bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The future of immunotherapy for diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Duell Johannes , Westin Jason
Published: September 2024

With the introduction of anti‐CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‐cell (CAR T) therapies, bispecific CD3/CD20 antibodies and anti‐CD19 antibodies, immunotherapy continues to transform the treatment of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). A number of novel immunotherapeutic strategies are under investigation to build upon current clinical benefit and offer further options to those patients who cannot tolerate conventional intensive therapies due to their age and/or state of health. Alongside immunotherapies that leverage the adaptive immune response, natural killer (NK) cell and myeloid cell‐engaging therapies can utilize the innate immune system. Monoclonal antibodies engineered for greater recognition by the patient's immune system can enhance antitumor cytotoxic mechanisms mediated by NK cells and macrophages. In addition, CAR technology is extending into NK cells and macrophages and investigational immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting macrophage/myeloid cell checkpoints via the CD47/SIRPα axis are in development. Regimens that engage both innate and adaptive immune responses may help to overcome resistance to current immunotherapies. Furthermore, combinations of immunotherapy and oncogenic pathway inhibitors to reprogram the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment of DLBCL may also potentiate antitumor responses. As immunotherapy treatment options continue to expand, both in the first‐line setting and further lines of therapy, understanding how to harness these immunotherapies and the potential for combination approaches will be important for the development of future DLBCL treatment approaches.
Pelvic inflammatory disease and risk of borderline ovarian tumors: A national population‐based case–control study in Sweden
Authors: Jonsson Sarah , Jonsson Håkan , Lundin Eva , Häggström Christel , Idahl Annika
Published: September 2024

The resemblance between fallopian tube cells and serous borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs) suggests a potential origin link, with salpingitis proposed as a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of BOT. This study aimed to explore the potential association between pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and the risk of developing BOT. A national population‐based case–control study in Sweden included women with BOT between 1999 and 2020 and 10 matched controls. Data from nationwide registers were analyzed using conditional logistic regression, adjusting for age, residential district, educational level and parity. Among 4782 cases and 45,167 controls, 2.0% of cases and 1.3% of controls had a history of PID. Previous PID was associated with an increased risk of BOT overall (aOR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.19–1.85). Significant association was observed with serous tumors (aOR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.36–2.29), while not with mucinous tumors (aOR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.60–1.49). A dose–response relationship between number of PID episodes and serous BOT risk was noted (Ptrend < .001). This study demonstrates that PID is associated with increased risk of serous BOT, with a dose response relationship. The study highlights the potential serious implications of upper reproductive tract infections and inflammation. This underscores the need for further investigation of biological mechanisms and possible impact of PID on serous BOT development.
Soluble CD206 in metastatic renal cell carcinoma: Relation to clinical–biochemical parameters and patient outcome
Authors: Lauridsen Kasper Munch , Møller Holger Jon , Kristensen Mie Wolff , Fristrup Niels , Donskov Frede , Hokland Marianne , Andersen Morten Nørgaard
Published: September 2024

The mannose receptor (MR/CD206) is a marker of M2‐like tumor‐associated macrophages. Membrane CD206 can be shed, releasing the receptor as a soluble protein (sCD206), which can be measured in serum. Here, we investigated the biomarker potential of sCD206 in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Serum sCD206 was measured by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in 88 mRCC patients and 20 healthy controls (HCs). At diagnosis, serum sCD206 was elevated in patients with intermediate‐risk mRCC according to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) risk score, compared to both HCs and patients with favorable MSKCC risk score. Furthermore, sCD206 levels correlated with both sCD163 and C‐reactive protein. Soluble CD206 levels decreased after treatment initiation (p < .0001 at 5 weeks) but with a tendency toward elevated levels at time of progression, compared to baseline (p = .06). In univariate survival analysis, high levels of serum sCD206 at baseline was a significant risk factor associated with reduced overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.37, 95% confidence interval: 1.12–1.67, p = .002). Stratified by clinical risk scores, increased sCD206 was still a statistically significant risk factor of overall mortality (p < .01) in the intermediate‐risk group by both the MSKCC (HR = 1.48) and the newer International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium (IMDC) score (HR = 1.53). Furthermore, addition of sCD206 as a dichotomized variable to the IMDC risk score enabled separation of the intermediate‐risk group into two groups with survival comparable to those with favorable and poor risk, respectively. Overall, sCD206 is a potential add‐on biomarker for mRCC patients in the intermediate‐risk group of the current clinical risk scores.
Impact of age on premenstrual syndrome prevalence and severity: A population‐based survey in Brazil
Authors: Pedro Adriana Orcesi , Brandão Juliana Dineia Perez , de Oliveira Silva Samantha Belamarques , Lapa Maura Gonzaga , Castilho Vivienne Carduz
Published: September 2024

Objective

To evaluate the relationship between premenstrual disorders (PMD) and age, we analyzed the prevalence and severity of psycho‐emotional and physical symptoms in a representative sample of Brazilian women.

