bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Significance of the cribriform morphology area ratio for biochemical recurrence in Gleason score 4 + 4 prostate cancer patients following robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy
Authors: Shimodaira Kenji , Inoue Rie , Hashimoto Takeshi , Satake Naoya , Shishido Toshihide , Namiki Kazunori , Harada Kazuharu , Nagao Toshitaka , Ohno Yoshio
Published: March 2024

Background

In prostate cancer, histological cribriform patterns are categorized as Gleason pattern 4, and recent studies have indicated that their size and percentage are associated with the risk of biochemical recurrence (BCR). However, these studies included a mixture of cases with various Gleason scores (GSs). We therefore examined the prognostic value of the area and percentage of cribriform patterns in patients with GS 4 + 4 prostate cancer.

Methods

We investigated 108 patients with GS 4 + 4 prostate cancer who underwent robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). After digitally scanning the hematoxylin and eosin‐stained slides, we measured the area of the entire cancer and cribriform patterns. Predictive factors for BCR were explored using log‐rank test and Cox proportional hazard model analyses.

Results

Sixty‐seven (62.0%) patients had a cribriform pattern in RARP specimens, and 32 (29.6%) experienced BCR. The median total cancer area, cribriform pattern area, and percentage of cribriform pattern area (% cribriform) were 427.70 mm2 (interquartile range [IQR], 171.65–688.53 mm2), 8.85 mm2 (IQR, 0–98.83 mm2), and 2.44% (IQR, 0%–33.70%), respectively. Univariate analyses showed that higher preoperative serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels, positive resection margins, advanced pathological T stage, extraprostatic extension, larger total cancer area, larger cribriform morphology area, and higher % cribriform values were significantly associated with BCR. A multivariate analysis demonstrated that the PSA level (hazard ratio [HR], 1.061; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.011–1.113; p = 0.017) and % cribriform (HR, 1.018; 95% CI, 1.005–1.031; p = 0.005) were independent predictors of BCR.

Conclusions

An increased % cribriform value was associated with BCR in patients with GS 4 + 4 prostate cancer following RARP.
Graphitic Carbon Nitride as a Metal‐Free Heterogeneous Semiconductor Photocatalyst for Fluoroalkylation Reactions
Authors: Wang Hao , Xie Fukai , Wang He , Dai Wen
Published: March 2024

The increasing use of fluorine‐containing bioactive molecules necessitates efficient strategies for fluorinated group installation. Despite the impressive development of photoinduced radical fluoroalkylation as a powerful tool for introducing fluorine, the persistent issues, including the recyclability and reaction specificity of homogeneous photocatalysts, still leave great room for further advancement in a sustainable and general fashion. Herein, we report a conceptually different approach toward multiple types of fluoroalkylations by using recoverable and versatile graphitic carbon nitride (g‐CN) nanosheets as a heterogeneous photocatalyst. This photocatalytic system enables diverse intermolecular fluoroalkylations of alkenes with fluoroalkanesulfinates and intramolecular fluoroalkyl migrations of alkenyl triflates. Detailed characterizations and mechanism studies substantiate the stability of this organic semiconductor and the crucial role of photogenerated electron‐hole pairs.
Ring Opening Copolymerization of Epoxides with CO2 and Organic Anhydrides Promoted by Dinuclear [OSSO]‐type Metal Complexes
Authors: Niknam Fatemeh , Buonerba Antonio , Grassi Alfonso , Capacchione Carmine
Published: March 2024

The ternary copolymerization of a series of cyclic anhydrides with epoxides and carbon dioxide using dinuclear [OSSO]‐type chromium (III),1, and ‐iron(III), 2, complexes (0.1 mol %) in combination with (bis(triphenylphosphine)iminium chloride) (PPNCl, 0.5–1.0 mol with respect to catalyst) as co‐catalyst is reported in this study. The results have yielded copolymers with polyester and polycarbonate segments with high molecular weights and narrow dispersity. The catalytic systems 1–2/PPNCl were tested in the copolymerization of different epoxides, such as propylene oxide (PO), cyclohexene oxide (CHO), and vinylcyclohexene oxide (VCHO), with a variety of cyclic anhydrides, such as phthalic (PA), diglycolic (DGA) and succinic (SA), with CO2 pressure of 20 bar, temperature range of 45–80 °C in 24 h. Anhydride reaction, affording the polyester segments, exceeded the conversion of 99 % in all the explored cases. On the other hand, in the case of epoxide copolymerization with CO2, for the propylene oxide (PO) reaction, the selectivity towards polypropylene carbonate (PPC) without polyether linkage consistently was >99 %. For the terpolymerization of PO, CO2 and diglycolic anhydride (DGA), a notable epoxide conversion of 86 %, selectively to polycarbonate, with TOF value as high as 36 h−1, was achieved.
Adolescents with strong life purpose report greater career maturity
Authors: Yukhymenko‐Lescroart Mariya , Sharma Gitima
Published: March 2024

