bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive review and updated analysis of DNA methylation in hepatocellular carcinoma: From basic research to clinical application
Authors: Su Lin , Bu Jiawen , Yu Jiahui , Jin Mila , Meng Guanliang , Zhu Xudong
Published: October 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary malignant tumour, ranking second in global mortality rates and posing significant health threats. Epigenetic alterations, particularly DNA methylation, have emerged as pivotal factors associated with HCC diagnosis, therapy, prognosis and malignant progression. However, a comprehensive analysis of the DNA methylation mechanism driving HCC progression and its potential as a therapeutic biomarker remains lacking. This review attempts to comprehensively summarise various aspects of DNA methylation, such as its mechanism, detection methods and biomarkers aiding in HCC diagnosis, treatment and prognostic assessment of HCC. It also explores the role of DNA methylation in regulating HCC's malignant progression and sorafenib resistance, alongside elaborating the therapeutic effects of DNA methyltransferase inhibitors on HCC. A detailed examination of these aspects underscores the significant research on DNA methylation in tumour cells to elucidate malignant progression mechanisms, identify diagnostic markers and develop new tumour‐specific inhibitors for HCC.

Key points

A comprehensive summary of various aspects of DNA methylation, such as its mechanism, detection methods and biomarkers aiding in diagnosis and treatment.

The role of DNA methylation in regulating hepatocellular carcinoma's (HCC) malignant progression and sorafenib resistance, alongside elaborating therapeutic effects of DNA methyltransferase inhibitors.

Deep research on DNA methylation is critical for discovering novel tumour‐specific inhibitors for HCC.
Application of mass cytometry in multiparametric characterization of precancerous cervical lesions
Authors: Pešut Ena , Šimić Ivana , Kužilkova Daniela , Kalina Tomáš , Fureš Rajko , Erceg Ivkošić Ivana , Milutin Gašperov Nina , Sabol Ivan
Published: October 2024

Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth most common malignant tumor in women worldwide. Detecting different biomarkers together on single cells by novel method mass cytometry could contribute to more precise screening. Liquid‐based cytology (LBC) cervical samples were collected (N = 53) from women categorized as normal and precancerous lesions. Human papillomavirus was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction, while simultaneous examination of the expression of 29 proteins was done by mass cytometry (CyTOF). Differences in cluster abundances were assessed with Spearman's rank correlation as well as high dimensional data analysis (t‐SNE, FlowSOM). Cytokeratin (ITGA6, Ck5, Ck10/13, Ck14, Ck7) expression patterns allowed determining the presence of different cells in the cervical epithelium. FlowSOM analysis enabled to phenotype cervical cells in five different metaclusters and find new markers that could be important in CC screening. The markers Ck18, Ck18, and CD63 (Metacluster 3) showed significantly increasing associated with severity of the precancerous lesions (Spearman rank correlation rho 0.304, p = 0.0271), while CD71, KLF4, LRIG1, E‐cadherin, Nanog and p53 (Metacluster 1) decreased with severity of the precancerous lesions (Spearman rank correlation rho −0.401, p = 0.0029). Other metaclusters did not show significant correlation, but metacluster 2 (Ck17, MCM, MMP7, CD29, E‐cadherin, Nanog, p53) showed higher abundance in low‐ and high‐grade intraepithelial lesion cases. CyTOF appears feasible and should be considered when examining novel biomarkers on cervical LBC samples. This study enabled us to characterize different cells in the cervical epithelium and find markers and populations that could distinguish precancerous lesions.
Systematic Reviews on Eating Disorders and Autism Spectrum Disorder Emphasize a Call to Further Expand High‐Quality Research
Authors: Sharp William G.
Published: October 2024

Two recent systematic reviews provide important insights into the current state of the eating disorder literature regarding autistic traits, ASD prevalence, and experience with accessing treatment, with a specific focus on anorexia nervosa (AN). The extant literature provides converging evidence for elevated autistic traits in individuals with AN, while evidence for increased prevalence of ASD in AN is less robust. Presence of autistic traits or a formal ASD diagnosis both appear to elevate the potential for a more complicated experience during eating disorder treatment. Together, this work provides compelling justification to expand the breadth of inquiry regarding eating disorders and ASD, with a specific call for increased methodological rigor when designing and conducting future research. My commentary calls for specific steps to advance our understanding of ASD and eating disorders.
Long‐term tracking captures the timing of ontogenetic niche shifts in northeast Pacific white sharks
Authors: Logan Ryan K. , Anderson James M. , Burns Echelle S. , Samara Chacon Yamilla , Freedman Ryan , García‐Rodríguez Emiliano , Jahn Elizabeth , Lyons Kady , Meese Emily N. , Merson Zachariah S. , O'Sullivan John , Rex Patrick T. , Spurgeon Emily , Stirling Brian S. , White Connor F. , Winkler Chuck , Jorgensen Salvador , Sosa‐Nishizaki Oscar , Lowe Christopher G.
Published: October 2024

