bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deracemization of Sulfoxides Combining Electrocatalysis and Biocatalysis
Authors: Duan Xinyu , Cui Dong , Wang Mengdi , Tian Yifan , Shi Jianan , Wu Yixue , Liu Shuang , Zhu Zejie , Xu Jian
Published: August 2024

Comprehensive Summary

The concurrent implementation of cascade reactions that combine biocatalysis and chemocatalysis is a challenging undertaking. Electrocatalysis provides versatile catalytic abilities and allows for mild reaction conditions, offering the potential for designing concurrent chemoenzymatic cascade reactions. The research on bioelectrocatalysis has primarily concentrated on utilizing electrocatalysis to achieve cofactor regeneration of enzymes. In contrast with previous reports, herein, we developed a deracemization strategy involving the concurrent combination of biocatalytic reduction and anodic oxidation in an undivided cell to achieve chiral sulfoxides, demonstrating the good compatibility. We anticipate this study will offer an alternative pathway for the design of the cascade reaction combined with electrocatalysis and biocatalysis.
Treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer: When will the third time be a charm?
Authors: Picozzi Vincent J.
Published: August 2024

Third‐line treatment of pancreatic cancer remains a major challenge for oncologists. What is its current status?
Anthracite‐Derived Porous Carbon@MoS2 Heterostructure for Elevated Lithium Storage Regulated by the Middle TiO2 Layer
Authors: Sun Jie , Tang Cheng , Li Haitao , Kang Zizhuo , Zhu Guanjia , Du Aijun , Zhang Haijiao
Published: August 2024

The rational design of MoS2/carbon composites have been widely used to improve the lithium storage capability. However, their deep applications remain a big challenge due to the slow electrochemical reaction kinetics of MoS2 and weak bonding between MoS2 and carbon substrates. In this work, anthracite‐derived porous carbon (APC) is sequential coated by TiO2 nanoparticles and MoS2 nanosheets via a chemical activation and two‐step hydrothermal method, forming the unique APC@TiO2@MoS2 ternary composite. The dynamic analysis, in‐situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy as well as theoretical calculation together demonstrate that this innovative design effectively improves the ion/electron transport behavior and alleviates the large volume expansion during cycles. Furthermore, the introduction of middle TiO2 layer in the composite significantly strengthens the mechanical stability of the entire electrode. As expected, the as‐prepared APC@TiO2@MoS2 anode displays a high lithium storage capacity with a reversible capacity of 655.8 mAh g−1 after 150 cycles at 200 mA g−1, and robust cycle stability. Impressively, even at a high current density of 2 A g−1, the electrode maintains a superior reversible capacity of 597.7 mAh g−1 after 1100 cycles. This design highlights a feasibility for the development of low‐cost anthracite‐derived porous carbon‐based electrodes.
A 1 kW, 76% efficiency underwater single‐capacitor coupled WPT system with a 1 m separation distance single‐capacitor coupled
Authors: Nie Ming , Da Chaolai , Li Fang , Tao Chengxuan , Li Shufan , Wang Lifang
Published: August 2024

In this paper, an underwater single‐capacitor coupled wireless power transmission (USCC‐WPT) system is proposed, which operates at 200 kHz and can transmit 1 kW of power at 1 m in seawater with an efficiency of 76%. The USCC‐WPT system produces no eddy current losses in seawater, and the distance is increased compared to conventional inductive power transfer systems. The system proposed in this paper has a wide range of applications underwater. The load‐independent constant voltage (CV) output and misalignment tolerance properties of the USCC‐WPT system are analyzed and validated by an equivalent circuit model constructed from the stray capacitance. The 1 kW prototype demonstrates the feasibility of the USCC‐WPT system proposed in this paper, while the system can work properly with 50 cm misalignment.
Nanovaccines: Immunogenic tumor antigens, targeted delivery, and combination therapy to enhance cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Jahanafrooz Zohreh , Oroojalian Fatemeh , Mokhtarzadeh Ahad , Rahdar Abbas , Díez‐Pascual Ana M.
Published: August 2024

Nanovaccines have been designed to overcome the limitations associated with conventional vaccines. Effective delivery methods such as engineered carriers or smart nanoparticles (NPs) are critical requisites for inducing self‐tolerance and optimizing vaccine immunogenicity with minimum side effects. NPs can be used as adjuvants, immunogens, or nanocarriers to develop nanovaccines for efficient antigen delivery. Multiloaded nanovaccines carrying multiple tumor antigens along with immunostimulants can effectively increase immunity against tumor cells. They can be biologically engineered to boost interactions with dendritic cells and to allow a gradual and constant antigen release. Modifying NPs surface properties, using high‐density lipoprotein‐mimicking nanodiscs, and developing nano‐based artificial antigen‐presenting cells such as dendritic cell‐derived‐exosomes are amongst the new developed technologies to enhance antigen‐presentation and immune reactions against tumor cells. The present review provides an overview on the different perspectives, improvements, and barriers of successful clinical application of current cancer therapeutic and vaccination options. The immunomodulatory effects of different types of nanovaccines and the nanoparticles incorporated into their structure are described. The advantages of using nanovaccines to prevent and treat common illnesses such as AIDS, malaria, cancer and tuberculosis are discussed. Further, potential paths to develop optimal cancer vaccines are described. Given the immunosuppressive characteristics of both cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment, applying immunomodulators and immune checkpoint inhibitors in combination with other conventional anticancer therapies are necessary to boost the effectiveness of the immune response.
Morphological response of gravel bed rivers near a knickpoint: Effect of bars on dynamic equilibrium river profile
Authors: Tanabe Soichi , Iwasaki Toshiki , Shimizu Yasuyuki
Published: August 2024

