bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Infectious Complications with BCMA-directed Therapies in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Lesokhin Alexander , Nath Karthik , Shekarkhand Tala , Nemirovsky David , Derkach Andriy , Costa Bruno Almeida , Nishimura Noriko , Farzana Tasmin , Rueda Colin , Chung David , Landau Heather , Lahoud Oscar , Scordo Michael , Shah Gunjan , Hassoun Hani , Maclachlan Kylee , Korde Neha , Shah Urvi , Tan Carlyn Rose , Hultcrantz Malin , Giralt Sergio , Usmani Saad , Shahid Zainab , Mailankody Sham
Published: February 2024

B-cell-maturation-antigen (BCMA)-directed therapies are highly active for multiple myeloma, but infections are emerging as a major challenge. In this retrospective, single-center analysis we evaluated infectious complications after BCMA-targeted chimeric-antigen-receptor T-cell therapy (CAR-T), bispecific-antibodies (BsAb) and antibody-drug-conjugates (ADC). The primary endpoint was severe (grade ≥ 3) infection incidence. Amongst 256 patients, 92 received CAR-T, 55 BsAb and 109 ADC. The incidence of severe infections was higher with BsAb (40%) than CAR-T (26%) or ADC (8%), including grade 5 infections (7% vs 0% vs 0%, respectively). Comparing T-cell redirecting therapies, the incidence rate of severe infections was significantly lower with CAR-T compared to BsAb at 1-year (incidence-rate-ratio [IRR] = 0.43, 95%CI 0.25–0.76, P = 0.004). During periods of treatment-emergent hypogammaglobulinemia, BsAb recipients had higher infection rates (IRR:2.27, 1.31–3.98, P = 0.004) and time to severe infection (HR 2.04, 1.05–3.96, P = 0.036) than their CAR-T counterparts. During periods of non-neutropenia, CAR-T recipients had a lower risk (HR 0.44, 95%CI 0.21–0.93, P = 0.032) and incidence rate (IRR:0.32, 95% 0.17–0.59, P < 0.001) of severe infections than BsAb. In conclusion, we observed an overall higher and more persistent risk of severe infections with BsAb. Our results also suggest a higher infection risk during periods of hypogammaglobulinemia with BsAb, and with neutropenia in CAR-T recipients.
Content and Tissue Expression of Collagen I, Collagen Iv, and Laminin in the Extracellular Matrix in Patients With Prostate Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Góes Igor Arantes , Pereira Maria Roberta Martins , Crotti Enrico , Pereira Geovanna Paciulli , Yoshitani Mateus Magami , Castro Marcos Antonio Santanna , Pereira Jose Aires , Martinez Carlos Augusto Real
Published: February 2024

Prostate cancer is one of the most common neoplasm in the male population. It is not known why some tumors become more aggressive than others. Although most studies show changes in the expression of cell adhesion molecules and the extracellular matrix correlated with the Gleason score, no study has objectively measured the tissue content of these molecules. This study aims to measure the content and tissue expression of collagen type I and IV and laminin in the extracellular matrix of patients with prostate adenocarcinoma and correlate these findings with the Gleason score and clinical characteristics. Forty-one patients who underwent radical prostate surgery at the Urology Department of a reference Hospital in Brazil between January 2015 and December 2020 were studied. The tissue protein content was estimated under light microscopy at a final magnification of 200×. The mean collagen I score in prostate adenocarcinoma tissue samples was 7.16 ± 1.03. The mean type IV collagen score was 3.44 ± 0.61. The mean laminin score was 5.19 ± 0.79. The total Gleason score was correlated with both collagen and laminin. All the correlations were negative, which shows that the higher the collagen/laminin expression was, the lower the total Gleason score. The total Gleason score is correlated with both collagen and laminin expression in prostate neoplasms. The correlations are all negative, which shows that the higher the collagen and laminin values are, the lower the total Gleason score.
Influence of the near roadsoil contamination on the germination and biochemical factors of two species in the region of Sfax (Tunisia)
Authors: Mbadra Chaker , gargouri kamel , mbarek hadda ben , trabelsi lina , Ncube Bhekumtheto , chaabouni semia ellouz
Published: February 2024

In this work we highlight the contamination of three soils in the Sfax region by heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and the impact of this contamination in the germination and biochemical factors of two selected species Lycopersicum esculentum and Cucumis sativus. The use of contamination index showed a moderate soil contamination by Zn and Pb up to 50m from gremda road, up to 10m from Manzel Chaker road and 3m from Tunis road. In contrast, no site was contaminated by Cu and Cr. The highest levels of hydrocarbon aromatique polycyclic are recorded in the vicinity of Manzel Chaker soil. On the other hand, the physico-chemical characteristic of studied soils affect the speciation of metals and hydrocarbon. We noted that the metal contamination of gremda soil and the hydrocarbon contamination of Manzel Chaker soil affected the cucumber germination less than tomato germination. The use of germination tests for the two selected species highlighted the capacity of cucumber to resist to both types of pollutants. This resistance is manifested by the slight modification of chlorophyll, proline and soluble sugars contents expressed by the cucumber in polluted soils are less than those expressed by the tomato. An increase in catalase and ascorbate peroxidase activity in tomato plants was observed in vicinity of Gremda road but for cucumber, the levels of these antioxydants enzymes are higher than those recorded in tomato leaves which leads us to the use of cucumber in the phytoremediation of polluted soils near roads in the Sfax region.
Incidence, risk factors and impact on transplant outcomes of cytokine release syndrome after infusion of haploidentical stem cells with anti-thymocyte globulin
Authors: Wang Yu , Zheng Feng-Mei , Kong Jun , Jingzhi Wang , zhidong wang , Wang Fengr-Rong , Han Tingting , Fu Haixia , han wei , Zhang Yuan-Yuan , Yan Chen-Hua , Chen Huan , Chen Yao , Chen Yuhong , Mo Xiao-Dong , Lv Meng , Sun Yuqian , Yifei Cheng , Xu Lan-Ping , Zhang Xiao-hui , Liu Kaiyan , Huang Xiaojun
Published: February 2024

Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) after stem cell infusion in anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG)-based haploidentical (haplo)-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) is unclear. We reviewed charts of patients who underwent haplo-SCT between January 2020 and December 2020 and graded CRS. A total of 259 were enrolled in the study. CRS occurred in 103/259 (39.8%) of the recipients, including 83 (80.6%) cases of grade 1 CRS and 20 (19.4%) cases of grade 2 CRS. Severe CRS (grades 3–5) was not observed. Fever was the most common manifestation (89.3%), and all of them occurred only after peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) infusion. In multivariable analysis, recipients age older than 55 years (OR 2.486(1.124–5.496), p = 0.024), higher CRP during conditioning (OR 3.011 (95%CI, 1.766–5.134), p < 0.001)), and received PBSC as sole stem cell source (OR 2.478 487 (95%CI, 1.077-5.700), p = 0.033) could predict the development of CRS. The 3-year OS was comparable with 80% (95%CI, 61–97) for grade 2 CRS, and 85% (95%CI, 80–90) for grade 0–1 CRS (p = 0.288). GRFS in two groups were 69% (95%CI, 49–90) and 69% (95%CI, 63–75), respectively (p = 0.653). Our results suggest that CRS was common in ATG-based haplo-SCT and did not affect survival.
Association between Non-Medical Use of Prescription Drugs and Emotional and Behavioral Problems among Chinese Adolescents: The Mediating Effects of Social Support
Authors: chen ya , Wang Wanxin , Zhang Yexiang , Lai Wenjian , Guo Lan , Lu Ciyong , Huang Guoliang
Published: February 2024

Background
Less is known about the underlying role of social support in the association between non-medical use of prescription drugs (NUMPD) and emotional and behavioral Problems (EBPs). This study sought to explore association among NMUPD, social support and EBPs in Chinese youth.
Methods
A multi-stage, stratified-cluster, random-sampling method was utilized to invite 23,364 adolescents aged 10–21 years from Guangdong province to complete standard questionnaires. Data on EBPs and social support were collected using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and the Adolescent Social Support Scale.
Results
The reported prevalence of sedative misuse, opioid misuse and any prescription drug use (APDU) was 1.3%, 0.4% and 1.5%, respectively. Multivariable linear regression models showed that non-medical use of opioid (adjusted β estimate = 2.06, 95%CI = 1.53–2.60), sedative (adjusted β estimate = 2.15, 95%CI = 1.20–3.09) and APDU (adjusted β estimate = 1.89, 95%CI = 1.40–2.37) maintained a positive association with total difficulties. Mediation analyses showed that the standardized indirect effects of NMUPD on total difficulties mediated by social support had statistical significance (P < 0.001) and mediating effect was between 14.75% and 27.50%.
Conclusions
Significant associations exist between NMUPD and EBPs. Social support significantly mediated association between NMUPD and EBPs. Drug abuse monitoring system targeted at adolescents could be established and social support from parents, teachers and peers are highly recommended to facilitate the mental health of adolescents.
A new higher-order finite element model for free vibration and buckling of functionally graded sandwich beams with porous core resting on a two-parameter elastic foundation using quasi-3D theory
Authors: Mohamed Ibrahim , Kahya Volkan , Şimşek Sebahat
Published: February 2024

In this paper, a new higher-order finite element model is proposed for free vibration and buckling analysis of functionally graded (FG) sandwich beams with porous core resting on a two-parameter Winkler-Pasternak elastic foundation based on quasi-3D deformation theory. The material properties of FG sandwich beams vary gradually through the thickness according to the power-law distribution. The governing equation of motion is derived from the Lagrange's equations. Three different porosity patterns including uniform, symmetric, and asymmetric are considered. The accuracy and convergence of the proposed model are verified with several numerical examples. A comprehensive parametric study is carried out to explore the effects of the boundary conditions, skin-to-core thickness ratio, power-law index, slenderness, porosity coefficient, porous distribution of the core, and elastic foundation parameters on the natural frequencies and critical buckling loads of FG sandwich beams.
Listening to Each Other: A collaborative 2D hydraulic model to examine water and sediment availability in an inland delta
Authors: Sabokruhie Pouya , Duffy Ashleigh , Mohammadiazar Azza , Carriere Gary , McKay Kelvin , Lindenschmidt Karl-Erich , Strickert Graham , Jardine Timothy , Bradford Lori
Published: February 2024

