bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of non‐formalin fixed paraffin embedded samples in hybrid capture and amplicon next‐generation sequencing panels
Authors: Meireles Sibele Inácio , Cruz Mariana Vargas , de Godoy Carla Daniele , de Testagrossa Leonardo
Published: December 2023

Background

Genomic profiling using next‐generation sequencing (NGS) is fundamental for driving prognostic and therapy in cancer. Formalin‐fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue is the widely used material, whereas non‐FFPE may represent an alternative. However, studies comparing the NGS performance of non‐FFPE materials to FFPE are still lacking in the literature. The objective of this study was to characterize in non‐FFPE preparations the nucleic acid yield and NGS performance on both a capture‐based and an amplicon‐based NGS platform. NGS quality metrics obtained from non‐FFPE preparations were compared to FFPE.

Methods

We analyzed the cellularity and nucleic acid yield in 111 tumors from non‐FFPE preparations. In addition, comprehensive hybrid capture panel sequencing metrics obtained from DNA and RNA libraries were compared between independent non‐FFPE and FFPE samples. A paired comparison between non‐FFPE and FFPE samples was performed to analyze concordance in mutant allele detection using an amplicon panel.

Results

The mean target coverage from DNA libraries was 2× higher in non‐FFPE samples than in FFPE. The detection of exogenous DNA was 2.5× higher in non‐FFPE than in FFPE. Conversely, a lower performance was observed in non‐FFPE RNA libraries in comparison to FFPE DNA libraries with no impact in minimum standard cutoffs. The variant allele detection in non‐FFPE was found to be comparable to that of FFPE tumor samples in matched samples.

Conclusions

Non‐FFPE was demonstrated to be a suitable material for DNA and RNA library preparations using a comprehensive NGS panel. This is the first study reporting library quality metrics according to the TSO500 analysis pipeline.
Valproate treatment induces age‐ and sex‐dependent neuronal activity changes according to a patch clamp study
Authors: Májer Tímea , Bódi Veronika , Kelemen Viktor , Szűcs Attila , Varró Petra , Világi Ildikó
Published: December 2023

Autism spectrum disorder is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interactions, restricted, and stereotyped behaviors. The valproic acid model is one of the most recognized and broadly used models in rats to induce core symptoms of this disorder. Comorbidity of epilepsy and autism occurs frequently, due to similar background mechanisms that include the imbalance of excitation and inhibition. In this series of experiments, treatment was performed on rat dams with a single 500 mg/kg dose i.p. valproate injection on embryonic day 12.5. Intracellular whole‐cell patch clamp recordings were performed on brain slices prepared from adolescent and adult offspring of both sexes on pyramidal neurons of the medial prefrontal cortex and entorhinal cortex. Current clamp stimulation utilizing conventional current step protocols and dynamic clamp stimulation were applied to assess neuronal excitability. Membrane properties and spiking characteristics of layer II–III pyramidal cells were analyzed in both cortical regions. Significant sex‐dependent and age‐dependent differences were found in several parameters in the control groups. Considering membrane resistance, rheobase, voltage sag slope, and afterdepolarization slope, we observed notable changes mainly in the female groups. Valproate treatment seemed to enhance these differences and increase network excitability. However, it is possible that compensatory mechanisms took place during the maturation of the network while reaching the age‐group of 3 months. Based on the results, the expression of the hyperpolarization‐activated cyclic nucleotide‐gated channels may be appreciably affected by the valproate treatment, which influences fundamental electrophysiological properties of the neurons such as the voltage sag. Remarkable changes appeared in the prefrontal cortex; however, also the entorhinal cortex shows similar tendencies.
We need to be more critical toward digital interventions for eating disorders: A commentary on McClure et al. (2023)
Authors: Bauer Stephanie , Moessner Markus
Published: December 2023

Over the past two decades, numerous digital interventions (also referred to as “e‐mental health” interventions) have been developed for the prevention and treatment of eating disorders and several meta‐analyses have summarized the existing evidence on the efficacy and effectiveness of such interventions. Based on the present systematic review of McClure and Colleagues, the question of how and for whom digital interventions for eating disorders actually work, remains unanswered. In the absence of reliable mediators and moderators of outcome, priorities for future research are discussed (e.g., a need for more rigorous RCTs with credible comparators). The resulting research agenda is expansive. However, even though this process will take time and might seem slow (especially, in contrast to the rapidity of technological developments), we should not accept a lowering of the quality bar in research on digital interventions compared to other intervention research.
Mixed Thioether/Amine‐Functionalized Expanded Calixarenes, Related Macropolycycles, and Metal Complexes thereof
Authors: Taut Josef , Schleife Frederik , Börner Martin , Bonnot Clément , Jacquot de Rouville Henri‐Pierre , Chambron Jean‐Claude , Kersting Berthold
Published: December 2023

A series of tetraaza‐expanded calix[4]arene analogues (2–4), in which two of the four aryl groups are ethylene‐protected thiophenol components were prepared from tetraaldehyde 1. Two of these strapped macrocycles were characterized crystallographically, as well as the dipalladium complex of 4. The same tetraaldehyde had been previously used for the synthesis of a macrotricycle (5) and a macropentacycle (6), the coordination properties of which have been investigated. In particular, ligand 6 was shown to be able to encapsulate a Cu+ or a Ag+ ion in the tetrahedral coordination pocket offered by a bridgehead nitrogen atom and the three proximal thioether sulfur atoms.
Smart h‐Chain: A blockchain based healthcare framework with insurance fraud detection
Authors: Mahapatra Sourav , Sinha Ditipriya
Published: December 2023

