bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bringing Nursing to the Public
Authors: Kazis Cornelia , Schwendimann René
Published: September 2009

For the past 5 years, an unusual program has been evolving in the University of Basel's Institute of Nursing Science master's program in Basel, Switzerland. A special course designed to help nurses master public communication skills requires students to play the roles of journalist, exhibition curator, conference organizer, radio reporter, and news producer. Two faculty members, an experienced radio and newspaper journalist and a nurse scientist, teach and support the students. By developing their competence in media relations, participants prepare themselves to tackle the course's long-term goal of bringing the nursing profession into the public eye.
DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF A HEMODYNAMIC SIMULATOR FOR STUDYING VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL RESPONSES TO HEMODYNAMIC FORCES
Authors: Lo Sy-Wei , Chen Tiun-Hua , Lo Leu-Wei , Chiu Jeng-Jiann
Published: September 2009

Coronary atherosclerosis has long been recognized with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. The main cause of this group of diseases is thrombosis, resulting in insufficient oxygen perfusion by the blood to various organs in the body, thereby causing tissue necrosis. Dysfunction of vascular endothelial cell (ECs) is the major cause of atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Hemodynamic abnormalities are one of the many factors causing endothelial dysfunction. Shear stress and cyclic stretch are two major hemodynamic forces generated by pulsatile blood flow and pressure in the arterial vasculature. When hemodynamic abnormalities occur, endothelial dysfunction follows, this ultimately leads to atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Our objective, therefore, was to design and construct an unique hemodynamic equipment described herein. This hemodynamic device can concurrently produce shear stress and cyclic stretch to vascular ECs in vitro, and thus their morphological changes in response to simultaneous exposure to shear stress and cyclic stretch can be visualized in real-time via microscopy.
A SPIKE CLASSIFICATION WITH A POSTERIORI CONFIDENCE ESTIMATION FOR AMBIGUOUS CLUSTERS
Authors: Li Yi-Lin , Shann Wei-Chang , Tsai Meng-Li
Published: September 2009

We propose a method of classification for two ambiguous clusters of neural action potential signals where the mean and variance of a normally distributed noise are known. The proposed method is based on a fundamental process that classifies a set of two randomly perturbed points. The confidence of the classification is estimated by some computable upper bounds of error rates. We derive the process mathematically, apply it to the task of spike classification, show how it works by a numerical experiment, and compare the result with a PCA scattering plot.
Patient Perceptions of Chatbot Supervision in Health Care Settings
Authors: Ellis Jessica , Hamer Mika K. , Akerson Marlee , Andazola Matt , Moore Annie , Campbell Eric G. , DeCamp Matthew
Published: April 2024

This survey study assesses whether patients communicating with a chatbot in a large health care system were able to accurately identify it as an unsupervised computer application.
Long‐term effectiveness of eliglustat treatment: A real‐world analysis from the International Collaborative Gaucher Group Gaucher Registry
Authors: Mistry Pramod K. , Balwani Manisha , Charrow Joel , Lorber Jeremy , Niederau Claus , Carwile Jenny L. , Oliveira‐dos‐Santos Antonio , Perichon Maria Gabriela , Uslu Cil Sefika , Kishnani Priya S.
Published: April 2024

Gaucher disease type 1 (GD1) is known for phenotypic heterogeneity and varied natural history. Registrational clinical trials enrolled narrowly defined phenotypes, but greater diversity is encountered in clinical practice. We report real‐world outcomes with long‐term eliglustat treatment in adults with GD1 in the International Collaborative Gaucher Group Gaucher Registry. Among 5985 GD1 patients in the Registry as of January 6, 2023, 872 started eliglustat at ≥18 years old; of these, 469 met inclusion criteria. We compared clinical parameters at eliglustat initiation (i.e., baseline) and follow‐up in treatment‐naïve patients and used linear mixed models to estimate annual change from baseline in parameters among patients who switched to eliglustat after ≥1 year on enzyme replacement therapy. Over 4 years of follow‐up in non‐splenectomized treatment‐naïve patients, hemoglobin and platelet count increased, liver and spleen volume decreased, and total lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) Z‐score decreased slightly. Among non‐splenectomized switch patients, on average, hemoglobin decreased −0.030 (95% CI: −0.053, −0.008) g/dL (N = 272) and platelet count increased 2.229 (95% CI: 0.751, 3.706) × 103/mm3 (N = 262) annually up to 10 years; liver volume decreased (−0.009 [95% CI: −0.015, −0.003] MN) (N = 102) and spleen volume remained stable (−0.070 [95% CI: −0.150, 0.010] MN) (N = 106) annually up to 7 years; and total lumbar spine BMD Z‐score increased 0.041 (95% CI: 0.015, 0.066) (N = 183) annually up to 8 years. Among splenectomized switch patients, clinical parameters were stable over time. These long‐term, real‐world outcomes are consistent with the eliglustat clinical trials and emerging real‐world experience across the GD phenotypic spectrum.
Thermische und photoinduzierte Anellierungen über radikalische Kaskaden mit Arylisonitrilen: Ein Zugang zu Chinolin‐abgeleiteten Benzophospholoxiden
Authors: Banjare Shyam Kumar , Lezius Lena , Horst Elena S. , Leifert Dirk , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Alasmary Fatmah A. , Studer Armido
Published: April 2024

