bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Personality factors in patients with myasthenia gravis: A prospective study
Authors: Jordan Berit , Förster Luise , Buchholz Theresa , Sperfeld Anne‐Dorte , Zierz Stephan
Published: August 2023

Introduction

In myasthenia gravis (MG), depression and anxiety have frequently been reported as comorbidities. However, little is known about personality characteristics in MG patients. We aimed to characterise personality traits in MG and to correlate them with disease severity and disease course.

Methods

The Big Five Inventory data questionnaire was used to investigate personality traits in 44 MG patients and 45 healthy controls similar in age and gender. In 28 MG patients, a caregiver was also available for patient assessments to limit bias associated with social desirability in patients’ responses. Patients were assessed with regard to premorbid personality (before manifestation of MG) and to present condition. In addition, anxiety and depression scales (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Beck Anxiety Inventory) were applied.

Results

Compared to controls, MG patients showed significantly higher levels of neuroticism, whereas openness and extraversion were significantly lower. Agreeableness and conscientiousness did not differ between groups. Neuroticism was influenced by disease severity such as generalization of weakness, presence of thymoma, and bulbar involvement as well as disease duration. Neuroticism correlated with premorbid level of neuroticism but also with depression and anxiety scores.

Conclusion

A personality profile of increased neuroticism and lower openness and extraversion in MG patients may contribute considerably to the perception of disease severity. It may also be related to frequent comorbidities such as anxiety and depression. Although premorbid levels of neuroticism were increased, this characteristic may also increase considerably during the course of the disease. The data indicate that muscle weakness in MG is accompanied or even complicated by psychological aspects. Therefore, a psychological and behavioral intervention in addition to the specific pharmacological therapy might be of particular value.
An atypical promyelocytic sarcoma and pleural effusion in a patient with Gorham's disease: Efficiency of ATRA/ATO‐based treatment
Authors: Loyaux Romain , Lecolant Solène , Cysique Foilan Leila , Pradon Caroline , Cotteret Sophie , Micol Jean‐Baptiste , Stoclin Annabelle , Saada Véronique , Marzac Christophe , Arbab Ahmadreza
Published: August 2023

Key Clinical Message

This is the first case of a promyelocytic sarcoma diagnosed on pleural effusion and exposed the difficulty of demonstrating a leukemic phase in patients with bone diseases, such as Gorham's disease. It also showed that promyelocytic sarcoma can be treated by ATRA/ATO‐based therapy with an efficient and tolerated response.

Myeloid sarcoma (MS) is a rare extramedullary tumoral infiltration of immature myeloid cells and can occur in different sites of the body, without leukemic infiltration. A 38‐year‐old woman patient presented at emergency with a pleural effusion, bicytopenias, and Gorham's disease, a very rare bone disorder. In the following days, she worsened with a chylothorax and pancytopenias. Pleural puncture cytologically revealed promyelocytes with Auer rods. Cytogenetic and molecular analyses subsequently confirmed the presence of the t(15:17) translocation. However, no circulating phase of these atypical promyelocytes was found. Similarly, no other origin was identified. We conclude that the patient had a MS of unknown etiology in the form of a pleural effusion with pathological promyelocytes. The patient was treated with a combination of oral all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide (ATO) with a cytological and molecular remission persisting 3 months after diagnosis. We report here the first case of a promyelocytic MS of pleural origin without concomitant evidence of acute promyelocytic leukemia. We also show the efficacy of ATRA/ATO treatment in this etiology.
Kinetics in the box – kinetic experiments on the oxidation of brilliant blue FCF using a smartphone based setup (“boxometer”)
Authors: Czubatinski Lars , Weisenburger Fabienne , Hornung Gabriele
Published: August 2023

Der Artikel beschreibt eigens entwickelte Schulversuche anhand derer die zentralen Begriffe der Reaktionskinetik in der Oberstufe behandelt werden können. Als Modellreaktion dient das oxidative Bleichen von Brillantblau FCF mit Natriumpercarbonat. Die Konzentrationsänderungen im Verlauf der Reaktion werden mithilfe eines auf Smartphones basierten Versuchsaufbaus verfolgt. Dieser Aufbau wurde von uns entwickelt und stellt eine aus physikalischer Sicht optimierte Variante bereits gängiger, auf dem RGB‐System basierender, Messverfahren („Smartphotometer“) dar. Da die eigentliche Messung bei unserem Versuchsaufbau in einem Karton stattfindet, nennen wir diesen „Boxometer“. Er erlaubt Messungen mit erstaunlicher Güte, die im gewählten Kontext in ihrer Aussagekraft den Messergebnissen eines Spektralphotometers ebenbürtig sind. Auf diese Weise konnten wir Versuche für die Schule entwickeln, die eine einfache Bestimmung der Reaktionsordnung und der Geschwindigkeitskonstanten k erlauben. Ebenso kann die Temperaturabhängigkeit der Geschwindigkeitskonstanten in kurzer Zeit experimentell dargestellt werden.
Electroorganic synthesis: bromination of thymol blue and phenol red
Authors: Ducci Matthias
Published: August 2023

