bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delayed Administration of IGFBP7 Improved Bone Defect Healing via ZO‐1 Dependent Vessel Stabilization
Authors: Sun Shiyu , Li Yao , Li Yuman , Niu Yuting , Hu Zhewen , Deng Chenyu , Chen Yiming , Hu Bo , Huang Ying , Deng Xuliang
Published: December 2024

The vascular response following injury is pivotal for successful bone‐defect repair but constitutes a major hurdle in the field of regenerative medicine. Throughout this process, vessel stabilization is crucial to provide an adequate nutrient supply and facilitate efficient waste removal. Therefore, this study investigated whether promoting vascular stabilization improves bone defect repair outcomes. The findings show that insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein (IGFBP) 7 exhibits a novel biological function in attenuating vascular permeability and enhancing vascular wall integrity. The potential underlying mechanism involves the up‐regulation of insulin‐like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) expression by IGFBP7 on endothelial cell membrane, followed by activation of the downstream PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and upregulated expression of the tight junction protein zonula occludens‐1 (ZO‐1). IGFBP7 delayed administration in mice with cranial defects significantly improved bone defect healing by increasing ZO‐1 and CD31 co‐localization within vessel walls and optimizing the perfusion function of the final vascular network. Furthermore, the application of the typical tight junction regulator AT1001 effectively promoted ZO‐1‐dependent vascular stabilization and facilitated bone defect repair. This study presents a new approach to enhance bone defect healing via vascular stabilization‐targeted interventions and significantly advances the understanding of the complex interplay between osteogenesis and angiogenesis in bone defect healing.
Novel hormonal agents in men with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer and reduced performance status: Experiences of a specialized single center
Authors: Büttner Thomas , Lossin Philipp , Latz Stefan , Jacobs Carolin , Krausewitz Philipp , Hauser Stefan
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Attaining castration resistance in metastatic prostate cancer (mCRPC) represents a pivotal juncture in the progression of the patient's illness and treatment regimen. Within this therapeutic context, novel hormonal agents (NHA) constitute a fundamental component of pharmacological intervention. However, the efficacy of NHA therapy remains uncertain for patients with a compromised general condition, as indicated by an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG PS) score of ≥2. Notably, most clinical trials excluded individuals with an ECOG PS ≥2, leaving a gap in our understanding of the potential benefits of NHA therapy for this specific patient cohort.

Methods

We conducted an analysis of fifty‐three NHA‐naïve men characterized by attaining mCRPC at an ECOG PS of ≥2 subsequent to androgen deprivation monotherapy between 2008 and 2023. Patients were then treated with either NHA or Best Supportive Care (BSC) based on individual decisions. Survival and adverse event (AE) analysis was performed to assess the outcomes of NHA therapy compared to BSC.

Results

Among the patients, 30 (56.6%) received NHA, whereas the remaining 23 (43.4%) choose BSC. No significant differences in baseline characteristics were observed between the NHA and BSC group. Median overall survival (OS) was 9.1 months in the BSC group and 7.0 months in the NHA group, with no significant OS benefits associated with NHA treatment. AEs and severe AEs commonly occurred, but remained indifferent between treatment groups.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that NHA therapy may confer reduced survival benefits in mCRPC patients with ECOG PS ≥2. While hope for NHA treatment persists, particularly given its oral administration and tolerability, careful consideration and discussion with patients regarding treatment expectations and palliative care goals are warranted in this challenging patient population.
Factors associated with hypercholesterolemia in older adults: A cross‐sectional investigation
Authors: de Oliveira Maria Clara Alves , Andrade Júlia Perfeito , Porto Ana Carolina Souza , Martins Gizelly Maria Torres , Campos Nurielly Monteiro , da Fonseca Valença Neto Paulo , De Almeida Claudio Bispo , Meira Saulo Sacramento , Roriz Beatriz Cardoso , da Silva Débora Jesus , Accetta Victor Giovannino , Casotti Cezar Augusto , dos Santos Lucas
Published: December 2024

Objective

To investigate the factors associated with hypercholesterolemia in older adults residing in a small municipality in northeastern Brazil.

Methods

This is a population‐based cross‐sectional epidemiological study conducted with 232 older adults (women: 58.60%; men: 41.40%) in Aiquara, Bahia, Brazil. Independent variables included socioeconomic, behavioral, and health‐related factors. The outcome was self‐reported hypercholesterolemia (yes or no). Poisson regression with a robust estimator was used to calculate Prevalence Ratios (PR) and their respective 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) in the inferential analysis. Gross models were initially developed, followed by a hierarchical multiple explanatory model (Level 1: socioeconomic variables; Level 2: behavioral aspects; Level 3: health conditions).

Results

The observed prevalence of hypercholesterolemia was 34.50% (men: 21.90%; women: 43.40%). Additionally, a higher probability of hypercholesterolemia was observed in women (PR: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.27–2.97); participants with high sedentary behavior (PR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.03–2.09); those with abdominal obesity (PR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.06–2.57); and those with diabetes mellitus (PR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.04–2.29).

