bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent advancement in viologen functionalized porous organic polymers (vPOPs) for energy and environmental remediation
Authors: Jhariat Pampa , Panda Tamas
Published: April 2024

We thoroughly discussed the practical applications of vPOPs in environmental remediation, encompassing various tasks such as removing organic/inorganic pollutants, adsorbing iodine/toxic gases, storing and converting energy etc.
Unveiling BiVO4 photoelectrocatalytic potential for CO2 reduction at ambient temperature
Authors: Marques e Silva Ricardo , Dias Eduardo Henrique , Escalona-Durán Florymar , Tavares da Silva Gelson Tiago dos Santos , Alnoush Wajdi , de Oliveira Jessica Ariane , Higgins Drew , Ribeiro Caue
Published: April 2024

An optimistic system for CO2 reduction! This study employs BiVO4 as a cathode catalyst by a photoelectrochemical method. Different tests were performed by altering the excitation source and photo- and electrochemical methods were compared.
End-to-end simulations of exoplanet detection with multiplexed volume Bragg gratings
Authors: Fagginger Auer F. J. , Keller C. U.
Published: April 2024

Context.Direct imaging of exoplanets greatly enhances our ability to spectroscopically detect molecules in their atmospheres, but requires both excellent angular and spectral resolution. A highly promising approach uses multiplexed transmission gratings to achieve compressed sensing, but the published theoretical calculations are not realistic enough to determine whether the approach is feasible.

Aims.We aim to determine the performance of recovering exoplanet signals of an instrument with multiplexed volume Bragg gratings in a full, detailed numerical simulation, specifically examining any effects caused by multiplexing several gratings.

Methods.Our end-to-end simulation includes realistic stellar and planetary spectra, a closed-loop adaptive optics simulation, and rigorous coupled wave analysis to model the multiplexed gratings. We chose 20 passbands around expected methane absorption features that were optically combined using 20 gratings.

Results.We find that exoplanet signals can be recovered down to contrasts of 10−6−10−7, without the addition of a coronagraph. Multiplexing a larger number of gratings improves the deepest recovered contrast, if photon noise is the dominant noise source. When residuals from our simple post-processing approach are the largest noise source, a larger number of multiplexed gratings decreases the performance, due to the stacking of the PSFs at different wavelengths. This is an artifact of our data reduction approach.

Conclusions.We conclude that multiplexed Bragg gratings are a viable method to look for exoplanets with a compressed sensing approach, and additional gains may be made in post-processing.
Physico-chemical study and microstructural characterization of sands in the North Coasts of Doukkala region Morocco
Authors: Mghaiouini Redouane , Harrati Achraf , Monkade Mohamed , El Bouari Abdeslam , Salah Mohammed
Published: April 2024

This research presents a comprehensive investigation into the diverse coastal sands of the Doukkala region, encompassing El Jadida, El Haouzia, Lala Aicha El Bahria, Sidi Bounnayem, and Mazagan Beach. To achieve this, we employed a range of analytical techniques, including sieving granulometry, bulk density, absolute density, water absorption, pH measurement, electrical conductivity (EC), total soluble solids (TSS), salinity, X-ray diffraction (XDR), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The findings of this study unveiled that the predominant component in these sands is silicon dioxide (SiO2), with the presence of impurities such as iron, clay, and organic matter. This research holds significant value in the context of materials used in construction.
Novel physiological analysis using blood flow velocity for colonic polyps: Pilot study
Authors: Kamba Eiji , Murakami Takashi , Tsugawa Naoki , Nomura Kei , Haga Keiichi , Akazawa Yoichi , Fukushima Hirofumi , Ueyama Hiroya , Matsumoto Kenshi , Shibuya Tomoyoshi , Terai Takeshi , Yao Takashi , Nagahara Akihito
Published: April 2024

Real-time visualization of red blood cell flow inside subepithelial microvessels is performed with magnifying endoscopy. However, microvascular blood flow velocity in the colorectum has not been investigated. Here, we aimed to evaluate the blood flow velocity of microvessels of colonic polyps and to compare it with that of surrounding mucosa. We examined 50 lesions, including 30 adenomas (ADs) and 20 hyperplastic polyps (HPs). Blood flow velocities of lesions and their surrounding mucosa were evaluated using magnifying blue laser imaging (BLI) prior to endoscopic resection. Calculation of mean blood flow velocities was based on mean movement distance of one tagged red blood cell using split video images of magnifying BLI. Mean microvascular blood flow velocity was significantly lower in ADs (1.65±0.66 mm/sec; range 0.46–2.90) than in HPs (2.83±1.10 mm/sec; 1.07–4.50) or the surrounding mucosa (3.73±1.11 mm/sec; 1.80–6.20; P <0.001). The blood flow velocity rate compared with the surrounding mucosa was significantly lower in ADs (0.41±0.16; 0.10–0.82) than in HPs (0.89±0.25; 0.46–1.51; P <0.001). We found that mean microvascular blood flow velocity was significantly lower in ADs than in HPs and the surrounding non-neoplastic mucosa. These findings indicate that a novel dynamic approach with microvascular blood flow velocity using magnifying endoscopy may be useful in assessing physiological differences between ADs and HPs.
Disease Burden, Clinical Outcomes, and Quality of Life in People with Hemophilia A without Inhibitors in Europe: Analyses from CHESS II/CHESS PAEDs
Authors: Chowdary Pratima , Ofori-Asenso Richard , Nissen Francis , Grazzi Enrico F. , Aizenas Martynas , Moreno Katya , Burke Tom , Nolan Beatrice , O'Hara Jamie , Khair Kate
Published: April 2024

Introduction Limited data relating to treatment burden, quality of life, and mental health burden of hemophilia A (HA) are currently available.