Im Beitrag werden zwei Modellexperimente zum Themengebiet „Elektroorganische Synthesen“ vorgeschlagen. Hierbei handelt es sich um die Bromierung von Thymolblau und Phenolrot. Beide Verbindungen sind pH‐Indikatoren, deren Bromierung zu ebenfalls pH‐sensitiven Produkten führt. Diese können mit schulischen Mitteln leicht identifiziert werden. Darüber hinaus werden Hinweise zur Implementierung der Experimente in den Chemieunterricht gegeben.
Fabrication of Hyperbranched Photomechanical Crystals Composed of a Photochromic Diarylethene
Authors: Isobe Mami , Kitagawa Daichi , Kobatake Seiya
Published: August 2023

We report the fabrication of hyperbranched hollow crystals of 1,2‐bis(2,5‐dimethyl‐3‐thienyl)perfluorocyclopentene on a concave surface of the spherical glass substrate by sublimation and their practical photomechanical behaviors. The number of units of the branched structure of the hollow crystals composed of this compound is proportional to the substrate curvature of the substrate. Compared with the sublimation process of the same compound on the flat glass substrate, two kinds of the thin film domains are generated separately in the center and around the edge of the spherical glass substrate. Especially under the high relative humidity condition, the boundaries between these thin film domains move gradually around the edge through the center during as long as 6 h of sublimation time so that the hyperbranched hollow crystals are densely produced on the entire surface of the substrate. These hyperbranched hollow crystals can be prepared with the highly ordered molecular packing due to the very slow formation process of the crystalline walls of the hollow structures. Furthermore, the photo‐induced bending behaviors in the few‐ and highly‐branched hollow crystals have the practical roles in moving and bending the minute objects according to their characteristics of these branched shapes.
Modular Synthesis of Fluoro‐Substituted Furan Compounds via Controllable Fluorination of Biomass‐Based 5‐HMF and Its Derivatives
Authors: Zhang Ze‐Kuan , Xu Wen‐Yan , Gong Tian‐Jun , Fu Yao
Published: August 2023

5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural (5‐HMF) is regarded as one of the most promising platform feedstocks for producing valuable chemicals, fuels, and materials. In this study, we present a controllable fluorination technique for biomass‐based 5‐HMF and its oxygenated derivatives. This technique allows us to synthesize mono‐fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, and acylfluoro‐substituted furan compounds by adjusting experimental conditions such as different fluorine sources and mole ratio. To gain a deeper understanding the reactivity order, we conducted intermolecular and intramolecular competition experiments. The results revealed that the hydroxyl group exhibited the highest reactivity, followed by the aldehyde group. This finding provides important theoretical support and opens up the possibility of selective fluorination. The reaction offers several advantages, including mild conditions, no need for inert gas protection, and easy operation. Furthermore, the fluoro‐substituted furan compounds can be further transformed for the preparation of drug analogs, offering a new route for the high‐value utilization of biomass molecules.
Pubertal maturation and timing effects on resting state electroencephalography in autistic and comparison youth
Authors: Rea Hannah M. , Clawson Ann , Hudac Caitlin M. , Santhosh Megha , Bernier Raphael A. , Earl Rachel K. , Pelphrey Kevin A. , Webb Sara Jane , Neuhaus Emily ,   the GENDAAR Consortium
Published: August 2023

Autistic and comparison individuals differ in resting‐state electroencephalography (EEG), such that sex and age explain variability within and between groups. Pubertal maturation and timing may further explain variation, as previous work has suggested alterations in pubertal timing in autistic youth. In a sample from two studies of 181 autistic and 94 comparison youth (8 years to 17 years and 11 months), mixed‐effects linear regressions were conducted to assess differences in EEG (midline power for theta, alpha, and beta frequency bands). Alpha power was analyzed as a mediator in the relation between pubertal maturation and timing with autistic traits in the autistic groups to understand the role of puberty in brain‐based changes that contribute to functional outcomes. Individuals advanced in puberty exhibited decreased power in all bands. Those who experienced puberty relatively early showed decreased power in theta and beta bands, controlling for age, sex, and diagnosis. Autistic individuals further along in pubertal development exhibited lower social skills. Alpha mediated the relation between puberty and repetitive behaviors. Pubertal maturation and timing appear to play unique roles in the development of cognitive processes for autistic and comparison youth and should be considered in research on developmental variation in resting‐state EEG.
Processes driving individual variation in environmental DNA deposition rates in Daphnia magna
Authors: Wang Xueqi , Hanner Robert , Fryxell John M.
Published: August 2023

