bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The incidence of meniscal cyst formation following meniscal repair using the all‐inside suture anchor device is comparable to conventional techniques
Authors: Goto Kazumi , Sanada Takaki , Honda Eisaburo , Sameshima Shin , Inagawa Miyu , Ishida Yutaro , Matsuo Koji , Kuzuhara Ryota , Iwaso Hiroshi
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Post‐operative meniscal cyst formation occurs following all‐inside device meniscal repair. This study aimed to compare the incidence of cysts in patients who underwent meniscal repair with and without all‐inside suture devices.

Methods

This retrospective study included 227 knees that underwent meniscal repair between 2021 and 2022. The incidence of post‐operative meniscal cysts was compared between patients who underwent repair using an all‐inside suture anchor device (Group SA) and those who did not use an anchor (Group NA), based on post‐operative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. Risk factors, such as the number of anchors used, were investigated. Using a subgroup analysis, the incidence of meniscal cysts based on the type of device used was investigated.

Results

Groups SA and NA comprised 125 and 102 knees, respectively. Group SA had 11 cases of cysts (9% incidence), whereas Group NA had 7 cases (7% incidence), and no statistically significant difference was observed (p = 0.63). Symptomatic cysts were observed in two patients (1.6%) in Group SA, whereas none was observed in Group NA (0%); the difference was not significant (p = 0.50). Factors such as the number of anchors and sutures used and MRI timing were not identified as risk factors. Cyst incidence varied according to anchor type: Stryker AIR+ (4 out of 55, 7%), Smith & Nephew Fast‐Fix 360 (7 out of 56, 13%) and Arthrex Fiber Stitch (0 out of 26, 0%), with no significant difference found (p = 0.14).

Conclusion

The incidence of cysts in patients undergoing meniscal repair with an all‐inside suture anchor device was 9%, showing no significant difference compared with Group NA. Cyst incidence was not affected by device type.

Level of Evidence

Level III, retrospective comparative study.
The emerging role of bacterial extracellular vesicles in human cancers
Authors: Liang Aijun , Korani Lavisha , Yeung Cherlie Lot Sum , Tey Sze Keong , Yam Judy Wai Ping
Published: October 2024

Bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) have emerged as pivotal mediators between bacteria and host. In addition to being crucial players in host homeostasis, they have recently been implicated in disease pathologies such as cancer. Hence, the study of BEVs represents an intriguing and rapidly evolving field with substantial translational potential. In this review, we briefly introduce the fundamentals of BEV characteristics, cargo and biogenesis. We emphatically summarize the current relationship between BEVs across various cancer types, illustrating their role in tumorigenesis, treatment responses and patient survival. We further discuss the inherent advantages of BEVs, such as stability, abundance and specific cargo profiles, that make them attractive candidates for non‐invasive diagnostic and prognostic approaches. The review also explores the potential of BEVs as a strategy for cancer therapy, considering their ability to deliver therapeutic agents, modulate the tumour microenvironment (TME) and elicit immunomodulatory responses. Understanding the clinical significance of BEVs may lead to the development of better‐targeted and personalized treatment strategies. This comprehensive review evaluates the current progress surrounding BEVs and poses questions to encourage further research in this emerging field to harness the benefits of BEVs for their full potential in clinical applications against cancer.
Towards Nash‐Williams orientation conjecture for infinite graphs
Authors: Assem Amena
Published: October 2024

In 1960 Nash‐Williams proved that an edge‐connectivity of is sufficient for a finite graph to have a ‐arc‐connected orientation. He then conjectured that the same is true for infinite graphs. In 2016, Thomassen, using his own results on the auxiliary lifting graph, proved that ‐edge‐connected infinite graphs admit a ‐arc‐connected orientation. Here we improve this result for the class of one‐ended locally finite graphs and show that an edge‐connectivity of is enough in that case. Crucial to this improvement are results presented in a separate paper, by the same author of this paper, on the key concept of the lifting graph, extending results by Ok, Richter, and Thomassen.
Establishing meaningful change thresholds for European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire CLL‐specific module domain scores: An analysis based on the TRANSCEND CLL 004 study in patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukaemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma
Authors: Eliason Laurie , Fofana Fatoumata , Wang Lin , Riedell Peter A. , Guo Shien
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The study aimed to establish meaningful thresholds at patient and group levels for the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire CLL‐specific module (EORTC QLQ‐CLL17) domain scores in adults with relapsed or refractory (R/R) chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL).

Material and methods

Data for the analysis were from the TRANSCEND CLL 004 study (NCT03331198). EORTC QLQ‐CLL17 and selected anchor measures were assessed at baseline and multiple postbaseline visits up to 24 months after treatment initiation. Thresholds for each of the three EORTC QLQ‐CLL17 domains were triangulated based on estimates derived from anchor‐ and distribution‐based analyses, in accordance with published guidance.

Results

The analysis included 62 patients with 240 observations across visits. Meaningful change thresholds for improvement and deterioration, respectively, at the patient level were determined to be −11/+11 for symptom burden, −16/+16 for physical condition/fatigue and −16/+13 for worries/fears on health and functioning. The meaningful change thresholds for improvement and deterioration at the group level mostly ranged between 0.3 and 0.5 of the standard deviation of baseline domain scores.

