bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fig seed oil improves intestinal damage caused by 5‐FU‐induced mucositis in rats
Authors: Alan Nurten , Oran Nazan Tuna , Yılmaz Pınar Akokay , Çelik Aslı , Yılmaz Osman
Published: June 2024

Intestinal mucositis poses a significant concern associated with cancer therapy. This study aims to investigate the protective and/or healing effect of fig seed oil (FSO) on 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU)‐induced intestinal mucositis by targeting inflammatory markers and histologic changes in rats. Albino Wistar adult rats were randomly divided into four groups, including three male and three female animals. All the animals in the four groups had a normal standard diet and water throughout the experimental period, which lasted up to 11 days. Rats were administered FSO 0.6 mL (mucositis FSO group) and FSO 0.2 mL (mucositis FSO‐R group) daily throughout the experiment. These two groups and one additional group (mucositis group) were given an intraperitoneal injection of 5‐FU (300 mg/kg) on Day 5 of the experiment. In contrast, the fourth group (Control group) was given an intraperitoneal saline injection on Day 5 of the experiment. FSO treatment ameliorated 5‐FU‐induced intestinal mucositis. On immunohistologic examination, FSO suppressed significantly the activation of NF‐κB and expression of IL‐β and TNF‐α of the harvested intestinal tissue. The reduced dose FSO (mucositis FSO‐R) was as effective as the full dose (mucositis FSO) in suppressing IL‐β and TNF‐α production, but was not as effective as the full dose in suppressing NF‐κB. On light microscopy, FSO attenuated significantly 5‐FU‐induced anomalies, such as the reduction of intestinal villus length and Goblet cell count. The reduced dose FSO (mucositis FSO‐R) was as effective as the full dose (mucositis FSO) in restoring villus length, but was not as effective as the full dose in restoring Goblet cell count. The findings of the study suggest that FSO inhibits 5‐FU‐induced intestinal mucositis via modulation of mucosal inflammation.
Assessing the quality of public services: For‐profits, chains, and concentration in the hospital market
Authors: Kunz Johannes S. , Propper Carol , Staub Kevin E. , Winkelmann Rainer
Published: June 2024

We examine variation in US hospital quality across ownership, chain membership, and market concentration. We propose a new measure of quality derived from penalties imposed on hospitals under the flagship Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program, and use regression models to risk‐adjust for hospital characteristics and county demographics. While the overall association between for‐profit ownership and quality is negative, there is evidence of substantial heterogeneity. The quality of for‐profit relative to non‐profit hospitals declines with increasing market concentration. Moreover, the quality gap is primarily driven by for‐profit chains. While the competition result mirrors earlier findings in the literature, the chain result appears to be new: it suggests that any potential quality gains afforded by chains are mostly realized by not‐for‐profit hospitals.
Harnessing modelling of heat transport to delineate brine leakage through a karst system: The Dead Sea Works' evaporation ponds case study
Authors: Levy Yehuda , Levi Eldad , Artzi Yohanan , Gvirtzman Haim
Published: June 2024

The industrial evaporation ponds of the Dead Sea Works are located in the Dead Sea rift valley, Israel. To prevent brine leakage, the ponds were sealed by 40‐m deep impermeable dikes, except in the Ye'elim alluvial fan, at the northwest corner, where the leakage continues. The average leakage at present is approximately 100 million cubic meters per year, a significant portion of which discharges via a spring located approximately 0.5 km north of the ponds' embankment; the rest flows into the Dead Sea underground. We hypothesized two main reasons for the increase in leakage over time: the dropping level of the Dead Sea, which increases the hydraulic gradient, and the diameter expansion of the subsurface karst network of fast‐flowing conduits. The brine in the evaporation ponds is warmer than the ground in the summer, colder in the winter. Therefore, the brine leaking within the karst conduits warms and cools, respectively, the surrounding porous medium, as detected by field monitoring. One of the conduits was also detected through a geoelectrical survey. In addition, we identified an increased brine‐leakage rate in the winter. We propose that this results from temporal changes in the diameter of the conduits due to the infiltration of low‐salinity water entering the network. The diluted water dissolves the salt and causes the conduits to expand. Using a numerical model that solves the coupled groundwater flow and heat transport equations, we were able to reproduce all of these field observations and validate the suggested explanations.
Evaluation of self‐collected nasal, urine, and saliva samples for molecular detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 using an EUA approved RT‐PCR assay and a laboratory developed LAMP SARS‐CoV‐2 test
Authors: Purcell‐Wiltz Ana , Zamuner Fernando Tadeu , Caraballo Karem , De Jesus Lorena , Miranda Yaima , Ortiz Denise , Negrón Amanda García , Ortiz Andrea Cortés , Baez Adriana , Romaguera Josefina , Jiménez Ivonne , Ortiz Alberto , Acevedo Jorge , Viera Liliana , Sidransky David , Guerrero‐Preston Rafael
Published: June 2024

