bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of alcohol use disorder on inpatient hospitalizations: A comparison of outcomes between urban and rural Veterans Affairs hospitals
Authors: Willey James , Kaboli Peter , Holcombe Andrea , O'Shea Amy M. J. , Yu Tong , Rewerts Kelby , Bailey George , Bandyopadhyay Anindita , Abrams Thad , Gutierrez Jeydith T.
Published: December 2024

Background

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality that disproportionately affects rural residents and Veterans.

Objective

To evaluate the burden of AUD in admissions at rural and urban hospitals within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) comparing patient characteristics, clinical outcomes, and 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year mortality rates.

Methods

Retrospective cross‐sectional study of patients admitted to VHA hospitals from 2016 to 2020, with a primary or secondary diagnosis related to AUD. Follow‐up mortality data was collected through September 30, 2023.

Results

From 2.9 million qualifying admissions, AUD‐related diagnoses were present in 14.3% of admitted patients (427,375 admissions among 190,152 unique patients in 129 facilities). Rural hospitals (n = 22) had a significantly higher overall admission rate for AUD‐related diagnoses (21.6% vs. 14.8%, p = .011), higher 30‐day readmission rates (17.8% vs. 15.3%, p < .001), but lower hospital‐level average length of stay (median = 4.3 vs. 5.6, p < .001). Mortality in rural hospitals was lower than urban at 1 year (9.6% vs. 11.4%, p < .001), 3 years (20.7% vs. 23.1%, p < .001), and 5 years (30.4% vs. 32.9%, p < .001).

Conclusions

Rural VHA hospitals have a higher proportion of patients admitted with AUD‐related diagnoses and higher readmission rates, but lower mortality rates. Approximately, one in three patients admitted with an AUD‐related diagnosis died within the 5‐year follow‐up period. The mortality rates observed are extraordinary and deserve urgent attention. A comprehensive plan to address AUD in the Veteran population, including how we approach and engage patients in treatment during hospitalizations with any primary or secondary AUD diagnoses, is needed.
Identifying opportunities to reduce imaging overuse in hospitalized children
Authors: Desai Sanyukta , Treasure Jennifer , Richardson Troy , Hall Matt , Shah Samir S. , Thomson Joanna E.
Published: December 2024

Background

Radiologic imaging is routinely performed to aid in diagnosis for hospitalized children. Identifying and reducing variability in imaging practices can improve care while reducing harms and costs.

Objectives

To identify common inpatient pediatric conditions with high prevalence of imaging and variation in imaging practices and imaging‐related costs across hospitals.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study of children 0–18 years old admitted to 50 children's hospitals in the Pediatric Health Information Systems database between 2017 and 2019. We excluded patients with complex chronic conditions, pregnancy, newborn, or neonatal intensive care charges, and those who died or who were discharged to hospice or rehabilitation facilities. Conditions with at least 2500 discharges and in which ≥30% of patients received imaging were included. Outcomes included imaging frequency, standardized imaging‐related costs (including all modalities across all encounters), and hospital‐level variation in imaging costs using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

Of the 56 included conditions, imaging was most frequently conducted in patients with pectus excavatum (97.8%), scoliosis (96.2%), and intestinal obstruction (96%). Fracture ($21.4 million), trauma ($15.7 million), and appendicitis ($8.6 million) had the highest total imaging‐related costs. Conditions with the highest geometric mean standardized imaging costs were nervous system disorders ($507), osteomyelitis ($494), vesicoureteral reflux/hydronephrosis ($468). Scoliosis (ICC = 0.49) and preseptal cellulitis (ICC = 0.48) had the highest variation in imaging‐related costs.

Conclusion

To reduce imaging overuse in hospitalized children, conditions with frequent imaging, high imaging‐related costs, and high hospital‐level variation in imaging practices should serve as priorities for future evidence generation, guideline development, and/or improvement initiatives.
Softening‐Up Persistently Stubborn Institutional Stances in Net Zero Change Environments
Authors: Barron Nicola , Palmer Mark , Ireland Joseph , Li Chuan
Published: December 2024

The decarbonization of the built environment remains a strategically important net zero pathway. Relative to other net zero pathways, the built environment persistently lags behind. To address this problem, we use the theoretical lens of institutional stance to enrich the understanding of the cognitive‐cultural foundations of institutions, in particular how entrusted institutional members hold, reflect and assert specific stances towards decarbonization of the built environment. In this institutional stance analysis, we identify three institutional change practices of nudging, tugging and mooring for softening‐up persistently stubborn stances in the pursuit of net zero goals. The findings point to mooring mechanisms which permit institutional members to ‘step out’ via temporal institutional respites, and subsequently reconciling these stances through the practice of satisficing, technology cycling and contrasting. Finally, conclusions and practical implications are presented for softening‐up persistently stubborn stances in prolongated net zero change environments.
Rapid Synthesis of Covalent Organic Framework at Room Temperature Incorporated Electrospun Nanofiber for Thin Film Microextraction of Quinolone Antibiotics in Honey and Chicken Samples
Authors: Chen An , Su Xuan , Zhou Yusong , Cheng Wen‐Bo , He Xiwen , Chen Langxing , Zhang Yukui
Published: December 2024

