bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of smear layer and Ca/P ratio in intra-radicular dentine irrigated with different irrigants adjunct with diode laser
Authors: Salam Tarek Abdallah Abdel , Sadony Doaa M. , Abdallah El-sayed El-tayeb , Salem Haidy N. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
This study aims to determine the smear layer removal from the root canals using different irrigant solutions with diode laser.

Methods
A set of sixty human upper incisor teeth were chosen. Access cavity preparation was done followed by canal instrumentation. Samples were divided into six groups (Group A: sodium hypochlorite NaOCl, Group B: NaOCl + diode laser, group C: NaOCl + EDTA ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid solution, Group D: NaOCl + EDTA + diode laser, Group E: NaOCl + garlic extract, Group F: NaOCl + garlic extract + diode laser. Examining the smear layer removal at the coronal, middle and apical thirds of the root canals was done by using electron microscope analysis. Using an energy-dispersive X-ray, the calcium/phosphorus Ca/P ratio was measured.

Results
Among the examined groups, there were not any significant differences regarding the smear layer removal. The elimination of smear layers at the middle and coronal thirds was greater in all examined groups than in the apical third. EDX analysis revealed no statistically significant variation between the tested groups.

Conclusions
Using diode laser with sodium hypochlorite and ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid irrigant solution was more effective for the elimination of smear layers. Garlic extract could be used as an alternative irrigant solution in debris removal.
Global longitudinal active strain energy density (GLASED): age and sex differences between young and veteran athletes
Authors: MacIver David H. , Zhang Henggui , Johnson Christopher , Papatheodorou Efstathios , Parry-Williams Gemma , Sharma Sanjay , Oxborough David 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Global longitudinal active strain energy density (GLASED) is an innovative method for assessing myocardial function and quantifies the work performed per unit volume of the left ventricular myocardium. The GLASED, measured using MRI, is the best prognostic marker currently available. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of measuring the GLASED using echocardiography and to investigate potential differences in the GLASED among athletes based on age and sex.

Methods
An echocardiographic study was conducted with male controls, male and female young athletes, and male and female veteran athletes. GLASED was calculated from the myocardial stress and strain.

Results
The mean age (in years) of the young athletes was 21.6 for males and 21.4 for females, while the mean age of the veteran athletes was 53.5 for males and 54.2 for females. GLASED was found to be highest in young male athletes (2.40 kJ/m3) and lowest in female veterans (1.96 kJ/m3). Veteran males exhibited lower values (1.96 kJ/m3) than young male athletes did (P < 0.001). Young females demonstrated greater GLASED (2.28 kJ/m3) than did veteran females (P < 0.01). However, no significant difference in the GLASED was observed between male and female veterans.

Conclusion
Our findings demonstrated the feasibility of measuring GLASED using echocardiography. GLASED values were greater in young male athletes than in female athletes and decreased with age, suggesting possible physiological differences in their myocardium. The sex-related differences observed in GLASED values among young athletes were no longer present in veteran athletes. We postulate that measuring the GLASED may serve as a useful additional screening tool for cardiac diseases in athletes, particularly for those with borderline phenotypes of hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathies.
Electronic Patient-Reported Outcome-Driven Symptom Management by Oncology Pharmacists in a Majority-Minority Population: An Implementation Study
Authors: Chan Alexandre , Ng Ding Quan , Arcos Daniela , Heshmatipour Matthew , Lee Benjamin J. , Chen Alison , Duong Lan , Van Linda , Nguyen Thomas , Green Vuong , Hoang Daniel 
Published: July 2024

PURPOSE
There is a lack of systematic solutions to manage supportive care issues in racial/ethnic minorities (REM) receiving treatment for cancer. We developed and implemented an electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO)–driven symptom management tool led by oncology pharmacists in a majority-minority cancer center located in Southern California. This study was designed to evaluate the implementation outcomes of our multilevel intervention.

