bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing a roadmap for carbon capture, and storage in Oklahoma by assessing the viability of stacked storage
Authors: Miranda Marcos W. , Ogland‐Hand Jonathan D. , Bielicki Jeffrey M. , Moghanloo Rouzbeh G. , DaneshFar Jamal , Middleton Richard S.
Published: November 2023

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change concludes that CO2 capture and storage (CCS) is critical for climate‐stabilizing energy transitions. In CCS, captured CO2 is sequestered in saline aquifers within sedimentary basins. The CO2 storage capacity and the rate of injection are functions of the geology of the saline aquifer, which is uncertain. To minimize impacts of this uncertainty, CCS projects could include backup plans, such as co‐locating geologic CO2 storage (GCS) sites with or near existing CO2‐enhanced oil recovery (CO2‐EOR) operations. These “stacked storage” projects could hedge against uncertainty in the saline formation performance because captured CO2 could be injected into either location in the event of unexpected events (e.g., the injectivity decreases). Here, we investigate the possibility and ramifications of developing CCS networks in Oklahoma that are amendable to stacked storage. We find that stacked storage is possible in Oklahoma but the counties with the lowest‐cost saline storage resources do not have existing CO2‐EOR operations. At the systems level, we find it is slightly more expensive (e.g., $1/tCO2 to $5/tCO2) to site GCS in counties with CO2‐EOR projects. This increased expense is largely due to increased CO2 transportation costs because hundreds of km of additional pipeline is required to capture CO2 from the lowest‐cost sources. Overall, our results suggest that it is optimal to build more pipelines and avoid injecting CO2 in some of the lowest‐cost saline storage resources, to enable capturing CO2 from the least‐cost sources. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Techniques and endocrine‐reproductive outcomes of ovarian transposition prior to pelvic radiotherapy in both gynecologic and non‐gynecologic cancers: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Genovese Fortunato , Zambrotta Elisa , Incognito Giosuè G. , Gulino Ferdinando A. , Di Guardo Federica , Genovese Dominic , Di Gregorio Luisa M. , Benvenuto Domenico , Ciancio Fabio F. , Leanza Vito , Palumbo Marco
Published: November 2023

Background

Premature ovarian failure may be a consequence of radiotherapy administered for the treatment of various female oncologic diseases. Before radiotherapy, fertility may be preserved through ovarian transposition (OT), which consists of moving the ovaries away from the radiation field.

Objective

To ascertain all types of surgical techniques employed for OT, outline the endocrine and reproductive outcomes of each one, and discover if one works better than the others.

Search strategy

The authors performed a systematic search of the English literature looking for all studies related to OT before radiotherapy published up to June 2023. Nine studies were included.

Selection criteria

The eligible studies were assessed based on the presence of a description of the surgical technique employed for OT before pelvic radiotherapy and a report of the endocrine and reproductive outcomes.

Data collection and analysis

Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals were used to compare endocrine and reproductive outcomes The χ2 test was employed for the statistical analysis and a P value less than 0.05 was considered significant.

Main results

A total of 323 female patients aged between 7 and 51 years—198 (61.3%) with non‐gynecologic cancer and 125 (38.7%) with gynecologic cancer—underwent OT, either bilateral (221, 68.4%) or unilateral (102, 31.6%), before radiotherapy. Essentially, two types of OT were employed: lateral and medial. A total of 71 (22%) patients underwent medial OT and 252 (78%) patients (127 with non‐gynecologic tumors and 125 with gynecologic tumors) had a lateral OT. The latter was used in a similar percentage of cases for gynecologic (50.4%) and non‐gynecologic (49.6%) tumors, whereas the medial approach was performed only for non‐gynecologic cancers (Hodgkin's lymphoma). The difference between medial OT and lateral OT was not significant regarding the preservation of endocrine function (OR 0.65, P = 0.120). However, midline OT worked better in terms of reproductive outcomes. In fact, the percentage of patients with pregnancy (49.2%) and live births (45%) associated with medial OT was significantly higher than that associated with lateral OT, 6.5% and 13.4%, respectively, and the difference between such data was statistically significant (OR 7.04, P = 0.001 and OR 5.29, P = 0.003, respectively).

Conclusions

Ovarian transposition is an important method to preserve fertility before radiotherapy, considering the worldwide ongoing use of this treatment for various cancers arising in young women. The surgical method depends on the type of disease, but OT—especially medial OT when feasible—is effective in terms of ovarian function preservation and reproductive outcomes.
DIVERGENT PROBLEM SOLVING
Authors: Bates Brian C. , Sundberg Norman D. , Tyler Leona E.
Published: November 2023

