bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti‐Inflammatory Drugs‐Modified Poly(2‐Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate) Particles as Anticancer Drug Carriers
Authors: Ghaffari Shima , Golshan Marzieh , Jalili Kiyumars , Salami‐Kalajahi Mehdi
Published: August 2024

In this work, 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) is modified by ibuprofen and diclofenac as anti‐inflammatory drugs to synthesize ibuprofen‐HEMA and diclofenac‐HEMA monomers. Then, poly(ibuprofen‐HEMA‐co‐HEMA) (PIHH), poly(diclofenac‐HEMA‐co‐HEMA) (PDHH), and poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) particles are prepared by distillation precipitation polymerization. The morphology and size of the particles are investigated by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM). It is observed that all particles are spherical and with sizes of 298.3 nm for PHEMA, 178.8 nm for PDHH, and 85.2 nm for PIHH, respectively. Doxorubicin drug is loaded into the prepared particles and the drug release behavior is investigated for all the particles at two different pH values of 7.4 and 5.3. The release of the drug in acidic pH is higher due to the better solubility of DOX in acidic environment and the faster release of DOX molecules from nanocarriers. The toxicity of particles is also investigated and it is observed that by loading the drug into the PHEMA particles, the release of the drug causes fewer toxic effects than in the free state (drug without any nanocarrier), and the presence of ibuprofen and diclofenac in the particles, that is, PIHH and PDHH, led to a significant reduction in the cytotoxicity.
Crystallization‐Driven Controlled 2D Self‐Assemblies via Aqueous RAFT Emulsion Polymerization
Authors: Yu Li , Cui Yuhong , Xing Mingxue , Sun Yuemeng , Li Zhengxiao , Liu Yingchun , Qu Xiongwei , Chen Shengli
Published: August 2024

Aqueous emulsion polymerization is a robust technique for preparing nanoparticles of block copolymers; however, it typically yields spherical nanoassemblies. The scale preparation of nanoassemblies with nonspherical high‐order morphologies is a challenge, particularly 2D core–shell nanosheets. In this study, the polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (PISA) and crystallization‐driven self‐assembly (CDSA) are combined to demonstrate the preparation of 2D nanosheets and their aggregates via aqueous reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) emulsion polymerization. First, the crucial crystallizable component for CDSA, hydroxyethyl methacrylate polycaprolactone (HPCL) macromonomer is synthesized by ring opening polymerization (ROP). Subsequently, the RAFT emulsion polymerization of HPCL is conducted to generate crystallizable nanomicelles by a grafting‐through approach. This PISA process simultaneously prepared spherical latices and bottlebrush block copolymers comprising poly(N′,N′‐dimethylacrylamide)‐block‐poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate polycaprolactone) (PDMA‐b‐PHPCL). The latexes are now served as seeds for inducing the formation of 2D hexagonal nanosheets, bundle‐shaped and flower‐like aggregation via the CDSA of PHPCL segments and unreacted HPCL during cooling. Electron microscope analysis trace the morphology evolution of these 2D nanoparticles and reveal that an appropriate crystallized component of PHPCL blocks play a pivotal role in forming a hierarchical structure. This work demonstrates significant potential for large‐scale production of 2D nanoassemblies through RAFT emulsion polymerization.
ITGB3‐enriched extracellular vesicles mediate the formation of osteoclastic pre‐metastatic niche to promote lung adenocarcinoma bone metastasis
Authors: Qiu Rong , Deng Yan , Lu Yue , Liu Xingyu , Huang Qin , Du Yuzhen
Published: August 2024

The regulatory mechanisms underlying bone metastasis in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) are not yet fully understood despite the frequent occurrence of bone involvement. This study aimed to examine the involvement and mechanism of integrin subunit beta 3 (ITGB3) in the process of LUAD bone metastasis. Our findings indicate that ITGB3 facilitates the migration and invasion of LUAD cells in vitro and metastasis to the bone in vivo. Furthermore, ITGB3 stimulates osteoclast production and activation, thereby expediting osteolytic lesion progression. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) isolated from the conditioned medium (CM) of LUAD cells overexpressing ITGB3 determined that ITGB3 facilitates osteoclastogenesis and enhances osteoclast activity by utilizing EVs‐mediated transport to RAW264.7 cells. Our in vivo findings demonstrated that ITGB3‐EVs augmented the population of osteoclasts, thereby establishing an osteoclastic pre‐metastatic niche (PMN) conducive to the colonization and subsequent growth of LUAD cells in the bone. ITGB3 is enriched in serum EVs of patients diagnosed with LUAD bone metastasis, potentially facilitating osteoclast differentiation and activation in vitro. Our research illustrates that ITGB3‐EVs derived from LUAD cells facilitate osteoclast differentiation and activation by modulating the phosphorylation level of p38 MAPK. This process ultimately leads to the generation of osteolytic PMN and accelerates the progression of bone metastasis.
Oncogenic fusion of CD63‐BCAR4 contributes cancer stem cell‐like properties via ALDH1 activity
Authors: Bae Kieun , Kim Dong Eon , Kim Jin Hee , Lee Ja Young , Yoon Kyong‐Ah
Published: August 2024

