bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermomechanical evaluation of zinc oxide/hydroxyapatite/high‐density polyethylene hybrid composites
Authors: Munir H. M. Babar , Yasin Saima , Iqbal Tanveer , Qamar Sabih , Ahmad Aqeel , Mahmood Hamayoun , Moniruzzaman Muhammad
Published: May 2024

This study examines the impact of zinc oxide (ZnO) on the spectral, thermal, mechanical, and morphological characteristics of developed composites of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE). Composite samples were fabricated with different compositions of ZnO (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%) along with a constant quantity of hydroxyapatite (HA, 10 wt%) in pure HDPE. The synthesized hybrid polymer composites were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), universal testing machine (UTM), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) methods, allowing for a thorough assessment of their spectral, thermal, mechanical, and morphological properties, repectively. FTIR analysis revealed the presence of HA and ZnO metal vibrations in the hybrid polymer samples. The thermal stability was increased by the incorporation of different amounts of ZnO, and the decomposition temperature was increased from 319.31 to 412°C for 10 wt% of ZnO hybrid composites as compared to pure HDPE. DSC findings indicated that increasing the ZnO contents, prompted the degree of crystallinity to rise to 14.81% as contrasted to neat HDPE. It was observed that yield strength and ultimate tensile strength for the 10 wt% ZnO composite increased up to 51.85% and 31.72%, respectively, compared to pure HDPE. However, at higher loading of ZnO, surface cracks were observed, which is detrimental for composite materials. Hence, the improved attributes indicated that the synthesized ZnO/HA/HDPE polymer composites can be a promising material for biomedical engineering applications.
A sustainable sensitive spectrofluorimetric approach for the determination of the multipotent protein lactoferrin in different pharmaceuticals and infant milk formula: Compliance with greenness metrics
Authors: Magdy Galal , Elmansi Heba , Shabana Rasha Abo , El‐Enany Nahed
Published: May 2024

The current study presents the first spectrofluorimetric approach for the estimation of lactoferrin, depending on the measurement of its native fluorescence at 337 nm after excitation at 230 nm, without the need for any hazardous chemicals or reagents. It was found that the fluorescence intensity versus concentration calibration plot was linear over the concentration range of 0.1–10.0 μg/mL with quantitation and detection limits of 0.082 and 0.027 μg/mL, respectively. The method was accordingly validated according to the ICH recommendations. The developed method was applied for the estimation of lactoferrin in different dosage forms, including capsules and sachets with high percent recoveries (97.84–102.53) and low %RSD values (<1.95). Lactoferrin is one of the key nutrients in milk powder and a significant nutritional fortifier. In order to assess the quality of milk powder, it is essential to rapidly and accurately quantify the lactoferrin content of the product. Therefore, the presented study was successfully applied for the selective estimation of lactoferrin in milk powder with acceptable percent recoveries (96.45–104.92) and %RSD values (≤3.607). Finally, the green profile of the method was estimated using two assessment tools: Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI) and Analytical GREEnness (AGREE), which demonstrated its excellent greenness.
Comparative analysis of genetic testing utilization rates among people with and without disabilities in South Korea from 2016 to 2019, focusing on malignant neoplasms: A national population‐based study
Authors: Bang Gwanwook , Park Minji , Seon Jeong‐yeon , Park So‐Youn
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Oncogene testing is widely used to detect or direct cancer treatments. Compared to people without disabilities, people with disabilities in Korea have a lower cancer incidence rate but a fivefold higher cancer mortality rate, implying delayed detection.

Methods

We used an administrative database combining disability status and care utilization to analyze every case of cancer‐related genetic testing paid for by the National Health Insurance Services of Korea between 2016 and 2019. We first compared percentages of individuals who had taken a registered genetic test by their disability statuses. We then compared the most frequently utilized tests between individuals with and without disabilities.

Results

Korean citizens, 175,000 in total, underwent at least one of the 192 registered cancer‐related genetic tests between 2016 and 2019. People with disabilities utilized these genetic tests at higher rates than those without disabilities, regardless of sex or age. Among people aged ≥40 years, lung and colorectal cancer‐related tests were most frequently utilized, regardless of disability status.

Conclusion

Although the cancer‐related genetic test uptake rate is higher among people with disabilities than among those without disabilities, it is still possible that information on these tests is not as readily available to people with disabilities. Therefore, it is imperative for the government to actively devise strategies to enhance national cancer screening rates among people with disabilities.
Love it or hate it? Deconstructing consumers' attitudes towards AI enabled voice shopping
Authors: Kamoonpuri Sana Zehra , Sengar Anita
Published: May 2024

The conversational, social and intelligent capabilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled voice assistants (VAs) to assist humans have grown. However, their use still remains limited for complex tasks such as shopping. While some studies find that consumers are willing to use them, others report negative reactions that lead to rejection, especially for complex activities. This study aims to bridge the gap between the dichotomous streams of literature by investigating the overall attitude towards the use of AI VAs for a multi‐step task that is, shopping. We first identify 27 attitudinal criteria through a comprehensive literature review in light of the Uncanny Valley Theory and the Self Determination Theory. The criteria are organized using the cognitive, affective and conative framework of attitude, and ranked using the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process. Sensitivity analysis is done to affirm the robustness of the framework. Findings reveal that the behavioral intentions to use (conative criteria) are the strongest, followed by feelings evoked during use (affective criteria), followed by beliefs people hold regarding AI VAs (cognitive criteria). Intention to use AI voice assistants during all stages of the purchase journey takes precedence over negative feelings such as loss of control, unfulfillment and vulnerability. This study reconciles the existing stream of literature on conversational AI and provides managerial implications based on the dimensions of attitude.
Overview of the 2023 FDA Circulatory System Devices Advisory Panel meeting on the Recor Paradise Ultrasound‐Based Renal Denervation System
Authors: Haberman Dan , Chitturi Kalyan R. , Lupu Lior , Wermers Jason P. , Waksman Ron
Published: May 2024

