bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes to Primary End Points in Randomized Clinical Trials on Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Urothelial, Renal Cell, and Lung Cancers
Authors: Richters Anke , Yildirim Hilin , Booth Christopher M. , Vera Badillo Francisco E. , Kiemeney Lambertus A. L. M. , Aben Katja K. H.
Published: June 2023

This systematic review investigates how often and to what extent primary end points are changed and reported in immune checkpoint inhibitor clinical trials.
Comparing Risk for Second Primary Cancers After Intensity-Modulated vs 3-Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer, 2002-2015
Authors: Pithadia Kishan J. , Advani Pragati G. , Citrin Deborah E. , Bekelman Justin E. , Withrow Diana R. , Berrington de Gonzalez Amy , Morton Lindsay M. , Schonfeld Sara J.
Published: June 2023

Importance

Compared with 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT), intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) can spare nearby tissue but may result in increased scatter radiation to distant normal tissue, including red bone marrow. It is unclear whether second primary cancer risk varies by radiotherapy type.

Objective

To evaluate whether radiotherapy type (IMRT vs 3DCRT) is associated with second primary cancer risk among older men treated for prostate cancer.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this retrospective cohort study of a linked database of Medicare claims and Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program population-based cancer registries (2002-2015), male patients aged 66 to 84 diagnosed with a first primary nonmetastatic prostate cancer from 2002 to 2013, as reported to SEER, and who received radiotherapy (IMRT and/or 3DCRT without proton therapy) within the first year following prostate cancer were identified. The data were analyzed from January 2022 through June 2022.

Exposure

Receipt of IMRT and 3DCRT, based on Medicare claims.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The association between radiotherapy type and development of a subsequent hematologic cancer at least 2 years after prostate cancer diagnosis or a subsequent solid cancer at least 5 years after prostate cancer diagnosis. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs were estimated using multivariable Cox proportional regression.

Results

The study included 65 235 2-year first primary prostate cancer survivors (median [range] age, 72 [66-82] years; 82.2% White patients) and 45 811 5-year survivors with similar demographic characteristics (median [range] age, 72 [66-79] years; 82.4% White patients). Among 2-year prostate cancer survivors (median [range] follow-up, 4.6 [0.003-12.0] years), 1107 second hematologic cancers were diagnosed (IMRT, 603; 3DCRT, 504). Radiotherapy type was not associated with second hematologic cancers overall or any specific types evaluated. Among 5-year survivors (median [range] follow-up, 3.1 [0.003-9.0] years), 2688 men were diagnosed with a second primary solid cancer (IMRT, 1306; 3DCRT, 1382). The overall HR for IMRT vs 3DCRT was 0.91 (95% CI, 0.83-0.99). This inverse association was restricted to the earlier calendar year period of prostate cancer diagnosis (HR2002-2005 = 0.85; 95% CI, 0.76-0.94; HR2006-2010 = 1.14; 95% CI, 0.96-1.36), with a similar pattern observed for colon cancer (HR2002-2005 = 0.66; 95% CI, 0.46-0.94; HR2006-2010 = 1.06; 95% CI, 0.59-1.88).

Conclusions and Relevance

The results of this large, population-based cohort study suggest that IMRT for prostate cancer is not associated with an increased risk of second primary cancers, either solid or hematologic, and any inverse associations may be associated with calendar year of treatment.
Acceptance and transformation of the housing “ladder” in slum resettlement projects in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Authors: Maeda Masahiro
Published: June 2023

This study focuses on the Sustainable Township Development Programme, a slum resettlement project that represents a recent housing policy shift in Sri Lanka. Through the actual housing improvement activities of the residents of Sahaspura, a resettlement housing complex, and the slum residents in the surrounding area, the response of the beneficiaries to the housing “ladder” was clarified. Policy makers and planners intended to merge slum dwellers into the formal housing market through the provision of “ladders,” a set of regular ownership and dwelling units in Sahaspura. However, residents have responded in a variety of ways, including house extensions and renovations and informal housing transactions according to their daily needs. As a result, the original intention of the planners was distorted and the “ladder” was incorporated into the indigenous housing market in the slum, revealing a “transformation” from legal tenure to de facto tenure. Factors contributing to this transformation include the location of resettlement sites near urban areas, the looseness of housing environment management, the possibility of choosing the multiple form of tenure, and the existence of actors and social relations that guarantee access to land.
Nihilism
Authors: Joyce Richard
Published: June 2023

Moral nihilism is the view that there are no moral facts or moral truths. It contrasts with both existential nihilism and political nihilism.
Chastity
Authors: Halwani Raja
Published: June 2023

The entry previews some historical thinkers’ view of chastity (Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas), and discusses some substantive differences among philosophers as to what chastity amounts to. It also addresses the issue of whether chastity is a possible virtue given certain aspects of sexual desire.
Unbiased recursive least squares identification methods for a class of nonlinear systems with irregularly missing data
Authors: Liu Wenxuan , Li Meihang
Published: June 2023

