bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advancements in oral insulin: A century of research and the emergence of targeted nanoparticle strategies
Authors: Han Yue , Spicer Julie , Huang Yuan , Bunt Craig , Liu Mengyang , Wen Jingyuan
Published: June 2024

With the growing prevalence of diabetes, there is an urgent demand for a user‐friendly treatment option that minimizes side effects related to the use of subcutaneous injections. Scientists have dedicated over a century to developing an oral dosage form of insulin that can be administrated orally. The oral route of administration is the most desirable route for regularly dosed drugs in terms of safety and patient compliance. However, oral delivery of insulin remains a formidable challenge due to its intrinsically limited ability to cross the intestinal epithelium membrane and susceptibility to enzymatic degradation. This article reviews oral insulin research over the past decade, with a particular focus on surface modifications of nanoparticles (NPs). Various strategies involving controlling surface charges, utilizing protective proteins, and targeting specific receptors with ligands have been explored. Notably, surface modifications of the NPs for targeting specific intestinal receptors have shown promise in enhancing insulin oral absorption and bioavailability. Advanced technologies such as oral microneedles and gene therapy have also been developed, but their safety requires further assessment. Despite encouraging preclinical results across numerous strategies, the current clinical evidence is less optimistic. In summary, the present findings highlight the substantial journey that still lies ahead before achieving successful oral delivery of insulin.

Practical Applications: This review provides a summary of recent progress in oral insulin delivery, particularly highlighting surface‐modified functional nanoparticles serving as an effective drug delivery system, which offers valuable information to the researchers. Due to the limited effectiveness of oral protein drugs caused by biological barriers, innovative technologies and drug delivery systems have been developed to overcome these obstacles and achieve therapeutic goals. This review concluded that surface modifications to nanoparticles can improve insulin stability and permeability, thereby enhancing oral bioavailability. It could assist researchers in developing more effective and patient‐friendly oral drug delivery systems.
Co‐constructing comunidad: A collective critical reflection on the co‐creation of La RED
Authors: Aponte‐Soto Lisa , Maldonado Saúl I. , Neubauer Leah C. , Hernandez Arthur
Published: June 2024

This article describes the co‐creation of the American Evaluation Association's Latinx Responsive Evaluation Discourse (La RED) Topical Interest Group by using a collective critical reflection approach to analyze the evolution of La RED as a platform for theory building and a community of practice during its foundational years (2014–2017). Ten years post instituting the TIG, the authors illustrate how the positionality of inaugural La RED Latine evaluators, their lived experiences, and their engagement in discourse on Critical Race Theory, Latine Critical Race Theory (LatCrit), culturally responsive evaluation, and community participatory approaches informed the conceptualization of Latine culturally responsive and equitable evaluation (LatCREE). LatCREE is introduced as an effective and appropriate framework for the study and practice of evaluation with Latine communities. We emphasize the value of discourse in comunidad as an essential actionable process for practicing LatCREE and offer epistemological, ontological, and axiological considerations for co‐constructing and sustaining comunidad as La RED Latine evaluators.
Identification of Rare EIF3E::RSPO2 Fusion in Recurrent and Aggressive Urachal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Jha Prerana , Pengal Ruma , Shah Minit , Kulkarni Pooja Mahesh , Mishra Rohit , Menon Nandini , Vikkath Narendranath , Menon Santosh , Ramachandran Venkataramanan , Prakash Gagan , Noronha Vanita , Prabhash Kumar , Kumar Prashant
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Urachal cancer (UC) is a rare genitourinary malignancy arising from the urachus, an embryonic remnant of the placental allantois. Its diagnosis remains ambiguous with late‐stage cancer detection and represents a highly aggressive disease. Due to its rarity, there is no clear consensus on molecular signatures and appropriate clinical management of UC.

Case Report

We report a 45‐year‐old man with recurrent urachal adenocarcinoma (UA) treated with cystectomies, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. The patient initially presented with hematuria and abdominal pain. Imaging revealed a nodular mass arising from the superior wall of the urinary bladder and extending to the urachus. Biopsy results suggested moderately differentiated UA with muscle layer involvement. The tumor recurred after 20 months, following which, another partial cystectomy was performed. Repeat progression was noted indicating highly aggressive disease. Targeted next‐generation sequencing revealed the presence of EIF3E::RSPO2 fusion, along with BRAF and TP53 mutations, and EGFR gene amplification. This is the first case reporting the presence of this fusion in UA. Palliative medication and radiotherapy were administered to manage the disease.