On compare les performances d'adolescents hindous (N = 70) et américains (N = 94) habitant des bourgs agricoles, dans deux épreuves de créativité (divergent thinking). Les résultats montrent que les sujets américains donnent plus de réponses nouvelles aux problèmes, tandis que les Hindous répondent de façon routinière, ce qui ne convient pas aux tâches proposées. On peut interpréter ces différences de deux manières: ou bien c'est l'environnement pris globalement qui entraîne une capacité différentielle à penser de façon créatrice; ou bien il s'agit d'une influence spécifique de la maison et de l'école. Une réplique partielle de la première étude a été réalisée à New Delhi (Inde): le milieu urbain présente des ressemblances avec l'environnement global des adolescents américains, tout en conservant les traditions hindoues en matière d'habitat et d'école. Les résultats sont en faveur de l'hypothèse selon laquelle ce sont les différences dans l'environnement global qui influent sur la créativité.
Vascular access for autologous peripheral blood stem cells collection by large volume leukapheresis: Single center experience
Authors: Bojanić Ines , Novosel Greta , Lukač Baričević Marijana , Škrnjug Petar , Horvat Elena , Mazić Sanja , Batinić Josip , Kinda Sandra Bašić , Ćepulić Branka Golubić
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) harvesting requires reliable and safe vascular access. In our institution, a change of practice was implemented and the central venous catheter (CVC) placement for all autologous PBSC collections was abandoned in favor of a careful evaluation of peripheral venous access (PVA) for each individual patient. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the rate of patients with adequate peripheral veins for autologous PBSC collection and compare patient characteristics, collection efficacy, and complication rate between patients with PVA and CVC.

Method

Peripheral veins were assessed by the apheresis nurse team in all patients referred between January 2020 and July 2021 to autologous PBSC collection. Only in case of difficult venous access, CVC was inserted. Large volume leukapheresis (LVL) procedures, which processed ≥3 total blood volumes, were performed.

Results

In 65 (57%) patients PVA was used, while 49 (43%) patients required placement of short‐term CVC. Peripheral venous access was successfully used significantly more often in males (69.8%) (P = 0.010), and patients with multiple myeloma (71.0%) than in patients with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (35.9%) and Hodgkin's lymphoma patients (33.3%) (P < 0.001). There was a significant difference in the type of prior administered chemotherapy; in the patients who received cytostatics free chemotherapy, PVA was used more often (75.0%) (P = 0.007). In terms of the efficacy and safety of LVLs, there were no differences between procedures performed using PVA and CVCs.

Conclusion

Peripheral venous access is feasible for autologous PBSC collection in more than a half of patients, in particular in those with multiple myeloma. Changes in the treatment of multiple myeloma, using new proteasome inhibitors‐based and immunomodulatory agents that do not adversely affect peripheral veins, have enabled the use of PVA even at the high blood flow rates required by LVL. Peripheral venous access is not associated with safety issues or with a lesser collection efficiency, and it is cost‐effective as well. Each patient referred to autologous PBSC collection needs to be evaluated individually by the experienced apheresis team for the most appropriate venous access.
Estimation of Absolute and Relative Body Fat Content Using Noninvasive Surrogates: Can DXA Be Bypassed?
Authors: Greenblatt David J. , Bruno Christopher D. , Harmatz Jerold S. , Dawson‐Hughes Bess , Zhang Qingchen , Li Chunhui , Chow Christina R.
Published: November 2023

Dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning is used for objective determination of body composition, but instrumentation is expensive and not generally available in customary clinical practice. Anthropometric surrogates are often substituted as anticipated correlates of absolute and relative body fat content in the clinical management of obesity and its associated medical risks. DXA and anthropometric data from a cohort of 9230 randomly selected American subjects, available through the ongoing National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, was used to evaluate combinations of surrogates (age, height, total weight, waist circumference) as predictors of DXA‐determined absolute and relative body fat content. Multiple regression analysis yielded linear combinations of the 4 surrogates that were closely predictive of DXA‐determinedabsolutefat content (R2 = 0.93 and 0.96 for male and female subjects). Accuracy of the new algorithm was improved over customary surrogate‐based predictors such as body mass index. However prediction ofrelativebody fat was less robust (R2 less than 0.75), probably due to the nonlinear relation between degree of obesity (based on body mass index) and relative body fat. The paradigm was validated using an independent cohort from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, as well as two independent external subject groups. The described regression‐based algorithm is likely to be a sufficiently accurate predictor of absolute body fat (but not relative body fat) to substitute for DXA scanning in many clinical situations. Further work is needed to assess algorithm validity for subgroups of individuals with “atypical” body construction.
The Importance of Assessing Drug Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics in the Obese Population During Drug Development
Authors: Moore Kenneth T. , Zannikos Peter N. , Masters Joanna C. , Willmann Stefan , Shen Jinshan , Frost Charles
Published: November 2023

Obesity remains a US national health crisis and a growing concern worldwide. Concerningly, individuals who are obese are at an increased risk for comorbid diseases that include, but are not limited to, hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Beyond the risk for developing these conditions, obesity may also impact the pharmacological activity of the therapies being used to treat them and other disease states. The pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), safety, and efficacy of therapies, both currently marketed and under clinical development, may be directly impacted by the physiological alterations that occur secondary to the occurrence of chronic excess body weight. The increased prevalence of this disease should not be ignored. Both private and federal institutions involved in drug research and development should consider, as appropriate, a greater inclusion of individuals who are obese in clinical trials throughout the entirety of drug development, and leverage the available PK, PD, safety, and efficacy data to make more informed dosing recommendations.
An operationally simple, one‐pot, convenient synthesis, and in vitro anti‐inflammatory activity of some new spirotriazolotriazine derivatives
Authors: El‐Saghier Ahmed M. , Enaili Souhaila S. , Abdou Aly , Hamed Amany M. , Kadry Asmaa M.
Published: November 2023

