bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of fetal thymus size in pregnant women with rheumatic diseases: A case–control study
Authors: Yildirim Muradiye , Oluklu Deniz , Menekse Beser Dilek , Uyan Hendem Derya , Kara Ozgur , Tanacan Atakan , Sahin Dilek
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To investigate the fetal thymic‐thoracic ratio (TT‐ratio) in pregnancies diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Methods

Thirty‐two pregnant women with rheumatic disease and 96 low‐risk pregnant women between 20 and 37 weeks were included in the study. Three control patients were randomly selected for each study patient. TT‐ratio was calculated by measuring the anterior–posterior diameter of the thymus and the intrathoracic mediastinal diameter. Data were compared between the study group, including RA and AS, and the control group.

Results

Thirty‐two pregnant women with arthritis, 19 diagnosed with RA and 13 with AS, were evaluated. The mean value of the study group TT‐ratio was 0.33; control group, 0.36; a statistically significant difference was found (p < 0.001). Perinatal outcomes were not different when compared with control patients. There was a negative correlation between disease duration, maternal C‐reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and TT‐ratio.

Conclusion

This is the first study to prospectively evaluate the fetal TT‐ratio in patients with RA and AS. Systemic inflammation appears to affect fetal thymus size. Appropriate management of maternal rheumatic diseases is essential for developing the thymus, a vital immune system component.
Real‐world multiple myeloma front‐line treatment and outcomes by transplant in the United States
Authors: Richter Joshua , Pan Darren , Salinardi Taylor , Rice Megan S.
Published: August 2023

Stem cell transplantation (SCT) has been an integral treatment modality for multiple myeloma (MM) for decades. However, as standard‐of‐care therapies have improved, the benefit of SCT has been repeatedly called into question. This retrospective study evaluated the association between SCT in the first line of therapy (LOT) and outcomes for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) in the United States. We included patients from a de‐identified electronic health record‐derived database who initiated front‐line MM therapy between January 1, 2016, and January 31, 2022. Overall, 18.8% (1127 of 5996 patients) received SCT in the first LOT. Multivariable‐adjusted Cox proportional hazards models, in which SCT was modeled as time varying, revealed longer real‐world progression‐free survival (rwPFS; hazard ratio [HR] 0.49; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.43–0.57) and real‐world overall survival (rwOS; HR 0.47; 95% CI 0.39–0.56) for patients who received SCT in the first LOT. The degree of rwPFS and rwOS benefit imparted by SCT was consistent across all subgroups examined, including patients aged ≥75 years, women, non‐Hispanic Black/African American patients, those with renal impairment, and those with high‐risk cytogenetics. Findings from this analysis of real‐world patients with NDMM suggest that SCT remains an important standard of care in the era of novel therapies.
The unplumatellid Plumatella fruticosa found its home: Hirosella gen. nov. morphological arguments for the systematic placement of a freshwater bryozoan
Authors: Bibermair Julian , Schwaha Thomas
Published: August 2023

Bryozoans are colonial, suspension‐feeding lophotrochozoans. The phylum consists of the large group of chiefly marine Myolaemata and the exclusively limnic Phylactolaemata. Each colony consists of individual zooids that comprise the protective cystid and the retractable polypide. Phylactolaemates are a small group of approximately 90 species in 6 families. They feature a body wall, that can either be gelatinous, as in the families Stephanellidae, Lophopodidae, Cristatellidae and Pectinatellidae, or encrusted, as in Plumatellidae and Fredericellidae. Morphological investigations of the most specious plumatellids are rare and focus on few species. Plumatella fruticosa is of particular interest in this regard, as it shows a mosaic of plumatellid and fredericellids characters. The most recent phylogeny clusters P. fruticosa with cristatellids and pectinatellids as sister groups to fredericellids. Hence, there is considerable doubt, whether P. fruticosa is truly a plumatellid. Therefore, this study aims to reinvestigate the morphology of P. fruticosa with confocal microscopy and section‐based three‐dimensional reconstruction. The new data show that P. fruticosa has numerous conspicuous stumps from fragmented proliferation buds, which are otherwise only known from fredericellids. Like fredericellids, P. fruticosa grows erect, but in contrast, has a horseshoe‐shaped lophophore and floatoblasts. Besides the proportions of the lophophore, the tentacle sheath and digestive tract resemble a fredericellid‐like situation. Myoanatomical details like the pronounced longitudinal muscles of the vestibular wall and tentacle sheath differ from plumatellids and favour the recently proposed scenario, which places P. fruticosa next to Pectinatellidae and Cristatellidae. In addition, the intertentacular membrane of P. fruticosa shows structural similarity to cristatellids as it is attached to the tentacles via lamellae. Taking all aspects into account, we erect a new family: Hirosellidae fam. nov. including the new genus Hirosella gen. nov.
Ultrastructure of oogenesis in two tropical oviparous Demospongiae (Porifera): Cinachyrella apion and Tethya maza
Authors: Vasconcellos Vivian , Leys Sally , Lanna Emilio
Published: August 2023