Aim To provide a comprehensive overview of unmet needs in people with HA (PwHA) using data generated from the Cost of Haemophilia in Europe: a Socioeconomic Survey-II (CHESS II) and CHESS in the pediatric population (CHESS PAEDs) studies.

Methods CHESS II and CHESS PAEDs are cross-sectional surveys of European males with HA or hemophilia B (HB) aged ≥18 and ≤17 years, respectively. Participants with FVIII inhibitors, mild HA, or HB were excluded from this analysis, plus those aged 18 to 19 years. Annualized bleeding rates (ABRs), target joints, and other patient-reported outcomes were evaluated.

Results Overall, 468 and 691 PwHA with available data for the outcomes of interest were stratified by hemophilia severity and treatment regimen in CHESS II and CHESS PAEDs, respectively. In these studies, 173 (37.0%) and 468 (67.7%) participants received FVIII prophylaxis, respectively; no participants received the FVIII mimetic emicizumab or gene therapy. ABRs of 2.38 to 4.88 were reported across disease severity and treatment subgroups in both studies. Target joints were present in 35.7 and 16.6% of participants in CHESS II and CHESS PAEDS; 43.8 and 23.0% had problem joints. Chronic pain was reported by a large proportion of PwHA (73.9% in CHESS II; 58.8% in CHESS PAEDs). Participants also reported low EQ-5D scores (compared with people without HA), anxiety, depression, and negative impacts on their lifestyles due to HA.

Conclusions These analyses suggest significant physical, social, and mental burdens of HA, irrespective of disease severity. Optimization of prophylactic treatment could help reduce the burden of HA on patients.
Implementation of an epicardial implantable MEMS sensor for continuous and real-time postoperative assessment of left ventricular activity in adult minipigs over a short- and long-term period
Authors: Zinno C. , Agnesi F. , D'Alesio G. , Dushpanova A. , Brogi L. , Camboni D. , Bernini F. , Terlizzi D. , Casieri V. , Gabisonia K. , Alibrandi L. , Grigoratos C. , Magomajew J. , Aquaro G. D. , Schmitt S. , Detemple P. , Oddo C. M. , Lionetti V. , Micera S.
Published: April 2024

The sensing of left ventricular (LV) activity is fundamental in the diagnosis and monitoring of cardiovascular health in high-risk patients after cardiac surgery to achieve better short- and long-term outcome. Conventional approaches rely on noninvasive measurements even if, in the latest years, invasive microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors have emerged as a valuable approach for precise and continuous monitoring of cardiac activity. The main challenges in designing cardiac MEMS sensors are represented by miniaturization, biocompatibility, and long-term stability. Here, we present a MEMS piezoresistive cardiac sensor capable of continuous monitoring of LV activity over time following epicardial implantation with a pericardial patch graft in adult minipigs. In acute and chronic scenarios, the sensor was able to compute heart rate with a root mean square error lower than 2 BPM. Early after up to 1 month of implantation, the device was able to record the heart activity during the most important phases of the cardiac cycle (systole and diastole peaks). The sensor signal waveform, in addition, closely reflected the typical waveforms of pressure signal obtained via intraventricular catheters, offering a safer alternative to heart catheterization. Furthermore, histological analysis of the LV implantation site following sensor retrieval revealed no evidence of myocardial fibrosis. Our results suggest that the epicardial LV implantation of an MEMS sensor is a suitable and reliable approach for direct continuous monitoring of cardiac activity. This work envisions the use of this sensor as a cardiac sensing device in closed-loop applications for patients undergoing heart surgery.
Magnet-in-ferroelectric crystals exhibiting photomultiferroicity
Authors: Wang Zhongxuan , Wang Qian , Gong Weiyi , Chen Amy , Islam Abdullah , Quan Lina , Woehl Taylor J. , Yan Qimin , Ren Shenqiang
Published: April 2024

Growing crystallographically incommensurate and dissimilar organic materials is fundamentally intriguing but challenging for the prominent cross-correlation phenomenon enabling unique magnetic, electronic, and optical functionalities. Here, we report the growth of molecular layered magnet-in-ferroelectric crystals, demonstrating photomanipulation of interfacial ferroic coupling. The heterocrystals exhibit striking photomagnetization and magnetoelectricity, resulting in photomultiferroic coupling and complete change of their color while inheriting ferroelectricity and magnetism from the parent phases. Under a light illumination, ferromagnetic resonance shifts of 910 Oe are observed in heterocrystals while showing a magnetization change of 0.015 emu/g. In addition, a noticeable magnetization change (8% of magnetization at a 1,000 Oe external field) in the vicinity of ferro-to-paraelectric transition is observed. The mechanistic electric-field-dependent studies suggest the photoinduced ferroelectric field effect responsible for the tailoring of photo-piezo-magnetism. The crystallographic analyses further evidence the lattice coupling of a magnet-in-ferroelectric heterocrystal system.
Examining the discursive construction of Chinese grassroots cybernationalism
Authors: Gu Jiapei , Boukala Salomi
Published: April 2024