Conclusions

These thresholds, based on EORTC QLQ‐CLL17 domain scores, could help identify patients with meaningful changes in HRQOL and interpret treatment effects in future studies of treatments for adults with R/R CLL.
CDR L3 Loop Rearrangement Switches Multispecific SPE‐7 IgE Antibody From Hapten to Protein Binding
Authors: Seidler Clarissa A. , Liedl Klaus R.
Published: October 2024

The monoclonal IgE antibody SPE‐7 was originally raised against a 2,4‐dinitrophenyl (DNP) target. Through its ability to adopt multiple conformations, the antibody is capable of binding to a diverse range of small haptens and large proteins. The present study examines a dataset of experimentally determined crystal structures of the SPE‐7 antibody to gain insight into the mechanisms that contribute to its multispecificity. With the emergence of more and more therapeutic antibodies against a huge repertoire of different targets, our research could be of great interest for future drug development. We are able to discriminate between the different paratope‐binding states in the conformational ensembles obtained by enhanced sampling molecular dynamics simulations, and to calculate their transition timescales and state probabilities. Furthermore, we describe the key residues responsible for discriminating between the different binding capacities and identify a tryptophan in a central position of the CDR L3 loop as the residue of greatest interest. The overall dynamics of the paratope appear to be mainly influenced by the CDR L3 and CDR L1 loops.
Utility of cardiac implantable electronic device algorithm for detecting severe sleep‐disordered breathing in cardiomyopathy
Authors: Li Jiaqi , Mok Yingjuan , Tan Vern Hsen , Wong Hang Siang , Wang Yue , Oh Ying Zi , Him Ai Ling , Hamid Sherida Syed , Lee Prunella Ting , Teo Lisa Jie Ting , Lee Leng Leng , Chan Andrew Kieran Ming Hui , Yeo Colin
Published: October 2024

Background

Half of patients with heart failure are estimated to have sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB). However, many are undiagnosed as they do not report typical symptoms. This study aims to evaluate the implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) sleep‐disordered breathing algorithm in a cohort of multi‐racial Asian patients for detection of SDB against polysomnography (PSG).

Methods

In this prospective pilot study, participants who fulfill the American College of Cardiology (ACC) indication for ICD were recruited. The ICD algorithm uses transthoracic impedance sensing to calculate respiratory disturbance index (RDI).

Results

Twenty‐four patients were enrolled between August 2020 and December 2021. All patients underwent PSG exams and were followed up for up to 12 months. Eighteen participants completed the PSG study as of August 23, 2022. Severe SDB (defined as PSG‐AHI ≥30 episodes/h) was diagnosed in 66.7% of the patients. No significant direct linear correlation was found between the PSG‐AHI measurements and the RDI measurements (adjusted r2 = .224, r = .473, p = .027). Applying a binary threshold cut‐off RDI value of 32 episodes/h for the detection of severe SDB yielded a sensitivity of 91.7% and specificity of 16.7%.

Conclusions

Transthoracic impedance sensing with an advanced inbuilt algorithm may be helpful as a screening test in detecting severe SDB in patients with heart failure and cardiomyopathy, potentially by applying a binary threshold cut‐off value. This is the first study known to validate the algorithm in an exclusively multi‐ethnic Asian population with heart failure.
Effective pretreatment of microwave combined with acetic acid soaking on oil absorption and quality of fried potato chips
Authors: Wang Simeng , Zhao Shuli , Wang Nan , Liu Ying
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

This study applied a combined pretreatment method involving microwave and acetic acid (AA) soaking to monitor oil absorption of fried potato chips based on texture and microstructure characteristics.

RESULTS

Results demonstrated that medium–low microwave combined with 4 h of AA soaking significantly improved the texture profile of potato chips, and reduced oil content by approximately 53.25%. Higher microwave intensity led to greater surface roughness of samples, whereas AA soaking for 1–4 h effectively reduced surface roughness. The decrease in Fm and Nwr, along with the increase in Fwr and Wc with prolonged AA soaking time for 1–4 h indicated that medium–low microwave intensity combined with AA pretreatment enhanced hardness and brittleness of samples. Microscopic examination of cell structure revealed that this combined pretreatment facilitated pectin gelation between the cell walls of potato chips, resulting in a more intact cell structure with fewer gaps. Additionally, the color of pretreated potato chips became brighter.