As the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus spread throughout the world, millions of positive cases of COVID‐19 were registered and, even though there are millions of people already vaccinated against SARS‐CoV‐2, a large part of the global population remains vulnerable to contracting the virus. Massive nasopharyngeal sample collection in Puerto Rico at the beginning of the pandemic was limited by the scarcity of trained personnel and testing sites. To increase SARS‐CoV‐2 molecular testing availability, we evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of self‐collected nasal, saliva, and urine samples using the TaqPath reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) COVID‐19 kit to detect SARS‐CoV‐2. We also created a colorimetric loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) laboratory developed test (LDT) to detect SARS‐CoV‐2, as another strategy to increase the availability of molecular testing in community‐based laboratories. Automated RNA extraction was performed in the KingFisher Flex instrument, followed by PCR quantification of SARS‐CoV‐2 on the 7500 Fast Dx RT‐PCR using the TaqPath RT‐PCR COVID‐19 molecular test. Data was interpreted by the COVID‐19 Interpretive Software from Applied Biosystems and statistically analyzed with Cohen's kappa coefficient (k). Cohen's kappa coefficient (k) for paired nasal and saliva samples showed moderate agreement (0.52). Saliva samples exhibited a higher viral load. We also observed 90% concordance between LifeGene‐Biomarks' SARS‐CoV‐2 Rapid Colorimetric LAMP LDT and the TaqPath RT‐PCR COVID‐19 test. Our results suggest that self‐collected saliva is superior to nasal and urine samples for COVID‐19 testing. The results also suggest that the colorimetric LAMP LDT is a rapid alternative to RT‐PCR tests for the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2. This test can be easily implemented in clinics, hospitals, the workplace, and at home; optimizing the surveillance and collection process, which helps mitigate global public health and socioeconomic upheaval caused by airborne pandemics.
Prognostic significance of the aspartate aminotransferase to lymphocyte ratio index in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Liu Huidi , Zhao Fan , Yin Jun , Liu Taimin , Liu Bo
Published: June 2024

Background

This study aimed to investigate the clinical value and prognostic significance of the alanine aspartate aminotransferase‐to‐lymphocyte ratio index (ALRI) in patients diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods

Clinical indices of patients with AMI were collected from the Medical Information Mark for Intensive Care (MIMIC) III database and Wuhan Sixth Hospital. Cox regression analysis was used to explore whether ALRI was a risk factor for a worse prognosis in patients with AMI, and a nomogram including ALRI was created to estimate its predictive performance for 28‐day mortality.

Results

Based on clinical data from the MIMIC‐III database, we found that a high ALRI was closely associated with a variety of clinical parameters. It was an important risk factor for 28‐day survival in patients with AMI (HR = 5.816). ALRI had a high predictive power for worse 28‐day survival in patients with AMI (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.754). Additionally, we used clinical data from the Wuhan Sixth Hospital to verify the predictive power of ALRI in patients with AMI, and a high level of ALRI remained an independent risk factor for worse survival in patients with AMI (HR = 4.969). The AMI nomogram, including ALRI, displayed a good predictive performance for 28‐day mortality in both the MIMIC‐III (AUC = 0.826) and Wuhan Sixth Hospital cohorts (AUC = 0.795).

Conclusion

The ALRI is closely related to the survival outcomes of patients with newly diagnosed AMI, indicating that it could serve as a novel biomarker for risk stratification such patients.
Label‐free imaging diagnosis and collagen‐optical evaluation of endometrioid adenocarcinoma with multiphoton microscopy
Authors: Liu Bin , Liu Yan , Liu Wenju , Luo Tianyi , Chen Wei , Lin Cuibo , Lin Ling , Zhuo Shuangmu , Sun Yang
Published: June 2024

The assessment of tumor grade and pathological stage plays a pivotal role in determining the treatment strategy and predicting the prognosis of endometrial cancer. In this study, we employed multiphoton microscopy (MPM) to establish distinctive optical pathological signatures specific to endometrioid adenocarcinoma (EAC), while also assessing the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of MPM for this particular malignancy. The MPM technique exhibits robust capability in discriminating between benign hyperplasia and various grades of cancer tissue, with statistically significant differences observed in nucleocytoplasmic ratio and second harmonic generation/two‐photon excited fluorescence intensity. Moreover, by utilizing semi‐automated image analysis, we identified notable disparities in six collagen signatures between benign and malignant endometrial stroma. Our study demonstrates that MPM can differentiate between benign endometrial hyperplasia and EAC without labels, while also quantitatively assessing changes in the tumor microenvironment by analyzing collagen signatures in the endometrial stromal tissue.
Symmetric 2‐(36,15,6) $(36,15,6)$ designs with an automorphism of order two
Authors: Rukavina Sanja , Tonchev Vladimir D.
Published: June 2024

Bouyukliev, Fack and Winne classified all 2‐ designs that admit an automorphism of odd prime order, and gave a partial classification of such designs that admit an automorphism of order 2. In this paper, we give the classification of all symmetric 2‐ designs that admit an automorphism of order two. It is shown that there are exactly nonisomorphic such designs, of which are self‐dual designs. The ternary linear codes spanned by the incidence matrices of these designs are computed. Among these codes, there are near‐extremal self‐dual codes with previously unknown weight distributions.
The emerging role of mtDNA release in sepsis: Current evidence and potential therapeutic targets
Authors: Hong Qianya , Zhu Shuainan , Yu Ying , Ren Yun , Jin Lin , Wang Huilin , Zhang Hao , Guo Kefang
Published: June 2024

