bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical efficacy and computed tomography diagnostic value of bedaquiline‐containing regimens in the treatment of drug‐resistant pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Liu Saiduo , Ye Xinchun , Cheng Fang , Wu Kaijia , Yu Jiandan , Ning Hongye , Shi Jichan , Lu Hongzhou , Chen Wei
Published: August 2024

Objective

This study investigated the clinical efficacy of bedaquiline‐containing regimens in the treatment of drug‐resistant pulmonary tuberculosis and the diagnostic value of computed tomography (CT).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical diagnosis, treatment, and CT imaging data of patients with drug‐resistant pulmonary tuberculosis treated in Wenzhou Central Hospital from 1 January to 31 December 2022. According to whether the treatment regimen contained bedaquiline, the patients were divided into an observation group (bedaquiline tablets + background regimen) and a control group (background regimen). The clinical efficacy and pulmonary CT changes before and after treatment were analyzed in both groups.

Results

After 24 weeks of treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in the white blood cell count or concentrations of hemoglobin, alanine aminotransferase, serum albumin, or creatinine between the two groups (t = 0.71, 0.93, 0.05, 0.18, and 0.08, respectively; p > 0.05). After 4, 8, and 12 weeks of treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in the sputum culture‐negative conversion rate between the two groups (χ2 = 2.67, 0.48, and 1.82, respectively; p > 0.05). At 24 weeks of treatment, the sputum culture‐negative conversion rate in the observation group reached 100%, which was significantly higher than that in the control group (χ2 = 3.97, p < 0.05). The effective absorption rates on chest imaging in the two groups of patients at 12 weeks were 83.33% and 57.89%, respectively. At 24 weeks of treatment, the effective absorption rates were 88.00% and 65.85% in the two groups, with a statistically significant difference (χ2 = 3.98; p < 0.05). There were significant differences in cavity absorption at 24 weeks (χ2 = 4.33, p < 0.05) and 48 weeks after treatment (χ2 = 10.63, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The addition of bedaquiline to the background regimen improved the sputum culture‐negative conversion rate and chest imaging effective rate. Patients achieved good results at the end of the 24‐week treatment period.
Zinc–air batteries can fulfill diversified application scenarios
Authors: Zhao Chang‐Xin , Zhang Qiang
Published: August 2024

Zinc–air batteries have been laying in the laboratory for decades of years, enjoying the low‐current density galvanostatic cycling test at comfortable room temperatures, almost forgetting their identity as the practical batteries. The best way to revive and reinvigorate zinc–air batteries is through career planning, particularly by analyzing their advantages and disadvantages and identifying their potential applications. This will help to chart a course for the future. Building on its unique advantages of utilizing aqueous electrolyte, being low‐cost, and having high environmental adaptability, we have proposed a clear career plan with a focus on wearable devices, extreme temperatures, and marine applications. In this review, we discuss the inherent advantages, current advances, and future direction, intending to remind the battery that the Zn–air battery is intended for practical use to fulfill diverse scenarios.
GNN‐DDAS: Drug discovery for identifying anti‐schistosome small molecules based on graph neural network
Authors: Zeng Xin , Feng Peng‐Kun , Li Shu‐Juan , Lv Shuang‐Qing , Wen Meng‐Liang , Li Yi
Published: August 2024

Schistosomiasis is a tropical disease that poses a significant risk to hundreds of millions of people, yet often goes unnoticed. While praziquantel, a widely used anti‐schistosome drug, has a low cost and a high cure rate, it has several drawbacks. These include ineffectiveness against schistosome larvae, reduced efficacy in young children, and emerging drug resistance. Discovering new and active anti‐schistosome small molecules is therefore critical, but this process presents the challenge of low accuracy in computer‐aided methods. To address this issue, we proposed GNN‐DDAS, a novel deep learning framework based on graph neural networks (GNN), designed for drug discovery to identify active anti‐schistosome (DDAS) small molecules. Initially, a multi‐layer perceptron was used to derive sequence features from various representations of small molecule SMILES. Next, GNN was employed to extract structural features from molecular graphs. Finally, the extracted sequence and structural features were then concatenated and fed into a fully connected network to predict active anti‐schistosome small molecules. Experimental results showed that GNN‐DDAS exhibited superior performance compared to the benchmark methods on both benchmark and real‐world application datasets. Additionally, the use of GNNExplainer model allowed us to analyze the key substructure features of small molecules, providing insight into the effectiveness of GNN‐DDAS. Overall, GNN‐DDAS provided a promising solution for discovering new and active anti‐schistosome small molecules.
Sulfide release and rebinding in the mechanism for nitrogenase
Authors: Siegbahn Per E. M.
Published: August 2024

Nitrogenases are the only enzymes that activate the strong triple bond in N2. The mechanism for the activation has been very difficult to determine in spite of decades of work. In previous modeling studies it has been suggested that the mechanism for nitrogen activation starts out by four pre‐activation steps (A0–A4) before catalysis. That suggestion led to excellent agreement with experimental Elecrtron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) observations in the step where N2 becomes protonated (E4). An important part of the pre‐activation is that a sulfide is released. In the present paper, the details of the pre‐activation are modeled, including the release of the sulfide. Several possible transition states for the release have been obtained. An A4(E0) state is reached which is very similar to the E4 state. For completeness, the steps going back from A4(E0) to A0 after catalysis are also modeled, including the insertion of a sulfide.
Passing tests and using one's attitude to help patients overcome their pathogenic feelings of guilt and shame
Authors: Gazzillo Francesco , Kealy David , Fiorenza Eleonora , Rodini Marta
Published: August 2024

