bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental investigation of coconut shell charcoal and boron carbide/zirconium dioxide in aluminium 7075 matrix composites under varying operating conditions: a comparative analysis
Authors: Silambarasan B , Karthikeyan G 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
This study focused on investigating the influence of varying weight percentages of coconut shell charcoal (CSC) on the physical, mechanical, and wear properties of aluminum 7075 (Al-7075) matrix composites reinforced by boron carbide (B4C) and zirconium dioxide (ZrO2). Throughout the study, these composites were prepared with a constant 3 wt% B4C/ZrO2. The developed composites were then subjected to the tribological analysis using a pin-on-disc apparatus under a constant sliding speed (2000 m), a sliding distance (4 m s−1), and varying operating temperatures (room temperature, 150, 200, and 250 °C). The worn-out surfaces of the composites were examined using a magnified scanning electron microscope (SEM) to investigate the microstructural analysis and wear behavior. The composites containing 3% B4C/ZrO2 and 3% CSC exhibited the highest hardness and wear resistance among the studied composites. The incorporation of CSC increased the density and porosity of the composites up to a 3 wt%, but at 4 wt%, a decrease was observed. It is worth noting that the B-series samples had slightly lower hardness values compared to the Z-series samples. Regarding the effect of temperature, the wear rate decreased as the temperature increased. The Al-7075/ZrO2/CSC composite demonstrated improved wear resistance and coefficient of friction (COF) compared to the Al-7075/B4C/CSC composite, with respective enhancements of 19.30% and 42.19%. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) confirmed the significant impact of CSC weight fraction on wear for both composites, whereas only the Al-7075/ZrO2/CSC composites showed significance for COF. The SEM analysis revealed that the addition of CSC resulted in a uniform distribution of particles within the matrix, leading to improved wear resistance. Therefore, this study demonstrated that the addition of CSC influenced the density, porosity, hardness, wear resistance, and COF in the Al-7075 matrix composites. Optimal performance was achieved with a 3 wt% CSC for Al-7075/ZrO2/CSC at 250 °C. The composites developed in this study, comprising boron carbide (B4C)- and zirconium dioxide (ZrO2)-reinforced aluminum 7075 (Al-7075) matrix with varying weight percentages of CSC, have several potential applications such as in the fields of automotive, aerospace, defense, and industrial machinery.
Facial Aesthetic Ideals: A Literature Summary of Supporting Evidence
Authors: Faderani Ryan , Singh Prateush , Monks Massimo , Dhar Shivani , Krumhuber Eva , Mosahebi Ash , Ponniah Allan 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background
To achieve the goal of enhancing facial beauty it is crucial for aesthetic physicians and plastic surgeons to have a deep understanding of aesthetic ideals. Although numerous aesthetic criteria have been proposed over the years, there is a lack of empirical analysis supporting many of these standards.

Objectives
This aim of this review was to undertake the first exploration of the empirical evidence concerning the aesthetic ideals of the face in the existing literature.

Methods
A comprehensive search in MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus and CENTRAL databases was conducted for primary clinical studies reporting on the classification of the facial aesthetic units as per the Gonzales-Ulloa facial aesthetic unit classification from January 1962 to November 2022.

Results
A total of 36 articles were included in the final review: 12 case series, 14 cohort studies, and 10 comparative studies. These described the aesthetic ideals of the following areas: forehead (6 studies; mean level of evidence, 3.33); nose (9 studies; mean level of evidence, 3.6); orbit (6 studies; mean level of evidence, 3); cheek (4 studies; mean level of evidence, 4.07); lips (6 studies; mean level of evidence, 3.33); chin (4 studies; mean level of evidence, 3.75); ear (1 study; level of evidence, 4).

Conclusions
The units that were most extensively studied were the nose, forehead, and lip, and these studies also appeared in journals with higher impact factors than other subunits. Conversely, the chin and ear subunits had the fewest studies conducted on them and had lower impact factors. To provide a useful resource for readers, it would be prudent to identify and discuss influential papers for each subunit.

