bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preservation of Luminescent Properties of Zinc Complexes in the Solid State by Accumulating into Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane
Authors: Narikiyo Hayato , Iizuka Daisuke , Gon Masayuki , Tanaka Kazuo , Chujo Yoshiki
Published: November 2024

Multinuclear complexes have attracted great attention because of their superior properties originating from the cooperative effects between the metal ions. In this study, we synthesized polynuclear zinc complexes by chelation between the side‐chains of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS). From the NMR spectroscopy, high‐resolution mass spectrometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), it was confirmed the four equivalents of zinc ions were coordinated to the single POSS molecule. Optical measurements indicated that luminescent properties can be preserved even in the solid state. The three‐dimensional structure of POSS should play a significant role in suppressing concentration quenching followed by solid‐state emission properties.
Hall and Thermo‐Diffusion Effects on Chemically Reactive MHD Unsteady Brinkman‐Type Dissipative Flow of EO‐Based MoS2 Nanofluid From a Rotating Plate in Porous Medium
Authors: Reddy B. Prabhakar , Mng'ang'a Jumanne , Matao M. Paul
Published: November 2024

In many mechanical systems, the friction is a major aspect in the energy loss. However, lubrication is the ultimate way to reduce friction. The engine‐oil is the prominent lubricant for internal combustion engines. Last few decades, nanofluids gained credit as an inventive low‐friction technology that significantly lowers emissions and keeps great energy savings. Therefore, this study analyzes the thermo‐diffusion Brinkman‐type radiative engine‐oil based unsteady magnetohydrodynamics heat consuming Molybdenum‐disulfide nanofluid flow with Hall, chemical reaction and viscous dissipation impacts from a rotating plate in porous environs. The finite difference numerical scheme was utilized to get the numerical solutions of the flow fields. The numerical results accomplished for velocity, temperature and concentration relating to assorted flow parameters with the help of MATLAB are interpreted graphically whilst the engineering quantities by tables. The ultimate results bring‐out that the temperature and both velocity components upsurges due to viscous dissipation and radiation effects but heat consumption affects oppositely. The nanoparticle's volume fraction significantly improves the temperature field. The Brinkman parameter and nanoparticle's volume fraction causes to slow‐down both velocity components whereas thermo‐diffusion and Hall parameters have exposed opposite impact. The magnetic field and rotational parameters tend to downgrade the primary velocity and heightens the secondary velocity. The concentration field repressed by the chemical reaction reagent. Heat transfer rate enhanced at the surface by increasing viscous dissipation and volume fraction but it is lessened with radiation and heat‐consumption. Interestingly, the heat transfer rate significantly raises to when dispersing Molybdenum‐disulfide nanoparticles to engine‐oil which enhanced its lubrication.
Creativity and its link to epilepsy
Authors: Tokatly Latzer Itay , Pearl Phillip L.
Published: November 2024

Creative thinking represents one of our highest‐order cognitive processes, involving multiple cortical structures and an intricate interplay between several cortical and subcortical networks. It results in novel ideas that translate to useful products or concepts. The evolutionary purpose of creativity is therefore apparent, as it advances our adaptation and survival. Elucidating the neurobiology and neuroanatomy of creative cognition is challenging because the construct of creativity is not clearly defined, and the many neuropsychological measures attempting to assess it are often biased, leading to imprecise findings. Using examples from the medical and music fields, creativity is demonstrably linked to the default mode network (DMN), which has the unique property of becoming activated at times of “quiet wakefulness,” facilitating “defaulted” internally focused cognitive operations. Creative thoughts result from a process involving the activation and deactivation of the DMN as part of a dynamic interplay shared with the central executive network and affective salience network. The question is posed whether seizures originating from DMN‐related cortical areas should be considered as having overlap with eloquent cortex, potentially exempting them from removal in epilepsy surgery.

Plain Language Summary

Creative thinking is a higher‐order cognitive process involving multiple brain structures and networks. It results in insightful and original thoughts that translate to useful products or concepts, which allow us to adapt to our surroundings. This Narrative Review presents conceptual, investigational, and neurobiological aspects of creativity, including information about a unique brain network termed “default mode network (DMN),” which activates at times of “quiet wakefulness,” facilitating internally focused cognitive operations. The review ends with a discussion on whether regions of the DMN from which seizures originate should be regarded as “eloquent” and their removal should be deferred by epilepsy surgery.
Soybean Glycinin Reduced Growth Performance and Antioxidant Capacity and Caused Intestinal Inflammation and Microbiome Changes in Large Yellow Croaker (Larimichthys crocea)
Authors: Shao Jianchun , Li Zhangqi , You Haokun , Wang Dejuan , Zhang Jiaonan , Wang Lei , Zhao Chao , Zhao Wei
Published: November 2024

