published: December 2024

In this study, a series of sustainable eco‐friendly epoxy resin (EP)‐based biomass composites (DSA‐CS/EP) were prepared using bisphenol A EP as matrix, 2‐methylimidazole as curing agent, and corn stalk (CS) esterified with dodecene succinic anhydride (DSA) as filler. The static contact angle test results showed that the hydrophobicity of CS after esterification with DSA (DSA‐CS) was enhanced, which results in the compatibility of DSA‐CS with EP matrix was improved. And then, the DSA‐CSs were dispersed homogeneously in the matrix without agglomerating. The morphology and properties of the biomass composites were studied and analyzed in order to elucidate the toughening mechanism of CS and DSA‐CS. When the content of DSA‐CS is 15 wt%, the tensile strength and impact strength of DSA‐CS/EP reached a maximum value of 30.39 MPa and 3.34 KJ/m2, which were increased by 128.49% and 81.52% compared with pure EP. Finally, it is deduced that the possible toughening mechanism is that DSA‐CS can not only share part of the external stress but also a mutual solute region is formed between DSA‐CS and EP matrix.

Highlights

Corn stalks esterified by DSA were used as reinforcement filler for epoxy resin.

The cellulose in CS was mainly esterified.

The tensile and impact strength of DSA‐CS 15/EP reached a maximum value.

A mutual solute region is formed between filler and matrix.
GWAS analysis for plant height and stem diameter in sorghum using multiple phenotyping approaches
Authors: Boatwright Lucas , Thudi Mahendar , Sangireddy Manoj Kumar Reddy , Coffin Alisa W. , Tadesse Haile K. , Vutla Sairam , Harris‐Shultz Karen , Knoll Joseph E. , Cuevas Hugo , Kumar Neeraj , Soman Chinmay , Schnable James , Punnuri Somashekhar M.
Published: December 2024

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is an important cereal crop cultivated around the globe. To identify the genomic regions responsible for plant height and stem diameter, a subset of the sorghum association panel was phenotyped using manual, ground‐robot, and drone‐based phenotyping approaches during 2019 and 2020 at Tifton, GA. Manual and ground‐robot‐based plant heights had a lower correlation (r =  0.55) than the manual and drone‐based measurements (r =  0.61). Tukey's mean difference plot analysis indicated that both high‐throughput methods were less accurate with taller accessions. In genome‐wide association studies using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), insertions and deletions (indels), and copy number variants, a total of 136 and 18 SNP loci associated with plant height were identified using mixed linear model and fixed and random model circulating probability unification models. For the first time, we report eight significant SNPs associated with stem diameter using a ground‐based robot. We were able to detect all four major dwarfing genes (Dw1 through Dw4) using manual phenotyping; in contrast, Dw2 was identified using both manual and ground‐robot‐based phenotyping. Sorbi.3004G093400, a gene located 19 kb upstream of the SNP locus SBI‐04_7987371 and a member of the glycoside hydrolase superfamily 35, plays a role in stem diameter, plant height, and is involved in cellular processes. Novel associations (eight for stem diameter), SNPs, and structural variants identified in this study can be used for manipulating plant height and stem diameter in sorghum.
Formation of All Tin Oxide p–n Junctions (SnO–SnO2) during Thermal Oxidation of Thin Sn Films
Authors: Panda Sri Aurobindo , Barala Sushil , Hazra Arnab , Gangopadhyay Subhashis
Published: December 2024

Metastable stannous oxide (SnO) phase of p‐type semiconductor and all tin oxides p–n junctions of SnO–SnO2 nanostructures are formed by controlled thermal oxidation of thin tin films. High purity Sn is deposited on quartz substrates using a vacuum‐assisted thermal evaporation technique. Afterwards, controlled thermal oxidation at different temperatures is performed in air ambient condition (150–800 °C). Various surface characterization techniques have been employed to analyze the structure, morphology, chemistry, optical, and electronic properties of these SnOx films. P‐type SnO phase is found to be thermodynamically stable at lower oxidation temperatures (250–400 °C), while n‐type SnO2 phase starts to appear above 500 °C. Highly uniform and dense SnO nanospheres along with few 1D nanorods are observed after oxidation at 400 °C. Mixed oxide phases of p–n junctions with a sudden decrease in electrical conductivity is observed for 500 °C film. Significantly lower surface conductivity of mixed oxide phase indicates the formation of depletion layers between p‐type SnO and n‐type SnO2 nanograins. A transition from SnO layer to SnO2 layer is also observed above 600 °C. Overall, SnOx‐based nanostructures would be a potential candidate for solar cells, p‐channel thin film transistors, p–n junction diodes and gas sensors.
Offshore Wind‐Hydrogen Systems Fault Detection Based on CNN‐BiLSTM‐AM Algorithm
Authors: Zhao Tianxiang , Sun Li , Zhou Yilai , Kang Zhuang , Li He , Kang Jichuan
Published: December 2024