Ontogenetic changes in area use, habitat use, and trophic interactions play an important role in the ecology, demography, and ultimately population dynamics of many species. Assumed to be driven by shifting life‐history requirements, trophic niche shifts in white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) are well documented, but the timing of the spatial niche shift that is hypothesized to occur with the trophic niche shift remains poorly understood. To document how fine‐scale area use varies as sharks age and the timing of the ontogenetic spatial shift of this top predator, we tracked individual white sharks tagged as young‐of‐the‐year or young juveniles over multiple years. Using data from juvenile white sharks detected over multiple years in a nursery habitat with a high‐density receiver array, we found no difference in area use with age. However, using a coast‐wide receiver array including nursery and adult habitat, we found the probability of detecting a juvenile white shark in nursery habitat decreased with age, with a concurrent increasing probability of detection in adult habitat. As the conservation and management of this species relies on understanding nursery habitat use and age‐related movements, data presented here address an important knowledge gap for the understudied juvenile to subadult life stages and the ontogenetic habitat shift of this species.
A flexible data‐driven approach to co‐producing drought vulnerability assessments
Authors: Crausbay Shelley D. , Hall Kimberly R. , Cross Molly S. , Halabisky Meghan , Rangwala Imtiaz , Anderson Jesse , Schwend Ann
Published: October 2024

Intensifying weather events are key characteristics of climate change that are fundamentally changing ecological disturbance regimes. Intensifying drought is a particular threat to species, ecosystems, and ecosystem services worldwide. Proactive drought adaptation measures are acutely needed, but without a better understanding of drought vulnerability at the appropriate scale and geography, such measures may not be effective, or even anticipated as potential options. A recent conceptual framework for ecological drought aligns a holistic suite of potential drivers with the key components of climate change vulnerability (exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity). We leverage the ecological drought framework and components of vulnerability to introduce a six‐step process for developing a drought vulnerability assessment (DVA) that (1) is place‐based and avoids mismatches between assessment geography and management action, (2) uses existing empirical datasets and leverages machine learning techniques and remotely sensed data from a recent drought, (3) emphasizes the inclusion of stakeholders and the importance of data visualization and science communication, and (4) is flexible and adaptable to a wide range of planning contexts. We illustrate the DVA process with a case study for forested watersheds in the Missouri Headwaters (MH), Montana, USA, that is focused on the impact of an early 2000s drought event on forest health. We show how the DVA provides insights on drought vulnerability that are helpful starting points for co‐developing region‐specific management actions to prepare for the next drought, including strategies to enhance ecologically available water, reduce competition for water, promote ecosystem persistence under drought conditions, and prioritize sites for forest restoration, transition, or protection. The work described here provides a model for developing a DVA in other places that, when used in a participatory adaptation planning process, supports the implementation of effective adaptation strategies.
Electrocardiograph analysis for risk assessment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: A deep learning model
Authors: Gao Zheng , Yang Yuqing , Yang Zhiqiang , Zhang Xinyue , Liu Chao
Published: October 2024

Aims

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) requires an efficient screening method. We developed a deep learning model (DLM) to screen HFpEF risk using electrocardiograms (ECGs).

Methods and results

A cohort study was conducted utilising data from Cohorts A and B. A convolutional neural network‐long short‐term memory (CNN‐LSTM) DLM was employed. HFpEF risk was determined by left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure (LVEDP) and clinical symptoms. The DLM was trained by ECGs. LVEDP for each patient was collected through invasive left ventricular catheterisation. Cohort A and B comprised data from individuals at high risk for HFpEF (LVEDP > 12 mmHg) and low risk for HFpEF (LVEDP ≤ 12 mmHg). The model was trained on Cohort A and prospectively validated on Cohort B.

Results

A total of 238 patients underwent ECG and left ventricular catheterisation for model training in Cohort A, and 117 patients for validation in Cohort B. The DLM achieved 78% accuracy in assessing HFpEF risk in Cohort A, while in Cohort B, it demonstrated 78% accuracy, 71.9% specificity, and 71.7% sensitivity. In the validation Cohort B, the DLM‐identified high‐risk HFpEF group exhibited significantly higher prevalence of diabetes (22.03%–11.86%, P < 0.01), higher BMI indices (25.92–24.22 kg/cm2, P < 0.01), and lower usage history of calcium channel blockers (CCB) (11.76%–28.81%, P < 0.01) compared with the DLM‐identified low‐risk HFpEF group. Traditional HFpEF indicators, including B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) (22–20 pg/mL, P = 0.71) and E/E′ (8.25–8.5, P = 0.66), did not exhibit significant differences between the two groups.

Conclusions

The DLM offers an accurate, cost‐effective tool for HFpEF risk assessment, potentially facilitating early detection and improved clinical management.
Prescription time trends in patients with high‐impact chronic pain: A National Patient Registry Study
Authors: Bruun Karin D. , Thorarinsson Caroline T. , Vaegter Henrik B. , Zegers Floor D. , Nørgård Bente M. , Wod Mette
Published: October 2024

Background

High‐impact chronic pain (HICP), defined as chronic pain with a significant impact on daily function, affects approximately 8% of the Western population. In Denmark, HICP still remains to be described at the population level. Some patients with HICP are referred to the Danish pain centres, where they are registered with a procedural code. We conducted a nationwide registry‐based study of all Danish patients registered with a visit to a pain centre from January 2005 to March 2022, to explore time trends in the prescription of analgesics and sedatives in this HICP subpopulation. Furthermore, data on socioeconomics and hospital diagnoses are reported.