Glycinin, a major anti‐nutrient in soybean meal, may trigger enteritis and oxidative stress in fish with overconsumption. However, its impact on intestinal inflammation and underlying signaling mechanisms in Larimichthys crocea remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of glycinin on growth, antioxidant function, inflammatory response, and gut microbiota. Four isonitrogenous and isolipidic experimental feeds were prepared, supplemented with 0%(G0), 3%(G3), 6%(G6), and 12%(G12) glycinin, respectively, and fed to juvenile L. crocea for 10 weeks. The findings indicated that dietary glycinin markedly decreased the growth, feed utilization, and survival rate of L. crocea. In addition, L. crocea fed with G6 and G12 diets showed lower trypsin activity compared with those fed with G0 and G3 diets. Similarly, fish fed with G6 and G12 diets showed higher malondialdehyde content and lower superoxide dismutase activity in the liver compared with those fed with G0 and G3 diets, suggesting that glycinin induced oxidative stress and led to the imbalance of the antioxidant system. Dietary glycinin significantly increased the mRNA expression levels of toll‐like receptors in the gut. Moreover, dietary glycinin resulted in a heightened expression of both C‐rel and p65 proteins, while also elevating the phosphorylation levels of JNK and ERK proteins, indicating that glycinin activated the MAPK/NF‐κB signaling route. In addition, dietary glycinin increased the abundance of pathogenic bacteria in the gut, including Bacteroides and Streptococcus, and reduced the Bifidobacterium abundance. The findings suggested that L. crocea is highly sensitive to glycinin, and a 3% level can cause growth decline and enteritis.
Regime‐Switching Density Forecasts Using Economists' Scenarios
Authors: Moramarco Graziano
Published: November 2024

We propose an approach for generating macroeconomic density forecasts that incorporate information on multiple scenarios defined by experts. We adopt a regime‐switching framework in which sets of scenarios (“views”) are used as Bayesian priors on economic regimes. Predictive densities coming from different views are then combined by optimizing objective functions of density forecasting. We illustrate the approach with an empirical application to quarterly real‐time forecasts of the US GDP growth rate, in which we exploit the Fed's macroeconomic scenarios used for bank stress tests. We show that the approach achieves good accuracy in terms of average predictive scores and good calibration of forecast distributions. Moreover, it can be used to evaluate the contribution of economists' scenarios to density forecast performance.
Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) ‐A Vector Suitable for Evolving Therapies for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)
Authors: Zhang Mingxuan , Guo Ruiping , Yuan Zhuhui , Wang Hao
Published: November 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) stands as the predominant form of primary liver cancer, characterized by a dismal prognosis. Therapeutic options for advanced HCC remain sparse, with efficacy significantly hampered by the emergence of drug resistance. In parallel with research into novel pharmacological agents, advances in drug delivery systems represent a promising avenue for overcoming resistance. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have demonstrated considerable efficacy in the delivery of nucleic acid‐based therapeutics and hold potential for broader applications in drug delivery. This review describes the development of LNPs tailored for HCC treatment and consolidates recent investigations using LNPs to target HCC.
Validation of the Quick Mild Cognitive Impairment Screen in an American Sample of Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment and Mild Dementia
Authors: Fernandez Dariella A. , Schmitz Suzanne , Foil Heather , Brouillette Robert , Keller Jeffrey N. , Hilsabeck Robin C.
Published: November 2024

Objective

Early detection of cognitive impairment is critical for patient outcomes, yet cognitive impairment is under identified in primary care settings largely due to time constraints. The Quick Mild Cognitive Impairment (Qmci) screen was developed to address the need for a short cognitive screening instrument (< 5 min) that is sensitive to early cognitive change but has not been validated in the United States (US). The objective of this study was to examine the classification accuracy of the Qmci in participants from two memory specialty (e.g., secondary outpatient) clinics in the US.

Methods

Participants were 152 older adults: 87 participants were cognitively normal (CN), 48 were diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 17 were diagnosed with mild dementia (DEM). Classification accuracy of the Qmci and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) were compared in participants with and without cognitive impairment.

Results

The Qmci demonstrated higher classification accuracy in differentiating CN from cognitively impaired participants (i.e., MCI and DEM) (AUC = 0.82) than the MMSE (AUC = 0.77). The optimal cut‐off score for the Qmci was < 67, which achieved a sensitivity of 79% and specificity of 80%. The optimal MMSE cut‐off score was < 27, which achieved a sensitivity of 97% and specificity of 43%.

Conclusions

The Qmci is a valid cognitive screening instrument for detecting early stages of cognitive impairment in memory clinic samples in the US. Its short administration time and increased specificity for detecting MCI make it an attractive option for use in primary care settings. Further validation of the Qmci is needed, specifically within primary care settings.
Soft Tissue Sarcoma in Sub‐Saharan Africa: Surgical Management Outcomes, Gaps, and Future Prospects: A Narrative Review
Authors: Adebusoye Favour Tope , Roy Sakshi , Bharadwaj Hareesha Rishab , Ali Syed Hasham , Awuah Wireko Andrew , Ferreira Tomas , Tan Joecelyn Kirani , Aderinto Nicholas , Azeem Saleha , Salako Paul Olutosin , Tenkorang Pearl Ohenewaa , Kumar Harendra , Abdul‐Rahman Toufik
Published: November 2024

Background and Aims

The diagnosis and management of soft tissue sarcoma (STS) in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) present significant challenges. Positive outcomes in STS treatment include achieving negative margins, improved quality of life, and reduced recurrence rates, while negative outcomes involve incomplete resection, local recurrence, and surgical complications. This review aims to examine the current state of STS management in SSA, identify key challenges, and propose potential solutions to improve patient outcomes.

Methods

A comprehensive review of the literature using PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Scopus, focusing on English‐language studies examining the management of STS in SSA. Inclusion criteria centered on studies reporting on surgical interventions, outcomes, and healthcare challenges in the region. Articles lacking sufficient data, non‐English sources, conference abstracts, and duplicates were excluded.