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory reaction caused by infection, and severe sepsis can develop into septic shock, eventually leading to multiorgan dysfunction and even death. In recent years, studies have shown that mitochondrial damage is closely related to the occurrence and development of sepsis. Recent years have seen a surge in concern over mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), as anomalies in this material can lead to cellular dysfunction, disruption of aerobic respiration, and even death of the cell. In this review, we discuss the latest findings on the mechanisms of mitochondrial damage and the molecular mechanisms controlling mitochondrial mtDNA release. We also explored the connection between mtDNA misplacement and inflammatory activation. Additionally, we propose potential therapeutic targets of mtDNA for sepsis treatment.
Technology accountability groups: A novel form of technology learning and support for graduate students and faculty in STEM
Authors: Ives Feather , Kamalumpundi Vijayvardhan , Wanjalla Celestine , Benjamin Jazmine I. , Neikirk Kit , Perales Sulema , Kirabo Annet , Murray Debra D. , Cooper Anthonya , Williams Edith M. , Hinton Antentor , Murray Sandra A.
Published: June 2024

In academia, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), writing accountability groups have emerged as an effective technique to enhance writing productivity by offering structure, increasing the commitment to write, and fostering social commitment. The rapid development of technology has introduced a new challenge across STEM fields: technostress, where individuals face heightened stress due to novel applications of technology. To address this, we introduce Technology Accountability Groups (TAGs), a novel form of community support for graduate students and faculty. TAGs are tailored to help individuals navigate technological innovations, alleviate technostress, acquire new skills, motivate, and connect with leaders in the field. This paper presents a framework for establishing, implementing, and sustaining TAGs in STEM.
Microglial activation induces nitric oxide signalling and alters protein S‐nitrosylation patterns in extracellular vesicles
Authors: Vassileff Natasha , Spiers Jereme G. , Bamford Sarah E. , Lowe Rohan G. T. , Datta Keshava K. , Pigram Paul J. , Hill Andrew F.
Published: June 2024

Neuroinflammation is an underlying feature of neurodegenerative conditions, often appearing early in the aetiology of a disease. Microglial activation, a prominent initiator of neuroinflammation, can be induced through lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment resulting in expression of the inducible form of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), which produces nitric oxide (NO). NO post‐translationally modifies cysteine thiols through S‐nitrosylation, which can alter function of the target protein. Furthermore, packaging of these NO‐modified proteins into extracellular vesicles (EVs) allows for the exertion of NO signalling in distant locations, resulting in further propagation of the neuroinflammatory phenotype. Despite this, the NO‐modified proteome of activated microglial EVs has not been investigated. This study aimed to identify the protein post‐translational modifications NO signalling induces in neuroinflammation. EVs isolated from LPS‐treated microglia underwent mass spectral surface imaging using time of flight‐secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS), in addition to iodolabelling and comparative proteomic analysis to identify post‐translation S‐nitrosylation modifications. ToF‐SIMS imaging successfully identified cysteine thiol side chains modified through NO signalling in the LPS treated microglial‐derived EV proteins. In addition, the iodolabelling proteomic analysis revealed that the EVs from LPS‐treated microglia carried S‐nitrosylated proteins indicative of neuroinflammation. These included known NO‐modified proteins and those associated with LPS‐induced microglial activation that may play an essential role in neuroinflammatory communication. Together, these results show activated microglia can exert broad NO signalling changes through the selective packaging of EVs during neuroinflammation.
Phase‐resolved Functional Lung (PREFUL) MRI May Reveal Distinct Pulmonary Perfusion Defects in Postacute COVID‐19 Syndrome: Sex, Hospitalization, and Dyspnea Heterogeneity
Authors: Ouyang Tao , Tang Yichen , Klimes Filip , Vogel‐Claussen Jens , Voskrebenzev Andreas , Yang Qi
Published: June 2024

Background

Pulmonary perfusion defects have been observed in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Currently, there is a need for further data on non‐contrast‐enhanced MRI in COVID patients. The early identification of heterogeneity in pulmonary perfusion defects among COVID‐19 patients is beneficial for their timely clinical intervention and management.

Purpose

To investigate the utility of phase‐resolved functional lung (PREFUL) MRI in detecting pulmonary perfusion disturbances in individuals with postacute COVID‐19 syndrome (PACS).

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Forty‐four participants (19 females, mean age 64.1 years) with PACS and 44 healthy subjects (19 females, mean age 59.5 years). Moreover, among the 44 patients, there were 19 inpatients and 25 outpatients; 19 were female and 25 were male; 18 with non‐dyspnea and 26 with dyspnea.

Field Strength/Sequence

3‐T, two‐dimensional (2D) spoiled gradient‐echo sequence.

Assessment

Ventilation and perfusion‐weighted maps were extracted from five coronal slices using PREFUL analysis. Subsequently, perfusion defect percentage (QDP), ventilation defect percentage (VDP), and ventilation‐perfusion match healthy (VQM) were calculated based on segmented lung parenchyma ventilation and perfusion‐weighted maps. Additionally, clinical features, including demographic data (such as sex and age) and serum biomarkers (such as D‐dimer levels), were evaluated.

