bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Minimum Stand-alone Wind Power System Cost Solution for Typical Aegean Sea Islands
Authors: Kaldellis J. K.
Published: February 2003

Stand-alone wind power systems provide a solution for the electrification of isolated families. However, optimal sizing is usually based on simplified cost analysis of the initial installation. In this paper, a complete long-term energy production cost investigation is developed. This considers the fixed and variable costs of maintenance, operation and financing, in addition to initial costs. The new model includes local economic parameters, technological improvements concerning the system components and the local wind characteristics. By using the proposed model, the requirements and costs of the appropriate stand-alone system are recalculated and then compared with those based only on the initial installation. According to the results obtained, the proposed configuration uses larger wind turbines and smaller batteries than that the installation-only scenario. Finally, the energy production values are compared to available operational data from autonomous thermal power plant on various small Greek islands.
Evaluating the function and psychometric properties of a violence risk screening tool in a community sample of adolescents
Authors: Sigel Eric J. , Ladika Amanda , Mattson Sabrina Arredondo
Published: January 2024

Youth violence continues to be widespread. Despite numerous evidence‐based programs that reduce youth violence, objective ways to identify youth in need of services is lacking. Few screening tools are available that enables practitioners or community organizations to predict who may perpetrate serious violence. The Violence Injury Protection and Risk Screen (VIPRS) is a previously validated screening tool providing a framework to address youth violence. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the psychometric properties of the VIPRS in a community sample for use in multiple settings. Youth participating in a community‐focused youth violence prevention intervention served as the study subjects. Households with youth ages 10−17 were eligible to participate. Study personnel verbally asked youth survey questions and recorded answers on a laptop. Multiple measures—including risk factors for violent behavior as well as, violence and delinquency scales, were asked. Eleven hundred youth participated. Mean age was 13.3; 53% female, 26% Black, 58% Hispanic, 11% more than 1 race. Twenty percent screened positive on the VIPRS—28% male versus 13% female (p = .000). Violence‐related behaviors were common: 33% were in a physical fight, 27% experienced cyberbullying victimization, and 9% perpetrated a minor assault. The VIPRS demonstrated robust criterion validity with significant correlation to multiple violence measures (0.3−0.6). Scoring positive on the VIPRS conveyed increased odds of reporting other violent behaviors, such as perpetrating physical aggression (OR: 7 [95% CI: 5.1−11.5]). Overall, the VIPRS performed well in a community sample of youth further validating its psychometric functioning while demonstrating the potential for use in settings beyond healthcare.
Representational similarity analysis of self‐ versus other‐processing: Effect of trait aggressiveness
Authors: Knyazev Gennady G. , Savostyanov Alexander N. , Bocharov Andrey V. , Saprigyn Alexander E.
Published: January 2024

In this study, using the self/other adjective judgment task, we aimed to explore how people perceive themselves in comparison to various other people, including friends, strangers, and those they dislike. Next, using representational similarity analysis, we sought to elucidate how these perceptual similarities and differences are represented in brain activity and how aggressiveness is related to these representations. Behavioral ratings show that, on average, people tend to consider themselves more like their friends than neutral strangers, and least like people they dislike. This pattern of similarity is positively correlated with neural representation in social and cognitive circuits of the brain and negatively correlated with neural representation in emotional centers that may represent emotional arousal associated with various social objects. Aggressiveness seems to predispose a person to a pattern of behavior that is the opposite of the average pattern, that is, a tendency to think of oneself as less like one's friends and more like one's enemies. This corresponds to an increase in the similarity of the behavioral representation with the representation in the emotional centers and a decrease in its similarity with the representation in the social and cognitive centers. This can be seen as evidence that in individuals prone to aggression, behavior in the social environment may depend to a greater extent on the representation of social objects in the emotional rather than social and cognitive brain circuits.
Weakened sympathetic response and lower parasympathetic activity in intimate partner violence perpetrators when empathizing: Influence of autonomous activation in affective approach and prosocial behavior
Authors: Comes‐Fayos Javier , Moreno Isabel R. , Lila Marisol , Romero‐Martínez Angel , Moya‐Albiol Luis
Published: January 2024

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) functioning has been proposed as a relevant method to characterize the therapeutic needs of intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrators. Nevertheless, research has neglected the influence of the ANS on socio‐affective functions in this population. The aim of the present study was to analyze the psychophysiological activity of IPV perpetrators (n = 52) compared to controls (n = 46) following an empathic induction task, performed through negative emotion‐eliciting videos. We employed two general ANS markers (heart rate [HR] and respiratory rate [RR]), two sympathetic‐related indexes (pre‐ejection period [PEP] and skin conductance level [SCL]) and a parasympathetic biomarker (respiratory sinus arrhythmia [RSA]). Additionally, we explored the impact of psychophysiological activity on prosocial behavior using Hare's donation procedure. Compared to controls, IPV perpetrators reported lower HR and SCL following the task, as well as longer PEP, suggesting an attenuated sympathetic response to others' distress. No differences in the RSA response pattern were found, however, IPV perpetrators displayed lower overall RSA levels throughout the protocol, indicative of reduced parasympathetic activity. Besides, while no differences in prosocial performance were observed, greater sympathetic responses and overall parasympathetic activity predicted increased donations across the sample. Thus, a high sympathetic and parasympathetic activity might influence the occurrence of prosocial behavior. The present study provides further evidence supporting that IPV perpetrators cope differently with others' negative emotions. In line with this biopsychosocial perspective, insights are gained on the emotional processing of IPV perpetrators which, in turn, could contribute to improve IPV psychotherapeutic programs.
The coevolution of bullying and friendship networks
Authors: Yuan Wen , Zhang Xuran , Wang Lingfei , Li Yanfang
Published: January 2024