Recent years have seen a surge in Chinese grassroots nationalism. Based on the public discussion on Weibo, the
largest social media platform in China, this study investigated the cybernationalism (re)produced during the People’s Republic of
China’s release of the Regulations on the Administration of Permanent Residence of Foreigners in early 2020.
Deploying a synergy of thematic analysis and the discourse-historical approach (Reisigl and
Wodak 2005, 2016), especially its argumentative perspectives, it examined
the articulation of bottom-up cybernationalism and how this nationalism, boosted by the party-state, turns against the party-state
when it fails to uphold its own nationalistic rhetorics, thereby influencing the government’s immigration policymaking. The
results revealed that the discursive construction of a dichotomy between “derogatory foreigners” and “dignified Chinese” prevents
the implementation of the regulation; the foregrounded anti-Black sentiment reflects a (re)appreciation of the global hierarchy of
race in China based on orientalistic views; the discursive representations of humiliated history vitally motivates
nationalism.
Intonation of polar questions in German-dominant heritage speakers of Italian
Authors: Krieger Svenja , Geiss Miriam
Published: April 2024

In heritage language (HL) research, prosodic aspects of heritage speakers (HSs) speech have only recently started
to receive attention and the results have been mixed. While some studies report cross-linguistic influence (CLI) for HL
intonation, others consider it robust. The present study contributes to this debate and examines the intonational patterns of
polar questions (PolQs) in the two languages of 30 HSs of Italian with German as majority language. This language combination
displays overlapping and distinct intonational patterns in PolQs, making intonation potentially subject to CLI in bilingual
language acquisition. The results of an elicited production task indicate that HSs maintain a systemic difference between their
two languages. In German, HSs produce PolQs in a monolingual like manner. In Italian of HSs, both monolingual-like performance and
CLI from German has been observed. Early Italian use is beneficial for monolingual-like outcomes in the HL.
A comparison between solvent casting and electrospinning methods for the fabrication of HPMC fast-dissolving films: investigation of the physicochemical, mechanical and drug release characteristics
Authors: Mortazavi Seyedeh Maryam , kiani Reza , Zarei Chamgordani Nasrin , Mortazavi Seyed Alireza
Published: April 2024

The fast-dissolving film is an innovative dosage form that rapidly delivers the loaded drug upon contact with saliva. Many studies have been conducted on the fabrication of fast-dissolving films using hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) as a common film-forming agent with solvent-casting method or sometimes with electrospinning. However, there is no comparison of these two methods on the physicochemical, mechanical, and drug-release behavior of HPMC films. This paper aims to compare bisoprolol-containing fast-dissolving films composed of HPMC and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as plasticizer constructed by solvent-casting and electrospinning methods. Given the formulation parameters (e.g., plasticizer and polymer concentrations) and process parameters (e.g., tip-to-needle distance, voltage, and feed rate), various solvent-casting films and nanofiber mats were prepared. Films were characterized in terms of disintegration time, folding endurance, thermal behavior (using DSC), crystallin structure (using XRD), drug content, and drug release. The size and morphology of nanofibers were also evaluated by SEM. Solvent-casting film composed of 6% w/v HPMC and 6% v/v PEG400, as well as nanofiber mat composed of 13% w/v HPMC and 3% w/v PEG2000 were successfully constructed. DSC and XRD analysis revealed that the crystalline structure of bisoprolol converted into the amorphous structure in the polymeric films. Nanofibers were smooth and free of beads with a mean size of 0.66 ± 0.19 μm. In terms of flexibility, the nanofiber mats outperformed the solvent-casting films. The disintegration time of the nanofiber mat was less than that of the solvent-casting film (3 s versus 30 s). Besides, nanofibers indicated faster release. The superior performance of nanofiber mats can be attributed to their nanostructure. The results showed that the characteristics of the fast-dissolving films fabricated of HPMC, including disintegration time, release rate, and flexibility could be improved through the electrospinning process.
Exploring inter-trial coherence for inner speech classification in EEG-based brain–computer interface
Authors: Lopez-Bernal Diego , Balderas David , Ponce Pedro , Molina Arturo
Published: April 2024

Objective. In recent years, electroencephalogram (EEG)-based brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) applied to inner speech classification have gathered attention for their potential to provide a communication channel for individuals with speech disabilities. However, existing methodologies for this task fall short in achieving acceptable accuracy for real-life implementation. This paper concentrated on exploring the possibility of using inter-trial coherence (ITC) as a feature extraction technique to enhance inner speech classification accuracy in EEG-based BCIs. Approach. To address the objective, this work presents a novel methodology that employs ITC for feature extraction within a complex Morlet time-frequency representation. The study involves a dataset comprising EEG recordings of four different words for ten subjects, with three recording sessions per subject. The extracted features are then classified using k-nearest-neighbors (kNNs) and support vector machine (SVM). Main results. The average classification accuracy achieved using the proposed methodology is 56.08% for kNN and 59.55% for SVM. These results demonstrate comparable or superior performance in comparison to previous works. The exploration of inter-trial phase coherence as a feature extraction technique proves promising for enhancing accuracy in inner speech classification within EEG-based BCIs. Significance. This study contributes to the advancement of EEG-based BCIs for inner speech classification by introducing a feature extraction methodology using ITC. The obtained results, on par or superior to previous works, highlight the potential significance of this approach in improving the accuracy of BCI systems. The exploration of this technique lays the groundwork for further research toward inner speech decoding.
The far-field diffraction of a plane wave on a system of randomly and in average periodically located point scatterers: the Debye-Waller factor
Authors: Khachatrian A.Zh.
Published: April 2024

The description of the superposition field of a system of point sources with a random and, on average, periodic structure is considered. The description is given in the far field and the point sources are considered as centers of secondary sphere waves generated by an external plane wave. In contrast to the traditional approach, where description of the diffraction pattern is given on the base of wave field averaging, here the intensity is averaged.

