bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined cervical and thoracic spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain: A systematic literature review
Authors: Tan Hao , Elkholy Mohamed A. , Raslan Ahmed M.
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is conventionally placed at either cervical or thoracic spinal regions to treat chronic pain. However, for patients with multiarea pain, concomitant cervical and thoracic SCS (ctSCS) may be necessary to provide sufficient coverage. It remains unknown whether ctSCS is effective and safe. Thus, we aimed to survey the existing literature and assess the efficacy and safety of ctSCS.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was performed according to the 2020 PRISMA guidelines to investigate pain, functional, and safety outcomes related to ctSCS. Articles between 1990 and 2022 available through PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were included if they assessed these outcomes in the context of ctSCS. Data extracted from articles included study type, number of ctSCS implantations, stimulation parameters, indications for implantation, complications, and frequency. The Newcastle–Ottawa scale was used to assess risk of bias.

Results

Three primary studies met our inclusion criteria. Overall, ctSCS was effective in providing analgesia. Pain severity was captured with patient‐reported pain scales and changes in analgesic requirements. Various metrics were used to quantify quality of life and functional outcomes. Failed back surgery syndrome was the most common indication for ctSCS implantation. Implanted pulse generator pocket pain was the most common postoperative adverse event.

Conclusions

Despite the limited evidence available, ctSCS seems to be effective and generally well tolerated. The dearth of relevant primary literature illustrates a knowledge gap, and future studies are needed to better clarify the efficacy and safety profile of this SCS variant.
Early Childbearing and Child Marriage: An Update
Authors: Molitoris Joseph , Kantorová Vladimíra , Ezdi Sehar , Gonnella Giulia
Published: July 2023

Eliminating child marriage is seen by policy makers and advocates as a path toward reducing births to girls below age 18, as most early births have been previously found to occur within marriage. There has been little recent evidence, however, of the marital context in which early childbearing occurs or how this relationship varies across space and levels of development. Using survey and vital registration data covering approximately 95 percent of the world's births to mothers younger than 18 years, we estimated the share of first births that occur within marriage at the global, regional and national levels. We found that more than half of births to mothers below age 18 worldwide take place in sub‐Saharan Africa, and this share will continue to grow. Globally, 76 percent of first births to mothers below age 18 occur within marriage and there are large regional differences. Over the past two decades, the share of first births to mothers below age 18 occurring within marriage declined in most countries with data available, but there are important exceptions. Although most first births to women below age 18 occur following seven months of marriage, the sequencing of child marriage and early childbearing varies widely across countries.
On the Lie algebra structure of integrable derivations
Authors: Briggs Benjamin , Rubio y Degrassi Lleonard
Published: July 2023

Building on work of Gerstenhaber, we show that the space of integrable derivations on an Artin algebra forms a Lie algebra, and a restricted Lie algebra if contains a field of characteristic . We deduce that the space of integrable classes in forms a (restricted) Lie algebra that is invariant under derived equivalences, and under stable equivalences of Morita type between self‐injective algebras. We also provide negative answers to questions about integrable derivations posed by Linckelmann and by Farkas, Geiss and Marcos. Along the way, we compute the first Hochschild cohomology of the group algebra of any symmetric group.
An Experimental Comparison of Cyclic Variations in Diesel–Natural Gas and POMDME–Natural Gas Dual Fuel Combustion
Authors: Narayanan Abhinandhan , Hariharan Deivanayagam , Krishnan Sundar , Srinivasan Kalyan
Published: July 2023

Cyclic variations in internal combustion engines are caused by various factors, including combustion mixture stratification, in-cylinder flows, local fluctuations in air-fuel ratio, etc. Cyclic variations have a profound impact on engine performance and emissions. In this study, cyclic variations in dual fuel combustion are analyzed, comparing diesel–natural gas (NG) and polyoxymethylene dimethyl ether (POMDME)-NG dual fuel combustion. Cyclic variability was initially quantified using the coefficient of variation of gross indicated mean effective pressure (IMEPg) computed from experimental cylinder pressure data. The cases analyzed in this study had a coefficient of variation (COV) of IMEPg greater than or around 5%, which was the lower limit of onset of instability for this engine. Experiments were performed at two fixed start of injection (SOI) of high-cetane fuel: 310 CAD and 350 CAD. For all experiments, a constant load of 5 bar IMEPg was maintained, and the intake boost pressure and rail pressure were fixed at 1.5 bar and 500 bar, respectively. For each case, 1000 cycles of cylinder pressure data were recorded, filtered, and processed using an in-house heat release analysis code for each cycle. A comparison between individual cycles and the “ensemble averaged cycle” was made for both diesel–NG and POMDME–NG combustion. For the early SOI of 310 CAD, the peak cylinder pressure fluctuations of individual cycle were found to be ± 15 bar for both fuel combinations, compared to the ensemble averaged cycle, and < 1/10th of the cycles had an IMEPg lower than 0.05 bar of the ensemble averaged cycle. However, the peak pressure fluctuations were found to be lower for POMDME–NG (±3 bar) than diesel–NG dual fuel combustion at 350 CAD SOI, indicating lower cyclic variations. The higher reactivity of POMDME helped reduce fluctuations in combustion phasing at the retarded SOI. The presence of cycles of deterioration and cycles of recovery were also observed with diesel–NG combustion for 310 CAD SOI, and the scatter in the IMEPg return map was similar for both fuel combinations. The IMEPg return map for POMDME–NG combustion was less scattered at the 350 CAD SOI.
Blade Strain Peak Localization Method With Single Transducer During Multimode Vibration
Authors: Zhu Yuda , Wang Yanan , Qiao Baijie , Luo Xianqiang , Chen Xuefeng
Published: July 2023

