bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of microplastics on the transport of extracellular DNA in an agricultural soil
Authors: Zhang Jing , Zheng Yu , Hua Jian
Published: June 2024

The transport of eDNA is one of the key environmental behaviors for its spreading and dispersal. Microplastics (MPs) are widely present in the soil environment and directly affect the environmental behavior of co-coexisting soil pollutants. However, the effect of MPs on eDNA transport and its mechanism remain unclear. In this study, we systematically investigated the effect of MPs types and functional groups on eDNA transport. The results showed that different kinds of MPs promoted eDNA transport, but there was no significant difference between these two MPs types. MPs with two different functional groups inhibited eDNA transport, and the transport rate of eDNA decreased by 8.9% and 7.0%, respectively. PSNH2 inhibited eDNA transport by reducing electrostatic repulsion, enhancing electrostatic adsorption, and reducing porosity of porous media, enhancing the interaction between eDNA and MPs. In the presence of kaolin, the inhibition effect of MPs on eDNA transport increased with the proportion of kaolin increased. The positive charge of kaolin enhanced the electrostatic adsorption between MPs and eDNA, and inhibited the transport of eDNA. This study revealed the transport rule of eDNA in the presence of MPs, and provided a theoretical basis for a comprehensive assessment of the environmental and ecological risks of coexistence of MPs and eDNA.
Hollow microbeads modified with MoS2 for enhanced removal of mercury from coal-fired flue gas
Authors: Cai Qian , He Ping , Chen Naichao , Wu Jiang , Jia Haodong , Shen Rui , Hu Tianyang , He Kangsai
Published: June 2024

Hollow microbeads, derived from fly ash emitted by power plants, are hollow microbeads composed of various compounds including SiO2 and Al2O3. These microspheres exhibit a high specific surface area and stable chemical properties. In this work, HM-MoS2 was synthesized through a two-step hydrothermal method to address the issues of low adsorption efficiency and high operational costs associated with the utilization of hollow microbeads in actual power plant applications. The experiments demonstrated that under simulated power plant flue gas conditions, the adsorption efficiency of HM-15 for elemental mercury (Hg0) exceeded 96%. Additionally, HM-15 displayed resistance to SO2 and NO gases, indicating its potential as a mercury adsorbent material with promising industrial applications.
A retrospective study on tongue malformations and a suggested classification
Authors: Mehrez Mennatallah Ismail , Mostafa Gamaleldin Heba
Published: June 2024

Objective:The objective of this study was to present the tongue abnormalities associated with different genetic disorders as well as propose a new classification for these anomalies.Materials and methods:In this retrospective study, the oro-dental reports from the outpatient clinic of the Oro-Dental Genetics department from the period of 1-1-2016 till 31-12-2016 were reviewed for the tongue abnormalities present.Results:The study included 304 patients; 121 patients had tongue abnormalities (39.8%). Tongue size abnormalities were present in 34 patients (28%). Position abnormalities accounted for 14 cases (11.5%). Tongue coating abnormalities were present in 19 patients (15.7%). Errors of fusion particularly bifid tip of the tongue was present in 28 patients (23.1%). There was a tongue hemangioma that presented in a patient with kindler syndrome. There were other abnormalities that were suggestive of diagnoses as the hamartomatous masses associated with oro-facio-digital syndrome and others.Conclusion:This study described different tongue anomalies seen in a group of patients diagnosed with genetic syndromes. Also, a newer classification system for tongue anomalies was proposed, which in our point of view will aid clinicians in diagnosis of genetic disorders associated with such anomalies.
Satellitengestützte Gewinnung pflanzlicher Rohstoffe für die
Herstellung hochwertiger pharmazeutischer Produkte
Authors: Lorenz Matthias
Published: June 2024

For the worldwide sourcing of medicinal plants as a high-quality raw material for
pharmaceutical processing, the use of satellite data and drones is of great
importance for quality assurance, risk assessment and risk mitigation, for
finding new raw material occurrences, research and development and as part of
GACP-compliant documentation and audits.

In many cases, recording the exact location data using GPS provides the basis for
subsequent evaluations and assessments of risks to the product and the
environment. In audits, they provide exact and quickly available documentation
of the production site or region for wild collection, the location of primary
processing and the transportation routes of the sensitive fresh matter for
subsequent drying.

Screenings are also based on this method and allow geographical “mapping” in
order to identify certain characteristics of populations or individual plants,
e. g., as eco- or chemotypes. These can be propagated and cultivated as “elite
crops” for specific requirements.

Remote sensing satellite images visualize structures, colours and plant species
in natural habitats and enable the identification of medicinal plant occurrences
in unknown areas. Recognition requires training with data that must be obtained
on site.
Komplexe Schnittverletzung der Hand im Kindesalter –
Herausforderungen und Chancen
Authors: Kupczyk Eva K. , Jakubietz Rafael G. , Paul Mila M. , Schäfer Susanne , Hölscher-Doht Stefanie
Published: June 2024

Die Versorgung kindlicher traumatischer Hand- und Fingerverletzungen stellt in der
Handchirurgie eine besondere Herausforderung dar. Da solch komplexe Verletzungen
vergleichsweise selten sind 1, gibt es im
Gegensatz zu vergleichbaren Verletzungsmustern beim Erwachsenen kein genauso
etabliertes und allgemeingültiges Nachbehandlungskonzept 2
3.
Zusätzlich muss das Kind als Individuum immer gemeinsam mit den Eltern auf die
nächsten Schritte vorbereitet werden 1
3
4.
Die klinische Untersuchung ist zudem aufgrund der altersabhängig eingeschränkten
Mitarbeit der jungen Patienten erschwert 1
3. Um bestmögliche Resultate zu
erreichen, sind besondere Fähigkeiten in der Kommunikation Voraussetzung 4. Speziell die kleine Anatomie stellt
zusätzlich hohe Anforderungen an die Fertigkeiten des Operateurs.
Phytotherapie bei akuten Atemwegsinfekten – ein
Überblick
Authors: Koch Anna K. , Langhorst Jost
Published: June 2024