Methods

This observational and retrospective study analyzed data from Brazilian women aged 20–49 years from five regions of the country who reported premenstrual symptoms. Participants completed a premenstrual symptom screening questionnaire and self‐reported the presence and severity of their symptoms. Among 23 104 women reporting does premenstrual symptoms, 38.91% (n = 8990) experienced PMD caused functional impairment. Finally, 5121 participants agreed to complete the adapted version of the screening questionnaire.

Results

The age group distribution was 20–29 (46.7%), 30–39 (38.3%), and 40–49 years (15%). The most prevalent and severe physical symptom was acne/oily skin in participants aged 20–29 years and headache in women aged 30–49 years. Regarding psycho‐emotional symptoms, the most prevalent was anxiety/tension in women aged 20–29 years and 40–49 years and irritability/anger in those aged 30–39 years. Irritability/anger was the most severe symptom in all groups.

Conclusion

PMD significantly impacts the quality of life of Brazilian women with varying intensity. Physical symptoms associated with PMD vary with age, while psycho‐emotional symptoms, particularly irritability/anger and anxiety, were intense in Brazilian women of reproductive age. These findings inform early diagnosis and individualized treatment approaches for PMD, addressing the needs of women.
RetNet30: A Novel Stacked Convolution Neural Network Model for Automated Retinal Disease Diagnosis
Authors: Subramaniam Krishnakumar , Naganathan Archana
Published: September 2024

Automated diagnosis of retinal diseases holds significant promise in enhancing healthcare efficiency and patient outcomes. However, existing methods often lack the accuracy and efficiency required for timely disease detection. To address this gap, we introduce RetNet30, a novel stacked convolutional neural network (CNN) designed to revolutionize automated retinal disease diagnosis. RetNet30 combines a custom‐built 30‐layer CNN with a fine‐tuned Inception V3 model, integrating these sub‐models through logistic regression to achieve superior classification performance. Extensive evaluations on retinal image datasets such as DRIVE, STARE, CHASE_DB1, and HRF demonstrate significant improvements in accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the ROC curve (AUROC) when compared to conventional approaches. By leveraging advanced deep learning architectures, RetNet30 not only enhances diagnostic precision but also generalizes effectively across diverse datasets, establishing a new benchmark in retinal disease classification. This novel approach offers a highly efficient and reliable solution for early disease detection and patient management, addressing the limitations of manual examination methods. Through rigorous quantitative and qualitative assessments, our proposed method demonstrates its potential to significantly impact medical image analysis and improve healthcare outcomes. RetNet30 marks a major step forward in automated retinal disease diagnosis, showcasing the future of AI‐driven advancements in ophthalmology.
Serving as a professional association board member: Benefits to leaders and their employers
Authors: Erstad Brian L. , Jacobi Judith , Kehoe William A. , Nesbit Suzanne A. , Seaton Terry L.
Published: September 2024

This commentary, written by past presidents of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy, highlights the benefits of serving in leadership roles within professional associations to the leaders themselves, their employers, their colleagues, and the broader profession. Fostering the development of leaders is a necessary step to advance pharmacy's future. Leaders benefit not only from the reinvigoration and personal growth associated with their service effort but also from the further development of skills such as collaboration and consensus‐building, written and oral communication, critical thinking, leadership, and time management. The honing of these skills has benefits at the leader's workplace. Colleagues in businesses outside health care view this type of leadership experience as external training to develop and refine organizational communication and leadership skills and better prepare their employees for the future. The leader also learns best practices and new perspectives that, when shared locally, can energize the employer organization. Beyond the benefits to the leader and the leader's employer, there are holistic benefits of association service to the profession and interprofessional teams. With this in mind, we suggest that employers welcome opportunities to have their coworkers serve in elected or appointed positions within professional associations.
Novel 3D printed bioactive SiC orthopedic screw promotes bone growth associated activities by macrophages, neurons, and osteoblasts
Authors: El‐Ghannam Ahmed , Sultana Farjana , Dréau Didier , Tiwari Arjun , Yang In Hong , AlFotawi Randa , Knabe‐Ducheyne Christine
Published: September 2024

Ceramic additive manufacturing currently relies on binders or high‐energy lasers, each with limitations affecting final product quality and suitability for medical applications. To address these challenges, our laboratory has devised a surface activation technique for ceramic particles that eliminates the necessity for polymer binders or high‐energy lasers in ceramic additive manufacturing. We utilized this method to 3D print bioactive SiC orthopedic screws and evaluated their properties. The study's findings reveal that chemical oxidation of SiC activated its surface, enabling 3D printing of orthopedic screws in a binder jet printer. Post‐processing impregnation with NaOH and/or NH4OH strengthened the scaffold by promoting silica crystallization or partial conversion of silicon oxide into silicon nitride. The silica surface of the SiC 3D printed orthopedic screws facilitated osteoblast and neuron adhesion and extensive axon synthesis. The silicate ions released from the 3D printed SiC screws favorably modulated macrophage immune responses toward an M1 phenotype as indicated by the inhibition of TNFα secretions and of reactive oxygen species (ROS) expression along with the promotion of IL6R shedding. In contrast, under the same experimental conditions, Ti ions released from Ti6Al4V discs promoted macrophage TNFα secretion and ROS expression. In vivo tests demonstrated direct bone deposition on the SiC scaffold and a strong interfacial bond between the implanted SiC and bone. Immunostaining showed innervation, mineralization, and vascularization of the newly formed bone at the interface with SiC. Taken altogether, the 3D printed SiC orthopedic screws foster a favorable environment for wound healing and bone regeneration. The novel 3D printing method, based on ceramic surface activation represents a significant advancement in ceramic additive manufacturing and is applicable to a wide variety of materials.
The LTAR Cropland Common Experiment at Upper Mississippi River Basin–Morris
Authors: Johnson Jane M. F. , Helseth Christina M. , Weyers Sharon , Papanicolaou Thanos , Busche Dennis
Published: September 2024