In today's smart applications, very frequently used data like electronic health records (EHR's) are highly sensitive and soft target to the unauthorized agencies. Data management, integrity, and security issues plague EHR systems. Insurance firms are prohibited by law and corporate privacy from sharing patient data, but because the data are not linked and synchronized among insurance providers, there has been a rise in healthcare fraud. A crucial component of an e‐health system is safe communication between patients, healthcare providers, and insurance companies. Building a system to securely manage and track insurance operations by combining data from all sources is required to combat health insurance fraud. Over time, blockchain grew in popularity, and the healthcare sector's interest in it led to the development of design concepts that addressed security issues. In this study, a blockchain‐based security architecture has been presented to protect the EHR and provide a secure method for patients, their caregivers, physicians, and insurance agents to access the clinical data of the patients. By using off‐chain storage and cryptographic key exchange through blockchain our approach also covers the scalability, integrity and access control issue that a healthcare system in general is facing.

A crucial component of an e‐health system is safe communication between patients, healthcare providers, and insurance companies. A blockchain‐based security architecture has been presented to protect the EHR and provide a secure method for patients, caregivers, physicians, and insurance agents to access the clinical data of the patients.
Monodopsis subterranea is a source of α‐tocomonoenol, and its concentration, in contrast to α‐tocopherol, is not affected by nitrogen depletion
Authors: Montoya‐Arroyo Alexander , Muñoz‐González Alejandra , Lehnert Katja , Frick Konstantin , Schmid‐Staiger Ulrike , Vetter Walter , Frank Jan
Published: December 2023

α‐Tomonoenols (αT1) are tocochromanols structurally related to tocopherols (T) and tocotrienols (T3), the bioactive members of the vitamin E family. However, limited evidence exists regarding the sources and biosynthesis of tocomonoenols. Nitrogen depletion increases the content of α‐tocopherol (αT), the main vitamin E congener, in microalgae, but little is known regarding its effect on other tocochromanols, such as tocomonoenols and tocotrienols. We therefore quantified the concentrations of T, T1, and T3, in freeze‐dried biomass from nitrogen‐sufficient, and nitrogen‐depleted Monodopsis subterranea (Eustigmatophyceae). The identities of isomers of αT1 were confirmed by LC–MS and GC–MS. αT was the predominant tocochromanol (82% of total tocochromanols). αT1 was present in higher quantities than the sum of all T3 (6% vs. 1% of total tocochromanols). 11′‐αT1 was the main αT1 isomer. Nitrogen depletion increased αT, but not αT1 or T3 in M. subterranea. In conclusion, nitrogen depletion increased the content of αT, the biologically most active form of vitamin E, in M. subterranea without affecting αT1 and T3 and could potentially be used as a strategy to enhance its nutritional value but not to increase αT1 content, indicating that αT1 accumulation is independent of that of αT in microalgae.
The bidirectional relationship between emotion regulation and social communication in childhood: A systematic review
Authors: Raza Sarah , Sacrey Lori‐Ann R. , Zwaigenbaum Lonnie
Published: December 2023

Emotion regulation (ER) refers to the ability to regulate emotional reactions in response to stimuli. Social communication involves the knowledge and skills to engage in social interactions. Both processes develop in the first years of life and form the foundation for later functioning. Literature suggests a bidirectional relationship between ER and social communication; however, the majority of research examines these constructs independently. This review provides an in‐depth examination of research that has measured the relations between ER and social communication in children from 2 years of age and onwards. Findings revealed an age‐related pattern, where ER was related to later social communication and vice versa. However, there was no consensus regarding direct relationship(s) between ER and social communication due to heterogeneity among studies when defining and measuring these constructs. This review illustrates the importance of understanding the pathways between ER and social communication and may inform future studies, both in typical and atypical development.
Time trends of 16 modifiable risk factors on the burden of major cancers among the Chinese population
Authors: Li Jia , Song Xuemei , Ni Yuxin , Zhu Sijia , Chen Weiyi , Zhao Yingying , Yi Jing , Xia Lu , Nie Shaofa , Shang Qinggang , Liu Li
Published: December 2023