Einige medizinische AWMF-Leitlinien empfehlen die Integration von Phytotherapie
in der Behandlung von Atemwegserkrankungen. Auch die European Medicines Agency
(EMA) spricht sich positiv zur Anwendung bestimmter Phytotherapeutika bei
Atemwegsinfekten aus. Die Empfehlungen der EMA begründen sich zumeist auf
traditionellem (traditional) oder etabliertem (well-established) Gebrauch.
Teilweise liegt auch durch Metaanalysen Evidenz für die Wirksamkeit bestimmter
Phytotherapeutika bspw. bei Erkältungen und Husten, sowohl bei Kindern als auch
bei Erwachsenen vor. Die vorhandenen Studien sind aber oftmals von geringer
Qualität. Weitere hochwertige Studien sind erforderlich, um diese Erkenntnisse
zu stärken und das volle Potenzial der Phytotherapie in Therapie und Prävention
zu realisieren.
Frühe allergische Sensibilisierung – frühe Allergen-Immuntherapie?
Authors: Vogelberg Christian
Published: June 2024

Allergische Sensibilisierungen gegen Atemwegsallergene treten häufig bereits im jungen Kleinkindalter auf und bleiben im Verlauf meist bestehen. Damit verbunden ist ein erhöhtes Risiko für die Manifestation eines Asthma bronchiale. Die Allergen-Immuntherapie ist die einzige kausale Therapieform bei Allergien. Für die Anwendung im Kleinkindalter existieren bislang nur wenige Studien, die darauf hinweisen, dass sowohl die sublinguale als auch die subkutane Allergen-Immuntherapie eine sichere Behandlungsform darstellen und Kleinkinder möglicherweise besser auf eine Allergen-Immuntherapie reagieren als andere. Weitere Studien zur Sicherheit, Wirksamkeit, zum präventiven Effekt und zur Toleranz sowie Adhärenz der Allergen-Immuntherapie im Kleinkindalter sind notwendig.
Anstieg invasiver Erkrankungen durch Streptokokken und komplizierte Pneumonien zum Ende der COVID-19-Pandemie
Authors: Ankermann Tobias , Liese Johannes G.
Published: June 2024

Im Winter 2022/2023 kam es in Deutschland bei Kindern zu einer Zunahme von invasiven schweren bakteriellen Infektionserkrankungen und komplizierten Pneumonien mit Nachweis von S. pyogenes und S. pneumoniae. Dies ging nach Lockerung der Pandemie-bezogenen nicht-pharmakologischen Interventionen mit einem Wiederauftreten von Viren, wie RSV, Influenza und humanen Metapneumovirus, einher, die während der COVID-19-Pandemie kaum nachweisbar waren.
Smart-Technologies in der Kinderpneumologie und -allergologie
Authors: Knopek Antonia , Lex Christiane
Published: June 2024

In der Medizin werden immer mehr digitale Anwendungen genutzt. Insbesondere der internationale Markt für medizinische Smart-Technologies wächst stetig und umfasst vielfältige Angebote, die von Apps bis zu mobilen Messgeräten reichen – sucht man jedoch deutschsprachige, für Kinder und Jugendliche geeignete Angebote, so ist die Auswahl deutlich geringer. Für die pädiatrische Pneumologie zeigen Studien erste vielversprechende Ergebnisse für den Einsatz von elektronischen Symptomtagebüchern, Smartphone-Spirometern und digitalen Inhalationshilfen. Digitale Hilfsmittel erhöhen die Therapieadhärenz bei Kindern mit Asthma. Im Bereich der pädiatrischen Allergologie sind vor allem Apps zur Pollenflugvorhersage weit verbreitet. Die Anwendung von Smart-Technologies könnte den Therapieerfolg bei verschiedenen Erkrankungen verbessern und die Versorgung in der pädiatrischen Pneumologie und Allergologie erleichtern. Aktuell steckt die Anwendung digitaler Anwendungen in diesem Bereich jedoch noch in ihren Anfängen, weshalb eine differenzierte Auswahl geeigneter Apps und Geräte nötig ist.
Nahrungsmittelprotein-induziertes Enterokolitis-Syndrom
Authors: Finger Antje
Published: June 2024

Das Nahrungsmittelprotein-induzierte Enterokolitis-Syndrom (engl.: Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome, im Folgenden als FPIES bezeichnet) ist eine nicht-IgE-vermittelte Nahrungsmittelallergie und präsentiert sich in 2 Formen. In einer akuten Form, die vom Säuglings- bis ins Erwachsenenalter vorkommt und einer chronischen Form, die man ausschließlich bei Säuglingen sieht. Die akute Form geht mit verzögert auftretendem und beeindruckend starkem Erbrechen sowie daraus resultierendem raschem gastrointestinalem Flüssigkeitsverlust einher. Die chronische Verlaufsform tritt vor der Beikosteinführung auf und ist durch Erbrechen, Diarrhö und Gedeihstörung gekennzeichnet. Bei langanhaltender Symptomatik kann sich auch das Kind mit chronischem FPIES in einer kritischen Situation befinden, wenn Exsikkose, Elektrolytverschiebung und Azidose auftreten. Die häufigsten Auslöser in Deutschland sind Kuhmilch und Fisch. Die strikte Meidung des auslösenden Nahrungsmittels ist unerlässlich. Der Beratung kommt ein hoher Stellenwert zu. Sie beinhaltet die Punkte Beikosteinführung bei Säuglingen, Notfallmanagement, Prognose und den Zeitpunkt einer Toleranzüberprüfung. Die Erkrankung kann negative Auswirkungen auf die Lebensqualität und die psychosoziale Gesundheit der Patienten und Familien vermindern.
Das Respiratorische Synzytialvirus (RSV)
Authors: Bösl Sabina , Fischbach Thomas , Agyeman Philipp , Redlberger-Fritz Monika , Kostenzer Johanna , Schultz Carmen , Tischer Christina , Trück Johannes , Zimmermann Luc , Siche-Pantel Franziska , Mader Silke
Published: June 2024

