bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis: A rare presentation requiring a broad differential in nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Zardoost Pooya , Tyabuddin Sana , Cantu Austin , Abu‐Jubara Musa , Mittlesteadt Jackson , Wehrum Henry
Published: May 2024

Key Clinical Message

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) presents with renal failure and proteinuria in a minority of cases, usually due to secondary amyloidosis or IgA nephropathy. While focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is less common, it should still be in the differential regardless of the patient's clinical profile.
Carbon Nanospheres Loaded with Ir Single Atoms: Enhancing the Activity toward Formic Acid Oxidation by Increasing the Porosity
Authors: Jeskey Jacob , Ding Yong , Chen Yidan , Hood Zachary D. , Li Hongliang , Sterbinsky George E. , Xia Younan
Published: May 2024

Theoretically, single‐atom catalysts (SACs) offer 100 % atom utilization, making them strong candidates to replace expensive nanoparticles for catalysis. However, the structural supports used to anchor the SACs dramatically reduce the utilization efficiency of atoms (i. e., the percent of atoms actually accessible by reactants) by either encapsulating the SACs completely or creating severe diffusion limitation. Either of which leads to an overall low atom utilization and thus poor electrocatalytic activity similar to that of nanoparticles. In addressing this issue, we systematically investigated how the porous structure of carbon nanospheres affects the activity of Ir‐SACs toward formic acid oxidation (FAO). Specifically, we utilized a kinetically‐controlled growth strategy to produce uniform carbon nanospheres featuring yolk‐shell, mesoporous, and hollow structures with Ir‐SACs loaded throughout the structure. At a high specific surface area of 441 m2 g−1 and exposed metal content of 1.82 wt %, the Ir‐SACs based on mesoporous carbon nanospheres showed a remarkable FAO peak current density of 30.6 mA cm−2, which was 283 and 46 times greater when benchmarked against the catalysts based on solid carbon nanospheres and 20 wt % Ir/C, respectively.
Enhanced Near‐infrared Phosphorescent Emission Modulated by Clipping of Metallotweezers in Aqueous Media
Authors: Luan Zilei , Wang Feng , Tian Yukui
Published: May 2024

Near‐infrared phosphorescent materials have received significant attention due to their potential applications in bioimaging and diagnostics. Although, many types of organic phosphors with near‐infrared emission have been developed, the low phosphorescence efficiency in aqueous solution hampers their practical applications in biological systems. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop near‐infrared phosphorescent materials with high emission efficiency in aqueous media. Metallotweezers, based on d8 transition metal complexes, emerge as the potential candidates for realizing this objective. Specifically, metallotweezers, featuring two positively charged platinum(II) terpyridine and neutral gold(III) diphenylpyridine pincers on diphenylpyridine spacer, have been designed and synthesized, respectively. The pre‐organization effect, rendered by the rigid spacer, enables the resulting metallotweezers to complex with each other, resulting in the formation of clipping complex. The synergistic rigidifying and shielding effects of clipping structure results in enhanced phosphorescent emission intensity. Concurrently, due to phase segregation between the clipping units and the polyethylene glycol tail, the clipping complex undergoes self‐assembly in aqueous solution, resulting in phosphorescent emission in the near‐infrared region. Overall, non‐covalent clipping of metallotweezers illustrated in this study presents a new and effective approach toward near‐infrared phosphorescent materials.
Heterocycle‐ and Amine‐Free Electrochromic and Electrofluorochromic Molecules for Energy‐Saving See‐Through Smart Windows and Displays
Authors: Navya Panichiyil V. , Ganesan Krithika , Neyts Erik C , Sampath Srinivasan
Published: May 2024

Electrochromic (EC) smart windows are an elegant alternative to dusty curtains, blinds, and traditional dimming devices. The EC energy storage smart windows and displays received remarkable attention in the optoelectronic industry as they hold promise for high energy efficiency, low power consumption, reversibility, and swift response to stimuli. However, achieving these properties remains challenging. Moreover, most EC molecules do not exhibit electrofluorochromism, which is highly essential for smart displays because its EC property can modulate the solar heat entering the building, and its electrofluorochromic (EFC) aspects can create lighting during the night. In this work, a structure‐property relationship is utilized to develop new electrochromes that can store the injected charge, and these molecules indeed exhibit electrofluorochromism. The compounds are synthesized from tetrabenzofluorene with two aromatic acceptor units, and avoids the use of widely studied heterocycles and amine derivatives. The electrochromes switches from yellow to dark hue in solution, solid, and gel state. The compounds display exceptional electrochemical stability and reversibility in 1000 cycles and capacity retention of 93–100 % in 300 charging‐discharging cycles. The proof‐of‐concept device fabrication of the self‐dimming EC smart window presented here demonstrates that it can furnish visual comfort, modulate transmitted light and glare, and reduce energy usage.
Enantioselective high‐performance liquid chromatography combined with spectroscopic methods and theoretical calculations: A valid strategy to determine the absolute configuration of eugenol derivatives
Authors: Manetto Simone , Mazzoccanti Giulia , Pulitelli Gaia , Niccolai Sofia , Tanini Damiano , Pierini Marco , Cirilli Roberto
Published: May 2024

