bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Racial Disparities in Candidates for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Liver Transplant After 6-Month Wait Policy Change
Authors: Saberi Behnam , Gurakar Ahmet , Tamim Hani , Schneider Carolin V. , Sims Omar T. , Bonder Alan , Fricker Zachary , Alqahtani Saleh A.
Published: November 2023

Importance

Racial disparities in liver transplant (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) may be associated with unequal access to life-saving treatment.

Objective

To quantify racial disparities in LT for HCC and mortality after LT, adjusting for demographic, clinical, and socioeconomic factors.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study was a retrospective analysis of United Network Organ Sharing/Organ Procurement Transplant Network (OPTN) data from 2003 to 2021. Participants were adult patients with HCC on the LT waiting list and those who received LT. Data were analyzed from March 2022 to September 2023.

Exposures

Race and time before and after the 2015 OPTN policy change.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Proportion of LT from wait-listed candidates, the proportion of waiting list removals, and mortality after LT.

Results

Among 12 031 patients wait-listed for LT with HCC (mean [SD] age, 60.8 [7.4] years; 9054 [75.3%] male; 7234 [60.1%] White, 2590 [21.5%] Latinx/o/a, and 1172 [9.7%] Black or African American), this study found that after the 2015 model of end-stage liver disease (MELD) exception policy changes for HCC (era 2), the overall proportion of LT for HCC across all races decreased while the proportion of dropouts on the LT waiting list remained steady compared with patients who did not have HCC. In Kaplan-Meier analysis, Asian patients demonstrated the lowest dropout rates in both era 1 and era 2 (1-year dropout, 16% and 17%, respectively; P < .001). In contrast, Black or African American patients had the highest dropout rates in era 1 (1-year dropout, 24%), but comparable dropout rates (23%) with White patients (23%) and Latinx/o/a patients in era 2 (23%). In both eras, Asian patients had the highest survival after LT (5-year survival, 82% for era 1 and 86% for era 2), while Black or African American patients had the worst survival after LT (5-year survival, 71% for era 1 and 79% for era 2). In the multivariable analysis for HCC LT recipients, Black or African American race was associated with increased risk of mortality in both eras, compared with White race (HR for era 1, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.05-1.35; and HR for era 2, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.10-1.56).

Conclusions and Relevance

This cohort study of LT candidates in the US found that after the 2015 MELD exception policy change for HCC, the proportion of LT for HCC had decreased for all races. Black or African American patients had worse outcomes after LT than other races. Further research is needed to identify the underlying causes of this disparity and develop strategies to improve outcomes for HCC LT candidates.
Risk Factors for Natural Hearing Evolution in Newborns With Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection
Authors: De Cuyper Elise , Acke Frederic , Keymeulen Annelies , De Leenheer Els , Van Hoecke Helen , Padalko Elizaveta , Boudewyns An , Gilles Annick , Muylle Marie , Kuhweide Rudolf , Royackers Liesbeth , Desloovere Christian , Verstreken Margriet , Schatteman Isabelle , Dhooge Ingeborg
Published: November 2023

Importance

Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is the major cause of congenital nonhereditary sensorineural hearing loss in children. Currently, criteria to identify infants at increased risk for unfavorable hearing outcome are lacking.

Objective

To identify risk factors associated with cCMV-related hearing improvement, hearing deterioration, and late-onset hearing loss.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This multicenter cohort study included patients from 6 secondary and tertiary hospitals enrolled in the Flemish CMV registry (Belgium). Newborns with untreated cCMV infection with at least 4-year audiological follow-up were included. Patients who presented with other possible causes of sensorineural hearing loss were excluded. Data were collected for 15 years (January 1, 2007, to February 7, 2022) and analyzed from September 26, 2022, to January 16, 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Primary outcome was hearing evolution (per-ear analysis; described as stable hearing, improvement, or deterioration). The association of gestational characteristics, clinical findings, timing of seroconversion, viral load, and hearing status at birth with hearing evolution was investigated using effect sizes (Cramer V, odds ratio [OR], or Hedges g).

Results

Of the 387 children, 205 of 385 with nonmissing data were male (53.2%), 113 (29.2%) had a symptomatic infection, and 274 (70.8%) had an asymptomatic infection. Every child was 4 years or older at final hearing evaluation. A total of 701 of 774 ears (90%) showed stable hearing (normal hearing or stable hearing loss since birth) over time. Late-onset hearing loss (normal hearing at birth followed by hearing loss) was present in 43 of 683 ears (6.3%). Among children with hearing loss present at birth, 24 of 34 ears (70.6%) had hearing deterioration, and 6 of 91 ears (6.6%) had hearing improvement. Prematurity was associated with a higher chance of hearing improvement (OR, 12.80; 95% CI, 2.03-80.68). Late-onset hearing loss was more prevalent in a first trimester infection (OR, 10.10; 95% CI, 2.90-34.48). None of the 104 ears of children with a third trimester seroconversion developed late-onset hearing loss.

