bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘A whirlwind of everything’: The lived experience of adolescents with co‐occurring chronic pain and mental health symptoms
Authors: Corser Jenny , Caes Line , Bateman Sharon , Noel Melanie , Jordan Abbie
Published: May 2023

Background

Co‐occurring chronic pain and mental health issues are prevalent in adolescents, costly to society and can lead to increased risk of complications throughout the lifespan. While research has largely examined paediatric chronic pain and mental health in isolation, little is known about the unique challenges faced by adolescents who experience these co‐occurring symptoms. This idiographic study examined the lived experience of adolescents with co‐occurring chronic pain and mental health symptoms to identify salient issues for this population.

Methods

Semi‐structured telephone interviews were conducted with seven adolescents (11–19 years) self‐reporting diagnoses of both pain and mental health issues for a duration of 3 months or longer. Participants were recruited from UK‐based schools, pain clinics and charities. Interview transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Results

Analyses generated two themes ‘a whirlwind of everything’ and ‘putting up fronts’, which describe how the experience of co‐occurring chronic pain and mental health symptoms typically disrupted adolescents' ability to regulate their physical, psychological and social wellbeing and identity. Adolescents described their symptom experience as like an internal storm over which they had no control. Such experiences required adolescents to embrace a variety of symptom management strategies, with adolescents reporting deliberate efforts to minimize their symptoms to external individuals.

Conclusion

Co‐occurring pain and mental health symptoms may be experienced in similar ways to individually experienced pain or mental health symptoms, but together, the experience may be both more difficult to manage and more socially isolating.

Significance

Adolescents with co‐occurring chronic pain and mental health symptoms describe the experience as if there was a storm inside of them disrupting their sense of physical, emotional and social wellbeing. This inner chaos interferes with their self‐identity and relationships with others. Challenges articulating their experiences, and negative encounters associated with their symptoms, further impact feelings of isolation and difficulties accessing support.
Multifactor data analysis to forecast an individual's severity over novel COVID‐19 pandemic using extreme gradient boosting and random forest classifier algorithms
Authors: Yenurkar Ganesh Keshaorao , Mal Sandip , Nyangaresi Vincent O. , Hedau Anshul , Hatwar Prajwal , Rajurkar Shreyas , Khobragade Juli
Published: May 2023

AI and machine learning are increasingly often applied in the medical industry. The COVID‐19 epidemic will start to spread quickly over the planet around the start of 2020. At hospitals, there were more patients than there were beds. It was challenging for medical personnel to identify the patient who needed treatment right away. A machine learning approach is used to predict COVID‐19 pandemic patients at high risk. To provide input data and output results that execute the machine learning model on the backend, a straightforward Python Flask web application is employed. Here, the XGBoost algorithm, a supervised machine learning method, is applied. In order to predict high‐risk patients based on their current underlying health issues, the model uses patient characteristics as well as criteria like age, sex, health issues including diabetes, asthma, hypertension, and smoking, among others. The XGBoost model predicts the patient's severity with an accuracy of about 98% after data pre‐processing and training. The most important factors to the models are chosen to be age, diabetes, sex, and obesity. Patients and hospital personnel will benefit from this project's assistance in making timely choices and taking appropriate action. This will let medical personnel decide how much time and space to devote to the COVID‐19 high‐risk patients. providing a treatment that is both efficient and ideal. With this programme and the necessary patient data, hospitals may decide whether a patient need immediate care or not.
Sustainable fuels: Lower alcohols perspective
Authors: Anekwe Ifeanyi Michael Smarte , Nyembe Nhlanhla , Nqakala Loyiso Clemence , Madikizela Mbaliyezwe , Isa Yusuf Makarfi
Published: May 2023

In the coming years, energy sources will play a vital role in global development. Biofuels made from sustainable sources are essential for the global economy's long‐term viability and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Clean, renewable, and sustainable must be the watchwords for future energy strategy. Alcohol fuels are again becoming a popular term in the context of green fuel usage in relation to climate change mitigation and clean fuel technology. In this review, low alcohol synthesis, applications and limitations as fuel and its catalytic conversion to fuel and petrochemicals were discussed, in addition to the techno‐economic evaluation, environmental implications and prospects for practical application of low alcohols as fuels and petrochemicals. The study shows that lower alcohols have emerged as a fundamental feedstock for the synthesis of fuels and value‐added chemicals due to the increased accessibility of conversion technologies in recent years, but the cost of producing lower alcohols affects their commercialization and availability.
Contribution of home garden vegetables on reducing stunting among 6‐ to 23‐month‐old children in South Tigray, northern Ethiopia
Authors: Mahari Hailemariam Tekie , Kahsay Zenebe Abraha , Abraha Girmay Gebresamuel , Abraha Amanuel Zenebe , Henry Carol J. , Nickerson Michael T. , Mulugeta Bezabih Afework
Published: May 2023

