bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study and Characterization of Solid State, Flexible, Wire-Shaped Supercapacitor for Textile Energy Storage Purpose
Authors: Seller Francesco , Serrapede Mara , Zaccagnini Pietro , Pedico Alessandro , Lamberti Andrea 
Published: February 2024

Flexible and lightweight energy storage devices have become increasingly important for the development of wearable and portable electronics. In this work, we present a novel wire-shape supercapacitor based on carbon nanotube (CNT) yarns and an ionic liquid based polymer electrolyte. The combination of these materials offers high surface area, high conductivity and excellent flexibility, making them a promising candidate for flexible energy storage.
The CNT yarns were characterized in a three-electrode configuration by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) either in water-based electrolytes and polymer electrolytes. The polymer electrolytes were prepared by mixing polymers with ionic liquid, which was characterized by thermal analysis and electrochemical measurements.
The wire-shape supercapacitor was assembled by coating two CNT yarns with the polymer electrolyte and twisting them together. The devices exhibited high specific capacitance for a waterless system, additionally, they maintained their performance even under extreme deformation: the flexibility of the devices were tested by bending at different angles .
Overall, this work highlights the advantages of using CNT yarns and ionic liquid polymer electrolytes for the development of flexible and high-performance supercapacitors. The wire-shape design of the device offers additional advantages for integration into wearable or flexible electronics, providing a promising path towards the development of highly efficient and adaptable energy storage systems.
Precision Targeting of Mutant PI3Kα
Authors: Gong Grace Q. , Vanhaesebroeck Bart 
Published: February 2024

Summary:
PIK3CA, which encodes the p110α catalytic subunit of PI 3-kinase alpha (PI3Kα), is one of the most frequently genetically activated kinases in solid tumors. In two back-to-back papers, Varkaris and colleagues report on the development of a novel allosteric PI3Kα-mutant–selective inhibitor and early clinical experience with this compound.
See related article by Varkaris et al., p. 227 (6) .
See related article by Varkaris et al., p. 240 (5) .
INHBA is Enriched in HPV-negative Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Promotes Cancer Progression
Authors: Abou Kors Tsima , Hofmann Linda , Betzler Annika , Payer Kathrina , Bens Martin , Truong Jens , von Witzleben Adrian , Thomas Jaya , Kraus Johann M. , Kalaajieh Randa , Huber Diana , Ezić Jasmin , Benckendorff Julian , Greve Jens , Schuler Patrick J. , Ottensmeier Christian H. , Kestler Hans A. , Hoffmann Thomas K. , Theodoraki Marie-Nicole , Brunner Cornelia , Laban Simon 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) caused by human papilloma virus (HPV) exhibit a better prognosis than those with HPV-negative OPSCC. This study investigated the distinct molecular pathways that delineate HPV-negative from HPV-positive OPSCC to identify biologically relevant therapeutic targets. Bulk mRNA from 23 HPV-negative and 39 HPV-positive OPSCC tumors (n = 62) was sequenced to uncover the transcriptomic profiles. Differential expression followed by gene set enrichment analysis was performed to outline the top enriched biological process in the HPV-negative compared with HPV-positive entity. INHBA, the highest overexpressed gene in the HPV-negative tumor, was knocked down. Functional assays (migration, proliferation, cell death, stemness) were conducted to confirm the target's oncogenic role. Correlation analyses to reveal its impact on the tumor microenvironment were performed. We revealed that epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the most enriched process in HPV-negative compared with HPV-positive OPSCC, with INHBA (inhibin beta A subunit) being the top upregulated gene. INHBA knockdown downregulated the expression of EMT transcription factors and attenuated migration, proliferation, stemness, and cell death resistance of OPSCC cells. We uncovered that INHBA associates with a pro-tumor microenvironment by negatively correlating with antitumor CD8+ T and B cells while positively correlating with pro-tumor M1 macrophages. We identified three miRNAs that are putatively involved in repressing INHBA expression. Our results indicate that the upregulation of INHBA is tumor-promoting. We propose INHBA as an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of INHBA-enriched tumors in patients with HPV-negative OPSCC to ameliorate prognosis.

