bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent advances in piezoelectric and triboelectric self-powered sensors for human–machine interface applications
Authors: Du Lei , Li Yulong , Qiu Ruizhe , Xu Jiaxing , Nie Kai , Cao Xinyu , Tang Jiaqi , Wang Yiqing , Du Gang , Bu Ling
Published: July 2024

The burgeoning internet of things and artificial intelligence technologies have prospered a variety of emerging applications. Human–machine interfaces (HMIs), for instance, enables users with intuitive, efficient, and friendly way to interact with machines, capable of instant information acquisition, processing, communication, and feedback, etc. These features require ultra-compact and high-performance transducers, and therefore self-powered sensors have become the key underlying technology for HMI applications. This review focuses on the piezoelectric, triboelectric, and hybrid self-powered sensors with particular attention to their microstructures and fabrication methods, showing that both traditional microfabrication and emerging fabrication methods like three-dimensional (3D) printing, electrospinning, and braiding have contributed to the planar, array, porous, fabric, and composite type self-powered sensors. Moreover, the integration method of piezoelectric and triboelectric sensor arrays is investigated. The crosstalk issue is highlighted, i.e. the signal interference between adjacent sensing units, and current solutions such as array design optimization, signal processing improvement, and material innovation to reduce crosstalk sensitivity have been reviewed through specific examples. Three categories of HMI applications have been outlined, including intelligent interaction, robotics, and human monitoring, with detailed explanations of how the self-powered sensors support these HMI applications. Through discussion of challenges and prospects, it is proposed that further coordinating the design and fabrication of micro devices with HMIs will potentially boost the intelligent application with even higher level of diversification, convenience, and interconnectivity.
A contour detection method for bulk material piles based on cross-source point cloud registration
Authors: Zhang Pingjun , Zhao Hao , Li Guangyang , Lin Xipeng
Published: July 2024

In the field of automatic bulk material loading, accurate detection of the profile of the material pile in the compartment can control its height and distribution, thus improving the loading efficiency and stability, therefore, this paper proposes a new method for pile detection based on cross-source point cloud registration. First, 3D point cloud data are simultaneously collected using lidar and binocular camera. Second, feature points are extracted and described based on 3D scale-invariant features and 3D shape contexts algorithms, and then feature points are used in progressive sample consensus algorithm to complete coarse matching. Then, bi-directional KD-tree accelerated iterative closest point is established to complete the fine registration. Ultimately, the detection of the pile contour is realized by extracting the point cloud boundary after the registration. The experimental results show that the registration errors of this method are reduced by 54.2%, 52.4%, and 14.9% compared with the other three algorithms, and the relative error of the pile contour detection is less than 0.2%.
Improved-quality graphene films via the synergism of large nanosheet aligning and nanotube bridging for flexible supercapacitors
Authors: Xu Xuan , Li Zhenhu , Li Haoxiang , Li Yongsu , Zeng Yu , Liu Shuangyi
Published: July 2024

Scalable production of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) films with high mechanical-electrical properties is desirable as these films are candidates for wearable electronics devices and energy storage applications. Removing structural incompleteness such as wrinkles or voids in the graphene films, which are generated from the assembly process, would greatly optimize their mechanical properties. However, the densely stacked graphene sheets in the films degrade their ionic kinetics and thus limit their development. Here, a horizontal-longitudinal-structure modulating strategy is demonstrated to produce enhanced mechanical, conductive, and capacitive graphene films. Typically, two-dimensional large graphene sheets (LGS) induce regular stacking of graphene oxide (GO) during the assembly process to reduce wrinkles, while one-dimensional single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) bridge with graphene sheets to strengthen the multidirectional intercalation and reduce GO layer restacking. The simultaneous incorporation of LGS and SWCNT synergistically creates a fine microstructure by improving the alignment of graphene sheets, increasing continuous conductive pathways to facilitate electron transport, and enlarging interlayer spacing to promote electrolyte ion diffusion. As a result, the obtained graphene films are flat and exhibit signally reinforced mechanical properties, electrical conductivity (38727 S m−1), as well as specific capacitance (232 F g−1) as supercapacitor electrodes compared to those of original rGO films. Moreover, owing to the comprehensive improved properties, a flexible gel supercapacitor assembled by the graphene film-based electrodes shows high energy density, good flexibility, and excellent cycling stability (93.8% capacitance retention after 10 000 cycles). This work provides a general strategy to manufacture robust graphene structural materials for energy storage applications in flexible and wearable electronics.
MR-OCTAVIUS 4D with 1500 MR and 1600 MR arrays is suitable for plan QA in a 1.5 T MRI-linac
Authors: Gorobets Viktoriia , Vries Wilfred de , Brand Nicole , Foppen Thomas , Wopereis André J M , Woodings Simon
Published: July 2024

