bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Size-dependent reactivity of Rh cationic clusters to reduce NO by CO in the gas phase at high temperatures
Authors: Miyajima Ken , Nagata Toshiaki , Mafuné Fumitaka , Ichino Tomoya , Maeda Satoshi , Yoshinaga Taizo , Miura Masahide , Hayashi Takahiro
Published: April 2024

The reactivity of the reduction of NO pre-adsorbed on Rh2–9+ clusters by CO was investigated using an alternate on–off gas injection method, thermal desorption spectrometry, and quantum chemical calculations.
A highly sensitive and selective fluorescent biosensor for breast cancer derived exosomes using click reaction of azide–CD63 aptamer and alkyne-polymer dots
Authors: Ma Dumei , Luo Yiting , Zhang Xiaoya , Xie Zehu , Yan Yinghua , Ding Chuan-Fan
Published: April 2024

A fluorescence method based on Cu-triggered click reaction of azide modified CD63 aptamer and alkyne capped Pdots was developed for breast cancer derived exosome detection.
A rapid and eco-friendly approach for the synthesis of low-silica SAPO-34 with excellent MTO catalytic performance
Authors: Zou Xiaoxia , Fan Dong , Zhang Xiaosi , Lou Caiyi , Yang Miao , Xu Shutao , Wang Quanyi , Tian Peng , Liu Zhongmin
Published: April 2024

A rapid and eco-friendly route has been developed for synthesizing SAPO-34 with short crystallization time, low silica content and excellent MTO catalytic performance by utilizing a recycled mother liquid at elevated crystallization temperature.
The mechanism underlying the transitions between stripes, helices, and stacked toroids in the cylindrical shell formed by AB diblock copolymers on a long nanocylinder
Authors: Bahetihan Hajinuer , Ma Liangjun , Kong Weixin
Published: April 2024

In this study, the self-assembly phase behavior of AB diblock copolymers on long nanocylinders in soft confinement has been studied by using a simulated annealing method.
Efficient peroxymonosulfate activation by Fe–BiOCl hollow microspheres for carbamazepine removal
Authors: Ding Liyong , Huang Xuejuan , Liu Yuqin , Jiang Qingqing , Hu Juncheng
Published: April 2024

An iron-doped BiOCl hollow microsphere photocatalyst was prepared using a simple one-step hydrothermal method, and then applied to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for the removal of carbamazepine under visible irradiation.
A self-aligned assembling terahertz metasurface microfluidic sensor for liquid detection
Authors: Cao Yunhao , Sun Hongshun , Chen Yusa , Ma Lijun , Li Liye , Jin Shengxiao , Wu Wengang
Published: April 2024

Compared with some recently related work, the three key indicators (S, Q-factor, and the FOM) of the proposed THz metasurface microfluidic sensor are increased by 40%, 3–5 times, and 5 times, respectively.
Kinetic resolution of 1,1′-binaphthyl-2,2′-diamine derivatives by chiral calcium phosphate-catalyzed acylation
Authors: Uchikura Tatsuhiro , Kanno Yuki , Fukuda Yukino , Sato Mikoto , Akiyama Takahiko
Published: April 2024

Chiral calcium phosphate-catalyzed kinetic resolution of BINAM derivatives.
Pyrazolium ionic liquids with multiple active sites immobilized on mesoporous MCM-41 for chemical fixation of CO2 under mild conditions
Authors: Ndayambaje Jean Damascene , Shabbir Irfan , Dong Li , Su Qian , Cheng Weiguo
Published: April 2024

Novel dicationic pyrazolium ILs supported on MCM-41 were rationally fabricated. The optimized C6Pz–APTES/MCM-41 catalyst achieves superior catalytic performance toward the CO2 cycloaddition by integrating the HBDs (C3/C5–H) and mesoporous structures.
Structural divergence of molecular hole selective materials for viable p-i-n perovskite photovoltaics: a comprehensive review
Authors: Ganesan Paramaguru , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja. , Gao Peng
Published: April 2024

This review focuses on deciphering the structural divergence of organic molecular hole selective materials in determining the photovoltaic performance and stability of p-i-n type perovskite solar cell devices.
Metal–cyanide hybrid materials exhibiting photochromic and photomagnetic responses based on viologen receptors
Authors: Wang Hao , Zhou Teng-Da , Chen Ji-Tun , Yan Han , Sun Wen-Bin
Published: April 2024

A photochromic material based on viologen was synthesized. During the photo-induced color transition, the DC magnetic susceptibility was enhanced by 48%, and an increase in the magnetic relaxation time after illumination was observed.
Finite‐time stabilization control of nonlinear systems with full‐state constraints
Authors: Liu Jianwen , Yan Xiao , Zhang Lin , Jia Fujin , Yang Ni
Published: April 2024

This paper studies the finite time stabilization control (FTSC) problem of nonlinear systems with unknown functions and full‐state constraints (FSCs). A lemma dealing with unknown functions is put forward so that the assumptions and the “explosion of terms” (EOT) of backstepping are avoided. Compared with approximation algorithms, this algorithm can make the system states converge to the origin in a finite time. On the other hand, a new logarithmic constraint function is utilized to solve the drawback of barrier Lyapunov functions (BLFs). Then, combined with finite time control (FTC), an FTSC algorithm with FSCs is proposed. Finally, simulations of Chua's circuit system are given to verify the effectiveness and superiority of this algorithm. Compared with the approximation algorithm, this algorithm can theoretically make the states of Chua's circuit system to the origin in a finite time.
Phenylazo-BODIPYs: Direct Access via Pd-Catalysis
Authors: Werz Daniel B. , Röttger Sebastian H. , Birk Anjuli J. , Butschke Burkhard , Jones Peter G.
Published: April 2024