The dynamic strain/stress measurement of blades provides an effective method to anticipate fatigue life and investigate of failure causes. Unlike the blade strain peak is fixed during singlemode, which can be measured by a single transducer, the strain peak distribution changes over time and space during multimode vibration situations. The existing method reconstructs the full-field strain to find the peak point with multiple transducers. In this work, a single transducer-based full-field dynamic strain reconstruction technique is presented to find the strain peak position on rotor blades. First, the mode response is obtained by separating the measured response from a single strain gauge based on Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition. Second, based on the strain mode shape from the finite element model, the reconstructed strain transmissibility matrix is created between a single measured location and the full field. Third, the dynamic strain of the blade can be reconstructed at any location and time by combining the separated mode response with the RST matrix. Finally, the strain peak localization is identified according to the distribution of full-field dynamic strain during multimode vibration. The above process is verified by experimental data from rotor blades with the maximum error of reconstructed strain below 12% and three explicitly recognized strain peak positions.
HAXPES reference spectra of Ta and Ta2O5 with Cr Kα excitation
Authors: Zheng Dong , Young Christopher N. , Stickle William F.
Published: July 2023

Monochromatic Cr Kα radiation (5414.8 eV) has been used to acquire XPS and Auger data on sputtered Ta and Ta2O5 samples. Survey data, high-resolution scans of all observed photoelectron peaks, and high-resolution scans of Auger lines are presented herein.
HAXPES reference spectra of Si, SiO2, SiN, SiC, and poly(dimethyl siloxane) with Cr Kα excitation
Authors: Zheng Dong , Young Christopher N. , Stickle William F.
Published: July 2023

Monochromatic Cr Kα radiation (5414.8 eV) has been used to acquire XPS and Auger data on silicon, silicon dioxide, silicon nitride, silicon carbide, and poly(dimethyl siloxane) samples. Survey data, high-resolution scans of all observed photoelectron peaks, and high-resolution scans of Auger lines are presented herein.
Cortical polarity ensures its own asymmetric inheritance in the stomatal lineage to pattern the leaf surface
Authors: Muroyama Andrew , Gong Yan , Hartman Kensington S. , Bergmann Dominique C.
Published: July 2023

Asymmetric cell divisions specify differential cell fates across kingdoms. In metazoans, preferential inheritance of fate determinants into one daughter cell frequently depends on polarity-cytoskeleton interactions. Despite the prevalence of asymmetric divisions throughout plant development, evidence for analogous mechanisms that segregate fate determinants remains elusive. Here, we describe a mechanism in the
Arabidopsis
leaf epidermis that ensures unequal inheritance of a fate-enforcing polarity domain. By defining a cortical region depleted of stable microtubules, the polarity domain limits possible division orientations. Accordingly, uncoupling the polarity domain from microtubule organization during mitosis leads to aberrant division planes and accompanying cell identity defects. Our data highlight how a common biological module, coupling polarity to fate segregation through the cytoskeleton, can be reconfigured to accommodate unique features of plant development.
Translation dynamics in human cells visualized at high resolution reveal cancer drug action
Authors: Xing Huaipeng , Taniguchi Reiya , Khusainov Iskander , Kreysing Jan Philipp , Welsch Sonja , Turoňová Beata , Beck Martin
Published: July 2023

Ribosomes catalyze protein synthesis by cycling through various functional states. These states have been extensively characterized in vitro, but their distribution in actively translating human cells remains elusive. We used a cryo–electron tomography-based approach and resolved ribosome structures inside human cells with high resolution. These structures revealed the distribution of functional states of the elongation cycle, a Z transfer RNA binding site, and the dynamics of ribosome expansion segments. Ribosome structures from cells treated with Homoharringtonine, a drug used against chronic myeloid leukemia, revealed how translation dynamics were altered in situ and resolve the small molecules within the active site of the ribosome. Thus, structural dynamics and drug effects can be assessed at high resolution within human cells.
Animal welfare: Methods to improve policy and practice
Authors: Budolfson Mark , Fischer Bob , Scovronick Noah
Published: July 2023

New methods are emerging to quantify human and animal welfare on a common scale, creating new tools for policy
The future of bears
Eight Bears: Mythic Past and Imperiled Future
Gloria Dickie
Norton, 2023. 272 pp.
Authors: Can Özgün Emre
Published: July 2023

A deep dive into the eight living bear species emphasizes humanity’s role in their fate
Tandems have the power
Authors: De Wolf Stefaan , Aydin Erkan
Published: July 2023

Perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells break the 30% efficiency threshold
A microbiome exercise
Authors: Thaiss Christoph A.
Published: July 2023

Gut-brain connections drive the motivation to work out
Insights into the role of HIV-1 Vpu in modulation of NF-ĸB signaling pathways
Authors: Zhang Robert Z. , Kane Melissa
Published: July 2023