In this study, we examined the role of sense of life purpose (awakening to purpose, awareness of purpose, and altruistic purpose) in career maturity (concern, curiosity, confidence, and consultation) among adolescents (N = 234). Adolescents with a strong awareness of purpose reported high career curiosity, high career confidence, and low career consultation. Adolescents with altruistic purpose reported high career concern but low career confidence. Awakening to purpose, on the other hand, did not significantly contribute to career maturity. Overall, findings suggest the importance of providing support as adolescents explore various career options within the context of their life's purpose.
A career education program for early childhood youth: Development and initial evaluation
Authors: Ginevra Maria Cristina , Santilli Sara , Hartung Paul J. , Nota Laura
Published: March 2024

Fostering occupational knowledge during early childhood could help build a foundation for more sophisticated future knowledge of the world of work. Thus, we developed and initially evaluated the effectiveness of a career education program designed to promote occupational knowledge of kindergarten children. Participants were 133 Italian kindergarten children with a mean age of 4.62 years (SD = 0.47) who were randomly assigned to an experimental or control group. Results indicated that, compared to the control group, the experimental group experienced a significantly greater overall increase in occupational knowledge after the intervention. Results of social validity measures indicated that parents and teachers of the experimental group perceived the intervention very favorably in terms of its goals, acceptability and usability of the procedures, and outcomes. The study results provide initial support for the potential of the career education program to promote understanding of the world of work and occupations in early childhood.
Transforming Disposed Face Masks into S‐Doped Carbon Nanofibers for High Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Ding Muge , Haneef Rashidah , Wei Shanghai , Gao Wei
Published: March 2024

The substantial increase in discarded face masks since the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic has resulted in extensive environmental pollution from plastic waste. This study presents a novel upcycling method to repurpose disposable face masks into a carbon‐based nanomaterial for use in supercapacitors. The upcycled sample, CSDFM@800, demonstrates very good supercapacitor properties, boasting a high specific capacitance of 234 F g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1. Additionally, the symmetric coin cell supercapacitor constructed from this material exhibits excellent performance, achieving a high energy density of 8.54 Wh kg−1 at a low current density of 0.5 A g−1, and maintaining superior capacitance retention of 96.8 % after 15,000 charge/discharge cycles at a current density of 10 A g−1. Materials characterisation results and electrochemical analysis reveal that this upcycling process not only preserves the carbon nanofiber structure but also introduces highly reactive sulfur as a heteroatom doping element.
Two‐Dimensional Crystalline Electrocatalysts for Efficient Reduction of Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Dai Lu , Zong Jiawen , Liang Lisha , Li Pengfei
Published: March 2024

The electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction (eCO2RR) can achieve carbon recycling through renewable electrical energy. Before releasing the full potential of eCO2RR, the electrocatalysts still need improvement in terms of catalytic activity, selectivity, and durability. Two‐dimensional (2D) crystalline materials show a high aspect ratio with well‐defined crystal structures, which are promising electrocatalysts for eCO2RR. In this review, we briefly discuss the typical 2D electrocatalysts for eCO2RR. Subsequently, we provide a summary of the different strategies to improve the catalytic performance of 2D crystalline electrocatalysts for creating and modulating active sites. Finally, we end this review with the current challenges and future opportunities of 2D crystalline materials in the eCO2RR.
Leveraging Pyrazolium Ylide Reactivity to Access Indolizine and 1,2‐Dihydropyrimidine Derivatives
Authors: Tran Ricky , Brownsey Duncan K. , O'Sullivan Leonie , Brandow Connor M. J. , Chang Emily S. , Zhou Wen , Patel Ketul V. , Gorobets Evgueni , Derksen Darren J.
Published: March 2024

N‐Heterocyclic ylides are important synthetic precursors to rapidly build molecular complexity. Pyrazolium ylides have largely been unexplored, and we demonstrate their diverse utility in this report. We show that these readily accessible building blocks can be used to construct different heterocyclic skeletons by varying the coupling partner. Indolizines can be formed via an N‐deletion type mechanism when reacting pyrazolium salts with electron deficient alkynes. 1,2‐Dihydropyrimidines can be formed via a rearrangement mechanism when reacting pyrazolium ylides with isocyanates. These reactions enable access to valuable heteroarenes without the need for transition metal catalysis, high temperatures, or strong bases.
Free‐Standing Multiscale Porous High Entropy NiFeCoZn Alloy as the Highly Active Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Alkaline Water Splitting
Authors: Zhang Qiuping , Wang Xu , Jian Tianzhen , Ma Wenqing , Xu Caixia , Zhou Qiuxia , Liu Hong
Published: March 2024