The absolute configuration of three chiral eugenol derivatives was assigned by a multi‐step methodology based on enantioselective HPLC combined with spectroscopic and theoretical calculations. Milligram amounts of enantiopure forms used for stereochemical characterization were isolated by HPLC on the immobilized amylose‐based chiral stationary phase Chiralpak IG using normal phase elution conditions. The absolute configuration was indirectly determined for one of the three compounds by 1H NMR via methoxy‐α‐trifluoromethyl‐α‐phenylacetic acid derivatization (Mosher's acid). Comparison of the experimental and predicted electronic circular dichroism spectra confirmed the stereochemical assignment by Mosher's method and extended the absolute configuration assignment to two other chiral compounds.
Understanding two‐phase flow behaviour: CFD Assessment of silicone oil–air and water–air in an intermediate vertical pipe
Authors: Mondal Prantik , Lahiri Sandip Kumar , Ghanta Kartik Chandra
Published: May 2024

The study utilized computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations employing the volume of fluid (VOF) model to analyze silicone oil–air flows in a vertical pipe with a diameter of 67 mm. Various structured meshes ensured grid independence, and the k‐ε realizable model addressed turbulence. The analysis characterized bubbly to annular flows, involving the evaluation of flow patterns, radial void fractions, void fraction time series, probability density functions (PDFs), power spectral densities (PSDs), and mean void fractions. Results indicated a transition from bubbly to annular flow with increasing gas velocities and notable changes in radial void fraction profiles. Void fraction exhibited significant variations with distinct flow patterns at constant liquid velocity. PDFs identified flow regimes, and PSDs revealed frequency patterns. CFD results were validated against experiments, demonstrating good agreement. The validated CFD model was utilized to investigate radial gas velocities and pressure drops, revealing a shift from uniform velocity distributions to irregular patterns and a decrease in total pressure drop with an increase in gas superficial velocity. The model was also applied to a water‐air system to explore two‐phase flow behaviour. The impact of superficial gas velocity on flow patterns and radial void fractions was studied through numerical analysis and compared with the silicone oil‐air system. Results showed that at extreme gas velocities (0.06 and 5.53 m/s), silicone oil exhibited bubbly and annular flows, while water displayed cap bubbly and churn flows. The significant variation in radial void fraction at these velocities emphasized the impact of fluid properties.
Foraging ants affect community composition and diversity of phyllosphere fungi on a myrmecophilous plants, Mallotus japonicus
Authors: Mizuno Takafumi , Sato Hirotoshi , Itioka Takao
Published: May 2024

Many microorganisms inhabit the aboveground parts of plants (i.e. the phyllosphere), which mainly comprise leaves. Understanding the structure of phyllosphere microbial communities and their drivers is important because they influence host plant fitness and ecosystem functions. Despite the high prevalence of ant–plant associations, few studies have used quantitative community data to investigate the effects of ants on phyllosphere microbial communities. In the present study, we investigated the effects of ants on the phyllosphere fungal communities of Mallotus japonicus using high‐throughput sequencing. Mallotus japonicus is a myrmecophilous plants that bears extrafloral nectaries, attracting several ant species, but does not provide specific ant species with nest sites like myrmecophytes do. We experimentally excluded ants with sticky resins from the target plants and collected leaf discs to extract fungal DNA. The ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) regions of the phyllosphere fungi were amplified and sequenced to obtain fungal community data. Our results showed that the exclusion of ants changed the phyllosphere fungal community composition; however, the effect of ants on OTU richness was not clear. These results indicate that ants can change the community of phyllosphere fungi, even if the plant is not a myrmecophyte.
Spawning fish maintains trophic synchrony across time and space beyond thermal drivers
Authors: Opdal Anders Frugård , Wright Peter J. , Blom Geir , Höffle Hannes , Lindemann Christian , Kjesbu Olav Sigurd
Published: May 2024

Increasing ocean temperature will speed up physiological rates of ectotherms. In fish, this is suggested to cause earlier spawning due to faster oocyte growth rates. Over time, this could cause spawning time to become decoupled from the timing of offspring food resources, a phenomenon referred to as trophic asynchrony. We used biological data, including body length, age, and gonad developmental stages collected from >125,000 individual Northeast Arctic cod (Gadus morhua) sampled between 59 and 73° N in 1980–2019. Combined with experimental data on oocyte growth rates, our analyses show that cod spawned progressively earlier by about a week per decade, partly due to ocean warming. It also appears that spawning time varied by more than 40 days, depending on year and spawning location. The significant plasticity in spawning time seems to be fine‐tuned to the local phytoplankton spring bloom phenology. This ability to partly overcome thermal drivers and thus modulate spawning time could allow individuals to maximize fitness by closely tracking local environmental conditions important for offspring survival. Our finding highlights a new dimension for trophic match–mismatch and should be an important consideration in models used to predict phenology dynamics in a warmer climate.
Contemporary guideline‐directed medical therapy in de novo, chronic, and worsening heart failure patients: First data from the TITRATE‐HF study
Authors: Malgie Jishnu , Wilde Mariëlle I. , Clephas Pascal R.D. , Emans Mireille E. , Koudstaal Stefan , Schaap Jeroen , Mosterd Arend , van Ramshorst Jan , Wardeh Alexander J. , van Wijk Sandra , van den Heuvel Mieke , Wierda Eric , Borleffs C. Jan Willem , Saraber Colette , Beeres Saskia L.M.A. , van Kimmenade Roland , Jansen Klomp Wouter , Denham Robert , da Fonseca Carlos A. , Klip IJsbrand T. , Manintveld Olivier C. , van der Boon Robert M.A. , van Ofwegen Clara E.E. , Yilmaz Ayten , Pisters Ron , Linssen Gerard C.M. , Faber Nikola , van Heerebeek Loek , van de Swaluw Julio E.C. , Bouhuijzen Lex J. , Post Marco C. , Kuijper Aaf F.M. , Wu Ka wai , van Beek Eugène A. , Hesselink Tim , Kleijn Lennaert , Kurvers Maurice J.M. , Tio René A. , Langerveld Jorina , van Dalen Bas M. , van Eck J.W. Martijn , Handoko M. Louis , Hermans Walter R.M. , Koornstra‐Wortel Hetty J.J. , Szymanski Mariusz K. , Rooker Dennis , Tandjung Kenneth , Eijsbouts Sabine C.M. , Asselbergs Folkert W. , van der Meer Peter , Brunner‐La Rocca Hans‐Peter , de Boer Rudolf A. , Brugts Jasper J.
Published: May 2024

