bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Healthcare Monitoring Sensors Based on Organic Transistors: Surface/Interface Strategy and Performance
Authors: Jiang Xingyu , Shi Cheng , Wang Zi , Huang Lizhen , Chi Lifeng
Published: November 2023

Organic transistors possess inherent advantages such as flexibility, biocompatibility, customizable chemical structures, solution‐processability, and amplifying capabilities, making them highly promising for portable healthcare sensor applications. Through convenient and diverse modifications at the material and device surfaces or interfaces, organic transistors allow for a wide range of sensor applications spanning from chemical and biological to physical sensing. In this comprehensive review, the surface and interface engineering aspect associated with four types of typical healthcare sensors is focused. The device operation principles and sensing mechanisms are systematically analyzed and highlighted, and particularly surface/interface functionalization strategies that contribute to the enhancement of sensing performance are focused. An outlook and perspective on the critical issues and challenges in the field of healthcare sensing using organic transistors are provided as well.
Double Gain of Efficient UV‐C Phosphor and Fast Scintillator Based on Pr3+‐doped KY3F10 Nano‐Glass Composites
Authors: Wang Sikai , Hua Chunshuai , Wang Lu , Wang Ci , Liu Lu , Ren Jing , Zhang Jianzhong
Published: November 2023

Glassy phosphors offer a promising opportunity to overcome the limits of polycrystalline counterparts, thanks to their merits including excellent optical transparency, abandonment of organic binders, and capability of drawing fibers, etc. However, research and development of glassy UV‐C phosphors and fast scintillators have seriously lagged behind crystals. Here, a new type of efficient UV‐C phosphors and fast scintillators (double gain) is developed from Pr3+‐doped transparent nano‐glass composites (nano‐GCs) containing KY3F10 nanocrystals. Such a material combines favorably the advantages of both crystal and glass, exhibiting intense interconfigurational 5d‐4f emissions of Pr3+ upon deep‐UV, high energy electron‐beam and X‐ray excitations. The emission profile ideally overlaps with the germicidal effectiveness curve. The Pr3+‐doped nano‐GCs are endowed with a radiative decay time shorter than that of extensively studied Ce3+‐doped glasses and nano‐GCs. They exhibit intense X‐ray excited radioluminescence that is comparable to the standard Bi4Ge3O12 (BGO) crystal and significantly stronger than Pr3+‐doped ZBLAN fluoride glass known for the high luminescence efficiency. An X‐ray imaging system with a good spatial resolution using the Pr3+‐doped nano‐GCs is also demonstrated.
Self‐Assembly of Hydrogen‐Bonded Organic Crystals on Arbitrary Surfaces for Efficient Amplified Spontaneous Emission
Authors: Kenzhebayeva Yuliya , Gorbunova Irina , Dolgopolov Arthur , Dmitriev Maksim V. , Atabaev Timur Sh. , Stepanidenko Evgeniia A. , Efimova Anastasiia S. , Novikov Alexander S. , Shipilovskikh Sergei , Milichko Valentin A.
Published: November 2023

Organic lasers attract much attention due to their high efficiency, low energy consumption, and structural flexibility. However, long‐term stability and the creation of the lasers on arbitrary surfaces remain a challenge. Here, a synthesis of amide‐based organic molecules that provides packing into hydrogen‐bonded organic crystals (OCs) is reported. The resulting OCs demonstrate an amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) regime with 0.55 μJ cm−2 threshold under the normal conditions due to 5%–13% quantum yield and high emission rate (1.02 ns). The simple process of self‐assembly of the hydrogen‐bonded OCs and highly stable ASE (over 30 min of continuous operation) allow fabricating fibers, flexible polymers, and hard planar periodic optical systems based on them, which paves the way to creating organic laser diodes of an arbitrary design.
Synthesis of Isoquinolinediones via the Radical Addition/Cyclization of N‐Alkyl‐N‐methacryloylbenzamides with Monoalkyl Oxalates
Authors: Xu Jinli , Zhao Chenyue , Cheng Dongping , Xu Xiaoliang
Published: November 2023

A photocatalytic reaction of N‐alkyl‐N‐methacryloylbenzamides with monoalkyl oxalates is described. Monoalkyl oxalates undergo single‐electron oxidation/CO2 extrusion to generate alkoxycarbonyl radicals, followed by the addition and subsequent cyclization to give alkoxycarbonyl substituted isoquinolinediones. A wide variety of monoalkyl oxalates were amenable in this protocol, affording various alkoxycarbonyl substituted isoquinolinediones.
Facile Preparation of Carbohydrate‐Containing Adjuvants Based on Self‐Assembling Glycopeptide Conjugates
Authors: Wang Biao , Liu Sijin , Li Haoting , Dong Weidong , Liu Haiyun , Zhang Jun , Tian Chao , Dong Suwei
Published: November 2023