Comprehensive Summary

In the endeavor of searching for highly active and stable electrocatalysts toward overall water splitting, high‐entropy‐alloys have been the intense subjects owing to their advanced physicochemical property. The non‐noble metal free‐standing multiscale porous NiFeCoZn high‐entropy‐alloy is in situ constructed on the surface layer of NiZn intermetallic and Ni heterojunction over nickel foam (NiFeCoZn/NiZn‐Ni/NF) by one scalable dealloying protocal to fulfill the outstanding bifunctional electrocatalytic performances toward overall water splitting. Because of the high‐entropy effects and specific hierarchical porous architecture, the as‐made NiFeCoZn/NiZn‐Ni/ NF displays high intrinsic catalytic activities and durability toward both hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline media. In particular, the in‐situ construction of bimodal porous NiFeCoZn high‐entropy‐alloy results in the small overpotentials (η1000 = 254/409 mV for HER and OER), low Tafel slopes, and exceptional long‐term catalytic durability for 400 h. Expressively, the electrolyzer constructed with NiFeCoZn/NiZn‐Ni/NF as both cathode and anode exhibits a low cell voltage of 1.72 V to deliver the current density of 500 mA·cm–2 for overall water splitting. This work not only provides a facile and scalable protocol for the preparation of self‐supporting high‐entropy‐alloy nanocatalysts but also enlightens the engineering of high performance bifunctional electrocatalysts toward water splitting.
The biomechanical effects of bimaxillary osteotomies to the patients with mandibular retraction under incisal clenching
Authors: Luo Haotian , Teng Haidong , Chong Desmond Y. R. , Liu Zhan
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this study is to investigate the biomechanical effect of bimaxillary osteotomies on patients with mandibular retraction. Mandibular retraction, as a typical maxillofacial deformity, and has great adverse effects on TMJ. Bimaxillary osteotomies are widely used to correct symptoms of mandibular retraction. It is necessary to understand the effect of surgery on temporomandibular disc (TMJ). Five patients with mandibular retraction and 10 asymptomatic subjects were involved in this study. Finite element models of preoperative, postoperative and control group were constructed based on the CT data. Nine sets of concentrated forces were used to simulate the muscle effect and contact method was used to simulate the interaction within the TMJs and dentitions. The results showed that bimaxillary osteotomies could effectively improve the maxillofacial morphology and alleviate the overload in TMJ. The facial asymmetry and right chewing side preference could cause imbalanced stress distributions in the TMJs and interfere the surgical treatment.
Ultrasound–Driven Deposition of Au and Ag Nanoparticles on Citrus Pectin: Preparation and Characterisation of Antimicrobial Composites
Authors: Bucciol Fabio , Manzoli Maela , Zhang Chao , Di Nardo Giovanna , Gilardi Gianfranco , Calcio Gaudino Emanuela , Cravotto Giancarlo
Published: March 2024

Pectin is a renewable, non–toxic and biodegradable polymer made of galacturonic acid units. Its polar groups make it suitable for complexing and supporting metallic nanoparticles (NPs). This work aimed to produce antibacterial nanocomposites using pectin and acoustic cavitation. The metal NPs (Au or Ag) were deposited using ultrasound (US, 21 kHz, 50 W) and compared with those achieved with mechanical stirring. The impact of the reducing agents (NaBH4, ascorbic acid) on the dispersion and morphology of the resulting NPs was also assessed. Characterization by diffuse reflectance (DR) UV‐Vis‐NIR spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) showed that the use of US improves the dispersion and decreases the size of both Au and Ag NPs. Moreover, with Au NPs, avoiding external reductants led to smaller NPs and more uniform in size. The prepared NPs were functionalized with oxytetracycline in water and tested against Escherichia coli (gram negative) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (gram positive) via the Kirby–Bauer test. The results show a better antibacterial activity of the functionalized nanoparticles compared to antibiotic–free NPs and pure oxytetracycline, advising the potential of the nanoparticles as drug carriers. These findings underscore the significance of US‐assisted synthesis, paving the way to new environmentally friendly antimicrobial materials.
Optimized Transition Metal Phosphides for Direct Seawater Electrolysis: Current Trends
Authors: Li Yong , Xin Tianran , Cao Zongcheng , Zheng Weiran , He Peng , Yoon Suk Lee Lawrence
Published: March 2024

Seawater electrolysis presents a viable route for sustainable large‐scale hydrogen production, yet its practical application is hindered by several technical challenges. These include the sluggish kinetics of hydrogen evolution, poor stability, cation deposition at the cathode, electrode corrosion, and competing chloride oxidation at the anode. To overcome these obstacles, the development of innovative electrocatalysts is crucial. Transition metal phosphides (TMPs) have emerged as promising candidates owing to their superior catalytic performance and tunable structural properties. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent progress in the structural engineering of TMPs tailored for efficient seawater electrolysis. We delve into the catalytic mechanisms underpinning hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions in different pH conditions, along with the detrimental side reactions that impede hydrogen production efficiency. Several methods to prepare TMPs are then introduced. Additionally, detailed discussions on structural modifications and interface engineering tactics are presented, showcasing strategies to enhance the activity and durability of TMP electrocatalysts. By analyzing current research findings, our review aims to inform ongoing research endeavors and foster advancements in seawater electrolysis for practical and ecologically sound hydrogen generation.
Preparation of Sulfonyl Chlorides by Oxidative Chlorination of Thiols and Disulfides using HNO3/HCl/O2 in a Flow Reactor
Authors: Sulzer Niklas , Polterauer Dominik , Hone Christopher A. , Kappe C. Oliver
Published: March 2024

A continuous flow metal‐free protocol for the synthesis of sulfonyl chlorides from thiols and disulfides in the presence of nitric acid, hydrochloric acid and oxygen was developed. The influence of the reaction parameters was investigated under batch and flow conditions. Online 19F NMR was successfully implemented to investigate different reaction conditions within a single experiment. The sulfonyl chlorides were isolated (mostly in 70–81 % yield) after performing a simple aqueous washing procedure. In particular, the protocol was successfully operated for >6 hours to convert diphenyl disulfide to its corresponding sulfonyl chloride, achieving a throughput of 3.7 g h−1. The environmental impact of the protocol was assessed and compared to an existing continuous flow protocol using 1,3‐dichloro‐5,5‐dimethylhydantoin (DCH) as reagent. The process mass intensity (PMI) for the newly‐developed flow protocol (15) compared favorably to the DCH flow process (20).
Elastic and breaking properties of epitaxial face‐centered crystals in neutron star crusts and white dwarf cores
Authors: Baiko D. A.
Published: March 2024

