bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blockchain‐based Human Intelligent Systems for Smart City Safety
Authors: Ma Yicong , Goyal S. B. , Rajawat Anand Singh , Bedi Pradeep , Yasmeen Safia
Published: January 2024

In the era of digitalization and smart city development, ensuring safety remains of utmost importance. As urban centers become more interconnected, the vulnerabilities present in their communication systems become increasingly apparent. In this particular context, Blockchain technology, with its decentralized nature, emerges as a promising foundation to enhance the safety of smart cities. In this research aims to explore the potential of Blockchain‐based human intelligent systems (HIS) for urban safety, utilizing cryptographic systems such as NTRU and the McEliece Cryptosystem. The NTRU cryptosystem, renowned for its resilience against quantum attacks owing to its lattice‐based structure, offers a distinctive proposition for security in a post‐quantum world. Its efficiency and smaller key sizes compared to other post‐quantum alternatives make it a viable option for real‐time safety applications in smart cities. Conversely, the McEliece Cryptosystem, founded on coding theory, stands as one of the earliest public‐key systems proposed. It provides substantial resistance against quantum‐based threats, albeit with the drawback of larger key sizes. By integrating these cryptosystems into the transparent and immutable structure of Blockchain, a solid foundation for robust HIS that prioritize safety can be established. Our proposed analysis delves into the strengths and potential challenges associated with integrating NTRU and McEliece into Blockchain frameworks, with a specific focus on their impact on real‐time safety applications in smart city ecosystems. Our proposed model based on Blockchain and HIS will significantly enhance the resilience and reliability of communication infrastructures in smart cities, thus paving the way for safer urban futures.
Systematic significance of achene morphology and anatomy among certain species of Anthemideae (Asteraceae)
Authors: Zareh Momen
Published: January 2024

Achene diversity of 12 genera with 22 species of the tribe Anthemideae was studied using light and scanning electron microscopy. These genera are Achillea L., Anacyclus L., Anthemis L., Brocchia Vis., Chlamydophora Ehrenb. ex Less., Cladanthus Cass., Cota G. Jay, Cotula L. Glebionis Cass., Matricaria L., Tanacetum L., and Tripleurospermum Sch.Bip. A description of the achene of each species, a key to the investigated taxa based on morphological and anatomical features, as well as drawings of cross sections, are provided, and SEM micrographs of achenes are provided. Macro‐ and micro‐morphological criteria concerned with achenes were investigated, and the taxonomic relationships between the studied taxa were discussed.
An Ilex latifolia‐containing compound tea regulates glucose–lipid metabolism and modulates gut microbiota in high‐fat diet‐fed mice
Authors: Xu Qiurong , Cheng Xianyu , Wen Chi , Wu Xiaoran , Ye Mengke , Li Mengyao , Liu Sha , Wen Lixin , Liu Zhonghua , Wang Ji
Published: January 2024

Kuding Tea (Ilex latifolia) is a bitter‐tasting herbal tea that was used for the treatment of symptoms related with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. However, Kuding Tea is also difficultly accepted by people in daily life because of its poor palatability. In this study, Kuding Tea, green tea (GT) (Camellia sinensis L.), and Luohan (Siraitia grosvenorii) fruits were formulated into a compound Kuding Tea (CKT) to improve the taste and health benefits of this beverage. High‐fat diet‐fed male C57BL/6J mice were used as animal models to explore the effects of CKT (6 or 12 mg/mL, water ad libitum) on body weight, food intake, liver function, blood glucose and lipids, and gene expression. L02 and 3T3‐L1 cells were used to further demonstrate the effects of CKT on fat accumulation and hepatic lipid deposition. Our results suggest that CKT can regulate glucose and lipid metabolism by decreasing body weight, reducing white adipose deposition, improving glucose tolerance, increasing the expression of brown adipose genes, and reducing fat accumulation in the liver, and CKT inhibited fat accumulation better than GT. In addition, a low dose (6 mg/mL) of CKT reduced the abundance of Desulfovibrio bacteria, positively associated with obesity, and increased that of norank_f__Muribaculaceae, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, and Alloprevotella, which are beneficial to glucose and lipid metabolism. This study suggests that CKT not only has a better palatability but also has potential preventive effects on high‐fat diet‐induced glucose–lipid metabolic diseases.
Interval estimate of causal effect in summary data based Mendelian randomization in the presence of winner's curse
Authors: Wang Kai
Published: January 2024

This research focuses on the interval estimation of the causal effect of an exposure on an outcome using the summary data‐based Mendelian randomization (SMR) method while accounting for the winner's curse caused by the selection of single nucleotide polymorphism instruments. This issue is understudied and is important as the point estimate is biased. Since Fieller's theorem and its variations are not suitable for constructing a confidence interval, we use the box method. This box method is known to be conservative and thus provides a lower bound on the coverage level. To assess the performance of the box method, we use simulation studies and compare it with the support interval we proposed earlier and the Wald interval derived from the SMR method. All three methods are applied to a study of causal genes for Alzheimer's disease. Overall, the box method presents an alternative for constructing interval estimates for a causal effect while addressing the winner's curse issue.
Finding tau rhythms in EEG: An independent component analysis approach
Authors: Wisniewski Matthew G. , Joyner Chelsea N. , Zakrzewski Alexandria C. , Makeig Scott
Published: January 2024