Hintergrund und Ziel Das Respiratorische Synzytialvirus (RSV) ist eine der häufigsten Ursachen für Atemwegsinfektionen bei Säuglingen und Kleinkindern und trägt das Risiko für schwere Krankheitsverläufe. In einem partizipativen Vorgehen hat die European Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants (EFCNI) ein Positionspapier entwickelt, welches Handlungsempfehlungen für Entscheidungstragende aus Politik, Gesundheitsversorgung und Wissenschaft formuliert (Deutschland, Österreich, Schweiz).

Material und Methoden Im Rahmen des Projektes wurden insgesamt vier digitale Rundtischgespräche organisiert. Die aktuelle Situation wurde zusammen mit deutschsprachigen RSV-Expertinnen und Experten relevanter Fachrichtungen evaluiert. Das Positionspapier wurde mit allen Teilnehmenden in mehreren Runden diskutiert und abgestimmt.

Ergebnisse und Diskussion Im D-A-CH-Raum werden die Risiken von RSV nach wie vor unterschätzt und es existieren derzeit keine einheitlichen Behandlungsempfehlungen. Der Rundtisch fordert daher insbesondere eine zielgruppenübergreifende Bewusstseinsbildung, vermehrte Aufklärungsarbeit sowie die fortlaufende Aktualisierung von Leitlinien.
Cistus×incanus L. – eine potente Heilpflanze zur
Prävention auf vielen Ebenen
Authors: Gündling Peter W.
Published: June 2024

Zistrosengewächse (Cistaceae) sind in den letzten Jahren recht intensiv beforscht
worden. Dabei standen Extrakte der Graubehaarten Zistrose
(Cistus×incanus L.) aufgrund ihres hohen Gehaltes an
Polyphenolen mit an erster Stelle. Die meisten dieser Arbeiten beschäftigen sich
mit der Bestimmung dieser Polyphenole und ihrer Komponenten sowie deren
antioxidativen Wirkungen. Auch neue Wirkmechanismen, wie antiinflammatorische,
antiglykämische und lipidsenkende, konnten aufgezeigt werden. Und nicht zuletzt
ist es auch das starke antivirale Potenzial, das bestimmte Subspezies
auszeichnet und das eine wichtige Bedeutung in der Prophylaxe und Therapie von
Infektionen hat.
Das Phytotherapeutikum Cimicifuga racemosa
(Traubensilberkerze)
Authors: Klose Petra
Published: June 2024

Frauen mit Brustkrebs leben oft mit erheblichen Nebenwirkungen einschließlich der
Einleitung einer frühen Menopause, die u. a. zu vasomotorischen Symptomen,
Stimmungsschwankungen und muskuloskelettalen Schmerzen führt. Präparate aus der
Traubensilberkerze (Cimicifuga racemosa) können hier eine Therapieoption
darstellen, da in zahlreichen Studien das geringe Nebenwirkungspotenzial
nachgewiesen werden konnte. Traubensilberkerze wirkt auch nicht als
Phytoöstrogen, was bei den meisten Brustkrebsarten kontraindiziert wäre. Es gibt
zudem Hinweise, dass die Einnahme von Traubensilberkerze die Wirkung von
Tamoxifen unterstützt. Studien zur Linderung von Hitzewallungen bei menopausalen
Frauen durch Traubensilberkerze sind zwar nicht einheitlich, die Europäische
Arzneimittelagentur EMA kommt jedoch zu dem Schluss, dass die
Nutzen-Risiko-Abwägung für die Einnahme von Traubensilberkerze spricht. Zur
Behandlung von Brustkrebspatientinnen gibt es wenige Studien, und nur eine
Studie, die über einen längeren Zeitraum dauerte, zeigte signifikante Linderung
im Vergleich zur Kontrolle. Doch auch für Brustkrebspatientinnen spricht die
Datenlage zur Sicherheit nicht gegen die Einnahme, sodass die EMA die Begleitung
durch den behandelnden Arzt empfiehlt.
Rupturierte pulmonale Echinococcus granulosus-Zyste – Eine seltene Ursache für eine schwere pneumogene Sepsis
Authors: Früh Jonas , Fieber Lukas , Held Matthias , Müller Andreas
Published: June 2024

Echinokokkosen sind in Deutschland seltene parasitäre Erkrankungen, eine Infektion mit Echinococcus granulosus tritt v.a. bei Menschen mit Migrationshintergrund auf. Am häufigsten sind Leber und Lunge befallen. Pulmonale Zysten führen oft erst bei Ruptur zu Symptomen. Die Kombination aus bildgebenden Verfahren und Serologie erlaubt meist eine Diagnose, gelegentlich ergänzt durch molekulargenetische Methoden. Angesichts globaler Migrationsbewegungen sollte in den differenzialdiagnostischen Überlegungen auch die Epidemiologie häufiger Erkrankungen im Herkunftsland berücksichtigt werden.

