bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine-learning prediction of a novel diagnostic model using mitochondria-related genes for patients with bladder cancer
Authors: Li Jian , Wang Zhiyong , Wang Tianen
Published: April 2024

Bladder cancer (BC) is the ninth most-common cancer worldwide and it is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Mitochondrial Dysfunction is involved in the progression of BC. This study aimed to developed a novel diagnostic model based on mitochondria-related genes (MRGs) for BC patients using Machine Learning. In this study, we analyzed GSE13507 datasets and identified 752 DE-MRGs in BC specimens. Functional enrichment analysis uncovered the significant roles of 752 DE-MRGs in key processes such as cellular and organ development, as well as gene regulation. The analysis revealed the crucial functions of these genes in transcriptional regulation and protein-DNA interactions. Then, we performed LASSO and SVM-RFE, and identified four critical diagnostic genes including GLRX2, NMT1, OXSM and TRAF3IP3. Based on the above four genes, we developed a novel diagnostic model whose diagnostic value was confirmed in GSE13507, GSE3167 and GSE37816 datasets. Moreover, we reported the expressing pattern of GLRX2, NMT1, OXSM and TRAF3IP3 in BC samples. Immune cell infiltration analysis revealed that the four genes were associated with several immune cells. Finally, we performed RT-PCR and confirmed NMT1 was highly expressed in BC cells. Functional experiments revealed that knockdown of NMT1 suppressed the proliferation of BC cells. Overall, we have formulated a diagnostic potential that offered a comprehensive framework for delving into the underlying mechanisms of BC. Before proceeding with clinical implementation, it is essential to undertake further investigative efforts to validate its diagnostic effectiveness in BC patients.
Dual action effects of ethyl-p-methoxycinnamate against dengue virus infection and inflammation via NF-κB pathway suppression
Authors: Tarasuk Mayuri , Songprakhon Pucharee , Muhamad Phunuch , Panya Aussara , Sattayawat Pachara , Yenchitsomanus Pa-thai
Published: April 2024

Dengue virus (DENV) infection can lead to severe outcomes through a virus-induced cytokine storm, resulting in vascular leakage and inflammation. An effective treatment strategy should target both virus replication and cytokine storm. This study identified Kaempferia galanga L. (KG) extract as exhibiting anti-DENV activity. The major bioactive compound, ethyl-p-methoxycinnamate (EPMC), significantly reduced DENV-2 infection, virion production, and viral protein synthesis in HepG2 and A549 cells, with half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) values of 22.58 µM and 6.17 µM, and impressive selectivity indexes (SIs) of 32.40 and 173.44, respectively. EPMC demonstrated efficacy against all four DENV serotypes, targeting the replication phase of the virus life cycle. Importantly, EPMC reduced DENV-2-induced cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) and chemokines (RANTES and IP-10), as confirmed by immunofluorescence and immunoblot analyses, indicating inhibition of NF-κB activation. EPMC's role in preventing excessive inflammatory responses suggests it as a potential candidate for dengue treatment. Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) and drug-likeness for EPMC were predicted using SwissADME and ProTox II servers, showing good drug-like properties without toxicity. These findings highlight KG extract and EPMC as promising candidates for future anti-dengue therapeutics, offering a dual-action approach by inhibiting virus replication and mitigating inflammatory reactions.
Comparative genomics of sirenians reveals evolution of filaggrin and caspase-14 upon adaptation of the epidermis to aquatic life
Authors: Steinbinder Julia , Sachslehner Attila Placido , Holthaus Karin Brigit , Eckhart Leopold
Published: April 2024

The mammalian epidermis has evolved to protect the body in a dry environment. Genes of the epidermal differentiation complex (EDC), such as FLG (filaggrin), are implicated in the barrier function of the epidermis. Here, we investigated the molecular evolution of the EDC in sirenians (manatees and dugong), which have adapted to fully aquatic life, in comparison to the EDC of terrestrial mammals and aquatic mammals of the clade Cetacea (whales and dolphins). We show that the main subtypes of EDC genes are conserved or even duplicated, like late cornified envelope (LCE) genes of the dugong, whereas specific EDC genes have undergone inactivating mutations in sirenians. FLG contains premature stop codons in the dugong, and the ortholog of human CASP14 (caspase-14), which proteolytically processes filaggrin, is pseudogenized in the same species. As FLG and CASP14 have also been lost in whales, these mutations represent convergent evolution of skin barrier genes in different lineages of aquatic mammals. In contrast to the dugong, the manatee has retained functional FLG and CASP14 genes. FLG2 (filaggrin 2) is truncated in both species of sirenians investigated. We conclude that the land-to-water transition of sirenians was associated with modifications of the epidermal barrier at the molecular level.
Potential therapeutic targets for COVID-19 complicated with pulmonary hypertension: a bioinformatics and early validation study
Authors: Hou Qingbin , Jiang Jinping , Na Kun , Zhang Xiaolin , Liu Dan , Jing Quanmin , Yan Chenghui , Han Yaling
Published: April 2024