The Upper Mississippi River Basin (UMRB) Long‐Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) watershed is hydrologically complex, with a notable temperature and precipitation gradient across four locations: Ames, IA; Platteville, WI; Morris, MN; and St. Paul, MN. Each location established LTAR Croplands Common Experiment (CCE) scenarios to fit local climatic and cultural practices. This paper describes the UMRB‐Morris location, which was established in 2016 and is the most northern of the sites and contributes to the major watersheds of the UMRB and the Red River of the North. Both on‐farm and plot‐scale studies are included. The prevailing system is a corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean (Glycine max L.) rotation with annual deep ripping tillage. The signature alternative system is alternative 1, which is a shallow strip‐till in a corn–soybean rotation. A second alternative system includes shallow tillage/rotational no‐tillage in a corn–soybean–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) with winter oilseed and cover crops, and it is considered a test ground for future alternative systems. On‐farm fields are equipped with eddy covariance towers and include 16 geo‐referenced soil core sampling sites for incremental samplings. Each field is sampled annually for crop yield and management data are recorded. Plot‐scale versions of the treatments are managed at the Swan Lake Research Farm. On‐farm and plot‐scale fields are instrumented with Phenocams to capture continuous photographic records. The CCE at UMRB‐Morris aims to integrate soil, crop, weather data, and image classification to assess benefits and challenges across different management strategies.
5‐Fluorouracil metabolic pathway genes predict recurrence risk following adjuvant S‐1 therapy: Results of an ancillary analysis from a phase III trial of resected biliary tract cancer (JCOG1202A1)
Authors: Mitsunaga Shuichi , Ikeda Masafumi , Nomura Shogo , Morizane Chigusa , Todaka Akiko , Yamamoto Naoto , Kamata Ken , Yanagibashi Hiroo , Mizuno Nobumasa , Kawamoto Yasuyuki , Gotoh Kunihito , Shirakawa Hirofumi , Okano Naohiro , Nomura Tatsuya , Tanaka Kazunari , Takahashi Amane , Yagi Shintaro , Ohta Koji , Takayama Yukiko , Miwa Haruo , Nagano Hiroaki , Kojima Yasushi , Hisano Terumasa , Tahara Munenori , Sakuma Yasunaru , Arai Hiroyuki , Nakamura Ikuo , Katayama Hiroshi , Konishi Masaru , Ueno Makoto ,   Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Oncology Group of the Japan Clinical Oncology Group (JCOG‐HBPOG)
Published: September 2024

Background

S‐1, an oral fluoropyrimidine derivative, is standard adjuvant therapy for resected biliary tract cancer (BTC), based on the results of the JCOG1202, a phase III trial evaluating the survival benefit with adjuvant S‐1 following curative resection for BTC compared to surgery alone. This multicenter ancillary study of the JCOG1202 aimed to evaluate the prognostic impact of the 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) metabolic pathway genes including thymidine phosphorylase (TP) and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD).

Methods

The 5‐FU metabolic pathway genes were measured in tumor cells from formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded resected specimens from 183 patients (surgery alone: n = 94; adjuvant S‐1: n = 89). We randomly divided them into training (n = 96) and validation sets (n = 87) for evaluating the interaction between gene levels and RFS benefits in the treatment arm.

Results

RFS benefits of adjuvant S‐1 were observed in the low DPD (HR = 0.440 and 0.748, respectively in the training and validation sets) and the low TP groups (HR = 0.709 and 0.602, respectively). Clinicopathological characteristics were well balanced between low and high DPD populations. More advanced stage tumors were observed in high TP populations as compared to those in low TP populations (p = .0332).

Conclusion

The results suggest the RFS benefit of adjuvant S‐1 in resected BTC patients with low DPD and low TP gene expressions.
Optimal treatment strategy for patients with pancreatic cancer having positive peritoneal cytology: A nationwide multicenter retrospective cohort study supervised by the Japanese Society of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic Surgery
Authors: Ariake Kyohei , Mizuma Masamichi , Unno Michiaki , Satoi Sohei , Yamamoto Naoto , Hayashi Masamichi , Kawai Manabu , Akita Hirofumi , Toyoda Eiji , Fujii Tsutomu , Sasaki Masaru , Hakamada Kenichi , Watanabe Jota , Hatano Etsuro , Hidaka Masaaki , Hirano Satoshi , Kurahara Hiroshi , Matsumoto Ippei , Honda Goro , Ogura Toshiro , Nakamura Masafumi , Endo Itaru
Published: September 2024

Background

The aim of this study was to determine the optimal treatment for patients with pancreatic cancer (PaCa) having positive peritoneal cytology (PPC).