Guilt and shame are emotions that, albeit subjectively negative, help humans adapt to their social environment. However, in some cases, there are pathogenic beliefs, shaped over the lifespan that sustain them and make them a source of psychopathological suffering. In this paper we will first briefly show how Control‐Mastery Theory (CMT) considers several types of pathogenic beliefs shaped by traumatic experiences that underly chronic feelings of guilt and shame. We then focus on a clinical case of Livia, a 28 year‐old woman with relational and academic problems suffering mainly from two such types of pathogenic beliefs: burdening guilt and disloyalty guilt. We describe how a) Livia was driven by adverse and traumatic experiences to form some of these pathogenic beliefs, b) how she tested the therapist in order to discover whether he would disconfirm these beliefs, and c) how the therapist was able to successfully pass these tests and provide her with new and healthier interpersonal experiences. The case of Livia will highlight therapists' ability to accurately formulate patients' goals, pathogenic beliefs—including types of guilt‐ and shame‐related beliefs—and traumas. Moreover, the case will illustrate how therapists can pass patients' tests and adopt the right attitude to help patients disprove their pathogenic beliefs and overcome problematic experiences of guilt and shame.
Phenotypic switch of vascular smooth muscle cells in COVID‐19: Role of cholesterol, calcium, and phosphate
Authors: Ghanem Laura , Essayli Dina , Kotaich Jana , Zein Mohammad Al , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Eid Ali H.
Published: August 2024

Although the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), primarily manifests as severe respiratory distress, its impact on the cardiovascular system is also notable. Studies reveal that COVID‐19 patients often suffer from certain vascular diseases, partly attributed to increased proliferation or altered phenotype of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Although the association between COVID‐19 and VSMCs is recognized, the precise mechanism underlying SARS‐CoV‐2's influence on VSMC phenotype remains largely under‐reviewed. In this context, while there is a consistent body of literature dissecting the effect of COVID‐19 on the cardiovascular system, few reports delve into the potential role of VSMC switching in the pathophysiology associated with COVID‐19 and the molecular mechanisms involved therein. This review dissects and critiques the link between COVID‐19 and VSMCs, with particular attention to pathways involving cholesterol, calcium, and phosphate. These pathways underpin the interaction between the virus and VSMCs. Such interaction promotes VSMC proliferation, and eventually potentiates vascular calcification as well as worsens prognosis in patients with COVID‐19.
Evaluation of Obesity‐Related Physiological Changes on Pantoprazole Clearance in Children Using a Population Pharmacokinetic Approach
Authors: Dunlap Tyler C. , Gonzalez Daniel , Kyler Kathryn E. , Helfer Victória Etges , Williams Veronica , Friesen Chance S. , Artz Nathan , Chan Sherwin , Shakhnovich Valentina
Published: August 2024

Pediatric obesity is a growing health concern, affecting millions of children worldwide. While pharmacokinetic (PK) changes in numerous commonly prescribed medications have been linked to obesity, the physiological mechanisms driving these alterations and their implications for drug dosing remain poorly understood. The objective of this study was to evaluate previously reported observations of reduced pantoprazole clearance (CL) in children with obesity, investigate obesity‐related characteristics in liver physiology as explanatory causes for these observations, and evaluate the clinical relevance of obesity on drug dosing. A prospective, comparative PK study, enrolling participants 6‐21 years of age, with and without obesity, was conducted to evaluate the association between obesity‐related characteristics and pantoprazole CL. A nonlinear mixed‐effects modeling approach was used to identify sources of interindividual variability in pantoprazole PK. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to assess pantoprazole exposure in children and evaluate the association between obesity and pantoprazole exposure. The study population consisted of 39 pediatric participants: 31% without obesity and 69% with obesity. A two‐compartment PK model with covariate effects of total body weight (TBW), CYP2C19 metabolizer phenotype, and obesity status adequately described the PK data. After accounting for differences due to TBW and CYP2C19 metabolizer phenotype, obesity was associated with an estimated 18% reduction in pantoprazole CL (comparable to the reduction estimated for a CYP2C19 loss of function allele). Further research is warranted to evaluate the physiological mechanisms associated with reduced drug CL in children with increased body size and the implications for drug dosing.
Ultrasonography findings of pediatric head and neck lymphatic malformations: A 10‐year experience of 140 surgical cases
Authors: Chen Wei , Luan Jia , Xu Hongming , Chen Jiarui , Xu Rong , Sun Guangbin , Li Xiaoyan
Published: August 2024

Objective

To discuss the usefulness of ultrasonography (US) in the diagnosis and management of pediatric head and neck lymphatic malformations (HNLMs).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 140 children who were referred to our hospital for the treatment of HNLMs.