HIV-1 inhibits the activation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) to prevent the induction of a proinflammatory state but also activates the NF-κB pathway to promote viral transcription. Thus, optimal regulation of this pathway is important for the viral life cycle. In recent work, Pickering et al
.
(3) demonstrate that HIV-1 viral protein U has contrasting effects on the two distinct paralogs of β-transducin repeat-containing protein (β-TrCP1 and β-TrCP2) and that this interaction has important implications for the regulation of both the canonical and non-canonical NF-κB pathways. Additionally, the authors identified the viral requirements for the dysregulation of β-TrCP. In this commentary, we discuss how these findings further our understanding of how the NF-κB pathway functions during viral infection.
Ergosterol distribution controls surface structure formation and fungal pathogenicity
Authors: Choy Hau Lam , Gaylord Elizabeth A. , Doering Tamara L.
Published: July 2023

Ergosterol, the major sterol in fungal membranes, is critical for defining membrane fluidity and regulating cellular processes. Although ergosterol synthesis has been well defined in model yeast, little is known about sterol organization in the context of fungal pathogenesis. We identified a retrograde sterol transporter, Ysp2, in the opportunistic fungal pathogen
Cryptococcus neoformans
. We found that the lack of Ysp2 under host-mimicking conditions leads to abnormal accumulation of ergosterol at the plasma membrane, invagination of the plasma membrane, and malformation of the cell wall, which can be functionally rescued by inhibiting ergosterol synthesis with the antifungal drug fluconazole. We also observed that cells lacking Ysp2 mislocalize the cell surface protein Pma1 and have abnormally thin and permeable capsules. As a result of perturbed ergosterol distribution and its consequences,
ysp2
∆ cells cannot survive in physiologically relevant environments such as host phagocytes and are dramatically attenuated in virulence. These findings expand our knowledge of cryptococcal biology and underscore the importance of sterol homeostasis in fungal pathogenesis.

IMPORTANCE

Cryptococcus neoformans
is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that kills over 100,000 people worldwide each year. Only three drugs are available to treat cryptococcosis, and these are variously limited by toxicity, availability, cost, and resistance. Ergosterol is the most abundant sterol in fungi and a key component in modulating membrane behavior. Two of the drugs used for cryptococcal infection, amphotericin B and fluconazole, target this lipid and its synthesis, highlighting its importance as a therapeutic target. We discovered a cryptococcal ergosterol transporter, Ysp2, and demonstrated its key roles in multiple aspects of cryptococcal biology and pathogenesis. These studies demonstrate the role of ergosterol homeostasis in
C. neoformans
virulence, deepen our understanding of a pathway with proven therapeutic importance, and open a new area of study.
Insights into the Synergistic Antibacterial Activity of Silver Nitrate with Potassium Tellurite against
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Pormohammad Ali , Firrincieli Andrea , Salazar-Alemán Daniel A. , Mohammadi Mehdi , Hansen Dave , Cappelletti Martina , Zannoni Davide , Zarei Mohammad , Turner Raymond J.
Published: July 2023

Metals and/or metalloids could represent antimicrobial alternatives for industrial and clinical applications (e.g., surface coatings, livestock, and topical infection control) because of their great properties, such as good stability and long half-life. Silver is the most common antimicrobial metal, but resistance prevalence is high, and it can be toxic to the host above a certain concentration.
Supplemental Material: Tracing Oligocene–Miocene source-to-sink systems in the deep Levant Basin: A sandstone provenance study
Authors: Glazer Adar , et al.
Published: July 2023

Table S1: Sampling information. Table S2: Zircon single grain (LA-ICP-MS) U-Pb and (LA-MC-ICP-MS) Lu-Hf analytical data. Table S3: Heavy mineral assemblage analyses data.
Beneficence cannot justify voluntary euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide
Authors: Panayiotou Petros
Published: July 2023

The patient’s autonomy and well-being are sometimes seen as central to the ethical justification of voluntary euthanasia (VE) and physician-assisted suicide (PAS). While respecting the patient’s wish to die plausibly promotes the patient’s autonomy, it is less obvious how alleviating the patient’s suffering through death benefits the patient. Death eliminates the subject, so how can we intelligibly maintain that the patient’s well-being is promoted when she/he no longer exists? This article interrogates two typical answers given by philosophers: (a) that death confers a well-being benefit in the sense that it actualises a comparatively better life course for the patient (ie, a shorter life with less net suffering), and (b) that death is beneficial because non-existence which entails no suffering is superior to an existence filled with suffering. A close examination of the two senses in which the patient might incur a well-being benefit reveals problems that preclude physicians delivering VE/PAS in the name of beneficence.
APOEgenotypes modify the obesity paradox in dementia
Authors: Shinohara Mitsuru , Gheni Ghupurjan , Hitomi Junichi , Bu Guojun , Sato Naoyuki
Published: July 2023

Background

While obesity in midlife is a risk factor for dementia, several studies suggested that obesity also protected against dementia, hence so-called obesity paradox. The current study aims to address the relationship between apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype and obesity in dementia.

Methods

Clinical and neuropathological records of the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (NACC) in the USA, which longitudinally followed approximately 20 000 subjects with different cognitive statues,APOEgenotype and obesity states, were reviewed.

