bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neural correlates of cognitive control deficits in pediatric mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: van der Horn Harm J. , Dodd Andrew B. , Wick Tracey V. , Robertson‐Benta Cidney R. , McQuaid Jessica R. , Hittson Anne K. , Ling Josef M. , Zotev Vadim , Ryman Sephira G. , Erhardt Erik B. , Phillips John P. , Campbell Richard A. , Sapien Robert E. , Mayer Andrew R.
Published: October 2023

There is a growing body of research showing that cerebral pathophysiological processes triggered by pediatric mild traumatic brain injury (pmTBI) may extend beyond the usual clinical recovery timeline. It is paramount to further unravel these processes, because the possible long‐term cognitive effects resulting from ongoing secondary injury in the developing brain are not known. In the current fMRI study, neural processes related to cognitive control were studied in 181 patients with pmTBI at sub‐acute (SA; ~1 week) and early chronic (EC; ~4 months) stages post‐injury. Additionally, a group of 162 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls (HC) were recruited at equivalent time points. Proactive (post‐cue) and reactive (post‐probe) cognitive control were examined using a multimodal attention fMRI paradigm for either congruent or incongruent stimuli. To study brain network function, the triple‐network model was used, consisting of the executive and salience networks (collectively known as the cognitive control network), and the default mode network. Additionally, whole‐brain voxel‐wise analyses were performed. Decreased deactivation was found within the default mode network at the EC stage following pmTBI during both proactive and reactive control. Voxel‐wise analyses revealed sub‐acute hypoactivation of a frontal area of the cognitive control network (left pre‐supplementary motor area) during proactive control, with a reversed effect at the EC stage after pmTBI. Similar effects were observed in areas outside of the triple‐network during reactive control. Group differences in activation during proactive control were limited to the visual domain, whereas for reactive control findings were more pronounced during the attendance of auditory stimuli. No significant correlations were present between task‐related activations and (persistent) post‐concussive symptoms. In aggregate, current results show alterations in neural functioning during cognitive control in pmTBI up to 4 months post‐injury, regardless of clinical recovery. We propose that subacute decreases in activity reflect a general state of hypo‐excitability due to the injury, while early chronic hyperactivation represents a compensatory mechanism to prevent default mode interference and to retain cognitive control.
Veterinary assessment of behaviour cases in cats and dogs
Authors: Mills Daniel , Zulch Helen
Published: October 2023

Background: Clients typically turn to their local veterinary practice as the first point of call when they are concerned about their pet's behaviour, unless they think it is purely a training problem. Therefore, it is essential that the whole veterinary team are aware of the medical considerations that can affect behaviour (including routine training). Many cases involve medical aspects which should be addressed as part of a multimodal approach to problem behaviour management, which may be the most efficient and effective way to support these cases.

Aim of the article: This article outlines the medical considerations that should be made in first‐opinion practice when presented with a behaviour case in cats and dogs. It also discusses the role of the first‐opinion vet in case management and how good collaboration between the vet, a behavioural specialist and the pet owner can aid successful resolution.
Diagnosis and treatment of sheep scab
Authors: Burgess Stew , Stubbings Lesley
Published: October 2023

Background: Sheep scab is a highly contagious disease which has a high economic and animal welfare impact on the UK sheep industry. Some resistance of the Psoroptes ovis mite to current endectocide treatments highlights the importance of identifying infection and then implementing targeted treatment.