Conclusions and Relevance

Findings of this cohort study support that ongoing audiological follow-up for untreated children with congenital hearing loss is important, as the majority of patients had hearing deterioration. The timing of seroconversion was associated with the risk of developing late-onset hearing loss. These insights can aid in parental counseling, patient stratification, and follow-up. Future research should focus on the effect of treatment, the influence of determined risk factors, and the study of eventual new risk factors in patients at high risk to develop hearing loss.
18.9% Efficiency Binary Organic Solar Cells Enabled by Regulating the Intrinsic Properties of PEDOT:PSS
Authors: Zhao Bin , Chung Sein , Zhang Min , Wei Wuning , Zhu Chaofeng , Deng Chenghao , Cho Kilwon , Kan Zhipeng
Published: November 2023

Anode interlayers play critical roles in organic solar cells, impacting the electrode's work function, energy level alignment, hole extraction, and electrode surfaces. However, the development of the commonly used anode interlayer PEDOT:PSS lags behind the rapid development of organic solar cells due to its low conductivity, acidity, and poor electron‐blocking capabilities. Herein, an innovative strategy is proposed to regulate the intrinsic properties of PEDOT:PSS by incorporating molybdenum‐containing semiconductors (MoO3, MoS2), which is validated using the state‐of‐the‐art active layer consisting of PM6:Y6 in conventional devices. The addition of molybdenum‐containing semiconductors alters the aggregation morphology of the PEDOT:PSS layer, increasing its conductivity and reducing its acidity. Furthermore, the hole extraction and electron‐blocking ability are improved by changing the work function of the anode with the influence of the deep energy level and by forming a trap energy level to capture electrons. Consequently, when the interlayer is employed, a champion power conversion efficiency of 17.1% in the PM6:Y6 devices and 18.9% in organic solar cells composed of PM6:L8‐BO is achieved. The results, which enhance the intrinsic properties of PEDOT:PSS with molybdenum‐containing semiconductors, offer valuable guidelines for engineering anode interlayers to fabricate highly efficient non‐fullerene organic solar cells.
NIR‐Activatable Heterostructured Nanoadjuvant CoP/NiCoP Executing Lactate Metabolism Interventions for Boosted Photocatalytic Hydrogen Therapy and Photoimmunotherapy
Authors: Yang Chunzheng , Zhang Jiashi , Chang Mengyu , Tan Jia , Yuan Meng , Bian Yulong , Liu Bin , Liu Zhendong , Wang Meifang , Ding Binbin , Ma Ping'an , Lin Jun
Published: November 2023

Near‐infrared (NIR) laser‐induced photoimmunotherapy has aroused great interest due to its intrinsic noninvasiveness and spatiotemporal precision, while immune evasion evoked by lactic acid (LA) accumulation severely limits its clinical outcomes. Although several metabolic interventions have been devoted to ameliorate immunosuppression, intracellular residual LA still remains a potential energy source for oncocyte proliferation. Herein, an immunomodulatory nanoadjuvant based on a yolk–shell CoP/NiCoP (CNCP) heterostructure loaded with the monocarboxylate transporter 4 inhibitor fluvastatin sodium (Flu) is constructed to concurrently relieve immunosuppression and elicit robust antitumor immunity. Under NIR irradiation, CNCP heterojunctions exhibit superior photothermal performance and photocatalytic production of reactive oxygen species and hydrogen. The continuous heat then facilitates Flu release to restrain LA exudation from tumor cells, whereas cumulative LA can be depleted as a hole scavenger to improve photocatalytic efficiency. Subsequently, potentiated photocatalytic therapy can not only initiate systematic immunoreaction, but also provoke severe mitochondrial dysfunction and disrupt the energy supply for heat shock protein synthesis, in turn realizing mild photothermal therapy. Consequently, LA metabolic remodeling endows an intensive cascade treatment with an optimal safety profile to effectually suppress tumor proliferation and metastasis, which offers a new paradigm for the development of metabolism‐regulated immunotherapy.
Flexible, Fibrous, and Rigid Chemiresistive VOC Sensors with Nanoparticle‐Structured Interfaces
Authors: Shang Guojun , Dinh Dong , Cheng Han‐Wen , Gebre Lidia , Yuan Tony , Yan Shan , Luo Jin , Lu Susan , Zhong Chuan‐Jian
Published: November 2023

As one of the noninvasive screening and diagnostic tools for human breath monitoring of various diseases, chemiresistive devices with nanomaterials as the sensing interfaces for detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have attracted increasing interests. A key challenge for the practical applications is an effective integration of all components in a system level. By integrating with the system components, it provides reliable and rapid results as a fast‐screening method for healthcare, safety, and environmental monitoring. This paper highlights some of the latest developments in chemiresistive sensors designed for the detection of VOCs and human breaths. It begins with a brief introduction to the fundamental principles of chemiresistive sensors with nanoparticle‐structured sensing interfaces. This is followed by a discussion of the recent fabrication methods, with an emphasis on nanostructured materials. Some of the recent examples will be highlighted in terms of recent innovative approaches to sensor applications and system integrations. Challenges and opportunities will also be discussed for the advancement and refinement of the chemiresistive sensor technologies in breath screening and monitoring of diseases.
The Next Generation Fecal Microbiota Transplantation: To Transplant Bacteria or Virome
Authors: Yu You , Wang Weihong , Zhang Faming
Published: November 2023