Methods

We used data from the Central Person Registry, the Danish National Patient Registry, the Danish National Prescription Registry, combined with data on socioeconomic information from Statistics Denmark. Data was collected on prescriptions 3 months before the first visit to a pain centre. Prescriptions were stratified into five calendar periods: before 2011, 2011–2013, 2014–2016, 2017–2019, and 2020–2022.

Results

We identified 66,577 patients referred to a pain centre. Over 15 years, prescriptions before referral declined for opioids (from 53.2% to 31.7%), NSAIDs (from 28.3% to 23.5%), antidepressants (from 20.5% to 16.8%), anxiolytics (from 12.3% to 3.2%), and sleep medication (from 15.8% to 7.6%). In contrast, prescriptions increased for paracetamol (from 31.1% to 48.9%) and gabapentinoids (from 19.2% to 27.7%).

Conclusions

In patients with HICP visiting Danish pain centres, prescriptions before referral decreased for opioids over 15 years, with a simultaneously increased prescription of gabapentinoids (gabapentin and pregabalin).

Significance Statement

This nationwide study of 66,577 Danish patients with high‐impact chronic pain reveals a significant decrease in filled opioid prescriptions over the past 15 years, with a simultaneous rise in gabapentinoid use before referral to pain centres. These findings suggest a shift in clinical practice towards alternative pain management strategies. The study underscores the need for continued research into the long‐term effects of these changes and their impact on patient outcomes.
Missing Risk Factor Prediction in Cardiovascular Disease Using a Blended Dataset and Optimizing Classification With a Stacking Algorithm
Authors: Mauya Jannatul , Sahriar Saad , Akther Sanjida , Amin Ruhul , Ruhi Sabba , Reza Md. Shamim
Published: October 2024

Machine learning is important in the treatment of heart disease because it is capable of analyzing large amounts of patient data, such as medical records, imaging tests, and genetic information, in order to identify patterns and predict the risk of developing heart disease. However, most ML algorithms require more accurate data in order to build an accurate prediction model and do not tolerate missing values. Handling missing risk factors is critical during dataset preprocessing and becomes more difficult when the risk factors are completely missing. Removing this completely missing feature may result in the loss of critical information, but there are no readily available imputation methods, which presents a significant challenge. To overcome this difficulty, in this study, we take an attempt to impute using statistical multiple linear regression and Huber regression (HR) methods using four blended datasets (Statlog, Cleveland, Hungarian, and Switzerland) sourced from the UCI ML repository. The entire dataset comprises 14 attributes, including one target variable; however, in the Switzerland dataset, one feature value (“serum cholesterol”) is entirely missing. Missing “serum cholesterol” is recognized as a predisposing factor including “chest pain,” “supreme heartbeat rate,” “type of defect,” “exercise induced ST stress related to rest,” and “exercise generated angina” in the proposed imputation methods. We also proposed applying the majority voting ensemble technique in an individual's and integrated dataset using ML algorithms as part of the risk factor identification strategy. The results show that our proposed stacked algorithm for the combined dataset with the ensemble features significantly improved accuracy by 93.47%, and an AUC score of 94.50% demonstrated more accurate and early prediction than the previous research and also provided the model's diversity, resilience, generalization, and adaptability to varied datasets.
Isotherm, kinetic, and thermodynamic studies of adsorption of copper (II) and nickel (II) ions using low‐cost treated orange peel from aqueous solutions
Authors: Canpolat Mutlu , Altunkaynak Yalçın
Published: October 2024

The aim of this study was to utilize processed orange peel waste (TOP) as an adsorbent to remove Cu(II) and Ni(II) ions from aqueous solutions. As a result of systematic experiments to determine the optimal conditions, it was determined that the most suitable conditions for the effective removal of Cu(II) ions were 400 mg/L initial concentration, 100 min contact time, 0.2 g adsorbent dosage, and a solution pH of 5.92. Similarly, the optimal conditions for the removal of Ni(II) ions were determined by systematic experiments to be 300 mg/L initial concentration, 0.2 g adsorbent dosage, 100 min contact time, and a solution pH of 6.19. The systematic experiments also included further investigation of the surface properties of TOP, and promising results were obtained by tests at three different temperatures (298, 308, and 318 K). The adsorption capacities for Cu(II), Ni(II), and Ni(II) were determined as 72.99, 75.18, and 76.33 mg/g, 42.55, 44.44, and 46.29 mg/g, respectively. Further analysis of the adsorption kinetics revealed that the pseudo‐second‐order model accurately represented the experimental data for both ions. Thermodynamic investigations provided strong evidence that the adsorption process of these noble metal ions on TOP is endothermic and spontaneous. The results of this study emphasize that TOP, with its low cost, easy‐to‐use nature, and high adsorption capacity, can be considered a long‐term solution for environmental remediation and water treatment in sustainable engineering applications.
Sub‐assemblage testing and fragility analysis of connections of continuous‐plasterboard suspended ceiling systems
Authors: Patnana Venkatesh , Rai Durgesh C.
Published: October 2024