Gene fusions are common somatic alterations in cancers, and fusions with tumorigenic features have been identified as novel drivers of cancer and therapeutic targets. Few studies have determined whether the oncogenic ability of fusion genes is related to the induction of stemness in cells. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subset of cells that contribute to cancer progression, metastasis, and recurrence, and are critical components of the aggressive features of cancer. Here, we investigated the CSC‐like properties induced by CD63‐BCAR4 fusion gene, previously reported as an oncogenic fusion, and its potential contribution for the enhanced metastasis as a notable characteristic of CD63‐BCAR4. CD63‐BCAR4 overexpression facilitates sphere formation in immortalized bronchial epithelial cells. The significantly enhanced sphere‐forming activity observed in tumor‐derived cells from xenografted mice of CD63‐BCAR4 overexpressing cells was suppressed by silencing of BCAR4. RNA microarray analysis revealed that ALDH1A1 was upregulated in the BCAR4 fusion‐overexpressing cells. Increased activity and expression of ALDH1A1 were observed in the spheres of CD63‐BCAR4 overexpressing cells compared with those of the empty vector. CD133 and CD44 levels were also elevated in BCAR4 fusion‐overexpressing cells. Increased NANOG, SOX2, and OCT‐3/4 protein levels were observed in metastatic tumor cells derived from mice injected with CD63‐BCAR4 overexpressing cells. Moreover, DEAB, an ALDH1A1 inhibitor, reduced the migration activity induced by CD63‐BCAR4 as well as the sphere‐forming activity. Our findings suggest that CD63‐BCAR4 fusion induces CSC‐like properties by upregulating ALDH1A1, which contributes to its metastatic features.
Inhibition of XPR1‐dependent phosphate efflux induces mitochondrial dysfunction: A potential molecular target therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma?
Authors: Liao Zi‐qiang , Lv Yang‐feng , Kang Mei‐diao , Ji Yu‐long , Liu Yue , Wang Le‐ran , Tang Jia‐liang , Deng Zhi‐Qiang , Yi Yun , Tang Qun
Published: August 2024

Xenotropic and polytropic retrovirus receptor 1 (XPR1) is the only known transporter associated with Pi efflux in mammals, and its impact on tumor progression is gradually being revealed. However, the role of XPR1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unknown. A bioinformatics screen for the phosphate exporter XPR1 was performed in HCC patients. The expression of XPR1 in clinical specimens was analyzed using quantitative real‐time PCR, Western blot analysis, and immunohistochemical assays. Knockdown of the phosphate exporter XPR1 was performed by shRNA transfection to investigate the cellular phenotype and phosphate‐related cytotoxicity of the Huh7 and HLF cell lines. In vivo tests were conducted to investigate the tumorigenicity of HCC cells xenografted into immunocompromised mice after silencing XPR1. Compared with that in paracancerous tissue, XPR1 expression in HCC tissues was markedly upregulated. High XPR1 expression significantly correlated with poor patient survival. Silencing of XPR1 leads to decreased proliferation, migration, invasion, and colony formation in HCC cells. Mechanistically, knockdown of XPR1 causes an increase in intracellular phosphate levels; mitochondrial dysfunction characterized by reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and adenosine triphosphate levels; increased reactive oxygen species levels; abnormal mitochondrial morphology; and downregulation of key mitochondrial fusion, fission, and inner membrane genes. This ultimately results in mitochondria‐dependent apoptosis. These findings reveal the prognostic value of XPR1 in HCC progression and, more importantly, suggest that XPR1 might be a potential therapeutic target.
Alpha tACS Improves Cognition and Modulates Neurotransmission in Dementia with Lewy Bodies
Authors: Benussi Alberto , Cantoni Valentina , Rivolta Jasmine , Zoppi Nicola , Cotelli Maria Sofia , Bianchi Marta , Cotelli Maria , Borroni Barbara
Published: August 2024

Background

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is characterized by a marked shift of electroencephalographic (EEG) power and dominant rhythm, from the α toward the θ frequency range. Transcranial alternate current stimulation (tACS) is a non‐invasive brain stimulation technique that allows entrainment of cerebral oscillations at desired frequencies.

Objectives

Our goal is to evaluate the effects of occipital α‐tACS on cognitive functions and neurophysiological measures in patients with DLB.

Methods

We conducted a double‐blind, randomized, sham‐controlled, cross‐over clinical trial in 14 participants with DLB. Participants were randomized to receive either α‐tACS (60 minutes of 3 mA peak‐to‐peak stimulation at 12 Hz) or sham stimulation applied over the occipital cortex. Clinical evaluations were performed to assess visuospatial and executive functions, as well as verbal episodic memory. Neurophysiological assessments and EEG recordings were conducted at baseline and following both α‐tACS and sham stimulations.

