bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Holistic burden of illness in patients with endogenous Cushing's syndrome: A systematic literature review
Authors: Page‐Wilson Gabrielle , Oak Bhagyashree , Silber Abigail , Okeyo Janetricks C. , Ortiz Nancy , O'Hara Matthew , Moloney Stephen , Geer Eliza B.
Published: December 2023

Objective

The objective of this systematic literature review (SLR) was to summarize the latest studies evaluating the burden of illness in endogenous Cushing's syndrome (CS), including the impact of CS on overall and domain‐specific health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and the economic burden of CS to provide a holistic understanding of disease and treatment burden.

Methods

An SLR was conducted in PubMed, MEDLINE and Embase using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) checklist to identify peer‐reviewed manuscripts and conference abstracts published in English from 2015 to December 4, 2020.

Results

Forty‐five publications were eligible for inclusion; data were extracted from 37 primary studies while 8 SLRs were included for reference only. Thirty‐one studies reported HRQoL using validated patient reported outcome (PRO) measures in pre‐ or post‐surgery, radiotherapy and pharmacotherapy patients. Overall, this SLR found that patients with CS have worse outcomes relative to healthy populations across specific dimensions, such as depression, despite an improvement in HRQoL post‐treatment. These findings reveal that CS symptoms are not fully resolved by the existing care paradigm. Few studies report on the economic burden of CS and currently available data indicate a high direct healthcare system cost burden.

Conclusions

Patients with CS experience a significant, complex and multifactorial HRQoL burden. Symptom‐specific burden studies are sparse in the literature and the understanding of long‐term CS symptomatic burden and economic burden is limited. This review intends to provide an updated reference for clinicians, payers and other stakeholders on the burden of CS as reported in published literature and to encourage further research in this area.
Synthesis of 1‐Adamantylaminogermylene and Its Chalcogenation Reactions
Authors: Yukimoto Mariko , Kanda Kazuaki , Aoki Takamasa , Mizuhata Yoshiyuki , Tokitoh Norihiro
Published: December 2023

The synthesis, isolation, and characterization of 1‐adamantylaminogermylene 1 have been achieved utilizing kinetic stabilization with a bulky aryl group on the germanium atom. Aminogermylene 1 was found to be stable in toluene solution at 110 °C for 3 days without decomposition. The chalcogenation reaction of 1 aiming to synthesize heavy amides gave the head‐to‐tail type dimers of the corresponding heavy amides.
A facile and sensitive method of analysis for the determination of paracetamol on a boron doped diamond electrode modified with carbon based nanomaterials
Authors: Kutluay Baytak Ayşegül , Gezen Fikriye , Aslanoglu Mehmet
Published: December 2023

This study presents the development of a facile and sensitive method of analysis for the determination of paracetamol. For this purpose, a boron doped diamond electrode (BDDE) was modified with a composite of carbon nanotubes (CNT), carbon nanofibers (CNF) and carbon black nanoballs (CNB). The voltammetric properties of paracetamol were studied, compared and discussed on unmodified BDDE, CNB/BDDE, CNF/BDDE, CNT/BDDE, CNB@CNF/BDDE, CNF@CNT/BDDE and CNF@CNB@CNT/BDDE. An increase in peak response (Ip) and a dramatic decrease in peak separation (ΔEp) were observed at electrodes in an order from bare BDDE to CNB/BDDE, CNF/BDDE, CNT/BDDE, CNB@CNF/BDDE, CNF@CNT/BDDE and CNF@CNB@CNT/BDDE. This clearly showed that the composite material of CNF@CNB@CNT provided an excellent surface on BDDE leading to a fast electrode reaction of paracetamol. Interestlingly, the amount composite layer on the voltammetry of paracetamol also caused a remarkable decrease in ΔEp and resulted in high electrocatalytic activity. The detection of paracetamol based on the BDDE modified with a composite of CNF@CNB@CNT exhibited stability, excellent selectivity and good sensitivity, with a low detection limit of 0.47±0.002 nM (based on 3sb/m) and wide linear range of 1.5 nM–200 nM. These results demonstrate that CNF@CNB@CNT/BDDE can serve as an ideal voltammetric platform for constructing a paracetamol sensor. The proposed electrochemical platform (CNF@CNB@CNT/BDDE) was also successfully applied for the determination of paracetamol in pharmaceuticals and body fluids.
The fault in our TARs: A critical review of research paradigms for intermediate‐scale bedforms on Mars
Authors: Gough Tyler , Barchyn Thomas , Hugenholtz Chris
Published: December 2023