Missing data often occur in industrial processes. In order to solve this problem, an auxiliary model and a particle filter are adopted to estimate the missing outputs, and two unbiased parameter estimation methods are developed for a class of nonlinear systems (e.g., bilinear systems) with irregularly missing data. Firstly, an auxiliary model is constructed to estimate the unknown output, and an auxiliary model‐based multi‐innovation recursive least squares algorithm is presented by expanding the scalar innovation to an innovation vector. Secondly, according to the bias compensation principle, an auxiliary model‐based bias compensation multi‐innovation recursive least squares algorithm is proposed to compensate the bias caused by the colored noise. Thirdly, for further improving the parameter estimation accuracy, the unknown true output is estimated by a particle filter, and a particle filtering‐based bias compensation multi‐innovation recursive least squares algorithm is developed. Finally, a numerical example is selected to validate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms. The simulation results indicate that the proposed algorithms have good performance in identifying bilinear systems with irregularly missing data.
Precision X‐Ray Time‐Lapse Flexible Imaging from Fluoride Nanocrystals with the Constructed Deep Traps
Authors: Peng Songcheng , Chen Luwei , Lu Lan , Zhang Peng , Wen Hongyu , Yan Shuangpeng , Wang Wei , Xiong Yuanyuan , Lu JinKang , Qiu Jianbei , Yu Jie , Yu Xue , Xu Xuhui
Published: June 2023

X‐ray time‐lapse imaging allows for precise radiographic imaging of the item after X‐ray has been terminated, which is important for simplifying legacy X‐ray detectors and avoiding health hazards caused by ionizing radiation during the imaging process. However, the premature discharge of carriers from shallow traps at room temperature over time leads to the loss of imaging information, making an accurate representation of the recorded information to achieve accurate time‐lapse imaging still a challenge. Here, it is demonstrated that monodispersed NaLuF4: Tb3+ nanocrystals with the replacement of Na+ by Cs+ ions in the lattice matrix realize a superior X‐ray time‐lapse imaging. It is found that the incorporation of Cs+ ions amplifies the deep trap storage capacity, which ensures the stable presence of carriers under thermal perturbation at room temperature. Imaging information with a spatial resolution of 12.0 lp mm−1 can be accurately represented even after the irradiation of the X‐ray has been terminated for 192 h. X‐ray time‐lapse imaging not only allows accurate reading of long‐term stored imaging information but also endows the visualization of X‐ray imaging independent of the dangerous radiation, which will offer great opportunities for X‐ray inspection on a larger scale.
High‐Speed Broadband Hybrid Perovskite Nanocrystals /Ge Photodetector from UV to NIR
Authors: Yang Yazhou , Liu Xiangquan , Liu Taoran , Chen Dan , Ye Zhenglan , Li Jiayi , Huang Qinxing , Zhu Yupeng , Pang Yaqing , Zhang Diandian , Liu Zhi , Cheng Buwen , Zheng Jun , Zuo Yuhua
Published: June 2023

High speed broadband photodetectors (PDs) have attracted significant interest for many applications such as imaging, gas sensing, and night vision. In this study, the widest reported detection range is achieved from 254 nm to 1800 nm by integrating CsPb(BrCl)3: Yb3+ nanocrystals (NCs) with Germanium (Ge) on a Si substrate. To overcome the persistent photoconductance (PPC) effect that limits the detector response speed in the UV region, this study proposes a down conversion technology to convert UV light to 980 nm infrared light by applying a CsPb(BrCl)3: Yb3+ NCs. The response time of the hybrid PD at 275 nm decreased significantly from several hundred seconds to 1.21 µs. Moreover, benefiting from the CsPb(BrCl)3: Yb3+ NCs antireflection layer, the responsivity of a hybrid CsPb(BrCl)3: Yb3+ NCs /Ge metal semiconductor metal (MSM) PD has enhanced the whole detection band, especially at 1310 nm, which increased by 80% from 0.16 to 0.29 A W−1. This work promotes the development of perovskite integrated optoelectronic devices and provides a feasible route for broad‐band PD from the UV to near infrared (NIR) band.
Modulation of Autophagy Direction to Enhance Antitumor Effect of Endoplasmic‐Reticulum‐Targeted Therapy: Left or Right?
Authors: Shen Xinran , Deng Yudi , Chen Liqiang , Liu Chendong , Li Lian , Huang Yuan
Published: June 2023

Strategies that induce dysfunction in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) hold great promise for anticancer therapy, but remain unsatisfactory due to the compensatory autophagy induction after ER disruption. Moreover, as autophagy can either promote or suppress cell survival, which direction of autophagy better suits ER‐targeting therapy remains controversial. Here, a targeted nanosystem is constructed, which efficiently escorts anticancer therapeutics into the ER, triggering substantial ER stress and autophagy. Concurrently, an autophagy enhancer or inhibitor is combined into the same nanoparticle, and their impacts on ER‐related activities are compared. In the orthotopic breast cancer mouse model, the autophagy enhancer increases the antimetastasis effect of ER‐targeting therapy and suppresses over 90% of cancer metastasis, while the autophagy inhibitor has a bare effect. Mechanism studies reveal that further enhancing autophagy accelerates central protein snail family transcriptional repressor 1 (SNAI1) degradation, suppressing downstream epithelial–mesenchymal transition, while inhibiting autophagy does the opposite. With the same trend, ER‐targeting therapy combined with an autophagy enhancer provokes stronger immune response and tumor inhibition than the autophagy inhibitor. Mechanism studies reveal that the autophagy enhancer elevates Ca2+ release from the ER and functions as a cascade amplifier of ER dysfunction, which accelerates Ca2+ release, resulting in immunogenic cell death (ICD) induction and eventually triggering immune responses. Together, ER‐targeting therapy benefits from the autophagy‐enhancing strategy more than the autophagy‐inhibiting strategy for antitumor and antimetastasis treatment.
Synergistic Effect of Crown Ether and Main‐Chain Engineering for Boosting Hydrogen Evolution of Polymer Photocatalysts in Seawater
Authors: Chang Chih‐Li , Huang Tse‐Fu , Lin Wei‐Cheng , Ting Li‐Yu , Shih Chin‐Hsuan , Chen Yan‐Heng , Liu Jia‐Jen , Lin Yu‐Tung , Tseng Yuang‐Ting , Wu Yi‐Hsiang , Sun Yu‐En , Elsayed Mohamed Hammad , Chen Chin‐Wen , Yu Chi‐Hua , Chou Ho‐Hsiu
Published: June 2023

Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from natural seawater faces the severe challenges of abundant salts, which adsorb on the active sites and result in undesirable side reactions and photocatalyst poisoning. Herein, a series of main‐chain‐engineered discontinuously conjugated polymer (DCP) photocatalysts is presented with bifunctional crown ether (CE) structures for hydrogen evolution from seawater. The hydrophilic CE can significantly inhibit the aggregation of DCPs induced by salts. Meanwhile, cyclic CE can effectively adsorb cations to uncover the active sites to increase their interaction with protons, which can increase the hydrogen evolution rates and significantly reduce the efficiency roll‐off in natural seawater. Through atomistic studies, the formation of hydrogen bonds with bifunctional CE is elucidated and further analysis of the microscale mechanisms is also conducted using molecular dynamics and ab initio techniques. This work suggests that CE‐based polymer has the potential to enhance its ability to produce hydrogen through photocatalysis using seawater.
Design of a rainfall simulator for classroom demonstration and field research
Authors: Jaqueth Aubrey L. , Marshall Melanie M. , Ciampaglio Chuck N.
Published: June 2023

Rainfall is a key abiotic factor of ecosystems that can both provide benefits and contribute to negative environmental impacts. Due to spring precipitation levels increasing in the Midwest, there has been increased interest in developing and evaluating practices that can mitigate the effects of heavy rainfall. As this is an area of interest for both agriculture and environmental sciences, demonstrating the actions of severe rainfall can be a powerful tool in the natural sciences classroom as well as in the field. Rainfall simulators are ideal for this demonstration as they can create repeated, uniform rainfall events while introducing limited variability between events. Building on previous literature, we constructed a cost‐effective, easily transportable design that can be utilized in the classroom, the lab, and the field. Here, tests were conducted to measure flow rate, rain droplet size, and uniformity of water dispersion on the cost‐effective and easily obtained solid cone‐style herbicide nozzle. We found no statistically significant differences among rainfall dispersion metrics or in raindrop uniformity analyses. This demonstrates the capability of constructing this type of teaching and research equipment at little cost while producing highly consistent and size‐relevant artificial rainfall.
The examination of Kraepelin's diagnoses of dementia praecox and manic‐depressive insanity in pedigrees: Studies of Schuppius in 1912 and Wittermann in 1913
Authors: Kendler Kenneth S. , Klee Astrid
Published: June 2023

In the first two decades of the 20th century, a new approach to psychiatric genetics research emerged in Germany from three roots: (i) the wide‐spread acceptance of Kraepelin's diagnostic system, (ii) increasing interest in pedigree research, and (iii) excitement about Mendelian models. We review two relevant papers, reporting analyses of, respectively, 62 and 81 pedigrees: S. Schuppius in 1912 and E. Wittermann in 1913. While most prior asylum based studies only reported a patient's “hereditary burden,” they examined diagnoses of individual relatives at a particular place in a pedigree. Both authors focused on the segregation of dementia praecox (DP) and manic‐depressive insanity (MDI). Schuppius reported that the two disorders frequently co‐occurred in his pedigrees while Wittermann found them to be largely independent. Schuppius was skeptical of the feasibility of evaluating Mendelian models in humans. Wittermann, by contrast, with advice from Wilhelm Weinberg, applied algebraic models with proband correction to DP in his sibships with results consistent with autosomal recessive transmission. While he had less data, Wittermann suggested that MDI was likely an autosomal dominant disorder. Both authors were interested in other disorders or traits appearing in pedigrees dense with DP (e.g., idiocy) or MDI (e.g., highly excitable individuals).
Autosomal dominant genodermatoses in adults being heralded by superimposed skin lesions in children
Authors: Happle Rudolf
Published: June 2023

In autosomal dominant skin disorders, pronounced mosaic involvement may sometimes occur in the neonate, originating in a heterozygous embryo from early loss of heterozygosity, probably during the first week after fertilization. In biallelic phenotypes, such overlaying mosaic involvement may coexist with disseminated mosaicism, for example, in neurofibromatosis or tuberous sclerosis. In other phenotypes, however, classical nonsegmental involvement tends to appear much later, which is why the superimposed mosaic is a heralding feature. In Brooke–Spiegler syndrome (eccrine cylindromatosis), a large pedigree documented a 5‐year‐old boy with multiple, congenital small eccrine cylindromas along the lines of Blaschko. Disseminated cylindromas were absent because they usually appear in adulthood. ̶ In Hornstein–Knickenberg syndrome, an affected woman had an 8‐year‐old son with a nevus comedonicus‐like lesion exemplifying a forerunner of the syndrome. (“Birt‐Hogg‐Dubé syndrome” represents a nonsyndromic type of hereditary perifollicular fibromas.) In glomangiomatosis, neonatal superimposed mosaicism is a heralding feature because disseminated lesions appear during puberty or adulthood. Linear porokeratosis is a harbinger of disseminated porokeratosis that develops 30 or 40 years later. ̶ Cases of superimposed linear Darier disease were forerunners of nonsegmental manifestation. ̶ In a case of Hailey–Hailey disease, neonatal mosaic lesions heralded nonsegmental involvement that began 22 years later.
Thermally Crosslinked F‐rich Polymer to Inhibit Lead Leakage for Sustainable Perovskite Solar Cells and Modules
Authors: Zhang Jiakang , Li Zhipeng , Guo Fengjuan , Jiang Haokun , Yan Wenjian , Peng Cheng , Liu Ruixin , Wang Li , Gao Hongtao , Pang Shuping , Zhou Zhongmin
Published: June 2023