Tau rhythms are largely defined by sound responsive alpha band (~8–13 Hz) oscillations generated largely within auditory areas of the superior temporal gyri. Studies of tau have mostly employed magnetoencephalography or intracranial recording because of tau's elusiveness in the electroencephalogram. Here, we demonstrate that independent component analysis (ICA) decomposition can be an effective way to identify tau sources and study tau source activities in EEG recordings. Subjects (N = 18) were passively exposed to complex acoustic stimuli while the EEG was recorded from 68 electrodes across the scalp. Subjects' data were split into 60 parallel processing pipelines entailing use of five levels of high‐pass filtering (passbands of 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 Hz), three levels of low‐pass filtering (25, 50, and 100 Hz), and four different ICA algorithms (fastICA, infomax, adaptive mixture ICA [AMICA], and multi‐model AMICA [mAMICA]). Tau‐related independent component (IC) processes were identified from this data as being localized near the superior temporal gyri with a spectral peak in the 8–13 Hz alpha band. These “tau ICs” showed alpha suppression during sound presentations that was not seen for other commonly observed IC clusters with spectral peaks in the alpha range (e.g., those associated with somatomotor mu, and parietal or occipital alpha). The choice of analysis parameters impacted the likelihood of obtaining tau ICs from an ICA decomposition. Lower cutoff frequencies for high‐pass filtering resulted in significantly fewer subjects showing a tau IC than more aggressive high‐pass filtering. Decomposition using the fastICA algorithm performed the poorest in this regard, while mAMICA performed best. The best combination of filters and ICA model choice was able to identify at least one tau IC in the data of ~94% of the sample. Altogether, the data reveal close similarities between tau EEG IC dynamics and tau dynamics observed in MEG and intracranial data. Use of relatively aggressive high‐pass filters and mAMICA decomposition should allow researchers to identify and characterize tau rhythms in a majority of their subjects. We believe adopting the ICA decomposition approach to EEG analysis can increase the rate and range of discoveries related to auditory responsive tau rhythms.
Patterns and predictors of adolescent engagement in a mindfulness‐based social–emotional learning program
Authors: Roudebush McKenna , Murray Desiree W. , Netschytailo Hannah , Jensen Todd M.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Although mindfulness‐based interventions (MBIs) show promise for promoting positive youth development, little is known about student engagement in MBIs. Initial research presents mixed findings in MBI engagement related to participant characteristics, and there is a lack of research examining the influence of context on engagement, despite the critical role context plays in academic engagement. This study examines the contribution of student demographic characteristics and classroom context to MBI engagement.

Methods

Survey engagement data were collected at three time points from 106 ninth grade students (Mage = 14.17 years, 60.4% female, 44.2% Black, 24.8% Hispanic/Latino) who participated in the Be CALM program during the 2021–2022 school year. Latent growth curve modeling was used to examine trajectory of student engagement and assess student and classroom predictors of engagement.

Results

There was no overall change in the trajectory of student engagement, although variability was observed across classes. Identifying as Hispanic/Latino was associated with lower engagement (β = −.25, p = .008), although this did not appear to be related to program experience. Peer connections predicted engagement at the end of the program (β = .39, p < .001). Post hoc analyses suggested that student engagement may be related to teacher program delivery quality.

Conclusions

Student engagement in MBIs appears related to classroom context more than student characteristics, although further research with larger samples is needed to assess the link between engagement and program outcomes. Findings have implications for designing school‐based MBIs and training school staff to deliver them in culturally responsive ways.
Theoretical study of the functional characteristics of composite fiber/colorant materials for military digital camouflage
Authors: Liu Chuan‐Wen , Peng Cheng‐Hsiung , Lin Chun‐Chih , Liu Min‐Hsien , Chen Cheng‐Lung
Published: January 2024

Background

Based upon experimental literatures to simulate many newly developed systems and analyzed and compared the physical properties and NIR absorption of the materials for supplying future research reference into military camouflage clothing.

Aims

This project aimed to explore composite fiber/cotton/colorant materials that possess the characteristic of anti‐near‐infrared radiation (NIR) reflectance and their further application in military combat uniforms to achieve the aim of personnel camouflage and concealment.

Materials and Methods

Materials Studio (MS06 version), Gaussian 09 software, and the GULP program were adopted for simulation and computation in this study.

Results and Discussion

The physical absorption of the dyes and nylon 66/cotton exhibited the same trend from large to small in the order NCIBu > NCD > NCIG > NCT > NCA. All systems had good colorfastness except for the NCA, NCD, and NCT systems. The colorfastness of the dual‐dye systems was better than that of the single‐dye systems; in particular, the colorfastness of the NCIG‐138T and NCIBu‐12D systems. The six layered NCT, NCIBu, NCIBu‐12D, NCIG‐138T systems exhibited excellent reflectivity in the NIR region.