To ensure the accuracy of radiation delivery to patients in a 1.5 T MRI-linac, the implementation of quality assurance (QA) devices compatible with MR technology is essential. The OCTAVIUS 4D MR, made by PTW (Freiburg, Germany) is designed to ensure consistent and ideal alignment of its detectors with the direction of each beam segment. This study focuses on investigating the fundamental characteristics of the detector response for the OCTAVIUS Detector (OD) 1500 MR and OCTAVIUS 1600 MR when used in the MR-compatible OCTAVIUS 4D. Characteristics examined included short-term reproducibility, dose linearity, field size dependency, monitor unit (MU) rate dependency, dose-per-pulse dependency, and angular dependency. The evaluation of OD 1500 MR also involved measuring 25 clinical treatment plans across diverse target sizes and anatomical sites, including the liver/pancreas, rectum, prostate, lungs, and lymph nodes. One plan was measured with the standard setup and with a 5 cm left offset. The OD 1600 MR was not available for these measurements. The capability of the OD 1500 MR to identify potential errors was assessed by introducing a MU and positional shift within the software. The results demonstrated no significant differences in short-term reproducibility (

<

0.2
%

), dose linearity (

<

1
%

), field size dependency (

<

0.7
%

for field sizes larger than 5 cm × 5 cm), MU rate dependency (

<

0.8
%

), dose-per-pulse dependency (

<

0.4
%

) and angular dependency (standard deviation

<

0.5
%

). All tests of clinical plans were successfully completed. The OD 1500 MR demonstrated compatibility with the standard 95% pass rate when employing a global 3%/3 mm gamma criterion, and a 90% pass rate using a global 2%/2 mm gamma criterion. The detector demonstrated the capacity to measure treatment plans with a 5 cm left offset. With the standard parameters, the gamma test was sensitive to position errors but required an addition tests of mean/median dose or point dose in order to detect small dose difference.
Deep denoiser prior driven relaxed iterated Tikhonov method for low-count PET image restoration
Authors: Chang Weike , D’Ascenzo Nicola , Antonecchia Emanuele , Li Bingxuan , Yang Jigang , Mu Dengyun , Li Ang , Xie Qingguo
Published: July 2024

Objective. Low-count positron emission tomography (PET) imaging is an efficient way to promote more widespread use of PET because of its short scan time and low injected activity. However, this often leads to low-quality PET images with clinical image reconstruction, due to high noise and blurring effects. Existing PET image restoration (IR) methods hinder their own restoration performance due to the semi-convergence property and the lack of suitable denoiser prior. Approach. To overcome these limitations, we propose a novel deep plug-and-play IR method called Deep denoiser Prior driven Relaxed Iterated Tikhonov method (DP-RI-Tikhonov). Specifically, we train a deep convolutional neural network denoiser to generate a flexible deep denoiser prior to handle high noise. Then, we plug the deep denoiser prior as a modular part into a novel iterative optimization algorithm to handle blurring effects and propose an adaptive parameter selection strategy for the iterative optimization algorithm. Main results. Simulation results show that the deep denoiser prior plays the role of reducing noise intensity, while the novel iterative optimization algorithm and adaptive parameter selection strategy can effectively eliminate the semi-convergence property. They enable DP-RI-Tikhonov to achieve an average quantitative result (normalized root mean square error, structural similarity) of (0.1364, 0.9574) at the stopping iteration, outperforming a conventional PET IR method with an average quantitative result of (0.1533, 0.9523) and a state-of-the-art deep plug-and-play IR method with an average quantitative result of (0.1404, 0.9554). Moreover, the advantage of DP-RI-Tikhonov becomes more obvious at the last iteration. Experiments on six clinical whole-body PET images further indicate that DP-RI-Tikhonov successfully reduces noise intensity and recovers fine details, recovering sharper and more uniform images than the comparison methods. Significance. DP-RI-Tikhonov’s ability to reduce noise intensity and effectively eliminate the semi-convergence property overcomes the limitations of existing methods. This advancement may have substantial implications for other medical IR.
Carbon ion beam dosimetry in magnetic fields using Farmer-type ionization chambers of different radii: measurements and simulations
Authors: Surla S , Marot M , Burigo L , Brons S , Runz A , Karger C P
Published: July 2024

Objective. To investigate magnetic field effects on the dose distribution and ionization chambers response in carbon ion reference fields and determine magnetic field correction factors for chambers of different volumes. Approach. The response of six Farmer-type chambers with varying radii (1–6 mm, termed as R1–R6) was measured in magnetic fields up to 1 T in 0.1 T increments using an experimental electromagnet and compared with Monte Carlo simulations. Chamber readings were measured in the entrance region of a monoenergetic carbon ion beam of 390.75 MeV u−1. A lower energy of 200.28 MeV u−1 was applied to chamber R3 for comparison. Polarity and recombination corrections were investigated for the R3 chamber. The local dose change induced by the magnetic field was calculated by Monte Carlo, which together with change of the chamber’s response, was used to calculate the final magnetic field correction factors. Main results. The dependence of the chamber response on the magnetic field was non-linear and volume-dependent. Maximum changes ranged from 0.30% (R4) to 0.62% (R5) at 0.2 T. For R3, the response for the lower energy was systematically decreased by 0.2% in the range of 0.2 T to 0.7 T. No significant effect of the magnetic field on polarity and ion recombination correction was found. The maximum variation of the local dose was found to be (0.03 ± 0.08) % at 0.2 T for beam energy of 390.75 MeV u−1. Magnetic field correction factors for the different chambers ranged from 0.28% (R4) to 0.60% (R5). Significance. This study provides the first detailed analysis of chambers’ response to magnetic flux densities of up to 1 T using chambers of different radii and comparison with simulations. By combining the chamber response alterations with local dose changes magnetic field correction factors were calculated for all six chambers, including the commercial Farmer-type chamber.
Quantum conditional entropy and classical-quantum conditional entropy with localization characteristics
Authors: Han Qi , Wang Shuai , Gou Lijie , Zhang Rong
Published: July 2024

