bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
N6‐methyladenosine reader hnRNPA2B1 recognizes and stabilizes NEAT1 to confer chemoresistance in gastric cancer
Authors: Wang Jiayao , Zhang Jiehao , Liu Hao , Meng Lingnan , Gao Xianchun , Zhao Yihan , Wang Chen , Gao Xiaoliang , Fan Ahui , Cao Tianyu , Fan Daiming , Zhao Xiaodi , Lu Yuanyuan
Published: March 2024

Background

Chemoresistance is a major cause of treatment failure in gastric cancer (GC). Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2B1 (hnRNPA2B1) is an N6‐methyladenosine (m6A)‐binding protein involved in a variety of cancers. However, whether m6A modification and hnRNPA2B1 play a role in GC chemoresistance is largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of hnRNPA2B1 and the downstream mechanism in GC chemoresistance.

Methods

The expression of hnRNPA2B1 among public datasets were analyzed and validated by quantitative PCR (qPCR), Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemical staining. The biological functions of hnRNPA2B1 in GC chemoresistance were investigated both in vitro and in vivo. RNA sequencing, methylated RNA immunoprecipitation, RNA immunoprecipitation, and RNA stability assay were performed to assess the association between hnRNPA2B1 and the binding RNA. The role of hnRNPA2B1 in maintenance of GC stemness was evaluated by bioinformatic analysis, qPCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and sphere formation assays. The expression patterns of hnRNPA2B1 and downstream regulators in GC specimens from patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy were analyzed by RNAscope and multiplex immunohistochemistry.

Results

Elevated expression of hnRNPA2B1 was found in GC cells and tissues, especially in multidrug‐resistant (MDR) GC cell lines. The expression of hnRNPA2B1 was associated with poor outcomes of GC patients, especially in those who received 5‐fluorouracil treatment. Silencing hnRNPA2B1 effectively sensitized GC cells to chemotherapy by inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanically, hnRNPA2B1 interacted with and stabilized long noncoding RNA NEAT1 in an m6A‐dependent manner. Furthermore, hnRNPA2B1 and NEAT1 worked together to enhance the stemness properties of GC cells via Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway. In clinical specimens from GC patients subjected to chemotherapy, the expression levels of hnRNPA2B1, NEAT1, CD133, and CD44 were markedly elevated in non‐responders compared with responders.

Conclusion

Our findings indicated that hnRNPA2B1 interacts with and stabilizes lncRNA NEAT1, which contribute to the maintenance of stemness property via Wnt/β‐catenin pathway and exacerbate chemoresistance in GC.
Climbing into their Skin to Understand Contextual Protein–Protein Associations and Localizations: Functional Investigations in Transgenic Live Model Organisms
Authors: Long Marcus J. C. , Aye Yimon
Published: March 2024

Borrowing some quotes from Harper Lee's novel “To Kill A Mockingbird” to help frame our manuscript, we discuss methods to profile local proteomes. We initially focus on chemical biology regimens that function in live organisms and use reactive biotin species for this purpose. We then consider ways to add new dimensions to these experimental regimens, principally by releasing less reactive (i. e., more selective) (preter)natural electrophiles. Although electrophile release methods may have lower resolution and label fewer proteins than biotinylation methods, their ability to probe simultaneously protein function and locale raises new and interesting possibilities for the field.
Morel‐Lavallée lesion of the lumbosacral region: A rare case report and comprehensive review of the literature
Authors: Lamichhane Samiksha , Devkota Shritik , K.C Suraj , Sarmast Arif Hussain
Published: March 2024

Key Clinical Message

The presentation of a Morel‐Lavallée lesion in the lumbosacral region following a road traffic accident is an uncommon clinical entity. Knowledge of this rare site of occurrence can help in early diagnosis and proper management.
On the Thermodynamic Equivalence of Grand Canonical, Infinite‐Size, and Capacitor‐Based Models in First‐Principle Electrochemistry
Authors: Kastlunger Georg , Vijay Sudarshan , Chen Xi , Sharma Shubham , Peterson Andrew
Published: March 2024

First principles‐based computational and theoretical methods are constantly evolving trying to overcome the many obstacles towards a comprehensive understanding of electrochemical processes on an atomistic level. One of the major challenges has been the determination of reaction energetics under a constant potential. Here, a theoretical framework was proposed applying standard electronic structure methods and extrapolating to the infinite‐cell size limit where reactions do not alter the potential. Today, electronically grand canonical modifications to electronic structure methods, holding the potential constant by varying the number of electrons in a finite simulation cell, become increasingly popular. In this perspective, we show that these two schemes are thermodynamically equivalent. Further, we link these methods to capacitive models of the interface, in the limit that the capacitance of the charging components (whether continuum or atomistic) are equal and invariant along the reaction pathway.