Results

Findings highlight several obstacles in the management of STS in SSA, including limited multidisciplinary teams, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, financial constraints, and lack of standardized treatment protocols. Key themes such as diagnostic capacity and resource allocation were identified as significant barriers.

Conclusion

Improving STS outcomes in SSA requires investment in healthcare infrastructure, professional development, enhanced funding, and collaborative research. Addressing these gaps is crucial to achieving better surgical management and improving survival rates for patients with STS in SSA.
Thermo‐Enviro‐Economic Study of Solar Concentrated Hexagonal Covered Tubular Still Using Interrupted and Tilted Receiver
Authors: Amori Karima E. , Hussien Tabark A.
Published: November 2024

Solar energy is still commonly used to produce clean drinking water due to its simple construction, low maintenance, and ecofriendliness. This work aims to experimentally investigate the yield upgrade and the thermal performance of a novel concentrated single‐axis tracking trough tubular solar still (TSS). This tubular still is identified by three baffles that generate four interrupted sections in the U‐receiver, which is inserted with copper mesh and fitted in a hexagonal‐shaped glass cover. Two identical TSS models were side‐by‐side outdoor tested in Baghdad‐Iraq 33.3° N and 43.3° E from January to March 2024. The first is inserted with black copper mesh (Model I), and the other has no insertion (Model ll). The effect of the inserted copper mesh (60, 120, and 180 g) and the receivers' tilt angle (5°, 10°, and 15°) on the still performance are involved. The still thermal performance is analyzed per heat transfer coefficients, energy, and exergy efficiencies. The results revealed that the accumulated daily yield is enhanced for Model I by 78.9%–194.8% while the thermal efficiency is enhanced by 68.3%–206.4% when it is tilted at 15° with the insertion of 60–180 g copper mesh, respectively, compared with Model II. It is concluded that an effective improvement in the solar still yield is obtained by using copper mesh.
Bioinformatics Analysis and Immunogenicity Assessment of the Novel Multi‐Stage DNA Vaccine W541 Against Mycobacterium Tuberculosis
Authors: Yang Yourong , Xue Yong , Wang Xiaoou , Wang Lan , Wang Jie , Zhang Junxian , Liu Yinping , Liang Yan , Wu Xueqiong
Published: November 2024

Background

Vaccination is one of the effective measures to prevent latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) from developing into active tuberculosis (TB). Applying bioinformatics methods to pre‐evaluate the biological characteristics and immunogenicity of vaccines can improve the efficiency of vaccine development.

Objectives

To evaluate the immunogenicity of TB vaccine W541 and to explore the application of bioinformatics technology in TB vaccine research.

Methods

This study concatenated the immunodominant sequences of Ag85A, Ag85B, Rv3407, and Rv1733c to construct the W541 DNA vaccine. Then, bioinformatics methods were used to analyze the physicochemical properties, antigenicity, allergenicity, toxicity, and population coverage of the vaccine, to identify its epitopes, and to perform molecular docking with MHC alleles and Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) of the host. Finally, the immunogenicity of the vaccine was evaluated in animal experiments.

Results

The W541 vaccine protein is a soluble cytoplasmic protein with a half‐life of 1.1 h in vivo and an instability index of 45.37. It has good antigenicity and wide population coverage without allergenicity and toxicity. It contains 138 HTL epitopes, 73 CTL epitopes, 8 linear and 14 discontinuous B cell epitopes, and has a strong affinity for TLR4. Immune simulations have shown that it can effectively stimulate innate and adaptive immune responses. Animal experiments confirmed that the W541 DNA vaccine could effectively activate Th1‐ and Th17‐type immune responses, producing high levels of IFN‐γ and IL‐17A, but could not significantly increase antibody levels.

Conclusion

The W541 DNA vaccine can induce strong cellular immune responses. However, further optimization of the vaccine design is needed to make the expressed protein more stable in vivo. Bioinformatics analysis could reveal the physicochemical and immunological information of vaccines, which is critical for guiding vaccine design and development.
Natural Killer Cells in Cancers of Respiratory System and Their Applications in Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Dokhanchi Maryam , Javaherdehi Atefe Panahipoor , Raad Mohammad , Khalilollah Shayan , Mahdavi Pooya , Razizadeh Mohammad Hossein , Zafarani Alireza
Published: November 2024

Background

Cancer is still regarded as a major worldwide health issue due to its high health and socioeconomic burden. Currently, lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer‐related fatalities globally. Additionally, mesotheliomas and other cancers of the respiratory system, including those of the trachea, larynx, and bronchi, are also posing a significant health threat. Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes of the innate immune system involved in response against cancer.

Objective

This review discussed recent findings in the context of NK cell activity in the immune surveillance of respiratory system cancers and NK cell‐based treatments to combat those malignancies.

Results

The presence of natural killer cells in the tumor microenvironment is shown to be associated with a higher survival rate in patients with various malignancies. However, cancerous cells benefit from several mechanisms to evade natural killer cell‐mediated cytotoxicity, including reduced major histocompatibility complex I expression, shedding of ligands, upregulation of inhibitory receptors, and release of soluble factors. Using NK cells to design therapeutic approaches may enhance antitumor immunity and improve clinical outcomes. Clinical trials investigating the use of natural killer cells in combination with cytokine stimulation or immune checkpoint inhibitors have exhibited promising results in various respiratory system malignancies.

