bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal and Solar Cycle Dependency of Relationship Between Equatorial Plasma Bubbles and Rayleigh‐Taylor Instability Growth Rate
Authors: Vital L. F. R. , Takahashi H. , Barros D. , Carmo C. S. , Carrasco A. J. , Wrasse C. M. , Figueiredo C. A. O. B.
Published: September 2024

The relationship between the post‐sunset equatorial Plasma Bubbles (EPBs) and the Rayleigh‐Taylor instability growth rates was studied by means of the occurrence probabilities. EPB observations were obtained through the Rate of Total Electron Content Index (ROTI) measured by ground‐based Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers in the South American equatorial region. Data from the period 2013 to 2022 were utilized. The calculations were based on F‐layer vertical drift measurements obtained from the São Luís ionosonde (2.33°S, 44.2°W, dip angle: −0.5°), the International Reference Ionosphere model (IRI‐2016), Horizontal Wind Model (HWM‐14), and Spectrometer Incoherent Scatter Model‐2,000 (NRLMSISE‐00). The EPB occurrence probability increased from 0% to 100% as increased from 0 to . Additionally, the occurrence probability exhibited seasonal variations, with a gradual increase during the equinox months, minimal occurrence during the June solstice, and a sudden increase during the December solstice. We found that the occurrence probability varied with day‐to‐day, season and solar activity for the same .
Value of portal venous gas and a nomogram for predicting severe neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis
Authors: Chen Yixian , Duan Yuhui , Wei Ba , Jiang Yongjiang , Tan Yadan , Wei Yijun , Gan Yuan , Chen Yujun
Published: September 2024

Background

Whether portal venous gas (PVG) is a sign of severe neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and predicts poor prognosis remains uncertain.

Methods

Patients from two centres were randomly assigned to a training set or a validation set. A nomogram model for predicting severe NEC was developed on the basis of the independent risk factors selected by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The model was evaluated based on the area under the curve (AUC), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

A total of 585 patients met the study criteria, and propensity score matching resulted in 141 matched pairs for further analysis. Patients with PVG had a greater risk of surgical intervention or death compared with patients without PVG. A prediction model for severe NEC was established based on PVG, invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), serum platelet count (PLT) and pH <7.35 at the onset of NEC. The model had a moderate predictive value with an AUC > 0.8. The calibration curve and DCA suggested that the nomogram model had good performance for clinical application.

Conclusion

A prediction nomogram model based on PVG and other risk factors can help physicians identify severe NEC early and develop reasonable treatment plans.

Impact

PVG is an important and common imaging manifestation of NEC.

Controversy exists regarding whether PVG is an indication for surgical intervention and predicts poor prognosis.

Our study suggested that patients with PVG had a greater risk of surgical intervention or death compared with patients without PVG.

PVG, IMV, PLT and pH <7.35 at the onset of NEC are independent risk factors for severe NEC.

A prediction nomogram model based on PVG and other risk factors may help physicians identify severe NEC early and develop reasonable treatment plans.
p21 Regulates Wnt-Notch balance via DREAM/MMB/Rb-E2F1 and maintains intestinal stem cell homeostasis
Authors: Jiang Liangxia , Tian Jie , Yang Jun , Luo Ronggang , Zhang Yongjin , Shao Chihao , Guo Bing , Wu Xiaoming , Dan Juhua , Luo Ying
Published: September 2024

The crosstalk and balance regulation of Wnt-Notch have been known to be essential for cell fate decision and tissue regeneration, however, how this balance is maintained and how the Wnt-Notch pathways are connected with cell cycle regulation is still not clear. By analyzing the molecular alterations in mouse model with accelerated aging phenotypes due to loss of p21 function in a Werner syndrome background, we observed that Wnt3 and β-Catenin were down-regulated, while Notch1 and Hes1 were up-regulated. This disruption in Wnt-Notch signaling was accompanied by the loss of intestinal stem cell compartment, increase in Bmi1 positive cells, loss of Olfm4/Lgr5 positive cells, and reduced secretory Paneth cells and goblet cells in the intestinal crypts of p21TKO mice. BrdU incorporation, cleaved caspase 3, and Tunel assay results revealed the fast turnover of intestinal epithelia, which may result in abnormal stem cell mobilization and exhaustion of the stem cell reservoir in the intestinal crypts. We further identified shift of DREAM complex towards MMB complex due to the loss of p21 as the cause for faster turnover of intestinal epithelia. Importantly, we identified the E2F1 as the transcriptional regulator for Notch1, which linked the p21-DREAM/MMB/Rb-E2F1 pathway with Wnt-Notch pathway. The overexpression of p21 rescued the DREAM pathway, as well as the imbalance of Wnt-Notch pathway. In summary, our data identify p21 as an important factor in maintaining sequential mobilization, proliferation, and homeostasis of intestinal stem cells.
Effectiveness of influenza vaccines in preventing acute cardiovascular events within 1 year in Beijing, China
Authors: Ma Yuan , Lu Feng , Suo Luodan , Li Wei , Qian Jie , Wang Tianqi , Lv Min , Wu Jiang , Yang Weizhong , Guo Moning , Li Juan , Feng Luzhao
Published: September 2024

