bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Raman spectroscopy system for real‐time diagnosis of clinically significant prostate cancer tissue
Authors: van Breugel Suse J. , Low Irene , Christie Mary L. , Pokorny Morgan R. , Nagarajan Ramya , Holtkamp Hannah U. , Srinivasa Komal , Amirapu Satya , Nieuwoudt Michel K. , Simpson M. Cather , Zargar‐Shoshtari Kamran , Aguergaray Claude
Published: January 2023

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a significant healthcare problem worldwide. Current diagnosis and treatment methods are limited by a lack of precise in vivo tissue analysis methods. Real‐time cancer identification and grading could dramatically improve current protocols. Here, we report the testing of a thin optical probe using Raman spectroscopy (RS) and classification methods to detect and grade PCa accurately in real‐time. We present the first clinical trial on fresh ex vivo biopsy cores from an 84 patient cohort. Findings from 2395 spectra measured on 599 biopsy cores show high accuracy for diagnosing and grading PCa. We can detect clinically significant PCa from benign and clinically insignificant PCa with 90% sensitivity and 80.2% specificity. We also demonstrate the ability to differentiate cancer grades with 90% sensitivity and specificity ≥82.8%. This work demonstrates the utility of RS for real‐time PCa detection and grading during routine transrectal biopsy appointments.
Ecological promotive and protective factors deterring gun carriage for young adults living in communities with high rates of community violence
Authors: Ross Katherine M. , Walsh Colleen S. , O'Connor Kelly E.  , Sullivan Terri N.
Published: January 2023

This study identified promotive and protective factors that lessened the likelihood of handgun carriage in a sample of 141 predominantly Black (97%) young adults (ages 18–22) living in high burden communities experiencing elevated rates of violence. Participants completed surveys assessing overall risk and protective factors for violence across ecological contexts (e.g., individual/peer, family, school, and community). A series of regression and moderation analyses were conducted to ascertain direct (promotive) and indirect (protective) relations between factors across the ecological model and likelihood of gun carriage. Results indicated that (1) consistent with previous studies, both witnessing violence and violence victimization were significant risk factors for handgun carriage, (2) ethnic identity was a significant promotive factor related to a lower likelihood of handgun carriage, and (3) lack of family conflict, student status, and community assets were significant protective factors where higher levels of these factors attenuated the relation between exposure to community violence and likelihood of gun carriage. This is one of the first strengths‐based studies examining factors that may mitigate the likelihood of gun carriage for young adults in high risk contexts. Our findings suggest that gun violence prevention efforts for high burden communities should support young adults by strengthening factors across the ecological model (e.g., individual, family, school, and community).
TBC1D25 alleviates nonalcoholic steatohepatitis by inhibiting abnormal lipid accumulation and inflammation
Authors: Wu Anding , Ye Mao , Ma Tengfei , She Zhigang , Li Ruyan , Shi Hongjie , Yang Ling , Yi Maolin , Li Huoping
Published: January 2023

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a strong stimulant of cardiovascular diseases, affecting one‐quarter of the world's population. TBC1 domain family member 25 (TBC1D25) regulates the development of myocardial hypertrophy and cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury; however, its effect on NAFLD/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has not been reported. In this study, we demonstrated that TBC1D25 expression is upregulated in NASH. TBC1D25 deficiency aggravated hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in NASH. In vitro tests revealed that TBC1D25 overexpression restrained NASH responses. Subsequent mechanistic validation experiments demonstrated that TBC1D25 interfered with NASH progression by inhibiting abnormal lipid accumulation and inflammation. TBC1D25 deficiency significantly promoted NASH occurrence and development. Therefore, TBC1D25 may potentially be used as a clinical therapeutic target for NASH treatment.
Effect of phenol concentration on the photocatalytic performance of ZnO nanoparticles
Authors: González Rosendo López , de la Fuente Orbelin , García Ruth Lezama , del Carmen Uribe López Melina , Owen Patricia Quintana , López María Carmen Hidalgo , Lemus Mayra Angélica Alvarez
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

Phenol and its derivatives are considered toxic compounds, even at low concentrations. Their accumulation in water effluents has become a serious problem that could be resolved by using zinc oxide (ZnO)‐based photocatalysts.

RESULTS

ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized through the precipitation method, using zinc nitrate and sodium carbonate as reagents. The as‐synthesized powder was calcined for 4 h at 500 °C (2° C min−1). X‐Ray diffraction analysis confirmed a hexagonal crystalline phase (wurtzite) with an average crystallite size of 38 nm. The Kubelka‐Munk method was used to determine a band gap of 3.27 eV through UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectrum and a Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET) specific area of 12 m2 g−1 was obtained from N2 adsorption analysis. The photocatalytic activity of ZnO was evaluated under visible light (300 W) lamp, with 1 mg mL−1 of photocatalyst and using phenol solutions at different concentrations of 5, 10, 25, and 50 ppm; the obtained degradation percentages were 98%, 97%, 94%, and 71%, respectively. Three cycles were performed with the ZnO used in the reactions with phenol at 5 and 50 ppm, decreasing the degraded percentages to 87% and 65%, respectively. The generation of hydroxyl radicals was estimated for the ZnO and ZnO samples after three cycles by means of fluorescence spectroscopy analysis. It was observed that the first‐used ZnO material generated a significant amount of hydroxyl radicals.