The study was conducted to analyze the contribution of home garden vegetables in reducing stunting among 6‐ to 23‐month‐old children from South Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. The quasi‐experimental study design was used. Multistage sampling technique was used to select the districts and study communities. A total of 94 purposively selected vegetable producer (intervention) households and 260 randomly selected non‐producer (control) households were included in the study (1:3 ratio). The recumbent length of children was measured using horizontal wooden board to the nearest 0.1 cm. The length‐for‐ageZ‐scores were computed using WHO‐Anthro 2006 software. Propensity score‐matching and difference‐in‐difference (DID) estimates were used to analyze data using STATA software version 12. Prevalence of child stunting was 19.8 (12.7–29.4) and 21.1 (16.4–26.7)% (baseline) and 43.5 (33.5–54.1) and 46.5 (45.7–47.2)% (end line) among intervention and control groups, respectively. Child stunting was higher for boys and older children from both intervention and control households. DID estimation revealed that there was no significant difference in child stunting between intervention and control households (DID = 1.7,p = .604). However, there was an intervention effect of −0.5, 2.5, and 1.7% in the prevalence of child stunting among females, males, and both sexes, respectively. Vegetable production as an intervention strategy reduced the prevalence of stunting in children aged 6–23 months. However, vegetable production needs to be well integrated with other nutrition‐sensitive interventions to realize the objective of reducing child stunting.
A good hedge or safe haven? The hedging ability of China's commodity futures market under extreme market conditions
Authors: Huang Huilian , Xiong Tao
Published: May 2023

Using a proposed quantile‐based hedging analysis framework, this paper analyzes the hedging properties and portfolio performance of 15 commodities futures in China, especially under extreme market conditions. Quantile‐on‐quantile regression results show that the dependency structures of most spot and futures prices exhibit an almost similar shape with positive coefficients, which indicates that most futures products are good hedges and safe havens for the corresponding spot prices. Quantile hedge ratios vary with the quantiles, displaying a U‐shape, so the hedge ratios of most commodities should increase moderately in both bearish and bullish markets. As for portfolio performance, metal commodities perform best; agricultural commodities second best, and energy commodities relatively poorly. Out‐of‐sample quantile hedging results are consistent with in‐sample results. Therefore, participating in the futures market can effectively manage risk. The premise is that investors pay attention to market dynamics and adjust their portfolios promptly.
An empirical investigation on risk factors in cryptocurrency futures
Authors: Chi Yeguang , Hao Wenyan , Hu Jiangdong , Ran Zhenkai
Published: May 2023

We investigate the cross‐section asset‐pricing patterns of major cryptocurrencies from 2017 to 2021. We show that the basis, momentum, and basis–momentum factors earn statistically significant excess returns, a result consistent with the findings reported in the commodity futures literature. The basis is the strongest signal predicting cross‐sectional differences in cryptocurrency futures returns; the momentum‐induced risk premium is not statistically powerful, whereas the basis momentum‐induced risk premium disappears when accounting for the basis‐induced risk premium. Daily factor returns are statistically much stronger than weekly factor returns. Monthly factor returns are nonsignificant.
VPS72, a member of VPS protein family, can be used as a new prognostic marker for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Huang Jian , Gan Jin , Wang Jian , Zheng Min , Xiao Han
Published: May 2023

Background

Vacuolar protein sorting (VPS) plays a crucial role in intracellular molecular transport between organelles. However, studies have indicated a correlation between VPSs and tumorigenesis and the development of several cancers. Nevertheless, the association between VPSs and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear.

Methods

By analyzing databases such as The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and The International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC), we investigated the differences in VPSs expression between normal tissue and HCC transcriptomes. Furthermore, we examined the relationship between VPSs expression and overall survival (OS) in patients with HCC. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were employed to assess the prognostic value of VPS72 as an independent factor, and the correlation between VPS72 and the tumor immune microenvironment was also analyzed.

Results

We observed significant overexpression of 28 VPSs in HCC tissues compared to normal tissues. The mRNA expression of VPSs displayed a negative correlation with OS, while exhibiting a positive correlation with tumor grade and stage. Additionally, both univariate and multivariate Cox analyses identified VPS72 as a potential independent risk factor for HCC prognosis. Overexpression of VPS72 demonstrated a positive correlation with various clinicopathological factors associated with poor prognosis, as well as the infiltration levels of immune cells.

Conclusion

Therefore, our research shows that VPSs participate in HCC occurrence and development, especially VPS72, which may act as a potential target for HCC treatment and prognosis biomarker.
Hybrid deep neural network for automatic detection of COVID‐19 using chest x‐ray images
Authors: Acharya Upendra Kumar , Ali Mohammad Taha , Ahmed Mohd Kaif , Siddiqui Mohd Tabish , Gupta Harsh , Kumar Sandeep , Mishra Ajey Shakti
Published: May 2023

The 2019 coronavirus (COVID‐19), started in China, spreads rapidly around the entire world. In automated medical imagery diagnostic technique, due to presence of noise in medical images and use of single pre‐trained model on low quality images, the existing deep network models cannot provide the optimal results with better accuracy. Hence, hybrid deep learning model of Xception model & Resnet50V2 model is proposed in this paper. This study suggests classifying X‐ray images into three categories namely, normal, bacterial/viral infections and Covid positive. It utilizes CLAHE & BM3D techniques to improve visual clarity and reduce noise. Transfer learning method with variety of pre‐trained models such as ResNet‐50, Inception V3, VGG‐16, VGG‐19, ResNet50V2, and Xception are used for better feature extraction and Chest X‐ray image classification. The overfitting issue were resolved using K‐fold cross validation. The proposed hybrid deep learning model results high accuracy of 97.8% which is better than existing techniques.
Forward selection‐based ensemble of deep neural networks for melanoma classification in dermoscopy images
Authors: Söylemez Ömer Faruk
Published: May 2023

