bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physiological Effects of Salinity on the Osmotic Properties and Oxidative Stress Responses of the Razor Clam Solen regularis in Don Hoi Lot, Thailand
Authors: Dechkittithum Sappasith , Techawongstien Kannapoj , Phothakwanpracha Juthamas , Boonsanit Phurich , Pairohakul Supanut
Published: December 2024

Estuaries are diverse coastal ecosystems that act as transitional zones between freshwater and seawater. The Don Hoi Lot tidal flat, located in the upper Gulf of Thailand, is one of Thailand's most important estuarine ecosystems. Nonetheless, the Don Hoi Lot area faces increasing environmental pressures due to human activities and natural changes. One of the most prominent species well‐known in this area is the razor clam Solen regularis. This study investigated the effects of salinity fluctuations on the osmotic properties and antioxidant enzyme activities of the five tissues: foot, mantle, adductor muscle, gill, and digestive gland from the razor clam S. regularis collected from the Don Hoi Lot tidal flat. Razor clams were exposed to a range of salinity levels (0–35 PSU) for 7 days. The results indicated that the hemolymph osmolality of S. regularis increased with increasing salinity, demonstrating an osmoconforming pattern. Salinity changes significantly affected the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPX) in various tissues. In most tissues, SOD and CAT activities increased at higher salinities (30–35 PSU), while GPX activity generally increased across all tissues with increasing salinity. GST activity was not significantly affected by salinity changes. These findings suggest that S. regularis can activate antioxidant defense systems to reduce oxidative stress caused by salinity fluctuations. This study provides valuable insights into the physiological responses of S. regularis to environmental salinity changes, which can inform conservation efforts for this ecologically important species in estuarine ecosystems.
Incorporating Radiologist Knowledge Into MRI Quality Metrics for Machine Learning Using Rank‐Based Ratings
Authors: Tang Chenwei , Eisenmenger Laura B. , Rivera‐Rivera Leonardo , Huo Eugene , Junn Jacqueline C. , Kuner Anthony D. , Oechtering Thekla H. , Peret Anthony , Starekova Jitka , Johnson Kevin M.
Published: December 2024

Background

Deep learning (DL) often requires an image quality metric; however, widely used metrics are not designed for medical images.

Purpose

To develop an image quality metric that is specific to MRI using radiologists image rankings and DL models.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

A total of 19,344 rankings on 2916 unique image pairs from the NYU fastMRI Initiative neuro database was used for the neural network‐based image quality metrics training with an 80%/20% training/validation split and fivefold cross‐validation.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5 T and 3 T T1, T1 postcontrast, T2, and FLuid Attenuated Inversion Recovery (FLAIR).

Assessment

Synthetically corrupted image pairs were ranked by radiologists (N = 7), with a subset also scoring images using a Likert scale (N = 2). DL models were trained to match rankings using two architectures (EfficientNet and IQ‐Net) with and without reference image subtraction and compared to ranking based on mean squared error (MSE) and structural similarity (SSIM). Image quality assessing DL models were evaluated as alternatives to MSE and SSIM as optimization targets for DL denoising and reconstruction.

Statistical Tests

Radiologists' agreement was assessed by a percentage metric and quadratic weighted Cohen's kappa. Ranking accuracies were compared using repeated measurements analysis of variance. Reconstruction models trained with IQ‐Net score, MSE and SSIM were compared by paired t test. P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Compared to direct Likert scoring, ranking produced a higher level of agreement between radiologists (70.4% vs. 25%). Image ranking was subjective with a high level of intraobserver agreement () and lower interobserver agreement (). IQ‐Net and EfficientNet accurately predicted rankings with a reference image ( and ). However, EfficientNet resulted in images with artifacts and high MSE when used in denoising tasks while IQ‐Net optimized networks performed well for both denoising and reconstruction tasks.

Data Conclusion

Image quality networks can be trained from image ranking and used to optimize DL tasks.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Temporal Dynamics and (Para)Clinical Factors Associated With (Long) Viral RNA Shedding in COVID‐19 Nonhospitalized Individuals – The COVID‐HOME Study
Authors: Vlaming‐van Eijk Larissa E. , Ertugrul Imran A. , Upasani Vinit , Wold Karin I. , Vincenti‐Gonzalez María F. , Veloo Alida C. M. , Bourgonje Arno R. , Pantano Daniele , Gard Lilli , de Boer Gerolf , Niesters Hubert G. M. , Friedrich Alexander W. , Knoester Marjolein , van der Gun Bernardina T. F. , Rodenhuis‐Zybert Izabela A. , Tami Adriana
Published: December 2024