In the era of rapid development of quantum mechanics, some issues in the field of quantum information have become increasingly important. Local quantum Bernoulli noises (LQBNs) is a localized Bernoulli functional, and it is the localization of quantum Bernoulli noises (QBNs). The distinctive feature of LQBNs lies in its localization properties, which make it highly valuable in the field of quantum information. In this paper, we study three new types of quantum conditional entropy with localization characteristics from three dimensions: local quantum conditional entropy, local quantum conditional entropy at the same position, and classical-quantum conditional entropy. Based on the locality of LQBNs, we prove that the local quantum conditional entropy is concave and unitary invariant. Surprisingly, we find that the local quantum mutual information (entropy) corresponding to the same position is 0. The local quantum conditional entropy defined based on the local quantum state at a specific position, proposed in this paper, provides new insights into understanding the impact of local quantum noise on the information transmission in quantum channels. This discovery not only deepens our understanding of the internal structure of local quantum entropy, but also reveals its influence on the performance of quantum communication.
Photostability of CsPbBr3 nanocrystals modified with poly(ethylene adipate)
Authors: Wang Yajuan , Wang Jianing , Wang Lei , Wang Shuonan , Liu Wenyan
Published: July 2024

All inorganic CsPbBr3 nanocrystals (NCs) have gained significant attention due to their potential as light-emitting diodes, solar cells and other optoelectronic devices. However, to a certain extent, the stability issues of CsPbBr3 NCs under water, light, and thermal conditions limit their further applications. In order to improve stability, this article proposes a strategy of modifying CsPbBr3 NCs with poly(ethylene adipate) (PEA). The surface passivation of macromolecular polymer PEA not only increases the distance between NCs which inhibits the aggregation of small NCs, but also provides a dense protective layer to protect NCs from corrosion by water, air and light. Therefore, the performance of PEA-modified CsPbBr3 NCs in terms of optical properties and stability is significantly improved. The photoluminescence intensity of PEA-modified CsPbBr3 NCs remains at about 40% of the initial intensity when heated to 100 °C, while that of pure CsPbBr3 NCs has decreased to less than 10%. The photoluminescence intensity of PEA-modified CsPbBr3 NCs decreased to 83% of the initial intensity after 7 cycles of heating to 100 °C and then cooling to room temperature, while that of pure CsPbBr3 NCs decreased to 13%. Meanwhile, the PL intensity of PEA-modified CsPbBr3 NCs remained at 66% of the initial intensity after 10 h under 365 nm ultraviolet light, and there is no obvious red shift in PL spectra, while the PL intensity of pure CsPbBr3 NCs only maintained 21% of the initial intensity, accompanied by obvious red shift in PL spectra. The results show that the PEA-modified CsPbBr3 NCs have a positive effect on stability.
A MIMO antenna array featuring dual wideband and high gain for 5G NR n257/n258/n260/n261 bands applications
Authors: Hmamou Abdelmounim , kiouach Fatima , Das Sudipta , El Ghzaoui Mohammed , Islam Tanvir , Madhav Boddapati Taraka Phani
Published: July 2024

This article introduces the development of a Multi-Input Multi-Output (MIMO) antenna array specifically designed for 5G millimeter-wave (mm-wave) communication systems. The suggested MIMO configuration consists of four antenna arrays, each comprising two elements arranged evenly, operating at 26 GHz and 37 GHz with a physical size of 43 mm ×  32.5 mm × 0.8 mm using a Rogers RT/Duroid 5880 substrate. The proposed MIMO configuration provides dual bands, with frequency bands extending from 23.8 to 30 GHz (IBW = 6.2 GHz) and 32.5 to 41 GHz (IBW = 8.5 GHz), accompanied by high gains of around 18.5 dB for the first band and 16.4 dB for the second band. The designed antenna also shows broad circular polarization with 3 dB Axial Ratio Bandwidth (ARBW) of 4.75 GHz, ranging from 25.05 to 29.8 GHz. A physical prototype has been fabricated for the proposed 4 port MIMO antenna array and tested to verify the results acquired from simulations. The comparison between simulation and measurement results in terms impedance and radiation parameters such as S-parameters, isolation, gain, axial ratio (AR), efficiency, radiation patterns, and various necessary MIMO metrics demonstrates a strong alignment. This antenna covers various 5G New Radio (NR) application bands such as 28 GHz n257 (26.50–29.50 GHz), 26 GHz n258 (24.25–27.50 GHz), 28 GHz n260 (37–40 GHz) and 28 GHz n261 (27.50–28.35 GHz) utilized across different countries including Canada, Australia, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea, United Kingdom, and United States of America.
Percolation of conditional dependency clusters based on edge-coupled interdependent networks
Authors: Gao Yanli , Yu Haibo , Liu Jun , Zhou Jie
Published: July 2024