Geomorphological evolution is one of the main factors that increases flood damage in small or medium rivers located in upstream river reaches. These types of flood damage have been increasing at knickpoints where the riverbed slope and river width change abruptly and are likely to cause non‐equilibrium conditions for sediment transport during floods. Therefore, it is important to understand the non‐equilibrium morphological response at the knickpoint and the resulting new dynamic equilibrium state under given external forces. The effects of two‐dimensional (2D) morphological features on the dynamic equilibrium riverbed profile, however, have not been specifically studied because the methods currently in use for calculating equilibrium profiles are based on zero‐ or one‐dimensional (0D or 1D) modeling. Here, we perform numerical calculations using the 2D morphodynamic model iRIC‐Nays2DH to clarify the dynamic equilibrium profile and the process of reaching a dynamic equilibrium state. We also use an existing 1D model to show the 2D effect in the dynamic equilibrium state. To understand this, we set up three channels: slope transition point, width transition point, and both the slope and width transition point. 1D results show a constant slope profile in channels with constant width and upward‐convex profiles in channels with width expansion at the equilibrium state, owing to the adjustment of the difference in sediment transport volume in the two reaches with different widths by changing the slopes. In contrast, the 2D results show that the alternate bars create a small autogenic knickpoint even in the straight channel and significantly dampen sediment deposition at the width expansion point, as seen in the 1D model result. This was because the bars' shape increased the volume of sediment transport because the shape of the bars concentrated flow. These results suggest that 2D morphological features, such as fluvial bars, play a significant role in the equilibrium riverbed profile.
Multispecies Portfolios of U.S. Marine Fisheries: Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management Reduces Economic Risk
Authors: Townsend Howard , Link Jason S. , DePiper Geret , Brewster Lauran R. , Cadrin Steven X. , Edwards Fiona
Published: August 2024

Fisheries management has focused on single stocks, not directly accounting for species interactions, and usually only considering economic factors in post hoc analysis. This approach has been successfully applied for many species over many years, but may also inadvertently result in greater risks being incurred. We demonstrate a portfolio optimization approach to inform a broader set of fishery concerns as a way to emphasize species interactions and economic considerations in resource management decision making. The approach can use readily available data on landings and revenue to generate easily digestible indicators of risk, namely the risk gap (i.e., the difference between actual and optimal portfolio values). Herein, we calculate portfolio efficiency frontiers that minimize risk for target revenue outcomes and resulting risk gaps for commercial fisheries using the top 25 landed-value species in six U.S. fisheries regions. Most regions exhibited a risk gap on the order of US$20–50 million, collectively on average over $250 million. Risk gaps can be used as ecosystem-level indicators to inform managers of the unnecessary risk being assumed for a given level of revenue for a portfolio of fisheries stocks, which can move us towards operational ecosystem-based fisheries management.
Postsynaptic GABAB‐receptor mediated currents in diverse dentate gyrus interneuron types
Authors: Degro Claudius E. , Vida Imre , Booker Sam A.
Published: August 2024

The processing of rich synaptic information in the dentate gyrus (DG) relies on a diverse population of inhibitory GABAergic interneurons to regulate cellular and circuit activity, in a layer‐specific manner. Metabotropic GABAB‐receptors (GABABRs) provide powerful inhibition to the DG circuit, on timescales consistent with behavior and learning, but their role in controlling the activity of interneurons is poorly understood with respect to identified cell types. We hypothesize that GABABRs display cell type‐specific heterogeneity in signaling strength, which will have direct ramifications for signal processing in DG networks. To test this, we perform in vitro whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings from identified DG principal cells and interneurons, followed by GABABR pharmacology, photolysis of caged GABA, and extracellular stimulation of endogenous GABA release to classify the cell type‐specific inhibitory potential. Based on our previous classification of DG interneurons, we show that postsynaptic GABABR‐mediated currents are present on all interneuron types albeit at different amplitudes, dependent largely on soma location and synaptic targets. GABABRs were coupled to inwardly‐rectifying K+ channels that strongly reduced the excitability of those interneurons where large currents were observed. These data provide a systematic characterization of GABABR signaling in the rat DG to provide greater insight into circuit dynamics.
Towards performance governance in healthcare: An analysis of Italian local health units
Authors: Bonomi Savignon Andrea , Costumato Lorenzo , Scalabrini Fabiana , Sanchietti Maddalena
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Bouckaert and Halligan (2008) proposed four ideal types of performance management systems, ranging from a disconnected and input‐led approach (performance administration) to a model in which performance management is fully integrated with both the internal and external context of an organisation (performance governance). This article empirically analyzes performance plans issued by Italian Local Health Units (LHUs) to provide a first nationwide snapshot of the different ideal‐types of performance management that each (LHUs) have reached, in a ‘performance governance’‐oriented perspective.