Carbohydrates are intriguing biomolecules possessing diverse biological activities, including immune stimulating capability. However, their biomedical applications have been limited by their complex and heterogeneous structures. In this study, we have utilized a self‐assembling glycopeptide conjugate (GPC) system to produce uniform nanoribbons appending homogeneous oligosaccharides with multivalency. This system successfully translates the nontrivial structural differences of oligomannoses into varied binding affinities to C‐type lectin receptors (CLRs). We have shown that GPCs could promote the CLR‐mediated endocytosis of ovalbumin (OVA) antigen, and two mannotriose‐modified peptides F3m2 and F3m5 exhibit potent activity in inducing antigen‐presenting cell maturation, as indicated by increased CD86 and MHCII expression. In vivo studies demonstrated that GPCs, combined with OVA antigen, significantly enhanced OVA‐specific antibody production. Specifically, F3m2 and F3m5 exhibited the highest immunostimulatory effects, eliciting both Th1‐ and Th2‐biased immune responses and promoting differentiation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. These findings highlight the potential of GPCs as vaccine adjuvants, and showcase their versatility in exploiting the biological functions of carbohydrates.
AIEgens Cross‐linked Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Synchronously Amplify Bimodal Imaging Signals in Situ by Tumor Acidity‐Mediated Click Reaction
Authors: Dong Yansong , Liu Ye , Tu Yalan , Yuan Youyong , Wang Jun
Published: November 2023

Activatable dual‐modal molecular imaging probes present a promising tool for the diagnosis of malignant tumors. However, synchronously enhancing dual‐modal imaging signals under a single stimulus is challenging. Herein, we propose an activatable bimodal probe that integrates aggregation‐induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) and iron oxide nanoparticles (IOs) to synergistically enhance near‐infrared fluorescence (NIRF) intensity and magnetic resonance (MR) contrast through a tumor acidity‐mediated click reaction. Tumor acidity‐responsive IOs containing dibenzocyclooctyne groups (termed cDIOs) and AIEgens containing azide groups (termed AATs) can be covalently cross‐linked in response to tumor acidity, which leads to a simultaneous enhancement in NIRF intensity (≈12.4‐fold) and r2 relaxivity (≈2.8‐fold). cDIOs and AATs were effectively activated in mice orthotropic breast tumor, and the cross‐linking prolonged their retention in tumor, further augmenting the bimodal signals and expanding imaging time frame. This facile strategy leverages the inherent properties of probes themselves and demonstrates promise in future translational studies.
Direct Quantification of Nanoplastics Neurotoxicity by Single‐Vesicle Electrochemistry
Authors: Wei Shiyi , Wu Fei , Liu Jing , Ji Wenliang , He Xiulan , Liu Ran , Yu Ping , Mao Lanqun
Published: November 2023

Nanoplastics are recently recognized as neurotoxic factors for the nervous systems. However, whether and how they affect vesicle chemistry (i.e., vesicular catecholamine content and exocytosis) remains unclear. This study offers the first direct evidence for the nanoplastics‐induced neurotoxicity by single‐vesicle electrochemistry. We observe the cellular uptake of polystyrene (PS) nanoplastics into model neuronal cells and mouse primary neurons, leading to cell viability loss depending on nanoplastics exposure time and concentration. By using single‐vesicle electrochemistry, we find the reductions in the vesicular catecholamine content, the frequency of stimulated exocytotic spikes, the neurotransmitter release amount of single exocytotic event, and the membrane‐vesicle fusion pore opening‐closing speed. Mechanistic investigations suggest that PS nanoplastics can cause disruption of filamentous actin (F‐actin) assemblies at cytomembrane zones and change the kinetic patterns of vesicle exocytosis. Our finding shapes the first quantitative picture of neurotoxicity induced by high‐concentration nanoplastics exposure at a single‐cell level.
Copper‐Catalyzed Oxygenative Skeletal Rearrangement of Tetrahydro‐β‐carbolines Using H2O and O2 as Oxygen Sources
Authors: Peng Yu‐Sheng , Wang Wei , Shi Jun , Wu Wei , Song Jun‐Rong , Pan Wei‐Dong , Hao Ge‐Fei , Ren Hai
Published: November 2023

Herein, we report an unprecedented skeletal rearrangement reaction of tetrahydro‐β‐carbolines enabled by copper‐catalyzed single‐electron oxidative oxygenation, in which H2O and O2 act as oxygen sources to generate a unique 2‐hydroxyl‐3‐peroxide indoline intermediate. The synthetic reactivity of 2‐hydroxyl‐3‐peroxide indoline species was demonstrated by a unique multi‐step bond cleavage and formation cascade. Using a readily available copper catalyst under open‐air conditions, highly important yet synthetically difficult spiro[pyrrolidone‐(3,1‐benzoxazine)] products were obtained in a single operation. The synthetic utility of this methodology is demonstrated by the efficient synthesis of the natural products donaxanine and chimonamidine, as well as the 3‐hydroxyl‐pyrroloindoline scaffold, in just one or two steps.
Disulfide Click Reaction for Stapling of S‐terminal Peptides
Authors: Yu Qing , Bai Leiyang , Jiang Xuefeng
Published: November 2023