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for dysbiosis‐related diseases. However, the clinical practice of crude fecal transplants presents limitations in terms of acceptability and reproductivity. Consequently, two alternative solutions to FMT are developed: transplanting bacteria communities or virome. Advanced methods for transplanting bacteria mainly include washed microbiota transplantation and bacteria spores treatment. Transplanting the virome is also explored, with the development of fecal virome transplantation, which involves filtering the virome from feces. These approaches provide more palatable options for patients and healthcare providers while minimizing research heterogeneity. In general, the evolution of the next generation of FMT in global trends is fecal microbiota components transplantation which mainly focuses on transplanting bacteria or virome.
Retina pathology as a target for biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease: Current status, ophthalmopathological background, challenges, and future directions
Authors: Alber Jessica , Bouwman Femke , den Haan Jurre , Rissman Robert A. , De Groef Lies , Koronyo‐Hamaoui Maya , Lengyel Imre , Thal Dietmar Rudolf ,   the Alzheimer's Association ISTAART “The Eye as a Biomarker for AD” Professional Interest Area
Published: November 2023

There is emerging evidence that amyloid beta protein (Aβ) and tau‐related lesions in the retina are associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aβ and hyperphosphorylated (p)‐tau deposits have been described in the retina and were associated with small amyloid spots visualized by in vivo imaging techniques as well as degeneration of the retina. These changes correlate with brain amyloid deposition as determined by histological quantification, positron emission tomography (PET) or clinical diagnosis of AD. However, the literature is not coherent on these histopathological and in vivo imaging findings. One important reason for this is the variability in the methods and the interpretation of findings across different studies. In this perspective, we indicate the critical methodological deviations among different groups and suggest a roadmap moving forward on how to harmonize (i) histopathologic examination of retinal tissue; (ii) in vivo imaging among different methods, devices, and interpretation algorithms; and (iii) inclusion/exclusion criteria for studies aiming at retinal biomarker validation.
A Universal, Continuous Assay for SAM‐dependent Methyltransferases
Authors: Menke Marian J. , Schneider Pascal , Badenhorst Christoffel P. S. , Kunzendorf Andreas , Heinz Florian , Dörr Mark , Hayes Martin A. , Bornscheuer Uwe T.
Published: November 2023

Enzyme‐catalyzed late‐stage functionalization (LSF), such as methylation of drug molecules and lead structures, enables direct access to more potent active pharmaceutical ingredients (API). S‐adenosyl‐l‐methionine‐dependent methyltransferases (MTs) can play a key role in the development of new APIs, as they catalyze the chemo‐ and regioselective methylation of O‐, N‐, S‐ and C‐atoms, being superior to traditional chemical routes. To identify suitable MTs, we developed a continuous fluorescence‐based, high‐throughput assay for SAM‐dependent methyltransferases, which facilitates screening using E. coli cell lysates. This assay involves two enzymatic steps for the conversion of S‐adenosyl‐l‐homocysteine into H2S to result in a selective fluorescence readout via reduction of an azidocoumarin sulfide probe. Investigation of two O‐MTs and an N‐MT confirmed that this assay is suitable for the determination of methyltransferase activity in E. coli cell lysates.
Unusual Single Electron Transfer Reactions between Alkenes and Iodine Electrophiles†
Authors: Lou Zhengzhao , Hu Jingyu , Ni Chuanfa , Wang Xiu , Hu Jinbo
Published: November 2023

Comprehensive Summary

The electrophilic addition to an alkene with an electrophile has been widely studied and applied in organic synthesis. The organic chemistry textbook describes the classical reaction between an alkene and an iodine electrophile (such as elemental iodine and N‐iodosuccinimide (NIS)) as a typical ionic reaction, in which an iodonium ion is formed and then attacked by a nucleophile. However, in this article, we report a new and unusual reaction mode between an alkene and NIS; that is, a single electron transfer (SET) process occurs between these two reactants by forming an electron‐donor acceptor complex. Not only does this unusual single electron transfer reaction between an alkene and NIS add fundamentally important knowledge to organic chemistry, it also provides a valuable synthetic method as the new SET reaction mode with opposite regioselectivity as compared with the traditional ionic mode.
A novel ‘shunt fraction’ method to derive native cardiac output during liberation from central VA ECMO
Authors: Lim Hoong Sern
Published: November 2023

The Fick principle is an established method to quantify intracardiac shunts. The Fick principle has also found utility in the practice of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). This report describes a novel ‘shunt fraction’ method to calculate intrinsic cardiac output in central (right atrial‐to‐aorta) ECMO. The physiological basis of this ‘shunt fraction’ method is described, followed by the case presentation that details the clinical application of this method of quantifying intrinsic cardiac output to guide weaning and liberation from central VA ECMO.
Electrochemical enantioselective recognition by defined chiral linkers in polysaccharides modified with carbon quantum dots
Authors: Wang Jianrong , Han Sha , Zhao Hongfang , Li Hongxia , Niu Xiaohui , Wang Yi , Wang Kunjie
Published: November 2023

