bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nomogram for predicting pathological response to neoadjuvant treatment in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer: Data from a phase III clinical trial
Authors: Shao Han , Li Nai , Ling Yi‐hong , Wang Ji‐jin , Fang Yi , Jing Ming , Zhou Zhi‐wei , Zhang Yu‐jing
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to establish a nomogram using routinely available clinicopathological parameters to predict the pathological response in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC) undergoing neoadjuvant treatment.

Materials and Methods

We conducted this study based on the ongoing Neo‐CRAG trial, a prospective study focused on preoperative treatment in patients with LAGC. A total of 221 patients who underwent surgery following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (nCT) or neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) at Sun Yat‐sen University Cancer Center between June 2013 and July 2022 were included in the analysis. We defined complete or near‐complete pathological regression and ypN0 as good response (GR), and determined the prognostic value of GR by Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Eventually, a nomogram for predicting GR was developed based on statistically identified predictors through multivariate logistic regression analysis and internally validated by the bootstrap method.

Results

GR was confirmed in 54 patients (54/221, 24.4%). Patients who achieved GR had a longer progression‐free survival and overall survival. Then, five independent factors, including pretreatment tumor differentiation, clinical T stage, monocyte count, CA724 level, and the use of nCRT, were identified. Based on these predictors, the nomogram was established with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.777 (95% CI, 0.705–0.850) and a bias‐corrected AUC of 0.752.

Conclusion

A good pathological response after neoadjuvant treatment was associated with an improved prognosis in LAGC patients. The nomogram we established exhibits a high predictive capability for GR, offering potential value in devising personalized and precise treatment strategies for LAGC patients.
Supramolecular Handshakes: Characterization of Urea‐Carboxylate Interactions Within Calixarene Frameworks
Authors: Cvetnić M. , Cindro N. , Topić E. , Bregović N. , Tomišić V.
Published: March 2024

The research of molecular capsules offers high application potential and numerous benefits in various fields. With the aim of forming supramolecular capsules which can be reversibly assembled and dissociated by simple external stimuli, we studied interactions between calixarenes containing urea and carboxylate moieties. To this end two ureido‐derivatives of p‐tert‐butylcalix[4]arene comprising phenylureido‐moieties and diacetate‐calix[4]arenes were prepared. The binding of acetate by ureido‐derivatives of calixarene in acetonitrile was characterized, revealing high affinity of ureido‐calixarenes for carboxylates. This suggested high potential for uniting the complementary calix[4]arenes via H‐bonds between carboxylic groups and urea moieties. The assembly of calixarenes was examined in detail by means of UV, 1H NMR, ITC, DOSY, MS, and conductometry providing insight in the structure‐stability relationship. The tetraureido‐calixarene derivative formed the most stable heterodimers with diacetate‐calix[4]arenes featuring practically quantitative association upon mixing the two calixarene counterparts. The possibility of controlling the formation of the heterodimer by protonating the carboxylates, thereby hindering the interactions critical for capsule assembly, was investigated. Indeed, the reversibility of breaking and re‐forming the heterodimer by addition of an acid and base to the solution containing urea‐ and carboxylate‐derivative calix[4]arene was demonstrated using NMR spectroscopy.
Cerium Doping‐Induced Enrichment of Ni3S4 Phase for Boosting Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Gao Chang , Pan Lu , Wang Hong , Guo Hui , Melhi Saad , Amin Mohammed A. , Lin Jianjian
Published: March 2024

The development of low‐cost transition metal compounds with high‐performance for efficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is of great significance in promoting the development of electrocatalysis. In this study, a Ce‐doped Ni3S4 catalyst (Ce0.2−Ni3S4) was synthesized through a one‐step solvothermal method, where the doped rare earth element Ce induced the transformation of NiS to Ni3S4. The Ce0.2−Ni3S4 catalyst exhibited excellent OER performance in 1 M KOH. At a current density of 10 mA cm−2, it showed a low overpotential of 230 mV and a low Tafel slope of 52.39 mV dec−1. Long‐term OER tests at the same potential lasted for 24 h without significant loss of current density. This work introduces a novel method of Ce element doping for modifying transition metal sulfides, providing new insights into the effective utilization of rare earth elements in the field of electrochemistry. It creates more chances for the progress of highly efficient catalysts for efficient OER, contributing to the advancement of electrocatalysis.
An oocyte‐specific Cas9‐expressing mouse for germline CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated genome editing
Authors: Lanza Denise G. , Mao Jianqiang , Lorenzo Isabel , Liao Lan , Seavitt John R. , Ljungberg M. Cecilia , Simpson Elizabeth M. , DeMayo Francesco J. , Heaney Jason D.
Published: March 2024