Aims

Despite clear guideline recommendations for initiating four drug classes in all patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and the availability of rapid titration schemes, information on real‐world implementation lags behind. Closely following the 2021 ESC HF guidelines and 2023 focused update, the TITRATE‐HF study started to prospectively investigate the use, sequencing, and titration of guideline‐directed medical therapy (GDMT) in HF patients, including the identification of implementation barriers.

Methods and results

TITRATE‐HF is an ongoing long‐term HF registry conducted in the Netherlands. Overall, 4288 patients from 48 hospitals were included. Among these patients, 1732 presented with de novo, 2240 with chronic, and 316 with worsening HF. The median age was 71 years (interquartile range [IQR] 63–78), 29% were female, and median ejection fraction was 35% (IQR 25–40). In total, 44% of chronic and worsening HFrEF patients were prescribed quadruple therapy. However, only 1% of HFrEF patients achieved target dose for all drug classes. In addition, quadruple therapy was more often prescribed to patients treated in a dedicated HF outpatient clinic as compared to a general cardiology outpatient clinic. In each GDMT drug class, 19% to 36% of non‐use in HFrEF patients was related to side‐effects, intolerances, or contraindications. In the de novo HF cohort, 49% of patients already used one or more GDMT drug classes for other indications than HF.

Conclusion

This first analysis of the TITRATE‐HF study reports relatively high use of GDMT in a contemporary HF cohort, while still showing room for improvement regarding quadruple therapy. Importantly, the use and dose of GDMT were suboptimal, with the reasons often remaining unclear. This underscores the urgency for further optimization of GDMT and implementation strategies within HF management.
Effects of Heavy p‐Block Elements on Photophysical Properties of π‐Conjugated Complexes and Organoelement Compounds
Authors: Ito Shunichiro , Gon Masayuki , Tanaka Kazuo
Published: May 2024

π‐Conjugated compounds exhibit remarkable photophysical properties, such as strong light absorption and emission, and are applicable to organic devices, bioimaging, and sensing systems. The introduction of p‐block elements into π‐conjugated systems is presumable as a critical strategy for modulating their properties. Nevertheless, the type of utilized elements has been limited to the second and third‐period ones because it is difficult to construct critical electronic interactions between heavier atoms and carbon‐based π‐conjugated scaffolds. On the other hand, it has been recently suggested that the heavier p‐block elements are able to induce significant changes in the optoelectronic properties of π‐conjugated systems thanks to their large size, high polarizability, and heavy atom effect. Although there are much room to explore effects of heavy‐atom substitution on physical and electronic properties of conjugated systems, various characters have been discovered. Hence, this review mainly focuses on the relationships between the types of p‐block elements and the optical properties of their representative complexes and organoelement compounds, particularly light absorption and emission.
Coconut Husk Waste‐Derived Nitrogen‐Doped Mesoporous Carbon Nanomaterial as an Efficient and Sustainable Supercapacitor
Authors: Sharma Ritika , Rana Dharmender Singh , Kumar Sachin , Singh Rajesh Kumar , Thakur Sourbh , Singh Dilbag
Published: May 2024

Sustainability and waste management are equally important in the era of growing energy demands. This study focuses on integrating strategies that balance energy efficiency, reduce waste generation, and promote sustainable practices. The coconut husk is processed and converted into mesoporous carbon nanomaterial through hydrothermal‐assisted thermal annealing. Nitrogen is doped through melamine to increase reactive sites and hence the catalytic activity. The sphere‐like morphology was confirmed by field emission scanning electron microscope and high‐resolution transmission electron microscope  images indicate a carbon dot‐like structure. The high Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller surface area achieved for this nanostructure is 1383.40 m2 g−1, with pore width and volume at 2.2660 nm and 0.2995 cm3 g−1, respectively. The as‐synthesized nanostructure is explored for its electrochemical performance as electrodes for the supercapacitor application, where materials achieve a wide potential window (−1.4 to 1.4 V) in the minimum time of 50 s at the current density of 0.6 A g−1. Moreover, the highest specific capacitance obtained from the nanomaterial is 115.39 F g−1 in the potential window and current density of 2 V and 0.6 A g−1, respectively. The energy density, power density, and coulombic efficiency at the set parameter are 62.31 Wh Kg−1, 1166.4 W Kg−1, and 79.61%, respectively. Finally, the practical device is assembled with the nanomaterial, where a red LED bulb glows after 1 min of charging.
A Contact‐Separation Mode Hybrid Generator Based on Magnetic Springs
Authors: Fang Tianqi , Dong Kangkang , Yang Shuangshuang , Wang Xiaohao , Tang Fei
Published: May 2024

