bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A toolkit to facilitate skin research participation in underrepresented ethnic populations: A co‐designed, mixed methods refinement exercise
Authors: Choy S. P. , Naveed M. , Prasad J. , Quadry K. , Moorhead L. , Smith C. H. , Mahil S. K.
Published: August 2024

Background

Inclusive, generalisable research is vital to inform evidence‐based patient care. However, people from ethnic minority backgrounds remain underrepresented in research, increasing health disparities in under‐served communities.

Objectives

Codevelop a toolkit to increase the representation of people from ethnic minority groups in skin research.

Methods

Our four‐phase approach comprised: (1) focus group discussions with individuals from ethnic minority groups with skin diseases to identify barriers and enablers to participate in skin research, (2) a narrative literature review, (3) development of a skin research inclusion toolkit, (4) dissemination of findings.

Results

Focus group discussions (phase 1) identified a positive value model (belief in the value of research) and inclusive recruitment strategies (e.g. strong patient–recruiter relationships) as enablers to participation. Barriers included mistrust in research (e.g. poor information on personal data use) and social stigma of skin disease. Our narrative literature review (phase 2) reinforced these themes. Social stigma may accentuate feelings of shame or embarrassment associated with a skin condition. Mistrust is accentuated by a lack of information or understanding about research processes. Understanding distinct motivators for research participation across ethnic groups may help to cultivate a positive value model. Inclusive recruitment strategies should be codeveloped with populations of interest and culturally competent research teams to build lasting partnerships.

Phases 1‐2 informed a skin research inclusion toolkit (phase 3), which recommends researchers formulate (i) an inclusion plan during study design (e.g. consider differences in pathophysiology of skin diseases across ethnic groups), (ii) inclusive enrolment strategies (e.g. skin‐of‐colour education to clinicians and patients to address disease‐associated stigma, codevelop study materials including translations) and (iii) retention strategies (e.g. time or travel reimbursement, timely feedback of findings). In phase 4, findings were disseminated to focus group participants.

Conclusions

Our co‐designed toolkit has the potential to improve ethnic diversity in skin research cohorts to enable more representative findings.
Evaluation of Burn Wound Healing Efficacy and Biocompatibility of Centella asiatica Mediated Synthesised AgNPs Loaded Hybrid Nanofiber Scaffold: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies
Authors: Bozkaya Ogün , Bozkaya Esra , Ekici Hüsamettin , Alçığır Mehmet Eray , Şahin Yaşar , Aytuna Çerçi Nebahat , Karahan Siyami , Yiğitoğlu Mustafa , Vargel İbrahim
Published: August 2024

The aim of this study is to evaluate the cell responses, potential skin reactions during the treatment process and burn wound healing efficacy of electrospun polycaprolactone/polyethylene oxide (PCL/PEO) nanofibers (NFs) containing Centella asiatica mediated synthesized silver nanoparticles (CA‐AgNPs) by in vitro and in vivo studies. Apoptosis‐necrosis, genotoxicity, hemolysis, and cell attachment studies are carried out within the scope of in vitro tests, and irritation, sensitivity, and burn wound studies are carried out within the scope of in vivo tests. The apoptotic index value of CA‐AgNPs‐[PCL/PEO] NFs material on L929 fibroblast cells is determined as 5.0 ± 1.0% at the highest concentration and the necrotic index value is 5.0 ± 0.3%. Micronucleus rates (%) of NFs treated with CHO (Chinese Hamster Ovary) cells are not at genotoxic level. The hemolytic index value of NFs dressing is determined as 0.23 ± 0.03%, The primary irritation index (PII) value of NFs wound dressing is calculated as 0.36 by irritation tests. In addition, the potential sensitization reaction of NFs extract on guinea pigs is evaluated and the sensitization score is determined as 0.9. The healing efficacy of NFs material on second‐degree burn wounds compared to a commercial product is supported by pathomorphological findings.
An IoT Intrusion Detection Approach Based on Salp Swarm and Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Alzubi Omar A. , Alzubi Jafar A. , Qiqieh Issa , Al‐Zoubi Ala' M.
Published: August 2024

The Internet of Things has emerged as a significant and influential technology in modern times. IoT presents solutions to reduce the need for human intervention and emphasizes task automation. According to a Cisco report, there were over 14.7 billion IoT devices in 2023. However, as the number of devices and users utilizing this technology grows, so does the potential for security breaches and intrusions. For instance, insecure IoT devices, such as smart home appliances or industrial sensors, can be vulnerable to hacking attempts. Hackers might exploit these vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or even control the devices remotely. To address and prevent this issue, this work proposes integrating intrusion detection systems (IDSs) with an artificial neural network (ANN) and a salp swarm algorithm (SSA) to enhance intrusion detection in an IoT environment. The SSA functions as an optimization algorithm that selects optimal networks for the multilayer perceptron (MLP). The proposed approach has been evaluated using three novel benchmarks: Edge‐IIoTset, WUSTL‐IIOT‐2021, and IoTID20. Additionally, various experiments have been conducted to assess the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Additionally, a comparison is made between the proposed approach and several approaches from the literature, particularly SVM combined with various metaheuristic algorithms. Then, identify the most crucial features for each dataset to improve detection performance. The SSA‐MLP outperforms the other algorithms with 88.241%, 93.610%, and 97.698% for Edge‐IIoTset, IoTID20, and WUSTL, respectively.
ProKube: Proactive Kubernetes Orchestrator for Inference in Heterogeneous Edge Computing
Authors: Ali Babar , Golec Muhammed , Singh Gill Sukhpal , Cuadrado Felix , Uhlig Steve
Published: August 2024