CONCLUSION

When compared to ZnO after three cycles of reaction, the amount of generated hydroxyl radicals decreased. It was observed that the higher the amount of phenol, the lower the generation of hydroxyl radicals after reuse; this was probably due to the presence of some adsorbed by‐products of the photocatalytic reaction on the surface of ZnO, as the FTIR spectrum of the post‐reaction sample showed. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Reinforcer pathology, probabilistic choice, and medication adherence in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Jarmolowicz David P. , Schneider Tadd D. , Strickland Justin C. , Bruce Amanda S. , Reed Derek D. , Bruce Jared M.
Published: January 2023

The reinforcer pathology model posits that core behavioral economic mechanisms, including delay discounting and behavioral economic demand, underlie adverse health decisions and related clinical disorders. Extensions beyond substance use disorder and obesity, however, are limited. Using a reinforcer pathology framework, this study evaluates medical adherence decisions in patients with multiple sclerosis. Participants completed behavioral economic measures, including delay discounting, probability discounting, and a medication purchase task. A medical decision‐making task was also used to evaluate how sensitivity to mild side effect risk and efficacy contributed to the likelihood of taking a hypothetical disease‐modifying therapy. Less steep delay discounting and more intense (greater) medication demand were independently associated with greater adherence to the medication decision‐making procedure. More generally, the pattern of interrelations between the medication‐specific and general behavioral economic metrics was consistent with and contributes to the reinforcer pathology model. Additional research is warranted to expand these models to different populations and health behaviors, including those of a positive health orientation (i.e., medication adherence).
Early treatment of neonatal diabetes with oral glibenclamide in an extremely preterm infant
Authors: Galderisi Alfonso , Kermorvant‐Duchemin Elsa , Daruich Alejandra , Bonnard Adeline Alice , Lapillonne Alexandre , Aubelle Marie‐Stéphanie , Perrella Bruna , Vial Yoann , Cave Héléne , Berdugo Marianne , Jarreau Pierre‐Henri , Polak Michel , Beltrand Jacques
Published: January 2023

Early treatment of neonatal diabetes with sulfonylureas has been proven to produce marked improvements of neurodevelopment, beside the demonstrated efficacy on glycemic control. Several barriers still prevent an early treatment in preterm babies including the limited availability of suitable galenic form of glibenclamide. We adopted oral glibenclamide suspension (Amglidia) for the early treatment of neonatal diabetes due to an homozygous variant of KCNJ11 gene c.10C>T [p.Arg4Cys] in an extremely preterm infant born at 26 + 2 weeks' of gestational age. After ~6 weeks of insulin treatment with a low glucose intake (4.5 g/kg/day), the infant was switched to Amglidia 6 mg/ml diluted in maternal milk, via nasogastric tube (0.2 mg/kg/day) progressively reduced to 0.01 mg/kg/day (after ~3 months). While on glibenclamide, the patient exhibited a mean daily growth of 11 g/kg/day. The treatment was suspended at month 6 of birth (weight 4.9 kg [5th–10th centile], M3 of c.a.) for normalization of glucose profile. During the treatment, the patient exhibited a stable glucose profile within the range of 4–8 mmol/L in the absence of hypo or hyperglycemic episodes with 2–3 blood glucose tests per day. The patient was diagnosed with retinopathy of prematurity Stade II in Zone II without plus disease at 32 weeks, with progressive regression and complete retinal vascularization at 6 months of birth. Amglidia could be regarded as the specific treatment for neonatal diabetes even in preterm babies due to its beneficial effect on the metabolic and neurodevelopmental side.
Evaluation of the performance of a rapid antigen test (Roche) for COVID‐19 diagnosis in an emergency setting in Sweden
Authors: Heydecke Anna , Gullsby Karolina
Published: January 2023

During the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic, rapid and reliable detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 is important to enable proper care of patients and to prevent further transmission. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the Roche SARS‐CoV‐2 Rapid Antigen Test (Ag‐RDT) in an emergency care setting during a high pandemic period. The analytical performance of the Ag‐RDT was compared to real‐time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT‐PCR). A total of 132 patient samples, previously analyzed with rRT‐PCR, were reanalyzed with the Ag‐RDT. Tenfold serial dilutions of five different patient strains containing the pangolin variants BA.1, BA.2, B.1.1.7, B.1.160, and B.1.177 were analyzed in parallel with the Ag‐RDT and rRT‐PCR. A clinical evaluation was performed in which 1911 consecutive patients admitted to the emergency wards in Region Gävleborg, Sweden, were included. Paired samples were collected and analyzed with the Ag‐RDT on‐site and with rRT‐PCR at the microbiology laboratory. The overall sensitivity and specificity of the Ag‐RDT in the clinical evaluation were 71.3% and 99.7%, respectively. When samples with cycle threshold (Ct) values above 30 were excluded, the sensitivity was 86.5%. Eleven of the admitted patients who were positive for both the Ag‐RDT and rRT‐PCR (Ct‐range 16.9–30.4) showed no symptoms of COVID‐19. Using the Ag‐RDT shortened the detection time by an average of 11 h. The Ag‐RDT is a useful tool for preliminary screening of SARS‐CoV‐2 because it enables rapid detection in infectious individuals and therefore, can counteract unnecessary spread of infection at an early stage.
Multi‐objective salp swarm algorithm‐based fractional order fuzzy precompensated PDPI controller for frequency regulation of hybrid power system
Authors: Mohanty Debidasi , Panda Sidhartha
Published: January 2023