Hypertension continues to be a prominent, avoidable factor contributing to major vascular issues on a global scale. Even with lifestyle adjustments and more aggressive medical treatments, maintaining optimal blood pressure levels remains challenging. This challenge has driven the emergence of device‐oriented approaches to address hypertension. To assess the safety and efficacy of the Recor Paradise Ultrasound Renal Denervation System, the Circulatory System Devices Panel was convened by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This manuscript provides a condensed overview of the information put forth by the sponsor and the FDA, along with an account of the considerations and conversations that took place during the meeting.
Synthesis of Diverse Allylic Sulfone Derivatives via Sequential Hydroalkoxylation of 1,3‐Enynes
Authors: Kumar Sourav , Shah Bhahwal Ali
Published: May 2024

A first metal‐free protocol for the synthesis of allylic sulfones featuring aldehyde functionality at the δ‐position has been reported. The formation of structurally complex δ,δ‐dimethoxy allylic sulfones is enabled by the direct nucleophilic attack of methoxide onto the sulfone‐containing 1,3‐enynes. The present approach allows facile installation of acetal groups within the allylic sulfone scaffold, providing versatile platforms for further functionalization and drug development.
Heterometallic Mg‐Ni‐Mg Complex Promoted Hydrosilylation of Alkenes: Catalytic Performance and Intermediates Characterization†
Authors: Cai Yanping , Jiang Shengjie , Xu Xin
Published: May 2024

Comprehensive Summary

Heteronuclear metal complexes have played an increasingly important role in both small molecules activation and catalytic transformation due to the potential metal‐metal synergies. In this work, we reported that the well‐defined Mg‐Ni‐Mg complex [(LMg)2Ni(C2H4)2] {L = [(DippNCMe)2CH]−, Dipp = 2,6‐iPr2C6H3} was capable of catalyzing the conversion of a diverse array of terminal alkenes to hydrosilylated products in anti‐Markovnikov fashion using PhSiH3 as the silicon source. The stoichiometric reaction of heterometallic Mg‐Ni‐Mg complex with one equivalent PhSiH3 obtained a silyl‐nickel‐monohydride complex [(LMg)2NiH(C2H4)(SiHPhEt)] featuring a Ni‐Si‐H‐Mg interaction. Moreover, treatment of heterometallic Mg‐Ni‐Mg complex with three equivalents PhSiH3 provided the silyl‐nickel‐trihydride complex [(LMg)2NiH3(SiHPhEt)] with three hydride‐bridged at Mg‐Ni‐Mg fragment. Further reactions of the resultant silyl‐nickel complexes with alkenes, e.g., ethylene and styrene, yielded the corresponding alkene‐coordinated Mg‐Ni‐Mg complexes [(LMg)2Ni(C2H4)2], [(LMg)2NiH2(C2H4)] and [(LMg)2NiH2(CH2CHPh)], respectively, with the elimination of PhEtSiH2. Based on the control experiments, both silyl‐nickel‐monohydride and silyl‐nickel‐trihydride complexes were considered as active intermediates in the catalytic hydrosilylation reaction.
De novo Synthesis of Chiral 3,4‐DihydroquinazolinesviaOne‐Pot Enantioselective Ugi‐Azide/Cyclization Sequences†
Authors: Xie Zu‐Kui , Ding Jun‐Jun , Ou Yi‐Ming , Shi Jun‐Xiu , Shen Meng‐Lan , Yao Chuan‐Zhi , Jiang Hua‐Jie , Yu Jie
Published: May 2024

Comprehensive Summary

Herein, we reported a precise de novo synthesis of chiral 3,4‐dihydroquinazoline frameworks via a one‐pot anionic stereogenic‐at‐cobalt(III) complex‐catalyzed enantioselective Ugi‐azide/Pd‐catalyzed cyclization sequence. This powerful protocol involves 5 components and 2 catalytic systems, delivering chiral 3,4‐dihydroquinazolines with excellent enantioselectivities (up to 94% ee). The preliminary antifungal experiments suggest that both Ugi‐adducts and 3,4‐dihydroquinazolines have great potential in inhibiting plant pathogens such as Trichoderma viride and Fusarium graminearum.
Phthalazine Sulfonamide Derivatives as Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors. Synthesis, Biological and in silico Evaluation
Authors: Angeli Andrea , Petrou Anthi , Kartsev Viktor G. , Zubenko Alexandr , Divaeva Lyudmila N. , Chekrisheva Victoria , Iacopetta Domenico , Sinicropi Maria Stefania , Sirakanyan Samvel , Geronikaki Athina , Supuran Claudiu T.
Published: May 2024