In diesem Artikel stellen wir eine Kaskade bestehend aus einer radikalischen Addition und Zyklisierung vor, um Chinolin‐basierte Benzophospholoxide aus ortho‐alkinylierten aromatischen Phosphanoxiden zu erhalten. Dabei werden verschiedene Arylisonitrile als Radikalakzeptoren und kostengünstiges tert‐Butylhydroperoxid (TBHP) als terminales Oxidationsmittel in Gegenwart einer katalytischen Menge Silberacetat verwendet. Alternativ kann die Kaskade auch über einen nachhaltigen photochemischen Ansatz unter Verwendung von 1,2,3,5‐Tetrakis(carbazol‐9‐yl)‐4,6‐dicyanobenzol (4CzIPN) als organischem Photokatalysator bei Raumtemperatur realisiert werden. Der vorgestellte modulare Ansatz zeigt eine breite Toleranz gegenüber funktionellen Gruppen und bietet einen einfachen Zugang zu komplexen P,N‐haltigen polyheterozyklischen Arenen. Diese neuartigen π‐erweiterten Benzophospholoxide besitzen interessante photophysikalische und elektrochemische Eigenschaften wie Absorption im sichtbaren Bereich, Emission und eine reversible Reduktion bei niedrigen Potentialen, weswegen sie vielversprechend für potenzielle materialwissenschaftliche Anwendungen sind. Die photophysikalischen Eigenschaften können weiterhin durch Zugabe externer Lewis‐ und Brønsted‐Säuren beeinflusst werden.
Stereoselective Entry into α,α’‐C‐Oxepane Scaffolds through a Chalcogen Bonding Catalyzed Strain‐Release C‐Septanosylation Strategy
Authors: Ma Wenpeng , Schmidt Annika , Strohmann Carsten , Loh Charles C. J.
Published: April 2024

The utility of unconventional noncovalent interactions (NCIs) such as chalcogen bonding has lately emerged as a robust platform to access synthetically difficult glycosides stereoselectively. Herein, we disclose the versatility of a phosphonochalcogenide (PCH) catalyst to facilitate access into the challenging, but biologically interesting 7‐membered ring α,α’‐C‐disubstituted oxepane core through an α‐selective strain‐release C‐glycosylation. Methodically, this strategy represents a switch from more common but entropically less desired macrocyclizations to a thermodynamically favored ring‐expansion approach. In light of the general lack of stereoselective methods to access C‐septanosides, a remarkable palette of silyl‐based nucleophiles can be reliably employed in our method. This include a broad variety of useful synthons, such as easily available silyl‐allyl, silyl‐enol ether, silyl‐ketene acetal, vinylogous silyl‐ketene acetal, silyl‐alkyne and silylazide reagents. Mechanistic investigations suggest that a mechanistic shift towards an intramolecular aglycone transposition involving a pentacoordinate silicon intermediate is likely responsible in steering the stereoselectivity.
Plasma‐Driven Efficient Conversion of CO2 and H2O into Pure Syngas with Controllable Wide H2/CO Ratios over Metal–Organic Frameworks Featuring In Situ Evolved Ligand Defects
Authors: Han Yali , Fan Guilan , Guo Yan , Guo Shoujun , Ding Junfang , Han Chenhui , Gao Yuliang , Zhang Jiangwei , Gu Xiaojun , Wu Limin
Published: April 2024

While the mild production of syngas (a mixture of H2 and CO) from CO2 and H2O is a promising alternative to the coal‐based chemical engineering technologies, the inert nature of CO2 molecules, unfavorable splitting pathways of H2O and unsatisfactory catalysts lead to the challenge in the difficult integration of high CO2 conversion efficiency with produced syngas with controllable H2/CO ratios in a wide range. Herein, we report an efficient plasma‐driven catalytic system for mild production of pure syngas over porous metal–organic framework (MOF) catalysts with rich confined H2O molecules, where their syngas production capacity is regulated by the in situ evolved ligand defects and the plasma‐activated intermediate species of CO2 molecules. Specially, the Cu‐based catalyst system achieves 61.9 % of CO2 conversion and the production of pure syngas with wide H2/CO ratios of 0.05 : 1–4.3 : 1. As revealed by the experimental and theoretical calculation results, the in situ dynamic structure evolution of Cu‐containing MOF catalysts favors the generation of coordinatively unsaturated metal active sites with optimized geometric and electronic characteristics, the adsorption of reactants, and the reduced energy barriers of syngas‐production potential‐determining steps of the hydrogenation of CO2 to *COOH and the protonation of H2O to *H.
Degumming and bleaching process troubleshooting in a palm oil refining process using fuzzy expert system with thematic analysis
Authors: Ali Nur Syuhada Mohd , Salleh Intan Suhairi , Sulaiman Nurul Sulaiha , Malim‐Busu Tengku Zulaikha , Jamaluddin Hishamuddin , Othman Mohd Fauzi , Abdullah Shahrum Shah , Mohd‐Yusof Khairiyah
Published: April 2024