Significance:
Patients with HPV-negative OPSCC have a poorer prognosis due to distinct molecular pathways. This study reveals significant transcriptomic differences between HPV-negative and HPV-positive OPSCC, identifying INHBA as a key upregulated gene in HPV-negative OPSCC's oncogenic pathways. INHBA is crucial in promoting EMT, cell proliferation, and an immunosuppressive tumor environment, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for HPV-negative OPSCC.
Genomic Characterization and Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Peritoneal Metastases from the AACR GENIE Biopharma Collaborative Colorectal Cancer Registry
Authors: Sanz-Garcia Enrique , Brown Samantha , Lavery Jessica A. , Weiss Jessica , Fuchs Hannah E. , Newcomb Ashley , Postle Asha , Warner Jeremy L. , LeNoue-Newton Michele L. , Sweeney Shawn M. , Pillai Shirin , Yu Celeste , Nichols Chelsea , Mastrogiacomo Brooke , Kundra Ritika , Schultz Nikolaus , Kehl Kenneth L. , Riely Gregory J. , Schrag Deborah , Govindarajan Anand , Panageas Katherine S. , Bedard Philippe L. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Peritoneal metastases (PM) are common in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). We aimed to characterize patients with mCRC and PM from a clinical and molecular perspective using the American Association of Cancer Research Genomics Evidence Neoplasia Information Exchange (GENIE) Biopharma Collaborative (BPC) registry. Patients’ tumor samples underwent targeted next-generation sequencing. Clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes were collected retrospectively. Overall survival (OS) from advanced disease and progression-free survival (PFS) from start of cancer-directed drug regimen were estimated and adjusted for the left truncation bias. A total of 1,281 patients were analyzed, 244 (19%) had PM at time of advanced disease. PM were associated with female sex [OR: 1.67; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11–2.54; P = 0.014] and higher histologic grade (OR: 1.72; 95% CI: 1.08–2.71; P = 0.022), while rectal primary tumors were less frequent in patients with PM (OR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.29–0.88; P &lt; 0.001). APC occurred less frequently in patients with PM (N = 151, 64% vs. N = 788, 79%) while MED12 alterations occurred more frequently in patients with PM (N = 20, 10% vs. N = 32, 4%); differences in MED12 were not significant when restricting to oncogenic and likely oncogenic variants according to OncoKB. Patients with PM had worse OS (HR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.16–1.81) after adjustment for independently significant clinical and genomic predictors. PFS from initiation of first-line treatment did not differ by presence of PM. In conclusion, PM were more frequent in females and right-sided primary tumors. Differences in frequencies of MED12 and APC alterations were identified between patients with and without PM. PM were associated with shorter OS but not with PFS from first-line treatment.

Significance:
Utilizing the GENIE BPC registry, this study found that PM in patients with colorectal cancer occur more frequently in females and right-sided primary tumors and are associated with worse OS. In addition, we found a lower frequency of APC alterations and a higher frequency in MED12 alterations in patients with PM.
Secular Trends in Outcomes and Impact of Novel Oral Anticoagulants in Atrial Fibrillation–Related Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Lee Minwoo , Lee Byung-Chul , Yu Kyung-Ho , Oh Mi-Sun , Kim Beom Joon , Kim Jun Yup , Kang Jihoon , Lee Keon-Joo , Kim Do Yeon , Park Jong-Moo , Kang Kyusik , Park Tai Hwan , Lee Kyung Bok , Hong Keun-Sik , Park Hong-Kyun , Cho Yong-Jin , Kim Dong-Eog , Lee Soo Joo , Kim Jae Guk , Lee Jun , Cha Jae-Kwan , Kim Dae-Hyun , Kim Joon-Tae , Choi Kang-Ho , Choi Jay Chol , Sohn Sung-il , Hong Jeong-Ho , Lee Sang-hwa , Kim Chulho , Shin Dong-Ick , Yum Kyu Sun , Lee Juneyoung , Lee Ji Sung , Gorelick Philip B. , Bae Hee-Joon ,   on behalf of the CRCS-K Investigators
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:
Novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are currently recommended for the secondary prevention of stroke in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) accompanied by atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the impact of NOACs on clinical outcomes in real-world practice remains ambiguous. This study analyzes the trend of clinical events in patients with AF-related AIS and determines how much the introduction of NOACs has mediated this trend.

