bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multianalyte Approach—Including Automated Preparation of Calibrators—for Validated Quantification of 82 Drugs in Whole Blood by Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Steuer Andrea E. , Keller Maja , Kraemer Thomas , Poetzsch Sandra N.
Published: September 2024

Bioanalysis, such as the quantification of drugs in different matrices, is of great importance in forensic toxicology. Nowadays, mainly so‐called multianalyte approaches are used given their increased speed and effectiveness. However, such multianalyte procedures can be difficult to develop and maintain with sufficient robustness in the laboratory. One aspect of this is the tedious, manual preparation of spiking solutions containing such a great number of analytes. Therefore, the current study aimed to develop and validate a fast, simple, and robust liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method for the quantification of 82 classic drugs and to evaluate an alternative autosampler‐assisted automated approach for the preparation of spiking solutions. Simple protein precipitation of 200‐μL whole blood was used followed by analysis by reversed‐phase LC–MS/MS in advanced scheduled multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The method was fully validated according to international guidelines, including selectivity, recovery, matrix effects, linearity, bias/imprecision, processed‐sample stability, and limits. Validation criteria were fulfilled for all analytes except for buprenorphine and five benzodiazepines. In the context of a multianalyte procedure, a (multipurpose) autosampler‐assisted automatic preparation of calibrator spiking solutions proved comparable to manual preparation. Thus, automated preparation can overcome the frequently performed manual, time‐consuming, and error‐prone steps of multianalyte approaches and still allow for customized calibration ranges. Since its introduction, more than 8000 cases have been measured with the presented method, and 35 proficiency tests have been passed.
Evaluating the Effects of Solid‐Phase Cartridge Chemistry on Extraction of Bisphosphonates and ITPP From Equine Plasma
Authors: Klingberg Joshua , Richards Stacey , Hochwallner Travis , Kennan Lauren , Keledjian John
Published: September 2024

Bisphosphonate drugs and myo‐inositol trispyrophosphate are of concern to the racing industry and have been listed as prohibited substances in equine sports. The current bisphosphonate plasma screening analysis employed at the Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory involves the use of sequential solid‐phase extraction procedures, passing the samples through a mixed mode cartridge, followed by a weak anion exchange cartridge. The eluates collected following the second extraction are then methylated and analysed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Under these extraction conditions, some bisphosphonates have shown poor recovery. To improve the extraction efficacy, the effects of cartridge chemistry were evaluated. In particular, the weak anion exchange cartridges used for screening were compared to an affinisep AttractSPE polymeric phase cartridge. The effectiveness of each extraction approach was assessed through both a visual comparison of signal to noise in extracted chromatograms and recovery measurements to determine the best approach for routine screening.
Effective number of different populations: A new concept and how to use it
Authors: Kosman Evsey , Feijen Frida , Jokela Jukka
Published: September 2024

Widely used methods to assess population genetic structure and differentiation rely on independence of marker loci. Following the assumption, the common metrics, for example FST, evaluate genetic structure by averaging across loci. Common metrics do not use information in the associations among loci at the individual level and are often criticized for failing to measure true differentiation even when loci segregate independently. We introduce a new concept to measure β‐variation (Effective Number of Different Populations, ENDP). It requires the following steps: (a) calculation of a proper dissimilarity between genetic profiles of all individuals; (b) calculation of suitable pairwise distances between the samples based on the dissimilarities between individuals; (c) calculation of diversity (in terms of Hill numbers) and dispersion of samples based on the pairwise distances between samples; (d) ENDP is then estimated by combining the diversity and dispersion. ENDP estimates β‐variation independently of estimates of within‐sample α‐variation, although β‐ and α‐estimates could statistically correlate to some extent. This new concept differs from the existing standard where β‐diversity is estimated based on the “partition of variation” scheme ( or ), so that estimates of β‐diversity directly depend on the corresponding values of α‐diversity. ENDP estimates are obtained by evaluating information in the available genetic profiles of individuals including association of loci. Therefore, ENDP can be used even in an absence of panmixia. We illustrate the use of this concept by analyzing the population genetic structure of a sexual species (a trematode parasite) occupying connected populations across a broad geographic area. The analysis is complicated by geographically coexisting cryptic species and the potential mixed‐mating system of this hermaphroditic parasite. Analyses with subsampled data demonstrated that ENDP estimates are robust. Number of loci used for genotyping has much stronger effect on variation of point ENDP estimates than sample size.
Fabrication of Bi‐Functional Samarium Oxide/Copper Oxide Nanocuboid Electrocatalyst for Electrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Saleem Muhammad Kashif , Niaz Niaz Ahmad , Shakoor Abdul , Hussain Fayyaz , Manzoor Sumaira , Khan Safyan Akram , Gregory Duncan H.
Published: September 2024