Reproduction is a key step for propagation of any species. Consequently, gametogenesis is crucial, as it links one generation to the other. Oogenesis is influenced by different factors, but it is usually related to the quality and quantity of the food and the capacity of the female to convert these resources into egg production. In Demospongiae (Porifera), oocytes vary in several aspects (e.g., origin, size, and vitellogenic pathways). However, data on oocyte morphology is still fragmentary, and the ultrastructural organization of reproductive cells has been investigated only in a few species, mainly of viviparous sponges. Here, we aimed to comprehend the oogenesis of two tropical oviparous demosponges (Cinachyrella apion and Tethya maza) using light and electron microscopy. In both species, oocytes seemed to originate from archaeocytes. Oocytes of C. apion were surrounded by a collagenous matrix and nurse cells containing many lipid vesicles. The increase of biosynthetic organelles, concomitantly with the presence of yolk vesicle in the ooplasm, indicated that the vitellogenesis was carried out through the mixed pathway. The oocytes of T. maza were surrounded by a follicle cell membrane and nurse cells containing yolk vesicles. The absence of characteristic biosynthetic organelles in the egg of this species indicated that vitellogenesis occured through the heterosynthetic pathway. The oogenesis of C. apion is similar to other species of the genus, while the follicle membrane and nurse cells surrounding the oocytes of T. maza are not observed in any other species of Tethya. These accessory cells were considered to have a trophic role during the oogenesis of the studied species. Moreover, the presence of these accessory cells may have ecological significance, as they accelerate the egg's production through trophic support of the growing oocyte.
Detection of Neuroinflammation Induced by Typhoid Vaccine Using Quantitative Magnetization Transfer MR: A Randomized Crossover Study
Authors: Plank Julia R. , Morgan Catherine A. , Smith Alex K. , Sundram Frederick , Hoeh Nicholas R. , Muthukumaraswamy Suresh , Lin Joanne C.
Published: August 2023

Background

The role of neuroinflammation in psychiatric disorders is not well‐elucidated. A noninvasive technique sensitive to low‐level neuroinflammation may improve understanding of the pathophysiology of these conditions.

Purpose

To test the ability of quantitative magnetization transfer (QMT) MR at 3 T for detection of low‐level neuroinflammation induced by typhoid vaccine within a clinically reasonable scan time.

Study Type

Randomized, crossover, placebo‐controlled.

Subjects

Twenty healthy volunteers (10 males; median age 34 years).

Field Strength/Sequence

Magnetization prepared rapid gradient‐echo and MT‐weighted 3D fast low‐angle shot sequences at 3 T.

Assessment

Participants were randomized to either vaccine or placebo first with imaging, then after a washout period received the converse with a second set of imaging. MT imaging, scan time, and blood‐based inflammatory marker concentrations were assessed pre‐ and post‐vaccine and placebo. Mood was assessed hourly using the Profile of Mood States questionnaire. QMT parameter maps, including the exchange rate from bound to free pool (kba) were generated using a two‐pool model and then segmented into tissue type.

Statistical Tests

Voxel‐wise permutation‐based analysis examined inflammatory‐related alterations of QMT parameters. The threshold‐free cluster enhancement method with family‐wise error was used to correct voxel‐wise results for multiple comparisons. Region of interest averages were fed into mixed models and Bonferroni corrected. Spearman correlations assessed the relationship between mood scores and QMT parameters. Results were considered significant if corrected P < 0.05.

Results

Scan time for the MT‐weighted acquisition was approximately 11 minutes. Blood‐based analysis showed higher IL‐6 concentrations post‐vaccine compared to post‐placebo. Voxel‐wise analysis found three clusters indicating an inflammatory‐mediated increase in kba in cerebellar white matter. Cerebellar kba for white matter was negatively associated with vigor post‐vaccine but not post‐placebo.

Data Conclusion

This study suggested that QMT at 3 T may show some sensitivity to low‐level neuroinflammation. Further studies are needed to assess the viability of QMT for use in inflammatory‐based disorders.

Evidence Level

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Molecular characterization of measles viruses in Central African Republic, 2012–2016
Authors: Dote Joël , Tricou Vianney , Gnikpingo Laure K. , Pagonendji Marilou , Charpentier Emilie , Hübschen Judith M. , Gouandjika‐Vasilache Ionela
Published: August 2023

Despite being preventable through vaccination, measles is still one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality in young children in Africa. In 2015, several African countries, including the Central African Republic (CAR), began implementing national measles elimination programs. However, measles remains a public health problem in Africa, particularly in the CAR. A retrospective study was conducted at the Institut Pasteur de Bangui, using blood samples (n = 255) and oral swabs (n = 7) collected between January 2012 and December 2016 from measles IgM‐positive cases, to attempt genotyping of circulating measles virus strains. Overall, 50 samples were positive by real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and 40 sequences of acceptable quality were obtained. The phylogenetic analysis showed that 38 strains belonged to genotype B3 suggesting that this genotype was endemic in the CAR during the study period. No genotype B2 sequences were detected, suggesting that this genotype is no longer present in the CAR.
Socioeconomic disparities in musculoskeletal oncology
Authors: Jawad Muhammad U. , Theriault Raminta V. , Thorpe Steven W. , Randall R. Lor
Published: August 2023

Musculoskeletal oncology is a clinical specialty dealing with a diverse population of patients with metastatic bone disease, hematological malignancies with musculoskeletal manifestations, primary bone malignancies and soft tissue sarcomas. There are wide‐spread disparities including socioeconomic (SES) and insurance‐related disparities reported in the literature. In this review, we'll summarize the disparities surrounding the musculoskeletal oncology.
Radiolucent implants in orthopedic oncology
Authors: Federico Vincent P. , Trevino Noe , Zavras Athan G. , Fice Michael P. , Butler Alexander J. , Blank Alan T. , Colman Matthew W.
Published: August 2023