Controversies persist about the protective effects of vaccines against acute cardiovascular events. Using electronic medical records from hospitals and influenza vaccine administration data in Beijing, China, we studied individuals vaccinated between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2018, who experienced at least one acute cardiovascular event within two years. A self-controlled case series design calculated the relative incidence (RI) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of acute cardiovascular events within one year after vaccination. Among 1647 participants (median age: 65 years, 38.43% female), the risk of events 29–365 days post-vaccination was 0.76 times the baseline level (RI: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.68–0.84). The protective effect was more pronounced in younger participants (P = 0.043) and those without cardiovascular history (P < 0.001), while acute respiratory infection (P = 0.986) and vaccination frequency (P = 0.272) had no impact. Influenza vaccines offer protection against acute cardiovascular events for at least one year, suggesting potential for cardiovascular disease prevention.
Endemic, cosmopolitan, and generalist taxa and their habitat affinities within a coastal marine microbiome
Authors: James Chase C. , Allen Andrew E. , Lampe Robert H. , Rabines Ariel , Barton Andrew D.
Published: September 2024

The relative prevalence of endemic and cosmopolitan biogeographic ranges in marine microbes, and the factors that shape these patterns, are not well known. Using prokaryotic and eukaryotic amplicon sequence data spanning 445 near-surface samples in the Southern California Current region from 2014 to 2020, we quantified the proportion of taxa exhibiting endemic, cosmopolitan, and generalist distributions in this region. Using in-situ data on temperature, salinity, and nitrogen, we categorized oceanic habitats that were internally consistent but whose location varied over time. In this context, we defined cosmopolitan taxa as those that appeared in all regional habitats and endemics as taxa that only appeared in one habitat. Generalists were defined as taxa occupying more than one but not all habitats. We also quantified each taxon’s habitat affinity, defined as habitats where taxa were significantly more abundant than expected. Approximately 20% of taxa exhibited endemic ranges, while around 30% exhibited cosmopolitan ranges. Most microbial taxa (50.3%) were generalists. Many of these taxa had no habitat affinity (> 70%) and were relatively rare. Our results for this region show that, like terrestrial systems and for metazoans, cosmopolitan and endemic biogeographies are common, but with the addition of a large number of taxa that are rare and randomly distributed.
Antimicrobial gelatin-based films with cinnamaldehyde and ZnO nanoparticles for sustainable food packaging
Authors: Sultan Maha , Ibrahim Hassan , El-Masry Hossam Mohammed , Hassan Youssef R.
Published: September 2024

Cinnamaldehyde (CIN), a harmless bioactive chemical, is used in bio-based packaging films for its antibacterial and antioxidant properties. However, high amounts can change food flavor and odor. Thus, ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) as a supplementary antimicrobial agent are added to gelatin film with CIN. The CIN/ZnO interactions are the main topic of this investigation. FTIR-Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were utilized to investigate CIN/ZnO@gelatin films. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images revealed nanospheres morphology of ZnO NPs, with particle sizes ranging from 12 to 22 nm. ZnO NPs integration increased the overall activation energy of CIN/ZnO@gelatin by 11.94%. The incorporation of ZnO NPs into the CIN@gelatin film significantly reduced water vapour permeability (WVP) of the CIN/ZnO@gelatin film by 12.07% and the oxygen permeability (OP) by 86.86%. The water sorption isotherms of CIN/ZnO@gelatin were described using Guggenheim-Anderson-de Boer (GAB) model. The incorporation of ZnO NPs into the CIN@gelatin film reduced monolayer moisture content (M0) by 35.79% and significantly decreased the solubility of CIN/ZnO@gelatin by 15.15%. The inclusion of ZnO into CIN@gelatin film significantly decreased tensile strength of CIN/ZnO@gelatin by 13.32% and Young`s modulus by 18.33% and enhanced elongation at break by 11.27%. The incorporation of ZnO NPs into the CIN@gelatin film caused a significant decrease of antioxidant activity of CIN/ZnO@gelatin film by 9.09%. The most susceptible organisms to the CIN/ZnO@gelatin film included Candida albicans, Helicobacter pylori, and Micrococcus leutus. The inhibition zone produced by the CIN/ZnO@gelatin film versus Micrococcus leutus was 25.0 mm, which was comparable to the inhibition zone created by antibacterial gentamicin (23.33 mm) and cell viability assessment revealed that ZnO/CIN@gelatin (96.8 ± 0.1%) showed great performance as potent biocompatible active packaging material.
Intelligent spectrophotometric resolution platforms for the challenging spectra of ipratropium and fenoterol in their combination inhaler with ecological friendliness assessment
Authors: Ali Salma N. , Saad Samah S. , Fayed Ahmed S. , Marzouk Hoda M.
Published: September 2024

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are the most common diagnoses for adults and children with respiratory tract inflammation. Recently, a novel fixed dose combination consisting of Ipratropium and Fenoterol has been released for the management and control of the symptoms of such disorders. The current research has newly developed and optimized three smart, accurate, simple, cost-effective, and eco-friendly spectrophotometric methods that enabled the simultaneous determination of the drugs under study in their combined inhaler dosage form, without the need for any previous separation steps, using water as a green solvent. The strategy employed was based on calculating one or two factors as a numerical spectrum or constant, which provided the complete removal of any component in the mixture that might overlap and the mathematical filtration of the targeted analyte. The methods developed could be classified into two types of spectrophotometric windows. Window I; involved absorption spectrum in their original zero-order forms (°D), which included recently designed methods named induced concentration subtraction (ICS) and induced dual wavelength (IDW). While window III focused on the ratio spectrum as the induced amplitude modulation (IAM) method. The extremely low absorptivity and lack of distinct absorption maximum in the zero-order absorption spectrum of Ipratropium were two intrinsic challenges that were better overcome by the proposed spectrophotometric methods than by the conventionally used ones. According to ICH guidelines, the proposed methods were validated using unified regression over range 2.0–40.0 µg/mL in the ICS method, while the linearity ranges for the IDW and IAM methods were 5.0–40.0 µg/mL of Ipratropium and 2.0–40.0 µg/mL of Fenoterol. Moreover, the three proposed methods were effectively used to assay the co-formulated marketed inhaler and further expanded to confirm the delivered dose uniformity in compliance with the USP guidelines. Finally, the established methods were evaluated for their greenness and blueness, in comparison to the official and reported analysis methods, using advanced cutting edge software metrics. Furthermore, the suggested techniques adhered well to the white analytical chemistry postulates that were recently published.
Analysis of fractionalized Brinkman flow in the presence of diffusion effect
Authors: Abbas Shajar , Ramzan Muhammad , Inam Inamullah , Saleem Salman , Nazar Mudassar , Abduvalieva Dilsora , AL Garalleh Hakim
Published: September 2024