Cas9 transgenes can be employed for genome editing in mouse zygotes. However, using transgenic instead of exogenous Cas9 to produce gene‐edited animals creates unique issues including ill‐defined transgene integration sites, the potential for prolonged Cas9 expression in transgenic embryos, and increased genotyping burden. To overcome these issues, we generated mice harboring an oocyte‐specific, Gdf9 promoter driven, Cas9 transgene (Gdf9‐Cas9) targeted as a single copy into the Hprt1 locus. The X‐linked Hprt1 locus was selected because it is a defined integration site that does not influence transgene expression, and breeding of transgenic males generates obligate transgenic females to serve as embryo donors. Using microinjections and electroporation to introduce sgRNAs into zygotes derived from transgenic dams, we demonstrate that Gdf9‐Cas9 mediates genome editing as efficiently as exogenous Cas9 at several loci. We show that genome editing efficiency is independent of transgene inheritance, verifying that maternally derived Cas9 facilitates genome editing. We also show that paternal inheritance of Gdf9‐Cas9 does not mediate genome editing, confirming that Gdf9‐Cas9 is not expressed in embryos. Finally, we demonstrate that off‐target mutagenesis is equally rare when using transgenic or exogenous Cas9. Together, these results show that the Gdf9‐Cas9 transgene is a viable alternative to exogenous Cas9.
Plant species within Streptanthoid Complex associate with distinct microbial communities that shift to be more similar under drought
Authors: Igwe Alexandria N. , Pearse Ian S. , Aguilar Jessica M. , Strauss Sharon Y. , Vannette Rachel L.
Published: March 2024

Prolonged water stress can shift rhizoplane microbial communities, yet whether plant phylogenetic relatedness or drought tolerance predicts microbial responses is poorly understood. To explore this question, eight members of the Streptanthus clade with varying affinity to serpentine soil were subjected to three watering regimes. Rhizoplane bacterial communities were characterized using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and we compared the impact of watering treatment, soil affinity, and plant species identity on bacterial alpha and diversity. We determined which taxa were enriched among drought treatments using DESeq2 and identified features of soil affinity using random forest analysis. We show that water stress has a greater impact on microbial community structure than soil affinity or plant identity, even within a genus. Drought reduced alpha diversity overall, but plant species did not strongly differentiate alpha diversity. Watering altered the relative abundance of bacterial genera within Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Planctomycetes, and Acidobacteria, which responded similarly in the rhizoplane of most plant species. In addition, bacterial communities were more similar when plants received less water. Pseudarthrobacter was identified as a feature of affinity to serpentine soil while Bradyrhizobium, Chitinophaga, Rhodanobacter, and Paenibacillus were features associated with affinity to nonserpentine soils among Streptanthus. The homogenizing effect of drought on microbial communities and the increasing prevalence of Gram‐negative bacteria across all plant species suggest that effects of water stress on root‐associated microbiome structure may be predictable among closely related plant species that inhabit very different soil environments. The functional implications of observed changes in microbiome composition remain to be studied.
A marine heatwave changes the stabilizing effects of biodiversity in kelp forests
Authors: Liang Maowei , Lamy Thomas , Reuman Daniel C. , Wang Shaopeng , Bell Tom W. , Cavanaugh Kyle C. , Castorani Max C. N.
Published: March 2024

Biodiversity can stabilize ecological communities through biological insurance, but climate and other environmental changes may disrupt this process via simultaneous ecosystem destabilization and biodiversity loss. While changes to diversity–stability relationships (DSRs) and the underlying mechanisms have been extensively explored in terrestrial plant communities, this topic remains largely unexplored in benthic marine ecosystems that comprise diverse assemblages of producers and consumers. By analyzing two decades of kelp forest biodiversity survey data, we discovered changes in diversity, stability, and their relationships at multiple scales (biological organizational levels, spatial scales, and functional groups) that were linked with the most severe marine heatwave ever documented in the North Pacific Ocean. Moreover, changes in the strength of DSRs during/after the heatwave were more apparent among functional groups than both biological organizational levels (population vs. ecosystem levels) and spatial scales (local vs. broad scales). Specifically, the strength of DSRs decreased for fishes, increased for mobile invertebrates and understory algae, and were unchanged for sessile invertebrates during/after the heatwave. Our findings suggest that biodiversity plays a key role in stabilizing marine ecosystems, but the resilience of DSRs to adverse climate impacts primarily depends on the functional identities of ecological communities.
Recent Advances in the Direct N–C(sp2) Nitrone Synthesis from Oxime
Authors: Tanaka Kosaku
Published: March 2024

Nitrones are pivotal in organic chemistry, especially for the synthesis of natural and biologically active compounds via 1,3‐dipolar cycloadditions and Kinugasa reactions. Although numerous methods have been reported for the synthesis of nitrones with an sp3 carbon connected to a nitrogen atom, the development of nitrones with an sp2 carbon linkage, including N‐vinyl, N‐aryl, and N‐alkoxycarbonyl nitrones, remains relatively underexplored. This review summarizes the current research trends and methodologies for the direct synthesis of nitrones, in which an sp2 carbon is directly bonded to a nitrogen atom, beginning with oximes.
Polymorphism and White Light Emission of 1‐Bromo‐3,5,7‐triphenyladamantane Compared with 1,3,5,7‐Tetraphenyladamantane
Authors: Gowrisankar Saravanan , Fokin Andrey A. , Becker Jonathan , Mathew Neeshma , Schmedt auf der Günne Jörn , Schreiner Peter R.
Published: March 2024