Radiolucent implants in have demonstrated promising results for both extremity and spine oncologic procedures. However, questions persist about whether the superiority in surveillance imaging justify the increased cost and technical challenges. In this review, we present the current body of literature for the use of radiolucent implants in musculoskeletal oncology, with a focus on implant complications, including screw loosening, breakage, malposition, and loss of reduction. We also discuss clinical outcomes, technical considerations, and postoperative radiotherapy.
An efficient strategy for large‐scale preparation of low polarity gingerols directly from ginger crude extract by high‐speed countercurrent chromatography with different rotation mode
Authors: Li Jisheng , Wang Qiqi , Wang Yao , La Mencuo , Mian Ruisha , He Liangliang , Suonan Ji , Zou Denglang
Published: August 2023

This study presents an efficient strategy for large‐scale preparation of low polarity gingerols directly from ginger crude extract by high‐speed countercurrent chromatography with different rotation mode. The ultrasonic‐assisted extraction conditions were optimized by response surface methodology and the results showed the major low polarity gingerols could be well enriched under the optimized extraction conditions. Then the crude extract without any pretreatment was directly separated by high‐speed countercurrent chromatography with different rotation mode using n‐hexane/ethyl acetate/methanol/water (6:4:6:4, v/v/v/v) as the solvent system. In about 400 min, five major gingerols including 150 mg of [6]‐gingerol, 50 mg of [8]‐gingerol, 20 mg of [6]‐shogaol, 43 mg of [6]‐dehydrogingerdione, and 40 mg of [10]‐gingerol were obtained from 1.2 g of crude extract in a single run with repeated injection. Their structures were identified by 1H‐NMR spectroscopy.
5‐Aminolevulinic Acid Fluorescence‐Guided Surgery in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Filip Peter , Lerner David K. , Kominsky Evan , Schupper Alexander , Liu Katherine , Khan Nazir Mohemmed , Roof Scott , Hadjipanayis Constantinos , Genden Eric , Iloreta Alfred M. C.
Published: August 2023

Objectives

To determine the utility of 5‐aminolevulinic acid (5‐ALA) fluorescence for resection of head and neck carcinoma.

Methods

In this prospective pilot trial, 5‐ALA was administered as an oral suspension 3–5 h prior to induction of anesthesia for resection of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Following resection, 405 nm blue light was applied, and fluorescence of the tumor as well as the surgical bed was recorded. Specimen fluorescence intensity was graded categorically as none (score = 0), mild (1), moderate (2), or robust (3) by the operating surgeon intraoperatively and corroborated with final pathologic diagnosis.

Results

Seven patients underwent resection with 5‐ALA. Five (83%) were male with an age range of 33–82 years (mean = 60). Sites included nasal cavity (n = 3), oral cavity (n = 3), and the larynx (n = 1). All specimens demonstrated robust fluorescence when 5‐ALA was administered 3–5 h preoperatively. 5‐ALA fluorescence predicted the presence of perineural invasion, a positive margin, and metastatic lymphadenopathy. Two patients had acute photosensitivity reactions, and one patient had a temporary elevation of hepatic enzymes.

Conclusions

5‐ALA induces robust intraoperative fluorescence of HNSCC, capable of demonstrating a positive margin, perineural invasion, and metastatic nodal disease. Although no conclusions are there about the safety of this drug in the head and neck cancer population, our study parallels the extensive safety data in the neurosurgical literature. Future applications may include intraoperative assessment of margin status, diagnostic accuracy, and impacts on survival.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:741–748, 2024
Grazing effects on total carbon and nitrogen content of wind‐eroded soils in desert steppe
Authors: Zhang Bohan , Qu Zhiqiang , Lv Shijie , Han Guodong , Gao Cuiping , Wilkes Andreas , Li Junran , Li Zhiguo , Wang Shuhui , Wang Rong , Wang Xiaoyan , Bai Yisula
Published: August 2023