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and pulmonary hypertension (PH) are closely correlated. However, the mechanism is still poorly understood. In this article, we analyzed the molecular action network driving the emergence of this event. Two datasets (GSE113439 and GSE147507) from the GEO database were used for the identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs).Common DEGs were selected by VennDiagram and their enrichment in biological pathways was analyzed. Candidate gene biomarkers were selected using three different machine-learning algorithms (SVM-RFE, LASSO, RF).The diagnostic efficacy of these foundational genes was validated using independent datasets. Eventually, we validated molecular docking and medication prediction. We found 62 common DEGs, including several ones that could be enriched for Immune Response and Inflammation. Two DEGs (SELE and CCL20) could be identified by machine-learning algorithms. They performed well in diagnostic tests on independent datasets. In particular, we observed an upregulation of functions associated with the adaptive immune response, the leukocyte-lymphocyte-driven immunological response, and the proinflammatory response. Moreover, by ssGSEA, natural killer T cells, activated dendritic cells, activated CD4 T cells, neutrophils, and plasmacytoid dendritic cells were correlated with COVID-19 and PH, with SELE and CCL20 showing the strongest correlation with dendritic cells. Potential therapeutic compounds like FENRETI-NIDE, AFLATOXIN B1 and 1-nitropyrene were predicted. Further molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations showed that 1-nitropyrene had the most stable binding with SELE and CCL20.The findings indicated that SELE and CCL20 were identified as novel diagnostic biomarkers for COVID-19 complicated with PH, and the target of these two key genes, FENRETI-NIDE and 1-nitropyrene, was predicted to be a potential therapeutic target, thus providing new insights into the prediction and treatment of COVID-19 complicated with PH in clinical practice.
Interactions between Bacillus thuringiensis and selected plant extracts for sustainable management of Phthorimaea absoluta
Authors: Ochieng Terry A. , Akutse Komivi S. , Ajene Inusa J. , Kilalo Dora C. , Muiru Maina , Khamis Fathiya M.
Published: April 2024

Phthorimaea absoluta is a global constraint to tomato production and can cause up to 100% yield loss. Farmers heavily rely on synthetic pesticides to manage this pest. However, these pesticides are detrimental to human, animal, and environmental health. Therefore, exploring eco-friendly, sustainable Integrated Pest Management approaches, including biopesticides as potential alternatives, is of paramount importance. In this context, the present study (i) evaluated the efficacy of 10 Bacillus thuringiensis isolates, neem, garlic, and fenugreek; (ii) assessed the interactions between the most potent plant extracts and B. thuringiensis isolates, and (iii) evaluated the gut microbial diversity due to the treatments for the development of novel formulations against P. absoluta. Neem recorded the highest mortality of 93.79 ± 3.12% with an LT50 value of 1.21 ± 0.24 days, Bt HD263 induced 91.3 ± 3.68% mortality with LT50 of 2.63 ± 0.11 days, compared to both Bt 43 and fenugreek that caused < 50% mortality. Larval mortality was further enhanced to 99 ± 1.04% when Bt HD263 and neem were combined. Furthermore, the microbiome analyses showed that Klebsiella, Escherichia and Enterobacter had the highest abundance in all treatments with Klebsiella being the most abundant. In addition, a shift in the abundance of the bacterial genera due to the treatments was observed. Our findings showed that neem, garlic, and Bt HD263 could effectively control P. absoluta and be integrated into IPM programs after validation by field efficacy trials.
Wideband low-RCS and gain-enhanced antenna using frequency selective absorber based on patterned graphene
Authors: Wang Fuwei , Wang Yi , Zhang Xiaoyu , Liu Lu , Li Ke , Ren Yuhui
Published: April 2024

In this paper, a double-layer patterned graphene-based frequency-selective absorber (DGFSA) is proposed as a means of reducing an antenna’s radar cross-section (RCS) while simultaneously increasing its gain. The antenna consists of a patch antenna with Multi-Graphene Frequency Selective Absorber (MGFSA) mounted on top. The DGFSA consists of double-layer patterned graphene and a band-pass frequency selective surface (FSS). Two patterned graphene lossy layers with different square resistances are used, which broaden the electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption bandwidth of the DGFSA, thus greatly reducing the out-band monostatic RCSs of the patch antenna. Meanwhile, due to the quasi-Fabry-Perot (F-P) effect, the gain of the proposed antenna is enhanced by 2.4 dB. Additionally, the low-RCS antenna reduces the monostatic RCS from 1.32 to 17 GHz under y-polarization and from 1.4 to 16.8 GHz under x-polarization, respectively. Furthermore, a decrease in the bistatic RCS is accomplished. Results from simulations and measurements match up nicely, which means the antenna we proposed has a good application on the stealth platform.
Experimental evidence on the role of shared protocols as coordination device on clinical best practices
Authors: Finocchiaro Castro Massimo , Lisi Domenico , Romeo Domenica
Published: April 2024

Our experiment assesses the level of coordination on clinical best practice among physicians and investigates whether the release of guidelines helps in supporting coordination. Based on three clinical vignettes using current national guidelines, physicians evaluate the appropriateness of each of the proposed courses of action. Afterwards, physicians are allowed to ask which action corresponds to national guidelines and change their ratings, if desired. On average, slightly more than half of the sample coordinated on appropriateness evaluations. Empirical analysis indicates that several organizational and individual variables influence the level of coordination. Additionally, the release of national guidelines improved both the level of conformity and coordination. Our findings suggest changes in implementation practices to increase the impact of these shared protocols in the health field.
The natural history of neurolymphomatosis
Authors: Xu Elizabeth , Ho Quan , Liu Ashley , Gautam Shiva , Wong Eric T.
Published: April 2024

Background

Neurolymphomatosis is a lymphoid malignancy of the peripheral nervous system and its natural history is poorly understood.

