bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Applying the six‐sigma methodology to determine the limits of quality control (QC) tests for a specific linear accelerator
Authors: Ma Min , Li Minghui , Zhang Ke , Ma Pan , Hu Zhihui , Yan Hui , Men Kuo , Dai Jianrong 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPurposeWe aimed to show the framework of the six‐sigma methodology (SSM) that can be used to determine the limits of QC tests for the linear accelerator (Linac). Limits for QC tests are individually determined using the SSM.Methods and MaterialsThe SSM is based on the define‐measure‐analyze‐improve‐control (DMAIC) stages to improve the process. In the “define” stage, the limits of QC tests were determined. In the “measure” stage, a retrospective collection of daily QC data using a Machine Performance Check platform was performed from January 2020 to December 2022. In the “analyze” stage, the process of determining the limits was proposed using statistical analyses and process capability indices. In the “improve” stage, the capability index was used to calculate the action limits. The tolerance limit was established using the larger one of the control limits in the individual control chart (I‐chart). In the “control” stage, daily QC data were collected prospectively from January 2023 to May 2023 to monitor the effect of action limits and tolerance limits.ResultsA total of 798 sets of QC data including beam, isocenter, collimation, couch, and gantry tests were collected and analyzed. The Collimation Rotation offset test had the min‐Cp, min‐Cpk, min‐Pp, and min‐Ppk at 2.53, 1.99, 1.59, and 1.25, respectively. The Couch Rtn test had the max‐Cp, max‐Cpk, max‐Pp, and max‐Ppk at 31.5, 29.9, 23.4, and 22.2, respectively. There are three QC tests with higher action limits than the original tolerance. Some data on the I‐chart of the beam output change, isocenter KV offset, and jaw X1 exceeded the lower tolerance and action limit, which indicated that a system deviation occurred and reminded the physicist to take action to improve the process.ConclusionsThe SSM is an excellent framework to use in determining the limits of QC tests. The process capability index is an important parameter that provides quantitative information on determining the limits of QC tests.
Analyzing post‐endovascular treatment stroke prognosis with transcranial Doppler and quantitative electroencephalography
Authors: Qi Yajie , Xing Yingqi , Wang Qingduo , Cao Yanting , Chen Hongxiu , Chen Ying 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveDespite successful recanalization following acute ischemic stroke, patients may have a poor prognosis. We investigated whether transcranial Doppler combined with quantitative electroencephalography can identify patients with a poor prognosis at an early stage.MethodsProspectively recruited patients with successful recanalization after endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke were assessed for prognosis at 90 days using the modified Rankin Scale. Clinical information and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale scores were recorded. Transcranial Doppler combined with quantitative electroencephalography was used to evaluate brain function.ResultsOf the 37 patients (63.5 ± 11.7 years) studied, 18 had a poor prognosis at 90 days (modified Rankin Scale >3). Multivariable analysis revealed that transcranial Doppler indicators of the pulsatility index of the unaffected side, quantitative electroencephalography indicators of the pairwise‐derived Brain Symmetry Index, and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score were independent prognostic indicators. Modeling indicated that combining these independent predictors yielded superior accuracy and net clinical benefit to any single variable. With the final predictive model presented as a nomogram, internal validation by bootstrap resampling showed good discrimination with a concordance index of 0.961. The calibration curve displayed good agreement of predicted and actual probabilities.InterpretationThe nomogram prediction model combining transcranial Doppler with quantitative electroencephalography and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale scores can provide guidance for individualized risk prediction in patients with acute ischemic stroke after revascularization.