Understanding temporal patterns and determinants of RNA shedding is important to comprehend SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission and improve biosafety/isolation guidelines. Nonhospitalized SARS‐CoV‐2‐infected individuals and household members were enrolled between March 2020 and June 2021 and followed prospectively ≥ 3 weeks during acute disease and at 3‐, 6‐, 12‐, and 18‐months to obtain (para)clinical data and biospecimens. Flow cytometry‐based surrogate assay (FlowSA) detected viable SARS‐CoV‐2. Determinants of long RNA shedding ( ≥ 21 days) were investigated. RNA shedding median duration was 14 days (IQR 8.0–21.0) for nasopharyngeal/throat (NPT) and 7 days (IQR 1.0–27.0) for feces— but 20 days (IQR 7.0–27.8) when excluding individuals positive at a single timepoint (25.2%). Among 17 NPT long shedders with FlowSA results, 12 (70.6%) demonstrated viable virus. NPT long shedding was independently positively associated with endocrine disease and chills. Fecal long shedding was independently inversely associated with age, female sex, and fatigue, but positively with vomiting. No associations with long‐term COVID‐19‐related complaints were observed. Finally, fecal long shedders demonstrated higher anti‐spike(S1) IgG levels over 18‐month follow‐up than non‐long shedders (p = 0.006). (Long) SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA shedding in NPT and feces associates with age and acute—but not prolonged—symptoms. The roles of prolonged infectious shedding and fecal shedding in transmission and immunity remain unclear.
High‐density mapping in catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in Asia Pacific region: An observational study
Authors: Huang Yu‐Shan , Pak Hui‐Nam , Hiroshima Kenichi , Yamaguchi Takanori , Chen Yung‐Lung , Fukaya Hidehira , Soejima Kyoko , Yan Bryan Ping‐Yen , Morishima Itsuro , Shizuta Satoshi , Okubo Kenji , Zheng Qiangsun , Choi Jong‐Il , Jiang Chenyang , Ieda Masaki , Horvath Eric Emil , Lo Li‐Wei
Published: December 2024

Background

Few clinical studies of atrial fibrillation (AF) have focused on Asian patients; data are lacking on current mapping and ablation strategies in the Asia Pacific region (APAC).

Objective

The HD Mapping Observational Study (NCT04022954) was designed to characterize electroanatomic mapping (EAM) with market‐released high‐density mapping (HDM) catheters in subjects with AF in APAC.

Methods

Subjects undergoing HDM and indicated for radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to treat AF were prospectively enrolled in APAC. Data included mapping strategy and ablation targets. EAM was performed using one of two commercially available HDM catheters (Advisor™ HD Grid, Sensor Enabled™, Abbott [GRID] or Inquiry™ AFocus II™ Double Loop, Abbott [DL]). Procedure‐related adverse events were collected.

Results

Two hundred subjects were enrolled at 15 centers: 164 with symptomatic paroxysmal (PAF) and 36 with symptomatic persistent (PersAF) AF for de novo ablation. GRID and DL were used in 186 and 14 cases, respectively. All subjects underwent voltage mapping, with conservative thresholds (low voltage ≤0.5 mV and very low voltage/electrical scar ≤0.1 mV) used in 60.2% and 35.4% of maps, respectively. Focal impulses, rotors, complex fractionated electrograms, and other substrate targets were each searched for in <3% of subjects. Median time to generate a map was 9.0 (Q1: 5.0, Q3: 13.0) minutes. Ablation strategy included pulmonary vein (PV) isolation in all, and non‐PV triggers in 75/200 (37.5%) subjects. Five serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

The study demonstrated an efficient strategy with the feasibility and safety of using HDM during AF ablation procedures in APAC.
Effects of periodontal disease on the reproductive performance and offspring of Wistar rats
Authors: Zeffa Aline Campos , Sestario Camila Salvador , Ramos Solange de Paula , Andrello Avacir Casanova , Simão Andréa Name Colado , Salles Maria José Sparça
Published: December 2024

Background

Periodontitis can induce systemic inflammation, and it may affect the testicles and male reproductive performance. This study investigated the effects of periodontitis on the testicles, reproductive performance, and offspring development in male rats.

Methods

Male Wistar rats were induced with periodontitis by ligating their first molars. After 14 days of inducing periodontal lesions, the animals were observed for an additional 54 days, corresponding to a complete cycle of spermatogenesis. Rats from the periodontitis group (GP, n = 12) and the control group (GC, n = 12) were paired with healthy females (n = 48) for 10 days, equivalent to 2 estrous cycles. Post‐mating, the males underwent microtomographic, histological, and reproductive parameter assessments.

Results

Microtomographic analysis revealed higher porosity around the first molar in GP (26 ± 6%) and greater distance between the amelocemental junction and the alveolar bone (1.37 [1.12–1.90] mm), indicative of bone resorption. GP also exhibited significant decreases in final body weight, reduced Sertoli and Leydig cell counts, and lowered testosterone levels compared to GC. Significant morphological alterations in sperm tails were observed in GP compared to GC.

Conclusions

Periodontitis adversely affected reproductive performance, evoking, and offspring development in male rats. These findings highlight the systemic impacts of periodontal disease on male reproductive health in an animal model.

Plain Language Summary

Our study investigated how periodontitis can affect male reproductive health in rats and offspring development. We induced periodontitis in male rats and, after a full cycle of sperm production, these rats were mated with healthy females. We observed that the rats with periodontitis had worse reproductive performance compared to the control group without periodontitis. Additionally, the offspring of the rats with periodontitis showed signs of compromised intrauterine development and a higher incidence of congenital malformations. These results highlight that the inflammation caused by periodontitis can have adverse effects beyond the mouth, significantly impacting male reproductive health and offspring development. These findings suggest the need for further research into the clinical implications of periodontitis on reproductive health.
Localised Chronic Fibrosing Vasculitis in a 6 Year Old Boy Clinically Mimicking Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans
Authors: Brena Michela , Aromolo Italo Francesco , Monzani Nicola Adriano , Cambiaghi Stefano , Croci Giorgio Alberto , Benaglia Chiara , Cavalli Riccardo
Published: December 2024

This case outlines the stepwise evaluation of a growing plaque on the back of a 6‐year‐old boy mimicking dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. Further investigations, including echography and two biopsies, led to the unexpected diagnosis of Localised Chronic Fibrosing Vasculitis, highlighting the importance of considering rare entities in challenging cases.
The Effect of Ear Covering on Sound Localization and Speech Intelligibility in Operating Room
Authors: Handal Kristen , Koehnke Janet , McInerney Maryrose , Besing Joan , Lalwani Anil K.
Published: December 2024

Objective

To determine the effect of the surgical bouffant cap on hearing, sound localization, and speech intelligibility in the operating room (OR).