Conclusion

Respiratory system cancers present significant health challenges worldwide, and while NK cells play a crucial role in tumor surveillance, tumors often evade NK cell responses through various mechanisms. Advances in NK cell‐based therapies, including CAR‐NK cells, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and cytokine stimulation, have shown promising outcomes in tackling these tactics. However, challenges such as the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment persist. Ongoing research is crucial to improve NK cell therapies by targeting autophagy, modulating miRNAs, and developing combinatorial approaches to enhance treatment efficacy for respiratory cancers.
Neural morphology perception system based on antiferroelectric AgNbO3 neurons
Authors: Zhao Jianhui , Wang Jiacheng , Sun Jiameng , Shao Yiduo , Fan Yibo , Pei Yifei , Zhou Zhenyu , Wang Linxia , Wang Zhongrong , Sun Yong , Zheng Shukai , Guo Jianxin , Zhao Lei , Yan Xiaobing
Published: November 2024

Biologically inspired neuromorphic perceptual systems have great potential for efficient processing of multisensory signals from the physical world. Recently, artificial neurons constructed by memristor have been developed with good biological plausibility and density, but the filament‐type memristor is limited by undesirable temporal and spatial variations, high electroforming voltage and limited reproducibility and the Mott insulator type memristor suffer from large driving current. Here, we propose a novel antiferroelectric artificial neuron (AFEAN) based on the intrinsic polarization and depolarization of AgNbO3 (ANO) antiferroelectric (AFE) films to address these challenges. The antiferroelectric memristor exhibits low power consumption (8.99 nW), excellent durability (~105) and high stability. Using such an AFEAN, a spike‐based antiferroelectric neuromorphic perception system (AFENPS) has been designed, which can encode light level and temperature signals into spikes, and further construct a spiking neural network (SNN) (784 × 196 × 10) for optical image classification and thermal imaging classification, achieving 95.34% and 95.76% recognition accuracy on the MNIST dataset, respectively. This work paves the way for the simulation of spiking neurons using antiferroelectric materials and promising a promising method for the development of highly efficient hardware for neuromorphic perception systems.

image
Subtype‐Specific Detection in Stage Ia Breast Cancer: Integrating Raman Spectroscopy, Machine Learning, and Liquid Biopsy for Personalised Diagnostics
Authors: Tipatet Kevin Saruni , Hanna Katie , Davison‐Gates Liam , Kerst Mario , Downes Andrew
Published: November 2024

This study explores the integration of Raman spectroscopy (RS) with machine learning for the early detection and subtyping of breast cancer using blood plasma samples. We performed detailed spectral analyses, identifying significant spectral patterns associated with cancer biomarkers. Our findings demonstrate the potential for classifying the four major subtypes of breast cancer at stage Ia with an average sensitivity and specificity of 90% and 95%, respectively, and a cross‐validated macro‐averaged area under the curve (AUC) of 0.98. This research highlights efforts to integrate vibrational spectroscopy with machine learning, enhancing cancer diagnostics through a non‐invasive, personalised approach for early detection and monitoring disease progression. This study is the first of its kind to utilise RS and machine learning to classify the four major breast cancer subtypes at stage Ia.
Vaginal Misoprostol Pharmacokinetic Changes in Obese Parturient Women Who Presented Labor Induction Failure
Authors: Filgueira Gabriela Campos de Oliveira , Benzi Jhohann Richard de Lima , Rodrigues Grazielle de Fátima Pinto , Marques Maria Paula , Thomaz Matheus De Lucca , Duarte Geraldo , Lanchote Vera Lucia , Cavalli Ricardo Carvalho
Published: November 2024

Clinical experience shows an increased duration of labor in obese parturient women. It is unclear if this population should receive the same dose of vaginal misoprostol for induction of labor as non‐obese parturient women. We investigate the influence of obesity on the pharmacokinetics and placental transfer of the metabolite misoprostol acid in parturient women. Parturient women (n = 40) were enrolled and received misoprostol 25 µg/6 h vaginally and were allocated into two groups according to the pre‐pregnancy body mass index (BMI <30 kg/m2 non‐obese, n = 18 or BMI >30 kg/m2 obese, n = 22) or according to the labor induction outcome (failure [n = 10] or success [n = 30]). Blood collection for pharmacokinetic study occurred after the first misoprostol dose. The pharmacokinetic parameters obtained in non‐obese parturient women were not statistically different from those obtained in obese group (P Value >  .05). However, when the parturient women were grouped by the labor induction outcome, the failed labor induction group presented a higher (median [interquartile range]) BMI (44.4 [34.6‐47.9] vs 33.7 [28.9‐36.5] kg/m2) (P Value =  .0017), lower Cmax (11.5 [4.82‐22.2] vs 22.8 [14.2‐30.8] pg/mL) (P Value =  .0308) and not statistically different AUC0‐6 (31.8 [13.4‐61.5] vs 53.4 [35.4‐77.7]) pg·h/mL) (P Value =  .0580) and tmax (2.50 [1.19‐4.25] vs 3.00 (1.88‐5.00) h (P Value =  .3198) when compared with parturient women who presented successful labor induction. This data suggests a higher loading dose (higher volume of distribution) and unchanged maintenance dose (unchanged AUC0‐6) of misoprostol for this population. Further studies are required to investigate the efficacy and safety of higher misoprostol loading doses for this population.
N‐Carbamimidoyl‐2,2,2‐Trifluoro‐N′‐Arylacetimidamides as Important Intermediates for the Synthesis of 3‐Amino‐4‐Aryl‐5‐(Trifluoromethyl)‐1H‐1,2,4‐Triazoles
Authors: Abdinasab Salimeh , Darehkordi Ali , Abbasi Alireza
Published: November 2024