Significant number of renewable sources when integrated with distributed generations and energy storage components form a sustainable power system called hybrid power system (HPS). But the stochastic nature of the sources and continuous variation of load cause serious issues in the power systems like frequency instability. Our work proposes a novel approach for load frequency control (LFC) of the proposed system. For the work, both frequency deviation and control signal are used to give the input signal to energy storage components. A new fuzzy‐based controller called fractional order fuzzy precompensated PDPI (FO‐FPPDPI) controller for LFC of the mentioned HPS is suggested in this paper. The controller is optimized by a nature inspired multi‐objective salp swarm algorithm (MSSA). The comparison of the proposed approach with the classical PID controller and Fuzzy PID (FPID) controller is carried out by taking several system operating conditions. Robustness of the FO‐FPPDPI controller is also validated for system parameter variations and the superiority of the proposed control strategy over PID and FPID controllers is validated for all the situations. Finally, the control strategy is realized in OPAL‐RT to measure its fidelity with the simulation results.
Silibinin alleviates inflammation‐induced bone loss by modulating biological interaction between human gingival fibroblasts and monocytes
Authors: Huang Ren‐Yeong , Chang Hua‐Yang , Chih Shu‐Mi , Dyke Thomas Van , Cheng Chia‐Dan , Sung Cheng‐En , Weng Pei‐Wei , Shieh Yi‐Shing , Cheng Wan‐Chien
Published: January 2023

Background

Silibinin has shown various pharmacological effects that could be attributed to its antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and immunoregulatory properties. However, the therapeutic potential of silibinin for periodontitis has not been investigated.

Methods

The therapeutic effects of silibinin in ligation‐induced experimental periodontitis were investigated using biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical methods. The effects of silibinin on the osteoclastogenesis of RAW264.7 cells were investigated using TRAP staining, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), pit formation, and immunoblotting. Moreover, its effects on inflammatory cytokine production, RANKL expression, and oxidative stress in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) were evaluated using qPCR and flow cytometry. A coculture system was established to elucidate the effects of silibinin on the crosstalk between LPS‐stimulated HGFs and undifferentiated monocytes.

Results

Silibinin significantly reduced the alveolar bone loss, decreased the gingival inflammation and RANKL expression, and decreased the RANKL/osteoprotegerin ratio in gingival tissues in experimental periodontitis. The in vitro results showed that silibinin inhibited RANKL‐induced osteoclast differentiation and function of RAW264.7 cells and suppressed RANKL‐induced nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFATc1) induction and translocation through the nuclear factor‐κB and mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling pathways. Silibinin decreased the inflammatory cytokine level and oxidative stress production in LPS‐stimulated HGFs; significantly suppressed membrane‐bound RANKL expression on LPS‐stimulated HGFs; and significantly disrupted TRAP+ cell differentiation in the coculture system.

Conclusions

Silibinin effectively inhibits inflammation‐induced bone loss in experimental periodontitis based on the regulation of stimulated HGFs by inhibiting the expression of inflammatory and osteoclastogenic mediators. Collectively, targeting the inflamed HGF resolution that mediates osteogenesis may use silibinin as a potential drug‐repurposing candidate for modulating alveolar bone destruction in periodontitis.

Silibinin effectively inhibits inflammation‐induced bone loss in experimental periodontitis based on the regulation of stimulated HGFs by inhibiting the expression of inflammatory and osteoclastogenic mediators.
Effects of taurine on rumen fermentation, nutrient digestion, rumen bacterial community and metabolomics and nitrogen metabolism in beef steers
Authors: Liu Yufeng , Hu Jinming , Li Meng M. , Zhao Guangyong
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of taurine on rumen fermentation, rumen bacterial community and metabolomics, nitrogen metabolism and plasma biochemical parameters in beef steers. Six castrated Simmental steers (liveweight 402 ± 34 kg) and three levels of taurine (0, 20, 40 g d−1) were assigned in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design. Each experimental period included 15 days for adaptation and 5 days for sampling.

RESULTS

Supplementing taurine did not affect the ruminal pH or concentrations of ammonia nitrogen and volatile fatty acids (P > 0.10), but linearly increased the ruminal concentrations of taurine (P < 0.001) and microbial crude protein (P = 0.041). Supplementing taurine linearly increased the neutral detergent fiber digestibility (P = 0.018), and tended to linearly increase dry matter digestibility (P = 0.095), tended to increase the fecal nitrogen excretion (P = 0.065) and increased the urinary taurine excretion (P < 0.001). Supplementing taurine quadratically increased the plasma concentration of triglycerides (P = 0.017), tended to linearly decrease growth hormone (P = 0.074), but did not affect other plasma parameters (P > 0.10). Supplementing taurine modified the rumen bacterial community and increased the ruminal concentration of taurine metabolite 2‐hydroxyethoxysulfonic acid (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

It was concluded that taurine improved ruminal microbial crude protein synthesis and increased fiber digestibility through modifying rumen bacterial community. It is necessary to clarify the ruminal hydrolysis of taurine in steers. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Ultrasonographic Assessment of Depth Infiltration in Melanoma and Non‐melanoma Skin Cancer
Authors: Crisan Diana , Kastler Sabine , Scharffetter‐Kochanek Karin , Crisan Maria , Schneider Lars‐Alexander
Published: January 2023