In the framework of the suggested approach the analytic formula of dependence of the average intensity on the direction observation is found. The influence of disorder on the values of intensity of main maximums of a periodic structure is investigated. It is shown that this influence depends on the ordinal numbers of the maximum and in the case of central main maximum this influence vanishes. The question of applicability of the Debye-Weller factor for describing of the statistic of diffracted field is discussed.
Recent advances in the CERN PS impedance model and instability simulations following the LHC Injectors Upgrade project
Authors: Joly S. , Oeftiger A. , Iadarola G. , Zannini C. , Migliorati M. , Mounet N. , Salvant B.
Published: April 2024

Transverse instability growth rates in the CERN Proton
Synchrotron (PS) are studied thanks to the recently updated
impedance model of the machine. Using this model, macroparticle
tracking simulations were performed with a new method well-suited
for the slicing of short wakes, which achieves comparable
performance to the originally implemented method while reducing the
required number of slices by a factor of 5 to 10. Furthermore,
dedicated beam-based measurement campaigns were carried out to
benchmark the impedance model. Until now, beam dynamics simulations
based on this model underestimated instability growth rates at
injection energy. Thanks to a recent addition to the impedance
model, namely the kicker magnets' connecting cables and their
external circuits, the simulated instability growth rates are now
comparable to the measured ones even when neglecting the impact of
the space charge force. Finally, the space charge force is included
in simulations and its impact on the instability growth rate and
intra-bunch motion is studied.
Forward problem of electrocardiography based on cardiac source vector orientations
Authors: H Reshma , Bhat Vikas R , H Anitha
Published: April 2024

To localize the unusual cardiac activities non-invasively, one has to build a prior forward model that relates the heart, torso, and detectors. This model has to be constructed to mathematically relate the geometrical and functional activities of the heart. Several methods are available to model the prior sources in the forward problem, which results in the lead field matrix generation. In the conventional technique, the lead field assumed the fixed prior sources, and the source vector orientations were presumed to be parallel to the detector plane with the unit strength in all directions. However, the anomalies cannot always be expected to occur in the same location and orientation, leading to misinterpretation and misdiagnosis. To overcome this, the work proposes a new forward model constructed using the VCG signals of the same subject. Furthermore, three transformation methods were used to extract VCG in constructing the time-varying lead fields to steer to the orientation of the source rather than just reconstructing its activities in the inverse problem. In addition, the unit VCG loop of the acute ischemia patient was extracted to observe the changes compared to the normal subject. The abnormality condition was achieved by delaying the depolarization time by 15ms. The results involving the unit vectors of VCG demonstrated the anisotropic nature of cardiac source orientations, providing information about the heart’s electrical activity.
Management of extreme weather impacts on electricity grids: an international review
Authors: Hawker Graeme , Bell Keith , Bialek Janusz , MacIver Callum
Published: April 2024

Extreme weather events, such as high winds, storms, flooding and temperature extremes, are a major cause of disruption to the supply of electricity to consumers. System operators (SOs) are responsible for ensuring stable real-time operation of large-scale power networks and will act to prevent adverse impacts of such events on consumer supply, contain the extent of supply interruptions that do occur, and restore supply to affected consumers in an efficient and timely manner. SOs will also generally be involved in some way in the long-term planning of the transmission network and generation capacity required to ensure future resilience. In this paper we review some of the strategies adopted by SOs across the globe in ensuring high levels of reliability and resilience to extreme weather, with reference to learning generated from specific recent events. In the face of the potential for both the frequency of such events and for their consequent impacts to increase in the future, we recommend that regulatory control of investment in networks is informed by quantified understanding of the climate-energy interface, including assessment of the potential frequency and impacts of future weather events and shared learning from events experienced by different operators. The statutory role of utilities should include robust assessment of future weather-related risks and appropriate investment in their asset resilience, as well as assisting in the preparedness of supporting agencies to mitigate the impacts of weather-related disturbances on energy consumers.
Fraction order particle swarm optimization for parameter extraction of triple-diode photovoltaic models
Authors: Wadood Abdul , Ahmed Ejaz , Khan Shahbaz , Ali Husan
Published: April 2024