Aim of the article: This article describes the current situation and control options for sheep scab, highlighting the tools available for dealing with the disease and providing the latest best practice advice to enable effective scab control.
Asthma‐COPD overlap syndrome—Coexistence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma in elderly patients and parameters for their differentiation
Authors: Tochino Yoshihiro , Asai Kazuhisa , Shuto Taichi , Hirata Kazuto
Published: October 2023

Japan is an aging society, and the number of elderly patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is consequently increasing, with an estimated incidence of approximately 5 million. In 2014, asthma‐COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS) was defined by a joint project of Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) committee and the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) committee. The main aims of this consensus‐based document are to assist clinicians, especially those in primary care or nonpulmonary specialties. In this article, we discussed parameters to differentiate asthma and COPD in elderly patients and showed prevalence, clinical features and treatment of ACOS on the basis of the guidelines of GINA and GOLD. Furthermore, we showed also referral for specialized investigations.
Effect of ultrasonic frequency on the structural and functional properties of pea protein isolation
Authors: Liu Libo , Miao Yu , Hu Chengwen , Gao Lu , He Weijia , Chu Hong , Zhang Tong , Li Chun , Guo Wenkui
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

Pea protein, as a by‐product of peas (Pisum sativum L.), is rich in a variety of essential amino acids that can meet the body's protein needs and is a valuable source of protein. Since the function of pea protein is closely related to its structure, pea protein has been subjected to different modifications in recent years to improve its application in food and to develop new products.

RESULTS

The effects of sonication frequency (primary and secondary time) on pea protein isolate's (PPI's) structural and functional properties were investigated. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis demonstrated that different sonication frequencies at the same power (600 W) treatment had no effect on PPI's molecular weight. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that treatment at different sonication frequencies caused secondary structural changes in PPI. The particle size distribution, foaming, stability, surface hydrophobicity, emulsification, and oxidation resistance of PPI were improved after primary and secondary sonication, but secondary sonication was not more effective than primary sonication for an extended period of time.

CONCLUSION

Overall, ultrasound is able to improve the structural and functional properties of pea proteins within a suitable range. It provides a theoretical basis for elucidating the modification of the structure and function of plant proteins by ultrasound and lays the foundation for the development of plant proteins in food applications as well as development. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Rapid detection and quantification of adulteration in saffron by excitation–emission matrix fluorescence combined with multi‐way chemometrics
Authors: Chen Yue , Wu Hai‐Long , Wang Tong , Wu Juan‐Ni , Liu Bing‐Bing , Ding Yu‐Jie , Yu Ru‐Qin
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

Saffron has gained people's attention and love for its unique flavor and valuable edible value, but the problem of saffron adulteration in the market is serious. It is urgent for us to find a simple and rapid identification and quantitative estimation of adulteration in saffron. Therefore, excitation–emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence combined with multi‐way chemometrics was proposed for the detection and quantification of adulteration in saffron.

RESULTS

The fluorescence composition analysis of saffron and saffron adulterants (safflower, marigold and madder) were accomplished by alternating trilinear decomposition (ATLD) algorithm. ATLD and two‐dimensional principal component analysis combined with k‐nearest neighbor (ATLD‐kNN and 2DPCA‐kNN) and ATLD combined with data‐driven soft independent modeling of class analogies (ATLD‐DD‐SIMCA) were applied to rapid detection of adulteration in saffron. 2DPCA‐kNN and ATLD‐DD‐SIMCA methods were adopted for the classification of chemical EEM data, first with 100% correct classification rate. The content of adulteration of adulterated saffron was predicted by the N‐way partial least squares regression (N‐PLS) algorithm. In addition, new samples were correctly classified and the adulteration level in adulterated saffron was estimated semi‐quantitatively, which verifies the reliability of these models.

CONCLUSION

ATLD‐DD‐SIMCA and 2DPCA‐kNN are recommended methods for the classification of pure saffron and adulterated saffron. The N‐PLS algorithm shows potential in prediction of adulteration levels. These methods are expected to solve more complex problems in food authenticity. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Persistent underuse of extended venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in patients undergoing major abdominal cancer operations
Authors: Herb Joshua N. , Iwai Yoshiko , Dunham Lisette N. , Stitzenberg Karyn B.
Published: October 2023

Background

Guidelines recommend extended venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis for high‐risk populations undergoing major abdominal cancer operations. Few studies have evaluated extended VTE prophylaxis in the Medicare population who are at higher risk due to age.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study using a 20% random sample of Medicare claims, 2012–2017. Patients ≥65 years with an abdominal cancer undergoing resection were included. Primary outcome was the proportion of patients receiving new extended VTE prophylaxis prescriptions at discharge. Secondary outcomes included postdischarge VTE and hemorrhagic events.