Results

Occipital α‐tACS was safe and well‐tolerated. We observed a significant enhancement in visuospatial abilities and executive functions, but no improvement in verbal episodic memory. We observed an increase in short latency afferent inhibition, a neurophysiological marker indirectly and partially dependent on cholinergic transmission, coinciding with an increase in α power and a decrease in Δ power following α‐tACS stimulation, effects not seen with sham stimulation.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that occipital α‐tACS is safe and enhances visuospatial and executive functions in patients with DLB. Improvements in indirect markers of cholinergic transmission and EEG changes indicate significant neurophysiological engagement. These findings justify further exploration of α‐tACS as a therapeutic option for DLB patients. © 2024 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Design of distributed impedance‐matching networks for ultra‐wideband low‐noise amplifiers
Authors: Kim Nam‐Tae
Published: August 2024

An ultra‐wideband low‐noise amplifier (LNA) design was developed based on distributed network synthesis to achieve impedance matching of an active device by parasitic absorption. The equivalent device models of a low‐noise device were generated using negative‐image device modeling and traveling‐wave matching, and matching circuits were produced using the Chebyshev approximation. The minimum insertion loss and ripple of the matching networks were adjusted correctly to allow the parasitic absorption to match the device models. This paper describes the design methodology for distributed matching circuits and its application to the design of an ultra‐wideband LNA.
Investigating orthogonal frequency division multiplexing using high‐power LED for visible light communication
Authors: Paliwal Rajat , Patel Piyush , Atieh Ahmad
Published: August 2024

Spectrally efficient 16 quadrature amplitude modulation‐orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (QAM‐OFDM) system using specifications of commercially available high‐power phosphorous coated LED (PLED) is proposed in this study. To address the challenges of signal attenuation and limited bandwidth, systems integrated with a band pass filter (BPF) after the photodetector and optical preamplifier. The effect of BPF bandwidth and preamplifier gain on the performance of 16 QAM‐OFDM system have been investigated. Results demonstrated that 375 MHz bandwidth evaluated from 1.5 × symbol rate, offered an optimum performance achieving minimum bit‐error‐rate of 3.05 × 10−4. For preamplifier gain of 20 dB, we achieved a maximum distance of 3 m which is limited to 1.5 m for lower gain values. With BPF‐optimized bandwidth and a preamplifier gain of 20 dB, we have achieved a data rate of 5 Gbps for maximum distance up to 2 m while considering the super‐forward‐error‐correction limit of 1.863 × 10−2. With data rate of 6 and 7 Gbps, the distance lower down to 1.8 and 1.5 m, respectively.
Automatic deep learning segmentation of the hippocampus on high‐resolution diffusion magnetic resonance imaging and its application to the healthy lifespan
Authors: Miller Dylan , Efird Cory , Solar Kevin Grant , Beaulieu Christian , Cobzas Dana
Published: August 2024

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can provide unique contrast and insight into microstructural changes with age or disease of the hippocampus, although it is difficult to measure the hippocampus because of its comparatively small size, location, and shape. This has been markedly improved by the advent of a clinically feasible 1‐mm isotropic resolution 6‐min DTI protocol at 3 T of the hippocampus with limited brain coverage of 20 axial‐oblique slices aligned along its long axis. However, manual segmentation is too laborious for large population studies, and it cannot be automatically segmented directly on the diffusion images using traditional T1 or T2 image‐based methods because of the limited brain coverage and different contrast. An automatic method is proposed here that segments the hippocampus directly on high‐resolution diffusion images based on an extension of well‐known deep learning architectures like UNet and UNet++ by including additional dense residual connections. The method was trained on 100 healthy participants with previously performed manual segmentation on the 1‐mm DTI, then evaluated on typical healthy participants (n = 53), yielding an excellent voxel overlap with a Dice score of ~ 0.90 with manual segmentation; notably, this was comparable with the inter‐rater reliability of manually delineating the hippocampus on diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (Dice score of 0.86). This method also generalized to a different DTI protocol with 36% fewer acquisitions. It was further validated by showing similar age trajectories of volumes, fractional anisotropy, and mean diffusivity from manual segmentations in one cohort (n = 153, age 5–74 years) with automatic segmentations from a second cohort without manual segmentations (n = 354, age 5–90 years). Automated high‐resolution diffusion MRI segmentation of the hippocampus will facilitate large cohort analyses and, in future research, needs to be evaluated on patient groups.
Numerical solution of the boundary value problem of elliptic equation by Levi function scheme
Authors: Pan Jinchao , Liu Jijun
Published: August 2024

For boundary value problem of an elliptic equation with variable coefficients describing the physical field distribution in inhomogeneous media, the parametrix can represent the solution in terms of volume and surface potentials, with the drawback that the volume potential involving in the solution expression requires heavy computational costs as well as the solvability of the integral equations with respect to the density pair. We introduce an modified integral expression for the solution to an elliptic equation in divergence form under the parametrix framework. The well‐posedness of the linear integral system with respect to the density functions to be determined is rigorously proved. Based on the singularity decomposition for the parametrix, we propose two schemes to deal with the volume integrals so that the density functions can be solved efficiently. One method is an adaptive discretization scheme for computing the integrals with continuous integrands, leading to the uniform accuracy of the integrals in the whole domain, and consequently the efficient computations for the density functions. The other method is the dual reciprocity method which is a meshless approach converting the volume integrals into boundary integrals equivalently by expressing the volume density as the combination of the radial basis functions determined by the interior grids. The proposed schemes are justified numerically to be of satisfactory computation costs. Numerical examples in 2‐dimensional and 3‐dimensional cases are presented to show the validity of the proposed schemes.
Social networks and transformative behaviours in a grassland social‐ecological system
Authors: Nesbitt Holly K. , Metcalf Alexander L. , Floyd Theresa M. , Uden Daniel R. , Chaffin Brian C. , Gulab Sabrina , Banerjee Simanti , Vallury Sechindra , Hamlin Samantha L. , Metcalf Elizabeth Covelli , Fogarty Dillon T. , Twidwell Dirac , Allen Craig R.
Published: August 2024

