bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Completion and reporting of COVID-19 clinical trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov during the first 6 months of the pandemic: cohort study
Authors: Tornhammar Per , Julner Alexander , Al Moosawi Nader , Wicksell Elin , Lim Carl-Emil , Andersson Daniel Peter , Ueda Peter
Published: November 2024

Background

Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous clinical trials were initiated. Although concerns were raised regarding the quality of the trials, the eventual research output yielded from the trials remains unknown. The objective of this study was to include all clinical trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov during the first 6 months of the pandemic and assess if and where their results had been reported, their completion and discontinuation rates, achieved enrolment and changes made to the primary outcome after trial registration.

Methods

We included all interventional studies related to COVID-19 first registered on ClinicalTrials.gov between 1 January 2020 and 1 July 2020. We systematically searched for trial results, reported through 15 May 2023, in scientific publications, preprints and ClinicalTrials.gov. We assessed the achieved trial enrolment, trial discontinuation (reaching <90% of target enrolment), and whether the primary outcome had been changed as compared with the initial protocol registration.

Results

The 775 clinical trials included in the analysis planned to enrol 238 933 (median (IQR) 120 (60, 304) patients; 355 (46%) of the trials had reported results, and 283 (36%) were published in a scientific journal. In the reported trials, the total enrolment was 95 332 (median (IQR) 105 (45, 222) patients. 186 (24%) trials were completed, and 169 (22%) trials were discontinued, with slow recruitment being the most stated reason for discontinuation (9% of all trials, although 30% of the discontinued trials did not report a reason). 117 (33%) of the reported trials had changed their primary outcome. In total, 157 (20%) trials were completed and published in a scientific journal, of which 105 enrolled ≥100 patients and 103 had not changed the primary outcome. 63 completed and published trials enrolled ≥100 patients and had not changed the primary outcome.

Conclusions

Most clinical trials of COVID-19 registered at ClinicalTrials.gov during the first 6 months of the pandemic remained unreported or had been discontinued. Many of the trials whose results had been reported enrolled few patients and changed the primary outcome after trial registration.
Recent advances in the application of artificial intelligence in age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Gao Yundi , Xiong Fen , Xiong Jian , Chen Zidan , Lin Yucai , Xia Xinjing , Yang Yulan , Li Guodong , Hu Yunwei
Published: November 2024

Recent advancements in ophthalmology have been driven by the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI), especially in diagnosing, monitoring treatment and predicting outcomes for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss worldwide, and its increasing prevalence among the ageing population presents a significant challenge for managing the disease. AI holds considerable promise in tackling this issue. This paper provides an overview of the latest developments in AI applications for AMD. However, current limitations include insufficient and unbalanced data, lack of interpretability in models, dependence on data quality and limited generality.
DLL4-targeted CAR-T therapy sensitizes neoadjuvant chemotherapy via eliminating cancer stem cells and reshaping immune microenvironment in HER2+breast cancer
Authors: Yan Jingrui , Xie Yongjie , Liu Ziyun , Yang Yanfang , Zhou Tianxing
Published: November 2024

Background

Neoadjuvant therapy with trastuzumab, pertuzumab and paclitaxel (THP) has significantly improved the prognosis of patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)+breast cancer (BC). However, there remains a subset of non-responsive patients. Thus, this study sought to identify key regulators of THP neoadjuvant therapy resistance and potential targets to sensitize sensitivity.

Methods

The Cancer Genome Atlas database, Gene Expression Omnibus and membrane protein database were used to identify the key regulator of THP neoadjuvant resistance. The biological functions and mechanisms of delta-like 4 proteins (DLL4) in THP therapy resistance were investigated in vitro and in vivo using the bioinformatic analysis, multiplex immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, sphere formation assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation, etc. Furthermore, DLL4-targeted chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells were established to sensitize THP therapy.

Results

DLL4 was identified as a key target in THP neoadjuvant therapy resistance for HER2+BC. Mechanistically, DLL4+tumor cells exhibited enhanced stemness and resistance to the THP neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Additionally, soluble DLL4 can split away from tumor cells and diffuse into the stroma, where it can activate the Notch signaling pathway in neutrophils, inducing the formation and release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) by regulating the transcription of MPO, PDIA4 and ELANE. This led to the exclusion of lymphocyte infiltration, thereby enhancing therapy resistance. What is more, we designed a DLL4-targeted CAR-T to eliminate DLL4+tumor cells and reverse the resistant status.

Conclusions

Our study revealed novel functions of DLL4 in cell stemness and immune infiltration, including NET formation and T cell exclusion, which collectively contributed to THP neoadjuvant therapy resistance in HER2+BC. Furthermore, we provided a CAR-T-based therapy to sensitize the THP neoadjuvant therapy.
Transversus abdominis plane block in minimally invasive colon surgery: a multicenter three-arm randomized controlled superiority and non-inferiority clinical trial
Authors: Salmonsen Christopher Blom , Lange Kai Henrik Wiborg , Kleif Jakob , Krøijer Rasmus , Bruun Lea , Mikalonis Martynas , Dalsgaard Peter , Hesseldal Karen Busk , Olsson Jon Emil Philip , Bertelsen Claus Anders
Published: November 2024

Background and objectives

The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is the most widely used abdominal field block in colorectal surgery with a postoperative enhanced recovery pathway. We aimed to determine whether the laparoscopic-assisted and ultrasound-guided TAP (US-TAP) blocks provide superior pain relief compared with placebo. We separately investigated whether the laparoscopic-assisted technique was non-inferior to the ultrasound-guided technique in providing pain relief, with a non-inferiority margin of 10 mg morphine dose equivalents.