A new type of functionalized BODIPY dyes is described. Utilizing an established procedure for Buchwald–Hartwig reactions, we have been able to convert α-chloro BODIPYs to α-azo-BODIPYs using phenylhydrazines. Optimization of the reaction conditions and variation of the BODIPY core and the phenylhydrazine were conducted. Absorption and emission spectra were recorded.
Daily and Momentary Associations Between Gender Minority Stress and Resilience With Alcohol Outcomes
Authors: Dermody Sarah S , Uhrig Alexandra , Wardell Jeffrey D , Tellez Carmina , Raessi Tara , Kovacek Karla , Hart Trevor A , Hendershot Christian S , Abramovich Alex
Published: April 2024

Background and purpose

Minority stressors have been linked with alcohol use among transgender and gender diverse (TGD); however, no ecological momentary assessment studies have examined daily links between minority stress and alcohol use specifically among TGD. This study examined gender minority stressors and resilience as predictors of same-day or momentary alcohol-related outcomes. Feasibility and acceptability of procedures were evaluated.

Methods

Twenty-five TGD adults (mean age = 32.60, SD = 10.82; 88% White) were recruited Canada-wide and participated remotely. They completed 21 days of ecological momentary assessment with daily morning and random surveys (assessing alcohol outcomes, risk processes, gender minority stressors, resilience), and an exit interview eliciting feedback.

Results

Gender minority stress had significant and positive within-person relationships with same-day alcohol use (incidence risk ratio (IRR) = 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.02, 1.23]), alcohol-related harms (IRR = 1.14, 95% CI [1.02, 1.28]), and coping motives (IRR = 1.06, 95% CI [1.03, 1.08]), as well as momentary (past 30-min) alcohol craving (IRR = 1.32, 95% CI [1.18, 1.47]), coping motives (IRR = 1.35, 95% CI [1.21, 1.51]), and negative affect (IRR = 1.28, 95% CI [1.20, 1.36]). Gender minority stress indirectly predicted same-day drinking via coping motives (ab = 0.04, 95% CI [0.02, 0.08]). Resilience was positively associated with same-day alcohol use (IRR = 1.25, 95% CI [1.03, 1.51]) but not harms.

Conclusions

TGD adults may use alcohol to cope with gender minority stress, which can increase the risk for alcohol-related harms. Interventions are needed to eliminate gender minority stressors and support adaptive coping strategies.
Daily Relationship Functioning and Disordered Eating Behaviors Among Sexual Minority Women in Same-Sex Relationships
Authors: Romano Kelly A , Sandoval Cassidy M , Lewis Robin J , Heron Kristin E
Published: April 2024

Background and Purpose

The present study aimed to examine associations between different types of relationship functioning and disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) in the everyday lives of sexual minority women in same-sex relationships—an at-risk population that has not been assessed in this context.

Methods

Participants included 321 young sexual minority women (Mage = 27.56, SD = 3.67) in same-sex relationships who completed surveys assessing their daily relationship functioning and DEB use each day for a 14-day daily diary period. Multilevel structural equation modeling was used to examine daily-, person-, and couple-level associations among women’s daily relationship functioning (general relationship functioning, positive and negative relational behaviors they and, separately, their partners engaged in) and DEBs (overeating, loss of control eating, emotional eating, and dietary restriction).

Results

Results generally indicated that more positive and less negative daily relationship functioning across all assessed constructs was associated with less same-day emotional eating. In contrast, associations between all daily relationship functioning constructs and loss of control eating were not significant, nor were any relationship functioning-DEB associations at the couple level. More circumscribed patterns of association were identified for associations between the relationship functioning constructs, and overeating and dietary restriction.

Conclusions

Collectively, these findings provide insight into how aspects of daily relationship functioning map onto sexual minority women’s daily engagement in DEBs that are linked to poor health long-term, and directions for future research and clinical practice that may warrant consideration moving forward to help advance the evidence-base and care for this historically overlooked and underserved population.
Diversity and Standards in Writing for Publication in the Age of AI—Between a Rock and a Hard Place
Authors: Kuteeva Maria , Andersson Marta
Published: April 2024

Research communities across disciplines recognize the need to diversify and decolonize knowledge. While artificial intelligence-supported large language models (LLMs) can help with access to knowledge generated in the Global North and demystify publication practices, they are still biased toward dominant norms and knowledge paradigms. LLMs lack agency, metacognition, knowledge of the local context, and understanding of how the human language works. These limitations raise doubts regarding their ability to develop the kind of rhetorical flexibility that is necessary for adapting writing to ever-changing contexts and demands. Thus, LLMs are likely to drive both language use and knowledge construction towards homogeneity and uniformity, reproducing already existing biases and structural inequalities. Since their output is based on shallow statistical associations, what these models are unable to achieve to the same extent as humans is linguistic creativity, particularly across languages, registers, and styles. This is the area where key stakeholders in academic publishing—authors, reviewers, and editors—have the upper hand, as our applied linguistics community strives to increase multilingual practices in knowledge production.
Biologically meaningful regulatory logic enhances the convergence rate in Boolean networks and bushiness of their state transition graph
Authors: Sil Priyotosh , Subbaroyan Ajay , Kulkarni Saumitra , Martin Olivier C , Samal Areejit
Published: April 2024