A vertical plate experiences a dynamic flow of fractionalized Brinkman fluid governed by fluctuating magnetic forces. This study considers heat absorption and diffusion-thermo effects. The novelty of model is the fractionalized Fourier’s and Fick’s laws. The problem is solved using the constant proportional Caputo derivative and Laplace transform method. The resulting non-dimensional equations for temperature, mass, and velocity fields are solved and compared visually. We explore the influence of various parameters like the fractional order, heat absorption/generation (Q), chemical reaction rate (R), and magnetic field strength (M) through informative graphs. Additionally, we contrast the velocity fields of fractionalized and regular fluids. The visualizations reveal that diffusion-thermo and mass Grashof number enhance fluid velocity, while chemical reaction and magnetic field tend to suppress it. For the interest of engineering, physical quantities such as Sherwood number, skin friction, and Nusselt number are computed. The present study satisfying all initial and boundary condition can be reduced to to previous published work which shows the validity of present work.
Predictive potential of distance-related spectral graphical descriptors for structure-property modeling of thermodynamic properties of polycyclic hydrocarbons with applications
Authors: Hayat Sakander , Alanazi Seham J. F. , Imran Muhammad , Azeem Muhammad
Published: September 2024

A distance-related spectral descriptor is a graphical index with defining structure built on eigenvalues of chemical matrices relying on distances in graphs. This paper explores the predictive ability of both existing and new distance-related spectral descriptors for estimating thermodynamic characteristics of polycyclic hydrocarbons (PHs). As a standard choice, the entropy and heat capacity are selected to represent thermodynamic properties. Furthermore, 30 initial members of PHs are considered as test molecules for this study. Three new molecular matrices have been proposed and our research demonstrates that distance-spectral graphical indices built by these novel matrices surpass in efficiency relative to famous distance-spectral indices. First, a novel computational method is put forwarded to evaluate distance-spectral indices of molecular graphs. The proposed methodology is utilized to compute both pre-existing and novel distance-related spectral descriptors, with an aim to assess their predictive efficacy using experimental data pertaining to two selected thermodynamic properties. Subsequently, we identify the five most promising distance-related spectral descriptors, comprising the degree-distance and Harary energies, the recently introduced second geometric-arithmetic energy along with its associated Estrada invariant, and 2$$\text {nd}$$ atom-bond connectivity (ABC) Estrada index. Notably, the 2$$\text {nd}$$ ABC Estrada index and Harary energy demonstrate correlation coefficients exceeding 0.95, while certain conventional spectral indices including the distance energy as well as its associated Estrada index, display comparatively lower performance levels. Moreover, we illustrate the practical implications of our findings on specific classes of one-hexagonal nanocones and carbon polyhex nanotubes. These outcomes hold potential for enhancing the theoretical determination of certain thermodynamic attributes of these nanostructures, offering improved accuracy and minimal margin of error.
A randomized feasibility trial of time-restricted eating during pregnancy in people with increased risk of gestational diabetes
Authors: Skarstad Hanna M.S. , Haganes Kamilla L. , Sujan Md Abu Jafar , Gellein Trine M. , Johansen Mariell K. , Salvesen Kjell Å. , Hawley John A. , Moholdt Trine
Published: September 2024

Time-restricted eating (TRE) is a nutritional intervention that confines the daily time-window for energy intake. TRE reduces fasting glucose concentrations in non-pregnant individuals, but whether this eating protocol is feasible and effective for glycemic control in pregnancy is unknown. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to investigate the adherence to and effect of a 5-week TRE intervention (maximum 10 h daily eating window) among pregnant individuals at risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), compared with a usual-care control group. Participants underwent 2-h oral glucose tolerance tests and estimation of body composition, before and after the intervention. Interstitial glucose levels were continuously measured, and adherence rates and ratings of hunger were recorded daily. Thirty of 32 participants completed the trial. Participants allocated to TRE reduced their daily eating window from 12.3 (SD 1.3) to 9.9 (SD 1.0) h, but TRE did not affect glycemic measures, blood pressure, or body composition, compared with the control group. TRE increased hunger levels in the evening, but not in the morning, and induced only small changes in dietary intake. Adhering to a 5-week TRE intervention was feasible for pregnant individuals with increased risk of GDM but had no effect on cardiometabolic outcomes.
Brain gene expression reveals pathways underlying nocturnal migratory restlessness
Authors: Marasco Valeria , Fusani Leonida , Haubensak Patricia , Pola Gianni , Smith Steve
Published: September 2024