Level of Evidence: 3
Genome-wide identification of transcriptional enhancers during human placental development and association with function, differentiation, and disease
Authors: Owen David M , Kwon Minjung , Huang Xuan , Nagari Anusha , Nandu Tulip , Kraus W Lee 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The placenta is a dynamic organ that must perform a remarkable variety of functions during its relatively short existence in order to support a developing fetus. These functions include nutrient delivery, gas exchange, waste removal, hormone production, and immune barrier protection. Proper placenta development and function are critical for healthy pregnancy outcomes, but the underlying genomic regulatory events that control this process remain largely unknown. We hypothesized that mapping sites of transcriptional enhancer activity and associated changes in gene expression across gestation in human placenta tissue would identify genomic loci and predicted transcription factor activity related to critical placenta functions. We used a suite of genomic assays [i.e., RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq), Precision run-on-sequencing (PRO-seq), and Chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing (ChIP-seq)] and computational pipelines to identify a set of &gt;20 000 enhancers that are active at various time points in gestation. Changes in the activity of these enhancers correlate with changes in gene expression. In addition, some of these enhancers encode risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes. We further show that integrating enhancer activity, transcription factor motif analysis, and transcription factor expression can identify distinct sets of transcription factors predicted to be more active either in early pregnancy or at term. Knockdown of selected identified transcription factors in a trophoblast stem cell culture model altered the expression of key placental marker genes. These observations provide a framework for future mechanistic studies of individual enhancer–transcription factor–target gene interactions and have the potential to inform genetic risk prediction for adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Functional network dynamics between the anterior thalamus and the cortex in deep brain stimulation for epilepsy
Authors: Aiello Giovanna , Ledergerber Debora , Dubcek Tena , Stieglitz Lennart , Baumann Christian , Polanìa Rafael , Imbach Lukas 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Owing to its unique connectivity profile with cortical brain regions, and its suggested role in the subcortical propagation of seizures, the anterior nucleus of the thalamus (ANT) has been proposed as a key deep brain stimulation (DBS) target in drug-resistant epilepsy. However, the spatio-temporal interaction dynamics of this brain structure, and the functional mechanisms underlying ANT DBS in epilepsy remain unknown.
Here, we study how the ANT interacts with the neocortex in vivo in humans and provide a detailed neurofunctional characterization of mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of ANT DBS, aiming at defining intraoperative neural biomarkers of responsiveness to therapy, assessed at 6 months post-implantation as the reduction in seizure frequency. A cohort of 15 patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (n = 6 males, age = 41.6 ± 13.79 years) underwent bilateral ANT DBS implantation. Using intraoperative cortical and ANT simultaneous electrophysiological recordings, we found that the ANT is characterized by high amplitude θ (4–8 Hz) oscillations, mostly in its superior part. The strongest functional connectivity between the ANT and the scalp EEG was also found in the θ band in ipsilateral centro-frontal regions. Upon intraoperative stimulation in the ANT, we found a decrease in higher EEG frequencies (20–70 Hz) and a generalized increase in scalp-to-scalp connectivity. Crucially, we observed that responders to ANT DBS treatment were characterized by higher EEG θ oscillations, higher θ power in the ANT, and stronger ANT-to-scalp θ connectivity, highlighting the crucial role of θ oscillations in the dynamical network characterization of these structures.
Our study provides a comprehensive characterization of the interaction dynamic between the ANT and the cortex, delivering crucial information to optimize and predict clinical DBS response in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.
Brain perivascular macrophages: current understanding and future prospects
Authors: Wen Wenjie , Cheng Jinping , Tang Yamei 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBrain perivascular macrophages are specialized populations of macrophages that reside in the space around cerebral vessels, such as penetrating arteries and venules. With the help of cutting-edge technologies, such as cell fate mapping and single-cell multi-omics, their multifaceted, pivotal roles in phagocytosis, antigen presentation, vascular integrity maintenance and metabolic regulation have more recently been further revealed under physiological conditions.Accumulating evidence also implies that perivascular macrophages are involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disease, cerebrovascular dysfunction, autoimmune disease, traumatic brain injury and epilepsy. They can act in either protective or detrimental ways depending on the disease course and stage. However, the underlying mechanisms of perivascular macrophages remain largely unknown. Therefore, we highlight potential future directions in research on perivascular macrophages, including the utilization of genetic mice and novel therapeutic strategies that target these unique immune cells for neuroprotective purposes.In conclusion, this review provides a comprehensive update on the current knowledge of brain perivascular macrophages, shedding light on their pivotal roles in central nervous system health and disease.
Toxicity spectrum and risk factors for chemo-immunotherapy in locally advanced or metastatic lung cancer
Authors: Li Jinjin , Shi Wenhao , Xiong Jin , Huang Yusheng , He Yi , Zhou Yan , Yang Zhenzhou , Peng Yuan 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Chemo-immunotherapy has become the best first-line treatment for advanced lung cancer patients without oncogenic drivers. However, it may also lead to an increased incidence and severity of treatment-related adverse events. In this retrospective study, lung cancer patients administrated with either anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 treatment plus chemotherapy were included. Data on demographic characteristics, disease characteristics, treatment strategies, laboratory results, and clinical outcomes were collected from the Electronic Medical Records System and evaluation scales. Chi-square, univariate, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify the risk factors for immune-related adverse events (irAEs). A total of 116 patients were included in the study, and the majority experienced treatment-related adverse events. Adverse events of any grade were reported in 114 (98.3%) patients, with 73 (62.9%) experiencing Grade 3 or higher events. The most frequent adverse events were anemia (67.2%), decreased appetite (62.9%), and alopecia (53.4%). Fifty-four (46.6%) patients were diagnosed with irAEs, with hypothyroidism (28.4%) being the most commonly reported. Multivariable analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between the number of treatment cycles, elevated baseline levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) with irAEs (OR = 1.222, P = 0.009, OR = 1.945, P = 0.016, OR = 1.176, P = 0.004), and IL-6 was identified as a strong predictor of severe irAEs (OR = 1.084, P = 0.014). Our study demonstrated the safety of chemo-immunotherapy in lung cancer patients without additional toxicity. The number of treatment cycles, higher baseline levels of TSH and IL-6 were identified as potential clinical biomarkers for irAEs.
UPLC–PDA Approach for Simultaneous Quantification of Elvitegravir, Tenofovir, Emtricitabine and Cobicistat in Tablets: An MS–ESI Study for Degradation Products
Authors: Nimmagadda Rajya Lakshmi , Gummadi Sowjanya 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
A simultaneous ultra-performance liquid chromatography photodiode array detection method was developed and validated for Elvitegravir, Tenofovir and Emtricitabine and Cobicistat drugs in tablet dosage forms. Effective liquid chromatographic quantification was achieved using a Luna C18 (100 × 2.6 mm, 1.6 μ) column with an acetonitrile: 0.1% v/v trifluoro acetic acid (80:20% v/v) mobile phase and a photo diode array detector at 260 nm for a shorter run time of 3 min. The respective retention times for Elvitegravir, Tenofovir, Emtricitabine and Cobicistat were 0.311, 0.792, 1.379 and 2.045 min. The range of linearity was 37.50–225.00, 2.50–15.00, 50.00–300.00 and 37.50–225.00 μg/mL for Elvitegravir, Tenofovir, Emtricitabine and Cobicistat, respectively. A mass spectrometer was employed for quantitative analysis using electron spray ionization multiple reaction monitoring in positive mode. The developed method was validated for different parameters to meet the acceptance criteria as per ICH Q2 (R1) guidelines. Using UPLC–ESI–MS, 12 degradants were identified and their mechanisms were studied.
Patient concern regarding bleeding side effects from oral anticoagulation therapy for atrial fibrillation: an analysis from the multicentre KiCS-AF registry
Authors: Ueda Ikuko , Kohsaka Shun , Ikemura Nobuhiro , Kimura Takehiro , Katsumata Yoshinori , Takemura Ryo , Suzuki Masahiro , Takatsuki Seiji , Koide Daisuke , Fukuda Keiichi 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Aims
The purpose of this study is to utilize patient-reported outcomes to determine the percentage of patients concerned about mild to moderate bleeding side effects of anticoagulants.