Methods

340 patients undergoing elective minimally invasive colon surgery were randomly allocated to one of three groups: (1) US-TAP block, (2) laparoscopic-assisted TAP (L-TAP) block, or (3) placebo. Superiority and non-inferiority were tested for the primary outcome: 24-hour postoperative morphine equivalent consumption. Secondary outcomes, including patient-reported quality of recovery, were included in the superiority analysis.

Results

127 patients were included in each block group and 86 in the placebo group. The US-TAP block was no different from placebo at −1.4 mg morphine (97.5% CI −6.8 to 4.0 mg; p=0.55). The L-TAP block was superior to placebo at −5.9 mg morphine (97.5% CI −11.3 to −0.5 mg; p=0.01) and non-inferior to the US-TAP block at −4.5 mg morphine (98.75% CI −10.0 to 1.1 mg).

Conclusion

The L-TAP block was superior to placebo and non-inferior to the US-TAP block. However, neither met our predetermined estimate of the minimal clinically important difference of 10 mg morphine.

Trial registration number

NCT04311099.
Intra-articular corticosteroid injections versus platelet-rich plasma as a treatment for cervical facetogenic pain: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Allison David J , Ebrahimzadeh Sanam , Muise Stephanie , Joseph Steven , Roa Agudelo Alexandria , Lawson Arden , Billias Nicole , Tran John , Smith Ashley , Loh Eldon
Published: November 2024

Objective

The study’s primary objective was to compare the effectiveness of intra-articular platelet-rich plasma injections versus corticosteroid injections for the treatment of cervical facetogenic pain. Secondary aims were to compare self-rated disability, pain self-efficacy, and the safety of the procedure between groups.

Methods

A single-site randomized double-blind controlled trial with 40 participants assigned to receive either leucocyte-poor, low-concentrate platelet-rich plasma injections or corticosteroid injection without local anesthetic into the cervical facet joint under fluoroscopy. Outcomes were collected via telephone at 1, 3, and 6 months to determine treatment effectiveness.

Results

Low-concentrate platelet-rich plasma and corticosteroid injections had similar effects on cervical facetogenic pain intensity over a 6-month period post injection as demonstrated by a non-significant group-by-time interaction for Numeric Rating Scale scores (p>0.05). However, both groups showed a statistically significant decrease in cervical facetogenic pain intensity 1 month post treatment compared with baseline (p=0.02), while the platelet-rich plasma group also demonstrated a clinically significant decrease in pain intensity at the same time point. There was a significant interaction at 1 month post intervention for pain self-efficacy (p=0.04), with the platelet-rich plasma injection group showing a larger increase in pain self-efficacy compared with the corticosteroid injection group. No significant interaction was observed for self-rated disability; however, significant reductions were shown at 3 and 6 months post treatment compared with baseline in both groups (p<0.01). No significant differences between groups were reported for adverse events; however, those receiving platelet-rich plasma injection reported significantly less procedural pain (p=0.02).

Conclusion

Both platelet-rich plasma and corticosteroid injections induced similar improvements in cervical facetogenic pain intensity (1 month post) and self-rated disability (3 and 6 months post). Pain self-efficacy demonstrated a significant interaction with platelet-rich plasma injection showing greater improvement 1 month post. Additionally, both treatments exhibited a similar low prevalence of adverse events; however, those receiving platelet-rich plasma injection reported less procedural pain.
Immune checkpoint molecules performance in ANCA vasculitis
Authors: Anton-Pampols Paula , Martinez Valenzuela Laura , Fernandez Lorente Loreto , Quero Ramos Maria , Gómez Preciado Francisco , Gomà Montserrat , Manrique Joaquin , Fulladosa Xavier , Cruzado Josep M , Torras Juan , Draibe Juliana Bordignon
Published: November 2024

Objective

The PD-1 axis promotes protection against autoimmunity. Immune checkpoint (IC) molecules performance in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) remains unknown. This study aims to assess the IC pathway’s role in the AAV’s pathophysiology.

Methods

We recruited 88 AAV from our centre as a discovery cohort (acute=42, remission=46) and 30 patients from another institution for external validation (acute=16, remission=14).

Serum, urine and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected. In vitro IC molecules production by lymphocytes was studied with and without MPO/PR3 antigen stimulus. Cell culture supernatant (SN) was obtained by centrifugation. PD-1, PD-L1 and PD-L2 concentrations were assessed in serum (s), urine (u) and SN of AAV and healthy controls (HC) using a multiplex assay. PD-1 and PD-L1’s expression was analysed in six diagnostic kidney biopsies.

Results

uPD-1 and uPD-L2’s concentration was lower in AAV than HC (p<0.0001, p=0.0075). Acute patients exhibited lower uPD-L2 levels compared with those in remission (p=0.036). Similarly, PBMCs showed reduced PD-1 production than HC (stimulated group p=0.04, unstimulated p=0.0074). Furthermore, patients with inflammatory renal lesions had fewer PD-1-positive interstitial cells/staining intensity compared with those with sclerotic lesions. Contradictorily, sPD-1 and sPD-L1’s concentration was higher in AAV than HC (p=0.007, p<0.0001) with acute patients exhibiting elevated sPD-1 levels compared with those in remission (p=0.0051). Serum and urine findings were confirmed in the validation cohort.