METHODS
This was a prospective, pragmatic, implementation study conducted between July 2021 and June 2023. Newly diagnosed adult patients with cancer receiving intravenous anticancer therapies completed symptom screening using ePRO that consists of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System measures at each infusion visit during the study. ePRO results were presented to an oncologist pharmacist for personalized symptom management and treatment counseling. The RE-AIM framework was used to guide implementation outcomes. Differences in symptom trajectories and clinical outcomes between groups were tested using generalized estimating equations.

RESULTS

We screened 388 patients of whom 250 were enrolled (acceptance rate: 64.4%), with 564 assessments being completed. The sample consisted of non-Hispanic White (NHW, 42.4%), Hispanic/Latinx (H/L, 30.8%), and non-Hispanic Asian (20.4%), with one (21.6%) of five participants preferring speaking Spanish. Compared with NHW, H/L participants had greater odds of reporting mild to severe pain interference (odds ratio [OR], 1.91 [95% CI, 1.18 to 3.08];
P
= .008) and nausea and vomiting (OR, 2.08 [95% CI, 1.21 to 3.58];
P
= .008), and higher rates of urgent care utilization (OR, 1.92 [95% CI, 1.04 to 3.61];
P
= .04) within 30 days. Nausea and vomiting (n = 131, 23.2%), pain (n = 91, 16.1%), and fatigue (n = 72, 12.8%) were most likely to be intervened, with 90% of the participants expressing satisfaction across all visits.

CONCLUSION
Our multilevel ePRO-driven intervention led by oncology pharmacists helps facilitate symptom assessments and management and potentially reduce health disparities among REM.
Use of Cinacalcet for the Management of Primary Hyperparathyroidism in Pregnancy
Authors: Foster Elissa , Maalouf Naim M 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Primary hyperparathyroidism in pregnancy is uncommon. Consequently, there are no randomized controlled studies that address treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism in pregnancy, and the efficacy and safety of medical management with cinacalcet in this setting is unknown. We report a case of a 28-year-old woman with primary hyperparathyroidism and hypercalcemia that worsened during her third trimester of pregnancy. Cinacalcet led to achievement of normocalcemia, allowing the delay of parathyroidectomy until after delivery of the baby. We also review the published literature on cinacalcet use in the management of primary hyperparathyroidism during pregnancy. Cinacalcet is typically reserved for pregnant patients with severe and symptomatic hypercalcemia, primarily serving as a last resort to delay parathyroidectomy until either the second trimester or the postpartum period.
Refractory Hypercalcemia Secondary to Metastatic Parathyroid Carcinoma Treated With Immunotherapy
Authors: Ta Brenda , Bennett Michael James 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Parathyroid carcinoma (PC) is a rare endocrine malignancy and an uncommon cause of primary hyperparathyroidism. Metastatic disease confers a guarded prognosis with limited systemic treatment options available. We describe a case of a 64-year-old woman with primary hyperparathyroidism secondary to PC. Despite initial surgical resection, the patient relapsed within 6 months with widespread cerebral and skeletal metastatic disease. She developed worsening parathyroid hormone-mediated hypercalcemia that was refractory to escalating doses of cinacalcet and antiresorptive therapy. Molecular genomics identified high tumor mutation burden within the malignant tissue and single-agent nivolumab immunotherapy was administered. After one dose, there was resolution of her refractory hypercalcemia and primary hyperparathyroidism. The patient has tolerated ongoing treatment with 3 weekly cycles of nivolumab. She remains in biochemical remission as of June 2024, which is now 12 months after commencement of nivolumab.
Poor Concordance Between Intensive Care Unit Patients’ and Family Members’ Patient Dignity Inventory Scores Despite Communication of Dignity-Related Distress
Authors: Zhuang Caywin , Dexter Franklin , Hadler Rachel A. 
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND:
Promptly assessing and treating the distress of intensive care unit (ICU) patients may improve long-term psychological outcomes. One holistic approach to reduce patient distress is through dignity-centered care, traditionally used in palliative care. The 25-item Patient Dignity Inventory has construct validity and reliability for measuring dignity-related distress among ICU patients. Because family members often serve as ICU patients’ surrogates and play an integral role in patients’ dignity, we examined whether family members reliably recognized ICU patients’ sources of distress.