Boolean models of gene regulatory networks (GRNs) have gained widespread traction as they can easily recapitulate cellular phenotypes via their attractor states. Their overall dynamics are embodied in a state transition graph (STG). Indeed, two Boolean networks (BNs) with the same network structure and attractors can have drastically different STGs depending on the type of Boolean functions (BFs) employed. Our objective here is to systematically delineate the effects of different classes of BFs on the structural features of the STG of reconstructed Boolean GRNs while keeping network structure and biological attractors fixed, and explore the characteristics of BFs that drive those features. Using $10$ reconstructed Boolean GRNs, we generate ensembles that differ in BFs and compute from their STGs the dynamics’ rate of contraction or ‘bushiness’ and rate of ‘convergence’, quantified with measures inspired from cellular automata (CA) that are based on the garden-of-Eden (GoE) states. We find that biologically meaningful BFs lead to higher STG ‘bushiness’ and ‘convergence’ than random ones. Obtaining such ‘global’ measures gets computationally expensive with larger network sizes, stressing the need for feasible proxies. So we adapt Wuensche’s $Z$-parameter in CA to BFs in BNs and provide four natural variants, which, along with the average sensitivity of BFs computed at the network level, comprise our descriptors of local dynamics and we find some of them to be good proxies for bushiness. Finally, we provide an excellent proxy for the ‘convergence’ based on computing transient lengths originating at random states rather than GoE states.
HyGAnno: hybrid graph neural network–based cell type annotation for single-cell ATAC sequencing data
Authors: Zhang Weihang , Cui Yang , Liu Bowen , Loza Martin , Park Sung-Joon , Nakai Kenta
Published: April 2024

Reliable cell type annotations are crucial for investigating cellular heterogeneity in single-cell omics data. Although various computational approaches have been proposed for single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) annotation, high-quality cell labels are still lacking in single-cell sequencing assay for transposase-accessible chromatin (scATAC-seq) data, because of extreme sparsity and inconsistent chromatin accessibility between datasets. Here, we present a novel automated cell annotation method that transfers cell type information from a well-labeled scRNA-seq reference to an unlabeled scATAC-seq target, via a parallel graph neural network, in a semi-supervised manner. Unlike existing methods that utilize only gene expression or gene activity features, HyGAnno leverages genome-wide accessibility peak features to facilitate the training process. In addition, HyGAnno reconstructs a reference–target cell graph to detect cells with low prediction reliability, according to their specific graph connectivity patterns. HyGAnno was assessed across various datasets, showcasing its strengths in precise cell annotation, generating interpretable cell embeddings, robustness to noisy reference data and adaptability to tumor tissues.
A deep learning approach to direct immunofluorescence pattern recognition in autoimmune bullous diseases
Authors: Capurro Niccolò , Pastore Vito Paolo , Touijer Larbi , Odone Francesca , Cozzani Emanuele , Gasparini Giulia , Parodi Aurora
Published: April 2024

Background

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping healthcare, using machine and deep learning (DL) to enhance disease management. Dermatology has seen improved diagnostics, particularly in skin cancer detection, through the integration of AI. However, the potential of AI in automating immunofluorescence imaging for autoimmune bullous skin diseases (AIBDs) remains untapped. While direct immunofluorescence (DIF) supports diagnosis, its manual interpretation can hinder efficiency. The use of DL to classify DIF patterns automatically, including the intercellular (ICP) and linear pattern (LP), holds promise for improving the diagnosis of AIBDs.

Objectives

To develop AI algorithms for automated classification of AIBD DIF patterns, such as ICP and LP, in order to enhance diagnostic accuracy, streamline disease management and improve patient outcomes through DL-driven immunofluorescence interpretation.

Methods

We collected immunofluorescence images from skin biopsies of patients suspected of having an AIBD between January 2022 and January 2024. Skin tissue was obtained via a 5-mm punch biopsy, prepared for DIF. Experienced dermatologists classified the images as ICP, LP or negative. To evaluate our DL approach, we divided the images into training (n = 436) and test sets (n = 93). We employed transfer learning with pretrained deep neural networks and conducted fivefold cross-validation to assess model performance. Our dataset’s class imbalance was addressed using weighted loss and data augmentation strategies. The models were trained for 50 epochs using Pytorch, achieving an image size of 224 × 224 pixels for both convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and the Swin Transformer.

Results

Our study compared six CNNs and the Swin Transformer for AIBD image classification, with the Swin Transformer achieving the highest average validation accuracy (98.5%). On a separate test set, the best model attained an accuracy of 94.6%, demonstrating 95.3% sensitivity and 97.5% specificity across AIBD classes. Visualization with Grad-CAM (class activation mapping) highlighted the model’s reliance on characteristic patterns for accurate classification.