The preoperative assessment of infiltration depth in melanoma and non‐melanoma skin cancer by means of high‐frequency ultrasound (≥18 MhZ) is essential for optimizing the therapeutic approach in our patients. Often, histologically confirmed skin tumors are directly referred to surgical departments for resection, and sonography is increasingly helping us identify those subjects who are no longer candidates for extensive surgical interventions. In cases of deep tumor infiltration, with potential surgical failure e.g. impairment of the quality of life and significant esthetic and functional complications, preoperative sonography can guide the surgeon to withstand from an operation and decide instead in favor of less mutilating radiooncological or medical treatment options. Furthermore, in melanoma patients, the preoperative knowledge of the tumor depth is essential for the determination of the therapeutic approach, the correct safety margins and the need of a sentinelnode biopsy. We herein encourage the use of preoperative sonography in dermatologic surgery whenever possible as it represents an easy, painless, “in vivo” method, which provides clinicians with significant clinical information that can influence the therapy and improve patient compliance.
Paralysis Versus Non‐Paralysis Anesthesia for Operative Laryngoscopy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Yang Jackie , Crosby Tyler , Chen Sophia , Ezeh Uche C. , Patil Sachi , Kwak Paul E. , Chin Wanda A. , Amin Milan R.
Published: January 2023

Objective

To compare outcomes between two standard‐of‐care anesthesia regimens for operative laryngoscopy: general anesthesia with a neuromuscular blocking agent (NMBA) versus remifentanil and propofol (non‐NMBA).

Methods

This was a prospective, single‐blinded, randomized controlled trial at a tertiary care center. Patients were randomized to either anesthesia using rocuronium (NMBA) or with remifentanil/propofol infusion alone (non‐NMBA). Intraoperative impressions, anesthesia data, and post‐operative patient surveys were collected.

Results

Sixty‐one patients who underwent suspension laryngoscopy from 2020 to 2022 were included (25 female, 36 male, ranging 20–81 years). Thirty patients were enrolled in the NMBA arm and 31 patients in the non‐NMBA arm. Heart rate and mean arterial pressure were higher in the NMBA (p < 0.01). Patients in the non‐NMBA group were more likely to require vasopressors (p = 0.04, RR = 3.08 [0.86–11.05]). Surgeons were more frequently satisfied with conditions in the NMBA group (86.7%) compared to the non‐NMBA group (58.1%, p < 0.01). Procedures were more likely to be paused due to movement in the non‐NMBA group (45.1%) compared to the NMBA group (16.6%, p < 0.03, RR = 2.26 [1.02–4.99]). Patients in the non‐NMBA group were more likely to endorse myalgia the week after surgery (44%) compared to the NMBA group (8.3%, p < 0.01) and reported higher average pain levels on a 0–10 pain scale (3.7) compared to the paralysis group (2.0).

Conclusions

Anesthesia with rocuronium was associated with better intraoperative conditions and postoperative pain compared to anesthesia with remifentanil/propofol. Remifentanil/propofol were associated with lower blood pressure and suppression of laryngoscopy‐associated tachycardia.

Level of Evidence

2 Laryngoscope, 133:2654–2664, 2023
Tidal control and mangrove dieback impact on methane emissions from a subtropical mangrove estuary
Authors: Yu Hao , Organ Hannah , Xu Derry , Coffin Richard
Published: January 2023

Mangrove ecosystems with high sediment deposition and active carbon cycling are a source of methane (CH4) to the coastal atmosphere. We investigated diurnal and seasonal variations in CH4 emissions from a subtropical mangrove estuary in southern Texas, northwest Gulf of Mexico. Tidal processes, amplitude (spring vs. neap tides) and topographic characteristics are crucial factors controlling CH4 cycling in mangrove creeks. Higher CH4 concentrations were observed during the ebb in spring tides due to the combination of processive export of CH4 along the creeks during ebb tides and the addition of porewater CH4 in upper intertidal sediment under water inundation in spring tides. The annual CH4 emissions offset approximately 0.15% of the carbon stock in normal years, indicating that these mangrove creeks are a weak CH4 source. However, significantly elevated CH4 emissions were observed from mangrove dieback after the extreme cold‐freezing event in February 2021. The average CH4 flux from the mangrove creeks (126.1 ± 128.3 μmol [m2·d]−1) increased 45% in 3 months after mangrove die‐off in comparison with the overall average in normal years (87.0 ± 64.4 μmol [m2·d]−1). It is obvious that the previous small CH4 offset of the healthy mangrove forest was enlarged by the dieback event. Because the mangrove forests in this study live close to the limit of their survival range, our study highlights the important management considerations for blue carbon projects in vulnerable areas.
Weak solutions for the Stokes system for compressible non‐Newtonian fluids with unbounded divergence
Authors: Pokorný Milan , Szlenk Maja
Published: January 2023