METHODS:
Two single-center observational studies of adult ICU patients were performed from May to June 2022. Inclusion criteria were ICU length-of-stay >48 hours, awake and alert, intact cognition, and no delirium. Study #1 evaluated concordance between patient and family for dignity-related distress. Both completed the Patient Dignity Inventory independently. The next Study #2 measured how many distressing items that the patient reported discussing with family members.

RESULTS:
Study #1 of concordance had 33 patient-family dyads complete the Patient Dignity Inventory. The concordance correlation coefficient was small, 0.20 (99% confidence interval −0.21 to 0.55) and less than the inventory’s test-retest reliability (r = .85). Study #2 examined sharing of Patient Dignity Inventory-related items between patients and family members. There were 12 of 19 patients who had severe distress based on an average Patient Dignity Inventory item score ≥1.92. The median patient shared multiple items of distress with their family (median 12, 99% 2-sided exact Hodges-Lehmann interval 4.0–17.5).

CONCLUSIONS:
Although ICU patients often report sharing sources of distress with their loved ones, family members cannot accurately or reliably assess the extent to which patients experience psychosocial, existential, and symptom-related distress during critical illness. Treatments of distress should not be delayed by the absence of family members.
Substantia Innominata Glutamatergic Neurons Modulate Sevoflurane Anesthesia in Male Mice
Authors: Yang Li , Fang Fang , Wang Wen-Xu , Xie Yunli , Cang Jing , Li Shi-Bin 
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND:
Accumulated evidence suggests that brain regions that promote wakefulness also facilitate emergence from general anesthesia (GA). Glutamatergic neurons in the substantia innominata (SI) regulate motivation-related aversive, depressive, and aggressive behaviors relying on heightened arousal. Here, we hypothesize that glutamatergic neurons in the SI are also involved in the regulation of the effects of sevoflurane anesthesia.

METHODS:
With a combination of fiber photometry, chemogenetic and optogenetic tools, behavioral tests, and cortical electroencephalogram recordings, we investigated whether and how SI glutamatergic neurons and their projections to the lateral hypothalamus (LH) regulate sevoflurane anesthesia in adult male mice.

RESULTS:
Population activity of glutamatergic neurons in the SI gradually decreased upon sevoflurane-induced loss of consciousness (LOC) and slowly returned as soon as inhalation of sevoflurane discontinued before recovery of consciousness (ROC). Chemogenetic activation of SI glutamatergic neurons dampened the animals’ sensitivity to sevoflurane exposure, prolonged induction time (mean ± standard deviation [SD]; 389 ± 67 seconds vs 458 ± 53 seconds; P = .047), and shortened emergence time (305 seconds, 95% confidence interval [CI], 242–369 seconds vs 207 seconds, 95% CI, 135–279 seconds; P = .004), whereas chemogenetic inhibition of these neurons facilitated sevoflurane anesthesia. Furthermore, optogenetic activation of SI glutamatergic neurons and their terminals in LH induced cortical activation and behavioral emergence from different depths of sevoflurane anesthesia.

CONCLUSIONS:
Our study shows that SI glutamatergic neuronal activity facilitates emergence from sevoflurane anesthesia and provides evidence for the involvement of the SI-LH glutamatergic pathway in the regulation of consciousness during GA.
Genomic Alterations in Molecularly Defined Oligodendrogliomas
Authors: Weber-Levine Carly , Rakovec Maureen , Jiang Kelly , Kalluri Anita , Raj Divyaansh , Parker Megan , Materi Joshua , Sepehri Sadra , Ferrés Abel , Schreck Karisa C. , Aldecoa Iban , Lucas Calixto-Hope G. , Redmond Kristin J. , Holdhoff Matthias , Sair Haris I. , Weingart Jon D. , Brem Henry , González Sánchez Josep , Ye Xiaobu , Bettegowda Chetan , Rincon-Torroella Jordina 
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Oligodendrogliomas are defined by IDH1/2 mutation and codeletion of chromosome arms 1p/19q. Although previous studies identified CIC, FUBP1, and TERTp as frequently altered in oligodendrogliomas, the clinical relevance of these molecular signatures is unclear. Moreover, previous studies predominantly used research panels that are not readily available to providers and patients. Accordingly, we explore genomic alterations in molecularly defined oligodendrogliomas using clinically standardized next-generation sequencing (NGS) panels.