Considering the existence of multiple edge dependencies in realistic interdependent networks, we propose a model of edge-coupled interdependent networks with conditional dependency clusters (EINCDCs). In this model, the edges in network A depend on the edges in dependency clusters of size m in network B. If the failure rate of edges within the dependency clusters in network B exceeds the failure tolerance α, the corresponding edges in network A that depend on those clusters in network B will fail accordingly. By adopting the self-consistent probabilities approach, a theoretical analytical framework is established to quantitatively address this model. Specifically, we study the robustness of the system verified with numerical simulations in the effect of the cluster size and failure tolerance under random attacks on systems composed of two networks A and B constructed with Random Regular (RR), Erdös-Rényi (ER) and Scale Free (SF) models. Our results show that both networks A and B undergo a first-order or hybrid phase transition when the dependency cluster size does not exceed 2. However, when the cluster size of dependency clusters exceeds 2, a non-monotonic behavior is observed. In particular, when the failure tolerance is in the range from 0 to 0.5, the robustness of the system weakens with the growing in the number of dependency clusters of size 2. While, this tendency reverses when the failure tolerance is in the range from 0.5 to 1. Moreover, we observe that due to the asymmetric interdependency between the two networks, network B always undergoes first-order phase transition, whereas network A could exhibit different types of phase transitions, which depends on the size of dependency clusters. In addition, the failure tolerance may have opposite effects on the two networks with the growing of dependency cluster sizes. The conclusions of the study may provide useful implications and enrich the understanding in the robustness of edge-coupled interdependent networks.
Exploring chaotic behavior of optical solitons in complex structured Conformable Perturbed Radhakrishnan-Kundu-Lakshmanan Model
Authors: Ali Rashid , Alam Mohammad Mahtab , Barak Shoaib
Published: July 2024

In this research, we aim to construct and examine optical soliton solutions for the complex structured Conformable Perturbed Radhakrishnan-Kundu-Lakshmanan Model (CPRKLM) using the Generalized-Kudryashov-Auxiliry Jacobian Method (GKAJM). The current study is notable for its thorough examination and for shedding insight on the chaotic behavior of families of localized optical soliton. Through the creation of 3D and contour visualizations that effectively capture the chaotic behaviors shown by these solitons, we are able to demonstrate that the optical solitons exhibit two distinct forms of perturbations: axial and periodic. Our research stimulates improvements in data processing tools and optical equipment, with consequences for communication networks and nonlinear fiber optics. Through a deeper understanding of optical solitons and their applications, this work also makes a substantial contribution to the discipline of nonlinear optics.
Performance enhancement of silicon photodiodes through the integration of green synthesized reduced graphene oxide variants
Authors: Yıldız D E , Surucu O , Mert Balaban H , Bilici I , Yıldırım M
Published: July 2024

This study examines the potential of enhancing the optoelectronic properties of silicon photodiodes by producing and analyzing heterostructures that incorporate reduced graphene oxide (rGO) synthesized with silicon using different reduction methods. Graphene oxide (GO) was manufactured utilizing an enhanced Hummers’ method. Subsequently, reduced graphene oxides (rGOs) were made by chemical and thermal reduction processes, which are considered ecologically friendly. The use of ascorbic acid to produce ascorbic acid-reduced graphene oxide (ArGO) and thermal processing to produce thermally reduced graphene oxide (TrGO) have significantly contributed to the development of high-performance photodiode technology. The electrical properties were carefully assessed under different levels of light, revealing the substantial impact of integrating reduced graphene oxides (rGOs) on the performance of the diodes. Comparing ArGO/Si, TrGO/Si, and GO/Si heterostructures shows that customized rGO has the potential to greatly influence the responsivity and efficiency of Si-based optoelectronic devices, making a significant contribution to photodiode technology.
Relaxation of the kinematic dynamo equations
Authors: Hitruhin Lauri , Lindberg Sauli
Published: July 2024

We compute the exact relaxation and

Λ
\Lambda

-convex hull of the kinematic dynamo equations and show that they coincide. We also find the relaxation in the stationary case and present applications to the infinite-time limit in the kinematic dynamo problem.
Faith and God
Authors: Trigg Roger
Published: July 2024

Many in the 20th century assumed that science determines truth, and this suggests that any non-material, transcendent reality could be discounted. Modern physics relies on very abstract theories and entities. Even so many have found problematic any faith in the transcendent, particularly if religious. They have interpreted religion in more pragmatic ways. Faith, as in fideism, is sometimes detached from rational justification. There is greater stress on the inwardness of faith and its meaning for the believer. Even so, a tenet of much religion is that human reason is God-given, and can give us illumination.
Faith and science
Authors: Trigg Roger
Published: July 2024

Some see reason, progress, and science as welded together. Science, with its agreed methods, appears to set a standard for rationality, but itself needs a rational basis. Claims to scientific knowledge are themselves fallible and provisional. Some recent views of science even query the right of science to claim any universal applicability. Post-modernist views attack an Enlightenment view of any universal rationality, and science itself becomes a product of faith. That, though, itself needs rational justification so as not to appeal merely to contemporary fashions. Science is no more self-authenticating than religious faith but itself involves trust in reason and appeals to truth.
Introduction
Authors: Burton Antoinette
Published: July 2024