Background

Covering of the ear during surgical procedures has been promoted to prevent surgical site infection (SSI) from ear pathogens. However, the potential impact of ear covering on hearing in the OR has not been studied.

Methods

Twenty participants with normal hearing underwent auditory testing with and without surgical attire (bouffant cap and surgical mask). Auditory threshold testing was performed with warble tones in a sound‐treated booth. In the speech intelligibility test, participants were instructed to identify the last word of Speech Perception in Noise (SPIN) sentences (high and low predictability) in OR background noise. In the sound source localization test, participants were asked to localize a speech source amidst OR background noise.

Results

Threshold measures showed no significant effect of wearing surgical attire on detection thresholds. Wearing surgical attire significantly impaired speech intelligibility (p < 0.05). Sound localization was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

The use of the surgical bouffant cap and mask makes it more difficult to understand speech in the presence of OR noise. This could lead to miscommunication and impact surgical outcome; thus, ear covering should be avoided.

Level of Evidence

N/A Laryngoscope, 2024
Land Use Conflicts Identification and Multi‐Scenario Simulation in Mountain Cities, Southwest China: A Coupled Structural and Functional Perspective
Authors: Li Weijie , Kang Jinwen , Wang Yong
Published: December 2024

Land use conflicts (LUCs) arise during land use change, causing an uncoordinated spatial structure of the land and negatively affecting the synergistic development of multifunctionality, especially in mountain cities. Previous studies have focused on identifying and measuring land use structural conflicts (LUSC), with less attention paid to land use functional conflicts (LUFC), and a lack of simulation for future multi‐scenarios. Thus, taking Chongqing as an example, based on the perspective of LUSC–LUFC coupling, this study constructed a comprehensive conflict index to identify and assess LUCs, then applied the PLUS model to predict LUCs under three development scenarios in 2030. This study found that (1) there was a significant positive spatial association between LUSC and LUFC, with high–high agglomeration types in areas of severe LUCs and low–low agglomeration types in areas of light LUCs. (2) During 2000–2020, the LUCs in Chongqing displayed a trend of upward and then downward from 2000 to 2020, with significant agglomeration in their spatial pattern. (3) Two typical areas of LUCs intensification were identified, namely the topographic transition zone located in the Daba and Wuling mountains and the urban–rural interface in the Chongqing metropolitan area. (4) In 2030, the LUCs in Chongqing manifest an overall mitigation in the ecological protection (EP) scenario, while displaying an intensification in the natural development (ND) and economic development (ED) scenarios. Based on the types of spatial interaction between LUSC and LUFC, land use optimization strategies were formulated. The findings will provide scientific references for sustainable land use management decisions in Chongqing and other mountainous cities.
Flow‐Based Electromagnetic Information Recovery for Inaccessible Area and Low‐Resolution Detection
Authors: You Guangfeng , Qian Chao , Tan Shurun , Tian Longwei , Wu Ouling , He Guangming , Chen Hongsheng
Published: December 2024

Metasurfaces are widely applied in various applications, such as none‐line‐of‐sight detection, radar imaging enhancement, and non‐invasive monitoring. However, electromagnetic (EM) information recovery in inaccessible and occluded areas is of great importance to obtain complete EM picture, albeit challenging. Conventional methods to this end typically necessitate specific prior knowledge and suffer from performance degradation due to implicit computation mechanism. Here a flow‐based framework is proposed to facilitate the explicit computation of conditional distribution between the partially accessible EM field and complete EM field. The adjacent distributions in a hierarchical architecture exhibit similarity and seamless convertibility between each other, facilitating a smooth transition without performance degradation. The method is benchmarked through two typical scenarios, i.e., resolution enhancement and field recovery in randomly occluded areas. Even in an entirely unseen scene, the EM information recovery maintains consistence with the ground truth, with maximum error below 10%. The work provides a key advance for EM information recovery in complex real‐world environment, offering fresh insights on information access and detection even in extreme cases.
Realization of a Chiral Topological Whispering‐Gallery‐Mode Cavity in Gyromagnetic Photonic Crystals
Authors: Wu Zhengting , Wang Ziyao , Meng Yan , Chen Jingming , Xi Xiang , Shum Perry Ping , Gao Zhen
Published: December 2024

Photonic whispering‐gallery‐mode (WGM) cavities formed by total internal reflection of light around closed paths have played a central role in modern optics. Recently, extensive efforts have been devoted to achieving topologically photonic WGM cavities that are robust against defects or obstacles. However, previous experimental studies on topological photonic WGM cavities are limited to systems with time‐reversal symmetry (TRS) and weak topological protection due to the existence of backscattering channels. Here, the study reports the experimental realization of a chiral topological WGM cavity in a gyromagnetic photonic crystal with broken TRS. Using microwave near‐field measurements, it is directly observed that the chiral topological WGM cavities are inherently nonreciprocal and exhibit superior robustness against various obstacles with strong topological protection owing to the absence of backscattering channels. More interestingly, it is demonstrated that the resonance frequencies and free spectral range (FSR) of the chiral topological WGM cavities can be tailored by adjusting the insertion length of a metallic scatterer. The work extends the research realm of topological photonic WGM cavities and may find important applications in designing arbitrary‐shaped and nonreciprocal topological photonic cavities, filters, lasers, and frequency combs.
Additive Manufacturing of Watertight ABS Parts and Its Use for Chemical Metal Plating
Authors: Zimmermann Philipp , Schammel Christoph , Nagel Jürgen
Published: December 2024