Migration is one of the most extreme and energy demanding life history strategies to have evolved in the animal kingdom. In birds, champions of long-distance migrations, the seasonal emergence of the migratory phenotype is characterised by rapid physiological and metabolic remodelling, including substantial accumulation of fat stores and increases in nocturnality. The molecular underpinnings and brain adaptations to seasonal migrations remain poorly understood. Here, we exposed Common quails (Coturnix coturnix) to controlled changes in day length to simulate southward autumn migration, and then blocked the photoperiod until birds entered the non-migratory wintering phase. We first performed de novo RNA-Sequencing from selected brain samples (hypothalamus) collected from birds at a standardised time at night, either in a migratory state (when restlessness was highest and at their body mass peak), or in a non-migratory state and conducted differential gene expression and functional pathways analyses. We found that the migratory state was associated with up-regulation of a few, yet functionally well defined, gene expression networks implicated in fat trafficking, protein and carbohydrate metabolism. Further analyses that focused on candidate genes (apolipoprotein H or APOH, lysosomal associated membrane protein-2 or LAMP2) from samples collected during the day or night across the entire study population suggested differences in the expression of these genes depending on the time of the day with the largest expression levels being found in the migratory birds sampled at night. We also found that expression of APOH was positively associated with levels of nocturnal activity in the migratory birds; such an association was absent within the non-migratory birds. Our results provide novel experimental evidence revealing that hypothalamic changes in expression of apolipoprotein pathways, which regulate the circulatory transport of lipids, are likely key regulatory activators of nocturnal migratory movements. Our study paves the way for performing deeper functional investigations on seasonal molecular remodelling underlying the development of the migratory phenotype.
Trade-off between soot and NO emissions during enclosed spray combustion of jet fuel
Authors: Trivanovic Una , Pratsinis Sotiris E.
Published: September 2024

Aviation emissions of soot and nitrogen oxides are strictly regulated as they adversely impact human health and the environment. Jet fuel combustion conditions that decrease one pollutant concentration increase the other. Although it is not impossible to achieve both low soot and NOx through clever design, it is hard to simultaneously reduce both. Although it is difficult to study such conditions due to high temperatures and gas flowrates of aircraft engines, recently it was shown that Enclosed Spray Combustion (ESC) of jet fuel results in soot with similar characteristics to that from aircrafts making ESC an attractive unit for studying aviation-like emissions. Furthermore, judicious swirl-injection of air downstream of the ESC burner drastically reduces soot emissions. Here the trade-off between NO and soot emissions during combustion of jet fuel is studied for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, accounting for the detailed structure of soot. Injecting air shortly after the ESC burner decreases soot but increases NO emissions, while such injection further downstream has the inverse outcome. This interplay between soot and NO emissions was correlated quantitatively with the gas temperature shortly after air injection. Consequently, combustion conditions for an optimal trade-off between soot and NO emissions for the ESC conditions studied here are identified that are at or below the lowest NOx emissions per unit mass of fuel from existing aircraft engines.
Exploiting the bile acid binding protein as transporter of a Cholic Acid/Mirin bioconjugate for potential applications in liver cancer therapy
Authors: Tassone Giusy , Maramai Samuele , Paolino Marco , Lamponi Stefania , Poggialini Federica , Dreassi Elena , Petricci Elena , Alcaro Stefano , Pozzi Cecilia , Romeo Isabella
Published: September 2024

Bioconjugation is one of the most promising strategies to improve drug delivery, especially in cancer therapy. Biomolecules such as bile acids (BAs) have been intensively explored as carriers, due to their peculiar physicochemical properties and biocompatibility. BAs trafficking is regulated by intracellular lipid-binding proteins and their transport in the liver can be studied using chicken liver Bile Acid-Binding Proteins (cL-BABPs) as a reference model. Therefore, we conceived the idea of developing a BA-conjugate with Mirin, an exonuclease inhibitor of Mre11 endowed with different anticancer activities, to direct its transport to the liver. Following computational analysis of various BAs in complex with cL-BABP, we identified cholic acid (CA) as the most promising candidate as carrier, leading to the synthesis of a novel bioconjugate named CA-M11. As predicted by computational data and confirmed by X-ray crystallographic studies, CA-M11 was able to accommodate into the binding pocket of BABP. Hence, it can enter BAs trafficking in the hepatic compartment and here release Mirin. The effect of CA-M11, evaluated in combination with varying concentrations of Doxorubicin on HepG2 cell line, demonstrated a significant increase in cell mortality compared to the use of the cytotoxic drug or Mirin alone, thus highlighting chemo-sensitizing properties. The promising results regarding plasma stability for CA-M11 validate its potential as a valuable agent or adjuvant for hepatic cancer therapy.
Injuries and deaths due to tree failure in The Netherlands: analysis of observational data from 1998–2021
Authors: van Haaften Marinus , Gardebroek Cornelis , Heijman Wim , Meuwissen Miranda P. M.
Published: September 2024

Urban and roadside trees contribute to health and resilience. However, when trees or branches fall, it can cause injuries or deaths. This study examined trends and variations of injuries and deaths due to tree failure in The Netherlands from 1998 to 2021, considering urban–rural location, sex, age and traffic mode. This study is the first to describe long-term trends in injuries and deaths due to tree failure from 1998–2021. The standardised rate of injuries per 1,000,000 population increased from 0.14 (SE 0.10) in 1998 to 0.91 (SE 0.21) in 2021, with an annual percentage increase of 5.3% (p = 0.002). The data shows a strong increase for rural areas, contrary to urban ones. The annual percentage increase in rural areas was 13.2% (p < 0.001) while injuries in urban areas increased with 3.0% (p = 0.026), which revealed large urban–rural disparities. A trend was absent in the frequency of deaths. More attention needs to be given to investigating causes, drivers and stressors associated with tree failure-related injuries. In particular, efforts should be made to reduce the prevalence in rural areas. The increase in injuries over time makes it necessary to create awareness and share knowledge among residents and local governments about tree failure risks.
The distribution of seaweed forms and foundational assumptions in seaweed biology
Authors: Machado João P. G. , Oliveira Vinícius P.
Published: September 2024