A disulfide click strategy is disclosed for stapling to enhance the metabolic stability and cellular permeability of therapeutic peptides. A 17‐membered library of stapling reagents with adjustable lengths and angles was established for rapid double/triple click reactions, bridging S‐terminal peptides from 3 to 18 amino acid residues to provide 18‐ to 48‐membered macrocyclic peptides under biocompatible conditions. The constrained peptides exhibited enhanced anti‐HCT‐116 activity with a locked α‐helical conformation (IC50=6.81 μM vs. biological incompetence for acyclic linear peptides), which could be unstapled for rehabilitation of the native peptides under the assistance of tris(2‐carboxyethyl)phosphine (TCEP). This protocol assembles linear peptides into cyclic peptides controllably to retain the diverse three‐dimensional conformations, enabling their cellular uptake followed by release of the disulfides for peptide delivery.
Effective Inhibition of TDP‐43 Aggregation by Native State Stabilization
Authors: Yang Lixin , Jasiqi Yllza , Zettor Agnès , Vadas Oscar , Chiaravalli Jeanne , Agou Fabrice , Lashuel Hilal A.
Published: November 2023

Preventing the misfolding or aggregation of transactive response DNA binding protein with 43 kDa (TDP‐43) is the most actively pursued disease‐modifying strategy to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other neurodegenerative diseases. In this work, we provide proof of concept that native state stabilization of TDP‐43 is a viable and effective strategy for treating TDP‐43 proteinopathies. Firstly, we leveraged the Cryo‐EM structures of TDP‐43 fibrils to design C‐terminal substitutions that disrupt TDP‐43 aggregation. Secondly, we showed that these substitutions (S333D/S342D) stabilize monomeric TDP‐43 without altering its physiological properties. Thirdly, we demonstrated that binding native oligonucleotide ligands stabilized monomeric TDP‐43 and prevented its fibrillization and phase separation in the absence of direct binding to the aggregation‐prone C‐terminal domain. Fourthly, we showed that the monomeric TDP‐43 variant could be induced to aggregate in a controlled manner, which enabled the design and implementation of a high‐throughput screening assay to identify native state stabilizers of TDP‐43. Altogether, our findings demonstrate that different structural domains in TDP‐43 could be exploited and targeted to develop drugs that stabilize the native state of TDP‐43 and provide a platform to discover novel drugs to treat TDP‐43 proteinopathies.
The effect of halloysite nanotubes reinforced epoxy filler on the crushing behavior of aluminum tubes
Authors: Kosedag Ertan
Published: November 2023

Crash box is one of the equipment to minimize the damage that may occur during an accident in vehicles. Many studies are conducted to improve the performance of crash boxes. Some of these studies were aimed at filling thin‐walled crash boxes. Halloysite nanotubes (HNT) were used as filling material in this study. HNT can be found in nature and is in nanotube structure by nature. For this reason, it is inexpensive compared to other nanotubes like carbon nanotube. Within the scope of the study, epoxy‐based mixtures with 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% HNT were prepared and filled into aluminum tubes. The powders used were ~20–100 nm in size and in the form of cylindrical tubes. Investigated were the effects of the HNT ratio and the thin‐walled aluminum construction. Nine diverse types of specimens were created. The vacuuming principle was used as the production method. The reason for this is to minimize the air bubbles that may occur during mixing. The effect of aluminum tube and HNT ratio on energy absorption and mechanical strength was investigated. For this, quasi‐static tests were conducted. The absorbed energies of the specimens were determined by integrating the acquired contact force–displacement curves, and the specific absorbed energy was determined by dividing the absorbed energy by the specimen weights. SEM images were taken for internal structure characterization. In addition, FTIR analysis was performed to determine whether the composite was cured. According to the results obtained, the mechanical characteristics and specific absorbed energy of the filled specimens were superior to those of the unfilled ones. Specimen containing 5% HNT showed maximum energy absorption and mechanical strength. Although the HNT additive has a positive effect on the mechanical and energy absorption in general, it has been determined that the HNT additive affects the performances negatively from 10%.
Palladium(II)‐immobilized Triptycene based Hypercrosslinked Polymers: An Efficient, Green, and Reusable Heterogenous Catalyst for Suzuki‐Miyaura Cross‐coupling Reaction
Authors: Hassan Atikur , Baghel Akanksha Singh , Kumar Amit , Das Neeladri
Published: November 2023

The Suzuki‐Miyaura cross‐coupling (SMCC) involves the coupling of organohalides and organoboron molecules in the presence of Pd(II)‐based catalysts. Often SMCC reactions employ homogenous catalysts. However, such homogenous SMCC reactions are associated with certain limitations which has motivated design of effective and sustainable Pd(II)‐based heterogeneous catalytic systems. Herein, we report a systematic development of a Pd(II)‐immobilized and triptycene based ionic hyper crosslinked polymer (Pd@TP‐iHCP) and explored its application as a heterogeneous catalyst for SMCC reaction. Pd@TP‐iHCP has ample N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) pendants that anchor Pd(II) centres on the polymeric matrix. Pd@TP‐iHCP was characterized satisfactorily using FT‐IR, 13C CP‐MAS NMR, BET surface area analysis, SEM, EDX and HRTEM. The performance of Pd@TP‐iHCP as a heterogeneous catalyst for SMCC reactions was explored using various combinations of aryl boronic acids and aryl halides. Experimental results show that Pd@TP‐iHCP is associated with a moderately high surface area. It is an efficient catalyst for SMCC (in aqueous media) with a modest loading of 0.8 mol % Pd(II)‐catalyst since high yields of the expected products were obtained in shorter time intervals. Pd@TP‐iHCP also features excellent stability and catalyst recyclability since it could be re‐used for several cycles without any significant decrease in catalytic efficiency.
Scoring system for prediction of overall survival in patients with renal cell carcinoma T3aN0M0
Authors: Suartz Caio Vinícius , Cordeiro Maurício Dener , de Carvalho Paulo Afonso , Gallucci Fábio Pescarmona , Ribeiro‐Filho Leopoldo Alves , Cardili Leonardo , Sivaraman Arjun , Audenet François , Mota José Mauricio , Nahas William Carlos
Published: November 2023

Objective

We aim to create a new score to predict postoperative overall survival in patients with nonmetastatic T3aN0 renal cell carcinoma.