CONCLUSION

The combination of medium–low microwave intensity and AA soaking pretreatment resulted in a decrease in the oil content and improved the texture profile of fried potato chips. This study provides new strategies and insights for producing low‐fat potato chips based on low‐cost pretreatment. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Exploring the Potential Synergy Between Disruptive Technology and Historical/Cultural Heritage in Thailand's Tourism Industry for Achieving Sustainable Development in the Future
Authors: Ma Chengxiang , Somrak Thawit , Manajit Suchita , Gao Chenglin
Published: October 2024

While disruptive technologies such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mobile apps hold promise for enriching visitor experiences in heritage tourism, their integration necessitates a nuanced approach to ensure the sustainable development of the sector. This study addresses a critical gap in existing research by exploring this specific synergy within Thailand's unique tourism landscape. Through a comprehensive literature review, the study synthesizes existing knowledge on technology integration in heritage tourism, identifying both potential benefits (AR enhancing historical sites) and risks (overreliance on VR and social media's negative impacts). To bridge this gap and navigate these complexities, the research proposes a set of recommendations for a collaborative and sustainable approach. These recommendations prioritize community engagement, environmental consciousness, ongoing research, and collaborative governance. Additionally, they emphasize preserving the authenticity of heritage sites, ensuring technology serves as a tool for cultural preservation, not exploitation. By adopting these recommendations, stakeholders can leverage technology to create a thriving and sustainable heritage tourism sector in Thailand. This ensures both the safeguarding of the nation's rich cultural heritage for future generations and the creation of innovative and enriching experiences for visitors.
Unraveling Lake Geneva's hypoxia crisis in the Anthropocene
Authors: Soares Laura M. V. , Desgué‐Itier Olivia , Barouillet Cécilia , Casenave Céline , Domaizon Isabelle , Frossard Victor , Hairston Nelson G. , Lami Andrea , Lemaire Bruno J. , Saulnier Georges‐Marie , Soulignac Frédéric , Vinçon‐Leite Brigitte , Jenny Jean‐Philippe
Published: October 2024

Despite global evidence of lake deoxygenation, its duration, timing, and impacts over decadal to centennial timescales remain uncertain. This study introduces a novel model approach using 150 yr of limnological and paleolimnological data to evaluate the anthropogenic impacts on deep oxygen in Lake Geneva. Results highlight an increase in oxygen consumption rates due to cultural eutrophication, initially triggering historical hypoxia, subsequently exacerbated by reduced winter mixing induced by climate change. Simulations of pre‐eutrophication conditions and future climate scenarios define safe operating spaces for the lake to thrive without severe hypoxia risk. Complete winter mixing and O2 recharge once every 3 yr can compensate the oxygen demand in Lake Geneva, even when exceeding 1.5 g O2 m−2 d−1. However, when complete winter mixing becomes less frequent, even consumption rates similar to those observed before eutrophication can cause persistent hypoxia, posing a significant threat to the survival of hypolimnetic aquatic life.
Charge Transport in Interband Cascade Lasers: An Ab‐Initio Self‐Consistent Model
Authors: Windischhofer Andreas , Opačak Nikola , Schwarz Benedikt
Published: October 2024

Interband cascade lasers (ICLs) stand out due to their low threshold current and minimal power consumption, rendering them viable sources for compact and mobile devices in the mid‐infrared. Since their first demonstration, they experienced major performance improvements. Mostly they originate from either improved material quality or the outcomes of numerical analysis of secluded parts. Encouraged by the impact of secluded models, an ICL‐specific simulation tool can lead to performance breakthroughs and a better comprehension of governing mechanisms. Drawing from an evaluation of existing tools designed for quantum cascade structures, a self‐consistent density matrix rate equation model is implemented to simulate the transport in both conduction and valence band heterostructures. Albeit the extensive inclusion of the quantum effects, special care was taken to maintain a high numerical efficiency. The charge transport model additionally considers optical field calculations, allowing for predictive calculations of light–current–voltage curves. The model is benchmarked against well‐established ICL designs and demonstrate reliable performance predictability. Additionally, detailed insights into device characteristics extracted from the model are provided. This ultimately allows to deepen the understanding of ICL and not only refine existing ones but also generate novel optimized designs.
Influences of Sr(OH)2 on the Structure and Corrosion Resistance of Micro‐Arc Oxidation Coatings Formed on TC4 Titanium Alloy
Authors: Luo Qiming , Yang Shaolan , Wang Ping , Sun Fengyu , Zhu Manlan
Published: October 2024

In order to improve the comprehensive properties of TC4 titanium alloy, micro‐arc oxidation (MAO) coating is prepared on the surface of a TC4 substrate in a basic electrolyte with varying concentrations of Sr(OH)2. The surface morphology, phase composition, element distribution, and corrosion resistance of MAO coatings are analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, an energy‐dispersive spectrometer, the electrochemical test, and the erosion–corrosion test. The results show that the voltage of the MAO process increases and then decreases; the surface morphology and density of the coatings are greatly improved after doping Sr(OH)2. When the concentration of Sr(OH)2 is 0.6 g L−1, the thickness, hardness, and adhesion strength of the coating reach the maximum values of 37.04 μm, 836.2 HV, and 21.8 N, respectively. At this time, the wear resistance and corrosion resistance are the best, and the friction coefficient and the corrosion rate are the lowest: 0.3352 and 1.04 × 10−10 mm a−1, respectively.
Visco‐elastic damped wave models with time‐dependent coefficient
Authors: Aslan Halit Sevki , Reissig Michael
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we study the following Cauchy problem for linear visco‐elastic damped wave models with a general time‐dependent coefficient :