The wide biological actions of triazolotriazine hybrids, benzene‐sulfonamide derivatives, exhibit a good chance of displaying in vitro anti‐inflammatory effects. An operationally simple one‐pot, three‐component, and convenient synthesis method is used toward the synthesis of a series of diverse 2‐(2‐(4‐amino)‐1,3,5‐triazaspiro‐1,4‐dien‐2‐yl) hydrazinyl)‐N‐(4‐sulfamoylphenyl)‐2‐thioxoacetamides, which generated via reaction of 2‐hydrazinyl‐N‐(4‐sulfamoylphenyl)‐2‐thioxoacetamide, cyanoguanidine, and cyclic/acyclic ketones and were characterized by spectral analysis (IR, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance: 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, and elemental analysis). The spirotriazolotriazine derivatives are obtained with up to 95% yield, and their structure–activity relationship was discussed. All compounds were tested for in vitro anti‐inflammatory potential using the inhibition of RBC hemolysis technique and COX inhibition assay. The results from RBC hemolysis technique demonstrated that almost all evaluated compounds exhibited significant in vitro anti‐inflammatory efficacy. More specifically, compounds 7, 8, and 12 have superior membrane stability over indomethacin as a standard drug. At concentrations of 400, 600, 800, and 1000 μg/mL, compound 12 demonstrated highly significant inhibition of RBC hemolysis with 95.2%, 97.3%, 98.9%, and 99.8%, respectively, compared with indomethacin at the same concentrations (94.5%, 97.3%, 98.5%, and 99.3%, respectively). COX assay indicated that compounds 7, 8, and 12 exhibited excellent COX‐2 inhibition percentage (98.51 ± 0.01, 98 ± 0.01, and 98.97 ± 0.06, respectively) at 150 μg/mL using indomethacin (97.3 ± 0.005). Furthermore, an investigation using molecular docking against COX‐2 (pdb ID: 5IKT) was used to analyze the anti‐inflammatory properties of all studied substances. When compared to indomethacin, molecular docking research showed a strong connection with the intended protein and an elevated docking score. According to in vitro anti‐inflammatory action and computational approach, they show promise as a therapeutic candidate for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
MRI Deep Learning‐Based Automatic Segmentation of Interventricular Septum for Black‐Blood Myocardial T2* Measurement in Thalassemia
Authors: Lian Zifeng , Lu Qiqi , Lin Bingquan , Chen Lingjian , Peng Peng , Feng Yanqiu
Published: November 2023

Background

The T2* value of interventricular septum is routinely reported for grading myocardial iron load in thalassemia major, and automatic segmentation of septum could shorten analysis time and reduce interobserver variability.

Purpose

To develop a deep learning‐based method for automatic septum segmentation from black‐blood MR images for the myocardial T2* measurement of thalassemia patients.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population/Subjects

One hundred forty‐six transfusion‐dependent thalassemia patients with cardiac MR examinations from two centers. Data from Center 1 (1.5 T) were assigned to the training (100 examinations) and internal testing (20 examinations) sets; data from Center 2 were assigned to the external testing set (26 examinations; 10 at 1.5 T and 16 at 3.0 T).

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5 T and 3.0 T, multiecho gradient‐echo sequence.

Assessment

A modified attention U‐Net for septum segmentation was constructed and trained, and its performance evaluated on unseen internal and external datasets. T2* was measured by fitting the average septum signal, separately segmented by automatic and manual methods.

Statistical Tests

Agreement between manual and automatic septum segmentations was assessed with the Dice coefficient, and T2* agreement was assessed using the Bland–Altman plot and the coefficient of variation (CoV).

Results

The median Dice coefficient of deep network‐based septum segmentation was 0.90 [0.05] on the internal dataset, 0.82 [0.10] on the external 1.5 T dataset, and 0.86 [0.14] on the external 3.0 T dataset. T2* measurements using automatic segmentation corresponded with those from manual segmentation, with a mean difference of 0.02 (95% LoA: −0.74 to 0.79) msec, 0.43 (95% LoA: −2.1 to 3.0) msec, and 0.36 (95% LoA: −0.72 to 1.4) msec on the three datasets. The CoVs between the two methods were 3.1%, 7.0%, and 6.1% on the internal and two external datasets, respectively.

Data Conclusions

The proposed septum segmentation yielded myocardial T2* measurements which were highly consistent with those obtained by manual segmentation. This automatic approach may facilitate data processing and avoid operator‐dependent variability in practice.

Evidence Level

4

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Clinical preparedness programme as perceived by first‐year diagnostic radiography students in South Africa
Authors: Thomas Heidi , Koch Gerhardus George Visser
Published: November 2023

Introduction

There is an increasing emphasis on exploring ways to improve students' transition from the classroom into the clinical environment. Diagnostic radiography (DR) students undergo rigorous theoretical and practical training before they are exposed to the clinical environment. It has been found that when DR students commence clinical learning in the workplace for the very first time, they experience difficulties in this transition. At the site of investigation, a newly integrated and dedicated clinical preparedness (CP) programme was offered; however, little is known about the DR students' perceptions of this programme.

Methods

A qualitative approach coupled with a self‐developed, cross‐sectional research tool was employed. First‐year DR students were purposefully sampled against the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The principle of voluntary participation was upheld throughout the data collection process. The data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's six steps of thematic analysis.