Melanoma is a rare skin cancer that constitutes only 1% of skin cancer cases. However, its ability to spread to other organs makes it deadliest among the four major cancer types. Early diagnosis of melanoma is essential, as it prevents cancer from spreading to other body parts, therefore significantly reducing mortality rates. In this study, we presented a forward selection‐based ensembling strategy for deep neural networks to aid the diagnosis of melanoma in dermoscopy images. The proposed approach uses an ensemble of neural networks with varying input sizes to effectively capture size‐related various properties of dermoscopy images. To this end, EfficientNet models B3–B7 are used with input resolutions of 256, 384, 512, and 768. Training and validation are carried out in a triple stratified cross‐validation style with folds providing patient isolation, balance in the percentage of classes and balanced patient count distribution. Ensembles are formed by a modified form of forward selection algorithm. Experimental results show that the AUC for classification is increased by 2.01% using the proposed ensembling scheme.
Sprinkler irrigation uniformity assessment: Relational analysis of Christiansen uniformity and Distribution uniformity
Authors: Xue Shaopeng , Ge Maosheng , Wei Fuqiang , Zhang Qianwen
Published: May 2023

Christiansen uniformity (CU) and Distribution uniformity (DU) are the most commonly used irrigation quality evaluation indicators, focusing on overall uniformity and local water deficit, respectively. Clarifying the quantitative relationship between the CU and DU has important production value for determining the water distribution characteristics of whole and localized areas in the evaluation of sprinkler irrigation water uniformity and improving the quality of sprinkler irrigation. This paper analyses the relationship between the calculation formulas of CU and DU based on mathematical analysis. The results reveal a prominent linear relationship between CU and DU, and the sum of the slope coefficient and the constant term of the linear relationship equation is 1. The value of the slope coefficient of the CU–DU linear relationship characterizes the differentiated form of the sprinkler water distribution. The slope coefficient is determined by the nozzle type, operating parameters and working scenarios. Notably, the specific form of the linear relationship obtained by fitting the experimental results in the literature is not universal. The mapping relationship between the value of the slope coefficient and the distribution form of sprinkler irrigation water quantity was established, and the influence of the value range of the slope coefficient on the DU of the overall and local sprinkler irrigation water quantity was demonstrated. The results show that the deviation rates of CU and DU decrease with increasing slope coefficient. When the slope coefficient is less than 1, CU is greater than DU; and the slope coefficient ranges from 0.46 to 1.36. When the slope coefficient is 0.625, the possibility of uniform irrigation is the highest. This research helps to overcome the limitations of CU and DU for irrigation uniformity evaluation and provides a reference for carrying out sprinkler irrigation uniformity evaluation with comprehensive characterization capabilities.
Teaching children to identify and avoid food allergens using behavioral skills training
Authors: Quiroz Matthew J. , Schnell‐Peskin Lauren K. , Kisamore April N. , Watkins Jessica Day , Vladescu Jason C.
Published: May 2023

Allergic reactions to allergenic foods can pose a lethal threat to children with food allergies. Previous research has demonstrated the effectiveness of using behavioral skills training (BST) plus in situ training (IST) to teach safety responses to children. However, there has not been an evaluation of using BST to teach food safety to children with food allergies. Three elementary‐school children of neurotypical development with food allergies participated. We evaluated the efficacy of BST with IST in teaching participants to identify and respond to allergenic foods by (a) asking to see the food packaging, (b) scanning the food label for the allergenic food, and (c) reporting the safety threat to an adult while not consuming the food. Trials without allergenic foods were also presented to ensure discriminated responding. All participants demonstrated the three correct safety responses after BST and responded differentially across allergenic and nonallergenic foods, with two participants requiring feedback (IST).
Oil prices in the real economy
Authors: Shu Haicheng , Spencer Peter
Published: May 2023

This paper presents a macro‐finance model of the US economy and the spot and futures markets for oil. The performance of the model is greatly enhanced by using the Kalman filter to model latent variables representing the inflation asymptote, the real price of oil and the slope of the futures curve. We find that these are dominated by innovations in observed futures prices, reflecting the importance of market expectations. Using the Kalman filter to capture inflationary shocks helps solve the notorious price puzzle, the tendency for increases in interest rates to anticipate such developments and apparently cause inflation. Futures prices also depend upon risk premiums, which we find are dominated by the latent variable representing the real oil price rather than macro variables like inflation and interest rates.
Wuzi Yanzong Pill protects neural tube defects by activating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Xinliang , Yang Chanjuan , Li Yanrong , Gong Qiang , Ru Yi , Xie Liangqi , Xiao Baoguo , Jin Xiaoming , Ma Cungen , Chai Zhi , Fan Huijie
Published: May 2023