We provide a critical review of research paradigms for classifying intermediate‐scale aeolian bedforms on Mars and the new terminology that has emerged. The systematic classification of bedforms has always been challenging and debated, and no paradigmatic knowledge organization system exists beyond general agreement on the importance of a distinction between ripples and dunes. The diverse aeolian landscapes of Mars have introduced further topics and challenges to these debates. We argue that Martian aeolian geomorphology's knowledge organization system for intermediate‐scale bedforms is preparadigmatic and that consensus over terminology and their definitions has not been established in the literature. A preparadigmatic science can be functional only if scientists operating in the discipline provide precise, falsifiable definitions or use abductive logic. Drawing on evidence and examples from the literature, we argue that the replacement of the conventional abductive paradigm used in bedform classification with inductive logic has created an emerging disciplinary paradigm based on scientific hesitancy and a dependence on complex inductive research structures, epitomized by the concepts of ‘transverse aeolian ridges’ (TARs) and ‘large Martian ripples’ (LMRs). We show that TAR and, increasingly, LMR are inductive constructs that have been popularized despite them causing significant confusion. Notably, we highlight how the terms are irreconcilably used as both a class of bedform and as a non‐genetic placeholder term for bedforms. Suggestions for moving beyond the need for TAR and LMR are provided, focusing on a return to more direct and local hypothesis‐driven research inspired by W.M. Davis's notion of outrageous geological hypotheses. Recent debate surrounding bedforms in Gale crater is presented as an example of the productivity of such an approach, and it is recommended that TAR and LMR no longer be used.
Alternatives assessment: An analysis on progress and future needs for research and practice
Authors: Bechu Aude M. , Roy Monika A. , Jacobs Molly , Tickner Joel A.
Published: December 2023

Alternatives assessment is a science-policy approach to support the informed substitution of chemicals of concern in consumer products and industries, with the intent of avoiding regrettable substitution and facilitating the transition to safer, more sustainable chemicals and products. The field of alternatives assessment has grown steadily in recent decades, particularly after the publication of specific frameworks and the inclusion of substitution and alternatives assessment requirements in a number of policy contexts. Previously, 14 research and practice needs for the field were outlined across five critical areas: comparative hazard assessment, comparative exposure characterization, lifecycle considerations, decision-making and decision analysis, and professional practice. The aim of the current article is twofold: to highlight methodological advances in the growing field of alternatives assessment based on identified research and practice needs and to propose areas for future developments. We assess advances in the field based on the analysis of a broad literature review that captured 154 sources published from 2013 to 2022. The results indicate that research conducted advanced many of the needs identified, but several remain underaddressed. Although the field has clearly grown and taken root over the past decade, there are still research and practice gaps, most notably on the hazard assessment of mixtures or different forms of chemicals, the integration of lifecycle considerations, and the development of practical approaches to address trade-offs in decision-making. We propose modifications to four of the prior research and practice needs in addition to new needs, including the development of standardized hazard assessment approaches for chemical mixtures as well as better integration of equity and/or justice considerations into assessments. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1337–1354. © 2023 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

Key Points

The field of alternatives assessment is a growing science-policy field that has advanced according to five critical areas, most notably in professional practice and comparative hazard assessment. Despite clear advances in certain research and practice needs, methodological gaps remain, most notably on the hazard assessment of mixtures or different forms of chemicals, the consistent use of lifecycle considerations, and methods to approach trade-offs in decision-making. Based on the literature analyzed and activities in aligned fields, we propose six additional research and practice needs to further advance the field, which include the development of best practice guidelines, implementation analysis, and the consideration for equity in alternatives assessment.
Bioinformatics and system biology analysis revealed the crosstalk between COVID‐19 and osteoarthritis
Authors: Lai Bowen , Jiang Heng , Liao Taotao , Gao Yuan , Zhou Xuhui
Published: December 2023

Background

The global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) outbreak has significantly impacted public health. Moreover, there has been an association between the incidence and severity of osteoarthritis (OA) and the onset of COVID‐19. However, the optimal diagnosis and treatment strategies for patients with both diseases remain uncertain. Bioinformatics is a novel approach that may help find the common pathology between COVID‐19 and OA.

Methods

Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened by R package “limma.” Functional enrichment analyses were performed to find key biological functions. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed by STRING database and then Cytoscape was used to select hub genes. External data sets and OA mouse model validated and identified the hub genes in both mRNA and protein levels. Related transcriptional factors (TF) and microRNAs (miRNAs) were predicted with miRTarBase and JASPR database. Candidate drugs were obtained from Drug Signatures database. The immune infiltration levels of COVID‐19 and OA were evaluated by CIBERSORT and scRNA‐seq.

Results

A total of 74 common DEGs were identified between COVID‐19 and OA. Receiver operating characteristic curves validated the effective diagnostic values (area under curve > 0.7) of four hub genes (matrix metalloproteinases 9, ATF3, CCL4, and RELA) in both the training and validation data sets of COVID‐19 and OA. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western Blot showed significantly higher hub gene expression in OA mice than in healthy controls. A total of 84 miRNAs and 28 TFs were identified to regulate the process of hub gene expression. The top 10 potential drugs were screened including “Simvastatin,” “Hydrocortisone,” and “Troglitazone” which have been proven by Food and Drug Administration. Correlated with hub gene expression, Macrophage M0 was highly expressed while Natural killer cells and Mast cells were low in both COVID‐19 and OA.