Methods

We performed PubMed search and extracted clinical data for Kaplan-Meier statistics to determine outcome parameters over time. Kruskal-Wallis test was performed to compare prognostic factors.

Results

Our search identified 559 patients and their median age was 61 years. Median overall survival (OS) was 12.0 (range 10.0–15.0) months. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was the most frequent histology, involving the brachial plexus, cranial nerves, and sciatic nerve. None had molecular profiling. There was a progressive lengthening of OS in successive decades, from 0.5 (95% CI 0.0–0.8) to 26.4 (95% CI 18.0–34.8) months between 1951 and 2022 (r2 = 0.0528, p < 0.00001). Time from first treatment (treatment 1) to progression increased from 2.0 to 36.0 (95% CI 6.5–50.7) months (r2 = 0.0961, p = 0.00236). Time from symptom onset to diagnosis remained unchanged (r2 = 0.0000556, p = 0.939). Patients were most frequently treated with methotrexate, rituximab, and/or radiation either alone or in combination. Primary neurolymphomatosis had a better prognosis than secondary neurolymphomatosis. No OS difference was noted between B- and T-cell disease, but low-grade B-cell performed better than Burkitt’s lymphoma.

Discussion

Better outcome for patients with neurolymphomatosis is noted over time. But timely diagnosis remains a major problem that needs improvement.
The electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction in the presence of a metal-free organic catalyst based on 1,10-phenanthroline: the first example of a reaction proceeding by an intramolecular mechanism
Authors: Dolganov Alexandr V. , Yudina Angelina D. , Boykova Tatiana V. , Klimaeva Ludmila A. , Okina Ekaterina V. , Kostryukov Sergey G.
Published: April 2024

This article presents data on the electrocatalytic activity of new members of the metal-free electrocatalyst family, 1,10-phenathroline and N-methyl-1,10-phenathrolium iodide, for the hydrogen evolution reaction in the presence of HClO4 and CF3COOH.
High performance electrochemical CO2 reduction over Pd decorated cobalt containing nitrogen doped carbon
Authors: Gul Shayan , Nasim Fatima , Iqbal Waheed , Waseem Amir , Nadeem Muhammad Arif
Published: April 2024

Efficient electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (eCO2RR) to various products, such as carbon monoxide (CO), is crucial for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and enabling renewable energy storage.
A new virtual consensus‐based wide area differential protection
Authors: Koloushani Sayed Mahdi , Taher Seyed Abbas
Published: April 2024

This paper introduces a virtual consensus‐based wide area differential protection method through cooperative control concepts and graph theory. Using multi‐agent systems eliminates the need for a direct telecommunication connection between the protective relays to implement the proposed differential protection. In addition, applying telecommunication subgraphs facilitates the establishment of numerous differential protection areas. Collaboration between protected areas is facilitated by common agents, establishing a wide‐area cooperative protection network. The capability of the network operator to define various protection areas and the collaboration between these areas ensure the versatility of the proposed method for various protection purposes. The present paper primarily represents the application of the proposed protection system as a wide‐area supervisor protection for distance relays. Performance evaluations on an IEEE 39‐bus test system illustrate the method's effectiveness in various scenarios. The results show enhanced power system stability and resilience, particularly when traditional methods struggle to detect power swings with high impedance variation rates.
Spatio‐temporal attention modules in orientation‐magnitude‐response guided multi‐stream CNNs for human action recognition
Authors: Khezerlou Fatemeh , Baradarani Aryaz , Balafar Mohammad Ali , Maev Roman Gr.
Published: April 2024

This paper introduces a new descriptor called orientation‐magnitude response maps as a single 2D image to effectively explore motion patterns. Moreover, boosted multi‐stream CNN‐based model with various attention modules is designed for human action recognition. The model incorporates a convolutional self‐attention autoencoder to represent compressed and high‐level motion features. Sequential convolutional self‐attention modules are used to exploit the implicit relationships within motion patterns. Furthermore, 2D discrete wavelet transform is employed to decompose RGB frames into discriminative coefficients, providing supplementary spatial information related to the actors actions. A spatial attention block, implemented through the weighted inception module in a CNN‐based structure, is designed to weigh the multi‐scale neighbours of various image patches. Moreover, local and global body pose features are combined by extracting informative joints based on geometry features and joint trajectories in 3D space. To provide the importance of specific channels in pose descriptors, a multi‐scale channel attention module is proposed. For each data modality, a boosted CNN‐based model is designed, and the action predictions from different streams are seamlessly integrated. The effectiveness of the proposed model is evaluated across multiple datasets, including HMDB51, UTD‐MHAD, and MSR‐daily activity, showcasing its potential in the field of action recognition.
Predicting travel mode choice with a robust neural network and Shapley additive explanations analysis
Authors: Tang Li , Tang Chuanli , Fu Qi , Ma Changxi
Published: April 2024