A high stocking rate can intensify wind erosion in grasslands, and strong wind can carry away soil surface particles, soil carbon (C), and nitrogen (N), which leads to soil barrenness. In this research, the dust flux, total carbon (TC) and total nitrogen (TN) contents, and fluxes of aeolian sediment were determined in the nongrowing season (mid‐October to mid‐April of the following year) and growing season (mid‐April to mid‐October) from 2017 to 2020 at a continuous grazing gradient experiment platform established in 2004 in a desert steppe in Inner Mongolia, China. The results were as follows: (1) As the stocking rate increased, fluxes of aeolian sediment at 10 cm (H10), 30 cm (H30), and 100 cm (H100) were greatly increased (p < 0.05). Aeolian sediment fluxes followed the order control (CK) < light stocking rate (LG) < moderate stocking rate (MG) < heavy stocking rate (HG). (2) The TC and TN contents of aeolian sediment decreased with an increase in stocking rate, and higher grazing intensity resulted in a difference in TC content, which decreased between the two seasons. The TC flux/aeolian sediment flux increased with an increase in stocking rate, and the ratio of TC flux increased between two seasons due to the influence of heavy grazing. Grazing disturbance had little effect on TN flux. As grazing intensity increased, wind erosion resulted in an increase in soil available carbon loss, and this loss was more severe in the nongrowing season. (3) The C/N ratio increased with increase in aeolian sediment flux. The aeolian sediment flux and C/N showed an inverse relationship with the increase in grazing intensity. Regression lines for the two seasons showed an intersecting trend, and the intersection points moved backward as height increased, indicating that higher stocking rates could reduce the influence of grassland vegetation on C/N. As height increased, the regression intercept increased, indicating that the loss of wind‐eroded soil changed from a low C/N loss to a high C/N loss. In general, high stocking rates aggravated soil wind erosion, resulting in more C pool loss than N loss in terms of soil elements and more available C loss in the nongrowing season. In the nongrowing season, vegetation characteristics are poor, coupled with grazing interference, and wind erosion in the nongrowing season is serious in general; however, the change law of C and N in wind‐eroded soil is directly related to its particle size. C and N content in fine particles is higher, and C content in soil is much higher than N, so the TC loss is relatively large; therefore, reducing the intensity of grazing can reduce the occurrence of soil wind erosion, and implementing measures to protect grassland in spring and other periods vulnerable to wind erosion would be conducive to the sustainable usage of grassland resources.
Quantum Antireflection Temporal Coatings: Quantum State Frequency Shifting and Inhibited Thermal Noise Amplification
Authors: Liberal Iñigo , Vázquez‐Lozano J. Enrique , Pacheco‐Peña Victor
Published: August 2023

The quantum optical response of antireflection temporal coatings (ATCs), that is, matching temporal layers that suppress the generation of backward waves in temporal boundaries, is investigated. The results reveal that quantum ATCs are characterized for inducing a frequency shift of the quantum state, while preserving all photon statistics intact. Thus, they can find application for fast quantum frequency shifting in photonic quantum networks. The quantum theory also provides additional insight on their classical mode of operation, clarifying which quantities are preserved through the temporal boundary. Last, it is shown that quantum ATCs allow for fast temporal switching without amplification of thermal fields.
Kirigami‐Inspired Planar Deformable Metamaterials for Multiple Dynamic Electromagnetic Manipulations
Authors: Han Donghai , Li Wenkang , Liu Min , Sun Tao , Hou Yushan , Chen Xiaoming , Shi Hongyu , Fan Zhengjie , Wang Xianqiao , Meng Fanqi , Zhang Liuyang , Chen Xuefeng
Published: August 2023

The Kirigami technique has recently inspired the design of reconfigurable electromagnetic metamaterials that can be easily realized by embedding a patterned cutting array into a supportive substrate. However, these existing designs mainly focus on the 2D‐to‐3D transformable morphology that induces the modulation of the spectral responses. This work proposes a kirigami‐based planar reconfiguration mechanism and extends advanced applications in the dynamic near‐field imaging and tunable double‐foci metalens. These extraordinary tunabilities originate from three meta‐atoms that can be mutually transformed into the morphologies with non‐chirality and opposite chirality under the tensile strain. By utilizing the transmittance characteristics of reconfigurable meta‐atoms, the metamaterial is constructed to achieve three‐foldable near‐field displays and a longitudinal double‐foci metalens empowered with tunable focusing length and intensity ratio. Two anisotropic chiral meta‐atoms in deformed states that possess overwhelming transmittance difference of circularly cross‐polarized components to magnify the focusing intensity ratio of two foci for the proposed metalens are further proposed. The exhibited observations provide typical examples of a wide spectrum of applications of the kirigami‐based reconfiguration mechanism, and it may pave the avenue to spark manifold functional devices for applicable electromagnetic manipulations such as multifunctional hologram display, dynamic beam shaping, and steering, as well as the conformal design of meta‐devices.
Novel Red Mechanoluminescence in Mn‐Doped ZnGa2S4 Crystal Phosphors via a Molten Salt Shielding Method
Authors: Zhu Mingju , Luo Jiangcheng , Liang Tianlong , Zheng Yuantian , Li Xu , Huang Zefeng , Ren Biyun , Zhang Xianhui , Li Jianwei , Zheng Zitong , Wu Junhao , Zhong Yongle , Wang Yu , Wang Chunfeng , Peng Dengfeng
Published: August 2023

Owing to their unique characteristic of direct mechanical‐to‐optical energy conversion, mechanoluminescence (ML) crystals have drawn considerable interest for visible stress sensing, flexible and stretchable displays, and advanced anti‐counterfeiting. However, among the visible emissions of synthetic ML materials, high‐performance red‐emission semiconductors with ideal color‐rendering indices are relatively scarce, which restricts their future applications. In this work, red ML emission with CIE coordinates (0.6395 and 0.3572) in Mn‐doped ZnGa2S4 prepared by a molten salt shielding synthesis method in the air is reported. ZnGa2S4 has a cubic crystal structure composed of a layered [ZnS4] tetrahedral unit that plays an important role in efficient ML. Based on density functional theory calculations, the relationship between ML performance and crystal structure is revealed, which will help in the development of new high‐quality ML materials. The Mn‐doping of ZnGa2S4 causes a slight deformation of the crystal structure, leading to band bending and the formation of ML features in response to mechanical stimuli. The deep‐red ML emission of the ZnGa2S4:Mn crystals prepared by this method holds great promise for advanced flexible and stable displays and force/pressure sensor applications.
On a cardinal inequality in ZF$\mathsf {ZF}$
Authors: Shen Guozhen
Published: August 2023

It is proved in (without the axiom of choice) that for all infinite cardinals and all natural numbers , where is the cardinality of the set of permutations with exactly non‐fixed points of a set which is of cardinality .
Patient specific prior cross attention for kV decomposition in paraspinal motion tracking
Authors: He Xiuxiu , Cai Weixing , Li Feifei , Fan Qiyong , Zhang Pengpeng , Cuaron John J. , Cerviño Laura I. , Moran Jean M. , Li Xiang , Li Tianfang
Published: August 2023

Background

X‐ray image quality is critical for accurate intrafraction motion tracking in radiation therapy.