We are interested to study the influence of the damping term on qualitative properties of solutions to () as decay estimates for energies of higher order and the parabolic effect. The main tools are related to WKB‐analysis. We apply elliptic as well as hyperbolic WKB‐analysis in different parts of the extended phase space.
Electing to Learn from Elections
Authors: Wich Scott
Published: October 2024

Elections happen every year. From selecting our mayors and congresspeople to weighing in on countless referendum issues, every November we have the opportunity to go to our polling places and voice our opinions about our future. However, these elections rarely receive more attention than the big one that occurs every four years, the election of the president of the United States of America. The 2024 presidential election is no different. It is seemingly impossible to get through the day without hearing some news item about the vote for the next leader of the free world.
Spatiotemporal fluctuation induces Turing pattern formation in the chemical Brusselator
Authors: Yuan Quan , Wang Sizhe , Lai Ting , Wang Haohua
Published: October 2024

Chemical reactions are embedded in spatiotemporal fluctuations instead of a constant environment. Here, we aimed to assess reaction–diffusion (RD) with dichotomous noise‐controlling system parameters in the Brusselator and examine the effect of these fluctuations on the dynamic behavior of chemical reactions. By performing a multiscale perturbation analysis, we demonstrated that the correlated noise can broaden the Turing region even if molecular memory (autocorrelation time) exists. However, for small noise, short‐term memory promotes Turing instability. The instability of the Brusselator is determined by the noise strength, which belongs to the optimal region if the diffusion coefficient is fixed. Turing pattern selection and stability are also governed by the dynamic character of the amplitude equation, and the entire Turing instability region shifts to the right in the phase space with noise perturbation. Finally, numerical simulations validate the theoretical derivation that correlated noise can amplify Turing pattern formation to maintain distinct patterns.
An extended study of two multistep higher order convergent methods for solving nonlinear equations
Authors: Behl Ramandeep , Argyros Ioannis K. , Martinez De Mendivil Iñigo Sarria
Published: October 2024

The local analysis of convergence for two competing methods of order seven or eight is developed to solve Banach space‐valued equations. Previous studies have used the eighth or ninth derivative of the operator involved, which do not appear on the methods, to show the convergence of these methods on the finite‐dimensional Euclidean space. In addition, no computable error distances or isolation of the solution results are provided in this study. These problems limit the applicability of this method to solving equations with operators that are at least nine times differentiable. In the current study, only conditions on the first derivative, appearing in these methods, are employed to show the convergence of these methods. Moreover, computable error bounds depend on the distance in the world as well as the isolation of the solution. Results are provided based on generalized continuity conditions on the first derivative. Furthermore, the more interesting semi‐local analysis of convergence not given before these methods is presented using a majorizing sequence. Finally, a great deal of impressive numerical results has been shown on real‐world problems.
Modeling the impact of screening awareness and vaccination on human papilloma virus transmission
Authors: Xue Ling , Zhou Shang , Zhang Yuxin
Published: October 2024

In this work, a two‐sex deterministic model for human papillomavirus (HPV) is developed to assess the impact of screening awareness and vaccination on the transmission dynamics. We provide a detailed analysis of the HPV model and established results for boundedness of the solutions and existence of a positively invariant and attracting set. The basic reproduction number
is characterized, and it is shown that the disease‐free equilibrium is locally asymptotically stable if
and the system is uniformly persistent if
. Sensitivity analysis of
reveals that HPV vaccination can mitigate HPV transmission, and HPV vaccination along with screening can further reduce the spread of HPV infection. Numerical simulations showed that the public awareness of screening after being vaccinated is contributing to reduce the spread of epidemic, and the role of screening awareness in controlling the disease was significantly greater among men than women. Besides, the numerical simulations reveal that increasing vaccination rates for male is effective in controlling HPV transmission. Hence, it is necessary to enhance the screening for men. Moreover, increasing vaccination rates is more effective than increasing screening awareness in eliminating the epidemic.
Translation, Cross‐Culture Adaptation and Measurement Properties of the Simplified Chinese Version of the Osteoarthritis Knowledge Scale
Authors: Wang Ziru , Darlow Ben , Deng Huili , Ni Guoxin
Published: October 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to culturally adapt the Osteoarthritis Knowledge Scale (OAKS) into a simplified Chinese version and to evaluate its measurement properties among Chinese‐speaking populations.

Methods

The OAKS scale was translated and cross‐culturally adapted following COSMIN guidelines. A total of 368 participants were recruited, including individuals with knee or hip osteoarthritis (OA), healthcare professionals, and individuals without OA. The study evaluated the scale's internal consistency, test‐retest reliability, and factor structure using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA).

Results

The translated OAKS scale demonstrated acceptable levels of reliability across different groups. Cronbach's alpha for the KOAKS was 0.70 overall, with subgroup values ranging from 0.70 to 0.71. For the HOAKS, Cronbach's alpha was 0.77 overall, with subgroup values ranging from 0.63 to 0.72. Test‐retest reliability showed high Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) values for both scales (KOAKS: ICC = 0.960; HOAKS: ICC = 0.982). EFA revealed that the overall OAKS explained a substantial portion of the variance (60.51%), with KOAKS accounting for 59.35% and HOAKS accounting for 54.68% of the variance.