This work proposes an application of Fractional Order Particle Swarm Optimization (FO-PSO), a meta-heuristic method for parameters estimation of photo-voltaic (PV) module as a non-linear, transcendental, multi-modal and implicit optimization problem. The uses single diode model (SDM), double diode model (DDM) and three-diode model (TDM) of PV modules with the constraint that only data-sheet information may be utilized. A fitness function based on the error amongst the computed values of current and voltage and the ones given in characteristic I-V curves of data-sheet, is minimized using the FO-PSO to get the required parameters. The comparative study between the estimated and data-sheet values provided by PV module manufacturers will determine the effectiveness of this research. The effectiveness of the FO-PSO is demonstrated by comparing the fitness values with that of other techniques. The FO-PSO technique makes a novel contribution to the PV power systems industry by making it possible to obtain a nearly realistic model of any commercial PV module. The effectiveness of the FO-PSO is determined by comparing the results for all the three models with the state of the art optimization techniques. The Root Mean Square error values calculated for the TDM is less than 10e–16, producing very consistent FO-PSO results. Therefore, FO-PSO is anticipated to be a competitive method for obtaining PV module specifications.
Fuzzy kernel evidence Random Forest for identifying pseudouridine sites
Authors: Chen Mingshuai , Sun Mingai , Su Xi , Tiwari Prayag , Ding Yijie
Published: April 2024

Pseudouridine is an RNA modification that is widely distributed in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, and plays a critical role in numerous biological activities. Despite its importance, the precise identification of pseudouridine sites through experimental approaches poses significant challenges, requiring substantial time and resources.Therefore, there is a growing need for computational techniques that can reliably and quickly identify pseudouridine sites from vast amounts of RNA sequencing data. In this study, we propose fuzzy kernel evidence Random Forest (FKeERF) to identify pseudouridine sites. This method is called PseU-FKeERF, which demonstrates high accuracy in identifying pseudouridine sites from RNA sequencing data. The PseU-FKeERF model selected four RNA feature coding schemes with relatively good performance for feature combination, and then input them into the newly proposed FKeERF method for category prediction. FKeERF not only uses fuzzy logic to expand the original feature space, but also combines kernel methods that are easy to interpret in general for category prediction. Both cross-validation tests and independent tests on benchmark datasets have shown that PseU-FKeERF has better predictive performance than several state-of-the-art methods. This new method not only improves the accuracy of pseudouridine site identification, but also provides a certain reference for disease control and related drug development in the future.
Neuroimaging and plasma evidence of early white matter loss in Parkinson’s disease with poor outcomes
Authors: Zarkali Angeliki , Hannaway Naomi , McColgan Peter , Heslegrave Amanda J , Veleva Elena , Laban Rhiannon , Zetterberg Henrik , Lees Andrew J , Fox Nick C , Weil Rimona S
Published: April 2024

Parkinson’s disease is a common and debilitating neurodegenerative disorder, with over half of patients progressing to postural instability, dementia or death within 10 years of diagnosis. However, the onset and rate of progression to poor outcomes is highly variable, underpinned by heterogeneity in underlying pathological processes. Quantitative and sensitive measures predicting poor outcomes will be critical for targeted treatment, but most studies to date have been limited to a single modality or assessed patients with established cognitive impairment. Here, we used multimodal neuroimaging and plasma measures in 98 patients with Parkinson’s disease and 28 age-matched controls followed up over 3 years. We examined: grey matter (cortical thickness and subcortical volume), white matter (fibre cross-section, a measure of macrostructure; and fibre density, a measure of microstructure) at whole-brain and tract level; structural and functional connectivity; and plasma levels of neurofilament light chain and phosphorylated tau 181. We evaluated relationships with subsequent poor outcomes, defined as development of mild cognitive impairment, dementia, frailty or death at any time during follow-up, in people with Parkinson’s disease. We show that extensive white matter macrostructural changes are already evident at baseline assessment in people with Parkinson’s disease who progress to poor outcomes (n = 31): with up to 19% reduction in fibre cross-section in multiple tracts, and a subnetwork of reduced structural connectivity strength, particularly involving connections between right frontoparietal and left frontal, right frontoparietal and left parietal and right temporo-occipital and left parietal modules. In contrast, grey matter volumes and functional connectivity were preserved in people with Parkinson’s disease with poor outcomes. Neurofilament light chain, but not phosphorylated tau 181 levels were increased in people with Parkinson’s disease with poor outcomes, and correlated with white matter loss. These findings suggest that imaging sensitive to white matter macrostructure and plasma neurofilament light chain may be useful early markers of poor outcomes in Parkinson’s disease. As new targeted treatments for neurodegenerative disease are emerging, these measures show important potential to aid patient selection for treatment and improve stratification for clinical trials.
Bipolar radiofrequency ablation for re-entrant ventricular tachycardia of right bundle branch block and left bundle branch block morphologies with the common slow conduction zone at the left ventricular summit: a case report
Authors: Toba Masahiro , Nasu Toshihiro , Nekomiya Nobuyoshi , Makino Takao , Yokoshiki Hisashi
Published: April 2024

Background

The left ventricular (LV) summit has anatomical limitations, so the detailed mapping is difficult. Therefore, the mechanism of ventricular tachycardia (VT) originating from the LV summit is not well understood.

Case summary

A 70-year-old man had VTs with right bundle branch block (VT1 and VT3) and left bundle branch block (VT2) morphologies originating from the left ventricular summit (LV summit). During the VT2 and VT3, fragmented potentials, which occurred earlier than the QRS onset, were recorded from bipolar electrodes of a catheter at the anterior intraventricular vein (AIV). By pacing from right ventricular apex, constant and progressive fusion were observed. During the entrainment pacing, the fragmented potentials in the AIV catheter were activated orthodromically and those in the His bundle were activated antidromically. In addition, there were two components of the ventricular electrogram at the LV summit area with the interval of more than 100 ms during the VTs. We performed bipolar radiofrequency ablation between the LV endocardium and AIV, and the VTs became non-inducible.