Wir präsentieren den ungewöhnlichen Fall einer pneumogenen Sepsis bei einem jungen Mann aus Syrien, bei dem die Kombination aus Anamnese sowie radiologischer, serologischer und molekulargenetischer Untersuchungen schließlich zur Diagnose einer schweren pulmonalen Echinokokkose mit Ruptur führte.
5(S)-5-Carboxystrictosidine from the Root of Mappianthus iodoides Ameliorates H2O2-induced Apoptosis in H9c2 Cardiomyocytes via PI3K/AKT and ERK Pathways
Authors: Han Ying , Xi Junli , Zhang Puzhao , Gong Ming , Luo Tao , Shao Feng , Li Yongxin , Zhong Lingyun , Quan Hexiu
Published: June 2024

5(S)-5-carboxystrictosidine (5-CS) is a compound found in the root of Mappianthus iodoides, a traditional Chinese medicine used for the treatment of coronary artery disease. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of 5-CS against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyocytes and the underlying mechanisms. 5-CS pretreatment significantly protected against H2O2-induced cell death, LDH leakage, and malondialdehyde (MDA) production, which are indicators for oxidative stress injury. 5-CS also enhanced the activity of SOD and CAT. In addition, 5-CS pretreatment significantly inhibited H2O2-induced apoptosis, as determined by flow cytometer, suppressed the activity of caspase-3 and caspase-9, and attenuated the activation of cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-9. 5-CS also increased Akt and ERK activation altered by H2O2 using Western blot analysis. The PI3K-specific
inhibitor LY294002 abolished 5-CS-induced Akt activation. The ERK-specific inhibitor PD98059 abolished 5-CS-induced ERK activation. Both LY294002 and PD98059 attenuated the protective effect of 5-CS on H9c2 cardiomyocytes against H2O2-induced apoptosis and cell death. Taken together, these results demonstrate that 5-CS prevents H2O2-induced oxidative stress injury in H9c2 cells by enhancing the activity of the endogenous antioxidant enzymes, inhibiting apoptosis, and modulating PI3K/Akt and ERK signaling pathways.
Effects of a Pharmacist-Designed Clinical Decision Support System on Antimicrobial Stewardship
Authors: Amor-García Miguel Ángel , Chamorro-de-Vega Esther , Rodríguez-González Carmen Guadalupe , Iglesias-Peinado Irene , Moreno-Díaz Raquel
Published: June 2024

Background Clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) are computer applications, which can be applied to give guidance to practitioners in antimicrobial stewardship (AS) activities; however, further information is needed for their optimal use.

Objectives Our objective was to analyze the implementation of a CDSS program in a second-level hospital, describing alerts, recommendations, and the effects on consumption and clinical outcomes.

Methods In October 2020, a pharmacist-driven CDSS designed for AS was implemented in a second-level hospital. The program provides a list of alerts related to antimicrobial treatment and microbiology, which were automatized for revision by the AS professionals. To analyze the implementation of the CDSS, a pre–post-intervention, retrospective study was designed. AS-triggered alerts and recommendations (total number and rate of acceptance) were compiled. The effect of the CDSS was measured using antimicrobial consumption, duration of antimicrobial treatments, in-hospital mortality, and length of stay (LOS) for patients admitted for infectious causes.

Results The AS team revised a total of 7,543 alerts and 772 patients had at least one recommendation, with an acceptance rate of 79.3%. Antimicrobial consumption decreased from 691.1 to 656.8 defined daily doses (DDD)/1,000 beds-month (p = 0.04) and the duration of antimicrobial treatment from 3.6 to 3.3 days (p < 0.01). In-hospital mortality decreased from 6.6 to 6.2% (p = 0.46) and mean LOS from 7.2 to 6.2 days (p < 0.01).

Conclusion The implementation of a CDSS resulted in a significant reduction of antimicrobial DDD, duration of antimicrobial treatments, and hospital LOS. There was no significant difference in mortality.
Metal-Free Synthesis of 2-Benzylideneindolin-3-ones via a Nucleophilic/Rearrangement/Azide–Alkene Cascade Reaction
Authors: Tang Quan , Huang Sheng-Chao , Wang Hua , Long Tianyu , Kong Han-Han , Wang Long , Yang Qing-Qing , Huang Nianyu
Published: June 2024

A metal-free synthesis of 2-benzylideneindolin-3-ones through a formal [4+1] annulation from o-azidobenzaldehydes and terminal alkynes has been developed. The method features operational simplicity, mild reaction conditions, and ready availability of starting materials. A broad range of 2-benzylideneindolin-3-ones were prepared in moderate to excellent yields. Mechanistic studies indicated that the reaction might proceed through a nucleophilic addition/rearrangement/azide–alkene cycloaddition pathway to produce 2-benzylideneindolin-3-ones.
Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis Should Be Recommended for Antepartum Admissions and Cesarean Delivery if Age and Body Mass Index Are Greater Than 35
Authors: Shields Laurence E. , Feldman Daniele , Klein Catherine , Foster Mindy , Lin Stephanie
Published: June 2024

Objective Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Current expanded treatment recommendations result in the inclusion of a large percentage of the obstetric population, which has limited their adoption. The purpose of this study was to identify a population at high risk for VTE, with minimal impact on the number of patients that would qualify for expanded treatment.

Study Design We performed a retrospective analysis of a large obstetric population. International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revsion (ICD-10) codes for VTE were used to identify patients presenting for obstetric or postpartum (PP) care from January 2016 to March 2018. The review focused on high-risk factors (history of VTE or high-risk thrombophilia), antepartum hospital admissions that were >72 hours in the previous 30 days, use of sequential compression devices, body mass index (BMI; kg/m2), age, and mode of delivery. Pharmacologic treatment efficacy was set at 90, 75, or 50%.

