bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An ultrasound‐based nomogram for predicting axillary node pathologic complete response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer: Modeling and external validation
Authors: Zheng Qijun , Yan Huicui , He Yingjian , Wang Jiwei , Zhang Nan , Huo Ling , Liu Yiqiang , Wang Lize , Xu Ling , Fan Zhaoqing
Published: March 2024

Introduction

The staging and treatment of axillary nodes in breast cancer have become a focus of research. For breast cancer patients with fine‐needle aspiration—or core needle biopsy—confirmed positive nodes, axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is still a standard treatment. However, some patients achieve an axillary pathologic complete response (pCR) after NAC. In this study, the authors sought to construct a model to predict axillary pCR in patients with positive axillary lymph nodes (cN+) breast cancer.

Methods

Data from patients with pathologically proven cN+ breast cancer treated with NAC followed by ALND between January 2010 and April 2019 at the Peking University Cancer Hospital were reviewed. Axillary lymph node status was assessed using ultrasonography before and after NAC. The patient cohort was assigned to the construction and internal validation cohorts according to admission time. A nomogram was constructed based on the significant factors associated with axillary pCR. The predictive performance of the model was externally validated using data from Peking University First Hospital.

Results

This study included 953 and 267 patients from Peking University Cancer Hospital and Peking University First Hospital, respectively. In the construction cohort, 39.7% (238 of 600) of patients achieved axillary pCR after NAC. The result of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that tumor grade, clinical nodal response, NAC regimen, tumor pCR, lymphovascular invasion, and tumor biologic subtype were significant independent predictors of ypN0 (p < 0.05). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for the construction, validation, and independent testing cohorts were 0.87 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.84–0.90), 0.83 (95% CI, 0.79–0.87), and 0.84 (0.79–0.89), respectively.

Conclusions

A nomogram was constructed to predict the pCR of axillary lymph nodes after NAC for breast cancer. Validation of both the internal and external cohorts achieved good predictive performance, indicating that the model has preliminary clinical application prospects.
A novel machine learning prediction model for metastasis in breast cancer
Authors: Li Huan , Liu Ren‐Bin , Long Chen‐meng , Teng Yuan , Liu Yu
Published: March 2024

Background

Breast cancer (BC) metastasis is the common cause of high mortality. Conventional prognostic criteria cannot accurately predict the BC metastasis risk. The machine learning technologies can overcome the disadvantage of conventional models.

Aim

We developed a model to predict BC metastasis using the random survival forest (RSF) method.

Methods

Based on demographic data and routine clinical data, we used RSF‐recursive feature elimination to identify the predictive variables and developed a model to predict metastasis using RSF method. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and Kaplan–Meier survival (KM) analyses were plotted to validate the predictive effect when C‐index was plotted to assess the discrimination and Brier scores was plotted to assess the calibration of the predictive model.

Results

We developed a metastasis prediction model comprising three variables (pathological stage, aspartate aminotransferase, and neutrophil count) selected by RSF‐recursive feature elimination. The model was reliable and stable when assessed by the AUROC (0.932 in training set and 0.905 in validation set) and KM survival analyses (p < .0001). The C‐indexes (0.959) and Brier score (0.097) also validated the good predictive ability of this model.

Conclusions

This model relies on routine data and examination indicators in real‐time clinical practice and exhibits an accurate prediction performance without increasing the cost for patients. Using this model, clinicians can facilitate risk communication and provide precise and efficient individualized therapy to patients with breast cancer.
Telescoping Synthesis of 4‐Organyl‐5‐(organylselanyl)thiazol‐2‐amines Promoted by Ultrasound
Authors: Hellwig Paola S. , Bartz Ricardo H. , Santos Rafaela R. S. A. , Guedes Jonatan S. , Silva Márcio S. , Lenardão Eder J. , Perin Gelson
Published: March 2024

In this work, we describe the synthesis of new 4‐organyl‐5‐(organylselanyl)thiazol‐2‐amine hybrids through a one‐pot two‐step protocol. The transition metal‐free method involves the use of ultrasound as an alternative energy source and Oxone® as oxidant. To obtain the products, a telescoping approach was used, in which 4‐organylthiazol‐2‐amines were firstly prepared under ultrasonic irradiation, followed by the addition of diorganyl diselenides and Oxone®. Thus, 16 compounds were prepared, with yields ranging from 61 % to 98 %, using 2‐bromoacetophenone derivatives and diorganyl diselenides as easily available starting materials.
Drone Imagery Provides Valuable Insight on In‐Season Cover Crop Growth
Authors: Miller Jarrod O. , Shober Amy L. , Taraila Jamie
Published: March 2024

Cover crop management depends on building and estimating biomass amounts, which can vary across field and management settings. This study used multi‐flight drone imagery and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) to map cover crop growth over three different winter seasons and compare it with spring biomass accumulation. Drone imagery can be used to enhance our understanding of winter crop growth, providing additional data to explain the resulting biomass across variable conditions. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Crop Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.
Soil pH and Nutrients: Everything Is Local
Authors: Kish Stacy
Published: March 2024