Results

The median age at presentation was 12 months (1 day–171 months; 66.4% under 2 years old; 35.7% neonatus). The majority clinical presentations were asymptomatic mass (65.7%, 92/140) and cosmetic deformity (25.7%, 36/140). HNLMs involved the neck accounting for 65.7% (92/140), especially posterior cervical trigone (22.1%, 31/140), and submandibular (20.0%, 28/140). The US diagnostic accuracy was 91.4% (128/140). Their boundary with the surrounding tissues was usually clear (87.9%, 123/140), whereas the shape was mostly irregular (97.1%, 136/140). Based on surgical findings, there were 67 pure HNLMs and 73 intracystic hemorrhage. Between the two groups, there were statistical differences in capsule contents (χ2 = 7.8299, p = 0.0051), flocculent echo floating (χ2 = 21.2964, p < 0.0001), overlying skin (χ2 = 9.0498, p = 0.0026), and palpation (χ2 = 13.4058, p = 0.0003).

Conclusions

US typically reveals the lesion with clear boundary, irregular morphology, anechoic contents, no blood flow signal, and echoic intracapsular septum with blood flow signal. In contrast, bluish appearance, tensional palpation, and capsule contents with low/mixed echo or flocculent echo floating may indicate intracystic hemorrhage.
Fetal epicardial fat thickness and modified myocardial performance index in late‐onset fetal growth restriction
Authors: Dal Yusuf , Akkuş Fatih , Karagün Şebnem , Nessar Ahmet Zeki , Karaca Sefanur Gamze , Kıllı Mürşide Çevikoğlu , Coşkun Ayhan
Published: August 2024

Aim

In our study, we aimed to investigate the value of fetal epicardial fat thickness (EFT) and modified myocardial performance index (mod‐MPI) in fetal growth restriction (FGR) that develops after the 32nd week of gestation.

Materials and Methods

Fifty‐six pregnant women who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study and were divided into two groups: pregnancies diagnosed with FGR after the 32nd week of gestation (FGR group) and those without (control group). Demographic and obstetric histories, ultrasonographic and clinical characteristics, fetal EFT and mod‐MPI values, and neonatal outcomes of the groups were recorded, and comparisons were made between the groups. Additionally, the diagnostic performance of fetal EFT value in late FGR was investigated.

Results

The FGR group had fetal EFT that was statistically significantly lower (1.11 ± 0.21 vs. 1.34 ± 0.23, p = 0.001). The FGR group had a significantly lower isovolumetric contraction time (ICT) (31.04 ± 6.88 vs. 35.14 ± 7.58, p = 0.048). The two groups' isovolumetric relaxation time (IRT), ejection time (ET), and mod‐MPI values (p values 0.871, 0.55, and 0.750, respectively) were comparable. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis at a cutoff of 1.2 revealed 76.1% sensitivity and 74.2% specificity, respectively, for the diagnostic performance of the fetal EFT value in late‐onset FGR. There was a positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 64.0% and 83.8%, respectively.

Conclusion

We found that fetal EFT was significantly lower in FGR and may be useful in diagnosing FGR. However, we observed that mode‐MPI did not change in FGR.
Efficacy and safety of elobixibat in combination with or switched from conventional treatments of chronic constipation: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Eguchi Takaaki , Inatomi Osamu , Shintani Shuhei , Momose Kenji , Sako Tomoya , Takagi Megumi , Fumihara Daiki , Inoue Kazuki , Katayama Norio , Morisawa Toshiyuki , Ota Takumi , Tsuji Yoshihisa
Published: August 2024

Background and Aim

Elobixibat is a triple mode of action laxative that increases water secretion into the colon, promotes colonic motility, and reestablishes the defecation desire. This study aims to evaluate the effectivity and safety of elobixibat in chronic constipation (CC) patients refractory to conventional laxatives.

Methods

A single‐center retrospective observational study was conducted in refractory CC patients diagnosed according to the Rome IV criteria and received elobixibat between April 2018 and June 2022 at Osaka Saiseikai Nakatsu Hospital. Data were collected for spontaneous bowel movement (SBM), Bristol stool form scale (BSFS) scores, abdominal symptoms, and adverse events.

Results

Eligible 311 patients were selected for the analysis. Two‐week Elobixibat treatment significantly increased SBM (times/week) from 2.9 ± 1.9 to 4.3 ± 1.9 (P < 0.0001). The BSFS score improved significantly from 3.2 ± 1.7 to 4.4 ± 1.4 (P < 0.0001). The percentages of patients with hard stool were decrease and that with normal stools were increase. Improvements in abdominal symptoms (sensation of incomplete bowel evacuation, straining, abdominal pain and distention, and difficulty defecating) were also significant (P < 0.05). These constipation symptoms were improved irrespective of patient characteristics or previous laxatives. The 43.9% of previous laxatives were discontinued at the start of or after starting elobixibat treatment. A few adverse events were observed, elobixibat was well tolerated.