High‐performance perovskite solar cells have demonstrated commercial viability, but still face the risk of contamination from lead leakage and long‐term stability problems caused by defects. Here, an organic small molecule (octafluoro‐1,6‐hexanediol diacrylate) is introduced into the perovskite film to form a polymer through in situ thermal crosslinking, of which the carbonyl group anchors the uncoordinated Pb2+of perovskite and reduces the leakage of lead, along with the −CF2− hydrophobic group protecting the Pb2+from water invasion. Additionally, the polymer passivates varieties of Pb‐related and I‐related defects through coordination and hydrogen bonding interactions, regulating the crystallization of perovskite film with reduced trap density, releasing lattice strain, and promoting carrier transport and extraction. The optimal efficiencies of polymer‐incorporated devices are 24.76 % (0.09 cm2) and 20.66 % (14 cm2). More importantly, the storage stability, thermal stability, and operational stability have been significantly improved.
A Humidity‐Induced Large Electronic Conductivity Change of 107 on a Metal‐Organic Framework for Highly Sensitive Water Detection
Authors: Deng Wei‐Hua , Li Qiao‐Hong , Chen Jie , Wang Chuan‐Zhe , Fu Zhi‐Hua , Ye Xiao‐Liang , Wang Guan‐E , Xu Gang
Published: June 2023

The electronic conductivity (EC) of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) is sensitive to strongly oxidizing guest molecules. Water is a relatively mild species, however, the effect of H2O on the EC of MOFs is rarely reported. We explored the effect of H2O on the EC in the MOFs (NH2)2‐MIL‐125 and its derivatives with experimental and theoretical investigations. Unexpectedly, a large EC increase of 107 on H2SO4@(NH2)2‐MIL‐125 by H2O was observed. Brønsted acid–base pairs formed with the −NH2 groups, and H2SO4 played an important role in promoting the charge transfer from H2O to the MOF. Based on H2SO4@(NH2)2‐MIL‐125, a high‐performance chemiresistive humidity sensor was developed with the highest sensitivity, broadest detection range, and lowest limit of detection amongst all reported sensing materials to date. This work not only demonstrated that H2O can remarkably influence the EC of MOFs, but it also revealed that post‐modification of the structure of MOFs could enhance the influence of the guest molecule on their EC to design high‐performance sensing materials.
Boron‐Dipyrromethene‐Based Fluorescent Emitters Enable High‐Performance Narrowband Red Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Liu Jiahui , Liu Junjie , Li Haoyuan , Bin Zhengyang , You Jingsong
Published: June 2023

Narrowband organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) are receiving significant attention and have demonstrated impressive performance in blue and green OLEDs. However, developing high‐performance narrowband red OLEDs remains a highly desired yet challenging task. Herein, we have developed narrowband red fluorescent emitters by utilizing a boron‐dipyrromethene (BODIPY) skeleton in combination with a methyl‐shield strategy. These emitters exhibit small full‐width at half‐maxima (FWHM) ranging from 21 nm (0.068 eV) to 25 nm (0.081 eV) and high photoluminescence quantum yields (ΦPL) ranging from 88.5 % to 99.0 % in toluene solution. Using BODIPY‐based luminescent materials as emitters, high‐performance narrowband red OLEDs have been assembled with external quantum efficiency as high as 18.3 % at 623 nm and 21.1 % at 604 nm. This work represents, to our knowledge, the first successful case of achieving NTSC pure‐red OLEDs with the Commission Internationale de l’Éclairage (CIE) coordinates of [0.67, 0.33] based on conventional fluorescent emitters.
Statistics and probability theory in renewable energy: Teaching and research
Authors: Eryilmaz Serkan , Kateri Maria , Devrim Yilser
Published: June 2023

In this paper, the key‐role and utility of statistics and probability theory in the field of renewable energy are emphasized and illustrated via specific examples. It is demonstrated that renewable energy is a very suitable field to effectively teach and implement many statistical and probabilistic concepts and techniques. From a research point of view, statistical and probabilistic methods have been successfully employed in evaluating renewable energy systems. These methods will continue to be of core interest for the renewable energy sector in the future, as new and more complex renewable energy systems are developed and installed. In this context, some future research directions in relation to the evaluation of renewable energy systems are also presented.
Viral clearance in end‐to‐end integrated continuous process for mAb purification: Total flow‐through integrated polishing on two columns connected to virus filtration
Authors: Shirataki Hironobu , Matsumoto Yoshihiro , Konoike Fuminori , Yamamoto Shuichi
Published: June 2023