The Saskatchewan River Delta is the largest inland freshwater delta in North America. The delta has been inhabited by humans for at least 7,000 years, but this complex social-ecological system has been disrupted by reduced water and sediment flows due to upstream water resource development. To follow up on previous on-land participant observations and semi-structured interviews that documented changes to the delta, a two-dimensional (2D) hydraulic HEC-RAS model was set up to collaboratively determine future scenarios. The model domain contains the main channel, floodplains, and hinterland areas while observed meteorological and hydrological data were used to force and calibrate the model. The model considered recent observations, examining scenarios with and without different mitigation measures to improve water availability and sediment transport within the delta. Modellers and residents jointly chose to focus on the strategic placement of weirs to raise the water depth in the delta's largest lake (Cumberland Lake) as a practical method. The model's ability to visualize and animate results has been serving as a boundary object, allowing crucial conversations about water to occur within and between community members and upstream water decision-makers. This paper discusses lessons learned from collaborative modelling that may provide insight beyond this important delta system.
CpCOR1 gene positively regulates cold tolerance and antioxidant activity of papaya fruit under postharvest cold shock treatment
Authors: Nian yuwei , Aslam Muhammad Muzammal , Zou shicheng , Jia wenjun , Li rui , wen li , Shao yuanzhi
Published: February 2024

Inappropriate low temperatures can induce harmful effects on post-harvest papaya fruit, a phenomenon known as "chilling injury." This study aims to elucidate the role of CpCOR1, a gene encoding a cold-regulated protein, in the manifestation of low temperature-induced chilling injury in papaya fruit. Our results demonstrate that cold shock treatment (CST, 2 ℃ ice-water for 0.5 h) significantly reduced the chilling injury index (CII), concurrently preserving the cell microstructure and mitigating the increase in cell membrane permeability during both 5 ℃ and 25 ℃ storage. Transcriptome analysis and qRT-PCR revealed a substantial up-regulation of the CpCOR1 gene in CST papaya fruit compared to the control fruit. Furthermore, bioinformatics and phylogenetic tree analysis identified CpCOR1 as a basic hydrophobic protein with a coding sequence of 606 bp and an amino acid sequence of 201 aa, classifying it under the COR413 subgroup. Sub-cellular localization assays confirmed that CpCOR1 is primarily localized to the cell membrane. Moreover, overexpression of CpCOR1 in tobacco leaves and papaya fruit significantly alleviated chilling injury symptoms, suppressed yellowing, reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation, and maintained higher activities of antioxidant enzymes, including catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), compared to the control group. In summary, our findings suggest that cold shock treatment is an effective strategy to retard the onset of low-temperature damage, with CpCOR1 playing a pivotal role in enhancing cold resistance and delaying ripening by activating antioxidant activity in papaya fruit.
Survival outcomes in HER2-low versus HER2-zero breast cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy:a meta-analysis
Authors: Xia Lin-Yu , Cao Xu-Chen , Yu Yue
Published: February 2024

Background
The survival outcomes in HER2-low versus HER2-zero breast cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) remain unclear. The meta-analysis was conducted to summarize current evidence about the survival outcomes in HER2-low versus HER2-zero breast cancer.
Methods
We conducted a systematic search in PubMed and EMBASE databases to identify relevant studies.
Results
A total of 14 studies with 53726 patients were included. Overall, 34037 patients (63.37%) were HER2-low, and 19677 patients (36.63%) were HER2-zero. Patients with HER2-low tumors had a significantly lower pathological complete response (pCR) rate than patients with HER2-zero tumors, regardless of the hormone receptor status. Compared with HER2-zero breast cancer, the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of HER2-low breast cancer were longer in the overall cohort ((HR = 0.72; 95% CI = 0.61–0.85; P < 0.0001; HR = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.75–0.92; P = 0.0002); however, no differences were observed in terms of OS and DFS between HER2-low and HER2-zero breast cancer in the HR-negative group. In the HR-positive group, HER2-low status had no significant impact on OS, while significantly associated with increased DFS (HR = 0.85; 95% CI = 0.76–0.96; P = 0.007).
Conclusion
These results suggest that HER2-low breast cancer was correlated with favorable OS and DFS after NACT in the overall cohort as well as longer DFS in the HR-positive group; however, there were no significant differences noted for OS or DFS in other groups.
Inspiratory Crackles in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis – Friend or Foe for Early Diagnosis?
Authors: Lang David , Lamprecht Bernd , Bishop Nesrin Mogulkoc , Sterclova Martina , Lewandowska Katarzyna , Kramer Mordechai , Bartos Vladimir , Plackova Martina , Müller Veronika , Ovesna Petra , Studnicka Michael , Vasakova Martina Koziar
Published: February 2024

Background:
Velcro crackles (VCR) are frequent in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients and have been advocated as a tool for early diagnosis. We assessed their association with clinical features, progression, and survival in the European MultiPartner IPF Registry (EMPIRE).
Methods:
Clinical, imaging, and pulmonary function data were collected at baseline and followed up at least every six months. Cross-sectional analyses of baseline characteristics were performed for all and separately for incident IPF patients diagnosed within 6 months before inclusion. Progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated by Kaplan–Meier estimates, progression was defined using different thresholds of FVC and DLCO decline, lung transplantation, and death. Annual FVC decline was calculated using a restricted maximum likelihood estimation based on a random slope and intercept model.
Results:
Of 4583 IPF patients (71% men, median age 70 (IQR 64–75)), 89% had VCR at enrollment. Patients with VCR were older, had a longer symptom duration and a higher prevalence of exertional dyspnea, cough, and finger clubbing. Also, they presented with lower FVC and DLCO, with a higher GAP stage, and more frequently had a definite usual interstitial pneumonia pattern on computed tomography. Neither PFS nor OS differed significantly according to presence of VCR in all and in incident patients. Adjusted FVC decline rate was significantly higher in all patients with velcro crackles (-0.102mL (95% CI -0.113; -0.091) vs. -0.056mL (-0.09; -0.023), p = 0.011).
Conclusions:
Most patients in EMPIRE presented with VCR and patients without VCR had less severe functional impairment and a shorter symptom duration. This supports the current role of auscultation as a primary care diagnostic tool but may challenge its alleged role in early diagnosis of IPF.
Toward a Frontierless Collaboration in Neurosurgery: A Systematic Review of Remote Augmented and Virtual Reality Technologies
Authors: Bocanegra-Becerra Jhon E. , Sánchez José Luis Acha , Castilla-Encinas Adriam M. , Rios-Garcia Wagner , Mendieta Cristian D. , Quiroz-Marcelo Diego A. , Alhwaishel Khaled , Aguilar-Zegarra Luis , Lopez-Gonzalez Miguel Angel
Published: February 2024

