bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Climate, Soil, Topography and Disturbance on Liana Prevalence
Authors: Mackintosh Emma J. , Waite Catherine E. , Putz Francis E. , Pfeifer Marion , Chen Chengrong , Lan Zhongming , Brennan Sophie , Marshall Andrew R.
Published: October 2024

Lianas (woody vines and climbing monocots) are increasing in abundance in many tropical forests with uncertain consequences for forest functioning and recovery following disturbances. At a global scale, these increases are likely driven by disturbances and climate change. Yet, our understanding of the environmental variables that drive liana prevalence at regional scales is incomplete and geographically biased towards Latin America. To address this gap, we present a comprehensive study evaluating the combined effects of climate, soil, disturbance and topography on liana prevalence in the Australian Wet Tropics. We established 31 20 × 20 m vegetation plots along an elevation gradient in low disturbance (canopy closure ≥ 75%) and high disturbance (canopy closure ≤ 25%) forest stands. In these plots, all tree and liana (defined as all woody dicot vines and climbing monocots, i.e., rattans) stems ≥ 1 cm DBH were measured and environmental data were collected on climate, soil and topography. Generalised linear models were used with multi‐model averaging to quantify the relative effects of the environmental variables on measures of liana prevalence (liana–tree basal area ratio, woody vine basal area and stem density and rattan stem density). Liana prevalence decreased with elevation but increased with disturbance and mean annual precipitation. The increase in the liana–tree ratio with precipitation was more pronounced for highly disturbed sites. Like other tropical regions, disturbance is an important driver of liana prevalence in Australian rainforests and appears to interact with climate to increase liana–tree ratios. The observed increase in liana–tree ratio with precipitation contrasts findings from elsewhere but is confounded by correlated changes in elevation and temperature, which highlights the importance of regional studies. Our findings show that forests with high disturbance and climatic conditions favourable to lianas are where lianas most likely to outcompete trees and impede forest recovery.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Semi‐Saturated Fused Polycyclic Iminosugars by a Diels‐Alder Reaction
Authors: Xie Song , Wu Jilai , Zhou Likai , Wei Chao , Li Xiaoliu , Chen Hua
Published: October 2024

A series of semi‐saturated fused polycyclic iminosugars were synthesized by one‐pot stereoselective three‐component reactions of D‐ribose tosylate, aniline and cycloenones under heating conditions. The N‐aryl enamine derived from an iminium ion is the key intermediate for the reaction. In this way, various novel complex fused iminosugars were obtained through a normal Diels‐Alder mechanism at 80 °C. This strategy will enable the preparation of bioactive iminosugar analogues with structural diversity.
Global mapping of social–ecological systems science in conservation conflict research
Authors: Alba‐Patiño Daniela , Delibes‐Mateos Miguel , Castro Antonio J
Published: October 2024

Conservation conflicts are arguably one of the most complex challenges facing global biodiversity conservation. Social–ecological systems (SES) science is uniquely positioned to address this challenge. However, there is scarce scientific evidence to demonstrate that global empirical research on conservation conflicts has been conducted through an SES lens. We systematically mapped the scientific literature on a global scale to understand the landscape of conservation conflict research addressed from an SES perspective. Our mapping and subsequent analysis of 865 studies over the past three decades revealed that most research has been conducted in the US and Mexico, with conflicts arising from decisions over land use and ocean management as the most frequently studied. Of the analyzed studies, the most influential SES frameworks used were ascribed to three key publications. Our findings highlight the relative scarcity of research on conflicts in biodiversity hotspots of the Middle East, the Caribbean, and North and Central Africa.
Citizen science as a valuable tool for environmental review
Authors: Callaghan Corey T , Winnebald Carly , Smith Blaze , Mason Brittany M , López‐Hoffman Laura
Published: October 2024

Human development and population growth are placing immense pressure on natural ecosystems, necessitating the establishment of a balance between development and biodiversity preservation. Citizen science may serve as a valuable resource for monitoring biodiversity and informing decision‐making processes, but its use has not been investigated within the realm of environmental review. We sought to quantify the extent to which citizen science data are currently being used, mentioned, or suggested in environmental impact statements (EISs) by analyzing more than 1300 EISs produced under the US National Environmental Policy Act. Among the sampled EISs, we found increasing incorporation of citizen science within the environmental review process, with 40% of EISs in 2022 using, mentioning, or suggesting use of such information, as compared with just 3% in 2012. Citizen science offers substantial potential to enhance biodiversity monitoring and conservation efforts within environmental review, but numerous considerations must be broadly discussed before citizen science data can be widely adopted.
Characterising ovoidal cones by their hyperplane intersection numbers
Authors: De Bruyn Bart , Van de Voorde Geertrui
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we characterise point sets having the same intersection numbers with respect to hyperplanes as an ovoidal cone. In particular, we show that a set of points of which blocks all planes and intersects solids in , or points is a plane or an ovoidal cone, and determine all examples that arise when the blocking condition is omitted.
Dosing strategy of intrapleural bortezomib for myelomatous pleural effusion: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Li Yu‐Ming , Tsou Mei‐Hua , Tan Tran‐Der
Published: October 2024

