bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Commissural alignment beyond coronary access: Accurate neo experience
Authors: Alasnag Mirvat , Al‐Shaibi Khaled
Published: June 2024

Key points

Lifetime management of patients with aortic stenosis dictates the replacement strategy adopted while considering coronary access, valve degeneration, and future choice of valve.

Commissural malalignment should be stratified and not merely reported as a binary finding following transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

The implications of malalignment extend beyond coronary access to transcatheter heart valve hemodynamics and aortic regurgitation.
Advances in Bioinspired Artificial System Enabling Biomarker‐Driven Therapy
Authors: Wang Meixia , Zhong Huan , Li Yangbing , Li Juan , Zhang Xinxin , He Fang , Wei Ping , Wang Hong‐Hui , Nie Zhou
Published: June 2024

Bioinspired molecular engineering strategies have emerged as powerful tools that significantly enhance the development of novel therapeutics, improving efficacy, specificity, and safety in disease treatment. Recent advancements have focused on identifying and utilizing disease‐associated biomarkers to optimize drug activity and address challenges inherent in traditional therapeutics, such as frequent drug administrations, poor patient adherence, and increased risk of adverse effects. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in bioinspired artificial systems (BAS) that use molecular engineering to tailor therapeutic responses to drugs in the presence of disease‐specific biomarkers. We examine the transition from open‐loop systems, which rely on external cues, to closed‐loop feedback systems capable of autonomous self‐regulation in response to disease‐associated biomarkers. We detail various BAS modalities designed to achieve biomarker‐driven therapy, including activatable prodrug molecules, smart drug delivery platforms, autonomous artificial cells, and synthetic receptor‐based cell therapies, elucidating their operational principles and practical in vivo applications. Finally, we discuss the current challenges and future perspectives in the advancement of BAS‐enabled technology and envision that ongoing advancements toward more programmable and customizable BAS‐based therapeutics will significantly enhance precision medicine.
Gold Trifluoromethyl Complexes as Efficient Regioselective Catalysts in Alkyne Hydration
Authors: Ruiz‐Almoguera David , Ventura‐Espinosa David , Pérez‐Bitrián Alberto , Martín Antonio , Mata José A. , Baya Miguel
Published: June 2024

Gold(III) complexes containing trifluoromethyl ligands are efficient catalysts in the hydration of alkynes, operating at low catalyst loadings, without additives, using environmentally friendly solvents and at mild conditions (60 °C). Hydration of terminal and internal alkynes provides the corresponding ketones in quantitative yields without special precautions as dry solvents or inert atmospheres. Remarkably, hydration of asymmetric internal alkynes proceeds with moderate to notable regioselectivities, providing mixtures of the two possible isomers with ratios up to 90 : 10.
A HAZOP of dust explosion testing and explosibility modelling using artificial neural networks
Authors: Alauddin Mohammad , Amyotte Paul , Schrader Anton , Addo Albert , Kamil Mohammad Zaid
Published: June 2024

This work presents artificial neural network (ANN) models to determine explosion severity parameters (e.g., maximum explosion pressure and maximum rate of pressure rise) of given dust samples. ANN‐based models for explosibility parameters are presented for carbon black, zinc, urea, and oat grain flour dust samples based on data generated in a 20‐L explosion chamber. The optimal hyper‐parameters of the models have been explored using the Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno, stochastic gradient descent, and Adam solvers. A hazard and operability study has also been conducted for each of the following to diagnose issues at different stages in developing the ANN‐based dust explosibility models: dust testing, model selection, parameter learning, and evaluation. Using different guidewords, the deviation of numerous factors from their design intent, causes, consequences, and specific safeguards have been provided for enabling optimal performance. This can be helpful in understanding, evaluating, and analyzing dust explosions for safer operation of industrial activities handling combustible dusts.
Blockchain‐based secure multifunctional data aggregation for fog‐IoT environments
Authors: Abbas Mehdi Madjid , Merad‐Boudia Omar Rafik , Senouci Sidi Mohammed , Belalem Ghalem
Published: June 2024

Data aggregation, in its basic form, has been widely used, and several solutions have been proposed for IoT environments. However, to calculate statistical metrics, detect anomalies, and predict future trends, we need to perform various data analysis functions on the aggregated data. Recently, multifunctional data aggregation (MFDA) has been proposed to calculate various statistical functions such as sum, mean, variance, covariance, and analyze of variance (ANOVA). The purpose of MFDA is to enable the improvement of decision making, resource allocation and system performance by providing diverse and varied statistical data. However, the existing solutions involving MFDA generate significant communication and calculation costs. Furthermore, they cannot prevent malicious aggregators from sending fake data. Recently, the Fog computing paradigm has been adopted in IoT environments to address various challenges and enhance the efficiency of data processing and storage. The blockchain technology has been integrated in various IoT applications to enhance the security, increase transparency, and facilitate decentralized data exchange and transactions. In this article, we propose BMDA, a blockchain‐based secure multifunctional data aggregation method for IoT‐Fog environments. BMDA employs an encoding function to structure the data before their transmission. Furthermore, to ensure privacy preservation, authentication, data integrity and to resist malicious aggregators, we employ Paillier homomorphic encryption, BLS signature, and blockchain technology. The security analysis demonstrates the robustness of our proposal, and the performance analysis in terms of computations and communications shows the effectiveness of BMDA compared to existing solutions.
Computational Studies of Nucleophilic Substitution at Nitrogen Center: Reactions of NH2Cl with HO−, CH3O− and C2H5O−
Authors: Dutta Siddharth Sankar , Lourderaj Upakarasamy
Published: June 2024