Conclusion

The main results showed that female sex, high sedentary behavior, abdominal obesity, and diabetes mellitus were positively associated with hypercholesterolemia in the older population of the study.
Bowel preparation and surgical site infections in laparoscopic and robot‐assisted right‐sided colon cancer surgery with intracorporeal anastomosis: A retrospective study
Authors: Ozawa Naoya , Yamaguchi Tomohiro , Kozu Takumi , Noguchi Tatsuki , Sakamoto Takashi , Matsui Shimpei , Mukai Toshiki , Akiyoshi Takashi , Fukunaga Yosuke
Published: December 2024

Aim

Previous studies have examined bowel preparation as a measure to reduce surgical site infection (SSI) rates. This retrospective study aimed to identify the risk factors for SSI in right‐sided colon cancer surgery using intracorporeal anastomosis (IA). We focused on perioperative factors, including the bowel preparation method, to clarify the impact of preoperative mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) and oral antibiotics (OA) on SSI incidence.

Methods

Patients (n = 150) with right‐sided colon cancer who underwent elective laparoscopic or robot‐assisted colectomy (2019 and 2023) were included. Potential risk factors for SSI were examined using univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

The overall incidence of SSI was 11 (7.3%) cases, with eight (5.4%) cases classified as incision site SSI and three (1.9%) as organ/space SSI. Univariate analysis showed that OA (p < 0.001) and MBP (p = 0.002) significantly reduced the SSI rate. Multivariate analysis identified OA as an independent risk factor (hazard ratio, 0.142; 95% confidence interval, 0.025–0.827; p = 0.025). Patients with SSI had longer postoperative hospital stays compared to those without SSI (median 9 vs. 8 days, p = 0.012). On postoperative day 1, the group receiving OA had significantly lower white blood cell count (9390 vs. 10 900/μL, p = 0.005) and C‐reactive protein levels (3.81 vs. 7.83 mg/dL, p < 0.001) compared to those in the group not receiving OA.

Conclusion

Preoperative administration of OA in laparoscopic or robot‐assisted right‐sided colon cancer surgery with IA may help decrease the incidence of SSI.
ABS and Styrene‐N‐Phenylmaleimide‐Acrylonitrile Terpolymer Achieved Both Toughening and Boosting Heat Resistance of PVC
Authors: Zhang Penghao , Hou Jie , Liu Baijun , Zhang Mingyao
Published: December 2024

The lack of toughness and heat resistance of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) limit its application in construction, transportation, packaging, and medical treatment. In this work, the core–shell structure polybutadiene grafted styrene and acrylonitrile copolymer (PB‐g‐SAN), named (ABS), was utilized to toughen PVC. The composite materials reached the brittle‐ductile transition point at 10 phr. The heat‐resistant modifier styrene‐N‐phenylmaleimide‐acrylonitrile terpolymer (SMIA) synthesized by bulk polymerization was added to PVC/ABS to improve the heat resistance of the composite. The monomer N‐phenylmaleimide with a large spatial site resistance is introduced into SMIA, which restricts the molecular chain movement. There are intermolecular forces between the nitrile group and PVC to enhance the composite compatibility. Phase separation was not observed in the scanning electron microscope images of composites, elucidating the outstanding compatibility of ABS, PVC, and SMIA. The brittle‐ductile transition point was found to be 1350.60 J/m addition of 10 phr ABS. The Vicat softening temperature of the ternary functional composite (PVC/ABS/SMIA, 72:8:20) raised by 2°C, and the initial decomposition temperature increased by 19°C. Furthermore, the impact strength elevated 6 times compared to that of PVC. The toughening and strengthening heat resistance of PVC are realized at the same time.
A Compensated Clock: Temperature and Nutritional Compensation Mechanisms Across Circadian Systems
Authors: Stevenson Elizabeth‐Lauren , Mehalow Adrienne K. , Loros Jennifer J. , Kelliher Christina M. , Dunlap Jay C.
Published: December 2024

Circadian rhythms are ∼24‐h biological oscillations that enable organisms to anticipate daily environmental cycles, so that they may designate appropriate day/night functions that align with these changes. The molecular clock in animals and fungi consists of a transcription‐translation feedback loop, the plant clock is comprised of multiple interlocking feedback‐loops, and the cyanobacterial clock is driven by a phosphorylation cycle involving three main proteins. Despite the divergent core clock mechanisms across these systems, all circadian clocks are able to buffer period length against changes in the ambient growth environment, such as temperature and nutrients. This defining capability, termed compensation, is critical to proper timekeeping, yet the underlying mechanism(s) remain elusive. Here we examine the known players in, and the current models for, compensation across five circadian systems. While compensation models across these systems are not yet unified, common themes exist across them, including regulation via temperature‐dependent changes in post‐translational modifications.
A Perspective on the Battery Value Chain and the Future of Battery Electric Vehicles
Authors: Safari Mohammadhosein
Published: December 2024

Even the most conservative projections suggest that significantly higher demand for batteries in the transport sector is expected in the coming years. A relevant concern is the supply security of lithium‐ion batteries, which has been raised and discussed in existing literature in the context of sustainability and the technological readiness of different parts of the battery value chain. However, an up‐to‐date analysis of this value chain is beneficial to spotlight the main current bottlenecks. This perspective article aims to make a worthwhile contribution in two respects: first, to encourage further research in the techno‐economic aspects of lithium‐ion and beyond battery chemistries; second, to aid investors and policymakers in the decision‐making process paving the road for the realization of the sustainability goals in the transport sector.
Psychological Sense of Community in Recovery Processes of Emerging and Older Adults: Ideological Antecedents and Implications for Public Health
Authors: Bahl Nina Kavita Heggen , Nafstad Hilde Eileen , Blakar Rolv Mikkel , Tømmervik Kristin , Brodahl Morten , Ness Ottar , Landheim Anne Signe , Prilleltensky Isaac
Published: December 2024