The emergence of the intelligent society presents a significant challenge with regard to distributed energy. One potential solution is to harvest energy from the environment to power micro/nano systems. Herein, an electric‐triboelectric hybrid generator (ETMHG) supported by magnetic springs is presented that operates in the contact‐separation mode. The traditional mechanical springs in the triboelectric nanogenerators are replaced by magnetic springs, and solenoid coils are added. This structure can achieve electromagnet‐triboelectric hybrid generation without significantly increasing the volume of the generator, and the use of magnetic springs offers a solution to the issues of difficult installation and mechanical wear and tear that are inherent in mechanical spring‐based triboelectric nanogenerators. The proposed hybrid generation ETMHG is shown to increase the output capacity of the generator, improve the efficiency of environmental energy harvesting, and achieve an instantaneous maximum power of 4.75 mW and instantaneous maximum power density of 95 W m−3. The ETMHG can charge a 10 μF capacitor that improves efficiency by 52.6% compared to an electromagnetic generator. The output surface power density of TENG in ETMHG can reach 1.12 W m−2.
VedgeSat: An automated, open‐source toolkit for coastal change monitoring using satellite‐derived vegetation edges
Authors: Muir Freya M. E. , Hurst Martin D. , Richardson‐Foulger Luke , Rennie Alistair F. , Naylor Larissa A.
Published: May 2024

Public satellite platforms offer regular observations for global coastal monitoring and climate change risk management strategies. Unfortunately, shoreline positions derived from satellite imagery, representing changes in intertidal topography, are noisy and subject to tidal bias that requires correction. The seaward‐most vegetation boundary reflects a change indicator which shifts on event–decadal timescales, and informs coastal practitioners of storm damage, sediment availability and coastal landform health. We present and validate a new open‐source tool VedgeSat for identifying vegetation edges (VEs) from high (3 m) and moderate (10–30 m) resolution satellite imagery. The methodology is based on the CoastSat toolkit, with streamlined image processing using cloud‐based data management via Google Earth Engine. Images are classified using a newly trained vegetation‐specific neural network, and VEs are extracted at subpixel level using dynamic Weighted Peaks thresholding. We performed validation against ground surveys and manual digitisation of aerial imagery across eroding and accreting open coasts and estuarine environments at a site in Scotland. Smaller‐than‐pixel vegetation boundary detection was achieved across 83% of Sentinel‐2 imagery (Root Mean Square Error of 9.3 m). An overall RMSE of 19.0 m was achieved across Landsat 5 & 8, Sentinel‐2 and PlanetScope images. Performance varied by coastal geomorphology, with highest accuracies across sandy open coasts owing to high spectral contrast and less false positives from intertidal vegetation. The VedgeSat tool can be readily applied in tandem with waterlines near‐globally, to support adaptation decisions with historic coastal trends across the whole shoreface, even in normally data‐scarce areas.
Enhancement of two‐dimensional hydrodynamic modelling based on UAV‐ flow velocity data
Authors: Wolff Franziska , Lotsari Eliisa , Spieler Diana , Elias Melanie , Eltner Anette
Published: May 2024

2D hydrodynamic models deepen the understanding of hydromorphological processes in fluvial systems. UAV (Unoccupied Aerial Vehicles) can record complementary calibration and validation data for these models of large areas. In this study, we created a 2D hydrodynamic model of the Pulmanki River in Northern Finland under shallow, open‐channel conditions based on three calibration sets. We examined the potential of UAV‐flow velocities for model validation. Here, we applied a cross‐validation approach comprising the conversion from surface to depth‐averaged velocity and vice versa using fixed velocity coefficients (α). We further assessed the conversion performance including hydraulic variables to evaluate this coupled numerical‐experimental concept. Our model showed good performance in the three calibration runs for water level and depth‐averaged velocity. The calculation of surface to depth‐averaged velocity identified the coefficient α = 0.8 as the best choice with R2 = 0.62 for the straight river reach, indicating a good agreement between converted velocity and the reference data. A poor agreement, however, is evident for the meander section with R2 = 0.406. While there were no statistically significant relationships between the conversion performance and hydraulic variables, there were observable trends in the residuals indicating over‐ and underestimation of converted velocities, particularly in relation to bathymetry and distance to the channel centre, with variations based on the river structure. Our study demonstrates that UAV reference data has the potential to enhance 2D hydrodynamic models but particularly improves our understanding of spatial flow distribution.
Crafting high‐performance polymer‐integrated solid electrolyte for solid state sodium ion batteries
Authors: Kannadasan Mahalakshmi , Sathiasivan Kiruthika , Balakrishnan Muthukumaran , Subramanian Balaji , Varuvel Edwin Geo
Published: May 2024