The cancer burden in China is increasing. We aimed to assess the time trends in the prevalence of 16 modifiable risk factors involved in lifestyle, diet, infection, and air pollution between 1997 and 2025 based on the China Health and Nutrition Survey, the Global Burden of Disease website, and publically available studies. The population attributable fraction (PAF) and its 95% uncertainty interval (UI) from 2007 to 2035 were calculated to quantify the attributable cancer burden in major 12 anatomic sites using the comparative risk assessment method, considering a 10‐year lag effect. As a result, 1,559,476 cancer cases (PAF = 54.1%, 95% UI: 36.8%–65.8%) from the 12 anatomic sites were attributable to these modifiable risk factors in 2007, with lung, liver, and gastric cancer raging the top three. It was predicted that by 2035, the attributable cancer cases would reach 1,680,098 (PAF = 44.2%, 95% UI: 29.1%–55.5%), with the top three of lung, liver, and colorectal cancer. Smoking, physical inactivity, insufficient fruit consumption, HBV infection, and Helicobacter pylori infection were the most attributable risk factors in 2007, contributing to 480,352, 233,684, 215,009, 214,455, and 187,305 associated cancer cases, respectively. In 2035, the leading factors for cancer would be smoking, physical inactivity, insufficient fruit intake, HPV infection, and HBV infection, resulting in 427,445, 424,327, 185,144, 156,535, and 154,368 cancer cases, respectively. Intervention strategies should be swiftly established and dynamically altered in response to risk factors like smoking, physical inactivity, poor fruit intake, and infectious factors that may cause a high cancer burden in the Chinese population.
A deep learning‐basedx‐rayimaging diagnosis system for classification of tuberculosis,COVID‐19, and pneumonia traits using evolutionary algorithm
Authors: Ali Zeeshan , Khan Muhammad Attique , Hamza Ameer , Alzahrani Ahmed Ibrahim , Alalwan Nasser , Shabaz Mohammad , Khan Faheem
Published: December 2023

To aid in detection of tuberculosis, researchers have concentrated on developing computer‐aided diagnostic technologies based on x‐ray imaging. Since it generates noninvasive standard‐of‐care data, a chest x‐ray image is one of the most often used diagnostic imaging modalities in computer‐aided solutions. Due to their significant interclass similarities and low intra‐class variation abnormalities, chest x‐ray pictures continue to pose difficulty for proper diagnosis. In this paper, a novel automated framework is proposed for the classification of tuberculosis, COVID‐19, and pneumonia from chest x‐ray images using deep learning and improved optimization technique. Two pre‐trained convolutional neural network models such as EfficientB0 and ResNet50 have been utilized and fine‐tuned based on the additional layers. Both models are trained with fixed hyperparameters on the selected datasets and obtained newly trained models. A novel feature selection technique has been proposed that selects the best features. In the novel version, distance and update position formulation has been modified. The selected features are further fused using a novel technique that is based on the serial and standard deviation threshold function. The experimental process of the proposed framework is conducted on three datasets and obtained an accuracy of 98.2%, 99.0%, and 98.7%, respectively. In addition, a detailed Wilcoxon signed‐rank analysis is conducted and shows the proposed method significance performance. Based on the results, it is concluded that the proposed method accuracy is improved after the fusion process. In addition, the comparison with recent techniques shows the proposed method as more significant in terms of accuracy and precision rate.
Sarcopenia knowledge of geriatric rehabilitation patients is low while they are willing to start sarcopenia treatment: EMPOWER‐GR
Authors: Verstraeten Laure M.G. , Mashni Amir , van Wijngaarden Janneke P. , Meskers Carel G.M. , Maier Andrea B.
Published: December 2023

Background

Sarcopenia is prevalent in 20–50% of geriatric rehabilitation inpatients and is associated with functional dependence and mortality. The aim is to assess knowledge of geriatric rehabilitation inpatients on sarcopenia and their willingness and perceived barriers to start treatment.

Methods

Enhancing Muscle POWER in Geriatric Rehabilitation (EMPOWER‐GR) is an observational cohort of geriatric rehabilitation inpatients in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Knowledge of sarcopenia, willingness and perceived barriers to treatment were assessed with a survey among inpatients. Importance of and self‐perceived muscle health were rated using a visual analogue scale from 0 to 10. Descriptive statistics were used.

Results

Inpatients' (n = 157, 59.9% female) mean age was 80.5 years (SD 7.3). Sarcopenia (European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2) prevalence was 21.7%. Five inpatients (3.2%) had heard of sarcopenia and had knowledge of its definition. Median muscle health was rated as 6 (interquartile range: 4–7). After explanation of treatment options, 67.1% were willing to start resistance exercise training (RET), 61.1% a high‐protein diet and 55.7% oral nutritional supplements (ONS). Inpatients with sarcopenia were less willing (51.6%) to start a high‐protein diet compared with inpatients without sarcopenia (77.8%) (P = 0.002); there was no difference for RET and ONS. Most reported barriers to treatment were ONS dislike (17.0%), too many other health issues (13.6%), doubts about treatment effectiveness/importance (12.9%) and RET intensity/difficulty (10.2%).

Conclusions

Knowledge of sarcopenia was low, while the majority of inpatients showed willingness to start treatment. A dislike of ONS, RET difficulty and too many other health issues may reduce willingness to start treatment. Education is important to increase sarcopenia‐related health issues in geriatric rehabilitation inpatients.
The application value of lung ultrasound scoring in assessing disease severity: Evaluation of small‐scale outbreaks of COVID‐19
Authors: Han Lina , Ke Helin , Xiao Yang , Xu Shaodan , Huang Zhibin , Wang Han , Lyu Guorong , Li Shilin
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study explored the use of transthoracic lung ultrasound for evaluating COVID‐19 patients, compared it with computed tomography (CT), and examined its effectiveness using 8 and 12 lung regions.

Methods

A total of 100 patients with COVID‐19 and 40 healthy volunteers were assessed using 12 regions (bilateral upper/lower regions of the anterior/lateral/posterior chest) and simplified 8 zones (bilateral upper/lower regions of the anterior/lateral chest) transthoracic lung ultrasound. The relationships between ultrasound, CT, and clinical indicators were analyzed to evaluate the diagnostic value of ultrasound scores in COVID‐19.