Past earthquake reconnaissance reports highlighted extensive seismic damages to suspended ceiling components and connections, including instances of complete ceiling failures. The seismic qualification of these nonstructural elements typically requires comprehensive evaluation through full‐scale shake table testing. However, such experimental evaluation is ordinarily not possible for every change made in various components and connections of ceiling systems due to the cost and effort involved. A feasible alternative is to obtain the behavior of components and connections from sub‐assemblage testing and incorporate them in appropriate numerical ceiling models to derive mechanical responses for developing alternative or new installation schemes. This paper considers critical connections of three continuous‐plasterboard suspended ceiling systems that were evaluated using shake table‐generated motions. The connections were classified according to their attachment to typical floors and walls of building structures, and sub‐assemblage testing was conducted using both monotonic and cyclic displacement loading. The observed failure modes in each connection were detailed, and appropriate damage states were assigned as the basis for constructing connection fragility curves. The results of the sub‐assemblage testing were presented in terms of the hysteresis responses, envelope curves, nonlinear backbone curves, and cumulative energy dissipation curves. Additionally, multilinear models of the connections were derived by approximating nonlinear backbone curves’ initial‐ and post‐yield behaviors. These multilinear models were further idealized to derive three equivalent linearized models for simplified yet reasonably accurate results for linear structural analyses. Finally, fragility curves were derived for all connections, considering their cyclic displacement failure capacities.
Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) Act as Nanoelicitors in Melissa officinalis to Enhance the Production of Some Important Phenolic Compounds and Essential Oils
Authors: Coskun Yasemin , Kapdan Goncagul
Published: October 2024

Nanoparticles (NPs) are well‐known biostimulants in plant biotechnology, utilised to enhance the physical properties of plants and exhibit positive effects on them. The important key role is the most suitable type, effective dose and size of NP to be used in plant tissue culture systems. In this study, various concentrations of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs; 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 μg L−1) were tested as elicitors in callus culture with the aim of enhancing secondary metabolite production in lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.). According to the results obtained, callus formation rates have shown an increase in all applications compared to the control group. The highest callus formation, weight and diameter were observed in 50 μg L−1 application. In this application, the callus structure was compact and its colour was green. However, the aromatic compounds, neral and geranial increased significantly in 25 μg L−1 application. The maximum increase in phenolic compounds such as caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, proto‐catechic acid, hesperidin and p‐coumaric acid was observed in the 75 μg L−1 AgNP and the highest increase in rosmarinic acid compound was determined in the 50 μg L−1 application. The study found that AgNP applications are an effective method for increasing the production of secondary metabolites in medicinal and aromatic plants, such as lemon balm, in vitro.
Voltage and Fuel Utilization Control Strategy for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Based on Active Disturbance Rejection Control
Authors: Lei Zhengling , Guan Chaojun , Liu Tao , Huo Haibo , Wang Fang , Yao Guoquan
Published: October 2024

Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) systems have become a research focus because of their clean and high‐efficiency properties. Control of output voltage and fuel utilization is critical to the energy management for multi‐energy systems incorporating SOFC energy supply. However, maintaining precise control of the system's voltage in the presence of perturbations can be challenging. Moreover, the system's voltage control process can lead to fuel utilization fluctuations, which may affect the economy and safety. The design of the controller must meet both of these requirements. The stringent control requirements lead to poor parameter adaptability of existing controllers. This paper designs a nonlinear function and adopts a nonlinear/linear active disturbance rejection controller (ADRC) based on state switching to solve the output voltage tracking control problem of SOFC and maintain the fuel utilization rate in the ideal range. The simulation experimental results show that the proposed method has the advantages of strong and superior parameter adaptability with less control effort, which provides theoretical guidance for the design of the output voltage controller of the actual SOFC system.
Pemetrexed‐carboplatin salvage therapy in advanced thyroid cancers
Authors: Lee Kenzie K. , Morris John C. , Kumar Aditi , Chintakuntlawar Ashish V. , Peskey Candy , Hilger Crystal R. , Bible Keith C. , Ryder Mabel
Published: October 2024

Background

The overall survival of patients with advanced thyroid cancers that have progressed following targeted therapies is limited, indicating a strong need for salvage treatments.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed patients with refractory advanced thyroid cancer treated with pemetrexed‐carboplatin (PC) at Mayo Clinic since 2019.

Results

Eleven patients, three with anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC), seven with differentiated or poorly differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), and one with oncocytic carcinoma of the thyroid, were treated with novel salvage PC. Patients with DTC (n = 7) had durable responses with a median progression‐free survival of 29 months. One responder included a patient with ATC whose disease progressed following pembrolizumab/axitinib, lenvatinib, and dabrafenib/trametinib. On this fourth line treatment, the patient remains on therapy to date, over 12 months after initial response.

Conclusions

This case series reinforces prior published phase I clinical trial data and shows that pemetrexed can have potent efficacy in the treatment of the most advanced thyroid cancers.
Increased PD‐1/PD‐L1 Immune Checkpoint Expression Is Associated With Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Never‐Smokers and Never‐Drinkers
Authors: Fiedler Mathias , Off Alisa , Gärtner Andreas , Brockhoff Gero , Eichberger Jonas , Gottsauner Maximilian , Schuderer Johannes G. , Maurer Michael , Bauer Richard J. , Gerken Michael , Reichert Torsten E. , Ettl Tobias , Weber Florian
Published: October 2024

Background

This study aimed to explore the disparities in PD‐1 and PD‐L1 expression among oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) in individuals categorized as never‐smokers/never‐drinkers versus smokers/drinkers.