Developed more than 80 years ago, the soil pH and nutrient diagram offers a quick reference that growers can use to gauge soil fertility and plant nutrition. At first glance, the relationship between soil pH and nutrient availability makes sense. Soil pH influences the solubility, concentration, ionic form, adsorption, and mobility of important plant nutrients. But this simple diagram hides the complexity of this relationship. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Nutrient Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.
Scalable Superhydrophilic Solar Evaporators for Long‐Term Stable Desalination, Fresh Water Collection and Salt Collection by Vertical Salt Deposition
Authors: Huang Xiaopeng , Li Lingxiao , Chen Kai , Zhang Junping
Published: March 2024

Solar‐driven interfacial evaporation (SIE) is very promising to solve the issue of fresh water shortage, however, poor salt resistance severely hinders long‐term stable SIE and fresh water collection. Here, we report design of superhydrophilic solar evaporators for long‐term stable desalination, fresh water collection and salt collection by vertical salt deposition. The evaporators are prepared by sequentially deposition of silicone nanofilaments, polypyrrole and Au nanoparticles on a polyester fabric composed of microfibers. The evaporators feature excellent photothermal effect and ultrafast water transport, due to their unique micro‐/nanostructure and superhydrophilicity. As a result, during SIE the salt gradually deposits vertically rather than occupies larger area on the evaporators. Consequently, long‐term stable SIE with high evaporation rates of 2.4–2.1 kg m−2 h−1 for 3.5–20 wt % brine in continuous 10 h is achieved under 1 sun illumination. Meanwhile, the loosely deposited salt can be easily collected, realizing zero brine discharge. Moreover, scalable preparation of the evaporator is achieved, which exhibits efficient collection of high quality fresh water (10.08 kg m−2 in 8 h) via SIE desalination under weak natural sunlight (0.46~0.66 sun). This strategy sheds a new light on the design of high‐performance solar evaporators and their real‐world fresh water collection.
High‐gain W‐band‐printed antenna on flexible substrate
Authors: Biswas Balaka , Karmakar Ayan , Adhikar Vaibhav , Saha Chinmoy
Published: March 2024

This article demonstrates a novel type of series‐fed planar antenna array for a W‐band (70 GHz) application. The proposed architecture is a 5‐element antenna array with 10 numbers of gap‐coupled parasitic patches in microstrip configuration over a thin, flexible and bio‐compatible substrate named LCP (liquid crystal polymer). A detailed design methodology with all fabrication constraints has been elaborated on here. Full wave analysis of the whole structure has been carried out in the FEM‐based 3D electromagnetic (EM) solver ANSYS HFSS Suite V.19.2. Parametric simulations were studied to achieve the optimized values of all design parameters. Further, an empirical electrical equivalent circuit model is proposed for the antenna array, and it was validated with the simulation results obtained from the FEM solver. Two prototypes have been fabricated, and measurements were carried out to fetch all the designed antenna parameters. The proto version of the antenna offers peak directive gain of about 19 dBi with better than 22 dB of return loss and 80% radiation efficiency for the frequency range of 67–85 GHz. Experimental and simulated results closely match each other. Small deviations are attributed to practical imperfections incurred by fabrication tolerances, measurement inaccuracies, testing, assembly‐related issues and so forth. Finally, the current research work is compared with the recently reported literature.
Berberine attenuates inflammation and oxidative stress and modulates lymphocyte E‐NTPDase in acute hyperlipidemia
Authors: Alruhaimi Reem S. , Siddiq Abduh Maisa , Ahmeda Ahmad F. , Bin‐Ammar Albandari , Kamel Emadeldin M. , Hassanein Emad H. M. , Li Chen , Mahmoud Ayman M.
Published: March 2024

Hyperlipidemia is a common clinically encountered health condition worldwide that promotes the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis. Berberine (BBR) is a natural product with acknowledged anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and metabolic effects. This study evaluated the effect of BBR on lipid alterations, oxidative stress, and inflammatory response in rats with acute hyperlipidemia induced by poloxamer‐407 (P‐407). Rats were pretreated with BBR (25 and 50 mg/kg) for 14 days and acute hyperlipidemia was induced by a single dose of P‐407 (500 mg/kg). BBR ameliorated hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and plasma lipoproteins in P‐407‐adminsitered rats. Plasma lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity was decreased, and hepatic 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl CoA (HMG‐CoA) reductase activity was enhanced in hyperlipidemic rats. The expression of low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDL‐R) and ATP‐binding cassette transporter 1 (ABCA1) was downregulated in hyperlipidemic rats. BBR enhanced LPL activity, upregulated LDL‐R, and ABCA1, and suppressed HMG‐CoA reductase in P‐407‐administered rats. Pretreatment with BBR ameliorated lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide (NO), pro‐inflammatory mediators (interleukin [IL]‐6, IL‐1β, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]‐α, interferon‐γ, IL‐4 and IL‐18) and enhanced antioxidants. In addition, BBR suppressed lymphocyte ecto‐nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (E‐NTPDase) and ecto‐adenosine deaminase (E‐ADA) as well as NO and TNF‐α release by macrophages isolated from normal and hyperlipidemic rats. In silico investigations revealed the binding affinity of BBR toward LPL, HMG‐CoA reductase, LDL‐R, PSK9, ABCA1, and E‐NTPDase. In conclusion, BBR effectively prevented acute hyperlipidemia and its associated inflammatory responses by modulating LPL, cholesterolgenesis, cytokine release, and lymphocyte E‐NTPDase and E‐ADA. Therefore, BBR is an effective and safe natural compound that might be employed as an adjuvant against hyperlipidemia and its associated inflammation.
A species distribution model of the giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera: Worldwide changes and a focus on the Southeast Pacific
Authors: Gonzalez‐Aragon Daniel , Rivadeneira Marcelo M. , Lara Carlos , Torres Felipe I. , Vásquez Julio A. , Broitman Bernardo R.
Published: March 2024