The coevolution of bullying and friendship networks and the moderating effects of classroom bullying popularity norms were examined in a sample of 965 students (52.1% boys) in 22 fourth‐ and fifth‐grade classes. Longitudinal social network analysis showed that children were more likely to bully their friends' victims (bully influence effect) and to be bullied by their friends' bullies (victim influence effect); two children bullying the same child were likely to be friends (bully selection effect), and two victims bullied by the same child were likely to be friends (victim selection effect). Bullying popularity norms served as moderators, and the bully selection effect was significant weaker in the context of low bullying popularity norms. This study adds understanding of bullying as a group process and provides implications for preventing school bullying.
Biogenic Gold Nanoparticle‐Based Antibacterial Contact Lenses for Color Blindness Management
Authors: Jacob Liya , Syed Salma S. , Cherumkuzhi Muhammed Shebeeb , Salih Ahmed E. , Butt Haider
Published: January 2024

Biogenic gold nanoparticles (BAu NPs) synthesized using olive leaf extract were used as an additive in commercial contact lenses (BAu lens). Their antibacterial and color blindness‐correcting properties were examined. To compare the properties, gold nanocomposite contact lenses were also synthesized using the well‐known Turkevich method (TAu lens). The breath‐ in/breath‐out method was used to load the Au NPs onto commercial contact lenses. The bio‐gold nanoparticles showed good dispersion and stability within the lens hydrogel matrix. Nanoparticle loading had a negligible effect on the contact lenses’ wettability and swelling properties. BAu lens filtered around 55% of visible light at 530 nm, a problematic wavelength for color blind patients. The optical filtering results were comparable with Pilestone commercial color blind correction glasses. BAu lenses also showed superior resistance against the attack of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria as compared to Tau lenses. As scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging showed, the BAu lenses showed a complete lack of surface attachment toward the bacterial colonies. This research provides a cost‐effective and scalable method of producing multi‐functional nanocomposite contact lenses with antibacterial and color blind correction properties.
An Improved Understanding of the Pathophysiology of Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A 3D In Vitro Model under Static and Mechanical Loading Conditions
Authors: van Velthoven Melissa J. J. , Gudde Aksel N. , van der Kruit Marit , van Loon Malou P. C. , Rasing Lissy , Wagener Frank A. D. T. G. , Roovers Jan‐Paul , Guler Zeliha , Kouwer Paul H. J.
Published: January 2024

The suboptimal outcomes of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery illustrate the demand for improved therapies. However, their development is hampered by the limited knowledge on the cellular pathophysiology of POP. Current investigations, that are limited to tissues and 2D in vitro models, provide highly inconclusive results on how the extracellular matrix (ECM) metabolism and fibroblasts are affected in POP. This study uses a physiologically relevant 3D in vitro model to investigate the cellular pathophysiology of POP by determining the differences between POP and non‐POP fibroblasts on ECM metabolism, proliferation, and fibroblast‐to‐myofibroblast (FMT) transition. This model, based on the synthetic and biomimetic polyisocyanide hydrogel, enables the incorporation of mechanical loading, which simulates the forces exerted on the pelvic floor. Under static conditions, 3D cultured POP fibroblasts are less proliferative, undergo FMT, and exhibit lower collagen and elastin contents compared to non‐POP fibroblasts. However, under mechanical loading, the differences between POP and non‐POP fibroblasts are less pronounced. This study contributes to the development of more comprehensive models that can accurately mimic the POP pathophysiology, which will aid in an enhanced understanding and may contribute to improved therapies in the future.
Homology‐Activated Ultrasensitive Nanomedicines for Precise NIR‐II FL/MRI Imaging‐Guided “Knock‐On” Dynamic Therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Dai Rong , Zhao Mingxin , Zheng Xiaochun , Li Dongsheng , Kang Weiwei , Hao Huifang , Chen Xuejiao , Jin Yarong , Li Juan , Liu Qin , Zheng Ziliang , Zhang Ruiping
Published: January 2024