Across the world, governments are struggling to help people recover from substance use problems. Due to their particular risk factors, two age groups are of special interest to public health: emerging adults and older adults. Psychological sense of community (PSOC) is a key dimension in their recovery. Yet, to develop context‐sensitive and effective strategies tailored for these groups, there is a need to understand their discourses of PSOC as situated within their context. This study offers a multi‐level and comparative analysis of discourses of PSOC for 21 emerging adults and 23 older adults recovering within the same context. Using a discourse analytic tool and a comparative approach ideological impacts on the two groups' discourses of PSOC were identified. Both groups' discourses suggest that achieving and maintaining PSOC in recovery is challenging within a developing neo‐liberal context. Furthermore, the findings demonstrate differences between the two groups' with respect to (a) the particular impact of ideologies, (b) sources for PSOC in recovery and (c) challenges in community participation. The article builds on the findings to suggest strategies targeting the two groups. Please refer to the Supporting Information section to find this article's .
Use of an ŌNŌ Retrieval Device for Removal of a Covered CP Stent
Authors: Miller Chelsea E. , Lim D. Scott , Shorofsky Michael J.
Published: December 2024

We report the use of the ŌNŌ retrieval system to remove a fully inflated 3.9 cm length by 24 mm diameter NuDEL CP Stent from the left pulmonary artery. There was no damage to any cardiac structures or venous anatomy following stent removal. To our knowledge, this is the first case of removal of a large caliber covered CP stent with the ŌNŌ system.
Diagnosis of Bone Metastasis due to Medullary Thyroid Cancer With 99mTc‐ (V) DMSA SPECT Imaging
Authors: Gharepapagh Esmaeil , Houshyar Jalil , Mamaghani Farzad Farajbakhsh , Karbasi Mahsa , Rezaei Sahar
Published: December 2024

Given the limited availability of PET/CT scans, 99mTc‐(V) DMSA scintigraphy can be used to investigate possible metastases, especially in bone, in individuals with medullary thyroid cancer, even if there are no noticeable signs or symptoms of pain.
Stratification of Early Arrhythmic Risk in Patients Admitted for Acute Coronary Syndrome: The Role of the Machine Learning‐Derived “PRAISE Score”
Authors: Cumitini Luca , Giubertoni Ailia , Rossi Lidia , D'Amario Domenico , Grisafi Leonardo , Abbiati Paola , D'Ascenzo Fabrizio , De Ferrari Gaetano Maria , Patti Giuseppe
Published: December 2024

Background

The PRAISE (PRedicting with Artificial Intelligence riSk aftEr acute coronary syndrome) score is a machine learning‐based model for predicting 1‐year adverse cardiovascular or bleeding events in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Its role in predicting arrhythmic complications in ACS remains unknown.

Methods

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and ventricular arrhythmias (VA) were recorded by continuous electrocardiographic monitoring until discharge in a cohort of 365 participants with ACS prospectively enrolled. We considered two separate timeframes for VA occurrence: ≤ 48 and > 48 h. The objective was to evaluate the ability of the PRAISE score to identify ACS patients at higher risk of in‐hospital arrhythmic complications.

Results

ROC curve analysis indicated a significant association between PRAISE score and risk of both AF (AUC 0.89, p = 0.0001; optimal cut‐off 5.77%) and VA (AUC 0.69, p = 0.0001; optimal cut‐off 2.17%). Based on these thresholds, high/low AF PRAISE score groups and high/low VA PRAISE score groups were created, respectively. Patients with a high AF PRAISE score more frequently developed in‐hospital AF (19% vs. 1%). Multivariate analysis showed a high AF PRAISE score risk as an independent predictor of AF (HR 4.30, p = 0.016). Patients with high VA PRAISE scores more frequently developed in‐hospital VA (25% vs. 8% for VA ≤ 48 h; 33% vs. 3% for VA > 48 h). Multivariate analysis demonstrated a high VA PRAISE score risk as an independent predictor of both VA ≤ 48 h (HR 2.48, p = 0.032) and VA > 48 h (HR 4.93, p = 0.014).