We benchmark the three approaches with an example of alkali cation adsorption on Pt(111) showing that all three approaches converge in the cases of Li, Na and K. For Cs, however, strong deviation from the ideal conditions leads to a spread in the respective results. We discuss the latter by highlighting the cases of broken equivalence and assumptions among the approaches.
dTBI2: A Calibrated, Tunable Device for Administering Traumatic Brain Injury in Drosophila
Authors: Ratner Stephen W. , Fetchko Michael , Mathivanan Akanksha S. , Kelly Seanna E. , Gupta Shambhavi , Barber Annika F.
Published: March 2024

The second‐generation Drosophila traumatic brain injury (TBI) device dTBI2 improves Drosophila TBI administration by providing a moderate‐throughput, tunable, head‐specific injury. Our updated device design improves user‐friendliness, eliminates inconsistencies in injury timing, and has an updated circuit design to extend the longevity of delicate electronic components. dTBI2 improves reproducibility across users and runs, and results in more consistent post‐injury phenotypes. This protocol describes the construction, calibration, and use of the dTBI2 device, which uses an Arduino‐controlled piezoelectric actuator to deliver a force that compresses a fly head against a metal collar. The duration and depth of head compression is tunable, allowing calibration of injury severity. All device components are commercially available, and the entire device can be constructed in under a week for less than $1000. The dTBI2 design will enable any lab to build a highly reliable, low‐cost device for Drosophila TBI, facilitating increased adoption and ease of exploration of closed‐head TBI in Drosophila for forward genetic screens. We describe below the three protocols necessary for constructing a dTBI2 device. © 2024 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Construction of the dTBI2 control device

Basic Protocol 2: Construction of the piezoelectric actuator housing

Basic Protocol 3: Administration of dTBI2 injuries
Pollen‐mediated gene flow from herbicide‐resistant yellow corn to non‐genetically engineered food‐grade white corn
Authors: Singh Mandeep , Kumar Vipan , Knezevic Stevan Z. , Lindquist John L. , Irmak Suat , Pitla Santosh , Jhala Amit J.
Published: March 2024

Nebraska is the number one producer of food‐grade white corn in the United States. Pollen‐mediated gene flow (PMGF) from genetically engineered high alpha‐amylase corn, known as Enogen corn, to food‐grade white corn can have undesirable outcomes. Alpha‐amylase can convert starch in white corn to sugar during or after its processing, degrading the quality of processed products. Thus, proximity to Enogen corn puts white corn production at risk. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the PMGF from herbicide‐resistant yellow corn to food‐grade white corn and assess the significance of wind speed and direction. Field experiments were set up using a Nelder‐wheel design in 2021 and 2022 in Nebraska, with yellow field corn as pollen donor in the center and white corn surrounding it as pollen receptor. At the end of the season, samples of white corn cobs were collected up to 50 and 70 m from four cardinal and ordinal directions, respectively. PMGF was detected by counting the number of yellow kernels on the white cobs. More than 4 million kernels were screened and the highest frequency of PMGF (0.0621–0.1950) was detected at the nearest distance (1 m). PMGF decreased exponentially with distance; however, it was still observed (0.0020–0.0032) at the greatest distance (70 m) evaluated in this study. Wind profile played a significant role in PMGF. Wind frequency (r = 0.58 ≤ 0.86) and wind run (r = 0.36 ≤ 0.95) were moderately to strongly correlated with PMGF in 2021 and 2022, respectively. The results are concerning for white corn growers due to the coexistence of Enogen corn and food‐grade white corn.
Leveraging Direct Pyrolysis for the Synthesis of 10 nm Monodispersed Fe3O4/Fe3C NPS@Carbon to Improve SupercapacitANCE in Acidic Electrolyte
Authors: Appiah‐Ntiamoah Richard , Kim Hern
Published: March 2024

The prevailing practice advocates pre–oxidation of electrospun Fe–salt/polymer nanofibers (Fe–salt/polymer Nf) before pyrolysis as advantageous in the production of high–performance FeOx@carbon nanofibers supercapacitors (FeOx@C). However, our study systematically challenges this notion by demonstrating that pre–oxidation facilitates the formation of polydispersed and large FeOx nanoparticles (FeOx@CI−DA) through “external” Fe3+ Kirkendall diffusion from carbon, resulting in subpar electrochemical properties. To address this, direct pyrolysis of Fe–salt/polymer Nf is proposed, promoting “internal” Fe3+ Kirkendall diffusion within carbon and providing substantial physical confinement, leading to the formation of monodispersed and small FeOx nanoparticles (FeOx@CDA). In 1 M H2SO4, FeOx@CDA demonstrates ~2.60× and 1.26× faster SO42− diffusivity, and electron transfer kinetics, respectively, compared to FeOx@CI−DA, with a correspondingly ~1.50× greater effective surface area. Consequently, FeOx@CDA exhibits a specific capacity of 161.92 mAhg−1, ~2× higher than FeOx@CI−DA, with a rate capability ~19 % greater. Moreover, FeOx@CDA retains 94 % of its capacitance after 5000 GCD cycles, delivering an energy density of 26.68 Whkg−1 in a FeOx@CDA//FeOx@CDA device, rivaling state–of–the–art FeOx/carbon electrodes in less Fe–corrosive electrolytes. However, it is worth noting that the effectiveness of direct pyrolysis is contingent upon hydrated Fe–salt. These findings reveal a straightforward approach to enhancing the supercapacitance of FeOx@C materials.
Genomic analyses elucidate S‐locus evolution in response to intra‐specific losses of distyly in Primula vulgaris
Authors: Mora‐Carrera E. , Stubbs R. L. , Potente G. , Yousefi N. , Keller B. , de Vos J. M. , Szövényi P. , Conti E.
Published: March 2024