Degumming and bleaching are critical steps in the palm oil refining process, as they are the precursors to the qualities of refined, bleached, and deodorized palm oil. In practice, plant operators often face oil rejections in these processes and solve the problem by trial and error. Hence, a fuzzy expert system is developed to troubleshoot the degumming and bleaching process, for identifying failures and suggesting actions. However, developing the knowledge base and inference engine in the fuzzy expert system for troubleshooting the degumming and bleaching process is challenging because the data in the actual palm oil refining process are poorly documented and must be obtained from various sources, including field observation, document analysis, and interviews, and need to be analyzed using thematic analysis. The results from the thematic analysis were represented as input and output variables of the fuzzy expert system. The developed fuzzy expert system is tested and validated against different data sets and industrial data to identify faults and suggest necessary actions. To evaluate the robustness of the troubleshooting system, the membership functions of the fuzzy expert system are adjusted based on the distributed control system (DCS). The results show that the troubleshooting system can effectively diagnose potential faults and provide necessary actions and can serve as a useful guidance for failures in the degumming and bleaching process.
Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy, lenvatinib plus programmed cell death protein‐1 inhibitors: A promising treatment approach for high‐burden hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Fu Shumin , Xu Yongkang , Mao Ye , He Mengting , Chen Zhimeng , Huang Shenglan , Li Dan , Lv Yaqin , Wu Jianbing
Published: April 2024

Background

Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) has demonstrated remarkable local therapeutic efficacy in treating patients with large unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Additionally, the combination of lenvatinib and programmed cell death protein‐1 (PD‐1) inhibitors has demonstrated promising antitumor effects in unresectable HCC. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combining HAIC with lenvatinib and PD‐1 inhibitors as a first‐line therapeutic approach in high‐burden HCC patients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis on patients diagnosed with high‐burden HCC who had major portal vein tumor thrombosis (Vp3 and Vp4) or tumor occupancy exceeding 50% of the liver. These patients received a first‐line treatment consisting of HAIC with a combination of 5‐fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX), along with lenvatinib and PD‐1 inhibitors between November 2020 and June 2023. The primary endpoints of this study included progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), while the secondary endpoints were objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and treatment‐related adverse events (TRAEs).

Results

Ninety‐one patients were enrolled in this study, with a median PFS of 8.8 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.75–11.78) and a median OS of 14.3 months (95% CI: 11.23–17.31). According to RECIST 1.1 criteria, the ORR was 52.7%, and DCR was 95.6%. According to the mRECIST criteria, the ORR was 72.5%, and the DCR was 96.5%. Among all patients, 86 (94.5%) experienced TRAEs, and there were no instances of treatment‐related deaths.

Conclusion

The combination of HAIC‐FOLFOX with lenvatinib and PD‐1 inhibitors as a first‐line therapy has exhibited notable therapeutic efficacy and well‐tolerated adverse events among patients with high‐burden HCC.
DFMO inhibition of neuroblastoma tumorigenesis
Authors: Gandra Divya , Mulama David H. , Foureau David M. , McKinney Kimberly Q. , Kim Elizabeth , Smith Kaitlyn , Haw Jason , Nagulapally Abhinav , Saulnier Sholler Giselle L.
Published: April 2024

Background

Most high‐risk neuroblastoma patients who relapse succumb to disease despite the existing therapy. We recently reported increased event‐free and overall survival in neuroblastoma patients receiving difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) during maintenance therapy. The effect of DFMO on cellular processes associated with neuroblastoma tumorigenesis needs further elucidation. Previous studies have shown cytotoxicity with IC50 values >5–15 mM, these doses are physiologically unattainable in patients, prompting further mechanistic studies at therapeutic doses.

Methods

We characterized the effect of DFMO on cell viability, cell cycle, apoptosis, neurosphere formation, and protein expression in vitro using five established neuroblastoma cell lines (BE2C, CHLA‐90, SHSY5Y, SMS‐KCNR, and NGP) at clinically relevant doses of 0, 50, 100, 500, 1000, and 2500 μM. Limiting Dilution studies of tumor formation in murine models were performed. Statistical analysis was done using GraphPad and the level of significance set at p = 0.05.

Results

There was not a significant loss of cell viability or gain of apoptotic activity in the in vitro assays (p > 0.05). DFMO treatment initiated G1 to S phase cell cycle arrest. There was a dose‐dependent decrease in frequency and size of neurospheres and a dose‐dependent increase in beta‐galactosidase activity in all cell lines. Tumor formation was decreased in xenografts both with DFMO‐pretreated cells and in mice treated with DFMO.

Conclusion

DFMO treatment is cytostatic at physiologically relevant doses and inhibits tumor initiation and progression in mice. This study suggests that DFMO, inhibits neuroblastoma by targeting cellular processes integral to neuroblastoma tumorigenesis at clinically relevant doses.
Cancer risks related to intellectual disabilities: A systematic review
Authors: Banda Amina , Naaldenberg Jenneken , Timen Aura , van Eeghen Agnies , Leusink Geraline , Cuypers Maarten
Published: April 2024

Background

People with intellectual disabilities (ID) face barriers in cancer care contributing to poorer oncological outcomes. Yet, understanding cancer risks in the ID population remains incomplete.

Aim

To provide an overview of cancer incidence and cancer risk assessments in the entire ID population as well as within ID‐related disorders.

Methods

This systematic review examined cancer risk in the entire ID population and ID‐related disorders. We systematically searched PubMed (MEDLINE) and EMBASE for literature from January 1, 2000 to July 15, 2022 using a search strategy combining terms related to cancer, incidence, and ID.

Results

We found 55 articles assessing cancer risks in the ID population at large groups or in subgroups with ID‐related syndromes, indicating that overall cancer risk in the ID population is lower or comparable with that of the general population, while specific disorders (e.g., Down's syndrome) and certain genetic mutations may elevate the risk for particular cancers.