Conclusion

The PRAISE score has a comprehensive ability to identify with high specificity those patients at risk for arrhythmic events during hospitalization for ACS.
Low‐Loss Differential SPST Switch With Filtering Response and Common‐Mode Suppression
Authors: Zhao Shipeng , Wang Zhongbao , Liu Hongmei , Gao Mingming , Fang Shaojun
Published: December 2024

In this paper, a novel low‐loss differential switch with filtering response and common‐mode (CM) suppression is proposed for RF communication system. The single‐pole single‐throw (SPST) switch toggles ON and OFF states of the switch by controlling the voltage to PIN diodes loaded on the feeding transmission slotline. Microstrip‐to‐slotline transition provides intrinsic CM suppression for differential switch. The frequency selectivity is achieved by using modified dumb‐belled slotline resonator, and the design process of its resonant operating mechanism is provided. The fabricated and measured differential SPST switch prototype exhibits bandpass filtering response with low insertion loss under the ON state. For the OFF state of the differential SPST switch, it can demonstrate wideband rejection characteristics. More importantly, CM noises can be effectively suppressed in this design.
Lifelong learning for leaders
Authors: Zacarese Lawrence M.
Published: December 2024

Last week, I posted a rhetorical question on one of my personal social media accounts. My professional and work accounts I use accordingly, but the others are a way to stay in touch with old friends, alumni groups, and family members I don’t get to see often. Most importantly, they serve as an outlet for some jocularity and general goofiness. My post was: “Can’t decide if I want a PhD or a McLaren…”
The Emergence of a Novel Synthetic Nicotine Analog 6‐Methyl Nicotine (6‐MN) in Proclaimed Tobacco‐ and Nicotine‐Free Pouches Available in Europe
Authors: Vanhee Celine , Dill Maarten , Canfyn Michael , Tuenter Emmy , Barhdadi Sophia
Published: December 2024

A new nicotine delivery system in the form of tobacco‐free nicotine pouches was introduced in Europe in 2019. These nicotine bags did not fall under the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) II, which brought forward regulatory requirements for both cigarettes, related products, and e‐liquids. As these pouches did not fall under the scope of the TPD, it was up to the member states to decide which action to be taken if any. Some EU member states banned these nicotine pouches, while others put restrictions on the amount of nicotine, warning messages, and presentation and packaging of the product, and some member states did not take any action. Likely as a result of the ban or restrictions, soon after also, tobacco and nicotine‐free pouches became available in the European Union (EU). Early 2024, “NoNIC” pouches, claiming to be tobacco‐ and nicotine‐free, became available on the European market. These pouches are promoted online and clearly target a younger population with a youth‐appealing package design and enticing flavors. Upon analysis of different samples utilizing gas chromatography coupled to MS (GC–MS), liquid chromatography coupled to high‐resolution tandem mass spectrometry (HRAM LC–MS2), and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), it was demonstrated that these pouches were indeed devoid of nicotine but contained the synthetic nicotine homolog 6‐methyl nicotine (6‐MN) and this up to 20 mg per pouch. Nonetheless, a part of a likely unaware/misled young adult subpopulation has easy access to these products, containing a novel molecule for which limited to no clinical effects are known.
Birch (Betula pubescens Ehrh.) Encroachment Alters Contribution of Plant Functional Groups to Ecosystem Carbon Cycling in a Rewetted Bog
Authors: Welpelo Carla , Dubbert Maren , Tiemeyer Bärbel , Knohl Alexander , Piayda Arndt
Published: December 2024

Rewetted bogs with high water levels (WL) and mire‐specific vegetation are crucial carbon (C) sinks, but their function might be threatened by tree encroachment, a phenomenon widespread in the northern hemisphere that often coincides with low WL. This might impact C cycling both at the ecosystem and microform scale in multiple ways, but so far, data are lacking. We established two sites in the same former peat extraction area, one showing permanently high WL and mire‐specific vegetation (open site, OS), while the other one has more fluctuating WL and a dense birch (Betula pubescens Ehrh.) population (tree site, TS). We measured the carbon dioxide (CO2) exchange at ecosystem (eddy covariance) and plot scale (chamber measurements) for 1 year to clarify the differences between the sites and the impact of birch encroachment on the contribution of the different bog‐specific microforms and the trees to the ecosystem's CO2 balance. Overall, the OS had a CO2 balance of −262.4 ± 7.8 g CO2‐C m−2 year−1 indicating CO2 uptake, while the TS was close to neutral (−28 ± 5.1 g CO2‐C m−2 year−1). The smaller uptake at the TS was caused by higher (151%) ecosystem respiration, while gross primary production was 14% higher. However, the microform contributions to C uptake strongly differed: At the OS, both hummocks and hollows showed net uptake, while at the TS, most C (52%) was assimilated by the birches and the understory was a net CO2 source. This indicates a loss of peat C from the TS, while the successfully rewetted site was accumulating new peat. Accounting for plot‐scale CH4 fluxes, both sites were a weak source of greenhouse gases, but a distinctly stronger C sink occurred at the OS. Our data show the possibility of increasing C removal from the atmosphere by full rewetting and the establishment of mire‐specific vegetation.
Subject‐Level Segmentation Precision Weights for Volumetric Studies Involving Label Fusion
Authors: Chen Christina , Das Sandhitsu R. , Tisdall M. Dylan , Hu Fengling , Chen Andrew A. , Yushkevich Paul A. , Wolk David A. , Shinohara Russell T. ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: December 2024

In neuroimaging research, volumetric data contribute valuable information for understanding brain changes during both healthy aging and pathological processes. Extracting these measures from images requires segmenting the regions of interest (ROIs), and many popular methods accomplish this by fusing labels from multiple expert‐segmented images called atlases. However, post‐segmentation, current practices typically treat each subject's measurement equally without incorporating any information about variation in their segmentation precision. This naïve approach hinders comparing ROI volumes between different samples to identify associations between tissue volume and disease or phenotype. We propose a novel method that estimates the variance of the measured ROI volume for each subject due to the multi‐atlas segmentation procedure. We demonstrate in real data that weighting by these estimates markedly improves the power to detect a mean difference in hippocampal volume between controls and subjects with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease.
Approximating R1 and R2: A Quantitative Approach to Clinical Weighted MRI
Authors: Moskovich Shachar , Shtangel Oshrat , Mezer Aviv A.
Published: December 2024

