bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COL1A1::PDGFB fusion‐associated uterine fibrosarcoma: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Rota Simone , Franza Andrea , Fabbroni Chiara , Paolini Biagio , Greco Francesca Gabriella , Alessi Alessandra , Padovano Barbara , Casali Paolo , Sanfilippo Roberta
Published: January 2024

Background

Mesenchymal neoplasms of the uterus encompass a diverse group of tumors, with varying characteristics and origins, collectively accounting for 8% of uterine malignancies. The most common variants include uterine leiomyosarcoma, low‐grade and high‐grade endometrial stromal sarcoma, adenosarcoma, and undifferentiated sarcoma. Clinical presentation is often nonspecific and can lead to delayed diagnosis. Uterine sarcomas are generally aggressive, resulting in poorer prognosis compared to carcinomas. Recent advances in molecular techniques, such as next‐generation sequencing (NGS), have led to the identification of new subtypes of uterine sarcomas, including COL1A1::PDGFB fusion‐associated fibrosarcoma, which has a specific chromosomal translocation t(17;22)(q22;q13). Imatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), is an effective treatment for dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP), marked by this translocation.

Case

We present the case of a 42‐year‐old woman diagnosed with COL1A1::PDGFB fusion‐associated uterine fibrosarcoma. The patient underwent total hysterectomy and excision of the tumor, initially misdiagnosed as a low‐grade leiomyosarcoma. Subsequent histological examination, immunohistochemistry, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) confirmed the diagnosis. After 10 months, disease recurrence was detected, and Imatinib therapy was initiated at a dose of 400 mg daily. An allergic reaction led to a temporary discontinuation, but upon resumption with appropriate medication, a positive radiological response was observed. The patient achieved a complete remission after 2 years and is still on Imatinib treatment.

Conclusions

COL1A1::PDGFB fusion‐associated uterine fibrosarcoma is an extremely rare mesenchymal neoplasm. In a case we present herein, we treated a patient with imatinib as first‐line medical therapy. The patient is currently in complete remission after 37 months from treatment start. To the best of our knowledge, this represents a unique observation. We also provide a detailed literature review of the published cases so far. Prospective case series are needed to further understand the natural history of these tumors and optimize treatment strategies.
Recent Advances in Selenium‐Containing Non‐fullerene Acceptors for High‐Performance Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Lyu Li , Zhang Zaixin , Lyu Rongna , Zhu Shenbo , Cui Yongjie , Hu Huawei
Published: January 2024

The diversity in molecular structures and solution processability of non‐fullerene acceptors (NFAs), particularly those containing selenium (Se), plays a pivotal role in advancing organic solar cells (OSCs). Among various molecular design strategies, the introduction of selenium atoms, characterized by their large covalent radius, loose electron cloud, and strong polarization properties, can enhance intermolecular Se‐Se interactions and improve the electron‐donating capability of π‐cores. This approach is considered a significant avenue for optimizing the photovoltaic performance of active layer materials. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of recent advancements in selenium‐containing acceptor molecules. These include ITIC‐based fused ring NFAs, Y6‐based fused ring NFAs, Y6‐based polymer acceptors, non‐fused ring electron acceptors and their application in tandem and ternary OSCs. Additionally, we analyze the future prospects and development of selenium‐containing NFAs with the goal of achieving OSC efficiencies exceeding 20 %.
Revelation of the Microwave Absorption Properties of Nano‐Sized Doubly Substituted Hexagonal Ferrites
Authors: Idrees Mishal , Sadiq Imran , Khan Hasan M. , Sadiq Farhan , Hussain Sajjad , Riaz Saira , Naseem Shahzad
Published: January 2024

The main theme of this work is to synthesize and investigate different properties of Pr3+‐Cu2+ substituted X‐type hexaferrite Sr2‐xPrxCo2Fe28‐yCuyO46 with concentration (x = 0, 0.02, 0.06, 0.1 and y = 0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5) by adopting the sol–gel method. The XRD patterns show the single phase for all the samples. The Pr3+‐Cu2+ substitution in pure X‐type hexaferrites changes the structural parameters. The increment in dielectric properties with Pr3+‐Cu2+ substitution is observed and the patterns show anomalous dielectric behavior. The FTIR analysis also confirms the single phase for the prepared materials. The magnetic properties of the material are enhanced with additives. The difference in saturation magnetization, coercivity, and remanence is observed on the basis of allocated cations onto the different lattice sites. The linear increase in saturation magnetization, remanence, and coercivity make them useful as permanent magnets. The thermal analysis is carried out to know the sintering temperature at which the single X‐type phase can be attained. The material exhibits the minimum value of reflection loss (microwave absorption) at higher frequencies that make this material useful to act as microwave absorbing material (MAM) for super high frequency (SHF) devices.
Electrochemical CO2 reduction integrated with membrane/adsorption‐based CO2 capture in gas‐diffusion electrodes and electrolytes
Authors: Rabiee Hesamoddin , Yan Penghui , Wang Hao , Zhu Zhonghua , Ge Lei
Published: January 2024

Electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) has attracted much attention in the last decade, owing to its unique advantages such as operation at ambient conditions, coupling with renewable electricity, and producing a wide range of products and commodities. The majority of CO2RR studies are focused on pure CO2 as feed, while in real CO2 waste streams, such as flue gas or biogas, CO2 concentration does not exceed 40%. Therefore, the economic feasibility of CO2RR and its carbon footprint are greatly limited by the CO2 purification steps before electrolysis ($70–100 per ton of CO2 for CO2/N2 separation). In recent years, studies have exhibited the importance of this matter by integrating CO2 capture and electroreduction in a single unit. Mostly, CO2 capture solutions as electrolytes have been under attention, and promising results have been achieved to significantly improve the overall economy of CO2RR. The focus on CO2 capture‐electroreduction integration can go beyond the solution/electrolyte‐based CO2 capture (e.g., amine solutions and ionic liquids) and other processes such as solid adsorption and membrane‐based processes, as more efficient options, can be potentially integrated with CO2 electroreduction in the gas‐diffusion electrode design. This article aims to review the recent efforts in integrating capture and electroreduction of CO2 and provides new perspectives in material selection and electrode design for membrane‐ and adsorption‐based CO2 capture‐reduction integration, in addition to the analysis of the economic feasibility of this integration.
Neuromuscular training improves muscle co‐activation and knee kinematics in female athletes with high risk of anterior cruciate ligament injury
Authors: Ramezani Farzaneh , Saki Farzaneh , Tahayori Behdad
Published: January 2024

Neuromuscular deficits at the proximal or distal to the knee may contribute to knee valgus and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. A valgus or abducted position of the knee greater than 12° for females is suggested to be an indicator of the risk of lower extremity injuries. However, there is a lack of examination regarding neuromuscular patterns in both proximal and distal kinetic chains. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 8 weeks of neuromuscular training on knee valgus and co‐activation of the hip and ankle muscles during a countermovement jump in female athletes with a high risk of ACL injury. Twenty‐eight female athletes, with knee valgus greater than 12°, were randomly assigned into two groups: training (n = 14) and control (n = 14). The following measurements were taken before and after the intervention: co‐activation of Gluteus Maximus‐Tensor Fasciae Latae (GMax‐TFL), Gluteus Medius‐Adductor Longus (GMed‐AL), Tibialis Anterior‐Medial Gastrocnemius (TA‐MG), Tibialis Anterior‐Lateral Gastrocnemius (TA‐LG), Medial Gastrocnemius‐Lateral Gastrocnemius (MG‐LG) muscles, and DKV angle during single‐leg countermovement jump task. Following the intervention, the training group demonstrated increased co‐activation of muscles (except TA‐LG) (P < 0.05). The knee valgus angle in the training group decreased by 5.9° (P = 0.001). Our results demonstrated that neuromuscular training alters muscle activity patterns and the neuromuscular group demonstrated a clinically meaningful and statistical reduction in knee valgus.
Genetic deletion of astrocytic calcineurin B1 prevents cognitive impairment and neuropathology development in acute and chronic mouse models of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Tapella Laura , Dematteis Giulia , La Vitola Pietro , Leva Susanna , Tonelli Elisa , Raddi Marco , Delconti Marta , Dacomo Letizia , La Macchia Alberto , Murari Elisa , Talmon Maria , Malecka Justyna , Chrostek Gabriela , Grilli Mariagrazia , Colombo Laura , Salmona Mario , Forloni Gianluigi , Genazzani Armando A. , Balducci Claudia , Lim Dmitry
Published: January 2024

Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents an urgent yet unmet challenge for modern society, calling for exploration of innovative targets and therapeutic approaches. Astrocytes, main homeostatic cells in the CNS, represent promising cell‐target. Our aim was to investigate if deletion of the regulatory CaNB1 subunit of calcineurin in astrocytes could mitigate AD‐related memory deficits, neuropathology, and neuroinflammation. We have generated two, acute and chronic, AD mouse models with astrocytic CaNB1 ablation (ACN‐KO). In the former, we evaluated the ability of β‐amyloid oligomers (AβOs) to impair memory and activate glial cells once injected in the cerebral ventricle of conditional ACN‐KO mice. Next, we generated a tamoxifen‐inducible astrocyte‐specific CaNB1 knock‐out in 3xTg‐AD mice (indACNKO‐AD). CaNB1 was deleted, by tamoxifen injection, in 11.7‐month‐old 3xTg‐AD mice for 4.4 months. Spatial memory was evaluated using the Barnes maze; β‐amyloid plaques burden, neurofibrillary tangle deposition, reactive gliosis, and neuroinflammation were also assessed. The acute model showed that ICV injected AβOs in 2‐month‐old wild type mice impaired recognition memory and fostered a pro‐inflammatory microglia phenotype, whereas in ACN‐KO mice, AβOs were inactive. In indACNKO‐AD mice, 4.4 months after CaNB1 depletion, we found preservation of spatial memory and cognitive flexibility, abolishment of amyloidosis, and reduction of neurofibrillary tangles, gliosis, and neuroinflammation. Our results suggest that ACN is crucial for the development of cognitive impairment, AD neuropathology, and neuroinflammation. Astrocyte‐specific CaNB1 deletion is beneficial for both the abolishment of AβO‐mediated detrimental effects and treatment of ongoing AD‐related pathology, hence representing an intriguing target for AD therapy.
Exploring the impact of soil water variability and varietal diversity on alfalfa yield, nutritional quality, and farm profitability
Authors: Baral Rudra , Jagadish S. V. Krishna , Hein Nathan , Lollato Romulo P. , Shanoyan Aleksan , Giri Anil K. , Kim Jiyung , Kim Myungkyo , Min Doohong
Published: January 2024