Conclusion

Elobixibat was effective in patients who were refractory to other laxatives, irrespective of previous therapy or patient characteristics. Elobixibat may contribute to resolving polypharmacy with single mode of action laxatives.
Changes in indicators of cerebral metabolic stress following treatment with voxelotor in children and adolescents with sickle cell anemia
Authors: Heitzer Andrew M. , Zou Ping , Hodges Jason , Brown Clark , Davis Mark , Dixon Sandy , Ogg Robert J. , Estepp Jeremie , Hankins Jane S , Sitaram Ranganatha , Takemoto Clifford M.
Published: August 2024

Voxelotor is a small molecule that reduces the polymerization of sickle hemoglobin by increasing its affinity for oxygen. In patients with sickle cell anemia, it has been postulated that increasing hemoglobin‐oxygen affinity could limit oxygen offloading from hemoglobin, causing an increase in cerebral metabolic stress. To investigate this hypothetical concern, we used multimodal brain imaging to define the effects of voxelotor on cerebral blood flow and oxygen extraction. We followed four patients for 2–5 months during and/or after voxelotor therapy. This study showed no observable increase in cerebral blood flow or oxygen extraction fraction during treatment.
Navigating identity and mental health on Instagram: Edu‐fluencers in the Asian American Pacific Islander Community
Authors: Das Bagmi , Attia Mina , Nguyen Claudia , Chen Qi , Kerchner Daniel
Published: August 2024

Counselors and other mental health professionals use Instagram for brand‐building and disseminating information on mental health and counseling resources. This study was an exploratory mixed‐methods analysis of Asian American/Pacific Islander mental health edu‐fluencers to understand their post content and user engagement over the first year of the COVID‐19 pandemic. We describe post content and present analyses of variance results to compare user engagement. Implications of social media use are discussed for mental health professionals and researchers.
The mammary hair of Monodelphis domestica and homology of the mammary pilosebacous unit
Authors: Stadtmauer Daniel J. , Wagner Günter P.
Published: August 2024

The unitary mammary gland is a synapomorphy of therian mammals and is thought to have evolved from the pilosebaceous organ in the mammalian stem lineage from which the lactogenic patch of monotremes is also derived. One of the key lines of evidence for the homology of the nipple and the lactogenic patch is that marsupials have retained a transient hair associated with developing mammary glands. However, these structures have not been documented since the early 20th‐century drawings of Ernst Bresslau. In this study, we examine the developing mammary organs of Monodelphis domestica and document the presence of mammary hairs in 12‐week‐old females, as well as their absence after 18 weeks of age. Histochemical staining for cystine confirms the structures as keratinized hairs. Milk ducts of both juvenile and adult nipples show a division between KRT18+ luminal epithelium and KRT14+ ACTA2+ myoepithelium. These patterns match those in eutherians and suggest a conserved ductal morphology and mechanism of milk expulsion. Finally, PTHLH, a peptide hormone which promotes homeotic transformation of hairy skin into hairless nipples in the mouse, was detected in the Monodelphis milk duct during the mammary hair stage, suggesting that the mutual exclusivity of “hairless nipple” and “hair” organ identity is derived in eutherian mammals. These results reveal shared characteristics of the M. domestica nipple with both the eutherian nipple and the pilosebaceous organ, consistent with the evolutionary derivation of the mammary gland from an ancestral hair organ via developmental individualization of pilosebaceous and mammary identities.
A climatological overview of surface currents in the Arabian Gulf with special reference to the Exclusive Economic Zone of Qatar
Authors: Mussa Afnan Abdirashid , Aboobacker Valliyil Mohammed , Abdulla Cheriyeri Poyil , Hasna Varis Mohammed , Al‐Ansari Ebrahim M. A. S. , Vethamony Ponnumony
Published: August 2024

This study derives the climatology of surface currents in the Arabian Gulf using the current velocities obtained from the Copernicus Marine Service (CMEMS) for the period 1993–2019. It reveals distinct temporal and spatial variability in the surface current speeds induced by the variability in surface winds, bathymetry and the changes in the lateral gradients in density. The mean speed of the Iranian Coastal Current (ICC) during summer reaches up to 0.33 m·s−1 along the coast of Iran, while the mean speed of Arabian Coastal Current (ACC) reaches up to 0.26 m·s−1 along the coast of Saudi Arabia. We found the occurrence of 2 major and 1 minor cyclonic eddies in the annual, seasonal and monthly climatology, while these eddies are more prevalent during summer. The major cyclonic eddy in the central Gulf develops in May and persists till November with varying patterns, and decays in December. The climatological mean current speeds are higher during summer compared to winter, due to the seasonal changes in thickness of the surface layer by the stratification/destratification processes. The highest mean current speeds along the coast of Qatar are found in June and the lowest in winter months. The highest annual, monthly and seasonal mean current speeds are observed along the north and northeast coast of Qatar, while the lowest are observed along the west coast and southeast coast of Qatar. Interannual variability in surface current speeds is evident, with notable links with the El Niño–Southern Oscillations (ENSO) and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD). The annual mean current speeds show positive trends, of the order of 0.06–0.14 cm·s−1·year−1 in the offshore regions and 0.05–0.24 cm·s−1·year−1 in the nearshore regions, wherein the highest positive trend is observed off Ras Laffan and the lowest off Dukhan.
Race norming and biases in surgical oncology care
Authors: Lee Britany , Odusanya Eunice , Nizam Wasay , Johnson Anita , Tee May C.
Published: August 2024

Disparities in surgical oncology care may be due to race/ethnicity. Race norming, defined as the adjustment of medical assessments based on an individual's race/ethnicity, and implicit bias are specifically explored in this focused systematic review. We aim to examine how race norming and bias impact oncologic care and postsurgical outcomes, particularly in Black patient populations, while providing potential strategies to improve equitable and inclusive care.
The impact of perioperative transfusions on the oncologic outcomes of patients with ovarian cancer: A population‐based study
Authors: Bouchard‐Fortier Genevieve , Gien Lilian T. , Chan Wing C. , Lin Yulia , Krzyzanowska Monika K. , Ferguson Sarah E.
Published: August 2024

Perioperative blood transfusion in ovarian cancer patients was associated with a 28% increase in all‐cause mortality. The negative impact of perioperative blood transfusion extends beyond the immediate postoperative period.