Worldwide climate‐driven shifts in the distribution of species is of special concern when it involves habitat‐forming species. In the coastal environment, large Laminarian algae—kelps—form key coastal ecosystems that support complex and diverse food webs. Among kelps, Macrocystis pyrifera is the most widely distributed habitat‐forming species and provides essential ecosystem services. This study aimed to establish the main drivers of future distributional changes on a global scale and use them to predict future habitat suitability. Using species distribution models (SDM), we examined the changes in global distribution of M. pyrifera under different emission scenarios with a focus on the Southeast Pacific shores. To constrain the drivers of our simulations to the most important factors controlling kelp forest distribution across spatial scales, we explored a suite of environmental variables and validated the predictions derived from the SDMs. Minimum sea surface temperature was the single most important variable explaining the global distribution of suitable habitat for M. pyrifera. Under different climate change scenarios, we always observed a decrease of suitable habitat at low latitudes, while an increase was detected in other regions, mostly at high latitudes. Along the Southeast Pacific, we observed an upper range contraction of −17.08° S of latitude for 2090–2100 under the RCP8.5 scenario, implying a loss of habitat suitability throughout the coast of Peru and poleward to −27.83° S in Chile. Along the area of Northern Chile where a complete habitat loss is predicted by our model, natural stands are under heavy exploitation. The loss of habitat suitability will take place worldwide: Significant impacts on marine biodiversity and ecosystem functioning are likely. Furthermore, changes in habitat suitability are a harbinger of massive impacts in the socio‐ecological systems of the Southeast Pacific.
Research progress and application of high efficiency organic solar cells based on benzodithiophene donor materials
Authors: Lin Congqi , Peng Ruixiang , Shi Jingyu , Ge Ziyi
Published: March 2024

In recent decades, the demand for clean and renewable energy has grown increasingly urgent due to the irreversible alteration of the global climate change. As a result, organic solar cells (OSCs) have emerged as a promising alternative to address this issue. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in the molecular design strategies of benzodithiophene (BDT)‐based polymer and small molecule donor materials since their birth, focusing on the development of main‐chain engineering, side‐chain engineering and other unique molecular design paths. Up to now, the state‐of‐the‐art power conversion efficiency (PCE) of binary OSCs prepared by BDT‐based donor materials has approached 20%. This work discusses the potential relationship between the molecular changes of donor materials and photoelectric performance in corresponding OSC devices in detail, thereby presenting a rational molecular design guidance for stable and efficient donor materials in future.
Removal of bentazone using activated carbon from spent coffee grounds
Authors: Rocha Bianca Caroline da Silva , Moraes Luiz Eduardo Zani de , Santo Diego Espirito , Peron Ana Paula , Souza Débora Cristina de , Bona Evandro , Valarini Osvaldo
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to produce activated carbon (AC) from spent coffee (Coffea arabica) grounds by chemical activation using zinc chloride (ZnCl2) and nitric acid to remove bentazone from aqueous solutions.

RESULTS

The fresh spent coffee grounds were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and the AC by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer–Emmett– Teller (BET), point of zero charge, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the Boehman method. Adsorption experiments were carried out in a batch system. The results showed a 70% efficiency in bentazone removal using ZnCl2 carbon. Kinetic studies indicate that the adsorption rate increased slowly up to 720 min; the first‐ and second‐order models fitted the experimental data at a concentration of 50 mg L−1. The adsorption equilibrium is represented by the Langmuir model with a high adsorption capacity of 279.33 ± 6.29 mg mg−1. The adsorption efficiency was also confirmed by toxicity analysis of the effluent with bentazone at 50 mg L−1, using the Allium cepa bioassay, a high‐sensitivity test for pollutants in water.

CONCLUSION

Before adsorption, the effluent caused significant cytogenotoxicity to onion root meristems. After adsorption, the generated effluent no longer caused toxicity to the test system, and the results obtained were similar to the control with distilled water. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Improvement of the enantioselectivities of Mandyphos‐Pd complexes by introducing groups with different steric and electronic properties
Authors: Liu Xiong , Qin Shuping , Wang Hou , Yang Yanning , Tang Xiang
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Mandyphos‐Pd has been proven to be a good chiral extractant to enantioseparate 3‐chlorophenylglycine enantiomers with a separation factor of 2.64. However, this extractant is not suitable to enantioseparate other amino acids with separation factors of <2.0. The poor versatility has limited its practical application in chiral extraction.