The development of modern solid‐state batteries with high energy density has provided the reliable and durable solution needed for over‐the‐air network connectivity devices. In this study, a NASICON‐type Na3Zr2Si2PO12 (NZSP) ceramic filler was prepared using the sol‐gel method and then a polymer‐integrated solid electrolyte consisting of polyethylene oxide (PEO), NZSP, and sodium perborate (SPB) was prepared by Stokes' solution casting process. Through physico‐chemical and electrochemical characterization techniques, the morphology, electrochemical, and thermal properties of the prepared solid electrolyte sample were carefully studied. The PEO/NZSP/SPB electrolyte developed for all‐solid‐state sodium‐ion batteries (ASSSBs) exhibited a strong ionic conductivity, a large window for electrochemical stability, and was effective in controlling the growth of sodium dendrites. Furthermore, the polymer‐integrated solid electrolyte showed impressive rate capability, high discharge capacity (73.2 mAh g−1) at 0.1 mA cm−2, and good faradaic efficiency (98%) even after 100 cycles. These results reveal that the PEO/NZSP/SPB electrolyte is a potential and inevitable candidate for the evolution of high‐performance rechargeable ASSSBs.
Evaluation of exterior wall cavity fires using an intermediate scale test method
Authors: Weerakkody Neythra , White Nathan , Moinuddin Khalid
Published: May 2024

Cavities form an integral part of many external wall systems (EWSs). Numerous external wall fires worldwide have been primarily due to combustible exterior cladding. However, the Grenfell Tower and Knowsley Heights fire incidents (in the UK) are examples where wall cavity materials have impacted fire spread. Wall cavity materials are typically regulated by small‐scale fire test methods which do not necessarily represent the actual fire conditions that can exist within wall cavities. This experimental study proposes an intermediate‐scale test (IST) protocol to examine cavity wall fire behaviour. This protocol is a modified version of the FM Global Cavity Fire Test method (within the FM 4411‐2020 series). The study examines a broad range of cavity materials including sarking, polyester insulation, phenolic foam, PIR, and EPS. A low‐intensity (6–8 kW) and high‐intensity (~80 kW) ignition sources were used to represent two types of cavity fire scenarios. These two fire sizes were shown to differentiate reaction to fire behaviour between these materials and explore the “tipping point” in resulting fire behaviour (which may lie between these two intensities). This proposed cavity fire test protocol provides a suitable “elevated fire risk assessment tool” for combustible cavity materials.
Metastasizing aneurysmal dermatofibroma initially diagnosed as angiosarcoma confirmed by CD63::PRKCD fusion gene detection with nanopore sequencing
Authors: Takeda Naoki , Makise Naohiro , Lin Jason , Kageyama Hajime , Oikawa Mariko , Sugiyama Takahiro , Kawana Hidetada , Araki Akinobu , Tuskanishi Toshinori , Kinoshita Hideyuki , Hagiwara Yoko , Kamoda Hiroto , Motoi Toru , Yonemoto Tsukasa , Kawazu Masahito , Itami Makiko
Published: May 2024

Dermatofibroma (DF) is a benign tumor that forms pedunculated lesions ranging in size from a few millimeters to 2 cm, usually affecting the extremities and trunks of young adults. Histopathologically, DF is characterized by the storiform proliferation of monomorphic fibroblast‐like spindle cells. In addition to neoplastic cells, secondary elements such as foamy histiocytes, Touton‐type giant cells, lymphoplasmacytes, and epidermal hyperplasia are characteristic histological features. Several histological variants, including atypical, cellular, aneurysmal, and lipidized variants, have been reported; cases with variant histologies are sometimes misdiagnosed as sarcomas. We present a case of metastasizing aneurysmal DF that was initially diagnosed as an angiosarcoma on biopsy. A 26‐year‐old woman was referred to our hospital with a gradually enlarging subcutaneous mass in her lower left leg. Positron emission tomography‐computed tomography revealed high fluorodeoxyglucose uptake not only in the tumor but also in the left inguinal region. On biopsy, ERG and CD31‐positive atypical spindle cells proliferated in slit‐like spaces with extravasation, leading to the diagnosis of angiosarcoma. Histology of the wide‐resection specimen was consistent with DF, and lymph node metastasis was also observed. Nanopore DNA sequencing detected CD63::PRKCD fusion and copy number gain, although CD63 was not included in the target region of adaptive sampling. This report highlights the importance of recognizing the unusual clinical, radiological, and pathological features of DF to avoid misdiagnosis, and the potential diagnostic utility of nanopore sequencer.
Two periods of magmatism in the Weishancheng ore concentration area, Henan Province: Evidences from zircon U‐Pb chronology, Hf isotopes and petrogeochemistry
Authors: Lin Cheng‐Gui , Mao Jing‐Wen , Lü Zhi‐Cheng , Pang Zhen‐Shan , Xue Jian‐Ling , Cheng Zhi‐Zhong
Published: May 2024