In this work, the covalent organic frameworks–incorporated electrospun nanofiber membranes were used as a highly efficient adsorbent to enrich quinolone antibiotics in food samples. Covalent organic frameworks composed of 1,3,5‐tris(4‐aminophenyl) benzene and 2,5‐dihydroxyterephthalaldehyde were rapid prepared only 20 min at room temperature, then were further synthesized into electrospun polyacrylonitrile nanofiber membranes by electrospinning the binary precursors solution directly. Coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detector, the method exhibited good linearity in the range of 1–100 ng·mL−1 for four quinolone antibiotics, with low limits of detection 0.19–0.34 ng·mL−1 (signal‐to‐noise ratio = 3). The recoveries of four quinolone antibiotics were 86%–116%, and relative standard deviations of the intra‐ and interday for four quinolone antibiotics were 0.7%–9.0%, respectively. The practical application of the thin film microextraction method using nanofiber membranes as adsorbent for detecting four quinolone antibiotics in animal‐derived food samples was demonstrated.
Open minds on open access—Exploring the benefits and drawbacks of emerging OA models
Authors: Poznanski Emily , Ashcroft Ben , Denne Ben , Gallagher Richard , Snowden Dhara
Published: December 2024

Key points

cOAlition S has been one of the main drivers of OA, however, some of the preeminent OA models that have emerged like APCs and Read and Publish deals are flawed.

Publishers have struggled to define their key value in the digital age and this has contributed to the weaknesses found in OA models.

Publishers should recognize their essential value in the generation of academic knowledge and forefront this in decision‐making to ensure a sustainable future.
Real‐time 3D MR guided radiation therapy through orthogonal MR imaging and manifold learning
Authors: Ginn John , Wang Chunhao , Yang Deshan
Published: December 2024

Background

In magnetic resonance image (MRI)‐guided radiotherapy (MRgRT), 2D rapid imaging is commonly used to track moving targets with high temporal frequency to minimize gating latency. However, anatomical motion is not constrained to 2D, and a portion of the target may be missed during treatment if 3D motion is not evaluated. While some MRgRT systems attempt to capture 3D motion by sequentially tracking motion in 2D orthogonal imaging planes, this approach assesses 3D motion via independent 2D measurements at alternating instances, lacking a simultaneous 3D motion assessment in both imaging planes.

Purpose

We hypothesized that a motion model could be derived from prior 2D orthogonal imaging to estimate 3D motion in both planes simultaneously. We present a manifold learning technique to estimate 3D motion from 2D orthogonal imaging.

Methods

Five healthy volunteers were scanned under an IRB‐approved protocol using a 3.0 T Siemens Skyra simulator. Images of the liver dome were acquired during free breathing (FB) with a 2.6 mm × 2.6 mm in‐plane resolution for approximately 10 min in alternating sagittal and coronal planes at ∼5 frames per second. The motion model was derived using a combined manifold learning and alignment approach based on locally linear embedding (LLE). The model utilized the spatially overlapping MRI signal shared by both imaging planes to group together images that had similar signals, enabling motion estimation in both planes simultaneously. The model's motion estimates were compared to the ground truth motion derived in each newly acquired image using deformable registration. A simulated target was defined on the dome of the liver and used to evaluate model performance. The Dice similarity coefficient and distance between the model‐tracked and image‐tracked contour centroids were evaluated. Motion modeling error was estimated in the orthogonal plane by back‐propagating the motion to the currently imaged plane and by interpolating the motion between image acquisitions where ground truth motion was available.

Results

The motion observed in the healthy volunteer studies ranged from 12.6 to 38.7 mm. On average, the model demonstrated sub‐millimeter precision and > 0.95 Dice coefficient compared to the ground truth motion observed in the currently imaged plane. The average Dice coefficient and centroid distance between the model‐tracked and ground truth target contours were 0.96 ± 0.03 and 0.26 mm ± 0.27 mm respectively across all volunteer studies. The out‐of‐plane centroid motion error was estimated to be 0.85 mm ± 1.07 mm and 1.26 mm ± 1.38 mm using the back‐propagation (BP) and interpolation error estimation methods.

Conclusions

The healthy volunteer studies indicate promising results using the proposed motion modeling technique. Out‐of‐plane modeling error was estimated to be higher but still demonstrated sub‐voxel motion accuracy.
Perioperative Use of Systemic Steroids Within Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery: Evidence‐Based Guidance for Clinicians
Authors: Ikeda Allison K. , Gray Raluca , Lee Victoria , Dixon Johns James , Briggs Selena , Raol Nikhila R. , Megwalu Uchechukwu C. , Joe Stephanie , Garritano Frank , Brenner Michael J. , McCoul Edward D.
Published: December 2024

Objective

To review and synthesize the available evidence for use of perioperative systemic steroids for otolaryngologic surgical procedures.

Data Sources

A comprehensive literature review with evidence‐informed recommendations.

Review Methods

Databases were queried for medical subject heading terms and keywords related to perioperative systemic corticosteroids use for comprehensive otolaryngology and subspecialty procedures including otologic, sinonasal, sleep, laryngeal, head and neck, facial plastics, and pediatric surgery. Perioperative period included preoperative (up to 7 days prior to surgery), intraoperative (on the day of surgery), and postoperative (initiated within 24 hours after surgery) timeframes.