Myelomatous pleural effusion (MPE) is a rare, often treatment‐resistant complication of multiple myeloma. Intrapleural bortezomib shows promise but lacks standardized dosing. We report a 62‐year‐old woman with MPE treated with 1.3 mg/m2 (2 mg) subcutaneous and 0.975 mg/m2 (1.5 mg) intrapleural bortezomib on days 1 and 4. Despite MPE regression, significant toxicity occurred. Adjusted dosing to 0.65 mg/m2 (1 mg) for both routes on days 11 and 14 consolidated the response without side effects. This case demonstrates the feasibility of intrapleural therapy and the importance of cautious dosing. Literature supports equal intrapleural and systemic bortezomib dosing for MPE management.
Disease models of Leigh syndrome: From yeast to organoids
Authors: Henke Marie‐Thérèse , Prigione Alessandro , Schuelke Markus
Published: October 2024

Leigh syndrome (LS) is a severe mitochondrial disease that results from mutations in the nuclear or mitochondrial DNA that impairs cellular respiration and ATP production. Mutations in more than 100 genes have been demonstrated to cause LS. The disease most commonly affects brain development and function, resulting in cognitive and motor impairment. The underlying pathogenesis is challenging to ascertain due to the diverse range of symptoms exhibited by affected individuals and the variability in prognosis. To understand the disease mechanisms of different LS‐causing mutations and to find a suitable treatment, several different model systems have been developed over the last 30 years. This review summarizes the established disease models of LS and their key findings. Smaller organisms such as yeast have been used to study the biochemical properties of causative mutations. Drosophila melanogaster, Danio rerio, and Caenorhabditis elegans have been used to dissect the pathophysiology of the neurological and motor symptoms of LS. Mammalian models, including the widely used Ndufs4 knockout mouse model of complex I deficiency, have been used to study the developmental, cognitive, and motor functions associated with the disease. Finally, cellular models of LS range from immortalized cell lines and trans‐mitochondrial cybrids to more recent model systems such as patient‐derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). In particular, iPSCs now allow studying the effects of LS mutations in specialized human cells, including neurons, cardiomyocytes, and even three‐dimensional organoids. These latter models open the possibility of developing high‐throughput drug screens and personalized treatments based on defined disease characteristics captured in the context of a defined cell type. By analyzing all these different model systems, this review aims to provide an overview of past and present means to elucidate the complex pathology of LS. We conclude that each approach is valid for answering specific research questions regarding LS, and that their complementary use could be instrumental in finding treatment solutions for this severe and currently untreatable disease.
Osteoarthritis early‐, mid‐ and late‐stage progression in the rat medial meniscus transection model
Authors: McKinney Jay M. , Pucha Krishna A. , Bernard Fabrice C. , Brandon Dixon J. , Doan Thanh N. , Willett Nick J.
Published: October 2024

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of synovial joints affecting all tissues, including articular cartilage and subchondral bone. Osteoarthritis animal models can recapitulate aspects of human disease progression and are used to test efficacy of drugs, biomaterials, and cell therapies. The rat medial meniscus transection (MMT) model is a surgically induced posttraumatic osteoarthritis model commonly used for preclinical therapeutic screening. We describe herein, the qualitative and quantitative changes to articular cartilage, subchondral bone, and formation of osteophytes at early‐, mid‐, and late‐stages of osteoarthritis progression. Tibia of MMT‐operated animals showed proteoglycan loss and fibrillation along articular cartilage surfaces as early as 3‐weeks post‐surgery. With contrast‐enhanced micro‐CT technique, quantitative, 3‐dimensional analysis of the tibia showed that the articular cartilage thickened at 3‐ and 6‐weeks post‐surgery and decreased at 12‐weeks post‐surgery. This decreased cartilage thickness corresponded with increased lesions in the articular cartilage that led to its full degradation and exposing the subchondral bone layer. Further, subchondral bone thickening was significant at 6‐weeks post‐surgery and followed cartilage damage. Osteophytes were found as early as 3‐weeks post‐surgery and coincided with articular cartilage degradation. Cartilaginous osteophytes preceded mineralization, suggesting endochondral ossification. The rat MMT model has predominantly been used out to 3‐weeks, and most studies determined the effect of therapies to delay or prevent the onset of osteoarthritis. We provide evidence that an extension of the rat MMT model out to 6‐ and 12‐weeks more resembled severe phenotypes of human osteoarthritis. Thus, evaluating novel therapeutics at late‐stage will be important for eventual clinical translation.
Comparison of a Risk Calculator With Frailty Indices in Patients Undergoing Lung Cancer Resection
Authors: Vitello Dominic J. , Logan Charles D. , Zaza Norah N. , Bates Kelly R. , Jacobs Ryan , Feinglass Joseph , Merkow Ryan P. , Bentrem David J.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

While frailty has gained attention for its utility in risk stratification, no studies have directly compared them to existing risk calculators. The objective of this study was to compare the risk stratification of the American College of Surgeons Surgical Risk Calculator (ACS‐SRC), the Revised Risk Analysis Index (RAI‐rev), and the Modified Frailty Index (5‐mFI). The primary outcomes were 30‐day postoperative morbidity, 30‐day postoperative mortality, unplanned readmission, unplanned reoperation, and discharge disposition other than home.

Methods

Patients undergoing anatomic lung resection for primary, nonsmall cell lung cancer were identified within the ACS National Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) database. Tools were compared for discrimination in the primary outcomes.