Conclusion

Current treatment modality of surgery may be effective in the early stages of recurrent UA; however, a standard chemotherapy and radiotherapy regimen is yet to be determined for advanced stages. The detection of the rare EIF3E::RSPO2 fusion warrants further studies on the significance of this variant as a possible therapeutic target for improved clinical management.
Pediatric Erythroid Sarcoma Diagnostically Confirmed by Identification of a Recurrent NFIA::CBFA2T3 Fusion
Authors: Anelo Obianuju Mercy , Ma Jing , Neary Jennifer L. , Koo Selene C. , Inaba Hiroto , Pinto Soniya N. , Nguyen Nga Thi , Hoang Thach Ngoc , Bui Lan Ngoc , Klco Jeffery M. , Gheorghe Gabriela , Blackburn Patrick R.
Published: June 2024

Erythroid sarcoma (ES) is exceedingly rare in the pediatric population with only a handful of reports of de novo cases, mostly occurring in the central nervous system (CNS) or orbit. It is clinically and pathologically challenging and can masquerade as a nonhematopoietic small round blue cell tumor. Clinical presentation of ES without bone marrow involvement makes diagnosis particularly difficult. We describe a 22‐month‐old female with ES who presented with a 2‐cm mass involving the left parotid region and CNS. The presence of crush/fixation artifact from the initial biopsy made definitive classification of this highly proliferative and malignant neoplasm challenging despite an extensive immunohistochemical workup. Molecular studies including RNA‐sequencing revealed a NFIA::CBFA2T3 fusion. This fusion has been identified in several cases of de novo acute erythroid leukemia (AEL) and gene expression analysis comparing this case to other AELs revealed a similar transcriptional profile. Given the diagnostically challenging nature of this tumor, clinical RNA‐sequencing was essential for establishing a diagnosis.
Gallium‐doped zirconia coatings modulate microbiological outcomes in dental implant surfaces
Authors: D'Agostino Agnese , Misiti Giulia , Scalia Alessandro Calogero , Pavarini Matteo , Fiorati Andrea , Cochis Andrea , Rimondini Lia , Borrini Vittoria Federica , Manfredi Marcello , Andena Luca , De Nardo Luigi , Chiesa Roberto
Published: June 2024

Despite the significant recent advances in manufacturing materials supporting advanced dental therapies, peri‐implantitis still represents a severe complication in dental implantology. Herein, a sol–gel process is proposed to easily deposit antibacterial zirconia coatings onto bulk zirconia, material, which is becoming very popular for the manufacturing of abutments. The coatings' physicochemical properties were analyzed through x‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy‐energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy investigations, while their stability and wettability were assessed by microscratch testing and static contact angle measurements. Uniform gallium‐doped tetragonal zirconia coatings were obtained, featuring optimal mechanical stability and a hydrophilic behavior. The biological investigations pointed out that gallium‐doped zirconia coatings: (i) displayed full cytocompatibility toward human gingival fibroblasts; (ii) exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against the Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans pathogen; (iii) were able to preserve the commensal Streptococcus salivarius. Furthermore, the proteomic analyses revealed that the presence of Ga did not impair the normal oral microbiota. Still, interestingly, it decreased by 17% the presence of Fusobacterium nucleatum, a gram‐negative, strictly anaerobic bacteria that is naturally present in the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, this work can provide a valuable starting point for the development of coatings aimed at easily improving zirconia dental implants' performance.
Infinite series of 3‐designs in the extended quadratic residue code
Authors: Awada Madoka
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we show an infinite series of 3‐designs in the extended quadratic residue codes over for a prime .
High rates of donor site healing using quadriceps tendon for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A case series
Authors: Cognault Jérémy , Chaillot Pierre‐Fleury , Norgate Jack , Murgier Jérôme ,   International QT Interest Group,   ReSurg, Ponsot Antoine
Published: June 2024

Purpose

To investigate the healing of the quadriceps tendon donor site after partial thickness graft harvesting through ultrasound imaging at a short‐term follow‐up of 6‐month following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and to investigate the clinical outcomes.

Methods

Between March 2019 and August 2020, 61 knees were retrospectively included in this study. Intraoperatively, the length, width and thickness of the harvested QT graft were measured. At a 6‐month follow‐up, patients were assessed by one of five radiologists, following the same protocol to calculate the defect volume, and patients performed a self‐evaluation of pain on the Visual Analogue Scale, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (KOOS).

Results

Intraoperatively, the QT grafts had a volume of 4635.4 ± 912.5 mm3. Postoperatively, ultrasound was performed at 6.5 ± 0.7 months, and the defect volume was 323.3 ± 389.2 mm3, representing a healing rate of 93% ± 9% of the donor site. At a minimum 6‐month follow‐up, IKDC was 61.6 ± 16 and KOOS was 70.2 ± 16.6. Age was significantly associated with the healing rate (β: −0.005; p = 0.032).

Conclusion

At 6 months follow‐up, the defect size of the QT donor site had healed by 93 ± 9% leaving a mean defect volume of 323.3 mm3 according to ultrasound measurements. This suggests that the QT has a high capacity for healing after graft harvesting, with 10 patients reaching full defect closure 6 months after surgery. The clinical relevance of these findings is that the quadriceps tendon donor site has high rates of healing, but surgeons should be aware of lower healing rates in older patients.

Level of Evidence

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Highly connected triples and Mader's conjecture
Authors: Liu Qinghai , Ying Kai , Hong Yanmei
Published: June 2024

Mader proved that, for any tree of order , every ‐connected graph with contains a subtree such that is ‐connected. We proved that any graph with minimum degree contains ‐connected triples. As a corollary, we prove that, for any tree of order , every ‐connected graph with contains a subtree such that is still ‐connected, improving Mader's condition to a linear bound.
Impact of surface chemical treatment in surgical regenerative treatment of ligature‐induced peri‐implantitis: A canine study
Authors: Qian Shu‐Jiao , Tsai Yi‐Wen , Koutouzis Theofilos , Lai Hong‐Chang , Qiao Shi‐Chong , Kotsakis Georgios A.
Published: June 2024

Background

Implant surface decontamination is a critical step in peri‐implantitis treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the effect chemotherapeutic agents have on reosseointegration after treatment on ligature‐inducted peri‐implantitis.