Gender history has been a well-established scholarly field since at least the 1980s, and it represents one of the most important developments in historical thinking since World War II. As such, it has a history. Contrary to many people’s expectations, however, it is neither an improvement on women’s history not a steppingstone to queer and trans histories. This chapter argues that as a professional practice, gender history is embedded in the very imperial and global histories from which it emerged in the late twentieth century. Scholars in the field have grappled with its relation to class and race, to colonialism and its histories, and to the legacy of the gender binary in popular culture and everyday life.
Before the modern, beyond the Americas
Authors: Burton Antoinette
Published: July 2024

Gender history emerged as a professional practice and a subfield of the discipline in the Western academy during an extended moment of global conflict and change. This chapter takes up the presumption that the modern Western past is the universal site of gendered histories through examples of scholarship which grapple with that legacy and seek to make visible how gender works as a historical phenomenon before the modern era and beyond the United States or Europe. The binary logics of gender as masculine-feminine do not necessarily hold up in these times and places, raising questions about the colonizing work of gender itself in some historiographical traditions.
Queering the subject
Authors: Burton Antoinette
Published: July 2024

This chapter continues to challenge the notion that gender history is part of a progressive Western narrative by placing the emergence of queer and trans histories alongside rather than following on from its work. It examines the trajectory of the field, a terrain upon which debates over the limits and possibilities of gender itself have been continually worked out—with profound implications for the discipline of history itself. It also shows how the “gender trouble” at the heart of these methods has been shaped by both intersectionality and the work of scholars who research histories beyond the West. It surveys important titles and trends in the fields of queer and trans histories as well as the ongoing echoes of debates original to the field broadly conceived.
Socioeconomic disparities in healthcare access and implications for all-cause mortality among US adults: a 2000-2019 record linkage study
Authors: Gulati Ishnaa , Kilian Carolin , Buckley Charlotte , Mulia Nina , Probst Charlotte
Published: July 2024

The United States (US) has witnessed a notable increase in socioeconomic disparities in all-cause mortality since 2000. While this period is marked by significant macroeconomic and health policy changes, the specific drivers of these mortality trends remain poorly understood. In this study, we assessed healthcare access variables and their association with socioeconomic status (SES)-related differences (exposure) in US all-cause mortality (outcome) since 2000. Our research drew upon cross-sectional data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS, 2000-2018), linked to death records from the National Death Index (NDI, 2000-2019; n = 486 257). The findings reveal that the odds of a lack of health insurance and unaffordability of needed medical care were over 2-fold higher among individuals with lower education compared to those with high education, following differential time trends. Moreover, elevated mortality risk was associated with lower education (up to 77%), uninsurance (17%), unaffordability (43%), and delayed care (12%). Uninsurance and unaffordability accounted for 4%-6% of the disparities in time to mortality between low- and high-education groups. These findings were corroborated by income-based sensitivity analyses, emphasizing that inadequate healthcare access partially contributed to socioeconomic disparities in mortality. Effective policies promoting equitable healthcare access are imperative to mitigate socioeconomic disparities in mortality.
Identifying pediatric hypertension in observational data: comparing clinical and claims cohorts in real-world data
Authors: Horgan Casie E , Burk Jillian , Eworuke Efe , Stojanovic Danijela , Lyons Jennifer G , Moyneur Èrick , McMahon Ann , Maro Judith C
Published: July 2024

We conducted retrospective public health surveillance using data from 2006 to 2016 in 7 integrated delivery systems from the US Food and Drug Administration’s Sentinel System. We identified pediatric hypertensive patients by clinical and claims-based definitions and compared demographics, baseline profiles, and follow-up time profiles. Among 3 757 803 pediatric patients aged 3 to 17 years, we identified 781 722 children and 551 246 teens with at least 3 blood pressure measurements over 36 months. Of these, 70 315 children (9%) and 47 928 teens (8.7%) met the clinical definition for hypertension, and 22 465 (2.8%) children and 60 952 (11%) of teens met the clinical definition for elevated, nonhypertensive blood pressure. Of the 3.7 million patients, we identified 3246 children and 7293 teens with any claim for hypertension (claims definition). Evidence of hypertension claims among those meeting our clinical definition was poor; 2.2% and 7.3% of clinically hypertensive children and teens had corresponding claims for hypertension. Baseline profiles for patients with claims-based hypertension suggest greater severity of disease compared with clinical patients. Claims-based patients had higher rates of all-cause mortality during follow-up. Pediatric hypertension in claims-based data sources is under-captured but may serve as a marker for greater disease severity. Investigators should understand coding practices when selecting real-world data sources for pediatric hypertension work.
The independent and joint associations of hysterectomy and uterine fibroids or endometriosis with ovarian cancer incidence: results from a US-based cohort
Authors: Tekle Hana , Sandler Dale P , Ogunsina Kemi , O’Brien Katie M
Published: July 2024

Uterine fibroids and endometriosis may be associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Less is known about the role of hysterectomy in these associations. We estimated the independent and joint associations of hysterectomy, fibroids, and endometriosis with ovarian cancer incidence in the prospective Sister Study cohort (2003-2009). We used time-varying Cox proportional hazards models to estimate covariate-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). By the end of follow-up, 34% of 40 928 eligible participants had fibroids, 13% had endometriosis, and 7% had both. A total of 274 women developed ovarian cancer during follow-up (median = 12.3 years). In mutually adjusted models, fibroids (HR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.28-2.12) and possibly endometriosis (HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.82-1.63) were positively associated with ovarian cancer. Hysterectomies (20% of participants) were also positively associated with ovarian cancer (HR, 1.29; 95% CI, 0.95-1.74). There was some evidence that hysterectomies may mitigate ovarian cancer risk among women with fibroids (HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.56-1.24) but not among women with endometriosis (HR, 1.20; 95% CI, 0.65-2.22). Identifying these joint associations adds to our understanding of ovarian cancer etiology and may help inform decisions about how women with fibroids, endometriosis, and hysterectomies are treated and surveilled for ovarian cancer.