METHODS:
We identified patients with AIS and AF between January 2011 and December 2019 using a multicenter stroke registry. Annual rates of NOAC prescriptions and clinical events within 1 year were evaluated. The primary outcome was a composite of recurrent stroke, myocardial infarction, and all-cause mortality. To assess the mediation effect of NOACs on the relationship between the calendar year and these outcomes, we used natural effect models and conducted exposure-mediator, exposure-outcome, and mediator-outcome analyses using multivariable regression models or accelerated failure time models, adjusting for potential confounders.

RESULTS:
Among the 12 977 patients with AF-related AIS, 12 500 (average age: 74.4 years; 51.3% male) were analyzed after excluding cases of valvular AF. Between 2011 and 2019, there was a significant decrease in the 1-year incidence of the primary composite outcome from 28.3% to 21.7%, while the NOAC prescription rate increased from 0% to 75.6%. A 1-year increase in the calendar year was independently associated with delayed occurrence of the primary outcome (adjusted time ratio, 1.10 [95% CI, 1.07–1.14]) and increased NOAC prescription (adjusted odds ratio, 2.20 [95% CI, 2.14–2.27]). Increased NOAC prescription was associated with delayed occurrence of the primary outcome (adjusted time ratio, 3.82 [95% CI, 3.17 to 4.61]). Upon controlling for NOAC prescription (mediator), the calendar year no longer influenced the primary outcome (adjusted time ratio, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.94–1.00]). This suggests that NOAC prescription mediates the association between the calendar year and the primary outcome.

CONCLUSIONS:
Our study highlights a temporal reduction in major clinical events or death in Korean patients with AF-related AIS, mediated by increased NOAC prescription, emphasizing NOAC use in this population.
Russian Aggression against Ukraine and the Making of Refugees
Authors: Burtsev Dmytro 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This article examines the Russian invasion of Ukraine from the perspectives of Russian ideology, the tools used by the Russian Federation in the war against Ukraine, and refugee-making. The article uses offensive realism as an approach to understanding the actions of Russia against Ukraine. Russian full-scale aggression against Ukraine in February 2022 provoked international crises in numerous dimensions: political, security, humanitarian, and ecological. It became not only a war between countries, but a war between ways of thinking and ideologies. The reasoning and international policies behind this war might have very different and controversial interpretations; however, some explanation can be found by analyzing Russian inner-political discourse during the last two decades and the development of Russian ideology. The key research question of the article concerns the issue of Russian ideology and its role in Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Relationship between Famine and Climatic Disasters in China during the Qing Dynasty
Authors: Wei Zhudeng , Li Beibei 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Famine poses a significant threat to human food security and sustainable development. This study investigates the prevalence and magnitude of famine and its connection to climatic change/disasters at different spatiotemporal scales. The famine index was reconstructed using 13 828 famine-related literature records in China during the Qing Dynasty (CE 1644–1911). The study found that extreme drought/flood events instantaneously triggered famine at the seasonal to interannual scale, leading to intermittent occurrences of great famines. Drought-induced famine was the most prominent. Famine was positively correlated with drought in both short-term variations and long-term trends across different regions. The effect of floods on famines was double-edged and varied between the north and south of China. The severe famines that occurred between 1811 and 1878 were related to both climatic cooling and an increase in drought/flood events under a situation of growing population pressure on resources. The greatest famine of 1876–78 was probably the result of long-term interactions among intensifying human–land contradictions since the early nineteenth century, periodic droughts in north China, and a weakening of regional buffering mechanisms due to flood-induced declines in south China.
Internalized stigma: Social support, coping, psychological distress, and mental well-being among older adults in Ghana
Authors: Oti-Boadi Mabel , Andoh-Arthur Johnny , Abekah-Carter Kwamina , Abukuri Daniel Naawenkangua 
Published: February 2024

