bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of a novel modified total colpocleisis for advanced pelvic organ prolapse in elderly women and its efficacy on lower urinary tract symptoms
Authors: Wang Qi , Lin Hongbiao , Wu Nengxiu , Li Ying , Zhao Rong , Xu Ying , Lin Chaoqin
Published: September 2023

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of modified total colpocleisis for advanced pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in elderly women and to assess the improvement in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) of the patients.

Methods

An observational cohort study was conducted, including 105 POP patients who underwent modified total colpocleisis between April 2020 and December 2022. The study analyzed the patients' demographic characteristics, perioperative outcomes, and follow‐up outcomes, including complications, remission of LUTS, satisfaction rates, and regret rates. Confirming the safety, durability, and patient satisfaction of modified total colpocleisis.

Results

Most patients (95/105, 90.5%) had more than one comorbidity. Eighty‐six (81.9%) had a concomitant hysterectomy, the average operative time was 112.78 ± 34.92 min, with a median estimated bleeding of 50 mL (10–300 mL). Perioperative changes in hemoglobin and hematocrit were 11.64 ± 10.03 g/L and 3.87% ± 3.05%, respectively. Urinary retention was the most common complication (10/105, 9.5%). With a median follow up of 16 months (3–35 months), 101 patients (96.2%) reported satisfaction with the results of the procedure, with none reporting regret. Both subjective and anatomical recurrence rates were quite low (2.9% and 5.7%, respectively). Twenty‐three (21.9%) had de novo urinary incontinence, and the remaining LUTS such as frequent, urgent, hesitation, and difficulty emptying were significantly improved (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Modified total colpocleisis is an effective treatment option for elderly women with severe POP. This procedure can significantly improve several LUTS, and most de novo incontinence is mild and has a limited impact on patients' quality of life.
Necrostatin‐1 releasing nanoparticles: In vitro and in vivo efficacy for supporting immunoisolated islet transplantation outcomes
Authors: Smink Alexandra M. , Medina Juan D. , de Haan Bart J. , García Andrés J. , de Vos Paul
Published: September 2023

Immunoisolation of pancreatic islets in alginate microcapsules allows for transplantation in the absence of immunosuppression but graft survival time is still limited. This limited graft survival is caused by a combination of tissue responses to the encapsulating biomaterial and islets. A significant loss of islet cells occurs in the immediate period after transplantation and is caused by a high susceptibility of islet cells to inflammatory stress during this period. Here we investigated whether necrostatin‐1 (Nec‐1), a necroptosis inhibitor, can reduce the loss of islet cells under stress in vitro and in vivo. To this end, we developed a Nec‐1 controlled‐release system using poly (D,L‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) as the application of Nec‐1 in vivo is limited by low stability and possible side effects. The PLGA NPs stably released Nec‐1 for 6 days in vitro and protected beta cells against hypoxia‐induced cell death in vitro. Treatment with these Nec‐1 NPs at days 0, 6, and 12 post‐islet transplantation in streptozotocin‐diabetic mice confirmed the absence of side effects as graft survival was similar in encapsulated islet grafts in the absence and presence of Nec‐1. However, we found no further prolongation of graft survival of encapsulated grafts which might be explained by the high biocompatibility of the alginate encapsulation system that provoked a very mild tissue response. We expect that the Nec‐1‐releasing NPs could find application to immunoisolation systems that elicit stronger inflammatory responses, such as macrodevices and vasculogenic biomaterials.
Recent advances in glass‐ceramics: Performance and toughening mechanisms in restorative dentistry
Authors: Liu Xiaoming , Yao Xuemin , Zhang Ran , Sun Lingxiang , Zhang Zheyuan , Zhao Yifan , Zhang Tong , Yan Jingyu , Zhang Yanjie , Wu Xiuping , Li Bing
Published: September 2023

The use of glass‐ceramics in the medical field has grown significantly since the 1980s. With excellent aesthetic properties, semi‐translucency, outstanding mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, wear resistance and great biocompatibility and workability glass‐ceramics is one of the most commonly used materials in restorative dentistry and is widely used in veneers, inlays, onlays, all‐ceramic crowns, and implant abutments. This review provides an overview of the research progress of glass‐ceramics in restorative dentistry, focusing on the classification, performance requirements, toughening mechanisms and their association with clinical performance, as well as the manufacturing and fabrication of glass‐ceramics in restorative dentistry. Finally, the developments and prospects of glass‐ceramics in restorative dentistry are summarized and discussed.
The Association between Sleep and Bone Mineral Density: Cross‐Sectional Study Using Health Check‐up Data in a Local Hospital in Japan
Authors: Yamaura Reiko , Kasahara Hideko , Iimuro Satoshi , Yamazaki Tsutomu
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to investigate the association between daily sleep duration of <7 hours and lower bone mineral density (BMD) using data from annual health check‐ups conducted in Japan between 2020 and 2022. Multivariate regression models were used, where BMD was the objective variable and daily sleep duration (<5 hours, 5 to <7 hours, 7 to <9 hours [reference], ≥9 hours) was the exposure variable adjusted for age, body mass index, physical activity, smoking status, and alcohol intake for men and women and further adjusted for menopausal status for women. The association between insomnia and BMD was also investigated. BMD was determined using calcaneal quantitative ultrasound and expressed as a percentage of the young adult mean (%YAM). In total, 896 men and 821 women were included. Median age was 54 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 46 to 64) for men and 55 years (IQR: 46 to 64) for women). Median BMD for men and women was 79%YAM (IQR: 71 to 89) and 75%YAM (IQR: 68 to 84), respectively. Approximately 80% of men and women slept <7 hours daily. Multivariate regression showed no association between sleep duration and BMD in men. However, women who slept 5 to <7 hours daily had significantly higher BMD by 3.9% compared with those who slept 7 to<9 hours (p = 0.004). No association between insomnia and BMD was found. Overall, a daily sleep duration of <7 hours was not independently associated with lower BMD compared to those who slept 7 to <9 hours in men and women. However, as there is evidence of both shorter and longer sleep durations being associated with an increased risk of adverse events, including cardiovascular events, our result needs to be interpreted with caution. © 2023 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Current directions in the treatment of classical Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Keller Frank G. , Kahl Brad , Friedberg Jonathan W.
Published: September 2023