Results

Forty‐two responses were collected. Following a thematic analysis, two overarching themes were developed, namely: (1) reflections on the CP programme and (2) suggestions for future CP programmes.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the need for effective CP programmes as an approach to ease the transition of first‐year DR students from the classroom into the clinical environment. Several suggestions, for example, an extended CP programme and a clinical information pack were made for the offering of similar programmes in the future.
Effect of lattice heating on the switching performance of a silicon‐gate all around dielectric window spaced‐multi‐channelMOSFET
Authors: Yajula Ushodaya A. S. , Mishra G. P. , Sahoo G. S.
Published: November 2023

In this article, analysis of heating effect for a range of thermal resistance () and different ambient temperatures on the DC parameters of the proposed Silicon‐Gate All Around Dielectric Window Spaced‐Multi‐channel (Si‐GAA‐DWS‐multi‐channel) MOSFET is carried out. The performance of the device is examined through 3D‐ATLAS TCAD simulator, by performing the numerical and electrothermal analysis. Due to cylindrical dimension, the nanowire FETs undergoes undesirable self/lattice‐heating. The lattice heating of the device is calculated with respect to various device parameters such as channel length, drain‐source voltage, thermal resistance, ambient temperature, on‐current , and off‐current . The proposed device parameter has been compared with the existing devices, mainly with Silicon‐Nanowire‐Dielectric Pocket Packed MOSFET (Si‐NW‐DPP FET) and Silicon‐Nanowire MOSFET (Si‐NW FET). The Si‐GAA‐DWS‐multi‐channel FET is found to be as the better device than the other two structures, as the leakage current of the device is improved by 1 and 2 decades, drain current increases by 1 and 1 decade, a minimum SS of 63.271 mV/dec and a minimum DIBL of 26.172 mV/V, respectively. The lesser the SS, the faster will be the device; hence the proposed structure can be considered as the finest prospect for VLSI/ULSI electronic chips.
Glo3DHydroClimEventSet(v1.0): A global‐scale event set of hydroclimatic extremes detected with the 3D DBSCAN‐based workflow (1951–2022)
Authors: Liu Zhenchen , Zhou Wen
Published: November 2023

The emergency of global‐scale hydroclimatic extremes (i.e., meteorological droughts, extreme precipitations, heat waves and cold surges) and associated compound events has recently drawn much attention. A global‐scale unified and comprehensive event set with accurate information on spatiotemporal evolutions is necessary for better mechanism understanding and reliable predictions in sequential studies. Accordingly, this manuscript describes the first‐generation global event‐based database of hydroclimatic extremes produced with the newly proposed 3D (longitude–latitude–time) DBSCAN‐based workflow of event detection. The short name of this database is Glo3DHydroClimEventSet(v1.0), which is obtained from the FigsharePlus webpage (https://doi.org/10.25452/figshare.plus.23564517). The 1951–2022 ERA5‐based multiscale and multi‐threshold daily running datasets of precipitation and near‐surface air temperature are calculated and employed as the input data. A comprehensive event set of hydroclimate extremes is the output of the 3D DBSCAN‐based workflow. From perspectives of spatiotemporal evolutions, this event‐based database is also measured and attached with metric information. For case‐based validation, some recently reported hydroclimatic extremes (e.g., the 2020 summertime flood‐inducing Yangtze River extreme precipitation event) are employed and accurately detected in the Glo3DHydroClimEventSet(v1.0) database. Meanwhile, global‐scale spatiotemporal distributions are preliminarily analysed. For example, global‐scale event counts of extreme heatwaves displayed an increasing tendency since 2005, with a rapid increase after 2010. To sum up, this Glo3DHydroClimEventSet(v1.0) database may facilitate new scientific achievements concerning event‐based hydroclimatic extremes, especially in communities of atmosphere, hydrology, natural hazards and associated socioeconomics.
Integrating 2D Materials and Plasmonics on Lithium Niobate Platforms for Pulsed Laser Operation at the Nanoscale
Authors: Ramírez Mariola O. , Molina Pablo , Hernández‐Pinilla David , López‐Polín Guillermo , Ares Pablo , Lozano‐Martín Lidia , Yan Han , Wang Yan , Sarkar Soumya , Al Shuhaib Jinan H. , Leardini Fabrice , Gómez‐Herrero Julio , Chhowalla Manish , Bausá Luisa E.
Published: November 2023

The current need for coherent light sources for integrated (nano)photonics motivates the search for novel laser designs emitting at technologically relevant wavelengths with high‐frequency stability and low power consumption. Here, a new monolithic architecture that integrates monolayer MoS2 and chains of silver nanoparticles on a rare‐earth (Nd3+) doped LiNbO3 platform is developed to demonstrate Q‐switched lasing operation at the nanoscale. The localized surface plasmons provided by the nanoparticle chains spatially confine the gain generated by Nd3+ ions at subwavelength scales, and large‐area monolayer MoS2 acts as saturable absorber. As a result, an ultra‐compact coherent pulsed light source delivering stable train pulses with repetition rates of hundreds of kHz and pulse duration of 1 µs is demonstrated without the need of any voltage‐driven optical modulation. Moreover, the monolithic integration of the different elements is achieved without sophisticated processing, and it is compatible with LiNbO3‐based photonics. The results highlight the robustness of the approach, which can be extended to other 2D materials and solid‐state gain media. Potential applications in communications, quantum computing, or ultra‐sensitive sensing can benefit from the synergy of the materials involved in this approach, which provides a wealth of opportunities for light control at reduced scales.
Highly Efficient and Flexible Scintillation Screen Based on Organic Mn(II) Halide Hybrids toward Planar and Nonplanar X‐Ray Imaging
Authors: Li Wen , Li Yunyun , Wang Ying , Zhou Zhengyang , Wang Chao , Sun Yiyang , Sheng Jianyong , Xiao Jiawen , Wang Qian , Kurosawa Shunsuke , Buryi Maksym , John David , Paurová Karin , Nikl Martin , OuYang Xiaoping , Wu Yuntao
Published: November 2023

