bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing gypseous soils permeability utilizing clayey soils, both treated and untreated
Authors: Hussein Al Watar Zainulabdeen , Al-Kifae Abdulaziz A
Published: August 2024

The main problem of gypseous soils is the solubility. These soils possess essential engineering characteristics and remain durable when dry. However, saturation due to rainy weather or increased water table will lead to drains out of the content minerals. Such a case makes buildings erected upon such soils are susceptible to collapse. This study investigates the suitability of clayey soils for improving gypseous soil. Two soil samples, designated as Soil I (gypsum concentration: 35.4%) and Soil II (gypsum content: 12.3%), were collected from Al Najaf City, Iraq, and subjected to laboratory testing. This study explores the use of inexpensive, locally available clayey soil to improve the engineering properties of gypseous soils, thereby mitigating the negative effects of wetting. The testing program included measurements of soil permeability, total dissolved solids (TDS) content, and electrical conductivity (EC). The testing procedure used to assess the impact of soil treatment with varying clayey soil content on permeability characteristics, tests were conducted on both treated and untreated soil samples. Leaching procedure applied on the samples for 5 days to examine changes in the parameters. Initial test results revealed variations in data collected from the tested soils. However, these variations progressively diminished, suggesting that clayey soil is a viable material for modifying the inherent permeability of gypseous soils. As testing continued, the data converged towards constant values.
Strength Performance of Soft Clayey soil Solidified by Slag- Fly Ash – Metakaolin Based Geopolymer
Authors: Al Khafaji Aliaa E. , Waily Maki J. , Jawad Zahraa F.
Published: August 2024

The objective of this study was to evaluate the suitability of geopolymer materials as an additive to the engineering properties of weak clay soils. Various geotechnical laboratory tests were performed on both stabilized and natural soils. Geopolymer components (slag, fly ash, and metakoline) were added at varying rates, and two molarity activation solutions (8 and 10) were used for all mixtures with three ages: 24 hours, 7 days, and 14 days. The unconfined shear test findings revealed that when adding geopolymer with a molarity of 8 to soil with a water content of 22%, within 24 hours, 7 days, and 14 days, the indirect shear strength rises, correspondingly 322.30, 681.60, and 768.94 kPa. The unconfined shear test findings revealed that mixtures with a molarity of 10 and soil with a water content of 22% increased the strength within 24 hours, 7 days, and 14 days, respectively. 417.76, 1044.73, and 1290 kPa. The mixtures with a molarity of 8 and soil with a water content of 24% enhance the strength within 24 hours, 7 days, and 14 days, in that order. 157.23 kPa, 382.73 kpa, and 398.72 kPa. UCS test findings revealed that applying geopolymer with a molarity of 10 to soil with a water content of 24% increased the indirect shear strength within 24 hours, 7 days, and 14 days, respectively. 316.41, 470.17, and 1150.53 kPa. As a result, geopolymer materials have been shown to enhance the characteristics of clay soils in geotechnical applications.
Experimental Investigation on Effect of metakaolin on Strength of Sandy Soils
Authors: Abbas Kareem Ammar , Shaban Alaa M
Published: August 2024

Geotechnical engineers face a great deal of difficulty while developing a structure’s foundation weak soil layers. As a result, scientists turn to adding chemical or pozzolanic additives to weak sandy soil in order to improve its characteristics. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of adding metakaolin as pozzolanic materials to loose poorly graded sandy soils to improve their strength and stiffness. In order to accomplish this aim, a series of laboratory experiments were carried out as part of experimental work to ascertain the qualities of the soil. Four different replacement percentages of the metakaolin (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) by the weight of the treated soil were used, along with three different curing durations (1, 3 and 7) days. With the addition of 10% of Metakaolin the strength of stabilized sample increase by (7.5%) and with the addition of 15% of Metakaolin the stiffness of stabilized sample increase by (77%). Therefore, 10% metakaolin content for optimum strength and 15% for optimum stiffness, according to the results. and the optimum duration for curing is three days.
Effect of Horizontal Inclination of Lateral Load on Single Pile Behavior Subjected to Seismic Load
Authors: Ali Hussein H. , Majeed Qutaiba G.
Published: August 2024

It is important to understand how each pile behaves during an earthquake to ensure building safety. Designing stronger foundations that could resist dynamic earthquake forces is made possible by investigating a response of single piles to seismic analysis. This decreases the risks associated with collapsing buildings and saves lives as well as property. An in-depth study of the single pile behavior under seismic loads helps improve earthquake-resistant infrastructure and enhances disaster resilience. The basic aim of the current study is to understand the effect of lateral load horizontal inclination angle on single pile behavior subjected to seismic load experimentally. A physical model testing was manufactured including a sophisticated shaking table to excite El Centro earthquake to single piles. The soil is sandy soil with a relative density equal to 65%. Lateral load is applied at 0° to 45° and 90° concerning earthquake direction. The results showed that increasing such an angle decreases the single pile’s response according to the load interface mechanism. In addition, increasing such angle from 0o to 45o and 90o decreased maximum lateral displacement by 58.98 and 77.58% respectively while the percentage of such decrement from 45° to 90° is 68.28%.
Remediation of Expansive Soils Utilizing Waste Glass Powder
Authors: Al-Neami Mohammed A. , Nsaif Maha H.
Published: August 2024