Conclusion

The simplified Chinese version of the OAKS is a reliable tool for assessing OA knowledge among Chinese‐speaking patients, healthcare professionals, and the general public. The findings highlight the necessity for continuous improvement and adaptation of educational interventions to address specific knowledge gaps within the Chinese context.
A taxonomic guide to diffusion MRI tractography visualization tools
Authors: Laamoumi Miriam , Hendriks Tom , Chamberland Maxime
Published: October 2024

Visualizing neuroimaging data is a key step in evaluating data quality, interpreting results, and communicating findings. This survey focuses on diffusion MRI tractography, which has been widely used in both research and clinical domains within the neuroimaging community. With an increasing number of tractography tools and software, navigating this landscape poses a challenge, especially for newcomers. A systematic exploration of a diverse range of features is proposed across 27 research tools, delving into their main purpose and examining the presence or absence of prevalent visualization and interactive techniques. The findings are structured within a proposed taxonomy, providing a comprehensive overview. Insights derived from this analysis will help (novice) researchers, clinicians, and developers in identifying knowledge gaps and navigating the landscape of tractography visualization tools.
Multi‐layer structure design, fabrication and numerical simulations of 3D woven spacer fabric composites with improved mechanical properties
Authors: Huang Ying , Zhao Xingzu , Zhao Jun , Ouyang Yiwei , Xu Weilin , Liu Yang
Published: October 2024

The 3D woven spacer fabric lightweight composites (WSFC) show promising applications in construction, transportation and aerospace. In this study, the 3D WSFC with different structural variations (e.g., layer thicknesses, stacking and face layer thickening) were designed and fabricated. The fracture strengths of single‐layer WSFC in the weft direction with layer thicknesses of 5, 10 and 15 mm were 54.4, 14.3, and 5.4 MPa. In the weft direction, the fracture strengths of double‐ and triple‐stacked 3D WSFCs were 30.6 and 21.7 MPa, which improved 1.1 times and 3.0 times as compared with those of original single‐layer 3D WSFCs, respectively. The double‐ and triple‐stacked WSFC also had large flexural deformation. The 3D WSFC with double‐layer misaligned stacking had the similar flexural strengths in both directions, which obviously reduced the performance differentiation of 3D WSFC in different directions. With the addition of face layer fabric, the mechanical performances of 3D WSFC were notably enhanced, and the damage modes were changed from brittle failure to ductile failure. Furthermore, a multi‐scale model of 3D WSFC with different structural variations was developed for numerical simulation to analyze the stress distribution and damage mechanism.

Highlights

Stacking design obviously improves mechanical properties of 3D WSFC.

WSFC with misaligned stacking has similar flexural strengths.

A multi‐scale elastic–plastic damage model for 3D WSFC is established.

Damage modes of WSFC are changed with the stacking method.
Full‐field effect of flow‐induced fiber orientation during compression molding of carbon fiber sheet molding compounds
Authors: Nega Biruk Fikre , Pierce Robert Samuel , Yi Xiaosu , Liu Xiaoling
Published: October 2024

An image‐based fiber orientation analysis technique has been employed to study the effect of initial charge coverage and preferential fiber alignment on the flow‐induced fiber orientations in carbon fiber sheet molding compounds (SMCs). The initial charge coverage area exhibited minimal fiber reorientation while significant fiber alignment in the flow direction was observed in the regions of greatest flow. Novel subsurface analysis using the same full‐field orientation analysis technique also showed the presence of a skin‐core structure with greater flow‐induced fiber alignment at the mold surfaces, while the core retained more of the initial fiber orientation distribution. Edge effects were also revealed by this analysis at the mold walls. Tensile testing from two orthogonal directions showed that panels molded from lower charge coverage resulted in better mechanical performance and lower anisotropy. Moreover, by encouraging charge flow in the preform's preferential alignment direction, high tensile stiffness and strength in the preferred direction were achieved (56.7 GPa and 238.9 MPa, respectively) at 30% fiber volume fraction. This provides a practical demonstration of the value in controlling fiber orientation, with respect to charge positioning and mold flow, to maximize and tailor the composite performance of SMCs typically used for automotive applications.

Highlights

Low‐cost scanning technique is extended to assess internal fiber orientations

Full‐field orientations are measured before and after molding

Investigation of how charge size and shape can affect orientations

Combining effects of flow and initial orientation to tailor SMC performance

Circular statistics provides a thorough analysis of orientation distributions
The Prevalent New‐User Design to Study Drug–Drug Interactions: The Example of Sulfonylureas and Warfarin Interaction on the Risk of Severe Hypoglycemia
Authors: Wang Wanqi , Cui Ying , Yu Oriana Hoi Yun , Suissa Samy , Douros Antonios
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The optimal design for pharmacoepidemiologic drug–drug interactions (DDIs) studies is unclear. Using the association between concomitant use of sulfonylureas and warfarin and the risk of severe hypoglycemia as a case study, a DDI with little or no clinical impact, we tested whether the prevalent new‐user design can be applied in the area.