Chirality exists everywhere in nature, so chiral recognition is also an extremely important field. This paper explores the recognition of amino acid configuration by an electrochemical chiral sensing platform constructed with carbon nanomaterials (carbon quantum dots (CQDs) as the substrate material) combined with chiral selectors (chitosan (CS)). CQDs/CS, which is bonded by intermolecular force, and CQDs‐CS, which is formed by covalent grafting through amidation, are selected as electrochemical chiral recognition materials, and a series of characterization methods are carried out to indicate the successful preparation of the materials, and then attached to the glass carbon electrode (GCE), forming a chiral sensing platform for amino acid enantiomers. The differential voltammetry (DPV) method was used to convert the chemical signal into electrical signal. The results showed that compared with CQDs/CS, CQDs‐CS had better enantiomer resolution to tryptophan (Trp), and the peak current ratio (IL/ID) was 2.28.
Time‐series InSAR monitoring of surface deformation in Yakutsk, a city located on continuous permafrost
Authors: Li Xianglong , Zhang Ze , Zheleznyak Mikhail , Jin Huijun , Zhang Shengrong , Wei Hao , Zhai Jinbang , Melnikov Andrey , Gagarin Leonid
Published: November 2023

Permafrost, known for its high sensitivity to climate change and human activities, plays a crucial role in comprehending the environmental sustainability of Arctic cities. Yakutsk, being the largest city situated in continuous permafrost, has suffered irreversible damage to surface buildings due to the widespread permafrost thaw. Therefore, it is imperative to conduct detailed monitoring and assessment of surface deformation to ensure the stable operation of building facilities and to plan urban development situated above the permafrost. This study utilized 138 scenes of Sentinel‐1B images captured between 2017 and 2021 to process the surface deformation variations of Yakutsk using the Persistent Scatterer Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (PS‐InSAR) method. The surface deformation rate map reflects that the study area is undergoing extensive surface subsidence. The cumulative deformation time series maps effectively trace the temporal and spatial evolution of surface deformation, with the highest surface subsidence rates exceeding 40 mm/year and maximum cumulative subsidence exceeding 250 mm. In‐depth analysis of the obtained results indicated that the permafrost in Yakutsk is undergoing degradation, and the primary reason for surface subsidence is the thawing of foundation soils and the degradation of ice‐bearing permafrost. This study provides basic data for the investigation of geohazards caused by surface subsidence in Yakutsk.
A perspective on high‐temperature heat storage using liquid metal as heat transfer fluid
Authors: Niedermeier Klarissa
Published: November 2023

Energy storage systems are essential to secure a reliable electricity and heat supply in an energy system with high shares of fluctuating renewable energy sources. Thermal energy storage systems offer the possibility to store energy in the form of heat relatively simply and at low cost. In concentrating solar power systems, for instance, molten salt‐based thermal storage systems already enable a 24/7 electricity generation. The use of liquid metals as heat transfer fluids in thermal energy storage systems enables high heat transfer rates and a large operating temperature range (100°C to >700°C, depending on the liquid metal). Hence, different heat storage solutions have been proposed in the literature, which are summarized in this perspective. Based on these, future technical advances are suggested such as reducing the liquid metal share in the heat storage, using waste material as storage medium or using liquid metal as heat transfer fluids not only in sensible, but in latent or thermochemical energy storage systems. The use of waste material in a packed bed configuration with 5% porosity, for example, can bring down the storage material costs to 2%–3% of the costs of a liquid metal‐only storage system. Furthermore, future application fields beyond concentrating solar power are proposed: supply of industrial process heat, waste heat integration and power‐to‐heat‐to‐power processes.
Civil Aviation Policies and Practices in Turkey in a Global Context Through Sustainable Aviation
Authors: Haksevenler Betul Hande Gursoy , Temel Nazife Umran , Topal Yelda Erden
Published: November 2023

The negative environmental effects of global civil aviation growth since the 19th century lead to the emergence of the “sustainable aviation” concept. This study aims to determine the current status of sustainability discussions in developing Turkish civil aviation and its alignment with global sustainable aviation policies. The research data are collected through document analysis and key expert interviews. Document analysis is to review reports on sustainable aviation and to compare two cases of AirFrance‐KLM and Turkish Airlines. Semi‐structured interviews are conducted with key experts from airline companies, public institutions, and subsidiary services in the Turkish aviation sector. The analysis results are presented under the themes of “institutional, conceptual, Turkey's current situation, motivations, role of international organizations, cooperation and coordination, problems and obstacles.” The results show that the Turkish civil aviation industry is enthusiastic about catching up with international standards and is successful in keeping up with the latest technologies. The private sector is leading the sector by targeting global competitiveness. Current deficiencies stem from legislation, incentives, obligations, resources, and environmental awareness. The main contribution is to be the first source and guide for future studies that aim to shed light on policymaking in Turkey as an emerging country case.
Balancing climate resilience and adaptation for Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS): Building institutional capacity
Authors: Galaitsi Stephanie E. , Corbin Christopher , Cox Shelly-Ann , Joseph Genora , McConney Patrick , Cashman Adrian , Springer Cletus , Keenan Jesse , Cummings Christopher L. , Trump Benjamin D. , Linkov Igor
Published: November 2023

