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Correction: Exploring the role of epidermal growth factor receptor variant III in meningeal tumors
Sustained freshening of Arabian Sea High Salinity Water induced by extreme precipitation events
Abstract In the northern Arabian Sea, high salinity levels are primarily sustained by year-round evaporation, driving the convective formation of Arabian Sea High Salinity Water (ASHSW) during the winter monsoon (November–February). Although precipitation has largely been discounted as a critical controlling mechanism for winter convection, recent years have seen a notable increase in extreme cyclones over the Arabian Sea, particularly in post-monsoon cyclones (September–December) since 2014. However, the extent to which these cyclone-induced freshwater inputs disrupt the region’s freshwater balance (evaporation – precipitation) and impact ASHSW formation remains unclear. Here, we present observational evidence supported by a suite of model simulation experiments, revealing a significant weakening in ASHSW formation triggered and sustained by extreme tropical cyclones. The addition of freshwater reduces the density of high-salinity water, augmenting stratification and disrupting the convective sinking process, ultimately limiting the depth of convective mixing. These findings underscore the profound implications of extreme cyclone-induced freshwater inputs.
Modeling and simulation of an effectual triangular slotted UWB flexible antenna for breast cancer detection and healthcare monitoring
With refinements in electromagnetics, diverse medical applications have evolved to detect diseases efficaciously. Breast cancer, a dominant cause of mortality among women worldwide, necessitates early diagnosis and screening for timely medical intervention. This research establishes the design, simulation, and analysis of an advanced triangular slotted circular flexible Ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna optimized for breast cancer detection and healthcare monitoring. The proposed antenna employs an extensive frequency range of 2.95 GHz to 24.2 GHz, accomplishing an impressive impedance bandwidth of 156%. It authenticates directional and omnidirectional radiation patterns with compact dimensions of 46.3 × 52.6 × 1.076 mm³. Key aspects divulge a resonance frequency at 14.35 GHz with a significant input reflection coefficient of −37.8 dB. The antenna achieves a peak gain of 3.16 dB at 5.8 GHz, with efficiencies of 59.56% and 66.88% at 5.8 GHz and 4.48 GHz, respectively. A meticulous case study involving SAR evaluation confirms the antenna’s safe exposure levels. For a flat human phantom, SAR values are 0.774 W/kg at 13.5 GHz and 0.712 W/kg at 14.35 GHz for 10 gm of tissue. For the breast phantom model, SAR values are 0.201 W/kg at 11.4 GHz and 0.152 W/kg at 14.35 GHz for 10 gm of tissue. Besides that, the antenna’s flexible design promises an excellent execution under several bending conditions, making it ideal for wearable applications. These findings establish the antenna as an efficient solution for breast cancer detection and healthcare monitoring, combining safety, flexibility, and the aptness to ameliorate early diagnosis while lowering mortality rates. Wearable antennas are pivotal for advanced healthcare applications. This section presents the literature and discusses the work related to flexible UWB antenna designed for breast cancer detection and healthcare monitoring, tackling challenges in early diagnosis and patient care.
A polyene macrolide targeting phospholipids in the fungal cell membrane
Nitrogen deposition favors later leaf senescence in woody species
Mechanical properties research of unconsolidated hydrate-bearing sediments under the effect of clay minerals
The shallow hydrate reservoir in the Shenhu Sea area is mainly composed of clayey silt. Clay mineral has an important impact on the mechanical properties, and the hydrate decomposition aggravates this impact. Therefore, the composition and geological conditions of shallow clay hydrate-bearing sediment in Shenhu sea area are fully considered, hydrate-bearing sediment samples with similar physical properties are synthesized in situ. Then, indoor triaxial mechanical experiments are carried out, and the effect of clay minerals on the mechanical property is analyzed. The results show that the clay content and clay type have an important impact on the mechanical properties of unconsolidated hydrate-bearing sediment. With the increase of clay content, the strain hardening characteristics are prominent, the yield stage is longer, and the plasticity is enhanced. Hydrate-bearing sediment with different clay content shows similar mechanical laws under the influence of hydrate saturation and effective confining pressure. The peak strength, elastic modulus and Poisson’s ratio all show a downward trend, but the peak strength and elastic modulus change more obviously. The peak strength changes linearly with hydrate saturation, while nonlinearly with effective confining pressure, especially 0–3 MPa. This is the comprehesive result of clay particle’s movement and fragmentation, clay hydration and expansion, affecting hydrate formation and sediment cementation. When the content ratio of montmorillonite/illite decreases, the peak strength and elastic modulus show an increasing trend. Because the frictional resistance and connection strength of illite crystal layer are larger with bigger particle size, weaker hydration and thinner water film. The research can provide reference for drilling and production engineering of natural gas hydrate (NGH) reservoir in the Shenhu sea area.