Discussion

The heterogeneity within the ID population challenges precise cancer risk assessment at the population level. Nonetheless, within certain subgroups, such as individuals with specific ID‐related disorders or certain genetic mutations, a more distinct pattern of varying cancer risks compared to the general population becomes apparent.

Conclusion

More awareness, and personalized approach in cancer screening within the ID population is necessary.
Environmental, social, and governance performance as an influencing factor of financial sustainability: Evidence from the global high‐tech sector
Authors: Nazir Marina , Akbar Minhas , Yu Xiaohong , Hussain Ammar , Svobodová Libuše
Published: April 2024

The corporate sector strives to improve its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance to transition from short‐term to sustainable long‐term profit maximisation. This study thus explores the impact of ESG performance on the financial sustainability (FS) of a sample of the top 100 global high‐tech firms. Specifically, we employ the two‐step generalised method of moments to control for endogeneity bias and a panel data fixed effects model to control for unobserved heterogeneity. Empirical findings reveal that overall ESG performance has a statistically negative association with the FS of global high‐tech firms. Individual pillar‐wise analysis reveals that the environmental and social (governance) pillar has a negative (positive) association with the FS of the sampled firms. This result proves that each ESG pillar exerts varying effects on corporate performance indicators. Overall, the results provide empirical evidence that could help policymakers devise policies for investing optimally in ESG indicators to spur corporate FS.
Optimized wireless communication for 6G signal processing using memory‐augmented deep unfolding network
Authors: Eswaramoorthi R. , Prasad M. , R Senthil Rama , Maheswari V. Uma
Published: April 2024

In this manuscript, optimized wireless communication for 6G signals processing using memory‐augmented deep unfolding network (WC‐6G‐SP‐MADUN) is proposed. The aim of this work is to give a memory‐augmented deep unfolding network approach with a focus on belief propagation decoding of error correction codes and multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) wireless systems. In contrast, compares and tabulates the performance of memory‐augmented deep unfolding methodologies with classic principled procedures, which could potentially enable 6G. Here, the wireless communication for 6G signal processing methods was used for a variety of receiver functions, including self‐interference cancelation, signal estimation and detection using memory‐augmented deep unfolding Network (MADUN), and advanced error correction by clouded leopard optimization algorithm (CLOA). Furthermore, outline the general framework of memory‐augmented deep unfolding method for any kind of signal processing application and talk about cutting edge research paths that will make it possible to build communication networks in the future. The proposed approach is implemented in MATLAB; the performance is analyzed with performance metrics such as reliability, complexity, SNR gain, convergence rate, hardware efficiency, and quantization bit width. The proposed approach attains higher SNR gain 17.96%, 24.75%, and 30.09%; lower complexity 17.92%, 23.41%, and 30.13%; and higher convergence 18.01%, 25.41%, and 31.39% when analyzed with existing techniques such as redefined wireless communication for 6G: signal processing meets deep learning and deep unfolding (RWC‐6G‐SP‐DU), lower complication deep unfolded neural network receiver for MIMO under probability data association detector (LC‐DUNN‐MIMO‐PDAD), and deep learning in physical layer communications: evolution with prospects on 5G and 6G networks (DL‐PLC‐6G), respectively.
Formulation characterization of lecithin organogel as topical drug delivery system for psoriasis: In‐vitro permeation and preclinical evaluation
Authors: Bule Prajakta , Kadkanje Prashant , Kshirsagar Ravikiran , Puppala Eswara Rao , Naidu Vegi Ganga Modi , Chella Naveen
Published: April 2024

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory and proliferative skin disease that causes pathological skin changes and has a substantial impact on the quality of patient life. Apremilast was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as an oral medication for psoriasis and is beneficial in mild to moderate conditions for chronic usage. However, 5%–7% of withdrawals were reported due to severe side effects. To address the issue, a localized drug delivery strategy via the topical route may be a viable approach. However, poor physicochemical properties make it vulnerable to passing through the skin, requiring a specialized drug delivery system to demonstrate its full potential via a topical route like lecithin organogel. The formulation was optimized by screening the suitable lecithin type and non‐polar solvents based on the gel formation ability of lecithin and the solubility of apremilast in the solvent. The pseudo‐ternary diagram was used to optimize the water content required to form the gel. The optimized gel was found to be shear thinning characterized for rheological parameters, in‐vitro diffusion studies, and in‐vitro skin distribution studies. Preclinical studies in Imiquimod‐induced mice showed a better reduction in severity index, cytokine levels, and epidermal hyperplasia from the lecithin organogel group compared to the apremilast oral administration and marketed standard topical gel group. Based on these results, lecithin organogel can be considered a promising approach to deliver molecules like apremilast by topical route in psoriatic‐like conditions.
Is there a relationship between abuse of alcohol and illicit drugs seen in hair results?
Authors: Pragst Fritz , Niebel André , Thurmann Denise , Dullin Monique , Eichberg Susann , Mörlein Frederike , Hartwig Sven
Published: April 2024