Statistical Tests

Spearman correlation coefficients to explore relationships between clinical features and QDP, VDP, and VQM. Propensity score matching analysis to reduce the confounding bias between patients with PACS and healthy controls. The Mann–Whitney U tests and Chi‐squared tests to detect differences between groups. Multivariable linear regression analyses to identify factors related to QDP, VDP, and VQM. A P‐value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

QDP significantly exceeded that of healthy controls in individuals with PACS (39.8% ± 15.0% vs. 11.0% ± 4.9%) and was significantly higher in inpatients than in outpatients (46.8% ± 17.0% vs. 34.5% ± 10.8%). Moreover, males exhibited pulmonary perfusion defects significantly more frequently than females (43.9% ± 16.8% vs. 34.4% ± 10.2%), and dyspneic participants displayed significantly higher perfusion defects than non‐dyspneic patients (44.8% ± 15.8% vs. 32.6% ± 10.3%). QDP showed a significant positive relationship with age (β = 0.50) and D‐dimer level (β = 0.72).

Data Conclusion

PREFUL MRI may show pulmonary perfusion defects in patients with PACS. Furthermore, perfusion impairments may be more pronounced in males, inpatients, and dyspneic patients.

Evidence Level

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Blood urea nitrogen to albumin ratio is a novel predictor of fatal outcome for patients with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome
Authors: Wang Ye , Qin Ling‐Han , Zhang Ke , Zhang Da‐Wei , Wang Wei‐Jie , Xu A‐Man , Qi Ying‐Jie
Published: June 2024

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is associated with a high death rate and lacks a targeted therapy plan. The ratio of blood urea nitrogen to albumin, known as BAR, is a valuable method for assessing the outlook of various infectious diseases. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of BAR in forecasting the outcome of individuals with SFTS. Four hundred and thirty‐seven patients with SFTS from two clinical centers were included in this study according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Clinical characteristics and test parameters of SFTS patients were analyzed between survival and fatal groups. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and Cox regression suggested that BAR might serve as a standalone prognostic indicator for patients with SFTS in the initial phase (hazard ratio = 18.669, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.558–40.725, p < 0.001). And BAR had a better predictive effectiveness in clinical outcomes in patients with SFTS with an AUC of 0.832 (95% CI: 0.788–0.876, p < 0.001), a cutoff value of 0.19, a sensitivity of 0.812, and a specificity of 0.726 compared to C‐reactive protein, procalcitonin, and platelet to lymphocyte ratio via receiver operating characteristic curve. KM (Kaplan Meier) curves demonstrated that high level of BAR was associated with poor survival condition in patients with SFTS. Furthermore, the high level of BAR was associated with long hospital stays and test paraments of kidney, liver, and coagulation function in survival patients. So, BAR could be used as a promising early warning biomarker of adverse outcomes in patients with SFTS.
Proteomic analysis of plasma in healthy adults receiving recombinant vaccinia virus provides novel insights into HIV‐1 neutralizing antibodies
Authors: Chen Ran , Fu Yuyu , Li Dan , Wang Shuhui , Ruan Yuhua , Ren Li , Wang Shuo , Shen Xiuli , Shi Yutao , Shao Yiming , Liu Ying
Published: June 2024

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is still a global public health issue, and the development of an effective prophylactic vaccine inducing potent neutralizing antibodies remains a significant challenge. This study aims to explore the inflammation‐related proteins associated with the neutralizing antibodies induced by the DNA/rTV vaccine. In this study, we employed the Olink chip to analyze the inflammation‐related proteins in plasma in healthy individuals receiving HIV candidate vaccine (DNA priming and recombinant vaccinia virus rTV boosting) and compared the differences between neutralizing antibody‐positive (nab + ) and –negative(nab‐) groups. We identified 25 differentially expressed factors and conducted enrichment and correlation analysis on them. Our results revealed that significant expression differences in artemin (ARTN) and C‐C motif chemokine ligand 23 (CCL23) between nab+ and –nab‐ groups. Notably, the expression of CCL23 was negatively corelated to the ID50 of neutralizing antibodies and the intensity of the CD4+ T cell responses. This study enriches our understanding of the immune picture induced by the DNA/rTV vaccine, and provides insights for future HIV vaccine development.
In‐hospital outcomes among amyloidosis patients with atrial fibrillation: A propensity score‐matched analysis
Authors: Yeo Yong‐Hao , San Boon‐Jian , Ang Qi‐Xuan , Tan Min‐Choon , Tan Jian Liang
Published: June 2024

Background

The impact of atrial fibrillation (AF) among patients with amyloidosis on in‐hospital outcomes is not well‐established. We aimed to examine in‐hospital outcomes among patients admitted with a primary diagnosis of AF with and without amyloidosis.

Methods and Results

We queried the Nationwide Readmissions Database to compare the in‐hospital outcomes among AF patients with and without amyloidosis. Our study demonstrated that in‐hospital all‐cause mortality, adverse events, and 30‐day readmission were comparable between the two groups.