Methods

Six male canines had 36 implants placed and ligatures were placed around them for 28 weeks to establish peri‐implantitis. The peri‐implant defects were randomly treated by 1 of 3 methods: 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX test group), 1.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl test group), or saline (Control group). Sites treated with NaOCl and CHX were grafted with autogenous bone, and all sites then either received a collagen membrane or not. Histology sections were obtained at 6 months postsurgery to assess percentage of reosseointegration.

Results

Thirty‐five implants were analyzed (CHX: 13; NaOCl: 14; Control:8). NaOCl‐treated sites demonstrated reosseointegration with direct bone‐to‐implant‐contact on the previously contaminated surfaces (42% mean reosseointegration), which was significantly higher than Controls (p < 0.05). Correspondingly, clinical improvement was noted with a significant reduction in probing depth from 5.50 ± 1.24 mm at baseline to 4.46 ± 1.70 mm at 6‐months postsurgery (p = 0.006). CHX‐treated sites demonstrated a nonsignificant reosseointegration of 26% (p > 0.05); however, in the majority of cases, the new bone growth was at a distance from the implant surface without contact. Probing depths did not improve in the CHX group. The use of membrane did not influence reosseointegration or probing depths (all p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Titanium implants with peri‐implantitis have the capacity to reosseointegrate following regenerative surgery. However, treatment response is contingent upon the chemotherapeutic agent selection. Additional chemical treatment with 1.5% NaOCl lead to the most favorable results in terms of changes in defect depth and percentage of reosseointegration as compared to CHX, which may hinder reosseointegration.
Donor site wound healing following free gingival graft surgery using platelet rich fibrin: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Scott Se'quon M. H. , Lacy Julia A. , Palaiologou Archontia A. , Kotsakis Georgios A. , Deas David E. , Mealey Brian L.
Published: June 2024

Background

The primary purpose of this two‐arm, parallel design, randomized controlled study is to compare healing of the palatal tissue donor site when platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) is used as a wound dressing compared to the use of a hemostatic agent. Secondary outcomes of patient pain perception and analgesic intake were also evaluated.

Methods

Seventy‐four patients receiving free gingival grafts were randomized to receive either PRF (test) or hemostatic agent (control) as a palatal wound dressing by patients selecting a sealed envelope containing their group assignment (initially 37 envelopes for PRF group and 37 for hemostatic agent group). Patient pain assessment and analgesic consumption were documented using a 21‐point numerical scale (NMRS‐21) at 24, 48, and 72 hours post‐surgery. At 1‐, 2‐, 3‐, and 4‐week follow‐up appointments palatal early healing index (PEHI) scores including wound color, epithelialization, presence or absence of swelling, granulation tissue, and bleeding on gentle palpation were generated by direct intraoral examination by a blinded examiner unaware of the patients’ treatment group.

Results

NMRS‐21 pain scores showed a significant reduction in pain over time in both groups, with no significant difference between groups at any time point. No significant between‐group difference was found in the amount of analgesics taken by patients at 24, 48, and 72 hours. There was significant improvement in PEHI scores over the 4‐week time period in both groups, but there was no significant difference in PEHI score at each time point (1, 2, 3, 4 weeks) between groups. 

Conclusions

Study findings suggest that there is no difference in early palatal wound healing, patient pain perception, or analgesic consumption between use of PRF or a hemostatic agent as donor‐site wound dressings.
Factors associated with skeletal‐related events in patients with bone metastatic melanoma: A retrospective study of 481 patients
Authors: Shimizu Michelle R. , de Groot Tom M. , Twining Peter K. , Kobes Tim , Ferrone Marco , Raskin Kevin , Jutte Paul C. , Cohen Sonia , Lozano‐Calderon Santiago , Groot Olivier Q. , Schwab Joseph H.
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Metastatic bone disease is estimated to develop in up to 17% of patients with melanoma, compromising skeleton integrity resulting in skeletal‐related events (SREs), which impair quality of life and reduce survival. The objective of the study was to investigate (1) the proportion of melanoma patients developing SREs following diagnosis of bone metastasis and (2) the predictors for SREs in this patient cohort.

Methods

Four hundred and eighty‐one patients with bone metastatic melanoma from two tertiary centers in the United States from 2008 to 2018 were included. The primary outcome was 90‐day and 1‐year occurrence of a SRE, including pathological fractures of bones, cord compression, hypercalcemia, radiotherapy, and surgery. Fine‐Gray regression analysis was performed for overall SREs and pathological fracture, with death as a competing risk.

Results

By 1‐year, 52% (258/481) of patients experienced SREs, and 28% (137/481) had a pathological fracture. At 90‐day, lytic lesions, bone pain, elevated calcium and absolute lymphocyte, and decreased albumin and hemoglobin were associated with higher SRE risk. The same factors, except for decreased hemoglobin, were shown to predict development of SREs at 1‐year.