Background

Despite high nutritional and economic value, alfalfa yield has not been improved in the United States. Soil moisture critically influences alfalfa's yield and quality, affecting its physiological processes, nutrient uptake, and stand growth. Additionally, the maturity stage at harvest can significantly impact both hay yield and quality. Thus, this study aimed to assess the effect of different soil moisture levels and harvesting times on forage yield, nutritive value, and the overall profitability of commercially cultivated alfalfa.

Methods

Two conventional and three lower‐lignin alfalfa varieties were planted in a randomized complete block with split plot design under drought, rainfed, and irrigation conditions in 2020 in Manhattan, Kansas, USA. The dry matter yield (DMY) and forage nutritive value were evaluated at late bud, early flowering, and 7 days after early flowering stages, respectively.

Results

DMY varied with production year, soil water availability, and growth stages, with drought conditions causing a decline in DMY of 5% to 38% in the second production year. Water conditions and maturity stages influenced crude protein (CP) and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). Higher soil moisture and advancing maturity stages negatively impacted CP, IVDMD, and relative forage quality. The study revealed net profit margins of 62%, 64%, and 52% for drought‐prone, rainfed, and irrigated production, respectively.

Conclusions

Harvest timing and irrigation practices were found to have substantial implications for forage yield and nutritive value of alfalfa. The yield‐quality trade‐off differed under drought and irrigation, with early harvesting leading to lower yields but higher protein content and digestibility. The study findings provide potential guidance for improving alfalfa hay yield, quality, and profitability.
How can countries respond to the health and care workforce crisis? Insights from international evidence
Authors: McPake Barbara , Dayal Prarthna , Zimmermann Julia , Williams Gemma A.
Published: January 2024

Future global health security requires a health and care workforce (HCWF) that can respond effectively to health crises as well as to changing health needs with ageing populations, a rise in chronic conditions and growing inequality. COVID‐19 has drawn attention to an impending HCWF crisis with a large projected shortfall in numbers against need. Addressing this requires countries to move beyond a focus on numbers of doctors, nurses and midwives to consider what kinds of healthcare workers can deliver the services needed; are more likely to stay in country, in rural and remote areas, and in health sector jobs; and what support they need to deliver high‐quality services. In this paper, which draws on a Policy Brief prepared for the World Health Organization (WHO) Fifth Global Forum on Human Resources for Health, we review the global evidence on best practices in organising, training, deploying, and managing the HCWF to highlight areas for strategic investments. These include (1). Increasing HCWF diversity to improve the skill‐mix and provide culturally competent care; (2). Introducing multidisciplinary teams in primary care; (3). Transforming health professional education with greater interprofessional education; (4). Re‐thinking employment and deployment systems to address HCWF shortages; (5). Improving HCWF retention by supporting healthcare workers and addressing migration through destination country policies that limit draining resources from countries with greatest need. These approaches are departures from current norms and hold substantial potential for building a sustainable and responsive HCWF.
The evolution of anesthesiology education: Embracing new technologies and teaching approaches
Authors: Bastola Priska , Atreya Alok , Bhandari Prawesh S. , Parajuli Subigya
Published: January 2024

Background and aims

Medical education requires regular reforms to include emerging best practices and technologies, while also critically evaluating effectiveness of traditional didactic teaching methods. This manuscript examines the challenges and opportunities associated with modernizing the anesthesiology curriculum.

Methods

Narrative review of literature on innovations in medical education, with a specific emphasis on anesthesiology training.

Results

Educators face difficulties implementing new teaching approaches and evaluating their effectiveness. However, active learning methods, blended with selected traditional techniques, can enhance learner engagement and competencies. Self‐directed learning and simulations prepare students for real‐world practice, while flipped classrooms and online platforms increase accessibility.

Conclusions

A blended approach, integrating interactive technology alongside modified lectures and seminars, may optimize anesthesiology education. Despite the promise of improved pedagogies, further research is required to assess outcomes. By embracing innovation while retaining certain foundational methods, programs can equip anesthesiologists with modern skills. This evolution is key to meeting the needs of 21st‐century anesthesia care needs. Remaining at the forefront of this transformation will be vital in preparing competent future anesthesiologists through state‐of‐the‐art education.
Exploring the relationship between falls, fall‐related psychological concerns, and personality traits in adults: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Adandom Henrietha C. , Nwankwo Henry C. , Adandom Israel I. , Akinrolie Olayinka , Odole Adesola C. , Scott David R. , Awosoga Oluwagbohunmi A.
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims

Personality traits, such as neuroticism and extraversion, are emerging as important predictors of falls. Despite their significance, existing fall prevention programs often overlook these traits, creating a notable research gap. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive scoping review to explore the existing literature on the relationships among personality traits, falls, and fall‐related psychological concerns (FrPCs).