Distyly, a floral dimorphism that promotes outcrossing, is controlled by a hemizygous genomic region known as the S‐locus. Disruptions of genes within the S‐locus are responsible for the loss of distyly and the emergence of homostyly, a floral monomorphism that favors selfing. Using whole‐genome resequencing data of distylous and homostylous individuals from populations of Primula vulgaris and leveraging high‐quality reference genomes of Primula we tested, for the first time, predictions about the evolutionary consequences of transitions to selfing on S‐genes. Our results reveal a previously undetected structural rearrangement in CYPᵀ associated with the shift to homostyly and confirm previously reported, homostyle‐specific, loss‐of‐function mutations in the exons of the S‐gene CYPᵀ. We also discovered that the promoter and intronic regions of CYPᵀ in distylous and homostylous individuals are conserved, suggesting that down‐regulation of CYPᵀ via mutations in its promoter and intronic regions is not a cause of the shift to homostyly. Furthermore, we found that hemizygosity is associated with reduced genetic diversity in S‐genes compared with their paralogs outside the S‐locus. Additionally, the shift to homostyly lowers genetic diversity in both the S‐genes and their paralogs, as expected in primarily selfing plants. Finally, we tested, for the first time, long‐standing theoretical models of changes in S‐locus genotypes during early stages of the transition to homostyly, supporting the assumption that two copies of the S‐locus might reduce homostyle fitness.
“Us versus them” mentalities in co‐managing a Natura 2000 forest: Narratives, identities, and a culture of conflict
Authors: Koch Larissa
Published: March 2024

Multistakeholder co‐management is no blueprint for smooth and accepted environmental policy implementation. Parallel processes of cooperation and conflict rather shape co‐managing processes, which is the focus of this article. Combining the analysis of narratives, identities, and relational structure through means of social network analysis builds the conceptual and methodological foundation for this case study to explore a perpetual conflict between actors involved in co‐designing the management plans for a local Natura 2000 forest. Two opposing narratives are identified as competing over power and competency in discussions about the management plans for the Natura 2000 forest. Negative characterization frames and antagonizing with the other side fuels an “us versus them” mentality among the actors in the co‐management process and over time, a culture of conflict has become institutionalized. Interactions between the actors from the case study seemingly build on a complex, iterative pattern of disputes that is barely breakable and reversible into cooperative attitudes. Surprisingly, this culture of conflict does not resonate with the relational structure between actors in the case study as descriptive social network analysis shows. This case represents an intriguing puzzle pointing to an incongruence between relational and discursive mechanisms underlying cooperation‐conflict dynamics in multistakeholder co‐management, which is relevant for future examinations of cooperation and conflict in social network analyses. The results are discussed in light of power dynamics and concluded with an outlook to conflict research.
Cardiovascular disease healthcare trajectories: descriptions, similarities, mortality rates of heart failure in France
Authors: Nevoret Camille , Tran Yohann , Guendouz Soulef , Lavenu Audrey , Katsahian Sandrine , Damy Thibaud , Tropeano Anne‐Isabelle
Published: March 2024

Aims

The primary objectives of this study were to analyse the nationwide healthcare trajectories of heart failure (HF) patients in France, 2 years after their first hospitalization, and to measure sequence similarities. Secondary objectives were to identify the association between trajectories and the risk of mortality.

Methods and results

A retrospective, observational study was conducted using data extracted from the Echantillon Généraliste des Bénéficiaires database, covering the period from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2018. Follow‐up concluded upon death or at the end of the study. We developed a methodology specific to healthcare data by extracting frequent healthcare trajectories and measuring their similarity for use in a survival machine learning analysis. In total, 11 488 HF patients were included and followed up for an average of 2.9 ± 1.3 years. The mean age of the patients was 78.0 ± 13.2 years. The first‐year mortality rate was 31.7% and increased to 78.8% at 5 years. Fifty per cent of patients experienced re‐hospitalization for reasons related to cardiovascular diseases. We identified 1707 hospitalization sequences, and 21 sequences were associated with survival, while 15 sequences were linked to mortality. In all our models, age and gender emerged as the most significant predictors of mortality (permutation feature importance: 0.099 ± 0.00078 and 0.0087 ± 0.00018, respectively; weights could be interpreted in relative terms). Specifically, the age at initial hospitalization for HF was positively associated with mortality. Gender (male: 49.5%) was associated with poorer prognoses. Healthcare trajectories, including non‐surgical device treatments, valve replacements, and atrial fibrillation ablation, were associated with a better prognosis (permutation feature importance: 0.0047 ± 0.00011, 0.0014 ± 0.000073, and 0.00095 ± 0.000097, respectively), except in cases where these invasive treatments preceded or followed hospitalization for cardiac decompensation. The predominant negative prognosis sequences were mostly those that included HF‐related hospitalizations before or after other‐related hospitalizations (permutation feature importance: 0.0007 ± 0.000091 and 0.00011 ± 0.000045, respectively).