Results

Obesity was associated with cognitive decline in early elderly cognitively normal individuals withoutAPOE4, especially those withAPOE2. Neuropathological analyses adjusted for dementia status showed thatAPOE2carriers tended to have more microinfarcts and haemorrhages due to obesity. On the other hand, obesity was associated with a lower frequency of dementia and less cognitive impairment in individuals with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Such trends were particularly strong inAPOE4carriers. Obesity was associated with fewer Alzheimer’s pathologies in individuals with dementia.

Conclusions

Obesity may accelerate cognitive decline in middle to early elderly cognitive normal individuals withoutAPOE4likely by provoking vascular impairments. On the other hand, obesity may ease cognitive impairment in both individuals with dementia and individuals at the predementia stage, especially those withAPOE4, through protecting against Alzheimer’s pathologies. These results support thatAPOEgenotype modifies the obesity paradox in dementia.
Does the impact of peripheral nerve blocks vary by age and comorbidity subgroups? A nationwide population-based study
Authors: Zhong Haoyan , Poeran Jashvant , Cozowicz Crispiana , Athanassoglou Vassilis , Illescas Alex , Memtsoudis Stavros G , Liu Jiabin
Published: July 2023

Introduction

A large body of literature suggests that peripheral nerve blockade (PNB) is associated with improved perioperative outcomes in total hip and knee joint arthroplasty patients. However, it is unclear to what extent this association exists across patient subgroups based on age and health status.

Methods

Patients who underwent total joint arthroplasty were identified from the Premier Healthcare database (2006–2019). Mixed-effects models were applied to assess the relationship between exposure of interest (PNB use on the day of surgery) and various outcomes (postoperative respiratory complications, acute renal failure, delirium, intensive care unit admission, prolonged length of stay, and high opioid consumption) across multiple subgroups stratified by patient age and pre-existing comorbidities.

Results

PNB use and outcome association varies based on the patient’s health and age characteristics. For adults and older adults with excellent or fair, there was a decrease in the likelihood of respiratory complication with the use of PNB (OR: 0.92, 95% CI 0.86 to 0.98; OR: 0.88, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.95; OR: 0.94, 95% CI 0.89 to 0.99, respectively). Peripheral nerve blocks were also associated with a reduction in the odds of high opioid consumption across all categories except adult patients in poor health.

Conclusion

PNB use is associated with beneficial effects more commonly observed among patients with a lower comorbidity burden, without a clear pattern of association with patient age.
Combined erector spinae plane block with surgical intercostal nerve cryoablation for Nuss procedure is associated with decreased opioid use and length of stay
Authors: Aranda-Valderrama Paola , Greenberg Robert S , Vecchione Tricia M , Finney Amanda G , Prichett Laura M , Vanderhoek Samuel M
Published: July 2023

Background and objectives

Pain management for patients undergoing the Nuss procedure for treatment of pectus excavatum can be challenging. In an effort to improve pain management, our institution added bilateral single injection erector spinae plane (ESP) blocks to surgeon placed intercostal nerve cryoablation. We aimed to assess the efficacy of this practice change.

Methods

Retrospective clinical data from a single academic medical center were evaluated. Due to an institutional change in clinical management, we were able to perform a before and after study. Twenty patients undergoing Nuss procedure who received bilateral ultrasound-guided single-shot T6 level ESP blocks and intercostal nerve cryoablation were compared with a historical control cohort of 20 patients who underwent Nuss procedure with intercostal nerve cryoablation alone. The primary outcome variables included postoperative pain scores, total hospital opioid use, and hospital length of stay.

Results

Median total hospital intravenous morphine milligram equivalents was lower for the ESP group than for the control group (0.60 (IQR 0.35–0.88) vs 1.15 mg/kg (IQR 0.74–1.68), p<0.01). There was no difference in postoperative pain scores between the two groups. Mean hospital length of stay was 2.45 (SD 0.69) days for the control group and 1.95 (SD 0.69) days for the ESP group (p=0.03). No adverse events related to block placement were identified.

Conclusions

In a single-center academic practice, the addition of bilateral single injection ESP blocks at T6 to surgeon performed cryoablation reduced opioid consumption without a change in subjectively reported pain scores. The results from this pilot study can provide effect size estimates to guide the design of future randomized trials.
Testing neutrino dipole portal by long-lived particle detectors at the LHC
Authors: Liu Wei , Zhang Yu
Published: July 2023

We discuss the potential of using detectors aimed for searching long-lived particles (LLP) at the high-luminosity LHC run, to probe the neutrino dipole models. This is achieved by taking the heavy neutral leptons (HNL) of the models as candidates of the LLPs. Taking into account the dipole couplings to the weak bosons, $$d_{W,Z}$$

d

W
,
Z

, which control the production of the HNLs at the LHC, we discuss the reach on the electromagnetic dipole couplings, $$d_\gamma $$

d
γ

, by searching for a single high-energy photon at LLP detectors. Four typical scenarios are considered in this paper, scenario A, B with $$d_{W}=0$$

d
W

=
0

or $$d_{Z}=0$$

d
Z

=
0

, and scenario C, D with $$d_{W,Z}\gg d_\gamma $$

d

W
,
Z

≫

d
γ

. We show the sensitivity on $$d_\gamma $$

d
γ

, can be fairly different depending on the relations between the $$d_{W,Z}$$

d

W
,
Z

and $$d_\gamma $$

d
γ

. And the LLP detectors can potentially extend the sensitivity on dipole couplings during the high-luminosity runs of the LHC in certain scenarios.
Rotating BTZ-like black hole and central charges in Einstein-bumblebee gravity
Authors: Ding Chikun , Shi Yu , Chen Jun , Zhou Yuebing , Liu Changqing , Xiao Yuehua
Published: July 2023