Social connections among individuals are essential components of social‐ecological systems (SESs), enabling people to take actions to more effectively adapt or transform in response to widespread social‐ecological change. Although scholars have associated social connections and cognitions with adaptive capacity, measuring actors' social networks may further clarify pathways for bolstering resilience‐enhancing actions.

We asked how social networks and socio‐cognitions, as components of adaptive capacity, and SES regime shift severity affect individual landscape management behaviours using a quantitative analysis of ego network survey data from livestock producers and landcover data on regime shift severity (i.e. juniper encroachment) in the North American Great Plains.

Producers who experienced severe regime shifts or perceived high risks from such shifts were not more likely to engage in transformative behaviour like prescribed burning. Instead, we found that social network characteristics explained significant variance in transformative behaviours.

Policy implications: Our results indicate that social networks enable behaviours that have the potential to transform SESs, suggesting possible leverage points for enabling capacity and coordination toward sustainability. Particularly where private lands dominate and cultural practices condition regime shifts, clarifying how social connections promote resilience may provide much needed insight to bolster adaptive capacities in the face of global change.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Verification and validation of dielectric mapping technique for non‐destructive evaluation of polymer matrix composites
Authors: Berkowitz Katherine , Guha Rishabh D. , Oluwajire Oluwatimilehin , Grace Landon R.
Published: August 2024

The rapid increase in use of polymer matrix composites in different industries underscores the need for reliable non‐destructive evaluation techniques to characterize small‐scale damage and prevent structural failure. A novel dielectric technique exploits moisture‐polymer interactions to identify and track damage, leveraging differences in dielectric properties between free and bound water. This technique has demonstrated the ability to detect low levels of damage, but the localization accuracy has not yet been evaluated. This work utilizes unsupervised machine learning to assess the technique's ability to identify the damage boundary following a low‐velocity impact event. Bismaleimide/quartz and E‐glass/epoxy laminates were impacted via drop tower to induce varying levels of damage, and subsequently inspected via dielectric technique at several moisture levels by weight. Resulting data was processed via k‐means clustering and the identified damage boundary was compared to a boundary obtained from backlit images and scanning electron microscopy. Accuracy was quantified using developed metrics for damage centroid and boundary identification. The technique averaged 93.9% accuracy in determining the damage center and 77.5% accuracy in identifying the damage boundary. Results indicated the technique's effectiveness across varying moisture levels, particularly in damage centroid identification. Localization accuracy was shown to be insensitive to moisture content, improving the technique's practical capabilities. Further analysis revealed potential for delineation of delaminations.

Highlights

Low‐velocity impact of two material architectures.

Damage boundary determined and validated via scanning electron microscopy.

Detected damage site via dielectric technique compared to damage boundary.

High technique accuracy revealed; >90% centroid localization accuracy.

Potential for delamination delineation observed.
New genomic techniques can contribute to reduced pesticide usage in Europe
Authors: Sundström Jens F. , Berlin Anna , Phuong Nam Kieu , Karlsson Milla , Andreasson Erik
Published: August 2024

Societal Impact Statement

Can modern breeding technologies, such as genome editing, contribute to reduced pesticide usage? This question has been accentuated by a recent legal proposal to exempt genome‐edited plants from the strict regulations applied to classical genetically modified (GM) crops within the European Union (EU). Using official statistics on crop cultivation and pesticide usage for two example crops commonly grown in Sweden, we calculate that cereal farmers collectively could save up to 70 million € in pesticide usage for wheat alone and that a late blight‐resistant potato could reduce pesticide usage by over 80% provided that the EU legislation is amended.

The European Commission has set goals to reduce the use of chemical pesticides, and one way to meet these goals in the agricultural sector is to breed disease‐resistant crops. Here, we ask whether modern breeding technologies, for example, genome editing using site‐directed nucleases, can contribute to these goals. This question has been accentuated by recent legal proposals in the European Union (EU) and several other jurisdictions worldwide to exempt genome‐edited plants from the strict regulations often applied to classical genetically modified (GM) crops. Using official statistics on crop cultivation and pesticide usage for two example crops commonly grown in Sweden (wheat and potato), we show that cereal farmers collectively could potentially save up to 70 million € in pesticide usage for wheat alone and that a late blight‐resistant potato could reduce pesticide usage by over 80% provided that the EU legislation is amended. Given the immense potential of genome‐edited crops, we further discuss details in the legal proposal currently being negotiated in the EU on the so‐called new genomic techniques that includes both genome editing and targeted insertions of cisgenes. Although promising, we argue that several technical limitations in the legal proposal will, if implemented, hamper the development of disease‐resistant crops and make the suggested legislation less future‐proof.
Characterization of mavacamten pharmacokinetics in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy to inform dose titration
Authors: Chang Peter , Perera Vidya , Salinger David H. , Merali Samira , Thanneer Neelima , Back Hyunmoon , Seroogy Julie D. , Gretler Daniel D. , Sehnert Amy J. , Palmisano Maria , Roy Amit
Published: August 2024