The Weishancheng area of Tongbai County, Henan Province, is an important Au‐Ag polymetallic ore concentration area in China, characterized by a widespread distribution of plutons and frequent magmatic activities. To investigate the genetic relationship between magmatism and the mineralization of gold and silver polymetallic deposits in the area, this study focuses on the porphyritic monzogranite of the Liangwan pluton and the biotite granite of the Taoyuan pluton in detail. The zircon U‐Pb age of the Liangwan pluton is 128.5 ± 0.7 Ma, placing its intrusion age in the Early Cretaceous. Similarly, the zircon U‐Pb age of the Taoyuan pluton is 431.3 ± 2.7 Ma, indicating an intrusion age in the Early Silurian. Petrogeochemical analysis reveals that both the Liangwan and Taoyuan plutons exhibit high SiO2, Na2O and Al2O3 contents, along with low MgO, Fe2O3 and CaO contents, indicating a (high‐K) calc‐alkaline series, and have the properties of peraluminous I‐type granite. The total rare earth elements (REE) concentrations are low, with noticeable fractionation between light and heavy REE, and a negative Eu anomaly. High‐field‐strength elements (such as Nb, Ta, P, Ti) are depleted, while the large‐ion lithophile elements (such as Rb, K, Pb) are enriched. The εHf(t) values of the Liangwan and Taoyuan plutons range from −16.1 to −18.8 and from 11.0 to 14.6, respectively. The mean values of Hf two‐stage model ages (TDM2) are 603 Ma and 2230 Ma, respectively. These results suggest that the Liangwan pluton may have formed through partial melting of ancient crustal materials in the Palaeoproterozoic, during extensional tectonic events following the subduction of Izanagi Plate. It appears closely linked to Au‐Ag mineralization in the ore concentration area. The Taoyuan pluton likely originated from the depleted mantle and experienced some degree of crustal contamination. However, it is unrelated to regional mineralization.
Robotic‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy for treatment of a newly identified lesion revealed no viable cells in the previously treated area with microwave focal therapy
Authors: Tsukuda Fumio , Shimizu Toshihiro , Hagiwara Kiichi , Kawano Yoshiyuki , Sakamoto Noboru , Itagaki Shingo , Horiguchi Yutaka , Koga Shoji , Ukimura Osamu
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Histological outcome of the targeted focal therapy is in principle confirmed by targeted needle biopsy from the treated area in clinical trial. Herein, we report a rare case in which the MFT was followed by RARP.

Case presentation

A 68‐year‐old man with PSA 9.6 ng/mL and PI‐RADS 4 lesion in the right transition zone on multi‐parametric MRI underwent MR/ultrasound fusion‐guided targeted biopsy, which revealed grade‐group 1 cancer. Targeted focal therapy with microwave ablation was performed, resulting in disappearance of the PI‐RADS 4 lesion at post‐operative 4 months. However, PSA rose to 11.5 ng/mL, and a new PI‐RADS 4 lesion, was identified in the left peripheral zone. RARP was performed to reveal new grade‐group 3 cancer, and no viable cells in the previously treated area with MFT.

Conclusion

RARP was safely performed even after MFT and proved the pathological complete response of microwave ablation.
Functional and biochemical characterisation of remote homologues of type IV pili proteins PilN and PilO in Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Bonny Sharmin Q. , Zhou Xiaotian , Khan Mohammad F. , Rahman Mohammad M. , Xin Yue , Vankadari Naveen , Tikhomirova Alexandra , Homman‐Ludiye Jihane , Roujeinikova Anna
Published: May 2024

Helicobacter pylori encodes homologues of PilM, PilN and PilO from bacteria with Type IV pili, where these proteins form a pilus alignment complex. Inactivation of pilO changes H. pylori motility in semi‐solid media, suggesting a link to the chemosensory pathways or flagellar motor. Here, we showed that mutation of the pilO or pilN gene in H. pylori strain SS1 reduced the mean linear swimming speed in liquid media, implicating PilO and PilN in the function, or regulation of, the flagellar motor. We also demonstrated that the soluble variants of H. pylori PilN and PilO share common biochemical properties with their Type IV pili counterparts which suggests their adapted function in the bacterial flagellar motor may be similar to that in the Type IV pili.
Characterization of an advanced bone graft material with a nanocrystalline hydroxycarbanoapatite surface and dual phase composition
Authors: Borden Mark D. , Shors Edwin Clayton , Walsh William R. , Lovric Vedran
Published: May 2024

The bone formation response of ceramic bone graft materials can be improved by modifying the material's surface and composition. A unique dual‐phase ceramic bone graft material with a nanocrystalline, hydroxycarbanoapatite (HCA) surface and a calcium carbonate core (TrelCor®—Biogennix, Irvine, CA) was characterized through a variety of analytical methods. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the TrelCor surface (magnification 100–100,000X) clearly demonstrated a nanosized crystalline structure covering the entire surface. The surface morphology showed a hierarchical structure that included micron‐sized spherulites fully covered by plate‐like nanocrystals (<60 nm in thickness). Chemical and physical characterization of the material using X‐ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy Energy Dispersive X‐ray Spectroscopy (SEM–EDX) showed a surface composed of HCA. Analysis of fractured samples confirmed the dual‐phase composition with the presence of a calcium carbonate core and HCA surface. An in vitro bioactivity study was conducted to evaluate whether TrelCor would form a bioactive layer when immersed in simulated body fluid. This response was compared to a known bioactive material (45S5 bioactive glass ‐ Bioglass). Following 14‐days of immersion, surface and cross‐sectional analysis via SEM–EDX showed that the TrelCor material elicited a bioactive response with the formation of a bioactive layer that was qualitatively thicker than the layer that formed on Bioglass. An in vivo sheep muscle pouch model was also conducted to evaluate the ability of the material to stimulate an ectopic, cellular bone formation response. Results were compared against Bioglass and a first‐generation calcium phosphate ceramic that lacked a nanocrystalline surface. Histology and histomorphometric analysis (HMA) confirmed that the TrelCor nanocrystalline HCA surface stimulated a bone formation response in muscle (avg. 11% bone area) that was significantly greater than Bioglass (3%) and the smooth surface calcium phosphate ceramic (0%).
Medial meniscus extrusion is associated with meniscus tears in US and MRI: A case control study
Authors: Uusimaa Antti‐Pekka , Kemppainen Antti , Nevalainen Mika T.
Published: May 2024

Objectives

To study the medial meniscus extrusion (MME) in subjects with and without medial meniscal tears on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), supine ultrasound (US), and weight‐bearing US.