Stimuli‐responsive nanomedicines represent a pivotal technology for in situ on‐demand drug release and offer multiple advantages over conventional drug delivery systems to combat rheumatoid arthritis(RA). However, the lack of sensitivity to a single‐stimuli source or the inability to synchronize multi‐stimuli responses can easily lead to challenges in achieving precise‐theranostics of RA. Herein, a homology‐activated ultrasensitive nanomedicines MnO2‐CQ4T‐GOx(MCG NMs) is designed for NIR‐II fluorescence(NIR‐II FL)/magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)‐guided effective “knock‐on” dynamic anti‐RA therapy. Building upon the characteristics of the RA‐microenvironment, the MCG innovatively construct a MnO2‐Mn2+ system, which can normalized activation sites. The ultrasensitive‐responsive degradation is achieved using the multi‐stimuli processes in the RA‐microenvironment, triggering release of functional small molecules. The produced Mn2+ can exert Fenton‐like activity to generate •OH from H2O2, thus providing the effective chemodynamic therapy(CDT). Moreover, the up‐regulation of H2O2 by GOx‐catalysis not only sensitizes the MnO2‐Mn2+ system but also achieves self‐enhancing CDT efficacy. The NIR‐II FL quenching of CQ4T‐BSA in the aggregated state occurs in MCG NMs, which can be rapidly and precisely “turn‐on” via the MnO2‐Mn2+ system. Meanwhile, the integration of activated Mn2+‐based MRI imaging has successfully developed an activatable dual‐modal imaging. Feedback imaging‐guided precise photodynamic therapy of CQ4T‐BSA can achieve efficient “knock‐on” dynamic therapy for RA.
Fast Kinetics Design for Solid‐State Battery Device
Authors: Wang Yichao , Li Xin
Published: January 2024

Fast kinetics of solid‐state batteries at the device level is not adequately explored to achieve fast charging and discharging. In this work, a leap forward is achieved for fast kinetics in full cells with high cathode loading and areal capacity. This kinetic improvement is achieved by designing a hierarchical structure of electrode composites. In the cathode, the authors’ design enables high areal capacities above 3 mAh cm−2 to be stably cycled at high current densities of ≈13–40 mA cm−2, yielding a C‐rate from 5 to 10 C. In the anode, the authors’ design breaks the common rule of the negative correlation between critical C‐rate and the discharge voltage that is observed in most other anodes. The overall design enables the fast cycling of such batteries for over 4000 cycles at room temperature and 5 C charge‐rate. The design principles unveiled by this work help to understand critical kinetic processes in battery devices that limit the fast cycling at high cathode loading and speed up the design of high‐performance solid‐state batteries.
Autonomous Atmospheric Water Harvesting over a Wide RH Range Enabled by Super Hygroscopic Composite Aerogels
Authors: Zhang Xueping , Qu Hao , Li Xiangyu , Zhang Lenan , Zhang Yaoxin , Yang Jiachen , Zhou Mengjuan , Suresh Lakshmi , Liu Siqi , Tan Swee Ching
Published: January 2024

Sorption‐based atmospheric water harvesting (SAWH) offers a sustainable strategy to address the global freshwater shortage. However, obtaining sorbents with excellent performance over a wide relative humidity (RH) range and devices with fully autonomous water production remains challenging. Herein, magnesium chloride (MgCl2) is innovatively converted into super hygroscopic magnesium complexes(MC), which can effectively solve the problems of salt deliquescence and agglomeration. The MC are then integrated with photothermal aerogels composed of sodium alginate and carbon nanotubes (SA/CNTs) to form composite aerogels, which showed high water uptake over a wide RH range, reaching 5.43 and 0.27 kg kg−1 at 95% and 20% RH, respectively. The hierarchical porous structure enables the as‐prepared SA/CNTs/MC to exhibit rapid absorption/desorption kinetics with 12 cycles per day at 70% RH, equivalent to a water yield of 10.0 L kg−1 day−1. To further realize continuous and practical freshwater production, a fully solar‐driven autonomous atmospheric water generator is designed and constructed with two SA/CNTs/MC‐based absorption layers, which can alternately conduct the water absorption/desorption process without any other energy consumption. The design provides a promising approach to achieving autonomous, high‐performance, and scalable SAWH.
Fluidic Ultrasound Generation for Non‐Destructive Testing
Authors: Bühling Benjamin , Maack Stefan , Strangfeld Christoph
Published: January 2024

Air‐coupled ultrasonic testing (ACU) is a pioneering technique in non‐destructive testing (NDT). While contact testing and fluid immersion testing are standard methods in many applications, the adoption of ACU is progressing slowly, especially in the low ultrasonic frequency range. A main reason for this development is the difficulty of generating high amplitude ultrasonic bursts with equipment that is robust enough to be applied outside a laboratory environment. This paper presents the fluidic ultrasonic transducer as a solution to this challenge. This novel aeroacoustic source uses the flow instability of a sonic jet in a bistable fluidic switch to generate ultrasonic bursts up to 60 kHz with a mean peak pressure of 320 Pa. The robust design allows operation in adverse environments, independent of the operating fluid. Non‐contact through‐transmission experiments are conducted on four materials and compared with the results of conventional transducers. For the first time, it is shown that the novel fluidic ultrasonic transducer provides a suitable acoustic signal for NDT tasks and has potential of furthering the implementation of ACU in industrial applications.
Bloch Point Quadrupole Constituting Hybrid Topological Strings Revealed with Electron Holographic Vector Field Tomography
Authors: Yasin Fehmi Sami , Masell Jan , Takahashi Yoshio , Akashi Tetsuya , Baba Norio , Karube Kosuke , Shindo Daisuke , Arima Takahisa , Taguchi Yasujiro , Tokura Yoshinori , Tanigaki Toshiaki , Yu Xiuzhen
Published: January 2024