Seaweeds are the most phylogenetically diverse group of multicellular organisms and rank foremost among marine keystone species. Due to their taxonomic diversity and functional importance, previous studies have classified seaweeds into functional groups based on qualitative or semi-quantitative traits, such as seaweed form, anatomy, and thickness. Despite the widespread use of seaweed functional groups from basic marine ecology to coastal monitoring, it is not known how accurate such morphology-based proposals are in grouping seaweeds by their form. To address this uncertainty at the foundations of seaweed biology, we surveyed and gathered all available data on seaweed forms using PRISMA protocols. We used the surface area to volume ratio (SA:V), a quantitative and universal measure of seaweed form, to assess the distribution and diversity of seaweed morphology across 99 species from three phyla. We show that seaweed surface area to volume ratio values span 3.64 orders of magnitude and follow a continuous and exponential distribution, without any significant gaps or clusters. We also tested current functional group schemes based on morphology and anatomy and showed that only 30% to 38% of their groups showed any significant pairwise differences in morphology. Our results challenge the basis of the current functional group approach in seaweed biology and suggest that a trait-based framework based on quantitative and continuous measures of seaweed form could provide a simpler and more accurate alternative to functionally assess seaweed ecology and physiology, as well as its implications for coastal ecosystem management.
Morphology and root canal configuration of maxillary lateral incisors: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wolf Thomas Gerhard , Rempapi Theodora , Wierichs Richard Johannes , Waber Andrea Lisa
Published: September 2024

The purpose of this study was to explore maxillary lateral incisors (MxLI) intern morphology by analyzing existing literature. We searched five electronical databases (Cochrane, Embase, LILACS, Scopus, MEDLINE via PubMed) using keywords and predefined search terms. Additional studies were identified by cross-referencing and reviewing bibliographies of relevant articles. From 92 initial studies, 27 duplicates were removed, and 65 records screened. After full-text review and hand searching were 19 studies included. The most reported root canal configurations (RCC) of MxLI were Vertucci (Ve) I (1-1-1/1; 78.1–100%), Ve II (2-2-1/1; 0.2–5%), Ve III (1-2-1/1; 0.1–14.6%), Ve IV (2-2-2/2; 0.5%), and Ve V (1-1-2/2; 0.5–4.9%). A meta-analysis of six studies from Europe and Asia indicated sex-differentiated patterns in RCC prevalence: higher occurrences of Ve II (2-2-1/1; OR [95%CI] = 1.19 [0.51, 2.73]), Ve III (1-2-1/1; (OR [95%CI] = 1.72 [0.61, 4.85]), and Ve V (1-1-2/2; (OR [95%CI] = 2.95 [1.02, 8.55]) configurations were noted in males, whereas females predominantly exhibited Ve I (1-1-1/1; [95%CI] = 0.99 [0.97, 1.02]), and Ve IV (2-2-2/2; (OR [95%CI] = 0.11 [0.01, 2.02]). Examination methods varied, with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) being most commonly (n = 11), followed by staining & clearing (n = 5), and radiographic analysis (n = 1). The predominant RCC in MxLI is type Vertucci I. CBCT is the most common method for assessing the morphology of root canals. However, up to 20% of cases may present with complex and sex-specific patterns, highlighting the need for clinicians to be aware of these differences to prevent complications during endodontic treatments.
A framework for human evaluation of large language models in healthcare derived from literature review
Authors: Tam Thomas Yu Chow , Sivarajkumar Sonish , Kapoor Sumit , Stolyar Alisa V. , Polanska Katelyn , McCarthy Karleigh R. , Osterhoudt Hunter , Wu Xizhi , Visweswaran Shyam , Fu Sunyang , Mathur Piyush , Cacciamani Giovanni E. , Sun Cong , Peng Yifan , Wang Yanshan
Published: September 2024

With generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), particularly large language models (LLMs), continuing to make inroads in healthcare, assessing LLMs with human evaluations is essential to assuring safety and effectiveness. This study reviews existing literature on human evaluation methodologies for LLMs in healthcare across various medical specialties and addresses factors such as evaluation dimensions, sample types and sizes, selection, and recruitment of evaluators, frameworks and metrics, evaluation process, and statistical analysis type. Our literature review of 142 studies shows gaps in reliability, generalizability, and applicability of current human evaluation practices. To overcome such significant obstacles to healthcare LLM developments and deployments, we propose QUEST, a comprehensive and practical framework for human evaluation of LLMs covering three phases of workflow: Planning, Implementation and Adjudication, and Scoring and Review. QUEST is designed with five proposed evaluation principles: Quality of Information, Understanding and Reasoning, Expression Style and Persona, Safety and Harm, and Trust and Confidence.
Comparison of NLP machine learning models with human physicians for ASA Physical Status classification
Authors: Yoon Soo Bin , Lee Jipyeong , Lee Hyung-Chul , Jung Chul-Woo , Lee Hyeonhoon
Published: September 2024