The development of low‐cost, high‐performance electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is essential for a vast array of chemical and energy transformation applications. Using non‐platinum metals as electrocatalysts in a key process such as OER has become increasingly attractive given their relatively low cost, high electrocatalytic activity, and low environmental impact. Herein, to achieve a better catalytic material with high permeability and mass charge transfer in a catalytic framework, a novel, oxygen‐defective Sm2O3/CuO nanohybrid with nanocuboid architecture is developed. The creation of a new composite material which consist of samarium oxide and copper oxide, demonstrates high effectiveness in the process of electrochemical water splitting. The combined use of samarium oxide and copper oxide improves the electrocatalytic performance, stability, and durability due to it synergistic effect. In alkaline media, the Sm2O3/CuO nanocomposite exhibits an astonishing overpotential of 248 mV along with a lower Tafel value of 46 mVdec−1 for OER and nanocomposite also exhibits acceptable hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance. Due to the unprecedented porous nanocuboid morphology and the strong synergistic effect between the two materials, the oxygen‐defective Sm2O3/CuO composite exhibits impressive electrical properties and performs exceptionally well as an electrocatalyst for intrinsic water splitting. At an operational potential of 0.5 V, porous Sm2O3/CuO displays outstanding reactivity, Sm2O3/CuO exhibits remarkable results during electrochemical operation.
Inulin does not affect trimethylamine N‐oxide formation in mice with a high‐fat diet combined with choline and L‐carnitine
Authors: Wang Xin , Hu Xiaoyi , He Weiwei , Yin Jun‐Yi
Published: September 2024

Emerging evidence suggests that gut bacteria‐derived trimethylamine N‐oxide (TMAO) elevates the risk of cardiovascular disease, and dietary fiber holds the potential to attenuate TMAO formation. However, the effectiveness of dietary fiber, such as inulin, in inhibiting TMAO formation remains controversial. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of inulin supplementation on TMAO formation in mice with high TMAO levels induced by a high‐fat diet (HFD) combined with choline and L‐carnitine. Results showed that HFD treatment significantly elevated blood TMAO concentrations and increased the abundances of TMAO formation‐associated gut bacteria, as well as the abundances of functional genes responsible for TMA formation. While the supplementation of choline and L‐carnitine greatly enhanced blood trimethylamine (TMA) and TMAO levels, inulin supplementation did not significantly affect TMAO levels and had limited impact on TMA‐associated gut bacteria, except for Desulfitobacterium hafniense.
Maternal fresh moringa leaf consumption and its association with birth weight in southern Ethiopia: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Derbo Zeritu Dewana , Debelew Gurmesa Tura
Published: September 2024

Birth weight is an indicator of neonatal survival and development; however, poor nutrient intake during pregnancy is a primary contributor to low birth weight. Moringa is a multipurpose tree high in macro‐ and micronutrients. There is insufficient evidence on the relationship between fresh moringa leaf consumption during pregnancy and birth weight. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between maternal fresh moringa leaf consumption on birth weight in southern Ethiopia. A community‐based, prospective cohort study design was used with 230 pregnant women who consumed fresh moringa leaves and 230 who did not consume moringa leaves. The mothers were enrolled in their second trimester and monitored until delivery. The structural equation model was used to analyze β coefficients with p‐values <.05. The mean birth weight of newborns born to mothers who took fresh moringa leaves during pregnancy was 3334.42 g, which was considerably higher than the non‐consumer 3196.73 g (p = .008). Consuming it during pregnancy significantly increased birth weight by 115.77 g compared to non‐consumers (β = 115.77; SE = 43.03: p = .007). The study found that eating fresh moringa leaves during pregnancy increased the birth weight of the newborn. As a result, policymakers and managers of mother and child health programs should strive to promote the use of fresh moringa leaves throughout pregnancy. However, more clinical trials are required to discover the ideal/optimal amount per day and duration of fresh moringa leaves for best outcomes.
Molecular docking analysis of Salvia sclarea flower extracts evaluated for protein target affinity based on different extraction methods
Authors: Torunoglu Emine Incilay , Aytar Erdi Can , Durmaz Alper
Published: September 2024

This study evaluates the antioxidant activity and total phenolic, flavonoid, flavonol, and tannin contents of extracts obtained from the flower parts of Salvia sclarea using different extraction methods, such as maceration and rotavapor (RE). The results indicate that the maceration method yields extracts with higher antioxidant activity compared to the rotavapor method (DPPH IC50: 260.70 ± 65.41 mg/mL vs. 345.48 ± 27.91 mg/mL). Additionally, the maceration method produces higher values in terms of total phenolic (26.4 ± 7.78 mg GAE/g extract), flavonoid (10.44 ± 0.21 mg QE/g extract), flavonol (9.20 ± 0.84 mg QE/g extract), and tannin contents (8.36 ± 0.39 mg GAE/g extract), whereas the RE method shows lower values (phenolics: 19.8 ± 3.31 mg GAE/g extract, flavonoids: 10.35 ± 0.35 mg QE/g extract, flavanol's: 5.45 ± 0.01 mg QE/g extract, and tannins: 7.72 ± 0.10 mg GAE/g extract). The gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis of the extracts identified various bioactive compounds. Molecular docking studies revealed that Terpinen‐4‐ol obtained through maceration exhibits a strong binding affinity to a specific protein target, indicating potential biological activity. The predicted pharmacokinetic (ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion)) parameters for Terpinen‐4‐ol suggest favorable absorption and central nervous system (CNS) penetration, while Squalene obtained through maceration shows different pharmacokinetic properties. S. sclarea highlights significant antioxidant potential and provides insight into the bioactive compounds obtained through different extraction methods. To further investigate the potential biological interactions arising from these differences, molecular docking studies were conducted.
Clinical analysis of 163 pediatric patients with infectious mononucleosis: a single‐center retrospective analysis
Authors: Li Yan , Wang Kun
Published: September 2024

Objective

This study aims to enhance the management of Epstein‐Barr Virus (EBV) infections by analyzing the correlation between laboratory indicators and clinical manifestations in children, thereby proposing more precise diagnostic and treatment strategies.