Corticospinal premotor fibers facilitate complex motor control after stroke
Authors: Paul Theresa , Cieslak Matthew , Hensel Lukas , Wiemer Valerie M. , Tscherpel Caroline , Grefkes Christian , Grafton Scott T. , Fink Gereon R. , Volz Lukas J. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe corticospinal tract (CST) is considered the most important motor output pathway comprising fibers from the primary motor cortex (M1) and various premotor areas. Damage to its descending fibers after stroke commonly leads to motor impairment. While premotor areas are thought to critically support motor recovery after stroke, the functional role of their corticospinal output for different aspects of post‐stroke motor control remains poorly understood.MethodsWe assessed the differential role of CST fibers originating from premotor areas and M1 in the control of basal (single‐joint muscle synergies and strength) and complex motor control (involving inter‐joint coordination and visuomotor integration) using a novel diffusion imaging approach in chronic stroke patients.ResultsWhile M1 sub‐tract anisotropy was positively correlated with basal and complex motor skills, anisotropy of PMd, PMv, and SMA sub‐tracts was exclusively associated with complex motor tasks. Interestingly, patients featuring persistent motor deficits showed an additional positive association between premotor sub‐tract integrity and basal motor control.InterpretationWhile descending M1 output seems to be a prerequisite for any form of upper limb movements, complex motor skills critically depend on output from premotor areas after stroke. The additional involvement of premotor tracts in basal motor control in patients with persistent deficits emphasizes their compensatory capacity in post‐stroke motor control. In summary, our findings highlight the pivotal role of descending corticospinal output from premotor areas for motor control after stroke, which thus serve as prime candidates for future interventions to amplify motor recovery.
The clinical relevance of MOG antibody testing in cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Reynolds Molly , Tan Irene , Nguyen Kristy , Merheb Vera , Lee Fiona X. Z. , Trewin Benjamin P , Lerch Magdalena , Shah Snehal , Wolfe Nigel , Buzzard Katherine , Lechner‐Scott Jeannette , Fabis‐Pedrini Marzena , Fok Anthony , John Nevin , Kneebone Chris , Yiannikas Con , Brown David A. , Kermode Allan G. , Reddel Stephen , Dale Russell C. , Brilot Fabienne , Ramanathan Sudarshini ,   the Australasian MOGAD Study Group
Published: July 2024

AbstractMyelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody‐associated disease (MOGAD) is diagnosed by serum MOG‐immunoglobulin G (MOG‐IgG) in association with typical demyelination. 111/1127 patients with paired CSF/serum samples were seropositive for MOG‐IgG. Only 7/1016 (0.7%) seronegative patients had CSF‐restricted MOG‐IgG. While 3/7 patients had longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis, four had a confirmed alternate diagnosis (three multiple sclerosis, one CNS vasculitis). In a national referral setting, CSF‐restricted MOG‐IgG had a low sensitivity (2.63%, 95%CI 0.55–7.50%) and low positive predictive value (1.97%, 95%CI 0.45–8.13%). We strongly recommend serum as the preferred diagnostic biospecimen, and urge caution in the interpretation of CSF‐restricted MOG‐IgG in patients without clinico‐radiological features consistent with MOGAD.
Association Between Frailty Status and Readmissions in Hospitalized Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Leung Christopher , Tahir Waqas , Rosli Yenny , Lieber Sarah B. , Makris Una E. , Lee Jiha , Ali Hammad , Goulabchand Radjiv , Singh Siddharth , Singh Namrata 
Published: July 2024

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the association between frailty status and risk of readmissions, inpatient death, and cost of admission among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study using the National Readmissions Database. Using International Statistical Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes, we identified individuals >18 years of age who had a primary or secondary diagnosis of SLE and were hospitalized between January and June 2018. Using the validated claims‐based Hospital Frailty Risk Score, we categorized individuals as frail (score ≥ 5) or nonfrail (score < 5) at the time of index hospitalization. Our primary outcome was readmission rates post discharge from index hospitalization. Secondary outcomes were rates of inpatient mortality and the total cost of hospitalizations. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the association between frailty and risk of readmissions, with adjustment for age, sex, insurance type, household income, and Elixhauser Comorbidity Index score.ResultsA total of 39,738 patients with SLE met eligibility criteria. Over a median follow‐up of eight months, frail patients with SLE (n = 18,385) had higher Elixhauser Comorbidity Index scores and longer length of stay compared to nonfrail patients with SLE (n = 21,353). Frail patients with SLE had higher readmission rates, a higher proportion of prolonged hospitalizations, and higher costs per hospitalization. Frailty was independently associated with a 10% higher risk of readmission after adjustment for covariates.ConclusionAmong hospitalized adults with SLE, presence of frailty was associated with higher readmission and inpatient mortality rates. Our results highlight that frailty status can help risk stratify patients with SLE at increased risk for readmissions and other adverse health outcomes.