The urgency for cost‐effective, high‐resolution, flexible X‐ray imaging detectors is generating great demand for scintillators with low‐temperature processability, high scintillation yield, and negligible afterglow. X‐ray imaging materials are currently dominated by inorganic scintillators in the form of rigid films and bulk crystals, which have inherent limitations including high‐temperature, complex synthesis, and considerable challenges toward advanced nonplanar imaging. Here, high‐performance and flexible X‐ray scintillators based on novel zero‐dimensional (0D) (BTPP)2MnX4 (BTPP = benzyltriphenylphosphonium; X = Cl, Br) halides are reported. They emit bright green light originating from the 4T1‐6A1 transition of Mn2+ under X‐ray excitation. In particular, (BTPP)2MnBr4 single crystals exhibit excellent air‐ and radiation‐stability, a high scintillation yield of 53 000 photons MeV−1, a low detection limit of 89.9 nGyair s−1, and an ultralow afterglow comparable to commercial Bi4Ge3O12 (BGO) single crystals. Moreover, the (BTPP)2MnCl4@polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) flexible scintillation screens achieve a high spatial resolution of 14.1 lp mm−1 and realize high‐quality imaging results of nonplanar objects. This study demonstrates that the flexible scintillation screens based on low‐dimensional Mn(II) hybrid halides have significant potential for low‐dose and high‐resolution X‐ray imaging applications.
Femoral neuropathy: A clinical and electrodiagnostic review
Authors: Santilli Ashley R. , Martinez‐Thompson Jennifer M. , Speelziek Scott J. A. , Staff Nathan P. , Laughlin Ruple S.
Published: November 2023

Introduction/Aims

Femoral neuropathies can cause severe, prolonged debility, yet there have been few clinical and electrodiagnostic (EDx) studies addressing this condition. The aim of this study was to better understand the etiologies, EDx features, and clinical course of femoral neuropathy.

Methods

We identified patients evaluated at Mayo Clinic Rochester between January 1, 1999 and July 31, 2019, with possible new femoral neuropathy ascertained via International Classification of Diseases‐versions 9 and 10 diagnosis codes presenting within 6 months of symptom onset.

Results

A retrospective review of 1084 records was performed and we ultimately identified 159 patients with isolated femoral neuropathy for inclusion. The most common femoral neuropathy etiologies were compressive (40%), perioperative stretch (35%), and inflammatory (6%). Presenting symptoms included weakness (96%), sensory loss (73%), and pain (53%). Presenting motor physical exam findings demonstrated moderate weakness (34%) or no activation (25%) of knee extension and mild (32%) or moderate (35%) weakness of hip flexion. Seventy‐two percent of patients underwent EDx testing, including 22 with femoral motor nerve conduction studies. Treatment often involved physical therapy (89%) and was otherwise etiology‐specific. In patients with follow‐up data available (n = 154), 83% had subjective clinical improvement at follow‐up with a mean time to initial improvement of 3.3 months and mean time to recovery at final follow‐up of 14.8 months. Only 48% of patients had nearly complete or complete recovery.

Discussion

In our cohort, the most common etiologies of femoral neuropathy were compression or perioperative stretch with high initial morbidity. Although motor recovery is common, improvement is often prolonged and incomplete.
Neurological manifestations with jugular vein thrombosis linked to an inflammatory profile may be a sequela of long COVID
Authors: Mendoza‐Portillo Elizabeth , Aleman‐Navarro Estefania , Prieto G. Aleph , Rosenstein Yvonne , Lozano‐Nuevo Jose J. , Perez‐Lopez Araceli
Published: November 2023

More than 670 million cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) have been recorded worldwide in the 3 years since the start of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) pandemic. About 45% of survivors of COVID‐19 develop a syndrome known as long‐term COVID, in which symptoms persist even months after the acute infection. About 76% of patients with long COVID experience neurological manifestations. Moreover, patients who have survived COVID‐19 have an increased risk of cerebral venous thrombosis. This case report describes a 41‐year‐old woman who developed neurological manifestations associated with jugular vein thrombosis 24 h after administration of the Oxford–AstraZeneca (ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19) vaccine (AstraZeneca‐Serum Institute of India). She had been infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 three months before vaccination. Although initially suspected to be a case of vaccine‐induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) in view of her recent vaccination, the patient did not have any hallmarks of VITT, such as thrombocytopenia, an increased d‐dimer level, or antibodies against platelet factor‐4. Moreover, the neurological manifestations were associated with a high concentration of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐17A, and IL‐21, and elevated neutrophil levels in cerebrospinal fluid, suggesting that inflammatory immune components had a role in the development of thrombotic events and pointing to an alternative diagnosis. In this case, the laboratory results indicated that the neurological manifestations associated with jugular vein thrombosis were not associated with VITT. Therefore, we propose that the thrombosis of the left jugular vein was a sequela of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.
Mechanisms of carboplatin‐ and paclitaxel‐dependent induction of premature senescence and pro‐cancerogenic conversion of normal peritoneal mesothelium and fibroblasts
Authors: Rutecki Szymon , Pakuła‐Iwańska Martyna , Leśniewska‐Bocianowska Agnieszka , Matuszewska Julia , Rychlewski Daniel , Uruski Paweł , Stryczyński Łukasz , Naumowicz Eryk , Szubert Sebastian , Tykarski Andrzej , Mikuła‐Pietrasik Justyna , Książek Krzysztof
Published: November 2023