Predicting and understanding travellers’ mode choices is crucial to developing urban transportation systems and formulating traffic demand management strategies. Machine learning (ML) methods have been widely used as promising alternatives to traditional discrete choice models owing to their high prediction accuracy. However, a significant body of ML methods, especially the branch of neural networks, is constrained by overfitting and a lack of model interpretability. This study employs a neural network with feature selection for predicting travel mode choices and Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) analysis for model interpretation. A dataset collected in Chengdu, China was used for experimentation. The results reveal that the neural network achieves commendable prediction performance, with a 12% improvement over the traditional multinomial logit model. Also, feature selection using a combined result from two embedded methods can alleviate the overfitting tendency of the neural network, while establishing a more robust model against redundant or unnecessary variables. Additionally, the SHAP analysis identifies factors such as travel expenditure, age, driving experience, number of cars owned, individual monthly income, and trip purpose as significant features in our dataset. The heterogeneity of mode choice behaviour is significant among demographic groups, including different age, car ownership, and income levels.
Biomimetic 3D printing of composite structures with decreased cracking
Authors: Du Fan , Li Kai , Li Mingzhen , Fang Junyang , Sun Long , Wang Chao , Wang Yexin , Liu Maiqi , Li Jinbang , Wang Xiaoying
Published: April 2024

The development of tissue engineering and regeneration research has created new platforms for bone transplantation. However, the preparation of scaffolds with good fiber integrity is challenging, because scaffolds prepared by traditional printing methods are prone to fiber cracking during solvent evaporation. Human skin has an excellent natural heat-management system, which helps to maintain a constant body temperature through perspiration or blood-vessel constriction. In this work, an electrohydrodynamic-jet 3D-printing method inspired by the thermal-management system of skin was developed. In this system, the evaporation of solvent in the printed fibers can be adjusted using the temperature-change rate of the substrate to prepare 3D structures with good structural integrity. To investigate the solvent evaporation and the interlayer bonding of the fibers, finite-element analysis simulations of a three-layer microscale structure were carried out. The results show that the solvent-evaporation path is from bottom to top, and the strain in the printed structure becomes smaller with a smaller temperature-change rate. Experimental results verified the accuracy of these simulation results, and a variety of complex 3D structures with high aspect ratios were printed. Microscale cracks were reduced to the nanoscale by adjusting the temperature-change rate from 2.5 to 0.5 °C s−1. Optimized process parameters were selected to prepare a tissue engineering scaffold with high integrity. It was confirmed that this printed scaffold had good biocompatibility and could be used for bone-tissue regeneration. This simple and flexible 3D-printing method can also help with the preparation of a wide range of micro- and nanostructured sensors and actuators.
Noise suppression method for OPGW transmission line galloping monitoring by using adjacent FBG sensors
Authors: Zhang Haifeng , Dong Shunhu , Chen Wenjun , Li Wancheng , Li Faxing , Law Helen , Ye Baoan
Published: April 2024

To solve the problem of transmission line galloping monitoring for optical power grounded waveguides (OPGWs) in external field environments, we propose a low-noise monitoring array based on adjacent sensors with low reflectivity fiber Bragg grating (FBG). We analyze the interference signal models for adjacent FBG sensors, and based on them, a noise suppression method by using adaptive filter input is constructed. Then we simulate the noise suppression effect of the proposed algorithm under different noise conditions. Finally, we deploy the low-noise OPGW transmission line galloping monitoring system based on low reflectivity FBGs in China’s western autonomous prefecture with a 220 kV transmission line. The experimental results show that, after adaptive filtering using adjacent sensors, the average noise power spectral density is reduced by 6.5 dB, and the algorithm optimizes the monitoring intensity spectrum. Oscillation events of about 100 m can be clearly observed within the monitoring interval. It creates certain conditions for further improving the typical event classification data processing and pattern recognition database for OPGWs and demonstrates promising prospects for engineering applications.
Photomolecular effect: Visible light interaction with air–water interface
Authors: Lv Guangxin , Tu Yaodong , Zhang James H. , Chen Gang
Published: April 2024

Although water is almost transparent to visible light, we demonstrate that the air–water interface interacts strongly with visible light via what we hypothesize as the photomolecular effect. In this effect, transverse-magnetic polarized photons cleave off water clusters from the air–water interface. We use 14 different experiments to demonstrate the existence of this effect and its dependence on the wavelength, incident angle, and polarization of visible light. We further demonstrate that visible light heats up thin fogs, suggesting that this process can impact weather, climate, and the earth’s water cycle and that it provides a mechanism to resolve the long-standing puzzle of larger measured clouds absorption to solar radiation than theory could predict based on bulk water optical constants. Our study suggests that the photomolecular effect should happen widely in nature, from clouds to fogs, ocean to soil surfaces, and plant transpiration and can also lead to applications in energy and clean water.
Poetic content [Poeticheskoe soderzhanie]
Authors: Etkind Efim
Published: April 2024