Topological magnetic (anti)skyrmions are robust string‐like objects heralded as potential components in next‐generation topological spintronics devices due to their low‐energy manipulability via stimuli such as magnetic fields, heat, and electric/thermal current. While these 2D topological objects are widely studied, intrinsically 3D electron‐spin real‐space topology remains less explored despite its prevalence in bulky magnets. 2D‐imaging studies reveal peculiar vortex‐like contrast in the core regions of spin textures present in antiskyrmion‐hosting thin plate magnets with S4 crystal symmetry, suggesting a more complex 3D real‐space structure than the 2D model suggests. Here, holographic vector field electron tomography captures the 3D structure of antiskyrmions in a single‐crystal, precision‐doped (Fe0.63Ni0.3Pd0.07)3P (FNPP) lamellae at room temperature and zero field. These measurements reveal hybrid string‐like solitons composed of skyrmions with topological number W = −1 on the lamellae's surfaces and an antiskyrmion (W = + 1) connecting them. High‐resolution images uncover a Bloch point quadrupole (four magnetic (anti)monopoles that are undetectable in 2D imaging) which enables the observed lengthwise topological transitions. Numerical calculations corroborate the stability of hybrid strings over their conventional (anti)skyrmion counterparts. Hybrid strings result in topological tuning, a tunable topological Hall effect, and the suppression of skyrmion Hall motion, disrupting existing paradigms within spintronics.
Mechanical Durability and Flexibility in Perovskite Photovoltaics: Advancements and Applications
Authors: Song Fei , Zheng Dexu , Feng Jiangshan , Liu Jishuang , Ye Tao , Li Zhipeng , Wang Kai , Liu Shengzhong (Frank) , Yang Dong
Published: January 2024

The remarkable progress in perovskite solar cell (PSC) technology has witnessed a remarkable leap in efficiency within the past decade. As this technology continues to mature, flexible PSCs (F‐PSCs) are emerging as pivotal components for a wide array of applications, spanning from powering portable electronics and wearable devices to integrating seamlessly into electronic textiles and large‐scale industrial roofing. F‐PSCs characterized by their lightweight, mechanical flexibility, and adaptability for cost‐effective roll‐to‐roll manufacturing, hold immense commercial potential. However, the persistent concerns regarding the overall stability and mechanical robustness of these devices loom large. This comprehensive review delves into recent strides made in enhancing the mechanical stability of F‐PSCs. It covers a spectrum of crucial aspects, encompassing perovskite material optimization, precise crystal grain regulation, film quality enhancement, strategic interface engineering, innovational developed flexible transparent electrodes, judicious substrate selection, and the integration of various functional layers. By collating and analyzing these dedicated research endeavors, this review illuminates the current landscape of progress in addressing the challenges surrounding mechanical stability. Furthermore, it provides valuable insights into the persistent obstacles and bottlenecks that demand attention and innovative solutions in the field of F‐PSCs.
Updated CRUSADE score to predict in‐hospital bleeding: External validation in the Thai percutaneous coronary intervention registry
Authors: Chichareon Ply , Chamnarnphol Noppadol , Chandavimol Mann , Suwannasom Pannipa , Roongsangmanoon Worawut , Limpijankit Thosaphol , Srimahachota Suphot , Athisakul Siriporn , Hutayanon Pisit , Kiatchoosakun Songsak , Udayachalerm Wasan , Thakkinstian Ammarin , Sansanayudh Nakarin
Published: January 2024

Background

The Can Rapid Risk Stratification of Unstable Angina Patients Suppress Adverse Outcomes with Early Implementation of the ACC/AHA Guidelines (CRUSADE) score has been recommended to predict in‐hospital bleeding risk in non‐ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients. The evaluation of the CRUSADE risk score in Asian patients undergoing contemporary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for NSTEMI is necessary.

Aims

We aimed to validate and update the CRUSADE score to predict in‐hospital major bleeding in NSTEMI patients treated with PCI.

Method

The Thai PCI registry is a large, prospective, multicenter PCI registry in Thailand enrolling patients between May 2018 and August 2019. The CRUSADE score was calculated based on 8 predictors including sex, diabetes, prior vascular disease (PVD), congestive heart failure (CHF), creatinine clearance (CrCl), hematocrit, systolic blood pressure, and heart rate (HR). The score was fitted to in‐hospital major bleeding using the logistic regression. The original score was revised and updated for simplification.

Results

Of 19,701 patients in the Thai PCI registry, 5976 patients presented with NSTEMI. The CRUSADE score was calculated in 5882 patients who had all variables of the score available. Thirty‐five percent were female, with a median age of 65.1 years. The proportion of diabetes, PVD, and CHF was 46%, 7.9%, and 11.2%, respectively. The original and revised models of the CRUSADE risk score had C‐statistics of 0.817 (95% CI: 0.762–0.871) and 0.839 (95% CI: 0.789–0.889) respectively. The simplified CRUSADE score which contained only four variables (hematocrit, CrCl, HR, and CHF), had C‐statistics of 0.837 (0.787–0.886). The calibration of the recalibrated, revised, and simplified model was optimal.