Results

Increased disease severity correlated with increased 8‐ and 12‐zone ultrasound and CT scores (all p < 0.05). The modified 8‐zone method strongly correlated with the 12‐zone method (Pearson's r = 0.908, p < 0.05). The 8‐ and 12‐zone methods correlated with CT scoring (correlation = 0.568 and 0.635, respectively; p < 0.05). The intragroup correlation coefficients of the 8‐zone, 12‐zone, and CT scoring methods were highly consistent (intragroup correlation coefficient = 0.718, p < 0.01). The 8‐zone ultrasound score correlated negatively with oxygen saturation (rs = 0.306, p < 0.05) and Ca (rs = 0.224, p < 0.05) and positively with IL‐6 (rs = 0.0.335, p < 0.05), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (rs = 0.327, p < 0.05), alanine aminotransferase (rs = 0.230, p < 0.05), and aspartate aminotransferase (rs = 0.251, p < 0.05). The 12‐zone scoring method correlated negatively with oxygen saturation (rs = 0.338, p < 0.05) and Ca (rs = 0.245, p < 0.05) and positively with IL‐6 (rs = 0.354, p < 0.05) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (rs = 0.495, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Lung ultrasound scores represent the clinical severity and have high clinical value for diagnosing COVID‐19 pneumonia. The 8‐zone scoring method can improve examination efficiency and reduce secondary injuries caused by patient movement.
Malignant triton tumor of uterus: A case report and literature review
Authors: Jiang Ti‐Ling , Liu Yan , Ji Bo , Sheng Dong‐Hua , He Qi‐Can , Song Jia‐Chun , Wang Gong , Wang Kai
Published: December 2023

Malignant triton tumor (MTT) is a highly aggressive malignant neoplasm, classified as a variant of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor with rhabdomyoblastic differentiation. There are few reports that MTT occurred in urogenital system. In the present study, we report the first MTT occurring in the uterus. A 57‐year‐old woman came to the emergency department due to persistent vaginal bleeding for 2 months. The gynecological palpation found that a club‐shaped excrescence existed in the vagina about 7 cm × 3 cm × 3 cm. The mass located in the lower segment of the uterus and the cervix was confirmed by gynecological vaginal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, which was preliminarily diagnosed as cervical carcinoma. After neoplasm punch biopsy, the pathological diagnosis was malignant triton tumor. The patient finally lost follow‐up. This is the first report about MTT in the uterus and suggests that pathological biopsy combined with imaging examination is necessary for the diagnosis of rarely MTT.
Extracellular vesicle‐associated cholesterol supports the regenerative functions of macrophages in the brain
Authors: Vanherle Sam , Guns Jeroen , Loix Melanie , Mingneau Fleur , Dierckx Tess , Wouters Flore , Kuipers Koen , Vangansewinkel Tim , Wolfs Esther , Lins Paula Pincela , Bronckaers Annelies , Lambrichts Ivo , Dehairs Jonas , Swinnen Johannes V. , Verberk Sanne G. S. , Haidar Mansour , Hendriks Jerome J. A. , Bogie Jeroen F. J.
Published: December 2023

Macrophages play major roles in the pathophysiology of various neurological disorders, being involved in seemingly opposing processes such as lesion progression and resolution. Yet, the molecular mechanisms that drive their harmful and benign effector functions remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by repair‐associated macrophages (RAMs) enhance remyelination ex vivo and in vivo by promoting the differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). Guided by lipidomic analysis and applying cholesterol depletion and enrichment strategies, we find that EVs released by RAMs show markedly elevated cholesterol levels and that cholesterol abundance controls their reparative impact on OPC maturation and remyelination. Mechanistically, EV‐associated cholesterol was found to promote OPC differentiation predominantly through direct membrane fusion. Collectively, our findings highlight that EVs are essential for cholesterol trafficking in the brain and that changes in cholesterol abundance support the reparative impact of EVs released by macrophages in the brain, potentially having broad implications for therapeutic strategies aimed at promoting repair in neurodegenerative disorders.
Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome‐associated lymphoma: A retrospective Brazilian cohort
Authors: Vargas Juliano Cordova , Cecyn Karin Zattar , de Oliveira Marques Mariana , Pereira Juliana , Tobias Braga Walter M. , Hamerschlak Nelson , Tabacof Jacques , de Liz Caina D. , Abdo André , Ferreira Paulo Roberto Abrão , Colleoni Gisele W. Braga , Baiocchi Otavio C. G.
Published: December 2023

After initiating combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may develop Hodgkin/non‐Hodgkin lymphoma due to immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). This retrospective cohort study evaluated the incidence, clinical features and prognosis of IRIS‐associated lymphomas in Brazilian patients. Incidence in 2000–2019 was 9.8% (27/276 patients with HIV and lymphoma; viral load drop >1 log). Time between HIV diagnosis and cART initiation was <1 year in 70.3% of cases. Time between cART initiation and lymphoma diagnosis was <3 months in 11 cases and 3–6 months in 16 cases. Overall and progression‐free survival rates were similar between cases of non‐IRIS‐associated lymphoma and IRIS‐associated lymphoma.
Advanced procedures in Raman forensic, natural, and cultural heritage studies: Mobile set‐up, optics, and data treatment—State of the art and perspectives
Authors: Caggiani Maria Cristina , Colomban Philippe
Published: December 2023