Conclusions

The study highlighted the accuracy of CNNs in identifying DIF features. This approach aids automated analysis and reporting, offering reproducibility, speed, data handling and cost-efficiency. Integrating DL into skin immunofluorescence promises precise diagnostics and streamlined reporting in this branch of dermatology.
Acne-induced pathological scars: pathophysiology and current treatments
Authors: Xu Wanyu , Sinaki Dorsa Gholamali , Tang Yuchen , Chen Yunsheng , Zhang Yixin , Zhang Zheng
Published: April 2024

Acne is a common chronic inflammatory dermatosis that can lead to pathological scars (PSs, divided into hypertrophic scars and keloids). These kinds of abnormal scars seriously reduce the quality of life of patients. However, their mechanism is still unclear, resulting in difficult clinical prevention, unstable treatment effects and a high risk of recurrence. Available evidence supports inflammatory changes caused by infection as one of the keys to abnormal proliferation of skin fibroblasts. In acne-induced PSs, increasing knowledge of the immunopathology indicates that inflammatory cells directly secrete growth factors to activate fibroblasts and release pro-inflammatory factors to promote the formation of PSs. T helper cells contribute to PSs via the secretion of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13, the pro-inflammatory factors; while regulatory T cells have anti-inflammatory effects, secrete IL-10 and prostaglandin E2, and suppress fibrosis production. Several treatments are available, but there is a lack of combination regimens to target different aspects of acne-induced PSs. Overall, this review indicates that the joint involvement of inflammatory response and fibrosis plays a crucial role in acne-induced PSs, and also analyzes the interaction of current treatments for acne and PS.
Microsatellite Instability Detection in Cancer: A Multiplex qPCR Approach that Obviates the Need for Matching Normal Samples
Authors: Chen Wei , Yan Yan Helen , Young Blake , Pinto Alessandro , Jiang Qi , Song Nanjia , Yaseen Adam , Yao Weijie , Zhang David Yu , Zhang Jinny Xuemeng
Published: April 2024

Background

Microsatellite instability (MSI) indicates DNA mismatch repair deficiency in certain types of cancer, such as colorectal cancer. The current gold standard technique, PCR–capillary electrophoresis (CE), requires matching normal samples and specialized instrumentation. We developed VarTrace, a rapid and low-cost quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay, to evaluate MSI using solely the tumor sample DNA, obviating the requirement for matching normal samples.

Methods

One hundred and one formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor samples were tested using VarTrace and compared with the Promega OncoMate assay utilizing PCR-CE. Tumor percentage limit of detection was evaluated on contrived samples derived from clinical high MSI (MSI-H) samples. Analytical sensitivity, specificity, limit of detection, and input requirements were assessed using synthetic commercial reference standards.

Results

VarTrace successfully analyzed all 101 clinical FFPE samples, demonstrating 100% sensitivity and 98% specificity compared to OncoMate. It detected MSI-H with 97% accuracy down to 10% tumor. Analytical studies using synthetic samples showed a limit of detection of 5% variant allele frequency and a limit of input of 0.5 ng.

Conclusions

This study validates VarTrace as a swift, accurate, and economical assay for MSI detection in samples with low tumor percentages without the need for matching normal DNA. VarTrace's capacity for highly sensitive MSI analysis holds potential for enhancing the efficiency of clinical work flows and broadening the availability of this test.
Responsibly Buying Artificial Intelligence: A ‘Regulatory Hallucination’
Authors: Sanchez-Graells Albert
Published: April 2024

As part of its ‘pro-innovation’ approach to artificial intelligence (AI), the UK has left public sector AI procurement and deployment to ‘regulation by contract’ based on thin guidance. Borrowing from the description of AI ‘hallucinations’ as plausible but incorrect answers given with high confidence by AI systems, I argue that this is a ‘regulatory hallucination’: an incorrect answer to the challenge of regulating the procurement and use of AI by the public sector. The pretence that public buyers can ‘confidently and responsibly procure AI technologies’ can generate individual harms and broader negative social effects as the public sector ramps up AI adoption and accumulates a potentially significant stock of AI deployments across all areas of public sector activity. I sketch an alternative strategy to boost the effectiveness of the goals of AI regulation and the protection of individual rights and collective interests through the creation of an independent authority.
Risk of metastasis among patients diagnosed with high-risk T1 esophageal adenocarcinoma who underwent endoscopic follow-up
Authors: Norton Benjamin Charles , Aslam Nasar , Telese Andrea , Papaefthymiou Apostolis , Singh Shilpi , Sehgal Vinay , Mitchison Miriam , Jansen Marnix , Banks Matthew , Graham David , Haidry Rehan
Published: April 2024

Esophagectomy and lymphadenectomy have been the standard of care for patients at high risk (HR) of lymph node metastasis following a diagnosis of early esophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) after endoscopic resection (ER). However, recent cohorts suggest lymph node metastasis risk is lower than initially estimated, suggesting organ preservation with close endoscopic follow-up is a viable option. We report on the 3- and 5-year risk of lymph node/distant metastasis among patients diagnosed with early HR-T1 OAC undergoing endoscopic follow-up. Patients diagnosed with HR-T1a or T1b OAC following ER at a tertiary referral center were identified and retrospectively analyzed from clinical records between 2010 and 2021. Patients were included if they underwent endoscopic follow-up after resection and were divided into HR-T1a, low risk (LR)-T1b and HR-T1b cohorts. After ER, 47 patients underwent endoscopic follow-up for early HR OAC. In total, 39 patients had an R0 resection with a combined 3- and 5-year risk of LN/distant metastasis of 6.9% [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.8–25] and 10.9% (95% CI, 3.6–30.2%), respectively. There was no significant difference when stratifying by histopathological subtype (P = 0.64). Among those without persistent luminal disease on follow-up, the 5-year risk was 4.1% (95% CI, 0.6–26.1). Two patients died secondary to OAC with an all-cause 5-year survival of 57.5% (95% CI, 39.5–71.9). The overall risk of LN/distant metastasis for early HR T1 OAC was lower than historically reported. Endoscopic surveillance can be a reasonable approach in highly selected patients with an R0 resection and complete luminal eradication, but clear, evidence-based surveillance guidelines are needed.
Proliferation in malaria parasites: How resource limitation can prevent evolution of greater virulence
Authors: Pak Damie , Kamiya Tsukushi , Greischar Megan A
Published: April 2024