Results

The study included 72 983 patients with a mean age of 75. Overall, 8.9% of patients received extended VTE prophylaxis. This proportion increased (7.2% in 2012, 10.6% in 2017; p < 0.001). Incidence of postdischarge hemorrhagic events was 1.0% in patients receiving extended VTE prophylaxis and 0.8% in those who did not. The incidence of postdischarge VTE events was 5.2% in patients receiving extended VTE prophylaxis and 2.4% in those who did not.

Conclusion

Adherence to guideline‐recommended extended VTE prophylaxis in high‐risk patients undergoing major abdominal cancer operations is low. The higher rate of VTE in the prophylaxis group may suggest we captured some therapeutic anticoagulation, which would mean the actual rate of thromboprophylaxis is lower than reported herein.
Acceptability of a smartphone‐based intervention targeting anxiety sensitivity among women receiving emergency care after sexual assault: A pilot uncontrolled trial
Authors: Short Nicole A. , Brady Mahlon , Lechner Megan , Serrano Karen , McLean Samuel A.
Published: October 2023

Anxiety sensitivity (AS), defined as the fear of anxious arousal, is a promising therapeutic target to reduce posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom development after trauma exposure. Computerized AS interventions have been shown to be acceptable to individuals with PTSD symptoms and effective in achieving symptom reduction; however, to our knowledge, no research has examined AS interventions initiated in the immediate aftermath of trauma. We evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and credibility of a brief (i.e., ∼75 min of psychoeducation, ∼2 hr of ecological momentary intervention) smartphone‐based AS intervention in a pilot study. Participants were 12 women who presented for emergency care after sexual assault with high levels of peritraumatic PTSD symptoms. Most women who started the intervention completed the majority of it and reported using the techniques provided. Results indicated that participants perceived the intervention as logical and believed it would help in reducing their symptoms. Qualitative feedback was mostly positive but also indicated concern regarding intervention length. Although not the purpose of the study, results indicated medium‐to‐large, statistically significant decreases in AS, g = 0.74, and PTSD symptoms, g = 1.20. Overall, these preliminary findings suggest that this novel smartphone‐based intervention targeting AS was feasible, acceptable, and credible in this small sample of women receiving emergency care following sexual assault. Treatment outcome data must be considered in the context of natural recovery; however, these promising preliminary feasibility, acceptability, and credibility data support continuing to pilot the feasibility and potential efficacy of the intervention to reduce AS and prolonged PTSD symptoms.
Clarification of the margin status by the multidisciplinary tumor board following transoral robotic surgery for p16 positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Parvathaneni Aarthi , Patel Sapna A. , Houlton Jeffrey J. , Pang John , Futran Neal D.
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Margin status interpretation following transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is challenging. This study aims to assess the discrepancy between status of margins as reported by the pathologist versus as determined by multi‐disciplinary team review (MDTB).

Methods

A retrospective study of 57 patients with OPSCC who underwent TORS from January 2010 to December 2016 was conducted. Our primary outcome measure was the discrepancy between the surgical specimen margins as described in the pathology report versus final margin status that was determined after the multi‐disciplinary team discussion. Fisher's exact test was used.

Results

Based on the pathologist‐report, 29 subjects (51%) had positive margins, compared to 2 (4%) after multi‐disciplinary team discussion. Receipt of chemotherapy correlated with final margin status as determined by MDTB, not with initial main specimen margins (p = .02 and p = .08, respectively). With a median follow up of 28.4 months, two subjects (4%) had loco‐regional recurrence.