Optimal management of patients who present with Hodgkin lymphoma continues to evolve. Most patients are cured with current treatment strategies, some but both short and long‐term morbidity and mortality from treatment have particular relevance given the youth of the patient population. Combininations of targeted agents together with conventional chemotherapy have recently been investigated in phase 3 cliniial trials for advanced‐stage Hodkgkin lymphoma, and have demonstrated improved efficacy compared with chemotherapy alone. These include both antibody‐drug conjugates and PD‐1 blockade. Treatment approaches have historically differed between pediatric and adult groups, but recent collaborations between adullt and pediatric groups via the NCTN mechanism have resulted in the successful completion of enrollment in an advanced‐stage Hodgkin lymphoma and the opening of an early‐stage trial that will enroll patients accross a broad age spectrum. Novel approachs incorporating targeted and immunomodulatory agents in the relapse setting are being actively investagated in the relapse setting as well.
The pathobiology of select adolescent young adult lymphomas
Authors: Steidl Christian , Kridel Robert , Binkley Michael , Morton Lindsay M. , Chadburn Amy
Published: September 2023

Lymphoid cancers are among the most frequent cancers diagnosed in adolescents and young adults (AYA), ranging from approximately 30%–35% of cancer diagnoses in adolescent patients (age 10–19) to approximately 10% in patients aged 30–39 years. Moreover, the specific distribution of lymphoid cancer types varies by age with substantial shifts in the subtype distributions between pediatric, AYA, adult, and older adult patients. Currently, biology studies specific to AYA lymphomas are rare and therefore insight into age‐related pathogenesis is incomplete. This review focuses on the paradigmatic epidemiology and pathogenesis of select lymphomas, occurring in the AYA patient population. With the example of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders, nodular lymphocyte‐predominant Hodgkin lymphoma, follicular lymphoma (incl. pediatric‐type follicular lymphoma), and mediastinal lymphomas (incl. classic Hodgkin lymphoma, primary mediastinal large B cell lymphoma and mediastinal gray zone lymphoma), we here illustrate the current state‐of‐the‐art in lymphoma classification, recent molecular insights including genomics, and translational opportunities. To improve outcome and quality of life, international collaboration in consortia dedicated to AYA lymphoma is needed to overcome challenges related to siloed biospecimens and data collections as well as to develop studies designed specifically for this unique population.
Scientific techniques in adolescent and young adult classic Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Maura Francesco , Adams Ragini M. , Aoki Tomohiro
Published: September 2023

Understanding the tumor microenvironment and genomic landscape is crucial for better prediction of treatment outcomes and developing novel therapies in Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). Recent advancements in genomics have enabled researchers to gain deeper insights into the genomic characteristics of HL at both single‐cell resolution and the whole genome level. The use of noninvasive methods such as liquid biopsies and formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded‐based imaging techniques has expanded the possibilities of applying cutting‐edge analyses to routine clinically available samples. Collaborative efforts between adult and pediatric group are imperative to translate novel findings into routine patient care.
Grip strength in patients with galactosemia and in a galactose‐1‐phosphate uridylyltransferase (GALT)‐null rat model
Authors: Druss Jared J. , Rudd Zhong Manis Josephine , Potter Nancy L. , Fridovich‐Keil Judith L.
Published: September 2023