Combined use of alcohol and illicit drugs is a serious health and social problem. In this study, it was examined, whether a relationship between alcohol and drug abuse can be ascertained by comparison of alcohol marker and drug concentrations in hair. In the frame of a social support system for families with parental abuse of illicit drugs, hair samples were analyzed between 2011 and 2022 for methadone, heroin (6‐acetylmorphine), cocaine, amphetamine, ecstasy (MDMA), cannabinoids (THC), and the alcohol markers ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and ethyl palmitate (EtPa). For 1314 hair samples from adolescent and adult family members, the hair results show a prevalence of combined occasional or regular drug use and social or abusive alcohol use of 41%–60% except heroin (35%). The drug concentrations were statistically compared in the three categories of abstinence or moderate drinking, social drinking, and alcohol abuse. For the most frequently detected drug cocaine (n = 703), a significant increase of the concentrations with rising alcohol consumption was found. The frequent detection of cocaethylene proved the preferred simultaneous intake of both substances. For THC (n = 489), no significant difference between the alcohol consumer groups was seen. Concerning the less frequently detected methadone (n = 89), 6‐acetylmorphine (n = 92), amphetamine (n = 123), and MDMA (n = 105), no clear trend between drug and alcohol marker results was determined. It is concluded that the evaluation of hair results is an appropriate way to study the extent of combined drug–alcohol consumption and complements other studies based on acquisition of consumption data by interview or questionnaire.
Why the racing industry and equestrian disciplines need to implement population pharmacokinetics: To learn, explain, summarize, harmonize, and individualize
Authors: Toutain Pierre‐Louis
Published: April 2024

Population pharmacokinetics (POP PK) is a powerful pharmacokinetic tool, which measures quantitatively, and explains the variability in drug exposure and drug effect between individuals. POP PK uses an observational (nonexperimental) approach; it is conducted in the target population living in its normal environment (e.g., farm and race‐track). The strength of the POP PK approach lies in its greater relevance for the population studied in its different natural environments than experimental studies carried out in more or less biased laboratory conditions. In clinical settings, it is commonly necessary to restrict the number of samples per subject collected for analysis and the derived data cannot be analyzed using traditional individual data analytical methods; rather data are merged and analyzed with an appropriate statistical tool: the nonlinear mixed effect model (NLMEM). POP PK modeling is frequently used with the objective of adjusting drug dosage, and hence drug exposure, not only for the whole population but also for subgroups of animals (e.g., for a given breed, sex, and age). It can also have application at the individual subject level, in the context of precision medicine. For horses, the use of the POP PK/PD model will allow prescribers to estimate an individual Withdrawal Time for a given horse whose treatment they are supervising. Another potential field of application will be meta‐analysis of existing data to generate new knowledge on a drug or to collate and synthesize, in an objective and transparent manner, existing data; this will facilitate harmonization of screening limits at an international level.
Development of a capillary temperature control system for capillary electrophoresis instruments designed for spaceflight applications
Authors: Berg Andrew B. , Ferreira Santos Mauro S. , Bautista Anthony , Mora Maria F. , Pauken Michael T. , Noell Aaron C.
Published: April 2024

Capillary temperature control during capillary electrophoresis (CE) separations is key for achieving accurate and reproducible results with a broad array of potential methods. However, the difficulty of enabling typical fluid temperature control loops on portable instruments has meant that active capillary temperature control of in situ CE systems has frequently been overlooked. This work describes construction and test of a solid‐state device for capillary temperature control that is suitable for inclusion with in situ instruments, including those designed for space missions. Two test articles were built, a thermal mass model (TMM) and a functional model (FM). The TMM demonstrated that temperature gradients could be limited using the proposed control scheme, and that our thermal modeling of the system can be relied on for future adaptations of physical geometries of the system. The FM demonstrated CE analytical performance while under active temperature control and that the device was compatible with the harsh thermal‐vacuum environments that might be encountered during space flight.
A new method for layout layer optimization of long horizontal boreholes for gas extraction in overlying strata: A case study in Guhanshan coal mine, China
Authors: Guo Mingjie , Guo Wenbing , Zhao Gaobo , Yuan Ruifu , Tan Yi , Bai Erhu , Ma Zhibao
Published: April 2024

The gases released by underground coal mining pose a threat to mine safety, lead to resource wastage, and contribute to environmental pollution. Employing long horizontal boreholes (LHB) for gas extraction proves to be an effective solution. However, accurately determining the LHB's position within the overlying rock strata is challenging due to complex mining and geological conditions. This study introduces a novel “zone‐position” method for identifying the optimal LHB placement, utilizing both physical simulation tests and theoretical analysis. The approach comprises two steps. Initially, it identifies the appropriate LHB layout zone within the overlying strata. It delineates four subzones within the fractured zone, among which the stable fractured subzone (SFSZ) is identified as the most favorable for LHB placement. The boundaries of the SFSZ are also defined. Subsequently, the method focuses on pinpointing the LHB's precise location within the SFSZ, proposing a criterion that considers gas accumulation, strata permeability, and LHB stability. Application of this method in engineering projects demonstrates that the gas extracted by LHBs accounts for about 60% of the total gas emission. Furthermore, the volume of gas extracted at the optimal LHB location reaches up to 5.52 m3 min−1, triple that of other locations.
Expression and secretion of galectin‐12 in the context of neutrophilic differentiation of human promyeloblastic HL‐60 cells
Authors: Tazhitdinova Rada , Cristiano Sara , Yi Joshua , Zhurov Vladimir , DeKoter Rodney P. , Timoshenko Alexander V.
Published: April 2024