Conclusions

Evidence from clinical practice guidelines, systematic reviews, and original research studies supports perioperative systemic corticosteroid use for specific otolaryngologic indications. Numerous studies support perioperative steroid use for nausea, vomiting, or edema in tonsillectomy, rhinoplasty, and thyroidectomy, although formal guideline recommendations are limited. Strong evidence supports perioperative steroid use before and after endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis with polyposis and fungal sinusitis. Evidence of benefit is sparse or absent on systemic perioperative steroid use for the middle and inner ear, laryngeal, salivary gland surgery, and reconstructive facial plastic surgery.

Implications for Practice

Although perioperative administration of systemic steroids is routinely performed for many otolaryngologic surgeries, high‐level evidence is limited to specific contexts. Evidence supports the benefit for reducing nausea, vomiting, or edema for several otolaryngologic procedures, as well as for either chronic rhinosinusitis with polyposis or fungal sinusitis. However, these benefits need to be weighed against risks, and further investigations are needed to define the role for perioperative steroids in otolaryngology.
Standardized List Evaluating Apnea (SLEAP): A Comprehensive Survey to Define the Quality of Life in OSA
Authors: Abdelwahab Mohamed , Saltychev Mikhail , Lechner Matt , Adibi Elahe , Wadsworth Elizabeth Walker , Fleury Thomaz , Rakha Abdelwahab , Khafagy Yasser , Abdelfattah Ahmed , Al‐Sayed Ahmed A. , Chou Courtney , Ali Ban , Liu Stanley , Kushida Clete , Capasso Robson
Published: December 2024

Objective

To develop and validate a patient‐reported outcome measure (PROM) to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) among patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Study Design

A prospective cohort study.

Settings

Tertiary referral center.

Methods

We developed a 15‐item English questionnaire that was administered to 176 adults with OSA and 22 adult controls without symptoms of OSA in a tertiary sleep surgery clinic between June 2021 and December 2021. The internal consistency and test‐retest reliability were measured using the Cronbach's α and the intraclass correlation coefficient, respectively. The 2‐sample Wilcoxon rank‐sum (Mann‐Whitney) test was applied to compare the 2 groups. Convergent validity of the test scores of the questionnaire was compared to previously validated outcome measures and objective sleep study outcomes using the Spearman correlation coefficient.

Results

Of the 198 respondents (176 cases and 22 controls); 71% were men and 29% were women. The internal consistency was excellent with the α of .92 (lower 95% confidence limit of 0.90). All the test‐retest correlations were positive, significant, and strong ranging from 0.50 to 0.90. The differences between cases and controls were statistically significant for all the items and for the total score. The total score of the questionnaire with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and objective OSA measures was moderate to strong.

Conclusions and Relevance

The new tool provides a validated PROM to evaluate the QoL among OSA patients specifically, with excellent internal consistency, reasonable test‐retest reliability, discriminant validity, and construct validity.

Level of Evidence

Level 4.
Study on mechanical performance of carbon fiber reinforced polyetherketoneketone prepreg and its composites prepared by slurry method
Authors: Cheng Dongcai , Shen Wensi , Chen Yuxi , Zhang Weijian , Huang Yuexing , He Yuzhao , Yu Lichao , Shen Linfeng
Published: December 2024

The increasing demand for high‐performance materials in aerospace, automotive, and industrial applications has driven research into carbon fiber reinforced polyetherketoneketone (CF/PEKK) composites. This study introduces a novel slurry method for preparing CF/PEKK prepregs and investigates the impact of fiber surface treatments—desized and non‐desized carbon fibers—on the mechanical properties of the resulting composites. CF/PEKK prepregs were successfully prepared by dispersing PEKK powder in deionized water to create a slurry, which was used to impregnate carbon fibers. After hot‐pressing, mechanical testing revealed that composites with desized fibers outperformed those with non‐desized fibers in tensile strength (3.29%), flexural strength (22.12%), and interlaminar shear strength (18.29%). Furthermore, desized composites exhibited improved impact toughness (24.29%) and reduced fiber pull‐out during tensile testing. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis confirmed enhanced fiber‐matrix bonding in desized composites, with fewer voids and better fiber dispersion. These findings underscore the effectiveness of the slurry method and fiber desizing in improving the mechanical performance of CF/PEKK composites, offering potential for advanced applications in high‐performance sectors.

Highlights

Thermoplastic CF/PEKK prepregs successfully developed using slurry method.

Novel slurry method enhances prepreg quality in CF/PEKK composites.

Desized carbon fibers improve interfacial bonding and strength.

Desized composites exhibit reduced fiber pull‐out during tensile testing.
Understanding the dielectric properties of silicone rubber‐BN nanocomposites under DC voltage
Authors: Krupanandam Ganesan , Dhivakar J Manoj , Kornhuber Stefan , Sarathi Ramanujam
Published: December 2024

The present study explores the dielectric and structural properties of silicone rubber composites with low‐weight percentages of boron nitride (BN) fillers aimed at insulation applications. The incorporation of BN fillers into the silicone rubber matrix significantly enhances the glass transition temperature (Tg), melting temperature (Tm), and crystallization temperature (Tc). Notably, the dielectric constant increases while the loss factor remains minimal with a low concentration of BN fillers with silicone rubber matrix. J–V characteristics from space charge limited current (SCLC) measurements were employed to evaluate trap density. The addition of 3 wt% BN filler notably improves the crossover voltage and trap density in the silicone rubber matrix. A strong correlation has been observed between trap density values derived from SCLC measurements and surface potential decay experiments. Furthermore, the SCLC measurements at different temperatures exhibit an Arrhenius behavior, providing insights into the charge transport and trapping mechanisms. Overall, the experiment results indicate that the inclusion of 3 wt % of BN filler has significant improvement in dielectric as well as charge trap characteristics.