We obtain an exact rotating BTZ-like black hole solution by solving the corresponding gravitational field equations and the bumblebee motion equations in Einstein-bumblebee gravity theory. Result is presented for the purely radial Lorentz symmetry violating and can only exist with a linear functional potential of the bumblebee field. This black hole has two horizons and an ergosphere which are dependent on the bumblebee coupling constant $$\ell $$
ℓ
. The concepts of the area and volume of the horizon should be renewed in this LV spacetime due to the nontrivial contribution of coupling between the bumblebee field and the Ricci tensor. Only in this way, the entropy-area relation, first law of thermodynamics and the Smarr formula can still be constructed. We also study the AdS/CFT correspondence of this black hole, find that the entropy product of its inner and outer horizons is universal. So the central charges of the dual CFT on the boundary can be obtained via the thermodynamic method, and they can reappear black hole mass and angular momentum in the bulk.
Pre-Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Review
Authors: So Jacqueline , So Ho
Published: July 2023

Pre-rheumatoid arthritis (pre-RA) is the preclinical period before the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Patients may suffer from arthralgia without clinically detectable arthritis. This period is characterized by a complex interaction of genetic, environmental, and host microbiomic factors leading to immune dysregulation, the production of autoantibodies, and finally joint inflammation. Around 30% of patients with undifferentiated arthritis progress to RA. Early identification of patients at the pre-RA stage might provide an opportunity for timely intervention, which may alter the natural history of the disease. In this narrative review, we will summarize the clinical features of pre-RA and the risk factors associated with the development of RA. The management of patients with a high risk of developing RA will also be discussed.
Dipnoan diversity in the early Pennsylvanian of Scotland: new lungfish from the Lower Coal Measures of North Lanarkshire
Authors: Elliott Francis M. , Challands Thomas J. , Smithson Timothy R.
Published: July 2023

Only two lungfish have been recorded in the Scottish Coal Measures in the past 150 years:
Ctenodus
and
Sagenodus
. Here we describe a suite of new lungfish specimens collected from sites in the Scottish Central Coalfield that represent a least four taxa:
Sagenodus
,
Conchopoma
, and two new forms
Braccodus kerri
gen. et sp. nov and
Lanarkodus clarki
gen. et sp. nov. These are part of an extensive vertebrate fauna recently discovered in colliery waste from mining the Upper and Lower Drumgray Coal. These coals lie within the
Communis
Chronozone and are of Langsettian age. The specimens are much smaller than those found previously in the Scottish Coal Measures and represent fish between 60 and 300 mm long. The basihyal tooth plates of
Conchopoma
are the first record of this genus in the Pennsylvanian of Europe.
Lanarkodus clarki
has a heterodont dentition not previously described from the Pennsylvanian. All the new material is preserved in thin, laminated shales, suggesting a small lake environment rather than the typical coal swamp. These new discoveries demonstrate that Pennsylvanian lungfish were more diverse than previously realized and add to growing evidence that the rate of lungfish evolution did not decline significantly after the Devonian, and remained high throughout the Carboniferous.

Thematic collection:
This article is part of the Palaeontology of Scotland collection available at:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/topic/collections/palaeontology-of-scotland
Impact of Sodium Metal Plating on Cycling Performance of Layered Oxide/Hard Carbon Sodium-ion Pouch Cells with Different Voltage Cut-offs
Authors: Hijazi Hussein , Ye Ziwei , Zhang Libin , Deshmukh Jay , Johnson Michel B. , Dahn Jeff R. , Metzger Michael
Published: July 2023

This study investigates the cycling performance and failure mechanisms of sodium-ion pouch cells with layered NaCa0.03[Mn0.39Fe0.31Ni0.22Zn0.08]O2 positive electrodes and hard carbon negative electrodes. Charge/discharge cycling between different lower and upper cut-off voltages at C/5 and 40 °C showed better capacity retention, lower voltage polarization, and less gassing when the upper cut-off voltage was limited to 3.80 V. Electrodes harvested from pouch cells after cycling were reassembled in symmetric coin cells to reveal the origin of voltage polarization by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The negative electrode charge transfer resistance dominated the full cell impedance and increased considerably after 100 cycles at 40 °C with standard alkyl carbonate electrolyte. The positive electrode impedance was less significant but increased dramatically when the full cell voltage was 4.00 V. Furthermore, ultra-high precision coulometry used for the in situ detection of sodium plating at 40 °C, revealed significant plating at charging rates greater C/2. Based on this failure analysis, long-lived sodium-ion cells with 97% capacity retention after 450 cycles at 40 °C could be realized by selecting appropriate voltage cut-offs, C-rates, and effective electrolyte additives that lowered the cell resistance and suppressed gas generation.
A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials on Supine vs. Nonsupine Endotracheal Intubation
Authors: Palma Chriselyn F. , Mashina Radwan , Chen Claire , Arar Tareq , Mashina Marwan , Al Ghoul Yussef , Dhindsa Banreet , Dy Rajany
Published: July 2023