Results During the 27-month review period, there were 120,235 deliveries and 93 had a VTE event in the index pregnancy or within 4 weeks PP (7.7/10,000 births). A history of VTE or high-risk thrombophilia was seen in 25.8% of cases. Antepartum admission was noted in 40.9%, and the combination of cesarean delivery (CD) with age and BMI ≥35 (Age + BMI + CD) was noted in 17.3% of PP cases. Targeting these latter two groups for VTE prophylaxis with a 75% efficacy suggests that 34% of the VTE events would likely have been prevented while increasing the total population treated by approximately 2%.

Conclusion Expanding pharmacologic prophylactical coverage to include an antepartum admission of >72 hours and those with Age + BMI + CD would result in about a one-third reduction in total VTE events with about 2% requiring treatment. These data support some of the suggested recommendations for expanded pharmacological deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis.

Key Points
Palladium-Catalyzed Amino-Sulfonylation of Aryl Iodide Derivatives via the Insertion of Sulfur Dioxide: One-Pot Synthesis of Aryl Primary Sulfonamides with Thiourea Dioxides
Authors: Li Yong , Cheng Kai , Ge Panyu , Zhou Ziyi , Tao Jiahao , Cai Wei , Wu Minqin , Shan Xinggang
Published: June 2024

A palladium-catalyzed one-pot amino-sulfonylation of aryl iodide derivatives with thiourea dioxide, PdCl2dppf, and one-pot added hydroxylamine-O-sulfonic acid is presented. This amino-sulfonylation gave structure diversity to aryl primary sulfonamides and features good functional group compatibility, mild reaction conditions, excellent regioselectivity, and moderate to good yields. The robustness and potential of this method have also been successfully demonstrated by late-stage elaboration and gram-scale reaction. This approach achieves the divergent construction of the complex core structures that are prevalent in highly valuable natural products such as Sulpiride, Venetoclax, and Furosemide­.
Does New WHO 2022 Nomenclature of Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumors Offer an Extra Edge to the Neurosurgeons for Its Management? A Narrative Review
Authors: Srivastava Alok , Singh Manish , Yadav Awadhesh , Srivastava Chhitij , Chandra Anil , Srivastava Akanksha D.
Published: June 2024

The new World Health Organization nomenclature of pituitary tumors was introduced in the year 2022 after much deliberation. This nomenclature clearly demarcates the anterior lobe (adenohypophyseal), posterior lobe (neurohypophyseal), and hypothalamic tumors. There is also focus on other tumors arising in the sellar region. The nomenclature has also advocated the routine use of immunohistochemistry in describing the pituitary transcription factors that plays a fundamental role in distinguishing the cell lineage of these tumors. However, the nomenclature is complex in understanding due to inclusion of pathological correlates like transcription factors, hormones, biomarkers, and various controversies that have emerged regarding the renaming of pituitary adenomas (PA) as PiTNETs (“Pituitary Neuroendocrine tumors”) because majority of the adenomas are benign and have rare metastatic behavior while classifying them as PiTNETs will create unnecessary misinterpretation of these as aggressive tumors that will lead to apprehension among the patients. The new classification gives deeper insight into the histological picture of the various pituitary tumors but other than contributing to the follow-up strategy and postsurgery management, this classification does not add anything new that could be advantageous for the neurosurgeons in clinical practice and decision making, especially in deciding the plan of action for surgery. Hence, there is need of a more comprehensive, integrated, neuroradiological-based classification with more emphasis on the invasiveness of these tumors that would assist the neurosurgeons in planning the treatment strategy and managing patients of pituitary tumors.
RP-HPLC-DAD Method Development and Validation for 1,3,4-Oxadiazole Derivative to Evaluate Its Forced Degradation Behavior and Stability
Authors: Deshpande Shridhar Narayan , BC Revana Siddappa , Khot Kartik Bhairu , Rajesh Gupta Dheeraj , Lobo Cynthia Lizzie
Published: June 2024

In the current study, a straightforward high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) approach was developed and validated to identify a novel drug compound called 5-(4-bromophenyl)-N-(2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-amine (A3). By putting the compound's solution under hydrolytic, oxidative, and photolytic stress, the method's capacity to detect stability was put to the test. A gradient mobile phase of acetonitrile, orthophosphoric acid, and methanol (90:051:05 v/v), at a flow rate of 1.00 mL/min, was used for the chromatographic separation on a C18 column (Promosil, 5μ, 4.60 250 mm), which was maintained at 40°C and a photodiode array detector was used for detection. At concentrations between 10 and 100.00 μg/mL, Beer's rule was observed. The recovery (99.25–100%, standard deviation [SD] 5%), intraday accuracy and precision (98.62–99.91%, relative standard deviation [RSD] 5%), interday accuracy and precision (96.25–99.91%, RSD 5%), and intermediate accuracy and precision (98.10–99.91%, RSD 5%) all indicated that the developed method was reliable, repeatable, reproducible, and robust. In cases of thermal and moisture deterioration, respectively, the compound's peak resolution and selectivity factors from the nearest resolving peak revealed specificity and selectivity. The selected synthesized compound barely broke down under oxidative and alkaline hydrolytic stress. However, the compound was resistant to photolysis in neutral and acidic environments. The results of this study demonstrate the sensitivity, specificity, and selectivity of the established approach for quality control, stability testing, and preformulation investigations.
Sports-Related Cervical Spine Injury: A Series of Two Cases with Literature Review
Authors: Ranjan Nitish , Maurya Ved Prakash , Bhaisora Kamlesh Singh , Srivastava Arun Kumar
Published: June 2024