The abundance of environmental DNA (eDNA) in water samples has been proposed as a sensitive, cost‐efficient, and non‐invasive alternative to infer population abundance and biomass, regardless of the acknowledgment that a number of biotic and abiotic factors can lead to substantially varying rates of eDNA deposition among organisms in a population. We tested how metabolic, nutritional, and life history processes shape intraspecific eDNA deposition rates in the freshwater invertebrate Daphnia magna. We extracted water samples from individual D. magna raised in glass vials under a 2 × 2 longitudinal factorial manipulation of temperature and food levels over their entire lifespan, and quantified eDNA daily deposition rates using digital droplet PCR (ddPCR). Analyzed using a hypothesis‐driven nested mixed‐effect modeling framework, we showed that per individual D. magna eDNA deposition rate varied by an order of magnitude over the course of each individual's lifespan due to multiple causes. We identified that large and pregnant D. magna had the highest eDNA deposition rates, particularly under warmer conditions with higher food levels, and thus, should be considered a prime target for field detections. We found that recently deceased individuals could potentially bias eDNA monitoring efforts by releasing a relatively higher amount of eDNA through decomposition. Our work supplies a more nuanced understanding of myriad factors that shape eDNA deposition, suggesting new and more useful ways to interpret eDNA monitoring data. We recommend that future work using eDNA to estimate population abundance or biomass should account for both energetic conditions and the reproductive cycle facing their target organism and prioritize sampling effort toward metabolically active individuals, especially when working with size‐structured populations that exhibit wide variation in body mass.
TGF‐β1 signaling and Smad7 control T‐cell responses in health and immune‐mediated disorders
Authors: Laudisi Federica , Stolfi Carmine , Monteleone Ivan , Monteleone Giovanni
Published: August 2023

Transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1, a member of the TGF‐β superfamily, is produced by many immune and nonimmune cells and has pleiotropic effects on both innate and adaptive immunity, especially in the control of T‐cell differentiation and function. Consistently, loss of TGF‐β1 function is associated with exacerbated T‐cell‐dependent inflammatory responses that culminate in pathological processes in allergic and immune‐mediated diseases. In this review, we highlight the roles of TGF‐β1 in immunity, focusing mainly on its ability to promote differentiation of regulatory T cells, T helper (Th)‐17, and Th9 cells, thus contributing to amplifying or restricting T‐cell responses in health and human diseases (e.g., inflammatory bowel diseases, type 1 diabetes, asthma, and MS). In addition, we discuss the involvement of Smad7, an inhibitor of TGF‐β1 signaling, in immune‐mediated disorders (e.g., psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, MS, and inflammatory bowel diseases), as well as the discordant results of clinical trials with mongersen, an oral pharmaceutical compound containing a Smad7 antisense oligonucleotide, in patients with Crohn's disease. Further work is needed to ascertain the reasons for such a discrepancy as well as to identify better candidates for treatment with Smad7 inhibitors.
Synthesis of Aryl‐Manganese(III) Fluoride Complexes via α‐Fluorine Elimination from CF3 and Difluorocarbene Generation
Authors: Dinh Hoan Minh , He Yu‐Tao , Fayzullin Robert R. , Vasylevskyi Serhii , Khaskin Eugene , Khusnutdinova Julia R.
Published: August 2023

We report the synthesis of cyclometalated monoaryl MnIII fluoro complexes using bis(trifluoromethyl)zinc reagent, Zn(CF3)2(DMPU)2, under mild conditions via a reaction pathway that involves initial transmetalation followed by α‐fluorine elimination. The formation of difluorocarbene in these reactions was detected by trapping experiments. Such facile difluorocarbene generation from MnIII results in moderate enhancement of difluoropropanation and difluoropropenation of alkenes and alkynes using Zn(CF3)2(DMPU)2 at lower temperature (20–60 °C) and short reaction time, suggesting potential application of manganese(III) perfluoroalkyl complexes as reactive species for carbene transfer reactivity.
Strategies for the Controlled Hydrostannylation of Alkynes
Authors: Roberts Dean D. , McLaughlin Mark G.
Published: August 2023

Organostannanes have represented one of the most widely applied reagents in modern cross‐coupling chemistry and represent a key reagent in the synthesis of a range of pharmaceutically relevant scaffolds. This Concept article reviews recent advances in approaches to the synthesis of these building blocks in a stereocontrolled and regiocontrolled manner. Particular focus is paid to methods which allow for divergent synthesis of alkenylstannanes and developments in methods which present opportunities for sustainable synthesis.
Study on the evolutionary characteristics of coal burst proneness under the action of multiple mining disturbances
Authors: Liu Yang , Ouyang Zhenhua , Yi Haiyang , Qin Hongyan , Li Gen , Ren Fengfei , Wang Jiajia , Chen Zheng
Published: August 2023

Coal burst is a serious hazard in deep coal mining. To investigate the coal burst proneness evolution during multiple mining disturbances (MMD), this paper implemented a range of uniaxial cyclic loading–unloading tests coupled with acoustic emission (AE) measurement to simulate the loading–unloading effects of the MMD. The maximum load was used to simulate the highest load that the coal has endured in history, the loading–unloading rate was used to simulate the mining speed, and the loading–unloading cycles were used to simulate the number of mining disturbances. Finally, the burst proneness indexes of the damaged coal sample are measured and compared with the origin coal sample. Analysis on the experiment results suggest that, the burst proneness increases when the maximum load is 30% of the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), interestingly, when the low loading–unloading rate is applied, 50% of the UCS enlarge the burst proneness as well. However, it decreases when the maximum load is 70% of the UCS. Sensitivity analysis indicates that the maximum load, loading–unloading rate, and loading–unloading cycles exhibit decreasing influence sensitivity to the elastic modulus, as well as to the UCS and duration of dynamic fracture. Similarly, the influence sensitivity of maximum load, loading–unloading cycles, and loading–unloading rate to the elastic strain energy index decreases, as well as to the bursting energy index. To ensure the safety of coal mining, it is crucial to avoid the disturbances that would put the coal under low loading and low loading rate.
Geomechanical modeling of ultradeep fault‐controlled carbonate reservoirs and its application, a case of the Fuman Oilfield in Tarim Basin
Authors: Xu Ke , Cai Zhenzhong , Zhang Hui , Yin Guoqing , Wang Zhimin , Fang Lu , Wang Haiying , Qian Ziwei , Zhang Wei , Lai Shujun , Zhao Wei
Published: August 2023