One of the most frequently used polymers in the galvanic industry as well as for Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) is the terpolymer of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Its surface is etched in chromosulfuric acid to enable the chemical deposition of a metal. The use of chromium (Cr)(VI) compounds is restricted in the European Union (EU) since 2017. A new plating process is proposed here that does not rely on etching. Instead, double bonds on the ABS surface are converted to epoxides, followed by grafting of a polyethylenimine (PEI) to the surface. The so modified plastic is an ideal starting point for metal plating. Printing often leads to the formation of voids between strands and layers, which hinders subsequent wet processing. The plating process introduced here requires high demands on the water tightness of parts. The proposed printing procedure reduces the degree of penetration of water from 50% to less than 0.1% at 2 bar water pressure. The combination of the new printing procedure with the new plating process results in the deposition of industrial relevant nickel (Ni) layers. The cross‐hatch test followed by a peel test exhibits values of zero, pointing to the high adhesion of Ni to ABS.
The Heads Up Checkup Digital Mental Health & Behavioral Risk Screening System: Clinical Inter‐Rater Reliability for Identifying Youth in Crisis
Authors: Genero Nancy P. , Lozano Alyssa , Sanchez Mariana , Cano Miguel Angel
Published: December 2024

The present study evaluated the inter‐rater reliability of the Heads Up Checkup (HCU), a brief digital mental health and behavioral adaptive screening system designed for use in primary care and diverse school settings. Two independent licensed clinical psychologists reviewed a random sample of 30 (N = 30) HCU clinical screening reports of 13−14 year old adolescents drawn from a larger sample (N = 846) enrolled in a public middle school in California. Results showed strong inter‐rater agreement (Fleiss kappa = 0.93) between clinician ratings and the screener's priority risk index (HPI) in identifying students “in crisis.” In addition, clinicians' ratings of confidence in their priority judgments were found to be significantly higher for the “in crisis” cases. Reasonable evidence of convergent validity emerged due to a strong relationship between clinician ratings of psychological distress and the HPI. Overall findings suggest that as an online universal school‐based screener, the HCU has valid utility for identifying young adolescents “in crisis” which can translate into timely interventions and pragmatic real‐world therapeutic solutions. Future research directions with respect to the refinement of the HCU's measurement characteristics and its feasibility as an online screener at the population‐level in schools are discussed.
Improved Active Vector Optimization Strategy‐based Model Predictive Torque Control for Matrix Converter‐Fed PMSM With Reduced Torque and Flux Ripples
Authors: J. D Anunciya , Arumugam Sivaprakasam
Published: December 2024

The Matrix Converter‐fed Finite Control Set‐Model Predictive Torque Control (FCS‐MPTC) technique has superior potentiality in the control of electrical drives due to its availability of increased number of voltage vectors with compact topology. On the other side, the FCS‐MPTC technique suffers a major drawback of high computational complexity and processing time. This major drawback has degraded the attention of the FCS‐MPTC technique in high‐power industrial applications because it needs expensive and high‐rating processors for the functioning of the control algorithm. In this regard, this paper proposes an efficient active vector optimization concept by formulating a switching table for the optimal voltage vector selection. This approach reduces the available 18 active vectors to three, thereby decreasing the execution time of the cost function (CF). In addition, to mitigate the high torque and flux ripple problems associated with the existing FCS‐MPTC method, a modified switching table is proposed. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is evaluated by conducting various test loadings using the MATLAB Simulink, and the results are further validated in real time using the OPAL‐RT laboratory setup.
Genomic characterization and histologic analysis of uterine leiomyosarcoma arising from leiomyoma with bizarre nuclei
Authors: Felicelli Christopher , Lu Xinyan , Coty‐Fattal Zachary , Feng Yue , Yin Ping , Schipma Matthew John , Kim Julie J , Jennings Lawrence J , Bulun Serdar E , Wei Jian‐Jun
Published: December 2024

Leiomyoma with bizarre nuclei (LM‐BN) is a rare variant of leiomyoma with a benign clinical course. In contrast, leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is a high‐grade, malignant neoplasm characterized by high recurrence rates and poor survival. While LM‐BN and LMS show distinct morphologies, they share similar immunoprofiles and molecular alterations, with both considered ‘genomically unstable’. Rare cases of LM‐BN associated with LMS have been reported; however, the histogenesis and molecular relationship between these two tumors remains unclear. In this study, we assessed 11 cases of LMS arising in conjunction with LM‐BN confirmed by histology and immunohistochemistry (IHC), further analyzed by clinical, histologic, and molecular characteristics of these distinct components. LM‐BN and LMS had similar p16 and p53 IHC patterns, but LMS had a higher Ki‐67 index and lower estrogen and progesterone eceptor expression. Digital image analysis based on cytologic features revealed spatial relationships between LMS and LM‐BN. Genomic copy number alterations (CNAs) demonstrated the same clonal origin of LMS arising from existing LM‐BN through conserved CNAs. LMS harbored highly complex CNAs and more frequent losses of the TP53, RB1, and PTEN genomic regions than LM‐BN (p = 0.0031), with CDKN2A/B deletion identified in LMS only. Mutational profiling revealed many shared oncogenic alterations in both LM‐BN and LMS; however, additional mutations were present within LMS, indicative of tumor progression through progressive genomic instability. Analysis of spatial transcriptomes defined uniquely expressed gene signatures that matched the geographic distribution of LM‐BN, LMS, and other cell types. Our findings indicate for the first time that a subset of LMS arises from an existing LM‐BN, and highly complex genomic alterations could be potential high risks associated with disease progression in LM‐BN. © 2024 The Author(s). The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
The Critical Influence of Spin‐Dry Technique on the Surface Passivation Quality of Crystalline Silicon Solar Cell Structures
Authors: Kumar Vibhor , Gao Munan , Zin Ngwe
Published: December 2024