Conclusions

Patients with AF and concurrent amyloidosis did not have worse in‐hospital outcomes than those with AF alone.
Automated Scoring of Figural Tests of Creativity with Computer Vision
Authors: Acar Selcuk , Organisciak Peter , Dumas Denis
Published: June 2024

In this three‐study investigation, we applied various approaches to score drawings created in response to both Form A and Form B of the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking‐Figural (broadly TTCT‐F) as well as the Multi‐Trial Creative Ideation task (MTCI). We focused on TTCT‐F in Study 1, and utilizing a random forest classifier, we achieved 79% and 81% accuracy for drawings only (r = .57; .54), 80% and 85% for drawings and titles (r = .59; .65), and 78% and 85% for titles alone (r = .54; .65), across Form A and Form B, respectively. We trained a combined model for both TTCT‐F forms concurrently with fine‐tuned vision transformer models (i.e., BEiT) observing accuracy on images of 83% (r = .64). Study 2 extended these analyses to 11,075 drawings produced for MTCI. With the feature‐based regressors, we found a Pearson correlation with human labels (rs = .80, 78, and .76 for AdaBoost, and XGBoost, respectively). Finally, the vision transformer method demonstrated a correlation of r = .85. In Study 3, we re‐analyzed the TTCT‐F and MTCI data with unsupervised learning methods, which worked better for MTCI than TTCT‐F but still underperformed compared to supervised learning methods. Findings are discussed in terms of research and practical implications featuring Ocsai‐D, a new in‐browser scoring interface.
Yurok–wildlife relationship through the context of Traditional Ecological Knowledge
Authors: Ramos Seafha C. , Williams‐Claussen Tiana , Gray Celina Natoyiipoka
Published: June 2024

Various aspects of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) continue to be integrated in the wildlife conservation and management discourse; however, there may be challenges in cross‐cultural understanding of the complex social‐ecological systems that make up the fabric of TEK. In a 2‐phased approach, we implemented research to better understand an Indigenous perspective of human–wildlife relationship. In phase 1, we conducted 16 semi‐structured interviews with Yurok and Yurok‐affiliated people about the relationship of Yurok people with wildlife and Yurok community hunting values. In phase 2, we conducted a secondary analysis of a subset of 10 interviews from phase 1. Permissions were obtained from the Yurok Tribe, under the project's previously established Institutional Review Board process, to access archived interview data for subsequent research relevant to the original research goals. We identified the following themes: Yurok conceptualizations of wildlife, cultural understanding of animals as people, animal harvesting protocols, cultural guidelines that maintain wildlife populations, and consequences for not following cultural guidelines as related to hunting. We explored how the terms wildlife and wildlife management are difficult to interpret within the context of Yurok TEK, as wildlife, in the same meaning as Western wildlife management, does not exist in the Yurok cultural paradigm. A fundamental, multifaceted aspect of the Yurok–wildlife relationship through a TEK context is the concept of animals as people, which we discuss in relation to Yurok spirituality. As Indigenous Knowledge continues to be recognized in scientific discourse, there may be opportunities to reconceptualize, Indigenize, and shift approaches to research, wildlife and wildlife habitat management, and conservation. Results of our study may support Yurok Tribe wildlife managers, Western‐trained biologists, and others in their considerations of Indigenous Knowledge in wildlife management and conservation.
Comparison of chemical mechanisms for the oxidation of hydrogen/ammonia mixtures based on different evaluation methods
Authors: Yuan Jian , Yang Jianfei , Deng Jun , Li Liguang , Cai Liming
Published: June 2024

For net‐zero carbon emissions, hydrogen/ammonia blends have drawn considerable attention for the application in industrial combustion devices. Various chemical mechanisms have been developed to describe the oxidation and combustion of hydrogen/ammonia mixtures at certain conditions. A comprehensive evaluation and comparison of the performance of these mechanisms is thus of high interest, especially in terms of their application for particular computational studies. Thus, this work aims to compare the existing chemical mechanisms in terms of their performance for the combustion of hydrogen/ammonia mixtures over a wide range of experimental conditions. In addition to previous literature studies, the model performance is evaluated by using two different methods for the assessment of prediction accuracy. Besides the conventional measure of point‐wise differences between model and data, the curve‐matching method is also applied, which quantifies the dependence of model response on physical conditions additionally, by comparing the similarity between the curve shapes of the predicted and measured results. Extensive experimental data are taken into account in the model evaluation, including 136 datasets obtained from various facilities in the past 10 years. Nineteen mechanisms are compared, which were published in recent five years. It is revealed that these models give strongly different numerical results for combustion targets, such as laminar burning velocities, ignition delay times, and species concentrations. The chemical mechanisms of Zhang et al. (2021), Han et al. (2023), Mei et al. (2019), Li et al. (2019), and Stagni et al. (2020) show relatively satisfactory performance over the entire investigated domain. Moreover, it is found that the estimated prediction accuracy of chemical mechanisms is highly sensitive to model evaluation methods.
Vertical dynamics of soil organic carbon across Shaanxi Province, China from 1980s to 2010s
Authors: Tang Yuanyuan , Yang Yuchun , Shen Yanyan , Liao Bingzhen , Qi Yanbing
Published: June 2024