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are severe congenital malformations that can lead to lifelong disability. Wuzi Yanzong Pill (WYP) is an herbal formula of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that has been shown to have a protective effect against NTDs in a rodent model induced by all‐trans retinoic acid (atRA), but the mechanism remains unclear. In this study, the neuroprotective effect and mechanism of WYP on NTDs were investigated in vivo using an atRA‐induced mouse model and in vitro using cell injury model induced by atRA in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and Chinese hamster dihydrofolate reductase‐deficient (CHO/dhFr) cells. Our findings suggest that WYP has an excellent preventive effect on atRA‐induced NTDs in mouse embryos, which may be related to the activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, improved embryonic antioxidant capacity, and anti‐apoptotic effects, and this effect is not dependent on folic acid (FA). Our results demonstrated that WYP significantly reduced the incidence of NTDs induced by atRA; increased the activity of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), and content of glutathione (GSH); decreased the apoptosis of neural tube cells; up‐regulated the expression of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K), phospho protein kinase B (p‐Akt), nuclear factor erythroid‐2 related factor (Nrf2), and b‐cell lymphoma‐2 (Bcl‐2); and down‐regulated the expression of bcl‐2‐associated X protein (Bax). Our in vitro studies suggested that the preventive effect of WYP on atRA‐treated NTDs was independent of FA, which might be attributed to the herbal ingredients of WYP. The results suggest that WYP had an excellent prevention effect on atRA‐induced NTDs mouse embryos, which may be independent of FA but related to the activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and improvement of embryonic antioxidant capacity and anti‐apoptosis.
Investigating the tension between persistence and well‐being in engineering doctoral programs
Authors: Shanachilubwa Kanembe , Sallai Gabriella , Berdanier Catherine G. P.
Published: May 2023

Background

While studies examining graduate engineering student attrition have grown more prevalent, there is an incomplete understanding of the plight faced by persisting students. As mental health and well‐being crises emerge in graduate student populations, it is important to understand how students conceptualize their well‐being in relation to their decisions to persist or depart from their program.

Purpose/Hypothesis

The purpose of this article is to characterize the well‐being of students who endured overwhelming difficulties in their doctoral engineering programs. The PERMA‐V framework of well‐being theory proposes that well‐being is a multifaceted construct comprised of positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, accomplishment, and vitality.

Design/Method

Data were collected in a mixed‐methods research design through two rounds of qualitative semistructured interviews and a survey‐based PERMA‐V profiling instrument. Interview data were analyzed thematically using the PERMA‐V framework as an a priori coding schema and narrative configuration and analysis.

Results

The narratives demonstrated the interconnectedness between the different facets of well‐being and how they were influenced by various experiences the participants encountered. The participants in this study faced prolonged and extreme adversity. By understanding how the multiple dimensions of well‐being theory manifested in their narratives, we better understood and interpreted how these participants chose to persist.
Grading Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Grade Using Diffusion Relaxation Correlated MR Spectroscopic Imaging
Authors: Dai Yongming , Hu Wentao , Wu Guangyu , Wu Dongmei , Zhu Mengying , Luo Yuansheng , Wang Jieying , Zhou Yan , Hu Peng
Published: May 2023

Background

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common subtype of RCC, and accurate grading is crucial for prognosis and treatment selection. Biopsy is the reference standard for grading, but MRI methods can improve and complement the grading procedure.

Purpose

Assess the performance of diffusion relaxation correlation spectroscopic imaging (DR‐CSI) in grading ccRCC.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

79 patients (age: 58.1 +/− 11.5 years; 55 male) with ccRCC confirmed by histopathology (grade 1, 7; grade 2, 45; grade 3, 18; grade 4, 9) following surgery.

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0 T MRI scanner. DR‐CSI with a diffusion‐weighted echo‐planar imaging sequence and T2‐mapping with a multi‐echo spin echo sequence.

Assessment

DR‐CSI results were analyzed for the solid tumor regions of interest using spectrum segmentation with five sub‐region volume fraction metrics (VA, VB, VC, VD, and VE). The regulations for spectrum segmentation were determined based on the D‐T2 spectra of distinct macro‐components. Tumor size, voxel‐wise T2, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were obtained. Histopathology assessed tumor grade (G1–G4) for each case.

Statistical Tests

One‐way ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis test, Spearman's correlation (coefficient, rho), multivariable logistic regression analysis, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, and DeLong's test. Significance criteria: P < 0.05.

Results

Significant differences were found in ADC, T2, DR‐CSI VB, and VD among the ccRCC grades. Correlations were found for ccRCC grade to tumor size (rho = 0.419), age (rho = 0.253), VB (rho = 0.553) and VD (rho = −0.378). AUC of VB was slightly larger than ADC in distinguishing low‐grade (G1‐G2) from high‐grade (G3‐G4) ccRCC (0.801 vs. 0.762, P = 0.406) and G1 from G2 to G4 (0.796 vs. 0.647, P = 0.175), although not significant. Combining VB, VD, and VE had better diagnostic performance than combining ADC and T2 for differentiating G1 from G2‐G4 (AUC: 0.814 vs 0.643).