Conclusions

The full and simplified CRUSADE scores performed well in NSTEMI treated with PCI in Thai population.
Structural equation models for simultaneous modeling of air pollutants
Authors: Bottazzi Schenone Mariaelena , Grimaccia Elena , Vichi Maurizio
Published: January 2024

This paper provides a new modeling for air pollution, simultaneously taking into account the six main pollutants (PM10 and PM2.5, Sulphate Dioxide, Nitrogen Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide, ground level Ozone concentrations) and their key determinants, employing Structural Equation Models (SEMs). The model is able to estimate the complex links among air pollutants, often neglected in literature, and identifies specific drivers of air pollution. In literature, indexes of air pollution achieved using a fully statistical methodology have not been proposed yet. Indeed, an added value of this proposal is the statistical procedure itself, which can be applied also to obtain indexes modeling different phenomena. In particular, in this study, the new Air Pollution Index (API) is based on a modeling approach that allows to assess, through statistical criteria, the goodness of fit of the SEM in modeling pollutants and the significance of their determinants. The performance of the new index is assessed using air quality data for municipal European areas, which are characterized by different socioeconomic, geographical, and meteorological features. SEMs are estimated and evaluated in terms of best fit and model complexity. The index resulting by the best SEM is compared with the well‐established Air Quality Index (AQI). The new API is validated by means of a sensitivity analysis, performed with a simulation study. Finally, to visualize the meaningfulness of the obtained results, a model‐based cluster analysis is estimated on the municipal areas. The proposed SEM contributes to a better understanding of the relationships between air pollutants and their determinants, and this knowledge can inform policy decisions aimed at reducing air pollution and improving public health.
An open, multicenter, exploratory study of apatinib mesylate maintenance therapy for recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (ChiCTR1800019375)
Authors: Wei Jinlong , Su Jing , Wang Jianfeng , Jia Xiaojing , Zhao Qin , Shi Weiyan , Wang Huanhuan , Zheng Zhuangzhuang , Jiang Xin
Published: January 2024

Background

This study evaluated the efficacy of apatinib in maintenance therapy in patients with recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC).

Methods

Twenty‐six patients from three centers were enrolled from November 2018 to September 2021. These patients received 2 weeks apatinib, administered at 250 mg qd. Then apatinib dose may be administered to 500 mg qd continuous in 4 weeks cycle if no patients experienced adverse reaction. Enrolled patients can receive a combination of radiotherapy or chemotherapy. The primary endpoints were progression‐free survival (PFS), and secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), disease control rate (DCR), objective response rate (ORR), quality of life (QOL) score, and adverse drug reactions.

Results

Median PFS of all patients was 3.2 months (95% CI: 2.06–4.33). Median OS of all patients was 7.3 months (95% CI: 2.14–12.46). The DCR was 92.3%. The ORR was 30.8%. In univariate analysis, the results showed that ECOG score 0–1 (HR = 0.31, p = 0.006) and treated with apatinib for more than 60 days (HR = 0.31, p = 0.003) were independent prognostic indicators affecting PFS, and ECOG score 0–1 (HR = 0.40, p = 0.027) and moderately differentiated or highly differentiated (HR = 0.38, p = 0.048) were independent prognostic indicators of OS. The most common adverse events among treated subjects included hypertension (46.1%), fatigue (42.3%), and hand‐foot syndrome (23.1%). There were only two cases (7.7%) of Grade III or above adverse reactions.

Conclusions

Maintenance therapy with apatinib is an effective and well‐tolerated regimen in patients with R/M HNSCC.
A nonradiographic strategy to real‐time monitor the position of three‐dimensional‐printed medical orthopedic implants by embedding superparamagnetic Fe3O4 particles
Authors: Li Yike , Chen Peng , Wu Zhenhua , Shi Congcan , Chen Peng , Xu Yizhuo , Chen Xiaojun , Chen Manhui , Li Yuxin , Yan Chunze , Shi Yunsong , Su Bin
Published: January 2024

Monitoring the position of orthopedic implants in vivo is paramount for enhancing postoperative rehabilitation. Traditional radiographic methods, although effective, pose inconveniences to patients in terms of specialized equipment requirements and delays in rehabilitation adjustment. Here, a nonradiographic design concept for real‐time and precisely monitoring the position of in vivo orthopedic implants is presented. The monitoring system encompasses an external magnetic field, a three‐dimensional (3D)‐printed superparamagnetic intervertebral body fusion cage (SIBFC), and a magnetometer. The SIBFC with a polyetheretherketone framework and a superparamagnetic Fe3O4 component was integrally fabricated by the high‐temperature selective laser sintering technology. Owing to the superparamagnetic component, the minor migration of SIBFC within the spine would cause the distribution change of the magnetic induction intensities, which can be monitored in real‐time by the magnetometer no matter in the static states or dynamic bending motions. Besides horizontal migration, occurrences of intervertebral subsidence in the vertical plane of the vertebrae can also be effectively distinguished based on the obtained characteristic variations of magnetic induction intensities. This strategy exemplifies the potential of superparamagnetic Fe3O4 particles in equipping 3D‐printed orthopedic implants with wireless monitoring capabilities, holding promise for aiding patients' rehabilitation.
FIGO position statement on comprehensive sexuality education
Authors: Koch Mikaela , Tyson Nichole , Bhuinneain G. Meabh Ni , Kasliwal Asha , Conry Jeanne , Sridhar Aparna
Published: January 2024