Although the Caribbean's Small Island Developing States (SIDS) minimally contribute to global greenhouse gas emissions, they face disproportionate climate risks and are particularly susceptible to systemic economic threats posed by climate change and subsequent increases in climate variability. Historically, strategic programs and investments have sought to develop more robust and adaptive engineered systems to absorb climate threats. However, such initiatives are limited and under-resourced in the SIDS' context. This article reviews existing climate strategies in the Caribbean and then critically examines current gaps and barriers relating to climate impact knowledge, needs, and implementation. This examination can assist Caribbean SIDS leadership to identify opportunities to transition from a vulnerability-reducing mindset to one of resilience and transformative adaptation to improve long-term economic outlooks, social welfare, and environmental stewardship despite recurring and escalating climate risks. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1237–1255. © 2023 SETAC

Key Points

When critical systems fail, the effects can cascade into other systems and timescales that would not have otherwise been affected. Small Island Developing States understand the need to go further: they seek to “bounce forward” in order to adapt systems to changing social, economic, and environmental conditions. Resilience-by-design is defined by as the endogenous origination and resourcing of a system's interventions.
Inhibition of the Cyclin K‐CDK12 complex induces DNA damage and increases the effect of androgen deprivation therapy in prostate cancer
Authors: Frei Katharina , Schecher Sabrina , Daher Tamas , Hörner Nina , Richter Jutta , Hildebrand Ute , Schindeldecker Mario , Witzel Hagen R. , Tsaur Igor , Porubsky Stefan , Gaida Matthias M. , Roth Wilfried , Tagscherer Katrin E.
Published: November 2023

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the mainstay of the current first‐line treatment concepts for patients with advanced prostate carcinoma (PCa). However, due to treatment failure and recurrence investigation of new targeted therapeutics is urgently needed. In this study, we investigated the suitability of the Cyclin K‐CDK12 complex as a novel therapeutic approach in PCa using the new covalent CDK12/13 inhibitor THZ531. Here we show that THZ531 impairs cellular proliferation, induces apoptosis, and decreases the expression of selected DNA repair genes in PCa cell lines, which is associated with an increasing extent of DNA damage. Furthermore, combination of THZ531 and ADT leads to an increase in these anti‐tumoral effects in androgen‐sensitive PCa cells. The anti‐proliferative and pro‐apoptotic activity of THZ531 in combination with ADT was validated in an ex vivo PCa tissue culture model. In a retrospective immunohistochemical analysis of 300 clinical tissue samples we show that Cyclin K (CycK) but not CDK12 expression correlates with a more aggressive type of PCa. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the clinical relevance of the CycK‐CDK12 complex as a promising target for combinational therapy with ADT in PCa and its importance as a prognostic biomarker for patients with PCa.
Peritoneal metastases from gastric cancer in a nationwide cohort: Incidence, treatment and survival
Authors: Rijken Anouk , Pape Marieke , Simkens Geert A. , de Hingh Ignace H. J. T. , Luyer Misha D. P. , van Sandick Johanna W. , van Laarhoven Hanneke W. M. , Verhoeven Rob H. A. , van Erning Felice N.
Published: November 2023

The aims of this study were to investigate incidence, risk factors and treatment of synchronous or metachronous peritoneal metastases (PM) from gastric cancer and to estimate survival of these patients using population‐based data. Patients diagnosed with gastric cancer in 2015 to 2016 were selected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. The incidence of synchronous and metachronous PM were calculated. Multivariable regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with the occurrence of PM. Treatment and survival were compared between patients with synchronous and metachronous PM. Of 2206 patients with gastric cancer, 741 (34%) were diagnosed with PM. Of these, 498 (23%) had synchronous PM. The cumulative incidence of metachronous PM in patients who underwent potentially curative treatment (n = 675) was 22.8% at 3 years. A factor associated with synchronous and metachronous PM was diffuse type histology. Patients diagnosed with synchronous PM more often received systemic treatment than patients with metachronous PM (35% vs 18%, respectively, P < .001). Median overall survival was comparable between synchronous and metachronous PM (3.2 vs 2.3 months, respectively, P = .731). Approximately one third of all patients with gastric cancer are diagnosed with PM, either at primary diagnosis or during 3‐year follow‐up after potentially curative treatment. Patients with metachronous PM less often received systemic treatment than those with synchronous PM but survival was comparable between both groups. Future trials are warranted to detect gastric cancer at an earlier stage and to examine strategies that lower the risk of peritoneal dissemination. Also, specific treatment options for patients with gastric PM should be further investigated.
Ultrasonography to Access Diaphragm Dysfunction and Predict the Success of Mechanical Ventilation Weaning in Critical Care
Authors: Marques Marta Rafael , Pereira José Manuel , Paiva José Artur , de Casasola‐Sánchez Gonzalo García , Tung‐Chen Yale
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Weaning failure is common in mechanically ventilated patients, and whether ultrasound (US) can predict weaning outcome remains controversial. This review aims to evaluate the diaphragmatic function measured by US as a predictor of weaning outcome.

Methods

PubMed was searched to identify original articles about the use of diaphragmatic US in ICU patients. A total of 61 citations were retrieved initially; available data of 26 studies were included in this review.

Results

To assess diaphragmatic dysfunction in adults, six studies evaluated excursion, five evaluated thickening fraction, and both in nine. Despite heterogeneity in the diagnostic accuracy of diaphragm US among the studies, the sonographic indices showed good diagnostic performance for predicting weaning outcome.