The atomic‐level mechanisms of the nucleophilic substitution reactions at the nitrogen center (SN2@N) were investigated for the reactions of chloramine (NH2Cl) with the alkoxide ions (RO−, where R=H, CH3, and C2H5) using DFT and MP2 methods. The computed potential energy profiles for the SN2@N pathways involving the back‐side attack of the nucleophiles show the typical double‐well potential with submerged barriers similar to the SN2 reactions at the carbon center (SN2@C). However, the pre‐reaction and post‐reaction complexes are, respectively, the N−H⋅⋅⋅O and N−H⋅⋅⋅Cl hydrogen‐bonded intermediates, which are different from those generally seen in SN2@C reactions. The SN2@N pathways involving front‐side attack of the nucleophiles have high‐energy barriers. The potential energy surfaces (PESs) along the proton‐transfer pathways were flat. In addition to the proton‐transfer and SN2 pathways, we also observed a new path for the methoxide and ethoxide nucleophiles where a hydride‐transfer from the nucleophile to chloramine resulted in the products Cl−+R'CHO+NH3, (R’=H, CH3), and was the most exoergic. A comparison of the energetics obtained used different DFT and MP2 methods with that of the benchmark coupled‐cluster methods reveals that CAM‐B3LYP best describes the PESs.
Investigation on the Crystal Structures of Molecules Related to 2‐(Benzylsulfinyl)Benzoic Acid, As a Support to the Studies on the Inhibition of Human Carbonic Anhydrases
Authors: Capozzi Maria Annunziata M. , Alvarez‐Larena Angel , Piniella Febrer Joan F. , Cardellicchio Cosimo
Published: June 2024

A recent interest attaches to the derivatives of the (2‐benzylsulfinyl)benzoic acid as inhibitors of human carbonic anhydrases (hCAs), an action that can be applied in innovative therapies. A set of crystal structures of six sulfides and six enantiopure sulfoxides related to this scaffold, taken from the literature, or derived from the work on the asymmetric synthesis of sulfinyl compounds, is investigated. The lattice energies of these structures are estimated by means of the Crystal Explorer 21 program. The weak interactions building up the crystal structures are identified, and their contributions are analyzed in comparison with the calculated lattice energies. The most stable conformations in the solid phase are identified. It is worth observing that the sulfides of the scaffold under investigation behave almost in the same manner; on the other hand, the presence of the sulfinyl group of the sulfoxides adds complexity, that shall be taken into account in future docking calculations of these molecules with the hCAs enzymes.
Weapons of mass construction: The role of the Australian Curriculum in political discourse
Authors: Anson Daniel W. J.
Published: June 2024

National curricula influence, and are influenced by, political agendas. Understanding political enmeshment (both overt and covert) in curriculum development is therefore vital for ensuring transparency and quality in curricula. This paper analyses how the Australian Curriculum is represented in the federal Education Ministers' media releases. Using NVivo, media releases were inductively coded into two broad themes: (a) back to basics, overcrowding and phonics; and (b) Australian ‘truth’: History, democracy and identity. By organising political discourse into the narrative presented below, I argue that the Australian Curriculum is used as a weapon of mass construction. In other words, politicians use curriculum development and renewal to enforce particular subject positions and attack the other side of government. As a result, genuine curriculum renewal is stymied, with each new government claiming that it is correcting the mistakes of the previous government while appearing to make no tangible changes. The implications of this analysis are that greater transparency of political involvement is needed in curriculum materials, greater teacher autonomy is needed to adapt curricula to localised contexts and greater student freedom to contest curricula is needed to ensure robust literacy development and meaningful engagement with subject knowledge.
Short, early field research courses as a model to increase equity in ecology
Authors: Ruskin Katharine J. , Wood Zachary T. , White Holly C. , O'Brien Shannon , Allen Debra M.
Published: June 2024

Ecology lags among STEM disciplines in terms of recruiting and retaining undergraduate students from marginalized groups. A keystone element of many ecologists' training is an emphasis on field experiences at the undergraduate level, such as field research courses (FRCs), which involve undergraduates in research. FRCs and similar field experiences common in ecology (e.g., field technician position, thesis research) have been shown to increase feelings of self‐efficacy and belonging in students who engage with them, including students in marginalized groups. However, the design and implementation of many FRCs and other field experiences create barriers that prevent or limit successful engagement with marginalized students. Here, we present an established FRC model designed to decrease barriers to participation and propose strategies for assessing the success of such FRCs. We decreased many of these barriers by developing a sophomore‐level, one‐weekend, required FRC held at an ADA‐compliant research learning center in a national park at little‐to‐no cost to students. We review instruments useful for assessing the diverse positive outcomes of field experiences and present preliminary analysis for our course model, showing this course increases students' research self‐efficacy and sense of belonging. We believe that this course is a positive example of how intentionality in course design can generate a more equitable experience for students of ecology.
Bottom‐up effects drive the dynamic of an Antarctic seabird predator–prey system
Authors: Viollat Lise , Quéroué Maud , Delord Karine , Gimenez Olivier , Barbraud Christophe
Published: June 2024