Methods and results
We consecutively enrolled 3312 newly diagnosed or referred patients for atrial fibrillation (AF) management from 11 sites within the Keio interhospital Cardiovascular Studies-Atrial Fibrillation registry between September 2012 and May 2018. Of these patients, 2636 (79.5%) were taking oral anticoagulants at enrollment. Using the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality-of-life questionnaire (AFEQT), the patients who responded ‘1: not at all bothered’ or ‘2: hardly bothered’ on the seven-point scale regarding bleeding side effects were classified as the ‘no OAC concern’ group while those responding ‘3: a little bothered’ to ‘7: extremely bothered’ were classified as the ‘OAC concern’ group. On baseline analysis, 29.3% (n = 772) were ‘concerned’ about bleeding side effects. The proportion of women and patients with AF-related symptoms was higher in the oral anticoagulant (OAC) concern vs. no OAC concern group (36.9% vs. 29.8%, P &lt; 0.0004 and 66.2% vs. 56.7%, P &lt; 0.0001, respectively). The CHADS2 scores ≥ 2 were comparable between groups. Of the 430 patients in the 1-year follow-up analysis, the proportion of the continued OAC concern group (1 year from enrollment) was 41.6%. The dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and apixaban usage rates were comparable between the two groups in baseline and 1-year follow-up analysis.