Results

9663 patients undergoing anatomic lung resection for cancer between 2012 and 2014 were included. The cohort was 53.1% female. Median age at diagnosis was 67 (IQR 59–74) years. Perioperative morbidity and mortality rates were 10.9% (n = 1048) and 1.6% (n = 158). Rates of 30‐day postoperative unplanned readmission and reoperation were 7.5% (n = 725) and 4.8% (n = 468). The ACS‐SRC had the highest discrimination for all measured outcomes, as measured by the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) and corresponding confidence interval (95% CI). This included perioperative mortality (AUC 0.74, 95% CI 0.71–0.78), compared to RAI‐rev (AUC 0.66, 95% CI 0.62–0.69) and 5‐mFI (AUC 0.61, 95% CI 0.57–0.65; p < 0.001). The RAI‐rev and 5‐mFI had similar discrimination for all measured outcomes.

Conclusion

ACS‐SRC was the perioperative risk stratification tool with the highest predictive discrimination for adverse, 30‐day, postoperative events for patients with cancer treated with anatomic lung resection.
Current National Treatment Trends for Gastric Adenocarcinoma in the United States
Authors: Vitello Dominic J. , Zaza Norah N. , Bates Kelly R. , Janczewski Lauren M. , Rodriguez Gladys , Bentrem David J.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The treatment of gastric adenocarcinoma (GA) continues to evolve. While neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) has demonstrated emerging benefit, the optimal treatment regimen, and sequence remain to be firmly established.

Methods

Patients with nonmetastatic GA who underwent resection were identified within the 2020 National Cancer Database. Patients were compared between the mutually exclusive treatment groups of NAC, neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT), adjuvant chemotherapy, adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT), and surgery only. The primary endpoint was receipt of NAC or NCRT. Patients were 1‐to‐1 propensity score matched for receiving any neoadjuvant therapy. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of receipt of any neoadjuvant therapy and receipt of any adjuvant therapy.

Results

Twenty‐five thousand and seventy‐three patients were included in the analysis. Patients were treated with NAC (25.0%), NCRT (31.4%), adjuvant chemotherapy (6.5%), adjuvant CRT (12.6%), and surgery only (24.5%). Compared to 2006−2011, patients diagnosed between 2012 and 2017 experienced the greatest increases in NAC (18.6% vs. 29.0%; p < 0.001) and NCRT (25.0% vs. 35.5%; p < 0.001). Median OS was 44.9 months. OS was longest for patients who received any neoadjuvant therapy compared to those receiving adjuvant or surgery only (51.0 vs. 42.4 vs. 38.0 months, respectively; p < 0.001). Patients who were Black, in the lowest income quartile or treated at lower volume facilities were less likely to receive NAT (all p < 0.001).

Conclusions

There has been significant acceleration in the use of neoadjuvant therapy for GA. Currently, NCRT followed by surgery are the most common treatment sequences in the United States. Additional trials are needed to further define the optimal treatment sequence.
Comparing Open, Laparoscopic and Robotic Liver Resection for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer—A Systematic Review and Network Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Mkabaah Luis Bouz , Davey Matthew G. , Kerin Eoin P. , Ryan Odhran K. , Ryan Eanna J. , Donnelly Mark , Ahmed Ola , McEntee Gerry P. , Conneely John B. , Donlon Noel E.
Published: October 2024

Colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) can be surgically managed through open resections (OLR), laparoscopic resections (LLR), or robotic liver resections (RLR). However, there is ongoing uncertainty regarding the safety and effectiveness of minimally invasive approaches like LLR and RLR. This study aims to clarify these issues by conducting a network meta‐analysis (NMA) to compare outcomes across OLR, LLR and RLR for patients with CRLM. Following the PRISMA‐NMA guidelines, the meta‐analysis included 13 studies with a combined total of 6582 patients. Of these, 50.6% underwent LLR, 45.3% underwent OLR, and 4.1% underwent RLR. The analysis found no significant differences in R0 resection rates between LLR (odds ratio [OR] 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.84–1.26) and RLR (OR 1.57, 95% CI: 0.98–2.51) when compared to OLR. Additionally, there were no significant differences in disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) at 1, 3, and 5 years. Despite these findings, both LLR and RLR were associated with reduced postoperative complication rates (RLR: OR 0.52, 95% CI: 0.32–0.86; LLR: OR 0.50, 95% CI: 0.37–0.68). However, patients undergoing LLR were more likely to require conversion to open surgery compared to those undergoing RLR (OR: 12.46, 95% CI: 2.64–58.67). Furthermore, RLR was associated with a reduced need for blood transfusions (OR: 0.13, 95% CI: 0.05–0.32), and LLR resulted in shorter hospital stays (mean difference: −6.66 days, 95% CI: −11.6 to −1.88 days). This study demonstrates the oncological safety of LLR and RLR approaches for CRLM relative to OLR, with enhanced perioperative outcomes anticipated following minimally invasive resections of CRLM.
Preoperative Glycosylated Hemoglobin A1C Impacts Long‐Term Outcomes Following Curative‐Intent Resection of Nonfunctional Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Li Mu‐Xing , Lopez‐Aguiar Alexandra G. , Poultsides George , Rocha Flavio , Weber Sharon , Fields Ryan , Idrees Kamran , Cho Cliff , Maithel Shishir K. , Zhang Xu‐Feng , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: October 2024

Background

To investigate the impact of preoperative glycosylated hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) among patients following curative‐intent resection of nonfunctional gastroentropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP‐NETs).

