Tag: pubmed

Faraday Discuss. 2024 May 20. doi: 10.1039/d3fd00179b. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Collisions of optically centrifuged CO₂ molecules with J = 244-282 (E_rot = 22 800-30 300 cm^-1) are investigated with high-resolution transient IR absorption spectroscopy to reveal collisional and orientational phenomena of molecules with hyper-thermal rotational energies. The optical centrifuge is a non-resonant optical excitation technique that uses ultrafast, 800 nm chirped pulses to drive molecules to extreme rotational states through sequential Raman transitions. The extent of rotational excitation is controlled by tuning the optical bandwidth of the excitation pulses. Frequencies of 30 R-branch ν₃ fundamental IR probe transitions are measured for the J = 186-282 states of CO₂, expanding beyond previously reported IR transitions up to J = 128. The optically centrifuged molecules have oriented angular momentum and unidirectional rotation. Polarization-sensitive transient IR absorption of individual rotational states of optically centrifuged molecules and their collision products reveals information about collisional energy transfer, relaxation kinetics, and dynamics of rotation-to-translation energy transfer. The transient IR probe also measures the extent of polarization anisotropy. Rotational energy transfer for lower energy molecules is discussed in terms of statistical models and a comparison highlights the role of increasing energy gap with J and angular momentum of the optically centrifuged molecules.

PMID:38766993 | DOI:10.1039/d3fd00179b

Gerontologist. 2024 May 20:gnae049. doi: 10.1093/geront/gnae049. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Volunteering is an important dimension of successful aging. Although prior studies have found that personal resources such as health and financial situations are associated with volunteering, there is a lack of research exploring the relationship between resource changes and volunteering. Here, we investigated whether changes in individuals’ resources were associated with volunteer engagement among older Europeans.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Using data from the Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe, collected in five waves between 2011 and 2020 across 19 countries (57,410 observations from 17,498 individuals aged 50 and above), we employed asymmetric fixed-effect ordinal regression models to investigate whether positive or negative resource changes were associated with the frequency of volunteering over time. We used three resource indicators: health, financial condition, and time availability (measured by engagement in paid work, grandparenting, and family care).

RESULTS: Health deterioration and worsening financial condition were associated with a decreased frequency of volunteering. A transition out of weekly paid work and beginning to provide weekly grandchild care were both associated with an increased frequency of volunteering. We did not detect any further significant effects of resource changes on volunteering.

DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Our study revealed asymmetrical associations between changes in resources and volunteering, providing new insights into their interplay. The results deepen our understanding of successful aging by emphasizing the need to consider the dynamics of all resources that either facilitate or hinder active engagements among older adults.

PMID:38766985 | DOI:10.1093/geront/gnae049

Technol Cult. 2024;65(2):571-602. doi: 10.1353/tech.2024.a926316.

ABSTRACT

In 1939, directly after the worst earthquake in the country’s history, the Chilean state began implementing an electrification program. This plan shaped energy goals for years to come and defined the interconnected grid that dominates the country’s energy infrastructure today. Based on extensive archival work, this article describes the birth of energopolitics in the country, using technology sociologist Michel Callon’s notion of “interessement” to describe the strategies of a group of engineers who acted as system builders. Their four main strategies were embracing technological futurisms, forging heterogeneous networks, articulating and mobilizing knowledge, and using crises as windows of opportunity for change. The article shows not only the historical impact of past energy choices on today’s world but also that current challenges to energy transitions are not without precedent. Using a sociological framework to tell this story allows us to highlight the mechanisms through which energy systems can change.

PMID:38766962 | DOI:10.1353/tech.2024.a926316

Orthop Surg. 2024 May 20. doi: 10.1111/os.14091. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Screw loosening is a common complication of internal fixation of pedicle screw. Therefore, the development of a pedicle screw with low loosening rate and high biosafety is of great clinical significance. This study aimed to investigate whether the application of a porous scaffold structure can improve the stability of pedicle screws by comparing the biomechanical properties of novel porous scaffold core pedicle screws (PSCPSs) with those of hollow lateral hole pedicle screws (HLHPSs) in a porcine lumbar spine.