Methods

Among all patients initiating sulfonylureas in the UK's Clinical Practice Research Datalink (1998–2020), we identified those adding‐on warfarin while on a sulfonylurea. For each co‐exposed patient, we defined a prescription‐based exposure set including other sulfonylurea users not adding‐on warfarin (comparators). Within each exposure set, we matched each co‐exposed patient to five comparators on time‐conditional propensity scores (TCPS) and followed them using an as‐treated approach. Cox proportional hazards models estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of severe hypoglycemia associated with concomitant use of sulfonylureas and warfarin compared to use of sulfonylureas alone. Sensitivity analyses addressed the impact of different potential sources of bias.

Results

The study cohort included 17 890 patients co‐exposed to sulfonylureas and warfarin and 88 749 matched comparators. After TCPS matching, patient characteristics were well‐balanced between groups. Compared to use of sulfonylureas alone, concomitant use of sulfonylureas and warfarin was not associated with the risk of severe hypoglycemia (HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.92–1.17). Sensitivity analyses were consistent with the primary analysis (HRs ranging from 1.01 to 1.15, all not statistically significant).

Conclusions

Our study suggests that the prevalent new‐user design could be used for the assessment of clinical effects of DDIs.
The Impact of Hormone Replacement Therapy on the Risk of Heart Failure in Postmenopausal Women: A Meta‐Analysis of Clinical and Observational Studies
Authors: Arayici Mehmet Emin , Kilic Mustafa Eray , Yilmaz Mehmet Birhan
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The relationship between heart failure (HF) and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in postmenopausal women remains unclear. This paper aimed to elucidate the association between HRT and HF outcomes in postmenopausal women by scrutinizing evidence from clinical trials and observational studies.

Methods

The meta‐analysis was systematically executed following the PRISMA guidelines to include studies identified from the electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, EBSCO, ICTRP, and NIH clinical trials. The primary endpoint of the effect comprised risk ratios (RR) for HF incidence and mortality, attended by 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The risk of bias was assessed employing the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB2) tool for clinical trials and the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale (NOS) for observational studies.

Results

The search yielded a total of eight reports, originating from six individual studies, for inclusion in the current study, and 25 047 participants were included. The meta‐analysis demonstrated no remarkable association between HRT and the incidence of HF in postmenopausal women (RR: 1.07, 95% CI: 0.91–1.25, p = 0.37). However, a significant reduction in all‐cause mortality was observed among post‐menopausal HF patients who received HRT (RR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.49–0.87, p = 0.003). In age‐related subgroup analyses, no significant change in the risk of HF was noticed among participants on HRT.

Conclusions

The findings of this paper demonstrate that HRT use is not associated with a significant increase in the risk of incident HF. This meta‐analysis also suggests a benefit in all‐cause mortality when HRT is administered to postmenopausal women with HF.
Trap colour strongly affects the ability of deep learning models to recognize insect species in images of sticky traps
Authors: Ong Song‐Quan , Høye Toke Thomas
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

The use of computer vision and deep learning models to automatically classify insect species on sticky traps has proven to be a cost‐ and time‐efficient approach to pest monitoring. As different species are attracted to different colours, the variety of sticky trap colours poses a challenge to the performance of the models. However, the effectiveness of deep learning in classifying pests on different coloured sticky traps has not yet been sufficiently explored. In this study, we aim to investigate the influence of sticky trap colour and imaging devices on the performance of deep learning models in classifying pests on sticky traps.

RESULTS

Our results show that using the MobileNetV2 architecture with transparent sticky traps as training data, the model predicted the pest species on transparent sticky traps with an accuracy of at least 0.95 and on other sticky trap colours with at least 0.85 of the F1 score. Using a generalised linear model (GLM) and a Boruta feature selection algorithm, we also showed that the colour and architecture of the sticky traps significantly influenced the performance of the model.

CONCLUSION

Our results support the development of an automatic classification of pests on a sticky trap, which should focus on colour and deep learning architecture to achieve good results. Future studies could aim to incorporate the trap system into pest monitoring, providing more accurate and cost‐effective results in a pest management programme. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Effects of Bt‐cotton cultivation on Helicoverpa armigera activity‐density in agricultural landscapes in northwestern China
Authors: Li Minlong , Yang Long , Jia Shuangshuang , Kang Shuyuan , Yang Yizhong , Lu Yanhui
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

Cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner), threatens many crops. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton has been planted to control this severe pest in northern Xinjiang, China. In 2021 and 2022, we monitored the activity densities of H. armigera males using sex pheromone traps in Bt cotton and non‐Bt maize fields. We assessed how much of the population variation of cotton bollworm in the fields within the Bt cotton planting area could be explained by (i) landscape composition [including the proportion of Bt cotton among total area of host crops (cotton, maize, wheat and vegetables)], (ii) landscape configuration (patch density – i.e. the number of patches within a given area) across 0.5‐2.0 km scales, or (iii) the population density of the previous pest generation.