Galectin‐12 is a tissue‐specific galectin that has been largely defined by its role in the regulation of adipocyte differentiation and lipogenesis. This study aimed to evaluate the role of galectin‐12 in the differentiation and polarization of neutrophils within a model of acute myeloid leukemia HL‐60 cells. All‐trans retinoic acid and dimethyl sulfoxide were used to induce differentiation of HL‐60 cells which led to the generation of two phenotypes of neutrophil‐like cells with opposite changes in galectin‐12 gene (LGALS12) expression and different functional responses to N‐formyl‐
l‐methionyl‐
l‐leucyl‐
l‐phenylalanine. These phenotypes showed significant differences of differentially expressed genes on a global scale based on bioinformatics analysis of available Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) data sets. We also demonstrated that HL‐60 cells could secrete and accumulate galectin‐12 in cell culture medium under normal growth conditions. This secretion was found to be entirely inhibited upon neutrophilic differentiation and was accompanied by an increase in intracellular lipid droplet content and significant enrichment of 22 lipid gene ontology terms related to lipid metabolism in differentiated cells. These findings suggest that galectin‐12 could serve as a marker of neutrophilic plasticity or polarization into different phenotypes and that galectin‐12 secretion may be influenced by lipid droplet biogenesis.
Lactate‐induced metabolic remodeling and myofiber type transitions via activation of the Ca2+‐NFATC1 signaling pathway
Authors: Zhou Yu , Liu Xi , Qi Zhen , Huang Caihua , Yang Longhe , Lin Donghai
Published: April 2024

Lactate can serve as both an energy substrate and a signaling molecule, exerting diverse effects on skeletal muscle physiology. Due to the apparently positive effects, it would be interesting to consider it as a sports supplement. However, the mechanism behind these effects are yet to be comprehensively understood. In this study, we observed that lactate administration could improve the ability of antifatigue, and we further found that lactate upregulated the expression of myosin heavy chain (MYHC I) and MYHC IIa, while downregulating the expression of MYHC IIb. Besides, transcriptomics and metabolomics revealed significant changes in the metabolic profile of gastrocnemius muscle following lactate administration. Furthermore, lactate enhanced the activities of metabolic enzymes, including HK, LDHB, IDH, SDM, and MDH, and promoted the expression of lactate transport‐related proteins MCT1 and CD147, thereby improving the transport and utilization of lactate in both vivo and vitro. More importantly, lactate administration increased cellular Ca2+ concentration and facilitated nuclear translocation of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFATC1) in myotubes, whereas inhibition of NFATC1 significantly attenuated the effects of lactate treatment on NFATC1 nuclear translocation and MyHC expression. Our results elucidate the ability of lactate to induce metabolic remodeling in skeletal muscle and promote myofiber‐type transitions by activating the Ca2+‐NFATC1 signaling pathway. This study is useful in exploring the potential of lactate as a nutritional supplement for skeletal muscle adaptation and contributing to a mechanistic understanding of the central role of lactate in exercise physiology.
Hypogonadism, frailty, and postoperative outcomes among men undergoing radical nephrectomy
Authors: Greenberg Daniel R. , Rhodes Stephen P. , Lazarovich Alon , Bhambhvani Hriday P. , Gago Luis C. , Patel Hiten D. , Brannigan Robert E. , Shoag Jonathan E. , Halpern Joshua A.
Published: April 2024

Background and Objective

Hypogonadism and frailty may impact postoperative outcomes for men undergoing radical nephrectomy (RN). We aimed to determine the prevalence of hypogonadism in men undergoing RN and whether hypogonadism and frailty are associated with adverse postoperative outcomes.

Methods

We identified men undergoing RN between 2012 and 2021 using the IBM Marketscan database. Frailty was determined using the Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFRS). Patients were considered to have hypogonadism if diagnosed <5 years before RN. Length of stay (LOS), complications, emergency department (ED) visits, and readmissions were evaluated between men with and without hypogonadism at the time of surgery. Subgroup analysis of men with hypogonadism was performed to determine the effect of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) on clinical outcomes.

Results

Among 13 598 men who underwent RN, 972 (7.1%) had hypogonadism. Men with hypogonadism were more frail compared to men without hypogonadism (HFRS: median: 8.2, interquartile range [IQR]: 5.2–11.7 vs. median: 7.0, IQR: 4.3–10.7, p < 0.001) and had increased incidence of postoperative ileus (13.0% vs. 10.8%, p = 0.045), acute kidney injury (25.5% vs. 21.6% p = 0.005), and cardiac arrest (1.2% vs. 0.6%, p = 0.034). Hypogonadism was not associated with LOS, 90‐day ED visit or readmission. However, high‐risk frailty was associated with increased risk of 90‐day ED visit (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.1, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.9–2.4, p < 0.001) and 90‐day inpatient readmission (HR: 2.6, 95% CI: 2.2–3.1, p < 0.001), compared to low‐risk frailty patients. Among men with hypogonadism, TRT was not associated with any postoperative outcomes.

Conclusions

Hypogonadism and frailty should be considered in the preoperative evaluation for men undergoing RN as risk factors for adverse postoperative outcomes.
Role of magnetic resonance imaging in the prediction of histological grade in soft tissue sarcomas
Authors: Marques Tomás Mansur Duarte de Miranda , Cerqueira Wagner Santana , Neto João Lisboa de Flores , Kupper Bruna Elisa Catin , Takahashi Renata Mayumi , Bezerra Tiago Santoro , Stevanato Filho Paulo Roberto , Nakagawa Wilson Toshihiko , Lopes Ademar , Aguiar Samuel
Published: April 2024

Background

Soft tissue sarcomas are rare malignant tumors with significant heterogeneity. The importance of classifying histological grades is fundamental to defining the treatment approach.