Discussion

Non-sustained VT/premature ventricular contraction originating from LV summit is generally considered to occur due to abnormal automaticity or triggered activity. In contrast, using entrainment technique, we demonstrated that the VTs with multiple morphologies were sustained with a re-entrant mechanism. Fragmentated potentials recorded in the AIV catheter were activated orthodromically with the entrainment pacing, indicating the slowly conducting isthmus. The intramural VT substrate was also suggested with a prolonged conduction time between the two ventricular components during the VTs.
Habitat and Respiratory Strategy Effects on Hypoxia Performance in Anuran Tadpoles
Authors: Phillips Jackson R , Nicolau Gary K , Ngwenya Shane S , Jackson Emily A , Womack Molly C
Published: April 2024

Synopsis

A critical component of animal conservation in a changing world is an understanding of the physiological resilience of animals to different conditions. In many aquatic animals, hypoxia (low environmental oxygen levels) is a regular occurrence, but the likelihood and severity of hypoxia vary across habitats. Fast-flowing, stream-like habitats are never hypoxic, so long as flow is maintained. Do animals from such habitats retain the capacity to survive hypoxic conditions? We use aquatic frog tadpoles to test the effects of natural habitat on performance in hypoxia in an experimental framework, finding that stream-living tadpoles have reduced performance in hypoxia. Tadpoles also vary in lung presence, with some species able to breathe air during hypoxia. We found that among lunged tadpoles, air-breathing rates increase in hypoxia in pond-living species but not stream-living species. Lung presence was also found to influence hypoxia performance, as lungless, stream-living tadpoles were found to be especially vulnerable to hypoxia, while pond-living, lungless tadpoles appeared largely resilient to hypoxia. We consider the ramifications of our findings on conservation outlooks and strategies for frogs and their tadpoles, suggesting that stream-living tadpoles, and especially lungless, stream-living tadpoles, may be particularly at risk to factors that reduce stream flow. Thus, a primary goal for conservation and management of species with stream-living tadpoles should be the maintenance of year-round streamflow, which oxygenates waters and prevents hypoxia.
Eosinophil plasticity and diversity: proceedings of the 2023 International Eosinophil Society Symposium
Authors: Denburg Judah A , O’Byrne Paul M , Gauvreau Gail M
Published: April 2024

This issue highlights and details the program and scientific presentations at the International Eosinophil Society's 12th biennial symposium, which was held in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, in July 2023. The meeting included sessions on regulation of eosinophil development; cell death, stress, and autophagy in eosinophils; local immunity interactions of eosinophils with multiple cell types; eosinophils in host defense; eosinophils and mast cells in gastrointestinal disorders; reciprocal interactions between eosinophils and the microbiome in homeostasis and dysbiosis; and eosinophils in tissue injury and repair and in tumor biology and cancer therapy. There was a mixture of special invited lectures and cutting-edge abstracts on specific aspects of eosinophil science, as well as enlivened pro-con debates on targeting eosinophils with biologics. A major thrust and overarching theme was that eosinophils exhibit remarkable plasticity and heterogeneity in executing their functions both in homeostasis and in pathobiology; there is a new “eo-verse” to understand. We trust that this special volume of the Journal of Leukocyte Biology will be of interest across many disciplines and medical subspecialties in biomedical sciences and demonstrate both the complexity and versatility of the eosinophil in biology and medicine.
Regulation of ICAM-1 in human neutrophils
Authors: Vignarajah Muralie , Wood Alexander J T , Nelmes Elizabeth , Subburayalu Julien , Herre Jurgen , Nourshargh Sussan , Summers Charlotte , Chilvers Edwin R , Farahi Neda
Published: April 2024

Intercellular cell adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) is a cell surface glycoprotein with a vital role in the immune response to pathogens. The expression pattern of ICAM-1 is wide ranging, encompassing endothelial cells, epithelial cells, and neutrophils. Recent work has characterized the role of ICAM-1 in murine neutrophils, but the function of human neutrophil ICAM-1 is incompletely understood. Herein, we investigated the expression and role of ICAMs in human neutrophils in vitro and in vivo. Our findings show clear expression of ICAM-1, -3, and -4 on peripheral blood–derived neutrophils and demonstrate that the pathogen-associated molecular pattern lipoteichoic acid is an inducer of ICAM-1 expression in vitro. In vivo, neutrophils obtained from the pleural cavity of patients with a parapneumonic effusion display enhanced expression of ICAM-1 compared with peripheral blood– and oral cavity–derived neutrophils. Moreover, migration of peripheral blood–derived neutrophils across endothelial cells can upregulate neutrophil ICAM-1 expression. These findings indicate that pathogen-associated molecular patterns and/or cytokines, alongside transmigration, enhance neutrophil ICAM-1 expression at sites of inflammation. Mechanistically, we observed that ICAM-1high neutrophils display elevated S. aureus phagocytic capacity. However, unlike murine neutrophils, ICAM-1 intracellular signaling in human neutrophils was not essential for phagocytosis of Staphylococcus aureus and reactive oxygen species generation. Taken together, these results have important implications for the regulation of neutrophil-mediated pathogen clearance.
Comorbidity profiling identifies potential subtype of elderly patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Li Ying , Pan Yuhui , Huang Zongwei , Wu Lishui , Wu Wenxi , Xu Siqi , Chen Zihan , Chen Xin , Lu Jun , Qiu Sufang
Published: April 2024

Background

Few studies have assessed the comprehensive associations among comorbid diseases in elderly patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). This study sought to identify potential comorbidity patterns and explore the relationship of comorbidity patterns with the mortality risk in elderly patients with NPC.