The text is a translation from Russian of the first chapter of Soviet theorist Efim Etkind’s 1963 work Poeziia i perevod [Poetry and Translation], in slightly abridged form. Etkind
is a vital figure within the translation milieu of the ‘Thaw’ era of the late 1950s and early 1960s, when there
was a policy of de-Stalinization and a degree of liberalization. Etkind’s insightful work on poetry translation using comparative
stylistics reflected, in some ways, the cultural-political environment of the time. It differed radically from the Realist
approach of Ivan Kashkin, who was influenced by Socialist Realism and Stalin-era rhetoric. Etkind pushed the boundaries of what
could be said about translation. His apparently apolitical approach was in fact strongly politicized in the Soviet context, and
his choice of authors and translators to discuss evidenced his sympathy for those out of favor with the regime and for fellow
Jews. Appendices – including a glossary of poetic terms and some biographical notes – are attached for the reader’s benefit.
Whose Body Really Belongs Here? Multispecies Encounters in Outdoor Leisure
Authors: Dashper Katherine
Published: April 2024

This case study considers the ways in which multispecies leisure – in this case horse-riding – opens up different perspectives on the question of whose bodies really belong in outdoor leisure spaces? Vignettes are used to explore the ways in which the presence of the nonhuman participant – the horse – facilitates different kinds of encounters with other users (human and nonhuman), transforming the experience of outdoor leisure. Multispecies leisure provides opportunities to experience outdoor leisure spaces through a different lens which deprioritises human senses and interests and questions the assumed primacy and belongingness of humans in these more-than-human leisure environments.

Information

© CAB International 2024
Strategic Dynamics of Social Mimicry
Authors: Fearon James D
Published: April 2024

This chapter develops a game-theoretic model with a view to specifying the nature of the strategic interaction in social mimicry and to producing comparative statics results interpretable for this class of situations. It starts by noting that social mimicry has the underlying structure of a betting game, with mimicry attempts being analogous to bluffing in poker. It then formalizes the model and summarizes the key comparative statics, before discussing evolutionary dynamics and illustrating them in several contexts: fake IDs, taxpayers, IRA operatives, and potential victims of genocide. An important insight is that the rates at which mimicry is attempted and succeeds depend on how much the target (or ‘dupe’) cares about stopping it versus the costs of doing so, and not on how much mimics want to pass or their costs for getting caught trying.
Mimicry and Its Double in the Iraqi Civil War
Authors: Holmes Stephen
Published: April 2024

The US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 sparked one of the most violent and complex civil wars in the early twenty-first century, one that provided ample opportunities and incentives for identity mimicry. This chapter uses the Iraqi civil war of 2006–2008 to understand the many forms that mimicry can take and the effects it may have in a modern conflict setting. It offers detailed descriptions of a wide range of defensive and aggressive mimicry tactics employed by all sides in the conflict as well as the counter-strategies they inspired. A striking feature of the Iraqi mimicry landscape was the phenomenon of policemen pretending to be members of sectarian death squads pretending to be policemen, a type of meta-mimicry intended to conceal the actual involvement of policemen in sectarian killings. Mimicry likely contributed to, and was subsequently somewhat reduced by, the sorting of Sunnis and Shiites into separate areas and to the retrenchment of the US presence into heavily fortified bases.
The Impact of Breast Implant Cohesivity on Rippling and Revision Procedures in 2-Stage Prepectoral Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Parikh Neil , Gadiraju Goutam K , Prospero Matthew , Shen Yizhuo , Starr Bryce F , Reiche Erik , Hyland Colby J , Karinja Sarah J , Broyles Justin M
Published: April 2024

Background

Rippling remains one of the most common complications following prepectoral implant-based reconstruction (IBR).

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to assess how implant cohesivity, a measure of elasticity and form stability, affects the incidence of rippling in prepectoral IBR.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of 2-stage prepectoral IBR performed between January 2020 and June 2022 at the Brigham and Women's Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, comparing outcomes in patients who received Allergan Natrelle least cohesive, moderately cohesive, and most cohesive silicone gel implants. Outcomes of interest were rippling and reoperation for fat grafting.

Results

A total of 129 patients were identified, of whom 52 had the least cohesive implants, 24 had the moderately cohesive implants, and 53 patients had the most cohesive implants. The mean follow-up time was 463 (±220) days. A decreased incidence of rippling was seen with moderately cohesive (odds ratio [OR] 0.30, P < .05) and most cohesive (OR 0.39, P < .05) implants. Third stage reoperation for fat grafting was less frequent in patients with the most cohesive implant (OR 0.07, P < .05). In subgroup analyses, the patients with the most cohesive implant, who did not receive fat grafting at the time of initial implant placement, did not require reoperation for fat grafting (0%).

Conclusions

The use of highly cohesive implants in prepectoral IBR is associated with decreased rippling and fewer reoperations for fat grafting.