Some types of plastic clay swell significantly when water comes into contact with them and then suffer from shrinkage when they lose water. Buildings built on such soil are exposed to many problems due to the increased uplift forces on the foundation generated by the swell. Traditional methods of stabilizing these soils are costly; therefore, recycled materials are introduced as alternative solutions to enhance the problematic soil due to their low in cost and reasonable engineering properties. In this study, five percentages of waste glass powder WGP (3, 6, 9, 12, and 15%) were mixed with highly expansive clay samples. To clarify the effect of WGP, conventional tests were conducted including specific gravity, Atterberg limits, compaction characteristics and unconfined compressive test. In addition, one-dimensional swell potential test was conducted.

Both liquid limit and plastic index results showed a reduction when WGP was added. This refers to a reduction in the swelling of the soil which was compatible with results of swelling potential.

Moreover, the results showed that Adding WGP has a positive effect on both soil dry density and moisture content. The evaluation of the unconfined shear strength results revealed that 9% WGP can be considered as the optimal percentage to be used to improve the expansive soil as the strength of soil increased to about 60%.
Performance and Economic Cost Evaluation of OT-MSF Desalination Unit Integrated with A Solar Collector for Basrah City Climate, Iraq
Authors: Kareem Salim M. , Sultan Hussien S. , Abood Falah A.
Published: August 2024

Solar power stands out as the prime choice among renewable energy sources for competing with fossil fuels in desalination due to its ability to utilize both heat and power for the process. This study introduces the concept of employing a parabolic trough solar collector (PTSC) to power a once-through multi-stage flash (OT-MSF) desalination unit in the climate of Basrah city, Iraq. The desalination system comprises two directly coupled sub-systems: the PTSC and the OT-MSF desalination unit. The preheated feed brine water coming from condenser was used as a heat transfer fluid (HTF) for PTSC, which gets heated from solar collector to a desired temperature referred to as the top brine temperature (TBT). Numerical simulations were conducted using EBSILON Professional 16.02 (2022) software to assess the system’s performance under seasonal variations in solar irradiance availability and varying values of TBT. The effects of solar irradiance availability, TBT, mass flowrate of feed brine water, last stage temperature on the economic cost of distillate water was studied. A major finding of the current study can be summarized as follows: The highest distillate output, observed in June, reaches 159.53 kg/sec with TWC of 1.79 $/m3, while the lowest, observed in January, is 83.42 kg/sec and TWC of 2.02 $/m3, when TBT of 112 ˚C and the last stage temperature of 40 ˚C. With a total solar collector area of 130,000 m2, the normalized yield of the distilled water per square meter per day ranges from 55.44 to 106 kg/m2/day. Increasing distillate production and decreasing total water cost (TWC) are observed when the final stage temperature is adjusted to 30°C instead of 40°C. In January, distillate output reaches 93.7 kg/sec, compared to 179 kg/sec in June. While, TWC is recorded at 1.97 $/m3 in January and 1.76 $/m3 in June. Also, it has been observed that with the increment of TBT from 90 °C to 112 °C, the production of distillate water rises from 112.87 kg/s to 161.32 kg/s, while maintaining a constant feed brine water flow rate of 1321.62 kg/s. These findings are very acceptable when compared with an existing literature.
Hydrodynamic Evaluation of Hemrin Dam Reservoir: Morphological Examination
Authors: Mohammed Fayadh Al-dahhan Noor , Rashid Al-Juhaishi Mohammed
Published: August 2024

Hemrin Dam reservoir, located in the Diyala River region of Iraq, is a vital component of the water management system, providing flood control, irrigation, and electricity generation. This study presents a meticulous analysis of the dam’s engineering specifications and its hydraulic behavior through the utilization of HEC-RAS software. In order to enhance its role in future protection from risks and achieve public benefit, and using the hydrological program HEC-RAS 6.4.1, a hydraulic simulation model was developed, with the help of climatic data for the study area, and field measurements of the reservoir were established. The boundary conditions of the model are suitable for the discharge parameters and with the help of flow charts, to ensure a complete analysis and evaluation process for various flow states. Using statistical parameters, the model’s performance was verified over a period of three years, and the results showed complete agreement between the simulation and verification results. The process of analyzing the depth, velocity and heights of the water surface inside the dam reservoir revealed the complete characteristics and various geological changes throughout the year of the study area. The results of the study demonstrated the efficiency of the dam in storing large quantities of water, by achieving a maximum water depth of 2.4 metres. The importance of the current study lies in clarifying the reality of the hydraulic behavior of the dam’s reservoir area, with the importance of its effective role in control and storage.
Observation the Operational Problems of Karbala Water Treatment Plant by Using GPS-X Program
Authors: Majid Salam Shahad , Jasim Mohammed Al-Saadi Riyadh , Al-Baidani Jabbar H.
Published: August 2024