There are few reports of the adoption of continuous processes in bioproduction, particularly the implementation of end‐to‐end continuous or integrated processes, due to difficulties such as feed adjustment and incorporating virus filtration. Here, we propose an end‐to‐end integrated continuous process for a monoclonal antibody (mAb) with three integrated process segments: upstream production processes with pool‐less direct connection, pooled low pH virus inactivation with pH control and a total flow‐through integrated polishing process in which two columns were directly connected with a virus filter. The pooled virus inactivation step defines the batch, and high impurities reduction and mAb recovery were achieved for batches conducted in succession. Viral clearance tests also confirmed robust virus reduction for the flow‐through two‐column chromatography and the virus filtration steps. Additionally, viral clearance tests with two different hollow fiber virus filters operated at flux ranging from 1.5 to 40 LMH (liters per effective surface area of filter in square meters per hour) confirmed robust virus reduction over these ranges. Complete clearance with virus logarithmic reduction value ≥4 was achieved even with a process pause at the lowest flux. The end‐to‐end integrated continuous process proposed in this study is amenable to production processes, and the investigated virus filters have excellent applicability to continuous processes conducted at constant flux.
Characterization of white matter alterations using diffusion kurtosis imaging in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Anand Tanushka , Ishaque Abdullah , Ta Daniel , Khan Muhammad Umer , Bharti Komal , Wu Andrew , Krebs Dennell , Beaulieu Christian , Seres Peter , Kalra Sanjay
Published: June 2023

Background

To evaluate the degeneration of the corticospinal tract (CST) and corpus callosum (CC) in patients with motor neuron disease and upper motor neuron (UMN) dysfunction using diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI).

Methods

Twenty‐seven patients and 33 healthy controls underwent magnetic resonance imaging along with clinical and neuropsychological testing. Tractography of diffusion tensor images was performed to extract tracts of the bilateral CST and CC. Group mean differences both across the entire averaged tract and along each tract were assessed, including correlations between diffusion metrics and clinical measures. Tract‐based spatial statistics (TBSS) was performed to evaluate the spatial distribution of whole‐brain microstructural abnormalities in patients.

Results

In comparison to controls, patients had significantly higher mean and radial diffusivity and lower fractional anisotropy (FA), kurtosis anisotropy, mean kurtosis (MK), and radial kurtosis (RK) in the CST and CC (p < .017). Along‐the‐tract analysis revealed changes concentrated in the posterior limb of the internal capsule, corona radiata, and primary motor cortex (false‐discovery rate p < .05). FA of the left CST correlated with disease progression rate, whereas MK of the bilateral CST correlated with UMN burden (p < .01). TBSS results corroborated along‐tract analysis findings and additionally revealed reduced RK and MK in the fornix, where diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) changes were absent.

Conclusion

DKI abnormalities in the CST and CC are present in patients with UMN dysfunction, potentially revealing complementary information to DTI regarding the pathology and microstructural alterations occurring in such patients. DKI shows promise as a potential in vivo biomarker for cerebral degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Estonian National Mental Health Study: Design and methods for a registry‐linked longitudinal survey
Authors: Laidra Kaia , Reile Rainer , Havik Merle , Leinsalu Mall , Murd Carolina , Tulviste Jaan , Tamson Merili , Akkermann Kirsti , Kreegipuu Kairi , Sultson Hedvig , Ainsaar Mare , Uusberg Andero , Rahno Jaana , Panov Liisi , Leetmaa Kadri , Aasa Anto , Veidebaum Toomas , Lehto Kelli , Konstabel Kenn
Published: June 2023

Objectives

The Estonian National Mental Health Study (EMHS) was conducted in 2021–2022 to provide population‐wide data on mental health in the context of COVID‐19 pandemic. The main objective of this paper is to describe the rationale, design, and methods of the EMHS and to evaluate the survey response.

Methods

Regionally representative stratified random sample of 20,000 persons aged 15 years and older was drawn from the Estonian Population Register for the study. Persons aged 18 years and older at the time of the sampling were enrolled into three survey waves where they were invited to complete an online or postal questionnaire about mental well‐being and disorders, and behavioral, cognitive, and other risk factors. Persons younger than 18 years of age were invited to fill an anonymous online questionnaire starting from wave 2. To complement and validate survey data, data on socio‐demographic, health‐related, and environmental variables were collected from six national administrative databases and registries. Additionally, a subsample was enrolled into a validation study using ecological momentary assessment.

Results

In total, 5636 adults participated in the survey wave 1, 3751 in wave 2, and 4744 in wave 3. Adjusted response rates were 30.6%, 21.1%, and 27.6%, respectively. Women and older age groups were more likely to respond. Throughout the three survey waves, a considerable share of adult respondents screened positive for depression (27.6%, 25.1%, and 25.6% in waves 1, 2, and 3, respectively). Women and young adults aged 18 to 29 years had the highest prevalence of depression symptoms.

Conclusions

The registry‐linked longitudinal EMHS dataset comprises a rich and trustworthy data source to allow in‐depth analysis of mental health outcomes and their correlates among the Estonian population. The study serves as an evidence base for planning mental health policies and prevention measures for possible future crises.
The arcuate fasciculus: Combining structure and function into surgical considerations
Authors: Vavassori Laura , Venturini Martina , Zigiotto Luca , Annicchiarico Luciano , Corsini Francesco , Avesani Paolo , Petit Laurent , De Benedictis Alessandro , Sarubbo Silvio
Published: June 2023

Background

Two Centuries from today, Karl Friedrich Burdach attributed the nomenclature “arcuate fasciculus” to a white matter (WM) pathway connecting the frontal to the temporal cortices by arching around the Sylvian fissure. Although this label remained essentially unvaried, the concepts related to it and the characterization of the structural properties of this bundle evolved along with the methodological progress of the past years. Concurrently, the functional relevance of the arcuate fasciculus (AF) classically restricted to the linguistic domain has extended to further cognitive abilities. These features make it a relevant structure to consider in a large variety of neurosurgical procedures.