RESULTS

Mandyphos derivatives with different steric and electronic properties were synthesized and their enantioseparation properties toward amino acid and mandelic acid enantiomers were investigated. The results suggested that substituent groups with different steric properties affect the extraction properties, probably by adjusting the angles of tetra‐coordinated palladium complexes. And the substituent groups with different electronic properties affect the extraction properties mainly by adjusting the π‐π interactions/steric hindrance effects between Mandyphos‐Pd and substrates. After optimization, the highest separation factors for phenylalanine, homophenylalanine, 3‐chloro‐phenylglycine, 4‐nitro‐phenylalanine, mandelic acid and 2‐Cl‐mandelic acid were 2.10, 2.77, 3.51, 2.42, 2.24 and 5.19, respectively. The enantioseparation mechanisms revealed that the coordination interactions between metal ions and COO−/NH2, π‐π interactions or steric hindrance effects between aryls are the main forces acting in chiral recognition.

CONCLUSION

The enantioselectivities of the Mandyphos‐Pd complex are improved by introducing groups with suitable steric and electronic properties. Structural modification is a useful method to improve the enantioseparation efficiencies of chiral extractants. The results of this work will supply important theoretical guidance and reference for the design and modification of novel diphosphine ligands in future work. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Analyses of relational coherence and rule following: Consistent liars are preferred over occasional truth tellers
Authors: Alonso‐Vega Jesús , Harte Colin , Barnes‐Holmes Dermot
Published: March 2024

The current study explored the influence of different levels of speaker coherence on rule following and speaker preference. In Experiment 1, rules provided by three different speakers were either 100% accurate, 0% accurate, or 50% accurate/inaccurate. Experiment 2 was similar to Experiment 1 except that the speaker's coherence was adjusted to 80% accurate, 20% accurate, and 50% accurate/inaccurate, respectively. Overall, participants tended to follow coherent speaker rules and avoid following incoherent speaker rules during training and testing phases. The results also indicated that following and not following rules provided by speakers may be generalizable to novel stimuli and maintained in the absence of differential reinforcement (i.e., in experimental test phases). Additionally, in a preference test, participants tended to prefer coherent over incoherent and partially coherent speakers. Furthermore, participants tended to prefer the relatively more incoherent speaker (i.e., 0% or 20% accurate) over the 50% accurate coherent speaker in both experiments. Finally, a comparison of the results of both experiments indicated that different levels of relational coherence affected the variability of rule‐following and speaker preference behaviors. These findings are discussed in the context of the complexities that appear to be involved in rule‐following behaviors and speaker preference.
Nutrient consumption patterns of Lactobacillus acidophilus
Authors: Qiao Yali , Yin Boxing , Zhou Wei , Wang Mengrui , Chang Ziqing , Zhou Junping , Yue Mingzhe , Chen Junxia , Liu Fei , Feng Zhen
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

One of the greatest challenges in using Lactobacillus acidophilus as a probiotic is acid stress. The current research aimed to identify substances that help L. acidophilus resist acid stress; this was achieved through assessing its nutrient consumption patterns under various pH conditions.

RESULTS

The consumption rates of alanine, uracil, adenine, guanine, niacin, and manganese were consistently higher than 60% for L. acidophilus LA‐5 cultured at pH 5.8, 4.9, and 4.4. The consumption rates of glutamic acid + glutamine and thiamine increased with decreasing pH and were higher than 60% at pH 4.9 and 4.4. The viable counts of L. acidophilus LA‐5 were significantly increased under the corresponding acidic stress conditions (pH 4.9 and 4.4) through the appropriate addition of either alanine (3.37 and 2.81 mmol L−1), glutamic acid + glutamine (4.77 mmol L−1), guanine (0.13 and 0.17 mmol L−1), niacin (0.02 mmol L−1), thiamine (0.009 mmol L−1), or manganese (0.73 and 0.64 mmol L−1) (P < 0.05). The viable counts of L. acidophilus LA‐5 cultured in a medium supplemented with combined nutritional factors was 1.02–1.03‐fold of the counts observed in control medium under all acid conditions (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Alanine, glutamic acid + glutamine, guanine, niacin, thiamine, and manganese can improve the growth of L. acidophilus LA‐5 in an acidic environment in the present study. The results will contribute to optimizing strategies to enhance the acid resistance of L. acidophilus and expand its application in the fermentation industry. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Assessment of iron content of cooking water on bulgur by determining chemical, mineral, colour, textural and thermal characteristics
Authors: Michel Sadiye , Bayram Mustafa
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Bulgur, a whole wheat product, has attracted attention in the world in recent years because of its wide usage possibility in different meals. The basic ingredients in bulgur production are wheat and water. The influence of water composition on bulgur quality has not been investigated. Iron in water can cause discolouration in foods by oxidizing and reacting with phenolic compounds and also by hardening the structure of the foods. Therefore, in the present study, the effects of the iron content of water on the quality of bulgur were examined.

RESULTS

The effect of the amount of iron in water on bulgur quality was carried out and examined using water containing iron at three different levels (0, 1 and 2 ppm). Using water containing 2 ppm iron in bulgur production caused a decrease in the L* value and an increase in the YI (i.e. yellowness index), thus negatively affecting the colour of the bulgur. In bulgur prepared with water containing 2 ppm iron, the antioxidant activity was also dramatically reduced.