Carbonic Anhydrases (CAs) are a large family of zinc metalloenzymes that catalyze the reversible hydration of carbon dioxide involved in several biological processes. They show a wide diversity in tissue distribution and their subcellular localization. Twenty‐two novel phthalazine derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated against four human isoforms: hCA I, hCA II, hCA IX, and hCA XII. Compounds appeared to be very active mostly against hCA IX (7) and hCA I (6) isoforms being more potent than reference drug acetazolamide (AAZ). Some compounds appeared to be very selective with a selectivity index up to 13.8. Furthermore, docking was performed for some of these compounds on all isoforms to understand the possible interactions with the active site. Additionally, the most active compounds against hCA IX were subjected to cell viability assay. The anticancer activity of the compounds (3 a–d, 5 d, 5 i, and 5 m) was investigated using two human breast cancer cell lines, i. e. MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231 cells, and the normal counterpart, namely MCF10‐A cells.
Naphtho[1,8‐ef]isoindole‐7,8,10(9H)‐trione as Novel Theranostic Agents for Photodynamic Therapy and Multi‐Subcellular Organelles Localization
Authors: Tan Shaoying , Fu Qiqi , Lei Kecheng , Mei Wenyi , Liu Jianwen , Qian Xuhong , Xu Yufang
Published: May 2024

A series of naphtho[1,8‐ef]isoindole‐7,8,10(9H)‐trione derivatives as novel theranostic agents for photodynamic therapy and multi‐subcellular organelles localization were designed and synthesized. Most of them possess moderate fluorescence quantum yield and long wavelength absorption simultaneously, which made them possible for dual effects of imaging and therapy. Notably, compounds 7 b and 7 d exhibited significant light‐toxicity but slight dark‐toxicity. Confocal fluorescence microscopy experiments demonstrated that compound 7 b can locate and image in special multi‐subcellular organelles. All the research results implied that naphtho[1,8‐ef] isoindole‐7,8,10(9H)‐trione derivatives can be applied as a new series of theranostic agents with the characteristics of photodynamic therapy and multi‐subcellular organelles imaging.
Transcriptomic Profiles Associated with Experimental Placebo Effects in Chronic Pain
Authors: Colloca Luana , Mocci Evelina , Wang Yang , Massalee Rachel , Chen Shuo , White Jewel , Johnson Kesha , Patron Fidalgo Gloria M. , Wilson Gerald M. , Goldman David , Dorsey Susan G.
Published: May 2024

Gene expression networks associated with placebo effects are understudied; in this study, we identified transcriptomic profiles associated with placebo responsivity. Participants suffering from chronic pain underwent a verbal suggestion and conditioning paradigm with individually tailored thermal painful stimulations to elicit conditioned placebo effects. Participants reported pain intensity on a visual analog scale (VAS) anchored from zero = no pain to 100 = maximum imaginable pain. RNA was extracted from venous blood and RNA sequencing and validation tests were performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with placebo effects, controlling for sex and level of pain. Unbiased enrichment analyses were performed to identify biological processes associated with placebo effects. Of the 10,700 protein‐coding genes that passed quality control filters, 667 were found to be associated with placebo effects (FDR <0.05). Most genes (97%) upregulated were associated with larger placebo effects. The 17 top transcriptome‐wide significant genes were further validated via RT‐qPCR in an independent cohort of chronic pain participants. Six of them (CCDC85B, FBXL15, HAGH, PI3, SELENOM, and TNFRSF4) showed positive and significant (P < 0.05) correlation with placebo effects in the cohort. The overall DEGs were highly enriched in regulation of expression of SLITs and ROBOs (R‐HSA‐9010553, FDR = 1.26e−33), metabolism of RNA (R‐HSA‐8953854, FDR = 1.34e−30), Huntington's disease (hsa05016, FDR = 9.84e−31), and ribosome biogenesis (GO:0042254, FDR = 2.67e−15); alternations in these pathways might jeopardize the proneness to elicit placebo effects. Future studies are needed to replicate this finding and better understand the unique molecular dynamics of people who are more or less affected by pain and placebo.
RCPA: An Open‐Source R Package for Data Processing, Differential Analysis, Consensus Pathway Analysis, and Visualization
Authors: Nguyen Hung , Nguyen Ha , Maghsoudi Zeynab , Tran Bang , Draghici Sorin , Nguyen Tin
Published: May 2024

Identifying impacted pathways is important because it provides insights into the biology underlying conditions beyond the detection of differentially expressed genes. Because of the importance of such analysis, more than 100 pathway analysis methods have been developed thus far. Despite the availability of many methods, it is challenging for biomedical researchers to learn and properly perform pathway analysis. First, the sheer number of methods makes it challenging to learn and choose the correct method for a given experiment. Second, computational methods require users to be savvy with coding syntax, and comfortable with command‐line environments, areas that are unfamiliar to most life scientists. Third, as learning tools and computational methods are typically implemented only for a few species (i.e., human and some model organisms), it is difficult to perform pathway analysis on other species that are not included in many of the current pathway analysis tools. Finally, existing pathway tools do not allow researchers to combine, compare, and contrast the results of different methods and experiments for both hypothesis testing and analysis purposes. To address these challenges, we developed an open‐source R package for Consensus Pathway Analysis (RCPA) that allows researchers to conveniently: (1) download and process data from NCBI GEO; (2) perform differential analysis using established techniques developed for both microarray and sequencing data; (3) perform both gene set enrichment, as well as topology‐based pathway analysis using different methods that seek to answer different research hypotheses; (4) combine methods and datasets to find consensus results; and (5) visualize analysis results and explore significantly impacted pathways across multiple analyses. This protocol provides many example code snippets with detailed explanations and supports the analysis of more than 1000 species, two pathway databases, three differential analysis techniques, eight pathway analysis tools, six meta‐analysis methods, and two consensus analysis techniques. The package is freely available on the CRAN repository. © 2024 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Processing Affymetrix microarrays