Now is a pivotal moment in the fight for reproductive health and justice internationally. Well‐established research has recognized the benefits of comprehensive sexuality education for youth and adolescents—including vast reproductive health benefits, decreased interpersonal violence, and improvements on measures of academic success and well‐being. Despite these established benefits, challenges to the implementation of culturally sensitive and holistically framed sexuality education are intensifying across the globe. The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stands firmly in its support of comprehensive sexuality education and re‐emphasizes the importance of the implementation of scientifically accurate, age‐appropriate, culturally relevant, and inclusive education. Successful implementation relies on active youth leadership, physician involvement, and a renewed focus on high‐quality monitoring mechanisms to assess impact and accountability at all levels. Most importantly, future efforts to improve and scale comprehensive sexuality education must emphasize the importance of an inclusive curriculum that addresses previously marginalized youth, such as LGTBQ+ and disabled individuals, through a reproductive justice lens. FIGO commits, and encourages the international healthcare community, to provide continued advocacy for the rights to health, education, and equality, in order to achieve improvement in health outcomes for young people across the globe.
Channel estimation for underwater acoustic OFDM based on super‐resolution network
Authors: Cui Xuerong , Yuan Bin , Li Juan , Jiang Bin , Li Shibao , Liu Jianhang
Published: January 2024

In this letter, we propose a method for underwater acoustic channel estimation that combines image super‐resolution (SR) and is named FCDnNet. FCDnNet consists of two parts: Fast Super Resolution Convolutional Neural Network (FSRCNN) and Complex Denoising Convolutional Neural Network (C‐DnCNN). FSRCNN extracts effective features of pilot channels, uses deconvolution to achieve SR reconstruction, and generates a pre‐estimation channel matrix. C‐DnCNN preserves the relative positions of the real and imaginary parts of the channel, fully utilizing amplitude and phase information, and can more effectively recover the channel matrix from the pre‐estimation matrix. Experimental results show that the normalized mean square error (NMSE) of FCDnNet is at least 13.1–65.2 lower than other channel estimation methods based on deep learning.
An optimized system for sensor ontology meta‐matching using swarm intelligent algorithm
Authors: Lateef Haroon P S Abdul , Patil Sujata N. , Bidare Divakarachari Parameshachari , Falkowski‐Gilski Przemysław , Rafeeq M. D.
Published: January 2024

It is beneficial to annotate sensor data with distinct sensor ontologies in order to facilitate interoperability among different sensor systems. However, for this interoperability to be possible, comparable sensor ontologies are required since it is essential to make meaningful links between relevant sensor data. Swarm Intelligent Algorithms (SIAs), namely the Beetle Swarm Optimisation Algorithm (BSO), present a possible answer to ontology matching problems. This research focuses on a method for optimizing ontology alignment that employs BSO. A novel method for effectively controlling memory use and striking a balance between algorithm exploration and exploitation is proposed: the Simulated Annealing‐based Beetle Swarm Optimisation Algorithm (SA‐BSO). Utilizing Gray code for solution encoding, two compact operators for exploitation and exploration, and Probability Vectors (PVs) for swarming choosing exploitation and exploration, SA‐BSO combines simulated annealing with the beetle search process. Through inter‐swarm communication in every generation, SA‐BSO improves search efficiency in addressing sensor ontology matching. Three pairs of real sensor ontologies and the Conference track were used in the study to assess SA‐BSO's efficacy. Statistics show that SA‐BSO‐based ontology matching successfully aligns sensor ontologies and other general ontologies, particularly in conference planning scenarios.
Evaluating a novel pharmacist‐led buprenorphine outreach service for treatment of opioid use disorder in individuals residing in supportive housing
Authors: Ly Janice , Peterson Damian , Geier Michelle
Published: January 2024

Introduction

In San Francisco, there were 638 accidental overdose deaths involving opioids in 2022 alone, with opioid overdoses occurring at a disproportionate rate in the Black population and in those with fixed housing. Past studies attempting to address such disparities suggest that low‐barrier buprenorphine (BUP) treatment models may improve patient engagement and retention in care for marginalized populations. While such models have been studied among persons experiencing houselessness (PEH), less is known about the effects of such treatment models among individuals residing in permanent supportive housing (PSH).

Objectives

To evaluate the impact of an innovative pharmacist‐led pilot service in providing more equitable and accessible BUP treatment to individuals residing in PSH.

Methods

This was a 3‐month pre‐and‐post interventional pilot study to evaluate the impact of a novel pharmacist‐led outreach service on patient engagement in treatment with BUP for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). The primary endpoint was treatment adherence, defined as 80% prescription days covered (PDC) in a 3‐month period. Secondary endpoints included change in PDC, linkage to office‐based care, incidence of overdose, emergency department (ED) presentations, and hospital admissions, as well as successful BUP initiation.

Results

Thirty‐eight patients were enrolled in the pharmacist‐led BUP outreach service. Among the 38 patients, the mean age was 46 years and 16 (42%) were Black. Engagement with the service was associated with increased treatment adherence, with 14 patients (37%) achieving ≥80% PDC post‐intervention compared to 1 patient (3%) pre‐intervention (p = 0.0009).

Conclusion

A pharmacist‐led BUP outreach service was found to increase treatment adherence in individuals residing in PSH over 3 months. Low‐barrier BUP treatment models, such as that evaluated in this study, may help provide more equitable and accessible care that is critical in addressing the socioeconomic and racial disparities in opioid overdose deaths.
Nationwide evaluation of the clinical impact of acute care adult medicine pharmacists
Authors: Szwak Jennifer A. , Assadi Rizah Anwar , Gonzalez Jimmy , Hong Lisa T. , Meyenburg Lyndsi K. , Miesner Andrew R. , Steuber Taylor , Fritz Megan Kunka
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The impact of pharmacists has been described for many practice areas including critical care, emergency medicine, and transitions of care. Literature describing the extensive role of adult medicine (AMED) clinical pharmacists in the inpatient setting is limited.