Understanding how populations respond to variability in environmental conditions and interspecific interactions is one of the biggest challenges of population ecology, particularly in the context of global change. Although many studies have investigated population responses to climate change, very few have explicitly integrated interspecific relationships when studying these responses. In this study, we aimed to understand the combined effects of interspecific interactions and environmental conditions on the demographic parameters of a prey–predator system of three sympatric seabird populations breeding in Antarctica: the south polar skua (Catharacta maccormicki) and its two main preys during the breeding season, the Adélie penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae) and the emperor penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri). We built a two‐species integrated population model (IPM) with 31 years of capture–recapture and count data and provided a framework that made it possible to estimate the demographic parameters and abundance of a predator–prey system in a context where capture–recapture data were not available for one species. Our results showed that predator–prey interactions and local environmental conditions differentially affected south polar skuas depending on their breeding state of the previous year. Concerning prey–predator relationships, the number of Adélie penguin breeding pairs showed a positive effect on south polar skua survival and breeding probability, and the number of emperor penguin dead chicks showed a positive effect on the breeding success of south polar skuas. In contrast, there was no evidence for an effect of the number of south polar skuas on the demography of Adélie penguins. We also found an important impact of sea ice conditions on both the dynamics of south polar skuas and Adélie penguins. Our results suggest that this prey–predator system is mostly driven by bottom‐up processes and local environmental conditions.
Antibiotic Stewardship in the Management of Infected Diabetic Foot Ulcer Disease in Less Developed Countries
Authors: Abbas Zulfiqarali G. , Gangji Raidah R. , Uçkay Ilker
Published: June 2024

Background

Diabetic foot ulcers in developing countries often become infected. The healthcare systems are often not equipped to conduct the culture and the sensitivity tests required for prescribing a targeted antibiotic treatment for diabetic foot infection (DFI).

Methods

We evaluate antibiotic stewardship programmes for DFIs, at every level of health care, with an emphasis on resource‐poor settings such as in Africa.

Results

The management of DFI very often is adapted to the financial and practical realities of the resource‐poor regions. The application of the point‐of‐care Gram stain of deep tissue samples is efficient, rapid, low cost and ubiquitously available. Upon the identification of the predominant pathogen in the Gram stain, a semi‐quantitative preemptive antibiotic treatment can be started in accordance with the World Health Organization Aware, Watch and Restrict Essential Medicine List. This list is catered to every country and is a powerful tool. However, some basic knowledge of the local microbiological epidemiology is necessary to choose the most appropriate agent. We report our experience on using the rapidly available Gram stain for narrowing the preemptive choice of listed antibiotic agents, as an economic tool for antibiotic stewardship in DFIs.

Conclusions

In the practical and resource‐saving management of DFI, the ‘therapeutic’ use of Gram stains is not common in resource‐rich countries but should be added to the arsenal of the general efforts for antibiotic stewardship.
Ultrasensitive monitoring of Ciprofloxacin with green reduced graphene oxide@clay composite
Authors: Azriouil M. , Hrioua A. , Chhaibi B. , Laghrib F. , Farahi A. , Bakasse M. , Lahrich S. , El Mhammedi M. A.
Published: June 2024

The accumulation of harmful residuals can lead to voluminous environmental problems and then negatively affect human health. For this purpose, it is necessary to focus on the development of a rapid and sensitive strategy for its monitoring. In this work, a green, fairly fast, inexpensive and sensitive electrochemical sensor was developed to determine and monitor Cipro residues in various samples such as environmental resources, wastewater, urine, and drug formulations (Flonox 500 Aflox 500 and Cifloxine 250). It consists of a carbon paste electrode (CPE) modified with clay‐supported reduced graphene oxide composite (GrGO/CL@CPE). The rGO was prepared using green and easily chemically converted GO (electrochemically prepared) to rGO nanosheets based on glucose (G) as a green reducing agent (GrGO). The proposed sensor demonstrates a high electro‐oxidation signal compared with other based sensors, and the oxidation potential was found to be reduced by around 35 mV. The GrGO/CL@CPE was used for monitoring Cipro in the range of 0.05–10 μM in phosphate buffer at a biological pH of 7 (PB_7) and it offered a low detection limit (DL) (S/N=3) of 0.048 μM. Furthermore, it was found to be capable of detecting Cipro in pronounced samples with excellent results, offering promising prospects for actual clinical assays.
The dynamic behaviour of flexible oscillators rocking and sliding on concentrated springs
Authors: Zhang Zheng‐You , Chatzis Manolis N. , Acikgoz Sinan
Published: June 2024