Dynamics of soil organic carbon (SOC) has been paid great emphasis for its linkage to the nutrient cycling as well as the global climate changes. Despite the extensive changes in land use, climate, and field management practices that have profoundly affected SOC in Shaanxi Province, few studies have investigated the vertical dynamics of SOC across different soil depths. In this paper, we investigated vertical (0–100 cm with 20 cm intervals) changes of SOC based on soil surveys conducted in 1980s and 2010s in Shaanxi Province as well as three subregions (LP, GP, and QM) by using Geographic Regression Weighted Kriging (GRWK) method. The results indicated that the first four soil layers received 0.87, 0.79, 0.48, and 0.34 g/kg SOC increments, respectively, while SOC decreased by 0.49 g/kg in 80–100 cm. Spatially, most of study area received slight SOC increment (0–2 g/kg) among all soil layers, significant (>4 g/kg) SOC increments were distributed in the junction area of three subregions, while significant (<−4 g/kg) SOC decrement area was occurred in the western QM. SOC was increased in first four soil layers and decreased in 80–100 cm in LP relating to the implement of revegetation program that many cultivated land changed into grassland and forestland. SOC was increased in first two layers and decreased in last three layers in GP relating to the intensive agricultural activities, and it was decreased in the top layers and increased in sublayers in QM due to decreasing trend of NDVI in the western QM. Even several anthropogenic and environmental variables were highly related to SOC dynamics in Shaanxi, human activities were significantly controlled SOC changes than the natural factors.
Radiofrequency ablation compared to surgery for thyroid nodules: A case for office based treatment
Authors: Lee Alex K. F. , Hui Thomas , Yeung Zenon W. C. , Wong Eddy W. Y. , Chan Jason Y. K. , Lau Eric H. L.
Published: June 2024

Objective

We aim to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for benign thyroid nodules by ENT surgeons and to compare it to conventional hemithyroidectomy in the public healthcare, operating theater contained setting.

Methods

50 patients who underwent a single session of RFA for symptomatic benign thyroid nodules in Prince of Wales Hospital and Tseung Kwan O Hospital in Hong Kong from 2020 to 2022 were evaluated. Objective outcomes including nodule volume, volume reduction rate (VRR) and complications were recorded. Subjective response in the form of a 0–10 point scale for patient symptoms including obstructive, cosmetic, pain and satisfaction scores were collected.

Results

Significant reduction in mean VRR was found at 3, 6 and 12 months post treatment, accompanied by a significant reduction in the mean obstructive and cosmetic symptom scores. Comparing with conventional hemithyroidectomy, the RFA group had a significantly shorter mean procedure time and lower rate of complications. Estimated cost to patient for RFA was found to be less than half of that of hemithyroidectomy.

Conclusion

RFA is a safe and effective treatment modality for benign thyroid nodules by ENT surgeons with advantages of being a scarless local anesthetic procedure with shorter procedure time, lower complication rate and lower cost to patient compared to hemithyroidectomy. In Hong Kong, where most of the population is treated in the public sector, there are limited resources, often with high caseload burden and long operation waiting times. Therefore, RFA is an office‐based treatment that serves as a valuable alternative to hemithyroidectomy for benign nodules, especially in lower resource settings.

Level of evidence

3.
Comprehensive Evaluation of the BeShape One Device: Assessing Thermal Safety in Noninvasive Body Contouring Using Advanced Techniques
Authors: Ramot Yuval , Karakuz Vitaly , Willenz Ehud P. , Alon Tal , Barzilai Deniz Zilberman , Beer Oren , Nyska Abraham
Published: June 2024

Objectives

This study aims to assess the thermal safety profile of the BeShape One Device, a noninvasive, high‐intensity, non‐focused ultrasound device designed for reducing waist circumference. This device possesses several features that distinguish it from other commercial ultrasound‐based fat reduction devices. The study focuses on evaluating temperature‐related physiological changes through thermal safety analysis and histopathology in a swine model.

Materials and Methods

The study utilized three types of applicators—active, demo, and modified—to comprehensively assess the device's impact on various skin layers. Five female Large White X Landrace swine were involved in the study, and the BeShape One Device was applied to designated treatment sites using a specific treatment protocol. The assessment included clinical observations, skin reaction evaluations, gross pathology, histopathological analyses, and advanced temperature measurement techniques, including needle thermocouples, thermal cameras, COMSOL modeling, and CEM43 analysis.

Results

Clinical observations indicated the animals’ overall well‐being throughout the study. Skin reactions, including erythema, edema, bruising, and crust formation, were temporary and resolved over time. Gross pathology revealed no treatment‐related pathologies, except for a discoloration related to a tattoo procedure. Histopathological analyses at 30 and 90 days posttreatment demonstrated an absence of heat‐related lesions in skin layers. Needle thermocouples and thermal camera measurements supported the device's ability to maintain consistent thermal homogeneity. COMSOL modeling and CEM43 analysis predicted no thermal damage to the skin, confirming the safety of the BeShape One Device.

Conclusions

Under the experimental conditions, the BeShape One Device demonstrated a favorable safety profile. Clinically and histopathologically, no adverse effects were observed. The device's ability to achieve thermal homogeneity in skin layers was validated through advanced temperature measurement techniques. COMSOL modeling and CEM43 analysis further supported the conclusion that the device is safe, making it a promising option for noninvasive body contouring procedures.
Light‐Processed 3D Bioprinting of Symblepharon Rings Fortified with l‐Ascorbic Acid for Ocular Tissue Engineering
Authors: Ayran Musa , Goyuk Yeliz , Tiryaki Aysegul , Ulag Songul , Koyuncu Ayse Ceren Calikoglu , Turhan Semra Akkaya , Gunduz Oguzhan
Published: June 2024