Methods

Patients who underwent curative‐intent resection for GEP‐NETs from 2000 to 2020 were identified from the US Neuroendocrine Tumor Study Group (US‐NETSG). Preoperative blood HbA1c levels were defined as high HbA1c (≥ 6.5%) versus low HbA1c group (< 6.5%). Impact of HbA1c level on postoperative short‐term and long‐term overall (OS) were investigated.

Results

A total of 130 patients with HbA1c < 6.5% and 60 patients with HbA1c ≥ 6.5% were included. Patients with HbA1c ≥ 6.5% had higher proportion of comorbidities, such as hypertension, obesity, anemia, and lower preoperative albumin levels versus patients with HbA1c < 6.5% (allp < 0.05). In addition, high level of preoperative HbA1c was associated with increased incidence of wound and infectious complications, as well as decreased long‐term OS (median OS: high Hb1Ac 89.8 months vs. low Hb1Ac not reached, HR 3.487,p = 0.004) among patients with nonfunctional GEP‐NETs, as well as among the subset of pancreatic NET patients (median OS: high Hb1Ac 74.3 months vs. low Hb1Ac not reached,p = 0.004), and patients with normal fasting blood glucose (< 140 mg/dL) (median OS: high Hb1Ac 75.4 months vs. low Hb1Ac not reached,p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Hb1Ac might have value as a screening tool to identify high‐risk patients following surgical resection of nonfunctional GEP‐NETs for consideration of more strict postoperative surveillance and treatment of elevated Hb1Ac level.
Reconfigurable Photonic Valley Filter in Hybrid Topological Heterostructures
Authors: Zhang Xinyu , Li Sijie , Lan Zhihao , Gao Wenlong , Chen Menglin L. N.
Published: October 2024

Topological photonics has emerged as an important branch of photonics for its excellent ability to robustly manipulate light. As a widely used topological photonic platform, valley photonic crystals have attracted great attention recently due to the unique opportunities the valley degree of freedom provides to potentially encode and process binary photonic information. However, an efficient and controllable way to generate pure valley current is still lacking. Here, a perfect photonic valley filter with on‐demand routing and switching functionalities by exploiting the unique physics of magneto‐optic and valley photonic crystal is proposed. Particularly, an additional width degree of freedom is introduced by inserting an intermediate layer with matched Dirac points at specific valleys between two domains of topologically distinct photonic crystals. The resultant three‐layer topological heterostructures support large‐area valley polarized states with tunable mode width. Moreover, perfect photonic valley filters to generate and guide the pure valley current through reconfigurable propagation paths by only changing the directions of external magnetic fields are also demonstrated. The work not only lays a solid foundation on the principle and design of photonic valley filters, the great reconfigurability of the design also provides broad application prospects in photonic integrated networks and on‐chip integrated communication systems.
Polyimide Films with Liquid‐Crystal‐Like Structures: Toward Ultralow Dielectric Loss at High Frequencies
Authors: Chen Zhigeng , Chen Yu , Lin Ling , Lin Gongpeng , Huang Zhenxun
Published: October 2024

Polyimide films with low dielectric loss (Df) at high frequencies are urgently needed owing to the rapid development of high‐frequency communication technologies. Herein, various polyimide films with rigid mesogenic units are prepared to address this issue. Improving molecular flexibility has been found to promote crystallization during thermal imidization and, consequently, the formation of liquid‐crystal‐like polyimide (LCPI) films. The optimal LCPI film exhibits an ultralow Df value of 0.00178 at 10 GHz owing to the limited intermolecular friction. Furthermore, this LCPI film absorbs significantly less water (0.59%), which endows it with favorable durability of low Df value in a humid environment. The Df value of the LCPI film at 10 GHz is only 0.00288 after 24 h of exposure to 60% relative humidity. In addition, the LCPI film exhibits a glass transition temperature, coefficient of thermal expansion, and tensile strength of 371 °C, 21.8 ppm K−1, and 240 MPa respectively, and is therefore a suitable low‐dielectric‐material candidate.
Functional Analysis of BARD1 Missense Variants on Homology‐Directed Repair in Ovarian and Breast Cancers
Authors: Li Wenjing , Chen Guansheng , Wang Yongjun , Jiang Yuening , Wu Nanlin , Hu Mingjie , Wu Taju , Yue Wei
Published: October 2024

Women with germline BRCA1 mutations face an increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers. BARD1 (BRCA1 associated RING domain 1) is an essential heterodimeric partner of BRCA1, and mutations in BARD1 are also associated with these cancers. While BARD1 mutations are recognized for their cancer susceptibility, the exact roles of numerous BARD1 missense mutations remain unclear. In this study, we conducted functional assays to assess the homology‐directed DNA repair (HDR) activity of all BARD1 missense substitutions identified in 55 breast and ovarian cancer samples, using the real‐world data from the COSMIC and cBioPortal databases. Seven BARD1 variants (V85M, P187A, G491R, R565C, P669L, T719R, and Q730L) were confirmed to impair DNA damage repair. Furthermore, cells harboring these BARD1 variants exhibited increased sensitivity to the chemotherapeutic drugs, cisplatin, and olaparib, compared to cells expressing wild‐type BARD1. These findings collectively suggest that these seven missense BARD1 variants are likely pathogenic and may respond well to cisplatin‐olaparib combination therapy. This study not only enhances our understanding of BARD1's role in DNA damage repair but also offers valuable insights into predicting therapy responses in patients with specific BARD1 missense mutations.
The positive solutions for a class of Kirchhoff‐type problems with critical Sobolev exponents on a bounded domain
Authors: Zhu Xiaoxue , Fan Haining
Published: October 2024