This study presents the Flexible Rocking Model on Concentrated Springs (FRMCS), developed to investigate 2D laterally flexible oscillators rocking and sliding on deformable support media during ground excitations. In this model, concentrated vertical springs and viscous dampers simulate the contact forces from support medium at the corners of the body; the tensionless vertical contact element is linear in compression. Horizontal concentrated springs and linear viscous dampers simulate the frictional behaviour at the corners; the constitutive law for the springs models elastic deformations and sliding (according to Coulomb's friction law). With these elements, FRMCS can model the response of a rocking body which can experience sliding and free‐flight phases of motion. The consideration of the flexibility of the support medium enables the evaluation of the forces exerted by the support medium on the structure during an impact. In this study, the FRMCS response is first compared to a previous model where the support medium deformability and the effects of sliding and free‐flight are ignored. Then, the responses of four configurations, which feature either stiff or soft lateral springs and stiff or soft high‐grip support media, are examined under the influence of pulse excitations. Finally, to understand the potential influence of sliding, a configuration with a low‐grip support medium is explored. The comparative influence of lateral flexibility and support medium deformability and sliding is quantified with stability diagrams and various response spectra, describing structural force and moment demands.
Engineered brain‐targeting exosome for reprogramming immunosuppressive microenvironment of glioblastoma
Authors: Yang Jun , Li Yong , Jiang Shaoping , Tian Yuxin , Zhang Mengjie , Guo Shuai , Wu Pengfei , Li Jianan , Xu Lin , Li Wenpei , Wang Yushu , Gao Huile , Huang Yuanyu , Weng Yuhua , Ruan Shaobo
Published: June 2024

The immunosuppressive microenvironment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) severely impacts the response to various treatments, including systemic chemotherapy. Targeted reprogramming of immunosuppressive GBM microenvironment using RNA interference (RNAi) is largely restricted by poor brain delivery efficiency and targeting specificity. Herein, an acid‐cleavable transferrin (Tf) decorated engineering exosome‐based brain‐targeting delivery system (ACTE) was proposed to efficiently deliver small interference RNA towards transform growth factor‐β (siTGF‐β) and doxorubicin (DOX) to GBM site for combination chemo‐immunotherapy. The siTGF‐β and DOX co‐loaded ACTE, termed as DOX&siTGF‐β@ACTE (Ds@ACTE), is designed to specifically recognize the Tf receptor (TfR) on the blood‐brain barrier (BBB). Subsequently, Ds@ACTE undergoes acid‐responsive detachment of Tf within lysosome of brain capillary endothelial cells, leading to the separation of DOX&siTGF‐β@Exo (Ds@Exo) from the Tf‐TfR complex and enhanced BBB transcytosis. After crossing BBB, the separated Ds@Exo can further target GBM cells via the homing effect. In vivo studies validated that Ds@ACTE significantly downregulated the TGF‐β expression to reprogram the immunosuppressive microenvironment, and thereby reinforce the chemotherapeutic effect of DOX and DOX‐induced anti‐tumor immune response. The effectiveness of this strategy not only can provide thinking for designing a more intelligent brain‐targeting system based on engineered exosomes but also explore an effective treatment regimen for GBM.
Flood hazard mapping using GIS‐based AHP approach for Krishna River basin
Authors: Vashist Komal , Singh Krishna Kumar
Published: June 2024

Flood hazard mapping is an essential tool for determining the risk and susceptibility of flood‐prone locations. This constitutes various criteria and factors that require a methodical and comprehensive decision‐making framework. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP), the popular multi‐criterion decision‐making (MCDM) technique, which deals with the complicated problems, including qualitative and quantitative factor, is utilized in this study for developing flood hazard maps in integration with geographic information system (GIS). Flood hazard maps are developed for the Krishna River basin using AHP‐GIS. Digital elevation model, rainfall data, soil data and Landsat images are used to extract the various hazard indicators. Nine hazard indicators are employed in this study to prepare the thematic layers, which includes Topographical Wetness Index, elevation, slope rainfall, LULC, Normalized Difference Wetness Index, distance from river, soil type and drainage density. The thematic layers are combined in Arc GIS using weighted overlay method to prepare the flood hazard zonation maps. The hazard maps are classified in three categories as low, moderate and high hazard zones. For the Krishna River basin, 30 percent area was found in high hazard. The outcomes derived from the AHP‐GIS method are validated by comparing them with situational reports pertinent to the area, showcasing a robust agreement with the available dataset.
Banking market consolidation in Asia: Evidence from acquirers, targets, and rivals
Authors: Kolaric Sascha , Kiesel Florian , Schiereck Dirk
Published: June 2024

We analyse the financial sector consolidation in Asia by using a comprehensive sample of bank M&As from 1995 to 2021. Our results show that M&A announcements by Asian domestic acquirers are associated with significant positive stock price returns to both acquirers and their rivals. In contrast, cross‐border acquirers and their rivals experience negative but insignificant returns, while targets and their rivals record gains, regardless whether it is a domestic or cross‐border transaction. Further analyses reveal that domestic acquirers obtaining larger relative increases in their market share benefit the most, indicating that market power considerations are the primary driver behind acquirers' positive returns. For cross‐border acquirers, neither cultural differences nor regulatory arbitrage considerations can explain return patterns surrounding M&A announcements.
Stage distribution and prognostic accuracy of the 2023 FIGO (the International Federation of Gynecology & Obstetrics) staging system for endometrial cancer: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Loukovaara Mikko , Pasanen Annukka , Bützow Ralf
Published: June 2024

Objective

To assess the stage distribution and stage‐related disease‐specific survival rates for endometrial cancer using the FIGO (the International Federation of Gynecology & Obstetrics) 2009 and 2023 staging systems. Further, we sought to evaluate the prognostic utility of additional covariates beyond the FIGO 2023 stage.