Background. This systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed to compare the safety and efficacy of supine vs. nonsupine positions during intubation. Methods. Based on the literature from inception to October 2020, 13 studies with nonemergent intubation in supine and nonsupine positions were chosen using PRISMA and MOOSE protocols. Pooled estimates were calculated using random‐effects models with 95% confidence interval (CI). The primary outcome was a successful intubation, attempt, and duration of intubation. The secondary outcome was adverse events (trauma and hypoxia). Bias was evaluated qualitatively, by visual analysis, and quantitatively through the Egger test. Results. The final analysis included 13 clinical trials with 1,916 patients. The pooled success rates in the supine vs. lateral positions were 99.21% and 98.82%. The supine vs. semierect positions were 99.21% and 98.82%. The 1st attempt success rate in the supine vs. lateral position was 85.35% and 88.56% compared to 91.38% and 90.76% for the supine vs. semierect position. The rate of total adverse events in the supine position was 3.73% vs. 6.74% in the lateral position, and the rate of total adverse events in the supine position was 0.44% vs. 0.93% in semierect position. Low to substantial heterogeneity was noted in our analysis. Discussion. There is no significant difference between total successful intubations and success from 1st intubation attempt between supine and nonsupine positions. However, there are slightly higher rates of adverse events in nonsupine position. Addition of more recent studies on supine vs. nonsupine intubations would improve this study. Given these findings, it is important to develop more studies regarding different intubation positions and techniques with the aim of improving efficacy and decreasing adverse outcomes. Other. This review is not registered in a public database. This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not‐for‐profit sectors.
A New Approach to Astronomical Data Analysis Based on Multiple Variables
Authors: Banerjee Prasenjit , Chattopadhyay Asis Kumar , Modak Soumita
Published: July 2023

Data analysis for a sample of celestial bodies generally is preceded by the completeness test in order to verify whether the sample objects are proper representatives of the corresponding part of the universe. A data set following a multivariate, continuous, uniform distribution is said to be “complete in space.” This paper introduces a new approach to check for this completeness for any astronomical data set under a multivariate setup. Our proposed procedure, using the multiple tests of hypotheses based on nonparametric statistics, and consequently, combining their

p

values, outperforms others from the literature.
General Modeling of Interconnected Hubs in Series and Parallel Structures
Authors: Tarahomi Nima , Samadi Mahdi , Nikkhah Mohammad Hasan
Published: July 2023

Energy decision-makers have considered solutions to meet the demand for affordable and highly reliable energy due to population growth and technological advancement. One of these possibilities is the utilization of several energy carriers in one system as an energy hub. Instead of optimizing a single energy carrier, the energy hub optimizes a system with many energy carriers, including electricity, natural gas, and local heat, by use of its converters and storages. In this paper, a novel and new general framework is proposed to evaluate and compare both series and parallel connections of

n

hub to analyze cost and reliability aspects by considering coupling matrices. In order to compare the outcomes of the connections of several comparable hubs in both series and parallel modes, new indices are proposed and evaluated from the aspect of evaluating the amount of energy not supplied and the amount of energy input to each hub. Additionally, simulations are run for a variety of scenarios in order to better assess the proposed model and investigate each type of connection by evaluating the proposed performance indices. The results show that in all the examined scenarios, the total cost of the energy carriers in the series mode (link in the output) is lower than in the parallel mode (link in the input).
HSA Adductomics Reveals Sex Differences in NHL Incidence and Possible Involvement of Microbial Translocation
Authors: Grigoryan Hasmik , Imani Partow , Sacerdote Carlotta , Masala Giovanna , Grioni Sara , Tumino Rosario , Chiodini Paolo , Dudoit Sandrine , Vineis Paolo , Rappaport Stephen M.
Published: July 2023

Background:

The higher incidence of non–Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in males is not well understood. Although reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated as causes of NHL, they cannot be measured directly in archived blood.

Methods:

We performed untargeted adductomics of stable ROS adducts in human serum albumin (HSA) from 67 incident NHL cases and 82 matched controls from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition-Italy cohort. Regression and classification methods were employed to select features associated with NHL in all subjects and in males and females separately.

Results:

Sixty seven HSA-adduct features were quantified by liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry at Cys34 (n = 55) and Lys525 (n = 12). Three features were selected for association with NHL in all subjects, while seven were selected for males and five for females with minimal overlap. Two selected features were more abundant in cases and seven in controls, suggesting that altered homeostasis of ROS may affect NHL incidence. Heat maps revealed differential clustering of features between sexes, suggesting differences in operative pathways.

Conclusions:

Adduct clusters dominated by Cys34 oxidation products and disulfides further implicate ROS and redox biology in the etiology of NHL. Sex differences in dietary and alcohol consumption also help to explain the limited overlap of feature selection between sexes. Intriguingly, a disulfide of methanethiol from enteric microbial metabolism was more abundant in male cases, thereby implicating microbial translocation as a potential contributor to NHL in males.