Design

This paper employs a qualitative methodology based on document analysis. The model orienting the analysis features six dimensions capturing the ideal‐types characteristics and what the Italian performance regulations prescribe. Data was derived from the performance plans adopted by the Italian LHUs on the condition that they made the documentation necessary for the analysis public on their institutional website.

Findings

For a ‘performance governance’ oriented approach, two elements are considered relevant: familiarity with the analysis of stakeholders and context. In our sample, consisting of 63 performance plans out of 99 Italian LHUs, it was challenging to identify specific territorial clusters, due to significant heterogeneity. The role of strategic objectives, integration between cycles, and context analysis seems to positively influence the orientation towards a ‘performance governance’ approach.

Originality/Value

The application of Bouckaert and Halligan's ideal‐types has only been episodically investigated in the healthcare sector, mainly at the individual health unit or Region level. This article's innovative contribution consists of conducting a qualitative analysis based on a replicable taxonomy that enables further national comparisons. Furthermore, it highlights the need for public healthcare systems to engage more with external stakeholders to improve the quality of their performance governance.
Investigating the role of SARM1 in central nervous system
Authors: Wang Junjie , Shi Yuhang , Tian Jinglei , Tang Liming , Cao Fang
Published: August 2024

Sterile‐α and Toll/interleukin 1 receptor (TIR) motif‐containing protein 1 (SARM1), a key intracellular molecule that plays numerous important biological functions in the nervous system, has attracted much attention. Recent studies have shown that SARM1 plays a key role in nerve injury, degeneration, and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, understanding the role of SARM1 in the central nervous system (CNS) will enhance our knowledge of the pathogenesis of CNS diseases and aid in the development of new therapeutic strategies. This review will explore the biological functions of SARM1 in the nervous system and its potential roles in nerve injury and disease, thus providing new directions for future research and treatment.
Extensions of open science for applied behavior analysis: Preregistration for single‐case experimental designs
Authors: Tincani Matt , Gilroy Shawn P. , Dowdy Art
Published: August 2024

Open science practices are designed to enhance the utility, integrity, and credibility of scientific research. This article highlights how preregistration in open science practice can be leveraged to enhance the rigor and transparency of single‐case experimental designs within an applied behavior analysis framework. We provide an overview of the benefits of preregistration including increased transparency, reduced risk of researcher bias, and improved replicability, and we review the specific contexts under which these practices most benefit the proposed framework. We discuss potential concerns with and unique considerations for preregistering experiments that use single‐case designs, with practical guidance for researchers who are seeking to preregister their studies. We present a checklist as a tool for researchers in applied behavior analysis to use for preregistration and provide recommendations for our field to strengthen the contingencies for open science practices that include preregistration.
Structure and intermolecular interactions in ionic liquid 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bromide and its aqueous solutions investigated by vibrational spectroscopy and quantum chemical computations
Authors: Katsyuba Sergey A. , Grimme Stefan
Published: August 2024

The recently developed efficient protocol to explicit quantum mechanical modeling of structure and IR spectra of liquids and solutions (S. A. Katsyuba, S. Spicher, T. P. Gerasimova, S. Grimme, J. Phys. Chem. B 2020, 124, 6664) is applied to ionic liquid (IL) 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bromide (EmimBr), its C2‐deuterated analog [Emim‐d]Br and its aqueous solutions. It is shown that the solvation strongly modifies frequencies and IR intensities of the CH/CD stretching vibrations (νCH/νCD) of the imidazolium ring. The main vibrational spectroscopic features of the neat IL are reproduced by the simulations for a cluster (EmimBr)9, in which all three imidazolium CH moieties of the solvated cation form short contacts with three Br− anions, and another two Br− anions are located on top and bottom of imidazolium ring. Cluster models of aqueous solutions reproduce the experimental vibrational frequencies of actual solutions, provided that the Br− anion of solvated contact ion pair (CIP) is situated on top of imidazolium ring, and CH/CD moieties of the latter participate in short contacts with surrounding water molecules. Both structural and spectroscopic analysis allow to interpret the short contacts CH/CD⋯Br− and CH/CD⋯OH2 as hydrogen bonds of approximately equal strength. Enthalpies of bonding of these liquid‐state H‐bonds, estimated with the use of empirical correlations, amount to ca. 1.4 kcal⋅mol−1, while the analogous estimates obtained for the gas‐phase charged species [Emim]2Br+ increase to 5.6 kcal⋅mol−1. It is shown that formation of solvent‐shared ion pair (SIP) in aqueous solution, where the counterions of IL are separated by two water molecules H‐bonded to a Br− anion, produces frequency shifts ΔνCH/CD, strongly different from the case of CIP formation. This difference can be used for IR/Raman spectroscopic differentiation of the type of solvated ion pairs of EmimBr or other related ILs.
Quantitative assessment of morphological changes in lipid droplets and lipid–mito interactions with aging in brown adipose
Authors: Crabtree Amber , Neikirk Kit , Pinette Julia A. , Whiteside Aaron , Shao Bryanna , Bedenbaugh Jessica , Vue Zer , Vang Larry , Le Han , Demirci Mert , Ahmad Taseer , Owens Trinity Celeste , Oliver Ashton , Zeleke Faben , Beasley Heather K. , Lopez Edgar Garza , Scudese Estevão , Rodman Taylor , Kabugi Kinuthia , Koh Alice , Navarro Suzanne , Lam Jacob , Kirk Ben , Mungai Margaret , Sweetwyne Mariya , Koh Ho‐Jin , Zaganjor Elma , Damo Steven M. , Gaddy Jennifer A. , Kirabo Annet , Murray Sandra A. , Cooper Anthonya , Williams Clintoria , McReynolds Melanie R. , Marshall Andrea G. , Hinton Antentor
Published: August 2024