Methods

This scoping review will adhere to the framework established by Arksey and O'Malley, incorporating extensions recommended by the Joanna Briggs Institute and using the PRISMA‐ScR checklist. A thorough search strategy will be employed, aligning with the population, concept, and context (PCC) selection criteria. Electronic databases, including MEDLINE, APA PsycINFO, Web of Science, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus, will be searched from their inception to the present. Additionally, a manual search of the reference lists of identified and relevant full‐text articles will be conducted. Two independent reviewers will screen titles and abstracts, perform full‐text reviews, and extract data from pertinent articles.

Discussion

Personality traits are increasingly recognized as influential predictors of falls and related psychological concerns. This review aims to make a substantial contribution to the existing literature by being the first to comprehensively explore and provide a descriptive synthesis of the relationship between personality traits and falls, as well as FrPCs in adults. It is hoped that the outcomes of this review will enhance our comprehension of the role of personality traits in falls, potentially informing future research and strategies for this critical area of study.

Scoping Review Registration

This scoping review protocol was registered with Open Science Framework (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/KR74X).
Composite pin‐fin heat sink for effective hotspot reduction
Authors: Khan Musthfa Ali , Ali Hafiz Muhammad , Rehman Tauseef‐ur , Arsalanloo Akbar , Niyas Hakeem
Published: January 2024

This current work aims to decrease temperature nonuniformity in a microprocessor. The proposed composite pin‐fin heat sink design is analyzed computationally, and its functioning is compared with the conventional heat sink design. According to the heat rate, the composite heat sink is divided into two sections: the hotspot and the background section. Aluminum, copper, and graphene are chosen for the background and hotspot sections. Both noncomposite and composite heat sinks are designed with similar geometrical dimensions. DI water is used as the working fluid. They are studied for heterogeneous hotspot heat flux varying from 200 to 600 kW/m2 by keeping constant background heat flux as 100 kW/m2 with the inlet mass flow rate of 0.05 kg/s. Further simulations are performed for various Reynolds numbers (Re = 150, 225, 300) with a constant background and hotspot heat flux of 100 and 600 kW/m2, respectively, for different inlet temperatures of 15°C, 20°C, and 25°C. The simulations are also carried out for other working fluids, such as TiO2 and Fe2O3 based nanofluids with the constant volume concentration of 0.65% and 3%, respectively in the DI water, at the constant background and hotspot heat flux of 100 and 600 kW/m2, respectively. The results are shown for all the above studies planned. The results suggest that composite heat sinks with graphene as a composite material and Fe2O3 based nanofluid yields higher heat dissipation.
Regulatable interfacial adhesion between stamp and ink for transfer printing
Authors: Li Yiheng , Zhang Feilong , Wang Shutao
Published: January 2024

As an emerging processing technology, transfer printing enables the assembly of functional material arrays (called inks) on various substrates with micro/nanoscale resolution and has been widely used in the fabrication of flexible electronics and display systems. The critical steps in transfer printing are the ink pick‐up and printing processes governed by the switching of adhesion states at the stamp/ink interface. In this review, we first introduce the history of transfer printing in terms of the transfer methods, transferred materials, and applications. Then, the fundamental characteristics of the transfer printing system and typical strategies for regulating the stamp/ink interfacial adhesion strength are summarized and exemplified. Finally, future challenges and opportunities for developing the novel stamps, inks, and substrates with intelligent adhesion capability are discussed, aiming to inspire the innovation in the design of transfer printing systems.
Metallosalen covalent organic frameworks for heterogeneous catalysis
Authors: Zhou Wei , Deng Wei‐Qiao , Lu Xing
Published: January 2024

Metallosalen covalent organic frameworks (M(salen)‐COFs) have garnered significant attention as promising candidates for advanced heterogeneous catalysis, including organocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and photocatalysis, due to their unique structural advantages (combining molecules catalysts and crystalline porous materials) and tunable topological network. It is essential to provide a comprehensive overview of emerging designs of M(salen)‐COFs and corresponding advances in this field. Herein, this review first summarizes the reported metallolinkers and the synthesis methods of M(salen)‐COFs. In addition, the review enumerates the excellent M(salen)‐COF based heterogeneous catalysts and discusses the fundamental mechanisms behind the outstanding heterogeneous catalytic performance of M(salen)‐COFs. These mechanisms include the pore enrichment effect (enhancing local concentration within porous materials to promote catalytic reactions), the three‐in‐one strategy (integrating enrichment, reduction, and oxidation sites in one system), and the incorporation of a built‐in electric field (implanting a built‐in electric field in heterometallic phthalocyanine covalent organic frameworks). Furthermore, this review discusses the challenges and prospects related to M(salen)‐COFs in heterogeneous catalysis.
Single‐atom materials: The application in energy conversion
Authors: Zhu Chenxi , Yang Jiarui , Zhang Jiangwei , Wang Xinqiang , Gao Yong , Wang Dingsheng , Pan Hongge
Published: January 2024