METHODS: Thirty-two pedicle screws of both types were implanted bilaterally into the L1-4 vertebrae of four Bama pigs, with our newly designed PSCPSs on the right and HLHPSs on the left. All the Bama pigs were sacrificed 16 weeks postoperatively, and the lumbar spine was freed into individual vertebrae. Biomechanical properties of both the pedicle screws were evaluated using pull-out tests, as well as cyclic bending and pull-out tests, while the mechanical properties were assessed using three-point bending tests. The data generated were statistically analyzed using paired-sample t-tests and two independent sample t-tests.

RESULTS: We found that the maximal pull-out forces before and after cyclic bending of the PSCPSs (1161.50 ± 337.98 N and 1075.25 ± 223.33 N) were significantly higher than those of the HLHPSs (948.38 ± 194.32 N and 807.13 ± 242.75 N) (p < 0.05, p < 0.05). In 800 cycles of the bending tests, neither PSCPS nor HLHPS showed loosening or visible detachment, but their maximal pull-out forces after cyclic bending tests decreased compared to those in cycles without cyclic bending tests (7.43% and 14.89%, respectively), with no statistical significance (p > 0.05 and p > 0.05, respectively). Additionally, both screws buckled rather than broke in the three-point bending tests, with no statistically significant differences between the maximal bending load and modulus of elasticity of the two screws (p > 0.05 and p > 0.05, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the HLHPSs, the PSCPSs have greater pull-out resistance and better fatigue tolerance with appropriate mechanical properties. Therefore, PSCPSs theoretically have significant potential for clinical applications in reducing the incidence of loosening after pedicle screw implantation.

PMID:38766934 | DOI:10.1111/os.14091

Proteomics. 2024 May 20:e2300644. doi: 10.1002/pmic.202300644. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Thermal proteome profiling (TPP) is a powerful tool for drug target deconvolution. Recently, data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry (DIA-MS) approaches have demonstrated significant improvements to depth and missingness in proteome data, but traditional TPP (a.k.a. CEllular Thermal Shift Assay “CETSA”) workflows typically employ multiplexing reagents reliant on data-dependent acquisition (DDA). Herein, we introduce a new experimental design for the Proteome Integral Solubility Alteration via label-free DIA approach (PISA-DIA). We highlight the proteome coverage and sensitivity achieved by using multiple overlapping thermal gradients alongside DIA-MS, which maximizes efficiencies in PISA sample concatenation and safeguards against missing protein targets that exist at high melting temperatures. We demonstrate our extended PISA-DIA design has superior proteome coverage as compared to using tandem-mass tags (TMT) necessitating DDA-MS analysis. Importantly, we demonstrate our PISA-DIA approach has the quantitative and statistical rigor using A-1331852, a specific inhibitor of BCL-xL. Due to the high melt temperature of this protein target, we utilized our extended multiple gradient PISA-DIA workflow to identify BCL-xL. We assert our novel overlapping gradient PISA-DIA-MS approach is ideal for unbiased drug target deconvolution, spanning a large temperature range whilst minimizing target dropout between gradients, increasing the likelihood of resolving the protein targets of novel compounds.

PMID:38766901 | DOI:10.1002/pmic.202300644

Biotechnol Prog. 2024 May 20:e3480. doi: 10.1002/btpr.3480. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Laboratory scale conventional single-use bioreactor was used to investigate the effect of different stirrer speeds on the Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina platensis) culture. Experiments were handled in two steps. First step was the selection of the stirring speeds, which was simulated via using CFD, and the second was the long term cultivation with the selected speed. During 10 days of batches as the first step, under identical culture conditions, stirrer speed of 230 rpm gave higher results, compared to 130 and 70 rpm, with respect to dry biomass weight, absorbance value (AB) and chlorophyll-a concentration. Volumetric productivity during the growth phase of the cultures were calculated as 0.39 ± 0.03, 0.28 ± 0.01, and 0.19 ± 0.02 g L^-1 d^-1, from the fast to the slower speeds. According to the results a 17 day batch was handled with 230 rpm in order to monitor the effects on the culture. The culture reached a volumetric productivity of 0.33 ± 0.04 g L^-1 d^-1. Statistical analysis showed the significance of the parameters related with the stirring speed.