Conclusion

The high incidence of SREs and pathological fractures warrants vigilance using the identified factors in this study and preventative measures during clinical oncological care.
Masseteric Atrophy Following Masseteric Nerve Transfer: Radiographic Findings of Asymmetry in the Paralyzed Face?
Authors: Vos Derek J. , Fritz Michael A. , Genther Dane J. , Byrne Patrick J. , Ciolek Peter J.
Published: June 2024

Objectives

To characterize the effect of facial reanimation using masseteric nerve transfer on the masseter muscle itself, examining whether there is any demonstrable atrophy postoperatively.

Methods

Electronic medical records of adult patients who underwent facial reanimation using masseteric nerve transfer at our institution over a 15‐year period were reviewed. To account for the impact of postoperative radiation, randomly selected patients who underwent radical parotidectomy without nerve transfer and received postoperative radiation served as controls in a 1:1 fashion against those who underwent masseteric nerve transfer with postoperative radiation.

Results

Twenty patients were identified who underwent masseteric nerve transfer and had sufficient pre‐ and postoperative imaging to assess masseter volume (mean age 58.2, 60% female). Of the four patients who did not receive postoperative radiation, each demonstrated masseteric atrophy on the side of their nerve transfer, with a mean reduction in masseter volume of 20.6%. The remaining 16 patients were included in the case–control analysis accounting for radiation. When compared with controls, those in the study group were found to have a statistically significant difference in atrophy (p = 0.0047) and total volume loss (p = 0.0002). The overall reduction in masseter volume in the study group was significantly higher compared with the control group, at 41.7% and 16.6%, respectively (p = 0.0001).

Conclusion

Facial reanimation utilizing masseteric nerve transfer appears to result in atrophy of the denervated masseter when compared with the contralateral muscle. This volume deficit may lead to further facial asymmetry for patients undergoing comprehensive reanimation surgery.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:4514–4520, 2024
The influence of different application patterns of propofol on the sedation courses during drug‐induced sleep endoscopy
Authors: Polievoi Yehor , Grafmans Daniel , Skliar Mariia , Kossatz Andrea , Soukup Jens , Kellner Patrick , Herzog Beatrice , Herzog Michael
Published: June 2024

Objective

The course of sedation during drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) depends on the application pattern of the sedative drug. The depth of sedation should imitate light and deep sleep as well. Moreover, there should be as many breathing cycles as possible available for observation during light and deep sedation. The aim of the study was to evaluate different rates of propofol application with respect to the achieved depth and length of the course of sedation.

Methods

Sixty‐three consecutive patients with obstructive sleep apnea and/or snoring undergoing DISE were randomly sedated by propofol perfusion at seven different application patterns: 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, 22 mg/kg/h (0.233, 0.267, 0.3, 0.317, 0.333, 0.367 mg/kg/min) per perfusor and individual bolus application 10 mg each. Sedation depth was monitored by BiSpectral Index™ (BIS). The influence of baseline parameters and the courses of sedation were analyzed.

Results

The application rate was the only factor that influenced the depth of sedation. Basic parameters (gender, age, body mass index, apnea‐hypopnea index) had no influence on the depth of sedation. The sedation depth was dependent on the rate of propofol application. Regimes at 14 and 16 mg/kg/h as well as bolus application did not reach BIS levels below 50 representing deep sleep. Propofol doses of more than 20 mg/kg/h led to rapid decreases of sedation levels below deep sleep niveau. Propofol rates between 18 and 20 mg/kg/h enable BIS levels below 50 representing deep sleep and providing enough breathing cycles for observation.

Conclusion

Lower application rates of propofol provide slower courses of sedation and shallower depths of sedation. A rate of 14 mg/kg/h might be appropriate to reach a sedation plateau at light sleep. A rate of 18 mg/kg/h leads to a sedation, corresponding to deep sleep. The combination of both rates might be a suitable pattern for performing sedation‐controlled DISE.

Level of evidence

2: Randomized trial.
Expanding the Spectrum of GBA1‐Associated Neurodegenerative Diseases in an Italian Family
Authors: Sorrentino Cristiano , Dati Giovanna , Cuoco Sofia , Barone Paolo , Pellecchia Maria Teresa
Published: June 2024

Background

Heterozygous mutations in GBA1 gene are known as most common genetic risk factor for Parkinson's disease (PD). However, role of GBA1 mutations in non‐α‐synuclein disorders is unclear.

Cases

Case index, 76 year‐old woman referred to our movement disorders outpatient clinic for 2‐year history of gait impairment, falls and motor slowness, with partial response to levodopa. Clinical and instrumental examinations were consistent with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy‐Corticobasal Syndrome (PSP‐CBS). Case 2 is older sister reporting depressive symptoms; however, she had dementia (MMSE 18/30), gait apraxia and vertical supranuclear gaze palsy (VSNGP). Case 3 is her deceased older sister who had been diagnosed with Corticobasal Syndrome (CBS). Case 4, older brother had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease‐dementia (PDD) with good response to levodopa. Two affected living siblings harboring same genetic variant.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first family showing such intrafamilial variability ranging from CBS to PDD to dementia.
Gamified Closed‐Loop Intervention Enhances Tic Suppression in Children: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Rotstein Michael S. , Zimmerman‐Brenner Sharon , Davidovitch Shiri , Ben‐Haim Yael , Koryto Yuval , Sion Romi , Rubinstein Einat , Djerassi Meshi , Lubiniaker Nitzan , Peleg Tammy Pilowsky , Steinberg Tamar , Leitner Yael , Raz Gal
Published: June 2024

Background

Gamification of behavioral intervention for tic disorders (TDs) potentially enhances compliance and offers key clinical advantages. By delivering immediate positive feedback upon tic‐suppression, games may counteract negative reinforcement, which presumably contribute to tic consolidation by relieving uncomfortable premonitory urges.