Mavacamten is a selective, allosteric, reversible cardiac myosin inhibitor that has been developed for the treatment of adults with symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). A population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) model was developed to characterize mavacamten pharmacokinetics (PK) and the variation in mavacamten exposure associated with intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Data from 12 clinical studies (phases 1, 2, and 3) were used. Evaluable participants were those who had at least one mavacamten concentration measurement with associated sampling time and dosing information. The base model included key covariates: body weight, cytochrome P450 isozyme 2C19 (CYP2C19) phenotype with respect to PK, and formulation. The final model was generated using stepwise covariate testing and refinement processes. Simulations were performed to evaluate PK: apparent clearance (CL/F); apparent central and peripheral volumes of distribution; and steady‐state average, trough, and maximum concentrations. Overall, 9244 measurable PK observations from 497 participants were included. A two‐compartment model structure was selected. After stepwise covariate model building and refinement, additional covariates included were: specified mavacamten dose, omeprazole or esomeprazole administration, health/disease status, estimated glomerular filtration rate, fed status, and sex. The final PopPK model accurately characterized mavacamten concentrations. At any given dose, CYP2C19 phenotype was the most influential covariate on exposure parameters (e.g., median CL/F was reduced by 72% in CYP2C19:poor metabolizers compared with the reference participant [CYP2C19:normal metabolizer]). CL/F was also approximately 16% higher in women than in men but lower in participants receiving concomitant omeprazole or esomeprazole (by 33% and 42%, respectively) than in participants not receiving such concomitant therapy.
Microwave Power Performance of AlGaN/GaN High‐Electron‐Mobility Transistor on Semi‐Insulating Mn‐Doped GaN Substrate
Authors: Sugino Tomoharu , Osaki Kenji , Nonaka Kentaro , Sugiyama Tomohiko , Kuraoka Yoshitaka , Wakejima Akio
Published: August 2024

Herein, a DC and microwave performance of 2 μm gate length AlGaN/GaN high‐electron‐mobility transistor (HEMTs) on a Mn‐doped GaN substrate is demonstrated. The maximum drain current is 670 mA with a threshold voltage of 2.5 V and with good pinch‐off characteristics. The breakdown voltage of the HEMT is ≈80 V. The HEMT shows Δ8% current collapse while referenced HEMT on a SiC substrates which is fabricated simultaneously shows large Δ30% current collapse. When the HEMT with a gate width of 100 μm is tuned for the maximum output power at 2.4 GHz with a drain voltage of 30 V, it delivers 500 mW (5 W mm−1) with the maximum drain efficiency of 54%. These output performances are in good agreement with ideal class‐A operation performance. Therefore, it is concluded that the HEMT on Mn‐doped GaN substrates is promising for future microwave and millimeter‐wave high‐power transistors.
Osimertinib‐induced BRAF mutation in a single metastatic lesion among multiple pulmonary lesions in a case of lung cancer with EGFR exon 19 deletion
Authors: Miura Hiroyuki , Miura Jun , Goto Shinichi , Yamamoto Tomoko
Published: August 2024

One of the resistant mechanisms of EGFR‐TKIs is BRAF V600E mutation. Herein, we present the case of a 54‐year‐old Japanese female who underwent a right middle lobectomy for pathological stage IIB lung adenocarcinoma. One year and nine months after the surgery, she developed multiple intrapulmonary metastases. Osimertinib was administered due to EGFR exon 19 deletion. Although all intrapulmonary metastases had shrunk, the nodule at the superior segment of left lung enlarged after postoperative 4 years. The tumour was resected and BRAF V600E mutation and exon 19 deletion were detected. Three months after treatment with dabrafenib and trametinib instead of osimertinib, the remaining intrapulmonary metastases increased again. The continued growth of the metastatic foci even after EGFR‐TKI may indicate an acquired resistance. Thus, a repeat biopsy will aid in confirming the new gene expression. It should have been necessary to administer an additional dose of dabrafenib and trametinib without discontinuing osimertinib.
Successful treatment of type B2 thymoma with steroid and radiotherapy
Authors: Fujiwara Miho , Watanabe Hiromi , Takigawa Yuki , Goda Mayu , Shiraha Keisuke , Inoue Tomoyoshi , Matsuoka Suzuka , Kudo Kenichiro , Sato Akiko , Sato Ken , Fujiwara Keiichi , Shibayama Takuo
Published: August 2024