We study the positive solutions for a class of Kirchhoff‐type problems involving the nonlinearity
on a bounded domain. The major difficulty of such problems is the nonlinearity does not satisfy the Ambrosetti–Rabinowitz condition; especially, we cannot use Pohozaev's identity directly since our domain is bounded and the weight potentials are not
‐smoothness. Another difficulty is caused by the absence of compactness as the appearance of the critical Sobolev growth. In this work, we shall combine the Nehari manifold and some novel analytical skills to overcome the above difficulties and then obtain some existence results. Furthermore, we show some asymptotic behaviors of the solutions.
A fully integrated GaAs HBT power amplifier for WLAN 802.11ax applications
Authors: Yang Xinran , Leng Zenan , Chen Lang , Ge Zeyu , Zhou Jiani , Sun Feng
Published: October 2024

A fully integrated gallium arsenide (GaAs) heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) power amplifier (PA) for wireless local area network 802.11ax applications is presented in this paper. The structure consists of two‐stage power cells. To satisfy the high linearity requirements of IEEE 802.11ax, we analyzed the distortion of amplitude‐to‐amplitude and amplitude‐to‐phase. Due to the thermal and voltage sensitivity of GaAs HBT, an adaptive bias circuit is designed to ensure linearity. Moreover, an efficient passive output matching network is designed by analyzing the efficiency of the passive network. The design electromagnetic structure is fabricated in a 2‐μm GaAs HBT process. Under continuous wave testing, the output power reaches 27.2 dBm and the maximum efficiency of 28% at 2.4 GHz. Under the excitation of a 40 MHz 1024‐quadratic amplitude modulation signal, the output power meeting error vector magnitude of −35 dB reaches 16.8–17.2 dBm from 2.4 to 2.5 GHz.
Quantitative myelin water assessment for multiple sclerosis using multi‐inversion magnetic resonance fingerprinting
Authors: Lin Yingying , Chan Koon‐Ho , Mak Henry Ka‐Fung , Yau Krystal Xiwing , Cao Peng
Published: October 2024

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelination disease. Myelin water is a biomarker of myelin and thus myelin water imaging is a vital tool to provide insight into the demyelination process.

Purpose

This study aimed to characterize the multiple compartments including myelin water fraction (MWF), gray matter (GM) cellular water, white matter (WM) cellular water, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) using multiple inversion recovery (mIR) magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) on a clinical MS cohort.

Methods

The Phantom experiment was conducted with tubes containing different WM and GM concentrations extracted from pig brains. For the in‐vivo experiment, 23 healthy control (HC) volunteers and 18 MS patients were recruited for this study. The experiments were performed using a clinical 3T MRI. A multi‐slice, fast imaging with a steady‐state precession (FISP) based mIR MRF protocol was used to obtain the MWF measurements, with 6 min of scan time for each volunteer. The quantification was based on the iterative non‐negative least squares (NNLS) with reweighting. The brain compartments quantified were myelin water, WM cellular water, GM cellular water, and CSF. A radiologist with 6 years of experience labeled the MS lesions on FLAIR, MPRAGE, and MWF. Statistical analysis was performed by applying unpaired and paired student's t‐tests to compare the MWF results in different groups and in normal‐appearing white matter (NAWM) and MS lesions.

Results

The phantom result demonstrated the ability to detect MWF with various myelin concentrations. The maps derived from mIR MRF, including MWF, WM cellular water, GM cellular water, and CSF were consistent with the anatomical structures observed in FLAIR and MPRAGE. The MWF values in the NAWM of MS patients were significantly different from those in HC, with values of 0.32 ± 0.025 and 0.25 ± 0.036, respectively. Additionally, the MWF values in WM lesions were significantly smaller than in NAWM at 0.034 ± 0.036.

Conclusion

The mIR‐MRF technique, using multi‐compartment analysis, can simultaneously generate maps of MWF, WM cellular water, GM cellular water, and CSF with sufficient brain coverage and in a reasonably short scan time. The MWF map might provide insights into the demyelination associated with MS.
Self‐gated free‐running 5D whole‐heart MRI using blind source separation for automated cardiac motion extraction
Authors: Montón Quesada Isabel , Ogier Augustin C. , Ishida Masaki , Takafuji Masafumi , Ito Haruno , Sakuma Hajime , Romanin Ludovica , Roy Christopher W. , Prša Milan , Richiardi Jonas , Yerly Jérôme , Stuber Matthias , van Heeswijk Ruud B.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

To compare two blind source separation (BSS) techniques to principal component analysis and the electrocardiogram for the identification of cardiac triggers in self‐gated free‐running 5D whole‐heart MRI. To ascertain the precision and robustness of the techniques, they were compared in three different noise and contrast regimes.