The American Society of Anesthesiologist’s Physical Status (ASA-PS) classification system assesses comorbidities before sedation and analgesia, but inconsistencies among raters have hindered its objective use. This study aimed to develop natural language processing (NLP) models to classify ASA-PS using pre-anesthesia evaluation summaries, comparing their performance to human physicians. Data from 717,389 surgical cases in a tertiary hospital (October 2004–May 2023) was split into training, tuning, and test datasets. Board-certified anesthesiologists created reference labels for tuning and test datasets. The NLP models, including ClinicalBigBird, BioClinicalBERT, and Generative Pretrained Transformer 4, were validated against anesthesiologists. The ClinicalBigBird model achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.915. It outperformed board-certified anesthesiologists with a specificity of 0.901 vs. 0.897, precision of 0.732 vs. 0.715, and F1-score of 0.716 vs. 0.713 (all p <0.01). This approach will facilitate automatic and objective ASA-PS classification, thereby streamlining the clinical workflow.
Predictive modeling of evoked intracranial EEG response to medial temporal lobe stimulation in patients with epilepsy
Authors: Acharya Gagan , Davis Kathryn A. , Nozari Erfan
Published: September 2024

Despite promising advancements, closed-loop neurostimulation for drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) still relies on manual tuning and produces variable outcomes, while automated predictable algorithms remain an aspiration. As a fundamental step towards addressing this gap, here we study predictive dynamical models of human intracranial EEG (iEEG) response under parametrically rich neurostimulation. Using data from n = 13 DRE patients, we find that stimulation-triggered switched-linear models with ~300 ms of causal historical dependence best explain evoked iEEG dynamics. These models are highly consistent across different stimulation amplitudes and frequencies, allowing for learning a generalizable model from abundant STIM OFF and limited STIM ON data. Further, evoked iEEG in nearly all subjects exhibited a distance-dependent pattern, whereby stimulation directly impacts the actuation site and nearby regions (≲ 20 mm), affects medium-distance regions (20 ~ 100 mm) through network interactions, and hardly reaches more distal areas (≳ 100 mm). Peak network interaction occurs at 60 ~ 80 mm from the stimulation site. Due to their predictive accuracy and mechanistic interpretability, these models hold significant potential for model-based seizure forecasting and closed-loop neurostimulation design.
An X-ray detector with an ultra-low detection limit based on bulk two-dimensional perovskite PEA2PbBr4 single crystals grown in HBr solution
Authors: Dong Hao , Liu Xin , Wang Hu , Chen Zhilong , Li Fenghua , Wang Pengxiang , Fu Jie , Shao Yuchuan
Published: September 2024

Bulk PEA2PbBr4 single crystals grown from an optimized solute ratio in HBr exhibit increased thickness. The fabricated X-ray detector demonstrates excellent X-ray performances, particularly an ultra-low detection limit of 0.79 nGyair s−1.
Carbon nanotubes as hole-selective contacts for high-efficiency full-area GaAs hybrid heterojunction solar cells
Authors: Mo Youtian , Guo Chaoying , Guo Jiansen , Liu Peixin , Wang Xuan , Cai Yufan , Chen Jiaying , Deng Xi , Wang Wenliang , Li Guoqiang
Published: September 2024

A schematic of the full-area GaAs/NP hybrid HJSC configuration and the energy band diagram of its heterojunction upon illumination.
Phosphonic acid grafted polybenzimidazoles containing pyridine for stable high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells
Authors: Li Jie , Zhang Weiyu , Wang Wenwen , Ji Jiaqi , Li Hong , Sun Yiming , Li Keda , Yang Tianqi , Jin Weiyi , Tang Yi , Zhao Yongqing , Li Wei , Gong Chenliang
Published: September 2024

Phosphonic acid grafted polybenzimidazole containing pyridine for high temperature proton exchange membranes exhibit excellent stability under low phosphoric acid doping conditions.
Synergistic modulation of BiOI by atomic-level vacancies and dominant facets for efficient photocatalytic degradation of bisphenol A
Authors: He Qicheng , Zhang Zhihao , Zhang Quanxi , Zhang Zhifeng
Published: September 2024

BiOI-2 exhibits excellent photocatalytic degradation performance through the synergistic regulation of defects and facets.
Dithienopyrrolothiophene (DTPT) based acceptors for fine-tuning molecular packing and enhancing ternary organic photovoltaic performance
Authors: Jiang Bing-Huang , Afraj Shakil N. , Ezhumalai Yamuna , Chang Chun-Yen , Yang Yun-Hsuan , Su Yu-Wei , Abdelhady Ahmed L. , Li Yu-Qi , Shi Zhong-En , Liu Cheng-Liang , Chen Ming-Chou , Kao Hsien-Ming , Chen Chih-Ping
Published: September 2024

The ternary strategy boosts the performance of organic photovoltaics (OPVs) by optimizing light-harvesting, blend morphology, and energy level alignment.
Enhanced piezoelectricity of [001]-textured (K,Na)(Nb,Sb)O3–(Bi,Ag)ZrO3 ceramics using Na(Nb0.9Sb0.1)O3 templates at low temperature
Authors: Kim Seung-Hyun , Lee Geun-Soo , Kim Jung-Soo , Kwak San , Min Byeong-Jae , Nahm Sahn
Published: September 2024

In this study, 2.0 mol% CuO-added 0.96(K0.5Na0.5)(Nb1−zSbz)O3–0.04(Bi0.5Ag0.5)ZrO3 [CKN(N1−zSz)–BAZ] piezoceramics (0.0 ≤ z ≤ 0.08) were densified at 980 °C without the secondary phase.
A spring-like fiber based strain sensor with a fast response and high sensitivity for precise detection of complicated human activities
Authors: Zhu Yunjian , Liu Jiahao , Ou Manman , Dai Leyu , Zhang Weiwei , Wang Jianjun , Sun Jun , Qin Chuanxiang , Dai Lixing
Published: September 2024