To improve the development efficiency of ultradeep fault‐controlled carbonate reservoirs, the deformation and connectivity mechanism of fractures was revealed through large‐scale rock mechanical experiments. The in situ stress field and fracture activity distribution law of fault‐control carbonate reservoirs were clarified through geomechanical modeling. It is revealed that the fracture activity in different directions and the connectivity of the fracture and cavity in different parts are significantly different, the development effect of different well trajectories is analyzed, and the integrated working method of geological engineering is proposed to scientifically guide the well trajectory design and water injection scheme optimization. The results show that: (1) Large‐scale fractures and high‐angle fracture systems in the deformation of strike–slip faults are the key factors affecting reservoir quality. High‐pressure water injection can activate preexisting fractures, and it can extend on the basis of preexisting fractures, and even generate new fractures, which promote the interconnection of fault‐controlled fracture‐cave bodies in the vertical and horizontal directions. (2) During the process of high‐pressure water injection, the coupling change between mechanics and flow occurs inside the fracture body, the seepage environment is improved, and the oil and gas recovery factor is improved through cyclic lifting. (3) According to the shape and occurrence of the fault body and the dynamic shear deformation connectivity of the fault surface, the best well point and well trajectory of the directional well can be optimized, and the water injection scheme can be optimized. (4) The single‐well production increased by 1.45 × 104 t through high‐pressure water injection, the cumulative oil increase of the same fracture‐cavity body increased by 4.63 × 104 t. This method is highly efficient for ultradeep fault‐controlled oil reservoirs. The development provides a good theoretical basis and technical support, and plays a leading and exemplary role.
Beyond sex, gender, and other dilemmas: Human pelvic morphology from an integrative context
Authors: Wall‐Scheffler Cara , Kurki Helen
Published: August 2023

Recent research on the pelvis has clarified the flexibility of pelvic bones to manage nearly infinite possibilities in terms of selection and drift, while still maintaining excellent bipedalism. Despite this work, and the studies outlining the diversity of pelvic morphology across the hominin lineage, conversations continue to be stymied by distractions related to purported trade‐offs that the different functions the pelvis must either allow for (e.g., parturition) or directly perform (e.g., attachment sites of muscles). Here we show that tight constraints on morphology are not evident in the pelvic variation of multiple human populations. We thus provide further evidence that human pelves are not geometrically similar and that pelvic morphology successfully balances the intersection of population history, active selective, and drift.
MR‐based spatiotemporal anisotropic atrophy evaluation of hippocampus in Alzheimer's disease progression by multiscale skeletal representation
Authors: Gao Na , Liu Zhiyuan , Deng Yuesheng , Chen Hantao , Ye Chenfei , Yang Qi , Ma Ting
Published: August 2023

Increasing evidence has shown a higher sensitivity of Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression by local hippocampal atrophy rather than the whole volume. However, existing morphological methods based on subfield‐volume or surface in imaging studies are not capable to describe the comprehensive process of hippocampal atrophy as sensitive as histological findings. To map histological distinctive measurements onto medical magnetic resonance (MR) images, we propose a multiscale skeletal representation (m‐s‐rep) to quantify focal hippocampal atrophy during AD progression in longitudinal cohorts from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). The m‐s‐rep captures large‐to‐small‐scale hippocampal morphology by spoke interpolation over label projection on skeletal models. To enhance morphological correspondence within subjects, we align the longitudinal m‐s‐reps by surface‐based transformations from baseline to subsequent timepoints. Cross‐sectional and longitudinal measurements derived from m‐s‐rep are statistically analyzed to comprehensively evaluate the bilateral hippocampal atrophy. Our findings reveal that during the early AD progression, atrophy primarily affects the lateral‐medial extent of the hippocampus, with a difference of 1.8 mm in lateral‐medial width in 2 years preceding conversion (p < .001), and the medial head exhibits a maximum difference of 3.05%/year in local atrophy rate (p = .011) compared to controls. Moreover, progressive mild cognitive impairment (pMCI) exhibits more severe and widespread atrophy in the head and body compared to stable mild cognitive impairment (sMCI), with a maximum difference of 1.21 mm in thickness in the medial head 1 year preceding conversion (p = .012). In summary, our proposed method can quantitatively measure the hippocampal morphological changes on 3T MR images, potentially assisting the pre‐diagnosis and prognosis of AD.
Ferrocene as a Redox Catalyst for Organic Electrosynthesis
Authors: Chen Na , Wu Zheng‐Jian , Xu Hai‐Chao
Published: August 2023