Author Correction: External validation of artificial intelligence for detection of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Should I stay or should I go—Medical assistants´ experiences and coping with patient demand and lack of appreciation during the Covid-19 pandemic
Background This article explores the psychological burden experienced by medical assistants (MAs) in General Practices during the Covid-19 pandemic (Corona virus disease 2019 (SARS-CoV-2)) in Germany. The study aims on demanding patient behavior, increased workload, and the perceived lack of appreciation and discuss their potential impact on the MAs´ well-being and career decisions. Methods A qualitative approach was utilized. MAs were included via a regional practice network as well as professional associations and newsletters. In total, 21 interviews with MAs from various federal states in Germany were conducted between April and September 2021. The semi-structured interview guideline focused on daily work challenges during the pandemic and its consequences. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis according to Kuckartz. Results The findings highlight core challenges, including demanding communication with patients, lack of appreciation in the media, a high workload, resilience versus career migration, and the needs and wishes of MAs in their everyday work. Abusive language, insults, and theft of materials by patients added significant stress. The interviews reveal how important teamwork and a supportive working environment are for overcoming these challenges. Conclusions The study underlines the urgent need for societal and political awareness regarding the challenges faced by MAs, especially during public health crises. The perceived social egoism in patient behavior, coupled with a lack of recognition and appreciation, contributed to a challenging work atmosphere and potential burnout risk. Recommendations include enhancing support for MAs, recognizing their contributions in the media, and fostering collaborative efforts between practitioners and policymakers to address the unique challenges in general practices. Trial registration German Register of Clinical Studies (DRKS) DRKS00032402; https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00032402 (Registration Date: 14.08.2023)
A large model for non-invasive and personalized management of breast cancer from multiparametric MRI
A minimal biophysical model for the temperature dependence of CO2 fixation rates based on macromolecular rate theory
Accurately predicting how the global environment will change under continued CO2 and temperature increases is currently a critical issue. Predictions are dependent on global models that represent this complex system of natural and anthropogenic inputs, responses, and feedback loops. These models must include accurate descriptions of complex biological processes such as photosynthesis, which is currently responsible for the removal of 123 petagrams of atmospheric carbon annually. Here, we develop a simplified approach to model the effect of concurrent changes in temperature and CO2 concentrations on the rate of C3 carbon fixation. The model simplifies the temperature response of the CO2 fixation pathway into a three-parameter curve (as modelled by macromolecular rate theory, MMRT), which incorporates the limitations of RuBisCO kinetics, and CO2 and O2 solubility as simple system constraints. This framework fully accounts for the temperature and CO2 dependence of CO2 fixation rates in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) leaves with just three parameters, in combination with defined biophysical constraints.