Methods

In this retrospective study included 163 pediatric patients with EBV infections treated at the Children's Hospital of Soochow University from December 2017 to December 2019. Data collected through retrospective analysis included gender, age, clinical symptoms, signs, liver function tests, T‐cell subset distribution, EBV‐DNA copy numbers in plasma, and treatment outcomes. Patients were grouped based on EBV‐DNA copy numbers in plasma and hospital stay duration to compare clinical indicators across different groups.

Results

The dichotomous results of EBV‐DNA copy numbers in plasma showed that the two groups of children were significantly different in the number of days of fever (p = .0022), platelet count (p = .0212), ALT (p = .001), immunoglobulin IgM (p = .0039), IgG (p = .0195), TBiL (p = .025), LDH (p = 0.0001), and length of hospital stay (p < .001) were significantly different, indicating that EBV‐DNA copy numbers in plasma may be correlated with these characteristic variables. The dichotomous results of the length of hospital stay showed that the two groups were significantly increased in tonsil enlargement (p = .0024), platelet count (p = .0059), LDH (p = .0394), and ferritin (p = .0106) and EBV‐DNA copy numbers in plasma (p = 0.0361) were significantly different, This suggests a potential correlation between EBV‐DNA copy numbers in plasma and these clinical indicators.

Conclusion

Variations in platelet counts and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in children with EBV infections may serve as indicators of clinical outcomes.
A cross‐sectional survey‐based exploration of diversity in the admissions committees and student cohorts of genetic counseling programs over time
Authors: Warden‐Joseph Jared , Cook Courtney B. , Bland Austin , Austin Jehannine
Published: September 2024

As of 2022, 89% of genetic counselors report being White, and 93% report being women. We examined diversity in genetic counseling (GC) program admission committees (ACs—who are responsible for deciding who will make up the future GC workforce) and student cohorts to understand the impact of recent diversification efforts, and where future work should be focused. One representative from each AC of the 57 accredited GC programs in North America in 2022 was invited to participate in a cross‐sectional survey to provide information on the diversity of GC ACs and student cohorts between 2019 and 2022 for the following dimensions: race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability status, neurodiversity, and rural or low socioeconomic status backgrounds. Members of 38/57 (67%) ACs participated. Using the Cochran‐Armitage test for trends, significant increases were observed for the proportion of individuals of a racial/ethnic minority within ACs (from 9% in 2019 to 18% in 2022; p < 0.0001). There was no change for other minoritized social identities. There was no significant change over time in the proportion of students holding any of the minoritized social identities. A low correlation was found between the diversity of ACs and student cohorts. This study reaffirms the need for greater diversification efforts within ACs and student cohorts. Increased transparency about the social identities of AC members and about ACs' commitment to diversification may facilitate the diversification of the profession.
Finding dense minors using average degree
Authors: Hendrey Kevin , Norin Sergey , Steiner Raphael , Turcotte Jérémie
Published: September 2024

Motivated by Hadwiger's conjecture, we study the problem of finding the densest possible ‐vertex minor in graphs of average degree at least . We show that if has average degree at least , it contains a minor on vertices with at least edges. We show that this cannot be improved beyond . Finally, for we exactly determine the number of edges we are guaranteed to find in the densest ‐vertex minor in graphs of average degree at least .
Mapping variants in HTLV‐1 genome to analyze their impacts on the HAM/TSP development: A systematic review
Authors: Lima Ana Carolina Marinho Monteiro , Silva Dhara Isabella Barreto de Souza , Campos Raissa Frazão , de Oliveira Andrade Felipe , Nascimento Jéssica Oliveira de Souza , Santana Carolina Souza , Barreto Laura Nascimento , Cucco Marina Silveira , Borba Melina Mosquero Navarro , Costa Davi Tanajura , Khouri Ricardo , Barreto Fernanda Khouri , Santos Luciane Amorim
Published: September 2024

The reasons that lead some individuals living with the Human T Lymphotropic Virus 1 (HTLV‐1) to develop HAM/TSP are still unclear. To better understand the viral genetic factors that may be associated with the development of HAM/TSP, this study aims to evaluate the impact of HTLV‐1 genome mutations on the development of this disease through a systematic review. This review followed the PRISMA guidelines and was registered in the PROSPERO database. The search for articles was performed in PMC, PubMed, Lilacs, SciELO, and Embase databases using the following search descriptors: HTLV‐1, HAM/TSP, mutation, polymorphism, genetic variation, and sequenc*. From the 1,929 articles found in the search, 20 were selected according to the pre‐defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 619 HAM/TSP cases were compared with 555 AC controls. The mutations possibly related to the disease progression were detected in hbz (R119Q), tax (A7959V), ORF‐I (R88K, P86S, S69G, P45L, L40F, C39R, CR9Y), and gp46 (V247I, N93D, S72G) genetic regions. The data collected and analyzed here indicate that mutations in the HTLV‐1 genome could play an important role in the chronic inflammatory state and may be related to the development of HAM/TSP.
Comparative immune profiling in survivors of the 2023 Nipah outbreak in Kerala state, India
Authors: Sahay Rima R. , Palav Harsha C. , Shete Anita M. , Patil Deepak Y. , Mohandas Sreelekshmy , Radhakrishnan Chandni , Shihabudheen P. , Kumar Anoop , Moorkoth Anitha Puduvail , Mohite Nandan , Gurav Pranay , Pullor Niyas K. , Jain Rajlaxmi , Joshi Yash , Ramakrishnan Lathika Velichapat , Gupta Nivedita , Patel Vainav , Yadav Pragya D.
Published: September 2024