Oscillating‐to‐Continuous Combustion Transition in Mesoparticle Composites Through Manipulation of Heat Feedback
Authors: Wang Yujie , Chowdhury Mahbub , Zhou Yuxin , Issac Paul George , Shi Keren , Zachariah Michael R. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn this study, free‐standing composites consisting of 90 wt% nanoenergetic mesoparticles are fabricated and their combustion characteristics are investigated. The findings reveal that the integrity of the mesoparticles remains intact during the printing process and a reduction in sintering is observed for the composite of mesoparticles compared to the physical mixture. However, the composite of mesoparticles exhibits noncontinuous and oscillating propagation behavior at a steady frequency of ≈5 Hz. This is attributed to insufficient heat feedback from the flame to the unburnt material. To address this issue, carbon fiber (C.F.) is introduced into the composite to enhance heat feedback to the reaction front by intercepting hot agglomerates near the burning surface. Incorporating C.F. leads to steady propagation of the composite. Agglomerate residence time and characteristic heat transfer time analysis near the burning surface indicate that while the composite without C.F. has agglomerate residence time on the same order of magnitude as the characteristic heat transfer time, the composite with C.F. has significantly increased overall agglomerate residence time compared to the characteristic heat transfer time. This confirms the enhanced heat feedback through C.F. inclusion. This study demonstrates the crucial role of heat feedback in the combustion behavior of energetic composites.
Photoactive Dye‐Loaded Polymer Materials: A New Cutting Edge for Antibacterial Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Elian Christine , Méallet Rachel , Versace Davy‐Louis 
Published: July 2024

AbstractHealthcare‐associated infections remain a significant health concern, particularly with the emergence of antibiotic resistance. While these antibiotics have saved countless lives, their overuse reduces their efficacy promoting the emergence of multidrug‐resistant (MDR) bacteria. This prompts researchers to explore new alternatives for treating bacteria proliferation. In this context, antibacterial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) has emerged as a promising approach for treating localized infections. It utilizes reactive oxygen species (ROS) as oxidative stress agents, thereby minimizing the risk of developing MDR. The success of aPDT significantly hinges on the careful selection of photosensitizers (PSs) and polymer matrices for the synthesis of polymer‐based photoactive materials. Various light‐absorbing PSs are therefore designed for enhancing ROS production and antimicrobial efficacy. By incorporating PSs into polymer matrices, these materials can harness the light power to generate ROS, destroying bacterial cells upon irradiation. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of advancements in this field, specifically focusing on the use of polymer‐based materials. The mechanism of the four main ROS generated in aPDT, the methods used for their detection, and their mode of action against bacteria has been outlined. The recent improvement in polymer‐based aPDT materials and their antibacterial efficacy have been also addressed.
Carbon Nanotubes/Graphene‐Skinned Glass Fiber Fabric with 3D Hierarchical Electrically and Thermally Conductive Network
Authors: Liu Mengxiong , Yang Yuyao , Liu Ruojuan , Wang Kun , Cheng Shuting , Yuan Hao , Huang Kewen , Liang Fushun , Yang Fan , Zheng Kangyi , Liu Longfei , Tu Ce , Wang Jingnan , Gai Xuzhao , Qiao Wang , Wang Xiaobai , Qi Yue , Liu Zhongfan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractGraphene‐skinned fiber fabric is prepared by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of continuous graphene on fabric, which enables conformal graphene coverage on fibers and inherits high electrical and thermal conductivity of graphene. However, in the fabric‐shaped configuration, high electrical and thermal contact resistances between fibers, and the lack of conductive and thermal pathways along radial direction of fibers limit the improvement of electrical and thermal conductivity. Herein, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), due to the 1D structure with excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, are introduced to build rich “bridges” to connect the isolated fibers to build new electron and phonon transport channels. Thus, the conceptual design of CNT/graphene‐skinned glass fiber fabric (CNT/GGFF) is creatively proposed and realized by a carefully designed CVD. Constructing the 3D electrically and thermally conductive network in CNT/GGFF leads to >90% decrease of sheet resistance, 4.5 times increase of tensile strength, and >70% decrease of thermal resistance compared with GGFF, making it promising for applications in composite materials, heat dissipation, and de‐icing. Moreover, the thermal resistance of CNT/GGFF exhibits temperature‐independent, extending applications to aviation and space because changes in thermal conductivity of traditional materials with environmental temperatures can adversely affect the thermal stability, reliability, and lifetime of aircrafts.