Weighted MRI images are widely used in clinical as well as open‐source neuroimaging databases. Weighted images such as T1‐weighted, T2‐weighted, and proton density‐weighted (T1w, T2w, and PDw, respectively) are used for evaluating the brain's macrostructure; however, their values cannot be used for microstructural analysis, as they lack physical meaning. Quantitative MRI (qMRI) relaxation rate parameters (e.g., R1 and R2) do contain microstructural physical meaning. Nevertheless, qMRI is rarely done in large‐scale clinical databases. Currently, the weighted images ratio T1w/T2w is used as a quantifier to approximate the brain's microstructure. In this paper, we test three additional quantifiers that approximate quantitative maps, which can help bring quantitative MRI to the clinic for easy use. Following the signal equations and using simple mathematical operations, we combine the T1w, T2w, and PDw images to estimate the R1 and R2 maps. We find that two of these quantifiers (T1w/PDw and T1w/ln(T2w)) can approximate R1, and that (ln(T2w/PDw)) can approximate R2, in 3 datasets that were tested. We find that this approach also can be applied to T2w scans taken from widely available DTI (Diffusion Tensor Imaging) datasets. We tested these quantifiers on both in vitro phantom and in vivo human datasets. We found that the quantifiers accurately represent the quantitative parameters across datasets. Finally, we tested the quantifiers within a clinical context, and found that they are robust across datasets. Our work provides a simple pipeline to enhance the usability and quantitative accuracy of MRI weighted images.
Innovative public strategies in response to COVID‐19: A review of practices from China
Authors: Wu You , Cao Zijian , Yang Jing , Bi Xinran , Xiong Weiqing , Feng Xiaoru , Yan Yue , Zhang Zeyu , Zhang Zongjiu
Published: December 2024

The COVID‐19 pandemic presented unparalleled challenges to prompt and adaptive responses from nations worldwide. This review examines China's multifaceted approach to the crisis, focusing on five key areas of response: infrastructure and system design, medical care and treatment, disease prevention and control, economic and social resilience, and China's engagement in global health. This review demonstrates the effectiveness of a top‐down command system at the national level, intersectoral coordination, a legal framework, and public social governance. This study also examines medical care and treatment strategies, highlighting the importance of rapid emergency response, evidence‐based treatment, and well‐planned vaccination rollout. Further discussion on disease prevention and control measures emphasizes the importance of adaptive measures, timely infection control, transmission interruption, population herd immunity, and technology applications. Socioeconomic impact was also assessed, detailing strategies for disease prevention, material supply, livelihood preservation, and social economy revival. Lastly, we examine China's contributions to the global health community, with a focus on knowledge‐sharing, information exchange, and multilateral assistance. While it is true that each nation's response must be tailored to its own context, there are universal lessons to be drawn from China's approach. These insights are pivotal for enhancing global health security, especially as the world navigates evolving health crises.
Expression of Major Basic Protein and Endothelial Adhesion Molecules in Chronically Inflamed Mucosa of the Ethmoid Labyrinth
Authors: Vukadinović Tijana , Đurđević Biserka Vukomanović , Perić Aleksandar
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives

Tissue remodeling, including dense eosinophil infiltration, is essential for forming inflammatory nasal polyps (NPs) and the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Toxic eosinophil major basic protein (MBP) damages the sinus mucosa epithelium and lamina propria, which initiates reparative processes leading to tissue remodeling. MBP specifically binds to BMK‐13 antibodies allowing immunohistochemical (IHC) tissue staining for eosinophils. This study evaluated the association between NP stromal BMK‐13 and endothelial adhesion molecule staining, and clinical parameters of NP patients compared to IHC expression and clinical parameters in subjects with healthy nasal mucosa.

Methods

We included 30 patients with bilateral NPs who were selected for endoscopic ethmoidectomy. The control group was of 30 subjects with non‐inflamed nasal mucosa but with middle turbinate aeration, chosen for surgery. All participants were clinically scored before surgery, according to quality of life (QoL) outcome and symptoms. The degree of disease extension on computed tomography scans of the paranasal sinuses was also evaluated. Tissue samples after surgery were IHC stained for BMK‐13 and endothelial proliferation markers CD31 and CD34.

Results

Expression of BMK‐13, CD31, and CD34 in tissues of NPs was higher than in healthy nasal mucosa. Positive correlations were observed between BMK‐13 expression, impaired QoL, and radiologically assessed extension of inflammation in NP patients.

Conclusion

Apart from the fact that the NP tissue has, as expected, more intense eosinophilic infiltration, the proliferation of blood vessels is more pronounced in the NP tissue than in the tissue of healthy nasal mucosa. Expression of MBP in the tissue of ethmoidal NPs could serve as a potential marker of the degree of expansion of CRSwNP and indicate the severity of the disease.