Methods

Forty‐seven cases (mean age 43.7 years) with medial meniscus tears and 53 healthy controls (mean age 36.6 years) were assessed. Two experienced sonographers performed the US evaluations, and a fellowship‐trained musculoskeletal radiologist assessed the menisci on MRI. Independent and paired T‐tests and ICC were used for statistical analyses.

Results

On supine US, the mean MME was 3.9 mm for the cases and 2.3 mm for the controls (p < 0.001). On weight‐bearing US, the values were 4.2 and 2.8 mm (p < 0.001), and on MRI 3.0 and 2.0 mm (p < 0.001), respectively. The mean difference between supine and weight‐bearing US extrusion was 0.38 mm for the cases and 0.49 mm for the controls (p = 0.291). Correlation between supine US and MRI MME measurements was good (ICC = 0.660, CIs [0.533–0.758]).

Conclusions

MME can be assessed using US with good correlation to MRI. US‐observed extrusion was significantly increased in supine and standing positions for medial meniscus tears. The mean difference between examination positions was reduced with medial meniscus tears although this result was statistically insignificant.
Insights into modifiers effects in differential mobility spectrometry: A data science approach for metabolomics and peptidomics
Authors: Stepanovic Stepan , Ekmekciu Lysi , Alghanem Bandar , Hopfgartner Gérard
Published: May 2024

Utilizing a data‐driven approach, this study investigates modifier effects on compensation voltage in differential mobility spectrometry–mass spectrometry (DMS‐MS) for metabolites and peptides. Our analysis uncovers specific factors causing signal suppression in small molecules and pinpoints both signal suppression mechanisms and the analytes involved. In peptides, machine learning models discern a relationship between molecular weight, topological polar surface area, peptide charge, and proton transfer‐induced signal suppression. The models exhibit robust performance, offering valuable insights for the application of DMS to metabolites and tryptic peptides analysis by DMS‐MS.
Determination of the effect of preoperative knee joint function on postoperative quality of life in patients with total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Kaya Cigdem , Seyman Cigdem Canbolat , Kaya Yılmaz
Published: May 2024

Primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the most successful procedures for end‐stage knee osteoarthritis. To determine the effect of preoperative knee joint function on postoperative quality of life in patients undergoing primary TKA. This descriptive cross‐sectional study was conducted with a total of 208 patients in the orthopedics and traumatology clinic. Data were gathered with a personal information form, the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), and the EQ‐5D‐5L Quality Of Life Scale in the preoperative period, at postoperative 6th week, and at postoperative 3rd month. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA), correlation analysis, and simple linear regression analysis. The mean age of the patients was 65.65 ± 7.01 years. Most patients (86.1%) were women, and 51.4% underwent left TKA. OKS scores indicated poor knee function preoperatively and gradually increased at postoperative 6th week and 3rd month. Preoperative OKS was a significant predictor of postoperative knee joint function and quality of life. This study shows that preoperative knee joint function significantly affects postoperative knee joint function and quality of life. These results demonstrate the importance of the surgery timing and suggest that performing surgery earlier in functional decline may be associated with a better outcome.
External validation and updating of the infusion rate individualization of soybean oil–based intravenous lipid emulsion: A descriptive cohort study
Authors: Fukushima Keizo , Omura Kenji , Goshi Satoshi , Futatsugi Azusa , Takamori Yoriyuki , Sasamoto Takahiro , Tsujimoto Takae , Iriyama Keiji , Sugioka Nobuyuki
Published: May 2024

Background

Safe and efficient provision of intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) requires a strategy to individualize infusion rates. Estimating the maximum acceptable infusion rate (MaxInfRate) of soybean oil–based ILE (SO‐ILE) in individuals by using a triglyceride (TG) kinetic model was reported to be feasible. In this study, we aimed to externally validate and, if needed, update the MaxInfRate estimation.

Methods

The maximum TG concentration (TGmax) in patients receiving SO‐ILE at MaxInfRate was evaluated to determine if it met the definition of being <400 mg/dl for 90th percentile of patients. The TG kinetic model was evaluated through prediction performance checks and was subsequently updated using the data set of both the previous model development and present validation studies.

Results

Out of 83 patients, 74 had TGmax <400 mg/dl, corresponding to a probability of 89.2% (95% CI, 81.9%–95.2%), and the 90th percentile of TGmax was 400 mg/dl (95% CI, 328–490 mg/dl), closely aligned with the theoretical values. However, the individual TGmax values were biased by the infusion rate because the covariate effects were overestimated in the TG kinetic model, requiring a minor revision. The updated MaxInfRate with the combined data set showed unbiased and more accurate predictions.

Conclusion

The MaxInfRate was validated in external inpatients and updated with all available data. MaxInfRate estimation for individuals could be an option for the safe and efficient provision of SO‐ILE.
Associations between the composite dietary antioxidant index and abdominal aortic calcification among United States adults: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Kong Xiufang , Wang Wei
Published: May 2024

Background

Oxidative stress has previously been shown to play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of vascular calcification. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the association between the composite dietary antioxidant index (CDAI) and abdominal aortic calcification (AAC).