Bridging mixed potential theory and electrochemical promotion of thermal catalysis during hydroquinone-benzoquinone redox reactions
Effectiveness of theory-based breast self-examination intervention for breast cancer prevention among female college teachers in Pakistan: A cluster randomized controlled trial study protocol
Background Breast cancer poses a significant health challenge in Pakistan, with a disproportionately high number of cases diagnosed at advanced stages. Despite the rising incidence, preventative measures like regular screening remain not commonly practiced among Pakistani women. While extensive research exists on breast cancer globally, there is a critical gap in studies specifically designed and evaluated to enhance breast self-examination practices within the Pakistani context. Methodology The primary goal of this study is to design and implement an educational intervention on breast self-examination and evaluate its effectiveness among college teachers in Pakistan. This protocol outlines a single-blind, parallel cluster randomized controlled trial (CRCT) with an intervention period of three months. Clusters will be randomly assigned to either the control or intervention groups,and baseline data will be gathered from both groups. An intervention based on the health belief model will be executed for the intervention group to improve women’s knowledge and behaviors about breast self-examination (BSE). Data will be collected at two follow-up intervals for both groups post-intervention. The modified questionnaires include constructs such as breast cancer symptoms, risk factors, detection techniques, frequency and practices of breast self-examination, and perceptions of breast cancer. The control group will get the intervention once the trial concludes. The primary outcome of this study is breast self-examination (BSE) practice, whereas secondary outcomes encompass knowledge and beliefs related to breast cancer and BSE. Discussion This cluster randomized controlled trial is aimed to improve the efficacy and legitimacy of theory-based intervention by increasing women’s knowledge of breast self-examination and breast cancer and changing their attitudes to encourage early breast cancer detection by practicing breast self-examination. This might significantly allow an improved detection rate; therefore, earlier treatment can be offered. Therefore, lower the death rate from breast cancer and guide health promotion initiatives in other comparable settings. Furthermore, less aggressive therapies are frequently possible with early detection, which enhances healthcare cost-effectiveness while also improving patient outcomes and treatment burdens. Trial registration This study protocol is registered with the Thai Clinical Trial Registry (TCTR), TCTR20240703005 (https://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/show/TCTR20240703005). The following study protocol complied with the Standard Protocol Items Recommendations for Interventional Trials (SPIRIT) checklist. (S1 file).
New antifungal breaks the mould
Sub-4 nanometer porous membrane enables highly efficient electrodialytic fractionation of dyes and inorganic salts
Abstract During the synthesis of dyes, desalination of high-salinity dye-containing waste liquor is a critical premise for high-quality, clean dye production. Conventional membrane processes, such as electrodialysis, nanofiltration and ultrafiltration, are inevitably subjected to serious membrane fouling, deteriorating the dye/salt fractionation efficacy. Integrating the technical merits of electrodialysis and pressure-driven membrane separation, we devise an electro-driven filtration process using a tight ultrafiltration membrane as alternative to conventional anion exchange membrane for rapid anion transfer, in view of dye desalination and purification. By employing a sub-4 nanometer tight ultrafiltration membrane as anion conducting membrane, the electro-driven filtration process achieves 98.15% desalination efficiency and 99.66% dye recovery for one-step fractionation of reactive dye and NaCl salt, markedly outperforming the system using commercial anion exchange membranes. Notably, the electro-driven filtration system displays a consistently high and stable fractionation performance for dyes and salts with unprecedentedly low membrane fouling through an eight-cycle continuous operation. Our results demonstrate that the electro-driven filtration process using nanoporous membranes as high-performance anion conducting membranes shows a critical potential in fractionation of organic dyes and inorganic salts, unlocking the proof of concept of nanoporous membranes in electro-driven application.