In this introduction to the Journal of Raman Spectroscopy special issue “Advanced Raman procedures applied to natural/cultural heritage and forensic questions: Mobile set‐up, data treatment and associated techniques,” the aim is to assess the state of the art in the field and to highlight potential new perspectives. The novel approaches employed in the published papers are described and can be grouped as such: application of multivariate statistical analysis to Raman spectra, use of mobile instrumentations directly in situ for both cultural and forensic contexts, tackling with optics and spectral range issues, and coupling with mobile instrumentations based on different analytical techniques.
Prognostic significance of positive lymph node regression grade to neoadjuvant chemoradiation for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Yehan Zhou , Ying Liu , Peng Guo , Zongyao Huang , Chengmin Zhou , Hong Yang , Sheng Qin , Jie Zhu , Yi Wang , Xuefeng Leng , Wenwu He , Qifeng Wang , Yang Liu
Published: December 2023

Background and Purpose

To assess the relationship between metastatic lymph node (LN) responder status and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) in patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT).

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 304 patients with local advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma received NCRT followed by esophagectomy. For 112 patients with positive node, according to the proportion of residual viable tumor cells area within the whole tumor beds of all metastatic LNs, we classified LN‐tumor regression grade (LN‐TRG) into four categories: grade 1, 0%; 2, <10%; 3, 10%−50%; 4, >50%. Patients with grade 1−2 LN‐TRG of were considered LN responders, and those with grades 3−4, as LN nonresponders. Univariate and multivariate analyses of RFS were estimated by a Cox regression model, Kaplan−Meier curve, and log‐rank test.

Results

The median follow‐up time of a total of 112 patients was 29.6 months. Fifty‐two (46.4%) patients have experienced recurrence. In Cox univariate analysis, differentiation, AJCC stage LN responder status, nerve invasion, and lymphovascular invasion significantly correlated with RFS. Multivariate analysis for RFS revealed that LN responder status and AJCC stage (p < 0.05) were independent prognostic factor. The 3‐year RFS rates for patients with LN‐TRG of 1−4 grades were 72.7%, 76.5%, 37.4%, and 28.5%, respectively, and the median RFS times were not reach, 43.56, 28.09, and 22.77, respectively.

Conclusions

LN responder status is an independent prognostic factor for RFS in esophageal cancer patients who received NCRT.
Psychological distress and pain related to gynecologic exams among female survivors of sexual and physical violence: A systematic review
Authors: Coleman Jessica N. , Arthur Sarah S. , Shelby Rebecca A.
Published: December 2023

Gender‐based violence is prevalent globally, yet the impacts of sexual and physical violence on women's experiences of routine gynecologic care are not well understood. The purpose of this systematic review of quantitative research is to describe (a) psychological distress and pain related to gynecologic exams among female survivors of sexual and physical violence and (b) differences in distress or pain between survivors and women without this history. Fourteen articles based on 12 discrete studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies were heterogeneous, with a moderate risk of bias; therefore, a descriptive summary approach was utilized rather than a meta‐analytic approach. Synthesized results indicated that survivors of violence experience mild‐to‐severe levels of distress and mild‐to‐moderate levels of pain related to gynecologic exams. The findings suggest that survivors of sexual or physical violence experience higher levels of distress than women without this history (i.e., moderate to severe), and this difference was further accentuated among women with more severe posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Differences in pain by violence history and PTSS severity were not consistently observed, possibly due to a lack of variability in ratings and small sample sizes. Additional research is needed that bolsters the measurement of exam‐related distress and pain, adjusts for confounding variables, and explores mechanisms by which sexual and physical violence impact care experiences. Further empirical work will be critical to developing interventions at the patient and provider levels to improve women's experiences of care.
Lichen planus pemphigoides erupting after COVID‐19 vaccination and infection, successfully treated with methotrexate
Authors: Andrén Josefin , Vassilaki Ismini , Curman Philip
Published: December 2023

We report a case of lichen planus pemphigoides (LPP) in a 36‐year‐old woman who presented bullous skin eruptions following both COVID‐19 infection and vaccination. The patient had a history of biopsy‐confirmed lichen planus since 2013 and had been previously investigated for suspected dermatitis herpetiformis since 2014, with inconclusive biopsy results. On two separate occasions, following her COVID‐19 vaccination and infection, she suffered the eruption of similar bullous lesions. A final diagnosis of LPP was established, believed to have been triggered by both the vaccination and the COVID‐19 infection. Treatment with prednisolone offered temporary relief, but sustained remission was achieved with methotrexate. This is, to our knowledge, the first documented case of LPP post‐COVID‐19 vaccination or infection.
Hole Mobility Enhancement in Benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b']Dithiophene‐Based Conjugated Polymer Transistors through Directional Alignment, Perovskite Functionalization and Solid‐State Electrolyte Gating
Authors: Nketia‐Yawson Vivian , Buer Albert Buertey , Ahn Hyungju , Nketia‐Yawson Benjamin , Jo Jea Woong
Published: December 2023