Introduction Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies have been introduced to Neurosurgery with the goal of improving the experience of human visualization. In recent years, the application of remote AR and VR has opened new horizons for neurosurgical collaboration across diverse domains of education and patient treatment. Herein, we aimed to systematically review the literature about the feasibility of this technology and discuss the technical aspects, current limitations, and future perspectives.Methods Following the PRISMA guidelines, four databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library) were queried for articles discussing the use of remote AR and VR technologies in Neurosurgery. Data were collected in various fields, including surgery type, application type, subspecialty, software and hardware descriptions, haptic device utilization, visualization technology, internet connection, remote site descriptions, technical outcomes, and limitations. Data were summarized as counts and proportions and analyzed using IBM® SPSS® software.Results Our search strategy generated 466 records, out of which 9 studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. The majority of AR and VR applications were used in cranial procedures (77.8%), mainly in education (63.6%), followed by telesurgical assistance (18.2%), patient monitoring (9.1%), and surgical planning (9.1%). Local collaborations were established in 55.6% of the studies, while national and international partnerships were formed in 44.4% of the studies. AR was the main visualization technology, and 3G internet connection was predominantly used (27.5%). All studies subjectively reported the utility of remote AR and VR for real-time interaction. The major technical challenges and limitations included audiovisual latency, the requirement for higher-fidelity and resolution image reconstructions, and the level of proficiency of the patient with the software.Conclusion The results from this systematic review suggest that AR and VR technologies are dynamically advancing to offer remote collaboration in Neurosurgery. Although still incipient in development and with an imperative need for technical improvement, remote AR and VR hold a frontierless potential for patient monitoring, neurosurgical education, and long-distance surgical assistance.
Hypofractionated radiotherapy with simultaneous tumor bed boost (Hi-RISE) in breast cancer patients receiving upfront breast-conserving surgery: study protocol for a phase III randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jin Kairui , Luo Jurui , Yu Xiaoli , Guo Xiaomao
Published: February 2024

Background: The effectiveness and safety of moderately hypofractionated radiotherapy (HFRT) in patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery (BCS) has been demonstrated in several pivotal randomized trials. However, the feasibility of applying simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) to the tumor bed and regional node irradiation (RNI) using modern radiotherapy techniques with HFRT needs further evaluation.
Methods: This prospective, multi-center, randomized controlled, non-inferiority phase III trial aims to determine the non-inferiority of HFRT combined with SIB (HFRTsib) compared with conventional fractionated radiotherapy with sequential boost (CFRTseq) in terms of five-year locoregional control rate in breast cancer patients undergoing upfront BCS. A total of 2904 participants will be recruited and randomized in a 1:1 ratio into the HFRTsib and CFRTseq groups. All patients will receive whole breast irradiation, and those with positive axillary nodes will receive additional RNI, including internal mammary irradiation. The prescribed dose for the HFRTsib group will be 40 Gy in 15 fractions, combined with a SIB of 48 Gy in 15 fractions to the tumor bed. The CFRTseq group will receive 50 Gy in 25 fractions, with a sequential boost of 10 Gy in 5 fractions to the tumor bed.
Discussion: This trial intends to assess the effectiveness and safety of SIB combined with HFRT in early breast cancer patients following BCS. The primary endpoint is locoregional control, and the results of this trial are expected to offer crucial evidence for utilizing HFRT in breast cancer patients after BCS.
Trial registration: This trial was registered at ClincalTrials.gov (NCT04025164) on July 18, 2019.
RETRACTED: Integrating Neural Networks and Traditional Models: A Hybrid Approach for Accurate Heart Disease Prediction
Authors: Chakraborty C.Parnasree , S s. syed rafiammal
Published: February 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Impact of microRNA-122 and microRNA-370 on insulin resistance and risk of cardiovascular diseases in obese Egyptian children
Authors: Abdou Shimaa Metwally , El-Maksoud Awatif Mohammed Abd , Ahmed Gihan Fouad , El-Aziz Heba Gamal Abd
Published: February 2024