A novel series of N‐carbamimidoyl‐2,2,2‐trifluoro‐N′‐arylacetimidamides (3a–j) have been prepared via condensation of 2,2,2‐trifuoroacetimidoyl chlorides with guanidine in the presence Na and in dry EtOH solvent at ambient temperature. Then, these key intermediates were applied for the synthesized of 3‐amino‐4‐aryl‐5‐(trifluoromethyl)‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazoles (4a–j) under oxidative cyclization reaction in the presence of KI/I2 as an oxidant system and DMSO solvent. The target compounds were produced in high yields and without the need for isolation.
Clinical Performance of OncoPredict HPV Screening Assay on Self‐Collected Vaginal and Urine Specimens Within the VALHUDES Framework
Authors: Giubbi Chiara , Martinelli Marianna , Latsuzbaia Ardashel , Cuschieri Kate , Elasifer Hana , Iacobone Anna Daniela , Bottari Fabio , Piana Andrea Fausto , Pietri Roberto , Tisi Giancarlo , Odicino Franco , Arbyn Marc , Cocuzza Clementina Elvezia ,   European VALHUDES Working Group
Published: November 2024

The introduction of self‐sampling in cervical cancer screening has raised the importance of HPV test validation on self‐collected samples. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical accuracy of the OncoPredict HPV Screening (SCR) assay on self‐collected vaginal and first‐void urine (FVU) samples, relative to cervical specimens, using the VALHUDES Framework. FVU and vaginal self‐samples followed by a clinician‐collected cervical brushing were collected from 500 women referred to colposcopy and tested using OncoPredict HPV SCR assay. The assay demonstrated clinical sensitivity to detect cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (≥ CIN2) similar to cervical samples in FVU (ratio: 0.95, [95% CI: 0.88–1.02]) and vaginal self‐samples (ratio: 0.96 [95% CI: 0.90–1.02]). The clinical specificity for < CIN2 was lower in vaginal (ratio: 0.90 [95% CI: 0.84–0.96]) but not in FVU samples (ratio: 1.03 [95% CI: 0.96–1.12) when compared to cervical samples. However, the relative specificity improved following cut‐off optimization (ratio: 0.94, 95% CI: [0.88–1.01]). Moderate to excellent agreement in HPV detection between self‐collected and cervical samples was demonstrated (Kappa values: 0.53–1.00). To conclude, OncoPredict HPV SCR assay demonstrated similar accuracy on FVU and cervical samples. On vaginal compared to cervical samples sensitivity was similar with a lower specificity, which improved with cut‐off optimization.
Comparing conventional tagging methods and acoustic telemetry to inform management of Lake Whitefish in Lake Michigan
Authors: Izzo Lisa K. , Dembkowski Daniel J. , Binder Thomas R. , Hayden Todd A. , Vandergoot Christopher S. , Hansen Scott P. , Caroffino David C. , Krueger Charles C. , Isermann Daniel A.
Published: November 2024

Objective

Studies of fish movement using conventional tags or acoustic telemetry have different benefits and biases that can influence how conclusions are used in a management context. Our objective was to determine whether these two methods provided similar inferences regarding movements and spawning site fidelity of Lake Whitefish Coregonus clupeaformis in Lake Michigan. Additionally, we assessed movement patterns and used telemetry to assess residency time of Lake Whitefish to provide managers with information on which stocks might be exposed to harvest in different regions.

Methods

Lake Whitefish were tagged during spawning in (1) North and Moonlight bays, (2) Big Bay de Noc, (3) the Menominee River, and (4) the Fox River. Proportions of fish moving between southern Green Bay, northern Green Bay, and Lake Michigan were compared between tag types. Spawning site fidelity was estimated for each tagging site. Seasonal residency indices were calculated using acoustic telemetry detections.

Result

Estimates differed between the two methods, but overall trends were similar. Fox River fish rarely left southern Green Bay, and fish tagged in North and Moonlight bays rarely entered Green Bay (<10% of individuals). Big Bay de Noc and Menominee River fish moved into other regions more often (>50% of individuals). The residency indices indicated that Big Bay de Noc fish spent most of their time in Lake Michigan while Menominee River fish spent little time in northern Green Bay despite transitioning to the region. Compared to telemetry, conventional tag recoveries underestimated the proportion of individuals moving among regions. Spawning site fidelity estimates (28–100%) varied among tagging groups and between methods.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that data from conventional tags can inform management at broad geographic scales. However, acoustic telemetry can provide fine-scale information. Information gained from telemetry can be useful in understanding exposure to fishing mortality, which may be valuable for informing management decisions.
Mechanical suppression of invasive Northern Pike in Box Canyon Reservoir, Washington
Authors: Bean Nicholas J. , Connor Jason M. , Olson Jason A. , Harvey Shane J. , Baker William P.
Published: November 2024

Objective

Northern Pike Esox lucius recently invaded Box Canyon Reservoir, Washington, expanding to over 10,000 individuals by 2011. To limit further impacts, a significant reduction in population abundance was required. Project objectives were to reduce relative abundance (catch per unit effort [CPUE]) to less than 1.7 Northern Pike/net (87% reduction) in the core area and to less than 0.5 Northern Pike/net in the northern reservoir section within 3 years and then maintain those abundance targets thereafter.