Purpose: This study aims to develop a deep‐learning algorithm to improve kV image contrast by decomposing the image into bony and soft tissue components. In particular, we designed a priori attention mechanism in the neural network framework for optimal decomposition. We show that a patient‐specific prior cross‐attention (PCAT) mechanism can boost the performance of kV image decomposition. We demonstrate its use in paraspinal SBRT motion tracking with online kV imaging.

Methods

Online 2D kV projections were acquired during paraspinal SBRT for patient motion monitoring. The patient‐specific prior images were generated by randomly shifting and rotating spine‐only DRR created from the setup CBCT, simulating potential motions. The latent features of the prior images were incorporated into the PCAT using multi‐head cross attention. The neural network aimed to learn to selectively amplify the transmission of the projection image features that correlate with features of the priori. The PCAT network structure consisted of (1) a dual‐branch generator that separates the spine and soft tissue component of the kV projection image and (2) a dual‐function discriminator (DFD) that provides the realness score of the predicted images. For supervision, we used a loss combining mean absolute error loss, discriminator loss, perceptual loss, total variation, and mean squared error loss for soft tissues. The proposed PCAT approach was benchmarked against previous work using the ResNet generative adversarial network (ResNetGAN) without prior information.

Results

The trained PCAT had improved performance in effectively retaining and preserving the spine structure and texture information while suppressing the soft tissues from the kV projection images. The decomposed spine‐only x‐ray images had the submillimeter matching accuracy at all beam angles. The decomposed spine‐only x‐ray significantly reduced the maximum errors to 0.44 mm (<2 pixels) in comparison to 0.92 mm (∼4 pixels) of ResNetGAN. The PCAT decomposed spine images also had higher PSNR and SSIM (p‐value < 0.001).

Conclusion

The PCAT selectively learned the important latent features by incorporating the patient‐specific prior knowledge into the deep learning algorithm, significantly improving the robustness of the kV projection image decomposition, and leading to improved motion tracking accuracy in paraspinal SBRT.
Epidemiology and characteristics of emergency department utilization by patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Korea from 2016 to 2020: A nationwide study
Authors: Ko Jung‐In , Choi Seok‐Jin , Yoo Shin Hye , Cho Belong , Kim Min Sun , Kim Kyae Hyung , Lee Sun Young
Published: August 2023

Introduction/Aims

Patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) inevitably visit the emergency department (ED) due to their increased risk of respiratory failure and mobility limitations. However, nationwide data on ED visits by patients with ALS are limited. This study investigated the characteristics of patients with ALS‐related ED visits.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study from 2016 to 2020, utilizing a nationwide ED database. The total number of patients with ALS who visited the ED and their primary reasons for visiting/diagnoses were analyzed.

Results

In total, 6036 visits to the ED were made by patients with ALS. Of these, 41.8% arrived by ambulance and 27.7% spent >9 h in the ED. Following ED treatment, 57.4% were hospitalized, including 19.3% admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and 5.4% who died in the hospital. The primary reasons for ALS‐related ED visits were dyspnea (35.2%), feeding tube problems (10.1%), fever (7.8%), and mental status changes (3.6%). The most common diagnoses were pneumonia (14.5%), respiratory failure (5.7%), dyspnea (5.5%), aspiration pneumonia (4.3%), and tracheostomy complications (3.4%).

Discussion

Reasons for ED visits for patients with ALS include acute respiratory distress, as well as concerns related to tube feeding and tracheostomy. To reduce the risk of patients with ALS requiring ED visits, it is essential to ensure the provision of timely respiratory support and high‐quality home‐based medical care teams that can support and address patients before their condition deteriorates.
Central venous catheter safety in pediatric patients with intestinal failure
Authors: Smith Rachel Warsco , Pettini Melissa , Gulden Rachel , Wendel Danielle
Published: August 2023

Children with intestinal failure (IF) require long‐term central venous access to provide life‐sustaining parenteral nutrition. Mechanical, thrombotic, and infectious complications are potentially life‐threatening and may necessitate central venous catheter (CVC) replacement. Repeated central line replacements may lead to a loss of vascular access sites and increases risk for intestinal transplantation. Children with IF face unique challenges for CVC safety given their young age, altered anatomy, and increased risk of thrombosis and infection. The following review addresses preventative, diagnostic, and treatment strategies for central line safety concerns specific to children with IF as well as recommendations for promoting catheter safety during activities, travel, and emergencies.
Relating GPR system parameters to regulatory emissions limits
Authors: Annan A. Peter , Diamanti Nectaria , Redman J. David
Published: August 2023