Carboplatin (CPT) and paclitaxel (PCT) are the optimal non‐surgical treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Although their growth‐restricting influence on EOC cells is well known, their impact on normal peritoneal cells, including mesothelium (PMCs) and fibroblasts (PFBs), is poorly understood. Here, we investigated whether, and if so, by what mechanism, CPT and PCT induce senescence of omental PMCs and PFBs. In addition, we tested whether PMC and PFB exposure to the drugs promotes the development of a pro‐cancerogenic phenotype. The results showed that CPT and PCT induce G2/M growth arrest‐associated senescence of normal peritoneal cells and that the strongest induction occurs when the drugs act together. PMCs senesce telomere‐independently with an elevated p16 level and via activation of AKT and STAT3. In PFBs, telomeres shorten along with an induction of p21 and p53, and their senescence proceeds via the activation of ERK1/2. Oxidative stress in CPT + PCT‐treated PMCs and PFBs is extensive and contributes causatively to their premature senescence. Both PMCs and PFBs exposed to CPT + PCT fuel the proliferation, migration, and invasion of established (A2780, OVCAR‐3, SKOV‐3) and primary EOCs, and this activity is linked with an overproduction of multiple cytokines altering the cancer cell transcriptome and controlled by p38 MAPK, NF‐κB, STAT3, Notch1, and JAK1. Collectively, our findings indicate that CPT and PCT lead to iatrogenic senescence of normal peritoneal cells, which paradoxically and opposing therapeutic needs alters their phenotype towards pro‐cancerogenic. It cannot be excluded that these adverse outcomes of chemotherapy may contribute to EOC relapse in the case of incomplete tumor eradication and residual disease initiation. © 2023 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Fast and accurate prediction of cure quality and mechanical performance in fiber‐reinforced polymer composite using dielectric variables and machine learning
Authors: Rabby Monjur Morshed , Das Partha Pratim , Rahman Minhazur , Vadlamudi Vamsee , Raihan Rassel
Published: November 2023

Fiber‐reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are widely used in the aerospace and automotive industries due to their high strength‐to‐weight ratio. However, the manufacturing process of FRP composites is intricate, requiring precise control over multiple parameters, which can be challenging. To ensure top‐notch product quality and bolster confidence in the durability of composite materials, it requires a uniform curing evaluation technique and a predictive strength model. This study presents a rapid nondestructive quality inspection technique for composites, involving three distinct studies that employ machine learning techniques in combination with the frequency‐dependent dielectric response of materials. The first study introduces a nondestructive method for swiftly inspecting the cure state (degree of cure) of composite samples. This technique combines broadband dielectric spectroscopy with supervised machine learning algorithms, particularly support vector machines. The second study employs advanced artificial neural networks like multi‐layer perceptron to predict the tensile strength, a measure of mechanical performance, of composite materials. The results demonstrate an accurate classification of the curing state with 96.7% accuracy and a prediction of tensile strength with 87.5% accuracy. The final study explores the application of machine learning in quality monitoring of prepreg (raw materials for FRP) aging at room temperature.

Highlights

Integration of machine learning with frequency‐dependent dielectric measurement offers efficient method for inspecting and monitoring the curing state and mechanical performance of composite materials.

Machine learning and frequency‐dependent dielectric response used to accurately assess the curing state of fiber‐reinforced polymer composites with 96.7% accuracy, which saves the time and effort and also reduces the need for destructive testing.

Advanced artificial neural networks, specifically multi‐layer perceptron, employed to predict mechanical performance of composite materials with 87.5% accuracy, enhancing confidence in product reliability.

Novel dielectric measurement technique integrated with machine learning algorithms enables prepreg age monitoring at room temperature.
Upcycling waste PMMA to durable composites via a transesterification‐inverse vulcanization process
Authors: Wijeyatunga Shalini K. , Derr Katelyn M. , Maladeniya Charini P. , Sauceda‐Oloño Perla Y. , Tennyson Andrew G. , Smith Rhett C.
Published: November 2023