Basic Protocol 2: Processing Agilent microarrays

Support Protocol: Processing RNA sequencing (RNA‐Seq) data

Basic Protocol 3: Differential analysis of microarray data (Affymetrix and Agilent)

Basic Protocol 4: Differential analysis of RNA‐Seq data

Basic Protocol 5: Gene set enrichment analysis

Basic Protocol 6: Topology‐based (TB) pathway analysis

Basic Protocol 7: Data integration and visualization
Cardiac resynchronization therapy in inotrope‐dependent heart failure: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Al‐Shakarchi Nader J. , Ho Jamie S.Y. , Bray Jonathan J.H. , D'Ascenzo Fabrizio , Duffy Edward , Hewett Jack , Adegbie Divine , Khan Faizullah , Kumar Niraj S. , Patel Neal , Ahmad Mahmood , Banerjee Amitava , Haq Ikram , Providencia Rui
Published: May 2024

Aims

The viability of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in inotrope‐dependent heart failure (HF) has been a matter of debate.

Methods and results

We searched Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library until 31 December 2022. Studies were included if (i) HF patients required inotropic support at CRT implantation; (ii) patients were ≥18 years old; and (iii) they provided a clear definition of ‘inotrope dependence’ or ‘inability to wean’. A meta‐analysis was performed in R (Version 3.5.1). Nineteen studies comprising 386 inotrope‐dependent HF patients who received CRT (mean age 64.4 years, 76.9% male) were included. A large majority survived until discharge at 91.1% [95% confidence interval (CI): 81.2% to 97.6%], 89.3% were weaned off inotropes (95% CI: 77.6% to 97.0%), and mean discharge time post‐CRT was 7.8 days (95% CI: 3.9 to 11.7). After 1 year of follow‐up, 69.7% survived (95% CI: 58.4% to 79.8%). During follow‐up, the mean number of HF hospitalizations was reduced by 1.87 (95% CI: 1.04 to 2.70, P < 0.00001). Post‐CRT mean QRS duration was reduced by 29.0 ms (95% CI: −41.3 to 16.7, P < 0.00001), and mean left ventricular ejection fraction increased by 4.8% (95% CI: 3.1% to 6.6%, P < 0.00001). The mean New York Heart Association (NYHA) class post‐CRT was 2.7 (95% CI: 2.5 to 3.0), with a pronounced reduction of individuals in NYHA IV (risk ratio = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.18 to 0.41, P < 0.00001). On univariate analysis, there was a higher prevalence of males (85.7% vs. 40%), a history of left bundle branch block (71.4% vs. 30%), and more pronounced left ventricular end‐diastolic dilation (274.3 ± 7.2 vs. 225.9 ± 6.1 mL).

Conclusions

CRT appears to be a viable option for inotrope‐dependent HF, with some of these patients seeming more likely to respond.
Additive Influence on Binder Migration in Electrode Drying
Authors: Burger David , Klemens Julian , Keim Noah , Müller Marcus , Bauer Werner , Schmatz Joyce , Kumberg Jana , Scharfer Philip , Schabel Wilhelm
Published: May 2024

Two main goals for the industrial, slurry‐based electrode processing are a high process speed and the maximum possible material efficiency. This makes an increased drying rate and active material share favorable, but both are limited by adverse effects on the electrode quality. The adverse effects of fast drying are associated with the migration of binder. In this article, the slurry properties of water‐based graphite slurries are manipulated using a synthetic, layered silicate as additive. The influence of the polymer‐particle composite network on the viscosity, adhesion strength, and cell performance is investigated. By addition of a small amount of additive (0.5 wt% of the dry electrode), the binder migration is mitigated up to a drying rate of 6 g m−2 s−1 for graphite anodes with ≈4.2 mAh cm−2 (corresponding with 30 s drying time) leading to a possible increase of eight times the process speed compared to drying with 0.75 g m−2 s−1 if adverse effects on the tortuosity of the electrodes can be solved. In this work, a combination of additive usage is pointed out with a multilayer approach and first insights are provided in how the binder migration may be mitigated to gain structurally optimized fast‐dried electrodes without losses in electrode quality.
Inbuilt age, residence time, and inherited age from radiocarbon dates of modern fires and late Holocene deposits, Western Transverse Ranges, California
Authors: Scharer Katherine , McPhillips Devin , Leidelmeijer Jenifer , Kirby Matthew
Published: May 2024