Conclusions

Results in urine, SN and histology suggest IC pathway abolition during acute disease restored in remission and contribute to understand PD-1 axis’s role in AAV proposing it as a new biomarker of disease activity.
The effects of sex and contraction intensity on fatigability and muscle oxygenation in trained individuals
Authors: Kwak Minyoung , Succi Pasquale J. , Benitez Brian , Mitchinson Clara J. , Bergstrom Haley C.
Published: November 2024

Fatigability varies depending on sex and contraction intensity during sustained exercise. This study examined the responses of time to task failure (TTF), performance fatigability (PF), and muscle oxygenation (SmO2) in males and females during isometric handgrip holds to failure (HTF) at 30% and 60% maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). Males ( n = 12) and females ( n = 12) performed a pre-MVIC, handgrip HTF at randomly ordered percentages of MVIC (either 30% or 60%), followed by a post-MVIC on the dominant arm. During the HTF testing, the TTF and SmO2 responses were recorded, and PF was determined from the pre- to post-MVICs. TTF for 30% MVIC HTF was greater than 60% MVIC HTF ( p < 0.001), but was not different between males and females ( p = 0.117). PF exhibited an inverse relationship with intensity for each sex, while males demonstrated greater PF than females for both 30% and 60% MVIC HTF. For the 60% MVIC HTF, males demonstrated greater desaturation than females (CI95% = [−28.1, −2.6%], p = 0.021, d = 0.621), but not for the 30% MVIC HTF (CI95% = [−12.2, 7.9%], p = 0.315, d = 0.621). Sex differences in PF and SmO2 may be attributed to the differences in muscle mass, absolute strength, contractile properties, and muscle metabolism between males and females. However, these proposed differences between males and females may not fully inform exercise performance (e.g., TTF). Sex-specific fatigue responses may be affected by complex physio-psychological mechanisms, and therefore, additional investigations under diverse exercise conditions are required to better prescribe exercise for both males and females.
Lissajous dynamics of a quantum particle in a tilted two-dimensional discrete lattice
Authors: Jaczewski Grzegorz , Sowiński Tomasz
Published: November 2024

The quantum dynamics of a single particle in a discrete two-dimensional tilted lattice is analyzed from the perspective of the classical-quantum correspondence. Utilizing the fact that tilting the lattice results in oscillatory dynamics, we show how the parameters of the lattice and the initial state of the particle can be tuned so that during evolution the probability distribution does not change its shape, while its center follows the trajectory known in classical mechanics as Lissajous curves.
Comparison of classical and path-by-path solutions to SDEs
Authors: Anzeletti Lukas
Published: November 2024

We consider the Stochastic Differential Equation [Formula: see text], in [Formula: see text]. We give an example of a drift [Formula: see text] such that there does not exist a weak solution, but there exists a solution for almost every realization of the Brownian motion [Formula: see text]. We also give an explicit example of a drift such that the SDE has a pathwise unique weak solution, but path-by-path uniqueness (i.e. uniqueness of solutions to the ODE for almost every realization of the Brownian motion) is lost. These counterexamples extend the results obtained in Shaposhnikov and Wresch [Pathwise versus path-by-path uniqueness, Ann. Inst. Henri Poincaré Probab. Stat. 58(3) (2022) 1640–1649] to dimension [Formula: see text].
Strong solutions of SDEs with singular (form-bounded) drift via Röckner–Zhao approach
Authors: Kinzebulatov D. , Madou K. R.
Published: November 2024

We use the approach of Röckner–Zhao to establish strong well-posedness of stochastic differential equations with singular drift satisfying some minimal assumptions.
Valuation of Carbon Options Based on Exponential Uncertain Differential Equation
Authors: Liu Zhe , De Maio Carmen
Published: November 2024

With the increasingly severe global climate change issue, carbon emission allowances trading has become one of the important means for the international community to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, this process also exposes the high costs and risks faced by emission control enterprises. To cope with this risk, carbon options, as an innovative tool in the financial derivatives market, allow holders to buy and sell carbon emission rights at a predetermined price at a specific time in the future. By purchasing carbon options, companies can lock in future carbon emission costs, thereby avoiding the risk of price fluctuations, which is of great significance for solving the high cost and high risk problems faced by emission control companies in emission reduction activities. The primary task is to price carbon options reasonably. Most existing methods are based on probability theory, and sometimes fail due to the lack of fulfillment of the necessary prerequisites for probability theory. This paper studies the pricing problem of carbon options based on exponential uncertain differential equations within the framework of uncertainty theory and derives calculation formulas. Furthermore, real data analysis based on China’s carbon trading market is conducted to illustrate our methodology in detail.
Hardware-Sensitive Fairness in Heterogeneous Federated Learning
Authors: Talukder Zahidur , Lu Bingqian , Ren Shaolei , Islam Mohammad Atiqul
Published: November 2024

Federated Learning (FL) is a promising technique for decentralized privacy-preserving Machine Learning (ML) with a diverse pool of participating devices with varying device capabilities. However, existing approaches to handle such heterogeneous environments do not consider “fairness” in model aggregation, resulting in significant performance variation among devices. Meanwhile, prior works on FL fairness remain hardware-oblivious and cannot be applied directly without severe performance penalties. To address this issue, we propose a novel hardware-sensitive FL method called

\(\mathsf {FairHetero} \)

that promotes fairness among heterogeneous federated clients. Our approach offers tunable fairness within a group of devices with the same ML architecture as well as across different groups with heterogeneous models. Our evaluation under
MNIST
,
FEMNIST
,
CIFAR10
, and
SHAKESPEARE
datasets demonstrates that