Despite substantial advancements in thermal and photochemical catalysis, the evolution of similar processes within the realm of organic electrochemistry has seen a slower pace. However, recent years have heralded a remarkable surge in molecular electrocatalysis. This innovative technique harnesses the power of molecular catalysts to expedite electrochemical transformations. This article underscores the application of ferrocene (Fc) as a redox catalyst in organic electrosynthesis. It delves into the extensive utilization of Fc in organic electrosynthesis, particularly emphasizing its role in the electrocatalytic generation and reactions of heteroatom‐ and carbon‐centered radicals, among various other reactions.
Automatic left ventricle segmentation via edge‐shape feature‐based fully convolutional neural network
Authors: Gayathri K. , Uma Maheswari N. , Venkatesh R. , Appathurai Ahilan
Published: August 2023

Left ventricle (LV) segmentation is essential to identify the cardiac functions for treating cardiovascular disorders. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMRI) imaging is a non‐invasive technique for diagnosing cardiovascular diseases. CMRI is widely used to assess the functional integrity of the left and right ventricles for detecting changes in myocardial structure. Clinical parameters of the LV are often retrieved from CMRI scans, such as LV volumes, and ejection fraction. Moreover, manually segmenting cardiac diseases and evaluating such functions is time‐consuming and difficult for medical professionals. Deep learning networks require a lot of time, cost, and knowledge. To overcome this issue, a novel Edge and Shape feature‐based Fully Convolutional Neural Network (ES‐FCN) has been proposed for automatic LV segmentation. The ES‐FCN model segments MRI images based on edge maps instead of using gray‐scale images, which accelerates the performance of the FCN. The fuzzy‐based canny edge detection algorithm leverages fuzzy logic to detect structural changes in the LV and generate binary images. Additionally, binary‐valued kernels are used for convolution operations, where the binary values are influenced by biases derived from edge map shape descriptors. In ES‐FCN, bias values are learned from ground truth segmentation. The proposed ES‐FCN model achieves the Jaccard indices of 0.9484 ± 0.0188 for the ACDC dataset and 0.9476 ± 0.0237 for the LVSC dataset, and the dice index of 0.9319 ± 0.0188 for the ACDC dataset and 0.9314 ± 0.0237 for LVSC dataset respectively. The experimental results also reveal that the proposed ES‐FCN model is faster and requires minimal resources compared to state‐of‐the‐art models.
Framing the work: A coparenting model for guiding infant mental health engagement with families
Authors: McHale James , Tissot Herve , Mazzoni Silvia , Hedenbro Monica , Salman‐Engin Selin , Philipp Diane A. , Darwiche Joëlle , Keren Miri , Collins Russia , Coates Erica , Mensi Martina , Corboz‐Warnery Antoinette , Fivaz‐Depeursinge Elisabeth
Published: August 2023

When working with families of infants and toddlers, intentionally looking beyond dyadic child‐parent relationship functioning to conceptualize the child's socioemotional adaptation within their broader family collective can enhance the likelihood that clinical gains will be supported and sustained. However, there has been little expert guidance regarding how best to frame infant‐family mental health therapeutic encounters for the adults responsible for the child's care and upbringing in a manner that elevates their mindfulness about and their resolve to strengthen the impact of their coparenting collective. This article describes a new collaborative initiative organized by family‐oriented infant mental health professionals across several different countries, all of whom bring expansive expertise assessing and working with coparenting and triangular family dynamics. The Collaborative's aims are to identify a means for framing initial infant mental health encounters and intakes with families with the goal of assessing and raising family consciousness about the relevance of coparenting. Initial points of convergence and growing points identified by the Collaborative for subsequent field study are addressed.
Sanda training program based on multi‐sensor data fusion in the internet of things environment
Authors: Zhou Bin
Published: August 2023

Sanda, also known as Chinese kickboxing, is a Wushu that combines elements of traditional Kung Fu, kickboxing, and grappling. Considering that the use of action recognition can effectively improve the level of Sanda players, this study uses inertial sensors and visual sensors to collect the motion data of Sanda. A federated Kalman filter with time‐varying parameters is designed according to the error form of each sensor to complete the data fusion. The main idea is that the whole system is divided into several local filtering systems, and a primary filter is designed for these systems. The main structure of the filter is a cascaded decentralized filtering structure composed of several local filters and a primary filter. The experimental results show that the proposed Sanda training scheme based on multi‐sensor data fusion under the Internet of Things environment has high action recognition accuracy, and the joint inertial‐vision model produces significantly better results than the other two models.
Development of cobalt (Co)‐doped monetites for bone regeneration
Authors: de Almeida Gerson Santos , Ferreira Marcel Rodrigues , da Costa Fernandes Célio Junior , Suter Luísa Camilo , Carra Maria Gabriela Jacheto , Correa Diego Rafael Nespeque , Rangel Elidiane Cipriano , Saeki Margarida Juri , Zambuzzi Willian Fernando
Published: August 2023

Cobalt‐doped monetite powders were synthesized by coprecipitation method under a cobalt nominal content between 2 and 20 mol % of total cation. Structural characterization of samples was performed by using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. XRD results indicated that the Co‐doped samples exhibited a monetite single‐phase with the cell parameters and crystallite size dependent on the amount of substitutional element incorporated into the triclinic crystalline structure. Cell viability and adhesion assays using pre‐osteoblastic cells showed there is no toxicity and the RTqPCR analysis showed significant differences in the expression for osteoblastic phenotype genes, showing a potential material for the bone regeneration.
Automated production of 11C‐labeled carboxylic acids and esters via “in‐loop” 11C‐carbonylation using GE FX synthesis modules
Authors: Kaur Tanpreet , Wright Jay S. , Henderson Bradford D. , Godinez Jonathan , Shao Xia , Scott Peter J. H.
Published: August 2023