PMID:38766884 | DOI:10.1002/btpr.3480

Ann Surg. 2024 May 20. doi: 10.1097/SLA.0000000000006347. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relative importance of treatment outcomes to patients with low-risk thyroid cancer (TC).

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Overuse of total thyroidectomy (TT) for low-risk TC is common. Emotions from a cancer diagnosis may lead patients to choose TT resulting in outcomes that do not align with their preferences.

METHODS: Adults with clinically low-risk TC enrolled in a prospective, multi-institutional, longitudinal cohort study from 11/2019-6/2021. Participants rated treatment outcomes at the time of their surgical decision and again 9 months later by allocating 100 points amongst 10 outcomes. T-tests and Hotelling’s T2 statistic compared outcome valuation within and between subjects based on chosen extent of surgery (TT vs. lobectomy).

RESULTS: Of 177 eligible patients, 125 participated (70.6% response) and 114 completed the 9-month follow-up (91.2% retention). At the time of the treatment decision, patients choosing TT valued the risk of recurrence more than those choosing lobectomy and the need to take thyroid hormone less (P<0.05). At repeat valuation, all patients assigned fewer points to cancer being removed and the impact of treatment on their voice, and more points to energy levels (P<0.05). The importance of the risk of recurrence increased for those who chose lobectomy and decreased for those choosing TT (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: The relative importance of treatment outcomes changes for patients with low-risk TC once the outcome has been experienced to favor quality of life over emotion-related outcomes. Surgeons can use this information to discuss the potential for asthenia or changes in energy levels associated with total thyroidectomy.

PMID:38766877 | DOI:10.1097/SLA.0000000000006347

Curr Med Imaging. 2024;20(1):e15734056269264. doi: 10.2174/0115734056269264240408080443.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Currently, it is difficult to find a solution to the inverse inappropriate problem, which involves restoring a high-resolution image from a lowresolution image contained within a single image. In nature photography, one can capture a wide variety of objects and textures, each with its own characteristics, most notably the high-frequency component. These qualities can be distinguished from each other by looking at the pictures.

OBJECTIVE: The goal is to develop an automated approach to identify thyroid nodules on ultrasound images. The aim of this research is to accurately differentiate thyroid nodules using Deep Learning Technique and to evaluate the effectiveness of different localization techniques.

METHODS: The method used in this research is to reconstruct a single super-resolution image based on segmentation and classification. The poor-quality ultrasound image is divided into several parts, and the best applicable classification is chosen for each component. Pairs of high- and lowresolution images belonging to the same class are found and used to figure out which image is high-resolution for each segment. Deep learning technology, specifically the Adam classifier, is used to identify carcinoid tumors within thyroid nodules. Measures, such as localization accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, dice loss, ROC, and area under the curve (AUC), are used to evaluate the effectiveness of the techniques.

RESULTS: The results of the proposed method are superior, both statistically and qualitatively, compared to other methods that are considered one of the latest and best technologies. The developed automated approach shows promising results in accurately identifying thyroid nodules on ultrasound images.

CONCLUSION: The research demonstrates the development of an automated approach to identify thyroid nodules within ultrasound images using super-resolution single-image reconstruction and deep learning technology. The results indicate that the proposed method is superior to the latest and best techniques in terms of accuracy and quality. This research contributes to the advancement of medical imaging and holds the potential to improve the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid nodules.</p>.

PMID:38766836 | DOI:10.2174/0115734056269264240408080443

Orthop Surg. 2024 May 20. doi: 10.1111/os.14089. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: For elderly femoral neck fracture patients, anemia is one of the most common complications, increasing the risk of postoperative adverse events. Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been widely applied to the perioperative blood management. However, the optimal route of TXA administration in elderly femoral neck fracture remains unclear. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral and intravenous (IV) application of TXA in elderly patients with femoral neck fracture undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) and hemiarthroplasty (HA).