Conclusion

Four hub genes, disease‐related miRNAs, TFs, drugs, and immune infiltration help to understand the pathogenesis and perform further studies, providing a potential therapy target for COVID‐19 and OA.
High‐mobility group box 1 emerges as a therapeutic target for asthma
Authors: Yang Qianni , Li Min , Hou Yunjiao , He Huilin , Sun Shibo
Published: December 2023

High‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a highly conserved nonhistone nuclear protein found in the calf thymus and participates in a variety of intracellular processes such as DNA transcription, replication and repair. In the cytoplasm, HMGB1 promotes mitochondrial autophagy and is involved in in cellular stress response. Once released into the extracellular, HMGB1 becomes an inflammatory factor that triggers inflammatory responses and a variety of immune responses. In addition, HMGB1 binding with the corresponding receptor can activate the downstream substrate to carry out several biological effects. Meanwhile, HMGB1 is involved in various signaling pathways, such as the HMGB1/RAGE pathway, HMGB1/NF‐κB pathway, and HMGB1/JAK/STAT pathway, which ultimately promote inflammation. Moreover, HMGB1 may be involved in the pathogenesis of asthma by regulating downstream signaling pathways through corresponding receptors and mediates a number of signaling pathways in asthma, such as HMGB1/TLR4/NF‐κB, HMGB1/RAGE, HMGB1/TGF‐β, and so forth. Accordingly, HMGB1 emerges as a therapeutic target for asthma.
Automated preparation of nanoscopic structures: Graph‐based sequence analysis, mismatch detection, and pH‐consistent protonation with uncertainty estimates
Authors: Csizi Katja‐Sophia , Reiher Markus
Published: December 2023

Structure and function in nanoscale atomistic assemblies are tightly coupled, and every atom with its specific position and even every electron will have a decisive effect on the electronic structure, and hence, on the molecular properties. Molecular simulations of nanoscopic atomistic structures therefore require accurately resolved three‐dimensional input structures. If extracted from experiment, these structures often suffer from severe uncertainties, of which the lack of information on hydrogen atoms is a prominent example. Hence, experimental structures require careful review and curation, which is a time‐consuming and error‐prone process. Here, we present a fast and robust protocol for the automated structure analysis and pH‐consistent protonation, in short, ASAP. For biomolecules as a target, the ASAP protocol integrates sequence analysis and error assessment of a given input structure. ASAP allows for p prediction from reference data through Gaussian process regression including uncertainty estimation and connects to system‐focused atomistic modeling described in Brunken and Reiher (J. Chem. Theory Comput. 16, 2020, 1646). Although focused on biomolecules, ASAP can be extended to other nanoscopic objects, because most of its design elements rely on a general graph‐based foundation guaranteeing transferability. The modular character of the underlying pipeline supports different degrees of automation, which allows for (i) efficient feedback loops for human‐machine interaction with a low entrance barrier and for (ii) integration into autonomous procedures such as automated force field parametrizations. This facilitates fast switching of the pH‐state through on‐the‐fly system‐focused reparametrization during a molecular simulation at virtually no extra computational cost.
Placenta acrreta spectrum—first trimester, 2D and 3D ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging findings
Authors: Araujo Júnior Edward , Caldas João Victor Jacomele , Sun Sue Yasaki , Castro Pedro Teixeira , Passos Jurandir Piassi , Werner Heron
Published: December 2023

Background

The term placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is commonly used to describe abnormal trophoblastic invasion of the myometrium, serosa, or organs adjacent to the uterus. It is of great obstetric importance because of its high morbidity, risk of hemorrhage, admission to the intensive care unit, risk of hysterectomy, and high risk of iatrogenic pelvic lesions and even death. These risks are minimized when prenatal diagnosis is performed. Prenatal diagnosis of PAS is based on imaging findings suggestive of abnormal and pathologically adherent placentation, including placental lacunae (intraplacental sonolucent spaces), disruption of the bladder‐uterine serosa interface, turbulent flow on color Doppler, and bridging vessels.

Objective

In this article, we review the major prenatal imaging features of PAS using diagnostic modalities (first trimester, two‐dimensional ultrasound, three‐dimensional ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging) for the diagnosis of PAS.
Attitudes of parents of children with ADHD towards genetic testing: Data from a Turkish sample
Authors: Beyazit Utku , Şirin Hande , Uzun Mehmet Erdem , Kuru Alev , Yurdakul Yeşim , Bütün Ayhan Aynur , Yilmaz Serkan
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to examine the opinions of parents with children diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder about genetic tests. A total of 540 parents living in Turkey participated in the study face‐to‐face and online. A questionnaire form prepared by the researchers was used as the data collection instrument. Face‐to‐face data were collected in different institutions in the cities of İzmir, Bursa and Antalya, while online data were collected through Google Forms. The results revealed that parents' views on genetic testing differed according to the sex and age of the child, as well as the parents' level of education and income, and whether the parents had genetic testing during pregnancy (p < 0.05). In the analysis, it was determined that parents' knowledge and awareness levels about genetic tests were generally low, while parents who reported that they would consider having genetic tests had concerns about the storage of their DNA materials, family conflicts that could be caused by genetic tests, and the compatibility of genetic tests with their religious beliefs.
Evaluation of Serum Neurofilament Light Chain and Nerve Ultrasound in Diabetic Neuropathy
Authors: Nasr‐Eldin Yasmin K. , Cartwright Michael S. , Hamed Ahmed , Ali Lamia Hamdy , Abdel‐Nasser Ahmed M.
Published: December 2023

Objective

To assess the role of serum neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels in individuals with diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) compared with controls, as well as to highlight the different sonographic changes in DPN and determine if NfL correlates with sonographic, clinical, and functional parameters.