Highlights

BN filler impacts permittivity and tan (δ) based on concentration levels.

Differential scanning calorimetry shows crystallinity changes with increased BN filler in silicone rubber.

Surface potential relates to J–V characteristics, following SCLC mechanism.

Arrhenius relation to temperature‐based SCLC shows thermally activated conduction.

Trap density trends align in SCLC and surface potential decay methods.
Synergistic Effect of Ag, Sb Dual‐Cation Substitution on Cu2ZnSn (S, Se)4 High‐Efficiency Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Tianyue , Sui Yingrui , Miao Chang , Cui Yue , Wang Zhanwu , Yang Lili , Wang Fengyou , Liu Xiaoyan , Yao Bin
Published: December 2024

The poor crystal quality inside an absorber layer and the presence of various harmful defects are the main obstacles restricting the properties of Cu2ZnSn (S, Se)4 (CZTSSe) thin‐film solar cells. Cation doping has attracted considerable research attention as a viable strategy to overcome this challenge. In this paper, based on Sb‐substituted CZTSSe system, we prove that Ag partially substituting Cu may be a feasible strategy. After a series of characterization of the films, it was discovered that the crystal quality and crystallinity of the films were further improved by introducing Ag into Cu2Zn(Sb, Sn) (S, Se)4 (CZTSSSe), and the concentrations of CuZn accepter defects and 2[CuZn + SnZn] defect clusters were effectively inhibited. At the same time, the carrier concentration is increased. The results show that when the Ag doping ratio is 15%, the photovoltaic conversion efficiency (PCE) reaches 8.34%, compared with the single‐doped Sb element, the efficiency is increased by 24%. For the first time, this study investigates the collaborative effect of Sb, Ag dual‐cation substitution in CZTSSe. The solar cell performance enhancement mechanism offers new potential for the advancement of CZTSSe thin‐film solar cell technology in the future.
Registration of four durum wheat lines carrying Sr13 alleles for resistance to stem rust
Authors: Klindworth Daryl L. , Rouse Matthew N. , Olivera Pablo D. , Jin Yue , Chu Chenggen , Friesen Timothy L. , Zhong Shaobin , Faris Justin D. , Fiedler Jason D. , Haugrud Amanda R. Peters , Gu Yong Q. , Elias Elias M. , Liu Shuyu , Cai Xiwen , Xu Steven S.
Published: December 2024

Four durum wheat (Triticum turgidum ssp. durum) lines Rusty‐KLB (Reg. no. GP‐1098, PI 705448), Rusty‐14803 (Reg. no. GP‐1097, PI 705447), Rusty‐ST464C1 (Reg. no. GP‐1099, PI 705449), and CAT‐A1 (Reg. no. GP‐1096, PI 705446), which carry stem rust resistance gene Sr13 alleles Sr13a, Sr13b, Sr13c, and Sr13d, respectively, are released by USDA‐ARS. These alleles originated from cultivated emmer wheat (T. turgidum ssp. dicoccum) landrace Khapli (CItr 4013), T. turgidum ssp. polonicum accession CItr 14803, durum landrace ST464 (PI 191365), and durum line Camadi Abdu tipo #103 (PI 192168), respectively. Rusty‐KLB, Rusty‐14803, and Rusty‐ST464C1 are near‐isogenic lines with the pedigrees Rusty*7/KL‐B, Rusty*4/3/Rusty/CItr 14803//2*Rusty, and Rusty*7/ST464‐C1, respectively. KL‐B, ST464‐C1, and CAT‐A1 are monogenic lines with the pedigrees Marruecos 9623//Khapli/Marruecos 9623, Marruecos 9623*2/ST464, and Marruecos 9623*2/Camadi Abdu tipo #103, respectively. Sr13 can be detected by perfect markers including Kompetitive allele specific polymerase chain reaction (KASP) marker KASPSr13 and semi‐thermal asymmetric reverse polymerase chain reaction (STARP) markers rwgsnp37. Specific alleles can be identified via STARP markers rwgsnp38, rwgsnp39, and rwgsnp40. The Sr13 alleles provide a moderate level of resistance, typically an infection type 2, to a broad spectrum of stem rust races. Sr13c was effective against all 15 stem rust races tested while Sr13a was ineffective only against race TCMJC. Sr13b was ineffective against JRCQC, QCCJC, QFCSC, and TTRTF. Sr13d is notable in being the only Sr13 allele ineffective to TTKSK (Ug99) and TKTTF. These lines are useful for studying the host‐stem rust pathogen interactions, identifying new genes, and breeding durum and bread wheat cultivars with stem rust resistance.
Intergenerational Care in Local, Long‐Distance, and Transnational Families: The Role of Geographical Distance and Cross‐Border Separation on Subjective Care Burden
Authors: Schiefer David , Nowicka Magdalena
Published: December 2024