Objective

Herein, we build on our previous review uncovering the connectivity provided by the Superior Longitudinal System, including the AF, and provide a handy representation of the structural organization of the AF by considering the frequency of defined reports in the literature. By adopting the same approach, we implement an account of which functions are mediated by this WM bundle. We highlight how this information can be transferred to the neurosurgical field by presenting four surgical cases of glioma resection requiring the evaluation of the relationship between the AF and the nearby structures, and the safest approaches to adopt.

Conclusions

Our cumulative overview reports the most common wiring patterns and functional implications to be expected when approaching the study of the AF, while still considering seldom descriptions as an account of interindividual variability. Given its extension and the variety of cortical territories it reaches, the AF is a pivotal structure for different cognitive functions, and thorough understanding of its structural wiring and the functions it mediates is necessary for preserving the patient's cognitive abilities during glioma resection.
Mentalization Scale (MentS): Validity and reliability of the Iranian version in a sample of nonclinical adults
Authors: Asgarizadeh Ahmad , Vahidi Elahe , Seyed Mousavi Parisa Sadat , Bagherzanjani Ali , Ghanbari Saeed
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Mentalizing incapacity is increasingly identified as a common factor in psychopathology. The Mentalization Scale (MentS) is a cost‐effective measure built upon the dimensional model of mentalizing. We aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Iranian version of MentS.

Methods

Two samples of community‐based adults (N1 = 450, N2 = 445) completed different batteries of self‐report measures. In addition to MentS, participants completed measures of reflective functioning and attachment insecurities in the first sample and a measure of emotion dysregulation in the second sample.

Results

Due to the conflicting results of confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses, an item‐parceling approach was applied, which replicated the original three‐factor structure of MentS, yielding Self‐Related Mentalization, Other‐Related Mentalization, and Motivation to Mentalize. The reliability and convergent validity of MentS were supported in both samples.

Conclusion

Our findings provided preliminary evidence for using the Iranian version of MentS in nonclinical populations as a reliable and valid measure.
Causal relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease, Barrett's esophagus, and epilepsy: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Liu Xiaoduo , Wei Tao , Shi Lubo , Zhou Shaojiong , Liu Yufei , Song Weiyi , Que Xinwei , Wang Zhibin , Tang Yi
Published: June 2023

Background

The incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been shown to be elevated in individuals with epilepsy. Traditional observational studies have led to a limited understanding of the effects of GERD and BE on epilepsy due to the interference of reverse causation and potential confounders.

Methods

We conducted a bidirectional two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to determine whether GERD and BE can increase the risk of epilepsy. Genome‐wide association study data on epilepsy and its subgroups were obtained from the International League Against Epilepsy consortium for primary analysis using three MR approaches and the FinnGen consortium for replication and meta‑analysis. We calculated causal estimates between the two esophageal diseases and epilepsy using the inverse‐variance weighted method. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to detect heterogeneity and pleiotropy.

Results

We found a potential effect of genetically predicted GERD on the risk of epilepsy (odds ratio [OR] = 1.078; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.014–1.146, p = .016). Specifically, GERD showed an effect on the risk of generalized epilepsy (OR = 1.163; 95% CI, 1.048–1.290, p = .004) but not focal epilepsy (OR = 1.059, 95% CI, 0.992–1.131, p = .084). Notably, BE did not show a significant causal relationship with the risks of generalized and focal epilepsy.

Conclusions

Under MR assumptions, our findings suggest a potential risk‐increasing effect of GERD on epilepsy, especially generalized epilepsy. Considering the exploratory nature of our study, the association between GERD and epilepsy needs to be confirmed by future prospective studies.
Proteomic analysis identifies HMGA2 as a novel biomarker of overall survival in papillary renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Wei Tian , Xu Huiya , Liang Huishan , Lian Yating , Chen Huiyu , Zheng Zhangyi , Zhong Minghui , Liu Junfeng , Wang Ran , Wang Fen
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Although papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC) has a relatively favorable prognosis, a small number of patients with lymph node or distant metastasis have a poor prognosis. Owing to the complex typing and heterogeneity of PRCC, it remains difficult to provide risk stratification. The objective of our research was to identify potential markers of PRCC prognosis.

Methods

We performed proteomics and bioinformatics analyses on six pairs of formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tumor and paired normal tissue samples. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data were used to analyze the prognostic value of differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in PRCC. We verified the expression of the major biomarker through immunohistochemistry (IHC) in 91 PRCC tumor specimens.

Results

Proteomic analysis revealed 1544 DEPs between tumor and paired normal tissues. PRCC transcriptomic data from the TCGA database revealed that compared to non‐tumor tissues, the expression of high‐mobility group protein A2 (HMGA2) was upregulated in tumor tissues, and patients with high HMGA2 expression exhibited shorter overall survival times. HMGA2 was associated with PRCC tissue subtype and higher cell pleomorphism. Both TCGA and IHC results showed that HMGA2 expression was associated with lymph node metastasis and clinical stage.