Methods

A total of 452 elderly patients with NPC were enrolled in the study. The network analysis and latent class analysis were applied to mine comorbidity patterns. Propensity score matching was used for adjusting confounders. A restricted cubic spline model was used to analyze the nonlinear association between age and the risk of all-cause mortality.

Results

We identified 2 comorbidity patterns, metabolic disease-related comorbidity (MDRC) and organ disease-related comorbidity (ODRC) in elderly patients with NPC. Patients in MDRC showed a significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality (71.41% vs 87.97%, HR 1.819 [95% CI, 1.106-2.994], P = .031) and locoregional relapse (68.73% vs 80.88%, HR 1.689 [95% CI, 1.055-2.704], P = .042). Moreover, in patients with MDRC pattern, we observed an intriguing inverted S-shaped relationship between age and all-cause mortality among patients aged 68 years and older. The risk of mortality up perpetually with age increasing in ODRC group, specifically within the age range of 68-77 years (HR 4.371, 1.958-9.757).

Conclusion

Our study shed light on the potential comorbidity patterns in elderly patients with NPC, thereby providing valuable insights into the development of comprehensive health management strategies for this specific population.
Preliminary Results of Calcaneal Lengthening Osteotomy Combined With Extra-articular Subtalar Arthrodesis for Severe Pes Planovalgus Deformity in Children With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Bilgili Fuat , Demirel Mehmet , Koyuncu Dağhan
Published: April 2024

Objective:

Pes planovalgus is the most common foot deformity seen in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). There are several different treatment modalities to treat this condition. Single or double calcaneal osteotomies, extra-articular arthrodesis, calcaneo-cuboido-cuneiform osteotomy, intraarticular arthrodesis, and arthroereisis are some of these modalities. Currently, there is insufficient information to determine the most effective treatment approach for pes planovalgus in children with CP. The aim of this study is to show the short to mid-term results of the new technique which combines calcaneus lengthening osteotomy, extra-articular subtalar arthrodesis, and soft tissue reconstruction that aims to decrease recurrence and complication rates of pes planovalgus surgery for patients with ambulatory CP.

Methods:

Patients with CP who were treated with calcaneal lengthening surgery and extra-articular subtalar arthrodesis between 2018 and 2021 were investigated retrospectively. All patients were ambulatory and Gross Motor Function Classification System I-II-III. Functional levels of the patients were assessed with the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, Ankle-Hindfoot Score, and the Foot and Ankle Ability Score (Foot and Ankle Ability Measure) in preoperative and postoperative periods. On anteroposterior x-rays, talus-first metatarsal, talocalcaneal, talonavicular coverage angle and on lateral x-rays talus-first metatarsal, talocalcaneal, calcaneal inclination angle and talar tilt angle were evaluated.

Results:

The mean follow-up was 46 (range: 36 to 60) months. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society increased from 41 (20 to 79) to 74 (38 to 93; P < 0.001). The mean Foot and Ankle Ability Measure increased significantly from 35 (7 to 73) to 54 (29 to 96; P<0.001). Clinical results were “satisfactory” for 32 feet, while they were “unsatisfactory” for 2 feet. Significant deformity correction was observed in all radiologic parameters.

Conclusion:

Our technique is found to be efficient for patients with Gross Motor Function Classification System I-II-III CP with pes planovalgus deformity. In short to mid-term follow-up, the technique achieved successful clinical and radiologic results with low complication rates. Superiority of this technique compared with the traditional ones can only be shown with randomized prospective studies.

Level of Evidence:

Level III—retrospective cohort study.
Nursing Students' Experiences of Empathy in a Virtual Reality Simulation Game
Authors: Mattsson Katri , Haavisto Elina , Jumisko-Pyykkö Satu , Koivisto Jaana-Maija
Published: April 2024

Empathy is significant in nursing, and showing empathy toward a patient positively impacts a patient's health. Learning empathy through immersive simulations is effective. Immersion is an essential factor in virtual reality. This study aimed to describe nursing students' experiences of empathy in a virtual reality simulation game. Data were collected from nursing students (n = 20) from May 2021 to January 2022. Data collection included individual semistructured interviews; before the interviews, the virtual reality gaming procedure was conducted. Inductive content analysis was used. Nursing students experienced compassion and a feeling of concern in the virtual reality simulation game. Students were willing to help the virtual patient, and they recognized the virtual patient's emotions using methods such as listening and imagining. Students felt the need to improve the patient's condition, and they responded to the virtual patient's emotions with the help of nonverbal and verbal communication and helping methods. Empathy is possible to experience by playing virtual reality simulation games, but it demands technique practicing before entering the virtual reality simulation game.
Patient-Reported Dry Eye Treatment and Burden of Care
Authors: Nau Cherie B. , Nau Amy C. , Fogt Jennifer S. , Harthan Jennifer S. , Shorter Ellen S. , Schornack Muriel M.
Published: April 2024

Objectives:

Dry eye is a common condition that can decrease the quality of life. This survey-based study of persons with dry eye investigated self-reported treatments (initial, current), out-of-pocket expenses, time spent on self-management, sources of care, and sources of information about their condition.