Radiocarbon dates from alluvial sections provide maximum deposit ages because of the time lag between formation of the dated material and deposition at the sample site, potentially producing decade‐ to century‐long biases in the dates of historic events, paleoclimatic change, fire histories, and paleoearthquakes. This bias, called the inherited age, combines the inbuilt age distribution, which reflects the age composition of the vegetation of the source area, and the residence time distribution, which includes transport and interim storage prior to final deposition. We tackle inherited age and its components by comparing charcoal dates from two modern fires in southern California, the 2020 Bobcat Fire and the 2013 Grand Fire, with a well‐dated late Holocene terrace deposit in the Pallett Creek watershed. Fifty‐six radiocarbon dates from the modern fires provide an inbuilt age distribution with a median of 25 years pre‐fire (320‐year 95% range). An inherited age distribution calculated from 175 terrace deposit dates is older, with a median age of ~90 years (850‐year 95% range). Comparing inherited ages calculated from organic‐rich versus clastic terrace deposits reveals a slight facies dependence suggesting longer residence times in clastic deposits. We develop a modeled inherited age that incorporates larger calibration uncertainties in pre‐1950s samples by combining the modern fire sample distribution with the pre‐bomb portion of the calibration curve. The modeled inherited age is younger than the terrace deposit inherited age by only 21 years, indicating inbuilt age, not long residence times, dominates inherited age in this setting. The results imply that paleoearthquakes and climatic event age estimates in the Western Transverse Ranges are up to a century too old. More broadly, dating charcoal from modern fires can constrain inherited age and the resulting distributions can improve the accuracy of dates of past environmental and tectonic events.
The hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida Bge.) fruit as a new dietary source of bioactive ingredients with multiple beneficial functions
Authors: Ma Jin‐Xin , Yang Wei , Ng Chester Yan Jie , Tang Xu‐Dong , Wong Sunny , Gan Ren‐You , Zhong Linda
Published: May 2024

The discovery of new natural sources has brought increased attention to the development of functional foods. The hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida Bge.) fruit is an underutilized fruit due to its benefits for human health and good taste. It contains a variety of bioactive ingredients, contributing to its multiple beneficial functions and applications. This review summarized and discussed the main bioactive ingredients, beneficial functions based on in vitro, in vivo, and human studies, and different applications of the hawthorn fruit according to the updated literature in the past 3 years. Hawthorn berries contain phenolic acids, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, pectin, and many other bioactive components, which have a variety of beneficial functions, such as antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial, antidiabetic, intestinal protection, cardiovascular protection, hepatoprotection, anti‐cancer, and neuroprotection. Its potential molecular mechanism and different food‐related applications such as hawthorn wine and antioxidant drink are discussed in detail in this review. Additionally, hawthorn berries are shown to be safe when consumed within the proper dosage. Collectively, this updated review indicates that the hawthorn fruit can be a new dietary source of bioactive ingredients with multiple beneficial functions and can be affordably developed into functional and medicinal foods for the prevention and management of certain chronic diseases.
How to Refine Electric Utility Compensation for Increasing DER Market Participation
Authors: Lavillotti Michael , Pulidindi Amrita
Published: May 2024

As the energy sector embraces the core principles of sustainability, North America's electricity markets are experiencing a paradigm shift. The proliferation and acceptance of distributed energy resources (DERs) have fundamentally altered the dynamics of electricity generation and distribution, and how we leverage energy storage and demand response.1 This is especially true for all utility types and DER owners/representatives, on the distribution system. While many consumers with DERs have successfully navigated the wholesale and retail energy markets, many challenges still exist with traditional utility models, sparking a reevaluation of compensation mechanisms for energy providers on the distribution system.
A phase 3b study of venetoclax and azacitidine or decitabine in an outpatient setting in patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Manda Sudhir , Anz Bertrand M. , Benton Christopher , Broun E. Randolph , Yimer Habte A. , Renshaw John S. , Geils George , Berdeja Jesus , Cruz Jose , Melear Jason M. , Fanning Suzanne , Fletcher Luke , Li Yukun , Duan Yinghui , Werner Michael E. , Potluri Jalaja , Pai Madhavi V. , Donnellan William B.
Published: May 2024

Venetoclax, a highly selective BCL‐2 inhibitor, combined with hypomethylating agents (HMAs) azacitidine or decitabine, is approved for the treatment of newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (ND AML) in patients who are ineligible to receive intensive chemotherapy. Previous clinical studies initiated venetoclax plus HMA in an inpatient setting owing to concerns of tumor lysis syndrome (TLS). This study (NCT03941964) evaluated the efficacy and safety of venetoclax plus HMA in a United States community–based outpatient setting in patients with ND AML (N = 60) who were treatment naïve for AML, ineligible to receive intensive chemotherapy, had no evidence of spontaneous TLS at screening, and were deemed as appropriate candidates for outpatient initiation of venetoclax plus HMA by the investigator. Patients received venetoclax in combination with azacitidine (75 mg/m2) or decitabine (20 mg/m2) for up to 6 cycles during the study. With a median time on study of 18.3 weeks, the best response rate of composite complete remission was 66.7%, and the overall post‐baseline red blood cell (RBC) and platelet transfusion independence rate was 55.0%, consistent with results of studies in which treatment was initiated in an inpatient setting. Key adverse events included nausea, anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and white blood cell count decrease of any grade (≥50% of patients). The observed safety profile was generally consistent with that of venetoclax plus HMA observed in inpatient AML studies. With close monitoring, 2 cases of TLS were identified, appropriately managed, and the patients were able to continue study treatment.