An 86‐year‐old woman with leg edema and dyspnea on exertion was admitted to our hospital. Chest computed tomography (CT) revealed a mass in the anterior mediastinum with pericardial invasion. Histological examination with endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) led to the diagnosis of Masaoka stage IVa type B2 thymoma. For palliation, radiotherapy (32 Gy/16 fractions) and prednisolone (30 mg/day) were administered and tapered. After treatment, both the pericardial effusion and tumour size decreased. Combination therapy with steroids and radiotherapy may be effective for treating thymomas.
The application of unoccupied aerial systems (UAS) for monitoring intertidal oyster density and abundance
Authors: Bueno Jenny , Lester Sarah E. , Breithaupt Joshua L. , Brooke Sandra
Published: August 2024

The eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) is a coastal foundation species currently under threat from anthropogenic activities both globally and in the Apalachicola Bay region of north Florida. Oysters provide numerous ecosystem services, and it is important to establish efficient and reliable methods for their effective monitoring and management. Traditional monitoring techniques, such as quadrat density sampling, can be labor‐intensive, destructive of both oysters and reefs, and may be spatially limited. In this study, we demonstrate how unoccupied aerial systems (UAS) can be used to efficiently generate high‐resolution geospatial oyster reef condition data over large areas. These data, with appropriate ground truthing and minimal destructive sampling, can be used to effectively monitor the size and abundance of oyster clusters on intertidal reefs. Utilizing structure‐from‐motion photogrammetry techniques to create three‐dimensional topographic models, we reconstructed the distribution, spatial density and size of oyster clusters on intertidal reefs in Apalachicola Bay. Ground truthing revealed 97% accuracy for cluster presence detection by UAS products and we confirmed that live oysters are predominately located within clusters, supporting the use of cluster features to estimate oyster population status. We found a positive significant relationship between cluster size and live oyster counts. These findings allowed us to extract clusters from geospatial products and predict live oyster abundance and spatial density on 138 reefs covering 138 382 m2 over two locations. Oyster densities varied between sites, with higher live oyster densities occurring at one site within the Apalachicola Bay bounds, and lower oyster densities in areas adjacent to Apalachicola Bay. Repeated monitoring at one site in 2022 and 2023 revealed a relatively stable oyster density over time. This study demonstrated the successful application of high‐resolution drone imagery combined with cluster sampling, providing a repeatable method for mapping and monitoring to inform conservation, restoration and management strategies for intertidal oyster populations.
Mechanical Efficiency of Photochromic Nanomotors, From First Principles
Authors: Shirodkar Sharmila N. , Su Tonghui , Gupta Nitant , Penev Evgeni S. , Yakobson Boris I.
Published: August 2024

Photochromic molecular motors hold promise for a multitude of potential applications in fields ranging from medicine to communications and structural repair. Yet, it is still a challenge to predict their mechanical efficiency. Here, azobenzene is explored as a representative light‐driven nanomotor and estimate its quantum yield of photoisomerization and maximum mechanical efficiency. This is based on first‐principles mapping of the 3D potential energy surfaces for the ground and excited states of the trans and cis configurations and identifying the minimum energy pathway for isomerization. A work cycle is devised and identifies force constant as the parameter that resembles temperature in the Carnot heat engine, but with very different efficiencies. The results show that the optomechanical efficiency of azobenzene at constant load is about 5% albeit under ideal conditions. To test the hypothesis, the study also explores the optomechanical efficiency of stilbene and 2‐butene and shows that their efficiency does not exceed 5%.
The color of coronavirus
Authors: Pham Cong S. , Mitra Devashish
Published: August 2024

This study examines racial disparities in the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic in the United States, focusing on factors influencing infection and mortality rates at the county level. We find compelling evidence of disproportionate effects on ethnic minority groups, particularly Blacks, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans. Additionally, socioeconomic variables including income inequality, residential segregation and lack of health insurance coverage are identified as significant contributors to these disparities. Notably, our analysis reveals a diminishing trend in disparities over time, suggesting possible effectiveness of policy responses and/or differential preventive behaviors across racial groups. Finally, the paper identifies several mediating channels through which socioeconomic variables contribute to overall disparities.
Cholecalciferol combined with Satureja rechingeri essential oils improves growth performance and immune response of broiler chickens
Authors: Taghizadeh Morteza , Esmaeili Hassan , Vakili Reza
Published: August 2024

Background

Vitamin D possesses an important role in the maintenance and health of broiler chickens. Herbal essential oils (EOs) have been proposed as a suitable alternative to chemical drugs in intensive production management systems for better performance of broilers with slight side effects and admirable therapeutic properties.

Objectives

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding cholecalciferol (VD) in combination of Satureja rechingeri EO (SREO) on growth performance, haematological indicators and immunological response of broilers.

Methods

A total of 540 1‐day‐old mixed‐sex broiler chickens (Ross 308) were used in a completely randomized design with a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments. Experimental treatments included different concentrations of cholecalciferol (VD) (0, 2000 and 4000 IU/kg = 0, 0.05 and 0.1 mg/kg) and SREO (0, 200 and 400 mg/kg) on growth performance, haematological indicators and immunological responses of broiler chickens were investigated.