Objectives

The effect of perioperative blood transfusions on long‐term oncologic outcomes of patients with advanced ovarian cancer undergoing cytoreductive surgery remains uncertain. Our study aims to determine the association between perioperative blood transfusion and all‐cause mortality in this population.

Methods

Using province‐wide administrative databases, patients with advanced ovarian cancer who underwent surgery between 2007 and 2021 as part of first‐line treatment were identified. Perioperative transfusion was defined as any transfusion from date of surgery to discharge from hospital. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to determine if there was an independent association of transfusion with all‐cause mortality, accounting significant confounders.

Results

A total of 5891 patients had cytoreductive surgery for advanced ovarian cancer between 2007 and 2021, of which 2898 (49.2%) had interval cytoreductive surgery (ICS) and 2993 (50.8%) had primary cytoreductive surgery (PCS). Perioperative blood transfusion was given to 37.3% of patients (40.5% ICS and 34.2% PCS). On multivariable analysis, there was an increased hazard of all‐cause mortality for patients receiving perioperative transfusion compared to those who did not (hazard ratio: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.20–1.37). The association of increased all‐cause mortality was observed starting 1 year after surgery, was sustained thereafter, and seen in both ICS and PCS groups.

Conclusion

Perioperative blood transfusion after cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer is common in Ontario, Canada and was significantly associated with an increase in all‐cause mortality. Blood transfusion is a poor prognostic factor, and the negative impact of blood transfusion persists beyond the immediate postoperative period.
Repositioning Work and Leisure: Digital Nomads Versus Tourists
Authors: Kozak Metin , Cetin Gurel , Alrawadieh Zaid
Published: August 2024

A growing yet fragmented debate addressing digital nomadism has recently emerged across different disciplines, including management, organizational behavior, and mobility studies. However, the intersection between digital nomadism and leisure and tourism activities remains blurred. Integrating existing theoretical assessments, this conceptual paper scrutinize digital nomadism from a tourism and leisure perspective, and attempts to provide a broader understanding of this phenomenon. The paper repositions digital nomads in the center of tourism and travel discourse by describing their key characteristics, mobility motives, destination selection process, and critical features, singling them out from conventional business/leisure tourists. This paper significantly contributes to an emerging stream of tourism research addressing digital nomadism as an emerging lifestyle market and provides timely practical implications for policymakers and industry practitioners.
Rotator cuff repair: Sleep disturbance significantly improves after arthroscopic tendon repair
Authors: Feltri Pietro , Audigé Laurent , Candrian Christian , Mueller Andreas M. , Fritz Yannick ,   ARCR_Pred Study Group, Filardo Giuseppe
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to quantify sleep quality and define its evolution in patients treated for rotator cuff tears (RCTs) with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) and to understand its correlation with patients' depression and anxiety.

Methods

The patients were part of the ‘ARCR_Pred cohort study’, a prospective multicentre cohort of ARCR patients. Inclusion criteria: adult, RCT diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging, treated by primary ARCR. Exclusion criteria: irreparable tears, revision operations, open or mini‐open reconstructions, pregnancy. Subjective sleep quality (prevalence and level of disturbance) was analysed. Psychological characteristics (PROMIS Sf questionnaire) and functional outcomes (Constant and Murley Score and Oxford Shoulder Score) were investigated. A gender‐based analysis was performed as well. Patients were evaluated before the operation and prospectively at 6 and 12 months.

Results

Of the 973 patients, 611 (62.8%) were men, with the mean age being 57.3 ± 9.4 years (range, 21–84). A high prevalence of sleep disturbances was found before ARCR (88.4%), with 59% of the patients complaining of disturbance every night. Sleep disturbances progressively improved at 6 (37.2%) and 12 months (22.0%). Also, nocturnal pain (frequency of night disturbed by pain) progressively improved from 94.3% to 62.4% and then 37.9%. For depression and anxiety, a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was retrieved among every group (undisturbed, occasionally and always disturbed) at all follow‐ups. On the other hand, the post‐op improvement led to a decrease in anxiety and depression levels passing from 50.1 and 51.4 points at baseline to 45.0 and 45.4 at 12 months, respectively. Women had statistically worse sleep quality at 6 and 12 months (41% vs. 36% and 27% vs. 19%, respectively) (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

RCTs cause a high prevalence of sleep disturbance and nocturnal pain, which progressively resolves after an arthroscopic tendon repair. Women have a higher risk than men of presenting disturbed sleep quality.