Clinical Trial Registration

None, because it was a cross‐sectional study.
Research Progress on the Correlation Between Atmospheric Particulate Matter and Autism
Authors: Xiao Yaqian , Xiang Wang , Ma Xuerui , Zheng Aijia , Rong Dechang , Zhang Nimeng , Yang Ning , Bayram Hasan , Lorimer George H. , Wang Jun
Published: December 2024

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by the interaction of genetic and complex environmental factors. The prevalence of autism has dramatically increased in countries and regions undergoing rapid industrialization and urbanization. Recent studies have shown that particulate matter (PM) in air pollution affects the development of neurons and disrupts the function of the nervous system, leading to behavioral and cognitive problems and increasing the risk of ASD. However, research on the mechanism of environmental factors and ASD is still in its infancy. On this basis, we conducted a literature search and analysis to review epidemiological studies on the correlation between fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and inhalable particulate matter (PM10) and ASD. The signaling pathways and pathogenic mechanisms of PM in synaptic injury and neuroinflammation are presented, and the mechanism of the ASD candidate gene SHANK3 was reviewed. Additionally, the different sites of action of different particles in animal models and humans were highlighted, and the differences of their effects on the pathogenesis of ASD were explained. We summarized the aetiology and mechanisms of PM‐induced autism and look forward to future research breakthroughs in improved assessment methods, multidisciplinary alliances and high‐tech innovations.
A Construction of a 3/2‐Tough Plane Triangulation With No 2‐Factor
Authors: Shan Songling
Published: December 2024

In 1956, Tutte proved the celebrated theorem that every 4‐connected planar graph is Hamiltonian. This result implies that every more than ‐tough planar graph on at least three vertices is Hamiltonian and so has a 2‐factor. Owens in 1999 constructed non‐Hamiltonian maximal planar graphs of toughness arbitrarily close to and asked whether there exists a maximal non‐Hamiltonian planar graph of toughness exactly . In fact, the graphs Owens constructed do not even contain a 2‐factor. Thus the toughness of exactly is the only case left in asking the existence of 2‐factors in tough planar graphs. This question was also asked by Bauer, Broersma, and Schmeichel in a survey. In this paper, we close this gap by constructing a maximal ‐tough plane graph with no 2‐factor, answering the question asked by Owens as well as by Bauer, Broersma, and Schmeichel.
Strong approximation of special functions of bounded variation functions with prescribed jump direction
Authors: Lazzaroni Giuliano , Wozniak Piotr , Zeppieri Caterina Ida
Published: December 2024

In this note, we show that special functions of bounded variation ( functions with jump normal lying in a prescribed set of directions can be approximated by sequences of functions whose jump set is essentially closed, polyhedral, and preserves the orthogonality to , moreover the functions are smooth away from their jump set.
Cysteinyl‐tRNA synthetase is involved in damage of renal tubular cells in ischemia–reperfusion‐induced acute kidney injury via pyroptosis
Authors: Yang Hongsha , Song Pan , Yu Meidie , Huang Liming , Tang Yun , Li Guisen , Li Yi , Feng Yunlin
Published: December 2024

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a significant global healthcare burden but lacks specific and effective treatment. Renal tubular cells damage is central to ischemia‐reperfusion injury (IRI) induced AKI. It is critical to clarify the initiation mechanisms of renal IRI and develop early intervention targets of AKI. This study used label‐free quantification proteomic analysis to identify new targets in AKI‐related renal tubular injury and investigate the potential mechanisms. We discovered significant changes in cysteinyl‐tRNA synthetase (CARS) in renal tubular cell during IRI. Considering the involvement of CARS in ATP metabolism and the close correlation between ATP and pyroptosis, we further explored pyroptosis phenotype with and without CARS intervention as well as the expression of CARS during pyroptosis activation and inhibition. Our findings suggest that CARS expression decreased over time and is linked to pyroptosis. Modifying CARS affects ATP metabolism and alters the expression of pyroptosis‐related proteins during H/R and IRI treatments. Regulating pyroptosis may influence CARS expression during IRI treatment. Overall, CARS is associated with renal tubular damage from ischemia‐reperfusion injury, possibly involving pyroptosis, though the regulatory mechanism remains unclear.
Multilevel network for large deformation image registration based on feature consistency and flow normalization
Authors: Huang Xingyu , Zhang Jian , Tang Kun , Cheng Xinyu , Ye Chen , Wang Lihui
Published: December 2024

Background

Deformable image registration is an essential technique of medical image analysis, which plays important roles in several clinical applications. Existing deep learning‐based registration methods have already achieved promising performance for the registrations with small deformations, while it is still challenging to deal with the large deformation registration due to the limits of the image intensity‐similarity‐based objective function.

Purpose

To achieve the image registration with large‐scale deformations, we proposed a multilevel network architecture FCNet to gradually refine the registration results based on semantic feature consistency constraint and flow normalization (FN) strategy.