Methods

Immunohistochemical staining for PD‐1 and PD‐L1, along with PDCD1LG2/cen9 dual color probe analysis, was conducted on 130 OSCC specimens from both smoker/drinker and never‐smoker/never‐drinker cohorts. Associations between smoking/drinking status, clinicopathologic data, immunohistochemical antibody expression, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and survival outcomes were assessed.

Results

OSCC in never‐smokers/never‐drinkers exhibited significantly elevated PD‐1 expression (p = 0.003), increased PD‐L1‐TPS expression (p = 0.044), and elevated PD‐L1‐CPS expression (p < 0.001). High PD‐L1‐ICS expression was more prevalent in never‐smokers (p = 0.042). Moreover, never‐smokers and never‐drinkers demonstrated augmented PD‐L1 gene copy numbers (p = 0.081 and p = 0.054, respectively). Increased PD‐L1 gene copy number, particularly amplification, correlated with PD‐L1‐TPS (p = 0.039 and p < 0.001). Conversely, PD‐L1 gene copy loss was associated with negative PD‐L1‐CPS (p = 0.023). Notably, positive PD‐L1‐CPS was significantly linked with improved overall survival (p = 0.023).

Conclusions

OSCC arising in never‐smokers/never‐drinkers exhibit heightened PD‐1/PD‐L1 signaling, suggesting potential efficacy of immune checkpoint therapy in this subgroup of tumors.
Can International Classification of Disease Perinatal Mortality (ICD‐PM) be a solution to overcome neglected tragedy? A scoping reviews
Authors: Meraji Marziyhe , Jafari Masoumeh
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Over 5 million perinatal deaths occur annually worldwide, with a significant proportion of them being preventable. The International Classification of Disease Perinatal Mortality (ICD‐PM) is the first globally developed classification system for categorizing the causes of perinatal deaths. The objective of this study is to identify and describe the experiences gained from the international utilization of ICD‐PM.

Method

A scoping review based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐SCR) was conducted through a comprehensive search using relevant keywords in Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus from January 2016 to April 20, 2022 to identify relevant studies. The selection of studies was based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. After removing duplicate studies and reviewing titles, abstracts, and full texts, a total of 32 studies were included in the analysis.

Results

The primary search ended up with 229 studies, of which 32 articles were included in the final analysis. Based on the results of the content analysis conducted on the selected studies, six main themes and eight strategies were identified.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that the utilization of ICD‐PM on a global scale has been limited. The forthcoming advancement of ICD presents a chance to assess and enhance ICD‐PM to establish it as a universally recognized standard system for classifying perinatal mortalities.
Supplemental Magnesium Gluconate Enhances Scaffold‐Mediated New Bone Formation and Natural Bone Healing by Angiogenic‐ and Wnt Signal‐Associated Osteogenic Activation
Authors: Bhattarai Govinda , Shrestha Saroj Kumar , Rijal Shankar , Kook Sung‐Ho , Lee Jeong‐Chae
Published: October 2024

Local implantation or supplementation of magnesium gluconate (MgG) is being investigated as an effective approach to bone repair. Although studies have highlighted the possible mechanisms in Mg ion‐stimulated new bone formation, the role of MgG in healing bone defects and the signaling mechanisms are not yet completely understood. In this study, we explored how supplemental MgG has bone‐specific beneficial effects by delivering MgG locally and orally in animal models. We fabricated MgG‐incorporated (CMC‐M) and ‐free chitosan (CMC) scaffolds with good microstructures and biocompatible properties. Implantation with CMC‐M enhanced bone healing in rat model of mandible defects, compared with CMC, by activating Wnt signals and Wnt‐related osteogenic and angiogenic molecules. Oral supplementation with MgG also stimulated bone healing in mouse model of femoral defects along with the increases in Wnt3a and angiogenic and osteogenic factors. Supplemental MgG did not alter nature bone accrual and bone marrow (BM) microenvironment in adult mouse model, but enhanced the functioning of BM stromal cells (BMSCs). Furthermore, MgG directly stimulated the induction of Wnt signaling‐, angiogenesis‐, and osteogenesis‐related molecules in cultures of BMSCs, as well as triggered the migration of endothelial cells. These results suggest that supplemental MgG improves bone repair in a way that is synergistically enhanced by Wnt signal‐associated angiogenic and osteogenic molecules. Overall, this study indicates that supplemental MgG might ameliorate oxidative damage in the BM, improve the functionality of BM stem cells, and maintain BM‐microenvironmental homeostasis.
Isolated Fetal Liver Calcifications: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Derme Martina , Vasta Adele , Corigliano Maria Caterina , Arnò Antonio , D'Ambrosio Valentina , Di Mascio Daniele , Rizzo Giuseppe , Giancotti Antonella
Published: October 2024