Crystallization of dense matter in neutron star crusts and white dwarf cores may be similar to epitaxial crystal growth in terrestrial laboratories. However, in stellar crystals, the spacing between horizontal planes has to gradually increase with the outward movement of the crystallization front, tracing decrease of the electron density. This process produces Coulomb crystals with stretched rather than cubic elementary cells. We extend the analysis of the elastic and breaking properties of such crystals to the face‐centered (fc) lattice. Shear deformations orthogonal to the stretch direction have been studied for 22 crystallographic shear planes. A common property for all these planes is the reduction and eventual nulling of the breaking shear strain with deviation from the unstretched configuration. The effective shear moduli for deformations orthogonal to the stretch direction have been calculated. It is possible that the epitaxial crystallization in compact stars results in a formation of large‐scale crystallites or, at least, in growth of the whole crystallization front perpendicular to particular crystallographic planes. For fc structure growth orthogonal to the planes, we expect that, at any density, () of crystallite height is occupied by layers one (two) orders of magnitude weaker than the bulk of the crystallite. This may be important for realistic modeling of crustquakes on neutron stars.
Yuri L'vovich Klimontovich, his theory of fluctuations and its impact on the kinetic theory
Authors: Bonitz Michael , Zagorodny Anatoly
Published: March 2024

Yuri L'vovich Klimontovich (September 28, 1924–October 26, 2002) was an outstanding theoretical physicist who made major contributions to kinetic theory. On the occasion of his 100th birthday, we recall his main scientific achievements.
Freshwater salinization and the evolved tolerance of amphibians
Authors: Relyea Rick , Mattes Brian , Schermerhorn Candace , Shepard Isaac
Published: March 2024

The increasing salinization of freshwaters is a growing environmental issue as a result of mining, agriculture, climate change, and the application of de‐icing salts in regions that experience ice and snow. Due to narrow osmotic limits, many freshwater species are particularly susceptible to salinization, but it is possible that repeated exposures over time could favor the evolution of increased salt tolerance. Using collected nine populations of larval wood frogs (Rana sylvatica) as eggs from ponds and wetlands with close proximity to roads and spanning a wide gradient of salt concentrations. In the first experiment, we used a time‐to‐death experiment to examine the salt tolerance. In a second experiment, we examined whether population differences in salt tolerance were associated with trade‐offs in growth, development, or behavior in the presence of control water or a sublethal salt concentration. We found that populations collected from ponds with low and intermediate salt concentrations exhibited similar tolerance curves over a 96‐h exposure. However, the population from a pond with the highest salt concentration exhibited a much higher tolerance. We also found population differences in growth, development, and activity level among the populations, but these were not associated with population differences in tolerance. In addition, the sublethal concentration of salt had no impact on growth and development, but it did cause a reduction in tadpole activity across the populations. Collectively, these results provide further evidence that some species of freshwater organisms can evolve tolerance to increasing salinization, although it may only occur under relatively high concentrations and without trade‐offs in growth, development, or behavior.
Microbial community composition in the dung of five sympatric European herbivore species
Authors: Sun Xingzhao , Sitters Judith , Ruytinx Joske , Wassen Martin J. , Olde Venterink Harry
Published: March 2024

The dung microbiome is a complex system that is highly influenced by species and diet. This study characterized the dung bacterial and fungal communities of five herbivore species inhabiting the National Park Zuid‐Kennemerland, the Netherlands. The five selected herbivore species were rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.), cow (Bos taurus L.), horse (Equus ferus caballus L.), fallow deer (Dama dama L.), and European bison (Bison bonasus L.). We explored the effects of distinct digestive physiology (ruminants vs. non‐ruminants) and diverse dietary preferences on the microbial community composition of herbivore dung. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were dominant bacterial phyla in the dung of all five herbivore species, and Ascomycota was the predominant fungal phylum. Verrucomicrobiota and Mucoromycota were more present in horse dung and Proteobacteria were more abundant in rabbit dung than the three ruminant dung types. There were few significant differences in the microbial community structure among the three ruminant dung types. The alpha and beta diversity of dung microbial communities significantly differed between ruminants and non‐ruminants, especially in bacterial communities. Based on MetaCyc pathways, we found that the primary functions of bacteria in herbivore dung were focused on biosynthesis, various super pathways, and degradation, with a few differences between ruminant and non‐ruminant dung. FUNGuild analysis showed that horse dung had more saprotrophic fungi, while the fungi in fallow deer dung had more symbiotrophic properties, with the fungal functions of bison, cow, and rabbit dung somewhere in between. There was also a correlation between microbial community and nutrient composition of the substrate in herbivore dung. Understanding the dung microbial community composition of these herbivore species can enrich the database of mammalian gut microbiomes for studying the mechanisms of microbial community variation while preparing for exploring a new perspective to study the impact of herbivores on ecosystems through dung deposition.
The spotted parrotfish genome provides insights into the evolution of a coral reef dietary specialist (Teleostei: Labridae: Scarini: Cetoscarus ocellatus)
Authors: Tea Yi‐Kai , Zhou Yulu , Ewart Kyle M. , Cheng Guo , Kawasaki Kazuhiko , DiBattista Joseph D. , Ho Simon Y. W. , Lo Nathan , Fan Shaohua
Published: March 2024