Methods

This multicenter retrospective study included patients with PPC treated at 78 high‐volume centers between January 2012 and December 2020. Prognoses after resection (S‐group) and initiation of nonsurgical treatment (N‐group) were compared. Prognostic factors for survival in both groups were analyzed. Detailed characteristics of conversion surgery (CS) in the N‐group were evaluated.

Results

In total, 568 enrolled patients were classified into an S‐group (n = 445) or an N‐group (n = 123). Median survival times (MSTs) were 19.0 months and 19.3 months, respectively, with no significant difference in prognosis (p = .845). The intervenable prognostic factors for survival were adjuvant treatment in the S‐group (p < .001) and CS in the N‐group (p < .001). Following CS, the MST was prolonged to 45.6 months, and peritoneal or liver recurrence decreased considerably. CS can be expected if PPC is diagnosed before neoadjuvant treatment and when combination treatment is initiated.

Conclusion

Surgical resection may not be beneficial for improving survival when PPC is evident. Chemotherapy aiming for CS may be the optimal treatment for such patients.
Applying multiple‐channel GNR on 4H‐SiC semiconducting material intensifying hydrogen gas sensor performance
Authors: Anvarifard Mohammad K. , Ramezani Zeinab , Ghoreishi S. Amir
Published: September 2024

The graphene nanoribbon field effect transistor abbreviated GNR‐FET is seriously emphasized for the hydrogen gas detection owing to attractive properties induced by the graphene material. For the first time, a multiple‐channel GNR deposited on 4H‐SiC semiconducting material is offered to detect the hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas by different pressures is released to the multiple‐channel GNR to figure out the sensing power of the proposed sensor. The Pd metal is used as catalytic electrode trapping the hydrogen gas by making dipoles on the gate oxide/electrode interface. A Technology computer‐aided design based model from the non‐equilibrium green function (NEGF) method coupled with the Poisson–Schrodinger equation is used to simulate the electrical manner of the proposed gas sensor by workfunction modulation induced by these dipoles. The channel conduction during sensing hydrogen gas is much enhanced owing to the multiple‐channel GNR configuration. Three sensitivity definitions based on threshold voltage, ON current, and OFF current are presented and applied as benchmarks to evaluate the sensing power of the gas sensor. The results have shown the domination of the multiple‐channel GNR as compared to the single GNR sensor.
An in vitro study of glenoid implant peripheral peg interface mechanics during eccentric loading and lift‐off
Authors: Targosinski Jakub , Kusins Jonathan , Athwal George , Nelson Andrew , Ferreira Louis
Published: September 2024

Glenoid implants used in anatomic total shoulder arthroplasties typically incorporate peripheral pegs as a design feature to support eccentric loads. These peripheral pegs and the implant‐cement‐bone interface undergo substantial cyclic tensile‐compressive loads during normal activity. Therefore, these pegs are of interest in translating the micromechanics of local implant fixation failure to the biomechanics of gross anatomic failure of the glenoid implant after total shoulder arthroplasty. This study used an in vitro peg‐cement‐bone construct which incorporated bone tissue acquired from osteoarthritic patients undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty. Strain distributions in the peripheral peg‐cement‐bone interfaces were analyzed under loading conditions emulating glenoid implant edge displacements. It was found that tensile strains in the interfaces were highest near the backside‐peg junction and were greater in magnitude than compressive strains. Notably, strains near the peg's fixation channels were relatively low. These results suggest that cracks may initiate around the peg near the backside and travel downward to cause broader fixation failure.
Overexpression of CGRP receptor attenuates tendon graft degeneration in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Zhao Xibang , Cai Zhaoji , Luo Ying , Lin Zhousheng , Wang Jiali
Published: September 2024

Cell apoptosis or necrosis, extracellular matrix loss, and excessive inflammation may induce tendon graft degeneration. The impairment in the regeneration capability of nerve fibers and blood vessels may be the critical cause. Calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), exhibiting a short half‐life, favors cell proliferation, nerve fiber regeneration and angiogenesis. We aimed to investigate the effects of CGRP receptor‐mediated signaling on tendon graft integrity and study if the modulation pathways are ascribed to cell proliferation, nerve fiber and blood vessel regeneration. A total of three groups in mice with ACL reconstruction were established: the control group (PBS treatment), the adenovirus vectors expressing CGRP receptor (CALCRL) treated group (Adv‐Calcrl treatment), and the adenovirus vectors carrying shRNA targeting Calcrl treated group (Adv‐shCalcrl treatment). The histological assessment indicated the Adv‐Calcrl treatment was favored while the Adv‐shCalcrl significantly impaired tendon graft integrity. TUNEL staining revealed a significant decreased number of apoptotic cells in the Adv‐Calcrl group relative to the control group and the adv‐shCalcrl group. Compared to the control group and the Adv‐shCalcrl group, the Adv‐Calcrl group showed significantly enhanced proliferation of nestin positive cells. Of note, the Adv‐Calcrl treatment significantly increased EMCN expression at the tendon graft relative to the control and the Adv‐shCalcrl groups, which may be ascribed to attenuation of the Hippo signaling pathway. Importantly, the Adv‐Calcrl treatment significantly increased sensory nerve fibers and also PIEZO2 levels. Our results demonstrate the activation of CGRP receptor‐mediated signaling attenuated tendon graft degeneration, which was ascribed to enhanced proliferation of Nestin positive cells, angiogenesis, and nerve fiber outgrowth.
Contaminated well water driving d‐lactic acidosis in child with short bowel syndrome
Authors: Murayi Judy‐April , Flahive Colleen , Mezoff Ethan
Published: September 2024