Fetal liver calcifications (FLCs) are isolated or multiple areas of increased echogenicity in the fetal liver, with an estimated prevalence of 5–10 per 10 000 births. However, their clinical importance remains still unclear. Although they are often linked to infections, chromosomal disorders, thrombotic events, or tumors, isolated FLCs generally have a favorable outcome. This article aims to present a case of a 29‐year‐old pregnant woman with a low‐risk cfDNA test, who presented for the first trimester screening scan at our hospital at 12 weeks of pregnancy. The morphology scan at 20 weeks and 5 days revealed a normal fetal size with areas of increased echogenicity in the liver. No other fetal issues were identified. The patient was monitored throughout her pregnancy at our center, receiving genetic counseling and tests for detecting cystic fibrosis, STORCH (syphilis, cytomegalovirus, herpes virus 1;2, rubella, and toxoplasma), fetal echocardiography, and MRI, all of which were normal. At 35 weeks and 6 days, the patient gave birth to a healthy male, and all subsequent postnatal examinations confirmed the baby's health. This article aims to offer comprehensive insights into the management and postnatal outcomes of isolated FLCs, based on a review of the literature.
Face‐simple minimal quadrangulations of surfaces
Authors: Abusaif Sarah , Singh Warren , Sun Timothy
Published: October 2024

For each surface besides the sphere, projective plane, and Klein bottle, we construct a face‐simple minimal quadrangulation, that is, a simple quadrangulation on the fewest number of vertices possible, whose dual is also a simple graph. Our result answers a question of Liu, Ellingham, and Ye while providing a simpler proof of their main result. The inductive construction is based on an earlier idea for finding near‐quadrangular embeddings of the complete graphs using the diamond sum operation.
Exploring In Vitro Antibiofilm Potential and In Vivo Toxicity Assessment of Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Liaqat Iram , Andleeb Saiqa , Naseem Sajida , Ali Abid , Latif Asma Abdul , Aftab Muhamad Nauman , Ali Sikander , Bibi Asia , Mubin Muhammad , Khalid Awais , Afzaal Muhammad , Yang Guo‐Jing , Tufail Shahzad , Ahmad Haroon
Published: October 2024

In this study, biogenically synthesized AuNPs were first characterized via UV visible spectroscopy, SEM, XRD, and FTIR followed by toxicity evaluation using mice model. UV‐visible spectroscopy of biogenic AuNPs showed peaks at 540–549 nm, while FTIR spectrum showed various functional groups involving O–H, Amide I, Amide II, O–H, C–H groups, and so on. SEM showed the size variation from 30 to 60 nm. Antibacterial potential against pathogenic isolates showed bigger ZOI (31.0 mm) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa AuNPs. Antibiofilm activity showing up to 100% inhibition at 90 µg mL−1 concentration of AuNPs. Toxicity evaluation showed LD50 as 70 mg kg−1. Exposure to AuNPs caused significant changes in the levels of serum AST (p < 0.05) at 100–150 mg kg−1 of AuNPs exposure. Histopathology of male albino mice kidney and liver revealed that mice exposed to maximum concentration of AuNPs showed necrosis, cell distortion, and hepatocytes detachment. Present study showed that biologically synthesized AuNPs possess effective antimicrobial and biofilm inhibitory potential. AuNPs strong bactericidal effect even at lower concentration suggest that NPs could have excellent potential for combating pathogens. In conclusion, nanotechnology may revolutionize human life and medical industry by developing innovative drugs with the potential to treat diseases in shorter and noninvasive time period. Hence, in vitro biosafety and experimental observations followed by in vivo outcomes are crucial in shifting the novel therapeutics into medical practice thus leading further into their future development.
Evidence of honey‐processed Astragalus polysaccharides improving intestinal immune function in spleen Qi deficiency mice integrated with microbiomics and metabolomics analysis
Authors: Jia Meng , Yuan Meng , Zhu Xuqi , Lin Danna , Li Xueying , Huang Li , Chen Hongyuan , Rui Wen
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

Radix Astragali, commonly known as Astragalus, is a traditional medicinal and edible plant valued for its Qi‐tonifying properties. The dosage form of Radix Astragali processed with honey, known as honey‐processed Astragalus (HPA), shows improved Qi‐tonifying efficacy as compared to the raw product. Polysaccharides are the main bioactive ingredients in its aqueous extract. This study used a multiomics approach integrating microbiomics and metabolomics to elucidate the Qi‐tonifying mechanisms of honey‐processed Astragalus polysaccharides (HAPS).

RESULTS

HAPS‐treated mice showed improved symptom scores, spleen and thymus indices, serum cytokines (tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 1β) and intestinal mucosa secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) compared to the mice with spleen Qi deficiency. The analysis of gut microbiota indicated that HAPS regulated the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, Bacteroides, Proteobacteria and Helicobacter, thereby improving intestinal flora dysbiosis in mice with spleen Qi deficiency. Eleven biomarkers in fecal metabolomics analysis were screened and identified, primarily associated with linoleic acid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids. Furthermore, comprehensive analyses demonstrated that HAPS regulates palmitic acid and sphingolipid metabolism by modulating the abundance of Bacteroidetes, which in turn increased the levels of intestinal mucosal SIgA and restored intestinal mucosal immune function in mice with spleen Qi deficiency.

CONCLUSION

Our findings revealed that HAPS is an essential active ingredient of HPA, and its Qi‐tonifying mechanism is closely related to the improvement of intestinal immune function. These findings lay the foundation for the application of HAPS as an immunomodulatory agent in health and dietary foods. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Body Mass Index and Breast Cancer‐Related Lymphedema: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Jiang QiHua , Hu Hai , Liao Jing , Duan Peng , Li ZhiHua , Tan JunTao
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the association between body mass index (BMI) and the incidence of breast cancer‐related lymphedema (BCRL).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from 1464 breast cancer patients treated at The Third Hospital of Nanchang between 2018 and 2021. Patients were categorized based on BMI (<25, 25 to < 30, ≥ 30 kg/m²). Variables such as axillary lymph node dissection, infections, radiotherapy, and comorbidities were taken into account.