We investigate the existence of weak solutions to a certain system of partial differential equations, modeling the behavior of a compressible non‐Newtonian fluid for small Reynolds number. We construct the weak solutions despite the lack of the
estimate on the divergence of the velocity field. The result was obtained by combining the regularity theory for singular operators with a certain logarithmic integral inequality for
functions, which allowed us to adjust the method from Feireisl et al. (2015) to more relaxed conditions on the velocity.
AAPM Task Group Report 238: 3D C‐arms with volumetric imaging capability*
Authors: Supanich Mark , Siewerdsen Jeff , Fahrig Rebecca , Farahani Keyvan , Gang Grace Jianan , Helm Pat , Jans Jan , Jones Kyle , Koenig Thomas , Kuhls‐Gilcrist Andrew , Lin MingDe , Riddell Cyril , Ritschl Ludwig , Schafer Sebastian , Schueler Beth , Silver Mike , Timmer Jan , Trousset Yves , Zhang Jie
Published: January 2023

This report reviews the image acquisition and reconstruction characteristics of C‐arm Cone Beam Computed Tomography (C‐arm CBCT) systems and provides guidance on quality control of C‐arm systems with this volumetric imaging capability. The concepts of 3D image reconstruction, geometric calibration, image quality, and dosimetry covered in this report are also pertinent to CBCT for Image‐Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT). However, IGRT systems introduce a number of additional considerations, such as geometric alignment of the imaging at treatment isocenter, which are beyond the scope of the charge to the task group and the report.

Section 1 provides an introduction to C‐arm CBCT systems and reviews a variety of clinical applications. Section 2 briefly presents nomenclature specific or unique to these systems. A short review of C‐arm fluoroscopy quality control (QC) in relation to 3D C‐arm imaging is given in Section 3. Section 4 discusses system calibration, including geometric calibration and uniformity calibration. A review of the unique approaches and challenges to 3D reconstruction of data sets acquired by C‐arm CBCT systems is give in Section 5. Sections 6 and 7 go in greater depth to address the performance assessment of C‐arm CBCT units. First, Section 6 describes testing approaches and phantoms that may be used to evaluate image quality (spatial resolution and image noise and artifacts) and identifies several factors that affect image quality. Section 7 describes both free‐in‐air and in‐phantom approaches to evaluating radiation dose indices.

The methodologies described for assessing image quality and radiation dose may be used for annual constancy assessment and comparisons among different systems to help medical physicists determine when a system is not operating as expected. Baseline measurements taken either at installation or after a full preventative maintenance service call can also provide valuable data to help determine whether the performance of the system is acceptable. Collecting image quality and radiation dose data on existing phantoms used for CT image quality and radiation dose assessment, or on newly developed phantoms, will inform the development of performance criteria and standards. Phantom images are also useful for identifying and evaluating artifacts. In particular, comparing baseline data with those from current phantom images can reveal the need for system calibration before image artifacts are detected in clinical practice. Examples of artifacts are provided in Sections 4, 5, and 6.
Multi‐parametric MRI for radiotherapy simulation
Authors: Li Tian , Wang Jihong , Yang Yingli , Glide‐Hurst Carri K. , Wen Ning , Cai Jing
Published: January 2023

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become an important imaging modality in the field of radiotherapy (RT) in the past decade, especially with the development of various novel MRI and image‐guidance techniques. In this review article, we will describe recent developments and discuss the applications of multi‐parametric MRI (mpMRI) in RT simulation. In this review, mpMRI refers to a general and loose definition which includes various multi‐contrast MRI techniques. Specifically, we will focus on the implementation, challenges, and future directions of mpMRI techniques for RT simulation.
Refined teaching methods, systems thinking, and experiential approaches enhanced students learning through COVID‐19
Authors: Ortez Osler , Hall Alyssa , Sindelar Meghan
Published: January 2023

The Soil Nutrient Relationships course serves juniors and seniors with a major or minor in agronomy at the University of Nebraska‐Lincoln. Pre‐pandemic enrollment averaged 65 students. In 2021 and 2022, course enrollment was 42 and 55, respectively. The course was adjusted to a flipped design in 2017. Moving into 2021, the Soil Nutrient Relationships course underwent a major overhaul by changing the content source materials and organization of lab activities while maintaining the flipped delivery format. While responding to the COVID‐19 pandemic limitations, the redesign was intended to focus limited face‐to‐face meetings (in person or web‐conference) on problem‐solving activities. This paper reports on course redesign emphasizing changes for and since the pandemic. Surveys were used in both 2021 and 2022 to assess students’ learning and reception to the course design. In surveys, students responded that they gained knowledge in all course learning objectives and increased both problem‐solving and systems approach skills. The overall responses were similar between 2021 and 2022; however, one difference was that students placed a higher value on the in‐person discussion and lecture in 2022 relative to Zoom discussion or video lecture in 2021. Despite working on similar problem‐solving activities, 81% responded that discussion helped with problem solving skills when done via Zoom in 2021 while 88% responded that in person discussion helped with problem‐solving skills in 2022. Smaller group sizes used in 2021 seemed to improve student opinions of learning; this is the one change that instructors plan to use in the future.
An oscillation free local discontinuous Galerkin method for nonlinear degenerate parabolic equations
Authors: Tao Qi , Liu Yong , Jiang Yan , Lu Jianfang
Published: January 2023

An oscillation free local discontinuous Galerkin (OFLDG) method is proposed for solving nonlinear degenerate parabolic equations. The damping terms are added to the original LDG scheme to control the spurious oscillations when solutions have a large gradient. The L2‐stability and optimal priori error estimates for the semi‐discrete scheme in one‐ and multi‐dimensions are established. The numerical experiments demonstrate that the proposed method maintains the high order accuracy and controls the spurious oscillations well.
Intratympanic Botulinum Toxin Injection as a New Therapeutic Modality for Middle Ear Myoclonic Tinnitus
Authors: Park Jung M. , Kim Min J. , Han Jae S. , Park So Y. , Park Shi N.
Published: January 2023

Objective

Middle ear myoclonic tinnitus (MEMT) is a disease caused by myoclonus or abnormal contractive movement of middle ear muscles (MEMs). This translational study was conducted to propose intratympanic botulinum toxin (IT‐BTX) injection as a new therapeutic modality to treat MEMT.