Conclusion
Approximately one-third of all patients with AF on anticoagulant therapy were concerned regarding bleeding from short- and long-term anticoagulant use.
Targeted left ventricular lead positioning to the site of latest activation in cardiac resynchronization therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fyenbo Daniel Benjamin , Bjerre Henrik Laurits , Frausing Maria Hee Jung Park , Stephansen Charlotte , Sommer Anders , Borgquist Rasmus , Bakos Zoltan , Glikson Michael , Milman Anat , Beinart Roy , Kockova Radka , Sedlacek Kamil , Wichterle Dan , Saba Samir , Jain Sandeep , Shalaby Alaa , Kronborg Mads Brix , Nielsen Jens Cosedis 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Aims
Several studies have evaluated the use of electrically- or imaging-guided left ventricular (LV) lead placement in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) recipients. We aimed to assess evidence for a guided strategy that targets LV lead position to the site of latest LV activation.

Methods and results
A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) until March 2023 that evaluated electrically- or imaging-guided LV lead positioning on clinical and echocardiographic outcomes. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalization, and secondary endpoints were quality of life, 6-min walk test (6MWT), QRS duration, LV end-systolic volume, and LV ejection fraction. We included eight RCTs that comprised 1323 patients. Six RCTs compared guided strategy (n = 638) to routine (n = 468), and two RCTs compared different guiding strategies head-to-head: electrically- (n = 111) vs. imaging-guided (n = 106). Compared to routine, a guided strategy did not significantly reduce the risk of the primary endpoint after 12–24 (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.52–1.33) months. A guided strategy was associated with slight improvement in 6MWT distance after 6 months of follow-up of absolute 18 (95% CI 6–30) m between groups, but not in remaining secondary endpoints. None of the secondary endpoints differed between the guided strategies.

Conclusion
In this study, a CRT implantation strategy that targets the latest LV activation did not improve survival or reduce heart failure hospitalizations.
Real-world evidence on the association between cardiac implantable electronic device infection and all-cause mortality
Authors: Shawon Md Shajedur Rahman , Sotade Oluwadamisola Temilade , Hill Michelle , Strachan Liesl , Challis Gabrielle , Ooi Sze-Yuan , Jorm Louisa R 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Aims
An infection following cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) procedure is a serious complication, but its association with all-cause mortality is inconsistent across observational studies. To quantify the association between CIED infection and all-cause mortality in a large, contemporary cohort from New South Wales, Australia.