Classic galactosemia (CG) and clinical variant galactosemia (CVG) are allelic inborn errors of metabolism that result from profound deficiency, and near‐profound deficiency, respectively, of galactose‐1‐P uridylyltransferase (GALT). Despite early detection and lifelong dietary restriction of galactose, which is the current standard of care, most patients with CG/CVG grow to experience a range of long‐term developmental and other complications. One of the less well‐understood complications of CG/CVG is decreased hand grip strength, as reported by Potter et al. (2013). Here, we confirm this phenotype in an independent cohort of 36 cases (4–18 years) and 19 controls (4–17 years), and further demonstrate that the grip strength deficit observed in cases may be secondary to growth delay. Specifically, we found that when grip strength of cases and controls in a new cohort recruited in 2022 was plotted by weight, rather than age, the difference between cases and controls for both sexes disappeared. Reanalyzing data from the original 2013 cohort, we found that differences in weight accounted for grip strength differences between cases and controls in girls and young women, but not in boys and young men. Finally, we tested whether a GALT‐null rat model of CG also showed a grip strength deficit—it did—and again the difference between GALT‐null and wild‐type rats associated with differences in body mass. Combined, these results confirm that GALT deficiency is associated with a grip strength deficit in both young patients with CG/CVG and GALT‐null rats, and further demonstrate that this phenotype may be secondary to growth delay, and therefore not evidence of a muscle abnormality.
Simulation and analysis of edge ghosting for microcapsule e‐paper based on particle dynamics and light scattering model
Authors: Zeng Zheng , Liu Yunhe , Liu Guangyou , Yang Jinlan , Yang Mingyang , Zou Guowei , Qin Zong , Wang Xidu , Deng Shaozhi , Yang Bo‐Ru
Published: September 2023

Electronic paper (e‐paper) is a reflective display technology with unique advantages, such as bistability, low‐power consumption, and high ambient contrast ratio. These features make e‐paper a promising candidate for future Internet of Things applications. Among different technologies of e‐paper, electrophoretic display (EPD) is the most successful one for commercialization. However, the edge ghosting (also known as the fringing effect) still limits the performance of EPD. Herein, we established a model of particle dynamics of electrophoresis, simulated the edge ghosting of microcapsule EPD, analyzed the edge ghosting effect, and revealed the relationship between thicknesses, dielectric constants of the back binder layer, and the edge ghosting. Two EPD panels with different thicknesses of back binder layer were demonstrated, which verifies the accuracy of this simulation model. With the proposed model, many device mechanisms and product issues can be analyzed and illustrated, which is supposed to guide the researchers in optimizing the device structure design of EPD.
Challenges and Advances of Inland Waters Monitoring: A Case Study Highlighting the Use of Satellite Imagery and Cloud Computing in Brazil
Authors: Carvalho Breylla Campos , Collares Maria Fernanda Antunes , Barbosa Carolina Cerqueira , Figueira Raquel Medeiros Andrade , Fortunato Humberto Freitas de Medeiros
Published: September 2023

Monitoring of the quality of inland waters is important to maintain the aquatic ecosystems health and to ensure water quality standards established by environmental laws in each country. Our goal here is to present the possibilities and challenges of water quality mapping based on Sentinel 2 and Landsat 8 satellite images in geographically distinct Brazilian reservoirs as a study case. The satellite images were able to show chlorophyll a, turbidity, and Secchi data trends over 8 years of remote sensing monitoring. The time savings in the analysis of a large dataset and the availability to a wide range of stakeholders make remote sensing a good tool for monitoring inland waters. However, water quality parameters were highly influenced by cloud cover and the accuracy was low at the margin of tributary rivers. The integration of remote sensing and in situ data are needed to increase the effectiveness and accuracy of the remote sensing tools.
Kansas CMHCs see grant opportunity as they await managed care RFP
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: September 2023

A nonprofit health plan with contracts in two Midwestern states is expanding its reach into Kansas, announcing a grant initiative to help community mental health centers (CMHCs) enhance their initiatives in value‐based health care. The funding availability comes at a time when Kansas mental health providers are preparing for the state's unveiling of a new request for proposals (RFP) for Medicaid managed care services under the KanCare program.
BH organization launches AI platform to address recovery gap
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: September 2023

Observing the need to address the one‐year recovery gap when industry relapse rates are exceedingly high, an Irvine, California‐based behavioral health organization last week announced the launch of a new artificial intelligence (AI)‐driven platform to track patient progress for 12 months after discharge from a behavioral health treatment program.
Agaricus blazei Murrill Polysaccharide Attenuates Periodontitis via H2S/NRF2 Axis‐Boosted Appropriate Level of Autophagy in PDLCs
Authors: Yuan Wenxiu , Huang Maotuan , Wu Yange , Liu Jiaqi , Zhou Xueman , Wang Jun , Liu Jin
Published: September 2023

Scope

Periodontitis is one of the most prevalent chronic inflammatory diseases with impaired autophagy. Agaricus blazei Murrill polysaccharide (ABMP) shows beneficial effects in various inflammatory diseases. However, whether ABMP is involved in autophagy regulation and periodontitis attenuation remains to be elucidated.

Methods and results

This study firstly shows the dynamic changes in inflammatory and autophagy levels in silk ligature periodontitis model. Then the positive regulation effect of autophagy on inflammation and its vital role in ABMP inhibiting PDLCs inflammatory response are testified in LPS‐treated PDLCs. Secondly, the Micro‐CT, quantitative RT‐PCR, Western Blot, TRAP, and immunofluorescence staining analysis are performed to assess the effects of ABMP on periodontitis and autophagy. The data show the augmented autophagy and alleviated gingival recession, inflammatory cell infiltration, alveolar bone resorption, and reduced osteoclasts in periodontitis by ABMP treatment. Further experiments using chemical inhibitors demonstrate the vital role of H2S/NRF2 axis in ABMP‐induced appropriate level of autophagy augmentation against periodontitis.