This article is part of a Special Collection on Gynecological Cancer.
Impact of the addition of clinical pharmacy services to the cardiac catheterization laboratory
Authors: Kernan Molly , Max Marion , Ritchie Brianne , Suckstorf Madison , Butsyak Jeremy
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Our cardiology pharmacy team recently expanded services to the cardiac catheterization laboratory (CCL) with the addition of a dedicated pharmacist; since that time, numerous process improvement initiatives have been implemented and medication review has been expanded.

Methods

We conducted a single-center retrospective chart review. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients discharged from the CCL on appropriate guideline-directed medical therapy components after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) before and after integration of dedicated pharmacist services in the CCL. Secondary outcomes were assessed for all patients discharged from the CCL after implementation of a pharmacy presence and included the total number of pharmacist interventions at discharge, the number of prescriptions directed to our outpatient pharmacy, the number of medication reconciliations performed, the number of “protect your stent” educational sessions completed, and the number of clinically significant pharmacist interventions to the medication regimens of patients who underwent PCI.

Results

After a dedicated pharmacist was integrated to review CCL discharges, significantly more patients were discharged on high-intensity statin therapy (47.9% vs 78.0%; P < 0.0001) and fewer patients were discharged on omeprazole or esomeprazole prescribed concurrently with clopidogrel (18.7% vs 3.9%; P < 0.0001) following PCI. Of the patients who underwent PCI after addition of the pharmacist (n = 259), 23.9% (n = 66) had a clinically significant pharmacist intervention at discharge and 96.5% (n = 250) received protect your stent education. Of all discharges following pharmacist integration (n = 3,501), 13.6% (n = 477) had at least one pharmacist intervention, 771 prescriptions were sent to our outpatient pharmacy, and 66.4% (n = 2,325) of patients had a medication reconciliation completed.

Conclusion

Addition of a dedicated pharmacist to the CCL was associated with increased rates of high-intensity statin prescribing and decreased use of esomeprazole and omeprazole with clopidogrel.
Strategic use of salvage long-acting antiretrovirals in the setting of resistance
Authors: Kilcrease Christin , Agwu Allison , Weld Ethel D
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Long-acting cabotegravir/rilpivirine (LA-CAB/RPV) was approved for use in virally suppressed patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in January 2021. While this was a paradigm shift for many patients living with HIV, as LA-CAB/RPV was the first injectable complete regimen for the treatment of HIV, several patient populations, including those lacking virologic suppression, have not been able to easily access this advance in science and care.

In this article, we provide an update on 2 patients from our previous report and describe one further patient who experienced treatment failure following initiation of LA-CAB/RPV. Additionally, we review reports published to date of the clinical outcomes of patients with viremia who have accessed LA-CAB/RPV in the setting of baseline resistance-associated mutations (RAMs) to either component and any resulting RAMs at virologic failure. On the basis of this evidence, we recommend that hybrid or all-injectable regimens be considered for patients who have struggled with adherence to oral antiretroviral therapy or have partial or full resistance to one component of LA-CAB/RPV.

Conclusion

The case series reported here adds to literature supporting the notion that LA-CAB/RPV can be successfully used in patients who are viremic.
Grey matter ageing-related tau astrogliopathy: associations with brain pathologies and cognitive decline
Authors: Agrawal Sonal , Yu Lei , Leurgans Sue E , Kapasi Alifiya , Barnes Lisa L , Bennett David A , Boyle Patricia A , Schneider Julie A
Published: July 2024

Grey matter ageing-related tau astrogliopathy (ARTAG) pathology is common in aged brains and detected in multiple brain regions. However, the associations of grey matter ARTAG with Alzheimer's disease and other common age-related proteinopathies, in addition to clinical phenotypes, including Alzheimer's dementia and cognitive decline, remain unclear.

We examined 442 decedents (mean age at death = 90 years, males = 32%) from three longitudinal community-based clinical–pathological studies. Using AT8 immunohistochemistry, grey matter ARTAG pathology was counted in the superior frontal region, anterior temporal tip and amygdala and summarized as a severity score ranging from zero (none) to six (severe). Alzheimer's disease and other common age-related neuropathologies were also evaluated. The diagnosis of Alzheimer's dementia was based on clinical evaluations; annual tests of cognitive performance were summarized as global cognition and five cognitive domains. Multivariable logistic regression tested the associations of grey matter ARTAG pathology with an array of age-related neuropathologies. To evaluate associations of grey matter ARTAG pathology with Alzheimer's dementia and cognitive decline, we used logistic regression and linear mixed-effect models.