Immune profiling of Nipah virus (NiV) infection survivors is essential for advancing our understanding of NiV pathogenesis, improving diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, and guiding public health efforts to prevent future outbreaks. There is currently limited data available on the immune response to NiV infection. We aimed to elucidate the specific immune mechanisms involved in protection against NiV infection by analyzing the immune profiles of survivors of the Nipah outbreak in Kerala, India 2023. Immune cell populations were quantified and compared between survivors (up to 4 months post onset day of illness) and healthy controls. Statistical analysis was performed to explore associations between immune profiles and clinical outcomes. Immune signatures common to all three cases were: a heretofore undescribed persistent lymphopenia including the CD4+ Treg compartment with the relative expansion of memory Tregs; trends indicative of global leukopenic modulation were observed in monocytes and granulocytes including an expansion of putatively immunosuppressive low‐density granulocytes described recently in the context of severe COVID‐19; altered mucosal homing with respect to integrin beta‐7 (ITGB7) expressing subsets; increased mobilization of activated T‐cells (CD4+ and CD8+) and plasmablasts in the early phase of infection. Comparative analysis based on clinical presentation and outcome yielded lower initial viremia, increased activated T‐cell responses, expanded plasmablasts, and restoration of ITGB7 expressing CD8+ T‐cells as possible protective signatures. This longitudinal study delineates putative protective signatures associated with milder NiV disease. It emphasizes the need for the development of immunotherapeutic interventions such as monoclonal antibodies to blunt early viremia and ameliorate pathogenesis.
Glymphatic System Impairment in the Advanced Stage of Moyamoya Disease
Authors: Jin Lingji , Hu Junwen , Han Guangxu , Li Yin , Zhu Jun , Zhu Yuhan , He Xuchao , Xu Duo , Zheng Leilei , Bai Ruiliang , Wang Lin
Published: September 2024

Assessing the glymphatic system activity using diffusion tensor imaging analysis along with the perivascular space (DTI‐ALPS) may be helpful to understand the pathophysiology of moyamoya disease (MMD). 63 adult patients with MMD and 20 healthy controls (HCs) were included for T1‐weighted images, T2‐FLAIR, pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling, and DTI. 60 patients had digital subtraction angiography more than 6 months after combined revascularization. The Suzuki stage, postoperative Matsushima grade, periventricular anastomoses (PA), enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS), deep and subcortical white matter hyperintensities (DSWMH), DTI‐ALPS, cerebral blood flow (CBF), and cognitive scales of MMD patients were assessed. MMD patients were divided into early and advanced stage based on the Suzuki stage. We detected lower DTI‐ALPS in patients with advanced stage relative to HCs (p = 0.046) and patients with early stage (p = 0.004), hemorrhagic MMD compared with ischemic MMD (p = 0.048), and PA Grade 2 compared with Grade 0 (p = 0.010). DTI‐ALPS was correlated with the EPVS in basal ganglia (r = −0.686, p < 0.001), Suzuki stage (r = −0.465, p < 0.001), DSWMH (r = −0.423, p = 0.001), and global CBF (r = 0.300, p = 0.017) and cognitive scores (r = 0.343, p = 0.018). The DTI‐ALPS of patients with good postoperative collateral formation was higher compared to those with poor postoperative collateral formation (p = 0.038). In conclusion, the glymphatic system was impaired in advanced MMD patients and may affected cognitive function and postoperative neoangiogenesis.
Transformational Creativity, Care, and the Common Good: Toward a Refined Definition?
Authors: Verger Nicolas B.
Published: September 2024

The concept of transformational creativity has been widely embraced as a desired shift in creativity research. Transformational creativity emphasizes the development of creativity in service to the common good. However, to date, what precisely constitutes this “common good” for researchers of transformational creativity remains unclear. As evidenced by the recent Handbook of Transformational Creativity, the term “common good” has been deployed on numerous occasions without any definition or rationalization of its meaning. The aim of this article was therefore to delineate what may constitute a common good which is worth contributing to. Motivated by transdisciplinary outlooks, it explores the concept of the common good through the lenses of human needs, degrowth, and the ethics of care. This article redefines transformational creativity as the creation of new ideas, artifacts, or practices that promote the common good by fostering caring, needs‐responsive relationships and enabling communities to collectively contribute to their well‐being and support a sustainable, ecologically nurturing, and preserving livelihood.
Sonographic Characteristics of ≥7 mm Gallbladder Polyps
Authors: Chai Jessie L. , Baranov Esther , Licaros Andro Reginald , Frates Mary C.
Published: September 2024

Objectives

To describe the sonographic characteristics of gallbladder polyps measuring ≥7 mm focusing on echogenicity, correlate with surgical pathology when available, and assess stability in size over time.

Methods

This retrospective study used a natural language processing application to screen ultrasound (US) reports between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2020, that contained the words “gallbladder polyp” or “polyps.” Reports were reviewed to identify polyps ≥7 mm. The most hyperechoic components of the polyps were compared to the adjacent inner wall of the gallbladder and categorized as more echogenic, isoechoic, and less echogenic. Other sonographic characteristics such as heterogeneity, sessile configuration, vascularity, multiplicity, presence of gallstones, and wall thickening were recorded. Surgical pathology reports were reviewed when available. Polyps in nonsurgical patients with ≥48‐month US follow‐up and ≤1 mm/year growth rate were characterized as benign. Clinical outcomes were followed until December 31, 2023.