CONCLUSION

The iron content in the water used in bulgur production did not have a negative effect on bulgur quality up to 2 ppm. The protein, ash, phenolic and mineral amounts and textural characteristics of bulgur were not affected by the concentration of iron in the water. As a result, high iron concentration in cooking water negatively affects bulgur's colour and antioxidant activity. Therefore, it is recommended to use iron‐free water in bulgur production. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Sex‐specific resource use by wild turkeys in response to hunting activity
Authors: Roth Alaina P. , Wightman Patrick H. , Masto Nicholas M. , Cantrell Jay R. , Ruth Charles , Cohen Bradley S. , Chamberlain Michael J. , Collier Bret A.
Published: March 2024

Hunting causes direct mortality and potentially disrupts normal activities of game and non‐game species. As spatial (i.e., selection of hunting areas) and temporal (i.e., only diurnally present) patterns of hunters can become predictable, hunted species may respond accordingly. Risk becomes more dynamic and complex for species that are hunted concurrent with their breeding cycle, and growing literature has noted that wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo spp.) behaviors can be altered by hunting activity. We allocated global positioning system (GPS) units to 1,500 wild turkey hunters and affixed GPS transmitters to 175 wild turkeys during 2014–2018 on the Webb Wildlife Management Area Complex in South Carolina, USA. We evaluated whether wild turkeys shifted resource selection as a function of hunter resource selection during the progression of hunting seasons. Male wild turkeys avoided areas where stationary hunting bouts occurred during the early hunting season (and selected for these areas before hunting began), whereas females were more likely to select those areas avoided by males by the end of the hunting season. For every 15% increase in predicted probability of an area being hunted, male wild turkeys were 4.16 times less likely to select that area, whereas female wild turkeys were 1.08 times more likely to select that area relative to pre‐season periods when hunters were not on the landscape. Hunting activity induced immediate responses by male wild turkeys as they sought refuge away from hunted areas. Coupled with recent research suggesting hunters are more influential than natural predators in reducing the frequency of male vocalizations and eliciting fleeing and avoidance behavior, our results indicate hunting activity could affect distribution and courtship behaviors of male wild turkeys during their breeding season.
Variants in Genes Associated with Hearing Loss in Children: Prevalence in a Large Canadian Cohort
Authors: Wener Emily R. , McLennan Jacob D. , Papsin Blake C. , Cushing Sharon L. , Stavropoulos Dimitri James , Mendoza‐Londono Roberto , Quercia Nada , Gordon Karen A.
Published: March 2024

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of genetic variants associated with hearing loss in a large cohort of children in Canada using high throughput next generation sequencing (NGS).

Methods

A total of 485 children with hearing loss underwent NGS testing with an 80 gene panel of syndromic and non‐syndromic variants known to be associated with hearing loss. Genetic variants were classified as pathogenic, likely pathogenic, likely benign, benign, or variants of uncertain significance (VUS), according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines.

Results

Across the 80 genes tested, 923 variants, predominantly in 28 genes, were identified in 324 children. Pathogenic variants occurred in 19/80 (23.8%) of the hearing loss related genes tested and confirmed the etiology of hearing loss in 73/485 (15.1%) of children. GJB2 was the most prevalent gene, affecting 28/73 (38.4%) children with confirmed genetic hearing loss in our cohort. Most identified variants (748/923, 81.0%, in 76/80 genes) were of uncertain significance.

Conclusion

Genetic testing using NGS identified the etiology in approximately 15% of childhood hearing loss in a Canadian cohort which is lower than what is typically reported. GJB2 was the most common genetic cause of hearing loss. VUS are commonly identified, presenting clinical challenges for counseling.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:3832–3838, 2024
New Approaches to Using Old Artifacts: Advances in Oceanography‐Archeology Research
Authors: Lecher Alanna L. , Vokhshoori Natasha , Watson April
Published: March 2024

Collaborations between archeologists and aquatic scientists are driving forward a whole new subdiscipline of methods to document and understand environmental change. Climate change, food webs, El Niño La Niña oscillations, and alterations to biotic factors such as salinity and stream flow have all been studied via aquatic archeological material. Much of this research is conducted on shell middens, the archeological materials they contain, and substrates they are deposited in. This article provides a primer on the formation of shell middens, procedures of midden archeological excavation, and the recent advances in aquatic environmental change research from analyzing archeological material collected from middens.
Energy and Power Requirements for Alteration of the Refractive Index
Authors: Khurgin Jacob B
Published: March 2024