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is regulated regarding emission limits for ultra‐wideband in a number of jurisdictions. The definitions of these regulations employ concepts and terminology that are more suited to traditional narrow band radio transmitters. Further, the emissions limits were based on limited quantitative factual information and have resulted in stringent limitations on GPR technology advancement. Factual theoretical and experimental information on the emissions from actual GPR devices is not generally available, and the relationship with regulatory requirements is poorly understood by users. This information gap must be filled if a compelling argument for less stringent emissions levels is to be mounted in the future. Moreover, the current regulations have the potential to trigger further review of emission limits in the future which could be detrimental to the use of GPR. In this paper, we present the basic steps entailed in translating impulse time‐domain GPR instrument behaviour into ‘regulatory’ parameters. To achieve this, we also employ three‐dimensional finite‐difference time‐domain numerical modelling to simulate the transient electromagnetic field variation around dipole antennas placed on the surface of a half‐space or at a height over it to illustrate the dependency on sensor height and ground permittivity. The ultimate goal is to establish the foundation for more sensible rule making, if and when, the regulatory standards come under scrutiny for revision and further user understanding.
An efficient linearly implicit and energy‐conservative scheme for two dimensional Klein–Gordon–Schrödinger equations
Authors: Li Hongwei , Yang Yuna , Li Xiangkun
Published: August 2023

The Klein–Gordon–Schrödinger equations describe a classical model of interaction of nucleon field with meson field in physics, how to design the energy conservative and stable schemes is an important issue. This paper aims to develop a linearized energy‐preserve, unconditionally stable and efficient scheme for Klein–Gordon–Schrödinger equations. Some auxiliary variables are utilized to circumvent the imaginary functions of Klein–Gordon–Schrödinger equations, and transform the original system into its real formulation. Based on the invariant energy quadratization approach, an equivalent system is deduced by introducing a Lagrange multiplier. Then the efficient and unconditionally stable scheme is designed to discretize the deduced equivalent system. A numerical analysis of the proposed scheme is presented to illustrate its uniquely solvability and convergence. Numerical examples are provided to validate accuracy, energy and mass conservation laws, and stability of our proposed method.
Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation Therapy Outcomes in Apnea‐ Versus Hypopnea‐Predominant Patients
Authors: Gao Thomas Z. , Ma Jianing , Hall Daniel , Pan Xueliang , Rings Vijay K. , Zia Ali , Harris Micah K. , Chio Eugene G.
Published: August 2023

Objectives

The influence of apnea‐ and hypopnea‐predominance on hypoglossal nerve stimulation therapy outcomes (HGNS) is still poorly defined. We assessed the significance of apnea‐ and hypopnea‐predominance in HGNS outcomes.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Single‐institution tertiary care center.

Methods

A total of 216 subjects were included, all of which had undergone drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) and HGNS implantation. Demographic and polysomnographic data were collected. The 4% apnea‐hypopnea criteria were used to calculate apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI). Central apneas were omitted. Univariate logistic and linear regression were used to study the association between these data and apnea‐predominance and hypopnea‐predominance. Kruskal‐Wallis rank sum test was used to compare medians between groups for DISE collapse patterns.

Results

Sixty‐three patients were apnea‐predominant, and 153 patients were hypopnea‐predominant. These 2 groups were similar demographically (p > .20). There was no significant difference in HGNS outcomes between the groups assessed using Sher20 criteria at the 1‐year mark using all‐night, single‐setting polysomnography or home sleep studies. Apnea index (AI)/AHI and reduction in AHI from preoperative to titration were significantly associated (p = .046). The median preoperative hypopnea index was significantly lower (p = .033) in subjects with no oropharyngeal collapse than patients with partial or complete oropharyngeal collapse. There were no significant relationships between AI/AHI and the different degrees of collapse at the velopharynx, oropharynx, tongue base, or epiglottis.

Conclusions

In line with CPAP, tonsillectomy, and mandibular advancement therapy studies, we found there was largely no significant difference in DISE anatomy or in HGNS treatment outcomes between apnea‐ and hypopnea‐predominant individuals.
The synergetic effect of bis(2‐hydroxyethyl) terephthalate from glycolysis of poly(ethylene terephthalate) on the intumescent flame retardancy of waterborne polyurethane
Authors: Zhang Cheng , He Hui , Li Qunyang , Liang Xutong , Shen Yue
Published: August 2023

In light of the escalating accumulation of polymer waste in daily life, chemical recycling of polymers and value‐added utilization of products have gained considerable attention in recent years. Researchers have widely explored the potential of bis(2‐hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET) derived from the glycolysis recycling of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) waste in the synthesis of polymers or concrete. In this study, we synthesized BHET through glycolysis recycling of PET, and combined it with microencapsulated ammonium polyphosphate (SiO2@APP) and carboxymethyl chitosan to design a series of intumescent flame‐retardant waterborne polyurethane (IFRWPU). The synergistic effect of BHET and SiO2@APP was demonstrated, and the resulting IFRWPU with 12.5 wt% IFR and 3 wt% BHET achieved a limit oxygen index of 25.8% and a 73% reduction in the peak heat release rate in flame retardancy tests. Furthermore, the interaction of BHET and flame retardant was discussed using the analysis of char residue and pyrolytic gas. Overall, this work provides a novel strategy to construct superior flame‐retarded waterborne polyurethane with admirable bonding performance.

Highlights

The application of glycolysis product of PET in the flame‐retardant modification of WPU.

The synergistic enhancement of flame retardancy between BHET and IFR was confirmed.