Sports-related cervical injuries pose a significant concern in the realm of sports medicine, affecting athletes across various disciplines and levels of competition. Cervical injuries in sports primarily result from a combination of high-impact forces, sudden acceleration–deceleration movements, and improper techniques. Common cervical injuries include sprains, strains, fractures, and more severe conditions such as cervical spine dislocations. The mechanisms underlying sports-related cervical injuries involve complex interactions between biomechanical forces, player dynamics, and environmental factors. Understanding the biomechanics of these injuries is crucial for developing effective preventive strategies. This study highlights the mechanism of injury, primary intervention including transport of athletes, and medical and surgical management with the help of two such cases managed in a single institute in this year, 2023. By addressing the multifaceted aspects of these injuries, the sports community can strive toward creating a safer environment for athletes and minimizing the impact of cervical injuries on their overall well-being and athletic performance.
Impact of the ARRIVE Trial in Nulliparous Individuals with Morbid Obesity: Interrupted Time Series Analysis
Authors: Atwani Rula , Saade George , Huang Jim C. , Kawakita Tetsuya
Published: June 2024

Objective We aimed to examine rates of induction of labor at 39 weeks and cesarean delivery before and after the ARRIVE (A Randomized Trial of Induction Versus Expectant Management) trial stratified by body mass index (BMI; kg/m2) category.

Study Design This was a repeated cross-sectional analysis of publicly available U.S. birth certificate data from 2015 to 2021. We limited analyses to nulliparous individuals with a singleton pregnancy, cephalic presentation, without chronic hypertension, diabetes (gestational or pregestational), and fetal anomaly who delivered between 39 and 42 weeks' gestation. The pre-ARRIVE period spanned from August 2016 to July 2018 and the post-ARRIVE period spanned from January 2019 to December 2020. The dissemination period of the ARRIVE trial was from August 2018 to December 2018. Our co-primary outcomes were induction at 39 weeks and cesarean delivery. Our secondary outcomes were overall induction of labor and preeclampsia. We conducted an interrupted time series analysis after stratifying by prepregnancy BMI (<40 or ≥40). Negative binomial regression was used to calculate adjusted incident rate ratios with 95% confidence intervals.

Results Of 2,122,267 individuals that were included, 2,051,050 had BMI <40 and 71,217 had BMI ≥40. In individuals with BMI <40, the post-ARRIVE period compared to the pre-ARRIVE period was associated with an increased rate of induction of labor at 39 weeks, a decreased rate of cesarean delivery, and an increased rate of overall induction of labor. In individuals with BMI ≥40, the post-ARRIVE period compared to the pre-ARRIVE period was associated with an increased rate of induction of labor at 39 weeks, an increased rate of overall induction of labor and a decreased rate of preeclampsia; however, the decrease in the rate of cesarean delivery was not significant.

Conclusion An increase in induction of labor at 39 weeks' gestation in individuals with BMI ≥40 was not associated with a decrease in the cesarean delivery rate.

Key Points
Physical Health-Related Quality of Life and Postsurgical Outcomes in Brain Tumor Resection Patients
Authors: Chintapalli Renuka
Published: June 2024

Background Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have gained traction in assessing patients' health around surgery. Among these, the 29-item Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-29) is a widely accepted tool for evaluating overall health, yet its applicability in cranial neurosurgery remains uncertain.

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of preoperative PROMIS-29 scores for postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing brain tumor resection.

Materials and Methods We identified adult patients undergoing brain tumor resection at a single neurosurgical center between January 2018 and December 2021. We analyzed physical health (PH) summary scores to determine optimal thresholds for predicting length of stay (LOS), discharge disposition (DD), and 30-day readmission. Bivariate analyses were conducted to examine the distribution of PH scores based on patient characteristics. Multivariate logistic regression models were employed to assess the association between preoperative PH scores and short-term postoperative outcomes.

Results Among 157 patients (mean age 55.4 years, 58.0% female), 14.6% exhibited low PH summary scores. Additionally, 5.7% experienced prolonged LOS, 37.6% had nonroutine DDs, and 19.1% were readmitted within 30 days. Bivariate analyses indicated that patients with low PH summary scores, indicating poorer baseline PH, were more likely to have malignant tumors, nonelective admissions, and adverse outcomes. In multivariate analysis, low PH summary scores independently predicted increased odds of prolonged LOS (odds ratio [OR] = 6.09, p = 0.003), nonroutine DD (OR = 4.25, p = 0.020), and 30-day readmission (OR = 3.93, p = 0.020).

Conclusion The PROMIS-29 PH summary score serves as a valuable predictor of short-term postoperative outcomes in brain tumor patients. Integrating this score into clinical practice can enhance the ability to anticipate meaningful postoperative results.
Phenotypic/Genotypic Profile of Children with Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis in Southern Brazil
Authors: Santos Berkmis Viana , de Souza Josiane , Zeny Michelle Silva , Santos Mara Lúcia Schmitz Ferreira , do Valle Daniel Almeida
Published: June 2024

Introduction Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (CLNs) are a group of lysosomal storage disorders of genetic origin, characterized by progressive neurodegeneration and intracellular accumulation of autofluorescent lipopigment. Thirteen genes related to CLNs are currently described, showing genetic and allelic heterogeneity, most of them with an autosomal recessive pattern. Due to the few descriptions of cases related to CLNs in Brazil, it is necessary to describe the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of these patients. This study aims to evaluate the genotypic profile and correlate it with the phenotypic characteristics of patients with CLN in a children's hospital.