Conclusion

Following TORS, there was a significant discrepancy between status of margins as reported by the pathologist versus as determined by MDTB review. Chemotherapy was avoided in 93.1% of cases that were originally reported as positive margins by the pathologist with an acceptably low recurrence rate.

Level of evidence

4.
B─N Covalent Bond‐Based Nonfullerene Electron Acceptors for Efficient Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Hu Zhengwei , Xie Juxuan , Yu Jiangkai , Zhang Yi , Cai Houji , Bai Yuanqing , Zhang Kai , Liu Chunchen , Huang Fei , Cao Yong
Published: October 2023

The optoelectronic properties and photovoltaic performance of nonfullerene electron acceptors (NFEAs) in organic solar cells (OSCs) are greatly influenced by the rational structure regulation of the central core unit. This study introduces a novel type of six‐membered fused electron‐donating core containing B─N covalent bonds to construct acceptor–donor–acceptor (A–D–A)‐type NFEAs. By modulating the branching alkyl chains on the nitrogen atom, two NFEAs, BN910 and BN1014, are synthesized and characterized. Both molecules exhibit strong near‐infrared absorption, narrow bandgaps (≈1.45 eV), appropriate energy levels, and tunable molecular packing behaviors, positioning them as promising candidates for efficient NFEAs in OSCs. The investigation reveals that BN1014, with longer and C2‐branched alkyl chains, demonstrates superior intermolecular packing and morphology within active layers, leading to enhanced exciton dissociation, improved charge transfer, and reduced charge recombination in OSCs. As a result, a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 10.02% is achieved for D18:BN1014‐based binary OSCs. Notably, BN1014 can be utilized as the third component in the D18:DT‐Y6 binary system to fabricate the ternary OSCs, and a PCE of 17.65% is achieved, outperforming 17.05% of D18:DT‐Y6‐based binary OSCs. These findings highlight the potential of heteroarenes featuring B─N covalent bonds for constructing high‐efficiency NFEAs in OSCs.
Double‐strand DNA break repair: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets
Authors: Tan Jinpeng , Sun Xingyao , Zhao Hongling , Guan Hua , Gao Shanshan , Zhou Ping‐Kun
Published: October 2023

Double‐strand break (DSB), a significant DNA damage brought on by ionizing radiation, acts as an initiating signal in tumor radiotherapy, causing cancer cells death. The two primary pathways for DNA DSB repair in mammalian cells are nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) and homologous recombination (HR), which cooperate and compete with one another to achieve effective repair. The DSB repair mechanism depends on numerous regulatory variables. DSB recognition and the recruitment of DNA repair components, for instance, depend on the MRE11–RAD50–NBS1 (MRN) complex and the Ku70/80 heterodimer/DNA–PKcs (DNA–PK) complex, whose control is crucial in determining the DSB repair pathway choice and efficiency of HR and NHEJ. In‐depth elucidation on the DSB repair pathway's molecular mechanisms has greatly facilitated for creation of repair proteins or pathways‐specific inhibitors to advance precise cancer therapy and boost the effectiveness of cancer radiotherapy. The architectures, roles, molecular processes, and inhibitors of significant target proteins in the DSB repair pathways are reviewed in this article. The strategy and application in cancer therapy are also discussed based on the advancement of inhibitors targeted DSB damage response and repair proteins.
Similarity solution of fractional viscoelastic magnetohydrodynamic fluid flow over a permeable stretching sheet with suction/injection
Authors: Tayebi Ali
Published: October 2023