Methods

Using gill nets, we conducted intensive annual (2012–2018) suppression each spring, focusing on spawning aggregations in shallow (<2-m), flooded habitats. To evaluate CPUE, a standardized spring pike index netting (SPIN) survey was conducted annually in May and compared to suppression netting CPUE.

Result

In total, 17,464 Northern Pike were removed in 4868 net sets, with 92.9% captured in the first 3 years, limiting future recruitment. Mean SPIN CPUE in the core area declined from a presuppression (2011) high of 13.2 Northern Pike/net to less than 1.0 Northern Pike/net by 2014. Effort was reduced by up to 80% as the project transitioned from the initial suppression phase (2012–2014) to a control phase (2015–2018), which explored the minimum effort required to maintain abundance targets. A significant rebound in CPUE occurred from 2017 to 2018, indicating that over 267 net sets annually may be required for long-term control. Although the mean CPUE (±95% confidence interval) increased slightly in 2018 (0.6 ± 0.5 Northern Pike/net), the target abundance in the core area was achieved annually from 2013 to 2018. Changes in suppression CPUE reflected those observed in SPIN surveys, further validating the survey and corroborating abundance trends.

Conclusion

Results demonstrate that the suppression of Northern Pike in large, complex waters is feasible but requires a substantial long-term commitment. We expect the suppression of this invasive species to become standard practice outside of its native range. The methodology and equipment described here could be applied directly or modified by others to suppress Northern Pike.
A Discrete Sine‐Cosine Transforms Galerkin Method for the Conductivity of Heterogeneous Materials With Mixed Dirichlet/Neumann Boundary Conditions
Authors: Paux Joseph , Morin Léo , Gélébart Lionel
Published: November 2024

This work aims at developing a numerical method for conductivity problems in heterogeneous media subjected to mixed Dirichlet/Neumann boundary conditions. The method relies on a fixed‐point iterative solution of an auxiliary problem obtained by a Galerkin discretization using an approximation space spanned by mixed cosine‐sine series. The solution field is written as a known term verifying the boundary conditions and an unknown term described by cosine‐sine series, having no contribution on the boundary. Discrete sine‐cosine transforms, of Type I and III depending on the boundary conditions, are used to approximate the elementary integrals involved in the Galerkin formulation, which makes the method relying on the numerical complexity of fast Fourier transforms. The method is finally assessed in a problem of a composite material.
Efficacy and Complications of Interarytenoid Injection for Dysphagia in Infants 1‐Year‐Old and Under
Authors: House Trenton , Scheffler Patrick , Gerber Mark E. , Curtis Stuart , Woodward James , Killeen Stacey , Williams Dana , Richardson Clare M.
Published: November 2024

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and complication rates of interarytenoid injection augmentation (IAIA) for the treatment of dysphagia in patients 1 year of age and under and to determine if concurrent feeding therapy (FT) affects outcome.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Setting

Tertiary pediatric hospital.

Methods

Retrospective review of patients 13 months of age and younger with dysphagia treated by IAIA over a 4‐year period. The efficacy of IAIA was determined by comparing perioperative videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS) and Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale (DOSS) scores. Complication rates and utilization of concomitant FT were determined by evaluating postoperative admission and follow‐up records.

Results

Sixty‐five patients met inclusion criteria (median age 8 months, interquartile range [IQR]: 7‐11). Sixty‐seven percent of patients improved on postoperative VFSS scores (median improvement in aspiration of 2 thickness levels, IQR 0‐3, P < .0001), and 56% improved in DOSS scores (median increase of 1, IQR: 0‐1.5, P < .0001). Ninety‐two percent of patients were discharged home on the day of surgery. The 30‐day relevant readmission rate was 5%. No patients had intraoperative complications or severe complications at follow‐up. No statistical difference in aspiration or DOSS was noted in the concomitant FT cohort due to a lack of sample size.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that IAIA in children under 13 months old shows comparable rates of success and complications to older patients reported in the literature. No patients had long‐term complications and most were discharged home on the day of surgery. More studies are needed to determine the effect of concomitant FT on IAIA.
Split‐Thickness Cartilage Graft Combined With Perichondrium for Endoscopic Repair of Total and Subtotal Drum Perforations
Authors: Abdelghany Ahmed Mohammed , Gadulhaq Hossam Abdelhay
Published: November 2024

Objective

This study aims to describe our new modification to cartilage tympanoplasty for endoscopic repair of total and subtotal tympanic membrane perforations and evaluate its outcomes.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Setting

Multiple institutions.

Methods

The study was conducted using records of patients who underwent tympanoplasty for subtotal and total perforations from January 2018 to June 2022. Utilizing an endoscopic transcanal approach, we employed a double graft consisting of outer tragal perichondrium supported by inner split‐thickness tragal cartilage as separate layers, both placed in an underlay fashion lateral to the malleus, without the need to elevate a tympanomeatal flap. Anatomical success was defined as complete primary closure of the perforation, while functional success was defined as achieving an air‐bone gap of ≤20 dB at 12 months postoperative.