Tunability in electronic and optical properties has been intensively explored for developing conjugated polymers and their applications in organic and perovskite‐based electronics. Particularly, the charge carrier mobility of conjugated polymer semiconductors has been deemed to be a vital figure‐of‐merit for achieving high‐performance organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs). In this study, the systematic hole carrier mobility improvement of benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b']dithiophene‐based conjugated polymer in perovskite‐functionalized organic transistors is demonstrated. In conventional OFETs with a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) gate dielectric, improvements in hole mobility of 0.019 cm2 V−1 s−1 are measured using an off‐center spin‐coating technique, which exceeds those of on‐center counterparts (0.22 ± 0.07 × 10−2 cm2 V−1 s−1). Furthermore, the mobility drastically increases by adopting solid‐state electrolyte gating, corresponding to 2.99 ± 1.03 cm2 V−1 s−1 for the control, and the best hole mobility is 8.03 cm2 V−1 s−1 (average ≈ 6.94 ± 0.59 cm2 V−1 s−1) for perovskite‐functionalized OFETs with a high current on/off ratio of >106. The achieved device performance would be attributed to the enhanced film crystallinity and charge carrier density in the hybrid perovskite‐functionalized organic transistor channel, resulting from the high‐capacitance electrolyte dielectric.
Network evolutionary game analysis of green credit: A perspective of carbon emissions trading
Authors: Li Jingwei , Li Shouwei , Zhang Yonghong , Tang Xiaoyu
Published: December 2023

As an effective measure for the local government to promote reduction of corporate carbon emissions and sustainable development of social economy, the implementation of green finance policies in enterprises and financial institutions has encountered severe strikes from the low returns of low carbon production and low interest rates of green credit business. Under the premise of liberalizing carbon emissions trading, a triple‐level network evolutionary game consisting of a local government, banks, and enterprises is constructed to analyze response behavior and strategy selection mechanism to green credit. The impacts of management tools are investigated in terms of setting carbon market price, limiting the financing upper bound of misbehaving enterprises, limiting the emissions quota of enterprises for fraudulent green credit, and rewarding clean project development on the decisions of individuals in the network. Results show the following: First, increasing the trading price of carbon emissions has a catalytic effect on enhancing the activeness of banks and enterprises to follow green finance policies, but the autonomous regulation ability of which is limited. Second, reducing the funding ceiling for emitting emissions illegally ambiguates enterprises' preferences for production strategies and discourages them from undertaking low‐carbon projects. Third, excessive restrictions on the share of emissions may evoke regulatory inaction by the local government, consequently leading to instability in the evolution network. Fourth, granting reward for clean production is instrumental for the network to promote green finance policies, but exorbitant subsidies increase the fiscal burden of the local government with no significant effect on the node selection of environment‐friendly strategies.
Lysosomal Polygenic Burden Drives Cognitive Decline in Parkinson's Disease with Low Alzheimer Risk
Authors: Tunold Jon‐Anders , Tan Manuela M.X. , Toft Mathias , Ross Owen , van de Berg Wilma D.J. , Pihlstrøm Lasse
Published: December 2023

Background

Genetics influence cognitive progression in Parkinson's disease, possibly through mechanisms related to Lewy and Alzheimer's disease pathology. Lysosomal polygenic burden has recently been linked to more severe Lewy pathology post mortem.

Objectives

To assess the influence of lysosomal polygenic burden on cognitive progression in Parkinson's disease patients with low Alzheimer's disease risk.

Methods

Using Cox regression we assessed association between lysosomal polygenic scores and time to Montreal Cognitive Assessment score ≤ 21 in the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative cohort (n = 374), with replication in data from the Parkinson's Disease Biomarker Program (n = 777). Patients were stratified by Alzheimer's disease polygenic risk.

Results

The lysosomal polygenic score was associated with faster progression of cognitive decline in patients with low Alzheimer's disease risk in both datasets (P = 0.0032 and P = 0.0054, respectively).

Conclusion

Our study supports complex interplay between genetics and neuropathology in Parkinson's disease‐related cognitive impairment, emphasizing the role of lysosomal polygenic burden. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
On the existence of energy‐variational solutions in the context of multidimensional incompressible fluid dynamics
Authors: Lasarzik Robert
Published: December 2023

We define the concept of energy‐variational solutions for the Navier–Stokes and Euler equations and prove their existence in any space dimension. It is shown that the concept of energy‐variational solutions enjoys several desirable properties. Energy‐variational solutions are not only known to exist and coincide with local strong solutions, but the operator, mapping the data to the set of energy‐variational solutions, is additionally continuous and all restrictions and all concatenations of energy‐variational solutions are energy‐variational solutions again. Finally, different selection criteria for these solutions are discussed.
Advancing electrical impedance myography one small step at a time
Authors: Rutkove Seward B.
Published: December 2023

See article on pages 288–294 in this issue.
Second‐order necessary optimality conditions for discrete‐time stochastic systems
Authors: Song Teng , Yao Yong
Published: December 2023

This paper deals with the second‐order necessary optimality conditions for discrete‐time stochastic optimal control problems under weakened convexity assumptions. Using a special variation of the control, and by virtue of a new discrete‐time backward stochastic equation, we establish a more general and constructive first‐order necessary optimality condition in the form of a global stochastic maximum principle. Moreover, by introducing a new discrete‐time backward stochastic matrix equation, the second‐order multipoint necessary optimality conditions of singular controls are derived, which covers and improves the classical second‐order necessary optimality conditions of discrete‐time stochastic systems.
Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation Effects on Obstructive Sleep Apnea Over Time: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Kim Do Hyun , Kim Sung Won , Han Jae Sang , Kim Geun‐Jeon , Basurrah Mohammed Abdullah , Hwang Se Hwan
Published: December 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGS) in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.