For parasites, robust proliferation within hosts is crucial for establishing the infection and creating opportunities for onward transmission. While faster proliferation enhances transmission rates, it is often assumed to curtail transmission duration by killing the host (virulence), a trade-off constraining parasite evolution. Yet in many diseases, including malaria, the preponderance of infections with mild or absent symptoms suggests that host mortality is not a sufficient constraint, raising the question of what restrains evolution toward faster proliferation. In malaria infections, the maximum rate of proliferation is determined by the burst size, the number of daughter parasites produced per infected red blood cell. Larger burst sizes should expand the pool of infected red blood cells that can be used to produce the specialized transmission forms needed to infect mosquitoes. We use a within-host model parameterized for rodent malaria parasites (Plasmodium chabaudi) to project the transmission consequences of burst size, focusing on initial acute infection where resource limitation and risk of host mortality are greatest. We find that resource limitation restricts evolution toward higher burst sizes below the level predicted by host mortality alone. Our results suggest resource limitation could represent a more general constraint than virulence–transmission trade-offs, preventing evolution towards faster proliferation.
Health-related quality of life in Thai patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Chantrakul Ratthanan , Sripongpun Pimsiri , Pattarapuntakul Tanawat , Chamroonkul Naichaya , Kongkamol Chanon , Phisalprapa Pochamana , Kaewdech Apichat
Published: April 2024

Background

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) significantly impacts the health-related quality of life (HRQoL), but remains underexplored in the Thai population. Health state utilities (HSU) are indicators reflecting HRQoL which serve as fundamental inputs for economic evaluation analyses. This study aimed at assessing differences in HRQoL across five CHB stages in Thai patients, including non-cirrhotic CHB, compensated cirrhosis, decompensated cirrhosis, early-/intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and advanced-/terminal-stage HCC.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study to collect HRQoL data from patients with CHB at five stages. The study included patients with CHB who were followed up at a super-tertiary care centre between March 2021 and February 2022. The participants completed the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire and provided demographic data. Disease stage and relevant data were obtained from medical records. HSU and Euroqol-visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) scores, calculated using Thai-specific conversion coefficients, were assessed.

Results

Among 422 patients, 236 did not have cirrhosis, 92 had compensated cirrhosis, 13 had decompensated cirrhosis, 55 had early-/intermediate-stage HCC, and 26 had advanced-/terminal-stage HCC. The HSU scores for non-cirrhotic, compensated cirrhosis, decompensated cirrhosis, early-/intermediate-stage HCC and advanced-/terminal-stage HCC were 0.95 ± 0.08, 0.89 ± 0.16, 0.79 ± 0.19, 0.89 ± 0.12 and 0.52 ± 0.39, respectively. Similarly, the EQ-VAS scores for various CHB stages were 83.56 ± 12.90, 80.48 ± 13.03, 68.76 ± 17.40, 79.00 ± 14.38 and 62.92 ± 20.62, respectively. A significant correlation (r = 0.469, P < 0.001) was observed between the HSU and EQ-VAS scores. The disease progression led to a notable HSU decline, particularly in the advanced-/terminal-stage HCC group (regression coefficient: –0.436, P < 0.001). The EQ-VAS scores indicated reduced quality of life in advanced liver disease.

Conclusions

Later CHB stages compromise the HRQoL. Decompensated cirrhosis and advanced-/terminal-stage HCC profoundly affect physical health and quality of life, whereas patients with compensated cirrhosis and early-/intermediate-stage HCC report better HRQoL.
Common gastrointestinal symptoms and their impact on psychological state and quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a cross-sectional multicenter study in China
Authors: Wang Shuo , Tan Cheng , Liu Chuan , Liu Zhongchun , Jiang Changqing , Shi Jie , Wu Kaichun , Dong Weiguo
Published: April 2024

Objective

To explore the impact of common gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms on psychological symptoms, sleep quality, and quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods

A unified questionnaire was developed to collect clinical data on the mental psychology and quality of life of IBD patients from 42 hospitals in 22 provinces in P. R. China from September 2021 to May 2022. The general clinical characteristics, psychological symptoms, sleep quality, and quality of life of IBD patients with different numbers of GI symptoms were analyzed by descriptive statistical analysis.

Results

A total of 2,478 IBD patients were finally analysed in this study, including 365 without GI symptoms (14.7%), 752 with single symptoms (30.4%), 841 with double symptoms (33.9%), and 520 with three symptoms (21.0%). Compared with patients without GI symptoms, patients with only simple abdominalgia or diarrhea or hematochezia showed significantly higher levels of anxiety and depression and worse quality of life (all P < 0.05). Compared with asymptomatic patients, patients with double symptoms (e.g. abdominalgia plus hematochezia, diarrhea plus hematochezia, abdominalgia plus diarrhea) and patients with three symptoms (abdominalgia, diarrhea, and hematochezia) showed significantly higher levels of anxiety and depression and worse sleep quality and quality of life (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Compared with IBD patients without gastrointestinal symptoms, patients with gastrointestinal symptoms were more likely to experience anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and poorer quality of life.
Instant duodenal decompression after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography can effectively reduce the incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis and hyperamylasemia
Authors: Bi Yu-Zhen , Yan Si-Jia , Zhou Li-Min , Sun Yan , Zhang Jun
Published: April 2024

Background

Post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) is significantly influenced by the reflux of duodenal fluid. While gastrointestinal decompression represents a fundamental approach in acute pancreatitis management, the effectiveness of immediate duodenal decompression following ERCP to prevent PEP remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the impact of immediate duodenal decompression after ERCP on reducing the incidence of hyperamylasemia and PEP.