This study presents a novel deep learning‐based approach for fault detection in offshore wind‐hydrogen systems. A fault detection model is developed using convolutional neural networks (CNNs), bidirectional long short‐term memory networks (BiLSTMs), and an attention mechanism (AM). The model is trained on a dataset generated through fault injection techniques, which simulate real‐world faults in the system. Key operational parameters, such as wind speed and hydrogen production rate, are used to detect faults effectively. This paper reduces reliance on actual experiments, and introducing artificial faults allows system performance assessment under different fault scenarios, lowering project risks and costs. This work facilitates automatic feature extraction and high‐precision classification of time‐series fault data, which covers a fully automated learning process from data to fault detection. The outstanding performance of the method is validated through computation and result comparison.
A portable low‐cost incubation chamber for real‐time characterization of soil respiration
Authors: Nguyen Thi Thuc , Altman Ariel , Huang Laibin , Rodrigues Jorge L. Mazza , Dahlke Helen E. , Kamennaya Nina A. , Levintal Elad
Published: December 2024

Monitoring CO2 or O2 concentrations within a closed, volume‐defined chamber is widely used to quantify soil respiration during laboratory soil incubation experiments. The standard method of using periodic manual gas sampling is costly, labor‐intensive, and frequently fails to capture the aerobic respiration process. Thus, tools that allow continuous, real‐time tracking of CO2 and O2 concentration changes are needed for soil respiration research. This study presents a new, portable, low‐cost (∼$700), open‐source sensor system to measure CO2 and O2 concentrations in four closed chambers. We provided non‐engineering end‐users with step‐by‐step instructions on how to build the system, enabling replication and customization. System performance was tested by comparing two respiration rates using the same soil—soil with and without glucose added for 1 week. Consistent CO2 production and O2 consumption rates were measured at 1‐min intervals, and the reliability of the system was validated by a trace gas analyzer. Two distinctive continuous apparent respiratory quotient time series between two soil treatments were observed, with higher values of CO2 in glucose soil, demonstrating the ability of the system to capture ongoing respiration processes and sufficient sensitivity to distinguish differences among respiration substrates (i.e., glucose). The tested performance of the system highlights its capabilities for soil respiration research and the potential for further adoption in real‐time gas monitoring applications.
Terminal Tryptophan‐Directed Anisotropic Self‐Assembly for Precise Protein Nanostructure Regulation
Authors: Jang Young Eun , Huh June , Choi Yoobin , Kim Yusik , Lee Jeewon
Published: December 2024

A common challenge in nanotechnology is synthesizing nanomaterials with well‐defined structures. In particular, it remains a major unresolved challenge to precisely regulate the structure and function of protein nanomaterials, which are structurally diverse, highly ordered, and complex and offer an innovative means that enables a high performance in various nanodevices, which is rarely achievable with other nanomaterials. Here an innovative approach is proposed to fabricating multi‐dimensional (0‐ to 3D) protein nanostructures with functional and structural specialties via molecular‐level regulation. This approach is based on a stable, consistent, anisotropic self‐assembly of Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) coat protein‐derived engineered building blocks where genetically added tryptophan residues are externally tailored. The unique structural characteristics of each nanostructure above are demonstrated in detail through various analyses (electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and small‐angle X‐ray scattering) and further investigated through molecular dynamics simulations, indicating that this control, anisotropic, and molecular assembly‐based approach to regulating protein nanostructures holds great potential for customizing a variety of nanomaterials with unique functions and structures.
Self‐Assembled Peptide‐Gold Nanoclusters with SiRNA Targeting Telomeric Response to Enhance Radiosensitivity in Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Moro Sean , Omrani Mohammed , Erbek Sule , Jourdan Muriel , Vandekerckhove Catharina I. , Nogier Cyril , Vanwonterghem Laetitia , Molina Marie‐Carmen , Bernadó Pau , Thureau Aurélien , Coll Jean‐Luc , Renaudet Olivier , Le Guével Xavier , Faure Virginie
Published: December 2024