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is an important commodity polymer having a wide range of applications. Currently, only about 10% of PMMA is recycled. Herein, a simple two‐stage process for the chemical upcycling of PMMA is discussed. In this method PMMA is modified by transesterification with a bio‐derived, olefin‐bearing terpenoid, geraniol. In the second stage, olefin‐derivatized PMMA is reacted with sulfur to form a network composite by an inverse vulcanization mechanism. Inverse vulcanization of PGMA with elemental sulfur (90 wt.%) yielded the durable composite PGMA‐S. This composite was characterized by NMR spectrometry, IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. Composite water uptake, compressional strength analysis, flexural strength analysis, tensile strength analysis, and thermal recyclability are presented with comparison to current commercial structural materials. PGMA‐S exhibits a similar compressive strength (17.5 MPa) to that of Portland cement. PGMA‐S demonstrates an impressive flexural strength of 4.76 MPa which exceeds the flexural strength (>3 MPa) of many commercial ordinary Portland cements. This study provides a way to upcycle waste PMMA through combination with a naturally‐occurring olefin and industrial waste sulfur to yield composites having mechanical properties competitive with ecologically detrimental legacy building materials.
Location of S‐nitrosylated cysteines in protein three‐dimensional structures
Authors: Carugo Oliviero
Published: November 2023

Although S‐nitrosylation of cysteines is a common protein posttranslational modification, little is known about its three‐dimensional structural features. This paper describes a systematic survey of the data available in the Protein Data Bank. Several interesting observations could be made. (1) As a result of radiation damage, S‐nitrosylated cysteines (Snc) are frequently reduced, at least partially. (2) S‐nitrosylation may be a protection against irreversible thiol oxidation; because the NO group of Snc is relatively accessible to the solvent, it may act as a cork to protect the sulfur atoms of cysteines from oxidation by molecular oxygen to sulfenic, sulfinic, and sulfonic acid; moreover, Snc are frequently found at the start or end of helices and strands and this might shield secondary structural elements from unfolding.
Advances in the Use of Atomic Force Microscopy as a Diagnostic Tool for Solar Cells Characterization: From Material Design to Device Applications
Authors: Ahia Chinedu Christian , Meyer Edson L.
Published: November 2023

Considerable efforts in search for an effective characterization technique for photovoltaic devices with utmost precision is on the increase. For precise analysis and tailoring of device performance, a reliable technique is vital. Atomic force microscopy is one of the leading surface analysis techniques of choice for probing surface patterns in a variety of materials with atomic precision using a cantilever. It has evolved as a reliable technique for the investigation of subatomic scale properties of materials such as photocurrent heterogeneity, electromechanical response, charge distribution, molecular weight effects, and many other material parameters. The integration of artificial intelligence hybrid algorithms in atomic force microscope for optoelectronic device fabrication and characterization has increasingly emerged to be desirable due to its reliability and effectiveness in achieving high image resolution, automated analysis, actuation, and the coupling of manufactured units with a precision down to atomic units. In this review, an investigation of topical developments in the use of atomic force microscopy as a diagnostic tool for solar cells characterization is presented with special focus on polymer solar cells, perovskite solar cells, quantum dots‐sensitized solar cells, dye‐sensitized solar cells, fullerene‐based solar cells, III‐V‐based solar cells, and silicon‐based solar cells.
Validation of a training system for laparoscopic longitudinal suturing in lesion
Authors: Tang Yibo , Chen Min , Xing Yuan , Wang Yu , Wang Honglei , Ji Yunpeng
Published: November 2023

Background

A training system that allows the trainee to perform laparoscopic suturing in a realistic environment and measures the force applied to the tissue would be invaluable. This study aims to establish the construct and content validity of the training system we developed for the objective assessment of surgeons' skills.

Methods

Ten novices, 6 residents, and 6 experts performed the suturing and knot‐tying task using the training system. Ten force‐related parameters were used to analyse the system's construct validity. Experts were invited to evaluate the content validity with questionnaires.

Results

Eight parameters showed significant differences between the three groups. The construct validity results demonstrated that the system could distinguish the tissue handling ability of operators. The experts agreed that the system had excellent content validity with an average score of 4.71/5.

Conclusions

The training system is likely valid for surgical training. It can realistically simulate surgical scenarios and evaluate the tissue handling ability of trainees.
A Bayesian zero‐inflated beta‐binomial model for longitudinal data with group‐specific changepoints
Authors: Wen Chun‐Che , Baker Nathaniel , Paul Rajib , Hill Elizabeth , Hunt Kelly , Li Hong , Gray Kevin , Neelon Brian
Published: November 2023

Timeline followback (TLFB) is often used in addiction research to monitor recent substance use, such as the number of abstinent days in the past week. TLFB data usually take the form of binomial counts that exhibit overdispersion and zero inflation. Motivated by a 12‐week randomized trial evaluating the efficacy of varenicline tartrate for smoking cessation among adolescents, we propose a Bayesian zero‐inflated beta‐binomial model for the analysis of longitudinal, bounded TLFB data. The model comprises a mixture of a point mass that accounts for zero inflation and a beta‐binomial distribution for the number of days abstinent in the past week. Because treatment effects appear to level off during the study, we introduce random changepoints for each study group to reflect group‐specific changes in treatment efficacy over time. The model also includes fixed and random effects that capture group‐ and subject‐level slopes before and after the changepoints. Using the model, we can accurately estimate the mean trend for each study group, test whether the groups experience changepoints simultaneously, and identify critical windows of treatment efficacy. For posterior computation, we propose an efficient Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm that relies on easily sampled Gibbs and Metropolis–Hastings steps. Our application shows that the varenicline group has a short‐term positive effect on abstinence that tapers off after week 9.
Insights into the Zintl Cluster Mediated Disulfide Bond Separation: A DFT Study
Authors: Sinha Swapan , Giri Santanab
Published: November 2023