The intumescent flame‐retardant was composed of SiO2@APP and CMCS.
Descriptive, Predictive and Explanatory Personality Research: Different Goals, Different Approaches, but a Shared Need to Move beyond the Big Few Traits
Authors: Mõttus René , Wood Dustin , Condon David M. , Back Mitja D. , Baumert Anna , Costantini Giulio , Epskamp Sacha , Greiff Samuel , Johnson Wendy , Lukaszewski Aaron , Murray Aja , Revelle William , Wright Aidan G.C. , Yarkoni Tal , Ziegler Matthias , Zimmermann Johannes
Published: August 2023

We argue that it is useful to distinguish between three key goals of personality science—description, prediction and explanation—and that attaining them often requires different priorities and methodological approaches. We put forward specific recommendations such as publishing findings with minimum a priori aggregation and exploring the limits of predictive models without being constrained by parsimony and intuitiveness but instead maximizing out–of–sample predictive accuracy. We argue that naturally occurring variance in many decontextualized and multidetermined constructs that interest personality scientists may not have individual causes, at least as this term is generally understood and in ways that are human–interpretable, never mind intervenable. If so, useful explanations are narratives that summarize many pieces of descriptive findings rather than models that target individual cause–effect associations. By meticulously studying specific and contextualized behaviours, thoughts, feelings and goals, however, individual causes of variance may ultimately be identifiable, although such causal explanations will likely be far more complex, phenomenon–specific and person–specific than anticipated thus far. Progress in all three areas—description, prediction and explanation—requires higher dimensional models than the currently dominant ‘Big Few’ and supplementing subjective trait–ratings with alternative sources of information such as informant–reports and behavioural measurements. Developing a new generation of psychometric tools thus provides many immediate research opportunities. © 2020 European Association of Personality Psychology
Nonoxidative methane coupling in a micro‐DBD with enhanced secondary electron emission
Authors: Pourali Nima , Lamichhane Pradeep , Hessel Volker , Rebrov Evgeny V.
Published: August 2023

The conversion of methane into transportable and storable materials is crucial in the petrochemical sector. In this study, a specially constructed AC‐driven dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) that has charge injector pyramids on one of the electrodes and runs at ambient temperature and pressure was used to evaluate noncatalytic methane conversion. The obtained result was compared with the traditional flat electrode DBD. It was discovered that the product selectivity in direct nonoxidative methane conversion depended on the discharge conditions. Pyramid electrode plasma sources convert methane up to 50 more than flat electrode plasma due to the appearance of more microdischarges. Pyramid electrode plasma generally has a greater production efficiency than flat electrode plasma, while requiring more operational power. The turnkey solutions offered by the sustainable methane coupling method discussed here may be advantageous for the long‐term small‐scale ethylene exploration scenario.
Deposition of carbon‐based materials directly on copper foil and nickel foam as 2D‐ and 3D‐networked metal substrates by in‐liquid plasma
Authors: Dela Vega Ma. Shanlene D. C. , Nguyen Thi‐Thuy‐Nga , Kondo Hiroki , Tsutsumi Takayoshi , Ishikawa Kenji , Hori Masaru
Published: August 2023

In‐liquid plasma (ILP) process has been an attractive route for nanomaterial synthesis due to its high‐yield production in low‐temperature atmospheric pressure conditions. In comparison with conventional ILP synthesis that produces free‐standing nanomaterials, this work brings a new perspective on the application of the ILP process through carbon formation directly on ethanol‐immersed two‐dimensional (foil) and three‐dimensional (3D) (foam) metal substrates. Three types of carbon, including graphene, graphitic carbon, and amorphous carbon, were simultaneously produced during plasma discharge. Graphitic and amorphous carbon formed radially and coexisted on the metal substrate surface, while free‐standing graphene was produced in ethanol. A conformal coating was achieved on the exterior surface of the 3D‐networked substrate. The proposed mechanism for carbon formation on metal substrates is presented here.
Oscillometry and spirometry are not interchangeable when assessing the bronchodilator response in children and young adults born preterm
Authors: Smith Elizabeth F. , Bradshaw Tiffany K. , Urs Rhea C. , Evans Denby J. , Hemy Naomi R. , Hall Graham L. , Wilson Andrew C. , Simpson Shannon J.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The European Respiratory Society Oscillometry Taskforce identified that clinical correlates of bronchodilator responses are needed to advance oscillometry in clinical practice. The understanding of bronchodilator‐induced oscillometry changes in preterm lung disease is poor. Here we describe a comparison of bronchodilator assessments performed using oscillometry and spirometry in a population born very preterm and explore the relationship between bronchodilator‐induced changes in respiratory function and clinical outcomes.

Methods

Participants aged 6–23 born ≤32 (N = 288; 132 with bronchopulmonary dysplasia) and ≥37 weeks' gestation (N = 76, term‐born controls) performed spirometry and oscillometry. A significant bronchodilator response (BDR) to 400 μg salbutamol was classified according to published criteria.