Conclusions

The NCIBu‐12D and NCIBu‐138D systems, with a weight percentage of 2/49/49%, exhibited the best performance in our simulation. These achievements could be helpful in terms of informing actual experiments in order to perfect the design of military clothing.
Are enhanced recovery protocols after pancreatoduodenectomy still efficient when applied in elderly patients? A systematic review and individual patient data meta‐analysis
Authors: Kuemmerli Christoph , Balzano Gianpaolo , Bouwense Stefan A. , Braga Marco , Coolsen Mariëlle , Daniel Sara K. , Dervenis Christos , Falconi Massimo , Hwang Dae Wook , Kagedan Daniel J. , Kim Song Cheol , Lavu Harish , Nussbaum Daniel , Partelli Stefano , Passeri Michael J. , Pecorelli Nicolò , Pillarisetty Venu G. , Pucci Michael J. , Sutcliffe Robert P. , Tingstedt Bobby , van der Kolk Marion , Vrochides Dionisios , Armstrong Misha , Wei Alice , Williamsson Caroline , Yeo Charles J. , Zani Sabino , Zouros Efstratios , Rozzini Renzo , Abu Hilal Mohammed
Published: January 2024

Background

This meta‐analysis investigated the effects of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols compared to conventional care on postoperative outcomes in patients aged 70 years or older undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy (PD).

Methods

Five databases were systematically searched. Comparative studies with available individual patient data (IPD) were included. The main outcomes were postoperative morbidity, length of stay, readmission and postoperative functional recovery elements. To assess an age‐dependent effect, the group was divided in septuagenarians (70–79 years) and older patients (≥80 years).

Results

IPD were obtained from 15 of 31 eligible studies comprising 1109 patients. The overall complication and major complication rates were comparable in both groups (OR 0.92 [95% CI: 0.65–1.29], p = .596 and OR 1.22 [95% CI: 0.61–2.46], p = .508). Length of hospital stay tended to be shorter in the ERAS group compared to the conventional care group (−0.14 days [95% CI: −0.29 to 0.01], p = .071) while readmission rates were comparable and the total length of stay including days in hospital after readmission tended to be shorter in the ERAS group (−0.28 days [95% CI: −0.62 to 0.05], p = .069). In the subgroups, the length of stay was shorter in octogenarians treated with ERAS (−0.36 days [95% CI: −0.71 to −0.004], p = .048). The readmission rate increased slightly but not significantly while the total length of stay was not longer in the ERAS group.

Conclusion

ERAS in the elderly is safe and its benefits are preserved in the care of even in patients older than 80 years. Standardized care protocol should be encouraged in all pancreatic centers.
Neutralizing antibody response after immunization with a COVID‐19 bivalent vaccine: Insights to the future
Authors: Souza Milena Silva , Farias Jéssica Pires , Andreata‐Santos Robert , Silva Marianne Pereira , Brito Ruth Dálety da Silva , Duarte Barbosa da Silva Marcia , Peter Cristina Mendes , Cirilo Marcus Vinícius de França , Luiz Wilson Barros , Birbrair Alexander , Vidal Paloma Oliveira , de Castro‐Amarante Maria Fernanda , Candido Erika Donizetti , Munhoz Aldilene Silva , de Mello Malta Fernanda , Dorlass Erik Gustavo , Machado Rafael Rahal Guaragna , Pinho João Renato Rebello , Oliveira Danielle Bruna Leal , Durigon Edison Luiz , Maricato Juliana Terzi , Braconi Carla Torres , Ferreira Luís Carlos de Souza , Janini Luiz Mário Ramos , Amorim Jaime Henrique
Published: January 2024

The raising of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) variants led to the use of COVID‐19 bivalent vaccines, which include antigens of the wild‐type (WT) virus, and of the Omicron strain. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of bivalent vaccination on the neutralizing antibody (NAb) response. We enrolled 93 volunteers who had received three or four doses of monovalent vaccines based on the original virus (n = 61), or a booster shot with the bivalent vaccine (n = 32). Serum samples collected from volunteers were subjected to neutralization assays using the WT SARS‐CoV‐2, and Omicron subvariants. In addition, immunoinformatics to quantify and localize highly conserved NAb epitopes were performed. As main result, we observed that the neutralization titers of samples from individuals vaccinated with the bivalent vaccine were higher for the original virus, in comparison to their capacity of neutralizing the Omicron variant and its subvariants. NAb that recognize epitopes mostly conserved in the WT SARS‐CoV‐2 were boosted, while those that recognize epitopes mostly present in the Omicron variant, and subvariants were primed. These results indicate that formulation of future vaccines shall consider to target present viruses, and not viruses that no longer circulate.
Endoscopist experience with pediatric recurrent and intentional foreign body ingestion (RIFBI): Management considerations and future directions
Authors: Low Kapalu Christina M. , Uraizee Omar , Lerner Diana G. , Thomson Mike , Attard Thomas
Published: January 2024

Objectives and Study

Accidental foreign body ingestion (FBI) is a common pediatric referral concern. In contrast, recurrent and intentional FBI (RIFBI) is infrequent and associated with greater endoscopic and surgical intervention in adults. Although pediatric guidelines exist for FBI, the risk and therapeutic implications of RIFBI are not addressed. An anonymous international survey on pediatric gastroenterologist experience with RIFBI was distributed.

Methods

A 33‐item REDCap© survey was distributed via email to pediatric gastroenterologists identified through mailing and email lists obtained from pediatric gastroenterology professional organizations.