Objectives

We developed a gamified protocol (XTics), which leverages this potential by combining gamified tic‐triggering with immediate feedback, and evaluated its clinical value in enhancing tic suppression.

Methods

XTics encompasses two conditions: Immediate and Contingent Reward (ICR), where game progression is contingent upon successful tic suppression, and Delayed Reward (DR), where game events' outcomes are random. Employing a randomized crossover design, 35 participants (aged 7–15 years) underwent daily gaming sessions over a week per condition. Improvements in our primary measures, including the inter‐tic interval (ITI) and tic severity assessment by blinded evaluators (Yale Global Tic Severity‐Total Tic Score [YGTSS‐TTS], Rush), and parents (Parent Tic Questionnaire [PTQ]), were compared between ICR and DR, and assessed across conditions for the 4‐week protocol.

Results

No participant voluntarily left the study before completing its two‐phase protocol. As expected, ITI showed significantly larger improvement (Z = 4.19, P = 2.85 × 10–5) after ICR (1442 ± 2250%) versus DR (242 ± 493%) training, increasing at a higher pace (t(67) = 3.15, P = 0.0025). Similarly, Rush tic severity scores reduced more post‐ICR versus DR (t(47) = 3.47, P = 0.002). We observed a clinically significant reduction of 25.69 ± 23.39% in YGTSS‐TTS following a f4‐week protocol including both conditions. Parent‐reported tic severity decreased by 42.99 ± 31.69% from baseline to 3 months post‐treatment.

Conclusions

The combination of gamified tic‐triggering with immediate and contingent rewards demonstrates a promising approach for enhancing treatment efficacy in TDs, boosting traditional therapeutic methods. © 2024 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Satisfactory adherence to the Dutch physical therapy guideline for patients with a total knee arthroplasty. A survey study involving 103 specialised physical therapists
Authors: Kornuijt Anke , van der Weegen Walter , Agricola Rintje , Lenssen Ton
Published: June 2024

Objective

To explore and gain more insight into the usual preoperative and postoperative physical therapy (PT) treatment of patients with a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) among Dutch physical therapists experienced with TKA rehabilitation. Secondly, to evaluate physical therapists' adherence to guideline recommendations for postoperative rehabilitation.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, physical therapists working in primary care within a designated Dutch hospital's catchment area were surveyed online. The survey queried PT treatment approaches before surgery, during hospitalisation, and after surgery. All data were analysed descriptively. When both education and all recommended exercise modalities were used postoperatively, therapists were considered fully adherent with the Dutch clinical practice guideline.

Results

One hundred and three therapists participated, representing a response rate of 58%. Postoperative PT treatment was applied by all therapists, of which 65 (63.1%) were fully adherent to the guideline. Partial adherence was mainly due to not using the aerobic exercise modality. Furthermore, beyond the modalities recommended in the guideline, a range of PT interventions were used. Preoperative treatment was applied by 73 therapists (70.9%). These 73 indicated that only a median of 20% (IQR 10%–40%) of their patients received preoperative PT.

Conclusions

This study revealed satisfactory adherence to guideline recommendations on postoperative management of patients with a TKA among experienced physical therapists. Aerobic exercises were utilised less often or with inappropriate intensity. Correct adherence to guideline recommendations on aerobic exercise training can result in more physically active individuals and important general health benefits.
The contrast‐free diffusion MRI multiple index for the early prediction of pathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Lina , Ning Ning , Liang Hongbing , Zhao Siqi , Gao Xue , Liu Ailian , Song Qingwei , Duan Xiaoyi , Yang Jie , Xie Lizhi
Published: June 2024

Early tumor response prediction can help avoid overtreatment with unnecessary chemotherapy sessions. It is important to determine whether multiple apparent diffusion coefficient indices (S index, ADC‐diff) are effective in the early prediction of pathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in breast cancer (BC). Patients with stage II and III BCs who underwent T1WI, diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI), and dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI using a 3 T system were included. They were divided into two groups: major histological responders (MHRs, Miller–Payne G4/5) and nonmajor histological responders (nMHRs, Miller–Payne G1–3). Three b values were used for DWI to derive the S index; ADC‐diff values were obtained using b = 0 and 1000 s/mm2. The different interquartile ranges of percentile S‐index and ADC‐diff values after treatment were calculated and compared. The assessment was performed at baseline and after two and four NAC cycles. A total of 59 patients were evaluated. There are some correlations of interquartile ranges of S‐index parameters and ADC‐diff values with histopathological prognostic factors (such as estrogen receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 expression, all p < 0.05), but no significant differences were found in some other interquartile ranges of S‐index parameters or ADC‐diff values between progesterone receptor positive and negative or for Ki‐67 tumors (all P > 0.05). No differences were found in the dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI characteristics between the two groups. HER‐2 expression and kurtosis of the S‐index distribution were screened out as independent risk factors for predicting MHR group (p < 0.05, area under the curve (AUC) = 0.811) before NAC. After early NAC (two cycles), only the 10th percentile S index was statistically significant between the two groups (p < 0.05, AUC = 0.714). No significant differences were found in ADC‐diff value at any time point of NAC between the two groups (P > 0.1). These findings demonstrate that the S‐index value may be used as an early predictor of pathological response to NAC in BC; the value of ADC‐diff as an imaging biomarker of NAC needs to be further confirmed by ongoing multicenter prospective trials.
Use of technology in neonatal nutrition
Authors: Miller Cristina , Plummer Erin , Platek Jenna , Arneson Steffi
Published: June 2024