Background: Older adults have been found to internalize stigma from society and this has been linked to several variables including social support, coping, psychological distress, and mental well-being. However, there is a dearth of research on how these variables interact with each other to impact the life of older adults. Aims: This study employed path analysis to explore social support and coping as boundary conditions and underlying mechanisms in the link between internalized stigma, psychological distress, and mental well-being, among older adults in Ghana. Method: Using a cross-sectional design, the study recruited 167 older adults who responded to standardized questionnaires including The Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness scale, Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale, The Brief Coping Inventory, Kessler Distress Scale, and the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale, to determine levels of internalized stigma, social support, coping strategies, psychological distress, and mental well-being, respectively. Results: The findings revealed that at low levels of social support, there is a significant and positive correlation between internalized stigma and mental well-being (β = −.36, SE = 0.17, p  < .001). Path analysis showed that the relationship between internalized stigma and mental well-being was fully mediated by problem-focused coping (β = .11, p = . 001, 95% CI [0.04, 0.21]), but not psychological distress. Problem-focused coping was also found to have a significant positive correlation with mental well-being but no significant correlation with psychological distress. Conversely, avoidant-focused coping was found to have a significant positive correlation with psychological distress and a significant negative correlation with mental well-being. Conclusions: This study revealed the importance of social support and coping to attaining mental well-being among older adults. This study provides insights into the development of tailored interventions aimed at improving social support and problem-focused coping among older Ghanaian adults facing internalized stigma, and it also establishes a base for future research.
Influence of stress, anxiety, and depression on sleep quality and academic performance of medical students in Fallujah University, Iraq
Authors: Al Ani Hajer MJ , Al Shawi Ameel F , Lafta Riyadh K , Abdulqadir Omnia , Nadhim Sarah , Abdulkarim Shaffa 
Published: February 2024

Background: There is a relation between sleep quality, mental health, and academic performance among medical students. Students who experience better sleep quality and have good mental health will exhibit higher academic performance compared to those who have reduced sleep quality and poor psychological health. Objective: To assess the relation between mental health problems, sleep quality, and academic performance among medical students in the stage of clinical training at the University of Fallujah, Iraq. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a self-administered questionnaire was adopted that gathered three validated and previously used screening tools: The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the AHELO Self-Assessment Questionnaire. Results: The findings revealed a high prevalence of anxiety, 40% of the students reported experiencing mild to moderate anxiety, while 24.1% showed severe anxiety, 20.0% experienced mild depression, and 10.8% had moderate depression. There was a significant negative correlation between stress and academic performance (Pearson’s r = −.333, p < .001), between depression and academic performance (Pearson’s r = −.437, p < .001), and between anxiety and academic performance (Pearson’s r = −.417, p < .001). Conclusion: Mental health problems are prevalent among medical students represented by the study sample, and are significantly correlated to the students’ academic performance.
Cost Analysis of Implementing a 12-Month Recertification Criterion for Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program’s AIDS Drug Assistance Program in Washington State
Authors: Erly Steven , Dombrowski Julia C. , Khosropour Christine , Reuer Jennifer R. , Boersema Kandis , Sharma Monisha 
Published: February 2024