Results

During 9−12/2021 we accrued 202 completed surveys. Respondents were from 27 countries and across the career span. Eighty percent reported experience with RIFBI; 74% reported seeing ≤ 3 patients with RIFBI within the past 24 months and 4% reported seeing ≥ 6. Of those who treated RIFBI, 38% reported an average number of annual ingestions per patient was ≥5. Frequent morbidity but not mortality was reported.

Half reported adherence to FBI guidelines. Later‐career endoscopists treated RIFBI more aggressively than accidental ingestion. Ninety‐six percent noted that patients with RIFBI had psychiatric comorbidities. Providers at academic medical centers reported referring to behavioral health more than those in other settings.

Conclusion

Most gastroenterologists surveyed reported encountering RFBI several times a year and in patients with psychiatric comorbidities. Greater likelihood of adverse outcomes associated with endoscopy was reported. Most reported referral to behavioral health and few had RIFBI management protocols. A broader spectrum of psychologic comorbidities in the pediatric population with RIFBI, notably depression and autism spectrum disorder, were reported.
First reported fossil occurrences of Phrynosoma sp. from the Columbia Plateau (Washington State, USA) dated to the Late Pleistocene
Authors: Richter Audra J. , Pickles Brian J. , Barton Bax R.
Published: January 2024

Reptiles, squamates in particular, can be extremely valuable as indicator species due to their commonly small fundamental niche ranges. Yet these taxa are often overlooked in North American Cenozoic palaeoecological studies in favour of mammalian specimens. At the Coyote Canyon Mammoth Site (CCMS) on the Columbia Plateau (eastern Washington State, USA) excavation has focused on the collection and subsequent identification of all diagnostic fossil specimens, whether associated directly with the mammoth remains or not, including small non‐mammalian vertebrates and invertebrates. Here we show that with appropriate excavation techniques, microvertebrate fossils are recoverable and can be identified to at least the genus level. We place the identification of two fossils of Phrynosoma at the CCMS, dated to ~13 and 15 ka, in the context of all recorded fossils identified to this genus in North America since the Middle Miocene. These specimens represent the first fossils of Phrynosoma adequately described and reported from the Columbia Plateau and the greater Pacific Northwest.
Effect of different gelators on the physicochemical properties and microstructure of coconut oleogels
Authors: Yang Zihan , Cui Jingtao , Yun Yonghuan , Xu Yongjiang , Tan Chin‐Ping , Zhang Weimin
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

The inherent properties of coconut oil (CO), including its elevated saturated fatty acid content and low melting point, make it suitable for application in plastic fat processing. The present study explores the physicochemical characteristics, micromorphology and oxidative stability of oleogels produced from CO using various gelators [ethylcellulose (EC), β‐sitosterol/γ‐oryzanol (PS) and glyceryl monostearate (MG)] to elucidate the formation mechanisms of coconut oleogels (EC‐COO, PS‐COO and MG‐COO).

RESULTS

Three oleogel systems exhibited a solid‐like behavior, with the formation of crystalline forms dominated by β and β′. Among them, PS‐COO exhibited enhanced capability with respect to immobilizing liquid oils, resulting in solidification with high oil‐binding capacity, moderate hardness and good elasticity. By contrast, MG‐COO demonstrated inferior stability compared to PS‐COO and EC‐COO. Furthermore, MG‐COO and PS‐COO demonstrated antioxidant properties against CO oxidation, whereas EC‐COO exhibited the opposite effect. PS‐COO and EC‐COO exhibited superior thermodynamic behavior compared to MG‐COO.

CONCLUSION

Three oleogels based on CO were successfully prepared. The mechanical strength, storage modulus and thermodynamic stability of the CO oleogel exhibited concentration dependence with increasing gelling agent addition. PS‐COO demonstrated relatively robust oil‐binding capacity and oxidative stability, particularly with a 15% PS addition. This information contributes to a deeper understanding of CO‐based oleogels and offers theoretical insights for their application in food products. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Multilayer coatings based on gold nanoparticles and polymers with bovine serum albumin as a functional layer for the chiral separation in capillary electrochromatography
Authors: Makeeva Daria , Morgacheva Violetta , Kolobova Ekaterina , Solovyeva Elena , Kartsova Liudmila
Published: January 2024

In this study, we developed physically adsorbed multi‐layer coatings using poly‐l‐lysine or poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) and gold nanoparticles, which were functionalized with bovine serum albumin for the chiral separation in electrochromatography. The approach involves sequentially depositing positively charged polymers and negatively charged citrate‐stabilized gold nanoparticles. By repeating this modification cycle, we created two‐ and four‐layer coatings, which were sequentially functionalized with albumin forming three‐ and five‐layer coatings that were finally applied for the separation of enantiomers of dl‐tryptophan. The formed coatings exhibit stability across a pH range of 2–10 and feature a dense, uniform surface, as confirmed by scanning electron microscope images. The number of layers impacted nanoparticle deposition density, with five‐layer coatings being denser than three‐layer ones. Five‐layer coatings enable baseline separation of dl‐tryptophan enantiomers, whereas three‐layer coatings require the presence of albumin in the background electrolyte for separation. Therefore, increasing the number of layers and gold nanoparticles density enhances albumin active center concentration on capillary walls, improving the separation of dl‐tryptophan enantiomers. The five‐layer coatings can be easily fabricated and possess good repeatability of analytes migration time.
Paradoxical granulomatous reaction to ustekinumab
Authors: Obijiofor Chinemelum , Mazori Daniel R. , Femia Alisa N. , Flamm Alexandra , Caplan Avrom S.
Published: January 2024