Results

The incidence of BCRL was 23.4%. Higher BMI was associated with increased risk of BCRL, with significant incidence rates observed at 1, 2, and 3 years in the higher BMI groups. Multivariate analysis confirmed BMI as an independent risk factor for BCRL.

Conclusion

Elevated BMI is associated with increased BCRL risk and decreased BCRL‐free survival, underscoring the significance of weight management in breast cancer care.
Predictors of Benignity for Small Endophytic Echogenic Renal Masses
Authors: Chen Anthony F. , Getz Mary Le Dinh , McGahan John P. , Wilson Machelle D. , Larson Michael C.
Published: October 2024

Objectives

To evaluate for distinguishing demographic and sonographic features of small (<3 cm) endophytic angiomyolipomas (AMLs) that differentiate them from endophytic renal cell carcinomas (RCCs).

Methods

This is a Health Insurance Portablitiy and Accountablity Act (HIPAA)‐compliant retrospective review of the demographics and ultrasound features of endophytic renal AMLs compared to a group of endophytic RCCs. AMLs were confirmed by identifying macroscopic fat on computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), while RCCs were pathologically proven. Statistical analysis was used to compare findings in the 2 groups.

Results

There were a total of 66 patients with 66 AMLs, and 28 patients with 28 RCCs. Of the AMLs, 57 of 66 were in females, while 10 of the 28 RCC cases were in females (P < .0001). The mean AML long and short diameters were 11.0 × 9.3 mm and were statistically significantly smaller (P < .0001) than the diameters of the RCCs (23.4 × 22.1 mm). Likewise, the ratio of the long axis to the short axis measurement was statistically significantly different between the 2 groups (P < .0001). Of the studied sonographic features, statistically different features between AMLs and RCCs included an oval versus a round shape (P < .001), respectively, and the presence versus absence of an echogenic margin, respectively. Location of the mass, mass homogeneity, mass lobulation, and presence of cystic components were not distinguishing features using P < .01 levels.

Conclusion

For an endophytic echogenic mass in a female patient, a small size with an oval shape and an echogenic margin is statistically more likely to be an AML than an RCC, which may be helpful with management decisions.
Is SNOT‐22 a Reliable Tool During Periods of High Stress? A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Book Reut , Lazutkin Anna , Book Aviad , Eliashar Ron
Published: October 2024

Objective

To assess the impact of a major crisis, such as the October 7, 2023, terror attack, on SNOT‐22 scores, especially the extra‐rhinologic subdomains.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Rhinology Clinic in a Tertiary University Hospital. Patients who visit our Rhinology Clinic routinely complete the SNOT‐22, a widely employed questionnaire designed for evaluating health‐related quality of life in individuals with rhinologic conditions. Patients were divided into two groups: 5 weeks before the October 7 terror attack and 5 weeks after. Primary outcomes for analyses included the Sedaghat Subdomain model of the SNOT‐22. Descriptive analysis and Welch's t‐test were used to compare SNOT‐22 subdomain scores between groups.

Results

A total of 159 patients completed the SNOT‐22 questionnaire, with 60 before and 99 after October 7, 2023. A general decrease in average scores was observed across all subdomains, with a significant decrease in the Nasal subdomain (p = 0.0388). Subgroup analysis showed an increase in the Ear/Facial subdomain in Arabic and the Sleep and Function subdomains in English, though not statistically significant. In sex‐based sub‐analysis, female patients showed a significant decrease in the Emotions subdomain.

Conclusion

Our study was unable to establish a direct link between the terror attack and specific SNOT‐22 subdomains. However, the observed trends suggest that SNOT‐22 may display variability or unreliability when used during periods of high stress.

Level of Evidence

III Laryngoscope, 2024
Color/Transparent Bi‐Customizable Solar Antifogging Nanofilms
Authors: Zhang Wenhe , Zhang Jing , Wang Chengbing , Shi Jing , Wei Dan , Zhao Zexiang , Wang Fan
Published: October 2024

Almost all reported solar anti‐/defogging surfaces are black and opaque. However, aesthetics and transparency are preferred to enhance security, privacy, and visual experience without sacrificing antifogging in some practical scenarios, such as automotive windshields, architectural glass facades, and sports goggles. Herein, a color and transparency bi‐customizable solar antifogging heterostructure nanofilms is reported, which only consists of a Ti–TiOx layer for partial visible light transmission and a narrow bandgap Ti2O3 layer for broadband sunlight absorption. By precisely controlling each monolayer thickness, various vibrant structural colors (covering yellow/green/purple/blue) through interference effects, along with tunable visible light transparency (from 0% to 30%), and broadband solar absorption (up to 90%) are obtained, providing personalized options for various applications. Simultaneously, the nanofilms exhibit remarkable photothermal performance (110.3 °C under 1 kW m−2 irradiation) compared to blank samples, demonstrating sustained and superior defogging (3.5‐fold improvement) and antifogging capabilities, even in extremely cold (–20 °C) or high temperature and high humidity (50 °C, 100%) conditions. Importantly, the nanofilms are just 174 nm thick, and can be easily upgraded and scalable fabricated by sputtering on various rigid, flexible and portable substrates, such as glass, metals, textiles, plastics, enabling a wide range of direct applications.
Achieving Flat Ultra‐Broadband NIR Emission in Cr3+ Doped Garnet‐Type Phosphors Enabled by Structural Regulation Toward Multi‐Functional Spectroscopy Applications
Authors: Wang Dongpeng , Yan Liqing , Zhu Ge , Ma Song , Zhou Na , Li Shanshan , Li Zhuowei , Cong Yan , Bai Xue , Han Xiaoguang , Dong Bin
Published: October 2024