Here we report our investigation of 1‐bromo‐3,5,7‐triphenyladamantane (1) and the elucidation of polymorphic crystals (1 A and 1 B) using single crystal X‐ray diffraction. In the monoclinic crystal system of 1 A (P21/n), we observed CH–π interactions, while Br⋅⋅⋅Br interactions are absent. Conversely, the Br⋅⋅⋅Br interactions are an apparent factor in the formation of the monoclinic crystal system of 1 B (R
). We compare our findings with 1,3,5,7‐tetraphenyladamantane (2), characterized by numerous CH–π interactions in the solid. Computational analyses were employed to investigate the interactions within the characteristic dimers present in the unit cells of 1 A and 1 B, including visualization of noncovalent interactions and the use of the atoms‐in‐molecules approach as well as MO analyses. These support the notion of London dispersion (LD) dimer‐dimer interactions in 1 A between the phenyl moieties, whereas 1 B exhibits additional dimer‐dimer Br⋅⋅⋅Br contacts. In contrast, the crystals of 2 are exclusively held together by CH–π stacking LD interactions, a feature absent in the polymorphs of 1. Both polymorphic forms of 1 emit white light when subjected to 900 nm continuous wave laser irradiation, displaying a subtle blue shift compared to 2. The absence of CH–π stacking interactions between the dimers of 1 causes a small red‐shift in the emission spectrum.
The impact of advice uncertainty and individual regulatory modes on advice taking
Authors: Du Xiufang , He Ruiqi , Wang Yating , Wang Jing
Published: March 2024

In previous research on advice taking, researchers have mainly focused on certain types of advice. However, in practice, when people give advice to others, there is often a degree of uncertainty (e.g. I think that the distance between Beijing and Shanghai is between 800 and 1200 km). To date, only a few studies have examined the impact of uncertain advice on advice taking. Through two studies, the present research explores the influence of advice uncertainty and individuals’ regulatory mode predominance on advice taking and the mediating mechanism. In Study 1, the participants' chronic regulatory mode was measured by a questionnaire, and in Study 2, we induced the predominance of the participants’ situational regulatory mode using a recall task. We found that people are more likely to adopt advice with low uncertainty. The moderating effect of participants' regulatory mode on the impact of advice uncertainty on advice taking occurs only when the regulatory mode is induced by the situation. For the assessment‐predominant group, there was a significant difference between the no‐uncertainty group and the high‐uncertainty group, while for the locomotion‐predominant group, this difference was not significant. Additionally, our study revealed the mediating role of advice reliability, which existed only when the participants were able to compare low‐ and no‐uncertainty advice in a within‐participant design. That is, when decision makers adopt uncertainty advice within ranges, they not only consider reliability but also weigh multiple factors. Our findings contribute to understanding the mechanisms underlying individuals' preferences for uncertain advice and reasoning about individual differences.
Effect of microwave pretreatment on truffle solar drying from an energetic perspective
Authors: Tagnamas Zakaria , Idlimam Ali , Lamharrar Abdelkader
Published: March 2024

Drying, an age‐old method of food preservation, involves the concurrent exchange of heat and mass, resulting in reduced moisture content. The current study is based on experimental approach to evaluate the impact of combined microwave and solar drying on the drying kinetics and the energy efficiency of truffle drying. This study explores the impact of a 4‐min microwave pretreatment on the solar drying of truffle slices. The findings demonstrate that microwave treatment significantly reduces the time required for solar drying. When compared to solar drying without pretreatment, microwave treatment leads to a reduction in drying time ranging from 23.07% to 70.37% at temperatures between 50 and 80°C. The Midilli–Kucuk model is employed to elucidate the experimental results, revealing strong fits with high correlation coefficients and low standard error values. Microwave pretreatment enhances the drying rate of truffle slices, resulting in a higher effective moisture diffusivity compared to untreated slices. The activation energy for drying also decreases from 76.37 to 25.25 kJ/mol after microwave pretreatment. An energy analysis of the drying process underscores that elevating the drying air temperature reduces energy consumption. Furthermore, the proposed microwave pretreatment influences the energy efficiency of the drying process.
The importance of public engagement in clinical xenotransplantation
Authors: Hurst Daniel J. , Cooper David K. C.
Published: March 2024

Over the past several decades, significant scientific progress in xenotransplantation has brought the field to the threshold of clinical trials. In the past 3 years in the United States, experimental pig kidney and heart xenotransplantation have been performed on human subjects recently declared dead by neurological criteria (decedents). In addition, two pig heart transplants have been carried out in living patients under the United States Food and Drug Administration's expanded access guidelines. However, though there has been a flurry of activity there remain unanswered questions regarding how the public views xenotransplantation, what concerns may exist, and how to address these concerns in a meaningful way. This paper aims to underscore the importance of public engagement in xenotransplantation, emphasizing the ongoing need for studies to assess public opinions. The current evidence on public engagement studies is reviewed and gaps in our understanding are identified. We propose practical steps to advance this field. Additional studies to determine the extent of racial/ethnic differences in attitudes to xenotransplantation should be conducted. Empirical and descriptive analysis of certain religious viewpoints—especially minority faiths—would be valuable. As public engagement is an important aspect of public acceptance of novel research that is accompanied by risk, we suggest that xenotransplantation biotechnology companies might consider leading the way in funding this research.
Deep learning convolutional neural network ResNet101 and radiomic features accurately analyzes mpMRI imaging to predict MGMT promoter methylation status with transfer learning approach
Authors: Shim Seong‐O , Hussain Lal , Aziz Wajid , Alshdadi Abdulrahman A. , Alzahrani Abdulrahman , Omar Abdulfattah
Published: March 2024