Results

A BDR was identified in 30.9% (n = 85) of preterm‐born individuals via spirometry and/or oscillometry, with poor agreement between spirometry and oscillometry definitions (k = 0.26; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.18–0.40, p < .001). Those born preterm with a BDR by oscillometry but not spirometry had increased wheeze (33% vs. 11%, p = .010) and baseline resistance (Rrs5 z‐score mean difference (MD) = 0.86, 95% CI 0.07–1.65, p = .025), but similar baseline spirometry to the group without a BDR (forced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV1] z‐score MD = −0.01, 95% CI −0.66 to 0.68, p > .999). Oscillometry was more feasible than spirometry (95% success rate vs. 85% (FEV1), 69% (forced vital capacity) success rate, p < .001), however being born preterm did not affect test feasibility.

Conclusion

In the preterm population, oscillometry is a feasible and clinically useful supportive test to assess the airway response to inhaled salbutamol. Changes measured by oscillometry reflect related but distinct physiological changes to those measured by spirometry, and thus these tests should not be used interchangeably.
Normative data for aquagenic wrinkling of palms in children 1–15 years of age: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Mohan Minnaladevi , Mannil Aruna , Chandrasekaran Venkatesh , Gulati Reena , Ganapathy Sachit , Nair Sreekumaran
Published: August 2023

Background

Aquagenic wrinkling of palms (AWP) is emerging as a screening test for cystic fibrosis (CF). There is lack of normative data for the same in our population.

Objectives

To generate normative data for AWP in children 1–15 years of age and to describe the factors associated with it.

Methods

Children aged 1–15 years were enrolled after obtaining informed consent and assent of the parent and child based on age. Information regarding age, gender, anthropometry, indications for visiting hospital and drug intake were noted down. Wrinkling test was done using distilled water maintained in room temperature. Sweat chloride analysis was done using Nano duct sweat analysis system for children having AWP within 3 min. The mean/median time to wrinkle was noted and presented as centile curves after smoothing.

Results

The mean (SD) and median (interquartile range [IQR]) aquagenic wrinkling time in children 1–15 years of age was 4.88 (1.066) and 5 (4–5.75) minutes respectively. The mean (SD) and median (IQR) time for AWP was 4.78 (1.076) and 5 (4–5) minutes respectively for boys and 4.98 (1.048) and 5 (4–6) minutes, respectively for girls. The time taken to wrinkle was observed to increase with age. Males have earlier AWP than females. There was no association between AWP and anthropometry or sweat chloride levels.

Conclusion

We have estimated the normative data for AWP in children 1–15 years of age which can be used for CF screening in children with typical clinical features from resource limited settings.
Effect of different types of aerobic training on peak VO2 and ejection fraction for diastolic heart failure patients; a comparative randomized control trial
Authors: Obaya Hany Ezzat , El‐Moneim Abd El‐Hakim Ahmed Abd , Fares Hany Mahmoud , Eldin Saad Moustafa Kamal , Abo Elyazed Tamer I.
Published: August 2023

Background

Heart failure is described by a lack of confirmed efficient therapies and exercise intolerance. Engagement in physical activity decreases the possibility of adverse cardiovascular consequences involving heart failure.

The Purpose of the Study

Determine the effect of different types of aerobic training on peak VO2 and ejection fraction in diastolic heart failure patients.

Subject and Methods

The study was designed as a randomized control trail. Forty‐eight eligible male patients with diastolic heart failure, aged between 50 and 65 years old, enrolled in this study. They were picked up from Police hospital outpatient clinic and were assigned to 2 equal groups in numbers. The first group (A) received aerobic exercise for the upper limb in the form of arm ergometer exercises, while the second group (B) received aerobic exercise for the lower limb in the form of cycling. Training duration for both groups was 3 sessions/week for 12 weeks. Peak VO2, and ejection fraction of both groups were measured and compared pre‐ and post‐treatment.

Results

There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the ejection fraction between groups post‐treatment. However, a significant increase (p < 0.001) was observed in the peak VO2 of group B when compared to group A post‐treatment.

Conclusion

There is no effect of different types of aerobic training on ejection fraction in diastolic heart failure patients, but lower limb exercise is more effective than upper limb exercise in improving peak VO2 in diastolic heart failure patients. Therefore, the current study recommended the use of lower limb exercise over upper limb exercise in training diastolic heart failure patients.

Clinical Trial Registration

The study was registered in ClinicalTrial.gov as a clinical trial ID (NCT05637125).
Recent updates on clinical developments of curcumin and its derivatives
Authors: Joshi Priyanka , Bisht Akansha , Paliwal Ajita , Dwivedi Jaya , Sharma Swapnil
Published: August 2023

Curcumin, a natural polyphenol, derived from Curcuma longa L. is extensively studied by various researchers across the globe and has established its immense potential in the management of several disorders at clinical level. The underlying mechanism of curcumin involves regulation of various molecular targets, namely, inflammatory cytokines, transcription factor, apoptotic genes, growth factors, oxidative stress biomarkers, and protein kinases. In clinical trials, curcumin as an adjuvant has significantly boost‐up the efficacy of many proven drugs in the management of arthritis, neurodegenerative disorder, oral infection, and gastrointestinal disorders. Moreover, clinical studies have suggested curcumin as an appropriate candidate for the prevention and/or management of various cancers via regulation of signaling molecules including NF‐kB, cytokines, C‐reactive protein, prostaglandin E2, Nrf2, HO‐1, ALT, AST, kinases, and blood profiles. This article highlights plethora of clinical trials that have been conducted on curcumin and its derivatives in the management of several ailments. Besides, it provides recent updates to the investigators for conducting future research to fulfill the current gaps to expedite the curcumin utility in clinical subjects bearing different pathological states.