Disulfide bond cleavage plays a crucial role in various chemical and biological processes. In recent years, developing novel and efficient catalysts for disulfide bond cleavage has garnered significant attention. This manuscript presents a comprehensive density functional theory (DFT) study on the separation of a disulfide bond by a well‐known Nona‐silicide Zintl cluster, Si94−. It is a single‐step exothermic reaction process that proceeds via the SN2 mechanism. This study also investigates the electronic activity, electron transfer process, and other electronic properties associated with the disulfide bond dissociation by the Si9‐Zintl cluster using the M06‐2X computational method.
Long‐Acting Microparticle Formulation of Griseofulvin for Ocular Neovascularization Therapy
Authors: Chobisa Dhawal , Muniyandi Anbukkarasi , Sishtla Kamakshi , Corson Timothy W. , Yeo Yoon
Published: November 2023

Neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (nAMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. nAMD is treated with biologics targeting vascular endothelial growth factor; however, many patients do not respond to the current therapy. Here, a small molecule drug, griseofulvin (GRF), is used due to its inhibitory effect on ferrochelatase, an enzyme important for choroidal neovascularization (CNV). For local and sustained delivery to the eyes, GRF is encapsulated in microparticles based on poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA), a biodegradable polymer with a track record in long‐acting formulations. The GRF‐loaded PLGA microparticles (GRF MPs) are designed for intravitreal application, considering constraints in size, drug loading content, and drug release kinetics. Magnesium hydroxide is co‐encapsulated to enable sustained GRF release over >30 days in phosphate‐buffered saline with Tween 80. Incubated in cell culture medium over 30 days, the GRF MPs and the released drug show antiangiogenic effects in retinal endothelial cells. A single intravitreal injection of MPs containing 0.18 µg GRF releases the drug over 6 weeks in vivo to inhibit the progression of laser‐induced CNV in mice with no abnormality in the fundus and retina. Intravitreally administered GRF MPs prove effective in preventing CNV, providing proof‐of‐concept toward a novel, cost‐effective nAMD therapy.
Defect Engineering of 2D Copper Tin Composite Nanosheets Realizing Promoted Electrosynthesis Performance of Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Qian Junning , Liu Wei , Jiang Yuting , Ye Ling , Wei Xianbin , Xi Shibo , Shi Le , Zeng Lin
Published: November 2023

The transformation of the two‐electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e‐ORR) to produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a promising green synthesis approach that can replace the high‐energy consumption anthraquinone process. However, designing and fabricating low‐cost, non‐precious metal electrocatalysts for 2e‐ORR remains a challenge. In this study, a method of combining complexation precipitation and thermal treatment to synthesize 2D copper‐tin composite nanosheets to serve as the 2e‐ORR electrocatalysts is utilized, achieving a high H2O2 selectivity of 92.8% in 0.1 m KOH, and a bulk H2O2 electrosynthesis yield of 1436 mmol·gcat−1·h−1 using a flow cell device. Remarkably, the H2O2 selectivity of this catalyst decreases by only 0.5% after 10,000 cyclic voltammetry (CV) cycles. In addition, it demonstrates that the same catalyst can achieve 97% removal of the organic pollutant methyl blue in an aqueous system solution within 1 h using the on‐site degradation technology. A reasonable control of defect concentration on the 2D copper‐tin composite nanosheets that can effectively improve the electrocatalytic performance is found. Density functional theory calculations confirm that the surface of the 2D copper‐tin composite nanosheets is conducive to the adsorption of the key intermediate OOH*, highlighting its excellent electrocatalytic performance for ORR with high H2O2 selectivity.
The Contact Interface Electronic Coupling of Cobalt and Zirconia Enables Stable and Highly Efficient 4e− Oxygen Reduction Reaction Catalysis
Authors: Chen Shuo , Ma Yanyan , Zhang Liang , Zhang Yuanyuan , Chen Yuehui , Zhang Xiaohua , Yan Jianhua
Published: November 2023

Cobalt (Co) is an efficient oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst but suffers from issues of easy deactivation and instability. Here, it shows that ZrO2 can stabilize Co through interface electron coupling and enables highly efficient 4e− ORR catalysis. Porous carbon nanofibers loaded with dispersed Co‐nanodots (≈10 nm, 9.63 wt%) and ZrO2 nanoparticles are synthesized as the catalyst. The electron transfer from the metallic Co to ZrO2 causes interface‐oriented electron enrichment that promotes the activation and conversion of O2, improving the efficiency of 4e− transfer. Moreover, the simulation results show that ZrO2 acts like an electron reservoir to store electrons from Co and slowly release them to the interface, solving the easy deactivation problem of Co. The catalyst exhibits a high half‐wave potential (E1/2) of 0.84 V, which only decreases by 3.6 mV after 10 000 cycles, showing great stability. Particularly, the enhanced spin polarization of Co in a magnetic field reinforces the interface electron coupling that increases the E1/2 to 0.864 V and decreases the energy barrier of ORR from 0.81 to 0.63 eV, confirming that the proposed strategy is effective for constructing efficient and stable ORR catalysts.