Methods

Endometrial carcinomas were molecularly classified by the Proactive Molecular Risk Classifier for Endometrial Cancer and staged according to FIGO 2009 and 2023 criteria. Disease‐specific survival was calculated as the time from surgery to death from endometrial cancer.

Results

Data from 604 patients were analyzed. Median follow‐up time was 81 months. A total of 118 stage shifts (19.5%) occurred between the FIGO 2009 and FIGO 2023 systems, with upshifts accounting for 107 (90.7%) of these changes. Within the FIGO 2023 system, molecular classification resulted in restaging of 69 patients (11.4%). Shifts that could alter adjuvant therapy decisions were identified in 23 patients (3.8%). The FIGO 2023 system effectively categorized endometrial cancers into prognostic subgroups. The FIGO 2023 stage, tumor size, positive peritoneal cytology, and mismatch repair deficiency were associated with disease‐specific survival in a multivariable analysis, whereas age and adjuvant therapy were not.

Conclusion

The FIGO 2023 staging system for endometrial cancer appears highly prognostic. Prognostic assessment of the patients can be further enhanced by readily accessible covariates. A stage shift between the FIGO 2009 and 2023 systems occurs in about one‐fifth of patients. The implementation of molecular classification within the FIGO 2023 system bears implications for decisions regarding adjuvant therapy.
Abstinence beliefs in early adolescence and sexual risk behavior two years later
Authors: Bhochhibhoya Shristi , Edison Briana , Baumler Elizabeth R. , Markham Christine M. , Emery Susan T. , Peskin Melissa F. , Shegog Ross , Addy Robert C. , Temple Jeff R. , Reidy Dennis E.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The United States has the highest teen pregnancy rate and sexually transmitted infection rates among developed countries. One common approach that has been implemented to reduce these rates is abstinence‐only‐until‐marriage programs that advocate for delaying sexual intercourse until marriage. These programs focus on changing adolescents' beliefs toward abstinence until marriage; however, it is unclear whether adolescents' beliefs about abstinence predict their sexual behavior, including sexual risk behavior (SRB). An alternative approach may be encouraging youth to delay their sexual debut until they reach the age of maturity, but not necessarily until marriage.

Methods

To address this question, we compare the longitudinal association between abstinence beliefs (i.e., abstaining completely until marriage) and beliefs about delayed sexual debut with subsequent SRB 24 months later. The harmonized data set included 4620 (58.2% female, Mage = 13.0, SDage = 0.93) participants from three randomized controlled trials attending 44 schools in the southern United States. Negative binomial regressions were employed to examine the association of abstinence until marriage beliefs and beliefs regarding delaying sex with SRB.

Results

We identified that beliefs supporting delaying sex until an age of maturity were associated with lower odds of engaging in SRB, such as having multiple sex partners and frequency of condomless sex, for both sexes. However, stronger abstinence beliefs had no significant associations with all SRB outcomes.

Conclusions

Findings suggest prevention programming that focuses on encouraging youth to delay sex until an appropriate age of maturity may be more effective at preventing SRB and consequent negative sexual health outcomes.
Longitudinal associations among basic psychological need satisfaction at school, self‐esteem, and suicidal ideation from middle childhood to early adolescence: Disentangling between‑ and within‑person associations
Authors: Yang Chi , Huebner E. Scott , Tian Lili
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The current study aimed to examine the longitudinal associations among basic psychological need satisfaction at school (BPNSS), self‐esteem, and suicidal ideation (SI), including whether self‐esteem functioned as a mediator of the relations between BPNSS and SI at the within‐person level after disentangling between‐ and within‐person associations encompassing middle childhood to early adolescence.

Methods

A total of 650 Chinese students (53.54% boys, Mage = 9.95, SD = 0.75 at Time 1) completed measures on four occasions across 1.5 years, using 6‐month intervals. Random intercept cross‐lagged panel models were applied to disaggregate between‐ and within‐person effects, thus providing greater confidence in elucidating the causal relations among study variables.

Results

The results showed that at the within‐person level: (a) BPNSS negatively predicted SI; (b) BPNSS positively predicted self‐esteem; (c) Self‐esteem negatively predicted SI; and (d) BPNSS indirectly predicted SI via self‐esteem.

Conclusion

These findings advanced the literature by demonstrating longitudinal associations among BPNSS, self‐esteem, and SI at the within‐person level, and highlighting the significance of distinguishing between‐ and within‐person effects in developing prevention and intervention programs aimed at reducing SI over time from middle childhood to early adolescence.
Immunogenicity of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines in patients treated with chronic double filtration plasmapheresis
Authors: Pambrun Emilie , Loubet Paul , Fourneron Thomas , Moranne Olivier
Published: June 2024

Background

The impact of chronic therapeutic plasmapheresis on humoral response following COVID‐19 vaccination is poorly documented, especially among patients treated with double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP).

Objectives

This retrospective single‐center study evaluated the humoral response after SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination and studied anti‐SPIKE seropositivity and antibody dynamics in patients with chronic DFPP at our institution.