Deep neural network (DNN) and machine learning (ML) models/ inferences produce highly accurate results demanding enormous computational resources. The limited capacity of end‐user smart gadgets drives companies to exploit computational resources in an edge‐to‐cloud continuum and host applications at user‐facing locations with users requiring fast responses. Kubernetes hosted inferences with poor resource request estimation results in service level agreement (SLA) violation in terms of latency and below par performance with higher end‐to‐end (E2E) delays. Lifetime static resource provisioning either hurts user experience for under‐resource provisioning or incurs cost with over‐provisioning. Dynamic scaling offers to remedy delay by upscaling leading to additional cost whereas a simple migration to another location offering latency in SLA bounds can reduce delay and minimize cost. To address this cost and delay challenges for ML inferences in the inherent heterogeneous, resource‐constrained, and distributed edge environment, we propose ProKube, which is a proactive container scaling and migration orchestrator to dynamically adjust the resources and container locations with a fair balance between cost and delay. ProKube is developed in conjunction with Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) enabling cross‐cluster migration and/ or dynamic scaling. It further supports the regular addition of freshly collected logs into scheduling decisions to handle unpredictable network behavior. Experiments conducted in heterogeneous edge settings show the efficacy of ProKube to its counterparts cost greedy (CG), latency greedy (LG), and GeKube (GK). ProKube offers 68%, 7%, and 64% SLA violation reduction to CG, LG, and GK, respectively, and it improves cost by 4.77 cores to LG and offers more cost of 3.94 to CG and GK.
Investigating trauma in mummified remains using finite element analysis
Authors: Jurda Mikoláš
Published: August 2024

Anthropologists evaluate injuries in skeletal remains by examining their macroscopic and microscopic features, utilizing empirical and theoretical knowledge about trauma formation and healing. Finite element analysis (FEA), which enables computational simulation of the structural stress on bone tissue and skeletal components based on their shape and defined physical properties, could be used to supplement such assessments. This study evaluates FEA's applicability for simulating injuries observed in historical skeletal materials by confronting the method with a lower limb trauma observed in nearly 300‐year‐old mummified remains. The simulations were computed using algorithms integrated into the Mechanical Finder software. Postmortem computed tomography (CT) data were acquired using a Phillips Brilliance CT 64 scanner with a slice thickness of 0.3 mm and a 1024 × 1024 matrix. The dynamic simulations focused on exploring the relationship between the direction and speed of the projectile and the formation and propagation of skeletal trauma. FEA provided insight into the mechanical limits of the affected bones across varying projectile velocities and impact directions. The observed fractures most closely matched the results of the simulation where the projectile struck from the lateral side. The obtained information supplemented the osteological diagnosis based on the visual assessment of the trauma. However, the informational value of the results was reduced because the software did not show the spread of finer fractures and was unable to simulate covering soft tissues. On a general level, Mechanical Finder facilitates the simulation of bone biomechanics primarily through its ability to create nonhomogeneous FEA models directly from CT scans. Nevertheless, its usage remains challenging for experts without a biomechanical background.
Correlation Between Near‐Infrared Autofluorescence Properties and Sestamibi Uptakes of Parathyroid Glands in Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Akgun Ege , Ibrahimli Arturan , Rahman Mobeen , Griffith Christopher , Berber Eren
Published: August 2024

Objective

Near‐infrared autofluorescence (NIRAF) characteristics of parathyroid glands in primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) vary, with unclarity regarding the underlying mechanism. Similarly, 99mTc‐sestamibi uptake in diseased parathyroid glands is variable. There is a suggestion that oxyphilic cell content may influence both imaging modalities. This study aims to analyze the relationship between NIRAF imaging characteristics, 99mTc‐sestamibi uptake, and cellular composition in pHPT.

Study Design

Retrospective analysis of an Institutional Review Board‐monitored prospective database.

Setting

Single tertiary referral center.

Methods

NIRAF characteristics of parathyroid glands of patients with pHPT between 2019 and 2024 were compared with 99mTc‐sestamibi scan findings from a prospective database. Using third‐party software, brightness intensity and heterogeneity index (HI) of the glands were calculated. A subgroup of parathyroid glands obtained from consecutive patients with pHPT in 2020 to 2021 underwent histological analysis.

Results

A total of 428 patients with 638 diseased parathyroid glands were analyzed. Forty‐seven percent of the glands showed an uptake on 99mTc‐sestamibi scans. The brightness intensity of the NIRAF signals from parathyroid glands that were seen versus not seen on sestamibi was 2.1 versus 2.3 (P = .002) and HI 0.18 versus 0.17 (P = .35), respectively. On multivariate analysis, low autofluorescence intensity, high gland volume, and single adenoma were associated with detectability on 99mTc‐sestamibi scan (P < .0001). Intraglandular adipose tissue content was lower in diseased glands that were detected on 99mTc‐sestamibi scans (0% vs 5%, P < .0001).