Accurate brain tumor classification is crucial for enhancing the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of glioblastoma patients. We employed the ResNet101 deep learning method with transfer learning to analyze the 2021 Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Brain Tumor challenge dataset. This dataset comprises four structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences: fluid‐attenuated inversion‐recovery (FLAIR), T1‐weighted pre‐contrast (T1w), T1‐weighted post‐contrast (T1Gd), and T2‐weighted (T2). We assessed the model's performance using standard evaluation metrics. The highest performance to detect MGMT methylation status for patients suffering glioblastoma was an accuracy (85.48%), sensitivity (80.64%), specificity (90.32%). Whereas classification performance with no tumor was yielded with accuracy (85.48%), sensitivity (90.32%), specificity (80.64%). The radiomic features (74) computed with ensembled Bagged Tree and relief feature selection method (30/74) improved the validation accuracy of 84.3% and AUC of 0.9038 to detect. O6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation status in glioblastoma patients holds promise for optimizing treatment planning and prognosis. By understanding MGMT methylation status, clinicians can make informed decisions about treatment strategies, potentially leading to improved clinical outcomes.
A 50‐year content analysis on Black males' experiences in counseling
Authors: Shannon Jordan , Green Darius A. , White Dwayne , Beauduy Guy J. , Rosser Avery
Published: March 2024

The view of Black male identities has historically been distorted. Traditionally, it has reflected the dehumanization of Black males through the lens of criminality and lacking dignity. However, in a similar fashion, little is known about the Black males in counseling, due to simultaneous under examination in empirical literature. Therefore, the researchers conducted a content analysis on the family of American Counseling Association and affiliate journals to observe the current state of scholarship on Black males’ experiences with counseling. Using an intersectional lens to the approach, our review yielded 102 articles on Black males' experiences with counseling published between 1972 and 2022. Implications for culturally responsive practices and counselor education are further discussed.
The evolution and impact of sarcopenia in severe aplastic anaemia survivors following allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Chen Dandan , Yuan Zhaohu , Guo Yuan , Liu Weifeng , Cheng Zixuan , Ye Lihua , Mo Wenjian , Wei Xinhua
Published: March 2024

Background

Sarcopenia is a potential risk factor for adverse outcomes in haematopoietic cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients. We aimed to explore longitudinal body changes in muscle and adipose mass and their prognostic value in allogeneic HSCT‐treated severe aplastic anaemia (SAA) patients.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed consecutive SAA patients who underwent allogeneic HSCT between January 2017 and March 2022. Measurements of pectoral muscle and corresponding subcutaneous fat mass were obtained via chest computed tomography at baseline and at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months following HSCT. Sarcopenia was defined as pectoral muscle index (PMI) lower than the sex‐specific median at baseline. Changes in body composition over time were evaluated by generalized estimating equations. Cox regression models were used to investigate prognostic factors affecting overall survival (OS) and failure‐free survival (FFS). A nomogram was constructed from the Cox regression model for OS.

Results

We included 298 adult SAA patients (including 129 females and 169 males) with a median age of 31 years [interquartile range (IQR), 24–39 years] at baseline. Sarcopenia was present in 148 (148/298, 50%) patients at baseline, 218 (218/285, 76%) patients post‐1 month, 209 (209/262, 80%) patients post‐3 month, 169 (169/218, 78%) patients post‐6 month, and 129 (129/181, 71%) patients post‐12 month. A significant decrease in pectoral muscle mass was observed in SAA patients from the time of transplant to 1 year after HSCT, and the greatest reduction occurred in post 1–3 months (P < 0.001). The sarcopenia group exhibited significantly lower 5‐year OS (90.6% vs. 100%, log‐rank P = 0.039) and 5‐year FFS (89.2% vs. 100%, log‐rank P = 0.021) than the nonsarcopenia group at baseline. Sarcopenia at baseline (hazard ratio, HR, 6.344; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.570–25.538; P = 0.01; and HR, 3.275; 95% CI: 1.159–9.252; P = 0.025, respectively) and the delta value of the PMI at 6 months post‐transplantation (ΔPMI6) (HR, 0.531; 95% CI: 0.374–0.756; P < 0.001; and HR, 0.666; 95% CI: 0.505–0.879; P = 0.004, respectively) were demonstrated to be independent prognostic factors for OS and FFS in SAA patients undergoing HSCT, and were used to construct the nomogram. The C‐index of the nomogram was 0.75, and the calibration plot showed good agreement between the predictions made by the nomogram and actual observations.