Method

All patients undergoing chronic DFPP at a tertiary center in France from December 2020 to November 2022 were included. We defined one patient subgroup as Group 1 to evaluate anti‐SPIKE seropositivity after vaccination, with three groups based on their anti‐SPIKE titers: (Group 1A) nonresponders (<0.8 UI/mL), (Group 1B) weak responders (0.8 to <250 binding antibody unit [BAU]/mL), and (Group 1C) strong responders (>250 BAU/mL). Group 2 served to evaluate antibody dynamics with anti‐SPIKE levels measured 3 months after initial vaccination, Group 2A having a sustained level and Group 2B a declining pattern.

Results

The 21 patients included had a median age of 63 years, and 13 (56%) were male. The indications for chronic DFPP mainly included dysimmune pathologies (15; 71%) and familial dyslipidemia (6; 29%). For the humoral response to vaccination in Patient Group 1, the only nonresponder was a patient who had undergone kidney transplantation 30 months earlier and was on immunosuppressive medication. For Patient Group 2, the median follow‐up of antibody titers was 13 months [12–13]. Two distinct patterns of anti‐SPIKE dynamics were observed: a rapid decline in anti‐SPIKE antibody titers within 6 months following the initial vaccination or booster dose (n = 10 [71.4%] Group 2A) and stable anti‐SPIKE levels above 250 BAU/mL over >6 months (n = 4 [28.6%] Group 2B) with more patients with familial dyslipidemia in the former.

Conclusions

Humoral response to SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination appears robust in patients undergoing chronic DFPP and may be linked to patients' immune status rather than DFPTP itself. Our results support current recommendations for administering three doses of vaccine with a booster every 6 months.
Structural characteristics and regenerative potential: Insights from the molly fish spinal cord
Authors: Awad Mahmoud , Sayed Ramy K. A. , Mohammadin Dalia , Hussein Marwa M. , Mokhtar Doaa M.
Published: June 2024

Unlike mammals, species such as fish and amphibians can regenerate damaged spinal cords, offering insights into potential therapeutic targets. This study investigates the structural features of the molly fish spinal cord through light and electron microscopy. The most notable characteristic was the presence of Mauthner cells (M‐cells), which exhibited large cell bodies and processes, as well as synaptic connections with astrocytes. These astrocytic connections contained synaptic vesicles, suggesting electrical transmission at the M‐cell endings. Astrocytes, which were labeled with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), contained cytoplasmic glycogen granules, potentially serving as an emergency fuel source. Two types of oligodendrocytes were identified: a small, dark cell and a larger, lighter cell, both of which reacted strongly with oligodendrocyte transcription factor 2 (Olig2). The dark oligodendrocyte resembled human oligodendrocyte precursors, while the light oligodendrocyte was similar to mature human oligodendrocytes. Additionally, proliferative neurons in the substantia grisea centralis expressed myostatin, Nrf2, and Sox9. Collectively, these findings suggest that the molly fish spinal cord has advanced structural features conducive to spinal cord regeneration and could serve as an excellent model for studying central nervous system regeneration. Further studies on the functional aspects of the molly fish spinal cord are recommended.

Research Highlights

Mauthner cells (M‐cell), with their typical large cell body and processes, were the most characteristic feature in Molly fish spinal cord, where it presented synaptic connections with astrocytes and their ends contained synaptic vesicles indicating an electrical transmission in the M‐cells endings.

Two types of oligodendrocytes could be recognized; both reacted intensely with Oligodendrocyte transcription factor 2 (Olig2).

The proliferative neurons of the substantia grisea centralis expressed myostatin, Nrf2, and Sox9.

The findings of this study suggest that molly fish possess highly developed structural features conducive to spinal cord regeneration. Consequently, they could be deemed an exemplary model for investigating central nervous system regeneration.
Gastric intestinal metaplasia: Prevalence in a large Australian center and nationwide survey of endoscopic practice
Authors: Hartley Imogen , Connoley Declan , Sane Nikhita , Hirsch Ryan , Abeywickrama Dilini , Sim Nicholle , Ea Vinny , Azzopardi Robert , Simpson Ian , Bell Sally , Hew Simon
Published: June 2024

Background and Aim

Atrophic gastritis (AG) and gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM) are early changes in the stepwise progression to gastric adenocarcinoma. There is heterogeneity in international guidelines regarding the endoscopic diagnosis and surveillance of AG and GIM. This study aims to determine the prevalence of GIM in an Australian center and assess the approach of Australian endoscopists for these two conditions.

Methods

We conducted a single‐center retrospective study of adult patients between January 2015 and December 2020 diagnosed with GIM on gastric biopsy following upper gastric endoscopy. A web‐based, 25‐question, investigator‐designed, multiple‐choice survey was distributed among all registered endoscopists in Australia.