Methods This study was performed as a descriptive cross-sectional study with analysis of medical records, imaging, and laboratory tests of patients who had a confirmed molecular diagnosis of CLN.

Results The sample consisted of 11 patients from nine families with different subtypes of CLNs (CLN2, 5, 6, 7, and 8), with CLN2 being the most prevalent in the study. A total of 16 mutation variants were identified in genes associated with the five CLNs described in this study, with typical and atypical clinical phenotypes depending on the subtype and its variants.

Conclusion Novel mutations identified in the patients in this study showed phenotypes of rapid and severe progression in the CLN2 patient and similar characteristics in CLN6 and CLN7 patients, as previously described in the literature.
Clinical Signs of Base of Skull Fracture in the South Indian Population
Authors: Jain Harsh , Ranjan Shambhavi , Ganesh Krishnamurthy
Published: June 2024

Objective The clinical signs of base of skull fracture (BSF) are often ambiguous and difficult to identify, but are often used to make decisions on early medical interventions. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of the clinical signs of BSF, their dependency to diagnose this injury and to assess the correlation between the presence of these clinical signs and the severity of head injury and patient outcome.

Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in South India over a period of 3 years (2020–2023). Patients older than 18 years, with radiological or surgical evidence of BSF were monitored for developing the clinical signs including Battle's signs, raccoon's sign, otorrhea, and rhinorrhea. The presence of these clinical signs was correlated with demographical characteristics, patient presentation, complications, and their outcome.

Results A total of 292 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the cohort was 36.27 ± 18.68 years. A total of 55 (18.8%) showed at least one of the four signs of BSF. Raccoon's sign was seen in 9.5% cases, Battle's sign in 5.5%, otorrhea in 5.5%, and rhinorrhea in 2.4% cases. Patients with frontal (p = 0.021) or ethmoid (0.049) fractures and ENT bleeding (p = 0.022) were significantly more likely to present with at least one sign of BSF. The patients who presented with clinical signs were more likely to have a complication during the course of the hospital stay (p = 0.024) than those without clinical signs, including cranial nerve palsy (p < 0.001) and cerebrospinal fluid leak (p < 0.001). The outcome of the patient did not change based on the presence of clinical signs (p = 0.926).

Conclusion These study results indicate a limited diagnostic value of BSF clinical signs in the South Indian population. Thus, other modalities should be considered for the diagnosis when suspected. These results also discourage the use of the nasal route in all patients with suspected head injury and emphasize that during the nasal aspiration procedure, the use of a rigid device is fundamental to avoid false passage of the aspiration tube from the nasal to the intracranial region.
Using the Extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology to explore how to increase users’ intention to take a robotaxi
Authors: Wei Wei , Sun Jie , Miao Wei , Chen Tong , Sun Hanchu , Lin Shuyuan , Gu Chao
Published: June 2024

In recent years, many governments and companies have gradually launched robotaxi projects to help make transportation systems smarter, improve travel efficiency, and reduce travel costs. Robotaxi is a new mode of travel that replaces human driving with machines, freeing up social labour and enriching people’s travel choices. This study employs the Extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) to understand the influencing factors of users’ adoption and usage of robotaxis in China to facilitate the broader integration of robotaxis into urban transportation systems. This study surveyed the preferences of 2048 respondents and analysed the data through structural equation modelling. The results indicate that performance expectancy, hedonic motivation, and price value are the factors influencing users’ behavioural intentions, while effort expectancy and social influence affect use behaviour. In contrast, habit is an important factor that affect both behavioural intention and actual use behaviour. Based on the findings, we have proposed practical strategies to improve robotaxi services and updated the UTAUT2 model in the context of robotaxi. We suggest that robotaxi operators can promote user acceptance and use by reducing the difficulty of use, improving the cost performance and the ride experience, and making appropriate publicity and guidance.
Asymptotic analysis on a new stochastic epidemic model involving isolation mechanism
Authors: Huang Jialiang , Fu Xianlong
Published: June 2024

In this paper, a new stochastic epidemic model is established and the dynamical behavior of its solutions is studied for this model. A deterministic epidemic model (ordinary differential equation) is first proposed by considering the isolation mechanism, and the transmission probability function is determined by a Wells–Riley model method to analyze the transmission in the quarantine. For this deterministic model, the basic reproduction number R0 is computed and it is used to determine the existence of disease-free and positive equilibria. The linearized stability of the equilibria is also discussed by analyzing the distribution of eigenvalues of the linear system. Following that, a corresponding stochastic epidemic model is further established by introducing stochastic disturbance. Then, the extinction result of the model is derived also with the help of the basic reproduction number R0s. Furthermore, by applying the theory of Markov semigroups, it is proved that the densities of the distributions of the solutions can converge to an invariant density or sweeping under certain conditions. At last, some numerical simulations are provided and discussed to illustrate the practicability of the model and the obtained theoretical results.
Joint evolution of a Lorentz-covariant massless scalar field and its point-charge source in one space dimension
Authors: Frolov Lawrence , Leigh Samuel , Tahvildar-Zadeh Shadi
Published: June 2024

In this paper we prove that the static solution of the Cauchy problem for a massless real scalar field that is sourced by a point charge in 1 + 1 dimensions is asymptotically stable under perturbation by compactly-supported radiation. This behavior is due to the process of back-reaction. Taking the approach of Kiessling, we rigorously derive the expression for the force on the particle from the principle of total energy-momentum conservation. We provide a simple, closed form for the particle’s self-action, and show that it is restorative in this model, i.e. proportional to negative velocity, and causes the charge to return to rest after the radiation passes through. We establish these results by studying the joint evolution problem for the particle-scalar field system, and proving its global well-posedness and the claimed asymptotic behavior.
Identification of critical points in transient electroconvection dynamics using tensor bundles
Authors: Peel Justin Halliday , Niemi David , Cressman John Robert
Published: June 2024