Conclusion

Our findings indicate an inverse relationship between autofluorescence intensity and detectability on 99mTc‐sestamibi scans and a lack of correlation between different cell types and autofluorescence properties.
Diffusion‐Weighted MRI for Recurrent/Persistent Head and Neck Squamous‐Cell Carcinoma After Radiotherapy: Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Canali Luca , Costantino Andrea , Mari Giulia , Festa Bianca Maria , Russo Elena , Giannitto Caterina , Spriano Giuseppe , De Virgilio Armando
Published: August 2024

Objective

To evaluate the accuracy of diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI‐MRI) in diagnosing persistent/recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) after primary chemoradiotherapy (CRT).

Data Sources

Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant publications until April 18, 2023.

Review Methods

A systematic review and meta‐analysis was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses of Diagnostic Test Accuracy statement. The search was conducted independently by 2 investigators. Methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Studies‐2 questionnaire. Extracted data were used to calculate the pooled DWI‐MRI sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio, and positive and negative likelihood ratio.

Results

A total of 618 patients from 10 studies were included for calculation of diagnostic accuracy parameters. At the level of the primary tumor, the pooled sensitivity and specificity were, respectively, 0.96 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.89‐1.00) and 0.81 (95% CI: 0.54‐0.98) in the case of qualitative analysis, and, respectively, 0.79 (95% CI: 0.66‐0.89) and 0.88 (95% CI: 0.77‐0.96) for quantitative analysis. At the level of the neck, the pooled sensitivity and specificity were, respectively, 0.87 (95% CI: 0.75‐0.95) and 0.84 (95% CI: 0.74‐0.93) when images were analyzed qualitatively, and 0.79 (95% CI: 0.60‐0.94) and 0.90 (95% CI: 0.82‐0.97) when analyzed quantitatively.

Conclusion

DWI‐MRI showed high diagnostic accuracy and should be considered if persistent/recurrent HNSCCs is suspected after primary CRT. No significant differences were found between qualitative and quantitative imaging assessment.
Efficacy of Minor Salivary Glands as Indicators of Depth of Resection for Superficial Hypopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Sakagami Tomofumi , Noda Yuri , Nakamura Naohiro , Suzuki Kensuke , Fujisawa Takuo , Yagi Masao , Kawasaki Hiroto , Egawa Hiromasa , Sumita Wataru , Tsuta Koji , Iwai Hiroshi
Published: August 2024

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the utility of minor salivary glands in the hypopharynx as novel indicators for safe resection of superficial hypopharyngeal carcinomas with fewer complications.

Study Design

Cadaveric study.

Setting

Cadavers were stored in the pathology laboratory at Kansai Medical University.

Methods

Twenty‐three cadaveric specimens were examined for minor salivary glands in the pyriform sinus, posterior wall, and postcricoid regions of the hypopharynx. Their count, size, and depth were assessed. Resected specimens from 5 consecutive patients with superficial hypopharyngeal carcinomas were pathologically analyzed to determine the positional relationship between cancer and minor salivary glands.

Results

Minor salivary glands were present in more than 70% of patients in each region during autopsy, with the postcricoid region having a larger count and size. The glands were universally present, regardless of sex, height, or body mass index. Minor salivary glands in the pyriform sinus and postcricoid region were present at a depth of 30% from the bottom of the submucosal layer, whereas those in the posterior wall were present in the shallow muscularis. During surgery, endoscopic findings revealed minor salivary glands as small white nodules in the submucosal layer. Pathological examination of the resected specimen confirmed that the white nodule was a minor salivary gland. In addition, tumor position in relation to minor salivary glands provided an adequate margin for resection.

Conclusion

Minor salivary glands may serve as reliable indicators for determining adequate deep safety margins during surgery for superficial hypopharyngeal carcinoma.
Examining the content validity of the Comprehensive Assessment of Functioning for Mental Illness‐Subjective Version (CAMI‐S) with reference to the framework of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF)
Authors: Amagasa Takashi , Inagaki Akiko , Suzuki Wataru , Suzukamo Yoshimi , Nagai Kuniyoshi , Sawada Kingo , Inadomi Hiroyuki , Mukaiyachi Ikuyoshi , Anzai Nobuo , Ikebuchi Emi , Niwa Shinichi
Published: August 2024

Aim

To support the achievement of life goals and social participation of persons with mental illness, based on the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF), we generated items, identified domains, and examined the content validity of the Comprehensive Assessment of Functioning for Mental Illness‐Subjective Version (CAMI‐S). The purpose was to assess patients' strengths and weaknesses by incorporating the patient and public involvement perspective.

Methods

Focus group interviews on the items to be included were conducted with Group A. A draft scale was constructed by extracting articles mentioning factors for social participation and recovery for each ICF component from PubMed. Group B participants rated themselves using the draft and highlighted items they considered inappropriate. Experts then rated the importance of the items through the Delphi method. Lastly, Group C participants evaluated whether the draft scale would help in understanding their strengths and weaknesses.

Results

The interviews revealed subjective experience items. The draft scale had 81 items (physical and mental functions, 10; activities, 23; participation, 24; environment, 12; individuals, six; and subjective experience, six). Through the Delphi method, the number of items was reduced to 34 in six domains. Most participants (N = 50) indicated that it helped them ascertain patients' strengths and weaknesses (mean = 2.11 ± .714). Completion time for the scale was 56 min, including the 60‐item face sheet (20–110 min).