d‐Lactic acidosis is a rare type of lactic acidosis that typically presents in patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS). Clinical features include a high anion‐gap metabolic acidosis and acute onset of neurological impairment. The underlying pathology is thought to be due to altered gut flora and carbohydrate malabsorption in patients with altered gut anatomy. The treatment centers on correcting acid–base derangements, dietary modifications to decrease carbohydrate intake and antibiotics. We present a case of recurrent d‐lactic acidosis in a patient with SBS. In this unique case, we highlight the importance of considering the home environment when developing a treatment plan.
Management and Long‐Term Outcomes of Patients With Hepatic Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma
Authors: Sawma Tedy , Sultan Ahmer , Abdulmoneim Samer , Grotz Travis , Rosen Charles B. , Taner Timucin , Heimbach Julie K. , Warner Susanne G. , Siontis Brittany L. , Ho Thanh P. , Robinson Steven I. , Thiels Cornelius A.
Published: September 2024

Background and Objectives

Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (HEHE) is an uncommon vascular neoplasm characterized by variable clinical behavior. Our aim was to describe the therapeutic approach for HEHE at diagnosis and define clinicopathological characteristics associated with tumor progression and long‐term survival.

Methods

This is a retrospective study that includes patients with HEHE who received treatment at Mayo Clinic Rochester between 1984 and 2023.

Results

Eighty patients were included in the study (median age: 44 years; 62.5% female), 24 underwent liver transplantation, 26 underwent liver resection, and 30 were managed medically. The 3‐year overall survival rates were 86.7%, 80.9%, and 51.1%, respectively. Notably, 26 patients had extrahepatic metastases at the time of diagnosis, four (16.7%) in the transplantation group, four (15.4%) in the resection group, and 18 (69.2%) in the nonsurgical group. On multivariable modeling, bone metastasis was independently associated with long‐term mortality (HR 6.3, p < 0.001) while lung metastasis and surgical intervention were not associated with long‐term mortality (HR 0.8, p = 0.8; HR 1.1, p = 0.9, respectively).

Conclusion

Bone metastasis emerged as a strong predictor of poor survival. Hence, aggressive surgical intervention may not be advantageous in patients with skeletal metastases but can still be offered for those with other extrahepatic metastases.
Prediction model of in‐hospital cardiac arrest using machine learning in the early phase of hospitalization
Authors: Wu Wei‐Tsung , Kor Chew‐Teng , Chou Ming‐Chung , Hsieh Hui‐Min , Huang Wan‐Chih , Huang Wei‐Ling , Lin Shu‐Yen , Chen Ming‐Ru , Lin Tsung‐Hsien
Published: September 2024

In hospitals, the deterioration of a patient's condition leading to death is often preceded by physiological abnormalities in the hours to days beforehand. Several risk‐scoring systems have been developed to identify patients at risk of major adverse events; however, such systems often exhibit low sensitivity and specificity. To identify the risk factors associated with in‐hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA), we conducted a retrospective cohort study at a tertiary medical center in Taiwan. Four machine learning algorithms were employed to identify the factors most predictive of IHCA. The support vector machine model was discovered to be the most effective at predicting IHCA. The ten most critical physiological parameters at 8 h prior to the event were pulse rate, age, white blood cell count, lymphocyte count, body temperature, body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, platelet count, and use of central nervous system‐active medication. Using these parameters, we can enhance early warning and rapid response systems in our hospital, potentially reducing the incidence of IHCA in clinical practice.
Stress‐Induced Tinnitus in a Rat Model: Transcriptomics of the Prefrontal Cortex and Hippocampus
Authors: Han Jae S. , Park Junseong , Kim Ye L. , Park So Y. , Kim Dokyeong , Zhang Songzi , Chung Yeun‐Jun , Park Shi N.
Published: September 2024

Objectives

The molecular mechanisms by which stress leads to the development of tinnitus are not yet well understood. This study aimed to identify brain changes in a stress‐induced tinnitus (ST) animal model through transcriptome analysis of the prefrontal lobe and hippocampus.

Methods

Twenty Sprague–Dawley rats were subjected to restraint stress for 2 h. Following the gap prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle (GPIAS) reflex test to assess tinnitus development, the prefrontal lobes and hippocampi of the brains were harvested from 15 rats: five with evident tinnitus (ST), five with noticeable non‐tinnitus (stress‐induced non‐tinnitus; SNT), and five without stress (control group). Comparative RNA‐seq analysis was conducted to examine gene expression profiles.