This study examines the effects of spin‐dry (SD) and N2 blow‐dry (ND) techniques on the quality and surface passivation performance of silicon oxide grown in ozone‐dissolved deionized water. The SD method achieves greater oxide thickness uniformity, averaging 1.39 nm ± 4.17% across 49 points, compared to 1.68 nm ± 21.67% for the ND wafers. However, persistently poor passivation of ozonated oxide‐grown wafers following the SD process is exhibited, with carrier lifetime, τeff < 0.3 ms and saturation current density, J0 (per side) ranging from 26 to 45 fA cm2. These findings are analyzed in the context of the fundamental phenomena involved in the drying processes of both techniques. Following this, an optimized spin‐drying process is developed, resulting in improved τeff and J0 values of 1.4 ms and 5.6 fA cm−2, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy further confirms that the oxide films dried with the enhanced SD technique are free of pinholes.
Perceptions and Barriers to Human Papillomavirus Vaccination and Cervical Cancer Screenings: A Survey Study of Underserved Populations in North Texas
Authors: Olsson Sofia Eva , Shah Sameep , Haase Erin , Pagidas Kelly
Published: December 2024

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common cause of cervical cancer along with several other neoplasms. With the availability of HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screenings, it is more likely for cervical cancers to be prevented or caught early in their course. However, there are disparities and barriers preventing all individuals from obtaining proper preventative care.

Methods

An online survey analyzing compliance, barriers, and subjective perceptions of HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening was distributed via flyers. These were placed in the half of zip codes with lowest median income in Fort Worth, Texas.

Results

Respondents with non‐White race, income of $40,000 or less, and a maximum education of high school or less were 4.24, 3.2, and 1.2 times more likely to have incomplete HPV vaccination, respectively. Respondents with an income of $40,000 or less and a maximum education of high school were 3.2 and 2.6 times more likely to be overdue for cervical cancer screening, respectively. The most common barrier for HPV vaccination was lack of knowledge, and for cervical cancer screening, it was cost. Most respondents felt as though cervical cancer screening allows for early cancer detection and decreased mortality but also endorsed feelings of pain, embarrassment, and fear of the test.

Conclusions

HPV vaccine and cervical cancer screening non‐compliance is likely multifactorial, including lack of knowledge and cost. Interventions such as increased access to pediatric care and increased opportunities for free preventative healthcare may be helpful in both reducing stigma and improving access to care.
Robotic Versus Open Distal Pancreatectomy: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis
Authors: Bencini Lapo , Moraldi Luca , Miceli Elisangela , Risaliti Matteo , Tofani Lorenzo , Buccianti Simone , Tirloni Luca , Gatto Chiara , Minuzzo Alessio , Bianchi William Tyler , Coratti Andrea , Taddei Antonio , Bartolini Ilenia
Published: December 2024

Background

Minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy offers recognised benefits over open surgery. Robotic surgery, with its shorter learning curve and technical advancements, presents a promising alternative to laparoscopy in managing pancreatic diseases.

Methods

This study enrolled consecutive patients undergoing distal pancreatectomy between January 2013 and May 2022. After propensity score matching, perioperative and medium‐term outcomes were compared between robotic and open procedures.

Results

Among 79 patients analysed, 50 were eligible after matching. Both groups showed similar demographics, with 11% experiencing grade III‐IV complications, and one patient died within 90 days after surgery. Robotic surgery exhibited longer operating times but allowed for earlier refeeding, drain removal, canalisation, and shorter hospital stays compared with open surgery. Spleen preservation rates, postoperative pancreatic fistula occurrences and survival were comparable between the groups.

Conclusions

Overall, robotic and open distal pancreatectomy demonstrated similar outcomes, with robotic surgery offering advantages in certain postoperative parameters despite longer operation times.
Rice Growth in the Shadow of Global Warming: Microbes Shed Light on Alleviating Its Heat Stress
Authors: Zeng Xiangrui , Wang Jinman , He Susu , Zhao Xinru , Jiang Bohan , Liu Beibei , Yue Zhengfu , Zou Yukun , Zhang Jing
Published: December 2024