Conclusion

The CAMI‐S helped participants ascertain patients' strengths and weaknesses. Its reliability and validity will be verified through a large‐scale survey in the future.
Lack of Evidence for Vaccine‐Associated Enhanced Disease From COVID‐19 Vaccines Among Adults in the Vaccine Safety Datalink
Authors: Boyce Thomas G. , McClure David L. , Hanson Kayla E. , Daley Matthew F. , DeSilva Malini B. , Irving Stephanie A. , Jackson Lisa A. , Klein Nicola P. , Lewin Bruno , Williams Joshua T. B. , Duffy Jonathan , McNeil Michael M. , Weintraub Eric S. , Belongia Edward A.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Vaccine‐associated enhanced disease (VAED) is a theoretical concern with new vaccines, although trials of authorized vaccines against SARS‐CoV‐2 have not identified markers for VAED. The purpose of this study was to detect any signals for VAED among adults vaccinated against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19).

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, we assessed COVID‐19 severity as a proxy for VAED among 400 adults hospitalized for COVID‐19 from March through October 2021 at eight US healthcare systems. Primary outcomes were admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) and severe illness (score ≥6 on the World Health Organization [WHO] Clinical Progression Scale). We compared the risk of outcomes among those who had completed a COVID‐19 vaccine primary series versus those who were unvaccinated. We incorporated inverse propensity weights for vaccination status in a doubly robust regression model to estimate the causal average treatment effect.

Results

The causal risk ratio in vaccinated versus unvaccinated was 0.36 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.15–0.94) for ICU admission and 0.46 (95% CI, 0.25–0.76) for severe illness.

Conclusion

Among hospitalized patients, reduced disease severity in those vaccinated against COVID‐19 supports the absence of VAED.
Frontal polymerization for UV‐ and thermally initiated EPON 826 resin
Authors: Esposito Gabrielle , Tandon Gyaneshwar , Abbott Andrew , Butcher Dennis , Koerner Hilmar
Published: August 2024

Frontal polymerization has great potential in complementing additive manufacturing processes such as direct ink writing as a continuous cure synchronized to the printing speed can overcome issues such as sagging. To study the incorporation of frontal polymerization into a potential printing process, a frontally polymerizable DGEBA epoxy resin has been developed for both UV and thermal initiation. Through frontal polymerization alone, full conversion is observed with a starting glass transition of 150°C for both initiation methods. Resulting thermal behavior is shown to have little dependence on either initiation irradiance or temperature utilized and much greater dependence on initiator concentration in the resin. Mechanical behavior is maximized by varying initiator concentration and cure conditions achieving tensile stress of 75 MPa and K1C of 1.2 MPa‐m1/2. Shelf stability of the resin proves promising with no viscosity change after 12 weeks of room temperature storage. Future studies will concern adapting the resin for both direct ink writing and continuous fiber additive manufacturing applications.

Highlights

Frontal polymerization of EPON 826 using RICFP

Utilized a tetrakis borate containing diaryliodonium cationic initiator

Stable and polymerizable after 12 weeks

Resin printed and frontally cured using UV initiation
Ultra‐thin benzalkonium chloride‐doped poly(lactic acid) electrospun mat
Authors: Özdil Şener Sena , Samatya Yilmaz Sema , Doganci Merve Dandan , Uzuner Hüseyin , Doganci Erdinc
Published: August 2024

In this study, poly(lactic acid), poly(ethylene glycol), and benzalkonium chloride with different concentrations (3, 5, 7, and 9%wt.) (PLA/PEG/BCL) composite electrospun mats were produced. PLA is a non‐toxic polymer with high biocompatibility and biodegradability. However, it may be fragile due to its structure. Therefore, in this study, PEG was used as a plasticizer to improve the structural properties of PLA and it was aimed at providing antibacterial properties by adding BCL salt. Its use as an antibacterial composite nanomaterial effective against Gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Gram‐negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacterial cultures and as a dermal wound dressing material has been examined in two different areas. The addition of BCL salt reduced the bead formation in PLA/PEG nanofibers and increased the homogeneity of fiber dispersion. 9% BCL‐doped composite nanofiber was obtained as the smoothest and most homogeneous surface. This mat was reported to have the highest ductility. The low Tm of pure BCL salt enabled the Tg temperature of PLA/PEG/BCL composite nanofibers to be observed. It was observed that as the BCL salt ratio increased, the T5 and T10 temperatures of the nanofibers decreased and then increased. BCL‐doped mats exhibited liquid absorption behavior in the range of 497%–708%. PLA/PEG/BCL composite nanofibers showed high toxicity to the L929 fibroblast cell line. So, it has been reported that it cannot be used as a dermal wound dressing. PLA/PEG/BCL composite nanomaterials were reported to have 99.99% antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. It was suggested that it could be used in antibacterial coating applications by taking into account modern nanocoating technology.

Highlights

Poly(lactic acid), poly(ethylene glycol), and benzalkonium chloride (PLA/PEG/BCL) composite electrospun mats were produced.

The addition of BCL salt reduced the bead formation in PLA/PEG nanofibers and increased the homogeneity of fiber dispersion.

9% BCL‐doped composite nanofiber was obtained as the smoothest and most homogeneous surface.

PLA/PEG/BCL composite nanofibers showed high toxicity to the L929 fibroblast cell line.