There have been rapidly expanding uses of technology to enhance and improve nutrition in our smallest patients. Optimized nutrition in the neonatal patient is linked to improved outcomes, specifically neurodevelopmental outcomes and decreased length of stay. Despite advances in neonatal care that have improved survival, many patients being discharged from the neonatal intensive care unit are doing so with poor postnatal growth. Because the neonatal brain doubles in size from 20 weeks gestation to term, it is essential to focus care efforts on nutrition to optimize brain growth and development. This review focuses on three exciting areas of neonatal research, including the analysis of macronutrients in breast milk, measurement of body composition, and use of telemedicine.
Job satisfaction and the role of self‐esteem and self‐efficacy: A cross‐sectional study among Iranian nurses
Authors: Ghaleh Raha Jafari , Mohsenipouya Hossein , Hosseinnataj Abolfazl , Al‐Mamun Firoj , Mamun Mohammed A.
Published: June 2024

Aim

This study aims to investigate the relationship between nurses' self‐efficacy and self‐esteem, and their job satisfaction.

Design

A cross‐sectional study was conducted.

Methods

Employing a random sampling method that included 234 nurses from three hospitals in Iran enrolled. This study utilized the General Self‐Efficacy Questionnaire, Coppersmith Self‐Esteem Inventory, and Minnesota Job Satisfaction Questionnaire. Descriptive analysis, independent t‐tests, Pearson correlation analyses, and linear regression were employed for data analysis.

Results

The mean self‐efficacy score for nurses was 26.73 ± 5.62 (out of 40), while self‐esteem and job satisfaction scored 37.13 ± 6.87 (out of 50) and 68.27 ± 12.65 (out of 100), respectively. Significant correlations were found between self‐efficacy, self‐esteem, and job satisfaction. Moreover, self‐esteem and the age group >40 years were identified as important predictors of nurses' job satisfaction. This study highlights the influential role of self‐esteem in determining nurses' job satisfaction.
Optimize Technology to Determine Accurate Water Loss
Authors: Grgec Timothy , Farguson Adam
Published: June 2024

The City of Fort Worth, Texas, changed its methods to take the way water loss is calculated, captured, and reported to the next level. New processes to capture water loss more accurately were established by integrating a geographic information system (GIS) and a work order management system to automate water loss calculations and reduce the potential for human error.
Operators Need to Know Process Control Laboratory QA/QC
Authors: Adams Hunter , Thames Becky , Clark Tom , Ganegoda Sathya , Thomas Dave , English Zonetta , Ash Steve , Southard Mark
Published: June 2024

Understanding the importance of quality assurance and quality control practices in the process control laboratory is key for operators to produce reliable data and make informed treatment decisions.
Rationalizing Operation Alarms
Authors: Kuechle Dawn , Wetsch Justin
Published: June 2024

An operational alarm system rationalization process helps operators identify and prioritize critical alarms, reduce nuisance alarms in the system, and shorten response times.
Investigation of Electronic Structure, Magnetic, Mechanical, Thermodynamic, Thermoelectric, and Optical Properties of Half‐Metallic V2MnSb and V2FeSb Heusler Alloys
Authors: Sharma Shruti , Gupta Dinesh C.
Published: June 2024

The structural, magnetoelectronic, mechanical, thermodynamical, thermoelectric, and optical properties of V2XSb (X = Mn, Fe) alloys are simulated using density functional theory. The structural optimization is done in Hg2CuTi prototype structure with F‐43m space group and confirms its stability in ferromagnetic state. The generalized gradient approximation and modified Becke–Johnson (mBJ) method are used to depict the half‐metallic nature of these alloys. Using Tran Blaha's mBJ potentials, the estimated indirect bandgap along the symmetry points is 0.54 eV for V2MnSb and 0.56 eV for V2FeSb. The total spin magnetic moments of V2XSb (X = Mn, Fe) are 3 and 2 μB which are in accordance with the Slater–Pauling rule. The mechanical stability reveal the ductile nature. The thermodynamic properties are calculated to determine the effect of temperature and pressure. The optical properties of these Heusler alloys are investigated to determine the absorbing power and optical conductivity. Using Boltzmann transport theory, thermoelectric parameters such as Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity are also depicted. The designated compound V2XSb (X = Mn, Fe) is unique due to the fact that that it has a high figure of merit (ZT) at both high and low temperatures, which is a beneficial parameter for converting squandered heat energy into beneficial energy that preserves the environment and is free of global warming and other hazardous substances.
Pollution concentration monitoring using a new Birnbaum–Saunders control chart
Authors: Lu Ming‐Che , Yang Su‐Fen
Published: June 2024