Data Sources

PubMed, Cochrane database, Embase, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar.

Review Methods

Five databases were reviewed to identify relevant studies that measured polysomnography parameters such as the apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) and oxygen desaturation index, as well as quality of life and functional outcomes of sleep questionnaire scores, before and after HGS.

Results

In total, 44 studies involving 8670 patients met the inclusion criteria. At 12 months after treatment, approximately 47%, 72%, and 82% of patients achieved AHI values of <5, < 10, and <15, respectively. The reported clinical success rates according to Sher criteria were 80% within 12 months and 73% between 12 and 36 months. While the favorable effects exhibited a gradual reduction up to 12 months postimplantation, they generally maintained a consistent level between the 12th and 36th months, as assessed by AHI < 5, <15, and success rate according to Sher criteria.

Conclusion

HGS can enhance quality of life scores and polysomnography outcomes in obstructive sleep apnea patients. Although the positive effects gradually decreased until 12 months after implantation, they generally remained consistent between 12 and 36 months.
The Effect of Postoperative Naloxone in Certain Otolaryngologic Surgeries
Authors: Perlov Natalie M. , Shah Sohan S. , Bluj Joann , Urdang Zachary D. , Chiffer Rebecca C.
Published: December 2023

Objective

To evaluate the association of postoperative naloxone with the development of new substance use disorder (SUD), overdose, and death within 6 months of otolaryngologic surgery.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort database study on TriNetX.

Methods

Adult patients who underwent tonsil surgery (noncancerous), thyroid/parathyroid, septorhinoplasty, otology/neurotology, sinus/anterior skull base, and head and neck cancer surgeries between January 2003 and April 2023. Patients were excluded if they had an instance of SUD or overdose recorded in their charts prior to surgery, or had undergone another surgery within that 6‐month time frame. We hypothesized that patients prescribed naloxone postoperatively would have decreased odds for experiencing new SUD, overdose, and/or death within 6 months of surgery compared to patients who did not receive naloxone. P < .01 was considered statistically significant.

Results

There were 2,305,655 patients in this study. The average age was 36.7 ± 19.5 years old, with 46% female patients. Before matching, cohorts showed equivocal odds for developing new SUD, increased odds for overdose, and mixed odds for dying. After matching for demographic variables and comorbidities such as other substance use, opioid use for other pathologies, and psychiatric conditions, these effects diminished (P > .01).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that postoperative naloxone may not significantly affect development of new SUD and incident overdose and death in certain otolaryngologic surgeries after controlling for prior SUD and psychiatric conditions. Clinicians should be aware of these comorbidities when considering their postoperative pain management protocol, which may or may not include naloxone.
Nanomechanical analysis of friction welded similar PEEK/aluminum nanocomposites: Effect of metal particle reinforcement
Authors: Senkathir S. , Pramanik Sumit , Mukherjee Manidipto
Published: December 2023

Aluminum (Al), poly(etheretherketone) (PEEK) thermoplastics, and their individual composites have widely been used in many industries, including aerospace and biomedical fields. However, the joining process of those composites has not been explored much to date. In this context, the friction welding process (FWP) could be used as an alternative since it has the ability to join high‐strength components with minimal distortion. Therefore, the present study aimed to develop PEEK/Al nanocomposites with varying Al concentrations of 10, 20, 30, and 40 vol% using powder metallurgical technique and further joined the similar composition composites by FWP. Then, the effect of reinforced particle concentrations on the physical, morphological, structural, thermal, and micromechanical behaviors of the joined nanocomposites has been characterized by microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and nanoindentation tests. The concentrations of the reinforcement were found to have a significant effect on the crystallinity, melting temperature, glass transition temperature, and thereby micromechanical properties. The results were analyzed and correlated precisely for all the welded nanocomposites systematically. The interdiffusion mechanism was found to be involved in improving the mechanical properties of the present nanocomposites. The highest elastic modulus (13.91 GPa) or nanohardness (0.31 GPa) was obtained for the rotatory part of the PEEK/Al40 nanocomposites at 80 mN load. But, the applied load of 40 mN was the best loading condition due to the uniform change in modulus and nanohardness of all the nanocomposites. Therefore, the present alternative joining method of the PEEK/Al nanocomposites might be used for aerospace components.

Highlights

Development of PEEK/aluminum with 10, 20, 30 and 40 vol% Al nanocomposites.

Friction welding of similar composite material, PEEK/Al‐PEEK/Al nanocomposites.

Microstructural, thermal, and nanomechanical analyses.

Effect of metal particle reinforcement on the friction welded nanocomposites.