Methods

We reviewed the clinical data of adult patients who underwent radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma between December 2007 and January 2022 in a single tertiary oncological institution. Clinical characteristics, clinical‐pathological staging and histopathological characteristics were analysed. Survival analyses were determined using the Kaplan–Meier curve. A nomogram was established using Cox proportional hazard regression to identify the prognostic factors affecting the overall survival. The area under the curve, calibration curves and decision curve analysis were used to evaluate prognostic efficacy.

Results

We analyzed 362 patients classified as pT3aN0M0 stage with a median follow‐up of 40 months. According to Cox univariate and multivariate analyses, weight loss greater than 5% in 6 months before surgery, stage V chronic kidney disease after radical nephrectomy, sarcomatoid pattern, and coagulative tumor necrosis were identified as predictors of overall survival. We developed a score and performed internal and external validation. The time‐dependent receiver operating characteristic curve, area under the curve value and calibration curve analysis showed good prediction ability of the score. The nomogram can effectively predict and stratify overall survival after radical nephrectomy in patients with pT3aN0M0 renal cell carcinoma.

Conclusion

Patients with pT3aN0MO renal cell carcinoma exhibited different characteristics, and those with unfavourable characteristics deserve greater attention during follow‐up. This nomogram provides an accurate prediction of overall survival after radical nephrectomy.
Increasing mowing height and nitrogen fertility does not enhance unirrigated centipedegrass summer drought stress
Authors: Adams Mike , Beasley Jeffrey , Kuehny Jeff , Watson Dylan
Published: November 2023

Proper N fertilization and higher mowing heights are recommended to enhance rooting for greater turfgrass summer drought stress. To examine the effects of these primary cultural practices on centipedegrass [Eremochloa ophiuroides (Munro) Hack.] drought response in the mid‐Southern United States, a study was conducted to evaluate four mowing heights (1, 2, 3 and 4 inches) and N fertilization versus no fertilization. During the study, roots were periodically harvested at upper (0–3 inches) and lower (3–6 inches) soil depths, and roots were analyzed for architecture which included root length (RL) and surface area (SA), and root weight (RW). In July, plant‐soil cores were subjected to 36‐day drought simulation under greenhouse conditions. All turfgrass exhibited a pattern of decreasing leaf quality as drought progressed with unfertilized treatments maintaining acceptable leaf color (≥5) for 19 days at 5.9 compared to 4.8 for fertilized centipedegrass regardless of mowing height. In the field, root architecture and biomass across all mowing heights, fertilities, and soil depths peaked at 883.9 inches, 35.6 in2, and 5.8 grains for RL, SA, and RW, respectively, six weeks prior to drought simulation (WDPS) before declining to 740.5 inches, 29.6 in2, and 4.9 grains at the initiation of the drought simulation. The inability of N fertility and mowing height to enhance root growth particularly from spring into summer indicates soil temperatures may be a factor in centipedegrass root growth and thus drought stress avoidance.
Development of Novel Redox‐Active Organic Materials Based on Benzimidazole, Benzoxazole, and Benzothiazole: A Combined Theoretical and Experimental Screening Approach
Authors: Fataj Xhesilda , Achazi Andreas J. , Rohland Philip , Schröter Erik , Muench Simon , Burges René , Pohl K. Linus H. , Mollenhauer Doreen , Hager Martin D. , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: November 2023

Sustainability is one of the hot topics of today's research, in particular when it comes to energy‐storage systems such as batteries. Redox‐active molecules implemented in organic batteries represent a promising alternative to lithium‐ion batteries, which partially rely on non‐sustainable heavy metal salts. As an alternative, we propose benzothiazole, ‐oxazole and ‐imidazole derivatives as redox‐active moieties for polymers in organic (radical) batteries. The target molecules were identified by a combination of theoretical and experimental approaches for the investigation of new organic active materials. Herein, we present the synthesis, electrochemical characterization and theoretical investigation of the proposed molecules, which can later be introduced into a polymer backbone and used in organic polymer batteries.
Nonparametric estimation of a survival function in the presence of measurement errors on the failure time of interest
Authors: Jin Shaojia , Liu Yanyan , Mao Guangcai , Sun Jianguo , Wu Yuanshan
Published: November 2023