Single‐atom materials (SAMs) have become one of the most important power sources to push the field of energy conversion forward. Among the main types of energy, including thermal energy, electrical energy, solar energy, and biomass energy, SAMs have realized ultra‐high efficiency and show an appealing future in practical application. More than high activity, the uniform active sites also provide a convincible model for chemists to design and comprehend the mechanism behind the phenomenon. Therefore, we presented an insightful review of the application of the single‐atom material in the field of energy conversion. The challenges (e.g., accurate synthesis and practical application) and future directions (e.g., machine learning and efficient design) of the applications of SAMs in energy conversion are included, aiming to provide guidance for the research in the next step.
The use of Ambroxol for the treatment of Gaucher disease: A systematic review
Authors: Abelleyra Lastoria Diego Agustín , Grewal Simranjeet , Hughes Derralynn
Published: January 2024

Gaucher disease (GD) is a heterogeneous condition requiring tailored treatment approaches. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesise and evaluate current evidence pertaining to the use of Ambroxol for the treatment of GD. Published and unpublished literature databases, conference proceedings and the reference lists of included studies were searched until 23 November 2023. A narrative synthesis was performed. Database search and risk of bias assessment were performed independently by two reviewers.

Twenty‐one studies (182 patients) were included. The evidence was low in quality. Variable responses to Ambroxol were observed. Response rates were 36% and 55% in two studies reporting on type 1 GD. One study found a 22% response rate in type 2 GD, whereas another study found 29% of patients with type 3 GD reported neurological improvements. No severe adverse events were reported in the literature, with mild and reversible side effects reported. Varying response rates are to be expected (29%–100%) when treating neurological manifestations. Varying degrees of symptomatic improvement for the treatment of GD were noted in the literature. Multidisciplinary team input and clinical judgement are advised to provide personalized treatment of this complex and multi‐faceted condition.
Evaluating the h‐index as a climate metric for the Arabian Peninsula
Authors: Alghamdi Ali S. , Harrington Jr John
Published: January 2024

A number of indices exist to help climatologists understand and communicate varying aspects of local to global scale conditions. The h‐index can be applied to weather data to summarize the magnitude and frequency of heat events on an annual or seasonal basis. Using both station and reanalysis model output data for the Arabian Peninsula, this research documents the value of the h‐index approach. The method is applied to daily high temperature, daily high apparent temperature, warm overnight low temperature and warm overnight apparent temperature for the period 1991–2022. Application of the h‐index approach to data from the Arabian Peninsula provides findings that strengthen and add to existing knowledge for the region. Findings from analysis of the ERA5‐Land dataset reinforce the findings from station data and provide results for wall‐to‐wall coverage of the study area, with lower h‐index values at higher elevations. Trend analysis results corroborate ideas related to greater warming of overnight lows. The findings document that the h‐index can be used in a subtropical desert climate region.
Employee engagement index: A graph‐theoretic matrix approach
Authors: Goyal Komal , Nigam Ashutosh , Goyal Neha
Published: January 2024

In today's fast‐paced business environment, organizations are increasingly recognizing the critical role of employee engagement in attaining long‐term success and competitiveness. Industries increasingly utilize employee engagement systems to improve public perceptions by incorporating human resource management practices, psychological ownership, job crafting, and organizational citizenship behaviors. These elements are focused on reducing the effects of employee turnover. Therefore, this article aims to represent the factors and subfactors influencing employee engagement and develop an employee engagement index. In this research, an employee engagement index was formulated and the positive impact of factors influencing employee engagement was evaluated using a graph‐theoretic and matrix approach (GTMA). This index measures the number of factors in an organization conducive to creating an engaging environment among employees. It gives information about aspects at the system and subsystem levels. A step‐by‐step procedure for implementing methodology is provided, along with an example that may assist an organization.
Erdheim–Chester disease presenting with eruptive fibrous histiocytomas
Authors: Martinez Michael J. , Meehan Shane A. , Tattersall Ian W.
Published: January 2024

Erdheim–Chester disease (ECD) is a rare, non‐Langerhans histiocytic disease, with the manifestation of cutaneous lesions becoming further recognised and understood. Most commonly presenting with xanthelasma‐like lesions, cutaneous manifestations are the first noticeable sign of ECD in a significant number of patients. Other commonly reported cutaneous lesions of ECD include panniculitis‐like lesions and granuloma annulare‐like lesions. While previously reported papular lesions of ECD include crusty yellow and erythematous papules, small, pink to fleshy coloured papules, and verruca plana‐like papules, papulonodular eruptions consistent with fibrous histiocytomas are a rare and underreported sequala of ECD. Here, we report an 86‐year‐old male with a history of prostate and bladder cancer who presented with eruptive fibrous histiocytomas, prompting workup that lead to a diagnosis of ECD. The patient received expedited imaging given the rare association of eruptive fibrohistiocytic lesions with malignancy, revealing diffuse perinephric and urothelial soft tissue thickening and enhancement, which was biopsied and found to harbour the BRAF V600E mutation. One could reasonably hypothesise that the pathologic mechanism occurring in the perinephric and urothelial soft tissue areas of this patient bodes similarities to the cutaneous sites consistent with the fibrohistiocytic lesions. This may present a potential clue to the poorly understood origin and pathogenesis of ECD.
Measuring of environment efficiency of pharmaceutical companies: Robust game cross‐efficiency data envelope analysis model
Authors: Shi Menghan , Qu Shaojian , Ji Ying , Peng Zhisheng
Published: January 2024