Methods

This retrospective study encompassed patients with native papilla who underwent therapeutic ERCP for choledocholithiasis at the Department of Gastroenterology, Chun’an Branch of Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Zhejiang, China) between January 2020 and June 2023. Based on the immediate placement of a duodenal decompression tube post-ERCP, patients were categorized into two groups: the duodenal decompression group and the conventional procedure group. Primary outcomes included the incidence of PEP and hyperamylasemia.

Results

A total of 195 patients were enrolled (94 in the duodenal decompression group and 101 in the conventional procedure group). Baseline clinical and procedural characteristics exhibited no significant differences between the two groups. PEP occurred in 2 patients (2.1%) in the duodenal decompression group, in contrast to 11 patients (10.9%) in the conventional procedure group (Risk difference [RD] 8.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.7%–16.5%, P = 0.014). Hyperamylasemia was observed in 8 patients (8.5%) in the duodenal decompression group, compared to 20 patients (19.8%) in the conventional procedure group (RD 11.3%; 95% CI 1.4%–21.0%; P = 0.025). Patients with PEP in both groups showed improvement after receiving active treatment. No severe cases of PEP occurred in either group, and no serious adverse events related to duodenal catheter decompression were reported.

Conclusion

Immediate duodenal decompression following ERCP demonstrates an effective reduction in the incidence of hyperamylasemia and PEP.
Efficacy and safety of EUS-guided coil embolization in combination with cyanoacrylate injection versus conventional endoscopic cyanoacrylate injection in the treatment of gastric varices with spontaneous portosystemic shunts
Authors: Chen Dawei , Fu Sunya , Shen Ruiwei
Published: April 2024

Background

Gastric varices (GV) with spontaneous portosystemic shunts (SPSS) pose considerable risks and challenges for administering endoscopic cyanoacrylate (CYA) injection. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EUS-guided coil embolization in combination with CYA injection compared to conventional endoscopic CYA injection for managing GV with SPSS.

Methods

This retrospective analysis included patients with SPSS treated with either EUS-guided coil embolization in combination with CYA injection or conventional CYA injection for gastric variceal bleeding at Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital (Zhejiang, China) between January 2018 and March 2023. Patient demographics, procedural details, and follow-up results were reviewed.

Results

The study evaluated 57 patients: 21 in the combined treatment group undergoing EUS-guided coil embolization in combination with CYA injection and 36 in the conventional group receiving conventional endoscopic CYA injection. Both cohorts achieved a 100% technical success rate. The mean volume of CYA used was significantly lower in the combined group (1.64 ± 0.67 mL) than in the conventional group (2.38 ± 0.72 mL; P < 0.001). Early GV rebleeding rates did not differ significantly between the groups; in contrast, the combined treatment group exhibited a considerably lower incidence of late GV rebleeding than the conventional group (4.8% vs 27.8%, P = 0.041).

Conclusions

EUS-guided coil embolization in combination with CYA injection demonstrated superiority over conventional endoscopic CYA injection in reducing late GV rebleeding in treating GV with SPSS.
Why Destroy a Synagogue? A Reflection on Hitler’s Metaphysical Antisemitism
Authors: Meng Michael
Published: April 2024

This article explores the possible metaphysical aspects of Hitler’s antisemitism by asking a basic question: Why did the Nazis, if motivated solely or at least largely by racial hatred, attack and destroy Jewish religious sites, above all synagogues? The answer the article gives, a speculative one, is that Hitler’s antisemitism expresses a hatred of life and death that has deep roots in Western history, roots that can be traced most directly to the hatred of life and death expressed by Christianity and, specifically, to the hatred expressed by one of Christianity’s most hate-filled theologians, Martin Luther. Hence, the article offers a comparative interpretation of Hitler and Luther’s antisemitism in two main sections. A final section reflects on the difficulty of understanding antisemitism, hatred and violence and thus concludes with Primo Levi’s claim that in Auschwitz there is no answer, there is no why (Hier ist kein Warum).
Abstracts BMAS Summer School 2023—2nd Bone Marrow Adiposity Society Summer School Meeting 2023
Authors: Palmisano Biagio , Tencerova Michaela
Published: April 2024

Fat is the main component of an adult bone marrow and constitutes the so-called bone marrow adipose tissue (BMAT). Marrow adipocytes, which are the fat cells in the bone marrow, become more abundant with age, and may influence the whole-body metabolism. In osteoporotic patients, the amount of BMAT has an inverse correlation with the amount of bone mass. In people with anorexia nervosa that lose weight after the reduction of peripheral adipose tissues, BMAT expands. Although bone marrow adipocytes are increasingly recognized as a target for therapy, there is still much to learn about their role in skeletal homeostasis, metabolism, cancer, and regenerative treatments. The Bone Marrow Adiposity Society (BMAS), established in 2017, aims to enhance the understanding of how BMAT relates to bone health, cancer, and systemic metabolism. BMAS is committed to training young scientists and organized the second edition of the BMAS Summer School, held on September 4–6, 2023, as a virtual event.
Joint Moments of Higher Order Derivatives of CUE Characteristic Polynomials I: Asymptotic Formulae
Authors: Keating Jonathan P , Wei Fei
Published: April 2024