RESULTS

Cotton bollworm activity‐density exhibited two distinct peaks annually (mid‐ to late May and mid‐July each year), with the number of males caught during the second peak significantly and positively correlated with the first peak's numbers. The suppressive effect of the proportion of Bt cotton in the landscape on bollworms was more pronounced at larger scales, and patch density had a significant positive effect on bollworm activity density.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings support (i) the promotion of Bt cotton in northwestern China has reduced and suppressed the occurrence of cotton bollworms at the landscape scale and (ii) the importance of controlling spring populations for effective summer outbreak management, and (iii) that cotton bollworm control should be coordinated at a large scale across multiple crop fields. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Influence of mesoscale sea‐surface temperature structures on the Mediterranean cyclone Ianos in convection‐permitting simulations: Contributions of surface warming and cold wakes
Authors: Mishra Alok Kumar , Jangir Babita , Strobach Ehud
Published: October 2024

This study examined the influence of mesoscale sea‐surface temperature (SST) structures and warming on the tropical‐like cyclone Ianos. The controlling mechanisms were investigated using a set of sensitivity experiments with the non‐hydrostatic weather research and forecasting model. A simulation forced by a high‐resolution SST field from the mesoscale eddy‐resolving HYCOM reanalysis (CTRLH) performed better than a simulation forced by a coarse‐resolution SST field from Optimum Interpolation Sea Surface Temperature (OISST) in terms of precipitation, wind intensity, and landfall location. The suppression of mesoscale SST variability affected the cyclone's intensity, its path, and associated processes. This effect depends on the nature of the anomalies (cold/warm). The suppression of mesoscale SST forcing intensified wind and precipitation in the presence of cold anomalies, leading to a northwestward shift of the storm's path during its mature phase. The magnitude of these changes varied with the scale of smoothing (mesoscale SST). Compared to the CTRLH simulation, a simulation in which a 60‐km smoothing filter was applied to the SST field resulted in a cyclone centered slightly to the west (or delayed by 3–6 hr), which was further shifted to the west (or delayed) when the smoothing filter was increased to 150 km. The intensification of wind and precipitation may be associated with the reduction in the storm's cold wake, which would lead to enhanced turbulent fluxes and increased atmospheric water vapor. These results highlight the role of small‐scale air–sea interaction processes that could have a strong impact on Mediterranean cyclones' path and intensity.
Computational Study of the Formation of Atmospheric Aerosol Precursors Under Ambient Conditions: A Case Study of the Interaction Between Sea Salt, Water, and Sulfuric Acid Molecules
Authors: Vadgama Dhyani , Srivastava Rohit , Shinde Satyam
Published: October 2024

Cluster formation has significant implications in atmospheric science and environmental chemistry. These clusters are characterized by complex interactions between their constituents, which influence their structure, stability, and growth. Experimental investigations are difficult for the initial stages of prenucleation cluster formation, which leads to larger aerosols. To understand the formation of clusters, the interactions between sea salts (NaCl, KCl, and MgCl2), water, and sulfuric acid molecules have been investigated. Each step has been comprehensively examined and thermodynamic parameters have been computed using DLPNO‐CCSD(T)/CBS//M06‐2X/6‐311++G(3df,3pd) to find the stabilities of the molecular complexes. Among all complexes, the binding energies of cluster (SS)1(W)1(SA)3 are found to be the lowest due to the formation of HCl, hydrogen bonding, and weak van der Waal forces. Sea salts have shown a more favorable interaction with H2SO4 compared to H2O molecules. The addition of H2SO4 increases the reactivity of the cluster (SS)1(W)n, while the addition of H2O molecules reduces the reactivity of the cluster (SS)1(SA)n. However, further addition of H2SO4 or H2O to the existing cluster (SS)1(W)n(SA)n increases the free energy of formation. Furthermore, the influence of temperature was also investigated, suggesting that complex formation is slightly more favorable at lower temperatures than at higher temperatures. The negative values of thermodynamic parameters indicate, that these complexes are spontaneous and exothermic over the colder regions.
Programmable Activation of Quantum Emitters in High‐Purity Silicon with Focused Carbon Ion Beams
Authors: Hollenbach M. , Klingner N. , Mazarov P. , Pilz W. , Nadzeyka A. , Mayer F. , Abrosimov N. V. , Bischoff L. , Hlawacek G. , Helm M. , Astakhov G. V.
Published: October 2024

Carbon implantation at the nanoscale is highly desired for the engineering of defect‐based qubits in a variety of materials, including silicon, diamond, silicon carbide (SiC) and hexagonal boron nitride (hBN). However, the lack of focused carbon ion beams does not allow for the full disclosure of their potential for application in quantum technologies. Here, a carbon source for focused ion beams is developed and utilized for the simultaneous creation of two types of quantum emitters in silicon, the W and G centers. Furthermore, a multi‐step implantation protocol is applied for the programmable activation of the G centers with a spatial resolution better than 250 nm. This approach provides a route for significant enhancement of the creation yield of single G centers in carbon‐free silicon wafers, including commercial silicon‐on‐insulator wafers. The experimental demonstration is an important step toward nanoscale engineering of telecom quantum emitters in silicon of high crystalline quality and isotope purity.
Causal Inference Over a Subpopulation: The Effect of Malaria Vaccine in Women During Pregnancy
Authors: Hu Zonghui , Follmann Dean
Published: October 2024