PLA/PEG/BCL composite nanomaterials were reported to have 99.99% antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus.
High‐temperature energy storage performance of polyetherimide all‐organic composites enhanced by hindering charge hopping and molecular motion
Authors: Lin Songjia , Min Daomin , Wang Shihang , Hao Yutao , Song Xiaofan , Ji Minzun
Published: August 2024

Dielectric capacitors are widely used in aerospace, power systems, and other fields. Working environments with ever‐increasing temperatures pose a new challenge to energy storage performance. Polyetherimide (PEI) has gained extensive research for its good high‐temperature properties. In order to further improve its energy storage performance at high temperatures, many researchers have worked on PEI all‐organic composites doping with molecular semiconductors. Previous studies generally only considered the effect of introduced deep traps on macroscopic properties such as electrical conductivity, electrical breakdown, and energy storage performance. It has been shown that only qualitative analyses can be performed from the perspective of charge trapping, and it is difficult to obtain quantitative results. Therefore, this work proposes to study the macroscopic properties of polymer dielectrics by combining charge trapping with molecular displacement. A comprehensive conduction‐breakdown‐energy storage model was established to explain the influence mechanism of molecular semiconductors on the improved energy storage performance of PEI composites at high temperatures. The molecular semiconductor fillers increase the coefficient of friction between molecular chains, which restricts the movement of molecular chains and also limits charge hopping. Therefore, the dielectrics have higher breakdown strengths and smaller conduction losses, which synergistically enhance the energy storage performance.
The Ginkgo—Covid connection
Authors: Del Tredici Peter
Published: August 2024

Social Impact Statement

Gingko biloba is an iconic tree with a surprising connection to the SARS and Covid viruses that have impacted human health since 2003. Natural history studies on the ecology of Gingko seed dispersal by Carnivoran scavengers in Asia over the past 30 plus years have elucidated the deep evolutionary history that not only makes these animals effective at spreading seeds but also predisposes them to become intermediate hosts for spreading diseases to humans. Understanding the behavioral traits that underlie these kinds of plant–animal interactions has the potential to help people limit the spread of future spillover diseases.

Raccoon dogs and masked palm civets are Carnivoran scavengers native to Eastern Asia that have been documented feeding on the malodorous sarcotesta of Ginkgo biloba seeds and effectively dispersing the hard nuts they contain. Research has shown that their immune systems are genetically enhanced to protect them from the disease‐causing organisms they might pick up from their omnivorous diets that include live and dead animals. Both species are farmed for fur and meat across China and, up until recently, were commonly sold in “wet” markets. Research has determined that the palm civet played a role in spreading the SARS virus to humans in 2003 and that the raccoon dog may have played a similar role in spreading Covid in Wuhan in 2019, although this has not been proven. In areas where Ginkgo is cultivated, there are numerous internet reports of Carnivorans feeding on its seeds indicating that its dispersal strategy of attracting scavengers by mimicking the smell of carrion is adaptive and effective.
Modern predictors and management of incidental prostate cancer at holmium enucleation of prostate
Authors: Li Eric V. , Lee Matthew S. , Guo Jenny , Dean Nicholas , Kumar Sai , Mi Xinlei , Zhou Ruoji , Neill Clayton , Yang Ximing , Ross Ashley E. , Krambeck Amy E.
Published: August 2024

Background

To evaluate contemporary preoperative risk factors and subsequent postoperative management of incidental prostate cancer (iPCa) and incidental clinically significant prostate cancer (icsPCa, Grade Group [GG] ≥ 2 PCa).

Methods

A retrospective cohort of 811 men undergoing Holmium enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) (January 2021–July 2022) were identified. Advanced preoperative testing was defined as prostate health index (PHI), prostate MRI, and/or negative preoperative biopsy. Descriptive statistics (Whitney‐Mann U test, Chi‐squared test) and multivariable logistic regression were performed.

Results

iPCa and icsPCa detection rates were 12.8% (104/811) and 4.4% (36/811), respectively. Advanced preoperative testing (406/811, 50%) was associated with younger age and higher (prostate specific antigen) PSA, prostate volume, and PSA density. On multivariable analysis, PHI ≥ 55 was associated with iPCa (OR 6.91, 95% CI 1.85‐26.3, p = 0.004), and % free PSA (%fPSA) was associated with icsPCa (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.67, 0.94, p = 0.01). GG1 disease comprised the majority of iPCa (65%, 68/104) with median 1% involvement. iPCa patients were followed with active surveillance (median follow up 9.3 months), with higher risk patients receiving prostate MRI and confirmatory biopsy. Three patients proceeded to radical prostatectomy or radiation.