The physical characteristics of brown adipose tissue (BAT) are defined by the presence of multilocular lipid droplets (LDs) within the brown adipocytes and a high abundance of iron‐containing mitochondria, which give it its characteristic color. Normal mitochondrial function is, in part, regulated by organelle‐to‐organelle contacts. For example, the contact sites that mediate mitochondria–LD interactions are thought to have various physiological roles, such as the synthesis and metabolism of lipids. Aging is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, and previous studies show that there are changes in mitochondrial structure and the proteins that modulate organelle contact sites. However, how mitochondria–LD interactions change with aging has yet to be fully clarified. Therefore, we sought to define age‐related changes in LD morphology and mitochondria–lipid interactions in BAT. We examined the three‐dimensional morphology of mitochondria and LDs in young (3‐month) and aged (2‐year) murine BAT using serial block face‐scanning electron microscopy and the Amira program for segmentation, analysis, and quantification. Our analyses showed reductions in LD volume, area, and perimeter in aged samples in comparison to young samples. Additionally, we observed changes in LD appearance and type in aged samples compared to young samples. Notably, we found differences in mitochondrial interactions with LDs, which could implicate that these contacts may be important for energetics in aging. Upon further investigation, we also found changes in mitochondrial and cristae structure for the mitochondria interacting with LDs. Overall, these data define the nature of LD morphology and organelle–organelle contacts during aging and provide insight into LD contact site changes that interconnect biogerontology with mitochondrial function, metabolism, and bioactivity in aged BAT.
The process of co‐design for a new anxiety intervention for autistic children
Authors: Cullingham Tasha , Rennard Una , Creswell Cathy , Milton Damian , Buckle Karen Leneh , Godber Lucie , Gordon Kate , Larkin Michael , Green Jonathan
Published: August 2024

Background

Mental health difficulties are common for autistic people; however, almost no interventions have been co‐designed with the autistic community. Co‐design has the potential to add important insights from lived experience into intervention design, but there are currently limited examples of how rigorously to undertake this practice. This paper details a worked model of co‐design and its process, focussed on adapting an evidenced parent‐led intervention for non‐autistic child anxiety (HYC), to meet the needs of young autistic children. The aim is to provide an example of co‐design, integrating autistic, parental, academic, clinical, experience and expertise.

Methods

Using prior literature and theory, including Experience‐Based Co‐Design, we developed an iterative and collaborative process between the research team and an expert reference group (ERG). The research team comprised autistic and non‐autistic members. The ERG included parents (autistic and non‐autistic) of autistic children with anxiety problems, autistic adults with experience of anxiety problems, and clinicians with experience supporting autistic children with anxiety problems. The ERG and research team reviewed information from qualitative research interviews with autistic children with anxiety problems and their parents along with information from clinical experience and the academic literature to reach consensus on the adapted intervention design.

Results

The creation of a truly co‐designed intervention that includes a neurodiversity‐affirmative perspective, alongside CBT techniques. With anxiety problems experienced by autistic children being framed by combining the impacts of being neurodivergent in a neurotypical world, developmental science and well known cognitive behavioural models of child‐anxiety.

Conclusion

Co‐design can help to integrate multiple perspectives and result in the creation of interventions that are potentially relevant and acceptable to autistic people, their family members, and clinicians.
Curriculum reform and stereotype threat in medical education: Implications for student well‐being
Authors: Novak Rachel Tomco , Patil Shankargouda , Bailey Elizabeth , Soffe Burke , Jensen Jamie
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Altering the curriculum of a program can have negative repercussions for the student experience, including peer mentorships and interclass relationships. This study investigated the effect of curriculum reform on students’ emotional and social well‐being in a predoctoral dental program. We explored if any of these consequences could be related to stereotype threat.

Methods

We utilized a quasi‐experimental design with two different treatments, New Curriculum Treatment (New‐CT, n = 44) and Past Curriculum Treatment (Past‐CT, n = 43). Quantitative data were collected through surveys to assess students' perceptions of curriculum changes and their impacts on anxiety, confidence, and clinical performance. Qualitative data were gathered via semi‐structured interviews to explore personal experiences of stereotype threat and its implications on peer relationships and mentorship dynamics.