Methods

The repeated superior–inferior (SI) projections of a 3D radial trajectory were used to extract the physiological signals in three cardiac MRI cohorts: (1) 9 healthy volunteers without contrast agent injection at 1.5T, (2) 30 ferumoxytol‐injected congenital heart disease patients at 1.5T, and (3) 12 gadobutrol‐injected patients with suspected coronary artery disease at 3T. Self‐gated cardiac triggers were extracted with the three algorithms (principal component analysis [PCA], second‐order blind identification [SOBI], and independent component analysis [ICA]) and the difference with the electrocardiogram triggers was calculated. PCA and SOBI triggers were retained for image reconstruction. The image sharpness was ascertained on whole‐heart 5D images obtained with PCA and SOBI and compared among the three cohorts.

Results

SOBI resulted in smaller trigger differences in Cohorts 1 and 3 compared to PCA (p < 0.01) and in all cohorts compared to ICA (p < 0.04). In Cohorts 1 and 3, the sharpness increased significantly in the reconstructed images when using SOBI instead of PCA (p < 0.03), but not in Cohort 2 (p = 0.4).

Conclusion

We have shown that SOBI results in more precisely extracted self‐gated triggers than PCA and ICA. The validation across three diverse cohorts demonstrates the robustness of the method against acquisition variability.
Improved liver fat and R2* quantification at 0.55 T using locally low‐rank denoising
Authors: Shih Shu‐Fu , Tasdelen Bilal , Yagiz Ecrin , Zhang Zhaohuan , Zhong Xiaodong , Cui Sophia X. , Nayak Krishna S. , Wu Holden H.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

To improve liver proton density fat fraction (PDFF) and quantification at 0.55 T by systematically validating the acquisition parameter choices and investigating the performance of locally low‐rank denoising methods.

Methods

A Monte Carlo simulation was conducted to design a protocol for PDFF and mapping at 0.55 T. Using this proposed protocol, we investigated the performance of robust locally low‐rank (RLLR) and random matrix theory (RMT) denoising. In a reference phantom, we assessed quantification accuracy (concordance correlation coefficient [] vs. reference values) and precision (using SD) across scan repetitions. We performed in vivo liver scans (11 subjects) and used regions of interest to compare means and SDs of PDFF and measurements. Kruskal–Wallis and Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests were performed (p < 0.05 considered significant).

Results

In the phantom, RLLR and RMT denoising improved accuracy in PDFF and with >0.992 and improved precision with >67% decrease in SD across 50 scan repetitions versus conventional reconstruction (i.e., no denoising). For in vivo liver scans, the mean PDFF and mean were not significantly different between the three methods (conventional reconstruction; RLLR and RMT denoising). Without denoising, the SDs of PDFF and were 8.80% and 14.17 s−1. RLLR denoising significantly reduced the values to 1.79% and 5.31 s−1 (p < 0.001); RMT denoising significantly reduced the values to 2.00% and 4.81 s−1 (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

We validated an acquisition protocol for improved PDFF and quantification at 0.55 T. Both RLLR and RMT denoising improved the accuracy and precision of PDFF and measurements.
Two Numerical Schemes Via an Auxiliary Function for Nonlocal Problems With Integrable Kernels
Authors: Li Yutong , Yin Xiaobo
Published: October 2024

In this study, we explore volume constrained nonlocal problem with integrable kernels. A central challenge addressed is the discontinuity of true solutions across the boundary, posing difficulties for designing efficient numerical methods. To address this issue, we introduce an auxiliary function which serves as the solution of an auxiliary problem. This approach effectively transforms the original problem to a new nonlocal problem with a true solution which is continuous across the boundary. We propose two numerical schemes to solve the new nonlocal problem: one is exclusively applicable to one‐dimensional case, while the other is suitable for general dimensional cases. Experimental results show that both schemes exhibit optimal convergence order under mild condition.
Effects of graphene oxide solvent‐free nanofluids on the tribological properties of polyimide coating
Authors: Zhang Baokai , Pei Xianqiang , Wang Yanming , Wan Shanhong , Yang Juan , Zhao Gai , Wang Qihua , Wang Tingmei
Published: October 2024

A novel organic coating was created by dispersing solvent‐free covalent graphene oxide nanofluids (GO NFs) into a polyimide (PI) matrix. The tribological properties of GO NFs/PI composite coatings was tested against ball‐on‐disk tribometer. Even a low loading of GO NFs significantly improve the tribological properties of PI. MD simulation and nanoindentation tests reveal that GO NFs adsorbs the PI molecular chains, enhancing the composites' mechanical properties. Moreover, a stable tribofilm develops on the steel ball surface lubricated with the GO NFs/PI composite coating, with analyses indicating that the GO NFs promote its growth. The enhancement of mechanical properties and the formation of this tribofilm are essential for the improved tribological performance of the composite. This research aims to contribute to the development of novel PI composite coatings with superior anti‐friction and wear‐resistant properties.

Highlights

The GO NFs exhibited excellent dispersion stability and tribological properties.

Novel GO NFs/PI composite coating with significantly enhanced tribological properties.

A carbon‐based tribofilm forms on the steel ball.