Conclusions

In the era of MRI and advanced biomarkers, the majority of iPCa following HoLEP is low volume GG1 suitable for active surveillance. A tentative follow‐up strategy is proposed. Patients with PHI ≥ 55 or low %fPSA, even with negative prostate MRI, can consider preoperative prostate biopsy before HoLEP.
Impact of selexipag maintenance dose on persistence, adherence, and hospitalization in US patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Burger Charles D. , Tang Wenze , Tsang Yuen , Panjabi Sumeet
Published: August 2024

Selexipag is an oral selective agonist of the prostacyclin receptor approved to treat adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Selexipag is initiated at a dose of 200 μg twice daily (bid) and usually titrated up by 200 μg bid weekly (per label) or more slowly (e.g., every other week in real‐world clinical practice) to the highest tolerated individualized dose (ID) ranging from 200 to 1600 µg bid. In the Phase 3 GRIPHON trial, selexipag delayed disease progression and reduced risk of PAH‐related hospitalization compared with placebo; the effect was consistent across three prespecified ID groups: low (200–400 µg bid), medium (600–1000 µg bid), and high (1200–1600 µg bid). This study evaluated patient outcomes across selexipag dose ranges in real‐world practice. Data were analyzed from 1186 US adult patients with PAH on selexipag from the Komodo closed‐claims database (2015‒2022). Of these, 634 (53.5%) patients completed titration and reached their selexipag ID (43.8% high ID, 29.8% medium ID, 26.3% low ID). Subsequently, 72.4% of patients in the low ID group had dose adjustments compared with 61.9% (medium ID) and 34.5% (high ID; standardized mean difference 0.63). There were no significant differences in patient outcomes, i,e, persistence (time to discontinuation) and risk of all‐cause and PAH‐related hospitalization across ID groups. The findings in this diverse, real‐world population of patients with PAH reinforced an individualized approach to the dosing scheme to maximize benefit‐risk and achieve the highest tolerated dose with selexipag similar to findings from the GRIPHON trial and other studies.
Association between parental well‐being and preschooler stress measured as hair cortisol concentration: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Kang Yun‐Shiang , Chien Ling‐Chu , Huang Jian‐Pei , Fan Yen‐Tzu , Lin Wen‐Yi , Chakranon Pairote , Au Heng‐Kien , Chen Yi‐Yung , Chao Hsing Jasmine , Kim Pilyoung , Chen Yi‐Hua
Published: August 2024

Hair cortisol concentration (HCC) is a valuable biomarker for evaluating chronic stress in preschoolers. However, few studies have explored early life HCC and its associated factors. This prospective cohort study analysed the HCC in children aged 6–48 months and its associations with parental HCC as well as positive and negative parental mental health outcomes. We used data from the ongoing Longitudinal Examination Across Prenatal and Postpartum Health in Taiwan (LEAPP‐HIT) project, conducted in Taipei between 2020 and 2024. Hair samples were collected from both parents and children in 177 families (91 samples obtained during pregnancy and 86 during the postpartum period). The parents also completed self‐reported questionnaires. Multiple linear regression was conducted to analyse the data. We observed a significant positive correlation between parents' and preschoolers' HCC. Furthermore, maternal depression (adjusted beta coefficient [aβ] = 0.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.02, 0.16) and perceived stress (aβ = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.02, 0.26) were positively associated with preschoolers' HCC. By contrast, higher maternal eudaimonia was associated with lower HCC in preschoolers (aβ = −0.11, 95% CI = −0.20, −0.01). For parents, maternal depression, anxiety, and perceived stress were independently associated with an increased HCC during the postnatal period, whereas maternal eudaimonia was negatively associated with HCC. Our results indicate that both mothers and fathers affect children's responses to stress. Assessment of cortisol stress hormone concentrations through hair samples can be a key means of detecting preschoolers' stress levels and enabling early intervention.
Assessing hazing prevention programs for learning
Authors: Davis Kimberly Rogers , Simeon Akeya , Sutton Emily Anne Pride
Published: August 2024

As institutions implement more comprehensive hazing prevention efforts, assessment is a necessary strategy for ensuring that programs and services for students are achieving their intended outcomes, especially as hazing behaviors change and evolve. Using a multi‐stage student learning and development outcomes cycle, this article outlines steps to assess student learning gained from hazing prevention programs, describes assessment strategies, and provides practice recommendations.
Enhancing flexibility and durability of PVC with liquid epoxidized natural rubber: Innovative UV treatment to mitigate plasticizer migration
Authors: Liew Jin Jing , Yusof Nurul Hayati , Ang Desmond Teck‐Chye
Published: August 2024

This manuscript elucidates the preparation and utilization of liquid epoxidized natural rubber (LENR) with 50 mol% epoxidation level (LENR50) as a polymeric plasticizer for poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), and further immobilization of the plasticizer in the plastic matrix through subsequent ultraviolet (UV)‐curing treatment. The plasticizing effect induced by LENR50 at 50 wt% loading was evident with a reduction of Tg from a high of 72.0 to 11.4°C. Positive enhancements were also documented in the mechanical properties of the LENR50‐plasticized PVC, specifically the big improvement in elongation at break and elastic modulus, from 106% to 430%, and from 646 to 7 MPa, respectively. The UV‐treated PVC/LENR film also exhibited superior resistance to migration compared with formulations with conventional plasticizers such as di‐2‐ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and triethyl‐2‐acetyl citrate (ATEC). A similar outcome was recorded in the leaching resistance test, where LENR50 had the best resistance to leaching in four different solvents (water, soap solution, ethanol, and toluene). The LENR50‐plasticized PVC film recorded the lowest weight loss following 24 h immersion in both hydrophilic and lipophilic solvents. The findings from this study suggest that LENR50 could serve as an efficient bio‐based polymeric plasticizer for PVC.

Highlights

LENR as bio‐based polymeric plasticizer for PVC.

Significant reduction in Tg and elastic modulus of PVC plasticized with LENR.

UV treatment improved tensile strength and elongation at break of LENR/PVC film.