Conclusions

Collectively, the findings not only reveal the unrecognized capacity and mechanism of ABMP as an effective and potential dietary intake against periodontitis, but also suggest the possibility for ABMP to be used in the treatment of other autophagy‐related diseases.
Studying the interaction of glycans with intact virions and virus‐like particles by ligand‐observed NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Haselhorst Thomas
Published: September 2023

Virus‐glycan interactions play a crucial role in the infection process of many viruses. NMR spectroscopy has emerged as a powerful tool for studying these interactions at the molecular level. In this article, we review several published papers and reports that have highlighted the application of NMR spectroscopy in understanding the complex questions of how viruses engage with and bind to receptor glycans. The use of saturation transfer difference (STD) NMR spectroscopy has demonstrated itself as highly advantageous in investigating the interaction between glycans and intact virions or virus‐like particles (VLPs). The broad NMR signal linewidth of virions and VLPs allows efficient saturation without affecting the glycan signals. The advantage of this approach is that the viral capsid environment in protein organization and function is not ignored and therefore provides a more biologically relevant model for exploring the interactions between the virus and the host cell glycans. We will review some examples of using NMR spectroscopy to study influenza cell tropism, rotaviruses, and noroviruses.
Research trends in readiness for hospital discharge between 2002 and 2021: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Zhang Rong , Wang Dongmei , Zhu Ling , He Yongdong , Cheng Ling , Ma Jifen , Zhang Ting , Zhang Jun , Li Longti
Published: September 2023

Aim

This study aimed to undertake a bibliometric analysis to provide comprehensive information in demonstrating the current status and outline the overall trends in the area of readiness for hospital discharge (RHD).

Design

A bibliometric and visual analysis of RHD literature was undertaken.

Methods

Articles were retrieved from the Web of Science network from 2002 to 2021. VOSviewer was used to identify the co‐authorship network of countries/institutions, co‐authorship and co‐citation analysis of authors, and co‐citation analysis of references and citation analysis of documents. CiteSpace was used to identify the keyword co‐occurrence network and perform cluster analysis, detecting the keywords with citation bursts and speculated frontiers in this research field.

Results

A total of 512 articles were included in the final analysis. Key findings are: (1) There has been a continuous but somewhat fluctuating rise in the number of publications. (2) 56.05% of publications come from the USA with Marquette University making the highest contribution. (3) Most publications (17, 3.32%) in RHD research were from the Journal of Clinical Nursing, and Anaesthesia and Analgesia had the highest number of citations (584 citations). (4) Weiss ME (25, 4.88%) was the most productive author whose articles have been the most highly cited (646 citations). (5) Cited references from Weiss ME (2007) also made the largest contribution to co‐citations, and the most cited reference was from Jack BW (2009) (1022 citations). (6) The 20 most frequent keywords and keywords with the strongest citation bursts were retrieved. There were seven research hotspots, and three emerging research frontiers were explored.

Conclusions

The bibliometric analysis of material published in the last 20 years indicates that there have been statistically significant gains in comprehensive information on RHD, including the knowledge mapping of the countries, institutions, authors, references and keywords. The hotspots and frontiers, which have been explored can give guidance to researchers as to new angles and directions to take.

Implications for Nursing Management

The effects of the implementation of ERAS on RHD‐related risk for adverse post‐discharge outcomes in surgical patients will be of increasing concern for healthcare professionals.

It is important for patients and their relatives to be confident that on discharge they are sufficiently ready for hospital discharge to enable them to safely and smoothly make the transition to home.

Improving the level of RHD in discharged patients can help nurse managers and researchers measure the effectiveness of discharge planning services.
Acute and chronic kidney injury during therapy for pediatric acute leukemia: A report from the Leukemia Electronic Abstraction of Records Network (LEARN)
Authors: Hsiao Wendy , Li Yimei , Getz Kelly , Cao Lusha , Krause Edward , Ramos Mark , Lee Judy , Gramatges Maria Monica , Rabin Karen R. , Scheurer Michael E. , Aplenc Richard , Denburg Michelle , Miller Tamara P.
Published: September 2023

Children with acute leukemia are at increased risk of kidney injury. Using electronic health record data from three centers between 2010 and 2018, this study retrospectively described acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) prevalence in children with acute lymphoblastic or myeloid leukemia (ALL, AML) using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) and Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) definitions. AKI during therapy was 25% (ALL) and 32% (AML) using CTCAE, versus 84% (ALL) and 74% (AML) using KDIGO. CKD prevalence was low and Grade 1/Stage 2. Further investigation is needed to optimally define kidney injury in acute leukemia.
Preparation of a composite of polyacrylate and nano‐SiO2 particles and evaluation of its performance of oil–water mixture treatment
Authors: Zhou Yanjia , Li Feng , Lan Guihong , Liu Yongqiang , Qiu Haiyan , Xu Bo , Pu Keyu , Dai Wenren , Zhang Xinyang
Published: September 2023