Results

Review of 4897 reports yielded 550 reports in 450 patients with polyps ≥7 mm. Surgical pathology reports were available in 22.0% (99/450) of patients; 96 (97%) had non‐neoplastic etiologies and 3 (3.0%) neoplastic. There were no malignancies. All of the neoplastic polyps and 56.1% (87/155) of non‐neoplastic polyps had components more echogenic than the adjacent inner wall. There were no deaths related to the polyps.

Conclusions

The vast majority of gallbladder polyps are benign. In our large series of gallbladder polyps, we found that increased echogenicity is a nonspecific feature, found in slightly more than half of benign but also in all neoplastic polyps. Our findings support current Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound consensus guidelines.
Vocal Fold Pseudocysts: Are Unilateral and Bilateral Lesions Distinct Entities?
Authors: Clark Christine M. , Kim Yeo Eun , Sulica Lucian
Published: September 2024

Background

Unilateral vocal fold pseudocysts have been hypothesized to result from vocal fold paresis, but no explanation has been proposed for bilateral lesions. This study compares patients with unilateral to those with bilateral pseudocysts for insights into pathogenesis.

Methods

Adults with unilateral and bilateral pseudocysts evaluated between 2018 and 2023 were retrospectively studied. Patient demographics, laryngeal stroboscopic findings, management strategies employed, and treatment outcomes were recorded. Fisher's exact and student's t‐tests were performed to assess unilateral and bilateral cohorts for differences.

Results

One hundred ninety‐six patients (109 with bilateral and 87 with unilateral pseudocysts) were studied. The average age was 29 years (bilateral: 29 years, unilateral: 30 years; p = 0.3846). The groups differed with respect to sex (172 females: 105 bilateral, 67 unilateral; 24 males: 4 bilateral, 20 unilateral; p < 0.0001) and clinical diagnosis of paresis (bilateral: 13.8%, unilateral: 34.5%; p = 0.0010). Treatment was similar between cohorts for rates of voice therapy (bilateral: 67.0%, unilateral 63.2%; p = 0.6511) and surgery (bilateral: 12.8%, unilateral 17.2%; p = 0.4228). There were a total of six recurrences (bilateral: 2, unilateral: 4; p = 0.3898).

Conclusions

Bilateral pseudocysts occur almost exclusively in women and with a relative absence of paresis. Unilateral pseudocysts are more likely to occur in the presence of paresis and in a significantly higher proportion of men. This suggests that unilateral and bilateral disease evolve in different clinical conditions, although they may share glottic insufficiency as a predisposing factor.

Level of Evidence

III Laryngoscope, 2024
In Vivo Histological Study Evaluating Non‐Ablative Fractional 1940‐nm Laser
Authors: Schallen Konika Patel , Seder Madelyn , Jorgenson Michael , Schomacker Kevin , Bhawan Jag
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Non‐ablative fractional lasers (NAFL) have increased in demand compared to ablative laser treatments as they provide lesser down time, fewer side‐effects, and are safer to use. Non‐ablative fractional treatment with lasers ranging from 1320 to 1927‐nm have been shown to be safe and effective for skin resurfacing procedures. The objective of this study is to investigate healing of the 1940‐nm NAFL‐induced microthermal treatment zones (MTZs) in human skin from a histologic perspective.

Methods

Three subjects received 1940‐nm NAFL treatment to test areas on the abdomen at various timepoints during the study. The minimum 5 mJ/MTZ and maximum 20 mJ/MTZ energy settings were used at 20% coverage. Biopsies were taken coinciding with immediately posttreatment, 1, 3, 7 days, and 6 weeks posttreatment. Blinded analysis of hematoxylin and eosin stained slides was performed to measure the width and depth of the MTZs and evaluate the inflammatory and healing response of the skin over time (immediately to 6 weeks posttreatment). Safety was evaluated by assessing local skin responses and adverse events immediately after treatment and at all study visits.

Results

Histological analysis of tissue following NAFL 1940‐nm treatments showed mild early inflammatory response (presence of lymphotic infiltrate) in some test areas and zones of necrosis and coagulation having widths and depths (immediately–3 days posttreatment) that scaled with the 1940‐nm pulse energy. Signs of healing such as presence of dermal mucin, evidence of fibrosis, and absence of necrosis were observed long‐term (7 days to 6 weeks posttreatment). Evidence of the MTZ persisted beyond the 6‐week study and was predicted to last for 100 days. All local clinical skin responses healed within 6 weeks and were limited to mild, transient erythema and edema which resolved in less than 12–24 h following treatment. No serious adverse events occurred during the study.