UV‐treated PVC/LENR has superior plasticizer migration and leaching resistance.
Sulfated cellulose nanocrystal isolated from waste cotton fabrics by deep eutectic solvent and its application in polymer nanocomposite films
Authors: Zhao Lebin , Zhang Yutong , Pan Yu , Dong Chaohong , Huang Xiujuan , Zhang Gangqiang , Zhang Kaitao
Published: August 2024

The growing utilization of textiles raises concerns about the ecological hazards of textile production methods and discarded textiles. The recycling and reusing of waste cotton materials align with the sustainable development of society. In this study, sulfated cellulose was synthesized by sulfating waste cotton using a deep eutectic solvent (DES). After nanofibrillation with ultrasonication, sulfated cellulose nanocrystal (SCNC) with an average width of 10.83 nm and an average length of 129.40 nm was produced. The thermal properties of the synthesized SCNC were significantly enhanced compared to the pristine cellulose, with a notable reduction of 87.1% in the peak heat release rate, as well as an 86.6% reduction in the total heat release. Additionally, when utilized as a reinforcement in poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) films, SCNC demonstrated a substantial rise in yield strength (from 62.3 to 94.8 MPa) and Young's modulus (from 2.7 to 4.4 GPa) of the PVA films. Furthermore, the incorporation of SCNC into composites increased the thermal stability while maintaining the high transparency (with light transmission higher than 84%), which has good potential for application in the electronic packaging field.

Highlights

SCNC were successfully prepared from waste cotton using DES.

Extracted SCNC were characterized using TEM, FTIR, XRD, TGA and MCC.

SCNC enhanced the yield strength and thermal stability of PVA composites.

Transparent and mechanically robust PVA‐based nanocomposites were created.
Cyclase-associated protein (CAP) inhibits inverted formin 2 (INF2) to induce dendritic spine maturation
Authors: Schuldt Cara , Khudayberdiev Sharof , Chandra Ben-David , Linne Uwe , Rust Marco B.
Published: August 2024

The morphology of dendritic spines, the postsynaptic compartment of most excitatory synapses, decisively modulates the function of neuronal circuits as also evident from human brain disorders associated with altered spine density or morphology. Actin filaments (F-actin) form the backbone of spines, and a number of actin-binding proteins (ABP) have been implicated in shaping the cytoskeleton in mature spines. Instead, only little is known about the mechanisms that control the reorganization from unbranched F-actin of immature spines to the complex, highly branched cytoskeleton of mature spines. Here, we demonstrate impaired spine maturation in hippocampal neurons upon genetic inactivation of cyclase-associated protein 1 (CAP1) and CAP2, but not of CAP1 or CAP2 alone. We found a similar spine maturation defect upon overactivation of inverted formin 2 (INF2), a nucleator of unbranched F-actin with hitherto unknown synaptic function. While INF2 overactivation failed in altering spine density or morphology in CAP-deficient neurons, INF2 inactivation largely rescued their spine defects. From our data we conclude that CAPs inhibit INF2 to induce spine maturation. Since we previously showed that CAPs promote cofilin1-mediated cytoskeletal remodeling in mature spines, we identified them as a molecular switch that control transition from filopodia-like to mature spines.
Exact hydrodynamic manifolds for the linear Boltzmann BGK equation I: spectral theory
Authors: Kogelbauer Florian , Karlin Ilya
Published: August 2024

We perform a complete spectral analysis of the linear three-dimensional Boltzmann BGK operator resulting in an explicit transcendental equation for the eigenvalues. Using the theory of finite-rank perturbations, we confirm the existence of a critical wave number$$k_{\textrm{crit}}$$kcritwhich limits the number of hydrodynamic modes in the frequency space. This implies that there are only finitely many isolated eigenvalues above the essential spectrum at each wave number, thus showing the existence of a finite-dimensional, well-separated linear hydrodynamic manifold as a combination of invariant eigenspaces. The obtained results can serve as a benchmark for validating approximate theories of hydrodynamic closures and moment methods and provides the basis for the spectral closure operator.
Quantitative Homogenization for the Obstacle Problem and Its Free Boundary
Authors: Aleksanyan Gohar , Kuusi Tuomo
Published: August 2024

In this manuscript we prove quantitative homogenization results for the obstacle problem with bounded measurable coefficients. As a consequence, large-scale regularity results both for the solution and the free boundary for the heterogeneous obstacle problem are derived.
Speed and efficiency: evaluating pulmonary nodule detection with AI-enhanced 3D gradient echo imaging
Authors: Ziegelmayer Sebastian , Marka Alexander W. , Strenzke Maximilian , Lemke Tristan , Rosenkranz Hannah , Scherer Bernadette , Huber Thomas , Weiss Kilian , Makowski Marcus R. , Karampinos Dimitrios C. , Graf Markus , Gawlitza Joshua
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Evaluating the diagnostic feasibility of accelerated pulmonary MR imaging for detection and characterisation of pulmonary nodules with artificial intelligence-aided compressed sensing.