Impact:

Only two of the ROS adducts associated with NHL overlapped between sexes and one adduct implicates microbial translocation as a risk factor.
Variations in Genes Encoding Human Papillomavirus Binding Receptors and Susceptibility to Cervical Precancer
Authors: Mukherjee Amrita , Ye Yuanfan , Wiener Howard W. , Kuniholm Mark H. , Minkoff Howard , Michel Kate , Palefsky Joel , D'Souza Gypsyamber , Rahangdale Lisa , Butler Kenneth R. , Kempf Mirjam-Colette , Sudenga Staci L. , Aouizerat Bradley E. , Ojesina Akinyemi I. , Shrestha Sadeep
Published: July 2023

Background:

Cervical cancer oncogenesis starts with human papillomavirus (HPV) cell entry after binding to host cell surface receptors; however, the mechanism is not fully known. We examined polymorphisms in receptor genes hypothesized to be necessary for HPV cell entry and assessed their associations with clinical progression to precancer.

Methods:

African American women (N = 1,728) from the MACS/WIHS Combined Cohort Study were included. Two case–control study designs were used—cases with histology-based precancer (CIN3+) and controls without; and cases with cytology-based precancer [high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL)] and controls without. SNPs in candidate genes (SDC1, SDC2, SDC3, SDC4, GPC1, GPC2, GPC3, GPC4, GPC5, GPC6, and ITGA6) were genotyped using an Illumina Omni2.5-quad beadchip. Logistic regression was used to assess the associations in all participants and by HPV genotypes, after adjusting for age, human immunodeficiency virus serostatus, CD4 T cells, and three principal components for ancestry.

Results:

Minor alleles in SNPs rs77122854 (SDC3), rs73971695, rs79336862 (ITGA6), rs57528020, rs201337456, rs11987725 (SDC2), rs115880588, rs115738853, and rs9301825 (GPC5) were associated with increased odds of both CIN3+ and HSIL, whereas, rs35927186 (GPC5) was found to decrease the odds for both outcomes (P value ≤ 0.01). Among those infected with Alpha-9 HPV types, rs722377 (SDC3), rs16860468, rs2356798 (ITGA6), rs11987725 (SDC2), and rs3848051 (GPC5) were associated with increased odds of both precancer outcomes.

Conclusions:

Polymorphisms in genes that encode binding receptors for HPV cell entry may play a role in cervical precancer progression.

Impact:

Our findings are hypothesis generating and support further exploration of mechanisms of HPV entry genes that may help prevent progression to cervical precancer.
Predicted Proteome Association Studies of Breast, Prostate, Ovarian, and Endometrial Cancers Implicate Plasma Protein Regulation in Cancer Susceptibility
Authors: Gregga Isabelle , Pharoah Paul D. P. , Gayther Simon A. , Manichaikul Ani , Im Hae Kyung , Kar Siddhartha P. , Schildkraut Joellen M. , Wheeler Heather E.
Published: July 2023

Background:

Predicting protein levels from genotypes for proteome-wide association studies (PWAS) may provide insight into the mechanisms underlying cancer susceptibility.

Methods:

We performed PWAS of breast, endometrial, ovarian, and prostate cancers and their subtypes in several large European-ancestry discovery consortia (effective sample size: 237,483 cases/317,006 controls) and tested the results for replication in an independent European-ancestry GWAS (31,969 cases/410,350 controls). We performed PWAS using the cancer GWAS summary statistics and two sets of plasma protein prediction models, followed by colocalization analysis.

Results:

Using Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) models, we identified 93 protein–cancer associations [false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05]. We then performed a meta-analysis of the discovery and replication PWAS, resulting in 61 significant protein–cancer associations (FDR < 0.05). Ten of 15 protein–cancer pairs that could be tested using Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) protein prediction models replicated with the same directions of effect in both cancer GWAS (P < 0.05). To further support our results, we applied Bayesian colocalization analysis and found colocalized SNPs for SERPINA3 protein levels and prostate cancer (posterior probability, PP = 0.65) and SNUPN protein levels and breast cancer (PP = 0.62).

Conclusions:

We used PWAS to identify potential biomarkers of hormone-related cancer risk. SNPs in SERPINA3 and SNUPN did not reach genome-wide significance for cancer in the original GWAS, highlighting the power of PWAS for novel locus discovery, with the added advantage of providing directions of protein effect.

Impact:

PWAS and colocalization are promising methods to identify potential molecular mechanisms underlying complex traits.
Cigarette and Alternative Tobacco Product Use among Adult Cancer Survivors Enrolled in 9 ECOG-ACRIN Clinical Trials
Authors: Streck Joanna M. , Lee Ju-Whei , Walter Angela Wangari , Rosen Rachel L. , Gareen Ilana F. , Kircher Sheetal Mehta , Herman Benjamin A. , Carlos Ruth C. , Kumar Shaji , Mayer Ingrid A. , Saba Nabil F. , Fenske Timothy S. , Neal Joel W. , Atkins Michael B. , Hodi F. Stephen , Kyriakopoulos Christos E. , Tempany Clare , Shanafelt Tait D. , Wagner Lynne I. , Land Stephanie R. , Park Elyse R. , Ostroff Jamie S.
Published: July 2023

Background:

While cigarette smoking has declined among the U.S. general population, sale and use of non-cigarette alternative tobacco products (ATP; e.g., e-cigarettes, cigars) and dual use of cigarettes/ATPs are rising. Little is known about ATP use patterns in cancer survivors enrolled in clinical trials. We investigated prevalence of tobacco product use, and factors associated with past 30-day use, among patients with cancer in national trials.