Results

In comparison to the control group, the ST group exhibited 971 and 463 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the prefrontal lobe and hippocampus, respectively (FDR < 0.05). The SNT group showed a largely similar gene expression to the control group. Enrichment analysis of the prefrontal lobe revealed the downregulation of gene sets associated with neurotransmitter and synapse‐related functions and the upregulation of cell cycle‐related gene sets in the ST group. In the hippocampus, there were significantly downregulated gene sets associated with steroid production and upregulated gene sets related to the extracellular matrix in the ST group. Immune‐related gene sets were upregulated in both the prefrontal lobe and hippocampus.

Conclusion

Our research presents evidence that differences in genetic expression in the prefrontal lobe and hippocampus after exposure to stress play a significant role in the development of tinnitus.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 135:882–888, 2025
COP27 Perspective of Food, Land Resources and Digitalization for Sustainable Economy: Novel Evidence From Lower‐Middle‐Income Countries
Authors: Bi Chaowen , Gan YuFei , Wang Weizheng , Xue Pengcheng
Published: September 2024

Economies in the environmentally conscious era follow the 27th Conference of the Parties' commitments to attaining environmental sustainability. However, using alternative energy sources reduces arable land and diminishes land resources, severely affecting food production, exports, and overall income. This issue raises concerns about attaining a sustainable economy, which has attracted little scholarly attention in the preceding literature. The present research examines the influence of food exports, digitalization, access to clean fuel and technologies for cooking, mineral resources, and oil resources on the economic sustainability of lower‐middle‐income economies. Covering the latest period from 1990 to 2022, this study uses several time series estimators to analyze the aggregate data of selected economies. The empirical results suggest that the mentioned variables are cointegrated in the long run. The regression estimates showed that food exports and mineral resources are adversely associated with economic sustainability. However, access to clean fuel and technologies for cooking and digitalization significantly contributes to the region's economic sustainability. Nonetheless, the role of oil resources is insignificant but negative, which validates the resource curse phenomenon in the region. The results are robust since these estimations are validated by regression accounting for structural breaks. This study recommends investment in clean energy resources, efficient mineral resource management, and the transition to clean energy to accomplish the 27th Conference of the Parties target and attain sustainable development.
Beyond transfer learning: Leveraging ancillary images in automated classification of plankton
Authors: Ellen Jeffrey S. , Ohman Mark D.
Published: September 2024

We assess whether a supervised machine learning algorithm, specifically a convolutional neural network (CNN), achieves higher accuracy on planktonic image classification when including non‐plankton and ancillary plankton during the training procedure. We focus on the case of optimizing the CNN for a single planktonic image source, while considering ancillary images to be plankton images from other instruments. We conducted two sets of experiments with three different types of plankton images (from a Zooglider, Underwater Vision Profiler 5, and Zooscan), and our results held across all three image types. First, we considered whether single‐stage transfer learning using non‐plankton images was beneficial. For this assessment, we used ImageNet images and the 2015 ImageNet contest‐winning model, ResNet‐152. We found increased accuracy using a ResNet‐152 model pretrained on ImageNet, provided the entire network was retrained rather than retraining only the fully connected layers. Next, we combined all three plankton image types into a single dataset with 3.3 million images (despite their differences in contrast, resolution, and pixel pitch) and conducted a multistage transfer learning assessment. We executed a transfer learning stage from ImageNet to the merged ancillary plankton dataset, then a second transfer learning stage from that merged plankton model to a single instrument dataset. We found that multistage transfer learning resulted in additional accuracy gains. These results should have generality for other image classification tasks.
Tracing the Background‐Suppressed Vibrational Decay Time of a Molecular Monolayer with Time‐Resolved Surface‐Enhanced Broadband Coherent Anti‐Stokes Raman Scattering
Authors: Barman Parijat , Chakraborty Abhik , Wu Xiaofei , Akimov Denis A. , Meyer‐Zedler Tobias , Ronning Carsten , Schmitt Michael , Popp Jürgen , Huang Jer‐Shing
Published: September 2024

The sensitivity of molecular spectroscopy based on surface‐enhanced coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (SECARS) is limited by the spectrally overlapping background from nonresonant four‐wave mixing (FWM). While the SECARS signal is mediated by the molecular vibrational eigenstates and exhibits long lifetime (a few picoseconds), the FWM background stems from the instantaneous electronic polarization and decays rapidly with the vanishment of excitation. Therefore, CARS and FWM can be separated by time‐resolved CARS (trCARS) using ultrashort pulsed lasers. The broad spectral bandwidth also enables broadband CARS (BCARS) for simultaneous identification of multiple vibrational signatures. This work combines trCARS and BCARS with an optimized plasmonic system to demonstrate time‐resolved surface‐enhanced BCARS) and show its capability in obtaining background‐suppressed broadband vibrational spectra from a monolayer of 4‐Aminothiophenol (4‐ATP) molecules self‐assembled on a gold grating. The vibrational dephasing time of the ring‐breathing mode for the 4‐ATP monolayer on the gold grating (≈1.00 ± 0.17 ps) is significantly shortened compared to that for 4‐ATP powder on a glass substrate (2.10 ± 0.05 ps). This work presents an effective method to suppress FWM background and investigate the vibrational dynamics of molecules in the vicinity of plasmonic nanostructures.
High‐Performance Multipedal Shape Strain Sensors for Human Motion and Electrophysiological Signal Monitoring
Authors: Li Gen , Wan Rongtai , Liu Shuhan , Wang Lina , Yu Mangmang , Zhong Jiang , Yang Hanjun , Liu Ximei , Lu Baoyang
Published: September 2024