\(\mathsf {FairHetero} \)

can reduce variance among participating clients’ test loss compared to the existing state-of-the-art (SOTA) techniques, resulting in increased overall performance.
Influence of the Molecular Characteristics of the Solvent and the Solute Cation on Diffusive Mass Transport in Binary Electrolyte Mixtures by Dynamic Light Scattering and Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Kankanamge Chathura J. , Zhan Taotao , Zhang Zhongwen , Klein Tobias , Fröba Andreas P.
Published: November 2024

Fick diffusion coefficients D
11 of binary electrolyte systems consisting of the solutes lithium or 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([Li][NTf2] or [EMIm][NTf2]) dissolved in molecular and ionic liquid-based solvents are presented. D
11 was determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS) experiments and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations at temperatures up to 398 K and at a solute mole fraction of 0.05. The results contribute to an extension of the database for D
11 and allow investigation of the influence of the molecular characteristics on D
11. Through variation of the molecular solvents, the dissociation of solutes in the mixture into ions was identified as a main influencing factor on the diffusive mass transport. Here, the dielectric constant ε
r of the solvent was shown to be a good predictor for the ability of a solvent to dissociate the solute, which is quantified by calculating the solvation or coordination number. It could be shown that solvents with a large ε
r fully dissociate solutes by forming a solvent shell around the cations, which leads to large D
11. In solvents with a small ε
r, the weaker interactions between solvent molecules and solute ions lead to a formation of ion pairs and clusters as well as to small D
11.
Water-in-Salt Battery Electrolyte for High-Voltage Supercapacitors: A Fundamental Study on Biomass and Carbon Fiber Electrodes
Authors: Shi Changmin , Wang Ying , Kulaots Indrek , Zhu Hongli , Sheldon Brian W.
Published: November 2024

In this study, we investigated the use of a water-in-salt electrolyte (WiSE) for enhancing the performance of carbon-based supercapacitor electrodes. The all-biomass electrode and a peroxyacetyl nitrate-derived porous carbon fiber electrode (PPCF) were chosen as two examples for evaluating their electrochemical performance. WiSE provides a stable wide voltage window of 3 V, effectively inhibits undesirable water-splitting reactions. The presence of pseudocapacitance behavior, as evidenced by cyclic voltammetry scans, contributed to higher charge storage capacity. As a result, a high areal energy density and power density of 2.2 mWh cm−2 and 11.7 mW cm−2 were achieved for the all-biomass electrode, and a high areal energy density and power density of 0.4 mWh cm−2 and 12.1 mW cm−2 were achieved for the PPCF electrode. Overall, when coupled with carbon-based electrodes WiSE shows great promise for high-voltage supercapacitor applications, providing a balance between charge storage kinetics and interface stability.
Direct Contact Prelithiation of Multi-Layered Lithium-Ion Battery Pouch Cells Using a Scalable Prelithiation Process
Authors: Stumper Benedikt , Wittmann Oskar , Diller Felix , Stock Sandro , Daub Rüdiger
Published: November 2024

Prelithiation is known to enhance the performance of lithium-ion batteries and is becoming increasingly popular. To date, different approaches and concepts for prelithiation processes have only been implemented on a laboratory scale, which is due to the complex upscaling of the process approaches. Moreover, investigations of prelithiation approaches are mostly limited to small-format laboratory cells, and concepts for implementation on an industrial scale are scarce. The present study introduces a scalable, roll-to-roll capable process for direct contact prelithiation of anodes for large-format and multi-layered pouch cells. The process is based on calendering for applying lithium foils to anodes. The feasibility of scaling the approach from single-layer to multi-layer pouch cells was further investigated. The prelithiated cells with silicon-graphite composite anodes showed an improved first-cycle coulombic efficiency of up to 8% and increased coulombic efficiencies during cyclization compared to non-prelithiated cells. By improving capacity retention, cycle life could be increased by up to 170% compared to non-prelithiated cells. Post-mortem analyses conducted after 4000 cycles show that the direct contact prelithiation method used does not cause profound lithium plating. Summarizing, the employed direct contact prelithiation process is suitable for a scalable, industry-capable prelithiation of lithium-ion batteries.
Methods for Quantitative Thermal Analysis of Lithium Solid-State and Beyond Battery Safety
Authors: Bhargava Bhuvsmita , Johnson Nathan Brenner , Bates Alex M. , Torres-Castro Loraine , Albertus Paul
Published: November 2024

The use of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to measure the thermal behavior of individual components and electrolyte/electrode combinations is common. However, here we focus on DSC tests on an anode, cathode, and electrolyte (ACE) component combination over a temperature range that includes many of the phase transitions and key reactions (i.e., to 500 °C) that contribute to thermal runaway. This method can help quantify the complex reaction network in a full cell, thereby informing potential safety issues. Here, we used DSC heat flow data from a solid-state Li0.43CoO2+C+PVDF | LLZO | Li metal ACE sample and its components to quantify key factors affecting results. We focused on three areas: (1) ACE sample preparation and assembly in DSC pans, (2) DSC measurement parameters, and (3) heat flow analysis. Key points include the choice of component ratios (e.g., commercially relevant N:P capacity ratio), the importance of conductive carbon and binder, type of pan used, DSC ramp rate, and integration method used when dealing with broad and overlapping exothermic peaks. This work deepens the scientific basis and best practices for obtaining heat flow data from ACE samples for early-stage evaluation of solid-state and beyond battery safety.
Bite-sized structured learning: a preferred self-paced approach that enhanced learning of muscle physiology for allied health students
Authors: Tan Xiang Ren , Lee Andy Thiam-Huat , Harve Karthik Subramhanya , Leung Bernard Pui Lam
Published: November 2024