Objective: AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAPs) are state-administered programs that pay for medical care and medication for people living with HIV (PLWH) in the United States. In October 2021, the federal policy requiring that clients recertify for the program every 6 months was repealed, giving states the authority to set their own recertification policies. However, little data exist on the costs and health effects of alternative recertification schedules. We assessed the cost of changing the legacy 6-month recertification to a 12-month schedule in Washington State to inform policy decisions on recertification. Methods: We used a Markov model to simulate the population of PLWH in Washington State who are eligible or enrolled in ADAP. We obtained model inputs and validation data from the Washington State Ryan White database. We estimated the cost of 12-month and 6-month criteria over a 5-year time horizon. Model outputs included annual program costs, population sizes, and number of people virally suppressed, by scenario. Results: Under a continuation of the legacy 6-month recertification criteria, the annual cost of Washington ADAP would be $37 663 000 (95% CI, $34 570 000-$41 686 000) during the next 5 years, with a per-client cost of $7966 (95% CI, $7478-$8494). Under 12-month criteria, the annual cost would be $40 217 000 (95% CI, $36 243 000-$44 401 000) and the per-client cost would be $7543 (95% CI, $7084-$8042). Under the 12-month scenario, 245 more people will have been virally suppressed by the end of 2025. Conclusions: Switching to a less frequent recertification process may improve health outcomes at a modest increase in cost in Washington State.
Thoracic outlet syndrome caused by superior mediastinal mass: A case report
Authors: Kakamad Fahmi H , Asaad Saywan Kakarash , Tahir Soran H , Sabr Nasren Sharef , Ghafour Adullah K , Omer Choman Sabah , Rashid Rezheen J , Hama Amin Bnar J , Kareem Pavel Mustafa , Mohammed Mohammed Subhan 
Published: February 2024

Introduction Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) caused by superior mediastinal soft tissue mass has never been reported in the literature, the aim of this study is to discuss a case of TOS caused by a superior mediastinal mass in which the histopathological examinations of the mass showed vascular malformation. Case report A 45-year-old female presented with left upper limb pain and numbness for three months, associated with swelling and attacks of shortness of breath. Imaging studies showed soft tissue mass involving the superior mediastinum. The condition of the patient deteriorated and the signs and symptoms of TOS became clearer, all provocative tests and nerve conduction studies were positive. The patient underwent thoracic outlet decompression. The patient did not respond and the symptoms deteriorated further. After a multidisciplinary board discussion, the patient was prepared for median sternotomy under general anesthesia. A total resection of the mass was done. The patient was totally relieved a few hours after the operation. Discussion The etiology of TOS can be multifaceted. Several factors contribute to its onset, and these can be categorized as congenital or acquired. Congenital causes include anatomical anomalies such as a cervical rib, or an elongated transverse process of the cervical vertebrae. These anatomical deviations can reduce the size of the thoracic outlet and make it prone to compression. Conclusion Although it is rare, TOS could be due to superior mediastinal mass and the treatment of choice is total resection either through median sternotomy or thoracoscopic procedure.
Vagus nerve stimulation inhibits cortical spreading depression via glutamate-dependent TrkB activation mechanism in the nucleus tractus solitarius
Authors: Liu Tzu-Ting , Chen Shih-Pin , Wang Shuu-Jiun , Yen Jiin-Cherng 
Published: February 2024

Background Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) was recently found to inhibit cortical spreading depression (CSD), the underlying mechanism of migraine aura, through activation of the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), locus coeruleus (LC) and dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN). The molecular mechanisms underlying the effect of VNS on CSD in these nuclei remain to be explored. We hypothesized that VNS may activate glutamate receptor-mediated tropomyosin kinase B (TrkB) signaling in the NTS, thereby facilitating the noradrenergic and serotonergic neurotransmission to inhibit CSD. Methods To investigate the role of TrkB and glutamate receptors in non-invasive VNS efficacy on CSD, a validated KCl-evoked CSD rat model coupled with intra-NTS microinjection of selective antagonists, immunoblot and immunohistochemistry was employed. Results VNS increased TrkB phosphorylation in the NTS. Inhibition of intra-NTS TrkB abrogated the suppressive effect of VNS on CSD and CSD-induced cortical neuroinflammation. TrkB was found colocalized with glutamate receptors in NTS neurons. Inhibition of glutamate receptors in the NTS abrogated VNS-induced TrkB activation. Moreover, the blockade of TrkB in the NTS attenuated VNS-induced activation of the LC and DRN. Conclusions VNS induces the activation of glutamate receptor-mediated TrkB signaling in the NTS, which might modulate serotonergic and norepinephrinergic innervation to the cerebral cortex to inhibit CSD and cortical inflammation.