Data Conclusion

DR‐CSI parameters are correlated with ccRCC grades, and may help to differentiate ccRCC grades.

Evidence Level

2

Technical Efficacy Stage

2
Metagenomic analysis of the relationship between the microorganisms and the volatiles' development in the wines during spontaneous fermentation from the eastern foothills of the Ningxia Helan mountains in China
Authors: Ma Wenrui , Yu Jiajun , Yang Fan , Zhang Xiaomeng , Zhang Fengjie , Jin Weiyun , Sun Zhiwei , Zhao Zhihui , Jia Shiru , Zhong Cheng , Xue Jie
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

The natural fermentation of multispecies microbial communities is responsible for unique flavors of winery regions of the eastern foothills of the Ningxia Helan Mountains in China. However, the participation of different microorganisms in the metabolic network for the development of important flavor substances is not clearly defined. Microbial population and diversity on different fermentation phases of Ningxia wine were analyzed by metagenomic sequencing approach.

RESULTS

Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and ion chromatography were used to identify flavor components, and 13 esters, 13 alcohols, nine aldehydes and seven ketones were detected in volatile substances with odor activity values > 1, and eight organic acids were detected as important flavor components in young wine. Thus, 52 238 predicted protein‐coding genes from 24 genera were identified in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes level 2 pathways of global and overview maps, and the genes were primarily involved in amino acid metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism. Major microbial genera (Saccharomyces, Tatumella, Hanseniaspora, Lactobacillus, and Lachancea) were closely related to self‐characteristic compound metabolism and further contributed to wine flavor.

CONCLUSION

This study clarifies the different metabolic roles of microorganisms in flavor formation during Ningxia wine spontaneous fermentation. Saccharomyces, dominant fungi involved in glycolysis and pyruvate metabolism, produces not only ethanol but also two important precursors, pyruvate and acetyl‐CoA, which are necessary for the tricarboxylic acid cycle, fatty acid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and flavor formation. Lactobacillus and Lachancea, dominant bacteria involved in lactic acid metabolism. Tatumella, dominant bacteria involved in amino acid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, and acetic acid metabolism to produce esters in the Shizuishan City region samples. These findings provide insights into the use of local functional strains to generate unique flavor formation, as well as improved stability and quality, in wine production. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Chaotic Internal Dynamics of Dissipative Optical Soliton Molecules
Authors: Song Youjian , Zou Defeng , Gat Omri , Hu Minglie , Grelu Philippe
Published: May 2023

When a laser cavity supports the propagation of several ultrashort pulses, these pulses can form compact bound states called soliton molecules. Soliton molecules are fascinating objects of nonlinear science, presenting striking analogies with their matter molecule counterparts. The relative timing and phase between the copropagating pulses are the most salient internal degrees of freedom of the soliton molecule. The soliton pair, composed of two identical pulses, constitutes the chief soliton molecule of fundamental interest. Its two major internal degrees of freedom allow self‐oscillating soliton molecules, which have been recurrently observed. However, despite theoretical predictions, the low‐dimensional chaotic dynamics of a soliton‐pair molecule remain elusive. This article reports the observation of chaotic soliton‐pair molecules within an ultrafast fiber laser by means of a direct measurement of the relative optical pulse separation with sub‐femtosecond precision in real time. Moreover, it demonstrates an all‐optical control of the chaotic dynamics followed by the soliton molecule by injection of a modulated optical signal that resynchronizes the internal periodic vibration of the soliton molecule. The fast error‐free switching between ordered and chaotic soliton molecules enabled by pump current sweeping and external injection highlights the potential prospects of all‐optical logic gates and chaotic communication using soliton molecules.
Effect of sliding speed on the thermohydrodynamic performance of partially slip‐textured slider bearings
Authors: Singh Sartaj , Kango Saurabh
Published: May 2023

The present study evaluates the combined use of micro‐textures and ‘wettability gradient’ on the thermohydrodynamic performance of inclined slider bearings. Mass conserving Elrod cavitation model with slip boundary condition has been used to investigate the dimensionless static performance parameters at different convergence ratios and sliding speeds. The most effective location of the wettability gradient and textures has been considered in the present work. It has been observed that with the increase in sliding speed, the load carrying capacity, friction force and volumetric inflow rate of the slip‐textured bearings were improved. The improvements were more pronounced at smaller convergence ratios. Moreover, the slip‐textured bearings exhibited significant improvement in the average pressure and temperature of the lubricant. However, at higher sliding speeds, a substantial increase in friction force and average lubricant temperature was noticed. The square textured slip bearing exhibited maximum improvements towards various performance parameters of the three considered texture shapes.
Current Status and Trends in Nucleic Acids for Cancer Therapy: A Focus on Polysaccharide‐Based Nanomedicines
Authors: Molinar Chiara , Tannous Maria , Meloni Domitilla , Cavalli Roberta , Scomparin Anna
Published: May 2023