Conclusions

NAFL 1940‐nm treatments are safe for inducing small fractional coagulation and necrosis zones in abdominal skin. NAFL 1940‐nm laser creates fractional columns of injury with sufficient depth and coverage that suggest effective skin resurfacing, like other non‐ablative fractional lasers.
Nonconcentration phenomenon for one‐dimensional reaction–diffusion systems with mass dissipation
Authors: Yang Juan , Kostianko Anna , Sun Chunyou , Tang Bao Quoc , Zelik Sergey
Published: September 2024

Reaction–diffusion systems with mass dissipation are known to possess blow‐up solutions in high dimensions when the nonlinearities have super quadratic growth rates. In dimension 1, it has been shown recently that one can have global existence of bounded solutions if nonlinearities are at most cubic. For the cubic intermediate sum condition, that is, nonlinearities might have arbitrarily high growth rates, an additional entropy inequality had to be imposed. In this paper, we remove this extra entropy assumption completely and obtain global boundedness for reaction–diffusion systems with cubic intermediate sum condition. The novel idea is to show a nonconcentration phenomenon for mass dissipating systems, that is the mass dissipation implies a dissipation in a Morrey space for some . As far as we are concerned, it is the first time such a bound is derived for mass dissipating reaction–diffusion systems. The results are then applied to obtain global existence and boundedness of solutions to an oscillatory Belousov–Zhabotinsky system, which satisfies cubic intermediate sum condition but does not fulfill the entropy assumption. Extensions include global existence mass controlled systems with slightly super cubic intermediate sum condition.
Janus Structure Construction of Polyester‐Cotton Fabrics for Achieving Excellent Moisture, Moisture‐Permeability, and Antibacterial Capability
Authors: Shen Liwen , Wang Pei , Xiang Shuangfei , Zhao Shujun , Fu Feiya , Dong Qingqi , Liu Xiangdong
Published: September 2024

Integration of hydrophobic and antibacterial functionalities into polyester‐cotton blended (PTCO) textiles has attracted more attention but remains a challenge. Here, a Janus fabric with antibacterial effect, hydrophobicity, and enhanced moisture‐permeability is fabricated using a “mist polymerization” approach. The PET fibers in the PTCO fabric are amino‐functionalized through ammonolysis reactions of PET molecules with HDA, and mist treatments of poly lauryl methacrylate (PLMA) and poly(DMC‐co‐MA) (PDM) are applied on the two side surfaces of the PTCO‐HDA fabric, respectively. The resulting Janus fabric exhibits an antibacterial rate of 99.9% against both E. coli and S. aureus, along with a hydrophobic property on its single side (PTCO‐HDA@PLMA). Additionally, the establishment of a surface‐free energy gradient across the fabric confers superior moisture‐permeability to the Janus fabric, offering advantages in preserving textile comfort. Moreover, this approach does not significantly compromise the original fabric properties, such as mechanical strength, moisture permeability, and fabric softness. The proposed method offers a straightforward and scalable strategy for textile finishing, demonstrating great potential in expanding the application scope of PTCO fabrics, and it may hold a pivotal role in diverse applications, notably encompassing home textiles, wound dressings, and high‐performance sportswear.
Iltamiocel Autologous Cell Therapy for the Treatment of Female Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Double‐Blind, Randomized, Stratified, Placebo‐Controlled Trial
Authors: Kaufman Melissa R. , Goldman Howard B. , Chermansky Christopher J. , Dmochowski Roger , Kennelly Michael J. , Peters Kenneth M. , Quiroz Lieschen H. , Bennett Jason B. , Thomas Sherry , Marguet Charles G. , Benson Kevin D. , Lee Una J. , Sokol Eric R. , Wolter Christopher E. , Katz Daniel M. , Tarnay Christopher M. , Antosh Danielle , Heit Michael H. , Rehme Christian , Karram Mickey , Snyder Scott , Canestrari Emanuele , Jankowski Ron J. , Chancellor Michael B.
Published: September 2024

Aims

This study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of iltamiocel investigational autologous muscle cell therapy in females with stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Methods

Adult females were randomized 2:1 to iltamiocel (150 × 106 cells) or placebo and stratified by severity and prior SUI surgery. The primary objective was efficacy based on the frequency of stress incontinence episodes (SIE) recorded in a 3‐day diary at 12 months posttreatment. After 12 months, placebo participants could elect to receive open‐label iltamiocel. Efficacy and safety analyses were performed using all patients as treated populations.

Results

The study enrolled 311 patients, 297 were randomized to either iltamiocel (n = 199) or placebo (n = 98). Of the 295 participants that completed 12 months blinded follow‐up, the proportion achieving the primary endpoint of ≥ 50% SIE reduction was not statistically different between treatment groups (52% vs. 53.6%; p = 0.798). A significantly greater proportion of iltamiocel participants in the prior SUI surgery stratum group achieved ≥ 75% SIE reduction compared with placebo, (40% vs. 16%; p = 0.037). Treatment response was maintained at 24 months in 78.4% and 64.9% of iltamiocel participants who achieved ≥ 50% and ≥ 75% SIE reduction, respectively, at Month 12. Adverse events related to the treatment were reported in 19 (9.5%) iltamiocel participants and 6 (6.1%) placebo participants.

Conclusion

The study did not meet its primary endpoint however, iltamiocel cell therapy is safe and may be ideally suited to female patients who have undergone prior surgery for SUI. Additional study in this group of patients with high unmet medical needs is warranted.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01893138; EudraCT number: 2014‐002919‐41.
Subtypes of Job Satisfaction and Health‐Related Quality of Life in Chinese Male Nurses: A Latent Profile Analysis
Authors: Kong Wenwen , Li Miao , Chen Xinxia , Feng Danjun
Published: September 2024