The increasing severity of global climate change has led to more frequent extreme high‐temperature events, significantly damaging rice yield and quality, thus posing a threat to global food security. Research indicates that plant‐microbe interactions can enhance plant growth and overall health under adverse conditions. Therefore, this review aims to explore strategies to improve rice heat tolerance through thermophilic microorganism mediation. This paper systematically summarises the effects of heat stress on both the aboveground and underground parts of rice during its growth stages, identifies the molecular mechanisms by which rice responds to heat stress, and explores the potential roles of microorganisms. Additionally, we review existing studies on microorganisms that alleviate plant heat stress and their mechanisms of action. Through case studies, we explore how microorganisms enhance rice survival in high‐temperature environments by regulating its growth and development, along with their potential applications in sustainable agriculture. In the future, environmentally friendly and efficient microbial inoculants and biofertilizers are expected to be developed based on microbe‐mediated plant heat tolerance mechanisms, which will help mitigate the heat stress challenges crops face under global climate change.
Nonparametric Estimation for Propensity Scores With Misclassified Treatments
Authors: Chen Li‐Pang
Published: December 2024

In the framework of causal inference, average treatment effect (ATE) is one of crucial concerns. To estimate it, the propensity score based estimation method and its variants have been widely adopted. However, most existing methods were developed by assuming that binary treatments are precisely measured. In addition, propensity scores are usually formulated as parametric models with respect to confounders. However, in the presence of measurement error in binary treatments and nonlinear relationship between treatments and confounders, existing methods are no longer valid and may yield biased inference results if these features are ignored. In this paper, we first analytically examine the impact of estimation of ATE and derive biases for the estimator of ATE when treatments are contaminated with measurement error. After that, we develop a valid method to address binary treatments with misclassification. Given the corrected treatments, we adopt the random forest method to estimate the propensity score with nonlinear confounders accommodated and then derive the estimator of ATE. Asymptotic properties of the error‐eliminated estimator are established. Numerical studies are also conducted to assess the finite sample performance of the proposed estimator, and numerical results verify the importance of correcting for measurement error effects.
Dendritic Cell Vaccine Harboring Inactivated Mycobacteria Induces Immune Protection Against Tuberculosis in Murine Models and is Well Tolerated in Humans
Authors: Hu Zhidong , Liu Xuhui , Wang Jing , Gu Ling , Chen Zhenyan , Xia Lu , Yang Heng , Xu Jinchuan , Huang Xuejiao , Wang Huiling , Lu Shuihua , Fan Xiao‐Yong
Published: December 2024

The limited success of tuberculosis (TB) control measures reflects the inadequacy of Bacille Calmette‐Guérin (BCG), the only licensed TB vaccine. There is a recent resurgence of interest in intravenous administration of BCG. However, direct injection of live BCG bacteria into the bloodstream of human beings is not likely to be practical due to safety concerns. In this study, it is showed that debris of BCG‐infected macrophages induces activation and maturation of dendritic cells (DCs) in vitro, and an intravenous DCs vaccine phagocytosing noninfective cell debris induces robust antigen‐specific T‐cell immune responses and immune protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in murine models. Further, an investigator‐initiated clinical trial shows the safety of a DCs vaccine harboring the noninfective Mycobacterium vaccae vaccine. Infusions of naive DCs and DCs harboring Mycobacterium vaccae are well tolerated and safe in six active TB patients. Tests of the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of a patient who receives two doses of DCs vaccine infusion show enhanced secretion of IFN‐γ, IL‐2, IL‐17, and TNF‐α in both CD4 and CD8 T cells. The study provides evidence that DC‐based vaccines harboring inactivated mycobacteria can expand T‐cell immune responses in TB‐infected mice and are well tolerated in patients with active TB disease.
Tailoring Ga‐Doped ZnO Thin Film Properties for Enhanced Optoelectric Device Performance: Argon Flow Rate Modulation and Dynamic Sputtering Geometry Analysis
Authors: Nur‐E‐Alam Mohammad , Ferdaous Mohammad Tanvirul , Alghafis Abdullah , Vasiliev Mikhail , Yap Boon Kar , Kiong Tiong Sieh , Sapeli Megat Mohd Izhar , Amin Nowshad , Ibrahim Mohd Adib , Bin Rafiq Md Khan Sobayel
Published: December 2024

The impact of dynamic sputtering geometry on the properties of ZnO: Ga (GZO) thin film nanomaterials is investigated by systematically varying Ar flow rates and substrate positions during the film growth. The structural, optical, and electrical characteristics of GZO layers, deposited from a ZnO: Ga (5.7 wt%) ceramic‐type sputtering target, are comprehensively evaluated to reveal the relationship between the sputtering geometry and material properties. The obtained electrical properties, comparatively high carrier mobility 11.3 × 101 cm2 V−1 s−1 and the lowest resistivity 1.13 × 10−3 Ω‐cm, together with a moderately high optoelectric figure of merit with the films prepared using around 6 sccm Ar‐flow rate (corresponding to around 4.92 mTorr Ar partial pressure) reveal distinct correlations between the sputtering conditions and thin film properties, providing insights into the optimization of sputtering parameters for tailored material synthesis required for advanced and emerging applications. The GZO thin film (prepared with the optimal setting of 6 sccm Ar flow rate) exhibits remarkable optoelectronic capabilities as a transport layer in solar cells, reaching peak efficiencies of 26.34% for CIGS, 14.142% for CdTe, and 24.289% for Cs2AgBiBr6 perovskite in SCAPS‐1D simulated models. This study advances sputtering techniques for precise engineering of functional nanomaterials with enhanced performance and versatility, contributing to material synthesis optimization for emerging applications.
Direct shear test on the interface between tunnel linings
Authors: Zhao Wusheng , Zhou Shuai , Xie Peiyao , Qin Changkun , Gao Hou , Chen Weizhong
Published: December 2024