Conclusions

Sarcopenia persists in SAA patients from the time of transplant to the 1‐year follow‐up after HSCT. Both sarcopenia at baseline and at 6 months following HSCT are associated with poor clinical outcomes, especially in patients with persistent muscle mass loss up to 6 months after transplantation.
Optimizing biochar application for enhanced cotton and sugar beet production in Xinjiang: a comprehensive study
Authors: Wang Shibin , Wang Chunli , Xie Lulu , Li Yi , Siddique Kadambot HM , Qi Xingyun , Luo Honghai , Yang Guang , Hou Zhenan , Wang Xiaofang , Liang Jiaping , Xie Xiangwen , Liu De Li , Zhang Fucang
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Optimizing biochar application is vital for enhancing crop production and ensuring sustainable agricultural production. A 3‐year field experiment was established to explore the effects of varying the biochar application rate (BAR) on crop growth, quality, productivity and yields. BAR was set at 0, 10, 50 and 100 t ha−1 in 2018; 0, 10, 25, 50 and 100 t ha−1 in 2019; and 0, 10, 25 and 30 t ha−1 in 2020. Crop quality and growth status and production were evaluated using the dynamic technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution with the entropy weighted method (DTOPSIS‐EW), principal component analysis (PCA), membership function analysis (MFA), gray relation analysis (GRA) and the fuzzy Borda combination evaluation method.

RESULTS

Low‐dose BAR (≤ 25 t ha−1 for cotton; ≤ 50 t ha−1 for sugar beet) effectively increased biomass, plant height, leaf area index (LAI), water and fertility (N, P and K) productivities, and yield. Biochar application increased the salt absorption and sugar content in sugar beet, with the most notable increases being 116.45% and 20.35%, respectively. Conversely, BAR had no significant effect on cotton fiber quality. The GRA method was the most appropriate for assessing crop growth and quality. The most indicative parameters for reflecting cotton and sugarbeet growth and quality status were biomass and LAI. The 10 t ha−1 BAR consistently produced the highest scores and was the most economically viable option, as evaluated by DTOPSIS‐EW.

CONCLUSION

The optimal biochar application strategy for improving cotton and sugar beet cultivation in Xinjiang, China, is 10 t ha−1 biochar applied continuously. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Youth Athletes With Sever's Disease Exhibit Altered Achilles Tendon Ultrasound Characteristics
Authors: Hanlon Shawn L. , Whitney Kristin E. , DeJong Lempke Alexandra F.
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Calcaneal apophysitis (Sever's disease) is an overuse condition caused by repetitive traction stress to the calcaneal apophysis. Whether Achilles tendon morphology is altered in this young patient population remains unknown. Therefore, we aimed to identify differences in Achilles tendon morphology between youth athletes diagnosed with calcaneal apophysitis and healthy controls.

Methods

This retrospective chart review included 46 patients (n = 23 Sever's disease, 15F/8M, 12.4 ± 2.3 years old) and (n = 23 healthy controls, 13F/10M, 15.9 ± 1.5 years old) who sought care in a Children's Hospital Sports Medicine/Orthopedics Department between 2012 and 2022. We measured ultrasound‐derived degree of tendon thickening, Achilles tendon thickness (cm), and cross‐sectional area (CSA [cm2]). Separate multivariate analyses of covariance (MANCOVAs) were used to compare degree of thickening, mass‐normalized Achilles tendon thickness, and CSA between participant groups, covarying for age. Cohen's d effect sizes were used to assess the magnitude of mean differences and standard error (MDSE) between groups.

Results

Young athletes with Sever's disease had a significantly greater degree of tendon thickening with a large effect compared with healthy controls (MDSE: 0.07 [0.01] mm P < .001, d = 1.39). Achilles tendon thickness and CSA did not statistically differ between groups; however, the magnitude of between‐group differences for these measures (MDSE: 0.18 [0.05] cm, MDSE: 0.27 [0.07] cm2, respectively) were moderate.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate previously unrecognized differences in Achilles tendon morphology between young athletes with clinically diagnosed Sever's disease and healthy controls. Our study supports incorporating diagnostic ultrasound as part of a comprehensive examination to ensure appropriate diagnosis and clinical management for adolescents with heel pain.
The effect of flame treatment on the compressive strength of composite sandwich panels made of pure epoxy resin H‐shaped structures and hollow glass bead/epoxy resin composite material
Authors: Peng Weizheng , Zhou Jian , Liu Guizhen , Wang Lin , Feng Zhiliang , Ding Zhongjun
Published: March 2024

At present, syntactic foam composites (HGB/EP) made of epoxy resin (EP) and hollow glass beads (HGBs) have received extensive attention in the research field of lightweight materials because of their high compression strength‐to‐density ratio. However, the deep‐sea environment has put forward higher requirements for the compressive properties of materials. The traditional sandwich structure with HGB/EP as the core has gradually failed to meet the requirements for the mechanical properties of equipment deeper in the ocean. This paper proposes a sandwich structure comprising a pure EP H‐shaped structural component as the rigid skeleton and an HGB/EP syntactic foam composite as the lightweight filling component. The pure EP H‐shaped structural component was subjected to flame treatment using a butane flame jet at different distances. The compression resistance of the resulting sandwich structure was tested, and the results showed varying degrees of improvement in compressive strength after flame treatment. The effects of flame treatment on the surface adhesion performance of the pure EP were characterized using compression‐shear tests, optical microscopy, contact angle tests, infrared spectroscopy, and flame temperature tests. The results demonstrated that flame treatment at a distance of 0 cm significantly increased the oxygen‐containing functional groups on the surface of the pure EP, improved the wettability of the pure EP surface, increased the adhesive strength between the pure EP H‐shaped structural component and HGB/EP, and enhanced the compressive strength of the sandwich structure. The shear strength of the shear test specimens improved by 33.0%, while the compressive strength of the sandwich structure specimens increased by 17.5%.