Level of Evidence

Level III, prognostic cohort study.
Effect of Shot‐Peening Process and Nanoparticle‐Added Lubricant on the Tribological Performance of Aluminium‐Based Sliding Bearing Material
Authors: Korkmaz Seyma , Cetin M. Huseyin , Simsir Hamza , Unal Okan , Temel Farabi
Published: August 2024

In this study, it is aimed to increase the wear and fatigue performance of aluminium‐based sliding bearing material by using silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) added lubricant and shot‐peening process. The main purpose is to minimise the wear of the bearing material by penetrating AgNPs added lubricants into the rough surfaces formed by shot peening. Almen intensity, coverage and shot size parameters in the shot‐peening process were analysed in terms of hardness, surface roughness and fatigue strength. The shot‐peened aluminium bronze was subjected to wear experiments under dry, pure water and AgNPs added lubricant conditions. The wear test results were analysed in terms of friction coefficient, wear volume and surface roughness parameters, and the interaction of lubricant and shot‐peening parameters was evaluated. According to the results of the shot‐peening experiments, the Almen intensity was the most effective parameter in terms of hardness and surface roughness (91.62%). It was concluded that the hardness value was 8% higher at high Almen (12–14A) intensity compared with low Almen intensities, and the shot‐peening process could increase the fatigue strength by ~21 times. According to the wear tests, the most effective parameters were 4–6 Almen intensity and AgNP‐added lubricant.
Vitamin B12 as a source of variability in isotope effects for chloroform biotransformation by Dehalobacter
Authors: Phillips Elizabeth , Picott Katherine , Kümmel Steffen , Bulka Olivia , Edwards Elizabeth , Wang Po‐Hsiang , Gehre Matthias , Nijenhuis Ivonne , Lollar Barbara S.
Published: August 2024

Carbon and chlorine isotope effects for biotransformation of chloroform by different microbes show significant variability. Reductive dehalogenases (RDase) enzymes contain different cobamides, affecting substrate preferences, growth yields, and dechlorination rates and extent. We investigate the role of cobamide type on carbon and chlorine isotopic signals observed during reductive dechlorination of chloroform by the RDase CfrA. Microcosm experiments with two subcultures of a Dehalobacter‐containing culture expressing CfrA—one with exogenous cobamide (Vitamin B12, B12+) and one without (to drive native cobamide production)—resulted in a markedly smaller carbon isotope enrichment factor (εC, bulk) for B12− (−22.1 ± 1.9‰) compared to B12+ (−26.8 ± 3.2‰). Both cultures exhibited significant chlorine isotope fractionation, and although a lower εCl, bulk was observed for B12− (−6.17 ± 0.72‰) compared to B12+ (−6.86 ± 0.77‰) cultures, these values are not statistically different. Importantly, dual‐isotope plots produced identical slopes of ΛCl/C (ΛCl/C, B12+ = 3.41 ± 0.15, ΛCl/C, B12− = 3.39 ± 0.15), suggesting the same reaction mechanism is involved in both experiments, independent of the lower cobamide bases. A nonisotopically fractionating masking effect may explain the smaller fractionations observed for the B12− containing culture.
Deciphering the enigmas of non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs): A medicinal chemistry expedition towards combating HIV drug resistance
Authors: Zhang Kun , Zhang Yu‐Jie , Li Min , Pannecouque Christophe , De Clercq Erik , Wang Shuai , Chen Fen‐Er
Published: August 2024

The pivotal involvement of reverse transcriptase activity in the pathogenesis of the progressive HIV virus has stimulated gradual advancements in drug discovery initiatives spanning three decades. Consequently, nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) have emerged as a preeminent category of therapeutic agents for HIV management. Academic institutions and pharmaceutical companies have developed numerous NNRTIs, an essential component of antiretroviral therapy. Six NNRTIs have received Food and Drug Administration approval and are widely used in clinical practice, significantly improving the quality of HIV patients. However, the rapid emergence of drug resistance has limited the effectiveness of these medications, underscoring the necessity for perpetual research and development of novel therapeutic alternatives. To supplement the existing literatures on NNRTIs, a comprehensive review has been compiled to synthesize this extensive dataset into a comprehensible format for the medicinal chemistry community. In this review, a thorough investigation and meticulous analysis were conducted on the progressions achieved in NNRTIs within the past 8 years (2016–2023), and the experiences and insights gained in the development of inhibitors with varying chemical structures were also summarized. The provision of a crucial point of reference for the development of wide‐ranging anti‐HIV medications is anticipated.
Loading conditions for self‐organization in the BML model with stochastic direction choice
Authors: Yashina Marina V. , Tatashev Alexander G.
Published: August 2024