Conclusions

We highlight the value of healthcare trajectories on frequent hospitalization sequences, mortality, and prognosis and indicate the necessary prognostic value of HF re‐hospitalization. Our work may be an essential tool for better identification of at‐risk patients in order to increase and improve personalized care in the future.
Multi‐mode inversion of dispersive surface‐wave free fields in layered media
Authors: Xue Yao‐Hui , Dong Zhi‐Qian , Li Gang , Yu Ding‐Hao , Wang Rui , Zhang Han
Published: March 2024

Inversion of surface‐wave free fields is of great importance in providing seismic excitations for the finite element (FE) analysis of soil–structure interaction (SSI) systems. In the case of layered media, the propagating surface waves are characterized by their unique dispersion property, resulting in dispersive multi‐mode surface wavefields. Available studies primarily focus on only the fundamental mode and neglect the influence of higher modes, which fail to identify the real structural response characteristics. To enhance the precision of seismic excitations for SSI systems situated in layered media, a multi‐mode inversion method for dispersive surface‐wave free fields is proposed in this study. The proposed method employs the energy flow density to characterize the participation volume of dispersive modes, and further calculates corresponding modal participation factors by combining with the dispersion curve and dynamic‐stiffness matrix (DSM) method. The modal participation factors are then utilized to assign the ground surface components of each mode and invert respective single‐mode surface‐wave free fields. Based on the mode superposition theory, all the single‐mode surface‐wave free fields are finally superimposed to construct the multi‐mode wavefields. The accuracy of the proposed method is thoroughly verified and validated across various types of layered media. Furthermore, the engineering application of the proposed method is illustrated by performing the FE analysis on an SSI example. The analysis results highlight the significant participation of surface waves' higher modes in structural seismic responses, particularly in the weak‐interbed type media.
Parental perceptions of participation in young adult‐focused eating disorder treatment
Authors: Peck Stephanie Knatz , Towne Terra , Wierenga Christina , Perry Taylor , Miller McKenzie , Kim Jessie , Kaye Walter
Published: March 2024

Background

Eating disorders (ED) are serious mental illnesses affecting young adults (YA). Parent‐supported treatment for this age cohort is an important consideration given the unique developmental needs and norms of familial social support, but more research is needed to understand parental perceptions of treatment involvement.

Methods

33 parent‐supports of YA with ED completed self‐report assessments at admission and discharge of participation in brief, intensive, young‐adult focused eating disorder treatment. Assessments measured programme satisfaction, parental self‐efficacy, and parent and YA report of eating disorder‐related psychopathology. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to examine pre‐post outcome differences and between group differences among parent‐supports and their YA (i.e., the patients) on eating disorder psychopathology, clinical impairment, and family functioning using the EDEQ/P‐EDEQ Global, P‐CIA/CIA, and Family Assessment Device Family Functioning scales. Group differences across time points were examined with paired sample t‐tests adjusted for multiple comparisons. Changes in parental self‐efficacy were examined separately using two‐tailed paired sample t‐tests.

Results

Parents reported high acceptability and learning, improvements in self‐efficacy, and significant reductions of YA psychopathology at post‐treatment. Parents reported comparable reductions in ED psychopathology post‐treatment, but significantly greater reductions in clinical impairment compared to YA. Measures of family functioning did not improve for either parent or YA at post‐treatment.

Conclusion

Results from this study suggest that parental involvement in a YA programme is feasible and acceptable from a parental perspective and improves parental self‐efficacy.
Population genetic structure of the pioneer weed Cyperus ligularis in urban areas
Authors: Goncalves‐Oliveira Rodrigo César , Benko‐Iseppon Ana Maria , Alves Marccus Vinicius , Cruz Geyner Alves dos Santos
Published: March 2024

Humans change the environment according to their need, causing modifications and affecting the local biodiversity. This work applied a set of dominant markers to test if urban populations of Cyperus ligularis L. (Cyperaceae) present less genetic diversity compared to forest/non‐urban populations, and if these environmental differences (land use) influence gene flow and population structure. Six available populations of C. ligularis were collected in different types of environments in Recife (Brazil). Overall 15 primers of DNA Amplification Fingerprinting and Inter Simple Sequence Repeat were applied and analyzed by proper statistics. The results revealed moderate genetic diversity, significant pairwise gene flow (Nem), and low differentiation between populations (FST). Land use had no direct correlation with genetic diversity or structure, however, an insular population showed higher differentiation from the remaining. Urban environments may not influence gene flow among C. ligularis populations in such environments; therefore, the genetic diversity is homogeneous in the analyzed area.
Rapid, efficient, and accurate determination of aflatoxins and capsaicinoids in vegetable oils by immunomagnetic sorbents coupled with UHPLC–MS/MS
Authors: Yuan Di , Yuan Yuting , Zhang Liangxiao , Ma Fei , Li Peiwu
Published: March 2024

A fast, simple, and sensitive analytic method was proposed for the simultaneous quantification of aflatoxins (AFTs) and capsaicinoids in vegetable oils by immunomagnetic sorbent coupled with ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. The immunomagnetic solid phase extraction (IMSPE) sorbents were synthesized with the monoclonal antibodies via cyanogen bromide magnetic sorbents, which could modify the surface magnetic sorbents under mild synthetic condition. The IMSPE procedure had the following aspects such as ease manipulation, easy disperse, quick isolation, eco‐friendly, and cost‐effective. The major conditions of IMSPE procedure were systemically studied, and the optimized pretreatment was accomplished in 15 min avoding complicated condition or sophisticated equipment. Excellent linearities were achieved by the correlation (R2) more than 0.9983. The limits of quantifications of all analytes ranged from 0.03 to 0.20 µg kg−1, and the recoveries were satisfactory ranging from 75.7% to 124.0% with the intra‐day and inter‐day precisions less than 10.1%. Additionally, the proposed method was used to analyze AFTs and capsaicinoids in retail oil samples. Overall, 25% of soybean and peanut oils and 12.5% of corn and blended oil were detected with AFTs, and no capsaicinoid was found. The content of AFTs was under the MRLs set by EU and China regulation for food quality and safety. The validated results indicated that this method could be utilized for a rapid, efficient, and accurate quantification of AFTs and capsaicinoids in complex lipid‐based matrix.
Nudging healthy food choices through e‐messages in a supermarket
Authors: Balsa Ana , Noboa Cecilia , Triunfo Patricia
Published: March 2024