Results

The results showed that the chicken fed diet supplemented with 0.1 mg/kg VD (VD0.1) in combination of 200 mg/kg SREO (SREO200) increased the feed intake during the overall and first 14‐day periods of the trial when compared with other dietary treatments. Interaction of VD0.1 × SREO200 led to more body weight gain (BWG) in the grower and finisher phases than all other feed treatment groups. The blood level of lymphocyte at day 42, heterophil at days 28 and 42 and heterophil/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio at 14 and 28 days of age were affected by VD0.1 + SREO200 in comparison with VD0 + SREO0 group. Feeding VD and/or SREO decreased triglyceride, cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein concentrations at days 28 and 42 of the study, especially in VD0.1 + SREO200 treatment. Feeding VD0.1 + SREO200 also resulted in higher serum status of immunoglobulin M, lysozymes and phagocytic percentage among all treatments.

Conclusion

Considering the outcomes, it is suggested that the combination of suitable concentration of VD and EO of the plant had favourable effects on the immune system and performance criteria of broiler chickens.
Subdiagnostic Cushing's syndrome in a Labrador retriever diagnosed with progesterone‐secreting adrenocortical neoplasia and late liver metastasis
Authors: Celliers Anri , Pazzi Paolo , Mitchell Emily , Lensink Antionette , Raseasala Nonkululeko
Published: August 2024

A 5‐year‐old, neutered male Labrador retriever was presented for poor hair regrowth following clipping, lethargy, exercise intolerance, polyphagia, polydipsia, polyuria and heat‐seeking behaviour. A bradyarrhythmia due to a second‐degree atrioventricular block and poor cardiac contractility was found. On abdominal ultrasound, a left adrenal mass was detected, and a functional progesterone‐secreting tumour was diagnosed and confirmed on histopathology and electron microscopy. After the initiation of inodilator drug therapy and adrenalectomy with a subsequent decline in progesterone concentrations, the clinical signs resolved. The dog was represented 2 years later with similar clinical signs. The dog's progesterone concentrations were again elevated, and a metastatic liver mass was detected on abdominal ultrasound examination and computed tomography scan. After liver lobectomy, the diagnosis was confirmed on histopathology, the clinical signs resolved, and progesterone concentrations normalised. This report describes the presentation of a dog with progesterone‐secreting adrenocortical neoplasia and late metastasis.
Occurrence of biofilm forming Escherichia coli in drinking water supply system in Kathmandu
Authors: Gaihre Saraswati , Prajapati Kamil , Dhungel Sujata , Dawadi Prabin , Joshi Dev Raj , Joshi Tista Prasai
Published: August 2024

Biofilm development in gram negative bacterial contaminants in water supply systems is linked to persistence as well as antibiotic resistance, which threatens water quality and hence the public health. This study aimed to investigate phenotypic and genetic capacity of biofilm formation by Escherichia coli isolated from supply water with their antibiotic susceptibility pattern. Altogether fifty water samples collected from a city supply water distribution scheme in Kathmandu were analyzed to assess the physicochemical and microbiological quality. Comparing Nepal's national drinking water quality standards 2022, conductivity (4%), turbidity (18%), iron (28%), and residual chlorine (8%) were found exceeding the values above the standards. Among total, 40% of water samples were contaminated with total coliform bacteria. E. coli and Citrobacter species were dominant and isolated from 20 (64.52%) and 11 (35.48%) water samples, respectively. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed that E. coli isolates were resistant to ampicillin (20%), nitrofurantoin (10%), and cefotaxime (10%). Citrobacter spp. (54.54%) were found multidrug resistant (MDR) while none of the isolates of E. coli were MDR. Of total, 45% of the isolates developed biofilm while testing with the Microtiter plate method. Biofilm‐forming genes bcsA and csgD in E. coli isolates were detected with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) employing specific primers. bcsA and csgD genes were detected in 55% and 45% of the isolates, respectively. This study confirms the occurrences of biofilm forming and antibiotic resistant bacteria like E. coli in the drinking water supply system in Kathmandu alarming its environmental circulation and possible public health threat. Although further study is warranted, this study suggests public health and drinking water treatment interventions to mitigate the biofilm forming antibiotic resistant potential pathogens from supply water in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Practitioner Points

Forty percent of tested drinking water samples in Kathmandu were contaminated with total coliform bacteria.

E. coli and half of Citrobacter spp. isolates were resistant to multiple antibiotics.

bcsA and csgD genes were detected in biofilm producing E.coli isolates.
Is social health insurance associated with smoking and alcohol consumption among Chinese older adults?
Authors: Xu Cai , Shelley Mack , Lee Yen‐Han
Published: August 2024