To acquire a material with simultaneous oil–water emulsion demulsification and oil‐absorbing performance, SiO2 nanoparticles were introduced into the acrylate polymerization system to prepare oil absorbent SiO2/P (SMA‐co‐MMA‐co‐BA) (PSA‐SiO2). PSA‐SiO2 was synthesized from monomers and functional materials, including methyl methacrylate (MMA), butyl acrylate (BA), octadecyl methacrylate (SMA) and SiO2 hydrophobically modified by vinyltrimethoxysilane. The molecular structure of PSA‐SiO2 was characterized by FT‐IR, and its morphology was observed using scanning electron microscopy. In addition, the optimal synthesis conditions for the polymerization system, such as the monomer ratio, the amount of crosslinker and stabilizer and then the particle size and dose of SiO2, were discussed in detail. PSA‐SiO2 had a decent oil absorbency for pure halogenated and aromatic hydrocarbons (49.10, 56.41, 47.32, 43.45, 36.22, and 30.14 g/g for CH2Cl2, CHCl3, CCl4, C2Cl4, toluene and styrene, respectively). Furthermore, SiO2, as a functional material, makes composites that possess excellent demulsification properties for oil‐in‐water emulsions. The oil removal efficiency of CHCl3 in Tween 80‐stabilized and CTAB‐stabilized emulsions were 94.88% and 98.11%, respectively. All results indicated that PSA‐SiO2 had valuable potential for oil removal and emulsion treatment.

Highlights

An organic–inorganic composite was synthesized by suspension polymerization.

The composite was applied for absorbing pure oil or removing oil form water.

By modification, the composite acquired the demulsification ability.

The composite accomplished one‐step demulsification and emulsion treatment.

The oil absorption and emulsion treatment could achieve at room temperature.
Prenatal diagnosis of hypoplastic left heart syndrome on ultrasound using artificial intelligence: How does performance compare to a current screening programme?
Authors: Day Thomas G. , Budd Samuel , Tan Jeremy , Matthew Jacqueline , Skelton Emily , Jowett Victoria , Lloyd David , Gomez Alberto , Hajnal Jo V. , Razavi Reza , Kainz Bernhard , Simpson John M.
Published: September 2023

Background

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to improve prenatal detection of congenital heart disease. We analysed the performance of the current national screening programme in detecting hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) to compare with our own AI model.

Methods

Current screening programme performance was calculated from local and national sources. AI models were trained using four‐chamber ultrasound views of the fetal heart, using a ResNet classifier.

Results

Estimated current fetal screening programme sensitivity and specificity for HLHS were 94.3% and 99.985%, respectively. Depending on calibration, AI models to detect HLHS were either highly sensitive (sensitivity 100%, specificity 94.0%) or highly specific (sensitivity 93.3%, specificity 100%). Our analysis suggests that our highly sensitive model would generate 45,134 screen positive results for a gain of 14 additional HLHS cases. Our highly specific model would be associated with two fewer detected HLHS cases, and 118 fewer false positives.

Conclusion

If used independently, our AI model performance is slightly worse than the performance level of the current screening programme in detecting HLHS, and this performance is likely to deteriorate further when used prospectively. This demonstrates that collaboration between humans and AI will be key for effective future clinical use.
4‐Vinylpyridine derived physically crosslinked hydrogel as efficient mercury indicator
Authors: Kumar Rajan , Davis Elizabathe , Kalita Nripankar , Choudhury Diganta , Shunmugam Raja
Published: September 2023

Here, we report a photoclicked crystalline monomer DiPy which forms polymeric hydrogel Polym‐DiPyC3. The monomer DiPy and polymer Polym‐DiPyC3 are well characterized using spectroscopic and analytical techniques. The rheometric curve revealed the hydrogel Polym‐DiPyC3 to exhibit viscoelasticity with a damping factor (tanδ) in the range between 0 and 1. The considered hydrogel film on exposure to mercury concentration ≥2 ppm showed a loss of transparency and swellability. Energy dispersive x‐ray and mapping confirmed the mercury presence on the surface of Polym‐DiPyC3. The material behaves as a naked‐eye indicator due to gain in opacity and loss of swellability. The DFT parameter supported the soft Lewis acid Hg2+ to guest onto the soft thioether site of the polymer film Polym‐DiPyC3.

Highlights

The monomer DiPy was synthesized via thiol‐alkene photoclick reaction.

The ionic polymer Polym‐DiPyC3 is physically crosslinked.

The polymer Polym‐DiPyC3 exhibits viscoelastic property.

The mercury presence causes Polym‐DiPyC3 to lose its hydrogel property.

The observed affinity of mercury for sulfur was well supported with DFT.
Synthesis and applications of a Y‐inimer with two orthogonal controlled free radical polymerization initiators
Authors: Chen Ri , Smith Julia D. , Osores Nicolas Noriega , Gopalan Padma
Published: September 2023