With over 600 valid species, the wrasses (family Labridae) are among the largest and most successful families of the marine teleosts. They feature prominently on coral reefs where they are known not only for their impressive diversity in colouration and form but also for their functional specialisation and ability to occupy a wide variety of trophic guilds. Among the wrasses, the parrotfishes (tribe Scarini) display some of the most dramatic examples of trophic specialisation. Using abrasion‐resistant biomineralized teeth, parrotfishes are able to mechanically extract protein‐rich micro‐photoautotrophs growing in and among reef carbonate material, a dietary niche that is inaccessible to most other teleost fishes. This ability to exploit an otherwise untapped trophic resource is thought to have played a role in the diversification and evolutionary success of the parrotfishes. In order to better understand the key evolutionary innovations leading to the success of these dietary specialists, we sequenced and analysed the genome of a representative species, the spotted parrotfish (Cetoscarus ocellatus). We find significant expansion, selection and duplications within several detoxification gene families and a novel poly‐glutamine expansion in the enamel protein ameloblastin, and we consider their evolutionary implications. Our genome provides a useful resource for comparative genomic studies investigating the evolutionary history of this highly specialised teleostean radiation.
Novel analytic methods for predicting extinctions in ecological networks
Authors: Jones Chris , Zurell Damaris , Wiesner Karoline
Published: March 2024

Ecological networks describe the interactions between different species, informing us how they rely on one another for food, pollination, and survival. If a species in an ecosystem is under threat of extinction, it can affect other species in the system and possibly result in their secondary extinction as well. Understanding how (primary) extinctions cause secondary extinctions on ecological networks has been considered previously using computational methods. However, these methods do not provide an explanation for the properties that make ecological networks robust, and they can be computationally expensive. We develop a new analytic model for predicting secondary extinctions that requires no stochastic simulation. Our model can predict secondary extinctions when primary extinctions occur at random or due to some targeting based on the number of links per species or risk of extinction, and can be applied to an ecological network of any number of layers. Using our model, we consider how false negatives and positives in network data affect predictions for network robustness. We have also extended the model to predict scenarios in which secondary extinctions occur once species lose a certain percentage of interaction strength, and to model the loss of interactions as opposed to just species extinction. From our model, it is possible to derive new analytic results such as how ecological networks are most robust when secondary species are of equal degree. Additionally, we show that both specialization and generalization in the distribution of interaction strength can be advantageous for network robustness, depending upon the extinction scenario being considered.
Identifying the drivers of vegetation changes in Inner Mongolia based on residual analysis and Hasse diagram technique
Authors: Mu Shuangyan , Tong Siqin , Batunacun  , Ah Rong , Mei Li , Bao Gang , Huang Xiaojun , Bao Yuhai
Published: March 2024

Exploring the effect of climate change and human activities on vegetation is a key requisite for the reconstruction of regional ecological environments. Therefore, based on long‐term vegetation GIMMS Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data, climate data, and statistical data, the present study applied the Hasse diagram technique and combined the multivariate regression residual analysis to quantitatively analyze the impact of human activities and climate change on vegetation in Inner Mongolia from detailed human activities with some innovations. The results show that (1) NDVI shows an overall increasing trend over the last 39 years, with an abrupt change in 2000; moreover, vegetation growth was better before the abrupt change (PI: 1982–2000) than after it (PII: 2001–2020), with significant downward trends in Xilin Gol and Hulunbuir. (2) Human activities can promote as well as inhibit vegetation, and the promotion effect was larger during 1982–2000 than during 2001–2020, whereas the inhibition effect was larger during 2001–2020. In addition, during PI, vegetation in Inner Mongolia generally experienced promotion by human activities and climate change, while during PII, climate‐driven promotion had the strongest effect, followed by human‐driven inhibition mainly distributed in Xilin Gol. (3) The result of the Hasse diagram analysis shows that the dominant pathways of human activities affecting most of the cities were economic factors and urbanization during PI and economization during PII.
Cushing's Syndrome in Pregnancy Secondary to Adrenocortical Adenoma: A Case Series and Review
Authors: Wang Yan , An Yufen , Hou Xiaomei , Xu Yanan , Li Zhen , Liu Xin , Zheng Fumin , Sun Mingze , Han Rendong , Lu Caixia , Li Jing , Zhou Jun
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To present a case series of Cushing's syndrome (CS) during pregnancy caused by adrenocortical adenomas, highlighting clinical features, hormonal assessments and outcomes.

Methods

We describe five pregnant women with CS, detailing clinical presentations and laboratory findings.

Results

Common clinical features included a full moon face, buffalo back and severe hypertension. Elevated blood cortisol levels with circadian rhythm disruption and suppressed adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) levels were observed. Imaging revealed unilateral adrenal tumours. Two cases underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomies during the second trimester, while three had postpartum surgery. All required hormone replacement therapy, with postoperative pathological confirmation of adrenocortical adenomas.