China launched a comprehensive health reform in 2009 to increase access to healthcare services and coverage rates. This study examined the associations of New Cooperative Medical Scheme (NCMS) and Urban Employment/Resident Basic Medical Insurance (UE/URBMI) with smoking and alcohol consumption among Chinese older adults. We extracted data from the 2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). Multivariable logistic regressions were conducted on the total sample (n = 9797) to examine smoking and drinking history. Negative binomial regression was performed on a subsample (n = 1442) to assess current daily cigarette usage. Gamma regression was employed on another subsample (n = 1422) to predict daily alcohol consumption. In the 2018 CLHLS sample, 15.69%, 30.38%, 14.51%, and 25.34% were current smokers, former smokers, current drinkers, and former drinkers, respectively. For current smokers, the mean daily cigarette consumption was 12.51 (SD = 8.99), and for current drinkers, the mean daily alcohol consumption was 2.57 liang (SD = 2.37). UE/URBMI coverage showed a statistically significant association with both smoking and drinking status prediction (all p < 0.001). However, there was no significant association between NCMS coverage and any of the outcomes. No significant associations were observed between major coverage of healthcare expenses and number of cigarettes smoked per day and daily alcohol consumption. The Chinese central government should incorporate health promotion benefits related to smoking and alcohol cessation programs.
Water conflict analysis in a changing context: A qualitative systematic review of trends, patterns, and approaches in Iran
Authors: Jafari Milad , Andik Behnam , Mianabadi Hojjat , Ghorbani Amineh , Nasri Fakhredavood Sedigheh , Choobchian Shahla , Mirhashemi Dehkordi Seyedeh Simin
Published: August 2024

Foremost in dealing effectively with water conflicts is comprehensive analysis. The global surge in water conflicts, coupled with the imperfect success of solutions, initiatives, and policies, calls for a critical reevaluation of the paradigms that guide approaches to water conflicts. The approach taken—conflict management, resolution, or transformation—has a decisive impact on addressing water conflicts, from the initial analysis to the crafting of policies and their practical implementation. Iran is a prime example of this, with water conflicts increasing at various scales despite concerted mitigation efforts. This paper, through a qualitative content analysis of 159 peer‐reviewed papers collected via a systematic review, aims to delineate the prevailing approach to water conflict analysis within Iran's academic discourse, thereby partially shedding light on the shortcomings in both policy and practice. Water conflict resolution, and its respective models such as game theory and optimization–simulation, is the predominant approach in Iran's literature on water conflict analysis, thereby marginalizing attention dedicated to conflict management and transformation. This reflects an overarching focus on techno‐economic functions to deal with water conflicts, often overlooking the myriads of managerial and societal factors. The adoption of water conflict transformation can be vital to rectify these deficits in conflict analysis, potentially with subsequent impacts on policy and practice.
Transforming Lives: First-Person Reflections from UC Links Participants
Authors: Cano John , Elaine Marjorie
Published: August 2024

This chapter offers eight first-person narratives from differently positioned UC Links participants including community partners, undergraduate and graduate students, and university faculty. Together, these reflections describe how participation in UC Links programs has transformed lives: by creating opportunities for changing forms of participation by members who have taken on different roles and identities in the network over time and by both inspiring aspirations and opening pathways to college, careers, and life.
Educational Inclusion in Uruguay: Creating Collaborative Narratives with Migrant Children During the Pandemic
Authors: Da Silva Mónica
Published: August 2024

This chapter describes a collaboration between teachers and students at the University of the Republic in Montevideo, Uruguay, and young participants from nearby minority communities. Set during the COVID-19 pandemic in a school working with a high percentage of immigrant children, the author details the development of an intergenerational and intercultural multi-grade classroom that provided an opportunity for critical reflection and growth for all participants (teachers, researchers, university students, community leaders, and children). The program is based on models such as La Clase Mágica and the Fifth Dimension and promotes the development of children’s imagination, integrating narrative, creative, collaborative processes and the use of different technological artifacts in community and school contexts. In this chapter we reflect on the experience of working in a pandemic and show how the system of activities we built offered an opportunity for critical reflection and growth for all the people involved. We seek to generate processes of educational inclusion, understood as the guarantee of access, quality permanence, belonging, and full participation of boys and girls, regardless of their personal, ethnic-racial, social, economic, and cultural characteristics, through the design and implementation of a collaborative and narrative proposal.
Concluding Thoughts: Reflections on Resistance, Renewal, and the Future of Transformative Education
Authors: Gzehoviak Jackson , Bronstein Micaela
Published: August 2024

This concluding chapter provides closing thoughts and lessons learned from the perspective of two doctoral students at UCLA’s School of Education and Information Studies. The students share their personal educational pathways, their experience working on this edited volume, and their hopes and visions for the future of transformative education. Taking up the frames of resistance and renewal mapped out throughout the volume, the conclusion critically reflects on some of the unifying themes described in UC Links programs.
Nurturing Connection through Joyful, Creative Play: A Heart-Driven Approach to Educator Preparation
Authors: Minkoff Andréa C. , Franco Janelle , Elaine Marjorie
Published: August 2024

B-Club was a play-based after-school program set in the heart of a diverse, new immigrant community in Los Angeles. This chapter discusses the transformative potential of this space for educator preparation. By sharing examples from B-Club, we suggest possibilities for re-imaging teacher education and reconceptualizing what learning can look like for both children and adults. We unpack examples of creative play and joyful human connection that took place in this multilingual, cross-age program, showing how children and university students worked and played as they moved across activities in a free-flowing, indoor-outdoor space. We describe the learning that happened for children and adult students alike, and call for creating more such learning spaces that integrate mind, heart, and activity by approaching learning as a playful and creative act. We also underscore the importance of connection and the ways in which relationships can nurture buds of development, promote agency, produce powerful forms of learning, and support the wellbeing of body, mind, and spirit.