Air pollution monitoring is an important issue in environmental science. The Birnbaum–Saunders (BS) distribution, originally applied to describe product failure time distribution to fatigue failures and general random wear failures, is also well to describe the pollutant concentration data due to accumulations of various pollutants in the air over time. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a critical factor in air pollution. Hence, it is important to monitor its concentration variation for air pollution prevention. Due to the complexity of its distribution form, there is no reliable and easy‐to‐use control chart for monitoring pollutant concentrations based on the BS distribution. We found that the SO2 concentration data follows the BS distribution. In this study, we propose a new median control chart based on the exact sampling distribution of the monitoring statistic to detect shifts in the median of BS distribution. Thus, given the false alarm rate, the control limits for such control charts can be obtained precisely satisfying a preset in‐control average run length using Monte Carlo simulations. The out‐of‐control average run lengths are calculated by simulation to evaluate the detection performance of the proposed chart when the median shifts occur. We further compare the detection performance of the proposed chart and those of the existing control charts based on asymptotic sampling distributions. In order to improve the detection ability of the proposed chart for small median shifts, an exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) control chart is constructed. The results of numerical analyses demonstrated that the proposed EWMA chart performs much better than all existing control charts for monitoring the median of BS distribution. Finally, the proposed control charts are applied to monitor the median of SO2 concentrations for air pollution control, showing that both charts can effectively detect a shift in the median of SO2 concentrations. The proposed EWMA control chart even detects out a small shift in the median of SO2 concentrations. The results provide a continuous monitoring solution for air pollution prevention.
Comparing two hazard curves when there is a treatment time‐lag effect
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxi , Datta Somnath , Qiu Peihua
Published: June 2024

In cancer and other medical studies, time‐to‐event (eg, death) data are common. One major task to analyze time‐to‐event (or survival) data is usually to compare two medical interventions (eg, a treatment and a control) regarding their effect on patients' hazard to have the event in concern. In such cases, we need to compare two hazard curves of the two related patient groups. In practice, a medical treatment often has a time‐lag effect, that is, the treatment effect can only be observed after a time period since the treatment is applied. In such cases, the two hazard curves would be similar in an initial time period, and the traditional testing procedures, such as the log‐rank test, would be ineffective in detecting the treatment effect because the similarity between the two hazard curves in the initial time period would attenuate the difference between the two hazard curves that is reflected in the related testing statistics. In this paper, we suggest a new method for comparing two hazard curves when there is a potential treatment time‐lag effect based on a weighted log‐rank test with a flexible weighting scheme. The new method is shown to be more effective than some representative existing methods in various cases when a treatment time‐lag effect is present.
Direction Dependent Ferroelectricity and Conductivity in a Single Crystal 2D Halide Double Perovskite
Authors: Rajput Shubham Ajaykumar , Antharjanam Sudhadevi , Chandiran Aravind Kumar
Published: June 2024

Halide ferroelectric materials have garnered a lot of interest because of their distinctive electrical and structural characteristics. In this study, the design and development of a new non‐centrosymmetric 2D layered halide double perovskite material, Cl1.14Br2.86PA4AgInBr8 (CPAIn) is reported. This material shows ferroelectric properties above room temperature, with a Curie temperature of 190 °C. This behavior is achieved through the substitution of the halogenated A‐site organic linker, 3‐chloropropylammonium. CPAIn exhibits anisotropic ferroelectric behavior with higher spontaneous polarization of 6.25 µC cm−2 along the perpendicular direction to the octahedral layers, whereas the value decreases to 0.174 µC cm−2 between sheets. While using bottom contact to study the nature of polarity within a sheet, the P‐E loop displays capacitive loop. The nature and value of polarization is highly direction dependent, and to further understand the mechanism of conduction, a combination of temperature‐dependent impedance studies and poling dependent conductivity techniques are employed. These directional dependent properties hold immense potential in memory devices, sensors and photovoltaics, piezoelectric devices and energy storage.
Accelerated Mechanophore Activation and Drug Release in Network Core‐Structured Star Polymers Using High‐Intensity Focused Ultrasound
Authors: Fan Jilin , Xuan Mingjun , Zhang Kuan , Vinokur Rostislav , Zheng Lifei , Göstl Robert , Herrmann Andreas
Published: June 2024