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem disorder characterised by granulomatous inflammation affecting various organs. The skin is commonly involved and can serve as an initial indicator of disease. While the precise aetiology of sarcoidosis remains elusive, evidence suggests involvement of T‐helper type (TH)‐1 and TH‐17 pathways. Psoriasis shares common inflammatory pathways with sarcoidosis, prompting the repurposing of biologic therapies approved for psoriasis for off‐label treatment of cutaneous sarcoidosis. However, this approach has raised concerns due to the development of granulomatous eruptions in some patients. We present a case of a patient with psoriasis who was diagnosed with systemic sarcoidosis while on ustekinumab. We review previous cases of ustekinumab‐associated sarcoidosis and discuss the challenges associated with utilising biologic agents originally intended for psoriasis treatment for sarcoidosis.
Ab initio kinetic study on the abstraction reactions of methylcyclohexane and implications for high‐temperature ignition simulations from shock tube experiment
Authors: Liang Jinhu , Jia Ming‐Xu , Yao Qian , Kang Guo‐Jun , Zhang Yang , Zhao Fengqi , Wang Quan‐De
Published: January 2024

Methylcyclohexane (MCH) is the simplest alkylated cyclohexane, and has been widely employed in surrogate models to represent the cycloalkanes in real fuels. Thus, extensive experimental and kinetic modeling studies have been performed to understanding the combustion chemistry of MCH. However, through a detailed literature analysis, there still lack a systematic theoretical study on the abstraction reactions of MCH, which are the main initial oxidation pathway of MCH. Herein, this work reports a systematic ab initio chemical kinetic study on the abstraction reactions of MCH with different radicals/species. Specifically, reaction rate constants of 30 abstraction reactions of MCH with H/O/OH/O2/HO2/CH3 at different sites are computed using transition state theory (TST) by using quantum chemistry calculation results at DLPNO‐CCSD(T)/CBS//M06‐2X/cc‐pVTZ level. The computed results are incorporated into a detailed mechanism to simulate newly measured ignition delay times (IDTs) of MCH in this work at equivalence ratios of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0, pressures of 2 and 5 bar, temperatures ranging from 1140 to 1640 K. The updated detailed mechanism demonstrates improvement in the prediction of IDTs, especially at fuel‐rich conditions. The fuel concentration and dilution effect on the IDTs are discussed, and a general Arrhenius expression is adopted to fit the IDTs from both this work and literature work. This work should be valuable for further optimization of detailed kinetic mechanisms and also for gaining insight into the combustion chemistry of MCH.
Improvement in functional outcome 1 year after nonsurgical multidisciplinary treatment for chronic pain after total knee arthroplasty: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Hoevenaars Evelien H. W. , Smolders José M. H. , Veenstra Kirsten , O'Dowd John , Heesterbeek Petra J. C.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a multidisciplinary intervention developed for patients with debilitating chronic pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) unresponsive to existing treatment options.

Methods

A treatment‐based prospective cohort study was caried out in 30 TKA patients with debilitating chronic pain at least 1 year after TKA. The treatment was a multidisciplinary intervention. Main inclusion criteria: no indication for surgery. Primary outcome was function measured by KOOS‐PS, OKS, OKS‐APQ and WORQ. Secondary outcome measures were pain, fear of movement, self‐efficacy, quality of life (QoL), health care and pain medication use, work rehabilitation and patient satisfaction. The assessments took place pre‐ and directly posttreatment, at 1, 3 and 12 months follow‐up. The clinical relevance was assessed by predefined minimal important clinical change (MCIC).

Results

At baseline patients were on average 64.7 (±7.9) years old, 67% were female, and they had knee pain for 42 (10–360) months. The results at 12‐month follow‐up: first, a significant improvement was shown in function, pain, fear of movement, self‐efficacy and QoL. Second, in 38.5%–69.2% of patients clinical relevant improvement was shown for functional outcome, 31% for pain, and 50% for self‐efficacy. Third, 42% of patients reported ‘no healthcare use in the past three months’.

Conclusion

One year after a multidisciplinary treatment a clinically relevant improvement was shown in terms of function, pain, self‐efficacy and QoL. It seems to be a promising treatment option in this difficult‐to‐treat patient group with debilitating chronic pain after TKA. Future research should examine the effect of the treatment in a larger study population, considering a control group, and focusing on the working population and evaluating cost‐efficacy.