This paper analyses the impact of a healthy food nudge intervention on purchases of 1590 customers of a supermarket chain's loyalty program in Uruguay through a randomized controlled trial. Nudges were presented in the form of messages sent through WhatsApp to customers three times a week for 8 weeks (between July and September 2020). Messages highlighted the benefits of cooking at home and eating mindfully and healthy (vegetables, fruits, healthy snacks, legumes, and fish), and included easy to implement tips. Results show that, on average, customers assigned to the treatment group increased their purchases of healthy food by 8% and substituted sugar‐sweetened for sugar‐free beverages. We find an unintended increase in purchases of unhealthy food of 7%, with no correlative increase in calories, suggesting that customers substituted higher calorie products for lower calorie ones. We find that households with lower educational attainment, lower income, and with children under the age of 12 are more likely to increase purchases of fruits and vegetables, while other households are more likely to improve the diet quality without increasing expenditure. Effects do not persist after the intervention is over, suggesting that salience, rather than information is the main channel triggering the effects.
Association of adjuvant radiation and survival in human papilloma virus‐positive oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma with lymphovascular invasion as the sole adverse pathologic feature
Authors: Hong Scott A. , Armstrong Austin T. , Snow Katherine , Walker Ronald J. , Massa Sean T.
Published: March 2024

Background

Postoperative radiotherapy radiation therapy (PORT) for early‐stage human papillomavirus (HPV)‐positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) with positive lymphovascular invasion (LVI) has an unclear association with overall survival (OS).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study queried the National Cancer Database for surgically treated, T1‐2, N0‐1 HPV+ OPSCC from 2010 to 2019. Primary exposures were LVI and PORT, and the main outcome was 5‐year OS. Odds ratios and hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were generated using multivariable models and Cox proportional hazard models, respectively.

Results

Of 2768 patients, average age was 59.3 years, 2207 (79.7%) were male, and 386 (13.9%) had LVI. Of patients with LVI as their sole adverse pathologic feature, 220 (57.0%) received PORT, which was not associated with 5‐year OS (HR, 1.13; CI, 0.65–1.19).

Conclusions

Patients with surgically treated, early‐stage HPV+ OPSCC and positive LVI as their only pathologic adverse feature may not require PORT.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal vestibule in the Netherlands: A clinical and epidemiological review of 763 cases (2008–2021)
Authors: van de Velde Lise J. , Scheurleer W. F. Julius , Braunius W. Weibel , Devriese Lot A. , de Ridder Mischa , de Bree Remco , Breimer Gerben E. , van Dijk Boukje A. , Rijken Johannes A.
Published: March 2024

Background

Squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal vestibule (SCCNV) is a rare disease, distinctly different in presentation, treatment, and outcome from squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. However, these are often not analyzed separately.

Methods

The Netherlands Cancer Registry (NCR) and pathology reports from the Dutch Nationwide Pathology Databank (PALGA) were used to identify all newly diagnosed SCCNV cases in the Netherlands between 2008 and 2021.

Results

A total of 763 patients were included. The yearly incidence rate displayed a significant downward trend with an annual percentage change (APC) of −3.9%. The 5‐year overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival were 69.0% and 77.2%, respectively. The 5‐year relative survival was 77.9% and improved slightly over the inclusion period. OS for patients who were staged cT3 appeared to be worse than those staged cT4a, calling the applicability of the TNM‐classification into question.

Conclusion

SCC of the nasal vestibule is rare, with declining incidence rates. Introducing a specific topography code for SCCNV is recommended to enhance registration accuracy. The TNM classification seems poorly applicable to SCCNV, suggesting the need to explore alternative staging methods.
Application of the National Early Warning Score in patients with suspected COVID‐19 in Korea
Authors: Park Seon Yeong , Youn Chun Song , Kim Hyo Joon , Kim Soo Hyun , Park Sang Hyun , Bang Hyo Jin
Published: March 2024

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection has a wide range of severity, ranging from asymptomatic infection to severe respiratory distress and multiple organ dysfunction. To optimize the utilization of limited resources, a system is needed to rapidly classify the patients requiring monitoring and urgent intervention. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the National Early Warning Score (NEWS) at admission is a useful prediction tool for in‐hospital mortality in patients who visited the emergency department (ED) and required isolation during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

This study was conducted in adults aged 19 years or older who visited the ED and were preemptively isolated due to fever or respiratory symptoms from January 2021 to December 2021. The NEWS was calculated at the time of ED admission. The primary outcome was all‐cause in‐hospital mortality.