Transnational family research documented well the challenges that migrated adult children experience when they want to provide care to their stayed‐behind families. Yet similar results are provided by research on long‐distance carers who are not international migrants. So far, it remains unclear how challenges of providing support to family members relate to the geographical distance between them, or rather to the cross‐border character of migration, it is when the (expected) caregivers and care‐receivers live in two different nation‐states. This article thus investigates the role of geographical distance and cross‐border separation on perceived intergenerational care burden of residents in Germany who feel in responsibility or provide care to their parents. We use data from a survey with 2900 migrant and nonmigrant residents in Germany. Findings reveal that geographical distance and cross‐border separation constitute two independent, accumulating stressors for burden experienced by individuals caring for their parents. Furthermore, we can show that the link between cross‐border separation and intergenerational care burden is due to increased time and financial costs but particularly due to legal restrictions to mobility such as non‐German citizenship or visa restrictions. The study represents one of the initial attempts to elucidate the mechanisms underlying distance and cross‐border separation in transnational intergenerational care, demonstrating that general theoretical frameworks for understanding burden in intergenerational care relationships can be applied to cross‐border family constellations.
The Nexus Between Traditional Chinese Medicine and Immunoporosis: Implications in the Treatment and Management of Osteoporosis
Authors: Ding Xiaolei , Yang Jie , Wei Yuchi , Wang Mingyue , Peng Zeyu , He Rong , Li Xiangyan , Zhao Daqing , Leng Xiangyang , Dong Haisi
Published: December 2024

Osteoporosis (OP) is a globally prevalent bone disease characterized by reduced bone mass and heightened fracture risk, posing a significant health and economic challenge to aging societies worldwide. Osteoimmunology—an emerging field of study—investigates the intricate relationship between the skeletal and the immune systems, providing insights into the immune system's impact on bone health and disease progression. Recent research has demonstrated the essential roles played by various immune cells (T cells, B cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, mast cells, granulocytes, and innate lymphoid cells) in regulating bone metabolism, homeostasis, formation, and remodeling through interactions with osteoclasts (OC) and osteoblasts (OB). These findings underscore that osteoimmunology provides an essential theoretical framework for understanding the pathogenesis of various skeletal disorders, including OP. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and its active ingredients have significant clinical value in OP treatment. Unfortunately, despite their striking multieffect pathways in the pharmacological field, current research has not yet summarized them in a comprehensive and detailed manner with respect to their interventional roles in immune bone diseases, especially OP. Consequently, this review addresses recent studies on the mechanisms by which immune cells and their communication molecules contribute to OP development. Additionally, it explores the potential therapeutic benefits of TCM and its active components in treating OP from the perspective of osteoimmunology. The objective is to provide a comprehensive framework that enhances the understanding of the therapeutic mechanisms of TCM in treating immune‐related bone diseases and to facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Cupressus torulosa, a Source of Antioxidant Polyphenols: An Analytical and Pharmacological Study
Authors: Khanna Radhika , Chitme H. R. , Bhadoriya Khushaboo , Varshney V. K.
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Cupressus torulosa (family Cupressaceae), widely distributed in the northwestern Himalayan region of India, is a coniferous aromatic tree traditionally used for its aerial parts. Its needles are renowned for their anti‐inflammatory, anticonvulsant, antimicrobial, and wound‐healing properties. Antioxidants from this plant are vital in combating oxidative stress, which are implicated in these diseases.

Methods

This study employed a range of methods, including in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo assays; biochemical estimations such as Total Phenolics Content and Total Flavonoids Content; and UPLC‐QTOF‐MS analysis, to evaluate the antioxidant potential of Cupressus torulosa needles.

Results

Initial screenings demonstrated promising antioxidant activity of 25% aqueous methanol extract of the needles, with SGOT and SGPT values of 55.28±57.07 and 52.27±19.50 IU/L, respectively, when compared to the positive control glibenclamide. Fractionation of the extract into ethyl acetate and butanol fractions revealed that the ethyl acetate fraction showed notable activity, with an EC50 value of 85.6 μg/mL in the DPPH assay, indicating effective free radical scavenging and reduced oxidative damage. UPLC‐QTOF‐MS characterization of ethyl acetate fraction in negative ion mode identified 34 metabolites, including 10 key antioxidant compounds.

Conclusion

These findings underscore C. torulosa’s potential as a source of bioactive antioxidants, highlighting its value for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. The research provides a foundation for further isolation, characterization, and clinical testing of these compounds, enhancing our understanding of natural antioxidants in addressing oxidative stress‐related conditions.
Hemoptysis caused by bronchial artery‐pulmonary artery fistula complicated with Dieulafoy disease: A case report
Authors: Lv Chongqing , Feng Tao , Wang Shishou , Lin Chen
Published: December 2024

Bronchial artery‐pulmonary artery fistula (BPF) is a rare vascular malformation of the bronchial arteries, associated with congenital heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, or pulmonary infections. It typically presents in adulthood and has a low incidence. Another rare vascular anomaly, bronchial Dieulafoy disease (BDD), is characterized by an abnormally developed artery within the submucosa of the bronchial tree. This condition is thought to arise from a combination of congenital dysplasia and chronic airway inflammation or injury. Both BPF and BDD are uncommon causes of hemoptysis, and their simultaneous occurrence is exceptionally rare. This report discusses a case of BPF complicated by BDD in a patient who presented with recurrent hemoptysis. The diagnosis was established through bronchial artery angiography, bronchoscopy, and surgical pathology. By examining the clinical features, imaging findings, and diagnostic criteria of these conditions, this case report aims to enhance clinicians' understanding of cryptogenic hemoptysis and provide valuable insights for clinical practice.
A case of silicosis with Mycobacterium avium infection relapsed with lymphadenitis 1 year after the completion of initial treatment
Authors: Hatakeyama Taku , Yokoo Keiki , Tatsuhige Ryota , Nagao Takayuki , Kikuchi Koki , Ota Satoshi , Yamada Gen , Chiba Hirofumi
Published: December 2024