With people's increasing attention to public health issues, biomedical enterprises have ushered in a good development opportunity. However, the rapid expansion of industrial scale makes the contradiction between enterprise development and environmental governance gradually emerge. This requires us to form a set of perfect environmental efficiency evaluation framework to make the evaluation of environmental development efficiency of pharmaceutical companies more objective and accurate. At present, many literatures on environmental efficiency assessment in the fields of green finance ignore the bias in comparison between different companies due to factors such as competition or resource allocation. At the same time, the existing studies lack the influence of disturbance factors on the output of efficiency evaluation data. Based on the sustainable development report of Shanghai Pharmaceutical as the research background, this study establishes an efficiency evaluation framework, which mainly includes three parts: (1) data preprocessing. Establish efficiency evaluation standard framework according to research background, collect relevant data, and process the data. (2) Calculate the game cross‐efficiency DEA model. We calculate the efficiency considering the game situation and compared with the efficiency calculated by the traditional DEA model. (3) Three different scenarios in robust optimization are introduced to reduce the uncertainty in efficiency evaluation. This paper uses the efficiency evaluation framework to evaluate the environmental efficiency of 13 pharmaceutical companies and finally gives policy recommendations.
Pediatric oncology provider perspectives and patient/family perceptions of chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting management: Experiences at an academic medical center
Authors: Bloomhardt Hadley , Rubin Melissa , Xue Yanling , Jin Zhezhen , Masino Laura , Seidel Drew , Hijiya Nobuko , Beauchemin Melissa
Published: January 2024

Background

Chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is common in children undergoing cancer treatment, and significantly impacts quality of life. Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have been developed to guide CINV management, though many patients do not receive guideline‐concordant care. Few studies have examined provider perspectives on CINV management or preferred improvement approaches, or pediatric patient perception of CINV control.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of pediatric oncology providers was conducted at a large freestanding children's hospital. Providers completed an anonymous online survey about CINV control in patients admitted for scheduled chemotherapy, and their knowledge and utilization of CINV CPGs. A survey of English and Spanish‐speaking pediatric oncology patients admitted for scheduled chemotherapy was conducted to assess CINV management, with key demographics used to understand association with perceptions and adherence to antiemetic guidelines.

Results

For providers, 75% of respondents felt CINV management could be moderately or extremely improved, significantly more so by chemotherapy prescribers and pediatric medical residents than nurses. Over half of respondents did not have awareness of CINV CPGs, particularly pediatric medical residents. For patients, nausea was reported to be extremely well controlled in 44% of cases, and vomiting extremely well controlled in 50% of cases. There were no significant differences in patient‐reported CINV across demographics, when considering emetogenicity of chemotherapy received, or concordance to guidelines.

Conclusions

Implementing education in this area may help to improve provider comfort, and ultimately, the patient experience. Future studies will expand upon this novel patient perception, and develop and evaluate CINV management interventions.
Extraction and characterisation of kudzu root residue lignin based on deep eutectic solvents
Authors: Han Xinran , Song Ke , Yu Huazhong , Zhou Xianwu , Guo Jie
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Lignin has great potential as the most abundant renewable phenolic polymer. Studies have shown that lignin structure varies depending on different sources and different extraction methods. However, there are few studies on lignin in kudzu root residue.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to explore optimal extraction conditions of Pueraria lobata residue lignin (PLL) with deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and characterise the structure and morphology of PLL.

Methods

Firstly, the chemical composition of kudzu root residue was determined by the Van‐soest method. Then, betaine was used as hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA), nine kinds of common acids and alcohol were selected as hydrogen bond donor (HBD) to synthesise a DES to extract lignin from kudzu root residue. The influence of conditions on the extraction of PLL was explored by a betaine‐based DES according to a single‐factor experiment, and then the best process of PLL extraction was determined by an orthogonal experiment. Finally, the morphology and structure of PLL were analysed by scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and NMR.

Results

Cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and ash content in kudzu root residue were 41.13%, 16.39%, 25.03%, and 0.41%, respectively. When the DES consisted of betaine and formic acid, the solid–liquid ratio was 1:45, the extraction time was 5.5 h at 160°C, the extraction yield of lignin was 89.29%, and the purity was 83.01%. PLL was composed of interconnected spherical particles with good thermal stability and narrow polydispersity index (PDI) distribution. FTIR and 2D‐heteronuclear singular quantum correlation (HSQC) NMR illustrated that PLL was a typical G‐type and S‐type lignin.

Conclusion

This study would fill the gap of research on lignin in kudzu root residue and provide a theoretical reference for the utilisation of lignin in kudzu roots as well as a new thinking for the recycling of kudzu root resources.
Spotlight on eltrombopag concentration in pediatric immune thrombocytopenia: A single‐center observational study in China
Authors: Dong Shuyue , Wang Zhifa , Wang Nan , Ma Jingyao , Meng Jinxi , Sun Yixin , Cheng Xiaoling , Wu Runhui
Published: January 2024

Importance

Eltrombopag has been recommended for pediatric immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Response and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) varied widely between individuals, even at the same dose of eltrombopag. The appropriate eltrombopag concentration in ITP has not been reported.