Results

Of the 6304 patients included in the study, 5759 survived and 545 died in the hospital. The NEWS was higher in non‐survivors (6.1 ± 4.2) than in survivors (2.8 ± 2.5). When the NEWS was examined as a continuous variable, the adjusted odds ratio for in‐hospital mortality was 1.176 (95% CI, 1.12–1.23). The area under the curve (AUC) of NEWS for predicting in‐hospital mortality was 0.756 (95% CI, 0.734–0.778).

Conclusions

The NEWS at ED admission was associated with in‐hospital mortality in preemptively isolated patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The use of NEWS in patients with suspected COVID‐19 infection would help predict the severity and prognosis of patients.
The ternary water cycle of ‘nature–society–trade’ in the inland arid areas
Authors: Ma Zhong , Xie Weiwei , Ma Weijing , Su Shoujuan , Niu Xingxing
Published: March 2024

Water cycle is important for maintaining the dynamic balance of regional water resources. Here, based on the input–output water circulation flux accounting model, we take Xinjiang as a case area to empirically explore the mechanism of the ‘nature‐society‐trade’ ternary water cycle. The results show that the water transferred out was much larger than the transferred in in Xinjiang. The scale of water resources development and utilization and the social water cycle fluxes have been constantly expanding, but there was a mismatch between the hydrological system and the socio‐economic system in terms of water resource utilization. From 2007 to 2017, agriculture had always been the department with the largest amount of direct water consumption and virtual water transfer in Xinjiang, which mainly transferred virtual water to the light industry and service sector where the production of final products requires large amounts of agricultural products as raw materials or intermediate products. In Xinjiang, the virtual water transferred outside through trade in products and services was much larger than the virtual water transferred in from other regions, and it was thus always in a state of net virtual water outflow as a whole. In inter‐provincial trade of China, Xinjiang mainly transferred virtual water to areas with abundant water resources, developed economies and dense populations in eastern China. Lastly, we put forward targeted suggestions on the optimal allocation of water resources to promote the sustainable development of Xinjiang and we hope that our study will be instructive for water resources management in other arid inland river basins.
Costs and benefits of the LIFO‐FIFO choice
Authors: Ling Qianhua , Tinkelman Daniel P.
Published: March 2024

The choice of inventory cost flow assumption is a key financial reporting decision. The resurgence of inflation has renewed interest in this option. We derive algebraic models of the LIFO‐FIFO difference in cost of goods sold and the LIFO tax savings as a function of inflation, turnover, inventory increments, and tax rates. Managers and researchers can use these models to estimate the likely financial and tax impacts of LIFO adoption. Historic trends in public company LIFO usage since 1971 are consistent with the changing impacts estimated by our model. We infer an approximate cost level of using LIFO based on historic public company behavior. In the 1971–2022 period, LIFO adoptions were only common when the tax benefit in our model exceeded about 0.35% of COGS. Even when inflation rose in 2021 and 2022, the tax savings remained below this threshold, and there were far more LIFO abandonments than adoptions.
Thermal relations in sled dogs before and after exercise
Authors: Paul Kailey D. , Jiménez Ana Gabriela
Published: March 2024

Regulation of internal body temperature (Tb), or thermoregulation, is an evolutionarily conserved trait that places demand on basal metabolic rate of endothermic animals. Across species, athletes generate increased quantities of heat in comparison to their nonathletic counterparts and, therefore, must mediate physiological unbalance by upregulating the effectiveness of their heat dissipation abilities. Canine athletes are no exception to this phenomenon, however, with literature denoting body temperatures lower than nonathletic canines, it is clear they must possess adaptations to mitigate this demand. With VO2 max measurements of more than 200 mL/kg/min in sled dogs with mild training to 300 mL/kg/min in highly trained animals, sled dogs are a prime example of athleticism in canines. Seeking to determine correlations between Tear and body mass, morphology, and age of canine athletes, core body temperature (Tb) was measured with an instant ear thermometer, using Tear as a correlate before and after a 2‐mile run. In addition, we employed thermal imaging analysis to capture body‐wide heat dissipation patterns in sled dogs, and focused on thermal variation of mouth (Tmouth), nose (Tnose), and eyes (Teye). Furthermore, we looked at correlations between thermal variability across these four tissues and head morphology of each dog. Tear was consistently the highest temperature across all tissues measured, with a 1.5°C increase between pre‐ to postexercise (p < 0.001). Thermal imaging revealed significant positive correlations between Tmouth and body mass 15 min postexercise (p = 0.0023) as well as significantly negative correlations between Tnose and body mass at before exercise (p = 0.0468), Teye and nose length after run (p = 0.0076), and Tmouth and nose length after run (p = 0.0110). As body temperature rises during exercise, it becomes increasingly important to regulate blood flow throughout the body to supply working tissues with oxygen. This demand is offset by the role of the snout in evaporative cooling through panting, functioning as a prime location for heat dissipation and therefore maintaining significant relationships with many other vascularized tissues.
Imidazo[1,2‐α] azine's esters increase selectivity and anti‐inflammatory activity in microglial cells
Authors: Guerrero‐González Miguel , Campos‐Aldrete María Elena , Meraz‐Ríos Marco Antonio
Published: March 2024