Results

The series involved 64 patients, predominantly males (53%). The mean age was 30.8 years. 56.3% of patients had subtotal perforations. The anatomical success rate was 90.6% while the functional success rate was 87.5%. Postoperative speech discrimination scores significantly increased in all patients.

Conclusion

Our modification provides effective anatomical and audiological outcomes. This technique reliably resists graft displacement and shrinkage before adequate healing. It avoids problems of elevating tympanomeatal flaps with comparable results to traditional approaches.
Factors Associated With Patient Portal Engagement in Otolaryngology
Authors: Siegel Jesse K. , Verducci Chloe , Hurtuk Agnes
Published: November 2024

Objective

Online patient portals are important tools for patient engagement, and their use has increased particularly since the COVID‐19 pandemic and the 21st Century Cures Act. However, prior work across various specialties has demonstrated disparities in patient portal usage with respect to age, gender, race, and insurance status. However, this has not been studied in the field of otolaryngology, and not since the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

Single tertiary care outpatient otolaryngology practice over a 3‐year period (December 2019‐December 2022).

Methods

We used univariate and multivariate analyses to measure how patient portal use for appointment scheduling varied before and after the COVID‐19 pandemic and across demographic groups including gender, race, age, primary language, insurance type, and primary care physician (PCP) status (Loyola vs non‐Loyola).

Results

From December 2019 to December 2022, 49,462 unique patients scheduled 221,611 otolaryngology clinic visits. Significantly more online scheduling occurred after the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic (10.7% vs 1.9%, P < .01). In multivariate analysis, male gender, age <18 or >65 years, non‐English primary language, and outside PCP were all associated with a lower likelihood of online appointment scheduling (P < .01 for each). Patients with Medicare had higher odds of portal use than commercially insured patients when controlling for other demographic variables (P = .034).

Conclusion

Patient portal use in otolaryngology has markedly increased over the last 3 years, but utilization varies across demographic groups. This provides an opportunity to improve patient portal content and outreach, and ultimately make portals more accessible to diverse patient populations.
Test rig for validating the integrated motion measurement of flexible beams
Authors: Kohl Michael , Györfi Benedikt , Wagner Jörg F.
Published: November 2024

The fundamental principle of integrated motion measurement (IMM) is integrated navigation with inertial sensors combined with, for example, a satellite navigation receiver. Accordingly, IMM makes use of the specific advantages of complementary sensors and blends them in a filter algorithm. To meet requirements in advanced motion measurements, for instance, for structural health monitoring or for structural control purposes, the approach of a single rigid body like in classical navigation no longer holds for IMM. As a solution, additional degrees of freedom (DOFs) for the moving structure are introduced, which represent deformations and allow the navigated body to be treated as a flexible structure. To cover a variety of flexible deformation shapes, a sufficient number of distributed inertial sensors is required. To restrict accumulating errors of these sensors, additional structural measurements for aiding are necessary. The signals of the inertial sensors and the aiding measurements are fused by an extended Kalman filter (EKF) to obtain an optimal estimation of the usual navigation states, extended by the deformation variables. The contribution presents the preparation of the experimental validation of an IMM system for a flexible structure, which represents an idealization of a wing or rotor blade by a movable beam. The mechanical and electrical setup of a test rig is described. Furthermore, the simulation of the test configuration, that is the model of a test beam with a variety of distributed sensors for generating artificial measurements as a test reference, is discussed. Finally, for an optimal sensor placement, the two methods of effective independence and maximization of modal energy are compared and experimentally tested for different amounts of additional flexible DOFs.
Parental Somatic Mosaicism Detected During Prenatal Diagnosis
Authors: Chandler Natalie J. , Scotchman Elizabeth , McKay Fiona , Ramachandran Vijaya , Chitty Lyn S.
Published: November 2024

Objective

Accurate recurrence risks are essential for genomic counselling and parental reproductive choices. Historically, Sanger sequencing was used to test parental samples, which has a limited sensitivity of ∼ 10% for detecting somatic mosaicism. Next generation sequencing (NGS) methods, utilised for non‐invasive prenatal diagnosis (NIPD) and trio prenatal exome sequencing in our laboratory, have greater sensitivity. Here we review the cases of parental somatic mosaicism we have detected and discuss its impact on management.

Method

Laboratory databases from 1 January 2015 to 30 September 2022 were reviewed to identify all cases where parental somatic mosaicism was detected during NIPD and prenatal exome testing.

Results

During the development of NIPD testing, we identified 10/131 (7.6%) families with parental somatic mosaicism. In six cases where NGS detected levels between 0.37% and 8.82%, prior testing with Sanger sequencing had not detected mosaicism. In our exome sequencing cohort, we detected parental mosaicism in 4/101 (3.96%) cases. Clinical features of the condition were identified in 2/14 parents.