Level of Evidence

Level II.
Anti‐Inflammatory Effect of Dental Pulpa Mesenchymal Stem Cell Exosomes Loaded Mucoadhesive Hydrogel on Mice with Dental Nickel Hypersensitivity
Authors: Eren Belgin Ezgi , Genç Deniz , Tekin Leyla , Sezgin Serhat , Aladağ Akın
Published: January 2024

In this study, the anti‐inflammatory effect of dental pulp mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs) exosomes loaded to mucoadhesive hydrogel is investigated in a dental nickel hypersensitivity murine model. After culture of dental pulp MSCs in the third passage MSCs are loaded to a mucoadhesive hydrogel based on chitosan, cross‐linked with genipin and modified with catechol groups. A dental nickel hypersensitivity model is created by administering NiCl2 and 10 µg mL−1 lipopolysaccharide to 4–6 week‐old Balb‐c mice by intradermal injection. In mice treated with dental pulp MSC exosomes and exosomes in hydrogel, interferron gamma (IFN‐γ) secreting CD4+T lymphocyte ratios significantly increase compared to the untreated group (p < 0.05). IFN‐γ and interleukin 10 (IL‐10) expression in buccal mucosa tissue sections and IFN‐γ secreting CD4+T lymphocyte ratios are found to be significantly higher in mice treated with dental pulpa MSCs (DPMSCs) exosomes and DPMSCs exosomes in hydrogel compared to the untreated group (p < 0.05). According to flow cytometry results, IL‐4 secreting CD4+T lymphocytes are found to be significantly decreased in DPMSCs exosomes group compared to dental nickel hypersensitivity group (p < 0.05). Administration of DPMSCs exosomes with mucoadhesive hydrogel may be an alternative to current medication in the treatment of dental nickel hypersensitivity.
The Clinical Spectrum of ANO3—Report of a New Family and Literature Review
Authors: Percetti Marco , Zini Michela , Soliveri Paola , Cogiamanian Filippo , Ferrara Mariarosa , Orunesu Eva , Ranghetti Alessandra , Ferrarese Carlo , Pezzoli Gianni , Garavaglia Barbara , Isaias Ioannis Ugo , Sacilotto Giorgio
Published: January 2024

Background

Mutations in ANO3 are a rare cause of autosomal dominant isolated or combined dystonia, mainly presenting in adulthood.

Cases

We extensively characterize a new, large ANO3 family with six affected carriers. The proband is a young girl who had suffered from tremor and painful dystonic movements in her right arm since the age of 11 years. She later developed a diffuse dystonic tremor and mild extrapyramidal signs (ie, rigidity and hypodiadochokinesis) in her right arm. She also suffered from psychomotor delay and learning difficulties. Repeated structural and functional neuroimaging were unremarkable. A dystonic tremor was also present in her two sisters. Her paternal aunt, father, and a third older sister presented episodic postural tremor in the arms. The father and one sister also presented learning difficulties. The heterozygous p.G6V variant in ANO3 was identified in all affected subjects.

Literature review

Stratification by age at onset divided ANO3 cases into two major groups, where younger patients displayed a more severe phenotype, probably due to variants near the scrambling domain.

Conclusions

We describe the phenotype of a new ANO3 family and highlight the need for functional studies to explore the impact of ANO3 variants on its phospholipid scrambling activity.
Can digital transformation reduce R&D investment disruption during the top executive transition period?
Authors: Deng Xiankun , Hou Qingsong , Shen Jin
Published: January 2024

This study examines whether digital transformation can reduce research and development (R&D) investment disruption during the top executive transition period. Using panel data of A‐listed firms in China from 2007 to 2021, we find that top executive turnover (TET) generally leads to a remarkable reduction in R&D investment, while digital transformation can significantly mitigate the negative impact of TET on R&D investment. Moreover, the smooth management transition effect of digital transformation is more pronounced for firms with outside succession and high organizational complexity. We further divide R&D investments into exploratory and exploitative R&D investments. Compared to exploitative R&D investment, exploratory R&D investment is more adversely affected by TET, and digital transformation has a positive moderating effect on the relationship between them. Our findings suggest that digital transformation enables companies to maintain continuous R&D investment during the top executive transition by improving communication efficiency and enhancing organizational learning.
Navigating the trade‐off between corporate social responsibility disclosure and the cost of financing: Evidence from BRICS economies
Authors: Gupta Jyotirani , Das Niladri
Published: January 2024

This study investigates the relationship between corporate social responsibility disclosure (CSRD) and the cost of financing for firms in emerging economies. Results show that CSRD initially reduces the cost of equity financing but increases equity costs beyond a certain threshold. Firms should weigh the trade‐offs of signal cost and benefits when choosing financing strategies. Moreover, investors in the debt market perceive a higher level of board independence as less risky, which consequently has a negative impact on the relationship between CSRD and the cost of debt. Thus, companies should streamline their CSR disclosures to reduce their cost of capital.
The nonlinear relationship between digital affordances and firm‐level export performance: The moderating role of organizational ambidexterity
Authors: Erdey László , Liu Laisha , Nagy Adrián
Published: January 2024

A diminished trade cost has been ascribed to the advancement of digital transformation, particularly digital technologies and platforms. Nevertheless, whether this decline in trade costs manifests in the extensive or intensive margin of trade remains an unresolved query. This study conducts a comprehensive analysis of the influence of digital affordances on firm‐level export performance. Specifically, we posit that digital affordances will manifest a convex influence on firms' export decisions and intensive margin of export. Furthermore, we propose that the relationship between digital affordances and firm‐level export decisions will be contingent upon the degree of firms' organizational ambidexterity. To empirically test our hypotheses, we leverage a dataset comprising 13,251 firm‐level observations gathered by the World Bank Enterprise Surveys (WBES) unit across 19 Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries. Our study substantiates a U‐shaped nexus between digital affordances and firm‐level export performance. Importantly, our analysis supports that this U‐shaped nexus is accentuated when firms present a high level of organizational ambidexterity.
Retrospective review of patients with myasthenia gravis switched from plasma exchange therapy to efgartigimod treatment
Authors: Mehrabyan Anahit , Traub Rebecca E.
Published: January 2024

Introduction/Aims

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is sometimes used as maintenance therapy for the treatment of myasthenia gravis (MG). Efgartigimod is a newly approved monoclonal antibody targeting the neonatal Fc receptor, effectively reducing immunoglobulin G levels in the treatment of MG. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical experience of switching patients from maintenance TPE treatment to efgartigimod infusions.