Conclusions

Diaphragmatic US can be a useful and accurate tool to detect diaphragmatic dysfunction in critically ill patients and predict weaning outcome.
The Efficacy of Budesonide as Intrapolyp Injection Agent in the Management of Type 2 CRSwNP
Authors: Elzayat Saad , Lasheen Hesham , Gehad Ibrahim , El‐Deeb Mohamed E. , Soltan Islam , Aouf Mohammad M. , Elgendy Ahmed
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To assess the efficacy and safety of budesonide as an intrapolyp injection in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) in comparison to control and systemic steroids.

Method

In a prospective double‐blinded controlled randomized clinical trial, 150 patients with CRSwNP were divided into 3 groups in a ratio 1:1:1 where group (A) was given oral prednisolone 1 mg/kg tapered daily for 2 weeks, group (B) was given budesonide intrapolyp injection weekly for 5 consecutive weeks, and group (C) was given intrapolyp injection with saline as the control group. Patients were assessed upon Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) score, Total Nasal Polyp score (TNPS), Serum IgE, absolute eosinophilic count, and morning cortisol level before treatment, 1 week and 6 months after completing their treatment protocol.

Results

SNOT 22 score improved significantly in all groups compared to those at baseline. Reduction in the oral and injection groups was much greater than the control group (P2 < 0.001), (P3 < 0.001), and the same trend concerning TNPS score (P2 < 0.001), (P3 < 0.001) but with no significant change in the control group.

Conclusion

Intrapolyp steroid injection is considered a safe and effective method in nasal polyposis with limited side effects in comparison to systemic steroids. Using Budesonide as an agent for intrapolyp injection appears to be promising. It's advisable in patients with multiple relapses or high‐risk patients to avoid repeated courses of oral steroids.

Level of Evidence

2 Laryngoscope, 134:2085–2092, 2024
Heterogeneous trajectories of depression and resilience following limb amputation
Authors: McGiffin Jed N. , Ehde Dawn M. , Williams Rhonda M. , Bonanno George A.
Published: November 2023

Objective

To identify longitudinal trajectories of depression in the first 6 months following limb loss and to explore baseline predictors of trajectories, including pain and demographic factors. A secondary aim was to evaluate whether trajectories of depression were associated with elevated symptoms of posttraumatic stress (PTS) at 6 months.

Design

Secondary longitudinal data analysis of an inception cohort study of persons with new‐onset limb loss. Participants completed assessments at three intervals (initial, 3 months, and 6 months).

Setting

Hospitalized care, acute rehabilitation, ambulatory care, and community.

Participants

Participants were recruited from consecutive cases of amputation surgery in a metropolitan hospital system over a period of 4 years (2002–2007). The final sample (n = 203) was predominantly White (79.3%) and male (78.8%) with an average age of 49.4 years (standard deviation [SD] = 14.6).

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Depression was assessed via the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9); posttraumatic stress symptoms were measured via the PTSD checklist– Civilian Version (PCL‐C).

Results

Four trajectories of depression were identified via Latent Growth Mixture Modeling: Resilience (73.2%), Chronic Depression (11.2%), Emerging Depression (8.9%), and Recovery (6.7%). Average pain intensity significantly predicted trajectory membership. Membership in the Chronic Depression class predicted elevated 6‐month PTS compared to all other classes; membership in the Resilience class predicted lower PTS than in the Chronic and Emerging Depression classes but did not differentiate from the Recovery trajectory.

Conclusions

Findings reveal that the course of depression post‐amputation is heterogenous, with varying profiles of symptom development, maintenance, and remission. A majority of individuals were classified as Resilient, whereas a substantial minority of individuals developed clinically significant depression between 3 and 6 months (Emerging Depression), suggesting that early screening during acute care may be insufficient. We detected a significant prospective relation between depression trajectories and distal PTS, advancing the potential clinical utility of trajectory modeling as a risk surveillance tool.
Complexation and evolution of cis‐prenyltransferase homologues in Cinnamomum kanehirae deduced from kinetic and functional characterizations
Authors: Liu Jia‐Jin , Liang Po‐Huang
Published: November 2023

Eukaryotic dehydrodolichyl diphosphate synthases (DHDDSs), cis‐prenyltransferases (cis‐PTs) synthesizing precursors of dolichols to mediate glycoprotein biosynthesis require partners, for eample Nus1 in yeast and NgBR in animals, which are cis‐PTs homologues without activity but to boost the DHDDSs activity. Unlike animals, plants have multiple cis‐PT homologues to pair or stand alone to produce various chain‐length products with less known physiological roles. We chose Cinnamomum kanehirae, a tree that contains two DHDDS‐like and three NgBR‐like proteins from genome analysis, and found that one DHDDS‐like protein acted as a homodimeric cis‐PT to make a medium‐chain C55 product, while the other formed heterodimeric complexes with either one of two NgBR homologues to produce longer‐chain products. Both complexes were functional to complement the growth defect of the yeast rer2 deficient strain at a higher temperature. From the roles for the polyprenol and dolichol biosynthesis and sequence motifs, their homologues in various species were compared to reveal their possible evolutionary paths.
Evaluation of the stability of physiological and behavioral resistance to imidacloprid in the house fly (Musca domestica L.) (Diptera: Muscidae)
Authors: Hubbard Caleb B. , Gerry Alec C. , Murillo Amy C.
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

The house fly (Musca domestica L.) is a synanthropic fly species commonly associated with confined animal facilities. House fly control relies heavily on insecticide use. Neonicotinoids are currently the most widely used class of insecticide and have been formulated into granular fly baits since 2002. Physiological resistance to imidacloprid in house flies has been observed to be unstable and decline over time without continual selection pressure, indicating that resistance has a fitness cost to individuals in the absence of exposure to insecticides. The stability of behavioral resistance to imidacloprid in the house fly has not been evaluated. In the current study, we assess the stability of physiological and behavioral resistance in house flies to imidacloprid over time.