Conclusion

The sensitivity of the testing technique needs to be considered when counselling parents on recurrence risk. Parents need to be aware that modern approaches to prenatal diagnosis may allow identification of mosaicism, which may have implications for their own health and change recurrence risks for future pregnancies.
Core Concepts in Pharmacoepidemiology: New‐User Designs
Authors: Her Qoua L. , Rouette Julie , Young Jessica C. , Webster‐Clark Michael , Tazare John
Published: November 2024

In this article, we review the history and key reasons for new‐user comparisons in pharmacoepidemiology, highlighting the target trial framework as a unifying framework. We describe three distinct pharmacoepidemiological new‐user study designs: (1) new‐user versus non‐user; (2) active comparator new‐user; (i.e., ACNU) and (3) prevalent new‐user (i.e., PNU) designs, and discuss how each relates to key issues of defining time zero, choosing appropriate comparator groups, and potential sources of bias they do and do not account for. We use a clinical example of hormone replacement therapy and the risk of coronary heart disease to illustrate practical considerations surrounding the application of the three designs presented.
Injury From Nematode Lung Migration Induces an IL‐13‐Dependent Hyaluronan Matrix
Authors: Dodd Rebecca J. , Moffatt Dora , Vachiteva Monika , Parkinson James E. , Chan Brian H. K. , Day Anthony J. , Allen Judith E. , Sutherland Tara E.
Published: November 2024

A consistent feature of lung injury is a rapid and sustained accumulation of hyaluronan (HA). The rodent gut‐dwelling nematode Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (Nb) induces tissue damage as it migrates through the lungs. Type 2 immune responses are essential for the repair of the lungs, hence Nb infection is a well‐established model to study immune‐mediated lung repair. We found that Nb infection was associated with increased HA in the lung, which peaked at d7 post‐infection (p.i.). Deposition of HA in the alveolar epithelium correlated with regions of damaged tissue and the type 2 immune response, which is characterized by eosinophilia and increased type 2 cytokines such as IL‐13. Consistent with the accumulation of HA, we observed increased expression of the major synthase Has2, alongside decreased expression of Hyal1, Hyal2, and Tmem2, which can degrade existing HA. Expression of Tsg6 was also increased and correlated with the presence of inter‐α‐inhibitor heavy chain–HA complexes (HC·HA) at d7 p.i. Using IL‐13‐deficient mice, we found that the accumulation of HA during Nb infection was IL‐13 dependent. Our data thus provide further evidence that IL‐13 is a modulator of the HA matrix during lung challenge and links IL‐13‐mediated HA regulation to tissue repair pathways.
Effect of Iron Contamination and Polysilicon Gettering on the Performance of Polysilicon‐Based Passivating Contact Solar Cells
Authors: Yang Zhongshu , Basnet Rabin , Samundsett Chris , Phang Sieu Pheng , Truong Thien , Kang Di , Liang Wensheng , Bui Anh Dinh , Wang Wei , Le Tien T. , Macdonald Daniel , Liu AnYao
Published: November 2024

Over the past decade, silicon solar cells with carrier‐selective passivating contacts based on polysilicon capping an ultra‐thin silicon oxide (commonly known as TOPCon or POLO) have demonstrated promising efficiency potentials and are regarded as an evolutionary upgrade to the PERC (passivated emitter and rear contact) cells in manufacturing. The polysilicon‐based passivating contacts also exhibit excellent gettering effects that relax the wafer and cleanroom requirements to some extent. In this work, we experimentally explore the impact of bulk iron contamination and polysilicon gettering on the passivation quality of the polysilicon/oxide structure and the resulting solar cells performance. Results show that both n‐ and p‐type polysilicon/oxide passivating contacts are not affected by iron gettering, demonstrating robust and stable passivation quality. However, for a very high bulk iron contamination (1 × 1013 cm−3), the accumulated iron in the p‐type lightly boron‐doped emitter in crystalline silicon would degrade the emitter saturation current density. This can cause a reduction in both open‐circuit voltage and short‐circuit current. Meanwhile, this very high iron content (1 × 1013 cm−3) can further degrade the fill factor and temperature coefficient of the cells. On the other hand, for an initial iron content of 2 × 1012 cm−3, which should be well above the iron level in the current industrial Czochralski silicon wafers, the resulting cells demonstrate similar performance as the control group with no intentional iron contamination. This work brings attention to both the benefits of polysilicon gettering effects as well as the potential degradation due to the accumulation of metal impurities in the p‐type emitter region.
Glycerol‐Based Copolyesters as Polymeric Nanocarriers for Drug Delivery
Authors: D'Anna Pasquale , Jacob Philippa L. , Axioti Eleni , Alvey Karen E. , Berfi Nana A. , Pearce James E. , Cavanagh Robert J. , Chauhan Veeren M. , Taresco Vincenzo , Conte Claudia
Published: November 2024

Enzymatic polymerization of glycerol‐based polyesters has emerged as a selective and sustainable strategy for the production of degradable, amphiphilic, PEG‐free polymeric materials. In the present work, we exploited the ability to produce copolyester variants of poly(glycerol adipate) (PGA), by adding a second functionalized diol in a one‐pot fashion. The produced glycerol‐based copolyesters, with a variety of amphiphilic balances and chemical functionalities along the backbone, have been screened as nanocarriers for drug delivery. The stability of the produced nanoparticles (NPs) was tested in relevant biological fluids and after freeze‐drying treatment. The new variants outperformed PGA homopolymers in the penetration through a gel‐like barrier as well as in their efficiency to encapsulate a poorly water‐soluble model drug. All the tested polymeric NPs formulations have demonstrated biocompatibility in both in vitro and in vivo experiments, that utilize Caenorhabditis elegans nematodes. Taken together, these preliminary results highlight the importance of introducing new chemistry along polyester backbones while tuning the amphiphilic nature of the final polymers to improve the performance of NP systems.