Methods

At each level of FCNet, the architecture is mainly composed to a FeaExtractor, a FN module, and a spatial transformation module. FeaExtractor consists of three parallel streams which are used to extract the individual features of fixed and moving images, as well as their joint features, respectively. Using these features, the initial deformation field is estimated, which passes through a FN module to refine the deformation field based on the difference map of deformation filed between two adjacent levels. This allows the FCNet to progressively improve the registration performance. Finally, a spatial transformation module is used to get the warped image based on the deformation field. Moreover, in addition to the image intensity‐similarity‐based objective function, a semantic‐feature consistency constraint is also introduced, which can further promote the alignments by imposing the similarity between the fixed and warped image features. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed method, we compared our method with the state‐of‐the‐art methods on three different datasets. In EMPIRE10 dataset, 20, 3, and 7 fixed and moving 3D computer tomography (CT) image pairs were used for training, validation, and testing respectively; in IXI dataset, atlas to individual image registration task was performed, with 3D MR images of 408, 58, and 115 individuals were used for training, validation, and testing respectively; in the in‐house dataset, patient to atlas registration task was implemented, with the 3D MR images of 94, 3, and 15 individuals being training, validation, and testing sets, respectively.

Results

The qualitative and quantitative comparison results demonstrated that the proposed method is beneficial for handling large deformation image registration problems, with the DSC and ASSD improved by at least 1.0% and 25.9% on EMPIRE10 dataset. The ablation experiments also verified the effectiveness of the proposed feature combination strategy, feature consistency constraint, and FN module.

Conclusions

Our proposed FCNet enables multiscale registration from coarse to fine, surpassing existing SOTA registration methods and effectively handling long‐range spatial relationships.
The mechanistic role of curcumin and its analogs in NSCLC: An evaluation of cell death in preclinical studies
Authors: Kesen Boztas Ela , Demiroz Sevki Mustafa , Onen Hacer Ilke
Published: December 2024

Lung cancer is the leading malignancy among males and ranks the second in females, with an estimated two million new diagnoses annually. It ranks the first in cancer‐related deaths among men and the second, following breast cancer, among women. The most significant risk factor for lung cancer is smoking. There are two main types of lung cancer: non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), with about 85% of cases falling into the NSCLC category. Even with a combination of treatments for NSCLC, such as surgical intervention, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy, the 5‐year survival rates for those diagnosed with advanced NSCLC have not reached satisfactory levels, with chemotherapy continuing to be the main therapeutic approach. In advanced NSCLC treatment, gemcitabine and platinum‐based agents are applied as first‐line therapy. However, acquired or pre‐existing drug resistance can prevent chemotherapeutic agents from achieving the expected effect on patients and increasing the drug dose can lead to an increase in side effects. In recent years, for these reasons, there has been an increased interest in phytochemicals to enhance the cytotoxic effects of therapeutic agents on cancer cells while minimizing their toxic effects on healthy tissues. One of the most studied phytochemicals is curcumin. Despite its anticancer effects on NSCLC cells, its low stability and poor pharmacokinetics have led to unsatisfactory results in studies. Therefore, a variety of analogs have been synthesized. This review explores the impact of curcumin and its analogs on the pathways of cell death in NSCLC.
Synthesis of β‐Alanine From Isoleucine and Propionate Catabolism via Aminotransferases
Authors: Goldfarb Margo H. , Boesel Joseph , Wilczewski‐Shirai Kai C. , Reinhart Peter , Scherger Trenton , Webb Chloe , Newlun Morgan , Rouhier Kerry A.
Published: December 2024

In plants, the nonproteinogenic amino acid β‐alanine plays a role in response to hypoxia, flooding, drought, heat, and heavy metal stress conditions. It is also a key intermediate in the synthesis of essential molecules including vitamin B5 and coenzyme A (CoA) through the condensation reaction with pantoate. While the syntheses of pantoate, vitamin B5, and CoA appear to be conserved across plants and bacteria, the synthesis of β‐alanine is not. Bacteria and fungi use aspartate, whereas plants can use uracil, spermidine, or propionate to synthesize β‐alanine. Given that these three precursors can be formed from the metabolism of glutamine, arginine, isoleucine, and valine, the synthesis of β‐alanine could be linked to numerous pathways. Studies of valine catabolism in Arabidopsis suggested that some branched‐chain amino acids could in fact serve as precursors for the synthesis of β‐alanine. Using GC–MS and isotopically labeled isoleucine and propionate, we linked their metabolism to the synthesis of β‐alanine via a proposed transamination of malonate semialdehyde. We then identified three aminotransferases that each catalyzed this final reversible transamination reaction. These results affirm our hypothesis that isoleucine metabolism is also linked to the synthesis of β‐alanine via the transamination of metabolic intermediates.
Advancements in Global Phosphoproteomics Profiling: Overcoming Challenges in Sensitivity and Quantification
Authors: Muneer Gul , Chen Ciao‐Syuan , Chen Yu‐Ju
Published: December 2024