The efficacious delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids to cancer still remains an open issue. Through the years, several strategies are developed for the encapsulation of genetic molecules exploiting different materials, such as viral vectors, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), and polymeric nanoparticles (NPs). Indeed, the rapid approval by regulatory authorities and the wide use of LNPs complexing the mRNA coding for the spark protein for COVID‐19 vaccination paved the way for the initiation of several clinical trials exploiting lipid nanoparticles for cancer therapy. Nevertheless, polymers still represent a valuable alternative to lipid‐based formulations, due to the low cost and the chemical flexibility that allows for the conjugation of targeting ligands. This review will analyze the status of the ongoing clinical trials for cancer therapy, including vaccination and immunotherapy approaches, exploiting polymeric materials. Among those nanosized carriers, sugar‐based backbones are an interesting category. A cyclodextrin‐based carrier (CALAA‐01) is the first polymeric material to enter a clinical trial complexed with siRNA for cancer therapy, and chitosan is one of the most characterized non‐viral vectors able to complex genetic material. Finally, the recent advances in the use of sugar‐based polymers (oligo‐ and polysaccharides) for the complexation of nucleic acids in advanced preclinical stage will be discussed.
Optimal control of generalized multiobjective games with application to traffic networks modeling
Authors: Van Hung Nguyen , Keller André A.
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this paper is to study some new results on the existence and convergence of the solutions to controlled systems of generalized multiobjective games, controlled systems of traffic networks, and optimal control problems (OCPs). First, we introduce the controlled systems of generalized multiobjective games and establish the existence of the solutions for these systems using Browder‐type fixed point theorem in the noncompact case and the ‐quasi‐concavity. Results on the convergence of controlled systems of the solutions for such problems using the auxiliary solution sets and the extended ‐convexity of the objective functions are studied. Second, we investigate OCPs governed by generalized multiobjective games. The existence and convergence of the solutions to these problems are also obtained. Finally, as a real‐world application, we consider the special case of controlled systems of traffic networks. Many examples are given for the illustration of our results.
Weight generalization of the space of continuous functions vanishing at infinity
Authors: Saleki Reza , Samea Hojjatollah
Published: May 2023

In this paper, we characterize the weighted generalization of the space of continuous functions vanishing at infinity and correct some wrong results in the paper. Let X be a locally compact space and ν is an arbitrary weight (non‐negative function) on X. We give a correct and comprehensive definition of the weighted generalization of , and show that it is a seminormed space with respect to the canonical seminorm , where . We find conditions on ν under which , with respect to , becomes a normed space or a Banach space or an algebra, or a topological algebra, respectively.
Intraputamenal Cerebral Dopamine Neurotrophic Factor in Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Multicenter Phase 1 Trial
Authors: Huttunen Henri J. , Booms Sigrid , Sjögren Magnus , Kerstens Vera , Johansson Jarkko , Holmnäs Rebecka , Koskinen Jani , Kulesskaya Natalia , Fazio Patrik , Woolley Max , Brady Alan , Williams Julia , Johnson David , Dailami Narges , Gray William , Levo Reeta , Saarma Mart , Halldin Christer , Marjamaa Johan , Resendiz‐Nieves Julio , Grubor Irena , Lind Göran , Eerola‐Rautio Johanna , Mertsalmi Tuomas , Andréasson Mattias , Paul Gesine , Rinne Juha , Kivisaari Riku , Bjartmarz Hjalmar , Almqvist Per , Varrone Andrea , Scheperjans Filip , Widner Håkan , Svenningsson Per
Published: May 2023

Background

Cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) is an unconventional neurotrophic factor that protects dopamine neurons and improves motor function in animal models of Parkinson's disease (PD).

Objective

The primary objectives of this study were to assess the safety and tolerability of both CDNF and the drug delivery system (DDS) in patients with PD of moderate severity.

Methods

We assessed the safety and tolerability of monthly intraputamenal CDNF infusions in patients with PD using an investigational DDS, a bone‐anchored transcutaneous port connected to four catheters. This phase 1 trial was divided into a placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, 6‐month main study followed by an active‐treatment 6‐month extension. Eligible patients, aged 35 to 75 years, had moderate idiopathic PD for 5 to 15 years and Hoehn and Yahr score ≤ 3 (off state). Seventeen patients were randomized to placebo (n = 6), 0.4 mg CDNF (n = 6), or 1.2 mg CDNF (n = 5). The primary endpoints were safety and tolerability of CDNF and DDS and catheter implantation accuracy. Secondary endpoints were measures of PD symptoms, including Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, and DDS patency and port stability. Exploratory endpoints included motor symptom assessment (PKG, Global Kinetics Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Australia) and positron emission tomography using dopamine transporter radioligand [18F]FE‐PE2I.

Results

Drug‐related adverse events were mild to moderate with no difference between placebo and treatment groups. No severe adverse events were associated with the drug, and device delivery accuracy met specification. The severe adverse events recorded were associated with the infusion procedure and did not reoccur after procedural modification. There were no significant changes between placebo and CDNF treatment groups in secondary endpoints between baseline and the end of the main and extension studies.