METHODS:
A retrospective single-center study evaluated adults with pathologically confirmed IDH-mutant, 1p/19q-codeleted oligodendrogliomas diagnosed between 2005 and 2021. Genetic data from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens were analyzed with the NGS Solid Tumor Panel at the Johns Hopkins Medical Laboratories, which tests more than 400 cancer-related genes. Kaplan-Meier plots and log-rank tests compared progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival by variant status. χ2 tests, t-tests, and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used to compare clinical characteristics between genomic variant status in the 10 most frequently altered genes.

RESULTS:
Two hundred and seventy-seven patients with molecularly defined oligodendrogliomas were identified, of which 95 patients had available NGS reports. Ten genes had 9 or more patients with a genomic alteration, with CIC, FUBP1, and TERTp being the most frequently altered genes (n = 60, 23, and 22, respectively). Kaplan-Meier curves showed that most genes were not associated with differences in PFS or overall survival. At earlier time points (PFS <100 months), CIC alterations conferred a reduction in PFS in patients (P = .038).

CONCLUSION:
Our study confirms the elevated frequency of CIC, FUBP1, and TERTp alterations in molecularly defined oligodendrogliomas and suggests a potential relationship of CIC alteration to PFS at earlier time points. Understanding these genomic variants may inform prognosis or therapeutic recommendations as NGS becomes routine.
The Drosophila histone methyltransferase SET1 coordinates multiple signaling pathways in regulating male germline stem cell maintenance and differentiation
Authors: Vidaurre Velinda , Song Annabelle , Li Taibo , Ku Wai Lim , Zhao Keji , Qian Jiang , Chen Xin 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT
Many tissue-specific adult stem cell lineages maintain a balance between proliferation and differentiation. Here, we study how the H3K4me3 methyltransferase Set1 regulates early-stage male germ cells in Drosophila. Early-stage germline-specific knockdown of Set1 results in temporally progressive defects, arising as germ cell loss and developing into overpopulated early-stage germ cells. These germline defects also impact the niche architecture and cyst stem cell lineage non-cell-autonomously. Additionally, wild-type Set1, but not the catalytically inactive Set1, rescues the Set1 knockdown phenotypes, highlighting the functional importance of the methyltransferase activity of Set1. Further, RNA-sequencing experiments reveal key signaling pathway components, such as the JAK-STAT pathway gene Stat92E and the BMP pathway gene Mad, which are upregulated upon Set1 knockdown. Genetic interaction assays support the functional relationships between Set1 and JAK-STAT or BMP pathways, as both Stat92E and Mad mutations suppress the Set1 knockdown phenotypes. These findings enhance our understanding of the balance between proliferation and differentiation in an adult stem cell lineage. The phenotype of germ cell loss followed by over-proliferation when inhibiting a histone methyltransferase also raises concerns about using their inhibitors in cancer therapy.
Unveiling and challenging the identity, formation, and evolution of Transformation Theory
Authors: Koulaouzidis George Archimedes , Eschenbacher Saskia , Romano Alessandra , Soeiro Dina 
Published: July 2024

In this contribution, we explore established and emerging facets that contribute to shaping the theoretical landscape of transformation theory. Throughout our discussion, we contemplate the multifaceted nature of transformative learning, acknowledging its positive evolution with diverse perspectives that have enriched the field. Despite this progress, we argue that challenges persist, prompting the recognition of transformative learning theory as an ongoing, dynamic paradigm capable of organically responding to the contemporary challenges of adult learning and education. Our discourse advocates for a deeper exploration of the theory's potential for profound change, emphasizing the imperative to move beyond its dominant cognitive dimension.
A Model-Free Approach for Solving Choice-Based Competitive Facility Location Problems Using Simulation and Submodularity
Authors: Legault Robin , Frejinger Emma 
Published: July 2024