The strengthening mechanisms of composites were revealed by MD simulation.
Modeling the elastoplastic behavior of agave fiber prior and after its incorporation within a thermoplastic matrix: Analysis of the fiber aspect ratio on the mechanical properties
Authors: Rivera‐Salinas Jorge Enrique
Published: October 2024

The demand for natural fiber‐reinforced polymer composites is increasing in the automotive industry, and Mexican blue‐gave fiber (AF) is getting attention from automakers. Quantitative characterization of the tensile behavior of AF allows for a better ascertain of fiber performance. This work developed a model to study the elastoplastic behavior of AF prior and after its incorporation within a thermoplastic matrix. Finite element predictions showed excellent agreement with both theoretical and experimental values from literature. It was revealed that the increase in the fiber aspect ratio hastens the interaction between nearby defects within the fiber with earlier coalescence of voids, and ultimately fosters the loss of both fiber ductility and load carrying capacity. Moreover, the preponderant character of the damage in AF is controlled by nucleation and growth of voids. On the other hand, AF reinforced thermoplastic composites exhibit a microfailure based essentially on the matrix failure, and the composites become more damage tolerant with the increase in fiber aspect ratio. Stiffer AF leads to a more uniform interfacial shear stress distribution, with higher stiffness of the composite. Therefore, the effectiveness of AF to reinforce polymeric matrixes depends strongly on the elastic mismatch of the coupled materials.

Highlights

Local stress state in AF is correlated to macroscopic stress.

AF may be recognized as a von Mises material.

Ductile fracture in AF is controlled by nucleation and growth of voids.

Increasing the fiber aspect ratio leads to more damage tolerant composites.

Stiffer AF led to a more uniform interfacial shear stress distribution.
Investigation of Rheological Properties of Molten Materials for Dripping Pills Based on Imaging Monitoring
Authors: Tian Ying , Chen Hang , Zhao Jie , Tian Geng , Qu Haibin
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Rheological properties, as critical material attributes (CMAs) of solid dispersion drugs such as dripping pills, affect the melting, dispersion, and solidification. Therefore, characterization and assessments of rheological properties in the pharmaceutical process are important in enhancing drug stability and bioavailability.

Objectives

The study aimed to develop a method for analyzing the rheology of molten materials, assessing their consistency and how rheological properties affect the dripping process and pills quality.

Materials and Methods

The rheological behavior of molten materials composed of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (GBE) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) 4000 was characterized. Batch consistency of molten materials was evaluated. Image monitoring technology was utilized to capture and process images of the droplet formation process. We established the relationship between the rheological properties of molten materials and various attributes.

Results

The quality consistency of molten materials was evaluated, with 12 batches showing similarity above 0.8. The MLR models showed strong correlations (R2 > 0.80) between rheological properties and evaluation attributes. The rheological properties, including consistency coefficient, flow index, and viscosity at 80°C, were identified as critical rheological properties of the molten materials. Rheological property differences of molten materials have an impact on the morphology of droplet and quality performance.

Conclusion

A rheological method was established, enabling quality consistency evaluation of molten materials in dripping pills. This study revealed the influence of rheological properties on droplet formation process and dripping pills quality, providing a reference for researches on material attributes control of other traditional Chinese medicine dripping pills.
Adverse Event Assessment of Upadacitinib: A Pharmacovigilance Study Based on the FAERS Database
Authors: Yuan Jiayu , Lu HongXia , Zuo Xulei , Yin Lihong , Pu Yuepu , Zhang Juan
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Upadacitinib, a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, has been approved by the FDA to treat various autoimmune conditions. This study assessed its adverse events by analyzing reports from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).

Methods

FAERS data from Q3 2019 to Q4 2023 were extracted, and disproportionality analyses were conducted using four statistical measures, reporting odds ratio, proportionate reporting ratio, Bayesian confidence propagation neural network, and empirical Bayesian geometric mean.

Results

A total of 6 879 398 adverse event reports were collected, with 37 700 reports identifying upadacitinib as the “primary suspected.” These reports involved 24 system organ classes and 246 preferred terms that met the criteria across all four algorithms. The distribution of adverse events was assessed separately for female and male patients. Further analysis of the top 25 preferred terms revealed that, although the system organ classes were similar between sexes, the specific adverse events differed. The adverse events were analyzed by gender, showing musculoskeletal and skin disorders were prevalent and severe in male patients, while musculoskeletal issues, infections, and abnormal laboratory tests were common in female patients. Unexpected events like trigger finger, biliary sepsis, and serious events such as oral neoplasm were also identified.

Conclusion

This study provides real‐world evidence for the safety evaluation of upadacitinib and underscores the need to monitor sex‐specific adverse events. Future prospective studies are necessary to confirm these pharmacovigilance findings.
Validating a novel genetic technology for hybrid maize seed production under management practices associated with resource‐poor farmers in Zimbabwe
Authors: Hamadziripi Esnath Tatenda , Collinson Sarah , Voss Rachel C. , Baudron Frédéric , Labuschagne Maryke T. , Franke Angelinus C. , Zaman‐Allah Mainassara , Olsen Mike S. , Burgueño Juan , Cairns Jill E.
Published: October 2024

Societal Impact Statement

A hybrid maize seed production technology has the potential to reduce the complexity of hybrid seed production and increase seed quality. Here, we investigate the potential impact of this technology on yields when hybrid maize is recycled. Hybrid maize recycling is a practice used by resource‐poor farmers as a coping mechanism during drought years. Recycling hybrid maize produced using this technology could provide a small yet significant yield benefit to resource‐poor farmers when they chose to recycle. This study provides an example of how social considerations can be incorporated into testing strategies of new technologies to ensure equitable benefits.