Background: Childhood obesity represents a serious worldwide problem with many short and long-term significant health consequences. This study aimed to assess the expression levels of microRNA-122 and microRNA-370, and their possible correlation with insulin resistance and cardiovascular diseases in obese Egyptian children.
Methods: Seventy obese children aged 5-10 years and thirty age-matched normal weight children as control were enrolled. All children were subjected to anthropometric, systolic, and diastolic blood pressure measurements as well as the expression of circulating of microRNA-122 and microRNA-370 was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction amplification. Serum biochemical parameters (glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and HDL) levels were determined. The homeostasis model assessment version 2 (HOMA2) was used to evaluate pancreatic beta cell function (HOMA2-%B), insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR), and insulin sensitivity (HOMA2-%S). Insulin sensitivity was further assessed by the single-point insulin sensitivity estimator (SPISE) index and McAuley index.
Results: Compared with control group, the weight, BMI, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL, non-HDL cholesterol, cardiac risk ratio 1, cardiac risk ratio 2, atherogenic coefficient, atherogenic index, insulin levels, HOMA2-%B, HOMA2-IR and microRNA-122 were significantly increased (P < 0.001). MicroRNA-122 showed significant positive correlations with cardiac risk ratio 1 and atherogenic coefficient, however, a significant negative correlation with HDL in obese group. On the other hand, HOMA2-%S, McAuley and SPISE insulin sensitivity indices, HDL and microRNA-370 were significantly decreased.
Conclusions: Changes in serum level of microRNA-122 and microRNA-370 in obese children may suggest a possible role in the pathogenesis of childhood obesity and their accompanied complications. Therefore, they can serve as early biomarkers and possible predictors for future metabolic dysfunction.
Prediction Study of Thermoelectric Properties of TiO2 Nanoparticles and Effect on PVA/SiO 2 Hybrid Films Synthesized by sol-gel Method
Authors: Gueridi B. , Slimani Y. , Bouferrache K. , Ghebouli M. A. , Rouabah F. , Chihi T. , Fatmi M. , Ghebouli B. , Djemli A. , Alotaibi Nouf H. , Mohammad Saikh , Benali A.
Published: February 2024

We use an ab initio approach to look into the structural, electronic band structure, and thermoelectric properties of titanium dioxide (TiO2 in rutile phase), and we then use TiO2 to create its effects on sol-gel-produced polyvinyl alcohol/silicon dioxide (PVA/SiO2) hybrid films. The synthesis of the hybrid films involved the incorporation of 1% TiO2 nanoparticles in the PVA/SiO2 matrix. The thermoelectric properties of the resulting hybrid films were characterized through measurements of the Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity. The findings show that the thermoelectric performance of the PVA/SiO2 hybrid films is greatly improved by TiO2 nanoparticles are added to the rutile phase, with an optimal concentration (1%) of TiO2 nanoparticles. This study provides insights into the potential applications of TiO2 nanoparticles in enhancing the thermoelectric properties of hybrid materials and opens up avenues for further research in this area, and contributes to the growing body of knowledge on enhancing the thermoelectric properties of materials by incorporating TiO2 nanoparticles into hybrid films synthesized by the sol-gel method.
The development of WC-Co cemented carbide slurry for stereolithography- based additive manufacturing
Authors: Tan Jinlin , Chen Yongan , Ling Xile , Guo Hongshan , Sun Jinxing , Zhao Saijin , Liu Yang , Bai Jiaming , Zhou Peng , Zhang Dongyang , Gong Feng
Published: February 2024

Tungsten carbide-cobalt (WC-Co) cemented carbide has a wide range of application prospects in a wide range of industries because of its high strength, high hardness, excellent wear resistance, high temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, etc. Additive manufacturing (AM) makes it possible to fabricate geometrically complex tools compared to traditional manufacturing techniques. However, the preparation of high solid loading, superior stability, and optimal curing thickness of WC-Co cemented carbide slurry remains challenging for creating cemented carbide components with complex shapes via stereolithography. In this work, the dispensability, stability, and curing thickness of WC-Co cemented carbide slurry were systematically investigated. The suitable WC-Co (94-6wt.%) cemented carbide slurry for stereolithography was successfully achieved by ball milling under appropriate process parameters, and the complex-shaped WC-Co (94-6wt.%) cemented carbide green bodies were fabricated. This work aims to provide a reference for additive manufacturing of near-net-shape WC-Co cemented carbide parts by stereolithography.
A Neurosurgical Perspective on Electric Scooter Accidents
Authors: Özlü Eylem Burcu Kahraman , Mutlu Elcin Tugce , Durmus Kaan , Calisaneller Arif Tarkan
Published: February 2024

Purpose
Electric scooters (e-scooters) have become the preferred personal vehicles in the world with their easy accessibility and fast and even environmentally friendly features in urban transportation. E-scooters started to be used in Istanbul for the first time in Turkiye in 2019 and became popular in other metropolitans over time. We started encountering associated injuries in our clinic with the growing use of e-scooters.
Methods
This study evaluated 242 patients, who were admitted to the Emergency Department of our hospital, due to electric scooter accidents between January 2020 and May 2023, retrospectively for neurosurgical pathologies.
Results
Among the 12 patients included in the study, 8 were male and 34 were female. The mean age was 26.6 (14–50). It was determined that none of them used protective equipment (helmet, knee pad, etc.). According to the retrospective evaluation, two patients were followed up for mild head trauma, seven for moderate head trauma, and one for severe head trauma. One patient with severe head trauma required a long hospital stay and repeated surgical intervention. One patient was treated with conservative follow-up and the other required surgery.
Conclusion
Electric scooters are environmentally friendly and accelerate transportation; however, using them without complying with protective equipment and traffic rules causes severe traumas. Despite our limited number of patients, we monitored one patient with trauma progressing with severe morbidity. We think we will encounter injuries related to e-scooters more frequently in the neurosurgery emergency practice.
Synthetic lethality from the combination of a histone methyltransferase, SUV39H2 inhibitor and a poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor for uterine leiomyosarcoma
Authors: Toyohara Yusuke , Sone Kenbun , Kumegawa Kohei , Yamamoto Yoko , Hachijo Ryuta , Tanimoto Saki , INOUE FUTABA , Kukita Asako , Taguchi Ayumi , Ikemura Masako , Miyamoto Yuichiro , Tanikawa Michihiro , Iriyama Takayuki , MORI-UCHINO Mayuyo , Hamamoto Ryuji , Ushiku Tetsuo , Oda Katsutoshi , HIROTA Yasushi , Maruyama Reo , Osuga Yutaka
Published: February 2024