We present and demonstrate a method to produce quantitative and qualitative descriptions of transient dynamics from empirical data, with the purpose of analyzing a novel transient discovered in liquid crystal electroconvection. By constructing a tensor bundle around an exemplar transient and creating a chart at every step aligned with the direction of propagation, we show that the Jacobian estimation problem can be reduced by a single dimension, relaxing data requirements and clarifying results. We apply this analysis to identify the onset of a boundary crisis in a predator–prey model. The resulting tensor bundle estimated from image data taken during a dynamical phase transition in a nematic liquid crystal details the behavior of the system along that trajectory, allowing topological analysis. Using this method, we quantify a saddle point in the phase space that drives the initial dynamics during a sudden increase in the driving voltage.
Graded flat lens with negative index for silicon photonics
Authors: Yue Quan , Leroux Xavier , Cluzel Benoît , Petit Marlène , Lupu Anatole , Akmansoy Éric
Published: June 2024

We have realized a graded flat lens with negative effective index operating at telecom wavelength for Silicon Photonics. We report on its design, fabrication, and experimental characterization. This photonic device behaves as a convergent lens; it has been designed so as to be fabricated on a Silicon on Insulator platform and to operate at 1.55 μm. It consists of a graded photonic crystal whose filling factor has been varied so as to fit the profile of index of the graded index lens. Since it operates in the second band of Photonic Crystals, the effective index is negative. It has been characterized in two steps: (i) first, the output beam has been scanned by a set of waveguides and a CCD camera. (ii) Second, the focusing has been investigated by Scanning Near-field Optical Microscopy. This characterization validates the design: the focal length is about 5 μm (≃ 3λ), while the width of the focal spot is 0.87 μm (0.53 λ). This compact photonic device is at the wavelength scale (thickness = 4.4λ). Our design, based on Graded Index Optics, may be adapted to design new devices perfectly suited for Photonics applications, such as a short taper or a mode converter.
A computational model for ion and electron energization during macroscale magnetic reconnection
Authors: Yin Zhiyu , Drake J. F. , Swisdak M.
Published: June 2024

A set of equations is developed that extends the macroscale magnetic reconnection simulation model kglobal to include particle ions. The extension from earlier versions of kglobal, which included only particle electrons, requires the inclusion of the inertia of particle ions in the fluid momentum equation. The new equations will facilitate the exploration of the simultaneous non-thermal energization of ions and electrons during magnetic reconnection in macroscale systems. Numerical tests of the propagation of Alfvén waves and the growth of firehose modes in a plasma with anisotropic electron and ion pressure are presented to benchmark the new model.
Insights into the mechanisms of optical cavity-modified ground-state chemical reactions
Authors: Ke Yaling , Richardson Jeremy O.
Published: June 2024

In this work, we systematically investigate the mechanisms underlying the rate modification of ground-state chemical reactions in an optical cavity under vibrational strong-coupling conditions. We employ a symmetric double-well description of the molecular potential energy surface and a numerically exact open quantum system approach—the hierarchical equations of motion in twin space with a matrix product state solver. Our results predict the existence of multiple peaks in the photon frequency-dependent rate profile for a strongly anharmonic molecular system with multiple vibrational transition energies. The emergence of a new peak in the rate profile is attributed to the opening of an intramolecular reaction pathway, energetically fueled by the cavity photon bath through a resonant cavity mode. The peak intensity is determined jointly by kinetic factors. Going beyond the single-molecule limit, we examine the effects of the collective coupling of two molecules to the cavity. We find that when two identical molecules are simultaneously coupled to the same resonant cavity mode, the reaction rate is further increased. This additional increase is associated with the activation of a cavity-induced intermolecular reaction channel. Furthermore, the rate modification due to these cavity-promoted reaction pathways remains unaffected, regardless of whether the molecular dipole moments are aligned in the same or opposite direction as the light polarization.
Effect of mixed carbon phase state on detonation parameters and reaction zone of explosives under extreme condition
Authors: Liu Qin , Duan Yingliang , Cao Wei , Long Xinping , Han Yong
Published: June 2024

A precise description of the thermodynamic states of gaseous and solid detonation products is essential when using thermodynamic calculations to determine the detonation performance and destructive power of explosives. For high oxygen-lean explosives (the oxygen contained in explosives is insufficient to completely oxidize combustible elements and excess solid carbon will be generated in the detonation products), the phase state of solid carbon product affects the Chapman–Jouguet (CJ) detonation performance parameters, reaction zone, and energy release process. However, the recovery of detonation products demonstrates that the actual detonation carbon product is primarily a mixed state of diamond/graphite stack, as opposed to the existing thermodynamic codes, which essentially treat detonation carbon as single-phase carbon. To understand the thermodynamic effect of the mixed carbon phase state on the non-ideal detonation behavior, in this work, the matching relationship among the VINET equation of state parameters, thermodynamic potential parameters of the solid products of the equivalent system and the phase mixed system was constructed by using the nonlinear fitting method. The relationship between the carbon phase composition at the CJ point and the explosive composition structure was researched. Investigations were conducted into how the mixed carbon phase affected the volume and content of gas products as well as the composition at CJ points. Diamond formation in products is good for enhancing explosive's working capacity. Based on mixed-state potential parameters, the correlation mechanism between the mixed carbon phase and the chemical reaction zone was investigated, and it was found that intramolecular carbon/intermolecular carbon and more detonation graphite/diamond products all would lead to the extension of the reaction zone.