The lining interfaces of composite linings typically include two interfaces: the primary lining–secondary lining interface and the primary lining–waterproof layer–secondary lining interface. These interfaces are observed in Chinese highway tunnels with weak surrounding rock. In order to ascertain more effective measures to accommodate the deformations between tunnel linings, it is necessary to investigate the shear resistance performance of the interfaces and the factors that influence this performance. The samples are classified according to the presence or absence of waterproof layers, cohesive interfaces, and rough interfaces. Subsequently, direct shear tests are conducted under constant normal stress. The shear rate is 1 mm/min, and the normal stress is 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 MPa, respectively. The results of the tests demonstrate that the shear properties are influenced by the normal stress, the waterproof layer, the cohesive interface and the rough interface. The shear resistance performance of the lining interface in the absence of a waterproof layer is observed to be superior to that observed with a waterproof layer. The normal compressive stiffness range for the primary lining‐secondary lining interface is observed to be between 0.69 and 3.17 GPa, with a pre‐peak shear stiffness range of 0.12–1.88 GPa. The effective cohesion range is found to be between 0 and 0.29 MPa, while the internal friction angle range is observed to be between 22.62° and 29.43°. In contrast, the normal compressive stiffness for the primary lining–waterproof layer–secondary lining interface is observed to be within the range of 1.24–9.78 GPa, the pre‐peak shear stiffness range is 0.45–39.68 GPa, the effective cohesion range is 0.07–1.98 MPa, and the internal friction angle range is 34.92°–52.24°. In conclusion, this investigation presents a number of potential measures that could be employed to enhance the shear resistance performance of tunnel lining interfaces. Furthermore, it furnishes a set of parameters derived from the test results that could serve as a foundation for subsequent research and design endeavors.
Light‐Mediated Radical Addition to Azomethine Compounds: Novel Reactivity and Activation Modes
Authors: Rubanov Zakhar M. , Levin Vitalij V. , Dilman Alexander D.
Published: December 2024

Azomethines is a class of compounds, which have traditionally served as electrophilic substrates, but their reactions with radicals have long been limited. Photocatalysis provided ample opportunities for promoting these reactions, with wide variety of reagents serving as precursors of radicals. Besides regular addition mode at the azomethine fragment, the oxidative pathway, in which the C=N bond remains in the product, has become possible by proper selection of redox catalyst. This review summarizes new developments in this rapidly developing field over the past five years. New concepts on activation of the C=N bond towards radical attack are discussed.
Sensitivity evaluation of Brownian motion and chemical reaction parameter on transport of motile gyrotactic microorganism in nanofluid over a wedge
Authors: Hussain Dilawar , Asghar Zaheer , Zeeshan Ahmed , Masud Usman
Published: December 2024

In any natural flow, there are different factors that influence the movement of microorganisms in fluid; some factors are significant while others are not. In this article, authors want to analyse the sensitivity of the movement of motile gyrotactic microorganisms to variation in Schmidt number (Sc), chemical reaction parameter (Kr), and Brownian motion parameter (Nb). For this purpose, a PDE is transformed into ODEs by using appropriate similarity transformation. The transformed ODEs are solved numerically by using MATLAB's built‐in software bvp4c. Then, by using these numerical results, we have developed a correlation between input variables and output responses for the Sherwood number () and density number () by using response surface methodology (RSM). The residual for output responses is plotted in graphical form and shows strong correlations and best‐fitted models between input parameters and output responses. Finally, the sensitivity analysis is performed and displays the results in graphical form and concludes that the input factor Sc is the most sensitive to for lower cases of A and Kr is the most sensitive among other parameters for middle and higher cases of B.
Measurement and Prevalence of Aggression
Authors: Iennaco Joanne DeSanto , Molle Elizabeth , Lauvrud Christian , Palmstierna Tom , Nijman Henk , Almvik Roger
Published: December 2024

Violence in the healthcare setting is a complex issue, with many different types of violence that impact patients, workers, and the clinical environment. Violence is also a common problem in the healthcare workplace, with rate and severity dependent upon the setting, and the highest rates are typically found in psychiatric settings. Many aspects of patient care are impacted by aggression and violence, including patient safety, quality of care and outcomes, and therapeutic relationships with caregivers. Measuring the prevalence and severity of violence is difficult because there are many characteristics of the phenomenon in clinical settings. Many settings have active programmes to reduce the use of coercive interventions and have reduced rates of use of restraint and seclusion. This chapter offers insight into this complex field of research as well as an overview of scales typically used for this purpose.
What Is Coercion and Can Its Use Be Justified in Mental Healthcare? An Ethical Analysis
Authors: Hempeler Christin , Scholten Matthé , Werning Anna , Gather Jakov
Published: December 2024

The use of coercion within mental healthcare raises many ethically relevant questions. These include the analytical question about which actions amount to coercion, and the normative question whether and in which situations the use of coercion is justified. This chapter aims to provide an overview of answers to these questions. In answer to the analytical question, we discuss the conceptual distinction between formal and informal coercion. While formal coercion includes interventions that are carried out against the will of service users, informal coercion aims at influencing the will and decision-making of service users to enhance compliance with recommended treatment or social rules. In answer to the normative question, we will differentiate two different argumentative strategies: one based on the harm principle and one based on soft paternalism. We also discuss a third position, which holds that the use of coercion is never justified. The chapter closes by introducing self-binding directives, a type of psychiatric advance directive, as a possible way to reconcile autonomy and coercion.
Coercion in Psychiatry: The Human Rights Challenge
Authors: Richter Dirk
Published: December 2024