Objective

This study aims to explore the appropriate eltrombopag concentration in pediatric ITP.

Methods

This was a single‐center, prospective cohort study. Children diagnosed with refractory persistent/chronic ITP and platelet count < 30×109/L were treated with eltrombopag and followed up for at least 2 months. Concentration was detected by high‐performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry at least 2 weeks after eltrombopag. The clinical characteristics‐concentration, concentration‐response, and concentration‐ADRs were analyzed.

Results

A total of 30 patients were enrolled, comprising 13 males and 17 females, with a median age of 72 (45‒94) months. The median dose and concentration were 1.39 (1.09‒1.56) mg/kg and 2.70 (2.25‒4.13) mg/L, respectively. Of the enrolled patients, 14 responded to treatment, whereas 16 did not. Additionally, five experienced adverse drug reactions. No linear correlation was observed between eltrombopag concentration and clinical characteristics. The concentration was lower in the response group than in the nonresponse group, but there was no significant difference (t = 0.755, P = 0.457). Patients who experienced ADRs had a higher concentration than those without ADRs (t = 2.538, P = 0.017). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of ADRs was 0.78 (95% confidence interval: 0.56‒1.00). Youden's index identified the cutoff point as 4.33 mg/L, with a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 60%. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that a higher platelet count before eltrombopag predicted a favorable response.

Interpretation

Eltrombopag proves efficacious and well‐tolerated for treating pediatric ITP. However, prolonged and high‐dose administration may increase the likelihood of ADRs. Thus, examining the appropriate eltrombopag concentration assists in directing individualized management of pediatric ITP.
Synthesis of copolymers of N‐vinylpyrrolidone and 2‐ethylhexyl acrylate by DL‐methionine‐mediated reversible deactivation radical polymerization and their dispersion behavior in preparation of LiFePO4 battery positive slurry with high solid content
Authors: An Jiaqi , Wang Zongye , Hui Shouhua , Wang Ziyu , Zhang Yanwu
Published: January 2024

Dispersants play a significant role in the formulation of positive battery slurry. Adding a small amount of dispersant can effectively reduce the viscosity of the slurry, which is beneficial for the production of positive batteries. A series of copolymers of N‐vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) and 2‐ethylhexyl acrylate (2‐EHA) with different molar ratios of NVP to 2‐EHA, different polymer molecular weights and different polymer structures are synthesized by dl‐methionine‐mediated reversible deactivation radical polymerization. The ability of these copolymers to disperse LiFePO4 battery positive slurry with a high solid content (57.08%) as dispersants has been evaluated. Research shows that when the ratio of NVP to 2‐EHA is 20 and the polymer molecular weight is 6000, poly(N‐vinylpyrrolidone‐ran‐2‐ethylhexyl acrylate) (NVP‐ran‐2‐EHA) exhibits the strongest dispersing ability to the slurry. This polymer can reduce the viscosity of the slurry by 43.925% and has the longest stabilization time of 3 h, which is better than poly(N‐vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) and poly(N‐vinylpyrrolidone)‐block‐poly(2‐ethylhexyl acrylate) (PVP‐b‐PEHA) with the same molecular weight.
Effects of aerobic exercise on neurocognitive function in postmenopausal women receiving endocrine therapy for breast cancer: The Exercise Program in Cancer and Cognition randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bender Catherine M. , Sereika Susan M. , Gentry Amanda L. , Cuglewski Cheryl , Duquette Jennie , Grove George , Cummings Meredith , Cho Myeong‐ga , Brufsky Adam M. , McAuliffe Priscilla , Budway Raye J. , Diego Emilia J. , Evans Steven , Rosenzweig Margaret Q. , Marsland Anna L. , Conley Yvette P. , Erickson Kirk
Published: January 2024

Objective

The Exercise Program in Cancer and Cognition Study was a randomized controlled trial designed to determine whether 6 months of moderate‐intensity aerobic exercise improves neurocognitive function in women with breast cancer (BC) receiving endocrine therapy (ET).

Methods

Postmenopausal women with hormone receptor+, early‐stage BC, within two years post‐primary therapy were randomized to the exercise intervention (six months, ≥150 min of moderate‐intensity aerobic exercise/week) or usual care control condition. Outcomes were assessed at pre‐randomization and after intervention completion. Groups were compared using linear mixed‐effects modeling.

Results

Participants (N = 153) were  = 62.09 ± 8.27 years old, with stage I BC (64.1%) and a median of 4.7 months post‐diagnosis. We found a group‐by‐time interaction (p = 0.041) and a trend for the main effect of time (p = 0.11) for processing speed with improved performance in the exercise group and no change in the controls. Similar main effects of time were observed for learning and memory (p = 0.024) and working memory (p = 0.01). Better intervention adherence was associated with improved processing speed (p = 0.017).