Objective

To evaluate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in predicting the histological grade of soft tissue sarcomas.

Methods

A retrospective observational study included patients over 18 years undergoing MRI and primary tumor surgery at AC Camargo Cancer Center from January 2015 to June 2022. Two radiologists evaluated MRI criteria (size, margin definition, heterogeneity of the T2 signal, high‐intensity peritumoral signal on T2, and postperitumoral contrast), and a grading prediction score was calculated. χ2 and logistic regression analyses were conducted.

Results

Sixty‐eight patients were included (38 men; median: 48 years). Moreover, 52 high‐grade and 16 low‐grade tumors were observed. The MRI criteria associated with histological grade were peritumoral high‐intensity T2‐weighted signals (p < 0.001) and peritumoral postcontrast enhancement (p = 0.006). Logistic regression confirmed their significance (odds ratio [OR]: 11.8 and 8.8, respectively). Each score point increment doubled the chance of high‐grade tumors (OR: 2.0; p = 0.014).

Conclusion

MRI effectively predicts histological grades of soft tissue sarcomas. Peritumoral high‐intensity T2‐weighted signals and peritumoral postcontrast enhancement are valuable indicators of high‐grade tumors. This highlights MRI's importance in treatment decision‐making for sarcoma patients.
Topological Corner Modes by Composite Wannier States in Glide‐Symmetric Photonic Crystal
Authors: Liu Zhenzhen , Zhou Xiaoxi , Wei Guochao , Gao Lei , Hou Bo , Xiao Jun‐Jun
Published: April 2024

Second‐order topological insulators can be characterized by their bulk polarization, which is believed to be intrinsically connected to the center of the Wannier function. In this study, the existence of second‐order topological insulators is demonstrated that feature a pair of partially degenerate photonic bands. These arise from the nonsymmorphic glide symmetry in an all‐dielectric photonic crystal. The center of the maximally localized Wannier function (MLWF) is consistently located at the origin but is not equivalent with respect to the sum of constituent polarizations. As a result, topological corner modes can be identified by the distinctly hybridized MLWFs that truncate at the sample boundary. Through full‐wave numerical simulations paired with microwave experiments, the second‐order topology is clearly confirmed and characterized. These topological corner states exhibit notably unique modal symmetries, which are made possible by the inversion of the Wannier bands. These results provide an alternative approach to explore higher‐order topological physics with significant potential for applications in integrated and quantum photonics.
Compact, Scalable, Fast‐Response Multimode 2 × 2 Optical Switch Based on Inverse Design
Authors: Sun Shangsen , Tong Weiyu , Yang Erqi , Wu Bo , Zhang Runsen , Zhu Ning , Hu Bin , Gao Dingshan , Dong Jianji , Zhang Xinliang
Published: April 2024

Mode‐division multiplexing (MDM) introduces a new dimension to on‐chip optical interconnection, where the multimode optical switch is one of the core components. However, researchers are still struggling to reduce the chip size and response time, despite great efforts being made. Here, a compact, scalable, fast‐response multimode 2 × 2 switch supporting four modes is demonstrated based on the specific inverse design. The device consists of two multimode 2 × 2 CB couplers (including mode converters, multimode interference couplers, and crossings) and a thermo‐optic (TO) phase shifter. It achieves extinction ratios exceeding 15 dB for all modes at the central wavelength of 1.55 µm. All the fundamental components are designed by an improved general shape optimization method, realizing a compact size and a larger manufacturing tolerance (±20 nm). Besides, a hydrogen‐doped indium oxide microheater is introduced as a TO phase shifter to achieve a fast response (≈3.5 µs in average) for all modes. This solution provides an effective avenue toward large‐scale multimode optical switch matrices for the future MDM systems.
Search for cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers in patients with major psychiatric disorders: Multiplex immunoassay findings and proximity extension assay prospects
Authors: Hidese Shinsuke
Published: April 2024

Multiplex immunoassays have been developed to detect multiple proteins simultaneously and are used to search for biomarkers, including those present in major psychiatric disorders. This study aimed to review multiplex immunoassay studies on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers in patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (BD), and major depressive disorder (MDD) and examine future research directions using improved proteomic techniques. According to the results of previous multiplex immunoassay studies, increased CSF IFN‐β, IL‐8, MCP‐2, MMP‐2, PAI‐1, sICAM‐1, and sVCAM‐1 and decreased CSF ACE, APP, fibrinogen, and GDNF were observed in patients with schizophrenia, while CSF HGF and S100B were positively correlated with psychotic symptom and CSF IL‐11, IL‐29/IFN‐λ1, and TSLP were negatively correlated. Increased CSF IFN‐β and IL‐1β and decreased CSF Aβ42, APP, IL‐6, and NCAM‐1 were observed, while CSF S100B was positively correlated with manic symptom in patients with BD. Increased CSF IL‐4, MCP‐1, MIP‐1β, and MMP‐2 were observed in patients with MDD, while CSF HGF and MMP‐2 were positively correlated with depressive symptom and CSF IL‐15 and MCP‐1 were negatively correlated. However, signal cross‐talk and cross‐reactivity problems have been observed in previous studies using multiplex immunoassay. The proximity extension assay can be used to overcome cross‐reactivity and enable ultrasensitive multiplexed detection and quantification of more than 1000 target proteins. However, proteomic studies using proximity extension assay technology in patients with schizophrenia, BD, or MDD are still scarce. Therefore, future high‐quality proteomic studies are required to identify CSF biomarkers for larger sets of target proteins in patients with major psychiatric disorders.
Post‐marketing surveillance of quetiapine fumarate extended‐release tablets in patients with bipolar depression
Authors: Kishi Taro , Iwata Nakao , Irie Hiroyuki , Aikawa Masaru
Published: April 2024

Aim

This study aimed to verify the real‐world efficacy and safety of quetiapine fumarate extended‐release tablets (Bipresso® 50 mg and 150 mg; marketing authorization holder is KYOWA Pharmaceutical Industry Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan) in patients with bipolar depression.