A novel easy‐to‐use similarity technique for spatial fractional partial differential equations is introduced to solve the flow and heat transfer of fractional viscoelastic magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) fluid over a permeable stretching sheet. The proposed method represents a new technique for deriving similarity transformations, which allows the conversion of the fractional partial differential equations to fractional ordinary differential equations. Moreover, using the Grünwald–Letnikov formula, the fourth‐order Runge–Kutta method is adopted here to solve the obtained similarity equations, using the shooting method. The transformed governing equations were found to be dependent on six physical parameters, namely, fractional parameter, magnetic field parameter, generalized local Reynolds number, generalized Prandtl number, the wall suction/injection parameter, and the wall stretching exponential. The results reveal that maximums of the skin friction coefficient and local Nusselt number are obtained for fractional‐order derivative of about 0.5. Moreover, application of a magnetic field on electrically conducting fractional fluid thins the velocity boundary layer and thickens the thermal boundary layer; therefore, the skin friction coefficient increases whereas the local Nusselt number decreases. Furthermore, an increase in any parameters of the local Reynolds number, suction parameter, or the wall stretching exponential leads to thinner boundary layers and higher values of skin friction coefficient and local Nusselt number, whereas imposing injection has opposite effects. Finally, increasing the generalized Prandtl number leads to a thinner thermal boundary layer and higher local Nusselt number for the fractional viscoelastic fluid. It would be of interest to extend the proposed method to other practical problems in the same field.
Variational inequalities of multilayer viscoelastic systems with interlayer Tresca friction: Existence and uniqueness of solution and convergence of numerical solution
Authors: Zhang Zhizhuo , Nie Xiaobing , Cao Jinde
Published: October 2023

The mathematical model of multilayer viscoelastic system based on the actual structure of asphalt pavement and the properties of its numerical solutions are studied. Firstly, based on the partial differential equations, the variational inequality model of the multilayer viscoelastic system is derived, and the existence and uniqueness of its solutions are further proved. Then, based on the finite element theory, the convergence property and error analysis of the semi‐discrete numerical solutions of the variational inequalities are further studied. Finally, the convergence and error analysis of the fully discrete numerical solutions of the variational inequalities are derived by the forward difference method. The conclusion of the above error analysis also confirms the feasibility of studying the mechanical response of asphalt pavement based on variational inequality.
Plug‐and‐play algorithms for convex non‐convex regularization: Convergence analysis and applications
Authors: Xu Yating , Qu Mengyuan , Liu Lijie , Liu Gouqi , Zou Jian
Published: October 2023

When the sparse regularizer is convex and its proximal operator has a closed‐form, first‐order iterative algorithms based on proximal operators can effectively solve the sparse optimization problems. Recently, plug‐and‐play (PnP) algorithms have achieved significant success by incorporating advanced denoisers to replace the proximal operators in iterative algorithms. However, convex sparse regularizers such as the ‐norm tend to underestimate the large values within the sparse solutions. In contrast, the convex non‐convex (CNC) sparse regularization enables the non‐convex regularizer while preserving the convexity of the objective function. In this paper, we propose several PnP algorithms for solving the CNC sparse regularization model and discuss their convergence properties. Specifically, we first derive the proximal operator for CNC sparse regularization in iterative form and subsequently integrate it with several first‐order algorithms to yield different PnP algorithms. Then, based on the monotone operator theory, we prove that the proposed PnP algorithms are convergent under the condition that the data‐fidelity term is strongly convex and the residuals of the denoisers are contractive. We also emphasized the significance of strong convexity in the data‐fidelity term for the CNC sparse regularization model. Additionally, we demonstrate the superiority of the proposed PnP algorithms through extensive image restoration tasks.
Whole‐liver flip‐angle shimming at 7 T using parallel‐transmit kT‐point pulses and Fourier phase‐encoded DREAMB1+ mapping
Authors: Runderkamp Bobby A. , Roos Thomas , van der Zwaag Wietske , Strijkers Gustav J. , Caan Matthan W. A. , Nederveen Aart J.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To obtain homogeneous signal throughout the human liver at 7 T. Flip angle (FA) shimming in 7T whole‐liver imaging was performed through parallel‐transmit kT‐point pulses based on subject‐specific multichannel absolute maps from Fourier phase‐encoded dual refocusing echo acquisition mode (PE‐DREAM).