Conclusions

Intraputamenally administered CDNF was safe and well tolerated, and possible signs of biological response to the drug were observed in individual patients. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Cognitive Safety Data from a Randomized, Double‐Blind, Parallel‐Group, Placebo‐Controlled Phase IIb Study of the Effects of a Cannabidiol and Δ9‐Tetrahydrocannabinol Drug on Parkinson's Disease‐Related Motor Symptoms
Authors: Domen Christopher H. , Sillau Stefan , Liu Ying , Adkins Michelle , Rajkovic Sarah , Bainbridge Jacquelyn , Sempio Cristina , Klawitter Jost , Leehey Maureen A.
Published: May 2023

Background

Cannabis is increasingly available worldwide but its impact on cognition in Parkinson's disease (PD) is unknown.

Objective

Present cognitive safety data from study of an oral high‐dose cannabidiol (CBD; 100 mg) and low‐dose Δ9‐tetrahydocannabinol (THC; 3.3 mg) drug in PD.

Methods

Randomized, double‐blind, parallel‐group, placebo‐controlled study of a CBD/THC drug administered for 16.3 (SD: 4.2) days, with dosage escalating to twice per day. Neuropsychological tests were administered at baseline and 1–1½ hours after final dose; scores were analyzed with longitudinal regression models (alpha = 0.05). Cognitive adverse events were collected.

Results

When adjusted for age and education, the CBD/THC group (n = 29) performed worse than the placebo group (n = 29) on Animal Verbal Fluency. Adverse cognitive events were reported at least twice as often by the CBD/THC than the placebo group.

Conclusion

Data suggest this CBD/THC drug has a small detrimental effect on cognition following acute/short‐term use in PD. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
New drug approvals for 2022: Synthesis and clinical applications
Authors: Yuan Shuo , Shen Dan‐Dan , Jia Rui , Sun Ju‐Shan , Song Jian , Liu Hong‐Min
Published: May 2023

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a total of 37 new drugs in 2022, which are composed of 20 chemical entities and 17 biologics. In particular, 20 chemical entities, including 17 small molecule drugs, 1 radiotherapy, and 2 diagnostic agents, provide privileged scaffolds, breakthrough clinical benefits, and a new mechanism of action for the discovery of more potent clinical candidates. The structure‐based drug development with clear targets and fragment‐based drug development with privileged scaffolds have always been the important modules in the field of drug discovery, which could easily bypass the patent protection and bring about improved biological activity. Therefore, we summarized the relevant valuable information about clinical application, mechanism of action, and chemical synthesis of 17 newly approved small molecule drugs in 2022. We hope this timely and comprehensive review could bring about creative and elegant inspiration on the synthetic methodologies and mechanism of action for the discovery of new drugs with novel chemical scaffolds and extended clinical indications.
Delirium screening in a stroke unit by nurses using 4AT: Results from a quality improvement project
Authors: Ihle‐Hansen Håkon , Johnsen Nina , Jankowiak Tatiana , Hagberg Guri , Walle‐Hansen Marte M. , Landgraff Ida , Høvik Gunnhild , Graven Else , Myrstad Marius
Published: May 2023

Aim

To assess the feasibility of delirium screening with the screening tool 4AT conducted by stroke unit nurses.

Design

Observational.

Methods

Patients with confirmed acute stroke admitted to the stroke unit at Bærum Hospital, Norway, from March to October 2020, were consecutively recruited. Nurses performed delirium screening using the rapid screening tool 4AT within 24 h of admission, at discharge and when delirium was suspected, and filled out a questionnaire assessing their experiences with the delirium screening. A geriatrician validated the delirium diagnosis.

Results

In all, 62 patients were included, mean age 73.3 years. 4AT was performed according to protocol in 49 (79.0%) and 39 (62.9%) patients at admission and discharge respectively. Lack of time (40%) was reported as the most common reason for not performing delirium screening. The nurses reported that the felt competent to carry out the 4AT screening, and did not experience it as significant extra workload. Five patients (8%) were diagnosed with delirium. Delirium screening performed by stroke unit nurses seemed feasible and the nurses experienced that 4AT was a useful tool for this purpose.
Infantile hemangiomas screening modalities for primary care physicians
Authors: Roupakias Stylianos , Kostopoulou Eirini , Gkentzi Despoina , Fouzas Sotirios , Sinopidis Xenophon
Published: May 2023

Infantile hemangiomas are the most common benign vascular tumors in children. They present a characteristic natural history of spontaneous involution after a phase of initial proliferation. A small but significant minority demonstrates incomplete regression or complications and requires prompt intervention. Prediction of the evolution of infantile hemangiomas is challenging because of their morphological and behavioral heterogeneity. The decision between referral for treatment and observation is sometimes difficult, especially among non‐expert physicians, with the risk of missing the period for optimizing outcomes in case of delayed intervention. The aim of this review is to update our knowledge, especially of the primary care providers, regarding the ongoing difficulties of the early clinical evaluation of infantile hemangiomas, and to outline the importance of current practical scoring tools for the identification of the lesions which require expert consultation and referral.
Thermal stability and curing behavior of acrylate photopolymers for additive manufacturing
Authors: Setter Robert , Schmölzer Stefan , Rudolph Natalie , Moukhina Elena , Wudy Katrin
Published: May 2023