Methods

Diabetic individuals with signs or symptoms consistent with peripheral nerve involvement were recruited. They were evaluated by examination, functional neuropathy severity scores, laboratory assessments (including NfL), nerve conduction studies (NCS), and ultrasound. Ultrasound was performed of the bilateral median, ulnar, tibial, fibular, sural, and vagus nerves, and cervical roots 5 and 6. Results were compared with age, sex, and body mass index matched healthy controls.

Results

A total of 320 nerves from 20 patients and 480 nerves from 30 controls were evaluated. NfL was significantly elevated in those with diabetes with a mean and standard deviation of 6.95 ± 2.95 pg/mL in the diabetic group and 2.83 ± 0.77 pg/mL in controls (P < .001). Nerve cross‐sectional area and serum NfL levels correlated significantly with clinical and functional parameters and with each other (P < .05).

Conclusion

Individuals with DPN have significantly higher NfL levels than healthy controls, and NfL levels correlate with ultrasonographic parameters. These findings may be useful for the diagnosis, prognosis, and disease monitoring of those with DPN, though further exploration is needed.
A Chinese patient with Rothmund–Thomson syndrome
Authors: Zeng Juan , Li Jiayi , Liu Yuwei , Liang Rui , Wang Lin , Zhou Qing , Sun Jinghua , Liu Zhongzhen , Wang Wen‐Jing , Zhu Sujun
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Rothmund–Thomson syndrome (RTS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder that has been reported in all ethnicities, with several identifiable pathogenic variants. There have been reported cases indicating that RTS may lead to low birth weight in fetuses, but specific data on the fetal period are lacking. Genetic testing for RTS II is currently carried out by identifying pathogenic variants in RECQL4.

Methods

In order to determine the cause, we performed whole‐genome sequencing (WGS) analysis on the patient and his parents. Variants detected by WGS were confirmed by Sanger sequencing and examined in family members.

Results

After analyzing the WGS data, we found a heterozygous nonsense mutation c.2752G>T (p.Glu918Ter) and a novel frameshift insertion mutation c.1547dupC (p.Leu517AlafsTer23) of RECQL4, which is a known pathogenic/disease‐causing variant of RTS. Further validation indicated these were compound heterozygous mutations from parents.

Conclusion

Our study expands the mutational spectrum of the RECQL4 gene and enriches the phenotype spectrum of Chinese RTS patients. Our information can assist the patient's parents in making informed decisions regarding their future pregnancies. This case offers a new perspective for clinicians to consider whether to perform prenatal diagnosis.
Mathematical fundamentals of spherical kinematics of plate tectonics in terms of quaternions
Authors: Schaeben Helmut , Kroner Uwe , Stephan Tobias
Published: December 2023

To be a quantitative and testable tectonic model, plate tectonics requires spherical geometry and spherical kinematics in terms of finite rotations conveniently parametrized by their angle and axis and described by unit quaternions. In treatises on “Plate Tectonics” infinitesimal, instantaneous, and finite rotations, absolute and relative rotations are said to be applied to model the motion of tectonic plates. Even though these terms are strictly defined in mathematics, they are often casually used in geosciences. Here, their definitions are recalled and clarified as well as the terms rotation, orientation, and location on the sphere. For instance, infinitesimal rotations refer to a mathematical limit, when the angle of rotation tends to zero. Their rules do not apply to finite rotations, no matter how small their finite angles of rotation are. Mathematical approaches applying appropriate and feasible assumptions to model spherical motion of tectonic plates over geological times of hundreds of millions of years are derived including (i) sequences of incremental finite rotations, (ii) sequences of accumulating successive concatenations of finite rotations, and (iii) continuous rotations in terms of fully transient quaternions. The incremental and the accumulating approaches provide complementary views. While the relative Euler pole appears to migrate in the latter, it appears fixed in the former. Path, mean, and instantaneous velocity of the migrating Euler pole are derived as well as the angular and trajectoral velocity of the rotational motion about it. The approaches are illustrated by a geological example with actual data and a numerical yet geologically inspired example with artificial data. The former revisits the three‐plate scenario with stationary axes of two “absolute” rotations implying transient “relative” rotations about a migrating Euler pole and employs a proper plate‐circuit argument to determine them numerically without resorting to approximations. The latter applies an involved interplay of incremental and accumulating modeling inducing split–join cycles to approximate sinusoidal trajectories as reported to record plates' motion during the Gondwana breakup.
Exact controllability in the interior for a strongly coupled elastic system
Authors: Tumelero Gilson , Soriano Juan A. , Tumelero Marieli Musial
Published: December 2023

In this work, we studied the exact controllability of a strongly coupled elastic system. First, we studied the case of a system where potential terms are absent. Next, we present the system's observability inequality including the potential terms. To prove the inequality of observability for the system without the potential, we used the multipliers technique and explained the control time and its relation with the coefficients of the system. Then, we apply Hilbert uniqueness method to prove the exact controllability. To prove the observability inequality of system with potential, we use a technique based on perturbation of the solution and the observability inequality for the system without the potential.
Standardizing and improving dose predictions for head and neck cancers using complete sets of OAR contours
Authors: Buatti Jacob S. , Kirby Neil , Stathakis Sotirios , Li Ruiqi , Sivabhaskar Sruthi , de Oliveira Michelle , Duke Kristen , Kabat Christopher N. , Papanikolaou Niko , Paragios Nikos
Published: December 2023

Background

Radiotherapy dose predictions have been trained with data from previously treated patients of similar sites and prescriptions. However, clinical datasets are often inconsistent and do not contain the same number of organ at risk (OAR) structures. The effects of missing contour data in deep learning‐based dose prediction models have not been studied.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impacts of incomplete contour sets in the context of deep learning‐based radiotherapy dose prediction models trained with clinical datasets and to introduce a novel data substitution method that utilizes automated contours for undefined structures.