Background:
Uterine leiomyosarcoma (uLMS) has a poor prognosis owing to its high recurrence rate and resistance to chemotherapy. Therefore, novel therapeutic targets for uLMS need to be discovered.
SUV39H2 is a histone methyltransferase that promotes the repair of double-stranded DNA breaks by recruiting phosphorylated H2AX (γH2AX). In this study, we investigated the potential therapeutic targets of SUV39H2 in uLMS and the mechanism of synthetic lethality between PARP inhibitors and SUV39H2 inhibitors, OTS186935.
Methods:
First, we analyzed the mRNA and protein expression of SUV39H2 in clinical tissues of uLMS, normal myometrium, and leiomyomas using real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Next, we conducted drug sensitivity assays for OTS186935 alone and in combination with olaparib, a poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor, using uLMS cell lines, SK-LMS-1 and SK-UT-1. We conducted an annexin assay to investigate the mechanisms of cellular death. We performed Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) to investigate γH2AX following OTS186935 treatment in addition to in vivo experiments using nude mice with subcutaneously implanted uLMS.
Results:
SUV39H2 expression was significantly increased in uLMS compared to that in normal myometrium and leiomyomas. OTS186935 decreased cell viability in both cell lines, and its combination with olaparib resulted in synthetic lethality in SK-UT-1 cells (combination index = 0.87). Annexin assay revealed that the combination therapy induced apoptosis. After treatment with OTS186935, γH2AX accumulation decreased. ChIP-seq also showed downregulated γH2AX following OTS186935 treatment. Notably, the combination with OTS186935 and PARP inhibitor was significantly more effective in vivo.
Conclusion:
OTS186935 inhibits double-stranded DNA break repair as evidenced by γH2AX downregulation through ChIP-seq and other assays. OTS186935 combined with olaparib induces synthetic lethality in patients with uLMS.
Periodic phase shifts of longitudinally resolved terahertz radiation along two-color filament in air
Authors: LONG Juan , WANG TIE-JUN , YIN FUKANG , LIU YAOXIANG , WEI YINGXIA , LIU CHENGPU , LENG YUXIN
Published: February 2024

The evolution of THz waveform generated from the two-color air filament was experimentally investigated by moving an iris along the plasma channel. By taking the differentiation of the measured THz waveforms, the longitudinally resolved THz waves along 54 mm long filament were obtained. The local THz pulse undergoes periodic phase shifts. Theoretical deduction indicates that the phase shifts are mainly caused by the dispersion in the plasma channel which plays a dominant role in the evolution of the local THz waveforms.
Assessing air pollution as a risk factor for early menopause in Korea
Authors: Kim Joyce Mary , Min Jieun , Lee Jungsil , Jeong Kyungah , Ha Eun-Hee
Published: February 2024

Backgrounds
Ambient air pollution has become a serious public health issue that affects fertility rates in women worldwide. Therefore, there is a need to evaluate the risk factors associated with menopause to be able to inform women of the associated health risks.
Methods
We collected data from KHANES (The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) between 2010 and 2020, from the Korean Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Ministry of Health and Welfare, and linked it with summary pollution data from AiMS-CREATE (AI-Machine Learning and Statistics Collaborative Research Ensemble for Air Pollution, Temperature, and All Types of Environmental Exposures) from 2002 to 2020. This summary data encapsulates the monthly average air pollution predictions for 226 si-gun-gu (cities, counties, and districts) in Korea. A total of 8,616 participants who had experienced menopause (early menopause: 20–45 years, N = 679; normal menopause: 46–60 years, N = 7,937) between 2002 and 2020 were included in the analysis. We employed survey logistic regression analyses to determine the associations between ambient air pollution and menopause after adjusting for covariates.
Results
There was an association between particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) and early menopause (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.23–1.32), between particulate matter 10 (PM10) and early menopause (aOR: 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15–1.20), and between nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and early menopause (aOR: 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02–1.09).
Conclusion
Our results are consistent with the proposed hypothesis regarding an association between exposure to ambient air pollution and early menopause. This study provides substantial quantitative evidence that further supports the need for public health interventions to improve air quality, which is a risk in promoting early menopause.
Impurity propagation in urban area with complex surface relief
Authors: Evgrafova Anna , Sukhanovskii Andrey
Published: February 2024

The paper presents a new approach to study of the pollution process in systems with complex surface relief. As a case study, laboratory modeling of impurity transport in an idealized urban landscape was considered. As an experimental model, we used a three-dimensional layout of the central part of Perm city (the area of five square kilometers) at the scale of 1:4000. The model was placed in a watertight container with water, and aqueous solution of sodium chloride was used as an admixture. Estimation of the governing parameters for the urban area was done using typical values of turbulent viscosity for an urban area without mean circulation. Experimental modeling provides qualitative description of the air pollution by a mixture of carbon dioxide/air from heavy traffic. It is shown that the terrain features play a significant role in the process of the pollution spreading. The admixture tends to fill the lowest areas of the model. At the same time, the presence of buildings prevents the impurity transport. A qualitative comparison of experimental results and in-situ observations is presented.
Headache or Disturbed Smell and Taste During Acute COVID-19 as Predictors of Long COVID at One Year
Authors: Agergaard Jane
Published: February 2024