Protein phosphorylation introduces post‐genomic diversity to proteins, which plays a crucial role in various cellular activities. Elucidation of system‐wide signaling cascades requires high‐performance tools for precise identification and quantification of dynamics of site‐specific phosphorylation events. Recent advances in phosphoproteomic technologies have enabled the comprehensive mapping of the dynamic phosphoproteomic landscape, which has opened new avenues for exploring cell type‐specific functional networks underlying cellular functions and clinical phenotypes. Here, we provide an overview of the basics and challenges of phosphoproteomics, as well as the technological evolution and current state‐of‐the‐art global and quantitative phosphoproteomics methodologies. With a specific focus on highly sensitive platforms, we summarize recent trends and innovations in miniaturized sample preparation strategies for micro‐to‐nanoscale and single‐cell profiling, data‐independent acquisition mass spectrometry (DIA‐MS) for enhanced coverage, and quantitative phosphoproteomic pipelines for deep mapping of cell and disease biology. Each aspect of phosphoproteomic analysis presents unique challenges and opportunities for improvement and innovation. We specifically highlight evolving phosphoproteomic technologies that enable deep profiling from low‐input samples. Finally, we discuss the persistent challenges in phosphoproteomic technologies, including the feasibility of nanoscale and single‐cell phosphoproteomics, as well as future outlooks for biomedical applications.
Scanxiety and Fear of Recurrence in Young Adult Female Breast and Gynaecological Cancer Survivors: Investigating Shared Mechanisms
Authors: Patel Diya S. , Webster Sarah N. , Dowling Emily J. , Knowles Claudia R. , Lockwood‐Taylor Georgina , Coutts‐Bain Daelin , Simons Laura E. , Diver Elisabeth J. , Chilcot Joseph , Schapira Lidia , Heathcote Lauren C.
Published: December 2024

Background

Adolescent and young adult (AYA) females are vulnerable to psychological sequelae following cancer diagnosis and treatment. Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is well‐documented in cancer survivors, however AYA survivors of breast and gynaecological cancers are less well‐studied. Moreover, little is known about scan‐related fears and anxiety (‘scanxiety’) in survivors of any age group.

Aims

This study aimed to assess demographic, medical, and quality‐of‐life correlates of FCR and scanxiety in AYA female breast and gynaecological cancer survivors post‐treatment. Additionally, we explored potential shared mechanisms of FCR and scanxiety, including intolerance of uncertainty, bodily threat monitoring, and perceived stress.

Methods

AYA breast and gynaecological cancer survivors (N = 115) completed measures of FCR, scanxiety, intolerance of uncertainty, bodily threat monitoring, perceived stress, and quality of life. Bivariate associations and a structural equation model explored relationships between these variables.

Results

Both FCR and scanxiety were prevalent, with 84% reporting clinically meaningful FCR and 38% reporting severe FCR. Higher FCR and scanxiety were both associated with poorer quality of life. FCR and scanxiety were moderately associated but not entirely overlapping. Intolerance of uncertainty, bodily threat monitoring, and perceived stress were significantly correlated with both FCR and scanxiety. The structural equation model indicated that bodily threat monitoring is a plausible intermediate variable linking intolerance of uncertainty and FCR, but not scanxiety.

Conclusions

FCR and scanxiety are common in AYA survivors of breast and gynaecological cancers, with potentially distinct underlying mechanisms. Interventions targeting intolerance of uncertainty and bodily threat monitoring may reduce FCR, while further research is needed to identify therapeutic targets for scanxiety.
Hypnosis for Antineoplastic‐Related Taste Disturbance in a Patient With Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Saperia Corey , Tran Nathan , Zewde Nahom , Spiegel David
Published: December 2024

Taste disturbances are prominent side effects of antineoplastic medications and contribute to morbidity and quality‐of‐life impairment. Few treatment options are available for antineoplastic‐related taste disorders. Hypnosis has been found to be effective for a variety of symptoms in the cancer setting, including insomnia, pain, mood disorders and anxiety. Numerous somatosensory perceptual changes have been observed with hypnosis, including perception of tactile stimuli and color. Here, we report a case of a 74‐year‐old woman with recurrent metastatic breast cancer presenting with an 18‐month history of antineoplastic‐related hypogeusia. She was treated with hypnosis and reported resolution of taste symptoms after 10 days of daily practice. Her improvement seems to be related to hypnotic changes in somatosensory perception, which may be associated with functional alterations in salience, executive control and default mode networks during hypnosis. Further investigation of hypnosis for antineoplastic‐related taste disturbances is indicated.
Etiology and clinical features of children with bronchiectasis—Insight from Chinese experience
Authors: Han Peng , Shen Kunling
Published: December 2024

Bronchiectasis is a clinical syndrome characterized by cough, sputum production, and the presence of abnormal thickening and dilation of the bronchial wall on imaging. There has been a remarkable resurgence in incidence and prevalence during the past 20 years. There was few data from children. In China, it has been estimated that 1.5% of women and 1.1% of men in the general population have physician‐diagnosed bronchiectasis.
Natural Compounds and Their Analogs as Antivirals Against Dengue Virus: A Review
Authors: Komarudin Amalina Ghaisani , Adharis Azis , Sasmono R. Tedjo
Published: December 2024

Dengue virus (DENV) continues to pose a significant global health challenge, causing diseases such as dengue fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever, and dengue shock syndrome. While efforts in vaccine development and antiviral drug discovery are ongoing, effective therapeutic options remain limited. In this review, we highlight natural compounds and the analogs that demonstrated antiviral activity against DENV in in vitro and in vivo studies. Specifically, these studies examine alkaloids, phenolic acids, phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, and glycosides which have shown potential in inhibiting DENV entry, replication, and reducing the cytokine storm. By focusing on these bioactive compounds and the analogs, a comprehensive overview of their promising roles is provided to advance therapeutic strategies for combating DENV infection.