Clinical Trials Registration

This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. The registration identification number is NCT03941964.
Exergy analysis of ejector‐enhanced dual‐evaporator cycle using effective temperature method
Authors: Anuradha Parinam
Published: May 2024

This study compares the exergy of an ejector‐based two evaporator cycle (EB‐TEC) with a conventional two evaporator cycle (C‐TEC). The analysis utilizes a modified Gouy–Stodola equation, which provides a more accurate insight of the system irreversibility compared to the standard Gouy–Stodola formulation. Furthermore, the comparison includes three working fluids, that is, R134a, R1234ze, and R600 in both the cycles. The study examines the effects of varying evaporators and condenser temperatures and the dryness fraction at the exit of Evaporator 1. The data is analyzed using an Engineering Equation Solver. The findings indicate that increasing the temperature of the low‐temperature evaporator leads to a drop in exergy losses and enhancement in exergy efficiency in both the cycles. When the temperature of Evaporator 1 is increased, the total exergy of the EB‐TEC is decreased but for the C‐TEC, it is increased. Furthermore, increasing the condenser temperature results in higher exergy destruction in both EB‐TEC and C‐TEC. Notably, the maximum exergy destruction is 49.44 kW for R600, whereas the minimum exergy destruction is 14.42 kW for R1234ze in the EB‐TEC.
Research progress in the development of 3D skin models and their application to in vitro skin irritation testing
Authors: Lu Hongxia , Zuo Xulei , Yuan Jiayu , Xie Zhuoying , Yin Lihong , Pu Yuepu , Chen Zaozao , Zhang Juan
Published: May 2024

Toxicological assessment of chemicals is crucial for safeguarding human health and the environment. However, traditional animal experiments are associated with ethical, technical, and predictive limitations in assessing the toxicity of chemicals to the skin. With the recent development of bioengineering and tissue engineering, three‐dimensional (3D) skin models have been commonly used as an alternative for toxicological studies. The skin consists of the subcutaneous, dermis, and epidermis. All these layers have crucial functions such as physical and biological protection and thermoregulation. The epidermis is the shallowest layer protecting against external substances and media. Because the skin is the first contact point for many substances, this organ is very significant for assessing local toxicity following skin exposure. According to the classification of the United Nations Global Harmonized System, skin irritation is a major potentially hazardous characteristic of chemicals, and this characteristic must be accurately assessed and classified for enhancing chemical safety management and preventing and reducing chemical accidents. This review discusses the research progress of 3D skin models and introduces their application in assessing chemical skin irritation.
Is Obesity a Risk Factor for Disorders of Amniotic Fluid?
Authors: Yan Xiteng , Bentley Beth , Schmidt‐Swartz Jordana , Dinglas Cheryl , El Kady Dina , Rosner Jonathan
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Prior studies show conflicting evidence as to whether obesity in the absence of other medical or pregnancy‐related conditions contributes to amniotic fluid disorders. The purpose of this study is to determine the association between late‐pregnancy obesity with oligohydramnios (amniotic fluid index [AFI] ≤5 cm or maximum vertical pocket [MVP] <2 cm) and/or polyhydramnios (AFI ≥24 cm or MVP ≥8 cm).

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of 961 women with singleton gestations who had one or more obstetrical ultrasounds at a single institution at 36 0/7 weeks gestation or beyond between August 1, 2015, and May 1, 2020. Patients were included if they had valid pregnancy dating and a documented AFI and/or MVP. Patients were categorized based on body mass index or BMI (eg, normal, overweight, Class I Obesity, Class II Obesity, or Class III Obesity).

Results

A total of 6.2% of patients met criteria for oligohydramnios based on AFI, MVP or both (n = 60). There was no significant association between oligohydramnios and increasing BMI, regardless of obesity class (P = .21). In terms of polyhydramnios, 5.6% of patients met criteria based on AFI, MVP, or both (n = 54). Similarly, there was also no significant association between polyhydramnios and increasing BMI, regardless of obesity class (P = .66).

Conclusions

Elevated maternal BMI was not significantly associated with disorders of amniotic fluid, regardless of the severity of obesity.
Risk factors for prolonged opioid consumption following hip arthroscopy: A secondary analysis of the Femoroacetabular Impingement RandomiSed controlled Trial and embedded cohort study
Authors: Bourgeault‐Gagnon Yoan , Khalik Hassaan Abdel , Patel Mansi , Simunovic Nicole , Ayeni Olufemi R. ,   FIRST Investigators
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to identify prognostic risk factors for prolonged opioid use at 2 and 6 weeks after hip arthroscopy using data from the Femoroacetabular Impingement RandomiSed controlled Trial and its external validation cohort study.

Methods

Opioids were prescribed for postoperative pain management at the surgeon's discretion, with a majority being prescribed a combination of oxycodone and paracetamol (5/325 mg). Prolonged opioid use was defined as the ongoing use of any dosage of opioids reported at either 2 or 6 weeks after surgery to treat femoroacetabular impingement, as recorded in the patient's study medication log. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to evaluate patient and surgical characteristics, such as preoperative opioid use, type of surgical procedure and intraoperative cartilage state that may be associated with prolonged opioid use at either 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively.