In this cross‐sectional study, we aimed to identify subgroups of job satisfaction and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in Chinese male nurses and examine the factors associated with subgroup profiles. A convenience sample of 626 Chinese male nurses were enrolled from January to October 2021. Latent profile analysis was performed to identify profiles based on self‐esteem, psychological resilience, social support, neuroticism, perceived prejudice, occupational stress, job satisfaction, and HRQoL. Chi‐squared tests were used to examine predictors of profiles. Results indicated that a three‐profile model provided the best fit: low job satisfaction and health (9.90%), moderate job satisfaction and health (64.06%), and high job satisfaction and health (26.04%). The average number of monthly night shifts was negatively correlated with the male nurses' subgroups. Psychological resilience, social support, and neuroticism were the key factors associated with the HRQoL of male nurses, while perceived prejudice, occupational stress, and self‐esteem were the key factors associated with job satisfaction. Nurse administrators could improve their job satisfaction and health by reducing perceived prejudice, and job stress, increasing organizational support and resilience.
Medical Malpractice in Otolaryngology within the United States: A LexisNexis‐Based Demographic Analysis
Authors: Sharma Shiven , Edalati Shaun , Chung Tony , Wallace Nathan , Eloy Jean A. , Man Li‐Xing , Genden Eric M , Govindaraj Satish
Published: September 2024

Objective

Otolaryngologists are at a significantly greater risk of being sued than most other physicians. To date, there is a lack of studies characterizing trends in otolaryngology malpractice claims. To assess these trends and risk variables, this study examined malpractice claims against otolaryngologists.

Study Design

Retrospective database review.

Setting

LexisNexis Jury Verdicts and Settlements.

Methods

The LexisNexis legal database was used to locate jury verdicts and settlements related to medical malpractice in otolaryngology, from 2018 to 2024. The study did not include any claims covered by the Social Security Disability Insurance, Workers' Compensation, Healthcare Law, or Criminal Law and Procedure categories. Temporal trends were evaluated, and logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors.

Results

Out of 903 items, 79 reported malpractice cases were included (mean age 44.5; 60.3% female). The most sued subspecialty was head and neck oncology (32.5%). Negligence (93.7%) was the primary cause of action. Of cases sent to the jury, 87.7% of them resulted in a verdict in favor of the defendant. The mean plaintiff verdict payout was $7,432,508.06 and the mean identified settlement amount was $1,562,500.00. Physical injury (62.0%) was the highest type of harm. Regional analysis indicated a higher percentage of cases from New York favored the defendant (21.1% vs 13.6%; P = .034).

Conclusion

This study highlights key trends in otolaryngology malpractice claims, emphasizing the prevalence in cases of head and neck surgery, primarily attributed to negligence. By identifying trends and risk factors, otolaryngologists can get a better understanding of the dynamics surrounding malpractice.
Empowering the digital learner: Exploring the relationship between teacher support, autonomy in technology, and self‐efficacy in Chinese vocational colleges
Authors: Wang Dan , Qiu Qian , Wang Lijuan , Jiang Yu , Ran Aihua
Published: September 2024

In Chinese vocational colleges, students often avoid classroom challenges and lack persistent academic engagement. This was perceived as a deficiency in self‐efficacy and a need for greater teacher–student engagement. The rapid advancement of information technology in educational contexts indicates that the dynamics among teacher support, technological autonomy, and self‐efficacy will become crucial for learning outcomes. Hence, this study explored the relationship between teacher support and student self‐efficacy, focusing on the mediating role of student autonomy in technology. A questionnaire survey administered to 606 first‐year students was analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient and Process V3.3. The results showed that teacher support and student self‐efficacy were moderately positively correlated (r = .464, p < .01). However, technological autonomy appeared to be significantly positively correlated with teacher support (r = .368, p < .01) and self‐efficacy (r = .515, p < .01). The results highlight the instrumental role of teacher support in enhancing student self‐efficacy and the important role of technological autonomy as a mediating factor. These findings confirm the need for continuing social support and interactive roles between teachers and students to enhance student self‐efficacy in higher education. Furthermore, technology should be leveraged to foster a conducive learning environment.
Acquired tracheoesophageal fistula following rubber toy ingestion
Authors: Bar‐On Ophir , Almog Anastasia , Peysakhovich Yuri , Kravarusic Dragan , Shouval Dror , Stafler Patrick , Prais Dario
Published: September 2024

We depict an uncommon presentation of rubber toy ingestion which remained impacted in the esophagus for months, gradually eroding the mucosa, and ultimately causing a traumatic acquired tracheoesophageal fistula.
Evaluating RB1 and p53 as diagnostic markers in treatment‐related neuroendocrine prostate cancer through immunohistochemistry and genomic analysis of RB1 and TP53
Authors: Ueki Hideto , Jimbo Naoe , Terakawa Tomoaki , Hara Takuto , Tobe Taisuke , Hirata Junichiro , Wakita Naoto , Okamura Yasuyoshi , Suzuki Kotaro , Bando Yukari , Chiba Koji , Teishima Jun , Nakano Yuzo , Miyake Hideaki
Published: September 2024

Background

The diagnosis of treatment‐related neuroendocrine prostate cancer (t‐NEPC) often involves a pathological assessment and immunohistochemistry (IHC) for neuroendocrine markers. Genomic alterations in RB1 and TP53 are frequently observed in NEPC and are believed to play a crucial role in the transformation of adenocarcinoma to NEPC. In this study, we examined the clinicopathologic, immunohistochemical, and genetic features of patients with t‐NEPC to better understand their prognosis and diagnostic utility.

Methods

This retrospective study reviewed the records of patients diagnosed with t‐NEPC at Kobe University Hospital between October 2018 and December 2022. Clinical data, including age, serum neuroendocrine marker levels, and treatment history, were collected. IHC was performed for conventional neuroendocrine markers (synaptophysin, chromogranin A, and CD56) and RB1 and p53 expression. Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) was conducted using FoundationOne® CDx to identify mutations in RB1 and TP53.