A dynamical system is considered such that, in this system, particles move on a toroidal lattice of the dimension
according to a version of the rule of particle movement in Biham–Middleton–Levine traffic model. We introduce a stochastic case with direction choice for particles. Particles of the first type move along rows, and the particles of the second type move along columns. The goal is to find conditions of self‐organization system for any lattice dimension. We have proved that the BML model as a dynamical system is a special case of Buslaev nets. This equivalence allows us to use of Buslaev net analysis techniques to investigate the BML model. In Buslaev nets conception, the self‐organization property of the system corresponds to the existence of velocity single point spectrum equal to 1. In the paper, we consider the model version when one notable aspect is that a particle may change its type. Exactly, we assume a constant probability
that a particle changes type at each step. In the case where
, the system corresponds to the classical version of the BML model. We define a state of the system where all particles continue to move indefinitely, in both the present and the future, as a state of free movement. A sufficient condition for the system to result in a state of free movement from any initial state (condition for self‐organization) has been found. This condition is that the number of particles be not greater than half the greatest common divisor of the numbers
. It has been proved that, if
, and whether
or
and there are both at least one particle of the first type and at least particle of the second type, then a necessary condition for a state of free movement to exist is the greatest common divisor of
and
be not less than 3. The theorems are formulated in terms of the algebraic structures and terms of the dynamical system. The spectrum of particle velocities has been found for the net
. This approach allows us to hope that the spectrum of dynamical system can be studied for an arbitrary dimension of the net.
Integral inequalities of h‐superquadratic functions and their fractional perspective with applications
Authors: Butt Saad Ihsan , Khan Dawood
Published: August 2024

The purpose of this article is to provide a number of Hermite–Hadamard and Fejér type integral inequalities for a class of
‐superquadratic functions. We then develop the fractional perspective of inequalities of Hermite–Hadamard and Fejér types by use of the Riemann–Liouville fractional integral operators and bring up with few particular cases. Numerical estimations based on specific relevant cases and graphical representations validate the results. Another motivating component of the study is that it is enriched with applications of modified Bessel function of first type, special means, and moment of random variables by defining some new functions in terms of modified Bessel function and considering uniform probability density function. The results in this paper have not been initiated before in the frame of
‐superquadraticity. We are optimistic that this effort will greatly stimulate and encourage additional research.
Laryngology Postgraduate Workforce Trends and Job Satisfaction: A Survey of US Academic and Nonacademic Laryngologists
Authors: Tipton Courtney B. , Born Hayley L. , Kennedy Evan , Johns Michael M. , Pitman Michael J.
Published: August 2024

Objective

To determine postgraduate job selection, percentage of career movement, factors influencing these decisions, and job satisfaction of laryngologists within academic and nonacademic fields.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Setting

Nonacademic and academic laryngology practices across the United States.

Methods

A 21‐question survey including the Job Satisfaction Questionnaire (JS‐Q) was electronically administered between October and December 2023. Student's t test and logistic regression analysis were used for statistical analysis.

Results

There were 134 (49.26%) complete responses, including 99 (64 males, 34 females, 1 undisclosed) laryngologists in the academic cohort and 35 (25 males, 9 females, 1 undisclosed) in the nonacademic cohort. No association was found between year of initial employment and probability of choosing an academic job (coefficient of variation = 0.02, odds ratio = 1.02, P = .56). A higher percentage of physicians transfer from nonacademics to academics (22.86%) than vice versa (5.05%, P = .002). Factors including lifestyle, pay, leadership, and research support influence career movement and satisfaction. There was higher job satisfaction in the nonacademic group in all domains of JS‐Q except for Training and Development (3.81 vs 3.84, P = .81).

Conclusion

Over time, the rate of laryngologists pursuing nonacademic versus academic positions has been stable, despite the increasing number of laryngologists. Career satisfaction is high in both academic and nonacademic laryngologists, although higher in nonacademic. Despite this, a higher percentage of physicians transfer from nonacademic to academic positions than the converse. Factors including lifestyle, pay, lack of leadership support, and research support influence career movement and satisfaction.
Palatoglossus Muscle and T4 Category in the Eighth Edition of TNM Staging System for OPSCC
Authors: Tirelli Giancarlo , Gardenal Nicoletta , Polesel Jerry , De Groodt Jasmina , Radin Erik , Giudici Fabiola , Iandolo Laura , Zucchini Simone , Sia Egidio , Boscolo‐Rizzo Paolo
Published: August 2024

Objective

The present study challenges the appropriateness of considering invasion of the palatoglossus muscle (PGM) as a criterion for staging oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) as T4.

Study Design

Retrospective observational study.

Setting

Tertiary University Hospital.

Methods

This retrospective study included nonmetastatic OPSCC patients treated with curative intent at the University of Trieste, Italy from 2015 to 2021. Patients were categorized into 4 groups: (1) tumors classified as T1‐T2 by both International Cancer Control (UICC) and American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC)‐TNM; (2) T1‐T2 tumors upgraded to T4 solely by UICC due to oropharyngeal PGM infiltration; (3) T1‐T2 tumors upgraded to T4 by both UICC and AJCC due to oral PGM infiltration; (4) tumors classified as T3‐T4 by both UICC and AJCC. Kaplan‐Meier analysis estimated overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS). Multivariable Cox models, adjusted for clinical factors, assessed the impact of palatoglossus invasion on outcomes over 5 years.