Conclusion

Diagnosis of CS during pregnancy is challenging due to overlapping features with normal pregnancy: elevated blood cortisol levels and abnormal diurnal rhythm of blood cortisol, suppressed aid diagnosis. Treatment should be individualised due to a lack of explicit optimum therapeutic approaches. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy may be an optimal choice, along with multidisciplinary management including hormone replacement therapy.
Effects of Empagliflozin‐Induced Glycosuria on Weight Gain, Food Intake and Metabolic Indicators in Mice Fed a High‐Fat Diet
Authors: Nguyen Anh T. , Amigo Zachary , McDuffie Kathleen , MacQueen Victoria C. , Bell Lane D. , Truong Lan K. , Batchi Gloria , McMillin Sara M.
Published: March 2024

Background

Sodium glucose‐linked transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors promote glucose, and therefore calorie, excretion in the urine. Patients taking SGLT2 inhibitors typically experience mild weight loss, but the amount of weight loss falls short of what is expected based on caloric loss. Understanding the mechanisms responsible for this weight loss discrepancy is imperative, as strategies to improve weight loss could markedly improve type 2 diabetes management and overall metabolic health.

Methods

Two mouse models of diet‐induced obesity were administered the SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin in the food for 3 months. Urine glucose excretion, body weight, food intake and activity levels were monitored. In addition, serum hormone measurements were taken, and gene expression analyses were conducted.

Results

In both mouse models, mice receiving empagliflozin gained the same amount of body weight as their diet‐matched controls despite marked glucose loss in the urine. No changes in food intake, serum ghrelin concentrations or activity levels were observed, but serum levels of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) decreased after treatment. A decrease in the levels of deiodinase 2 (Dio2) was also observed in the white adipose tissue, a primary target tissue of FGF21.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that compensatory metabolic adaptations, other than increased food intake or decreased physical activity, occur in response to SGLT2 inhibitor‐induced glycosuria that combats weight loss, and that reductions in FGF21, along with subsequent reductions in peripheral Dio2, may play a role.
Towards Catchment Scale Natural Flood Management: Developing evidence, funding and governance approaches
Authors: Carter Jeremy Graham , Karvonen Andrew , Winter Amanda
Published: March 2024

Natural flood management is emerging as a viable way to leverage ecological services to manage flooding. Stakeholders are progressively positioning natural flood management at the scale of river catchments to encourage a move beyond localised and opportunistic actions towards more strategic and cost‐effective flood risk management responses. This reflects a broader turn towards nature‐based solutions, acknowledgement of the climate change adaptation imperative, and recognition that natural flood management can achieve multiple socio‐economic and biophysical co‐benefits. A particular set of issues connected to the specific characteristics of natural flood management are influencing attempts to move towards the catchment scale. This paper identifies evidence, funding and governance as key to understanding the challenges facing natural flood management in this context, with these issues providing a focus for the identification of strategies to move towards catchment scale outcomes. A case study exploring the Irwell catchment in Northwest England provides empirical insights on these themes and identifies approaches that can support the transition towards catchment scale natural flood management. This paper calls for wider implementation of experimental approaches in this field focused on multi‐faceted evaluation, blended financing and strategic intermediaries to help overcome overarching evidence, funding and governance challenges to making this transition.
The intensity rather than the quantity of prior work determines the subsequent downward shift in the power duration relationship in professional cyclists
Authors: Spragg James , Leo Peter , Giorgi Andrea , Gonzalez Borja Martinez , Swart Jeroen
Published: March 2024

To determine whether the intensity of prior work is an important contributing factor to the downward shift in the power‐duration relationship. Data were collected from 14 professional cyclists (height 176.3 cm ± 7, body mass 67.3 kg ± 5, CP, 5.3 W·kg−1 ± 0.21). Participants conducted a power profile test three times consisting of a 15s, a 3 min and a 12 min maximal effort trial utilizing a standardized climb. On the first occasion, the power profile test was conducted in a fresh state (Fresh), the subsequent power profile tests were conducted after two different fatiguing protocols: ∼2000 kJ of work at <70% of CP (low‐intensity continuous (LIC)) and following a novel fatiguing protocol consisting of 5 × 8 min at 105%–110% of CP (HI). Participants conducted significantly less work in HI compared with LIC, however, 1 and 15s power were significantly lower post‐HI than LIC. The 3‐min power output was significantly lower post‐HI than Fresh but not significantly lower in LIC than Fresh. The 12‐min power output and CP were not significantly different between conditions. These findings demonstrate the importance of the intensity of prior work in the resultant downward shift in the power‐duration relationship, especially for shorter‐duration efforts and suggest that the total amount of work done is alone not sufficient to describe prior work.
Metal‐organic frameworks‐assisted electrochemical sensing toward magnesium in medicinal and edible homologous for pharmacological evaluation.
Authors: Dai Cuihong , Li Xu , Cui Yunqi , Yang Zhibin , Zhang Hongda
Published: March 2024