RESULTS

Physiological susceptibility to imidacloprid varied significantly among three house fly strains examined, with WT‐15 exhibiting the greatest susceptibility to imidacloprid with an LC50 and LC95 of 109.29 (95.96–124.49) μg g−1 and 1486.95 (1097.15–2015.23) μg g−1, respectively. No significant differences in survival were observed across 30 generations of a house fly strain (BRS‐1) previously selected for behavioral resistance to imidacloprid with percentage survival ranging from 93.20% at F0 in 2020 to 96.20% survival at F30 in 2022.

CONCLUSION

These results have significant implications for the management of house flies exhibiting behavioral resistance in field settings. It appears that standard resistance management tactics deployed to reduce the prevalence of physiological resistance, such as rotating or temporarily discontinuing the use of specific insecticides, may not lead to reduced behavioral resistance to imidacloprid. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
A plural knowledges model to support sustainable management of dryland rivers in western India
Authors: Brierley Gary , Sahoo Sonam , Danino Michel , Fryirs Kirstie , Pandey Chhavi N. , Sahoo Ramendra , Khan Sana , Mohapatra Pranab , Jain Vikrant
Published: November 2023

Direct and indirect human disturbances present major challenges to sustainable management of dryland rivers, impacting upon their role as critical lifelines in arid and semiarid regions. This paper presents an overview of changing human–river relations, knowledges and practices in the management of dryland rivers in western India over the last 4500 years. In ancient times, traditional knowledges underpinned local water harvesting techniques that worked with nature. Subsequent imposition of external values and knowledge frameworks in colonial times applied a command‐and‐control ethos that asserted human authority over rivers. Postindependence, development programmes in the second half of the 21st century further accentuated this legacy, with profound implications for river health. Discipline‐bound approaches to river restoration in recent decades have failed to address these concerns. Using the Sabarmati catchment (~20,000 km2) as a case study, we develop a holistic, transdisciplinary approach that integrates traditional place‐based knowledges and practices alongside scientific understandings and the generative potential of Big Data to show how a plural knowledges model can support proactive and precautionary approaches to sustainable river management.
Polanyi and the Other Alternative Food Network: What San Francisco‐Based Multi‐Level Marketers of “Healthy” Food Tell UsAboutValues in Market Societies
Authors: Kristiansen Mathias Levi Toft , Gillette Maris Boyd
Published: November 2023

Recent decades have witnessed the proliferation of alternative food networks (AFNs) in the US and Europe. While social scientists classify heterogenous practices as AFNs, their participants share the desire to work against the existing food system, and efforts to access food from outside this system. Many analysts have captured these features of AFNs by using concepts from Karl Polanyi's The Great Transformation. Yet while Polanyi's framework has been productive, it has also contributed to binary representations of alternative food movements as either advancing non‐market values or in service to commodification and hegemony. We scrutinize San Francisco‐based independent contractors who sell food alternatives and health supplements produced by a multi‐level marketing company we call NatureRise. The marketers of NatureRise products are committed to working against an industrial food system that they consider corrupt. They promote food alternatives that they regard as more natural than food in the conventional system, and embed sales in face‐to‐face relations in which a family‐like concern for human wellbeing is expressed. Yet, they also engage in sales for what Polanyi calls “the motive of gain.” Our case highlights a shortcoming in Polanyi's thought, one that characterizes many social analyses, while supporting the continued relevance of his work.
High Signal‐to‐Noise Ratio Event‐Driven MEMS Motion Sensing
Authors: Mousavi Mohammad , Alzgool Mohammad , Davaji Benyamin , Towfighian Shahrzad
Published: November 2023

Two solutions for improving MEMS triboelectric vibration sensors performance in contact‐separation mode are reported experimentally and analytically. Triboelectric sensors have mostly been studied in the mesoscale. The gap variation between the electrodes induces a potential difference that represents the external vibration. Miniaturizing the device limits the sensor output because of the limited gap. This work offers a warped MEMS diaphragm constrained on its edges. The dome‐shaped structure provides one order of magnitude larger displacement after contact‐separation than standard designs resulting in one order of magnitude greater voltage and signal‐to‐noise‐ratio. Second, micro triboelectric sensors do not operate unless the external vibration is sufficiently forceful to initiate contact between layers. The proposed constraints on the edge of the diaphragm provide friction during periodic motion and generate charges. The combination of the warped diaphragm and boundary constraints instead of serpentine springs increases the charge density and voltage generation. The mechanical properties and electrical output are thoroughly investigated including nonlinearity, sensitivity, and signal‐to‐noise ratio. A sensitivity of 250 mV g−1 and signal‐to‐noise‐ratio of 32 dB is provided by the presented device at resonance, which is very promising for event‐driven motion sensors because it does not require signal conditioning and therefore simplifies the sensing circuitry.
Conclusion
Authors: Ratschiller Nasim Linda Maria
Published: November 2023