Results

A total of 121 consecutive patients with primary OPSCC were included (median [interquartile range] age 65 years [58‐74]; 63% male). While patients with upgraded T4 category due to infiltration of the oral portion of the PGM exhibited a prognosis superimposable on that of other patients with advanced stage disease, those with upgraded T4 category due to infiltration of the oropharyngeal portion of the PGM displayed OS and DFS comparable to T1‐T2 patients.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight that invasion of the oropharyngeal portion of the PGM may not be a suitable criterion for staging OPSCC as T4. Further research involving larger and independent patient cohorts is strongly encouraged to corroborate these observations.
Self‐healing reversible network from furfuryl‐functionalized copoly(triazine‐r‐polypropylene glycol‐r‐polydimethylsiloxane)
Authors: Truong Thuy Thu , Nguyen Ly Mai Thi , Le Hau Cong , Nguyen Ha Tran , Nguyen Le‐Thu T.
Published: August 2024

New shape‐memory networks composed of both reversible Diels–Alder covalent crosslinks and the hydrogen and π–π stacking bonds of triazine functional groups, with self‐healing properties as a result of the reversibility of these dynamic bonds were achieved from a furfuryl‐functionalized copoly(triazine‐r‐polypropylene glycol‐r‐polydimethylsiloxane), crosslinked with a maleimide end‐capped polycaprolactone and a long polycaprolactone‐based chain extender. The presence of multiple dynamic bonds, including the Diels–Alder and triazine‐derived π–π stacking and H‐bond interactions as well as the enhanced network mobility arising from polypropylene glycol, polydimethylsiloxane and polycaprolactone segments upon triggering the shape memory effect resulted in a material with high toughness (~200 MPa J−1) and efficient healing ability (with a recoveries of tensile strength and toughness after being cut and healed of 87% and 94%, respectively).

Highlights

Furfuryl dichlorotriazine was coupled with PPG and PDMS forming a copolymer.

The copolymer was crosslinked with PCL‐dimaleimide and PCL‐difuran extender.

Multiple dynamic bonds (Diels–Alder, π–π stacking and H‐bond) were present.

The network showed high toughness and good healing performance.
Preparation and characterization of 4D printable PCL/SEBS‐g‐MAH blends with excellent mechanical and shape memory properties
Authors: Gu Shuojun , Liu Donglei , Zhu Lei , Xie Yangdong , Evsyukov S. A. , Luo Xin
Published: August 2024

This work focuses on developing a novel thermal‐responsive shape memory Poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL)/maleic‐anhydride grafted poly[styrene‐b‐(ethylene‐co‐butylene)‐b‐styrene] (SEBS‐g‐MAH) blends, with enhanced shape memory and mechanical properties, which is tailored for 3D printing applications. The thermal, mechanical, and rheological properties of the blends were rigorously assessed by DSC, TGA, mechanical testing, and dynamic rheological analysis. The results show that the elongation at the break of the blends exceeds 1000%, which can be attributed to the formation of the co‐continuous structure. Thermal‐responsive shape memory properties characterized by the water bath circulation method showed that the PCL4/MAH6 exhibited the optimal overall performance (shape fixation rate of 97.22%, shape recovery rate of 96.67%) and remained stable after 10 cycles of testing. Moreover, the effect of printing parameters on shape memory properties was investigated, revealing that blends perform the most promising memory behavior at a layer thickness of 0.1 mm, hot‐bed temperature of 40°C, and printing speed of 40 mm/s. In addition, the relationship between the composition of the blends and their properties was investigated at the molecular level by molecular dynamics simulations, which were in agreement with the experimental observations. In conclusion, this study provides new perspectives on the development of advanced materials suitable for 4D printing applications.

Highlights

The co‐continuous structure effectively enhances blends' mechanical properties.

The storage modulus exerts a dominant influence on the shape memory properties.

Molecular dynamics simulations are employed to validate experimental observations.
Poly(ether ketone ketone)/hollow silica filler substrates and application for sixth generation communication
Authors: Wei Xing‐yu , Lei Zhi‐wen , Ma Ning , Hsu Tim , Huang Ya‐qiong , Yeh Jen‐taut
Published: August 2024

The influence of density and shape of hollow silicas (silica hollow tubes (SHT) or hollow glass microspheres (HGM)) on dielectric and heat‐resisting characteristics of poly(ether ketone ketone) (PEKK)/SHT and PEKK/HGM films was systematically investigated. The dielectric characteristics of PEKK/SHT or PEKK/HGM films decrease to a minimum, as their SHT or HGM contents approach 8 or 20 wt%, respectively, and the minimum dielectric constant (εr) and dielectric loss (tan δ) of PEKK/SHT or PEKK/HGM films decrease visibly with decreasing SHT densities. By filling with 0.46 g cm−3 mean density of SHT or HGM fillers, the minimum εr and tan δ of PEKK/SHT films are somewhat smaller than those of PEKK/HGM films. The linear coefficient of thermal expansion (LCTE) values of PEKK/SHT or PEKK/HGM films reduce and their onset degradation temperature values increase gradually with increasing SHT and HGM contents. Low εr/tan δ (2.11/0.0022 and 2.2/0.0027 at 1 MHz), LCTE (35.5 × 10−6 and 31.2 × 10−6 °C−1) and excellent heat‐resisting properties favorable for sixth generation (6G) ultrarapid communication are realized for appropriately prepared PEKK/SHT and PEKK/HGM substrate films. The free‐volume‐hole characteristics of PEKK/HGM or PEKK/SHT films approach a maximum as SHT or HGM contents reach an optimum value of 8 or 20 wt%, respectively. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.