This study aims to develop gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)‐based symblepharon rings fortified with l‐ascorbic acid (lAA), aiming for controlled release of vitamins for the treatment of the ocular surface, corneal healing, and acceleration of epithelial growth, while concurrently preventing potential inflammation. The human tears contain abundant IAA, which serves a protective role for ocular tissues. The utilization of 3D printing digital light processing technology not only navigating the manufacturing process of symblepharon rings, addressing challenges related to commercial production and expedited delivery to patients but also imparts enhanced flexibility compared to commercial products. This innovative approach also facilitates the production of rings that exhibit superior softness and are amenable to mechanical movements for ocular tissue engineering. The morphological, chemical, rheological, biological, thermal, and drug‐release characteristics of 3D‐printed lAA‐loaded symblepharon rings are investigated. In the morphological characterization, it is observed that the rings exhibit a porous structure. In biocompatibility tests, Gelas and Gelas‐low rings achieve over 75% viability. Following the cell test, scanning electron microscope images reveal fibroblasts adhering to Gelas and Gelas‐low rings, spreading across their surfaces. Drug release studies conducted in phosphate‐buffered saline at pH 7.4 reveal the complete release of lAA from Gelas‐low within a 5‐d incubation period.
ATP citrate lyase promotes the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma by activating the REGγ‐proteasome pathway
Authors: Cai Qihong , Zhu Honghua , Dai Yile , Zhou Qingqing , Zhang Qiyu , Zhu Qiandong
Published: June 2024

The search for novel tumor biomarkers and targets is of significant importance for the early clinical diagnosis and treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). The mechanisms by which ATP citrate lyase (ACLY) promotes HCC progression remain unclear, and the connection between ACLY and REGγ has not been reported in the literature. In vitro, we will perform overexpression/knockdown of ACLY or overexpression/knockdown of REGγ to investigate the impact of ACLY on HCC cells and its underlying mechanisms. In vivo, we will establish mouse tumor models with overexpression/knockdown of ACLY or overexpression/knockdown of REGγ to study the effect of ACLY on mouse tumors and its mechanisms. Firstly, ACLY overexpression upregulated REGγ expression and activated the REGγ‐proteasome pathway, leading to changes in the expression of downstream signaling pathway proteins. This promoted HCC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration in vitro, as well as tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Secondly, ACLY overexpression increased acetyl‐CoA production, upregulated the acetylation level of the REGγ promoter region histone H3K27ac, and subsequently induced REGγ expression. Lastly, enhanced acetylation of the REGγ promoter region histone H3K27ac resulted in upregulated REGγ expression, activation of the REGγ‐proteasome pathway, changes in downstream signaling pathway protein expression, and promotion of HCC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration in vitro, as well as tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Conversely, REGγ knockdown reversed these effects. ACLY and REGγ may serve as potential biomarkers and clinical therapeutic targets for HCC.
Recycling decision and corporate social responsibility implement for closed‐loop supply chain considering green design under EPR policy
Authors: Yao Feng‐min , Xie Tian‐tian , Yan Ying‐luo , Sun Jia‐yi
Published: June 2024

The extended producer responsibility (EPR) policy requires producers to focus on the green design of front‐end products and the recycling of end‐of‐life waste products at the same time and fulfill dual environmental responsibilities. Under this background, we study the recycling decision and corporate social responsibility (CSR) implementation for closed‐loop supply chains (CLSC) considering green design under EPR policy. We build game models of CLSC under six situations, and analyze the interaction between the manufacturer's green design behavior and the retailer's CSR behavior, along with their influence on recycling decisions and the operational performance of CLSC. We show that both the manufacturer's green design behavior and the retailer's CSR behavior are beneficial to improving social welfare and the other party's profits, but a higher level of green design is uneconomical for the manufacturer. Similarly, a higher CSR awareness is not conducive to retailer's profitability. We also find that under the influence of the government's “Tax‐Reduction‐Subsidy” policy, the selection of the optimal recycling channel is influenced by factors such as the difficulty of recycling waste products, government subsidies, and the profit of unit reprocesses from the perspective of maximizing supply chain member's profits.
Are men's and women's college basketball players “Pigouvian” exploited?
Authors: Brook Stacey L. , Hellen Michael
Published: June 2024

Using total revenue, previous research finds college basketball players generate millions of dollars in marginal revenue product (MRP). We are skeptical of using total revenue data. Instead, we use total variable revenue since using fixed revenues can over‐estimate a team's marginal revenue and therefore a player's MRP. Comparing MRP to the players average grant‐in‐aid, we find that for public Division I universities, a little over one‐quarter of men's basketball players are exploited and a little over one‐tenth of women's basketball players are exploited.
A study on omnichannel retailers' return strategies considering showroom and consumer preference behavior
Authors: Zhan Zhifang , Huang Yuhe
Published: June 2024

To address omnichannel retailers' return challenges, considering consumers' brand and channel preferences. Four subgame models for retailers' Experience‐in‐Store‐and‐Buy‐Online (ESBO) return strategies in a double oligopoly market are developed. Using an optimization model and inverse induction method, equilibrium strategies under different conditions are determined. Finally, simulation analyzes parameter sensitivity and equilibrium strategies. Findings show that when consumers' brand preference is low, the (Y,Y) subgame is the unique equilibrium solution, but profits do not significantly increase and are always lower than the (N,N) subgame, leading to a Prisoner's Dilemma. With a clear brand preference, both retailers always obtain the maximum profit under the (Y,Y) subgame. In markets with a high proportion of omnichannel consumers and a large number of high‐cost‐to‐store consumers, the party implementing the ESBO strategy benefits more in a fiercely competitive market, while the profit situation of the party not implementing the ESBO strategy is less optimistic.
Homozygous TREM2 c.549del; p.(Leu184Serfs*5) variant causing Nasu‐Hakola disease in three siblings in a consanguineous Iraqi family: Case report and review of literature
Authors: Gilani Naser , Bitarafan Fatemeh , Ozaslan Mehmet , Åsheim Sarah , Heidari Morteza , Garshasbi Masoud
Published: June 2024

Background

The Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells 2 protein (TREM2) plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including osteoclast differentiation, and disease‐associated microglia (DAM) activation to regulate neuroinflammation, and phagocytosis in the brain. Genetic variations in TREM2 are implicated in neurodegenerative disorders, such as Nasu‐hakola disease (NHD), characterized by bone lesions, neuropsychiatric disorders, and early‐onset dementia.