Understanding the performance of new genetic technologies in farmers' real‐world realities, especially those relevant to resource‐poor farmers, is often overlooked but is essential to ensure equitable benefits. A new genetic technology was developed to simplify hybrid maize seed production in sub‐Saharan Africa, thereby improving farmers' access to high‐quality hybrid seed. Hybrids produced with this technology segregate 50:50 for pollen‐producing and non‐pollen producing and are designated 50% non‐pollen producing (FNP). FNP maize has higher yields in low‐input environments. As recycling hybrid maize seed remains a common practice in Zimbabwe, including among resource‐poor households, it is important to understand the impact of recycling FNP seed on the yield gains from the FNP technology.

The potential impact of recycling FNP hybrid seed was assessed by testing three seed recycling scenarios on‐station and on‐farm. The extent of hybrid seed recycling and the types of households recycling hybrid maize seed over a 3‐year period were also investigated.

Hybrid maize seed recycling was associated with resource‐poor farmers, although it was not continually practiced across years. Yield gains associated with FNP were retained under recycling practices, albeit reduced. The greatest yield benefit was when seed from only non‐pollen‐producing plants was used. Yield gains were associated with longer ears and more kernels per ear.

While recycling hybrid maize seed reduces potential yields due to inbreeding depression, in the years when farmers cannot afford to plant hybrid maize only, recycling non‐pollen‐producing hybrid maize seed conferred a yield benefit of 116 kg ha−1.
Effects of Ginseng Consumption on Cardiovascular Health Biomarkers in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Feng , Min Rui‐Xue , Wang Zhen , Qi Yue , Li Ruo‐Nan , Fan Jian‐Ming
Published: October 2024

Ginseng, with various pharmacological activities, has received increasing attention to improve cardiovascular health (CVH). Therefore, this meta‐analysis synthesized the effect of ginseng consumption on biomarkers of CVH in adults. A systematic search was performed in the databases of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library through July 24, 2023 to screen out English‐language randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of ginseng consumption on body composition, blood pressure, vascular stiffness, lipid metabolism, glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, inflammatory cytokines, and adipocytokines in adults. The weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to evaluate the overall effect size, and STATA 12.0 was used for comprehensive analysis. Forty‐five studies were included in the meta‐analysis. Ginseng consumption significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP) (WMD = −2.57 mmHg, 95% CI = −4.99 to −0.14, p = 0.038), total cholesterol (TC) (WMD = −4.40 mg/dL, 95% CI = −8.67 to −0.132, p = 0.043), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) (WMD = −2.81 mg/dL, 95% CI = −4.89 to −0.72, p = 0.008), C‐reactive protein (CRP) (WMD = −0.41 mg/L, 95% CI = −0.73 to −0.10, p = 0.010), and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) (WMD = −2.82 pg./mL, 95% CI = −4.31 to −1.32, p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses suggested that supplementation with ginseng for less than 12 weeks significantly reduced SBP, but 12 weeks or more improved TC and CRP. Ginseng consumption on SBP, TC, and CRP seemed to be more effective on unhealthy participants. The meta‐analysis showed that ginseng consumption might have the potential to improve SBP, TC, LDL‐C, CRP, and IL‐6. These findings suggest that ginseng is a potential candidate for the maintenance of CVH. However, our results had high heterogeneity. Future high‐quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of ginseng consumption.
A Landscaping Assessment and Call‐to‐Action to Improve Access to Novel Reserve Antibiotics in 14 Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries
Authors: Motta Fabrizio , Nizamuddin Summiya , Khan Ejaz , Muraya Tracie , Vega Silvio , Fadare Joseph , Koya Shaffi F. , Villegas Maria Virginia , Sultan Faisal , Lumley Tara , Dwivedi Rahul , Jankelowitz Lauren , Cohn Jennifer
Published: October 2024

Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents a significant global mortality burden which particularly affects the low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). Enhancing diagnostics to identify drug‐resistant infections and improving appropriate access to novel Reserve antibiotics in LMICs can address AMR‐related morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs. This article characterizes the AMR landscape across 14 LMICs and describes an introductory pathway for novel Reserve antibiotics.

Methods

This mixed‐method study was completed in 14 LMICs in Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe through a combination of qualitative interviews with physicians and public health experts (PHEs), and a quantitative survey of physicians, supported by an assessment of secondary materials relating to antibiotic introduction and AMR burden.

Results

A total of 54 physicians and 17 PHEs were interviewed, and 209 physicians participated in the survey. Top unmet needs across public and private settings were as follows: access to new antibiotics to better manage drug‐resistant infections; affordability; adequate safety profile for prescribed antibiotics. Access to diagnostics and antibiotic susceptibility testing was noted as a barrier, with large tertiary and private centres experiencing better access. Implementation of antibiotic stewardship programmes was variable and limited by insufficient funding, shortage of infectious disease physicians, poor AMR education and lack of restrictions to limit antibiotic use. Antibiotic access varies by sector, centre type, location and strength of individual state procurement systems. In particular, private sector facilities have better access to Reserve products. In most countries, most Reserve antibiotics included in WHO's Essential Medicines List (EML) were not included in national EMLs or not registered in countries.

Conclusion

This study has helped to identify common barriers and pathways to Reserve antibiotic access, irrespective of the level of preparedness of countries. The data offer insights into possible solutions to improve access and highlight opportunities to strengthen access pathways and expedite access, for example, by identifying priority antibiotics based on national public health need. A six‐step introductory pathway for novel Reserve antibiotics is described.