Methods

We performed a post‐marketing surveillance with an observation period of 12 weeks.

Results

In the safety analysis group (n = 345), adverse drug reactions (ADRs) occurred in 111 patients (32.17%). The most common ADRs (>1%) were somnolence in 55 patients (15.94%), akathisia in 11 (3.19%), dizziness in 10 (2.90%), weight increase in 6 (1.74%), thirst in 5 (1.45%), and hypersomnia, constipation, and nausea in 4 patients each (1.16%). The only severe ADR was one patient of suicidal ideation, and “longer time since the onset of the first episode” (p = 0.011) and “presence of complications” (p < 0.001) were identified as significant risk factors for the occurrence of ADRs. In the efficacy analysis group (n = 265), the average changes from baseline in the total Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) score were −7.3 ± 8.8, −12.2 ± 10.7, −16.8 ± 12.7, and −13.2 ± 12.7 points after 4, 8, and 12 weeks, and at the last evaluation, respectively. The mean MADRS total score decrease had no significant association with maximum daily dose, diagnosis, and presence or absence of prior or concomitant treatment for bipolar disorder with mood stabilizers/antipsychotics/antidepressants.

Conclusion

The efficacy of quetiapine fumarate extended‐release tablets was confirmed in clinical practice, and no new safety concerns or risks were identified.
Sound Exposure Promotes Intratympanic Drug Delivery to the Inner Ear
Authors: Ungar Omer J. , Situ Yumai , Spiegel Jennifer L. , Chen Joseph M. , Lin Vincent Y.W. , Le Trung N.
Published: April 2024

Objective

To investigate the impact of sound exposure, with the resultant windows vibration on perilymphatic concentrations following intratympanic (IT) dexamethasone and gentamicin in an animal model.

Study Design

Animal model blinded study.

Setting

Animal facility of a tertiary medical center.

Methods

Bilateral IT dexamethasone or gentamicin was applied to 15 tested rats. Following injections, each rat was exposed for 3 minutes to free field 30 dB sound pressure level (SPL), 512 vHz noise, with 1 external auditory canal plugged (contralateral control). Following noise exposure, perilymph was obtained from both ears. Drug concentrations were measured using ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometer.

Results

For dexamethasone, the average (±SD) perilymphatic steroidal concentration was 0.417 µg/mL (±0.549) in the control ears versus 0.487 µg/mL (±0.636) in the sound‐exposed ears (P = .008). The average (±SD) gentamicin perilymphatic concentration was 8.628 µg/mL (±2.549) in the sound‐exposed ears, compared to 4.930 µg/mL (±0.668) in the contralateral control (nonsound exposed) ears. Sound exposure promoted steroidal and gentamicin diffusion to the inner ear by an averaged (±SD) factor of 1.431 and 1.730 (±0.291 and 0.339), respectively.

Conclusion

Low‐intensity noise (30 dB SPL) was found to enhance dexamethasone phosphate and gentamicin diffusion to the inner ear (by an averaged factor of ∼1.4 and 1.7, respectively) in a murine model.
Injection Laryngoplasty for Children with Dysphagia after Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Sheen Derek , Houser Thomas K. , Olsson Sofia E. , Dabbous Helene , Kou Yann‐Fuu , Johnson Romaine F. , Chorney Stephen R.
Published: April 2024

Objective

To determine whether injection laryngoplasty (IL) resolves thin liquid aspiration among children with unilateral vocal cord paralysis (UVCP) after cardiac surgery.

Study Design

Retrospective case‐control.

Setting

Tertiary children's hospital.

Methods

Consecutive children (<5 years) between 2012 and 2022 with UVCP after cardiac surgery were included. Resolution of thin liquid aspiration after IL versus observation was determined for children obtaining videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS).

Results

A total of 32 children with left UVCP after cardiac surgery met inclusion. Initial surgeries were N = 9 (28%) patent ductus arteriosus ligations, N = 7 (22%) aortic arch surgeries, N = 9 (28%) surgeries for hypoplastic left heart syndrome, and N = 7 (22%) other cardiac surgeries. The mean age at initial surgery was 1.8 months (SD: 3.7). All children had a VFSS obtained after surgery that confirmed aspiration. There were 17 children that obtained an IL at 33.6 months (SD: 20.9) after cardiac surgery and 15 children observed without IL procedure. No surgical complications after IL were noted. The rate of aspiration resolution based on postoperative VFSS was N = 14 (82%) for the IL group and N = 9 (60%) for the control group P = .24. Documented VFSS aspiration resolution after cardiac surgery occurred by 9.6 months (SD: 10.0) in the observation group and 47.4 months (SD: 24.1) in the IL group (P < .001).

Conclusion

IL can help treat aspiration in children with UVCP after cardiac surgery but the benefit beyond observation remains unclear. Future studies should continue to explore the utility for IL in managing dysphagia in this pediatric population.