Results

The overall prevalence of GIM within a single Australian center was 11.7% over 5 years. Of the 1026 patients identified, only 58.7% underwent mapping biopsies using the modified Sydney protocol. Among the cohort, 1.6% had low‐grade dysplasia, 0.9% had high‐grade dysplasia, and 1.8% had malignancy on initial gastroscopy. Two hundred and sixty‐seven (7.2%) endoscopists completed the survey, 44.2% indicated they would perform mapping for all patients, and 36% only for high‐risk patients. Only 1.5% (n = 4) of respondents were able to correctly identify all six endoscopic photos of GIM/AG.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that in a large tertiary center, GIM is a prevalent endoscopic finding, but the associated rates of dysplasia and cancer were low. Additionally, among a small proportion of surveyed Australian endoscopists, there is notable variability in the endoscopic approach for AG and GIM and significant knowledge gaps. More training is required to increase the recognition of GIM and compliance with histological mapping.
Parenteral versus enteral fluids for infants hospitalized with bronchiolitis: The PREFER shared decision‐making prospective observational study protocol
Authors: Gill Peter J. , Buchanan Francine , Fahim Christine , Borkhoff Cornelia M. , Raza Shamama , Buba Melanie , Wahi Gita , Bayliss Ann , Zhou Kim , Kanani Ronik , Sakran Mahmoud , De Castris‐Garcia Kim , Barrowman Nicholas , Klassen Terry , Schuh Suzanne , Hulst Jessie , Straus Sharon , Macarthur Colin , Sozer Aubrey , Elwyn Glyn , Breen‐Reid Karen , Mahant Sanjay ,   The Canadian Pediatric Inpatient Research Network (PIRN)
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Incorporating shared decision‐making (SDM) with children and families in hospitals was a top priority identified by patients, caregivers, and clinicians. Bronchiolitis, a common and costly reason for hospitalization in children, is an exemplar condition to study SDM in hospitals. Internationally, clinical practice guidelines differ when recommending intravenous (IV or parenteral) or nasogastric (NG or enteral) fluids for hospitalized infants with bronchiolitis who are unsafe to be fed orally. While evidence indicates that either IV or NG fluids are safe and effective, parent involvement in SDM in selecting IV or NG fluids is unknown. Our aim is to generate knowledge of SDM with parents in choosing between IV or NG fluids and the benefits and harms of these two treatment options for hospitalized children with bronchiolitis.

Method

This is a multicenter, prospective, observational study, including children aged <12 months admitted to hospital with bronchiolitis requiring supplemental IV or NG fluids. The primary outcome will evaluate the extent of SDM in choosing IV versus NG fluids using the validated CollaboRATE tool. Secondary outcomes include the proportion of parents provided a choice of IV versus NG fluids; parent knowledge of fluid therapy; rate of fluids; length of hospital stay; and complications.

Discussion

This study will evaluate the extent of SDM in hospitalized infants with bronchiolitis who require IV or NG fluids and will evaluate both patient‐centered and clinical outcomes that are relevant to clinical practice.
Rechallenge and retreatment with topical imiquimod 5% in transplant recipients: A multicenter experience on actinic keratoses and basal cell carcinomas
Authors: Fava Paolo , Roccuzzo Gabriele , Macagno Nicole , Cavallo Francesco , Celoria Valentina , Avallone Gianluca , Zavattaro Elisa , Veronese Federica , Biancone Luigi , Savoia Paola , Quaglino Pietro
Published: June 2024

Background

Solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) have an increased risk of developing non melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs). The use of Imiquimod, a toll‐like‐receptor agonist, is still debated in SOTRs.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate efficacy and safety of topical Imiquimod in two Dermatology Centres for skin cancers in SOTRs.

Methods

All SOTRs with age > 18 and a dermoscopic diagnosis of superficial basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and/or actinic keratose (AK), annually followed up between January 2022 and December 2022 were screened.

Results

80 NMSCs (41 BCC and 39 AK) in 66 SOTRs were identified and treated.

57 (86.4%) were male. The mean age was 66.2 years (30−85). 60 patients (90.1%) had transplanted kidney, 1 (1.5%) lung, 3 (4.5%) liver, and 1 (1.5%) heart.

The average time since first transplant was 17 years (3−40 years). Tacrolimus, steroids, and mycophenolate mofetil were the most frequently used immunosuppressants (71%; 67.7%; 53.2% of cases, respectively).

Responses to the first course of treatment were CR in 64.3% of cases (53.6% in AK; 67.7% in BCC); PR in 28.6% of cases (42.9% in AK; 12.9% in BCC); NR in 12.5% of cases (3.6% in AK; 19.4% in BCC). Fourteen patients received a second course of imiquimod for a persistent lesion (1 AK, 4 BCC) or a new lesion (4 AK, 5 BCC).

Responses to the second course of treatment were observed in 4 (80%) and 7 (78%) cases in the persistent and new lesion, respectively (p = 0.34).

No systemic adverse events were noted. The main side effects were mild: erythema, scales, and crusts, itching, or pain.

Conclusions

Topical imiquimod represents a viable and safe option in this category of patients.

The response to imiquimod in subjects who have had more than one cycle is not related to the response to previous treatments but rather to the intrinsic characteristics of the lesion.
Identification of southern Taiwan genetic variants in thyroid dyshormonogenesis through whole‐exome sequencing
Authors: Tsai Ching‐Chao , Chang Yu‐Ming , Chou Yen‐Yin , Chen Shou‐Yen , Pan Yu‐Wen , Tsai Meng‐Che
Published: June 2024