Bite-sized structured learning (BSL) is aimed at dissecting learning content into manageable microlearning parts for students to learn at their own pace, and it involves the segmentation of information in an organized manner. We found that compared to online lectures, BSL promoted better attention and enhanced motivation for learning muscle physiology without compromising the effectiveness of learning in allied health students. BSL may be combined with conventional lectures to harness their complementary advantages.
Pilot Study on Postoperative Toric Intraocular Lens Alignment
Authors: Yang Baodi , Lai Chunxin , Qin Yongjie , Lin Hongliang , Wang Sheng , Liao Hailan , Zhang Hongyang
Published: November 2024

Purpose: Assess the comparative accuracy and reliability of postoperative toric intraocular lens (TIOL) alignment measurement methods: Casia2 and Adobe Photoshop with digital slit lamp images (PS method).

Methods: In a study of 41 subjects with 58 eyes postimplantation of TIOL, we independently measured TIOL alignment with Casia2 and PS methods. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC1,1) was employed to assess the repeatability of the Casia2 method. While ICC2,1 for absolute agreement and Bland–Altman analysis were utilized to determine the interdevice agreement between the two methods, the regression analysis was conducted to identify any proportional bias.

Results: Casia2 demonstrated excellent intradevice repeatability with an ICC1,1 of 0.998. The absolute agreement between Casia2 and PS was very high with an ICC2,1 of 0.999. The average discrepancy between the two measurement methods was −0.828°, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) ranging from −1.623° to −0.032°. The 95% limits of agreement (LoA) were between −6.761° and 5.105°, indicating a strong concordance in TIOL alignment measurements. Casia2 was capable of accurately measuring the TIOL axis alignment under conditions of pupil diameters (PDs) of 4 mm or greater.

Conclusion: Casia2 and PS demonstrated significant concordance in measuring postoperative TIOL alignment, with Casia2 offering a more straightforward and accessible alternative, particularly beneficial for patients with suboptimal pupil dilation.
The Effect of Ethanol, SO2, and Transition Metals on Browning Kinetics in Low‐ and No‐Alcohol Model Wine
Authors: Kumar Yogesh , Ricci Arianna , Wang Guanghao , Parpinello Giuseppina Paola , Versari Andrea
Published: November 2024

The study delved into the rate of browning (A420 nm) within a model wine solution, aiming to elucidate mechanisms impacting real product scenarios, including low‐ and no‐alcohol wines. The model wine solutions were prepared by adding tartaric acid, caffeic acid, and catechin into an aqueous ethanol solution containing transition metals (iron [Fe] and copper [Cu]) along with sulfur dioxide (SO2). The results indicated that the model wines without ethanol exhibited the highest browning rates both in the presence (k = 0.0022 day−1) and absence (k = 0.0035 day−1) of SO2. Notably, ethanol concentration showed a negative correlation with kinetic rates in both scenarios: with SO2 (r = −0.9317) and without SO2 (r = −0.9667). The addition of Fe and Cu separately led to a slight elevation in browning, particularly evident with Fe, while adding only Cu exhibited nonsignificant impact. However, their combined addition revealed a marked synergistic effect, rendering the rate notably sensitive to Cu concentration.
Semantic IoT Service Communication—Impedance Matching Between Service Goal and Event Routing
Authors: Zhang Yang , Cheng Bo , Chen Junliang
Published: November 2024

In IoT (Internet of Things) applications, there are many kinds of event flows. Without converging these flows based on their semantics, it is difficult to establish ultrascale‐connected IoT service systems. Event flow convergence may encompass event content aggregation, aggregated routing, and aggregated subscription matching. In our work, a semantic IoT service communication fabric is proposed to achieve this convergence, specifically for impedance matching between service computation and event communication, leveraging semantic knowledge technologies. Compared with classic semantic communication by abstracting the underlying network as a channel, our solution delves into the channel for impedance matching, that is, focusing on semantic event routing in the channel and semantic event content aggregation along routing paths. Multiple tenants are supported in the IoT service communication fabric, where each tenant can use virtual semantic interfaces to organize together its devices, IoT gateways, control centers, and data centers, and semantic event communication schemes and algorithms are proposed to map IoT services’ goals into event routing. We finally conduct evaluations to show the effectiveness and applicability of our solution.
Combining Fish and Crustacean Byproducts as Primary Ingredients in Pelleted Aquafeed: The Effect of Byproduct Type on Pellet Physical Properties
Authors: Chouljenko Alexander , Mirtalebi Sanazsadat , Hopper Stewart , Santos Fernanda , Bolton Greg
Published: November 2024