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study of United States adults using data from the 2013–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The CDAI was calculated from vitamins A, C, E, selenium, zinc, and caretenoid through two rounds of 24‐h dietary recall interviews. AAC was assessed by a lateral dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry scan of the thoraco‐lumbar spine. The association between CDAI and AAC was evaluated with weighted multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Overall, an unweighted 1081 participants were analyzed, including 110 with AAC and 971 without AAC. In the multivariable fully adjusted logistic regression model, CDAI was significantly associated with AAC (odds ratio = 0.89, 95% CI 0.81–0.98; P = 0.02). Compared with the lowest quartile, the highest quartile of CDAI was related to a 0.33‐fold risk of AAC (95% CI 0.12–0.90; P = 0.03). Subgroup analysis showed that the significant association between CDAI and AAC was only observed in participants without hypertension (P for interaction = 0.002).

Conclusion

A higher CDAI was associated with a lower prevalence of AAC among adults without hypertension in the US. Further large‐scale prospective studies are required to analyze the protective role of the CDAI in AAC progression.
Effect of Rurality in Head and Neck Cancer: A Scoping Review
Authors: Tomescu Ana , Sullivan Natalie , Davies Camron , Ward Christina , Tillett Natasha , Darras Alex , Gleysteen John P. , Wood C. Burton
Published: May 2024

Objectives

This scoping review sought to evaluate the current literature regarding the following outcomes in relation to rurality: stage at diagnosis, clinical characteristics, treatment characteristics, and survival outcomes of head and neck cancer (HNC).

Data Sources

A literature search was performed using PubMed (MEDLINE), Science Direct, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases.

Review Methods

A 20‐year study cutoff from the initial search was used to increase the comparability of the studies regarding population and standards of clinical care. These searches were designed to capture all primary studies reporting HNC incidence, presenting characteristics, treatments, and treatment outcomes. Two reviewers independently screened abstracts, selected articles for exclusion, extracted data, and appraised studies. Critical appraisal was done according to the Joanna Briggs Institute Quality Assessment Tool for Cohort Studies.

Findings

Twenty eligible original articles were included. Stage at diagnosis, clinical characteristics, treatment characteristics, and survival outcomes were measured. Our review indicates that although this relationship is unclear, there may be variations in treatment choice for laryngeal cancer based on geographic location and rural residency status. The studies assessing HNC outcomes related to stage at diagnosis, clinical characteristics, treatment characteristics, and overall survival demonstrated conflicting findings, indicating a need for further research examining HNC outcomes with a focus on rurality as the main exposure.

Conclusions

The relationship between HNC and rural‐urban status remains unclear. More studies are needed, along with a consistent metric for measuring rurality and recruitment of comparable populations from both rural and urban areas. Laryngoscope, 134:4441–4457, 2024
Tannic Acid Incorporated Antibacterial Polyethylene Glycol Based Hydrogel Sponges for Management of Wound Infections
Authors: Akin Basak , Akgul Busra , Tasdurmazli Semra , Abamor Emrah Sefik , Ozbek Tulin , Ozcelik Berkay , Su Esra , Ozmen Mehmet Murat
Published: May 2024

Conventional wound dressings fail to provide features that can assist the healing process of chronic wounds. Multifunctional wound dressings address this issue by incorporating attributes including antibacterial and antioxidant activity, and the ability to enhance wound healing. Herein, polyethylene glycol (PEG)‐based antibacterial hydrogel sponge dressings are prepared by a rapid and facile gas foaming method based on an acid chloride/alcohol reaction where tannic acid (TA) is included as a reactant to impart antibacterial efficacy as well as to enhance the mechanical properties of the samples. The results reveal that the TA‐integrated sponges possess excellent antibacterial properties against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus with approximately 6–8 log reduction in the microbial colony count after 6 h, indicating their high potential for management of infection‐prone wounds. Compared to the control sample, TA incorporation increases the elastic modulus by twofold. As the samples also exhibit biocompatibility, antioxidant activity, and wound healing capacity, the novel TA‐incorporated hydrogels can be an alternative to traditional wound dressings for wounds with low‐to‐moderate exudate.
Structural Colored Based Humidity Sensor Consisting of High Resolution 3D Printed Photonic Crystal Coated with Ultrathin Responsive Hydrogels
Authors: Cesnik Stefan , Rodríguez Gabriel Hernández , Coclite Anna Maria , Bergmann Alexander
Published: May 2024

Today, humidity sensors have become an integral part of the daily lives. In particular, humidity sensors using an electronic measuring principle have become the standard. Although these sensors have proven to be a stable measurement method, they have some disadvantages, such as their long response time or the danger of using them in explosive environments. This work introduces photonic crystals as an alternative optical measurement approach. The novel technology of ultra‐fast two‐photon polymerisation printing is combined with a thin‐film deposition process, namely iCVD. This allows to print large area high‐precision 3D templates, which are subsequently coated with a humidity responsive hydrogel thin film (p(HEMA) of 20 nm.The limits of 2PP technology are being pushed allowing the production ofs table and periodic large‐area 3D structures. The flexible customization of hydrogels for ambient conditions make them exceptionally promising for a wide range of sensing applications. Additionally, optical methods for measuring humidity seem to be an excellent alternative to overcome the limitations for current state of the art humidity sensors. The optical detection of changes in ambient air humidity is achieved by observing color changes of the printed structure within the visible wavelength range.