Three districts in the Karbala governorate are served by the Karbala-Al-Muwahid water treatment plant (WTP): the Aoun district, the Al-Husseiniyah district, and portions of the city center. Monthly laboratory tests were collected for this study in order to evaluate the plant’s performance over the 2022–2023 period. Turbidity, hardness, alkalinity, pH, T.D.S., and other characteristics were assessed These parameters were chosen as they have the most influence on water quality. For the same study period, monthly data on influent and effluent flow rates were also collected. The plant’s operational performance was simulated and calibrated using the GPS-X software. Based on varying discharge levels, four scenarios were developed that included the maximum, minimum, and average discharges. In a different scenario, a filter was added during the forty-ninth phase of rise. The outcomes of these scenarios complied with Iraqi regulations and helped the plant save energy. In the case of the forty-first visit, water productivity was increased by adding a second filter to speed up the filtration process. The results showed that the facility was operating at an appropriate level and that the water quality was suitable for consumption in Iraq.
Effect of (LECA) as a Partial Replacement on Some Properties of Glass Fiber Reinforced Self-Compacting Concrete Exposed to Fire Flame
Authors: Hassan Ghanem Hiba , Khaled Awad Hadeel
Published: August 2024

This study evaluates fresh and hardened glass fiber reinforced self-compacting concrete (GFRSCC) characteristics. This study used 594 kg/m3 binder in self-compacting concrete. Four GFRSCC concrete mixes were conducted utilizing LECA in place of coarse aggregate at volumetric replacement ratios of (0, 20, 40, and 60) %. Fresh concrete characteristics were tested using (slump flow, V-funnel, L-Box, and segregation index) tests. Hardened concrete is tested after 7, 28, and 56 days of cure. These tests measure compressive, splitting, and flexural strengths. The results show that LECA content increases workability. Compressive, flexural, and splitting tensile strengths fall significantly compared to the reference mixture as LECA percentage increases. Compressive strength decreased the most at 60% LECA, with (50.86, 43.25, and 36.63) % declines at 7, 28, and 56 days, respectively. Flexural strength decreased (46.56, 38.14, and 33.98) % at 7, 28, and 56 days, respectively. Splitting tensile strength decreased (54.68, 48.90, and 45.97) % at 7, 28, and 56 days, respectively. After being burned at (300, 500, and 700) °C, the specimens cooled gradually before being tested again. Strength retention after burning improved with the increase of LECA replacement in the mixture. After burning at 700 °C, residual compressive, flexural, and splitting tensile strengths were (28.43, 30.21, 31.36, and 34.22) % and (16.89, 28.16, 39.27, and 51.97) % and (15.94, 27.7, 39.72, and 50.32) % for replacement ratios of (0, 20, 40, and 60) %, respectively.
Large-scale microstructure modelling of an additively manufactured part using cellular automata
Authors: Zinovieva O , Zinoviev A , Gokcekaya O , Tang Y
Published: August 2024

This study represents the first attempt, to our knowledge, to simulate the grain structure of a laser powder bed fusion printed metal part exceeding 1,000 mm3 in volume using a workstation. Utilising our in-house cellular automata finite difference code with OpenMP for parallelisation, the model predictions closely align with experimental observations. The implemented model shows promising capabilities for estimating microstructures with reasonable accuracy and could serve as a powerful tool for digital manufacturing.
Building microstructures by welding millions of little bits of metal together: measurement approaches, model validation, and post-build processing
Authors: Levine L E , Schwalbach E J , Zhang F
Published: August 2024

Over the past decade, immense, world-wide research and development efforts have attempted to bring additive manufacturing (AM) of metals into broad industrial use. Although major advances in our understanding and control over metal AM have accrued, its practical application has been underwhelming. The slow pace of commercial adoption can be traced to numerous factors, including poor build reproducibility, sensitivity to heterogeneous local processing conditions during the build, complications in developing and validating suitable processing-structure-property-performance (PSPP) simulation capabilities (physics-based models, surrogate models, and machine learning models), the small number of alloys suitable for metal AM, and the need for developing new alloy-specific post-processing protocols. All these factors negatively impact the purely business decision of what manufacturing approach should be used to produce a given component. Computational materials engineering approaches could play a major role in accelerating the adoption of metal AM, but rigorous model validation will be necessary to make this a reality. Here, discussion will focus on development and deployment of measurement approaches for model validation, and methodologies for accelerating development of post-build heat treatment through thermo-kinetic modelling and in situ measurements.
The effect of processing parameters on dislocation density and tensile properties in laser powder bed fusion 316L
Authors: Schreiber M , Brice C , Findley K , Klemm-Toole J , Gockel J
Published: August 2024

The processing-structure-properties relationships in laser beam powder bed fusion (PBF-LB) additive manufacturing (AM) are complex with multiple aspects of the processing impacting the microstructure and mechanical properties. Though, the influences of process parameters on strengthening mechanisms are less clear. In this work, laser power, scanning velocity, and hatch spacing were varied to promote PBF-LB 316L microstructures with distinctive thermal histories to vary microstructures and tensile properties. Tensile data were collected for over 100 different processing parameters on a single PBF-LB platform. Across the process parameter matrix yield strength, work hardening behavior, and ductility varied considerably. In this work, the effect of process parameters on initial dislocation density was studied. By quantifying the dislocation density with X-ray diffraction and line profile analysis, a relationship between processing parameters and initial dislocation densities was established. The contribution of dislocation density and other strengthening mechanisms to the yield strength is discussed.
Effect of hot isostatic pressing on the microstructure of laser powder bed fused A20XTM alloy
Authors: Barode J , Bassini E , Aversa A , Manfredi D , Ugues D , Biamino S , Lombardi M , Fino P
Published: August 2024