This article discusses nonparametric estimation of a survival function in the presence of measurement errors on the observation of the failure time of interest. One situation where such issues arise would be clinical studies of chronic diseases where the observation on the time to the failure event of interest such as the onset of the disease relies on patient recall or chart review of electronic medical records. It is easy to see that both situations can be subject to measurement errors. To resolve this problem, we propose a simulation extrapolation approach to correct the bias induced by the measurement error. To overcome potential computational difficulties, we use spline regression to approximate the unspecified extrapolated coefficient function of time, and establish the asymptotic properties of our proposed estimator. The proposed method is applied to nonparametric estimation based on interval‐censored data. Extensive numerical experiments involving both simulated and actual study datasets demonstrate the feasibility of this proposed estimation procedure.
Chimeric antigen receptor‐based immunotherapy in breast cancer: Recent progress in China
Authors: Yu Tianze , Lu Yuexin , Fang Jianwen , Jiang Xiaocong , Lu Yue , Zheng Jingyan , Shang Xi , Shen Haixing , Fu Peifen
Published: November 2023

Breast cancer (BC) is the fourth most prevalent cancer in China. Despite conventional treatment strategies, BC patients often have poor therapeutic outcomes, leading to significant global cancer mortality rates. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)‐based immunotherapy is a promising and innovative approach for cancer treatment that redirects immune cells to attack tumor cells expressing selected tumor antigens (TAs). T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and macrophages, key components of the immune system, are used in CAR‐based immunotherapies. Although remarkable progress has been made with CAR‐T cells in hematologic malignancies, the application of CAR‐based immunotherapy to BC has lagged. This is partly due to obstacles such as tumor heterogeneity, which is further associated with the TA and BC subtypes, and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Several combinatorial approaches, including the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors, oncolytic viruses, and antitumor drugs, have been proposed to overcome these obstacles in BC treatment. Furthermore, several CAR‐based immunotherapies for BC have been translated into clinical trials. This review provides an overview of the recent progress in CAR‐based immunotherapy for BC treatment, including targeting of TAs, consideration of BC subtypes, assessment of the TME, and exploration of combinatorial therapies. The authors focused on preclinical studies and clinical trials of CAR‐T cells, CAR‐NK cells, and CAR‐macrophages especially conducted in China, followed by an internal comparison and discussion of current limits. In conclusion, this review elucidates China’s contribution to CAR‐based immunotherapies for BC and provides inspiration for further research.

Plain Language Summary

Despite conventional treatment strategies, breast cancer (BC) patients in China often have poor therapeutic outcomes.

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)‐based immunotherapy, a promising approach, can redirect immune cells to kill tumor cells expressing selected tumor antigens (TAs). However, obstacles such as TA selection, BC subtypes, and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment still exist. Therefore, various combinatorial approaches have been proposed.

This article elucidates several Chinese CAR‐based preclinical and clinical studies in BC treatment with comparisons of foreign research, and CAR‐immune cells are analyzed, providing inspiration for further research.
An old friend, a new insight: Calcitonin measurement in serum and aspiration needle washout fluids significantly increases the early and accurate detection of medullary thyroid cancer
Authors: Ogmen Berna Evranos , Ince Nurcan , Aksoy Altınboga Aysegul , Akdogan Leyla , Polat Sefika Burcak , Genc Birgul , Menekse Ebru , Aydin Cevdet , Topaloglu Oya , Ersoy Reyhan , Cakir Bekir
Published: November 2023

Background

The sensitivity of cytological (CY) evaluation after fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) for detecting medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a subject of controversy. The routine use of serum calcitonin (CT) in patients with thyroid nodules is not universally adopted. The authors conducted CT screening of FNA washout fluid (FNA‐CT) to address the diagnostic challenges. The objective was to assess the contributions of serum CT, FNA cytology (FNA‐CY), and FNA‐CT to the diagnosis.

Methods

Between February 2019 and June 2022 (group 1), the authors prospectively screened the CT of patients with thyroid nodules. Both FNA‐CY and FNA‐CT were performed for patients with persistently elevated CT values. The sensitivity of FNA‐CY, serum CT, and FNA‐CT for accurate diagnosis was evaluated. Additionally, the authors retrospectively examined data from patients with thyroid nodules before CT screening (2008–2019) (group 2). They compared the characteristics of MTC patients in groups 1 and 2.

Results

MTC was identified in 30 patients (0.25%) in group 1 and 19 (0.07%) in group 2. A FNA‐CT cutoff value of 4085.5 pg/mL detected MTC with a sensitivity of 96.8%, and a serum CT cutoff value of 28.3 pg/mL detected MTC with a sensitivity of 86.7%. In contrast, FNA‐CY detected MTC with a sensitivity of 42.4%. In group 1, 18 patients (60%) with MTC were diagnosed with microcarcinoma, whereas only two patients (10.5%) in group 2 had microcarcinoma.

Conclusions

This study detected MTC earlier by routinely measuring serum CT in all patients with nodular thyroid disease and performing FNA‐CT in those with elevated values. FNA‐CT and serum CT sensitivities were significantly higher than those of FNA‐CY. This study revealed different FNA‐CT cutoff values compared to other studies, emphasizing the need for determining clinic‐specific cutoff values.
A retrospective analysis of molecular testing in cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules with histologic correlation: Experience at a heterogenous multihospital system
Authors: Sura Gloria H. , Thrall Michael J. , Rogers John , Hodjat Parsa , Christensen Paul , Cubb Trisha D. , Khadra Helmi S. , Thomas Jessica S. , Jacobi Elizabeth M.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Thyroid malignancy is one of the most common types of cancer in developed nations. Currently, fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is the most practical screening test for thyroid nodules. However, cytologically indeterminate samples comprise approximately 15%–30% of cases. These include cases classified as atypia of undetermined significance (AUS), follicular neoplasm (FN), and suspicious for malignancy (SFM). Indeterminate cases can be sent for molecular testing for more definitive classification to help guide management and prevent overtreatment of benign thyroid nodules. We conducted a retrospective review on molecular testing of indeterminate thyroid FNAC and reviewed subsequent histologic diagnoses in resection specimens to assess how molecular testing supported a diagnosis and its effect on clinical management of patients at our institution.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed on all thyroid FNAC specimens, corresponding molecular testing, and subsequent surgical resection specimens over a 6‐year period.