Conclusion

HMGA2 was positively correlated with malignant progression and could be a valuable novel prognostic biomarker for PRCC risk stratification.
The role of nanoliposomal irinotecan plus fluorouracil/leucovorin in the continuum of care of patients with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Procaccio Letizia , Merz Valeria , Fasano Morena , Vaccaro Vanja , Giommoni Elisa , Pretta Andrea , Noventa Silvia , Satolli Maria Antonietta , Giordano Guido , Zichi Clizia , Pinto Carmine , Zecchetto Camilla , Barsotti Giulia , De Vita Ferdinando , Milella Michele , Antonuzzo Lorenzo , Scartozzi Mario , Zaniboni Alberto , Spadi Rosella , Casalino Simona , Bergamo Francesca , De Toni Chiara , Melisi Davide , Lonardi Sara
Published: June 2023

Background

The NAPOLI‐I trial showed better outcome of nanoliposomal irinotecan (nal‐IRI) plus 5‐fluorouracil/leucovorin (5‐FU/LV) compared to 5‐FU/LV in patients with advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cancer (advPDAC) progressed to gemcitabine‐based therapy. This study aims to explore the real‐world efficacy and safety of 5‐FU/LV‐nal‐IRI.

Methods

This is a retrospective multicenter analysis including advPDAC patients receiving 5‐FU/LV‐nal‐IRI after failure of gemcitabine‐based therapy. Survival analyses were performed using Kaplan–Meier method, univariate and multivariate analyses by Cox regression.

Results

A total of 296 patients (median age 64.4 years, ECOG PS ≥1 in 56% of cases) were treated at 11 Italian institutions between 2016 and 2018. 34% of them underwent primary tumor resection, and 79% received gemcitabine‐nabpaclitaxel as first line. 5‐FU/LV‐nal‐IRI was administered as second‐line in 73% of cases.

Objective response and disease control rate were 12% and 41%, respectively. Treatment was well tolerated with dose reductions in 50% of patients but no one permanent discontinuation; the commonest grade ≥3 toxicities were neutropenia (14%) and diarrhea (12%). Median PFS and OS from 5‐FU/LV‐nal‐IRI initiation was 3.2 and 7.1 months, respectively.

Conclusions

These real‐world data confirm the 5‐FU/LV‐nal‐IRI efficacy and safety in advPDAC patients progressed to gemcitabine‐based therapy, with outcomes comparable to NAPOLI‐1, even in a less‐selected population and with more modern therapeutic algorithm.
Financial well‐being as a mediator of the relationship between multimorbidity and health‐related quality of life in people with cancer
Authors: So Winnie K. W. , Au Doreen W. H. , Chan Dorothy N. S. , Ng Marques S. N. , Choi Kai Chow , Xing Weijie , Chan Mandy , Mak Suzanne S. S. , Ho Pui Shan , Tong Man , Au Cecilia , Ling Wai Man , Chan Maggie , Chan Raymond J.
Published: June 2023

Background

It is unknown whether financial well‐being mediates the impact of multimorbidity on the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) of cancer patients.

Methods

Participants were recruited from three outpatient oncology clinics of Hong Kong public hospitals. Multimorbidity was assessed using the Charlson Comorbidity Index. Financial well‐being, the mediator of the association between multimorbidity and HRQoL outcomes, was assessed using the Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy. The HRQoL outcomes were assessed using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – General (FACT‐G) and its four sub‐dimensions. Mediation analyses were conducted using SPSS PROCESS v4.1.

Results

Six‐hundred and forty cancer patients participated in the study. Multimorbidity had a direct effect on FACT‐G scores independent of financial well‐being (β for path c’ = −0.752, p < 0.001). In addition, multimorbidity had an indirect effect on FACT‐G scores through its effect on financial well‐being (β for path a = −0.517, p < 0.05; β for path b = 0.785, p < 0.001). Even after adjustments were made for the covariates, the indirect effect of multimorbidity on FACT‐G via financial well‐being remained significant, accounting for 38.0% of the overall effect, indicating partial mediation. Although there were no statistically significant associations between multimorbidity, social well‐being, and emotional well‐being, the indirect effects of multimorbidity on physical and functional well‐being through financial well‐being remained significant.

Conclusions

Poor financial well‐being attributable to multimorbidity partially mediates the direct impact of chronic conditions on HRQoL in Chinese cancer patients, particularly their physical and functional well‐being.
Mapping and analysis of volatomes from pearl millet (Pennisetum gaucum L.) grains during different storage conditions with solid‐phase microextraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry
Authors: Selvan Shilpa S. , Mohapatra Debabandya , Kate Adinath , Kar Abhijit , Modhera Bharat
Published: June 2023

Background and Objectives

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are considered biomarkers for the metabolic activities of biological entities. This work analyzed the impact of storage period and temperature (5°C, 25°C, and 45°C) on the VOC profile of pearl millet grains stored for 120 days through headspace gas analysis using solid‐phase microextraction–gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (SPME‐GC‐MS).

Findings

The major groups identified in the pearl millet grains belonged to acid, alcohol, aldehyde, alkane, and ester groups. VOC data were analyzed using principal component analysis, partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA), cluster heat map, and network analysis of metabolite–metabolite interactions. The PLS‐DA could distinctly classify the VOCs generated with respect to different storage conditions. The VOCs generated during storage indicated the four most significant metabolic pathways, that is, fatty acid biosynthesis, cutin, suberine and wax biosynthesis, arginine biosynthesis, and arginine and proline metabolism.