Materials and methods

In this prospective trial, patients with benign and malignant lung nodules admitted between December 2021 and December 2022 underwent chest CT and pulmonary MRI. Pulmonary MRI used a respiratory-gated 3D gradient echo sequence, accelerated with a combination of parallel imaging, compressed sensing, and deep learning image reconstruction with three different acceleration factors (CS-AI-7, CS-AI-10, and CS-AI-15). Two readers evaluated image quality (5-point Likert scale), nodule detection and characterisation (size and morphology) of all sequences compared to CT in a blinded setting. Reader agreement was determined using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

Thirty-seven patients with 64 pulmonary nodules (solid n = 57 [3–107 mm] part-solid n = 6 [ground glass/solid 8 mm/4–28 mm/16 mm] ground glass nodule n = 1 [20 mm]) were analysed. Nominal scan times were CS-AI-7 3:53 min; CS-AI-10 2:34 min; CS-AI-15 1:50 min. CS-AI-7 showed higher image quality, while quality remained diagnostic even for CS-AI-15. Detection rates of pulmonary nodules were 100%, 98.4%, and 96.8% for CS-AI factors 7, 10, and 15, respectively. Nodule morphology was best at the lowest acceleration and was inferior to CT in only 5% of cases, compared to 10% for CS-AI-10 and 23% for CS-AI-15. The nodule size was comparable for all sequences and deviated on average < 1 mm from the CT size.

Conclusion

The combination of compressed sensing and AI enables a substantial reduction in the scan time of lung MRI while maintaining a high detection rate of pulmonary nodules.

Clinical relevance statement

Incorporating compressed sensing and AI in pulmonary MRI achieves significant time savings without compromising nodule detection or characteristics. This advancement holds clinical promise, enhancing efficiency in lung cancer screening without sacrificing diagnostic quality.

Key Points

Lung cancer screening by MRI may be possible but would benefit from scan time optimisation.

Significant scan time reduction, high detection rates, and preserved nodule characteristics were achieved across different acceleration factors.

Integrating compressed sensing and AI in pulmonary MRI offers efficient lung cancer screening without compromising diagnostic quality.
Effect of medial stabilizer chest position on pectus bar dislocation
Authors: Melhado Caroline , Highet Alexandra , Mukherjee Neal , Ozgediz Doruk , Idowu Olajire , Kim Sunghoon
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The current standard method for pectus excavatum (PE) repair is the Nuss procedure. One major postoperative complication is the displacement of the implanted metal bar, which is used to remodel the chest wall. Blocking the possible ways that the bar can be displaced with the use of stabilizers and peri/intracostal sutures has reduced the incidence of bar displacement. Despite the modifications, bar dislocation is often reported. We adopted the medial position stabilizer placement method and imposed no postoperative restrictions. In this study, we analyzed the bar dislocation rate with this modification and concurrent postoperative full activity.

Methods

Nuss procedure modification where stabilizers are placed bilaterally in the medial location was done on patients irrespective of age and Haller index greater than 3.25. A single bar was used for all patients. Cryoanalgesia was performed on every patient. No postoperative restrictions were imposed on the patients. Full immediate activities, including sports, were allowed.

Results

114 patients (103 male, 11 female) were analyzed from 2016 to 2023. The median age was 15 years old. There was zero incidence of bar displacement. The combined incidence of other postoperative complications was 4%: 2 wound infections and 2 hematoma formations, both needing incision and drainage.

Conclusion

Bilateral medial stabilizer placement resulted in no incidence of bar dislocation. Return to immediate full activities after the Nuss procedure did not appear to increase the incidence of bar displacement if stabilizers were placed medially.
Training with reduced carbohydrate availability affects markers of bone resorption and formation in male academy soccer players from the English Premier League
Authors: Stables Reuben , Anderson Liam , Sale Craig , Hannon Marcus P. , Dunn Rachel , Tang Jonathan C. Y. , Fraser William D. , Costello Nessan B. , Close Graeme L. , Morton James P.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

To test the hypothesis that training with reduced carbohydrate (CHO) availability increases bone resorption in adolescent soccer players.

Methods

In a randomised crossover design, ten male players (age: 17.4 ± 0.8 years) from an English Premier League academy completed an acute 90-min field-based training session (occurring between 10:30–12:00) in conditions of high (TRAIN HIGH; 1.5 g.kg−1, 60 g, 1.5 g.kg−1 and 1.5 g.kg−1 consumed at 08:00, during training, 12:30 and 13:30, respectively) or low CHO availability (TRAIN LOW; 0 g.kg−1). Participants also completed a non-exercise trial (REST) under identical dietary conditions to TRAIN LOW. Venous blood samples were obtained at 08:30, 10:30, 12:30 and 14:30 for assessment of bone resorption (βCTX), bone formation (PINP) and calcium metabolism (PTH and ACa).

Results

External training load did not differ (all P > 0.05) between TRAIN HIGH and TRAIN LOW, as evident for total distance (5.6 ± 0.8; 5.5 ± 0.1 km), average speed (81 ± 9; 85 ± 12 m.min−1) and high-speed running (350 ± 239; 270 ± 89 m). Area under the curve for both βCTX and PINP was significantly greater (P < 0.01 and P = 0.03) in TRAIN LOW versus TRAIN HIGH, whilst no differences in PTH or ACa (P = 0.11 and P = 0.89) were observed between all three trials.

Conclusion

CHO restriction before, during and after an acute soccer training session increased bone (re)modelling markers in academy players. Despite acute anabolic effects of bone formation, the long-term consequence of bone resorption may impair skeletal development and increase injury risk during growth and maturation.