Results

A total of 10,253 thyroid FNAC were performed in our hospital system during our study period, of which 10% (n = 1102/10,253) had indeterminate FNAC results. Molecular testing was performed in 16% (n = 178/1102) of indeterminate cytology cases. Genetic alterations were identified in 39% (n = 69/178) of the cases sent for molecular testing. The majority of cytologically indeterminate cases sent for molecular testing were follicular‐patterned lesions and their corresponding resection specimens revealed mostly low grade follicular derived neoplasms (i.e., follicular adenoma, non‐invasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary‐like nuclear features, and follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma). Of the cases with identified genetic alterations, 75% (n = 52/69) were treated surgically. In cases with no genetic alterations identified, only 18% (n = 20/109) were treated surgically.

Discussion/Conclusion

Molecular testing on cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules can help provide a more accurate risk of malignancy assessment in patients with lesions that are difficult to diagnosis based solely on FNAC morphology. The types of genetic alterations identified in the resected thyroid lesions were consistent with what has been previously described in the literature. Additionally, we found that in the patients with indeterminate thyroid FNAC with adjunct molecular testing, more than half did not undergo surgical resection. This finding emphasizes the value of adding molecular testing in patients, particularly when attempting to reduce unnecessary surgical intervention.
Risk of self‐harm in patients with eating disorders: English population‐based national record‐linkage study, 1999–2021
Authors: Conway‐Jones R. , James A. , Goldacre M. J. , Seminog O. O.
Published: November 2023

Objective

Anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) are eating disorders associated with high rates of self‐harm (SH). This is the first national study in England to quantify this association in a hospital population.

Method

A retrospective cohort study using a linked national dataset of Hospital Episode Statistics for 1999–2021. The exposure cohort included individuals aged <35 years admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of AN or BN. The reference cohort included hospital controls. We calculated the rate ratio (RR) of SH in each cohort. The individuals in the two cohorts were matched on multiple socio‐demographic indicators. The main outcome was a subsequent hospitalization or death record with an SH diagnosis.

Results

We identified 15,004 females and 1411 males with AN, and 6055 females and 741 males with BN. The RR with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) for a subsequent admission with intentional self‐harm after admission with AN was 4.9 (95%CI 4.7–5.1) in females and 4.8 (95%CI 3.9–5.8) in males. For BN it was 9.0 (95%CI 8.4–9.6) in females and 9.8 (95%CI 7.7–12.2) in males. There were strong associations between AN and BN and other SH.

Discussion

Women and men admitted to English hospitals with AN or BN have a very high risk of a subsequent admission with SH. For some SH behaviors, such as alcohol intoxication, the RR was >10‐fold elevated. The magnitude of risk was higher for BN than for AN. Clinicians should be aware of the scale of risk increase. Providing those at risk with appropriate support is required.

Public significance

This study is the first national study in an English hospital population that confirms and quantifies the association between eating disorders and self‐harm. We have found that both women and men admitted to hospital with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa are at an increased risk of subsequent admission with self‐harm. It is important that clinicians are aware of this increased risk to support those at highest risk of self‐harm.
Bumblebee responses to variation in pollinator‐attracting traits of Vicia faba flowers
Authors: Bailes Emily J. , Moscrop Jake , Mitchell Sarah , Dorling Matthew , Wood Tom , Thomas Jane , Glover Beverley J.
Published: November 2023

Adaptations that attract pollinators to flowers are central to the reproductive success of insect‐pollinated plants, including crops. Understanding the influence of these non‐rewarding traits on pollinator preference is important for our future food security by maintaining sufficient crop pollination. We have identified substantial variation in flower shape, petal size, corolla‐tube length, petal spot size and floral volatile compounds among a panel of 30 genetically distinct lines of Vicia faba. Using this variation, we found that Bombus terrestris was able to distinguish between natural variation in petal spot size, floral volatile emissions and corolla‐tube length. Foragers showed some innate preference for spotted flowers over non‐spotted flowers and preferred shorter corolla‐tube lengths over longer tubes. Our results suggest that some floral traits may have significant potential to enhance pollinator attraction to V. faba crops, particularly if paired with optimised rewards.
Brain dopamine receptor system is not altered in obesity: Bayesian and frequentist meta‐analyses
Authors: Pak Kyoungjune , Nummenmaa Lauri
Published: November 2023