An in‐loop 11C‐carbonylation process for the radiosynthesis of 11C‐carboxylic acids and esters from halide precursors has been developed. The reaction proceeds at room temperature under mild conditions and enables 11C‐carbonylation of both electron deficient and electron rich (hetero)aromatic halides to provide 11C‐carboxylic acids and esters in good to excellent radiochemical yields, high radiochemical purity, and excellent molar activity. The process has been fully automated using commercial radiochemistry synthesis modules, and application to clinical production is demonstrated via validated cGMP radiosyntheses of [11C]bexarotene and [11C]acetoacetic acid.
Impact of climate change in Mexican winegrape regions
Authors: Castillo Natalia , Cavazos Tereza , Pavia Edgar G.
Published: August 2023

We analysed the current climate of seven winegrowing regions of Mexico and their possible changes during the 21st century. Various bioclimatic indices were calculated with observations and simulations over a wide domain that covers Mexico and the south and southwest United States. We used two regional climate models (RegCM4.7 and RCA4) for historical (1981–2010), near future (NF: 2021–2050) and far future (FF: 2070–2099) periods under two greenhouse gas emissions scenarios (RCP2.6 and RCP8.5). Both models reproduced the main characteristics of the Mediterranean and semiarid climates typical of the winegrape regions with some biases. Despite the errors, the models suggest similar future changes during the growing season (GS: April–October) in winegrape regions. Increases in temperature (~1.2°C) are expected in the NF, which could produce an early start from the growth (mid‐March) season to the harvest. More significant changes are expected in the FF under the RCP8.5 scenario; temperature during April–October may increase ~4°C, and growing degree‐days (GDD) and minimum temperature could also increase (~700 and 4.5°C, respectively), especially in the northern Mexican high plateau, substantially reducing the suitable areas for viticulture. In Baja California (BC) the suitable years for viticulture may decline by 30%–50%, suggesting an increase in the interannual uncertainty. Moreover, in BC and California the number of cool nights (Tmin < 12°C) could be reduced during the current harvest season (September) affecting winegrape acidity and flavour. Therefore, the viticulture sector and the wine industry may need to implement early adaptation/mitigation measures to overcome these possible changes and winegrape phenology shifts.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Serve as the First‐Line Treatment for Advanced Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Huang Yan , Zhou Hong , Zhao Guangyong , Wang Meihua , Luo Judong , Liu Jun
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has demonstrated substantial benefits for certain patients. We try to evaluate the merits and demerits of each immunotherapy to aid clinical treatment.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive search of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases for randomized clinical trials published as of June 10, 2023. Our study included published clinical trials of ICI monotherapy or combination therapy, along with data on treatment‐related adverse events (TRAE). Data regarding survival efficacy and adverse events of each randomized controlled trial (RCT) were collected. The Bayesian random effects model was utilized for the network meta‐analysis (NMA).

Results

This study incorporated 19 RCTs, involving 5900 patients. Among 14 treatment regimens, Pembrolizumab combined with chemotherapy emerged as the most promising primary treatment for overall survival (OS) and objective response rate (ORR). Toripalimab combined with chemotherapy exhibited the highest likelihood of becoming the primary treatment for extending progression‐free survival (PFS). Durvalumab showed the lowest probability of adverse events, suggesting a safer profile compared with other drugs. Camrelizumab combined with chemotherapy demonstrated a heightened risk of adverse events. Dual ICI Nivolumab/Ipilimumab surpassed Durvalumab/Tremelimumab in terms of ORR and adverse events. The standard of care (SOC) regimen did not exhibit strong performance across the four outcome indicators.

Conclusion

Our analysis suggests that the integration of chemotherapy agents with ICIs enhances its efficacy as a first‐line treatment for patients with advanced head and neck cancer (HNC).

Level of Evidence

1 Laryngoscope, 134:749–761, 2024
Limiting magnetic exposures using ferrite core and shielding in wireless charging of mobile phones
Authors: İleri Rabia , Ağçal Ali
Published: August 2023

The frequent cable breaks and socket failures experienced by users of mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets have become a problem. In this study, wireless charging of mobile phones is provided with inductive coupling. The wireless power transfer (WPT) system has a diameter of 5 cm, operates at 10 MHz, and has an output power of 5 W. The coil design includes a ferrite core and shielding for reducing electromagnetic scattering. The paper used mathematical calculations and simulation tools, including MATLAB, Simulink, Maxwell 3D, and HFSS, to analyze the WPT design and its effects on human health at various conditions. As a result, the magnetic exposure was kept below the limit value in this WPT design, thus protecting the person and the device. In addition, the WPT design achieved high efficiency with a maximum air gap of 2 cm when aligned, and up to 2 cm misalignment at 0.5 cm air gap.
‘I saw it as a marriage—You can't have one without the other’: A qualitative study of patient and physiotherapist experiences with a therapeutic combined strength and aerobic physical activity exercise programme for hip osteoarthritis
Authors: Allison Kim , Hall Michelle , Dobson Fiona , Lawford Belinda J. , Bennell Kim , Spiers Libby , Hinman Rana S.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