A 71‐year‐old man with silicosis was treated for Mycobacterium avium infection. Antimycobacterial treatment for M. avium was terminated 1 year after a negative test result for the bacteria on sputum examination. One year following the treatment, the patient developed pneumonitis. In the sputum culture, growth of M. avium was not detected. Pneumonitis did not improve despite sufficient antibacterial therapy. Chest computed tomography scan revealed aggravated shadows of pneumonitis and swelling of supraclavicular lymph nodes. A lymph node biopsy was performed, and polymerase chain reaction testing revealed M. avium infection. We diagnosed the patient with pneumonitis and lymphadenitis due to recurrent M. avium infection. Antimycobacterial treatment with rifampicin, ethambutol, clarithromycin, and amikacin was initiated. Pneumonitis and the general status of the patient improved following the treatment. Lymphadenitis is rare in adults in the absence of any immunodeficiency condition. We speculate that silicosis is a risk factor for mycobacterial infection recurrence.
A case of pulmonary vein thrombosis with transient ischemic attacks diagnosed by contrast‐enhanced computed tomography
Authors: Ogata Yoshimasa , Aita Keisuke , Maeda Juri , Shiragami Risa , Hagiya Masaaki , Shuto Kiyohiko , Nakamura Fumitaka , Yamaguchi Masao
Published: December 2024

Pulmonary vein thrombosis (PVT) is rarer than pulmonary artery thrombosis (PAT). PVT is potentially fatal but is often overlooked due to its nonspecific symptoms. We present a case with PVT accompanied by paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. The symptoms were limited to transient ischemic attacks. Contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CT), which showed a thrombus in the right pulmonary vein trunk, was useful in diagnosing PVT. After switching the patient's anticoagulant from dabigatran etexilate to apixaban, the thrombus disappeared within 5 months. Contrast‐enhanced CT is a useful and common tool for diagnosis and follow‐up of PVT.
High Performance Bounded Finite Time Control for Linear Systems With Input Saturation
Authors: Ma Wenyu , Liu Guangyu
Published: December 2024

Real‐world dynamical controlled systems are often subject to input saturation due to the physical constraints of actuators. This causes the response performance of the system to be degraded. To this end, we propose a high‐performance bounded finite time control (HP‐BFTC) method based on sliding mode control for finite time tracking of linear systems with input saturation. In this method, a novel concept of rate regulation finite‐time stability is proposed to achieve better steady‐state performance. A bounded controller based on sliding mode control is proposed to achieve finite‐time stability in rate regulation, wherein a finite time approach rate based on an inverse tangent function is presented to alleviate chattering caused by sign function, and two control parameters are introduced to improve response performance. The rate regulation finite‐time stability of the system is proved in the estimated domain of attraction. In addition, a parameter tuning principle is given to enhance the response performance of the closed‐loop system in transient and steady state. The superiority of the proposed method in performance is verified by a case study.
Superior Salting‐Out of MgSO4 to Improve the Synthesis of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural
Authors: Cao Zhi , Liu Chao , Cao Haitao , Fan Zhongxiang , Shi Yixiang , Shen Tao
Published: December 2024

The effect of salts on the 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) synthesis over the catalyst of AlCl3‐HCl was investigated. An unprecedented R (distribution coefficient) value of 30.48 was achieved in the H2O/THF system when MgSO4 was used as a salting‐out agent. Results indicated that the excellent salting‐out effect of MgSO4 on HMF was attributed to the synergistic effect of Mg2+ and SO42−. MgSO4 showed more efficiency on the HMF synthesis than other salts in the ChCl‐H2O/THF biphasic system. A 78.1% yield of HMF was achieved from glucose under optimal conditions, and higher than 95.0% of the produced HMF was partitioned into the organic phase due to the excellent salting‐out effect of MgSO4. During the recyclability of the aqueous phase, a remarkably high yield of HMF (78.0%) and conversion of glucose (93.8%) were achieved even after 10 cycles. The MgSO4 also showed efficiency to improve the synthesis of HMF from other sugars. Finally, the salting‐out effect of MgSO4 on sugar dehydration was investigated in other biphasic systems, and the yield of HMF showed an obvious increase compared with the literature reports.
Phosphorus Heterocycles and Their Biological Applications
Authors: Kumar Asim , Mukhopadhyay Joy , Bhagat Srikant
Published: December 2024