Next‐generation additive manufacturing processes based on UV‐curing acrylate photopolymers extend the barriers of functional part production by deploying rapid processing speeds, complex geometries with high resolutions, and an extended material spectrum. Many technologies introduce temperature‐dependent curing and decomposition behavior of acrylates to the list of process‐related challenges. This investigation targets a comprehensive analysis of the curing behavior and thermal stability of acrylic photopolymers by implementing analyzing techniques like thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. Significant parameters such as the UV intensity and the isothermal temperature are varied based on the design of experiments. Characteristic evolving gases at elevated temperatures are identified and discussed towards their relevance for the curing process. The calorimetric results demonstrate increasing reaction speeds with elevated UV intensities as well as a restricted accelerating effect of increasing temperatures. The reaction enthalpy proves to be strongly dependent on the chosen temperature. The results represent the base for the comparison of different kinetic curing models in future investigations.
Test–retest repeatability of organ uptake on PSMA‐targeted 18F‐DCFPyL PET/CT in patients with prostate cancer
Authors: Werner Rudolf A. , Lütje Susanne , Habacha Bilêl , Bundschuh Lena , Higuchi Takahiro , Buck Andreas K. , Kosmala Aleksander , Lapa Constantin , Essler Markus , Lodge Martin A. , Pienta Kenneth J. , Eisenberger Mario A. , Markowski Mark C. , Gorin Michael A. , Pomper Martin G. , Rowe Steven P. , Bundschuh Ralph A.
Published: May 2023

Objectives

We evaluated 18F‐DCFPyL test–retest repeatability of uptake in normal organs.

Methods

Twenty‐two prostate cancer (PC) patients underwent two 18F‐DCFPyL PET scans within 7 days within a prospective clinical trial (NCT03793543). In both PET scans, uptake in normal organs (kidneys, spleen, liver, and salivary and lacrimal glands) was quantified. Repeatability was determined by using within‐subject coefficient of variation (wCOV), with lower values indicating improved repeatability.

Results

For SUVmean, repeatability was high for kidneys, spleen, liver, and parotid glands (wCOV, range: 9.0%–14.3%) and lower for lacrimal (23.9%) and submandibular glands (12.4%). For SUVmax, however, the lacrimal (14.4%) and submandibular glands (6.9%) achieved higher repeatability, while for large organs (kidneys, liver, spleen, and parotid glands), repeatability was low (range: 14.1%–45.2%).

Conclusion

We found acceptable repeatability of uptake on 18F‐DCFPyL PET for normal organs, in particular for SUVmean in the liver or parotid glands. This may have implications for both PSMA‐targeted imaging and treatment, as patient selection for radioligand therapy and standardized frameworks for scan interpretation (PROMISE, E‐PSMA) rely on uptake in those reference organs.
How to avoid concerns with the interpretation of two primary endpoints if significant superiority in one is sufficient for formal proof of efficacy
Authors: Großhennig Anika , Thomas Nele Henrike , Brannath Werner , Koch Armin
Published: May 2023

Formal proof of efficacy of a drug requires that in a prospective experiment, superiority over placebo, or either superiority or at least non‐inferiority to an established standard, is demonstrated. Traditionally one primary endpoint is specified, but various diseases exist where treatment success needs to be based on the assessment of two primary endpoints. With co‐primary endpoints, both need to be “significant” as a prerequisite to claim study success. Here, no adjustment of the study‐wise type‐1‐error is needed, but sample size is often increased to maintain the pre‐defined power. Studies that use an at‐least‐one concept have been proposed where study success is claimed if superiority for at least one of the endpoints is demonstrated. This is sometimes also called the dual primary endpoint concept, and an appropriate adjustment of the study‐wise type‐1‐error is required. This concept is not covered in the European Guideline on multiplicity because study success can be claimed if one endpoint shows significant superiority, despite a possible deterioration in the other. In line with Röhmel's strategy, we discuss an alternative approach including non‐inferiority hypotheses testing that avoids obvious contradictions to proper decision‐making. This approach leads back to the co‐primary endpoint assessment, and has the advantage that minimum requirements for endpoints can be modeled flexibly for several practical needs. Our simulations show that, if planning assumptions are correct, the proposed additional requirements improve interpretation with only a limited impact on power, that is, on sample size.
Navigating Critical Language Education at the Crossroads of Neonationalism and Neoliberalism: The Role of Border Talk
Authors: Windle Joel Austin , de Araujo Rosa Jennifer
Published: May 2023

In this paper, we investigate the pressures placed upon English teaching by neo‐nationalist politics, particularly as it overlays existing neoliberal constraints. We focus on the experiences and perspectives of Brazilian teachers who are committed to critical language education even as it carries increasing risks to themselves. Interviews with five teachers are used to illustrate the ways in which their work is regulated through a form of power working through fear and threat of violence that has been termed (in)securitization (Rampton et al., 2022). By identifying the metapragmatic strategies adopted by teachers faced with hostile neo‐nationalist (in)securitization, including through what we are terming border talk, teachers and other agents in other settings are in a better position to strengthen critical language teaching and, as a consequence, fight for a more democratic future.