Results

The findings suggest significant effects of curriculum changes on interpersonal relationships. Past‐CT viewed New‐CT as overconfident, while New‐CT felt heightened performance pressure. Thematic and interview analyses revealed deep‐rooted tensions, with New‐CT feeling mistrusted and Past‐CT resenting New‐CT's perceived accelerated competence. Stereotype threat was identified as a key factor worsening these inter‐group tensions and affecting clinical performance and relationships.

Conclusions

Curriculum changes in dental education can significantly affect students' well‐being, with stereotype threat playing a critical role in these dynamics. When making changes to the structure, sequencing, or content of a program, administrators need to be aware of the potential ramifications these changes could have on students' relationships with their peers.
Modified laparoscopic transthoracic hepatectomy for upper liver segments: Technique, indications, and early outcomes
Authors: Torres Silvio M. , Prudente Matheus C. , Ribeiro Heber S. C. , Arra Dante A. S. M. , Diniz Alessandro L. , Godoy André L. , Farias Igor C. , Costa Wilson L. , Coimbra Felipe J. F.
Published: August 2024

Transthoracic access emerges as an innovative approach to reach lesions in the upper hepatic segments, especially in patients with prior surgeries. This study evaluates transthoracic access for these resections through a retrospective single‐center analysis of demographic data, surgical techniques, and postoperative outcomes of 353 liver surgeries, revealing promising results with minimal complications. Transthoracic access and pneumoperitoneum establishment via the transthoracic route, combined with intercostal trocar insertion, offer a viable alternative for minimally invasive liver surgeries.
Past behaviour intentions, present normative beliefs, and future customer loyalty
Authors: Lampreia F. , Almeida H. , Cesário M.
Published: August 2024

Tourists are often motivated by a desire to reduce their impact on the environment and support local communities. By understanding the motivations and preferences of different types of tourists, destinations can tailor their offerings to attract and retain a diverse range of visitors. This study aims to determine if tourists who are attracted to the natural environment in a destination are more likely to engage in sustainable behaviors. It also explores whether easy access to information on sustainability influences decision‐making when traveling. The article raises the question of whether post‐pandemic tourists seek sustainable destinations due to both internal motivations and external influences. This article examines the convergence of pull‐push tourist motivations in sustainable destination preferences post‐pandemic. Using data from 12,101 Eurobarometer 2021 respondents from the TOP 12 countries with high pro‐environmental attitudes, the study found a confirmation of sustainable behaviors among European citizens. Future research directions and limitations are discussed.
Metaphysical deterrents to providers’ participation in the sharing economy: The role of peer‐to‐peer contagion
Authors: Held Ipek , Valenzuela Ana , Galli María
Published: August 2024

Despite the rising popularity of peer‐to‐peer sharing platforms, very little empirical research has documented how consumers respond to the opportunity of renting goods to one another. This work delineates how metaphysical (besides physical) contagion beliefs, particularly when self‐identification with possessions is high, demotivates people from renting out their possessions in P2P platforms. We claim and empirically test that (1) others’ physical contact hinders willingness to share a possession due to an anticipated threat to its essence and that (2) the possession's emotional link with the owner's identity amplifies this effect. Online and laboratory experiments provide evidence for these effects in isolation from physical contamination concerns. This research extends the research on peer‐to‐peer sharing by demonstrating detrimental effects of beliefs in essence threat and a possible mitigation tactic.
Precision therapy for cancer prevention by targeting carcinogenesis
Authors: Jin Guoguo , Liu Kangdong , Guo Zhiping , Dong Zigang
Published: August 2024

Cancer represents a major global public health burden, with new cases estimated to increase from 14 million in 2012 to 24 million by 2035. Primary prevention is an effective strategy to reduce the costs associated with cancer burden. For example, measures to ban tobacco consumption have dramatically decreased lung cancer incidence and vaccination against human papillomavirus can prevent cervical cancer development. Unfortunately, the etiological factors of many cancer types are not completely clear or are difficult to actively control; therefore, the primary prevention of such cancers is not practical. In this review, we update the progress on precision therapy by targeting the whole carcinogenesis process, especially for three high‐risk groups: (1) those with chronic inflammation, (2) those with inherited germline mutations, and (3) those with precancerous lesions like polyps, gastritis, actinic keratosis or dysplasia. We believe that attenuating chronic inflammation, treating precancerous lesions, and removing high‐risk tissues harboring germline mutations are precision methods for cancer prevention.
Contemporary surgical management of pediatric non‐rhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcoma
Authors: Polites Stephanie F. , Rhee Daniel S. , Seitz Guido , Dall'Igna Patrizia , Binitie Odion , Scharschmidt Thomas , Lautz Timothy B. , Dasgupta Roshni
Published: August 2024

Non‐rhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcoma (STS) comprises most STS in pediatric patients. It is a diverse set of over 30 histologic subtypes. Treatment is based on risk group determined by tumor size, grade, and the presence of metastases. Surgical resection is a cornerstone of therapy, as tumors are often resistant to chemotherapy or radiation. While patients with isolated tumors less than 5 cm may undergo upfront resection, strong consideration should be given to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy to ensure negative margins at surgical resection and optimal outcomes. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is strongly recommended for clear cell and epithelioid sarcomas. The most common metastatic site is the lung, and metastases should be resected at the end of therapy, when feasible. Unfortunately, many high‐risk patients progress on therapy, and alternative strategies including earlier metastatic control require investigation.
Documentation of critical intraoperative oncologic findings: Synoptic versus narrative operative reports for childhood cancer surgery
Authors: Abdelhafeez Abdelhafeez H. , Morrison Zachary , Halepota Huma F. , Hosfield Brian , Talbot Lindsey J. , Murphy Andrew J. , Davidoff Andrew M.
Published: August 2024