Inducing One‐Step Dehydrogenation of Magnesium Borohydride via Confinement in Robust Dodecahedral Nitrogen‐Doped Porous Carbon Scaffold
Authors: Jia Yuxiao , Han Bo , Wang Jianchuan , Yuan Sicheng , Tang Lin , Zhang Zheyu , Zou Yongjin , Sun Lixian , Du Yong , Chen Lixin , Xiao Xuezhang 
Published: July 2024

AbstractA dodecahedral activated N‐doped porous carbon scaffold is synthesized and used for the nanoconfinement of Mg(BH4)2. The optimized mesoporous scaffold possesses an accumulated pore width of 2.65 nm, high specific surface area (3955.9 m2 g−1), and large pore volume (2.15 cm3 g−1), providing ample space for the confinement of Mg(BH4)2 particles and numerous surface active sites for interactions with the same. The confined Mg(BH4)2 system features a dehydrogenation onset temperature of 81.5 °C, an extremely high capacity of 10.2 wt% H2, and an almost single‐step dehydrogenation profile. Moreover, the system exhibits superior capacity retention of 82.7% after 20 cycles at a moderate temperature of 250 °C. Precise activation control enables a transformation from microporous carbon materials to mesoporous ones, and hence the efficient nanoconfinement of Mg(BH4)2 and realization of one‐step dehydrogenation. The evolution of borohydride intermediates is systematically revealed throughout the cycling process. Density functional theory calculations demonstrate defective N heteroatoms within the scaffold are vital in reducing the strength of B─H bonds, and the N‐doped carbon can facilitate decomposition of the irreversible MgB12H12 intermediate. This study opens up new avenues for designing robust carbon scaffolds doped with heteroatoms and analyzing intermediate evolution in nanoconfined Mg‐based borohydride systems.
Fully Degradable Polyphosphoester Cubosomes for Sustainable Agrochemical Delivery
Authors: Azhdari Suna , Linders Jürgen , Coban Deniz , Stank Tim Julian , Dargel Carina , Gojzewski Hubert , Hellweg Thomas , Gröschel André H. , Wurm Frederik R. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMicroplastic pollution and the urgent need for sustainable agriculture have raised interest in developing degradable carriers for controlled agrochemical release. Porous polymeric particles are particularly promising due to their unique release profiles compared to solid or core‐shell carriers. However, creating degradable, mesoporous (2–50 nm) microparticles is challenging, and their potential for agrochemical delivery is largely unexplored.
A straightforward self‐assembly method is demonstrated for fully degradable porous polymer cubosomes (PCs), showcasing their ability to load and release agrochemicals. Using fully degradable block copolymers (BCPs), poly(ethyl ethylene phosphate)‐b‐polylactide (PEEP‐b‐PLA), PCs are synthesized in water with high inner order and open pores averaging 19 ± 3 nm in diameter. During the self‐assembly process in the presence of the hydrophobic fungicide tebuconazole, polymersomes transform into PCs by enriching the hydrophobic polymer domain and altering the BCP packing parameter. After self‐assemby, highly porous and fungicide‐loaded PCs are obtained.
Fungicide‐loaded PCs show high antimycotic activity against Botrytis cinerea (grey mold), adhere to Vitis vinifera Riesling leaves even after simulated rain, and release the fungicide continuously over several days with different release‐kinetics compared to solid particles. PCs hydrolyze completely into lactic acid and phosphate derivatives, highlighting their potential as microplastic‐free agrochemical delivery systems for sustainable agriculture.