Methods

We trained Standard U‐Nets and Cascade U‐Nets to predict the volumetric dose distributions of patients with head and neck cancers (HNC) using three input variations to evaluate the effects of missing contours, as well as a novel data substitution method. Each architecture was trained with the original contour (OC) inputs, which included missing information, hybrid contour (HC) inputs, where automated OAR contours generated in software were substituted for missing contour data, and automated contour (AC) inputs containing only automated OAR contours. 120 HNC treatments were used for model training, 30 were used for validation and tuning, and 44 were used for evaluation and testing. Model performance and accuracy were evaluated with global whole body dose agreement, PTV coverage accuracy, and OAR dose agreement. The differences in these values between dataset variations were used to determine the effects of missing data and automated contour substitutions.

Results

Automated contours used as substitutions for missing data were found to improve dose prediction accuracy in the Standard U‐Net and Cascade U‐Net, with a statistically significant difference in some global metrics and/or OAR metrics. For both models, PTV coverage between input variations was unaffected by the substitution technique. Automated contours in HC and AC datasets improved mean dose accuracy for some OAR contours, including the mandible and brainstem, with a greater improvement seen with HC datasets. Global dose metrics, including mean absolute error, mean error, and percent error were different for the Standard U‐Net but not for the Cascade U‐Net.

Conclusion

Automated contours used as a substitution for contour data improved prediction accuracy for some but not all dose prediction metrics. Compared to the Standard U‐Net models, the Cascade U‐Net achieved greater precision.
Caffeine and cortical excitability, as measured with paired‐pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation
Authors: Strunge Kristine , Bostock Hugh , Howells James , Cengiz Bülent , Samusyte Gintaute , Koltzenburg Martin , Tankisi Hatice
Published: December 2023

Introduction/Aims

The transcranial magnetic stimulation tests of short‐interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) by both conventional amplitude measurements (A‐SICI) and threshold‐tracking (T‐SICI) are important methods to investigate intracortical inhibitory circuits, and T‐SICI has been proposed to aid the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Beverages containing caffeine are widely consumed, and caffeine has been reported to affect cortical excitability. The aim of this study was to determine whether these SICI tests are affected by caffeine.

Methods

Twenty‐four healthy subjects (13 females, 11 males, aged from 19 to 31, mean: 26.2 ± 2.4 years) were studied in a single fixed‐dose randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled cross‐over trial of 200 mg caffeine or placebo ingested as chewing gum. A‐SICI and T‐SICI, using parallel tracking (T‐SICIp), were performed before and after chewing gum.

Results

There was no significant change in SICI parameters after placebo in A‐SICI (p > .10) or T‐SICIp (p > .30), and no significant effect of caffeine was found on A‐SICI (p > .10) or T‐SICIp (p > .50) for any of the interstimulus intervals.

Discussion

There is no need for caffeine abstention before measurements of SICI by either the T‐SICI or A‐SICI measurements.
Generalizing Horn's conditions for preemptive scheduling on identical parallel machines via network flow techniques
Authors: Shioura Akiyoshi , Strusevich Vitaly A. , Shakhlevich Natalia V.
Published: December 2023

We study the use of flow‐based algorithmic and proof techniques applied to preemptive scheduling of jobs on parallel identical machines. For the classical problem in which the jobs have individual release dates and must be finished by a common deadline, we present and prove unified necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a feasible schedule by examining the structure of minimum cuts in a special network. We then study an enhanced model that allows the presence of additional resources, provided that some jobs at any time of their processing require one unit of a particular resource. We extend our argument developed for the classical case to this enhanced model. The generalized necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a feasible schedule are presented and proved using the max‐flow/min‐cut reasoning.
Rehabilitation after brain tumor resection: A national study of postacute care service use through insurance claims data
Authors: McLarney Mitra , Fergestrom Nicole , Zheng Jasmine , Pezzin Liliana E.
Published: December 2023

Objective

To assess postacute rehabilitation service use and length of stay among a national sample of patients with brain tumors after surgery.

Design

A retrospective review was conducted of health care claims data of a national sample of patients via The Optum Clinformatics DataMart.

Setting and Participants

This study included adult individuals (≥18 years of age) who were diagnosed with a brain tumor between 2015 and 2019 and underwent a craniotomy or craniectomy within 180 days of diagnosis.

Methods

Descriptive statistics were used to characterize patients by tumor type. Multivariate models assessed factors associated with discharge setting and length of stay.