We report the synthesis of a Y‐shaped inimer that contains two orthogonal initiators for ATRP and NMP. The inimer is synthesized through a one‐pot multi‐component reaction that vastly simplifies the typically cumbersome synthesis of similar compounds. The Y‐inimer has the versatility to be homopolymerized into a backbone for A/B Janus bottlebrush synthesis or copolymerized with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and cross‐linked into an ultra‐thin coating for mixed A/B brush growth from planar surfaces. Importantly, the Y‐shaped nature of the inimer ensures growth of A and B brushes are consistently in a 1:1 ratio. We demonstrate the application of the Y‐inimer in the synthesis of a PMMA/PS Janus bottlebrush as well as two different mixed A/B polymer brushes, one with the ability to microphase separate, and a second mixed polyelectrolyte brush with opposite charges. The inimer is compatible with various A/B monomer systems and offers a universal approach to the “grafting‐from” polymerization of dual vinyl polymer side chains. This study provides a unique way of utilizing multi‐component reactions in polymer chemistry to access complex functional architectures.
A phase I, single‐center, open‐label study to investigate the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of encorafenib following a single oral dose of 100 mg [14C] encorafenib in healthy male subjects
Authors: Wollenberg Lance , Hahn Erik , Williams Jason , Litwiler Kevin
Published: September 2023

Encorafenib is a novel kinase inhibitor of BRAF V600E as well as wild‐type BRAF and CRAF and has received approval, in combination with binimetinib, to treat BRAF V600E or V600K mutation‐positive unresectable or metastatic melanoma or in combination with cetuximab to treat BRAF V600E mutation‐positive colorectal cancer. The absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) of encorafenib was studied by administering [14C] encorafenib (100 mg containing 90 μCi of radiolabeled material) to 4 healthy male subjects (NCT01436656). Following a single oral 100‐mg dose of [14C] encorafenib to healthy male subjects, the overall recovery of radioactivity in the excreta was ≥93.9% in all four subjects, indicating that good mass balance was achieved. An equal mean of 47.2% for the radioactivity dose was eliminated in the feces and urine. The percentage of the dose eliminated in the feces (5.0%) and urine (1.8%) as unchanged encorafenib was minor. Metabolism was found to be the major clearance pathway (~88% of the recovered radioactive dose) for encorafenib in humans and is predominantly mediated through N‐dealkylation of the isopropyl carbamic acid methyl ester to form the primary phase 1 direct metabolite M42.5 (LHY746). Oral absorption was estimated from the radioactive dose recovered in the urine (47.2%) and the total radioactive dose recovered in the feces as metabolites (39%). Based on these values and the assumptions that encorafenib and its metabolites are stable in feces, the fraction of oral absorption was estimated to be at least ~86%.
Spinal tuberculosis in Afghanistan: A 2019‐2020 study of patients in Kabul hospitals
Authors: Qaderi Farah , Mashid Idriss , Gachkar Latif , Martellucci Mosè , Qaderi Shohra , Ozaki Akihiko , Haghbin Toutounchi Alireza , Taheriazam Afshin , Asakura Takanori , Gholipoor Talemi Hojat , Mohammady Noria , Shabani Minoosh
Published: September 2023

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is endemic in many low‐income countries, which can affect the spine in 1%–5% of those with an active infection. This study reports the clinical characteristics of patients admitted for spinal TB in Kabul, Afghanistan, a country with very limited resources.

Methods

This was a descriptive study among 26 patients treated for spinal TB in three major referral hospitals in Kabul, Afghanistan, between March 2019 and April 2020. The sociodemographic and clinical details, gender, age, site of infection, presenting complaints, signs, and symptoms of the patients were retrieved from their medical records. Summary statistics were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Ethics approval was obtained from the ethics committee of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, Iran.

Results

Data were available for 26 patients with spinal TB admitted consecutively. The mean age of the sample was 38.2 years (SD 17.5), and there were 16 males and 10 females. Median time from symptom onset to hospital admission was 60 days. The most common diagnostic imaging technique used was magnetic resonance imaging (92.3%), followed by computed tomography (7.7%). The majority of the lesions involved the lumbar spine (61.4%), followed by the thoracolumbar spine (30.8%). Back pain was the most common manifestation in 21 patients (80.8%), and varying degrees of neurological impairment were found in 16 (61.5%) patients. There were no deaths among the patients up to the discharge date.

Conclusions

This study describes the clinical characteristics of spinal TB among patients in Kabul, Afghanistan. It is essential to strengthen preventive strategies and to improve health awareness about clinical features of spinal TB in patients with chronic back pain even in the absence of signs of TB.
Quantum Entanglement Protection by Utilizing Classical Noises
Authors: Zheng Wenjie , Huang Bi‐Hua , Zhao Xinyu , Xia Yan
Published: September 2023

Noise is often considered as the biggest enemy of maintaining quantum entanglement. However, in this paper, it shows quantum entanglement can be protected by introducing extra noises to a quantum system. As an example, the dynamics of a two‐qubit system coupled to a cavity is studied under the influence of three noises, a quantized noise from the leakage of the cavity and two classical noises in the couplings between the two‐qubit system and the cavity. The master equation beyond the Markov approximation is derived and the mechanism of the entanglement protection is analyzed in a special case with analytical solutions. In short, the entanglement loss caused by the dissipation to the bath might be weaken by introducing high‐frequency classical noises properly. The numerical simulations not only confirm the feasibility of protecting entanglement by noises but also reveal that the properties of the classical noises have a significant impact on the performance of the entanglement protection.
High‐Resolution Single Photon Level Storage of Telecom Light Based on Thin Film Lithium Niobate Photonics
Authors: Ekici Çağın , Yu Yonghe , Adcock Jeremy C. , Muthali Alif Laila , Tan Heyun , Lin Zhongjin , Li Hao , Oxenløwe Leif Katsuo , Cai Xinlun , Ding Yunhong
Published: September 2023