The use of coercion in psychiatry has been controversial for decades. With the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities from 2006, the discussion about the legitimisation or abolition of measures against the will of the people affected has taken on new implications. From the perspective of the Convention, the use of coercion is a violation of human rights. This chapter traces the discussions and arguments that have arisen in connection with the human rights perspective against the use of coercion in psychiatry.
Flipped Classroom als Erfolgskonzept für das „New Normal“ in der Hochschullehre?
Authors: Hetzner Sónia , Krauß Elisabeth , Schmidt Claudia
Published: December 2024

Die Hochschullehre befindet sich in einem Transformationsprozess, in dem Erkenntnisse aus der Online-Lehre der Pandemiezeit mit der etablierten Präsenzlehre verbunden werden. Im Projekt INKULT an der Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg wurden Flipped Classroom (FC)-Modelle für 13 Lehrveranstaltungen aus unterschiedlichen Fachkulturen entwickelt. Der Fokus lag darauf, FC-Modelle zu erstellen, die den besonderen Bedürfnissen verschiedener Fachrichtungen gerecht werden und die Wahrnehmung des FC-Konzepts durch Lehrende und Studierende zu analysieren. Die Untersuchung brachte zentrale Erfolgsfaktoren und Herausforderungen zum Vorschein und unterstrich die Wichtigkeit einer sorgfältigen Veranstaltungsplanung und der Interaktion mit den Studierenden für den Erfolg des FC. Dabei wird betont, dass eine Reflexion über die veränderte Rolle der Lehrenden und die Förderung des selbstgesteuerten Lernens der Studierenden essentiell für den Erfolg des Formates sind. Weiterbildungsmaßnahmen für Lehrende und die Entwicklung metakognitiver Kompetenzen bei Studierenden sind dabei von zentraler Bedeutung. Die Resultate unterstreichen zudem die wesentliche Bedeutung von Ressourcen, sowohl finanzieller als auch personeller Art, für die Implementierung des FC-Ansatzes. Die Implementierung des FC-Konzepts erfordert also eine ganzheitliche Herangehensweise, die organisatorische, didaktische und individuelle Aspekte gleichermaßen berücksichtigt und unterstützt. Durch kontinuierliche Reflexion, kritische Evaluation und iterative Anpassung kann ein Mehrwert durch FC-Modelle für die Lehre generiert werde.
Existence, comparison principle and uniqueness for doubly nonlinear anisotropic evolution equations
Authors: Vestberg Matias
Published: December 2024

We prove the existence of solutions to the Cauchy-Dirichlet problem associated with a class of doubly nonlinear anisotropic evolution equations. We also demonstrate the existence of solutions to the corresponding Cauchy problem on $$\mathbb {R}^N\times (0,T)$$

R

N

×

(
0
,
T
)

. Under some assumptions on the Caratheodory vector field we prove a comparison principle and utilize it to obtain a uniqueness result for the Cauchy-Dirichlet problem.
Klinische Variablen und Management des disseminierten Granuloma anulare – eine monozentrische retrospektive Auswertung von 33 Fällen aus den Jahren 2021 bis 2023
Authors: Spindler Michael , Berneburg Mark , Drexler Konstantin , Kurz Bernadett , Kögel Julian , Niebel Dennis
Published: December 2024

Hintergrund und Ziel der Arbeit

Granuloma anulare (GA) ist eine nichtinfektiöse, granulomatöse Erkrankung der Haut, die meist lokalisiert und selbstlimitierend ist. 15 % der Fälle zeigen eine Disseminierung mit häufig protrahiertem Krankheitsverlauf. Ziel dieser Studie ist, das Patientenkollektiv mit disseminiertem GA an einer deutschen Universitätsklinik und die Behandlungsmodalitäten zu charakterisieren.

Material und Methoden

Es erfolgte eine retrospektive monozentrische Auswertung am Universitätsklinikum Regensburg im Zeitraum zwischen 2021 und 2023 mit deskriptiv-statistischer Auswertung des Patientenkollektivs und der eingesetzten Therapieverfahren.

Ergebnisse

Im Zeitraum wurden 239 Patienten mit GA identifiziert, davon zeigten 33 Patienten ein histologisch gesichertes disseminiertes GA. 25 Patienten (76 %) waren weiblich, das Durchschnittsalter lag bei 57,4 ± 14,4 Jahren. 17 Patienten (53 %) verneinten Beschwerden, häufige Symptome umfassten Dysästhesien, Juckreiz und Schmerzen. Häufige Begleiterkrankungen waren Diabetes mellitus, Schilddrüsenerkrankungen, atopische Dermatitis und koronare Herzerkrankung. Therapeutisch wurden in absteigender Häufigkeit topische Glukokortikoide, systemische Glukokortikoide, Phototherapie, topische Calcineurininhibitoren und Dimethylfumarat eingesetzt. Nur 6 Patienten (18 %) zeigten eine partielle oder vollständige Remission.

Diskussion

Aufgrund fehlender zugelassener Therapien werden unzureichend wirksame Therapien bei disseminiertem GA eingesetzt. Prospektive, randomisierte, placebokontrollierte Studien sind erforderlich, um die Wirksamkeit neuartiger zielgerichteter therapeutischer Verfahren zu untersuchen.