In the present work, an attempt has been made to do a combined hot isostatic pressing (HIP) & solution treatment in a single-step and the effect of different cooling rates (quenching and annealing) on the microstructure was examined. For a comparison, solution treatment (without HIP) was also analysed. It was observed that HIP treatment was successful in reducing the macro-porosities of the L-PBF part. Although, it was not an efficient treatment for the dissolution of the θ-Al2Cu phase. Furthermore, in both HIP-Quenched and HIP-Annealed treatments a sign of incipient melting was observed along the grain boundaries. Solution treatment without HIP did not show incipient melting.
Integration of spray-formed AISI H13 overspray powder in additive manufacturing to enable a circular ecosystem
Authors: Zwicker M R L , Tiedje N S , Dahmen T , Nadimpalli V K
Published: August 2024

Overspray powder is a bi-product of the spray forming process and is commonly considered as scrap material. This study, however, assessed the feasibility of the use of spray-formed AISI H13 overspray as powder feedstock for LPBF as part of a circular economy concept. The overspray powder presented a suitable particle size distribution for LPBF applications and showed the capability of being printed crack free. X-ray diffraction was used to show that ferritic/austenitic overspray powder transformed into a martensitic austenitic microstructure in the as-printed conditions. Furthermore, texture analysis revealed a preferred crystallographic orientation in <100> parallel to the build direction for martensite while the retained austenite presents a preferred orientation in <110> along the build direction.
Microstructured flexible polymer films with embedded phosphor for multifunctional passive radiative cooling
Authors: Wu Yangyang , Zhu Yufu , Nan Feng , Fan Baolu , Lin Yi , Zhang Qianwen , Ma Yalin , Zhou Lei
Published: August 2024

Passive daytime radiative cooling schemes are of much interest because of their attractive potential to reduce energy consumption. However, the structural conditions for designing and fabricating efficient radiative cooler limit their optical diversity and hinder their practical utilization (e.g. light-emitting cooling panels, smart window systems, smart signboards, or anticounterfeiting). Here, multifunctional passive radiative cooling films are demonstrated by simultaneously implementing speckle image holography disordered microstructures and phosphor particles into the radiative polymer layer. The as-obtained multifunctional film exhibits high total reflectivity in the sunlight region (∼89%) and strong infrared emissivity (∼91%) within the atmospheric window band (8–13 μm), thus achieving subambient cooling of ∼4.1 °C under direct sunlight in a nonvacuum setup. Interestingly, the multifunctional structural films can be acted as light-emitting films under violet or blue illumination and also can be easily patterned by drawing, cutting or pixelating. The multifunctional structured films demonstrated here can be utilized for potential UV resistance, smart window displays, anticounterfeiting cooling systems, roofing materials and certain aesthetic purposes.
The strength of sexual signals predicts same-sex pairing in two Coptotermes termites
Authors: Mizumoto Nobuaki , Lee Sang-Bin , Chouvenc Thomas
Published: August 2024

Same-sex sexual behavior (SSB) is an enigma in behavioral ecology as it does not result in reproduction. Proximately, the effect of sexual signals on SSB could be distinct between signal receivers and senders. For receivers, the absence of sexual signals leads to smaller phenotypic sex differences, leading to frequent accidental SSB between receivers. Alternatively, for senders, sexual signals could help locate another sender, enhancing intentional SSB. Here, we demonstrate this link between sex pheromone signaling and the frequency of same-sex pairing in two Coptotermes termites that use the same chemical as sex pheromones but in different quantities. In termites, mating pairs engage in tandem runs, where a female emits sex pheromones to guide a male as they move together in searching a potential nest site. So, females are signal senders, and males are signal receivers for sexual communication. We found that female-female tandems were more stable in C. formosanus, whose females produce more pheromones. On the other hand, although both species did not show stable male–male tandems, males of C. gestroi, whose females produce fewer pheromones, spent more time attempting to follow another male. Thus, stronger pheromones lead to sender–sender SSB, while weaker pheromones lead to receiver–receiver SSB. The proximate mechanism of SSB is diverse according to the properties of sexual communications in heterosexual contexts.
Functional implications of glycans and their curation: insights from the workshop held at the 16th Annual International Biocuration Conference in Padua, Italy
Authors: Martinez Karina , Agirre Jon , Akune Yukie , Aoki-Kinoshita Kiyoko F , Arighi Cecilia , Axelsen Kristian B , Bolton Evan , Bordeleau Emily , Edwards Nathan J , Fadda Elisa , Feizi Ten , Hayes Catherine , Ives Callum M , Joshi Hiren J , Krishna Prasad Khakurel , Kossida Sofia , Lisacek Frederique , Liu Yan , Lütteke Thomas , Ma Junfeng , Malik Adnan , Martin Maria , Mehta Akul Y , Neelamegham Sriram , Panneerselvam Kalpana , Ranzinger René , Ricard-Blum Sylvie , Sanou Gaoussou , Shanker Vijay , Thomas Paul D , Tiemeyer Michael , Urban James , Vita Randi , Vora Jeet , Yamamoto Yasunori , Mazumder Raja
Published: August 2024