Life of the living organism is based on phosphorous, and it is involved in almost all important biological and biochemical processes such as energy transfer, bone development and storing genetic information. Many of the therapeutic agents having C─P bond, isolated naturally as well and widely used in daily clinical practices are phosphorus‐containing drugs (e.g: phosphotriesters, phosphonates, phosphinates, phosphine oxides, phosphoric amides, bisphosphonates, phosphoric anhydrides, etc.) and growing further. The phosphorus heterocycles (PHs) integrate the merits of both phosphorus atom and heterocyclic scaffolds representing an important class of organophosphorus compounds, which are constantly drawing the attention among both industrial and scientific society as these compounds have shown varieties of related applications. Owing to its seminal biological importance PHs have inspired a whole generation of medicinal chemists to come up with novel scaffolds containing phosphorous atom. This review is focused mainly on the compilation of different classes of bioactive phosphorus containing heterocyclic skeletons (which includes phosphorus atom within the heterocyclic ring system or as substituted phosphorus atom attached with another heterocyclic ring system) having both  therapeutic and other material chemistry applications since the year 2000 onwards barring their synthetic routes.
Templated Synthesis of Hollow RuO2 Nanospheres for Alleviating Metal Wear Particle‐Induced Osteoclast Activation and Bone Loss
Authors: Sun Ziying , Muhammad Faheem , Qiao Chenfeng , Gong Wenli , Wang Zheng , Liu Yuan , Yu Xin , Dong Jian , Lv Jie , Cheng Xi , Lu Zhihao , Lin Chenguang , Lv Zhongyang , Sun Wenshuang , Yuan Tao , Meng Jia , Wu Rui , Shi Dongquan , Wei Hui , Bao Nirong
Published: December 2024

Wear particulate debris‐induced osteoclast over‐activation is a major causative factor in periprosthetic osteolysis and aseptic loosening, resulting in the non‐infectious failure of total joint arthroplasty. To mitigate such pathological bone loss, various therapeutic targets have been identified. Oxidative stress is one of the main contributing factors in the promotion of osteoclastogenesis. Herein, using a template‐assisted approach, hollow ruthenium oxide (RuO2) nanospheres are synthesized as an effective antioxidant for the treatment of CoCrMo alloy particles‐induced osteolysis. Hollow RuO2 significantly suppressed receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa‐B ligand (RANKL)‐induced osteoclastogenesis, bone resorption, and the expression of specific markers (including NFATc1, c‐Fos, MMP9, CTSK, and DC‐STAMP) of bone marrow‐derived macrophages via inhibition of the nuclear factor kappa‐B (NF‐κB) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α pathways. In mouse calvaria, hollow RuO2 nanozymes demonstrate an appreciable attenuation in osteoclast differentiation, bone loss, and soft tissue malformations induced by CoCrMo alloy particles. This study envisions that the antioxidant nanozymes may be further applied as a therapeutic entity in the prevention and treatment of other inflammatory and oxidative stress‐related ailments.
A Universal Strategy for Synthesis of Large‐Area and Ultrathin Metal Oxide/rGO Film Towards Scalable Fabrication of High‐Performance Wearable Microsupercapacitors
Authors: Pan Houqing , Xu Qirui , Fan Yingchun , Mao Chun , Qi Gaocan , Ma Yongchang , Zhang Chenguang
Published: December 2024

High‐performance wearable microsupercapacitor (MSC) as energy storage components is highly desirable for developing self‐powering wearable electronics. However, synthesis of MSC electrode film concurrently possessing large area, ultrathin thickness, and high areal energy storage capability is still challenging. Herein, a universal strategy is reported to synthesize large‐area and ultrathin metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs)/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) hybrid‐structured films by attaching self‐assembled film of a wide range of MONPs onto self‐assembled rGO film and subsequent carbonization. Combining a template‐assisted patterning strategy and a floating film salvaging process, flexible symmetric and asymmetric MSCs based on MONPs@C/rGO films can be easily prepared in large areas. MONP agglomeration is avoided and its pseudocapacitive behavior is well utilized, thereby realizing a high areal specific capacitance of 9.32 mF cm−2 in Fe3O4@C/rGO‐based symmetric MSC at a film thickness of only 275 nm, corresponding to a high volumetric specific capacitance of 338.9 F cm−3. Moreover, the MnO@C/rGO‖Fe3O4@C/rGO‐based asymmetric MSC delivers a high volumetric energy density of 69.8 mWh cm−3. The MSCs also demonstrate their efficient power supply in wearable self‐powering systems. This work provides a new route for scalable preparation of high‐performance wearable MSCs, and also enables customizable fabrication and performance tuning of MSCs.
Payload Provision to the ESA Science Programme
Authors: Zarnecki John , Parmar Arvind
Published: December 2024

We have collected data pertaining to the Principal Investigators (PIs), and co-PIs (where appropriate) for all ESA-led Science Directorate missions since the first such launch, namely of COS-B in 1975. For a total of 28 missions (including 4 in preparation awaiting launch), 437 individuals have been recorded along with their institution, location, “academic age” and gender. We have correlated the number of PIs by country with the financial contribution of those countries to the ESA Science programme. We have also investigated issues associated with age and gender of the PIs. As a result of these analyses, we make suggestions for actions which ESA and its Member States may wish to consider with the aim of encouraging equity and diversity while still placing scientific excellence as the overarching goal.
Conclusions
Authors: Parmar Arvind , Bonnet Roger-Maurice , De Marchi Guido , Kuulkers Erik , Pilbratt Göran , Schartel Norbert , Zarnecki John
Published: December 2024

This chapter summarises and draws together the results of the previous chapters of this work. Using the assumption that the exploitation and contributions to the Science Programme should scale with a Member State’s financial contribution to the programme, the “exploitation” (number of publications) is contrasted with the “contributions” (number of payload elements provided) to the ESA Science Programme. Some of the ESA Member States who excel in these areas are highlighted. The acceptance rates of proposals submitted requesting observing time on ESA’s observatories (XMM-Newton, INTEGRAL and Herschel) are used to investigate success rate dependence on academic age, gender and institute country.
Research and Development of an AI Music Therapist – Toward Digital Therapeutics of Music Therapy
Authors: Kosugi Naoko , Ishii Kentaro , Kodama Naoki
Published: December 2024