Objective

The objective of this study was to characterize clinical activities performed by inpatient AMED pharmacists nationally.

Methods

This was a multicenter, prospective, observational study including AMED pharmacists who spend more than 50% of their time practicing in the acute care setting. A 65‐item electronic survey was developed and distributed to members of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy AMED Practice and Research Network (PRN). The survey collected demographics, clinical interventions, rates of intervention acceptance, and the significance of those interventions, where applicable. Respondents were asked to report all interventions made over any one‐week period while providing direct patient care. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data. Chi‐square tests and Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used to compare nominal and continuous data, respectively.

Results

Thirty three pharmacists representing 988.5 h of direct patient care reported activities, including profile review (97%), daily rounding with prescribers (94%), patient education (76%), and order entry or verification (64%). During the study period, 4488 interventions were documented. The most common interventions and activities documented were optimization of therapy (n = 1125, 25%), initiation of therapy (n = 770, 17%), and interpretation of diagnostic data or lab values (n = 331, 7%). The top three therapeutic classes with interventions were antimicrobials (n = 473, 25%), cardiovascular medications (n = 248, 13%), and antithrombotics (n = 190, 10%). Of the applicable interventions, 2775 (89%) were accepted, 2541 (81%) were pharmacist‐initiated, and 277 (9%) were classified as serious or very/extremely significant interventions.

Conclusion

AMED pharmacists provide diverse recommendations across numerous medication therapeutic categories that are highly accepted. AMED pharmacists play an important role in optimizing medication use through care team and patient interactions.
Evaluation of a psychiatric pharmacist consultation service in a multispecialty outpatient clinic
Authors: Hui Deni , Chibli Dina , Catanzano Samantha
Published: January 2024

Background

Integrated care programs provide both medical and mental health care in clinical settings. Psychiatric pharmacists play a key role in optimizing patient care when integrated into a healthcare team. This project describes the implementation and trends of a psychiatric pharmacist consultation service in a multispecialty outpatient through an integrated behavioral healthcare model.

Methods

This is a retrospective study analyzing a psychiatric pharmacist consultation service at an academic multispecialty outpatient clinic. Eligible patients were aged ≥17 years and seen by the psychiatric pharmacist between June 1, 2019 and June 30, 2022. Patient demographics, reasons for referral, and pharmacist interventions were collected. Patient outcomes on depression, anxiety, and diabetes were also explored. Descriptive statistics were used to quantify information.

Results

A total of 572 encounters were identified. Of those, 285 (49.8%) represented unique patients. Over the 36‐month period, an average of 16 consults were conducted per month. Anxiety and depressive disorders, pain syndromes, and adult attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder were the most common diagnoses listed as reasons for consultation. An average of five recommendations or interventions were provided by the psychiatric pharmacist at each initial consultation. Anxiety and depression symptom scores, as well as hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) values, were lower following pharmacist consultation.

Conclusion

Psychiatric pharmacists can serve a unique role at multispecialty clinics by providing consultation for patients with psychiatric conditions, chronic pain, medical conditions, and polypharmacy. This study demonstrates the successful utilization of such a service and suggests a psychiatric pharmacist's expertise contributes to improved depression, anxiety, and glycemic outcomes. The multispecialty outpatient setting represents an opportunity to further explore growth for psychiatric pharmacists and the impact these services have on patient outcomes.
Evaluation of single maintenance and reliever therapy (SMART) prescribing of budesonide‐formoterol for asthma after a clinical pharmacist‐led initiative
Authors: Harris Ila M. , Philbrick Ann M. , Klemenhagen Kristen C.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Single maintenance and reliever therapy (SMART) with a combination inhaled corticosteroid‐formoterol inhaler is the preferred asthma treatment by the Global Initiative for Asthma and the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program guidelines. These recommendations have been slow to be implemented routinely into clinical practice.

Methods

This was an observational cohort study conducted in a family medicine residency program clinic. A clinical pharmacist‐led initiative to implement SMART, which included provider education and the development of clinical tools to facilitate SMART prescribing, was assessed. Year 1 (Y1; pre‐intervention) and year 2 (Y2; post‐intervention) were compared.

Outcomes

The primary outcome was to evaluate the impact of this initiative on the frequency of SMART (budesonide‐formoterol without albuterol) prescribing. Prescription frequencies for albuterol and budesonide‐formoterol were also compared separately. Secondary outcomes were Asthma Control Test (ACT) scores and prescribing frequencies among faculty and resident physicians.

Results

The total number of eligible patients in the clinic population was 807, and 459 of these patients met the inclusion criteria. There were more females than males, and the mean age was 39. About 24% had a language preference other than English and 22% required an interpreter. The percentage of patients who were prescribed SMART significantly increased from 0.44% to 11.5% (p < 0.001). Budesonide‐formoterol prescriptions increased from 7.4% to 34.6% (p < 0.001). Albuterol metered‐dose inhaler prescriptions decreased from 79.7% to 66.2% (p < 0.001). Prescribing patterns were similar for patients of faculty physicians (n = 258) and resident physicians (n = 196). Only 164 (35.7%) patients had an ACT score in Y1 and Y2, and the mean ACT score was not significantly different between Y1 and Y2 (p = 0.973).