The ability to manipulate the refractive index is a fundamental principle underlying numerous photonic devices. Various techniques exist to modify the refractive index across diverse materials, making performance comparison far from straightforward. In evaluating these methods, power consumption emerges as a key performance characteristic, alongside bandwidth and footprint. Here a comprehensive comparison of the energy and power requirements for the most well‐known index change schemes is undertaken. The findings reveal that while the energy per volume for index change remains within one or two orders of magnitude across different techniques and materials, the power consumption required to achieve switching, 100% modulation, or 100% frequency conversion can differ significantly, spanning many orders of magnitude. As it turns out, the material used has less influence on power reduction than the specific resonant or traveling wave scheme employed to enhance the interaction time between light and matter. Though this work is not intended to serve as a design guide, it does establish the limitations and trade‐offs involved in index modulation, thus providing valuable insights for photonics practitioners.
Care of Late‐Stage Parkinsonism: Resource Utilization of the Disease in Five European Countries
Authors: Kruse Christopher , Lipinski Anna , Verheyen Malte , Balzer‐Geldsetzer Monika , Wittenberg Michael , Lorenzl Stefan , Richinger Carmen , Schmotz Christian , Tönges Lars , Woitalla Dirk , Klebe Stephan , Bloem Bastiaan R. , Hommel Adrianus , Meissner Wassilios G. , Laurens Brice , Boraud Thomas , Foubert‐Samier Alexandra , Vergnet Sylvain , Tison François , Costa Nadège , Odin Per , Rosqvist Kristina , Norlin Jenny M. , Hjalte Frida , Schrag Anette , Dodel Richard
Published: March 2024

Background

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease that leads to progressive disability. Cost studies have mainly explored the early stages of the disease, whereas late‐stage patients are underrepresented.

Objective

The aim is to evaluate the resource utilization and costs of PD management in people with late‐stage disease.

Methods

The Care of Late‐Stage Parkinsonism (CLaSP) study collected economic data from patients with late‐stage PD and their caregivers in five European countries (France, Germany, the Netherlands, UK, Sweden) in a range of different settings. Patients were eligible to be included if they were in Hoehn and Yahr stage >3 in the on state or Schwab and England stage at 50% or less. In total, 592 patients met the inclusion criteria and provided information on their resource utilization. Costs were calculated from a societal perspective for a 3‐month period. A least absolute shrinkage and selection operator approach was utilized to identify the most influential independent variables for explaining and predicting costs.

Results

During the 3‐month period, the costs were €20,573 (France), €19,959 (Germany), €18,319 (the Netherlands), €25,649 (Sweden), and €12,156 (UK). The main contributors across sites were formal care, hospitalization, and informal care. Gender, age, duration of the disease, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale 2, the EQ‐5D‐3L, and the Schwab and England Scale were identified as predictors of costs.

Conclusion

Costs in this cohort of individuals with late‐stage PD were substantially higher compared to previously published data on individuals living in earlier stages of the disease. Resource utilization in the individual sites differed in part considerably among these three parameters mentioned. © 2024 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Study reveals suicide attempts in people with no prior MI
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: March 2024

Observing that not all people who die by suicide have a psychiatric diagnosis, researchers set out to estimate the percentage of people with lifetime suicide attempts whose first attempt occurred prior to the onset of any psychiatric disorder.
NEDA launches national resource center for clinicians, public
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: March 2024

Nine percent of the U.S. population, or 28.8 million Americans, will have an eating disorder at some point in their lifetime. Clinicians are less likely to identify disordered eating behaviors in women who identify as Black or Hispanic, even with similar symptoms. These are just a couple of key examples of eating disorder statistics released last week as the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) observed Eating Disorders Awareness Week (Feb. 26‐March 3).
Interleaved trinuclear MRS for single‐session investigation of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in human liver at 7T
Authors: Poli Simone , Emara Ahmed F. , Lange Naomi F. , Ballabani Edona , Buser Angeline , Schiavon Michele , Herzig David , Man Chiara Dalla , Bally Lia , Kreis Roland
Published: March 2024

The liver plays a central role in metabolic homeostasis, as exemplified by a variety of clinical disorders with hepatic and systemic metabolic disarrays. Of particular interest are the complex interactions between lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in highly prevalent conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease. Limited accessibility and the need for invasive procedures challenge direct investigations in humans. Hence, noninvasive dynamic evaluations of glycolytic flux and steady‐state assessments of lipid levels and composition are crucial for basic understanding and may open new avenues toward novel therapeutic targets. Here, three different MR spectroscopy (MRS) techniques that have been combined in a single interleaved examination in a 7T MR scanner are evaluated. 1H‐MRS and 13C‐MRS probe endogenous metabolites, while deuterium metabolic imaging (DMI) relies on administration of deuterated tracers, currently 2H‐labelled glucose, to map the spatial and temporal evolution of their metabolic fate. All three techniques have been optimized for a robust single‐session clinical investigation and applied in a preliminary study of healthy subjects. The use of a triple‐channel 1H/2H/13C RF coil enables interleaved examinations with no need for repositioning. Short‐echo‐time STEAM spectroscopy provides well resolved spectra to quantify lipid content and composition. The relative benefits of using water saturation versus metabolite cycling and types of respiratory synchronization were evaluated. 2H‐MR spectroscopic imaging allowed for registration of time‐ and space‐resolved glucose levels following oral ingestion of 2H‐glucose, while natural abundance 13C‐MRS of glycogen provides a dynamic measure of hepatic glucose storage. For DMI and 13C‐MRS, the measurement precision of the method was estimated to be about 0.2 and about 16 mM, respectively, for 5 min scanning periods. Excellent results were shown for the determination of dynamic uptake of glucose with DMI and lipid profiles with 1H‐MRS, while the determination of changes in glycogen levels by 13C‐MRS is also feasible but somewhat more limited by signal‐to‐noise ratio.
The effect of increasing duration of family members' presence on sleep status in patients with acute coronary syndrome in cardiac care unit: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bagheri Hossein , Norouzi Fatemeh , Maleki Maryam , Rezaie Somayeh , Goli Shahrbanoo , Ebrahimi Hossein , Mardani Abbas
Published: March 2024

Aim

To investigate the effect of increasing duration of family members' presence on sleep status in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) admitted to the cardiac care unit.

Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Ninety patients with ACS randomly assigned into two groups. No intervention was performed in control group. In the intervention group, the time of family members presence was changed from 1 h per day to 2 h per day from the second to the fourth day. Then, ST Mary's Hospital Sleep Questionnaire was completed by the patients every day during the study.

Results

The patients in the intervention group had statistically significantly better sleep status during the course of intervention compared to the control group.

Patient or Public Contribution

The increasing duration of family members' presence can improve the sleep quality and quantity of ACS patients.
Computational Design of Phosphotriesterase Improves V‐Agent Degradation Efficiency
Authors: Kronenberg Jacob , Chu Stanley , Olsen Andrew , Britton Dustin , Halvorsen Leif , Guo Shengbo , Lakshmi Ashwitha , Chen Jason , Kulapurathazhe Maria Jinu , Baker Cetara A. , Wadsworth Benjamin C. , Van Acker Cynthia J. , Lehman John G. , Otto Tamara C. , Renfrew P. Douglas , Bonneau Richard , Montclare Jin Kim
Published: March 2024

Organophosphates (OPs) are a class of neurotoxic acetylcholinesterase inhibitors including widely used pesticides as well as nerve agents such as VX and VR. Current treatment of these toxins relies on reactivating acetylcholinesterase, which remains ineffective. Enzymatic scavengers are of interest for their ability to degrade OPs systemically before they reach their target. Here we describe a library of computationally designed variants of phosphotriesterase (PTE), an enzyme that is known to break down OPs. The mutations G208D, F104A, K77A, A80V, H254G, and I274N broadly improve catalytic efficiency of VX and VR hydrolysis without impacting the structure of the enzyme. The mutation I106 A improves catalysis of VR and L271E abolishes activity, likely due to disruptions of PTE's structure. This study elucidates the importance of these residues and contributes to the design of enzymatic OP scavengers with improved efficiency.
Cover Image
Authors: Luo Tingting , Fu Kunkun , Zhu Huixin , Chen Yuan , Yang Bin , Li Yan
Published: March 2024

The cover image is based on the Research Article In‐plane and in‐depth frontal polymerization behaviors of continuous fiber‐reinforced epoxy composites by Tingting Luo et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.28013

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Self‐assembly of supramolecular monomers into 2D twinned crystals on mica surface
Authors: Weyandt Elisabeth , Ruggeri Francesco Simone , Meijer E. W. , Vantomme Ghislaine
Published: March 2024

Despite the widespread use of microscopy techniques to characterize supramolecular polymers, the role of surfaces in the formation of these structures is unclear. Here we describe the epitaxial growth of intriguing 2D crystals of alkyl benzene‐1,3,5‐triscarboxamides formed by competitive attractive interactions with the mica surface. In contrast to the fibrous structure observed in apolar diluted solution, five‐fold twinned crystals or ribbon‐like structures are obtained on the mica surface. Moreover, these structures are still dynamic on the surface, being able to reorganize during the atomic force microscopy measurements. This work demonstrates that surface‐monomer interactions can be exploited to modulate the structure of 1D supramolecular polymers into 2D crystals.
A hybrid feature selection model for identifying groups of critical elements in aero‐engine assembly
Authors: Cheng Jiali , Hu Zongchun , Lu Wenhao , Wang Keqin , Cai Zhiqiang
Published: March 2024

Aero‐engine assembly has a wide range of indicators, and finding critical assembly elements to guide assembly and troubleshooting is essential in improving the reliability and safety of aero‐engine. In order to identify critical elements in aero‐engine assembly components, this study aims to establish a two‐stage hybrid feature selection model, namely, FSBP approach, which integrated filter method and particle swarm algorithm with Bayesian optimization. Specifically, individual filter feature selection methods are compared to select a relatively effective method to reduce the data dimensions and ensure the quality of the initial subset. Then, the particle swarm algorithm combined with Bayesian optimization obtains a subset of features in the second stage that are more suitable for predictive models with more robust classification prediction capability. The algorithm is successfully applied to real aero‐engine assembly and trial test datasets, and the experimental results show that our proposed two‐stage hybrid feature selection model outperforms other benchmark methods.
Role of ACLY in the development of gastric cancer under hyperglycemic conditions
Authors: Sun Keran , Ning Jingyuan , Jia Keqi , Fan Xiaoqing , Li Hongru , Ma Jize , Meng Meiqi , Ma Cuiqing , Wei Lin
Published: March 2024