Methods:

Cancer survivors (N = 756) enrolled in 9 ECOG-ACRIN clinical trials (2017–2021) completed a modified Cancer Patient Tobacco Use Questionnaire (C-TUQ) which assessed baseline cigarette and ATP use since cancer diagnosis and in the past 30 days.

Results:

Patients were on average 59 years old, 70% male, and the mean time since cancer diagnosis was 26 months. Since diagnosis, cigarettes (21%) were the most common tobacco product used, followed by smokeless tobacco use (5%), cigars (4%), and e-cigarettes (2%). In the past 30 days, 12% of patients reported smoking cigarettes, 4% cigars, 4% using smokeless tobacco, and 2% e-cigarettes. Since cancer diagnosis, 5.5% of the sample reported multiple tobacco product use, and 3.0% reported multiple product use in the past 30 days. Males (vs. females; OR 4.33; P = 0 < 0.01) and individuals not living with another person who smokes (vs. living with; OR, 8.07; P = 0 < 0.01) were more likely to use ATPs only versus cigarettes only in the past 30 days.

Conclusions:

Among patients with cancer, cigarettes were the most prevalent tobacco product reported.

Impact:

Regardless, ATPs and multiple tobacco product use should be routinely assessed in cancer care settings.
Relationship Between Perception of Electric Cigarette and Electric Smoking Behaviour
Authors: Purwanti Ika Setya , Devhy Ni Luh Putu , Faidah Nurul
Published: July 2023

Introduction: The adolescent has a high chance of becoming a smoker. Numerous determinants impact the smoking conduct of adolescents, among which the companionship of peers holds significant sway. The study aims to investigate the level of awareness pertaining to e-cigarettes as a means of acquiring insights into the patterns of e-smoking conduct. Methods: The study used a cross-sectional design in Kemoning Traditional Village, with 87 adolescents and early adults. Results: there is a strong link between adolescent smokers' perceptions of the calmness that comes with smoking and their actual smoking behaviour (p = 0.043). Conclusion: Participants generally had a positive perception of smoking hazards, with most agreeing that smoking could have negative health effects. Overall, the study provides insights into the factors influencing smoking behaviour.
Sex-Specific Differences in Lipoprotein Production and Clearance
Authors: Conlon Donna M. , Welty Francine K. , Reyes-Soffer Gissette , Amengual Jaume
Published: July 2023

Therapeutic approaches to reduce atherogenic lipid and lipoprotein levels remain the most effective and assessable strategies to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease. The discovery of novel research targets linked to pathways associated with cardiovascular disease development has enhanced our ability to decrease disease burden; however, residual cardiovascular disease risks remain. Advancements in genetics and personalized medicine are essential to understand some of the factors driving residual risk. Biological sex is among the most relevant factors affecting plasma lipid and lipoprotein profiles, playing a pivotal role in the development of cardiovascular disease. This minireview summarizes the most recent preclinical and clinical studies covering the effect of sex on plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels. We highlight the recent advances in the mechanisms regulating hepatic lipoprotein production and clearance as potential drivers of disease presentation. We focus on using sex as a biological variable in studying circulating lipid and lipoprotein levels.
Extracellular Matrix Remodeling in Vascular Disease: Defining Its Regulators and Pathological Influence
Authors: Lin Prisca K. , Davis George E.
Published: July 2023

Because of structural and cellular differences (ie, degrees of matrix abundance and cross-linking, mural cell density, and adventitia), large and medium-sized vessels, in comparison to capillaries, react in a unique manner to stimuli that induce vascular disease. A stereotypical vascular injury response is ECM (extracellular matrix) remodeling that occurs particularly in larger vessels in response to injurious stimuli, such as elevated angiotensin II, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, genetic deficiencies, inflammatory cell infiltration, or exposure to proinflammatory mediators. Even with substantial and prolonged vascular damage, large- and medium-sized arteries, persist, but become modified by (1) changes in vascular wall cellularity; (2) modifications in the differentiation status of endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, or adventitial stem cells (each can become activated); (3) infiltration of the vascular wall by various leukocyte types; (4) increased exposure to critical growth factors and proinflammatory mediators; and (5) marked changes in the vascular ECM, that remodels from a homeostatic, prodifferentiation ECM environment to matrices that instead promote tissue reparative responses. This latter ECM presents previously hidden matricryptic sites that bind integrins to signal vascular cells and infiltrating leukocytes (in coordination with other mediators) to proliferate, invade, secrete ECM-degrading proteinases, and deposit injury-induced matrices (predisposing to vessel wall fibrosis). In contrast, in response to similar stimuli, capillaries can undergo regression responses (rarefaction). In summary, we have described the molecular events controlling ECM remodeling in major vascular diseases as well as the differential responses of arteries versus capillaries to key mediators inducing vascular injury.