Thyroid dyshormonogenesis (TDH) is responsible for 15%–25% of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) cases. Pathogenetic variants of this common inherited endocrine disorders vary geographically. Unraveling the genetic underpinnings of TDH is essential for genetic counseling and precise therapeutic strategies. This study aims to identify genetic variants associated with TDH in Southern Taiwan using whole exome sequencing (WES). We included CH patients diagnosed through newborn screening at a tertiary medical center from 2011 to 2022. Permanent TDH was determined based on imaging evidence of bilateral thyroid structure and the requirement for continuous medication beyond 3 years of age. Genomic DNA extracted from blood was used for exome library construction, and pathogenic variants were detected using an in‐house algorithm. Of the 876 CH patients reviewed, 121 were classified as permanent, with 47 (40%) confirmed as TDH. WES was conducted for 45 patients, and causative variants were identified in 32 patients (71.1%), including DUOX2 (15 cases), TG (8 cases), TSHR (7 cases), TPO (5 cases), and DUOXA2 (1 case). Recurrent variants included DUOX2 c.3329G>A, TSHR c.1349G>A, TG c.1348delT, and TPO c.2268dupT. We identified four novel variants based on genotype, including TSHR c.1135C>T, TSHR c.1349G>C, TG c.2461delA, and TG c.2459T>A. This study underscores the efficacy of WES in providing definitive molecular diagnoses for TDH. Molecular diagnoses are instrumental in genetic counseling, formulating treatment, and developing management strategies. Future research integrating larger population cohorts is vital to further elucidate the genetic landscape of TDH.
Synthesis of recent research and attributes of recovered lean Lake Trout populations in Lake Superior, 1993–2022
Authors: Sitar Shawn P. , Seider Michael J. , Ebener Mark P. , Chong Stephen C. , Goldsworthy Cory A. , Harding Ian , Michaels S. Ben , Moore Seth A. , Pratt Thomas , Ray Bradley A.
Published: June 2024

Objective

This purpose of this paper is to describe the characteristics of recovered Lake Trout Salvelinus namaycush populations in Lake Superior by describing its population dynamics, ecology, and recent research and management activities since 1993, when Lake Trout were declared rehabilitated.

Methods

Data from commercial fisheries, recreational fisheries, agency stocking reports, and natural resource agency fishery-independent survey data along with published research findings on lean Lake Trout in Lake Superior between 1993 and 2022 were synthesized and reported.

Result

Currently, Lake Trout populations are self-sustaining and lightly exploited with only a few areas with elevated total mortality rates. The total annual mortality has been far below the target maximum range of 42–45%. Furthermore, stocking of hatchery Lake Trout is no longer necessary.

Conclusion

We have learned from research and management experience that the regulatory role of Lake Trout in the Great Lakes is critical to proper ecosystem function. Thus, continued commitment from natural resource agencies to cooperate and implement effective management actions is required to preserve the accomplishments of lakewide recovery of Lake Trout populations.
The Role of Temporal Bone Pneumatization on Fracture Line and Involved Cranial Structures
Authors: Shapira Udi , Klein Linor , Oron Yahav , Handzel Ophir , Abu‐Eta Rani , Muhanna Nidal , Shilo Shahaf , Brenner Adi , Ungar Omer J.
Published: June 2024

Objective

Temporal bone pneumatization (TBP) is speculated to serve as a shock absorber in temporal bone fractures (TBF), directing the fracture line away from vital structures. This study correlates TBP extent with TBF patterns and preservations of vital TB structures.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary referral medical center.

Methods

All TBF patients referred to a single tertiary center 2017 to 2023 were evaluated. A pneumatization index score for each of their TBs was derived by counting automated‐voxel density in a 0 to 100 scale. Results were correlated to the TBF type and the violated structure(s). The ossification index was compared to previously detailed qualitative classification systems of TBP.

Results

One hundred and forty‐five patients were enrolled (mean age 43 ± 17 years). Kinematics were motor vehicle accidents (46%), scooter (15%), bicycle (14%), falls (13%), and assaults (8%). The mastoid ossification index we used showed a strong correlation to all qualitative classification systems (sigmoid = 0.829; labyrinthine = 0.849; carotis = 0.863, infralabyrinthine = 0.869, all P < .001). The pneumatization index strongly correlated with capsule‐violating TBFs, with a mean of 44 ± 23 for otic capsule‐sparing TBF and 61 ± 20 for otic capsule‐violating (OCV) TBF (P < .001). The facial nerve was violated in 30 patients. Facial canal (FC) involvement was not correlated to the ossification index: it was 49 ± 23 for FC‐sparing and 44 ± 23 for FC‐violating (P = .620).

Conclusion

TBP serves as a protective mechanism against OCV TBF. The more pneumatized the TB, the less likely the otic capsule will be violated in the event of a TBF with the exception of the carotid and FCs. TBP index is in strong agreement with qualitative TBP classification systems.
Making sense of artificial intelligence and large language models—including ChatGPT—in pediatric hematology/oncology
Authors: Wyatt Kirk D. , Alexander Natasha , Hills Gerard D. , Liang Wayne H. , Kadauke Stephan , Volchenboum Samuel L. , Mian Amir , Phillips Charles A.
Published: June 2024

ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence (AI) systems have captivated the attention of healthcare providers and researchers for their potential to improve care processes and outcomes. While these technologies hold promise to automate processes, increase efficiency, and reduce cognitive burden, their use also carries risks. In this commentary, we review basic concepts of AI, outline some of the capabilities and limitations of currently available tools, discuss current and future applications in pediatric hematology/oncology, and provide an evaluation and implementation framework that can be used by pediatric hematologist/oncologists considering the use of AI in clinical practice.