Given the importance of Magnesium (Mg) assay for efficacy evaluation of medicinal and edible homologous (MEH), an electrochemical sensor is designed by exploiting the cooperative properties of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). To be specific, the constructed bimetallic MOFs ((FeZr)MOF) are designed by using Zr(IV) and Fe(III) clusters as metal sources, which provide a large platform for AuNPs attachment to design signal probes. Benefitting from the catalytic properties of (FeZr)MOF toward hydroxylamine, electrochemical signal is attained for Mg2+ analysis with the detection limit to be 3 μM (corresponding to 0.072 μg g−1). Relying on DNAzymes as recognition elements, good anti‐jamming is achieved for Mg2+ analysis against the coexisting ions in Puerarin, Chinese wolfberry, hawthorn and dangshen. With the superiority of rapid response, acceptable sensitivity and specificity, the electrochemical sensor provides a useful pattern for assessing the pharmacological effects of MEH substances, pointing to reasonable selection and combination of multiple health function dietary therapy formulas.
Pure amnestic seizure: A clinico‐intracranial EEG study
Authors: Kawaguchi Norihiko , Inoue Yushi , Terada Kiyohito , Usui Naotaka
Published: March 2024

Objective

Enduring anterograde amnesia is caused by lesions in bilateral mesial temporal lobes. However, whether transient dysfunction of bilateral mesial temporal regions induces reversible amnesia has not been proven. We investigated this association in patients with epilepsy and analyzed the electroclinical correlation during pure amnestic seizures (PAS). PAS are defined as seizures with anterograde amnesia as the only ictal manifestation, accompanied by preserved responsiveness and other cognitive functions.

Methods

We retrospectively searched our intracranial EEG database to find PAS. Pure ictal amnesia was confirmed by immediate and comprehensive ictal examinations.

Results

Among 401 patients who underwent intracranial EEG recording, three patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) manifesting PAS were identified. The patients talked and behaved normally during seizure but did not remember the episodes afterwards. Ictal discharges were confined to bilateral mesial temporal regions, with no or mild involvement of surrounding structures. Spread of low‐voltage fast activities to bilateral mesial temporal regions corresponded to onset of ictal anterograde amnesia. Two patients underwent unilateral mesial temporal resection and became seizure‐free with improvement in cognitive functions.

Significance

PAS is a rare ictal semiology in TLE. Bilateral mesial temporal regions that play a critical role in memory encoding are presumably the symptomatogenic zones for PAS.
May anti‐seizure medications alter brain structure in temporal lobe epilepsy? A prospective study
Authors: Sammarra Ilaria , Caligiuri Maria Eugenia , Bonacci Maria Celeste , Di Gennaro Gianfranco , Fortunato Francesco , Martino Iolanda , Giugno Alessia , Labate Angelo , Gambardella Antonio
Published: March 2024

Mild mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) patients may remain untreated for a considerable time after disease onset or achieve seizure control with a single anti‐seizures medication (ASM). Thus, they represent an optimal population to investigate whether ASMs might have influence on brain structure. We consecutively enrolled 56 mild MTLE patients (22/56 untreated, 34/56 on‐monotherapy) and 58 healthy controls, matched for age and gender. All subjects underwent 3T‐brain MRI, using FreeSurfer for automated morphometry. Differences in gray matter were assessed using one‐way Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA), adjusting for age, disease duration and intracranial volume. No significant change was observed between treated and untreated patients. We observed a significant reduction in cortical thickness of left inferior parietal, inferior temporal, middle temporal gyri, and right inferior parietal gyrus, temporal pole in monotherapy patients compared to healthy controls, as well as an increase in left isthmus of cingulate gyrus in untreated MTLE subjects compared to controls. Surface and subcortical volumes analysis revealed no differences among groups. Our study demonstrated no substantial morphological abnormalities between untreated mild MTLE patients and those undergoing monotherapy. Although exploratory, these results may reassure about safety of commonly used drugs and their marginal role in influencing neuroimaging results.

Plain Language Summary

This study investigated the following question: can medications against epileptic seizures have an effect on brain structure in mild mesial temporal lobe? Preliminary results from our analyses suggest not, as we did not find any difference in brain gray matter between untreated patients and those treated with a single anti‐seizures medication. On the other hand, epilepsy patients presented cortical thinning compared to healthy controls in several regions of the temporal and parietal lobes, in line with previous studies investigating the disease.
A protocol for adapting a clinical practice guideline for the treatment of paediatric asthma for the Egyptian Pediatric Clinical Practice Guidelines Committee
Authors: Abdel Baky Ashraf , Youssef Ahmed , Elsholkamy Lamis , Saber Mona , Gamal Nahla , Soliman Nanies , Amer Yasser
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Paediatric asthma is a prevalent and chronic respiratory condition affecting children worldwide. This protocol outlines the methodology for developing a clinical practice guideline (CPG) for the management of paediatric asthma. The goal of this guideline is to provide evidence‐based recommendations for healthcare professionals, improving the quality of care and health outcomes for paediatric patients with asthma.

Methods

We will use the ‘Adapted ADAPTE’ adaption method, a systematic approach to adapt existing guidelines, which consists of three phases (setup, adaptation and finalisation phases), nine modules and 24 steps, with adaptations to the process and tools to suit the Egypt healthcare context and resources.