Chronic neuroinflammation is crucial in many neurodegenerative diseases, including AD. Neuroinflammation activates microglia, the CNS's central effector cells, and immune cells. Toxins and neuroinflammatory reactions can kill or damage neurons, activating microglial cells. Inflammatory mediators from activated microglia can kill neurons like cytokines, chemokines, reactive oxygen species, and reactive nitrogen species. Imidazo[1,2‐α]azines with different acid groups in position two of the heterocycle system were synthesized and tested as anti‐inflammatory and cell immunomodulators. We measured the ability of human neuroblastoma (SHSY‐5Y) and microglial (HMC3) cell lines to decrease PGE2 production under pro‐inflammatory conditions. All derivatives reduced PGE2 production. Inhibitory profiles indicate that compounds 8a and 8b are more effective and potent than 9a and 9b, indicating a steric effect of carboxyphenyl on imidazo[1,2‐α]azines, reducing their potency. However, imidazo[1,2α]pyrimidines (8b and 9b) with nitrogen at position 8 were less effective than those observed by other groups (8a, 9a, and 10a). imidazo[1,2‐α]pyrimidines are more polar due to nitrogen at position 8. The synthetically derivative imidazo[1,2‐α]pyridines decreased PGE2 formation in vitro on neural cells, microglia (HMC3), and neuroblastoma (SH‐SY5Y) cells, proving that they are more effective than imidazo[1,2‐α]pyrimidines. Two product esters selectively reduced HMC3 microglial cell PGE2 production. This finding may help develop neurodegenerative disease anti‐inflammatories.
Virtual Reality and Mixed Reality‐Assisted Endoscopic DCR in Extremely Complex Lacrimal Obstructions
Authors: Nowak Rafal , Nowak‐Gospodarowicz Izabela , Rękas Marek , Ali Mohammad J.
Published: March 2024

Objective

To report the techniques and outcomes of virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR)‐assisted powered endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) in extremely complex lacrimal drainage obstructions.

Methods

A prospective, non‐randomized clinical study was performed in complex syndromic congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) and post‐traumatic secondary acquired lacrimal duct obstruction (SALDO) in the setting of Le Fort fractures. All patients underwent preoperative planning in VR and intraoperative planning with a step ahead with MR assistance during the surgery. Surgery was supported by mixed reality intraoperative guidance with the use of the prearranged 3D models and real‐time‐rendered digital models. Parameters assessed include demographics, clinical presentation, complexities of the nasolacrimal duct obstruction, preoperative and intraoperative utility of VR and MR models, surgical techniques, complications, and outcomes.

Results

The technique is described as a proof of concept in challenging situations with Apert syndrome and traumatic SALDOs with gross malposition of the sac, and gross nasal and lacrimal anatomical deformities. The VR models helped the surgeon to assess the details of the altered anatomy preoperatively to plan an appropriate approach. Intraoperatively, MR models were present in the surgeon's view without disturbing the endoscopic procedure. Intermittently, the surgeon could pull any of the models virtually present in the operating room, slice them, rotate them, and intricately study the alterations in a stepwise manner, as the surgery proceeds.

Conclusion

Virtual reality and mixed reality‐assisted powered endoscopic DCR can be an alternate approach reserved for extremely challenging cases of complex syndromic CNLDOs and post‐traumatic SALDOs.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:3508–3515, 2024
Effect of Highly Crosslinked Domains on the Dimensions of Network Polymers
Authors: Tobita Hidetaka
Published: March 2024

The effect of spatial inhomogeneity on the dimensions of network polymers is investigated by using model networks containing highly crosslinked domains. It is found that the dimensions of network architecture consisting of densely crosslinked domains connected by long chains are larger than those of loosely crosslinked domains connected by short chains, given the cycle rank is the same. The cases with the domains connected by the domains are also investigated. In all cases, the dimensions are larger than the corresponding randomly crosslinked homogeneous networks. This is because the loosely crosslinked regions dominate the dimensions of network polymers. The master curve relationship found for the statistical networks is applicable also for the present types of spatial inhomogeneous network polymers when the cycle rank is increased to make the network well‐developed in a homologous series of networks.
Gaps in strategic problem‐solving methods: A systematic literature review
Authors: Manso Daniel F. , Parnell Gregory S. , Pohl Ed , Belderrain Mischel Carmen N.
Published: March 2024

Strategic problem‐solving enables organizations to pursue opportunities and address emerging threats proactively. However, traditional problem‐solving methods often rely on business processes and organizational procedures, which may not be available at the strategic level. This article investigates potential gaps in strategic problem‐solving methods through a Systematic Literature Review. The study analyses the existing literature on the potential of current problem‐solving methods to identify and resolve root causes of strategic problems when formal business processes and procedures are unavailable. A rigorous literature search process guided by focused research questions examines Problem Structuring Methods, Lean Thinking, Six Sigma, Theory of Constraints, Balanced Scorecard, SWOT Analysis, and other techniques. The synthesis of findings reveals limitations in strategic root cause analysis. In addition, the study introduces a supplementary decision‐making frame of reference to aid the selection of appropriate methods across problem‐solving, decision‐making, and solution implementation stages. This framework addresses the common challenges decision‐makers face in navigating organizational complexity and choosing suitable approaches, as well as visually maps methods to stages based on Content, Organizational, and Analytical complexity dimensions. The framework builds on the study's findings that using a single methodology may be insufficient for a complete decision process. The proposed decision‐making framework also offers valuable guidance for integrating diverse methods aligned to decision situations.
Palmitoleic Acid Ameliorates Metabolic Disorders and Inflammation by Modulating Gut Microbiota and Serum Metabolites
Authors: Zhang Junhui , Zhao Minjie , Yu Huilin , Wang Qianqian , Shen Fei , Cai Haiying , Feng Fengqin , Tang Jun
Published: March 2024

Scope

Palmitoleic acid (POA) is an omega‐7 monounsaturated fatty acid that has been suggested to improve metabolic disorders. However, it remains unclear whether gut microbiota plays a role in the amelioration of metabolic disorders by POA. This study aims to investigate the regulation of POA on metabolism, as well as systemic inflammation in HFD‐fed mice from the perspective of serum metabolome and gut microbiome.