Preventing malaria during pregnancy is of critical importance, yet there are no approved malaria vaccines for pregnant women due to lack of efficacy results within this population. Conducting a randomized trial in pregnant women throughout the entire duration of pregnancy is impractical. Instead, a randomized trial was conducted among women of childbearing potential (WOCBP), and some participants became pregnant during the 2‐year study. We explore a statistical method for estimating vaccine effect within the target subpopulation—women who can naturally become pregnant, namely, women who can become pregnant under a placebo condition—within the causal inference framework. Two vaccine effect estimators are employed to effectively utilize baseline characteristics and account for the fact that certain baseline characteristics were only available from pregnant participants. The first estimator considers all participants but can only utilize baseline variables collected from the entire participant pool. In contrast, the second estimator, which includes only pregnant participants, utilizes all available baseline information. Both estimators are evaluated numerically through simulation studies and applied to the WOCBP trial to assess vaccine effect against pregnancy malaria.
FTIR Reveals Novel Insights into 5‐FU and Carmofur's Impact on Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Kalkandelen Cevriye , Kalındemirtaş Ferdane Danışman , Shawuti Shalima , Korkut Işık Neslişah , Üstündağ Hilal , Gunduz Oğuzhan , Kuruca Serap Erdem
Published: October 2024

In this study, the effects of 5‐FU, and its derivate Carmofur (Car) on MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231 cells, were examined using FTIR. Both drugs showed a similar response in the protein and nucleic acid region of MCF‐7 but opposite results in MDA‐MB‐231 cells. Under the influence of the drugs, the absorption intensity of the proteins decreased in MCF‐7, while it increased in MDA‐MB‐231 cells. The rate of change was higher in Car. In the fingerprint region, both cells showed the opposite effect. Although the intensity of absorbance in MCF‐7 increased with 5‐FU and Car, a decrease was measured in MDA‐MB‐231 cells. An exception in the nucleic acid region was the peak assigned to the asymmetric PO2 peaks in RNAs. Although a specific marker for apoptotic cells, ester‐carbonyl binding, appeared in MCF‐7 cells with 5‐FU and Car at 1745 cm−1, this binding was not seen in MDA‐MB‐231 cells. The amide I region of the cells was analyzed using the second derivative spectrum. This study aimed to use FTIR spectroscopy to evaluate the response of two different tumor cells to chemotherapy and to provide a clinical prognosis.
An Overview of Structural Framework and Classification of Theranostic Radiopharmaceuticals
Authors: Kaur Jasleen , Mukherjee Monalisa
Published: October 2024

Radiopharmaceuticals constitute the backbone of nuclear medicine research and have been commonly used in diagnostic imaging and radionuclide therapy. In the past, there has been a strong emphasis on the meticulous design and development of radiotheranostics for targeted molecular imaging and therapy of different types of tumors. Theranostic radiopharmaceuticals offer synergistic advantages of simultaneous molecular imaging and radionuclide therapy all in one molecule. Owing to their successful pre‐clinical and clinical applications, many new theranostic radiopharmaceuticals have been explored in recent years. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the design and the structural framework of theranostic radiopharmaceuticals. In this review, we have primarily focused on the different types of chelating agents, linkers, and radionuclides used for the development of potential radiotheranostics. In addition, this review also summarizes the classification and the different categories of theranostic radiopharmaceuticals such as molecular radiotheranostics and nano‐radiotheranostics along with their pre‐clinical and clinical theranostic applications. The recent developments and the theranostic applications of small molecule‐based radiotheranostics, antibody‐based radiotheranostics, peptide‐based radiotheranostics, and nanoparticle‐based radiotheranostics have also been reviewed for inspiring research efforts towards the development of efficient radiotheranostics.
Co‐rumination and intrapersonal cognitive processes predict distress: Longitudinal evidence from the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Kowalsky Jennifer M. , Mitchell Amanda M. , Okdie Bradley M.
Published: October 2024

Perseverative thinking and catastrophizing have well established associations with fear and distress. However, less is known about the impact of interpersonal dynamics, such as co‐rumination, on these intrapersonal cognitive processes and subsequent stress. The present study addresses this knowledge gap. A sample of 433 adults from across the United States was recruited online and completed measures of co‐rumination, perseverative thinking, catastrophizing, and demographic characteristics early in the COVID‐19 pandemic, and the COVID Stress Scales (CSS) at six month follow up. Co‐rumination, perseverative thinking, catastrophizing, and CSS scores were correlated in the expected direction. Regression analyses revealed all three independently predicted CSS worry about the dangerousness of COVID‐19 subscale. Co‐rumination was the strongest predictor of CSS worry about the socioeconomic impact and CSS compulsive checking scales. Perseverative thinking and catastrophizing predicted CSS traumatic stress symptoms subscale. Finally, perseverative thinking was the strongest predictor of CSS xenophobia subscale. Structural equation modelling indicated that co‐rumination had a significant indirect effect on CSS scores through perseverative thinking and catastrophizing. Interpersonal dynamics, such as co‐rumination, are relevant for understanding stress and are promising targets for intervention research to prevent or attenuate fears and distress, in addition to traditional intrapersonal cognitive processes such as perseverative thinking and catastrophizing.