Background

Documentation of intraoperative oncologic findings varies greatly across narrative operative reports (NRs). An international panel of childhood cancer experts recently developed a synoptic operative report (SR) for childhood cancer surgeries. The aim of this study was to compare the documentation of critical intraoperative findings in NRs versus SRs.

Methods

A single‐center retrospective review of all surgical resections of primary solid tumors at our pediatric oncology center was conducted from June 2023 to March 2024, after an institutional SR was piloted from October 2023 onwards. Data collected included the presence or absence of six components included in standard pediatric oncology NRs. Inclusion rates were calculated as percentages for each component. Due to the small sample, the Fisher's exact test was used for all hypothesis testing.

Results

Seventy primary tumor resections were performed during the study period, as documented by 38 NRs and 32 SRs. All operative reports after October 2023 were SRs. Completeness of tumor resection and specimen naming were consistently documented in NRs (86% and 100%, respectively) and SRs (100% and 100%, respectively). The presence/absence of three components—intraoperative tumor spillage (31%), vascular involvement (31%), and lymph node sampling (26%)—were documented in fewer than a third of the NRs. Documentation of the presence/absence of locoregional spread, intraoperative tumor spillage, vascular involvement, and lymph node sampling was significantly better in SRs than in NRs.

Conclusion

Adoption of SRs significantly improved the documentation of critical intraoperative findings. Thus, we recommend using SRs in pediatric solid tumor surgery.
Comparison of the in situ compressive behavior of carbon fibers woven ply laminates exposed to one‐sided heat flux: Thermoplastic versus thermosetting composites
Authors: Vieille Benoit , Vacandare J. , Davin T. , Barbe Fabrice
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the influence of a combined thermal heat flux (imposed by a cone calorimeter) and a compressive loading on the deformation and damage mechanisms within quasi‐isotropic carbon fibers reinforced thermoplastic (polyetherether ketone [PEEK] and polyphenylene sulfide [PPS]) and thermosetting (epoxy) laminates. First, thermogravimetric Analyses conducted under nitrogen provide valuable information on the thermal decomposition of these materials depending on the matrix nature (580–510°C and 350°C, respectively) which is a key factor to explain the mechanical behavior under fire conditions. Second, under the same testing conditions (creep loading under a 50 kW/m2 heat flux), the time to failure is about 17 times as high (C/PEEK), twice as high (C/PPS) with respect to C/epoxy laminates. At the ply scale, the exposure of thermoplastic matrices (PEEK and PPS) to a 50 kW/m2 heat flux causes softening and thermal decomposition, facilitating the micro‐buckling of fiber bundles in matrix‐rich areas. At the laminates scale, this mechanism ultimately leads to the formation and propagation of plastic kink bands in the transverse direction. In epoxy‐based laminates, the onset of matrix pyrolysis occurs at lower temperatures (350°C) during thermal aggression, and thermal decomposition has started in all the plies of the laminates. Combined with the low ductility of the epoxy matrix, the compressive response is elastic‐brittle and results from the buckling of 0° plies outside the thermally‐damaged area.

Highlights

Study on the compression of polymer composites exposed to a 50 kW/m2 heat flux.

The influence of the matrix nature (thermoplastic vs thermoset) is discussed.

Time to failure is about 17 times higher in C/PEEK compared to C/Epoxy.

Plastic kink bands propagate in thermoplastic composites at T > Tg.

C/Epoxy laminates undergo buckling outside the thermally damaged area.
Study on the impact of hybridization of spherical fillers with size differences and sheet fillers on the thermal conductivity and anticorrosive performance of composite coatings
Authors: Ma Wen‐Xuan , Zhao Le , You Qian , Cui Lu , Li Weili , Gui Taijiang , Zhao Zheng‐Bai
Published: August 2024