This paper considers facility location problems in which a firm entering a market seeks to open facilities on a subset of candidate locations so as to maximize its expected market share, assuming that customers choose the available alternative that maximizes a random utility function. We introduce a deterministic equivalent reformulation of this stochastic problem as a maximum covering location problem with an exponential number of demand points, each of which is covered by a different set of candidate locations. Estimating the prevalence of these preference profiles through simulation generalizes a sample average approximation method from the literature and results in a maximum covering location problem of manageable size. To solve it, we develop a partial Benders reformulation in which the contribution to the objective of the least influential preference profiles is aggregated and bounded by submodular cuts. This set of profiles is selected by a knee detection method that seeks to identify the best tradeoff between the fraction of the demand that is retained in the master problem and the size of the model. We develop a theoretical analysis of our approach and show that the solution quality it provides for the original stochastic problem, its computational performance, and the automatic profile-retention strategy it exploits are directly connected to the entropy of the preference profiles in the population. Computational experiments on existing and new benchmark sets indicate that our approach dominates the classical sample average approximation method on large instances of the competitive facility location problem, can outperform the best heuristic method from the literature under the multinomial logit model, and achieves state-of-the-art results under the mixed multinomial logit model. We characterize a broader class of problems, which includes assortment optimization, to which the solving methodology and the analyses developed in this paper can be extended. History: Accepted by Andrea Lodi, Area Editor for Design & Analysis of Algorithms—Discrete. Funding: This research was supported by Fonds de Recherche du Québec-Nature et Technologies and Institut de Valorisation des Données through scholarships to R. Legault. E. Frejinger was partially supported by the Canada Research Chair program [Grant 950-232244]. Supplemental Material: The online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/ijoc.2023.0280 .
Fabrication and characterization of optical filters from polymeric aerogels loaded with diamond scattering particles
Authors: Barlis Alyssa , Guo Haiquan , Helson Kyle , Bennett Charles , Chan Carol Yan Yan , Marriage Tobias , Quijada Manuel , Tokarz Ariel , Vivod Stephanie , Wollack Edward , Essinger-Hileman Thomas 
Published: July 2024

We have developed a suite of infrared-blocking filters made by
embedding diamond scattering particles in a polyimide aerogel
substrate. We demonstrate the ability to tune the spectral performance
of the filters based on both the composition of the base aerogel
material and the properties of the scattering particles. We summarize
the fabrication, optical modeling, and characterization of these
filters. We investigate two polyimide base aerogel formulations and
the effects of loading them with diamond scattering particles of
varying sizes and relative densities. We describe a model for the
filters’ behavior using a combination of Maxwell Garnett and Mie
scattering techniques. We present optical characterization results for
diamond-loaded aerogel filters with cutoff frequencies (50%
transmittance) ranging between 2.5 and 15 THz, and confirm that
the measured spectral performance is in agreement with our optical
models. We also measure the filters’ refractive indices in the
microwave and report findings in agreement with Maxwell Garnett model
predictions (typically n<1.08).
PAM4-modulated 2-micron band for enhanced indoor optical communications: experimental evaluation
Authors: Yang Yatao , Cai Junfei , Song Yufeng , Wang Zhenhong , Wu Weijie , Ji Jianhua 
Published: July 2024

This research explores the application of PAM4 modulation to optical signals in the 2-μm wavelength band for indoor optical communication. Experiments conducted in a simulated atmospheric turbulence environment demonstrated a BER of 10−5 for the 2-μm laser carrier with PAM4, surpassing the forward error correction threshold. Power loss comparisons to a back-to-back setup showed minimal degradation under various turbulence levels, with losses of 1.80 dB, 1.91 dB, 2.09 dB, and 2.55 dB for non-turbulent, weak-turbulent, moderate-turbulent, and strong-turbulent conditions, respectively. The system's sensitivity was measured at -7.69 dBm, emphasizing its effectiveness in detecting low-power signals. OptiSystem simulations indicated that PAM4 necessitates a higher optical OSNR than NRZ, suggesting the necessity for sophisticated signal processing techniques for systems operating in the 2-μm band. The study's results contribute to the body of knowledge on high-bandwidth optical communication and suggest future research avenues aimed at enhancing system performance while maintaining cost-effectiveness.