A fast response and high sensitivity spring-like fiber based strain sensor with tightly interconnected helixes is proposed and can be used as an intelligent assistant device to help infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities.
Hochenergetische, fokussierte extrakorporale Stoßwellentherapie
(ESWT) bei Knochenheilungsstörungen von Unterarm und Hand
Authors: Liedl Eva-Kristina , van Schoonhoven Jörg , Prommersberger Karl-Josef , Mühldorfer-Fodor Marion
Published: September 2024

Hintergrund Die ESWT ist eine nichtoperative Option, kann aber auch
ergänzend zu einer operativen Therapie (Stabilisierung, Anfrischung,
Defektauffüllung, Materialentfernung von störendem Fremdmaterial) zur Behandlung
von verzögerter (Knochen-)Heilung (VH) und Pseudarthrosen (PA) eingesetzt
werden. Ihre Wertigkeit sowie beeinflussende Faktoren wurden an der oberen
Extremität bisher nicht ausreichend quantifiziert.

Patienten und Methoden Sechzig Fälle wurden retrospektiv nach Anwendung
einer hochenergetischen, fokussierten ESWT hinsichtlich Ausheilungsrate und
Konsolidierungszeit untersucht. Der Einfluss von Alter, Lokalisation,
Behandlungszeitpunkt, vorausgegangener Therapie sowie einer begleitenden
Behandlung wurde analysiert.

Ergebnisse Bei 70% der Fälle kam es im Median nach 2,4 (VH) bzw. 2,8
Monaten (PA) zur Ausheilung. Das Durchschnittsalter der Geheilten (VH 44 J., PA
35 J.) und Nichtgeheilten (VH 51 J., PA 37 J.) unterschied sich nicht
signifikant. Die Zeit zwischen Trauma/OP und ESWT betrug für VH 4,2 Monate bei
Geheilten bzw. 3,7 Monate bei Nichtgeheilten ohne signifikanten Unterschied, bei
PA 27 Monate bei Geheilten wie Nichtgeheilten. Auch Alter und Rauchverhalten
zeigten keinen Einfluss. Die Ausheilungsrate war am höchsten an
Mittelhandknochen/Finger/Daumen (91%), gefolgt von Unterarmschaft (88%),
Epi-/Metaphyse des Unterarms (67%) und zuletzt Handwurzelknochen (59%). Nach
konservativer Vorbehandlung heilten 55%, bei>2 Voroperationen 67%, ohne
Vorbehandlung 73% und nach einer Voroperation 75%. Die weitere Analyse
hinsichtlich der operativen Vorversorgung ergab nach alleiniger ORIF 85%, ohne
Voroperation 64% und nach ORIF mit Knochenanfrischung/-transplantation 57%
Heilungsrate. Bei intraoperativer ESWT kombiniert mit
Knochendebridement/-transplantation+ORIF heilten 67%, kombiniert mit einer
alleinigen ORIF 86%. Bei alleiniger ESWT oder mit nur minimalen Maßnahmen
(Materialentfernung) konsolidierten 70%.

Schlussfolgerung Die ESWT ist in jedem Stadium der Knochenheilungsstörung
gleich wirksam. Die Prinzipien von Stabilität und Auffüllung bei vorhandenen
Knochendefekten müssen auch bei der Anwendung der ESWT berücksichtigt werden,
dann wirkt die ESWT alleinig oder kombiniert mit einer Operation gleichermaßen.
Der negative Einfluss von Knochendefekten/-resorption ist auch mit ESWT noch
nachweisbar. Ebenso ist die Behandlung des Kahnbeins problematischer als übrige
Lokalisationen. Eine vorangegangene Operation stellt keinen negativen Faktor
dar, auch wenn Fremdmaterial einliegt.
5-Fluorouracil-Induced Leukoencephalopathy: Report of Two Cases and Review of Literature
Authors: RN Supreeth , Hingmire Sachin , Joshi Aniruddha
Published: September 2024

5-fluorouracil (5FU) forms an important component of chemotherapy regimens used in various gastrointestinal (GI) adenocarcinomas and head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Leukoencephalopathy is a rare adverse effect of 5FU, mediated by hyperammonemia and hyperlactatemia. We report cases of two patients with GI adenocarcinomas who developed neurological symptoms while on 5FU infusion. The neuroimaging and biochemical parameters were suggestive of toxic leukoencephalopathy. They were managed with cessation of the drug and short-term antiepileptic therapy. We also discuss the pathophysiology of this adverse effect and its management.
Variability in Positions and Factors Contributing to Surgical Difficulty of Impacted Third Molars
Authors: Sjamsudin Endang , Rafisa Anggun , Najmi Nuroh
Published: September 2024

Objectives This study aimed to provide valuable insights into the variability of third molar positions and factors influencing their surgical time and technique.

Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study included a total of 48 eligible participants, aged 18 to 45 years, diagnosed with impacted teeth, and who had undergone surgery. Exclusion criteria comprised the absence of the second molar, the presence of systemic diseases, a history of radiation therapy, and pregnancy or lactation. Participants completed a questionnaire covering demographic data, physical metrics, and information on systemic conditions and disorders. Preoperative assessments included vital sign measurements. Panoramic imaging was employed to evaluate the third molar distance to the occlusal plane, degrees of angulation, eruption space, and distance to the alveolar inferior canal. Surgical difficulty in this study was measured by two outcomes: surgical time and technique.