The ultrasound (US)‐induced activation of mechanophores embedded in linear polymers (LPs) is the most widely employed technique to realize chemical function by polymer mechanochemistry. However, the commonly used US frequency in this context is around 20 kHz, producing strong inertial cavitation limiting biomedical applicability. Herein, 20 kHz US and 1.5 MHz high‐intensity focused US (HIFU) are investigated to drive disulfide mechanophore activation and mechanochemical polymer chain scission in network core‐structured star polymers (NCSPs). It is found that the efficiency of activating disulfide mechanophores in NCSPs using 1.5 MHz HIFU irradiation is similar to the efficiency achieved with 20 kHz sonication. This is quantified by ‘turn on’ sensor molecules leveraging the Michael addition of the mechanochemically generated thiol groups and subsequent retro Diels–Alder reaction to release a fluorophore. Moreover, the anticancer drug doxorubicin (Dox) covalently loaded into NCSPs is efficiently released by 1.5 MHz HIFU. Finally, an in vitro study of drug release from NCSPs is performed, demonstrating the potential of HIFU‐activated polymer mechanochemistry for sonopharmacology.
Rational Construction of Bi2CuO12Se4 and VGCFs@Fe2O3 Composite Electrodes for High‐Performance Semi‐Solid‐State Asymmetric Supercapacitors
Authors: Nagaraju Manchi , Ramulu Bhimanaboina , Arbaz Shaik Junied , Shankar Edugulla Girija , Kiran Ampasala Surya , Yu Jae Su
Published: June 2024

Recently, supercapacitors (SCs) are extensively explored as effective energy storage devices. Specifically, asymmetric SCs are being developed to enhance energy density using suitable materials with favorable nanostructures. This study describes the construction of a bismuth copper selenite (BCS‐200) working electrode with an ultrathin nanosheet (UTNS) architecture. This morphology is achieved using a low‐cost electrodeposition (ED) method, followed by annealing. The impact of ED time on the development of morphology is studied by synthesizing comparative electrodes simultaneously. The optimized BCS‐200 electrode prepared with a deposition time of 200 s shows higher specific capacity/capacitance (Cs/Csc) values of 330.9 mAh g−1/2206.6 F g−1 than the other synthesized electrodes (BCS‐100, BCS‐150, BCS‐250, and BCS‐300). Besides, a vapor‐grown carbon fiber (VGCF)‐added Fe2O3 composite coated on nickel foam (NF) is developed as a negative electrode. The VGCFs@Fe2O3/NF electrode exhibits the (Cs/Csc) values of 183.5 mAh g−1/734.4 F g−1, which is associated with ultra‐high cycling stability. In addition, the fabricated BCS‐200 and VGCFs@Fe2O3/NF electrodes are combined to construct a wearable semi‐solid‐state asymmetric SC (SSASC) with an energy density (Ed) of 20.5 Wh kg−1 and a cycling stability of 91.7% over 40000 charge/discharge cycles. Furthermore, the real‐time applicability of the SSASC is verified by powering it in practical applications.
Effects of Cu Content on Mechanical and Magnetic Properties of High‐Strength Nonoriented Silicon Steel
Authors: Ni Zhengxuan , Cheng Zhaoyang , Jing Wenqiang , Wendler Marco , Volkova Olena , Zhang Xiaobin , Liu Jing
Published: June 2024

Drive motors for new energy vehicles require nonoriented silicon steel with high strength and excellent magnetic properties, which are always difficult to balance. In this study, the effects of Cu content on the precipitates, microstructure, and properties of nonoriented silicon steel are investigated. The results show that a dispersed and coherent nanoscale B2 Cu‐rich precipitates are formed when Cu addition is 0.91 wt%, while ε‐Cu precipitates with large size and low number density are formed with higher Cu addition. The nanoscale B2 Cu‐rich precipitates afford a higher precipitation strengthening contribution than the larger ε‐Cu precipitates via cutting mechanism. Concurrently, the nanoscale B2 Cu‐rich precipitates nominally affect the iron loss deterioration. With increasing Cu content, the average grain size decreased, while the favorableλtexture diminished, and the unfavorableγtexture increased. With the combined effect of the grain size, texture, and precipitates, the iron loss increased first slightly and then significantly with further Cu addition, whereas the magnetic induction gradually decreased. The comprehensive properties of the steel are optimal when Cu addition was 0.91 wt%, which yielded a yield strength of 571.2 MPa, an iron loss P1.0/400of 20.05 W kg−1, and a magnetic induction B5000of 1.621 T.
Novel Stability–Indicating Reverse‐Phase High‐Performance Liquid Chromatography Technique for Apremilast Quantification in Pharmaceuticals and Nanovesicular Systems: A Design of Experiment Approach
Authors: Sutar Kishori P. , Jalalpure Sunil S. , Kurangi Bhaskar
Published: June 2024

An accurate and precise reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatographic technique for apremilast (APR) quantification in bulk, commercial tablets, and formulated APR‐loaded nanoformulations was developed and validated by the design of the experiment approach in accordance with the International Conference of Harmonization guidelines. APR was separated by using formic acid buffer (0.1%; pH 3.2):methanol (40:60, v/v) as a solvent system with a flow rate of 1 mL/min and was detected at a wavelength of 230 nm with a retention time of 7.1 min. The central composite design was employed to optimize the developed analytical method. The calibration curve for APR was linear (r2 = 0.999), with a limit of detection of 0.5 µg/mL and a limit of quantification of 1.52 µg/mL, respectively. A recovery of APR in tablet and nanoformulation was observed in the 98.56%–99.32% range. Forced degradation studies revealed the stability of the proposed analytical method, as the APR peak remained unchanged under stress‐induced degradation experiments. Hence, the proposed chromatographic technique with a cost‐effective solvent system could be employed in the pharmaceutical industry for estimating APR in various formulations.