Methods

A retrospective review of medical records was performed on patients previously treated with maintenance TPE for the diagnosis of MG and subsequently switched to efgartigimod infusions. Clinical characteristics and response to treatment switch were described.

Results

Five of seven patients demonstrated improvement on Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America‐post intervention status, one was unchanged and one was in pharmacological remission. This was reflected in pre‐ and postswitch MG activities of daily living and MG manual muscle testing scores. All patients have continued on efgartigimod therapy. The duration of treatment with efgartigimod at the time of this review ranged from 1 to 13 months. Recurrent uncomplicated infections were noted in two patients on efgartigimod therapy. Maintenance dosing regimens of efgartigimod varied based on clinical response to treatment and side effects.

Discussion

In this series, efgartigimod appeared effective and well tolerated in patients switched from TPE.
Roles of general and central adiposity in cardiometabolic multimorbidity: revisiting the obesity paradox using a multistate model
Authors: Xia Xue , Chen Shuohua , Tian Xue , Xu Qin , Zhang Yijun , Zhang Xiaoli , Li Jing , Wang Penglian , Wu Shouling , Wang Anxin
Published: January 2024

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the associations of general and central obesity with risk of first cardiometabolic disease (FCMD), cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM), and death.

Methods

A total of 86,169 participants who were CMD‐free were included from the Kailuan cohort and categorized into four groups by quartiles of BMI, waist to hip ratio (WHR), weight‐adjusted waist index, and waist to height ratio. We defined FCMD as the first onset of diabetes, stroke, or myocardial infarction and CMM as co‐occurrence of at least two CMDs. Multistate models were used to estimate hazard ratios and 95% CI.

Results

A total of 18,461 participants developed FCMD, of whom 1476 progressed to CMM, and 10,009 died during follow‐ups. Both general and central adiposity indices increased the risk of transition from baseline to FCMD and from FCMD to CMM. However, compared with the first quartile, the hazard ratio (95% CI) of the fourth quartile of BMI was 0.86 (95% CI: 0.80–0.91) for transition from health to death and 0.66 (95% CI: 0.59–0.74) from FCMD to death, whereas the corresponding estimates of WHR were 1.22 (95% CI: 1.14–1.31) and 1.16 (95% CI: 1.02–1.32), respectively.

Conclusions

Central adiposity indices such as WHR were associated with an increased risk of CMD and mortality, showing no evidence for the obesity paradox and thereby supporting a shift of public focus from BMI only to both general obesity and adiposity distribution.
Adolescents and young adults with rhabdomyosarcoma: A report from the Soft Tissue Sarcoma Committee of the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Harrison Douglas J. , Qumseya Amira , Xue Wei , Arnold Michael , Lautz Timothy B. , Hiniker Susan M. , Thomas Stefanie M. , Venkatramani Rajkumar , Weiss Aaron R. , Mascarenhas Leo
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The impact of established prognostic factors on survival outcomes for childhood rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) have not been well described in the adolescent and young adult (AYA) RMS patient population.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of patients with newly diagnosed RMS enrolled between 1997 and 2016 on seven previously reported Children's Oncology Group (COG) clinical trials. Demographics, clinical features, treatment details, and outcome data were collected. Five‐year event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated for patients diagnosed at age 15–39 years and those diagnosed under age 15 years using the Kaplan–Meier method. Log‐rank test was used to compare prognostic factors for EFS and OS. Factors significant in the univariable analysis were included in a Cox proportional hazards regression model. Nonsignificant covariates were removed from the multiple regression model.

Results

Total 2151 patients including 402 AYAs were analyzed. AYAs were more likely to present with primary tumors ≥5 cm in size, metastatic disease, alveolar histology, and have FOXO1 fusions compared to children. Five‐year EFS for the AYA cohort was 44.2% versus 67% for children (p < .001), and 5‐year OS was 52% for the AYA cohort versus 78% for children (p < .001). Multivariable analysis revealed tumor site, size and invasiveness, clinical group, and histology were prognostic in AYAs.