This paper describes research into the development of an artificial intelligence (AI) based music therapist (AI music therapist) for elderly people with dementia. Music therapy is expected to be effective for the ‘behavioural and psychological symptoms’ of dementia and thus contribute to reducing the burden of caregiving. However, the number of music therapists in Japan is very small compared to the number of elderly people with dementia, and not all elderly people with dementia in Japan have easy access to music therapy. Therefore, in order to enable elderly people with dementia to receive music therapy anytime, anywhere and as many times as possible, we are developing a virtual music therapist (AI music therapist) called ‘Satsuki-san’, who appears on a computer screen. In this paper, we report on the latest version of ‘Satsuki-san’ and collect opinions from caregivers actually engaged in the care of elderly people with dementia and music therapists with extensive clinical practice experience with elderly people with dementia. The opinions of the caregivers and music therapists showed a high level of expectation for the AI music therapist, but they also pointed out a number of problems, for example about Satsuki’s speech, such as the need for more intonation. The music therapists also pointed out a number of areas for improvement with regard to singing accompaniment. In the future, we would like to collect a variety of data from the subjects of music therapy through the use of the AI music therapists and establish a music digital therapeutics that can objectively evaluate the subjects’ condition and predict the progression of dementia.
Islands far outside the horizon
Authors: Bousso Raphael , Penington Geoff
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Information located in an entanglement island in semiclassical gravity can be nonperturbatively reconstructed from distant radiation, implying a radical breakdown of effective field theory. We show that this occurs well outside of the black hole stretched horizon. We compute the island associated to large-angular momentum Hawking modes of a four-dimensional Schwarzschild black hole. These modes typically fall back into the black hole but can be extracted to infinity by relativistic strings or, more abstractly, by asymptotic boundary operators constructed using the timelike tube theorem. Remarkably, we find that their island can protrude a distance of order $$ \sqrt{\ell_p{r}_{\textrm{hor}}} $$

ℓ
p

r
hor

outside the horizon. This is parametrically larger than the Planck scale ℓp and is comparable to the Bohr radius for supermassive black holes. Therefore, in principle, a distant observer can determine experimentally whether the black hole information paradox is resolved by complementarity, or by a firewall.
Altered ACE2 and interferon landscape in the COVID-19 microenvironment correlate with the anti-PD-1 response in solid tumors
Authors: Subbarayan Karthikeyan , Al-Samadi Ahmed , Schäfer Helene , Massa Chiara , Salo Tuula , Biehl Katharina , Vaxevanis Christoforos K. , Ulagappan Kamatchi , Wahbi Wafa , Reimers Matthias , Drexler Felix , Moreira-Soto Andres , Bachmann Michael , Seliger Barbara
Published: December 2024

Angiotensensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) is a receptor for SARS-CoV-2, allowing the virus to enter cells. Although tumor patients infected by SARS-CoV-2 often have a worse outcome, the expression, function and clinical relevance of ACE2 in tumors has not yet been thoroughly analyzed. In this study, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data from tumors, adjacent tissues and whole blood samples of COVID-19 patients from genome databases and from tumor cell lines and endothelial cells infected with different SARS-CoV-2 variants or transfected with an ACE2 expression vector (ACE2high) or mock (ACE2low) were analyzed for the expression of ACE2 and immune response relevant molecules in silico or by qPCR, flow cytometry, Western blot and/or RNA-seq. The differential expression profiles in ACE2high vs. ACE2low cells correlated with available SARS-CoV-2 RNA-seq datasets. ACE2high cells demonstrated upregulated mRNA and/or protein levels of HLA class I, programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), components of the antigen processing machinery (APM) and the interferon (IFN) signaling pathway compared to ACE2low cells. Co-cultures of ACE2high cells with peripheral blood mononuclear cells increased immune cell migration and infiltration towards ACE2high cells, apoptosis of ACE2high cells, release of innate immunity-related cytokines and altered NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Thus, ACE2 expression was associated in different model systems and upon SARS-CoV-2 infection with an altered host immunogenicity, which might influence the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. These results provide novel insights into the (patho)physiological role of ACE2 on immune response-relevant mechanisms and suggest an alternative strategy to reduce COVID-19 severity in infected tumor patients targeting the ACE2-induced IFN-PD-L1 axis.
Copies of $$l^{\infty }$$ in Quasi-normed Calderón–Lozanovskiĭ Spaces
Authors: Foralewski Paweł , Hudzik Henryk , Kolwicz Paweł
Published: December 2024

We consider order isomorphic and order linearly isometric copies of

$$l^{\infty }$$

l
∞

in the quasi-normed Calderón–Lozanovskiĭ spaces

$$E_{\varphi }$$

E
φ

. We present a number of theorems describing these copies in the natural language of suitable properties of the quasi-normed ideal space E and the non-decreasing Orlicz function

$$\varphi $$

φ

. In particular, we will characterize quasi-normed Orlicz–Lorentz spaces having order isomorphic and order linearly isometric copies of

$$l^{\infty }$$

l
∞

. Our studies are conducted in a full possible generality due to the measure space and the Orlicz function.