Results

A total of 265 and 231 patients were included for analysis at 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively, respectively. The median age of participants was 35 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 27–42) and 33% were female. At 2 weeks postoperatively, female sex (odds ratio [OR]: 2.56; 95% confidence interval: [CI] 1.34–4.98, p = 0.005), higher body mass index (BMI) (OR: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.02–1.18, p = 0.009), active tobacco use (OR: 4.06; 95% CI: 1.90–8.97, p < 0.001), preoperative opioid use (OR: 10.1; 95% CI: 3.25–39.1, p < 0.001) and an Outerbridge classification of ≥3 (OR: 2.33; 95% CI: 1.25–4.43, p = 0.009) were significantly associated with prolonged opioid use. At 6 weeks postoperatively, only preoperative opioid use was significantly associated with prolonged opioid consumption (OR: 10.6; 95% CI: 3.60–32.6, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Preoperative opioid use was significantly associated with continued opioid use at 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively. Specific patient factors including female sex, higher BMI, active tobacco use and more severe cartilage damage should be considered in developing targeted strategies to limit opioid use after surgery.

Level of Evidence

Level III.
A multiview deep learning‐based prediction pipeline augmented with confident learning can improve performance in determining knee arthroplasty candidates
Authors: Liu Hongzhi , Wang Xiaoyao , Song Xinqiu , Han Bing , Li Chuiqing , Du Fuzhou , Zhang Hongmei
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Preoperative prudent patient selection plays a crucial role in knee osteoarthritis management but faces challenges in appropriate referrals such as total knee arthroplasty (TKA), unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and nonoperative intervention. Deep learning (DL) techniques can build prediction models for treatment decision‐making. The aim is to develop and evaluate a knee arthroplasty prediction pipeline using three‐view X‐rays to determine the suitable candidates for TKA, UKA or are not arthroplasty candidates.

Methods

A study was conducted using three‐view (anterior‐posterior, lateral and patellar) X‐rays and surgical data of patients undergoing TKA, UKA or nonarthroplasty interventions from sites A and B. Data from site A were used to derive and validate models. Data from site B were used as external test set. A DL pipeline combining YOLOv3 and ResNet‐18 with confident learning (CL) was developed. Multiview Convolutional Neural Network, EfficientNet‐b4, ResNet‐101 and the proposed model without CL were also trained and tested. The models were evaluated using metrics such as area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), accuracy, precision, specificity, sensitivity and F1 score.

Results

The data set comprised a total of 1779 knees. Of which 1645 knees were from site A as a derivation set and an internal validation cohort. The external validation cohort consisted of 134 knees. The internal validation cohort demonstrated superior performance for the proposed model augmented with CL, achieving an AUC of 0.94 and an accuracy of 85.9%. External validation further confirmed the model's generalisation, with an AUC of 0.93 and an accuracy of 82.1%. Comparative analysis with other neural network models showed the proposed model's superiority.

Conclusions

The proposed DL pipeline, integrating YOLOv3, ResNet‐18 and CL, provides accurate predictions for knee arthroplasty candidates based on three‐view X‐rays. This prediction model could be useful in performing decision making for the type of arthroplasty procedure in an automated fashion.

Level of Evidence

Level III, diagnostic study.
Tibial derotational osteotomy for idiopathic tibial torsion: A systematic review of surgical indications based on clinical presentation and measurement technique
Authors: Solaiman Rafat H. , Shih Yushane , Bakker Caitlin , Arendt Elizabeth A. , Tompkins Marc A.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The aim of this systematic review was to identify the surgical indications of tibial derotational osteotomy (TDO) in patients with idiopathic external tibial torsion (ETT) and identify common measurement thresholds for surgical correction.

Methods

A systematic search of MEDLINE and Embase via Ovid, Cochrane Library via Wiley, Web of Science, Scopus, SPORTDiscus via EBSCOhost, ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO ICTRP and Global Index Medicus databases was performed with search terms reflecting the concepts of idiopathic tibial torsion, TDOs, and surgical indications. Studies reporting surgical indications and measurement methods of idiopathic tibial torsion in patients who underwent TDO were included. Two authors independently screened articles and extracted data that was characterized with descriptive statistics.

Results

Seventeen studies were identified for inclusion, with 460 tibias and 351 patients. Nearly all patients who underwent surgery had either anterior knee pain or patellar instability, even if other indications were present. Of all included patients, the most common surgical indications for TDO were anterior knee pain (88%), patellar instability (59%), gait dysfunction (41%) and cosmetic deformity (12%). Twelve studies (71%) cited multiple of these indications as reasons for surgery. On physical exam, tibial torsion was measured most commonly by thigh–foot angle (59%) (TFA) and transmalleolar axis (24%) (TMA). In terms of TFA, the most frequently reported cut‐off for ETT was >30° (35%). Computerized tomography (CT) was used by nine studies (53%). The most common CT axes used to measure ETT were the TMA with respect to the posterior tibia condylar axis or the bicondylar tibia axis.

Conclusion

Anterior knee pain and/or patellar instability are common indications for TDO in patients with idiopathic tibial torsion. Standardized TFA thresholds (>30°) and CT measurement methods (TMA and posterior tibia condylar or bicondylar tibial axis) may help further establish objective surgical indications.