Feeding induces dopamine release in the striatum, and a dysfunction of the dopaminergic reward system can lead to overeating, and obesity. Studies have reported inconsistent findings of dopamine receptor (DR) positron emission tomography scans in obesity. Here we investigated the association between DR availability and overweight/obesity using Bayesian and frequentist meta‐analysis. We performed a systematic search of Embase, Medline, Scopus and Web of Science for studies that compared striatal DR availability between lean subjects and overweight/obese subjects. The standardized mean difference (Hedge's g) of DR availability was calculated after extraction of data from each study. Studies were divided into two groups according to the definition of overweight/obese subjects (body mass index [BMI] cutoff of 25 and 30 kg/m2). Both Bayesian and frequentist meta‐analysis was done in R Statistical Software version 4.2.2 (The R Foundation for Statistical Computing). Nine studies were eligible for inclusion in this study. Three studies with C11‐raclopride, one with C11‐PNHO, two with F18‐fallypride, one with I123‐IBZM, one with C11‐NMB and one with both C11‐raclopride and C11‐PNHO were included. In Bayesian meta‐analysis, the standardized mean difference of DR availability between lean and overweight/obese subjects markedly overlapped with zero regardless of BMI cutoff for obesity. In frequentist meta‐analysis, the pooled standardized mean difference of DR availability did not show the significant difference between lean and overweight/obese subjects. There was an effect of the radiopharmaceutical on the standardized mean difference of DR availability in meta‐analysis of BMI cutoff of 25 kg/m2. In conclusion, brain DR availability is not different between lean and overweight/obese subjects. However, the effect is dependent on the radiopharmaceutical and the degree of obesity. Further studies with multi‐radiopharmaceutical in the same individuals are needed to understand the association between DR and obesity.
Granule cells perform frequency‐dependent pattern separation in a computational model of the dentate gyrus
Authors: Singh Selena , Becker Suzanna , Trappenberg Thomas , Nunes Abraham
Published: November 2023

Mnemonic discrimination (MD) may be dependent on oscillatory perforant path input frequencies to the hippocampus in a “U”‐shaped fashion, where some studies show that slow and fast input frequencies support MD, while other studies show that intermediate frequencies disrupt MD. We hypothesize that pattern separation (PS) underlies frequency‐dependent MD performance. We aim to study, in a computational model of the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG), the network and cellular mechanisms governing this putative “U”‐shaped PS relationship. We implemented a biophysical model of the DG that produces the hypothesized “U”‐shaped input frequency–PS relationship, and its associated oscillatory electrophysiological signatures. We subsequently evaluated the network's PS ability using an adapted spatiotemporal task. We undertook systematic lesion studies to identify the network‐level mechanisms driving the “U”‐shaped input frequency‐PS relationship. A minimal circuit of a single granule cell (GC) stimulated with oscillatory inputs was also used to study potential cellular‐level mechanisms. Lesioning synapses onto GCs did not impact the “U”‐shaped input frequency–PS relationship. Furthermore, GC inhibition limits PS performance for fast frequency inputs, while enhancing PS for slow frequency inputs. GC interspike interval was found to be input frequency dependent in a “U”‐shaped fashion, paralleling frequency‐dependent PS observed at the network level. Additionally, GCs showed an attenuated firing response for fast frequency inputs. We conclude that independent of network‐level inhibition, GCs may intrinsically be capable of producing a “U”‐shaped input frequency‐PS relationship. GCs may preferentially decorrelate slow and fast inputs via spike timing reorganization and high frequency filtering.
Impacts of a new diagnosis‐related group point payment system on children's medical services in China: Length of stay and costs
Authors: Wang Sisi , Wu Nuan , Wang Huiyi , Zhang Xiaotong , Li Fubang , Wang Xiaohao , Wang Wei
Published: November 2023

Background

Paediatric healthcare is always highlighted in medical and health care system reform in China. Zhejiang Province established a new diagnosis‐related group (DRG) point payment reform in 2020 to regulate provider behaviours and control medical costs. We conducted this study to evaluate impacts of the DRG point payment policy on provider behaviours and resource usage in children's medical services.

Methods

Data from patients' discharge records from July 2019 to December 2020 in Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine were collected for analysis. We employed the interrupted time series approach to reveal the trend before and after the DRG point payment reform and the difference‐in‐differences analysis to estimate the independent outcome changes attributed to the reform.

Results

We found that the upward trend of length of stay slightly slowed, and the total costs began to decrease at the post‐policy stage. Although independent effects of the reform were not presented among the whole sample, the length of stay and hospitalisation costs of moderate‐hospital‐stay paediatric patients, non‐surgical patients, and infant patients were found to decrease rapidly after the reform.

Conclusion

DRG point payments can changed the provider behaviours and eventually reduce healthcare resource usage in children's medical services.
Assessing conspiracist beliefs across societies: Validation of the Serbian adaptation of the Generic Conspiracist Beliefs Scale (GCBS)
Authors: Dinić Bojana M. , Dagnall Neil , Denovan Andrew , Došenović Anamarija , Neave Nick
Published: November 2023