Cr3+‐activated near‐infrared (NIR) emitting phosphors are considered as one of the most potential light‐conversion materials for NIR phosphor converted light‐emitting diodes (NIR pc‐LEDs). However, it is still a challenge for a single Cr3+ ion to achieve a flat ultra‐broadband emission toward multi‐functional spectroscopy applications. Herein, a chemical unit co‐substituting strategy is utilized to regulate the crystallographic occupancy of Cr3+ ions, and a flat ultra‐broadband NIR emission is successfully realized with a record emission wavelength of 915 nm in garnet‐type phosphors Ca3Sc2‐xHfxAlxSi3‐xO12: yCr3+ (0 ≤ x ≤ 1, 0.02 ≤ y ≤ 0.06), together with a large full width at half maximum (FWHM) regulation from 130 to 250 nm. The relation between the site occupation of Cr3+ ions in disordered [CaO8], [(Sc, Hf)O6] and [(Si, Al)O4] polyhedrons and the corresponding NIR emission are clarified by carefully evaluating the structural evolution, Raman spectra, electron paramagnetic resonance and time‐resolved emission lifetime spectra of Cr3+ ions. The corresponding crystal field strength of Cr3+ ions is investigated to further clarify the multi‐sites induced flat broadband NIR emission. Finally, a blue light pumped NIR pc‐LED is fabricated with a total output power of 37.58 mW and photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) of 13.67%@100 mA, which realizes the multi‐functional applications in night vision imaging, non‐destructive detection and palmprint vein recognition for assistant medical treatment.
Bribery Transfer Among Foreign‐Invested Firms in Vietnam
Authors: Vuong Thao Binh Thi , Bach Thang Ngoc , Vu Ngoc Thi Bich
Published: October 2024

Bribery in international business is an important field of study, but lack of research examines which types of firms are more likely to pursue bribery transfer, or subcontracting bribery‐related transactions to the third party or intermediaries, instead of handling themselves. We conduct an empirical investigation into this issue using rich data from the PCI survey, which has been conducted annually in Vietnam during the period 2017–2020. The empirical results show that, in dealing with risks associated with bribery engagement, foreign‐invested firms in Vietnam pursue two different types of risk self‐controlling and risk transferring. Investors from OECD countries, subsidiaries of multi‐national corporations, and firms with larger bribery amount are more likely to pursue risk transferring strategy by subcontracting bribery‐related transactions to intermediaries, compared to the other firms' cohorts. Firms operating a longer time in Vietnam and bigger sized ones are more likely to follow risk self‐controlling strategy by handling bribery‐related transactions themselves. These results are robust while controlling for firms' legal status, year‐fixed effects, and, especially, nonresponse and selection biases, which are inherent in the bribery decision process. This study thus contributes greatly to international business in emerging economies where foreign‐invested firms exhibit heterogenous motives in dealing with risks associated with bribery‐related transactions.
Bifurcation and stability analysis of a Leslie–Gower diffusion predator–prey model with prey refuge and Beddington–DeAngelis functional response
Authors: Feng Xiaozhou , Li Kunyu , Li Haixia
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we consider the spatiotemporal dynamics behaviors of a Leslie–Gower diffusion predator–prey system with prey refuge and Beddington–DeAnglis (B‐D) functional response. By using the Poincaré inequality and topological degree theory, we first investigate the Turing instability of the reaction–diffusion system and prove the existence of nonconstant positive steady‐state solutions. Then we discuss the steady‐state bifurcation and the direction to Hopf bifurcation of the PDE model by the local bifurcation theorem and center manifold theory. Finally, some numerical simulations are presented to supplement the analytic results in one dimension which indicates that changes in prey refuge and diffusion coefficient can increase the complexity of the system.
Passively mode‐locked Tm:YAP laser with a V2AlC saturable absorber
Authors: Ma Zhaoyu , Hao Qianqian , Wang Huanli , Gao Qiong , Mi Shuyi , Li Daguang , Li Linjun , Xu Baoyu
Published: October 2024

In this work, a V2AlC‐based saturable absorber (SA) was applied to a 2 μm band passively mode‐locked (PML) laser. The saturation intensity and modulation depth of the V2AlC‐based SA were detected by the I‐scan method, which were 225.05 MW/cm2 and 7.68%, respectively. In the PML mode, an average power of 2.12 W at 1939 nm and a pulse width of 1077 ps at 82.49 MHz were obtained from the Tm:YAP laser. In addition, the laser exhibited a good beam quality factor (M2) which was measured to be less than 1.2. These results will pave the way for the application of V2AlC‐based SA in ultrafast lasers.