Lung cancer cells resistant to radiotherapy present a significant clinical challenge. Stable telomeric structures, maintained by the TRF2 protein, play a critical role in protecting cells from ionizing radiation. Reduced TRF2 expression increases DNA damage and radiosensitivity. We designed a self‐assembling system utilizing ultra‐small luminescent gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) with radiosensitizing properties, combined with siRNA targeting TRF2. The system forms ≈100  nm non‐spherical structures with AuNCs enriched in the outer layer, exhibiting a 17.6‐fold enhancement in red photoluminescence due to aggregation‐induced effects. This nanoplatform efficiently penetrates lung cancer cells, reducing TRF2 expression by 50%. Under 5 Gy radiotherapy, cells treated with this system show a 1.5‐fold radiosensitivity increase from AuNCs and a 2.3‐fold reduction in clonogenic survival due to telomere deprotection. The AuNC‐siRNATRF2 system combines enhanced optical properties with biological functionality, offering a promising approach to augment radiotherapy efficacy by disrupting telomeric protective mechanisms in cancer cells.
Highly Efficient Lightweight Flexible Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Solar Cells with a Narrow Bandgap Fabricated on Polyimide Substrates: Impact of Ag Alloying, Cs and Na Doping, and Front Shallow Ga Grading on Cell Performance
Authors: Kamikawa Yukiko , Nishinaga Jiro , Nishida Takeshi , Ishizuka Shogo
Published: December 2024

Herein, lightweight, flexible Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cells with a narrow bandgap of ≈1 eV are grown on polyimide substrates. The poor performance of the CIGS solar cells owing to a low growth temperature (≈400 °C) is considerably improved via Ag alloying, Na doping using alkali‐silicate‐glass thin layers (ASTLs) and the CsF postdeposition treatment (CsF‐PDT), and front shallow Ga grading (surface field; SF). Along with improved device process, a notably high conversion efficiency of 21.2%, low VOC deficit of 0.346 V, and high JSC of ≈40 mA cm−2 are achieved. Ag alloying and Na doping using ASTLs predominantly improve the CIGS bulk quality, while the CsF‐PDT and SF reduce carrier recombination at the CIGS/CdS interface and vicinity. Device simulations reveal that the SF increases the electrical field at the CIGS surface under the forward bias voltage close to VOC owing to electron injection from the CdS side, which increases the chemical potential. Thus, the SF effectively repulses holes and improves the interfacial property. Device simulations also reveal that a high CIGS absorber's quality is prerequisite to benefit from the SF. Thus, CIGS solar cells showing improved bulk quality due to optimum alkali doping and Ag alloying considerably benefit from the SF.
Quality Assessment of Gegen Zhitong Mixture Based on Chemical Fingerprints Combined with Quantitative Analysis of Multi‐Components with a Single‐Marker
Authors: Xin Hu , Zhiqiang Hu , Lu Cheng , Hongfeng Xu
Published: December 2024

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulas were one of the most important treasures in TCMs. Gegen Zhitong mixture (GGZTM) was a Chinese medicine preparation (CMP) developed by Wuhan No.1 Hospital according to a TCM formula. The comprehensive quality assessment of CMPs is necessary to ensure their safe and effective use for medical purposes. However, the existing quality evaluation of GGZTM was limited to the content determination of a single marker compound, making it difficult to fully monitor its overall quality. Therefore, an approach that profiled a comprehensive chemical description of GGZTM based on high‐performance liquid chromatography was developed for the first time, and the characteristic common peaks of GGZTM were identified in the present study. Secondly, a quantitative analysis of multi‐components with a single‐marker (QASM) was developed, which could be employed to simultaneously determine the content of three components in GGZTM. Finally, the laboratory prepared a self‐made GGZTM according to the prescription composition and systematically compared it with the GGZTM through similarity analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis based on chemical fingerprints and the content of intrinsic marker components. In conclusion, the developed method is accurate and stable and can be applied to quality control in the production process of GGZTM.