Methods and results
This retrospective cohort study used linked hospital and mortality data and included all patients aged &gt;18 years who underwent a CIED procedure between July 2017 and September 2022. Cardiac implantable electronic device infection was defined by the presence of relevant diagnosis codes. Cox regression to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association of CIED infection with mortality, at 1-year, and at the end of follow-up, with CIED infection included as a time-dependent variable, and other potential risk factors for mortality included as fixed covariates. We followed 37,750 patients with CIED procedures {36% female, mean age [standard deviation (SD)] 75.8 [12.7] years}, and 487 (1.3%) CIED infections were identified. We observed 5771 (15.3%) deaths during an average follow-up of 25.2 (SD 16.8) months. Compared with no infection group, patients with CIED infection had a higher Kaplan-Meier mortality rate (19.4 vs. 6.8%) and adjusted hazard of mortality (aHR 2.73, 95% CI 2.10−3.54) at 12 months post-procedure. These differences were attenuated but still remained significant at the end of follow-up (aHR 1.83, 95% CI 1.52−2.19).

Conclusion
In a complete, state–wide cohort of CIED patients, infection was associated with higher risks of both short–term and long–term mortality.
Catheter ablation of atrial tachyarrhythmias in patients with atrioventricular septal defect
Authors: Waldmann Victor , Bessière Francis , Gardey Kevin , Hascoët Sébastien , Henaine Roland , Iserin Laurence , Ladouceur Magalie , Bonnet Damien , Marijon Eloi , Maltret Alice , Combes Nicolas , de Groot Natasja 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Aims
The incidence of atrial tachyarrhythmias is high in patients with atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD). No specific data on catheter ablation have been reported so far in this population. We aimed to describe the main mechanisms of atrial tachyarrhythmias in patients with AVSD and to analyse outcomes after catheter ablation.

Methods and results
This observational multi-centric cohort study enrolled all patients with AVSD referred for catheter ablation of an atrial tachyarrhythmia at six tertiary centres from 2004 to 2022. The mechanisms of the different tachyarrhythmias targeted were described and outcomes were analysed. Overall, 56 patients (38.1 ± 17.4 years, 55.4% females) were included. A total of 87 atrial tachyarrhythmias were targeted (mean number of 1.6 per patient). Regarding main circuits involved, a cavo-annular isthmus-dependent intra-atrial re-entrant tachycardia (IART) was observed in 41 (73.2%) patients and an IART involving the right lateral atriotomy in 10 (17.9%) patients. Other tachyarrhythmias with heterogeneous circuits were observed in 13 (23.2%) patients including 11 left-sided and 4 right-sided tachyarrhythmias. Overall, an acute success was achieved in 54 (96.4%) patients, and no complication was reported. During a mean follow-up of 2.8 ± 3.8 years, 22 (39.3%) patients had at least one recurrence. Freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrences was 77.5% at 1 year. Among 15 (26.8%) patients who underwent repeated ablation procedures, heterogeneous circuits including bi-atrial and left-sided tachyarrhythmias were more frequent.

Conclusion
In patients with AVSD, most circuits involve the cavo-annular isthmus, but complex mechanisms are frequently encountered in patients with repeated procedures. The acute success rate is excellent, although recurrences remain common during follow-up.
Predation risk drives aposematic signal conformity
Authors: Walker Hannah , Caro Tim , Bell Donovan , Ferguson Adam , Stankowich Theodore 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Contrary to expectations regarding efficient predator education mediated by lack of ambiguity and enhanced prey recognition, aposematic signals often show considerable intraspecific variability. For example, some striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) are almost entirely white, others have black-and-white stripes of equivalent thicknesses, yet others are mostly black. We tested the ecological correlates of this variation in patterning using 749 museum skins collected across North America. Skunks had longer white–black borders and more bilaterally symmetrical stripes in areas with a greater number of potential predator species, and this effect was more marked for mammalian than avian predators, the latter of which may be less deterred by noxious defenses. Skunks from locations with greater predator diversity were less variable in the extent of whiteness on their dorsa and less variable in the length of their white–black borders, suggesting strong selection from predators leads to greater conformity in stripe patterns, even at the same location, but weak selection from predators leads to relaxed selection on pattern conformity. Skunks exhibited greater areas of black pelage in areas of greater humidity conforming to Gloger’s rule. Our results indicate that relaxed predation pressure is key to warning signal variation in this iconic species, whereas stronger pressure leads to signal conformity and stronger signals.