Conclusion

AYAs with RMS have a poorer prognosis compared to younger children due to multiple factors. Further research focused on AYAs to better understand RMS biology and improve treatments is critical to improve survival.
Improving resistance–strain effects of conductive polymer composites modified by multiscale fillers: Short carbon fiber and carbon nanotube
Authors: Niu Yi‐Fan , Zhang Yun‐Xuan , Yao Jia‐Wei , Wang Hai‐Nan
Published: January 2024

Conductive polymer composites (CPCs) have attracted much attention in strain sensing applications due to their excellent conductivities and high sensitivities. However, research on simultaneous modification of CPCs with multiple conductive fillers is lacking. This study aims to systematically investigate the electrical conductivities and strain‐sensing properties of two filler‐modified epoxy resin (EP) composites with different scale additives—short carbon fibers (SCFs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs)—obtained by mixing and curing to obtain the samples. Both the SCF/EP and SCF/CNT/EP composite resistivities decreased with increasing filler content, and 1.35 wt% was the percolation threshold for SCF/EP composites; during monotonic tensile loading, the resistance change ratio (ΔR/R0) of the CPCs increased with increasing strain, and the sensitivities decreased with increasing conductive filler content. The CPCs containing SCFs and CNTs exhibited stable and repeatable resistance responses during cyclic tensile loading, among which the SCF/CNT_1.5/0.3 composite was the most suitable for use as a sensing material with a sensitivity of 0.149. According to the conductivity and resistance–strain response mechanism analysis, the CNTs supplementing and refining the CPC conductive network composed of SCFs were considered the main reason for the resistance response linearization and excellent dynamic response repeatability. CPCs can be widely used in strain sensing and damage monitoring.

Highlights

Provided a strategy for multiscale conductive filler‐modified epoxy resins.

Realized monotonicity of resistance–strain response by adding multiscale conductive fillers.

Explored resistance‐strain effect under dynamic cycling loading.

Identified optimal materials for damage detection.

Analyzed the resistance–strain response mechanism of single and multiscale conductive filler‐modified CPCs.
Influence of aramid fibers modified by glycidyl polyhedral silsesquioxane assisted with supercritical carbon dioxide on the properties of aramid fiber‐reinforced styrene butadiene rubber composites
Authors: Li Yang , Shi Caiwen , Pan Xiaoli , Yang Le , Zhang Chun
Published: January 2024

The weak interfacial adhesion of aramid fibers (AFs) in rubber composites can be improved by modifying their surface structure. Herein, modified AFs with a high grafting rate were prepared by modification using glycidyl polyhedral silsesquioxane (POSS) assisted with supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2). X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the chemical bonding between AFs and glycidyl POSS. Thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy images showed that POSS was grafted uniformly and the surface roughness enhanced obviously. After grafting the rubber with 5 wt% glycidyl POSS assisted with scCO2, the surface grafting rate reached 12.26% and surface crystal spacing increased. The grafted layer on the modified AF surface was uniform, and the tensile strength of the modified fiber increased by 7.98%. Short AF‐reinforced carbon black/styrene butadiene rubber (AF/CB/SBR = 2/50/100 phr) composites were prepared to investigate the adhesion strength between modified AFs and SBR. The reduction in tan δ of the composites confirmed the improvement in the interfacial adhesion strength. The tensile strength and modulus at 100% elongation of the composites increased by 15.13% and 25.77%, respectively, and the relative interface slip increased by 23.26%. Moreover, the cutting resistance of the composites showed a dramatic improvement, particularly for grafting with 5% glycidyl POSS assisted with scCO2. © 2024 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Women's empowerment and its role in household food security to achieve SDGs: Empirical evidence from rural Bangladesh
Authors: Haque Sadika , Salman Md. , Hasan Md. Mehedi , Prithi Aunjuman Ara , Hossain Md. Emran
Published: January 2024

Women in developing countries are often characterized by lower social status, less input into decision‐making, lack of access to resources, and lower mobility, while their inclusion is vital to achieving household food security. This concept is recognized as important for attaining sustainable development goals (SDGs), including SDG‐5 (gender equality). This study investigated the level of women's empowerment (WE) and its determinants, household food security, and the connections between WE and food security in farming households in Bangladesh. Using primary data collected from 350 households and applying the modified project‐level WE in Agriculture Index, this study found that less than 1% of women were empowered. Poisson regression evidenced that women's years of schooling, household size, farm type, and having household members working away were positively associated with WE, while the farm's distance from home was negatively related. The Household Food Insecurity Access Scale revealed that only 18% of households were food secure. Partial least squares structural equation modeling showed that three domains of empowerment—access to decisions on financial services, input in agricultural decisions, and ownership of assets—were negatively associated with household food insecurity, while mobility was positively related. This study shows, a realistic policy is needed to achieve food security through empowering rural women to achieve SDGs in a timely manner.
Optical Trapping and Fast Discrimination of Label‐Free Bacteriophages at the Single Virion Level
Authors: Villa Nicolas , Tartari Enrico , Glicenstein Simon , de Villiers de la Noue Hugues , Picard Emmanuel , Marcoux Pierre R. , Zelsmann Marc , Resch Grégory , Hadji Emmanuel , Houdré Romuald
Published: January 2024

There is a recent resurgence of interest in phage therapy (the therapeutic use of bacterial viruses) as an approach to eliminating difficult‐to‐treat infections. However, existing approaches for therapeutic phage selection and virulence testing are time‐consuming, host‐dependent, and facing reproducibility issues. Here, this study presents an innovative approach wherein integrated resonant photonic crystal (PhC) cavities in silicon are used as optical nanotweezers for probing and manipulating single bacteria and single virions with low optical power. This study demonstrates that these nanocavities differentiate between a bacterium and a phage without labeling or specific surface bioreceptors. Furthermore, by tailoring the spatial extent of the resonant optical mode in the low‐index medium, phage distinction across phenotypically distinct phage families is demonstrated. The work paves the road to the implementation of optical nanotweezers in phage therapy protocols.