Conclusion

A clinical pharmacist‐led SMART asthma prescribing initiative was associated with a significant increase in SMART prescribing, a significant increase in budesonide‐formoterol prescribing, and a significant decrease in albuterol prescribing.
Bitter taste receptors in the reproductive system: Function and therapeutic implications
Authors: Lu Ping , Moore Simas Tiffany A. , Delpapa Ellen , ZhuGe Ronghua
Published: January 2024

Type 2 taste receptors (TAS2Rs), traditionally known for their role in bitter taste perception, are present in diverse reproductive tissues of both sexes. This review explores our current understanding of TAS2R functions with a particular focus on reproductive health. In males, TAS2Rs are believed to play potential roles in processes such as sperm chemotaxis and male fertility. Genetic insights from mouse models and human polymorphism studies provide some evidence for their contribution to male infertility. In female reproduction, it is speculated that TAS2Rs influence the ovarian milieu, shaping the functions of granulosa and cumulus cells and their interactions with oocytes. In the uterus, TAS2Rs contribute to uterine relaxation and hold potential as therapeutic targets for preventing preterm birth. In the placenta, they are proposed to function as vigilant sentinels, responding to infection and potentially modulating mechanisms of fetal protection. In the cervix and vagina, their analogous functions to those in other extraoral tissues suggest a potential role in infection defense. In addition, TAS2Rs exhibit altered expression patterns that profoundly affect cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis in reproductive cancers. Notably, TAS2R agonists show promise in inducing apoptosis and overcoming chemoresistance in these malignancies. Despite these advances, challenges remain, including a lack of genetic and functional studies. The application of techniques such as single‐cell RNA sequencing and clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR‐associated endonuclease 9 gene editing could provide deeper insights into TAS2Rs in reproduction, paving the way for novel therapeutic strategies for reproductive disorders.
Role of the ubiquitin–proteasome system on macrophages in the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Xiao Yue , Liu Ruiqian , Li Na , Li Yong , Huang Xuan
Published: January 2024

Tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) are key components of the tumor microenvironment, and their different polarization states play multiple roles in tumors by secreting cytokines, chemokines, and so on, which are closely related to tumor development. In addition, the enrichment of TAMs is often associated with poor prognosis of tumors. Thus, targeting TAMs is a potential tumor treatment strategy, in which therapeutic approaches such as reducing TAMs numbers, remodeling TAMs phenotypes, and altering their functions are being extensively investigated. Meanwhile, the ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS), an important mechanism of protein hydrolysis in eukaryotic cells, participates in cellular processes by regulating the activity and stability of key proteins. Interestingly, UPS plays a dual role in the process of tumor development, and its role in TAMs deserve to be investigated in depth. This review builds on this foundation to further explore the multiple roles of UPS on TAMs and identifies a promising approach to treat tumors by targeting TAMs with UPS.
M1 polarization of macrophages promotes stress‐induced hair loss via interleukin‐18 and interleukin‐1β
Authors: Xiao Xing , Gao Ying , Yan Lingchen , Deng Cuncan , Wu Wang , Lu Xiaofang , Lu Qiumei , Zhong Wenwei , Xu Yunsheng , Zhang Changhua , Chen Wei , Huang Bihui
Published: January 2024

Stress‐induced hair loss is a prevalent health concern, with mechanisms that remain unclear, and effective treatment options are not yet available. In this study, we investigated whether stress‐induced hair loss was related to an imbalanced immune microenvironment. Screening the skin‐infiltrated immune cells in a stressed mouse model, we discovered a significant increase in macrophages upon stress induction. Clearance of macrophages rescues mice from stress‐induced hair shedding and depletion of hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) in the skin, demonstrating the role of macrophages in triggering hair loss in response to stress. Further flow cytometry analysis revealed a significant increase in M1 phenotype macrophages in mice under stressed conditions. In searching for humoral factors mediating stress‐induced macrophage polarization, we found that the hormone Norepinephrine (NE) was elevated in the blood of stressed mice. In addition, in‐vivo and in‐vitro studies confirm that NE can induce macrophage polarization toward M1 through the β‐adrenergic receptor, Adrb2. Transcriptome, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and western blot analyses reveal that the NLRP3/caspase‐1 inflammasome signaling and its downstream effector interleukin 18 (IL‐18) and interleukin 1 beta (IL‐1β) were significantly upregulated in the NE‐treated macrophages. However, inhibition of the NE receptor Adrb2 with ICI118551 reversed the upregulation of NLRP3/caspase‐1, IL‐18, and IL‐1β. Indeed, IL‐18 and IL‐1β treatments lead to apoptosis of HFSCs. More importantly, blocking IL‐18 and IL‐1β signals reversed HFSCs depletion in skin organoid models and attenuated stress‐induced hair shedding in mice. Taken together, this study demonstrates the role of the neural (stress)‐endocrine (NE)‐immune (M1 macrophages) axis in stress‐induced hair shedding and suggestes that IL‐18 or IL‐1β may be promising therapeutic targets.