Over the past three decades, global aquaculture production has significantly increased, emphasizing the need for sustainable and cost‐effective alternatives to traditional fish meal in aquafeed. This study’s objective was to elucidate the impact of utilizing a combination of fish and crustacean byproducts—namely, smoked salmon (Salmo salar) skins (SSs), smoked salmon trimmings (STs), and shrimp (Litopenaeus setiferus) heads (SHs)—as primary ingredients in pelleted aquafeed. Importantly, this work focuses on nonextruded pellets, where the physical properties are more influenced by ingredient composition compared to extruded pellets. The tested formulations were not nutritionally comprehensive for any specific commercial aquaculture species, as the goal of this study was to highlight the effect of the byproducts on pellet physical integrity. SH and de‐oiled solid fractions of SS and ST were dehydrated for 24 h at 60°C, ground into dried powders, and formulated into six samples at a 1:1 (w/w) ratio and one sample at a 1:1:1 ratio. Potato starch (80 g/kg) was added to each sample, along with varying deionized (DI) water amounts before steam conditioning, pelletizing, and drying. Analyses included pellet nutrient composition, floatability, durability, water stability, bulk density, water absorption index (WAI), and water solubility index (WSI). Results revealed that SS pellets exhibited 97% floatability at 1 min, decreasing to 70% at 60 min. SS and ST combinations showed slow sinking behavior, while all other formulations sank quickly. Pellets containing SH had lower water stability (65.65% ± 4.44% to 0.05% ± 0.07%), in contrast to over 92% for SS and ST pellets. Durability ranged from 98.48% ± 0.37% for SS to 75.29% ± 5.82% for SH and ST combinations, further underlining the significant impact of byproduct choice on pellet performance. Overall, the inclusion of SS or ST and their combination as primary ingredients for pelleted aquafeed produced pellets that scored well on important quality parameters, while pellets containing SH performed poorly. This information may be used in the development of nutritionally comprehensive nonextruded aquafeeds containing SS and/or ST to conduct feeding trials with commercially relevant species.
Analysis of Stress Variation Characteristics of Jiangling Depression, Hubei, China, Based on Jingzhou Well Water Level and GNSS Data
Authors: Weng Cheng , Yu Jiansheng , Wang Jie , Lv Pinji , Song Xiaoxiao , Zhou Xiaocheng
Published: November 2024

There have been many M ≥ 3.0 earthquakes in and around the Jiangling Depression in history, and the stress variation can directly affect the preparation of surrounding earthquakes. This paper innovatively uses the variation characteristics of Jingzhou well water level and GNSS data to analyze the stress variation in the Jiangling Depression. The results show that (1) the long‐term decline trend of Jingzhou well water level has little correlation with rainfall and is mainly from deep source, which is different from the recharge source of the surrounding water system. The long‐term decline trend of Jingzhou well water level is mainly affected by the tension state of the region. (2) The strain rate in the northern part of the study area is relatively high, and the tension state in the NNW direction is dominant. The slope of HBJM‐HBJL stations baseline time series is positive, indicating that the NNW‐SSE is in a tension state as a whole, which is consistent with the trend of Jingzhou well water level. (3) Jingzhou well water level and GNSS baseline time series have good synchronization, which directly reflects that the stress field in and around Jiangling Depression is in a state of tension in recent years. There have been many ≥ 3.0 earthquakes in and around the Jiangling depression in history. In the future, it is worth noting when the stress–strain state of the study area changes.
As Long as I Don’t Have to Drive Myself
Authors: Schandl Franziska , Hudecek Matthias
Published: November 2024

As a new, highly complex, and far‐reaching technology, autonomous driving can be associated with various fears and uncertainties. However, recent findings show that high trait anxiety can positively contribute to the intention to use (ITU) autonomous vehicles (AVs). An explanation for this is that the possibility of handing over one’s driving control to artificial intelligence (AI) is even more relieving for more anxious people. Our study aimed to test whether this explanation can be supported by investigating to what extent this relationship can be applied to buses in which control is handed over per se–in the conventional bus to a driver, and in the autonomous bus to the AI. We also analyzed how the fear of giving up control mediates the relationship between trait anxiety and ITU. In a quasi‐experimental study, 253 subjects were surveyed while riding an autonomous or conventional electric bus. The results confirmed a positive association between trait anxiety and ITU in the overall sample but not in the autonomous and conventional subsamples. Contrary to our assumptions, fear of giving up control served as a slightly suppressive but not significant mediator. The results were independent of whether control was handed over to a human driver in the conventional electric bus or to AI in the autonomous bus. Our study thus provides fundamental new insights into the acceptance of AVs and buses in general and opens the door for subsequent research based on these findings.
Induction and Survival of Diploid Gynogenesis With Ultraviolet Light‐Irradiated Sperm in the Manila Clam Ruditapes philippinarum
Authors: Li Qiang , Liu Tao , Li Hongda , Wang Bin , Nie Hongtao
Published: November 2024

In order to produce gynogenetic diploid of Manila clam, Ruditapes philippinarum, we studied the optimal conditions of gynogenetic diploid induced by ultraviolet (UV). The irradiance of UV‐induced sperm was 230 μW (cm2·s), and the irradiation time was 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, and 27 s. After the egg fertilized with genetically inactivated sperm, the fertilized eggs were treated with cytochalasin B (CB) at different concentrations of 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.0 mg/L for 20 min. The ploidy of larvae under different induction concentrations were analyzed by flow cytometry, and the chromosome division process during sperm entry and cleavage was observed by fluorescence microscope. In addition, the ultrastructure of sperm, embryonic development, and chromosome were observed. The results showed that the fertilization rate and cleavage rate decreased gradually with the prolongation of UV irradiation time. We found UV irradiation for 9 s was the optimal time for haploid formation, with an induction rate of 100%. The CB treatment at 0.75 mg/L was the optimal concentration for the formation of D‐larvae, and the induction rate was 9.60% ± 5.10%. The results showed that the optimal conditions for inducing gynogenetic diploid of R. philippinarum were irradiation with UV intensity of 230 μW (cm2·s) for 9 s and inhibited second polar body release by CB at concentration of 0.75 mg/L. In this study, the conditions for inducing Manila clam gynogenetic diploid were obtained, which lays the basis for further genetic research on the gynogenesis of R. philippinarum.
Outcomes From Real‐World Data on Intraoperative Electronic Radiotherapy for the Treatment of Early‐Stage Breast Cancer: Long‐Term Recurrence and Survival Outcomes From a Single Center
Authors: De la Mata Dolores , Santiago-Concha Bernardino Gabriel , Bargalló-Rocha Juan Enrique , Robles-Vidal Carlos Daniel , Gómez-Pue Daniella , Castorena-Rojí Gerardo , Hinojosa-Gómez José , Flores-Vázquez Fabiola , Blake-Cerda Mónika , Enriquez-Barrera Mario , Maffuz-Aziz Antonio
Published: November 2024