Methods

We studied 3 siblings with suspected NHD. Whole‐exome sequencing was conducted on the proband to identify the possible genetic cause(s) and by Sanger sequencing to validate the identified variants in the two other affected siblings, a healthy sister, and the parents.

Results

We identified a novel homozygous deletion (c.549del; p.(Leu184Serfs*5)) in TREM2. Our literature review reveals 16 TREM2 mutations causing early‐onset dementia and bone lesions.

Conclusion

These findings, alongside previous research, elucidate the clinical spectrum of TREM2‐related diseases, aiding accurate diagnosis and patient care. This knowledge is vital for understanding TREM2‐dependent DAM and its involvement in the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders which can help to develop targeted therapies and improve outcomes for TREM2‐affected individuals.
Reconstruction of congenital pseudarthrosis of the radius with a vascularized tibial periosteal transplant: A case report
Authors: da Costa Antonio Carlos , Farina Brunelli Joao Pedro , Rojas‐Neira Juliana , Falcochio Diego Figueira , Sevilla‐Tirado Juan , Soldado Francisco
Published: June 2024

Congenital pseudarthrosis of the forearm poses a considerable challenge because of its rarity. The objective of this report is to introduce a novel surgical technique for its treatment. Here, we document a case of congenital pseudarthrosis of the radius in a 3‐year‐old boy diagnosed with type‐1 neurofibromatosis. The surgical treatment involved the excision of approximately 9 cm of native radial periosteum and a bifocal radius osteotomy, which was supplemented with a vascularized tibial periosteal transplant to facilitate bone healing. Anastomosis between the anterior tibial vessels and radial vessels was performed. No immediate or late postoperative complications were observed. After 3 weeks, a robust callus formation was observed, and during a follow‐up examination 3 years and 4 months later, a wide range of active forearm rotation was noted. This report suggests that vascularized periosteal flaps show promise as a viable treatment option for congenital pseudarthrosis of the forearm. They offer an alternative to vascularized fibular grafts or single‐bone forearm constructs.
The robotic‐assisted free jejunal flap for neovaginal canal creation in gender‐affirming vaginoplasties
Authors: Del Corral Gabriel A. , Chang Brian L. , Lava Christian X. , Li Karen R. , Lisle David M.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

One of the biggest challenges with gender‐affirming vaginoplasty was the creation of a long‐lasting, durable, patent, and self‐lubricating neovaginal canal that allowed for spontaneous, pain‐free sexual intercourse. The jejunum was a durable, physiologic, and intestinal option to create the neovaginal canal that minimizes the adverse effects of skin graft, peritoneal, and colonic vaginoplasties. Free jejunal vaginoplasties had been performed in cis females for congenital genitourinary anomalies like Mullerian agenesis or after gynecologic‐oncologic surgery but had yet to be reported for gender‐affirming vaginoplasties. The purpose of this report was to present a technique for a physiologic, intestinal, gender‐affirming vaginoplasty without the disadvantages of colonic vaginoplasties.

Patients and Methods

This report presented six patients, all natal males who identified as female, undergoing robotic‐assisted free jejunal flap gender‐affirming vaginoplasty. Mean age was 35.8 years (range: 21–66). Mean body mass index was 33.2 kg/m2 (range: 28.0–41.0). The proximal aspect of the neovaginal canal was created intra‐abdominally by elevating peritoneal flaps from the posterior bladder wall to be reflected downward into the external neovaginal canal. The jejunal flap was harvested. The greater saphenous vein was harvested to create an arteriovenous loop between the flap vessels and the recipient femoral artery in an end‐to‐side fashion and a branch of the femoral vein. The jejunal flap was passed intra‐abdominally through the groin incision and then trans‐peritoneally into the neovaginal canal. The jejunal segment was inset to the proximal peritoneal flaps and the distal inverted penoscrotal skin of the neovaginal introitus.

Results

Mean length of the harvest jejunal segment was 19.2 cm (range: 15–20). Mean time to ambulation, foley removal, and first vaginal dilation were 3.3 (range: 3–4), 4.0 (range: 3–5), and 4.5 days (range: 4–6), respectively. By a mean follow‐up duration of 8.0 months (range: 1–14), mean vaginal depth and diameter were 7.0 and 1.3 cm (range: 1.0–1.5), respectively. Two (33.3%) patients experienced postoperative complications, including groin hematoma (n = 1, 16.7%) and reoperation for correction of dehiscence of the jejunal flap to the vaginal introitus (n = 1, 16.7%).

Conclusion

Gender‐affirming surgeons should consider a free vascularized segment of jejunum as an option to line the neovaginal canal in the correct patients.