Results

Of the 10,275 individuals identified, 69% had malignant tumors. Over two thirds of patients were discharged directly home (with or without home health care) and 9.3% and 9.5% were discharged to acute rehabilitation facilities (inpatient rehabilitation facilities [IRF]) and skilled nursing facilities (SNF/ICF), respectively. About 13.5% were discharged to other settings. The average length of stay during the episode of care was 8.6 (SD = 9.6) days. After adjusting for confounders, individuals with benign brain tumors were more likely to be discharged to either IRF or SNF/ICF than return home after acute care stay, as were those with greater comorbidities, older age, fee‐for‐service and health maintenance organization insurance. Wealthier patients were less likely to be discharged to a SNF/ICF than home, although income was not a factor affecting discharge to an IRF. Patients with benign tumors, the oldest old (80+), those with more comorbidities as well as Black and Hispanic patients had a longer length of stay during the acute hospitalization.

Conclusions

Individuals with brain tumors have deficits amenable to rehabilitation; however, this study finds that service use differs by tumor type and demographic and socioeconomic factors. Further study is needed to identify if there are barriers to access and use of rehabilitation services in this population.
Dual‐Stepped Gate Vertical Double‐Diffused Metal‐Oxide‐Semiconductor Field‐Effect Transistor with Enhanced Device Performance
Authors: Sidar Devesh Singh , Parmar Onika , Mishra Zeesha
Published: December 2023

Herein, vertical double‐diffused metal‐oxide‐semiconductor field‐effect transistor(VDMOS) with improved device structure is proposed. Gate engineering is applied in the proposed device and two devices namely dual‐stepped gate technology (DSGT) and modified dual‐stepped gate technology (m‐DSGT) are proposed here. Due to the effect of gate engineering, switching ability is improved and area specific on‐resistance is reduced. Devices are simulated using Silvaco Atlas software. Breakdown voltages for conventional and m‐DSGT are 278.63 and 280.02 V, respectively, for  = 0 V. The current density of conventional and m‐DSGT devices is and under the conditions on gate‐driven voltage of 1 V for  = 10 V. Using 2D numerical simulations, the electrical performance of both DSGT and m‐DSGT devices is examined. The results demonstrate 76.6% decrease in specific on‐resistance, 4.22 times increase in current density, and 26.67% faster switching speed compared to conventional VDMOS, thus, improving the device performance.
Syringic acid promotes cartilage extracellular matrix generation and attenuates osteoarthritic cartilage degradation by activating TGF‐β/Smad and inhibiting NF‐κB signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Min , Gao Zhao , Zhang Yage , Zhao Qiangqiang , Tan Xinfang , Wu Siluo , Ding Lingli , Liu Yamei , Qin Shengnan , Gu Jiangyong , Xu Liangliang
Published: December 2023

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common chronic degenerative disease which is characterized by the disruption of articular cartilage. Syringic acid (SA) is a phenolic compound with anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and other effects including promoting osteogenesis. However, the effect of SA on OA has not yet been reported. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to investigate the effect and mechanism of SA on OA in a mouse model of medial meniscal destabilization. The expressions of genes were evaluated by qPCR or western blot or immunofluorescence. RNA‐seq analysis was performed to examine gene transcription alterations in chondrocytes treated with SA. The effect of SA on OA was evaluated using destabilization of the medial meniscus model of mice. We found that SA had no obvious toxic effect on chondrocytes, while promoting the expressions of chondrogenesis‐related marker genes. The results of RNA‐seq analysis showed that extracellular matrix–receptor interaction and transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) signaling pathways were enriched among the up‐regulated genes by SA. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that SA transcriptionally activated Smad3. In addition, we found that SA inhibited the overproduction of lipopolysaccharide‐induced inflammation‐related cytokines including tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐1β, as well as matrix metalloproteinase 3 and matrix metalloproteinase 13. The cell apoptosis and nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) signaling were also inhibited by SA treatment. Most importantly, SA attenuated cartilage degradation in a mouse OA model. Taken together, our study demonstrated that SA could alleviate cartilage degradation in OA by activating the TGF‐β/Smad and inhibiting NF‐κB signaling pathway.
Silver‐anchored dendrimer efficiently Light‐drive conversion of p‐nitrophenol
Authors: Chen Hao , Wang Guosheng
Published: December 2023

Efficient use of solar energy for photocatalytic organic synthesis and degradation of organic matter is one of the most promising ways to solve energy shortage and environmental pollution. Silver/sulfur‐doped polyimide (Ag/SPI) was successfully prepared by anchoring silver nanoparticles on sulfur doped polyimide with dendriform structure by an open‐loop and closed‐loop method. Through the analysis of the structure, morphology and photoelectric properties by different characteristics, it is found that the anchoring of silver nanoparticles greatly reduces the electron‐hole recombination rate of SPI, and the cyclic stability is relatively good, and the electrons generated by photoexcitation can participate in the reduction of p‐nitrophenol more. Therefore, the activity of degradation of organic pollutants was greatly improved under the irradiation of visible light. At 5 minutes, the degradation rate of p‐nitrophenol reached 100 %, and the only product p‐nitrophenol was generated. The reaction time was 12 times that of SPI without anchored metal particles. The Ag/SPI dual‐function catalyst provides a new idea for the application of p‐nitrophenol wastewater treatment and the conversion of p‐aminophenol and provides a new reference direction for the field of organic wastewater treatment and organic synthesis.
Selenium dioxide as a selenylating reagent: An overview and its Sanguine future
Authors: Saroha Mohit , Swami Renu , Singh Bhupinder , Kumar Akshay , Tomar Deepak
Published: December 2023