Initial validation of the Generic Conspiracist Beliefs Scale (GCBS) identified five correlated factors: Government Malfeasance, Malevolent Global Conspiracies, Extraterrestrial Cover‐up, Personal Well‐being and Control of Information. Despite replications of this structure, ensuing research, mostly using translated versions of the GCBS (i.e., Persian and Japanese), has reported factorial alternatives. Concomitantly, researchers postulated that belief in conspiracies was higher in historically troubled societies (e.g., Serbia). To further assess the cultural stability of the five correlated factor solution and test the assumption that GCBS scores are affected by social‐political instability, a Serbian adaptation of the GCBS was assessed alongside the standard English language version. Data were collected from Serbian (n = 259, 44.40% males) and UK samples (n = 402, 52.25% males). Within samples, confirmatory factor analysis replicated the five‐factor solution. Additionally, national and gender invariance was confirmed. National comparisons (Serbia vs. UK) revealed that the Serbian sample scored higher on Government Malfeasance, Malevolent Global Conspiracies, Personal Well‐being and Control of Information, whereas the UK sample scored higher on Extraterrestrial Cover‐up. There were no gender differences on GCBS factors. Findings indicated that while the Serbian GCBS was interpreted similarly to the GCBS, societal factors influenced endorsement of belief facets.
Systematic study and design of multimodal MRI image augmentation for brain tumor detection with loss aware exchange and residual networks
Authors: Bhuyan Ranadeep , Nandi Gypsy
Published: November 2023

One of the most difficult problems that develop when brain cells start to grow out of control is a brain tumor, which is regarded as the most lethal disease of the century. Finding and identifying malignant brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images is the major challenge before therapy. Researchers have been putting a lot of effort into creating the best method for more accurate real‐world medical image recognition. For manual categorization, it is quite time‐consuming to segment large quantities of MRI data. To mitigate these issues, this paper suggests the information exchange gateway‐based residual UNet (IEGResUNet) model, which uses the ResUNet model as a base model. Additionally, including principal component analysis (PCA) data augmentation will increase the model's efficiency while also enhancing its speed. The IEGResUNet model shows an ablation investigation on three Brats datasets, with and without PCA augmentation. The results demonstrate that IEGResUNet will improve segmentation effectiveness and can also manage the imbalance in input data when PCA data augmentation models are included. The dice score on BraTS 2019 for whole tumor, region of core tumor, and region of enhancing tumor were 0.9083, 0.883, and 0.8106 respectively. Also, on BraTS 2020, the dice score for WT, CT, and ET 0.9083, 0.883, and 0.8106 was respectively. Similarly, on BraTS 2021, the dice score for WT, CT, and ET was 0.8737, 0.8866, and 0.7963 respectively. Comparing against baseline models, the IEGResUNet scored well in terms of dice score and intersection over union.
Relevant edge probability‐based adaptively weighted active contour for medical image segmentation
Authors: Sa Bijay Kumar , Panda Rutuparna , Agrawal Sanjay
Published: November 2023

The level‐set based active contours have been found popular for medical image segmentation tasks, because of their inherent support for the topological changes—splitting and merging. Meanwhile, contour's leakage through the weak edges and premature convergence due to intensity inhomogeneity diminish its accuracy. Adjusting energy weights according to image features, local to the contour can be helpful. However, weight adjusted as deterministic function of the features is not adequate, limiting the segmentation accuracy. To address the problem, a new relevant edge probability based adaptively weighted level‐set evolution (REP‐WLSE) method for medical image segmentation is investigated. The weights used in this proposal are adaptive to an image relative value, obtained statistically from the feature‐explorations during the contour's evolution. The value is basically an estimate of contour's probability of finding relevant boundary edges on the image plane. Spatial intensity‐range filtering provides the feature space. An adaptive time‐step management scheme is also implemented, which controls the speed variation of the contour evolution. Time‐step is adjusted as a function of contour's alignment with the edges. The merits of the suggested methodology are—(i) reduced leakage through the weak edges, (ii) ability to handle the inhomogeneity, and (iii) increased chances of convergence around the foreground/region of interest (ROI). Experimental results using brain MR, abdominal ultrasound, and breast ultrasound images are presented. State‐of‐the‐art methods are compared using different metrics. The suggested methodology achieved better results.
Extractive distillation of tetrahydrofuran–ethanol azeotropic mixture with ionic liquid as extractant
Authors: Li Wenxiu , Zhang Linzi , Guo Hongfan , Ni Qingfeng , Feng Huisheng , Wang Lida , Zhang Tao
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

The tetrahydrofuran–ethanol azeotrope cannot be separated by common distillation, but can be effectively separated by extractive distillation. Extractive distillation can be simulated by Aspen Plus software. The minimum annual cost of the process can be calculated to assess ionic liquid separation ability. The interaction energy can be used to explain the separation mechanism.

RESULTS

The non‐random two‐liquid model parameters of ternary mixtures for tetrahydrofuran and ethanol containing tributylmethylammonium acetate or 1‐octyl‐3‐methylimidazolium acetate were obtained. Thermodynamic property databases of tributylmethylammonium acetate, 1‐hexyl‐2,3‐dimethylimidazolium acetate and 1‐octyl‐3‐methylimidazolium acetate were established. Based on the thermodynamic model parameters and properties, the sequential iterative method was used to determine the best operating conditions and minimum total annual cost the of extractive distillation process. The interaction energy was calculated to explain the separation mechanism.

CONCLUSIONS

The separation performance of tributylmethylammonium acetate is better than that of 1‐hexyl‐2,3‐dimethylimidazolium acetate or 1‐octyl‐3‐methylimidazolium acetate. The selection and design of the ionic liquids can be conducted in terms of the interaction energy. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).