Grey matter ARTAG pathology was seen in 324 (73%) participants, of which 303 (68%) participants had ARTAG in the amygdala, 246 (56%) in the anterior temporal tip and 137 (31%) in the superior frontal region. Grey matter ARTAG pathology from each of the three regions was associated with a pathological diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and limbic-predominant age-related TAR DNA-binding protein 43 encephalopathy–neuropathological change but not with vascular pathology. In fully adjusted models that controlled for demographics, Alzheimer's disease and common age-related pathologies, an increase in severity of grey matter ARTAG pathology in the superior frontal cortex, but not in the amygdala or the anterior temporal tip, was associated with higher odds of Alzheimer's dementia and faster decline in global cognition, episodic memory and semantic memory.

These results provide compelling evidence that grey matter ARTAG, specifically in the superior frontal cortex, contributes to Alzheimer's dementia and cognitive decline in old age.
Enhancing carboplatin sensitivity in ovarian cancer cells by blocking the mercapturic acid pathway transporter
Authors: Krishna B Madhu , Ramisetty Sravani K , Garg Pankaj , Mohanty Atish , Wang Edward , Horne David , Awasthi Sanjay , Kulkarni Prakash , Salgia Ravi , Singhal Sharad S
Published: July 2024

Ral-binding/interacting protein (RLIP) acts as a transporter that responds to stress and provides protection, specifically against glutathione–electrophile conjugates and xenobiotic toxins. Its increased presence in malignant cells, especially in cancer, emphasizes its crucial antiapoptotic function. This is achieved by selectively regulating the cellular levels of proapoptotic oxidized lipid byproducts. Suppressing the progression of tumors in human xenografts can be achieved by effectively inhibiting RLIP, a transporter in the mercapturic acid pathway, without involving chemotherapy. Utilizing ovarian cancer (OC) cell lines (MDAH2774, OVCAR4, and OVCAR8), we observed that agents targeting RLIP, such as RLIP antisense and RLIP antibodies, not only substantially impeded the viability of OC cells but also remarkably increased their sensitivity to carboplatin. To delve further into the cytotoxic synergy between RLIP antisense, RLIP antibodies, and carboplatin, we conducted investigations in both cell culture and xenografts of OC cells. The outcomes revealed that RLIP depletion via phosphorothioate antisense led to rapid and sustained remissions in established subcutaneous human ovary xenografts. Furthermore, RLIP inhibition by RLIP antibodies exhibited comparable efficacy to antisense and enhanced the effectiveness of carboplatin in MDAH2774 OC xenografts. These investigations underscore RLIP as a central carrier crucial for supporting the survival of cancer cells, positioning it as a suitable focus for cancer treatment.
Mapping short association fibre connectivity up to V3 in the human brain in vivo
Authors: Movahedian Attar Fakhereh , Kirilina Evgeniya , Haenelt Daniel , Trampel Robert , Pine Kerrin J , Edwards Luke J , Weiskopf Nikolaus
Published: July 2024

Short association fibres (SAF) are the most abundant fibre pathways in the human white matter. Until recently, SAF could not be mapped comprehensively in vivo because diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging with sufficiently high spatial resolution needed to map these thin and short pathways was not possible. Recent developments in acquisition hardware and sequences allowed us to create a dedicated in vivo method for mapping the SAF based on sub-millimetre spatial resolution diffusion weighted tractography, which we validated in the human primary (V1) and secondary (V2) visual cortex against the expected SAF retinotopic order. Here, we extended our original study to assess the feasibility of the method to map SAF in higher cortical areas by including SAF up to V3. Our results reproduced the expected retinotopic order of SAF in the V2–V3 and V1–V3 stream, demonstrating greater robustness to the shorter V1–V2 and V2–V3 than the longer V1–V3 connections. The demonstrated ability of the method to map higher-order SAF connectivity patterns in vivo is an important step towards its application across the brain.
Adjunctive Single-Dose Liposomal Amphotericin to Prevent Cryptococcal Meningitis in People With HIV–Associated Cryptococcal Antigenemia and Low Plasma Cryptococcal Antigen Titers
Authors: Meya David B , Nalintya Elizabeth , Skipper Caleb P , Kirumira Paul , Ayebare Peruth , Naluyima Rose , Namuli Teopista , Turya Fred , Walukaga Stewart , Engen Nicole , Hullsiek Kathy H , Wele Abduljewad , Dai Biyue , Boulware David R , Rajasingham Radha
Published: July 2024

Background

Cryptococcal meningitis is a leading cause of AIDS-related mortality. Cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) predicts the development of meningitis. Historically, despite standard- of-care fluconazole, 25%–30% of asymptomatic CrAg-positive persons develop breakthrough meningitis or death. We evaluated whether adding single high-dose liposomal amphotericin B to standard pre-emptive fluconazole therapy could improve meningitis-free survival.

Methods

Participants with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and asymptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia in Uganda were randomized to liposomal amphotericin B (10 mg/kg once) with fluconazole or fluconazole alone through 24 weeks. We compared 24-week, meningitis-free survival time between treatment groups. After the second interim review, the Data Safety and Monitoring Board recommended no further enrollment of participants with low plasma CrAg lateral flow assay titers (≤1:80) due to futility. Herein, we present the results of participants with low plasma CrAg titers.