Level of Evidence: 3
Simulation and experimentation of Propeller-Savonius turbine tested underwater surface
Authors: Wuryanti Sri , Sasono Teguh , Manunggal Bambang P , Mursanto Wahyu B , Sugianto
Published: April 2024

Indonesia’s vast maritime territory offers a unique opportunity for harnessing the potential Energy of seawater currents. This study explores the effectiveness of a combined Savonius and propeller-type turbine system. The Savonius turbine, known for its efficiency in capturing ocean currents due to its large sweep area, is combined with a propeller-type turbine to enhance rotational speed and power generation. A novel approach is employed to induce turbulence and optimize energy extraction, first channeling water through the propeller turbine and then into the Savonius turbine. A comprehensive investigation is conducted through simulations and experimental tests within a controlled tunnel environment. The study explores the performance of two-bladed and three-bladed Propeller-Savonius configurations at varying inlet water velocities (0.1, 0.3, 0.6 and 1.0 m/s). The simulation incorporates a turbulence model with 5% intensity and a hydraulic diameter of 0.216 m. Results indicate that the proposed configuration achieves a maximum power output of 2.0293 W with an impressive efficiency of 63.339% in simulation. Concurrently, experimental testing yields a peak efficiency of 61.335% and turbine power of 0.3951 W. The findings demonstrate the feasibility of the combined turbine system and highlight the importance of turbulence in optimizing energy extraction from seawater currents. This research contributes valuable insights into the design and performance of hybrid turbines for harnessing oceanic Energy, emphasizing the potential for sustainable power generation in maritime regions. The methodology and results presented herein offer a foundation for further exploration and refinement of seawater current energy conversion technologies.
Cost-effectiveness of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation vs. conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a pre-planned, trial-based economic evaluation
Authors: Delnoij Thijs S R , Suverein Martje M , Essers Brigitte A B , Hermanides Renicus C , Otterspoor Luuk , Elzo Kraemer Carlos V , Vlaar Alexander P J , van der Heijden Joris J , Scholten Erik , den Uil Corstiaan , Akin Sakir , de Metz Jesse , van der Horst Iwan C C , Maessen Jos G , Lorusso Roberto , van de Poll Marcel C G ,   INCEPTION-investigators, Suverein Martje M , Delnoij Thijs S R , Lorusso Roberto , Bruinsma George J Brandon Bravo , Otterspoor Luuk , Kraemer Carlos V Elzo , Vlaar Alexander P J , van der Heijden Joris J , Scholten Erik , den Uil Corstiaan , Jansen Tim , van den Bogaard Bas , Kuijpers Marijn , Lam Ka Yan , Cabezas José M Montero , Driessen Antoine H G , Rittersma Saskia Z H , Heijnen Bram G , Dos Reis Miranda Dinis , Bleeker Gabe , de Metz Jesse , Hermanides Renicus S , Matta Jorge Lopez , Eberl Susanne , Donker Dirk W , van Thiel Robert J , Akin Sakir , van Meer Oene , Henriques José , Bokhoven Karen C , Endeman Henrik , Bunge Jeroen J H , Bol Martine E , Winkens Bjorn , Essers Brigitte , Weerwind Patrick W , Maessen Jos G , van de Poll Marcel C G
Published: April 2024

Aims

When out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) becomes refractory, extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is a potential option to restore circulation and improve the patient’s outcome. However, ECPR requires specific materials and highly skilled personnel, and it is unclear whether increased survival and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) justify these costs.

Methods and results

This cost-effectiveness study was part of the INCEPTION study, a multi-centre, pragmatic randomized trial comparing hospital-based ECPR to conventional CPR (CCPR) in patients with refractory OHCA in 10 cardiosurgical centres in the Netherlands. We analysed healthcare costs in the first year and measured HRQOL using the EQ-5D-5L at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs), cost-effectiveness planes, and acceptability curves were calculated. Sensitivity analyses were performed for per-protocol and as-treated subgroups as well as imputed productivity loss in deceased patients. In total, 132 patients were enrolled: 62 in the CCPR and 70 in the ECPR group. The difference in mean costs after 1 year was €5109 (95% confidence interval −7264 to 15 764). Mean quality-adjusted life year (QALY) after 1 year was 0.15 in the ECPR group and 0.11 in the CCPR group, resulting in an ICER of €121 643 per additional QALY gained. The acceptability curve shows that at a willingness-to-pay threshold of €80.000, the probability of ECPR being cost-effective compared with CCPR is 36%. Sensitivity analysis showed increasing ICER in the per-protocol and as-treated groups and lower probabilities of acceptance.

Conclusion

Hospital-based ECPR in refractory OHCA has a low probability of being cost-effective in a trial-based economic evaluation.
Development of Two Eco-Friendly and High-Throughput Microwell Spectrophotometric Methods for Analysis of an Antibacterial Drug Tulathromycin in Pharmaceutical Bulk Form
Authors: Darwish Ibrahim A , Alzoman Nourah Z , Alsalhi Mohammed S
Published: April 2024

Background

Tulathromycin (TUL) is a triamilide antibacterial drug which has been approved for use in the European Union and the United States for the treatment and prevention of bovine respiratory diseases. The existing methods for determination of TUL in its pharmaceutical bulk form are very limited and suffer from major drawbacks.

Objectives

The aim of this study was the development of two innovative microwell spectrophotometric methods (MW-SPMs) for determination of TUL in its pharmaceutical bulk form.