Dynamic changes in protein glycosylation impact human health and disease progression. However, current resources that capture disease and phenotype information focus primarily on the macromolecules within the central dogma of molecular biology (DNA, RNA, proteins). To gain a better understanding of organisms, there is a need to capture the functional impact of glycans and glycosylation on biological processes. A workshop titled “Functional impact of glycans and their curation” was held in conjunction with the 16th Annual International Biocuration Conference to discuss ongoing worldwide activities related to glycan function curation. This workshop brought together subject matter experts, tool developers, and biocurators from over 20 projects and bioinformatics resources. Participants discussed four key topics for each of their resources: (i) how they curate glycan function-related data from publications and other sources, (ii) what type of data they would like to acquire, (iii) what data they currently have, and (iv) what standards they use. Their answers contributed input that provided a comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art glycan function curation and annotations. This report summarizes the outcome of discussions, including potential solutions and areas where curators, data wranglers, and text mining experts can collaborate to address current gaps in glycan and glycosylation annotations, leveraging each other’s work to improve their respective resources and encourage impactful data sharing among resources.

Database URL: https://wiki.glygen.org/Glycan_Function_Workshop_2023
Sex differences in survival following surgery for esophageal cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liatsou Efstathia , Bellos Ioannis , Katsaros Ioannis , Michailidou Styliani , Karela Nina-Rafailia , Mantziari Styliani , Rouvelas Ioannis , Schizas Dimitrios
Published: August 2024

The impact of sex on the prognosis of patients with esophageal cancer remains unclear. Evidence supports that sex- based disparities in esophageal cancer survival could be attributed to sex- specific risk exposures, such as age at diagnosis, race, socioeconomic status, smoking, drinking, and histological type. The aim of our study is to investigate the role of sex disparities in survival of patients who underwent surgery for esophageal cancer. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the existing literature in PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL from December 1966 to February 2023, was held. Studies that reported sex-related differences in survival outcomes of patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer were identified. A total of 314 studies were included in the quantitative analysis. Statistically significant results derived from 1-year and 2-year overall survival pooled analysis with Relative Risk (RR) 0.93 (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.90–0.97, I2 = 52.00) and 0.90 (95% CI: 0.85–0.95, I2 = 0.00), respectively (RR < 1 = favorable for men). In the postoperative complications analysis, statistically significant results concerned anastomotic leak and heart complications, RR: 1.08 (95% CI: 1.01–1.16) and 0.62 (95% CI: 0.52–0.75), respectively. Subgroup analysis was performed among studies with <200 and > 200 patients, histology types, study continent and publication year. Overall, sex tends to be an independent prognostic factor for esophageal carcinoma. However, unanimous results seem rather obscure when multivariable analysis and subgroup analysis occurred. More prospective studies and gender-specific protocols should be conducted to better understand the modifying role of sex in esophageal cancer prognosis.
A Tale of 2 Experiences: Navigating End-of-Life Care With a History of Incarceration
Authors: Lutz Gabriel , Yang Yulin , Zhang Yilin , Chen Chixiang , Kheirbek Raya Elfadel
Published: August 2024

Background

The adverse health effects of incarceration are well-documented, affecting individuals throughout their life course. However, the influence of a history of incarceration on end-of-life (EOL) experiences remains unexplored. This study aims to examine how prior incarceration affects individuals’ experiences and care needs as they approach the EOL.

Methods

Leveraging the Health and Retirement Study, we conducted secondary analyses on 1 710 individuals who participated between 2012 and 2018. Through retrospective cohort analysis, we explored the association between incarceration history and EOL care, focusing on pain and symptom burden.

Results

Analyses showed that individuals with a history of incarceration experienced significantly higher levels of pain (65% reported “moderate” or “severe” pain) compared to nonincarcerated individuals (50%; adjusted odds ratio = 1.45, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.22–1.71, p < .001). Additionally, the symptom burden index revealed that formerly incarcerated individuals had a higher average symptom score (2.8 vs 2.1; β = 0.7, 95% CI: 0.5–0.9, p < .001), indicating a greater range of symptoms in their final year of life. These disparities persisted after adjusting for demographic, health, and socioeconomic variables.