Purpose: Long coronavirus disease (COVID) poses a significant health concern for a substantial proportion of COVID-19 patients. Viral pathogenesis studies suggest the potential of central nervous system (CNS) affection in the acute phase of COVID-19 predicting long COVID.
This study investigates whether acute COVID-19 symptoms, particularly headache and disturbed smell and taste, predict manifestations of long COVID.
Methods: This prospective cohort study included COVID-19 patients hospitalized between March 2020, and May 2021. One year after discharge, patients responded to a symptom questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the odds ratio (OR) for these outcomes.
Results: Of 288 eligible patients, 111 responded to the follow-up questionnaire. At 1 year follow-up, disturbed smell and taste during acute COVID-19 did not elevate the risk of long COVID. However, patients with acute headache demonstrated a tendency towards an elevated risk of CNS-related long COVID. Notably, this risk significantly increased in patients reporting dizziness (adjusted OR=4.20; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.19 - 14.85). Neither disturbed smell and taste nor headache during acute COVID-19 indicated a statistically significant risk of worsening in fatigue, health, or total symptom score at 1-year follow-up.
Conclusion: Headache, and not disturbed smell and taste, predicted CNS-related long COVID. Further research is warranted to clarify pathways connecting CNS-related symptoms during acute COVID-19 with long COVID, aiding the efforts of addressing the range of symptoms observed among long COVID patients and developing effective interventions.
Questionnaire survey of Healthcare Professionals on Taxane-Induced Nail Change in Japan
Authors: Yamamoto Kazumasa , Tanabe Yuko , Nonogaki Kiyomi , Watanabe Shogo , Takemura Kohji , Yamanaka Taro , Kizawa Rika , Yamaguchi Takeshi , Suyama Koichi , Hayashi Nobukazu , Miura Yuji
Published: February 2024

Purpose: Taxanes are widely used chemotherapeutic agents that frequently cause nail changes and have a significant impact on patients’ quality of life. Despite the prevalence of taxane-induced nail toxicity, limited data are available regarding evidence-based management strategies for the prevention or treatment of taxane-induced nail changes. Therefore, we aimed to disseminate a questionnaire survey to physicians, pharmacists, and nurses involved in oncology treatment to gain accurate insights into the prevention, treatment, and evaluation of nail changes in patients with cancer in Japan.
Methods: Questions addressed prophylactic methods, evaluation practices, and treatment approaches for various nail disorders. Questionnaires were distributed on March 1, 2022, with a response deadline of December 1, 2022.
Results: Of the 120 distributed questionnaires, 88 (73.3%) responses were deemed valid. The respondents included 69 physicians (32 oncologists, 26 breast surgeons, 6 dermatologists, 3 obstetricians/gynecologists, 1 gastroenterological surgeon, and 1 urologist), 9 pharmacists, and 10 nurses. Prophylactic measures included moisturizing (58.0%), protection (42.0%), cooling therapy (37.5%), and cleanliness (33.0%). Approximately 70% of the respondents used the Common Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), while approximately 30% did not use a specific evaluation method. Opinions regarding treatment with antimicrobial or corticosteroid ointments varied; however, all severe cases were referred by dermatologists.
Conclusion: This survey revealed that the management of chemotherapy-induced nail changes varies in clinical practice in Japan. These findings emphasize the need for standardized management strategies and further research.
Investigation of the Prognostic Significance of Immunohistochemical Expression of p16 and p27 in Bladder Tumors
Authors: Ezer Mehmet , Yıldız Barış
Published: February 2024

Objective:The most important prognostic factors in Urothelial tumors of the bladder are pathological stage and histological grade. In this study, p16 and p27 immunohistochemical expressions were investigated and it was aimed to examine their relationship with clinicopathological parameters.
Materials and Methods: In this study, 112 patients were diagnosed with bladder urothelial tumor in the Pathology Department of Kafkas University Faculty of Medicine between 2015 and 2020, were sent as transurethral bladder tumor resection material, and had clinicopathological information, paraffin blocks and hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) stained sections in the archive. case was included. P16 and p27 immunohistochemical staining was applied to the sections obtained from paraffin blocks.
Results: The data obtained showed that the P16 IHC staining scores of the protein in the cytoplasm and nucleus did not differ statistically significantly according to the gender factor in the patients included in the study. However, it is noteworthy that the protein staining frequency distribution in female patients is high, especially in weak and medium staining, while in male patients, strong staining has the highest frequency distribution (31.0%). Although the IHC staining score frequency distributions of the P27 protein are similar, the statistical analysis showed that the distributions of this protein differ according to gender to the level of p < 0.05; This difference is similar to the nuclear distribution of P16 protein; male patients mostly had strong P27 nuclear staining (35.7%), while female patients showed strong staining at low frequencies (7.1%).
Conclusion: Many parameters are used to predict prognosis in bladder tumors. As a result, it is thought that p16, p27 immunoreactivities may be helpful in predicting the clinicopathological behavior of bladder tumors, and studies involving more cases are needed.
Design and Chracterization of Prazosin Hcl Hydrogel Drug Delivery system
Authors: P.Roopasri  , V.Anjaneyullu  , VIJAYKUMAR GAMPA
Published: February 2024