Selenylation of heterocyclic and carbocyclic compounds using selenium dioxide as a selenylating reagent has emerged as a novel research area. Selenium dioxide is a cheap, easily available and odorless selenium source with wide functional group tolerance. Selenium dioxide is much known for α‐oxidation reactions but this review will elaborate its role as oxidizing as well as selenylating agents. In this review, we have summarized the selenylation of different molecules like anilines, phenylhydrazines, aryl alkyl ketones, phenols, indoles, active methylene compounds, imidazole heterocycles, 1,3‐diones, boronic acids, pyrazoles, 2‐hydroxy acetophenones, alkyl halides and different electron rich arenes along with detailed mechanism. Triselenium dicyanide is a yellow colored addition product that has now been emerged as a well‐known reagent of selenocyanation and many research groups extensively working on it. Selenium containing compounds possess biological as well as pharmacological activity. The immense potential of selenium dioxide as a selenylating reagent attracted the interest of researchers working on selenylation.
Nb2AlC MAX Nanosheets Supported Ru Nanocrystals as Efficient Catalysts for Boosting pH‐Universal Hydrogen Production
Authors: Lu Zhensui , Yang Hui , Liu Qian , Luo Jun , Feng Ligang , Chu Liang , Liu Xijun
Published: December 2023

MAX phase combines both ceramic and metallic properties, which exhibits widespread application prospects. 2D MAX nanosheets have more abundant surface‐active sites, being anticipated to improve the performance of surface‐related applications. Herein, for the first time, 2D Nb2AlC nanosheets (NSs) as novel supports anchored with Ru catalysts for overall water splitting are developed. The optimized catalyst of Ru@Nb2AlC NSs exhibit Pt‐comparable kinetics and superior catalytic activity toward hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) (low overpotentials of 61 and 169 mV at 10 and 100 mA cm−2, respectively) with excellent durability (5000 cycles or 80 h) in alkaline media. In particular, Ru@Nb2AlC NSs achieve a mass activity of ≈4.8 times larger than the commercial Pt/C (20 wt.%) catalyst. The post‐oxidation resultant catalyst of RuO2@Nb2AlC NSs also exhibit boosting HER and oxygen evolution reaction activities and ≈100% Faraday efficiency for overall water splitting with a cell voltage of 1.61 V to achieve 10 mA cm−2. Therefore, the novel category of 2D MAX supports anchored with Ru nanocrystals offers a novel strategy for designing a wide range of MAX‐supported metal catalysts for the renewable energy field.
Enhanced Calvarial Bone Repair Using ASCs Engineered with RNA‐Guided Split dCas12a System that Co‐Activates Sox 5, Sox6, and Long Non‐Coding RNA H19
Authors: Nguyen Nuong Thi Kieu , Lee Shang‐Shung , Chen Pin‐Hsin , Chang Yi‐Hao , Pham Nam Ngoc , Chang Chin‐Wei , Pham Dang Huu , Ngo Dung Kim Thi , Dang Quyen Thuc , Truong Vy Anh , Truong Vu Anh , Chang Yu‐Han , Hu Yu‐Chen
Published: December 2023

Healing of large calvarial bone defects remains challenging. An RNA‐guided Split dCas12a system is previously harnessed to activate long non‐coding RNA H19 (lncRNA H19, referred to as H19 thereafter) in bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). H19 activation in BMSCs induces chondrogenic differentiation, switches bone healing pathways, and improves calvarial bone repair. Since adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) can be harvested more easily in large quantity, here it is aimed to use ASCs as an alternative cell source. However, H19 activation alone using the Split dCas12a system in ASCs failed to elicit evident chondrogenesis. Therefore, split dCas12a activators are designed more to co‐activate other chondroinductive transcription factors (Sox5, Sox6, and Sox9) to synergistically potentiate differentiation. It is found that co‐activation of H19/Sox5/Sox6 in ASCs elicited more potent chondrogenic differentiation than activation of Sox5/Sox6/Sox9 or H19 alone. Co‐activating H19/Sox5/Sox6 in ASCs significantly augmented in vitro cartilage formation and in vivo calvarial bone healing. These data altogether implicated the potentials of the Split dCas12a system to trigger multiplexed gene activation in ASCs for differentiation pathway reprogramming and tissue regeneration.
Controlled Epitaxial Growth of (hk1)‐Sb2Se3 Film on Cu9S5 Single Crystal via Post‐Annealing Treatment for Photodetection Application
Authors: Xiao Liu , Liu Zhiying , Zhang Gang , Feng Wenlin
Published: December 2023

Antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) is a promising semiconductor for photodetector applications due to its unique photovoltaic properties. Achieving optimal carrier transport in (001)‐Sb2Se3 by the material of contacting substrate requires in‐depth study. In this paper, the induced growth of Sb2Se3 films from (hk0) to (hk1) planes is achieved on digenite (Cu9S5) films by post‐annealing treatment. The flake‐like and flower‐like morphologies on the surface of Sb2Se3 films are caused by different thicknesses of the Cu9S5 films, which are related to the (hk0) and (hk1) planes of Sb2Se3 surface. The epitaxial growth of Sb2Se3 films on (105)‐Cu9S5 surfaces exhibits thickness dependence. The results inform research into the controlled induced growth of low‐dimensional materials. The device of Sb2Se3/Cu9S5/Si has good broadband response (visible to near‐infrared), self‐powered characteristics, and stability. As the crystalline quality of the Sb2Se3 film increases along the (hk1) plane, the carrier transport is enhanced correspondingly. Under the 980 nm light irradiation, the device has an excellent switching ratio of 2 × 104 at 0 bias, with responsivity, detectivity, and response time up to 17 µA W−1, 1.48 × 107 Jones, and 355/490 µs, respectively. This suggests that Sb2Se3 is suitable for self‐powered photodetectors and related optical and optoelectronic devices.
Hour‐Level Persistent Multicolor Phosphorescence Enabled by Carbon Dot‐Based Nanocomposites Through a Multi‐Confinement‐Based Approach
Authors: Hu Huajiang , Li Jiurong , Gong Xiao
Published: December 2023

Hour‐level persistent room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) phenomena based on multi‐confinement carbon dots (CDs) are reported. The CDs‐based system reported here (named Si‐CDs@B2O3) can be efficiently synthesized by a simple pyrolysis method compared to the established persistent RTP systems. The binding modes of CDs, silica (SiO2), and boron oxide (B2O3) are deduced from a series of characterizations including XRD, FT‐IR, and TEM characterization. Further studies show that the formation of covalent bonds between B2O3, SiO2, and CDs play a key role in activating the persistent RTP and preventing its quenching. This is a rare example of a persistent RTP system that exhibits hourly persistent RTP under environmental conditions. Finally, the applications of Si‐CDs@B2O3 are demonstrated for anti‐counterfeiting, long‐duration phosphorescence imaging, and fingerprinting. This synthetic strategy is expected to provide strong technical support for the preparation of persistent RTP CDs and pave the way for the synthesis of persistent RTP CDs in the future.
Pulmonary siRNA Delivery with Sophisticated Amphiphilic Poly(Spermine Acrylamides) for the Treatment of Lung Fibrosis
Authors: Adams Friederike , Zimmermann Christoph M. , Baldassi Domizia , Pehl Thomas M. , Weingarten Philipp , Kachel Iris , Kränzlein Moritz , Jürgens David C. , Braubach Peter , Alexopoulos Ioannis , Wygrecka Malgorzata , Merkel Olivia M.
Published: December 2023

RNA interference (RNAi) is an efficient strategy to post‐transcriptionally silence gene expression. While all siRNA drugs on the market target the liver, the lung offers a variety of currently undruggable targets, which can potentially be treated with RNA therapeutics. To achieve this goal, the synthesis of poly(spermine acrylamides) (P(SpAA) is reported herein. Polymers are prepared via polymerization of N‐acryloxysuccinimide (NAS) and afterward this active ester is converted into spermine‐based pendant groups. Copolymerizations with decylacrylamide are employed to increase the hydrophobicity of the polymers. After deprotection, polymers show excellent siRNA encapsulation to obtain perfectly sized polyplexes at very low polymer/RNA ratios. In vitro 2D and 3D cell culture, ex vivo and in vivo experiments reveal superior properties of amphiphilic spermine‐copolymers with respect to delivery of siRNA to lung cells in comparison to commonly used lipid‐based transfection agents. In line with the in vitro results, siRNA delivery to human lung explants confirm more efficient gene silencing of protease‐activated receptor 2 (PAR2), a G protein‐coupled receptor involved in fibrosis. This study reveals the importance of the balance between efficient polyplex formation, cellular uptake, gene knockdown, and toxicity for efficient siRNA delivery in vitro, in vivo, and in fibrotic human lung tissue ex vivo.
Photothermal Responsive Microcarriers Encapsulated With Cangrelor and 5‐Fu for Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Authors: Yang Wei , Wang Li , Fan Lu , Li Wenzhao , Zhao Yuanjin , Shang Luoran , Jiang Minghua
Published: December 2023

Localized chemotherapy is emerging as a potential strategy for cancer treatment due to its low systemic toxicity. However, the immune evasion of tumor cells and the lack of an intelligent design of the delivery system limit its clinical application. Herein, photothermal responsive microcarriers are designed by microfluidic electrospray for colorectal tumor treatment. The microcarriers loaded with Cangrelor, 5‐FU and MXene (G‐M@F/C+NIR) show sustained delivery of antiplatelet drug Cangrelor, thus inhibiting the activity of platelets, interactions of platelet‐tumor cell, as well as the tumor cells invasion and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). In addition, the sustained delivery of chemotherapeutics 5‐FU and the photothermal effect provided by MXene enable the microcarriers to inhibit tumor cells proliferation and migration. In vivo studies validate that the G‐M@F/C+NIR microcarriers significantly inhibites tumor growth, decreased the expression of Ki‐67 in tumor cells and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the tumor microenvironment, while increased the expression of E‐cadherin. It is believe that by means of the proposed photothermal responsive microcarriers, the synergistic strategy of platelet inhibition, chemotherapy, and photothermal therapy can find practical applications in cancer treatment.