The conclusion highlights the results presented in the book by offering both additional empirical examples and new avenues for their interpretation. Rather than merely summarising the content, the conclusion discusses results and open questions along three dimensions: “metropolitan reflections,” “lines of hygiene” and “shifts of meanings.” The first point highlights how knowledge acquired in colonial encounters gave rise to a new scientific discipline—tropical medicine and hygiene—and shaped metropolitan approaches to public health. The section on “lines of hygiene” shows that purity, health and cleanliness were not clearly defined, solid concepts but explicit and implicit efforts to draw lines of difference. The last point traces the diverse meanings of hygiene from a temporal, spatial and epistemological perspective. Actors, institutions and networks from the religious, scientific and colonial spaces of knowledge interacted more or less between 1885 and 1914, and thus changed the substance of hygiene.
Soothing Weak Nerves: Tropical Anxieties, Missionary Guidance and Moral Hygiene
Authors: Ratschiller Nasim Linda Maria
Published: November 2023

This chapter argues that the contemporary image of the tropics as a site of jeopardy and trial offered an effective framework to preach the Basel Mission’s pious code of conduct to a broader audience. The personal regimen recommended in the medical literature on tropical hygiene around 1900 focussed on asceticism, self-discipline and temperance. These measures were congruent with the proscriptions of Pietist purity, underlining the continued belief in a connection between morality and disease. This puritan dimension of tropical hygiene allowed the Basel medical missionaries to position themselves as experts on the matter and mould scientific and colonial debates with their religious logic. They enjoyed extensive moral authority among the colonial public, not only advising how the sick should be treated but also prescribing healthy diets, behaviours and lifestyles. Although many of the debates surrounding tropical hygiene were carried out in medical journals and other specialised publications, their influence ranged far beyond the disciplinary boundaries of tropical medicine, gaining currency in wider social and political contexts.
Effects of low doses of the novel dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) derivative BNN27 in rat models of anxiety
Authors: Fragkiadaki Evangelia , Katsanou Lamprini , Vartzoka Foteini , Gravanis Achille , Pitsikas Nikolaos
Published: November 2023

Rationale

Several lines of evidence indicate that the neurosteroid dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is involved in anxiety. BNN27 is a new DHEA derivative lacking steroidogenic effects. The beneficial effects exerted by BNN27 in preclinical models of schizophrenia and memory disorders have been recently reported.

Objectives

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of this DHEA novel analog on anxiety-like behavior in rats.

Methods

To this end, the light/dark box, the open field, the contextual fear conditioning, and the excessive self-grooming induced by the serotonin 5-HT2c receptor agonist mCPP tests were utilized.

Results

Animals treated acutely with BNN27 (1, 3, and 6 mg/kg) dose dependently spent more time in the bright compartment of the light/dark box and in the central zone of the open field with respect to their vehicle-treated cohorts. Further, BNN27 reduced freezing behavior and weakened the mCPP-induced excessive self-grooming.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that BNN27 is a highly potent anxiolytic agent, as in all studied paradigms it showed anxiolytic-like effects in male rats.
Parameterised and Fine-Grained Subgraph Counting, Modulo 2
Authors: Goldberg Leslie Ann , Roth Marc
Published: November 2023

Given a class of graphs $${\mathcal {H}}$$
H
, the problem $$\oplus \text {{Sub}}({\mathcal {H}})$$

⊕
Sub
(
H
)

is defined as follows. The input is a graph $$H\in {\mathcal {H}}$$

H
∈
H

together with an arbitrary graph G. The problem is to compute, modulo 2, the number of subgraphs of G that are isomorphic to H. The goal of this research is to determine for which classes $${\mathcal {H}}$$
H
the problem $$\oplus \text {{Sub}}({\mathcal {H}})$$

⊕
Sub
(
H
)

is fixed-parameter tractable (FPT), i.e., solvable in time $$f(|H|)\cdot |G|^{O(1)}$$

f

(
|
H
|
)

·

|
G
|

O
(
1
)

. Curticapean, Dell, and Husfeldt (ESA 2021) conjectured that $$\oplus \text {{Sub}}({\mathcal {H}})$$

⊕
Sub
(
H
)

is FPT if and only if the class of allowed patterns $${\mathcal {H}}$$
H
is matching splittable, which means that for some fixed B, every $$H \in {\mathcal {H}}$$

H
∈
H

can be turned into a matching (a graph in which every vertex has degree at most 1) by removing at most B vertices. Assuming the randomised Exponential Time Hypothesis, we prove their conjecture for (I) all hereditary pattern classes $${\mathcal {H}}$$
H
, and (II) all tree pattern classes, i.e., all classes $${\mathcal {H}}$$
H
such that every $$H\in {\mathcal {H}}$$

H
∈
H

is a tree. We also establish almost tight fine-grained upper and lower bounds for the case of hereditary patterns (I).