To explore physiotherapist and patient experiences with, and acceptability of, a 12‐week physiotherapist‐guided combined strength and aerobic physical activity exercise programme for hip osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

A qualitative study using semi‐structured interviews with 13 people with hip OA and four physiotherapists. Patients underwent a 12‐week home exercise programme customised by weekly visits with one of the four physiotherapists. The programme aimed for patients to participate in 150 min of moderate‐intensity aerobic physical activity, and 20–30 min of strengthening exercise 2–3 times per week in concordance with American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) dosage guidelines. Following the programme, patients and physiotherapists participated in individual semi‐structured interviews to explore the acceptability of the exercise programme and barriers and facilitators to participation. Data were audio‐recorded, transcribed and analysed using a thematic approach.

Results

Five over‐arching themes (supporting subthemes) were identified from both patient and physiotherapist interviews: (i) positive outcomes (functional improvements, pain relief, empowerment through experience, commitment to continue); (ii) combined benefits of aerobic and strength exercises (complimentary effects, strengthening exercises key); (iii) valuing support from the physiotherapist (personalised care, skill performance feedback, coach effect, accountability); (iv) motivation and opportunity for exercise (positive symptom loop, integration into daily routine, prior exercise experience, Fitbit motivation); and (v) time‐consuming commitment (physiotherapy visit frequency, travel inconvenience, time for exercise).

Conclusions

Experiences of participants in this study indicate that, although time‐consuming, a combined aerobic physical activity and strengthening programme prescribed at ACSM dosage guidelines is acceptable and confers positive outcomes in individuals with hip OA.
Polymeric amorphous dispersion as a carrier to enhance the in vitro dissolution in vivo pharmacokinetics and cytotoxicity of niclosamide
Authors: Kolimi Prashanth Reddy , Padakanti Amruta Prabhakar , Kolagani Naveen , Ponneganti Srikanth , Gangipangi Vijayakumar , Selvaraju Sudhagar , Pullapanthula Radhakrishnanand , Alexander Amit , Chella Naveen
Published: August 2023

Amorphous solid dispersion is one of the recent technologies that attracted the pharmaceutical industry to deliver poorly soluble drugs. However, the selection of polymeric carriers and characterization of drug‐polymer interactions need to be performed systemically to develop a stable amorphous delivery system. Solubility parameter analysis was used to screen the polymers. Hot melt extrusion (HME) was used to prepare the polymeric amorphous dispersion. Drug polymer interactions were identified by attenuated total reflection spectroscopy. Solid‐state transformations were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry and powder X‐ray diffraction. In vitro drug release was performed under non‐sink conditions. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies were performed on rats, and MCF‐7 and A‐549 cell lines were used to study the cytotoxicity. Polymer miscibility studies indicated polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVPK17) as a suitable polymer, and 180°C at 50 rpm was the ideal condition in the HME. The analytical tools confirmed the conversion of niclosamide (NCL) to an amorphous state and the existence of hydrogen bond interactions between the drug and the polymer. Prepared solid dispersions were stable for 3 months and showed about 214‐fold improvement in solubility and around 10‐fold improvement in dissolution over pure crystalline NCL. Pharmacokinetic studies showed a 4.04‐fold enhancement in Cmax and a 2.05‐fold enhancement in the area under the plasma concentration‐time curve (AUC0‐24h) compared to crystalline NCL. Cytotoxicity studies also showed a better toxicity profile with a reduction in the IC50 values of NCL in the amorphous solid dispersions. These encouraging findings indicate that polymeric amorphous solid dispersions could be a commercially feasible option to deliver poorly soluble drugs like NCL using HME.
Off to boarding school: Exploring how physicians learn in Tumor Board
Authors: Picca Andrew , Reed Suzanne
Published: August 2023

Background

Tumor Board (TB) is a multidisciplinary care conference tradition in adult and pediatric oncology. The Commission on Cancer requires cancer programs to hold multidisciplinary cancer case conferences. Data support improvements in clinical decision‐making due to TB and perception of learning value. Data are lacking on how physician participants learn in this environment.

Methods

Our exploratory, qualitative research study rooted in naturalistic inquiry explored how physician participants learn in TB. Fifteen participants were purposefully sampled and completed semi‐structured interviews. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed to produce themes.

Results

Five themes arose: (i) mutual educational goals by participating stakeholders are beneficial to educational experiences in TB; (ii) for trainees, presenting TB cases is important for learning; (iii) for attendees of TB, discussion and collaboration surrounding the content of presentations has implications for learning; (iv) participants of TB are responsible for cultivating their learning environment and teaching one another; and (v) virtual TB alters the opportunity to participate and engage with the subject matter, impacting learning for participants.