Conclusions

The SPME‐GC‐MS protocol developed for mapping VOC through this study and the classification protocol developed can be used for developing quality monitoring systems in pearl millet grains.

Significance and Novelty

Identification of VOCs at a particular period will be helpful for the recommendation of appropriate remedial measures at the right time to avoid the spoilage of grains.
Severe laryngeal edema after CAR‐T cell treatment in a patient with multiple myeloma: A case report
Authors: Alvarez de Linera Alperi Marta , Ferran de la Cierva Sol , Palacios Berraquero Maria , Terrasa Czapiewska David , Alfonso Ana , Fernandez Gonzalez Secundino
Published: June 2023

Key Clinical Message

This case aims to report an unusual clinical situation with uncommon and severe side effects, which can even be life threatening for the patient. The ENT and Hematology specialist should be aware of diagnosing and treating adequately.
Rumpel‐Leede phenomenon as a rare complication after transulnar percutaneous coronary angiography and intervention
Authors: Sandoval Letícia , Cafundó Nayara Rodrigues , Ferreira Raphael , Segovia Samela , Rosa Ximena
Published: June 2023

The Rumpel‐Leede sign, characterized by a non‐blanching petechial rash distal to venous occlusion, has historically been associated with thrombocytopenia and capillary fragility. This phenomenon has been observed in various situations involving pressure application, such as tourniquet tests and continuous non‐invasive pressure monitoring. Here, we present a case of Rumpel‐Leede sign occurring after transulnar percutaneous coronary angiography in a 55‐year‐old female patient with a history of myocardial infarction. The patient had an uneventful recovery, highlighting the benign nature of the rash and the lack of intervention required. This underscores the importance of recognizing this sign and its association with specific procedures.
Metastatic renal cell carcinoma presenting as multiple cutaneous lesions visualized through reflectance confocal microscopy
Authors: Razi Shazli , Ouellette Samantha , Khan Samavia , Rao Babar
Published: June 2023

Key Clinical Message

We present the first case of metastatic renal cell carcinoma visualized via reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM). This case describes the RCM features of such a tumor, in an effort to improve noninvasive characterization of cutaneous metastases.
Cardiac calcified amorphous tumor in a patient with colon cancer
Authors: Alizadehasl Azin , Iranian Mohammadreza , Rezaei‐Kalantari Kiara , Sepehr Farzaneh , Mohebi Somaye , Mohammadi Mahsa
Published: June 2023

Key Clinical Message

Although one of the most important differential diagnoses of cardiac masses in cancer patients is metastasis from the underlying tumor, it may also be caused by benign etiologies. In this article, we describe cardiac calcified amorphous tumor, which is one of the benign causes of cardiac masses, in a patient with colon cancer.
Deep Eutectic Mn(NO3)2−H2O Binary System as a Safe, Cost‐Effective, and Efficient Electrolyte for Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Raghibi Mohamed , Nikiforidis Georgios , Anouti Mérièm
Published: June 2023

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have proved to be an effective substitute for conventional electrolytes for energy storage applications because of their unique properties and ability to adapt them to specific applications. In this regard, this study examines an easy‐to‐produce, widely available and cheap manganese nitrate concentrated electrolyte that holds DES traits. The electrolyte (i. e., manganese nitrate; (Mn(NO3)2 ⋅ 6H2O with a weight composition of 42 %) revealed its eutectic behaviour by benchmarking the eutectic distance (53 °C), thermal expansion coefficient (3.9×10−4 K), activation energy for conductivity (∼2.45 kJ mol−1), and viscosity (14 kJ mol−1). What's more, it was successfully incorporated into a two‐electrode symmetric supercapacitor comprising activated carbon electrodes and demonstrated specific capacitance retention of 93 % (170 F g−1) through 2000 consecutive galvanostatic charge‐discharge cycles at 25 and −20 °C.
Ex situ/Operando X‐Ray Absorption Spectroscopy on Fe0.07Zr0.93O2‐δ/C vs. Fe−N−C as Pt‐Group‐Metal‐Free Oxygen Reduction Reaction Catalysts in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Damjanović Ana Marija , Freiberg Anna Theresa Sophie , Siebel Armin , Koyutürk Burak , Menga Davide , Krempl Kevin , Madkikar Pankaj , Proux Olivier , Gasteiger Hubert Andreas , Piana Michele
Published: June 2023

In this study, ex situ and operando X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) is employed to shed light on structure and degradation mechanism of Fe‐based catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Ex situ XAS on pristine Fe0.07Zr0.93O2‐δ/C catalyst confirms the incorporation of Fe3+ in the ZrO2 structure and clearly exclude any significant presence of Fe−N−C‐type structures. The edge shift in data on in‐house aged samples demonstrates a mixed oxidation state of Fe (Fe3+ and Fe2+), consistent with Fe demetalation from the ZrO2 structure. Furthermore, a more symmetric coordination in the pre‐edge shape points towards the formation of oxidic Fe clusters upon aging. Fe demetalation is inferred also from the edge shift to higher energy (presence of Fe3+) in operando XAS data at 0.3 V, due to Fe phases not electrically polarizable/reducible at the applied voltage. Electrochemical data exclude any correlation between extent of aging and type of test, also for a commercial Fe−N−C catalyst by Pajarito Powder. The observed faster aging for Fe0.07Zr0.93O2‐δ compared to Fe−N−C is attributed to an improved mass transport to/from active sites, manifest also in very similar initial current densities at 0.3 V, despite much higher catalyst activity for Fe−N−C.