We derive explicit asymptotic formulae for the joint moments of the $n_{1}$-th and $n_{2}$-th derivatives of the characteristic polynomials of Circular Unitary Ensemble random matrices for any non-negative integers $n_{1}, n_{2}$. These formulae are expressed in terms of determinants whose entries involve modified Bessel functions of the first kind. We also express them in terms of two types of combinatorial sums. Similar results are obtained for the analogue of Hardy’s $Z$-function. We use these formulae to formulate general conjectures for the joint moments of the $n_{1}$-th and $n_{2}$-th derivatives of the Riemann zeta-function and of Hardy’s $Z$-function. Our conjectures are supported by comparison with results obtained previously in the number theory literature.
What Is the Economic Benefit of Annual COVID-19 Vaccination From the Adult Individual Perspective?
Authors: Bartsch Sarah M , O’Shea Kelly J , Weatherwax Colleen , Strych Ulrich , Velmurugan Kavya , John Danielle C , Bottazzi Maria Elena , Hussein Mustafa , Martinez Marie F , Chin Kevin L , Ciciriello Allan , Heneghan Jessie , Dibbs Alexis , Scannell Sheryl A , Hotez Peter J , Lee Bruce Y
Published: April 2024

Background

With coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination no longer mandated by many businesses/organizations, it is now up to individuals to decide whether to get any new boosters/updated vaccines going forward.

Methods

We developed a Markov model representing the potential clinical/economic outcomes from an individual perspective in the United States of getting versus not getting an annual COVID-19 vaccine.

Results

For an 18–49 year old, getting vaccinated at its current price ($60) can save the individual on average $30–$603 if the individual is uninsured and $4–$437 if the individual has private insurance, as long as the starting vaccine efficacy against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is ≥50% and the weekly risk of getting infected is ≥0.2%, corresponding to an individual interacting with 9 other people in a day under Winter 2023–2024 Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant conditions with an average infection prevalence of 10%. For a 50–64 year old, these cost-savings increase to $111–$1278 and $119–$1706 for someone without and with insurance, respectively. The risk threshold increases to ≥0.4% (interacting with 19 people/day), when the individual has 13.4% preexisting protection against infection (eg, vaccinated 9 months earlier).

Conclusions

There is both clinical and economic incentive for the individual to continue to get vaccinated against COVID-19 each year.
A comparison of strategies for identifying patients at risk for carbapenem-resistant or extended β-lactam-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Wangchinda Walaiporn , Kaye Keith S , Patel Twisha S , Albin Owen R , Saravolatz Louis , Petrie Joshua G , Pogue Jason M
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To assess risk factors for carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CR) and extended-β-lactam-resistant P. aeruginosa (EBR) infection/colonization, and to develop and compare tools for predicting isolation of CR and EBR from clinical cultures.

Methods

This retrospective study analysed hospitalized patients with positive P. aeruginosa cultures between 2015 and 2021. Two case–control analyses were performed to identify risk factors and develop scoring tools for distinguishing patients with CR versus carbapenem-susceptible (CS) P. aeruginosa and EBR versus CS P. aeruginosa. The performance of institutionally derived scores, externally derived scores and the presence/absence of key risk factors to predict CR and EBR were then compared.

Results

A total of 2379 patients were included. Of these, 8.3% had a positive culture for CR, 5.0% for EBR and 86.7% for CS P. aeruginosa. There was substantial overlap in risk factors for CR and EBR. Institutional risk scores demonstrated modestly higher area under the ROC curve values than external scores for predicting CR (0.67 versus 0.58) and EBR (0.76 versus 0.70). Assessing the presence/absence of ≥1 of the two strongest predictors (prior carbapenem use or CR isolation within 90 days) was slightly inferior to scoring tools for predicting CR, and comparable for predicting EBR.

Conclusions

Clinicians concerned about CR in P. aeruginosa should consider the likelihood of EBR when making treatment decisions. A simple approach of assessing recent history of CR isolation or carbapenem usage performed similarly to more complex scoring tools and offers a more pragmatic way of identifying patients who require coverage for resistant P. aeruginosa.
Effects of dietary forage neutral detergent fiber and rumen degradable starch ratios on chewing activity, ruminal fermentation, ruminal microbes and nutrient digestibility of Hu sheep fed a pelleted total mixed ration
Authors: Zhang Zhian , Wang Li , Li Qinwu , Li Fei , Ma Zhiyuan , Li Fadi , Wang Zongli , Chen Liang , Yang Xu , Wang Xinji , Yang Guo
Published: April 2024