The improvement of anti‐corrosion performance and enhancement of functionality in anti‐corrosion coatings are essential. Boron nitride (BN), as a two‐dimensional thermal conductive filler, is incorporated into composite coatings to provide corrosion resistance and thermal conductivity. The combination of BN with zero‐dimensional filler alumina (Al2O3) proves to be an effective method for enhancing the thermal conductivity of composite coatings. In this study, micro alumina (Micro‐Al2O3) and/or nano alumina (Nano‐Al2O3) were combined with BN to be integrated into waterborne epoxy resin (WER), resulting in different composite coatings (BN@Micro‐Al2O3/WER, BN@Nano‐Al2O3/WER, and BN@Micro‐Al2O3/Nano‐Al2O3/WER). The influence of different hybrid modes of two‐dimensional and zero‐dimensional thermal conductive fillers on corrosion resistance and thermal conductivity was discussed. The composite coating BN@Micro‐Al2O3/Nano‐Al2O3/WER exhibits the highest thermal conductivity at 0.789 W/mK with a filler loading of 30 wt% BN, 4 wt% Micro‐Al2O3, and 6 wt% Nano‐Al2O3. Meanwhile, the composite coating BN@Nano‐Al2O3 demonstrates superior anti‐corrosion performance at a filler loading of 20 wt% BN and 10 wt% Nano‐Al2O3. After immersion in a 28‐day period in a NaCl solution with a concentration of 3.5%, the impedance modulus remains above 109 Ω·cm2, while corrosion current density is measured at 7.3367 × 10−8 A/cm2. The hybrid mode involving two‐dimensional and zero‐dimensional thermal conductive fillers can effectively improve the composite coatings' corrosion resistance and thermal conductivity. There are variations in the optimal hybrid methods for incorporating two‐dimensional and zero‐dimensional thermal conductive fillers to enhance anti‐corrosion and heat conduction effectiveness of coatings.

Highlights

The properties of coating is improved by the incorporation of BN and Al2O3.

The prepared coating performs good thermal conductivity.

The synergy of BN and Al2O3 can improve thermal conductivity significantly.

The obtained coating performs good corrosion resistance.

The synergy of BN and Al2O3 can also improve anti‐corrosion effectively.
Experimental study on ultrasonic vibration‐assisted drilling performance of carbon fiber polyetherketoneketone laminate
Authors: Wu Nan , Zhang Liqiang , Zhang Meihua , Xu Panping , Liu Gang
Published: August 2024

Parts made from carbon fiber reinforced polyetherketoneketone (CF/PEKK) primarily use mechanical connections during assembly, where the quality of hole processing directly impacts the connection strength. However, defects like delamination, burrs, and fiber pull‐out frequently occur during drilling. While existing research focuses on optimizing conventional drilling (CD) and helical milling (HM), ultrasonic vibration‐assisted drilling (UVAD) shows superior performance in reducing thrust force and defects. This study experimentally evaluates the hole‐making performance of CF/PEKK using the UVAD method. It examines the effects of ultrasonic vibration on thrust force, drilling temperature, processing damage, chip morphology, and surface microstructure, and discusses the damage suppression mechanism. The results show that the UVAD method significantly reduces thrust force and drilling temperature compared to the CD method, with similar trends in delamination and burr damage. This study demonstrates that using the UVAD method for drilling CF/PEKK laminates effectively reduces thrust force, drilling temperature, and machining damage, thereby significantly improving processing quality. The material removal mechanism of UVAD was analyzed, offering substantial insights and practical guidance for the efficient drilling of CF/PEKK laminates.

Highlights

The drilling performance of CF/PEKK was studied.

The drilling quality of UVAD and CD is compared by experiments.

UVAD has a lower thrust force and drilling temperature.

UVAD can reduce machining damage and improve machining quality.
Prolonged magnesium sulfate infusion as adjuvant analgesia in postoperative transplant patients in the pediatric ICU: Preliminary results of a feasibility study
Authors: Resch Joseph C. , Graf Shelby , Ghalban Ranad , Chinnakotla Srinath , Fischer Gwenyth
Published: August 2024

The opioid crisis has emphasized identification of opioid‐sparing analgesics. This study was designed as a prospective trial with retrospective control group to determine feasibility for implementing a high‐dose prolonged magnesium sulfate infusion for adjuvant analgesia in the pediatric intensive care unit. Approval was granted for study of children receiving total pancreatectomy with islet cell autotransplantation and liver transplantation ages 3–18 years. Study exclusions were pregnancy, neuromuscular disease, hypersensitivity, preoperative creatinine >1.5 times upper limit normal, arrhythmia or pacemaker presence, and clinician concern. Eleven patients were enrolled between January 2020 and December 2022. Magnesium sulfate bolus (50 mg/kg) followed by intravenous infusion (15 mg/kg/h) was initiated in the operating room and extended postoperatively (maximum 48 h). Serum magnesium levels were monitored serially. To prioritize safety, infusion dose was decreased by 5 mg/kg/h for levels greater than 3.5 mg/dL. Clinical team otherwise followed standard multimodal pain practice. Primary outcome was oral morphine equivalent per kg per day during intensive care course (maximum 7 days). Secondary outcomes focused primarily on magnesium safety, including hemodynamic variables, electrolyte variables, respiratory support, and opioid‐related side effects. There were no serious adverse events. Treatment group trended toward slightly higher intravenous fluid requirement (~1 bolus), however no increase in blood product. Treatment and control groups were otherwise comparable in targeted outcomes and overall adverse event profile. Use of a high‐dose magnesium sulfate infusion protocol for analgesic postoperative use in select transplant recipients appears feasible for continued optimization of study in the PICU.
Indirect modeling of derived outcomes: Are minor prediction discrepancies a cause for concern?
Authors: Prybylski John P.
Published: August 2024