Study Design

Animal experiment and nonrandomized controlled clinical trial.

Setting

Laboratory and medical center of an academic tertiary medical institution.

Methods

For the animal study, male Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into 4 subgroups according to the sacrificing day after IT‐BTX injection. After initial hearing tests, randomly assigned experimental ears were intratympanically injected with 1 unit/100 μL of BTX‐A, whereas control ears were injected with normal saline. Changes in the hearing thresholds, morphometry of the cochleae, electron microscopy study, and immunofluorescence analysis of MEMs were evaluated. For the human study, 10 intractable MEMT patients were enrolled. The hearing thresholds and the degree of tinnitus distress were observed for changes after IT‐BTX injection. All patients were followed up for 3 months.

Results

As for the animal study, there were no significant changes in hearing thresholds and cochlear morphologies in all 4 subgroups of the rats. Significant MEM degenerations and immuno‐detection of cleaved synaptosome‐associated protein of 25 kDa (cSNAP‐25) indicated the efficacy of IT‐BTX. MEMT patients enrolled for the pilot clinical trial showed statistically significant improvement in tinnitus after IT‐BTX injection. No major complications were noted.

Conclusion

The new therapeutic modality of IT‐BTX injection for the treatment of MEMT seems highly promising with an excellent result.
Three‐dimensional printing of triply periodic minimal surface structured scaffolds for load‐bearing bone defects
Authors: Agarwal Raj , Malhotra Shriya , Gupta Vishal , Jain Vivek
Published: January 2023

The porous and cellular architecture of scaffolds plays a significant role in mechanical strength and bone regeneration during the healing of fractured bones. In this present study, triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS)‐based gyroid and primitive lattice structures were used to design the cellular porous biomimetic scaffolds with different unit cell sizes (4, 5, and 6). The fused filament fabrication‐based 3D printing technology was used for the fabrication of polylactic acid scaffolds. The surface morphology and mechanical compressive strength of differently structured scaffolds were observed using scanning electron microscopy and a universal testing machine. The unit cell size of 4 showed higher compressive strength in both gyroid and primitive structured scaffolds compared to unit cell sizes 5 and 6. Moreover, the gyroid structured scaffolds have higher compressive strengths as compared to primitive structured scaffolds due to the higher bonding surface area at the intercalated layers of the scaffold. Hence, the mechanical strength of scaffolds can be tailored by varying the unit cell size and cellular structures to avoid stress shielding and ensure implant safety. These TPMS‐based scaffolds are promising and can be used as bone substitute materials in tissue engineering and orthopedic applications.
Determination of vancomycin exposure target and individualized dosing recommendations for critically ill patients undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy
Authors: Wang Chuhui , Chen Jiaojiao , Yang Bo , Li Sihan , Zhang Yiran , Chen Lei , Wang Taotao , Dong Yalin
Published: January 2023

Study Objective

Few studies have been conducted to quantify the exposure target of vancomycin in intensive care unit (ICU) patients undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) and provide optimized dosage regimens. We aimed to determine vancomycin exposure target and dosing recommendations using data from an open database in critically ill patients undergoing CRRT.

Design

A retrospective observational cohort study.

Data Source

A large public database.

Patients

The adult patients who received intravenous vancomycin and CRRT treatment in the database between 2017 and 2019 were reviewed to determine eligibility. A total of 180 patients with 1186 observations were included in the population pharmacokinetic (PPK) model development. The clinical efficacy of vancomycin was analyzed in 159 eligible patients.

Methods

A PPK model was developed to estimate individual pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters. The area under the concentration‐time curve (AUC) was estimated by a Bayesian approach based on individual vancomycin concentrations. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the factors of clinical outcomes. Threshold of vancomycin exposure in predicting efficacy was identified via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Dosing recommendations were designed using Monte Carlo Simulations (MCS) based on the optimized exposure target.

Measurements and Main Results

On covariate analysis, CRRT intensity significantly affected vancomycin PK. The AUC above 427 mg*h/L was the only significant predictor of clinical efficacy (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.008, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.004–1.011, p = 0.000). MCS indicated that vancomycin dosage regimens of 5 mg/kg q12h or 7.5 mg/kg q12h were recommended for patients with CRRT intensities of 20–25 mL/kg/h or 25.1–45 mL/kg/h, respectively.