Conclusions

This study reveals that a history of incarceration significantly affects EOL experiences, with formerly incarcerated individuals facing higher levels of pain and a greater symptom burden compared to nonincarcerated individuals. This underscores the need for tailored palliative care to address the unique needs of this vulnerable population. This research highlights a critical area for intervention and calls for healthcare systems to adapt their practices to better serve those with incarceration histories.
A splice of life: the discovery, function, and clinical implications of FOXP3 isoforms in autoimmune disease
Authors: Weinstein Kristin N , Domeier Phillip P , Ziegler Steven F
Published: August 2024

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a specialized subset of CD4+ T cells essential for the maintenance of immune homeostasis and prevention of autoimmunity. Treg lineage and functions are programmed by the X-chromosome encoded transcription factor forkhead box P3 (FOXP3). In humans, multiple FOXP3 isoforms are generated through alternative splicing. A full-length isoform containing all coding exons (FOXP3-FL) and a version lacking the second exon (FOXP3-ΔE2) are the predominant FOXP3 isoforms. Additionally, there are two minor isoforms lacking either exon 7 (FOXP3-ΔE7) and both exons 2 and 7 (FOXP3-ΔE2ΔE7). Although healthy humans express approximately equal levels of the FOXP3-FL and FOXP3-ΔE2 isoforms, sole expression of FOXP3-ΔE2 results in the development of a systemic autoimmune disease that resembles immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, X-linked (IPEX) syndrome. These clinical observations strongly suggest functional defects in suppression by Tregs programmed by the FOXP3-ΔE2 isoform. Work from the past two decades has provided phenotypic and functional evidence of differences between Tregs programmed by the FOXP3-FL, FOXP3-ΔE2, and FOXP3-ΔE7 isoforms. In this review, we discuss the discovery of the FOXP3 isoforms, differences in the phenotype and function of Tregs programmed by different FOXP3 isoforms, and the role that these isoforms are known to play in autoimmunity.
Precipitation-induced soil properties and plant communities mediate root strategies in an alpine meadow
Authors: Li Yi-Heng , Zhang Xin-Di , Liu Min , Wang Chang-Ting , Manuel Lerdau , Hu Lei
Published: August 2024

Plant roots show flexible traits to changing precipitation, but the factors driving root trait covariation remain poorly understood. This study investigated six key root traits and explored the potential driving factors, including plant community characteristics and soil properties, in the Zoige alpine meadow across five precipitation gradients: natural precipitation (1.0P), a 50% increasing precipitation (1.5P), and 30%, 50% and 90% decreasing precipitation (0.7P, 0.5P and 0.1P, respectively). Our results demonstrated distinct root trait responses to changes in precipitation. Both increasing (1.5P) and decreasing precipitation (0.1P, 0.5P and 0.7P) inhibited root diameter (RD), specific root length (SRL) and specific root area compared with 1.0P. Conversely, root tissue density and root nitrogen content increased under decreasing precipitation but declined under 1.5P. With increasing precipitation, root foraging strategies shifted with thinner RD and larger SRL to that with a larger diameter. Shifts in root strategies were primarily influenced by soil properties, specifically soil water content and available nitrogen. Additionally, root strategies in surface soils (0–10 cm) were mainly related to the grass and sedge coverage, whereas in deeper soils (10–20 cm) root strategies were related to overall plant community coverage and biomass. Our findings indicate that root trait variations and strategies in alpine meadows are co-driven by soil properties and plant communities in response to changing precipitation.
Funding lotteries for research grant allocation: An extended taxonomy and evaluation of their fairness
Authors: Feliciani Thomas , Luo Junwen , Shankar Kalpana
Published: August 2024

Some research funding organizations (funders) are experimenting with random allocation of funding (funding lotteries), whereby funding is awarded to a random subset of eligible applicants evaluated positively by review panels. There is no consensus on which allocation rule is fairer—traditional peer review or funding lotteries—partly because there exist different ways of implementing funding lotteries, and partly because different selection procedures satisfy different ideas of fairness (desiderata). Here we focus on two desiderata: that funding be allocated by ‘merit’ (epistemic correctness) versus following ethical considerations, for example without perpetuating biases (unbiased fairness) and without concentrating resources in the hands of a few (distributive fairness). We contribute to the debate first by differentiating among different existing lottery types in an extended taxonomy of selection procedures; and second, by evaluating (via Monte Carlo simulations) how these different selection procedures meet the different desiderata under different conditions. The extended taxonomy distinguishes “Types” of selection procedures by the role of randomness in guiding funding decisions, from null (traditional peer review), to minimal and extensive (various types of funding lotteries). Simulations show that low-randomness Types (e.g. ‘tie-breaking’ lotteries) do not differ meaningfully from traditional peer review in the way they prioritize epistemic correctness at the cost of lower unbiased and distributive fairness. Probably unbeknownst to funders, another common lottery Type (lotteries where some favorably-evaluated proposals bypass the lottery) displays marked variation in epistemic correctness and fairness depending on the specific bypass implementation. We discuss implications for funders who run funding lotteries or are considering doing so.
Cannulated Screws or Hemiarthroplasty for Femoral Neck Fractures: Is There a Mortality Difference?
Authors: Thompson Austen L. , Kuttner Nicolas P. , Greenberg Marc , Hidden Krystin A. , Yuan Brandon J.
Published: August 2024

OBJECTIVES:

To determine the difference in mortality and reoperation rate between femoral neck fractures (FNFx) treated with cannulated screw (CS) fixation or hemiarthroplasty (HA).

METHODS:

Design:

Retrospective study.

Setting:

Institutional registry data from a single Level I trauma center.

Patient Selection Criteria:

Inclusion criteria were patients older than 60 years with FNFx (OTA/AO 31-B) who underwent primary operative treatment with a HA or CS.