Strain sensors from conducting polymer hydrogel have been widely employed in various wearable devices, electronic skins, and biomedical applications. These sensors provide outstanding flexibility and high sensitivity by integrating conducting polymer with hydrogels, making them particularly suitable for monitoring human motion and physiological signals like heart rate or muscle activity. Despite their extensive application potential, conducting polymer hydrogel face several technical challenges in practical use, including poor mechanical properties, lack of long‐term stability, and difficulty in customizable design. This work introduces a method for fabricating a multipedal strain sensor using poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)hydrogels through screen printing and demonstrates its application in human motion monitoring. The multipedal strain sensor demonstrates a low Young's modulus (200 kPa), high stretchability (400%), and excellent mechanical cyclic stability (3000 cycles). Furthermore, this strain sensor is further applied to detect human movements such as chewing, smiling, fist clenching, arm bending, and carotid pulse monitoring. Comparative analysis between the multipedal‐designed sensor and the non‐designed sensor highlights the enhanced sensing capabilities of the multipedal sensor. The design of this multipedal sensor holds the potential to broaden the design concepts for strain sensors and offers new insights for wearable devices and electronic skins.
The Logistic Function in Glass Transition Models of Amorphous Polymers: A Theoretical Framework for Isobaric Cooling Processes
Authors: Corbisieri Claudio
Published: September 2024

Studying the macroscopic‐phenomenological behavior of amorphous polymers at glass transition is often subject to limitations because the ordinary differential equations that describe the material behavior require numerical solution. To avoid these limitations, ad‐hoc‐formulated models of the glass transition have been proposed. However, their scope of application is expected to be limited due to insufficient theoretical foundation. This work establishes a theoretical framework for models that use the logistic function to approximate the macroscopic‐phenomenological behavior of amorphous polymers at glass transition. For this purpose, an exactly‐solvable Riccati equation is derived within thermodynamics with internal state variables. A closed‐form expression in terms of mathematical functions for the temperature derivative of a single internal state variable is the result. This closed‐form expression contains the logistic function thus featuring a continuous transition region centered around a pressure and cooling‐rate dependent transition temperature. Based on comparison of existing models with the exact solution derived from the Riccati equation, generalized models that approximate the thermal expansion coefficient and heat capacity at glass transition are proposed. This work thus demonstrates the validity of the logistic function in glass transition models of amorphous polymers and provides suggestions as to how existing models can be extended in their applicability.
An overview of the progress made in research into the Mpox virus
Authors: Li Yansheng , Wang Lianrong , Chen Shi
Published: September 2024

Mpox is a zoonotic illness caused by the Mpox virus (MPXV), a member of the Orthopoxvirus family. Although a few cases have been reported outside Africa, it was originally regarded as an endemic disease limited to African countries. However, the Mpox outbreak of 2022 was remarkable in that the infection spread to more than 123 countries worldwide, causing thousands of infections and deaths. The ongoing Mpox outbreak has been declared as a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization. For a better management and control of the epidemic, this review summarizes the research advances and important scientific findings on MPXV by reviewing the current literature on epidemiology, clinical characteristics, diagnostic methods, prevention and treatment measures, and animal models of MPXV. This review provides useful information to raise awareness about the transmission, symptoms, and protective measures of MPXV, serving as a theoretical guide for relevant institutions to control MPXV.
Emerging trends in cannabis administration for women with chronic pain
Authors: Cameron Erinn C. , Jacquin Kristine M.
Published: September 2024