Purpose: This study is aimed at investigating the 10‐year outcomes of intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) in Mexican women with early breast cancer (EBC) treated at the Centro Medico ABC, Mexico City.

Methods: A cohort study included women with early‐stage invasive ductal carcinoma aged ≥ 45 years without prior oncologic treatment, tumor size ≤ 3.5 cm, cN0M0, positive hormone receptors, margins ≥ 2 mm, negative sentinel lymph nodes, and no extensive lymphovascular invasion. IORT was administered at 20 Gy for 20–30 min after a lumpectomy. Follow‐up extended over 10 years and included clinical examinations every 6 months for the first 18 months, followed by annual mammograms and conventional examinations. Patients out of the criteria were excluded from this study because they were referred for additional surgery and/or whole‐breast radiation therapy.

Results: The study involved 238 patients with an average age of 61.1 years. The mean tumor size was 12 mm, and the percentages of lymphatic invasion, positive hormone receptors, and HER2/neu overexpression were 12.6%, 90.8%, and 2.1%, respectively. The median follow‐up was 66.6 months (range: 1–126 months), and the overall survival and mastectomy‐free rate reached 95.7% and 90%, respectively. Thirteen patients showed side effects; four recurrences were recorded, of which 50% were out‐field relapses. The 5‐year Kaplan–Meier probability of local relapses, mastectomy‐free, and overall survival reached 97.5%, 100%, and 98%, respectively.

Conclusions: This is the first 10‐year report about the effect of IORT on Mexican women with EBC in the early stages. Strict adherence to the selection criteria in this study resulted in low rates of side effects, mortality, and local recurrences, demonstrating that IORT is an effective treatment alternative for patients with EBC. Studies with a longer follow‐up period should be performed, as recurrences can occur in the long term.
Effects of Diets With Different Carbohydrate to Lipid Ratios on the Growth Performance, Ion Transport, and Carbohydrate, Lipid and Ammonia Metabolism of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Under Long‐Term Saline–Alkali Stress
Authors: Liu Wei , Li Erchao , Xu Chang , Chen Liqiao , Wang Xiaodan
Published: November 2024

A 50‐day test was adopted to compare the growth performance, liver histology, glucose metabolism, lipid (L) metabolism, ion transport, and ammonia metabolism of tilapia fed different carbohydrate–lipid (C:L) ratio diets under saline–alkaline water (salinity = 16 mmol/L and alkalinity = 35 mmol/L). The C and L levels of five isoenergetic (16.5 kJ/g) and isonitrogenous (32% protein) diets were C45%:L3% (L3), C38%:L6% (L6), C31%:L9% (L9), C24%:L12% (L12), and C17%:L15% (L15). This study found that the dietary C:L ratio did not affect the survival rate (SR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), or condition factor of tilapia in saline–alkali water, but fish in the L12 group had the highest weight gain (WG) rate and the lowest hepatosomatic index (HSI) compared with the other groups. Fish fed the higher C diet (L3 and L6) had a higher ion transport capacity and ammonia excretion capacity in gills. However, the highest mRNA expression of genes involved in glutamine metabolism and urea metabolism in the liver was found in the high‐L diet groups (L12 and L15). In particular, a lower serum ammonia concentration was observed in the high‐L diet groups (L12 and L15). In addition, biochemical indicators indicated that the L12 group had the highest liver pyruvic acid, lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), and lipase (LPS) and serum total cholesterol (T‐CHO) contents. In summary, this study indicated that dietary Ls could promote glutamine metabolism and urea metabolism more than dietary Cs and then reduce the serum ammonia concentration of tilapia in saline–alkali water. A dietary C:L ratio of 2:1 was beneficial to the growth and ammonia excretion of tilapia in saline–alkali water in this study.
Density Matrix of Two Spin‐1/2 Particles: Pure and Mixed States
Authors: Johnston Eric R.
Published: November 2024

The density matrix of an arbitrary pure state of a system consisting of two spin‐1/2 particles is derived from the Pauli spin angular momentum operators. Mixed singlet and triplet states are then formed from linear combinations of pure states and their corresponding density matrices constructed. Singlet and triplet states are exemplified by the spin isomers parahydrogen and orthohydrogen, respectively. Partial mixing is illustrated with the example of bilinear spin–spin coupling. Various properties of the density matrices of pure and mixed states are discussed, including idempotence, factoring, and spin correlation.
Eculizumab Versus Rituximab for Refractory Antiacetylcholine Receptor Antibody‐Positive Generalized Myasthenia Gravis: A Single‐Center Experience
Authors: Durmus Hacer , Çakar Arman , Parman Yesim Gülşen
Published: November 2024

Background: Rituximab (RTX) and eculizumab (ECU) are treatment options for refractory myasthenia gravis (MG), but comparative clinical data derived from real‐world experience are limited. Here, we describe the baseline characteristics, treatment, and safety outcomes of patients with antiacetylcholine receptor antibody‐positive (AChR+) generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) treated with ECU and/or RTX in our clinic.