Temporal effect of docetaxel on bone quality in a rodent model of vertebral metastases
This study investigates the effects of the anticancer drug docetaxel (DTX) and its timing of administration on tumor development and resultant bone quality in a rodent model, considering both healthy animals and those with osteolytic bone metastases secondary to intra-cardiac injection (d0) of HeLa cells. Healthy and tumor-bearing rats were treated with DTX on d7 or d14 and compared to the control (no treatment) and an additional cohort treated with Zoledronic acid (ZOL). Notably, DTX administration on d7 markedly curtailed tumor growth, as evidenced by bioluminescence and histological analysis, indicating its effectiveness in reducing bone metastases. Bone metastases were more established in animals treated with later DTX administration and ZOL, but still reduced compared to no treatment. When considering bone quality, we found that both the organic and mineral phases of bone are impacted by DTX treatment. Tumor-bearing animals exhibited decreased hydroxyproline/proline ratios reflecting change in collagen metabolism compared to healthy controls, but these decreases were only significant with no treatment or DTX administration on d14. This suggests a positive impact of early DTX treatment similar to ZOL on bone quality from an organic perspective. As well, increased CaMean and CaPeak reflecting the degree of calcification was found in healthy rats treated early with DTX, similar to that seen with ZOL compared to the tumor-bearing treated groups. Overall, early docetaxel administration reduced tumor formation and improved bone quality, suggesting its potential benefit in managing bone metastases.
Realization of fractional-layer transition metal dichalcogenides
Capacity optimization configuration and multi-dimensional value evaluation of integrated energy system with power-to-hydrogen
The research on the value evaluation system of power-to-hydrogen (P2H) equipment configuration in integrated energy systems is of great value for optimizing resource allocation, improving energy utilization efficiency, and promoting clean energy technology development. However, there is no comprehensive evaluation system for evaluating P2H equipment configuration in integrated energy systems. Therefore, a multi-dimensional value evaluation system is proposed to realize the thorough evaluation of P2H equipment with different capacity configurations in the integrated energy system. Initially, a mathematical model considering flexibility benefit, new energy consumption benefit, economic benefit, and environmental benefit is established to maximize the comprehensive benefits brought by P2H equipment to the integrated energy system, and the model is solved using an improved backbone particle swarm optimization (IBBPSO) algorithm; subsequently, a multi-dimensional value evaluation system based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) -entropy weight method is constructed, and the value of P2H equipment with different capacity configurations in the integrated energy system is compared and analyzed when the comprehensive benefit is optimal. The experimental results show that the IBBPSO algorithm exhibits better performance in solving the optimization model. Compared to PSO, IBBPSO, GWO, and WOA algorithms, it improves by 9.8%, 11.09%, 33.57%, and 17.7%, respectively. The optimal solution is achieved when the P2H equipment is configured to 50 MW.
Myelopoiesis is temporally dynamic and is regulated by lifestyle to modify multiple sclerosis
Oral anticoagulant use among Medicare patients newly diagnosed with venous thromboembolism (VTE): Factors associated with treatment status
Objective This study aimed to describe oral anticoagulant (OAC) use among patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE). Materials and methods This study included Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries (data from 1/1/2014-12/31/2019) newly diagnosed with VTE. Factors associated with being untreated with OACs in the first month from VTE (vs. OAC-treated), with receiving direct-acting OACs ([DOACs] vs. warfarin), and with extended OAC treatment (>3 months) were assessed using multivariable logistic regressions. Results Overall, 169,928 patients with VTE (50.3% OAC-untreated) were included. Among the 49.7% OAC-treated patients, 74.0% used DOACs and 62.5% had extended OAC treatment. Factors associated with being untreated with OACs in the first month from VTE (odds ratio; 95% confidence interval) included Hispanic ethnicity (vs. White;1.35; 1.29–1.42), having part D low-income subsidy (1.14; 1.07, 1.20), and comorbidities such as cardiovascular diseases. Among the OAC-treated cohort, patients with index VTE diagnosis in the emergency room (vs. outpatient) setting had higher odds of receiving DOAC vs. warfarin; patients with pulmonary embolism diagnosis (vs. deep vein thrombosis) had higher odds of extended OAC treatment. Conclusions In this study of Medicare patients newly diagnosed with VTE, half of the patients were not treated with OAC in the first month from initial diagnosis. Factors such as Hispanic ethnicity, having low-income subsidy, and comorbidity burden were found to be associated with being untreated with OAC. Among OAC-treated patients, the majority were treated with DOAC vs. warfarin. Interestingly, more than a third of OAC-treated patients were not treated beyond 3 months, which warrants further investigation.