Highlights

The sandwich structure composed of pure epoxy resin H‐shaped structure and foam composite material was prepared.

The distance of flame treatment affects the surface chemical groups of epoxy resin.

Flame treatment significantly improved the surface wettability of epoxy resin.
Postinjection protocols following platelet‐rich plasma administration for knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review
Authors: Levine Oscar Paul , Kondapi Koushik , Tjong Vehniah Kristin , Gohal Chetan
Published: March 2024

Objective

Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) use in treating orthopedic conditions has increased, yet evidence of its clinical efficacy is inconsistent and limited by heterogeneity in osteoarthritis (OA) severity, PRP preparations and protocols, and clinical outcome measurement. This review aims to characterize the variations in postinjection protocols in studies assessing the clinical efficacy of PRP for knee OA.

Literature Survey

A systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines. A literature search from database inception to February 2023 of CINAHL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE was conducted.

Methodology

Article screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessments were completed in duplicate by two reviewers. Primary outcomes were presence/absence and timing of the following postinjection protocol components: nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) restrictions, non‐NSAID analgesic and cryotherapy use, immediate knee flexion/extension, immediate rest, activity restriction, return‐to‐activity guidelines, and rehabilitation protocols. A descriptive analysis was used to analyze the data. Given study heterogeneity, a meta‐analysis was not performed.

Synthesis

A total of 187 studies were included for analysis. Half of all studies (51.9%) excluded patients due to preinjection NSAID use, most often within 5 days of blood sampling or injection. Postinjection NSAID restriction was included in 42.8% of studies, ranging from 1 to 1800 days. Few studies (19.4%) that permitted non‐NSAID analgesia restricted their use prior to clinical assessments. Postinjection immediate flexion, extension, and immobilization were rarely (8.6%) mentioned. Activity restriction was included in a third of studies (35.3%), with the most frequent length of restriction being 1 day. Postinjection return‐to‐activity protocols were less common (20.3%), usually with a “gradual” and/or “as tolerated” recommendation. A minority of studies (16.0%) reported physical therapy protocols and the vast majority (93.3%) were home based.

Conclusion

Significant heterogeneity remains in post‐PRP injection protocols, with unclear consensus regarding optimal recommendations and limited rationale for the protocols outlined. Further study is necessary to compare protocols directly and to determine which pre‐ and postinjection recommendations can result in optimal outcomes.
Effect of Polarization‐Charge Modulation on the Carrier‐Injection Efficiency of AlGaN‐Based Ultraviolet‐B Laser Diodes Using Polarization Doping in the p‐Type AlGaN Cladding Layer
Authors: Kondo Ryosuke , Matsubara Eri , Nishibayashi Toma , Yamada Ryoya , Imoto Yoshinori , Iwayama Sho , Takeuchi Tetsuya , Kamiyama Satoshi , Miyake Hideto , Iwaya Motoaki
Published: March 2024

In this study, the effect of polarization modulation on the carrier‐injection efficiency of AlGaN‐based ultraviolet‐B laser diodes (LDs) using polarization doping in the p‐type AlGaN cladding layer is discussed. The structure of an intentional Al‐content drop at the interface between the p‐type AlGaN electron‐blocking layer and the p‐type AlGaN cladding layer is investigated. First, the usefulness of this structure using a device simulator is confirmed. The optimized structure is also verified by fabricating devices. The fabricated devices are evaluated at room temperature and under pulsed operation. The carrier injection efficiency of the ultraviolet‐B LD is confirmed to exceed 10%. By utilizing a structure with Al‐content drops in the AlGaN, it is found that the peak optical output power is improved by a factor of 6.2 and the carrier‐injection efficiency by a factor of 3.3, compared to a case without this structure.
Clinicopathologic Comparison of Basal Cell Carcinoma among a Diverse Patient Population in Los Angeles County
Authors: Choi Esther , Oberg Martha A. , Hijazi Maya , Hall Luke , Miller Kimberly A. , Mehta Arjun , Capone Stephen , In Gino K.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignancy in the United States. The majority of cases are identified in Non-Hispanic Whites (NHW) and are far less demonstrated in patients of colour (POC). However, the Hispanic population represents a large and growing proportion of the US population, and skin cancer diagnoses in Hispanics are rising. Thus, the goal of this study is to examine clinicopathologic differences between BCC in Hispanics versus NHW.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of Hispanic and NHW patients with BCC at Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center from January 2018 to March 2020 was performed. In total, 101 BCC samples from the first 100 patients identified of Hispanic ancestry, as well as 50 BCC samples identified from the first 50 patients identifying as NHW, were included for analysis. Patient characteristics (age, sex, medical history, and ethnicity), as well as tumour characteristics (location, subtype, tumour depth, and perineural invasion), were collected. We used between subjects t-tests for continuous variables, and chi-square tests for categorical variables.