FW PEEK/Al40 nanocomposite is found to be the best.
Open‐source photovoltaic model pipeline validation against well‐characterized system data
Authors: Deville Lelia , Theristis Marios , King Bruce H. , Chambers Terrence L. , Stein Joshua S.
Published: December 2023

All freely available plane‐of‐array (POA) transposition models and photovoltaic (PV) temperature and performance models in pvlib‐python and pvpltools‐python were examined against multiyear field data from Albuquerque, New Mexico. The data include different PV systems composed of crystalline silicon modules that vary in cell type, module construction, and materials. These systems have been characterized via IEC 61853‐1 and 61853‐2 testing, and the input data for each model were sourced from these system‐specific test results, rather than considering any generic input data (e.g., manufacturer's specification [spec] sheets or generic Panneau Solaire [PAN] files). Six POA transposition models, 7 temperature models, and 12 performance models are included in this comparative analysis. These freely available models were proven effective across many different types of technologies. The POA transposition models exhibited average normalized mean bias errors (NMBEs) within ±3%. Most PV temperature models underestimated temperature exhibiting mean and median residuals ranging from −6.5°C to 2.7°C; all temperature models saw a reduction in root mean square error when using transient assumptions over steady state. The performance models demonstrated similar behavior with a first and third interquartile NMBEs within ±4.2% and an overall average NMBE within ±2.3%. Although differences among models were observed at different times of the day/year, this study shows that the availability of system‐specific input data is more important than model selection. For example, using spec sheet or generic PAN file data with a complex PV performance model does not guarantee a better accuracy than a simpler PV performance model that uses system‐specific data.
Hydrolysis of phosphate diester catalyzed by new mononuclear copper(II) complexes containing selenium ligands
Authors: Duarte Laura S. , Durigon Daniele C. , Braga Antonio L. , Peralta Rosely A.
Published: December 2023

Three new copper(II) mononuclear complexes containing different organoselenium groups (1–3) were synthesized and characterized by the following techniques: elemental analysis, IR and UV‐Vis spectroscopies, electrochemical and conductimetric analysis, and mass spectrometry. Three new complexes, with substituents made in the para position of the aromatic portion of the N,N‐bis(2‐(phenylselanyl)ethyl)amine ligand: p‐OCH3 (1), p‐CH3 (2), and p‐Cl (3), were synthetized to compare with the already published complex (4), with no substituents. The ligand coordinates to the copper(II) center in a tridentate way with Se, N, Se as donor atoms. The hydrolytic activity in phosphate diester cleavage of the complexes was investigated using 2,4‐BDNPP as substrate. The modifications in the ligand are reflected in the difference between the catalytic and activation parameters, where the kcat values follow the order: 4 > 2 > 3 > 1.
Study of ethanol vapor explosion and prediction based on chemical kinetics under high temperature and pressure
Authors: Qi Yingquan , Ding Li , Pan Yong , Liu Jingran , Wang Supan
Published: December 2023

The study of the explosion parameters of ethanol–air mixture at high pressure and temperature is essential for the safe production of ethanol. However, the explosion characteristics of ethanol vapor at various pressures and temperatures are limited. The mechanism at the flammability limits of ethanol has not been clarified, and the corresponding prediction model is also lacking. In this study, chemical kinetics and machine learning are used to study the mechanism of ethanol explosion and build predictive models, respectively. Our findings show that an increase in the initial pressure has a more pronounced influence on the explosion pressure (Pex) and pressure rise rate (dp/dt) than an increase of temperature. The variation trend of the upper flammability limit (UFL) of ethanol is related to the different effects of temperature and pressure on OH radicals. H + O2<>OH + O and HO2 + CH3<>OH + CH3O had the greatest effect on the generation of OH radicals. The quantitative relationship between the H, O, and OH radicals and UFL was constructed by machine learning, providing a new research perspective for the prediction of the UFL of an inflammable fuel under different pressures and temperatures. The results of the study will provide theoretical and practical guidance for the prevention and control of explosions in the ethanol production process.
Study on Plastic Deformation Removal Mechanism and Dislocation Change in Nanogrinding of Single Crystal Silicon Carbide with Random Rough Surface
Authors: Yu Dongling , Shen Haican , Chen Jinyu , Li Jiao , Le Jianbo , Wu Nanxing
Published: December 2023

This investigation centers on exploring the plastic deformation removal mechanism and dislocation dynamics in the nanogrinding of single‐crystal silicon carbide featuring a randomly rough surface. To simulate this, an approach combining the Weierstrass–Mandelbrot fractal surface function with molecular dynamics is employed. Randomly rough surface contours are generated using the Weierstrass–Mandelbrot fractal surface function. By adjusting the fractal dimension, an ideal representation of single‐crystal silicon carbide with randomly rough surfaces is obtained. By combining plastic deformation detection methods, the process of workpiece sliding, plowing, and chip removal is studied, and the plastic deformation removal mechanism of random rough surface grinding is explored. Combining postprocessing methods such as sheer strain and dislocation trajectory, the morphological changes and transformation mechanisms of dislocations are analyzed. Notably, at grinding depth of 33.18 nm, the activation of slip systems induces dislocation formation, enabling plastic deformation. Furthermore, at depths exceeding 144.00‐nm, the emergence of stacking faults on the random rough surface is observed. Throughout the grinding procedure, plastic deformation of debris occurs, leading to the formation of plastic bulges on both sides of the tool, and the debris generated during processing does not impact the defects encountered during secondary grinding of the rough surface.