Level of Evidence

IV.
MAKE IT SAFE TO BE DIFFERENT—BUT DON’T STOP THERE
Authors: Frei Frances , Morriss Anne
Published: May 2024

Frances Frei is a professor at Harvard Business School, and was also Uber’s first Senior Vice President of Leadership and Strategy. Anne Morriss is the founder of the Leadership Consortium, which she describes as “a first‐of‐its‐kind leadership accelerator that works to help emerging leaders thrive.” They write about the many nuances of how employees feel safe (or otherwise) in the workplace. They include information about how inclusion is impacted by safety, partly with the use of what they call the Inclusion Dial. They write that their colleague “Tina Opie, a management professor at Babson College, challenges us in her own scholarship, it’s our collective and individual responsibility—and opportunity—to be great allies and partners to our teammates with different experiences of safety, and we must bring grace, humility, and urgency to the task.” They also cite their Harvard Business School colleague Amy Edmondson, and her groundbreaking work on psychological safety. Frei and Morriss write that “an organization that celebrates uniqueness assumes that difference is a source of creativity, innovation, and strength. It is not just something to watch out for as it may get in the way of some people’s contribution.”
Towards bioprocess engineering of cable bacteria: Establishment of a synthetic sediment
Authors: Stiefelmaier Judith , Keller Joshua , Neupert Wiebke , Ulber Roland
Published: May 2024

Cable bacteria, characterized by their multicellular filamentous growth, are prevalent in both freshwater and marine sediments. They possess the unique ability to transport electrons over distances of centimeters. Coupled with their capacity to fix CO2 and their record‐breaking conductivity for biological materials, these bacteria present promising prospects for bioprocess engineering, including potential electrochemical applications. However, the cultivation of cable bacteria has been limited to their natural sediment, constraining their utility in production processes. To address this, our study designs synthetic sediment, drawing on ion exchange chromatography data from natural sediments and existing literature on the requirements of cable bacteria. We examined the effects of varying bentonite concentrations on water retention and the impacts of different sands. For the first time, we cultivated cable bacteria on synthetic sediment, specifically the freshwater strain Electronema aureum GS. This cultivation was conducted over 10 weeks in a specially developed sediment bioreactor, resulting in an increased density of cable bacteria in the sediment and growth up to a depth of 5 cm. The creation of this synthetic sediment paves the way for the reproducible cultivation of cable bacteria. It also opens up possibilities for future process scale‐up using readily available components. This advancement holds significant implications for the broader field of bioprocess engineering.
Reducing dependency: Corporate ESG profiles and customer structure
Authors: Han Shangjie , Wang Yueyang
Published: May 2024

Understanding the organizational consequences of corporate ESG and its underlying mechanisms is essential for corporate management to develop sustainable strategies, and it is a topic of growing interest in academia. This study, utilizing a sample of Chinese A‐share listed firms from 2010 to 2019, examines the impact of corporate ESG profiles on customer structure. We demonstrate that superior ESG profiles (primarily the social and governance aspects) contribute to reducing customer concentration. This effect is achieved by enhancing firm reputation and employee efficiency, thereby increasing market competitiveness and market share. This effect is more pronounced in firms that invest heavily in advertising and have employees committed to long‐term goals. Furthermore, we discover that ESG‐driven changes in customer concentration led to additional organizational outcomes, including enhanced bargaining power over customers, improved financial performance, and reduced operational risk. In conclusion, our evidence suggests that ESG significantly shapes a firm's customer structure and, consequently, its operations.
The 2024 Display Industry Awards Honor Top Innovations
Authors: Wilson Lori A.
Published: May 2024

This year's winners reflect the ever‐evolving display landscape with products designed to make devices that are more sustainable, economical, interactive, and engaging while providing users with a more dynamic visual experience.
The Evolving Impact of Quantum Dots on Displays
Authors: Dickson Glen
Published: May 2024

Display insiders predict that QDs will continue to have a broad impact on the display industry for the next decade or more.
MicroLED Displays from Full‐Color Conversion: A Practical, Manufacturable Approach
Authors: Zhu Mingwei , Ganapathiappan Sivapackia , Sivanandan Kulandaivelu , Ding Kai , Ng Hou T. , Li Zhiyong , Patibandla Nag
Published: May 2024

Full‐color‐conversion microLED displays using UV microLED and RGB QDs free of Cd and Pb are highly promising for most commercial applications.
Smaller subcortical volume relates to greater weight gain in girls with initially healthy weight
Authors: Adise Shana , Ottino‐Gonzalez Jonatan , Hayati Rezvan Panteha , Kan Eric , Rhee Kyung E. , Goran Michael I. , Sowell Elizabeth R.
Published: May 2024

Objective

Among 3614 youth who were 9 to 12 years old and initially did not have overweight or obesity (12% [n = 385] developed overweight or obesity), we examined the natural progression of weight gain and brain structure development during a 2‐year period with a high risk for obesity (e.g., pre‐ and early adolescence) to determine the following: 1) whether variation in maturational trajectories of the brain regions contributes to weight gain; and/or 2) whether weight gain contributes to altered brain development.

Methods

Data were gathered from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study. Linear mixed‐effects regression models controlled for puberty, caregiver education, handedness, and intracranial volume (random effects: magnetic resonance scanner [MRI] scanner and participant). Because pubertal development occurs earlier in girls, analyses were stratified by sex.

Results

For girls, but not boys, independent of puberty, greater increases in BMI were driven by smaller volumes over time in the bilateral accumbens, amygdala, hippocampus, and thalamus, right caudate and ventral diencephalon, and left pallidum (all p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The results suggest a potential phenotype for identifying obesity risk because underlying differences among regions involved in food intake were related to greater weight gain in girls, but not in boys. Importantly, 2 years of weight gain may not be sufficient to alter brain development, highlighting early puberty as a critical time to prevent negative neurological outcomes.