Cannabis use among women who experience chronic pain is on the rise in the United States. However, little is known about women's motives and preferences for cannabis administration. The purpose of this study was to characterize cannabis use among women with chronic pain. This study examined self‐reported forms of cannabis administration and preferred source of cannabis, frequency and quantity of use, and self‐reported side effects, and type, level, and intensity of chronic pain among adult women in the United States. This study also compared women who use cannabis for chronic pain and those who do not across the level of chronic pain, length of chronic pain, and the number of types of chronic pain experienced. Participants showed a significant preference (60%) for using recreational cannabis to treat chronic pain but reported that medical cannabis was more effective. For participants who preferred medical cannabis 24.3% reported daily use, as compared to only 7.8% of recreational cannabis users. Smoking was the most common form of administration (62.1%), followed by edibles (25.3%), vaporizing in any form (7.4%), tinctures and concentrates (3.2%), and topicals (2.1%). Participants reported using 1–6 different forms of cannabis administration. Those who preferred smoking were significantly likely to use all other forms of administration. However, those who preferred alternatives to smoking were significantly likely to use all forms of administration except for smoking. Medical cannabis users preferred to obtain cannabis from a dispensary, while recreational users preferred to obtain cannabis from unlicensed sources. Additionally, participants who used cannabis for chronic pain reported a 74% reduction in past 30‐day opioid use. Future research is needed to investigate the health effects associated with single and combined forms of cannabis administration for women with chronic pain. Results can inform educational and intervention programs, treatment development, content regulation of products, policy formation, women's health research, and public health guidelines.
Volumetric muscle composition analysis in sporadic inclusion body myositis using fat‐referenced magnetic resonance imaging: Disease pattern, repeatability, and natural progression
Authors: Heerfordt John , Karlsson Markus , Kusama Midori , Ogata Seiya , Mukasa Ryuta , Kiyosawa Naoki , Sato Noriko , Widholm Per , Dahlqvist Leinhard Olof , Ahlgren André , Mori‐Yoshimura Madoka
Published: September 2024

Introduction/Aims

Fat‐referenced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as a promising volumetric technique for measuring muscular volume and fat in neuromuscular disorders, but the experience in inflammatory myopathies remains limited. Therefore, this work aimed at describing how sporadic inclusion body myositis (sIBM) manifests on standardized volumetric fat‐referenced MRI muscle measurements, including within‐scanner repeatability, natural progression rate, and relationship to clinical parameters.

Methods

Ten sIBM patients underwent whole‐leg Dixon MRI at baseline (test–retest) and after 12 months. The lean muscle volume (LMV), muscle fat fraction (MFF), and muscle fat infiltration (MFI) of the quadriceps, hamstrings, adductors, medial gastrocnemius, and tibialis anterior were computed. Clinical assessments of IBM Functional Rating Scale (IBMFRS) and knee extension strength were also performed. The baseline test–retest MRI measurements were used to estimate the within‐subject standard deviation (sw). 12‐month changes were derived for all parameters.

Results

The MRI measurements showed high repeatability in all muscles; sw ranged from 2.7 to 18.0 mL for LMV, 0.7–1.3 percentage points (pp) for MFF, and 0.2–0.7 pp for MFI. Over 12 months, average LMV decreased by 7.4% while MFF and MFI increased by 3.8 pp and 1.8 pp, respectively. Mean IBMFRS decreased by 2.4 and mean knee extension strength decreased by 32.8 N.

Discussion

The MRI measurements showed high repeatability and 12‐month changes consistent with muscle atrophy and fat replacement as well as a decrease in both muscle strength and IBMFRS. Our findings suggest that fat‐referenced MRI measurements are suitable for assessing disease progression and treatment response in inflammatory myopathies.
Experimental validation of an innovative method for minimization of deformation tolerances of reinforced concrete ceilings
Authors: Müllner Herbert W. , Akyol Sarah , Hofer Peter
Published: September 2024

The static design of reinforced concrete ceilings is mostly based on finite element calculations. If the calculated deformation is too big, a superelevation is carried out in order to optimize the thickness of the ceiling. The superelevation is achieved by setting parts of the formwork a fixed amount higher than the edge areas of the ceilings before concreting. In this contribution, a validation of various numerical methods and a new load approach for the deformation of concrete slabs by means of measurement results is shown whereas the focus is on the multistory support of ceilings, which have not arrived the full Young's modulus.
Immersive citizen science experiences and their role in changing perceptions of coastal wetlands
Authors: McKinley E. , Garcia Rojas M. I. , Palacios M. M. , Nichols C. G. , Bhattacharjee A. , Macreadie P. I.
Published: September 2024

Citizen, or community, science initiatives are increasingly recognised as an effective strategy to connect society with nature, science and environmental issues. However, different approaches to the delivery of the programmes can have different impacts on participant awareness, perceptions and behaviour change—especially when working with ecosystems perceived as less popular or uncharismatic, such as coastal wetlands, mangroves and saltmarshes.

Using the HSBC Blue Carbon Citizen Science Programme as a case study, we compared two groups of corporate employees from Australia and New Zealand (N = 89) who participated in either: (a) a short duration citizen science experience including educational workshops and fieldwork in a local wetland; or (b) in educational workshops‐only. Questionnaires assessed the impact on participants' knowledge and perception towards wetlands, as well as their likelihood of adopting sustainable behaviours.

Results revealed that participants' knowledge and understanding of environmental concepts increased, independent of the type of experience attended. However, the citizen science experience was more effective at fostering participants' intentions to make behaviour changes, with 64% of citizen science participants implementing sustainable changes at home or work, compared to 45% of workshop‐only participants.

Our results highlight the importance of immersive citizen science experiences that, even of short duration, can have a valuable role enhancing participant knowledge, perception, and importantly, intention to make long‐term behaviour changes.

With the increasing challenges faced by coastal systems globally, incorporating hands‐on, immersive experiences into educational programmes can be a strategic solution to improve ocean and climate literacy, while facilitating the actions required for a sustainable future.

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