Results

In total, 151 specimens were collected amongst 122 subjects (79 Hispanics and 43 NHW patients). Among NHW, the majority of patients (74.4%) were men, but among the Hispanic population, the majority (68.4%) were female (p < 0.001). Prior history of other skin cancer was more common among NHW (67.4%) than Hispanics (31.6%) (p=<0.001). The Hispanic population had a significantly higher proportion of head and neck tumours (p = 0.0004) but a lower proportion of extremity tumours (p = 0.001) compared to NHW. Pigmented BCC was significantly more common among Hispanic patients (p < 0.01). Finally, within the Hispanic group, there was a significant association between sex and histology (p = 0.004), with Hispanic men demonstrating more aggressive mix histology compared to Hispanic women.

Discussion

Our study supports the notion that BCC disparities occur among POC compared to NHW. This includes variations in epidemiologic factors such as sex and past medical history, primary tumour location, and pathologic characteristics. Further research should be conducted to identify additional differences in skin cancer presentation in POC to reduce the gaps in skin cancer knowledge and care.
Standing on the shoulders of science
Authors: Krieger Joshua L. , Schnitzer Monika , Watzinger Martin
Published: March 2024

Research Summary

Today's innovations rely on scientific discoveries of the past, yet only some corporate R&D builds directly on scientific output. In this article, we analyze U.S. patents to investigate how firms generate value by building on prior art “closer” to science. We show that patent value is decreasing in distance‐to‐science. Overall, we find a science premium within firms ranging from 5.0 to 18.3%. If we allow for firm sorting into different modes of R&D based on their relative advantage, that is, when we do not control for firm fixed effects, we find an even larger science premium: patents building directly on scientific publications are 4.0–42.3% more valuable than patents in the same technology that are not directly based on science.

Managerial Summary

Building on scientific research allows firms to capture significantly more value from their inventions. By analyzing U.S. patents and their linkages to scientific publications, our paper describes the relationship between invention “proximity” to the scientific literature and public firm valuations—as measured in abnormal stock market returns. Our findings indicate that patents building on science are 5.0–18.3% more valuable. If we account for variations in R&D strategies among firms, the premium becomes even larger, ranging from 4.0 to 42.3%. Further, the results show that the value‐enhancing benefits of integrating scientific insights into R&D are greater for firms with more experience building on science. Together, the results underscore the competitive advantages of using science as a foundation for corporate innovation.
Reevaluating and Restructuring Comprehension Strategy Instruction
Authors: Dewitz Peter , Graves Michael F.
Published: March 2024

In the face of arguments that knowledge is the key to reading comprehension, we examined the evidence for comprehension strategies instruction. Since the National Reading Panel Report, a number of researchers have reaffirmed the value of including comprehension strategy instruction in the elementary and middle school curriculum. The latest reviews and meta‐analyses indicate that teaching comprehension strategies improves children's and adolescents’ reading comprehension. We outline what strategies should be taught, when, how, and how much. Differentiation of instruction is vital because students who struggle to comprehend benefit more from comprehension strategy instruction than students who are already expert readers.
A retrospective study on the immobilisation of five captive primate species at Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre, Uganda
Authors: Watuwa James , Mbabazi Rachel , Musinguzi James , Celcus Sente , Laubscher Liesel
Published: March 2024

This retrospective study examined data from 108 primates consisting of 41 olive baboons (Papio anubis), 30 colobus monkeys (Colobus guereza), six debrazza monkeys (Cercopithecus neglectus), 26 red‐tailed monkeys (Cercopithecus ascanius), and five ruwenzori colobus monkeys (Colobus angolensis ruwenzorii). These primates underwent annual health assessments, involving the administration of an initial intramuscular dose ketamine (5 mg/kg) plus medetomidine (0.05 mg/kg). Additional intramuscular top‐ups of ketamine (5 mg/kg) plus medetomidine (0.05 mg/kg) were given as needed. Monitoring started when the animals were placed on the examination table in dorsal recumbency and continued until their return to the enclosures. During this period, various physiological parameters, such as heart rate (beats per minute), respiration rate (breaths per minute), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2, %) and rectal temperature (°C), were recorded at random intervals. To reverse immobilisation, atipamezole was administered intramuscularly at five times the medetomidine dose. Additionally, the study measured various induction and recovery times.
In utero exposure to violence and child health in Iraq
Authors: Sardoschau Sulin
Published: March 2024