Results

This study included 20 patients with t‐NEPC. The median time from ADT initiation to development was 42.8 months. IHC revealed RB1 loss in 75% of cases and p53 abnormalities in 75% of cases. NGS identified RB1 mutations in 55% and TP53 mutations in 75% of cases. The concordance between NGS and IHC results was high, with 70% (14/20) agreement for RB1/RB1 and 80% (16/20) for p53/TP53. The immunostaining and genomic analysis of RB1/RB1 and p53/TP53 showed abnormal findings for the four negative cases for conventional neuroendocrine markers.

Conclusions

This study indicated high concordance between IHC and NGS findings for RB1/RB1 and p53/TP53 in t‐NEPC. We provide a comprehensive benchmark of NGS performance compared with IHC, and these findings may help increase the diagnostic sensitivity of t‐NEPC.
Diagnostic potential of SDHB mRNA contained in serum extracellular vesicles among patients with prostate cancer
Authors: Kato Taku , Sugihara Eiji , Hata Yuko , Kawakami Kyojiro , Fujita Yasunori , Mizutani Kosuke , Ando Tatsuya , Sakai Yasuhiro , Sakurai Kouhei , Toyota Shohei , Ehara Hidetoshi , Ito Masafumi , Ito Hiroyasu
Published: September 2024

Background

Androgen receptor signaling inhibitors(ARSIs) have been used to treat patients with metastatic prostate cancer (PC) and castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). In this study, we aimed to identify novel serum extracellular vesicle (EV)‐based biomarkers to diagnose ARSI‐resistance and therapeutic targets for ARSI‐resistant CRPC.

Methods

Total RNA contained in serum EVs from 5 cases of CRPC before ARSI treatment and after acquiring ARSI‐resistance was subjected to RNA‐sequencing. The expression changes of selected RNAs contained in EVs were confirmed in 48 cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and 107 PC using reverse transcription‐quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR) and compared with tissue RNA expression using public datasets.

Results

RNA‐sequencing revealed that mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS)‐related genes were increased in EVs after acquiring ARSI‐resistance. Among them, RT‐qPCR and datasets analysis demonstrated that SDHB mRNA was upregulated after acquiring ARSI‐resistance in EVs and ARSI‐exposed PC tissue compared to ARSI‐naïve EVs and tissue, respectively. SDHB mRNA levels both in EVs and tissue were increased in localized PC compared with BPH and decreased in advanced PC. Tissue expression of SDHB mRNA was significantly correlated with those of other OXPHOS‐related genes. SDHB mRNA in EVs (EV‐SDHB) was elevated among 3 out of 7 ARSI‐treating patients with stable PSA levels who later progressed to ARSI‐resistant CRPC.

Conclusions

The levels of OXPHOS‐related mRNAs in EVs correlated with those in PC tissue, among which SDHB mRNA was found to be a novel biomarker to diagnose ARSI‐resistance. EV‐SDHB may be useful for early diagnosis of ARSI‐resistance.
A rare case of subcutaneous emphysema in a young and healthy patient with parainfluenza virus 3 pneumonia
Authors: Akeely Yahia Yaseen , Alesa Saleh , Hassan Hassan Gafar , Almarzouqi Sultan , Alchammat Mohamad Ziad , Elghor Omar , Patel Shabana Begum , Shaat Emad Hamdi
Published: September 2024

An 18‐year‐old healthy male complained of a 7‐day history of fever, cough, and sore throat, along with a three‐day history of left facial swelling. The x‐rays revealed subcutaneous emphysema in the chest, neck, face, and mediastinum region (Pneumomediastinum). Furthermore, an area of infiltration was visible, indicating pneumonia. Therefore, we immediately started him on intravenous antibiotics. We then moved the patient to an isolation room, considering pulmonary tuberculosis as one of the differential diagnoses. However, the Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB), Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Bacteria‐Polymerase Chain Reaction (MTB PCR), and sputum for gram stain and culture were all negative. On the other hand, the test for parainfluenza virus 3 was positive. The patient was observed with a daily chest x‐ray to monitor the progress of pneumonia and subcutaneous emphysema. Fortunately, the subcutaneous emphysema was significantly reduced on a daily basis until it was completely resolved before discharge home.
Combining biopsy needle and virtual bronchoscopy for tuberculosis‐induced complete bronchial blockage
Authors: Nakano Yoshio , Okamoto Norio , Enomoto Yuri , Gohma Iwao , Hukuda Hiroyuki , Yamamoto Yoko , Ikeda Naoki
Published: September 2024

Endobronchial tuberculosis (EBTB) presents significant clinical challenges, particularly when complete bronchial obstruction occurs. In this case, a young woman with right main bronchus occlusion due to tuberculosis (TB) was treated using a novel approach. Instead of using a traditional rigid bronchoscope, a flexible approach was adopted. Under precise fluoroscopic guidance, a 21‐gauge transbronchial aspiration needle was used to puncture the obstruction, allowing passage of the guidewire and subsequent balloon dilation. The use of virtual bronchoscopy, developed using computed tomography scans, ensures safe navigation around critical vascular structures. Postoperatively, the patient showed significant symptomatic improvement without complications. This innovative approach not only demonstrates the efficacy and safety of using biopsy needles and virtual bronchoscopy for managing complete bronchial obstructions in EBTB but also opens the door for future innovative solutions in such complex cases.