Conclusions

An AUC threshold of 427 mg*h/L (assuming the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) = 1 mg/L) was a recommended efficacy exposure target of vancomycin for critically ill patients undergoing CRRT. Vancomycin 5–7.5 mg/kg q12h is recommended as the initial dosage regimens for ICU patients undergoing CRRT.
Electronic and optical properties of lead‐free double perovskites A2BCl6 (A = Rb, Cs; B = Si, Ge, Sn) for solar cell applications: A systematic computational study
Authors: Saloni  , Kumar Pancham , Sharma Pooja , Ranjan Prabhat , Chakraborty Tanmoy
Published: January 2023

In recent years, lead‐free double perovskite materials have attracted much attention due to their probable applications in photovoltaic and optoelectronic devices. In this work, the electronic and optical properties of lead‐free double perovskites A2BCl6 (A = Rb, Cs; B = Si, Ge, and Sn) are studied using density functional theory (DFT) methodology. The result shows that the highest occupied molecular orbital–lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO‐LUMO) energy gaps of these compounds vary between 0.524 and 0.919 eV, which agrees with the previously reported data. HOMO‐LUMO gap for Rb2SiCl6 is observed as 0.919 eV, which falls in the optimal energy gap range, that is, 0.9 to 1.6 eV for double perovskite material. Conceptual DFT‐based descriptors—molecular hardness, softness, electronegativity, electrophilicity index, and dipole moment of these compounds—are studied. The tolerance factor of A2BCl6 is observed in the range of 1.00 to 1.26. Rb2SnCl6 is almost a perfect fit with a value of 1.00. Cs2SiCl6 shows the maximum value of the refractive index and dielectric constant. Optical electronegativity is found between 0.178 and 0.246 eV. The suitable band gap and high value of the refractive index and dielectric constant make double perovskites A2BCl6 effective for solar cells and optoelectronic devices.
Spatiotemporal distancing of crops reduces pest pressure while maintaining conservation biocontrol in oilseed rape
Authors: Sulg Silva , Kovács Gabriella , Willow Jonathan , Kaasik Riina , Smagghe Guy , Lövei Gabor L , Veromann Eve
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

Agricultural landscapes provide resources for arthropod pests as well as their natural enemies. To develop integrated pest management (IPM) practices, it is important to understand how spatiotemporal location influences crop colonization and damage severity. We performed a 3‐year (2016–2018) field experiment in winter oilseed rape (OSR, Brassica napus) fields in Estonia, where half of the fields were within 500 m of the location of the previous year's winter OSR field and half were outside this zone. We investigated how distance from the previous year's OSR crop influences the infestation and parasitism rates of two of its most important pests: the pollen beetle (Brassicogethes aeneus) and the cabbage seed weevil (Ceutorhynchus obstrictus).

RESULTS

When the distance from the previous year's OSR crop was >500 m, we recorded significantly reduced pest pressure by both B. aeneus and C. obstrictus in the study fields. Biocontrol of both pests, provided by parasitic wasps, was high in each study year and commonly not affected by distance. Mean parasitism rates of B. aeneus were >31%, occasionally reaching >70%; for C. obstrictus, mean parasitism was >46%, reaching up to 79%, thereby providing effective biocontrol for both pest species.

CONCLUSION

Spatiotemporal separation of OSR fields can reduce pest pressure without resulting in reduced parasitism of OSR pests. This supports a spatiotemporal field separation concept as an effective and sustainable technique for IPM in OSR. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Life‐table analyses for the tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae): effects of plant genotype
Authors: Guruswamy Megha , Marimuthu Murugan , Coll Moshe
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

Host plant resistance plays an important role in integrated pest management programs. Crop resistance assessments commonly focus on only a single dependent variable, such as larval survival/plant damage, which limits the ability to appreciate the impact of host plants on pest populations in the full sense. Therefore, we performed life‐table analyses for tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta, on 19 Solanum lycopersicum genotypes and a wild Solanum habrochaites accession. These analyses assess the ability of the pest to attain a high population density on different tomato genotypes. Based on the resulting ranking of tomato resistance at the vegetative stage (45‐day‐old plants), we tested the resistance of six selected genotypes at the reproductive stage (4‐month‐old plants).

RESULTS

T. absoluta performance was significantly inferior on vegetative‐stage S. habrochaites plants (LA 1777); time taken for the first instars to mine the leaves (5 ± 0.14 days), development time of early‐ and late‐stage larvae (8.8 ± 0.2 and 4.2 ± 0.2 days, respectively), pupal period (11.2 ± 0.58 days), and total developmental time (29.4 ± 0.83 days) were significantly longer, fecundity was significantly lower (18.66 ± 7.24 days), and the highest total mortality (63.33%) also recorded compared with other genotypes, resulting in the lowest net reproductive rate (R0) (11.20 ± 2.51). For the six selected genotypes, the ranking of plant resistance did not change between plants at the vegetative and reproductive stages.

CONCLUSION

This study suggested that of 20 screened tomato genotypes, LA 1777 and EC‐620343 are the least suitable hosts for T. absoluta to establish fast‐growing populations, and thus can be employed in integrated T. absoluta management. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Depression during the COVID‐19 pandemic among people living with HIV: Are low HIV/AIDS stigma and high perceived emotional support protective resources?
Authors: Rzeszutek Marcin , Gruszczyńska Ewa
Published: January 2023