This study presents an experimental analysis of high‐resolution single photon buffers based on low‐loss thin film lithium niobate (TFLN) photonic devices operating at room temperature. While dynamically controlling writing and reading operations within picosecond timescales poses a challenge, the devices are capable of resolving 102.8 4.6 ps time step with ‐0.89 dB loss per round‐trip and 197.7 6.6 ps time steps with ‐1.29 dB loss per round‐trip, respectively. These results imply that the devices are at the cutting edge of on‐chip technology, performing in the current state of the art at the single photon level. Both of the single photon buffers do not introduce any detrimental effects and provide a high signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR). The room‐temperature, low‐loss, and voltage‐controlled TFLN buffers combine scalable architecture with relatively high buffering capacity in the sub‐nanosecond regime and are expected to unlock many novel photonics applications such as temporally multiplexed single photon sources.
Gene and Photothermal Combination Therapy: Principle, Materials, and Amplified Anticancer Intervention
Authors: Tang Fang , Ding Aixiang , Xu Yao , Ye Yingsong , Li Lin , Xie Rongjun , Huang Wei
Published: September 2023

Gene therapy (GT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) have emerged as promising alternatives to chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer treatment, offering noninvasiveness and reduced side effects. However, their efficacy as standalone treatments is limited. GT exhibits slow response rates, while PTT is confined to local tumor ablation. The convergence of GT and PTT, known as GT‐PTT, facilitated by photothermal gene nanocarriers, has attracted considerable attention across various disciplines. In this integrated approach, GT reciprocates PTT by sensitizing cellular response to heat, while PTT benefits GT by improving gene translocation, unpacking, and expression. Consequently, this integration presents a unique opportunity for cancer therapy with rapid response and improved effectiveness. Extensive efforts over the past few years have been dedicated to the development of GT‐PTT, resulting in notable achievements and rapid progress from the laboratory to potential clinical applications. This comprehensive review outlines recent advances in GT‐PTT, including synergistic mechanisms, material systems, imaging‐guided therapy, and anticancer applications. It also explores the challenges and future prospects in this nascent field. By presenting innovative ideas and insights into the implementation of GT‐PTT for enhanced cancer therapy, this review aims to inspire further progress in this promising area of research.
Asymmetric Molecule and Thermal Condition Enable Green Solvent‐Processed Organic Solar Cells Achieve 17.89% Efficiency
Authors: Cao Luye , Zhang Jinteng , Du Xiaoyang , Li Xinrui , He Zeyu , Lin Hui , Zheng Caijun , Yang Gang , Tao Silu
Published: September 2023

Using green solvents to fabricate high‐efficiency organic solar cells (OSCs) is the ultimate choice for realizing commercial application of OSCs. However, the low solubility of conventional materials in green solvents and unfavorable phase separation limit the development of green solvent‐processed organic solar cells (GSP‐OSCs). To solve the above problems, a new strategy in which asymmetric acceptor and thermal processing jointly optimize the device performance is proposed. PM6 with temperature‐dependent aggregation property is chosen as the donor, and thermal treatment can improve its solubility. The asymmetric small molecule acceptor BTP‐2F2Cl is chosen as the third material due to its strong crystallinity and good miscibility with the main system materials. Meanwhile, BTP‐2F2Cl can induce the formation of well‐ordered crystallization and molecular stacking in the active layer material, which promotes charge transport and inhibits recombination. Therefore, the PM6: L8‐BO: BTP‐2F2Cl‐based ternary GSP‐OSCs achieve a champion power conversion efficiency of 17.89% compared with the binary devices (16.99%). The results indicate that the introduction of asymmetric acceptor and thermal treatment are an effective strategy to regulate the active layer morphology and enhance the performance of GSP‐OSCs.
Elite‐of‐the‐Elites Driven Five‐Layered Gravitational Search Algorithm for Optimization
Authors: Zhong Lin , Sui Qingya , Yu Jiatianyi , Wang Rong‐Long , Lei Zhenyu , Gao Shangce
Published: September 2023

The gravitational search algorithm (GSA) is a popular optimization method inspired by celestial interactions. And the MLGSA is an outstanding variant of GSA. To improve its performance, we propose the elite‐of‐the‐elites driven five‐layered gravitational search algorithm (EFGSA). EFGSA introduces a new population layer comprising elite individuals, improving the balance between exploration and exploitation. Experimental results on the 2017 IEEE Conference on Evolutionary Computation (CEC) benchmark functions demonstrate EFGSA's superiority over the MLGSA algorithm in terms of solution quality and convergence speed. The obtained results underscore the efficacy of EFGSA in addressing optimization problems. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Analyzing genomic variation in cultivated pumpkins and identification of candidate genes controlling seed traits
Authors: Lee Chieh‐Ying , Wang Jaw‐Fen , Chang Chia‐Hui , Tung Chih‐Wei
Published: September 2023