Methods

The formation of charge-transfer complexes (CTCs) of TUL, as an electron donor, was investigated with 2,5-dihydroxy-3,6-dichlorocyclohexa-2,5-diene-1,4-dione (HCD) and 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-p-benzoquinone (CBQ), as π-electron acceptors. The CTCs were characterized using UV-Vis spectrophotometry and computational calculations. The reactions were employed for the development of two MW-SPMs with one step for the quantitative analysis of TUL.

Results

The formation of CTCs was confirmed via the formation of characteristic absorption bands with maximum absorption at 520 and 460 nm for CTCs with HCD and CBQ, respectively. The stoichiometry of both CTCs was found to be 1:1, and the values of different spectroscopic and electronic constants confirmed the stability of the CTCs. The mechanisms of the reactions were postulated. The linear range of both MW-SPMs was 10–500 µg/mL. The LOQs were 13.5 and 26.4 µg/mL for methods involving reactions with HCD and CBQ, respectively. Both methods were successfully applied to the quantitation of TUL in pharmaceutical bulk form with acceptable accuracy and precision. The results of eco-friendliness/greenness assessment proved that both MW-SPMs fulfill the requirements of green analytical approaches. In addition, the one-step reactions and simultaneous handling of a large number of samples with micro-volumes in the proposed methods gave them the advantage of high-throughput analysis.

Conclusion

This study described two new MW-SPMs as valuable analytical tools for the determination of TUL.

Highlight

The proposed methods are valuable analytical tool for the analysis of bulk form of TUL.
Effects of a Web–Mail Mode on Response Rates and Responses to a Care Experience Survey: Results of a Randomized Experiment
Authors: Tolpadi Anagha , Parast Layla , Elliott Marc N , Haas Ann , Bradley Melissa A , Wolf Joshua , Teno Joan M , DeYoreo Maria , Fuentes Lauren , Price Rebecca Anhang
Published: April 2024

Patient experience surveys are vital to evaluating healthcare provider performance. However, declining response rates over time and questions about whether responses reflect the perspectives of all patients under care have raised concerns. One proposed approach to address these concerns is web-based survey administration, a mode that has not been studied in the hospice setting. We tested a sequential web–mail mode for administering a care experience survey in this unique setting, where family caregivers respond after the patient dies. Sampled caregivers of 15,515 patients who died March–August 2021 while receiving care from 56 hospices across the US were randomized to one of four survey modes: mail-only, telephone-only, mail–telephone (mail with telephone follow-up), or web–mail (email invitation to a web survey with mail follow-up). Email addresses were available for 31.3 percent of sampled eligible caregivers.

Relative to mail-only (estimated response rate = 35.1 percent), response rates were significantly higher for web–mail (39.7 percent) and mail–telephone (45.3 percent) and significantly lower for telephone-only (31.5 percent). The web–mail response rate was similar to the mail-only response rate among caregivers without email addresses (35.2 versus 34.3 percent), but substantially higher among caregivers with email addresses (49.6 versus 36.7 percent). Web–mail and mail-only respondents reported similar experiences for 26 of 27 evaluative items. Among eligible sampled caregivers, several patient/caregiver characteristics differed by caregivers’ email address availability, but web–mail and mail-only respondents did not differ on any characteristic. A web–mail mode is feasible for surveying bereaved caregivers about care experiences, producing substantially higher response rates than single-mode approaches, with increasing benefits for hospices with higher proportions of caregivers with email addresses. Findings may be applicable to surveys of other sensitive topics and to populations that prefer asynchronous survey modes.
Ameliorative impacts of sinapic acid against mercuric chloride-induced renal toxicity: role of antioxidants and inflammatory cytokines
Authors: Mehmood Arshad , Soliman Mohamed Mohamed , Almalki Daklallah A , Alotaibi Khalid S , Youssef Gehan Basiony Ahmed , Althobaiti Saed
Published: April 2024

Because of their beneficial properties, natural products, especially medicinal plants, are becoming increasingly popular worldwide and play a significant role in research. This study was aimed to evaluate the nephroprotective effect of sinapic acid against mercuric chloride-induced renal toxicity in mice. The mice were allocated to four groups named a normal group (G1), model group (G2; received HgCl2, 1 mg/kg bw), treatments groups (G3 and G4: received 50 and 100 mg/kg bw of sinapic acid together with HgCl2). Mice received HgCl2 remarkably showed alteration in all examined biochemical biomarkers (urea, creatinine, and bilirubin), and induced alteration in blood cell picture and anemia. HgCl2 intoxication decreased both systemic and renal antioxidant activity and induced over all oxidative stress as indicated by alteration in inflammation and oxidative stress associated markers. HgCl2 affected renal histology with leukocytic and inflammatory cell infiltration, fibrosis and tubular necrosis. Administration of sinapic acid (50 and 100 mg/kg bw) markedly restored the HgCl2−induced oxidative stress (serum and renal: MDA, GSH, CAT, SOD, and T-AOC), proinflammatory cytokines (serum and renal: TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and PGE2) and restored the changes on biochemical markers, and hematological parameters (hemoglobin, erythrocytes, platelets, and leukocytes). Taken together, the results of the present study disclose that sinapic acid has the potential to attenuate HgCl2-induced renal toxicity and may be an ideal choice against mercury poisoning.
Adequate Reporting Among Ventral Hernia Repair Operative Reports: A Cross-Sectional Study of Prevalence of Details and Association With Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Maldonado Said , Lyons Nicole B. , Lall Jonathan S. , Zimmerle J. Scott , Rosamond Brendan , Mills Ashlynn , Seo Yoolim Alex , Calderon Rodriguez Angelica , Coelho Rainna , Cavagnaro Natalia , Ali Zuhair , Liang Mike K.
Published: April 2024

Objective:

We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of highly detailed ventral hernia repair (VHR) operative reports and associations between operative report detail and postoperative outcomes in a medico-legal dataset.