Conclusions

Six months of moderate‐intensity aerobic exercise improves processing speed in postmenopausal women with BC receiving ET who initiate exercise within 2 years of completing primary therapy (surgery +/− chemotherapy). This is the first large‐scale study to examine the effects of aerobic exercise on neurocognitive function in women with BC. Additional research is needed to address the long‐term effects of aerobic exercise on cognitive function.
Synthesis and herbicidal activities of 2‐((3‐pyridinyl‐2‐oxo‐2,3‐dihydrobenzo[d]thiazol‐6‐yl)oxy)propionates
Authors: Chen Yu , Li Zhanbin , Huang Yuqian , Li Wenqi , Wei Shaopeng , Ji Zhiqin
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

The discovery of lead compounds is fundamental to herbicide innovation, yet the limited availability of valuable lead compounds has impeded their progress in recent years. The study presents a novel molecular scaffold that exhibits remarkably potent herbicidal activity.

RESULTS

Through a scaffold‐hopping strategy, a highly potent lead compound for herbicides, namely 3‐(2‐pyridinyl)‐benzothiazol‐2‐one, was unexpectedly discovered during attempts to structurally modify haloxyfop, a commercial aryl‐oxy‐phenoxy‐propionate herbicide. To investigate the structure–activity relationship (SAR) of the newly discovered herbicidal chemicals, a series of 2‐(2‐oxo‐3‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐2,3‐dihydrobenzo[d]thiazol‐6‐yloxy)propanoic acid derivatives, I‐01 ~ I‐27, were designed and synthesized. SAR analysis revealed that trifluoromethyl at the 5‐position of pyridine is crucial for herbicidal activity, whereas additional fluorine or Cl atom at the 3‐position of pyridine significantly enhances activity. Carboxylic ester derivatives exhibit superior herbicidal activity compared with amide derivatives. Moreover, the activity of carboxylic ester derivatives decreases with C chain extension, but the introduction of O atoms in the side chain benefits activity enhancement. Pot experiments conducted in a glasshouse demonstrated that I‐01 and I‐09 exhibited potent postemergence herbicidal activity against broadleaf weeds, and completely inhibited growth of Amaranthus retroflex, Abutilon theophrasti and Portulaca oleracea at a dosage of 75 g ha−1.

CONCLUSION

Despite the initial goal of scaffold‐hopping not being achieved, we have successfully identified a novel molecular scaffold exhibiting exceptional herbicidal activity, thereby presenting innovative prospects for herbicide development. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Degradation trajectory prediction of lithium‐ion batteries based on charging‐discharging health features extraction and integrated data‐driven models
Authors: Zheng Xiujuan , Wu Fei , Tao Liujun
Published: January 2024

As one of the key technologies in battery management system, accurate remaining useful life (RUL) prediction is critical to guarantee the reliability and safety for electrical equipment. However, the generalization and robustness of a single method are limited. A novel fusion data‐driven RUL prediction method CSSA‐ELM‐LSSVR based on charging‐discharging health features extraction is proposed in this paper, which fusions chaotic sparrow search algorithm (CSSA), extreme learning machine (ELM), and least squares support vector regression (LSSVR). First, four health indicators (HIs) are extracted from the charging‐discharging process, which can reflect the battery degradation phenomenon from multiple perspectives. Then, pearson correlation coefficient is used to numerically analyze the correlation between HIs and battery aging capacities. Second, the extracted HIs are used as the inputs for ELM and LSSVR to predict the degradation trend of battery, where CSSA is used for hyperparameters optimization in ELM. Finally, considering that CSSA‐ELM can capture the general trend of degradation curves, while LSSVR can trace the detail changes, a fusion framework based on CSSA‐ELM and LSSVR is proposed for RUL prediction. Two weighting schemes, namely precision‐based weighting (PW) and random forest regressor‐based weighting (RFRW) are put forward to fix the weights of CSSA‐ELM and LSSVR algorithms. Two publicly available datasets from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and MIT are adopted to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method. The results indicate that the proposed method with any weighting scheme has an overall superior prediction performance for different kinds of batteries compared with CSSA‐ELM, LSSVR, convolution neural network and long short term memory. Moreover, the RFRW scheme has better overall performance. Specifically, the maximum root mean square error of the predicted method is 2.5126%, the mean absolute percentage error is 12.9167%, the mean absolute error is 1.8376%, the predicted RUL errors are within one cycle, and the determination coefficient is above 0.97.
Nonparametric estimation of linear personalized diagnostics rules via efficient grid algorithm
Authors: Zhang Yaliang , Chung Yunro
Published: January 2024

Many diseases are heterogeneous, comprised of multiple disease subgroups. It is of great interest but highly unlikely to find a single biomarker that can accurately detect such heterogeneous diseases across different subgroups. In this article, we propose to estimate a personalized diagnostic rule (PDR) to tailor more effective biomarkers to each individual according to a linear combination of his or her profiles. A standard grid search algorithm can be used to estimate the optimal linear PDR that maximizes the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) among all the linear PDRs, but it is time‐consuming especially when the number of variables is large. Alternatively, we developed an efficient grid rotation algorithm that provides a nearly suboptimal solution and studied its variation to find the optimal solution. We implemented the cross‐validated forward variable selection method to find a subset of useful variables while avoid overfitting. Extensive simulations show that our proposed method reduces bias and variance. Analysis of a gastric cancer biomarker study and censored survival outcome data illustrates the practical utility of our proposed method. The proposed method is implemented in the open‐source R package persDx.