METHODS: All elderly patients aged over 65 years old diagnosed with femoral neck fracture admitted to the trauma orthopedics from August 1, 2020 to February 28, 2022 were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. Participants were divided into three groups: oral group: TXA 2g orally 2 h before incision; IV group: intravenous infusion of TXA 1g 15 min before incision; and control group: usual hemostatic method. The primary outcomes were total blood loss, allogeneic transfusion rate, and postoperative thromboembolic events. SPSS 23.0 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA) was used for statistical analysis, and p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: A total of 100 patients were enrolled, including 32 cases in the oral group, 34 cases in the IV group and 34 cases in the control group. Compared with the control group, the total perioperative blood loss in the oral and IV groups was significantly decreased (763.92 ± 358.64 mL vs 744.62 ± 306.88 mL vs 1250.60 ± 563.37 mL, p = 0.048). No significant difference was identified between the oral and IV groups (p = 0.970). The rate of allogeneic transfusion was lower in the oral and IV groups than in the control group, but the difference had no statistical significant (6 vs 5 vs 12, p = 0.108), However, subgroup analysis showed that the IV and oral groups in patients who underwent THA have significant lower transfusion rate compared with the control group (1 vs 3 vs 7, p = 0.02). During 6 months follow-up, no thromboembolic events were identified. Two patients (one from the oral group and one from the control group) died of respiratory failure. The cost of blood management from the oral group was significantly lower than IV (p < 0.001) and control groups (p = 0.009).

CONCLUSION: Elderly patients with femoral neck fracture undergoing THA can benefit from both IV and oral administration of tranexamic acid. The results of these two administration routes are similar in safety and effectiveness. A similar tendency was observed in patients undergoing HA. Oral TXA is more cost-benefit compared with intravenous applications.

PMID:38766813 | DOI:10.1111/os.14089

Orthop Surg. 2024 May 20. doi: 10.1111/os.14090. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Thoracolumbar fractures are one of the most common fractures in clinical practice. Surgical intervention is recommended to restore spinal alignment or decompress the nerves when there are unstable fractures or neurological injuries. However, after excessive forward thrust force restoration, facet joint dislocation often occurs between the upper vertebra and the fractured vertebra, which usually leads to unsatisfactory reduction outcomes. Herein, we propose a novel spinal facet joint toothed plate to assist in fracture reduction. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the new spinal facet joint toothed plate in preventing facet joint dislocation, and its advantages compared to traditional pedicle screw-rod decompression.

METHODS: A total of 26 patients in the toothed plate group and 93 patients in the traditional group who experienced thoracolumbar fracture with reduction were retrospectively included. Relevant patients’ information and clinical parameters were collected. Furthermore, visual analogue scores (VAS) scores and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores were also collected. Moreover, imaging parameters were calculated based on radiographs. Correlated data were analyzed by χ² test and t test.

RESULTS: All patients in this study had no postoperative complications. Postoperative VAS scores and ODI scores (p < 0.001) were statistically significant (p < 0.001) in both groups compared with preoperative scores and further decreased (p < 0.001) at final follow-up. In addition, the postoperative vertebral margin ratio (VMR) (p < 0.001) and vertebral angle of the injured vertebrae (p < 0.001) were significantly improved compared with the preoperative period. There were no significant differences in postoperative VAS scores and ODI scores between the two groups. However, toothed plate reduction significantly improved the VMR (p < 0.05) and vertebral angle (p < 0.05) compared with conventional reduction. Ultimately, the total screw accuracy was 98.72% (sum of levels 0 and I), with 100% screw accuracy in the segment related to the tooth plate in the tooth plate group. The dislocation rate was higher in the conventional group (6.45%) than in the new serrated plate repositioning group (0.00%).

CONCLUSION: The facet toothed plate assisted reduction method prevents facet joint dislocation and improves fracture reduction compared to traditional reduction technique, hence it could be considered as a novel surgical strategy for thoracolumbar fracture reduction.

PMID:38766812 | DOI:10.1111/os.14090