Questions

Clinical questions were prepared using the patient population, interventions, professionals, outcomes and healthcare context (PIPOH) model. This CPG protocol addresses critical clinical questions at the heart of effective asthma management in children. It focuses on the diagnosis of paediatric asthma, considering age‐specific clinical presentations and diagnostic tests, assessment of asthma severity, control medications like inhaled corticosteroids, long‐acting β‐agonists and others, with an emphasis on appropriate tools and criteria. The CPG also delves into the realm of long‐term control treatment, exploring the effectiveness and safety of pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions, while considering individualised needs. Furthermore, it examines strategies for monitoring and adjusting treatment plans over time, ensuring optimal care. These clinical questions form the foundation of the CPG, facilitating evidence‐based care delivery and enhancing health outcomes for paediatric asthma patients.
Pattern of regional recurrence after selective neck dissection for clinically positive neck in mucosal squamous carcinoma
Authors: Altawil Mohammad , Stanisz Isabella , Van Den Berg Nadia H. , Sheahan Patrick
Published: March 2024

Background

Selective neck dissection (SND) has traditionally been applied to clinically negative (cN0) necks in mucosal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). We aimed to examine the oncological safety and patterns of regional recurrence (RR) of SND in clinically positive (cN+) necks.

Methods

Retrospective review of prospective cohort of 206 patients with mucosal SCC undergoing neck dissection. RR was classified as occurring within previously dissected levels, within ipsilateral undissected levels, within unusual locations of ipsilateral neck, or contralateral neck.

Results

Seven of seventy‐seven (9.1%) cN+ patients undergoing SND developed isolated RR, versus 16.2% after MRND, and 8.7% after SND for cN0 disease. RR was rarely seen within undissected levels of the ipsilateral neck. RR and survival rates were not associated with ND extent (SND vs. MRND) among either cN+ or pN+ patients.

Conclusion

SND can be safely performed in most patients with cN+ SCC, who do not have gross sternocleidomastoid infiltration or level V metastases.
Sexual history of patients with human papillomavirus positive and negative oropharyngeal cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Durrant Frederick G. , Gutierrez Jorge A. , Nguyen Shaun A. , Nathan Cherie‐Ann O. , Newman Jason G.
Published: March 2024

Background

Increased sexual activity is associated with higher human papillomavirus (HPV) rates; however, there is a lack of analysis comparing the sexual history of patients with HPV positive and HPV negative oropharyngeal cancer (OPC).

Methods

In this meta‐analysis, PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL were searched for articles that included patients with OPC and reported information regarding HPV status and either history of oral sex, number of sexual partners, or sexually transmitted infections (STI).

Results

A total of 11 studies were included with 3296 patients with OPC. Patients with HPV positive OPC were more likely than patients with HPV negative OPC to report a history of oral sex (92%, 95% CI: 87.0–97.0 vs. 74.5%, 95% CI: 50.6–98.4, p < 0.0001), higher mean number of sexual partners (18.4 partners, 95% CI: 1.5–35.4 vs. 7.2 partners, 95% CI: 1.0–13.4, p < 0.0001), and more frequent history of STI (23.7%, 95% CI: 18.4–29.0 vs. 8.8%, 95% CI: 4.7–12.8, p = 0.0001).

Conclusions

Compared to patients with HPV negative OPC, our analysis shows a larger proportion of patients with HPV positive OPC had participated in oral sex, had a higher number of sexual partners, and had a higher proportion of STI history.
Incidence, survival, and mortality of cancer in children and young adolescents in Belgium and the Netherlands in 2004–2015: A comparative population‐based study
Authors: Peirelinck Hanne , Schulpen Maya , Hoogendijk Raoull , Van Damme An , Pieters Rob , Henau Kris , Van Damme Nancy , Karim‐Kos Henrike E.
Published: March 2024

International comparisons of cancer surveillance measures may provide insight into inequalities in registration practices, etiological factors, and treatment strategies. This study aimed to compare incidence, survival, and mortality of cancer in children and young adolescents between Belgium and the Netherlands. All children (0–14 years) and young adolescents (15–17 years) diagnosed with cancer between 2004 and 2015 were selected from the population‐based cancer registries of Belgium (N = 4739) and the Netherlands (N = 7322). Differences in incidence and mortality were expressed as standardized rate ratios (SRR; BE/NL). Five‐year observed survival was calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method. During 2004–2015, the overall cancer incidence among children and young adolescents was similar in both countries. Incidence of neuroblastoma was significantly higher in Belgian children (2010–2015: SRR = 1.3, 95% CI 1.0–1.6). Five‐year survival of all malignant cancers was comparable in 2010–2015, exceeding 80% in both age groups. Remarkable differences in survival existed in children for malignant central nervous system (CNS) tumors in 2004–2009 (BE = 62%, NL = 45%), for acute myeloid leukemia (BE = 68%, NL = 78%) and rhabdomyosarcomas (BE = 60%, NL = 79%) in 2010–2015, and for neuroblastoma in both periods (2004–2009: BE = 76%, NL = 64%; 2010–2015: BE = 82%, NL = 64%). Overall cancer mortality in children decreased by approximately 3 percent‐points annually in both countries, but was slightly lower in Belgium in 2004–2009 (SRR = 0.9, 95% CI 0.7–1.0). Despite differences for specific cancer types, overall cancer incidence, survival, and mortality were comparable between Dutch and Belgian children and young adolescents in 2010–2015. Variability in screening, diagnosis, and registration practices probably explains the observed differences in incidence and survival of neuroblastoma and malignant CNS tumors.