Statistical Analysis To assess differences in impacted third molar positions among groups, Independent samples t-test and One-way analysis of variance were used for normally distributed data without outliers; otherwise, the Mann–Whitney U test and Kruskal–Wallis H test were utilized. The Spearman's rank correlation was utilized to explore relationships between vital signs, impacted third molar positions, surgical time, and surgical technique.

Results There were no significant differences in third molar positions between age and body mass index groups. Significant differences in distance to the occlusal plane were observed between third molars in quadrants 2 and 3 (p = 0.002) and quadrants 2 and 4 (p = 0.005). A significant difference in eruption space was found between sexes (p = 0.016). A significant negative correlation was discovered between surgical time and respiration rate per minute (p = 0.028).

Conclusion This study found that males have greater third molar eruption space than females, and maxillary third molars have a greater distance to the occlusal plane compared with mandibular third molars. The importance of vital signs as contributing factors to surgical difficulty is highlighted, emphasizing their relevance in clinical practice.
Multiple Meningiomas with Different Histological Patterns in the Same Patient: Do They Exist? A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: M.K Saranraj , Shanmugam Salapathi , Raiyani Yatin , Jacob Adrian , Ghosh Siddhartha
Published: September 2024

Meningiomas are the most common form of primary intracranial tumors, accounting for 13 to 26% of total neoplasms arising from arachnoid cap cells of the meningeal layer covering the central nervous system. Multiple intracranial meningiomas, which often have a syndromic association, account for less than 10% of total meningiomas. Multiple meningiomas with different histological patterns or grades in the same patient are very rare. Here we report such a rare case of meningioma with different histological patterns in the same patient. A 56-year-old lady presented to us with complaints of progressive right-sided weakness and speech disturbances, and her magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed two distinct extra-axial lesions over left frontal convexity and left fronto-temporo-parietal convexity. She underwent left fronto-temporo-parietal craniectomy and Simpson grade 1 excision of the lesions. Her histopathological examination revealed two different histological patterns: lesion 1 (left fronto-temporo-parietal convexity) was reported as a transitional World Health Organization (WHO) grade 1 meningioma and lesion 2 (left frontal convexity) was reported as angiomatous WHO grade 1 meningioma. She recovered well and was discharged in a stable condition after 3 weeks. Multiple meningiomas are defined as at least two spatially separated meningiomas occurring at the same time or more than two meningiomas arising sequentially from two clearly distinct regions. The exact mechanism of multicentricity is unknown. The treatment protocol for different histological types in the same patient is not clear. The extent of surgical resection remains the mainstay of the treatment and these patients should be followed up closely to watch for recurrence or malignant transformation. The role of radiotherapy in multiple meningiomas is yet to be established.
Minilifting: Short-Scar Rhytidectomy with Thread Lifting
Authors: Jung Kyu Hwa , Lee Won
Published: September 2024

Facelifting techniques have been developed over time to mask the aging process. However, conventional facelifts cause scarring. Because of patient demands, various noninvasive lifting techniques have been introduced, including absorbable thread lifting. Minilifting is known for its short-scar excision and is used to improve skin laxity and lifting using absorbable threads but the definition and operation techniques are not certain. In this article, we described the definition, development, and operative techniques used in minilifts. Minilifting procedures represent an added option for patients with minimal scarring and adequate lifting effects.
Inflammatory Marker Changes Following Total Knee Arthroplasty for Rheumatoid Arthritis with Vancomycin-Loaded Calcium Sulfate Bone Filling
Authors: Zhang Han , Ma Xiao , Chen GuanHong , Wang Ze , Shang Zhen , Wang Tianrui , Yu Tengbo , Zhang Yongtao
Published: September 2024

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) face infection risk. The study evaluates vancomycin-loaded calcium sulfate bone as infection prevention. Patients with RA treated with TKA who had their femoral canal filled using either vancomycin-loaded calcium sulfate bone (experimental group [n = 35]) or the patient's own excised autologous bone (control group [n = 30]) at the Qingdao University Affiliated Hospital, Qingdao, China from January 1, 2017, to March 1, 2023, were retrospectively enrolled in this study. An experienced surgeon used midvastus approach. Surgeries included disinfection, antibiotics, and femoral filling. The age, gender, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, and intraoperative details were extracted from the patient's medical records. Preoperation and postoperation markers (C-reactive protein [CRP], erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR]), pain scale (Visual Analog Scale [VAS]), infection rate, and Knee Society Score (KSS) were collected. Groups matched in age, gender, and BMI. No preoperative inflammatory marker differences were observed. However, compared to the control group, the postoperative inflammatory markers were significantly lower in the experimental group at 1-week postsurgery (CRP: 40.80 ± 23.17 vs. 60.80 ± 43.12 mg/L, p = 0.021; ESR: 72.06 ± 17.52 vs. 83.87 ± 21.52 mm/h, p = 0.012) and at 1-month postsurgery (CRP: 15.63 ± 6.56 vs. 21.17 ± 13.16 mg/L, p = 0.032; ESR: 25.25 ± 20.44 vs. 38.40 ± 25.26 mm/h, p = 0.024). There were no significant differences in the VAS (2.79 ± 0.90 vs. 2.70 ± 0.84 score, p = 0.689) and KSS (64.31 ± 17.88 vs. 66.57 ± 12.36) at 1-month postsurgery. Experimental group: zero infections; control group: only one infection. Administering vancomycin and calcium sulfate during TKA in RA patients reduces postoperative inflammation, but does not significantly affect infection risk; further research may be necessary for validation.