The purpose of the present study was to get the floating microspheres of Prazosin hydrochloride and to sustain the drug to overcome the side effects as postural hypotension.A central composite design based on the response surface method was used.The preparations were made by emulsion-solvent evaporation method.In this study, a three-factors, three levels Central composite design with drug-polymer ratio (X1), Solvent ratio (X2) and Speed (X3) as independent variables were chosen for the formulation. The microspheres were evaluated for physicochemical parameters as shape, size, buoyancy percentage and drug entrapment efficiency. SEM studies showed good topology of microspheres. The cumulative % drug release of optimized formulation after 24 hours was 99.87%. Model fitting analysis revealed the release pattern followed Korsmeyer.The results demonstrated a good relationship between the predicted and experimental values, supporting the validity of the model.FTIR and DSC studies showed that there was no interaction between drug and polymers. The optimized formulation was found to be stable when subjected to accelerated stability studies. The results obtained indicated that response surface methodology may be successfully used to analyze the effect of formulation variables and develop an optimized formulation thereby reducing the severaltrials, time and cost of formulation development.
Experimental vs. natural fulgurite: A comparison and implications for the formation process
Authors: Çalişkanoğlu A. Zeynep , Cimarelli Corrado , Dingwell Donald B. , Camara Alessandra S.B.
Published: February 2024

Fulgurites are glassy structures formed when lightning strikes the ground, causing ground material (e.g., rocks, sediments, or soil) to melt and fuse. While fulgurites are relatively rare, they provide valuable insights into paleoecology and may play a key role in prebiotic chemistry. Despite their significance in nature, understanding the conditions underlying the formation of fulgurites poses severe challenges, as the physical parameters and timing of the fulgurite-generating lightning event still need to be discovered.

Here, we use a unique opportunity from the recent in situ discovery of a natural fulgurite still embedded in its protolith. (The natural fulgurite-generating event is visible in the World Wide Lightning Network data.) Using a high-voltage setup, we further compare this natural fulgurite with the experimentally generated fulgurite obtained from the original protolith. The natural and experimental fulgurites exhibit evidence of similar melting sequences and post-melting recrystallization structures. Using Raman spectroscopy applied to the quartz phase transition, we estimate the thermal gradient present in the fulgurite during formation to be a minimum of 1600 °C at the inner wall of the fulgurite and ca. 600 °C at the outer wall of the fulgurite. Those findings suggest that the current responsible for the cloud-to-ground lightning discharges that generated the natural fulgurite lay in the range of 11 960 to 14 473 kA. The state of the experimental fulgurites matched that of the natural fulgurite, validating the experimental option for studying fulgurite generation.
Wenlanzhangite–(Y) from the Yushui deposit, South China: A potential proxy for tracing the redox state of ore formation
Authors: Liu Peng , Li Guowu , Sun Ningyue , Yao Wei , Yu Hong , Tian Yongfei , Yang Wenqiang , Zhao Fengshang , Cook Nigel J.
Published: February 2024

Mineral phases in which vanadium (V) and heavy-rare-earth elements (HREEs) coexist are rarely documented. Here, we report a new V-HREE-bearing silicate mineral species, wenlanzhangite-(Y), which is a vanadiferous derivate of jingwenite-(Y) [Y2Al2V24+(SiO4)2O4(OH)4] coexisting with jingwenite-(Y) in bedded/massive ores at Yushui, South China. Wenlanzhangite-(Y) forms as a dark brown, 70–100 μm thick rim on a core domain of jingwenite-(Y), which occurs as 100–200 μm columnar crystals. The color, streak, luster, and hardness (Mohs) are dark brown, yellow-gray, vitreous, and ~4, respectively. Compared to jingwenite-(Y), wenlanzhangite-(Y) has higher vanadium and lower aluminum contents. Calculated on the basis of 8 cations, the empirical formula is (Y1.26Dy0.17Er0.11 Gd0.09Yb0.09Nd0.09Sm0.06Sc0.04Ho0.03Ce0.02Tb0.02Tm0.02Pr0.01)Σ2.00(V1.463+Al0.54)Σ2.00V24+(SiO4)2O4(OH)4, which can be simplified to the ideal formula Y2V23+V24+(SiO4)2O4(OH)4.

Wenlanzhangite-(Y) is triclinic, with space group P1(#2), Z = 2, and unit-cell parameters a = 5.9632(7) Å, b = 9.599(1) Å, c = 9.9170(9) Å, α = 90.033(8)°, β = 98.595(2)°, γ = 90.003(9)°, and V = 561.28(10) Å3. Wenlanzhangite-(Y) is approved by the International Mineralogical Association Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification (IMA2022-142). The structure of wenlanzhangite-(Y) is composed of a-axis-oriented chains of [VO6] octahedra consisting of edge-sharing octahedra linked by insular [SiO4] tetrahedra, leaving open channels occupied by rare earth elements. Observed compositional variation and crystal structure demonstrate that V3+ can substitute for Al3+ in jingwenite-(Y), forming wenlanzhangite-(Y). The occurrence of wenlanzhangite-(Y) indicates a relatively more reducing hydrothermal environment, causing a reduction of V5+ in oxidized fluids to V3+ and thus represents a useful proxy for tracing the redox state of ore formation.