This paper examines the impact of exposure to violence during pregnancy on anthropometric and cognitive outcomes of children in the medium run. I combine detailed household-level data on more than 36,000 children with geo-coded information on civilian casualties in the aftermath of the US invasion of Iraq between 2003 and 2009 and exploit within-mother differences in prenatal exposure to violence. I find that one violent incident during pregnancy decreases height- and weight-for-age z-scores by 0.13 standard deviations and lowers cognitive and behavioral skills of children. Leveraging information on the severity, type and perpetrator of violence, I isolate the effect of stress from access to prenatal care. The analysis reveals that stressful events, particularly those involving direct threats to personal safety (violence directed at the civilian population and involving execution and torture), exert an even larger negative impact on child health than those incidents that disrupt health infrastructure and access to prenatal care.
Neat locally compact abelian p-groups
Authors: Herfort Wolfgang , Hofmann Karl Heinrich , Russo Francesco G.
Published: March 2024

Inspired by a result of Kulikov about splitting of pure subgroups in discrete abelian p-groups we classify all locally compact abelian p-groups with no elements of infinite p-height in which every maximal monothetic subgroup splits. Descriptions of separable compact groups with elements of finite p-height, in which every pure monothetic subgroup splits, are obtained.
Pharmacological articles in the German magazine DIE ZEIT (THE TIME)—content, adequacy, and comprehensibility
Authors: Böger Laura Sophie , Seifert Roland
Published: March 2024

The German weekly magazine DIEZEIT (THE TIME) reaches more than one million readers per issue, mainly from high-income social classes. Pharmacological content is frequent in DIE ZEIT. As it therefore reaches many people who generally have no in-depth knowledge of pharmacology, it can be assumed that DIE ZEIT is an important primary source of information. It should be its task to depict the drugs widely used by the population and to present them correctly and comprehensibly. This study analyzes 71 articles from 2012 to 2022 in terms of form, content, and comprehensibility. The analysis shows that in DIE ZEIT, drug groups largely correspond to the prescription figures and disease prevalence in Germany, with cardiovascular, neuropsychiatric, and pain medications being frequently discussed. There are deviations in the case of oncological drugs, for example, which are discussed more frequently than prescribed. New drug approvals are reported less frequently, and when they are, it is usually about the research phase. DIE ZEIT often reports on findings that are less than a week old and frequently quotes trustworthy experts, but no scientific sources can be found in around a quarter of the articles. A COVID-19 effect can also be identified in the years 2020 to 2022, as reporting on drugs for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) predominated. An important point of criticism was identified with regard to comprehensibility. Less than half of the articles achieved the cut-off value for general comprehensibility specified by the Textlab analysis program, and only one article achieved the value for target group–oriented comprehensibility. This analysis confirms the problem that science communication is often too complicated and incomprehensible. It discusses the tension between the prescribed drugs and the mission of DIEZEIT to entertain and should serve as a basis for analyzing other newspapers. Finally, we make specific suggestions how presentation of pharmacological topics in lay media can be improved in the future.
Analysis of the Thigh Aesthetic Profiles: One of Physical Ideal Body Proportions
Authors: Nteli Chatzioglou Gkionoul , Govsa Figen , Gokmen Gokhan , Bicer Ahmet
Published: March 2024

Background

The contour of the thigh is increasingly being recognized as crucial component of the ideal human physique, giving rise to heightened interest in attaining the perfect thigh profile. Notwithstanding, the contemporary landscape of cosmetic surgery appears to be bereft of efficient and precise objective methodologies to evaluate the outcomes of thigh contouring treatments. The present study is aimed to investigate the aesthetic appeal of varying thigh contours, employing specialized software as an indispensable instrument for quantitative and qualitative analysis.

Methods

Standardized photographs of the lower body were obtained from a sample of 200 healthy volunteers. A linear analysis was conducted, examining aspects such as the vertical length and transvers width of the thigh, as well as angular measurements including the posterior gluteal angle (PGA) and lateral angle thigh (LAT). Variables relating to thigh measurements and body mass index (BMI) were documented, with the relationships between them ascertained through Pearson’s correlation and regression analysis.

Results

In males, the LAT was measured at 168 ± 3.9, and the PGA at 170 ± 3.4, while in females, these measurements were 166 ± 2.8 ve 166 ± 2.8, respectively. Linear analyses, including the vertical length of thigh (VLT), transverse width of thigh (TWT), lateral width (LW), and posterior width (PW), were conducted. Based on the LW inferior/LW superior ratio values, the most commonly observed thigh types were Type III (0.90) at 45% and Type II (0.85) at 24.75% while the least common was Type V at 4% (0.99). PW inferior/PW superior was 84.7%. The PWI/PWS ratio was highest for Type V, at 0.99, accounting for 84.70% of the total. Furthermore, an increase in the LWI/LWS ratio leads to an increase in the PWI/PWS ratio.  The frequency of the VLT/TW1 ratio 0.31-0.35 (Type 3) was found to be on the left side and Type 4 on the right side. A strong correlation was found between BMI and all thigh indexes, with a significant positive correlation between the index and factors tied to the buttocks and upper thigh.

Conclusions

The concept of an ideal thigh may vary based on an individual’s gender, race, country of residence, and self-esteem, aiming to achieve a more natural silhouette. Focusing on the different ratios of hip and thigh varieties in the study is quite intriguing. Further inquiry and rigorous exploration are warranted to delineate the optimal techniques and methodologies for attaining ideal thigh proportions.

Level of Evidence IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.