Outcome Measures and Comparisons:

Mortality and reoperation rates following primary operative treatment between patients treated with either HA or CS. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were generated. Comparisons in the primary outcomes were made between the HA and CS cohorts using univariate and multivariate analyses where appropriate.

RESULTS:

A total of 2211 patients were included in the study (1721 HA and 490 CS) and followed for an average of 34.5 months. The average age was 82.3 years (60–106 years), and patients were predominantly female (66.3%). One-year mortality was higher for the HA group compared with the CS group with a hazard ratio of 1.37 (P = 0.03); however, over the lifetime of a patient or to the final follow-up, survival was not statistically significant (Relative Risk 0.95, 95% confidence interval, 0.83–1.1, P = 0.97). The rate of reoperation at 1 year was lower for HA (5.0%) than for CS (10.1%) (hazard ratio 3.0, 95% confidence interval, 2.1–4.34, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Patients with FNFx treated with HA had the same risk of mortality as those treated with CS across the lifetime of patients or until the final follow-up. There is no difference in mortality at the 30-day and 90-day time point, but there is a significant difference in mortality at 1 year. HA treatment was associated with a significantly lower reoperation risk when compared with CS across the lifetime of the patient or until the final follow-up.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Predicting Nerve Course Variations to Prevent Iatrogenic Lesions: A Surgical Perspective on Sural Nerve Variations
Authors: Rodríguez-Collazo Edgardo R. , Badillo Colberg Eduardo , Schnack Lauren L. , Mckenzie Arshano , Ali Shawn , Talbot Derek
Published: August 2024

Background:

There are several documented variations of the sural nerve noted within the literature. This cadaveric study was conducted to provide a surgical perspective to either directly addressing the sural nerve, or avoiding it depending on the injury or pathology being surgically addressed.

Methods:

Twenty-five preserved cadaveric limbs were dissected from the popliteal fossa to the foot. Three locations of the course of the sural nerve data were analyzed. The first location (M1) was from the head of the fibula to the sural nerve. The second location (M3) was from 2.54 cm proximal to the distal tip of the lateral malleolus to the sural nerve. The third location (M2) was from the shaft of the fibula at the halfway point between measurements 1 and 2 to the course of the sural nerve. The types of variations were noted as well, compared to previous studies, highlighting the abundance of sural nerve variations in the lower limb that clinicians and surgeons need to be aware of and ready to address.

Results:

The sural nerve courses 4.6 cm posterior from the fibula at the proximal fibula and mid fibula and 4.5 cm at the distal fibula. The 25 sural nerve variations are not reflective of what has been previously published in the literature.

Conclusion:

The data can be utilized in preoperative planning in addressing or avoiding the sural nerve involving the posterior superficial compartment of the leg.
A Comprehensive Assessment of Soft-tissue Sagging after Zygoma Reduction Surgery through Artificial Intelligence Analysis
Authors: Park Yun Yong , Kim Kenneth K. , Park Bumjin
Published: August 2024

Background:

Overdevelopment of zygomatic bones often results in protrusion and flaring of the midfacial region. This makes the face appear squarer than the more favorable oval shape. Therefore, zygoma reduction surgery has become a commonly performed procedure in patients seeking to obtain an ideal facial shape. Facial soft-tissue ptosis is one of the main complications of zygoma reduction surgery. Previously, the evaluation of cheek soft-tissue ptosis was subjectively based on patients and surgeons. Our study aimed to provide an objective evaluation of soft-tissue sagging in the cheek region after zygoma reduction surgery using artificial intelligence (AI).

Methods:

We used AI to evaluate cheek sagging in a series of patients who underwent zygoma reduction surgery. We used four methods: tracking facial landmarks, detecting changes in the cheek curvature, and examining changes in the nasolabial fold and marionette lines. Then, the obtained numerical results were assessed for statistically significant differences using statistical validation methods.

Results:

Use of AI with the four methods demonstrated no statistically significant differences between the pre- and postsurgery evaluations. AI analysis demonstrated that soft-tissue ptosis did not occur in our series of patients.

Conclusions:

AI offers objective evaluation for both patients and doctors. Future research could build on this application to examine various influencing factors and develop new tools using machine learning to evaluate and predict the extent of cheek sagging in patients before surgery.
Complications After Pediatric Penetrating Keratoplasty: An IRIS Registry Study
Authors: Zhang Lyvia J. , Dana Reza , Lorch Alice C. , Elze Tobias , Miller Joan W. , Dohlman Thomas H. , Oke Isdin ,   on behalf of the IRIS Registry Analytic Center Consortium
Published: August 2024

Purpose:

To describe the frequency of postoperative complications in children undergoing penetrating keratoplasty (PK).

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study included pediatric patients (aged 0–18 years) in the Intelligent Research in Sight (IRIS) Registry who underwent primary PK between January 2013 and December 2020. Patients were identified using Current Procedure Terminology codes. Postoperative complications were identified using International Classification of Diseases Revision 9 and 10 codes and categorized as complications affecting the anterior segment (epithelial defect, infectious keratitis, neurotrophic keratitis, and glaucoma) or posterior segment (vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachment, choroid detachment, choroidal hemorrhage, endophthalmitis, epiretinal membrane, and proliferative vitreoretinopathy).