Pumpkins are important vegetable crops widely grown worldwide, and seeds are considered a popular nutraceutical food and an excellent source of protein, oil, and vitamins. Seed size is one of the most important targets for commercial breeding in Cucurbita species; studies have shown that pumpkin seed size variation has a similar trend with fruit size, shape, and seed yield. However, few studies have been conducted to identify genetic loci controlling seed‐related traits in cultivated pumpkins. This study analyzed the genomic characteristics of pumpkin breeding materials of 321 Cucurbita accessions collected worldwide, including Cucurbita moschata, Cucurbita maxima, and Cucurbita pepo, using extensive single nucleotide polymorphisms obtained from the genotyping‐by‐sequencing method, significant genetic variations were identified within and between Cucurbita species. Four major cultivar fruit types were further revealed in C. moschata species, and significant differentiation patterns were detected in several chromosomal regions. A total of 15 significant loci associated with pumpkin seed traits were mapped through a genome‐wide association approach; 32 genes previously reported to be associated with seed size regulation in Arabidopsis and Oryza sativa were located in the intervals defined by linkage disequilibrium. Through this study, we gained a deep understanding of the genomic variation distribution across Cucurbita species. The available genetic resources and the associated genetic contents could be used in commercial pumpkin breeding and will facilitate molecular marker‐assisted selection in pumpkin seed trait improvement.
Smart Cities: GCC and Kuwait Experience
Authors: Elian Mohammad I. , Kisswani Khalid M.
Published: September 2023

This study has two main objectives. First, spread out attention toward modern urban modeling and smart cities development in the GCC countries in general and Kuwait in particular. Second, expand existing scholarly concern on digital urbanization notion beyond the scope of the worldwide developed economies. There is a need to include the GCC countries to the scholarly urban literature since such countries are now highly urbanized. Also, the knowledge-based economy is applied through adopting the digitalization processing toward offering public and private services to their communities. The study concludes that smart cities have become very much significant through offering preeminent solutions to several environmental, economic, and societal problems in urban regions. For the GCC, it is crucial to identify the concept and structure of the targeted smart city initiative which should be linked to the country’s national strategic vision. Additionally, what proxies are used to judge on how smart is a city? Not less important, adopting the smart cities format would require overcoming significant limitations in order to overcome urban pressures through introducing the smart cities initiatives.
A Comprehensive Smart System for the Social Housing Sector
Authors: Shahrour Isam
Published: September 2023

This chapter presents a comprehensive smart system for the social housing sector which considers technical, social, and environmental issues. The chapter is composed of four sections. The first section discusses the challenges of the social housing sector with an emphasis on the social and environmental dimensions. The second section presents the research methodology, including an analysis of the expectations of the tenants and the social housing manager and the specifications for the design of the comprehensive smart system. The third section describes the architecture of the smart system, including the stakeholders’ communication channels, the monitoring system, and the smart services. The last section shows an application of smart system to a renovated social housing residence. The chapter shows that the comprehensive smart system should go beyond the smart building concept by extending this concept to the construction of a smart community and the involvement of this community in the improvement of the social housing environment.
Education and Awareness for Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Kandlhofer Martin , Weixelbraun Petra , Menzinger Manuel , Steinbauer-Wagner Gerald , Kemenesi Ágoston
Published: September 2023

The increasing digitization and automation processes in daily life through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) pose great challenges for society and education. These range from building awareness, increasing acceptance, and teaching the foundations of this important and disruptive technology, to fostering a meaningful, creative usage, an assessment of threats, opportunities, and potentials as well as allowing an informed discussion about the technology. This paper presents the 2-year international AI education and awareness project ‘ENARIS’ which addressed these challenges on various levels. On the one hand, the project fostered young people’s interest in AI and facilitated a basic technical understanding. In this context, the integration of teachers, using a train-the-trainer approach and providing ready-to-use, open educational resources based on sound didactic concepts was an essential factor. On the other hand, the project aimed at strengthening awareness regarding social, economic, and technical aspects and potentials of AI among the general public, including school students, children, parents or working persons by conducting open and easily-accessible workshops. In the first project stage, online pre-surveys were conducted to analyze the needs within the target groups. Based on the results, AI ready-to-use prototype learning modules were developed. Following the principles of constructionism, a combination of different teaching methods including unplugged and plugged activities was used. The second project stage dealt with implementing and evaluating pilot workshops using quantitative pre- and post-tests as well as qualitative measures. Results indicate that, a) the ready-to-use teaching material, train-the-trainer workshops and AI topics covered were well received and that, b) a significant positive impact regarding the awareness and general knowledge about AI was achieved.
Reshaping Unplugged Computer Science Workshops for Primary School Education
Authors: Landman Martina , Rain Sophie , Kovács Laura , Futschek Gerald
Published: September 2023

Through meticulous analysis and adaptation, we reshaped unplugged computer science activities to align with the developmental needs and capabilities of primary school children. Our approach focuses on distilling the essence of computer science topics while tailoring their content and delivery methods to suit the younger audience. We describe our efforts and report on our experiences implementing our framework for eight primary school classes, turning our unplugged computer science workshops for secondary school classes into an educational playground for 192 primary school children. Our work contributes to the general societal mission of supporting more and more children to become interested in STEM, ensuring that our technological future is as diverse as possible.