This study has two objectives: first, to examine changes in depressive symptoms among people living with HIV (PLWH) during the COVID‐19 pandemic and, second, to verify the role of HIV/AIDS stigma and perceived emotional support (PES) in the heterogeneity of these changes. The participants were 392 people with a medical diagnosis of HIV who have undergone antiretroviral therapy. Depression was measured at three time points with 6‐month intervals using the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D). PES was evaluated with the Berlin Social Support Scales, and HIV/AIDS‐related stigma was assessed with the Berger HIV Stigma Scale. Latent growth class modelling identified four trajectories of depression over the study period: three stable (very high, high, and very low) and one increasing. Both the very high and high stable trajectories had baseline values above the CES‐D cut‐off point for depression, suggesting that 57.6% of the sample was likely to be diagnosed with depression. After controlling for sociodemographic and clinical variables, stigma and PES were found to be significant covariates of the obtained trajectories; however, they did not protect against an increase in depression symptoms. There was no overall increase in depression symptoms among the PLWH participants during the pandemic, but this change in depression symptoms was heterogeneous. We observed the potential development of depression in initially well‐functioning individuals despite their personal resources differing only slightly from those who remained resilient.
Low‐Dose NIR‐II Preclinical Bioimaging Using Liposome‐Encapsulated Cyanine Dyes
Authors: Gao Duyang , Luo Zichao , He Yang , Yang Lixiang , Hu Dehong , Liang Yongye , Zheng Hairong , Liu Xiaogang , Sheng Zonghai
Published: January 2023

Fluorescence imaging in the second near‐infrared window (NIR‐II, 1000–1700 nm) provides a powerful tool for in vivo structural and functional imaging in deep tissue. However, the lack of biocompatible contrast agents with bright NIR‐II emission has hindered its application in fundamental research and clinical trials. Herein, a liposome encapsulation strategy for generating ultrabright liposome‐cyanine dyes by restricting dyes in the hydrophobic pockets of lipids and inhibiting the aggregation, as corroborated by computational modeling, is reported. Compared with free indocyanine green (ICG, an US Food and Drug Administration‐approved cyanine dye), liposome‐encapsulated ICG (S‐Lipo‐ICG) shows a 38.7‐fold increase in NIR‐II brightness and enables cerebrovascular imaging at only one‐tenth dose over a long period (30 min). By adjusting the excitation wavelength, two liposome‐encapsulated cyanine dyes (S‐Lipo‐ICG and S‐Lipo‐FD1080) enable NIR‐II dual‐color imaging. Moreover, small tumor nodules (2–5 mm) can be successfully distinguished and removed with S‐Lipo‐ICG image‐guided tumor surgery in rabbit models. This liposome encapsulation maintains the metabolic pathway of ICG, promising for clinical implementation.
Lateral Heterostructures of Graphene and h‐BN with Atomic Lattice Coherence and Tunable Rotational Order
Authors: Guo Haojie , Garro‐Hernandorena Ane , Martínez‐Galera Antonio J. , Gómez‐Rodríguez José M.
Published: January 2023

In‐plane heterostructures of graphene and hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) exhibit exceptional properties, which are highly sensitive to the structure of the alternating domains. Nevertheless, achieving accurate control over their structural properties, while keeping a high perfection at the graphene‐h‐BN boundaries, still remains a challenge. Here, the growth of lateral heterostructures of graphene and h‐BN on Rh(110) surfaces is reported. The choice of the 2D material, grown firstly, determines the structural properties of the whole heterostructure layer, allowing to have control over the rotational order of the domains. The atomic‐scale observation of the boundaries demonstrates a perfect lateral matching. In‐plane heterostructures floating over an oxygen layer have been successfully obtained, enabling to observe intervalley scattering processes in graphene regions. The high tuning capabilities of these heterostructures, along with their good structural quality, even around the boundaries, suggest their usage as test beds for fundamental studies aiming at the development of novel nanomaterials with tailored properties.
Embedding Plasmonic Metal into Heterointerface of MOFs‐Encapsulated Semiconductor Hollow Architecture for Boosting CO2 Photoreduction
Authors: Mo Weihao , Fan Zhixin , Zhong Shuxian , Chen Wenbin , Hu Lingxuan , Zhou Hao , Zhao Wei , Lin Hongjun , Ge Jing , Chen Jianrong , Bai Song
Published: January 2023

Coupling hollow semiconductor with metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) holds great promise for constructing high‐efficient CO2 photoreduction systems. However, energy band mismatch between them makes it difficult to exert their advantages to maximize the overall photocatalytic efficiency, since that the blockage of desirable interfacial charge transfer gives rise to the enrichment of photoelectrons and CO2 molecules on the different locations. Herein, an interfacial engineering is presented to overcome this impediment, based on the insertion of plasmonic metal into the heterointerfaces between them, forming a stacked semiconductor/metal@MOF photocatalyst. Experimental observations and theoretical simulations validate the critical roles of embedded Au in maneuvering the charge separation/transfer and surface reaction: (i) bridges the photoelectron transfer from hollow CdS (H‐CdS) to ZIF‐8; (ii) produces hot electrons and shifts them to ZIF‐8; (iii) induces the formation of ZIF‐8 defects in promoting the CO2 adsorption/activation and transformation to CO with low energy barriers. Consequently, the as‐prepared H‐CdS/Au@ZIF‐8 with optimal ZIF‐8 thickness exhibits distinctly boosted activity and superb selectivity in CO production as compared with H‐CdS@ZIF‐8 and other counterparts. This work provides protocols to take full advantages of components involved for enhanced solar‐to‐chemical energy conversion efficiency of hybrid artificial photosynthetic systems through rationally harnessing the charge transfer between them.