Results:

Of the 544 pediatric patients undergoing PK, 259 (47.6%) experienced postoperative complications. Anterior segment complications (n = 222, 40.8%) were more common than posterior segment complications (n = 96, 17.6%). The most common anterior complication was infectious keratitis (n = 163, 30.0%) with a median onset time of 275 days (IQR 50–560 days) after surgery. Vitreous hemorrhage (n = 52, 9.6%) and retinal detachment (n = 48, 8.8%) were the most common posterior segment complications.

Conclusions:

Infectious keratitis was the most common postoperative complication in children undergoing PK. More complications occurred in the anterior segment (70%) of the eye as compared with the posterior segment (30%). These findings demonstrate the challenges associated with pediatric PK and may help guide postoperative monitoring and management.
Once-a-Day Administration of R(+) Propranolol Is Sufficient to Block Vasculogenesis in a Xenograft Model of Infantile Hemangioma
Authors: Holm Annegret , Tan Jerry Wei Heng , Borgelt Luke , Mulliken John B. , Bischoff Joyce
Published: August 2024

Objective:

Infantile hemangioma (IH) is a benign vascular tumor that occurs in 5% of infants, predominantly in female and preterm neonates. Propranolol is the mainstay of treatment for IH. Given the short half-life of propranolol regarding β-adrenergic receptor inhibition as well as its side effects, propranolol is administered to infants 2–3 times daily with 1 mg/kg/dose. We previously demonstrated propranolol inhibits IH vessel formation via an effect of its R(+) enantiomer on the endothelial-specific transcription factor SRY box 18 (SOX18). In light of this, we hypothesized that R(+) propranolol inhibition of SOX18 is long-lived compared to the beta-blocker effects, and therefore administration of R(+) propranolol once a day would be sufficient to block IH vessel formation.

Methods:

We tested the effect of 1 dose versus 2 doses of R(+) propranolol in a xenograft model of IH wherein patient-derived hemangioma stem cells were implanted subcutaneously into nude mice. Mice were treated for 7 days with 2 × 12.5 mg/kg/d (n = 12) versus 1 × 25 mg/kg/d (n = 14) as well as phosphate-buffered saline (vehicle control) (n = 16) via intraperitoneal injections. The doses were estimated to correlate with those given to infants with IH.

Results:

Treatment with R(+) propranolol significantly inhibited vasculogenesis in our IH xenograft model at both 2 × 12.5 mg/kg/d and 1 × 25 mg/kg/d, compared to vehicle controls. No significant difference was observed between the 2 treatment regimens.

Conclusion:

Our results suggest implications for the clinical management of infants with IH: Administration of R(+) propranolol can possibly minimize or omit concerning β-adrenergic side effects while only requiring 1 dose per day.
Mechanism and design of organic afterglow luminescent probes for cancer theranostics
Authors: Gao Zhiyuan , Zhang Yifei , Liu Qian , Ding Dan
Published: August 2024

Organic afterglow luminescent probes (OALPs), characterized by their long-lasting luminescence after irradiation (by light, ultrasound, or X-rays) cessation, are pivotal tools in autofluorescence-free optical imaging. They exhibit ultra-low background noise interference, enhancing imaging sensitivity and ensuring clearer, more reliable imaging results. Moreover, they offer deeper tissue penetration compared to traditional optical imaging modalities, providing various information from deep tissues. Recently developed sonoafterglow and radioafterglow further enhance tissue penetration depth. This review outlines 2 design approaches for OALPs: coencapsulation and conjugation, which are derived from their luminescent mechanism. Guided by these strategies, researchers have designed 3 types of OALPs: near-infrared OALPs, responsive OALPs, and ratiometric OALPs. Additionally, we also provided examples of how OALPs are integrated with therapy and applied in the field of cancer theranostics. Finally, we discuss certain challenges encountered in the advancement of the next generation of OALPs, aiming to broaden their scope of applications.
Screening for chronic kidney disease: change of perspective and novel developments
Authors: van Mil Dominique , Kieneker Lyanne M. , Heerspink Hiddo J.L. , Gansevoort Ron T.
Published: August 2024

Purpose of review

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious health issue because of its rising global prevalence and its complications, such as kidney failure and cardiovascular disease (CVD). CKD is mainly diagnosed late or undiagnosed, delaying or missing the initiation of preventive interventions. Screening can prevent or delay progressive kidney function decline and CVD. This article reviews diagnostic tests and risk prediction developments for patients with CKD, highlights key evidence for targeted screening, and provides new insights into population-wide screening.

Recent findings

Large cohort studies and clinical trial data established the strong association of albuminuria with CKD outcomes, supporting the role of albuminuria as target of CKD screening and treatment. Significant advances in both risk prediction of CKD and CVD in CKD patients and treatment options provided new evidence for the relevance and implications of CKD screening. Guidelines recommend targeted screening in high-risk patients, but evidence suggests limited adherence to guideline recommendations. More recently, population-wide screening has been investigated as another approach, showing potential effectiveness and cost-effectiveness.

There is increasing evidence for the methods, implications, and effectiveness of CKD screening. Implementing and optimizing screening strategies requires enhanced awareness and understanding of the possibilities for CKD screening within different healthcare systems.