Conclusions

Exploring TB through the lens of an educational framework is a novel approach. By identifying the facilitators and inhibitors of learning in TB, opportunities to enhance the educational process in TB are now exposed. Our study illustrates that learning in TB occurs through the cognitive apprenticeship model, and provides insight on how to best cultivate this model to improve learning. These data demonstrate the social nature of learning, and how they align with the pediatric hematology/oncology community of practice.
Mutual dependence of experimental and data analysis features in characterization of fiber‐matrix interface via microdroplets
Authors: Dsouza Royson Donate , Di Vito Donato , Jokinen Jarno , Kanerva Mikko
Published: August 2023

The accurate determination of interfacial strength in composites poses a significant challenge, a critical factor yet often complex due to the multitude of unknowns that affect the microbond (MB) test. This complexity arises not only from different individual parameters, but also from the combined effects of these parameters interdepending with each other. This study presents a thorough analysis of the MB test, carried out through numerous finite element simulations that take into account a wide range of parameters. This was achieved in the context of an experimentally validated reference test. In this study, 624 different numerical simulations were performed, each using a unique set of parameters defined for this investigation. The study demonstrates that even minor modifications to features such as a change in droplet behavior (change in ductility – simulated via different material models), the normalized error can range from −2.5% to 20.6% and −10% to 80%, for peak force () and force‐displacement area (), respectively. The negative percent values indicate lower magnitudes than the reference experimental data, while positive values suggest higher predicted magnitudes. In addition, residual stresses are identified as the second strongest in terms of mutual interaction and a key feature that interacts with other parameters. The results also show that typical comparisons using and are inadequate and misleading, suggesting the use of critical stress and critical energy release rate for more accurate qualitative comparisons about the interface. In this work, the interdependencies between the selected features are investigated with the reasoning based on the interfacial crack propagation and associated dissipative phenomena of the droplet.
Nitroglycerin stabilisation in a polyester matrix synthesized by the polymerization of an epoxidized vegetable oil
Authors: Schwartz Cédric , Comet Marc , Lemiègre Loïc , Audic Jean‐Luc , Lallemand Bastien , Bonnet Benjamin , Schnell Fabien , Ott Anna K. , Spitzer Denis
Published: August 2023

Nitroglycerin (NG) is a high explosive that is difficult to handle in its liquid form, where the entrapment of gaseous NG bubbles results in its high sensitivity to impact (<0.25 J). NG‐based materials are traditionally prepared by complex mixing processes where desensitisation is of major concern. Instead of using a mixing procedure here we demonstrate the successful synthesis of dynamite‐like materials by using a single step bottom‐up approach to form a polymeric host matrix (PM) for NG from a solution which contains the explosive and the matrix precursors. For this purpose, an epoxidized vegetable oil mixed with nitroglycerin (oil to NG mass ratio of 60/40) is polymerized at 100 °C for 30 h by using glutaric acid as crosslinking agent. No degradation of NG under these conditions is observed. The activation energy of NG desorption from the PM (51.9 kJ/mol) is of the same order of magnitude as the one reported in literature for a double‐base powder (81.9 kJ/mol). An accelerated NG desorption is observed as temperature increases. This can be attributed to a slow diffusion mechanism of the explosive from the volume to the surface of the material, where it evaporates. The ignition of NG/PM in air by an open flame leads to a self‐sustained combustion, in which a part of nitroglycerin decomposes in the polymer matrix. Conversely, NG/PM monolithic and granular loads are not ignited by the explosion of the primer in a 9 mm calibre casing. The shockwave released by a detonator on a small NG/PM cylindrical charge (≈1.5 g) does not detonate it, but only makes it deflagrate. Our results show that this novel single‐step synthesis of NG trapped in a polymeric matrix is a very effective approach for desensitizing it to any form of stress.
Morpholine, a strong contender for Fmoc removal in solid‐phase peptide synthesis
Authors: Mthembu Sinenhlanhla N. , Chakraborty Amit , Schönleber Ralph , Albericio Fernando , de la Torre Beatriz G.
Published: August 2023

Morpholine, which scores 7.5 in terms of greenness and is not a regulated substance, could be considered a strong contender for Fmoc removal in solid‐phase peptide synthesis (SPPS). Morpholine in dimethylformamide (DMF) (50%–60%) efficiently removes Fmoc in SPPS, minimizes the formation of diketopiperazine, and almost avoids the aspartimide formation. As a proof of concept, somatostatin has been synthesized using 50% morpholine in DMF with the same purity as when using 20% piperidine–DMF.
A modular Bayesian approach to model calibration of low‐fidelity simulation models
Authors: Li Xiaopeng
Published: August 2023

Low‐fidelity computational models have been widely used for the computation of complex engineered systems to greatly save the computational time while sacrificing the computational precision. Model calibration can be implemented for low‐fidelity simulation models to remedy the errors of simulation results. This article proposes a modular Bayesian updating framework that considers epistemic uncertainty to achieve model calibration of low‐fidelity simulation models. The proposed framework mainly contains two steps: (1) A model calibration framework based on Bayesian theory is proposed that can simultaneously quantify the model form uncertainty, model parameter uncertainty, and the experimental measurement uncertainty, (2) the proposed method updates a low‐fidelity surrogate model via a Metropolis–Hastings (M–H) algorithm by using high‐fidelity experimental data. The proposed method greatly improves the prediction accuracy of the simulation model and enhances the computational efficiency. A mathematical example is used to testify the accuracy of the developed method, while the aerodynamics simulation of the NACA0012 airfoil is leveraged to demonstrate the engineering application. The results show that the posterior prediction mean is in better agreement with the experimental mean than the prior prediction mean, suggesting that the modular Bayesian updating method improves the prediction accuracy of low‐fidelity simulation models.