Pelleted total mixed ration (P-TMR) feeding, which has become a common practice in providing nutrition for fattening sheep, requires careful consideration of the balance between forage neutral detergent fiber (FNDF) and rumen degradable starch (RDS) to maintain proper rumen functions. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of the dietary FNDF/RDS ratio (FRR) on chewing activity, ruminal fermentation, ruminal microbes, and nutrient digestibility in Hu sheep fed a P-TMR diet. This study utilized eight ruminally cannulated male Hu sheep, following a 4 × 4 Latin square design with 31 d each period. Diets consisted of four FRR levels: 1.0 (high FNDF/RDS ratio, HFRR), 0.8 (middle high FNDF/RDS ratio, MHFRR), 0.6 (middle low FNDF/RDS ratio, MLFRR), and 0.4 (low FNDF/RDS ratio, LFRR). Reducing the dietary FRR levels resulted in a linear decrease in ruminal minimum pH and mean pH, while linearly increasing the duration and area of pH below 5.8 and 5.6, as well as the acidosis index. Sheep in the HFRR and MHFRR groups did not experience subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA), whereas sheep in another two groups did. The concentration of total volatile fatty acid and the molar ratios of propionate and valerate, as well as the concentrate of lactate in the rumen linearly increased with reducing dietary FRR, while the molar ratio of acetate and acetate to propionate ratio linearly decreased. The degradability of NDF and ADF for alfalfa hay has a quadratic response with reducing the dietary FRR. The apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber linearly decreased when the dietary FRR was reduced. In addition, reducing the dietary FRR caused a linear decrease in OTUs, Chao1, and Ace index of ruminal microflora. Reducing FRR in the diet increased the percentage of reads assigned as Firmicutes, but it decreased the percentage of reads assigned as Bacteroidetes in the rumen. At genus level, the percentage of reads assigned as Prevotella, Ruminococcus, Succinivibrio, and Butyrivibrio linearly decreased when the dietary FRR was reduced. The results of this study demonstrate that the dietary FRR of 0.8 is crucial in preventing the onset of SARA and promotes an enhanced richness of ruminal microbes and also improves fiber digestibility, which is a recommended dietary FRR reference when formulating P-TMR diets for sheep.
Quantitation of hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) and metabolites in blood from DUID cases
Authors: Kronstrand Robert , Roman Markus , Green Henrik , Truver Michael T
Published: April 2024

Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) was first reported in the EU in May 2022. HHC has three chiral carbon atoms, but only (6aR,9R,10aR)-HHC (9R-HHC) and (6aR,9S,10aR)-HHC (9S-HHC) have been encountered in HHC products. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a method for the quantitative analysis of 9R-HHC, 9S-HHC, 11-OH-9R-HHC, 9R-HHC-COOH, 9S-HHC-COOH and 8-OH-9R-HHC. In addition, an objective was to investigate the immunochemical cross-reactivity. Blood samples from driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) cases screened positive for cannabis using enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay (ELISA) and confirmed negative for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), 11-hydroxy-THC and THC-COOH were reanalyzed with a newly validated HHC method to investigate the presence of HHC and metabolites. The LC–MS-MS method was validated for matrix effects, lower limit of quantification (LLOQ), calibration model, precision, bias and autosampler stability. Cross-reactivity on an ELISA method was investigated separately for 9R-HHC-COOH and 9S-HHC-COOH at a concentration range between 5 and 200 ng/mL. The cross-reactivity was found to be 120% for 9R-HHC-COOH and 48% for 9S-HHC-COOH. In the LC–MS-MS method, 9R-HHC-COOH, 9S-HHC-COOH and 11-OH-9R-HHC showed matrix effects <25% at both concentrations, while 8-OH-9R-HHC, 9R-HHC and 9S-HHC matrix effects exceeded 25% at both concentrations but showed good precision (<10% for both inter and intra day) and low bias (<6%) in the further validation. The LLOQ was investigated and established at 0.2 ng/mL for all analytes except the carboxylated metabolites that had an LLOQ of 2.0 ng/mL. The upper LOQ was 20 and 200 ng/mL, respectively. Reanalysis of cases (n = 145) confirmed HHC and metabolites in 32 cases (22%). It was determined that the major metabolite in blood after administration of HHC was 9R-HHC-COOH followed by 11-OH-9R-HHC and that presumptive positive cases are caught by the routine ELISA screening for cannabis.
Automated extraction and LC–MS-MS analysis of 11-nor-9-carboxy-tetrahydrocannabinol isomers and prevalence in authentic urine specimens
Authors: Karas Larissa K , Patterson Courtney , Fuller Zachary J , Karschner Erin L
Published: April 2024

11-Nor-9-carboxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THCCOOH) is the most frequently detected illicit drug metabolite in the military drug testing program. An increasing number of specimens containing unresolved Δ8-THCCOOH prompted the addition of this analyte to the Department of Defense drug testing panel. A method was developed and validated for the quantitative confirmation of the carboxylated metabolites of Δ8- and Δ9-THC in urine samples utilizing automated pipette tip dispersive solid-phase extraction and analysis by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS-MS). Analytes were separated isocratically over an 8.5-min runtime and detected on an MS-MS equipped with an electrospray ionization source operated in negative mode. A single point calibrator (15 ng/mL) forced through zero demonstrated linearity from 3 to 1,000 ng/mL. Intra- and inter-day precision were ≤9.1%, and bias was within ±14.1% for Δ8-THCCOOH and Δ9-THCCOOH. No interferences were found after challenging the method with different over-the-counter drugs, prescription pharmaceuticals, drugs of abuse and several cannabinoids and cannabinoid metabolites, including Δ10-THCCOOH. Urine specimens presumptively positive by immunoassay (n = 2,939; 50 ng/mL Δ9-THCCOOH cutoff) were confirmed with this analytical method. Δ8-THCCOOH and Δ9-THCCOOH were present together above the 15 ng/mL cutoff in 33% of specimens. However, nearly one-third of the specimens analyzed were positive for Δ8-THCCOOH only. This manuscript describes the first validated automated extraction and confirmation method for Δ8- and Δ9-THCCOOH in urine that provides adequate analyte separation in urine specimens with extreme isomer abundance ratios.