Methods: Patients with refractory AChR+ gMG who received ECU or/and RTX treatment for more than 1 year at the Department of Neurology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine were included in this observational study. After obtaining written patient consent, data were collected retrospectively from medical records.

Results: Twelve patients treated with ECU and 25 patients treated with RTX were included in the analysis. Groups were comparable with regard to demographic and clinical characteristics, including age at onset of MG, disease duration, and history of thymoma. ECU was associated with significantly better outcomes compared with RTX, as measured by decreases in the mean MG activities of daily living score at 1 (p = 0.024), 3 (p < 0.001), 6 (p < 0.001), and 12 (p < 0.001) months of treatment; steroid‐sparing effect after 1 year of treatment (decrease in mean [standard deviation] daily prednisolone dose of −21.8 mg [13.5] vs. −6.6 mg [9.4] with RTX; p < 0.001); and need for rescue treatment and number of myasthenic crisis episodes during treatment (p < 0.001). No new safety signals were observed with either treatment.

Conclusion: Our data provide real‐world evidence supporting ECU over RTX to treat patients with refractory AChR+ gMG.
A Screen-and-Treat Strategy for Eradication of Helicobacter pylori among Patients with Family History of Gastric Cancer in a Diverse US Population
Authors: Zia Mona , Park Steven , Chen Qiaoling , Luong Tiffany Q. , Lustigova Eva , Jeon Christie Y. , Chen Wansu , Wu Bechien U.
Published: November 2024

Background:

Screening and eradication of Helicobacter pylori reduce the risk of gastric cancer in patients with a family history. We assessed patient perspectives on H. pylori screening and treatment within a diverse regional US population.

Methods:

Between July 2022 and August 2022, we conducted a cross-sectional study among patients with ≥1 first-degree relative(s) with gastric cancer. Eligible patients were between 18 and 75 years of age without history of H. pylori infection or gastric cancer. A survey assessed interest in testing and willingness to complete treatment for H. pylori. Interested patients were offered H. pylori testing and treatment. We examined interest and effectiveness of treatment by race and ethnicity.

Results:

We identified 15,255 eligible patients, and 1,500 patients were randomly selected for the survey; 280 (19%) patients, including two relatives not initially invited but asked to participate, responded following outreach. Respondents were 65% male and averaged 57 years (SD = 13) with 36% Hispanic, 36% non-Hispanic White, 15% Asian/Pacific Islander, and 9% non-Hispanic Black. Overall, 223 (80%) were interested in H. pylori screening; of these, 89% would take antibiotics as prescribed. Willingness to screen was consistent across racial and ethnic groups. Among 223 respondents interested in screening, 128 (57%) completed testing with 15 screen-detected cases; all 15 completed treatment, and 11 had confirmed eradication.

Conclusions:

Patients with family history of gastric cancer had a high level of interest in H. pylori screening and successful eradication when detected.

Impact:

A screen-and-treat strategy for H. pylori may be considered for patients with family history of gastric cancer.
Supplementary Figure S.5 from Mathematical Modeling Unveils Optimization Strategies for Targeted Radionuclide Therapy of Blood Cancers
Authors: Kuznetsov Maxim , Adhikarla Vikram , Caserta Enrico , Wang Xiuli , Shively John E. , Pichiorri Flavia , Rockne Russell C.
Published: November 2024

Supplementary Figure S.5
Supplementary Figure S.31 from Mathematical Modeling Unveils Optimization Strategies for Targeted Radionuclide Therapy of Blood Cancers
Authors: Kuznetsov Maxim , Adhikarla Vikram , Caserta Enrico , Wang Xiuli , Shively John E. , Pichiorri Flavia , Rockne Russell C.
Published: November 2024

Supplementary Figure S.31
Supplementary Figure S.29 from Mathematical Modeling Unveils Optimization Strategies for Targeted Radionuclide Therapy of Blood Cancers
Authors: Kuznetsov Maxim , Adhikarla Vikram , Caserta Enrico , Wang Xiuli , Shively John E. , Pichiorri Flavia , Rockne Russell C.
Published: November 2024

Supplementary Figure S.29
Supplementary Figure S.16 from Mathematical Modeling Unveils Optimization Strategies for Targeted Radionuclide Therapy of Blood Cancers
Authors: Kuznetsov Maxim , Adhikarla Vikram , Caserta Enrico , Wang Xiuli , Shively John E. , Pichiorri Flavia , Rockne Russell C.
Published: November 2024

Supplementary Figure S.16
Supplementary Figure S.11 from Mathematical Modeling Unveils Optimization Strategies for Targeted Radionuclide Therapy of Blood Cancers
Authors: Kuznetsov Maxim , Adhikarla Vikram , Caserta Enrico , Wang Xiuli , Shively John E. , Pichiorri Flavia , Rockne Russell C.
Published: November 2024

Supplementary Figure S.11
Supplementary Figure S.10 from Mathematical Modeling Unveils Optimization Strategies for Targeted Radionuclide Therapy of Blood Cancers
Authors: Kuznetsov Maxim , Adhikarla Vikram , Caserta Enrico , Wang Xiuli , Shively John E. , Pichiorri Flavia , Rockne Russell C.
Published: November 2024

Supplementary Figure S.10