Methods and results

Thirty‐six C57BL/6 male mice are randomly assigned to either a normal chow diet containing 1.9% w/w lard or an HFD containing 20.68% w/w lard or 20.68% w/w sea buckthorn pulp oil for 16 weeks. The study finds that POA significantly attenuated hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance, and inflammation in HFD‐fed mice. POA supplementation significantly alters the composition of serum metabolites, particularly lipid metabolites in the glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway. POA obviously increases the abundance of Bifidobacterium and decreases the abundance of Allobaculum. Importantly, the study finds that glycerophosphocholine mediates the effect of Bifidobacterium on LDL‐C, sphingomyelin mediates the effect of Bifidobacterium on IL‐6, and maslinic acid mediates the effect of Allobaculum on IL‐6.

Conclusion

The results suggest that exogenous POA can improve metabolic disorders and inflammation in HFD‐fed mice, potentially by modulating the serum metabolome and gut microbiome.
Effects of the valsartan recall on heart failure patients: A nationwide analysis
Authors: Devine Joshua W. , Tadrous Mina , Hernandez Inmaculada , Mukhopadhyay Nandita , Rothenberger Scott D. , Callaway Kim Katherine , Gellad Walid F. , Suda Katie J.
Published: March 2024

Background

Valsartan is commonly used for cardiac conditions. In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration recalled generic valsartan due to the detection of impurities. Our objective was to determine if heart failure patients receiving valsartan at the recall date had a greater likelihood of unfavorable outcomes than patients using comparable antihypertensives.

Methods

We conducted a cohort study of Optum's de‐identified Clinformatics® Datamart (July 2017–January 2019). Heart failure patients with commercial or Medicare Advantage insurance who received valsartan were compared to persons who received non‐recalled angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and angiotensin converting enzyme‐inhibitors (ACE‐Is) for 1 year prior and including the recall date. Outcomes included a composite for all‐cause hospitalization, emergency department (ED), and urgent care (UC) use and a measure of cardiac events which included hospitalizations for acute myocardial infarction and hospitalizations/ED/UC visits for stroke/transient ischemic attack, heart failure or hypertension at 6‐months post‐recall. Cox proportional hazard models with propensity score weighting compared the risk of outcomes between groups.

Results

Of the 87 130 adherent patients, 15% were valsartan users and 85% were users of non‐recalled ARBs/ACE‐Is. Valsartan use was not associated with an increased risk of all‐cause hospitalization/ED/UC use six‐months post‐recall (HR 1.00; 95% CI 0.96–1.03), compared with individuals taking non‐recalled ARBs/ACE‐Is. Similarly, cardiac events 6‐months post‐recall did not differ between individuals on valsartan and non‐recalled ARBs/ACE‐Is (HR 1.04; 95% CI 0.97–1.12).

Conclusions

The valsartan recall did not affect short‐term outcomes of heart failure patients. However, the recall potentially disrupted the medication regimens of patients, possibly straining the healthcare system.
Consistency between the National Patient Register and the Swedish Cancer Register
Authors: Sakakibara Sakura , Pazzagli Laura , Linder Marie
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The Swedish National Patient Register (NPR) is widely used as a data source in epidemiological studies, but the consistency of all cancer diagnoses compared to the Swedish Cancer Register (SCR) remains unclear. Using NPR supplementary for detecting safety signals is beneficial due to shorter data extraction delays compared to using SCR alone. This study aims to evaluate the consistency of NPR for cancer diagnoses compared to SCR and its potential use in pharmacoepidemiology.

Methods

Patients with a cancer diagnosis recorded in SCR during 2018–2020 were included. To measure the consistency of NPR diagnoses with SCR as the gold standard, positive predictive value (PPV), and sensitivity were calculated. As an empirical example showing differences in identification of cancer diagnoses in NPR and SCR, two nested case–control studies for the association between antidiabetic medications and pancreatic cancer were repeated using the two registers. Conditional logistic regression was performed and the 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the odds ratios (ORs) were checked for overlaps.

Results

For breast, male genital organs, and oral cancers consistency was high (PPV: 87.5%–97.4%, sensitivity: 82.2%–91.0%), while for female genital organs, thyroid, and ill‐defined, secondary, and unspecified sites cancers it was low (PPV: 8.8%–90.0%, sensitivity: 19.9%–32.3%). All the CIs for the ORs from the nested case–control studies overlapped when pancreatic cancer was identified in NPR or SCR.

Conclusion

Consistency of cancer diagnoses in NPR when compared to SCR depends on cancer type with higher consistency for some cancers and lower for others. Differences in diagnostic processes for different cancer types and coding of cancer in the two registers may explain part of the inconsistent results.