It is often a goal of model development to predict data from which a variety of outcomes can be derived, such as threshold‐based categorization or change from baseline (CFB) transformations. This approach can improve power or support multiple decisions. Because these derivations are indirectly predicted from the model, they are valuable tests for misspecification when used in visual or numeric predictive checks (V/NPCs). However, derived outcome V/NPCs (especially if primary or key secondary) are often overly scrutinized and held to an uncommon standard when comparing model predictions to point estimates, even if by conventional standards both the directly and indirectly modeled data are captured well. Here, simulations of directly modeled data were used to determine where apparent issues in V/NPCs of derived outcomes are expected. Two types of datasets were simulated: (1) a simple pre–post study and (2) pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic data from a dose‐ranging study. A psoriasis exposure–response model case study was also assessed. V/NPCs were generated on the raw data, CFB data, and placebo‐corrected CFB (dCFB) data, and binned summary statistics of the observed data for each trial were graded as being strongly or weakly supportive of a predictive model (within the interquartile range or the 95% central distribution of all simulated trials, respectively). In all cases, the strength of support in direct data V/NPCs was minimally related to that in derived outcome V/NPCs. There are myriad benefits to modeling the underlying data of a derived measure, and these results support caution in discarding adequate models based on overly strict derived measure predictive checks.
Principles for Defining Estimands in Clinical Trials—A Proposal
Authors: Mütze Tobias , Bell James , Englert Stefan , Hougaard Philip , Jackson Dan , Lanius Vivian , Ravn Henrik
Published: August 2024

The ICH E9(R1) guideline outlines the estimand framework, which aligns planning, design, conduct, analysis, and interpretation of a clinical trial. The benefits and value of using this framework in clinical trials have been outlined in the literature, and guidance has been provided on how to choose the estimand and define the estimand attributes. Although progress has been made in the implementation of estimands in clinical trials, to the best of our knowledge, there is no published discussion on the basic principles that estimands in clinical trials should fulfill to be well defined and consistent with the ideas presented in the ICH E9(R1) guideline. Therefore, in this Viewpoint article, we propose four key principles for defining an estimand. These principles form a basis for well‐defined treatment effects that reflect the estimand thinking process. We hope that this Viewpoint will complement ICH E9(R1) and stimulate a discussion on which fundamental properties an estimand in a clinical trial should have and that such discussions will eventually lead to an improved clarity and precision for defining estimands in clinical trials.
Interaction between Halogenated Phenols and Thyroxine‐Binding Protein: A Multispectral and Computational Approach
Authors: Liang Wenhui , Chen Yanting , Huang Muwei , Song Zeyu , Li Cancan , Zheng Yanhong , Yi Zhongsheng
Published: August 2024

The aim of this study was to understand the interaction between transthyretin (TTR) and halogenated phenols (HPs) including 2,4‐dichlorophenol (DCP), 2,4,6‐trichlorophenol (TCP), pentachlorophenol (PCP), 2‐bromophenol (2‐BP), 2,4‐dibromophenol (DBP) and 2,4,6‐tribromophenol (TBP). Computer simulation and multi‐spectroscopy techniques were used to investigate the interaction. The fluorescence of TTR was found to be quenched through static quenching and non‐radiative energy transfer by HPs, suggesting that the binding process between HPs and TTR was primarily influenced by van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonds. ANS substitution experiments indicated that HPs interacted with TTR at the T4 binding site. Three‐dimensional fluorescence spectra and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to investigate the conformational and microenvironmental changes of TTR resulting from the interactions with HPs. Additionally, molecular docking and reduced density gradient analysis were used to identify the specific residues and binding forces involved in the interaction between HPs and TTR binding sites. The findings were subsequently validated through quantum chemical analysis. This research integrates state‐of‐the‐art multispectral analytical methodologies with sophisticated computational modeling to introduce an innovative approach for dissecting the interactions between halogenated phenols (HPs) and transthyretin (TTR). This methodology offers a novel avenue for investigating the molecular interplay between HPs and TTR, thereby providing critical insights that are instrumental in assessing the latent toxicity of these compounds.
Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Dyes by Cerium‐Doped Zinc Oxide Nanocones
Authors: Vo Thi Le Na , Duong Anh Tuan , Nguyen Dinh Lam , Nguyen Tuan Hong , Nguyen Huu Tuan
Published: August 2024

Cerium‐doped zinc oxide (Ce‐ZnO) nanocones with cerium concentrations of 0, 0.5, 1, and 2 % were synthesized using a sol‐gel method. Their effectiveness as photocatalysts for degrading dyes such as Rhodamine B (RhB), Methylene Orange (MO), and Methylene Violet (MV) was evaluated. The optical and structural properties, particle size distribution, and morphology of these nanocones were examined using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐Vis) spectrophotometry. XRD results confirmed that the nanocones were highly crystalline with a hexagonal wurtzite structure, and a noticeable blue shift was observed in the Ce‐doped ZnO nanocones compared to pure ZnO. The photocatalytic performance under UV exposure showed that cerium doping significantly improved the degradation of RhB, MO, and MV. Notably, ZnO nanocones doped with 1 % cerium exhibited the highest photocatalytic efficiency, achieving 100 % degradation of RhB within 60 minutes. Additionally, 1 % Ce‐ZnO nanocones demonstrated degradation efficiencies of 86.3 % for MO and 74.9 % for MV within the same time frame.