Extracellular Vesicles from Nanomedicine‐Trained Intestinal Microbiota Substitute for Fecal Microbiota Transplant in Treating Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Zu Menghang , Liu Ga , Xu Haiting , Zhu Zhenhua , Zhen Junfeng , Li Baoyi , Shi Xiaoxiao , Shahbazi Mohammad‐Ali , Reis Rui L. , Kundu Subhas C. , Nie Guangjun , Xiao Bo 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe biosafety concerns associated with fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) limit their clinical application in treating ulcerative colitis (UC). Gut microbiota secrete abundant extracellular vesicles (Gm‐EVs), which play a critical role in bacteria‐to‐bacteria and bacteria‐to‐host communications. Herein, intestinal microbiota are trained using tea leaf lipid/pluronic F127‐coated curcumin nanocrystals (CN@Lp127s), which can maintain stability during transit through the gastrointestinal tract. Compared with FMT, Gm‐EVs derived from healthy mice significantly improve treatment outcomes against UC by reducing colonic inflammatory responses, restoring colonic barrier function, and rebalancing intestinal microbiota. Strikingly, Gm‐EVs obtained from CN@Lp127‐trained healthy mice exhibit a superior therapeutic effect on UC compared to groups receiving FMT from healthy mice, Gm‐EVs from healthy mice, and FMT from CN@Lp127‐trained healthy mice. Oral administration of Gm‐EVs from CN@Lp127‐trained healthy mice not only alleviates colonic inflammation, promotes mucosal repair, and regulates gut microbiota but also regulates purine metabolism to decrease the uric acid level, resulting in a robust improvement in the UC. This study demonstrates the UC therapeutic efficacy of Gm‐EVs derived from nanomedicine‐trained gut microbiota in regulating the immune microenvironment, microbiota, and purine metabolism of the colon. These EVs provide an alternative platform to replace FMT as a treatment for UC.
Autophagy Deficiency Induced by SAT1 Potentiates Tumor Progression in Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Tian Wenwen , Zhu Lewei , Luo Yongzhou , Tang Yuhui , Tan Qingjian , Zou Yutian , Chen Kun , Deng Xinpei , Tang Hailin , Li Hongsheng , Cai Manbo , Xie Xiaoming , Ye Feng 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAggressive triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) still lacks approved targeted therapies, requiring more exploration of its underlying mechanisms. Previous studies have suggested a potential role of SAT1 (Spermidine/Spermine N1‐acetyltransferase 1) in cancer, which needs to be further elucidated in breast cancer. In this study, highly expressed SAT1 in TNBC signified worse patient prognoses. And SAT1 knockdown effectively inhibited the proliferation and migration abilities of TNBC cells in vitro and in vivo. In terms of mechanism, the transcription factor JUN enhanced SAT1 transcriptional activity by binding to its promoter region. Then, SAT1 protein in the cytoplasm engaged in directly binding with YBX1 for sustaining YBX1 protein stability via deubiquitylation mediated by the E3 ligase HERC5. Further, SAT1 was found to suppress autophagy remarkably via stabilization of mTOR mRNA with the accumulation of YBX1‐mediated methyl‐5‐cytosine (m5C) modification. These findings proved that SAT1 drives TNBC progression through the SAT1/YBX1/mTOR axis, which may provide a potential candidate for targeted therapy in advanced TNBC.
A Senomorphlytic Three‐Drug Combination Discovered in Salsola collina for Delaying Aging Phenotypes and Extending Healthspan
Authors: Wang Jiqun , Liu Wenwen , Huang Yunyuan , Wang Guangwei , Guo Xiaobo , Shi Donglei , Sun Tianyue , Xiao Chaojiang , Zhang Chao , Jiang Bei , Guo Yuan , Li Jian 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe pursuit of pharmacological interventions in aging aims focuses on maximizing safety and efficacy, prompting an exploration of natural products endowed with inherent medicinal properties. Subsequently, this work establishes a unique library of plant extracts sourced from Yunnan Province, China. Screening of this herbal library herein revealed that Salsola collina (JM10001) notably enhances both lifespan and healthspan in C. elegans. Further analysis via network pharmacology indicates that the p53 signaling pathway plays a crucial role in mediating the anti‐aging effects of JM10001. Additionally, this work identifies that a composition, designated as JM10101 and comprising three chemical constituents of JM10001, preserves the original lifespan‐extending activity in C. elegans. Both JM10001 and JM10101 mitigate aging symptoms in senescence‐accelerated mice treated with doxorubicin and in naturally aged mice. Notably, JM10101 exhibits a more sophisticated senomorphlytic role encompassing both senomorphic and senolytic functions than JM10001 in the modulation of senescent cells, offering a promising strategy for the discovery of combination drugs in the rational development of anti‐aging therapies.