To investigate the impact of hyperglycemia on the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer and identify key molecules associated with high glucose levels in gastric cancer development, RNA sequencing data and clinical features of gastric cancer patients were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. High glucose‐related genes strongly associated with gastric cancer were identified using weighted gene co‐expression network and differential analyses. A gastric cancer prognosis signature was constructed based on these genes and patients were categorized into high‐ and low‐risk groups. The immune statuses of the two patient groups were compared. ATP citrate lyase (ACLY), a gene significantly related to the prognosis, was found to be upregulated upon high‐glucose stimulation. Immunohistochemistry and molecular analyses confirmed high ACLY expression in gastric cancer tissues and cells. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) revealed the involvement of ACLY in cell cycle and DNA replication processes. Inhibition of ACLY affected the proliferation and migration of gastric cancer cells induced by high glucose levels. These findings suggest that ACLY, as a high glucose‐related gene, plays a critical role in gastric cancer progression.
The number of previous implantation failures is a critical determinant of intrauterine autologous platelet‐rich plasma infusion success in women with recurrent implantation failure
Authors: Fujii Shunsaku , Oguchi Takaaki
Published: March 2024

Purpose

We aimed to identify factors influencing the reproductive outcomes of frozen–thawed embryo transfer (FET) with intrauterine autologous platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) infusion in patients with either a thin endometrium or recurrent implantation failure (RIF) despite a normal endometrial appearance.

Methods

In this retrospective study of women who underwent PRP‐FET, factors influencing PRP‐FET outcomes were identified using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

We enrolled 111 patients (70 with refractory thin endometrium and 41 with RIF but no thin endometrium). For 99 completed FET cycles, the β‐hCG positivity rate was 46.7%, clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) was 41.0%, and live birth rate (LBR) was 36.2%. PRP treatment was associated with significant improvements over previous cycles, and participants with thin endometria demonstrated thickening. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the number of previous implantation failures in women with RIF was a significant factor affecting the PRP‐FET outcomes. The CPR and LBR of women with RIF were lower when there had been ≥3 previous implantation failures occurred.

Conclusions

Intrauterine PRP infusion improves the pregnancy outcomes of patients with RIF or a thin endometrium. The number of previous implantation failures is a critical determinant of successful intrauterine PRP infusions in women with RIF.
Synthesis, characterization, and performance evaluation of polyamide‐Ag@SiO2 Raman substrate
Authors: Wu Shiying , Zhang Lan , Zhang Tingting , Li Lujie , Li Anqi , Wang Lingling , Liu Chang , Li Weihua , Li Jiansheng , Lu Rui
Published: March 2024

At present, Ag nanoparticles have been widely used as Raman substrates, but their easy oxidation and aggregation have limited practical applications. In order to address the above problems, firstly, tetraethyl orthosilicate as a precursor was applied to synthesis silver coated with silica dioxide nanoparticles (Ag@SiO2). As a result, the surface of Ag nanoparticles is uniformly coated with a thin layer of SiO2 in order to solve the easy oxidation problem without adversely affecting their surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) performance. Furthermore, Ag@SiO2 nanoparticles were electrostatically deposited onto polyamide (PA) films to form a two‐dimensional PA‐Ag@SiO2 film substrate, thus resolving nanoparticle agglomeration issues and further improving the repeatability of the entire system. As can been from the SERS detection results obtained from the probe molecules and pollutants, the Raman signal on the PA‐Ag@SiO2 thin film substrate has a good degree of sensitivity, stability, and repeatability.
Early Spoilage Detection of Cultured Pacific White Shrimp Using Quartz Crystal Microbalance Gas Sensors
Authors: Rianjanu Aditya , Rayhan Muhammad A. A. P. , Aulya Mubarakatin , Aflaha Rizky , Triyana Kuwat , Taher Tarmizi , Wasisto Hutomo Suryo
Published: March 2024

In this study, quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) gas sensors, coated with electrospun polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) nanofibers, were employed to monitor the spoilage level of cultured Pacific white shrimp. The sensors exhibited a sensitivity range of 0.63 to 1.61 Hz/ppm when detecting trimethylamine vapor, a key biomarker for shrimp spoilage. Significant resonance frequency shifts were observed in the as‐prepared sensors when exposed to amine gases released by long‐stored shrimps. These shifts underline the significance of low‐temperature storage for shrimps. While color changes in the shrimps stored at ambient temperature (25 °C) become noticeable to the naked eye after 6 hours, the sensor detects sample deterioration much earlier, registering a prominent frequency shift (178 Hz) within only 3 hours of storage. This outcome suggests the potential of nanofiber‐coated QCM sensors as early‐stage food freshness indicators.
Nanomaterials: A Promising Material for Cardiac Hemostasis
Authors: Gao Yuan , Zhang Jun , Yu Pi‐Hang , Liu Zhong , Zhang Guo‐Dong , Cheng Nan , Wang Rong , Long Yun‐Ze
Published: March 2024

As a pump to supply blood to the body, the heart is one of the essential organs. Cardiac hemostasis is a great challenge due to extremely high blood pressure and the need to stop the bleeding in a minimal time. In recent decades, more convenient, faster, and fewer toxic hemostatic materials have been developed for wound treatment and hemostasis in clinical and emergency situations. Besides, functional nanomaterials with large specific surface areas and high porosity have received extensive attention as hemostatic agents. In this review, we summarize the current status of cardiac hemostasis and the application of hemostatic materials in cardiac hemostasis, then introduce the application of nanomaterials in biomedicine and cardiac surgery. Finally, we discuss the prospects and challenges in the field of cardiac hemostasis.