Results

168 participants enrolled into the ACACIA trial had low plasma CrAg titers (≤1:80). During 24 weeks of follow-up, meningitis or death occurred in 14.5% (12/83) of participants randomized to liposomal amphotericin B with fluconazole versus 10.6% (9/85) assigned to fluconazole alone (hazard ratio, 1.42; 95% CI, .60–3.36; P = .431). Adverse events were more frequent in participants assigned to the intervention versus standard-of-care (28% vs 12%; P = .011).

Conclusions

Among CrAg-positive persons with low titers (≤1:80), the addition of single-dose liposomal amphotericin B to fluconazole as pre-emptive therapy provided no additional clinical benefit. This trial provides supportive evidence that, in asymptomatic populations with low plasma CrAg titers, lumbar punctures are likely unnecessary as administration of meningitis treatment did not improve outcomes.

Clinical Trials Registration

Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03945448).
Bone-active drugs in premenopausal women with breast cancer under hormone-deprivation therapies
Authors: Birtolo Maria Francesca , Pedersini Rebecca , Palermo Andrea , Vena Walter , Morenghi Emanuela , Cristofolini Giacomo , Presciuttini Barbara , Tabacco Gaia , Naciu Anda Mihaela , Pigni Stella , Laganà Marta , Mazzoleni Federica , Cosentini Deborah , Ciafardini Antea , Pagani Mauro , Farina Davide , Balzarini Luca , Zambelli Alberto , Torrisi Rosalba , Cianferotti Luisella , Napoli Nicola , Bossi Antonio Carlo , Lania Andrea Gerardo , Berruti Alfredo , Mazziotti Gherardo
Published: July 2024

Background

Bone health management in premenopausal women with breast cancer (BC) under hormone-deprivation therapies (HDTs) is often challenging, and the effectiveness of bone-active drugs is still unknown.

Methods

This retrospective multicenter study included 306 premenopausal women with early BC undergoing HDTs. Bone mineral density (BMD) and morphometric vertebral fractures (VFs) were assessed 12 months after HDT initiation and then after at least 24 months.

Results

After initial assessment, bone-active drugs were prescribed in 77.5% of women (151 denosumab 60 mg/6 months, 86 bisphosphonates). After 47.0 ± 20.1 months, new VFs were found in 16 women (5.2%). Vertebral fracture risk was significantly associated with obesity (odds ratio [OR] 3.87, P = .028), family history of hip fractures or VFs (OR 3.21, P = .040], chemotherapy-induced menopause (OR 6.48, P < .001), preexisting VFs (OR 25.36, P < .001), baseline T-score less than or equal to −2.5 standard deviation (SD) at any skeletal site (OR 4.14, P = .036), and changes at lumbar and total hip BMD (OR 0.94, P = .038 and OR 0.88, P < .001, respectively). New VFs occurred more frequently in women untreated compared to those treated with bone-active drugs (14/69, 20.8% vs 2/237, 0.8%; P < .001) and the anti-fracture effectiveness remained significant after correction for BMI (OR 0.03; P < .001), family history of fractures (OR 0.03; P < .001), chemotherapy-induced menopause (OR 0.04; P < .001), and preexisting VFs (OR 0.01; P < .001).

Conclusions

Premenopausal women under HDTs are at high risk of VFs in relationship with high BMI, densitometric diagnosis of osteoporosis, preexisting VFs, and family history of osteoporotic fractures. Vertebral fractures in this setting might be effectively prevented by bisphosphonates or denosumab.
May Measurement Month 2021: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from China
Authors: Chen Xin , Hu Zhe , Lei Cheng-Bao , Zheng Qi-Dong , Wang Xiao-Long , Beaney Thomas , Janssen-Telders Carolina , Poulter Neil R , Li Yan , Wang Ji-Guang
Published: July 2024

We reported findings from participants screened during the May Measurement Month 2021 in China, which aimed to raise awareness of raised blood pressure (BP), and to investigate the risk factors of BP. The study participants were adults (≥18 years), ideally in whom BP had not been measured in the previous year. Blood pressure was measured three times consecutively with 1 min intervals in the sitting position, using a validated upper-arm cuff automated BP monitor (Omron HEM-7081IT), and transmitted to a central cloud database via a smartphone app. The measurement was performed in 218 844 participants in 183 sites across 31 China provinces. The mean (standard deviation) age was 47.0 (15.7) years, and 51.8% (n = 113 466) were women. The mean systolic/diastolic BP was 120.2/77.5 mmHg. Among 57 178 (26.1%) participants with hypertension, the awareness, treatment, and control rates of hypertension were 30.4% (n = 17 354), 28.7% (n = 16 369), and 17.1% (n = 9743), respectively. After adjustment for age, sex, and use of antihypertensive medication, both systolic and diastolic BP were significantly (P ≤ 0.01) higher in current smokers (n = 22 344, +0.4/+0.7 mmHg) and with moderate (n = 4780, +1.4/+4.2 mmHg) or daily alcohol intake (n = 2427, +1.3/+2.5 mmHg). Blood pressure was lower in those reporting regular exercise (n = 32 328, −2.2/−1.4 mmHg). In addition, individuals with previous COVID-19 vaccination had lower systolic and diastolic BP (n = 88 945, −1.8/−1.5 mmHg, P ≤ 0.001). In conclusion, our study showed that long-term large-scale screening for hypertension is feasible, and there is a strong association between BP and major lifestyle factors.