Background:

VHR are one of the most common surgical procedures performed in the United States. Previous work has shown that VHR operative reports are poorly detailed, however, the relationship between operative report detail and patient outcomes is unknown.

Methods:

This is a retrospective cross-sectional observational study. Operative reports describing VHR were obtained from a medical-legal database. Medical records were screened and data was extracted including clinical outcomes, such as surgical site infection (SSI), hernia recurrence, and reoperation and the presence of key details in each report. Highly detailed operative reports were defined as having 70% of recommended details. The primary outcome was the prevalence of highly detailed VHR operative reports.

Results:

A total of 1011 VHR operative reports dictated by 693 surgeons across 517 facilities in 50 states were included. Median duration of follow-up was 4.6 years after initial surgery. Only 35.7% of operative reports were highly detailed. More recent operative reports, cases with resident involvement, and contaminated procedures were more likely to be highly detailed (all P < 0.05). Compared to poorly detailed operative reports, cases with highly detailed reports had fewer SSIs (13.2% vs 7.5%, P = 0.006), hernia recurrence (65.8% vs 55.4%, P = 0.002), and reoperation (78.9% vs 62.6%, P = 0.001).

Conclusions:

In this medico-legal dataset, most VHR operative reports are poorly detailed while highly detailed operative reports were associated with lower rates of complications. Future studies should examine a nationally representative dataset to validate our findings.
An update on topical therapies for psoriasis
Authors: Pender Emily K. , Kirby Brian
Published: April 2024

Purpose of review

Topical therapies are a mainstay of treatment for mild psoriasis and may be a useful adjunct in treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis. This review summarizes recent advances in topical therapies for psoriasis and currently available treatments.

Recent findings

Topical aryl hydrocarbon receptor modulators (tapinarof) and topical phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors (roflumilast) have been proven effective in randomized controlled trials for psoriasis. Although topical JAK inhibitors have also been studied, none are currently licensed for treatment of psoriasis. Topical corticosteroids and vitamin D analogues remain the most commonly used and widely available topical treatments for psoriasis. Cost may limit use of novel topical agents.

Although the novel topical agents tapinarof and roflumilast are licensed for treatment of psoriasis by the FDA in the United States, they have not yet been licensed in Europe, and it remains to be seen whether they will be limited by cost.
Adjunctive Use of Bone Growth Stimulation Increases Cervical Spine Fusion Rates in Patients at Risk for Pseudarthrosis
Authors: Patel Vikas , Wind Joshua J. , Aleem Ilyas , Lansford Todd , Weinstein Marc A. , Vokshoor Amir , Campbell Peter G. , Beaumont Andrew , Hassanzadeh Hamid , Radcliff Kristen , Matheus Virgilio , Coric Domagoj
Published: April 2024

Study Design:

A prospective multicenter clinical trial (NCT 03177473) was conducted with a retrospective cohort used as a control arm.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate cervical spine fusion rates in subjects with risk factors for pseudarthrosis who received pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) treatment.

Summary of Background Data:

Certain risk factors predispose patients to pseudarthrosis, which is associated with prolonged pain, reduced function, and decreased quality of life.

Methods:

Subjects in the PEMF group were treated with PEMF for 6 months postoperatively. The primary outcome measure was fusion status at the 12-month follow-up period. Fusion status was determined using anterior/posterior, lateral, and flexion/extension radiographs and computed tomography (without contrast).

Results:

A total of 213 patients were evaluated (PEMF, n=160; Control, n=53). At baseline, the PEMF group had a higher percentage of subjects who used nicotine (P=0.01), had osteoporosis (P<0.05), multi-level disease (P<0.0001), and were >65 years of age (P=0.01). The PEMF group showed over two-fold higher percentage of subjects that had ≥3 risk factors (n=92/160, 57.5%) compared with the control group (n=14/53, 26.4%). At the 12-month follow-up, the PEMF group demonstrated significantly higher fusion rates compared with the control (90.0% vs. 60.4%, P<0.05). A statistically significant improvement in fusion rate was observed in PEMF subjects with multi-level surgery (P<0.0001) and high BMI (>30 kg/m2; P=0.0021) when compared with the control group. No significant safety concerns were observed.

Conclusions:

Adjunctive use of PEMF stimulation provides significant improvements in cervical spine fusion rates in subjects having risk factors for pseudarthrosis. When compared with control subjects that did not use PEMF stimulation, treated subjects showed improved fusion outcomes despite being older, having more risk factors for pseudarthrosis, and undergoing more complex surgeries.