Methods:

Online dry eye newsletters and support groups were emailed a link to an electronic survey asking members to participate. Survey respondents were not required to answer every question.

Results:

In total, 639 persons with self-reported dry eye responded (86% women, 14% men [n=623]; mean ± SD age, 55 ± 14 years [n=595]). Artificial tears were the most reported intervention (76% initially, 71% currently). The median (interquartile range) out-of-pocket treatment cost annually was $500 ($200–$1,320 [n=506]). In addition, 55% (n=544) estimated 5 to 20 min daily on self-management; 22% spent an hour or more. Ophthalmologists provided most dry eye care (67%, n=520). Only 48% (n=524) reported that their primary source of dry eye information came from their eye care clinician.

Conclusions:

Artificial tears are the primary treatment for dry eye. Ophthalmologists provide most dry eye care, but half of patients report that their eye care provider is not their primary source of information. Almost one fourth of patients spend an hour or more daily on treatments.
Long-term prognosis of patients with gallbladder carcinoma after curative-intent resection based on changes in the ratio of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 to total bilirubin (CA19-9/TB): a multicenter retrospective cohort study
Authors: Li Xue-Lei , Liu Zhi-Peng , Su Xing-Xing , Gong Yi , Yang Yi-Shi , Zhao Xiao-Lin , Li Zi-Mu , Ding Jun-Jie , Zhu Yi , Yin Da-Long , Yu Chao , Zhou Jin-Xue , Zhang Dong , Ding Rui , Chen Wei , Cheng Yao , Yue Ping , Wang Zi-Ran , Zhang Yan-Qi , Jiang Yan , Yin Xian-Yu , Bai Jie , Dai Hai-Su , Lau Wan Yee , Chen Zhi-Yu ,   The Biliary Surgery Branch of Elite Group of Chinese Digestive Surgery (EGCDS)
Published: April 2024

Background:

The prognostic value of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) is known to be affected by elevated bilirubin levels in patients with gallbladder carcinoma (GBC). The clinical significance of changes in the ratio of CA19-9 levels to total bilirubin (TB) levels in patients with GBC after curative-intent resection remains unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic value of changes in preoperative and postoperative CA19-9/TB ratio in these patients.

Methods:

Prospectively collected data on consecutive patients who underwent curative-intent resection for GBC between January 2015 and December 2020 stored in a multicenter database from 10 hospitals were analyzed in this retrospective cohort study. Based on the adjusted CA19-9 defined as the ratio of CA19-9 to TB, and using 2×103 U/µmol as the upper normal value, patients were divided into a normal group (with normal preoperative and postoperative adjusted CA19-9), a normalization group (with abnormal preoperative but normal postoperative adjusted CA19-9), and a non-normalization group (with abnormal postoperative adjusted CA19-9). The primary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). The log-rank test was used to compare OS and RFS among the groups. The Cox regression model was used to determine factors independently associated with OS and RFS.

Results:

The normal group (n=179 patients) and the normalization group (n=73 patients) had better OS and RFS than the non-normalization group (n=65 patients) (the 3-year OS rates 72.0%, 58.4% and 24.2%, respectively; the RFS rates 54.5%, 25.5% and 11.8%, respectively; both P<0.001). There were no significant differences between the normal and the normalization groups in OS and RFS (OS, P=0.255; RFS, P=0.130). Cox regression analysis confirmed that the non-normalization group was independently associated with worse OS and RFS. Subgroup analysis revealed that the non-normalization group of patients who received adjuvant therapy had significantly improved OS and RFS as compared to those who did not receive adjuvant therapy (OS, P=0.025; RFS, P=0.003).

Conclusions:

Patients with GBC who underwent curative-intent surgical resection with postoperative abnormal levels of adjusted CA19-9 (the CA19-9/TB ratio) were associated with poorer long-term survival outcomes. Adjuvant therapy after surgery improved the long-term outcomes of these patients.
Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome: a case report and literature review
Authors: Ali Alqarni Abdullah , Abdalla Khalid Mohamed , Alqarni Mohammed A. S. , Alfaifi Jaber A. , Osman Hisham G. A. , Al Alhindi Bandar S.
Published: April 2024

Background:

Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome is a rare congenital anomaly of the pituitary gland characterized by growth hormones deficiency (with or without other pituitary hormone deficiencies) along with radiological features of a thin or interrupted pituitary stalk, an ectopic or absent posterior pituitary, or a hypoplastic or absent anterior pituitary.

Case presentation:

A 10-year-old baby boy came with short stature. The laboratory investigations were done and showed low growth hormones and low thyroid-stimulating hormone. MRI showed an ectopic posterior pituitary, a small hypoplastic anterior pituitary, and an absent pituitary stalk.

Conclusion:

Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome is a very rare entity. MRI is used to diagnose it. Early detection of this syndrome improve the patient symptoms especially before puberty.