Methods

The optimal number of Fourier phase‐encoding steps for PE‐DREAM mapping was determined for a 7T eight‐channel parallel‐transmission system. FA shimming experiments were performed in the liver of 7 healthy subjects with varying body mass index. In these subjects, first shimming and Fourier PE‐DREAM mapping were performed. Subsequently, three small‐flip‐angle 3D gradient‐echo scans were acquired, comparing a circularly polarized (CP) mode, a phase shim, and a kT‐point pulse. Resulting homogeneity was assessed and compared with estimated FA maps and distributions.

Results

Fourier PE‐DREAM with 13 phase‐encoding steps resulted in a good tradeoff between accuracy and scan time. Lower coefficient of variation values (average [min‐max] across subjects) of the estimated FA in the volume of interest were observed using kT‐points (7.4 [6.6%–8.0%]), compared with phase shimming (18.8 [12.9%–23.4%], p < 0.001) and CP (43.2 [39.4%–47.1%], p < 0.001). kT‐points delivered whole‐liver images with the nominal FA and the highest degree of homogeneity. CP and phase shimming resulted in either inaccurate or imprecise FA distributions. Here, locations having suboptimal FA in the estimated FA maps corresponded to liver areas suffering from inconsistent signal intensity and T1‐weighting in the gradient‐echo scans.

Conclusion

Homogeneous whole‐liver 3D gradient‐echo acquisitions at 7 T can be obtained with eight‐channel kT‐point pulses calculated based on subject‐specific multichannel absolute Fourier PE‐DREAM maps.
2D sodium MRI of the human calf using half‐sinc excitation pulses and compressed sensing
Authors: Baker Rebecca R. , Muthurangu Vivek , Rega Marilena , Montalt‐Tordera Javier , Rot Samuel , Solanky Bhavana S. , Gandini Wheeler‐Kingshott Claudia A. M. , Walsh Stephen B. , Steeden Jennifer A.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Sodium MRI can be used to quantify tissue sodium concentration (TSC) in vivo; however, UTE sequences are required to capture the rapidly decaying signal. 2D MRI enables high in‐plane resolution but typically has long TEs. Half‐sinc excitation may enable UTE; however, twice as many readouts are necessary. Scan time can be minimized by reducing the number of signal averages (NSAs), but at a cost to SNR. We propose using compressed sensing (CS) to accelerate 2D half‐sinc acquisitions while maintaining SNR and TSC.

Methods

Ex vivo and in vivo TSC were compared between 2D spiral sequences with full‐sinc (TE = 0.73 ms, scan time ≈ 5 min) and half‐sinc excitation (TE = 0.23 ms, scan time ≈ 10 min), with 150 NSAs. Ex vivo, these were compared to a reference 3D sequence (TE = 0.22 ms, scan time ≈ 24 min). To investigate shortening 2D scan times, half‐sinc data was retrospectively reconstructed with fewer NSAs, comparing a nonuniform fast Fourier transform to CS. Resultant TSC and image quality were compared to reference 150 NSAs nonuniform fast Fourier transform images.

Results

TSC was significantly higher from half‐sinc than from full‐sinc acquisitions, ex vivo and in vivo. Ex vivo, half‐sinc data more closely matched the reference 3D sequence, indicating improved accuracy. In silico modeling confirmed this was due to shorter TEs minimizing bias caused by relaxation differences between phantoms and tissue. CS was successfully applied to in vivo, half‐sinc data, maintaining TSC and image quality (estimated SNR, edge sharpness, and qualitative metrics) with ≥50 NSAs.

Conclusion

2D sodium MRI with half‐sinc excitation and CS was validated, enabling TSC quantification with 2.25 × 2.25 mm2 resolution and scan times of ≤5 mins.
Alteration of skeletal muscle energy metabolism assessed by phosphorus‐31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy in clinical routine, part 1: Advanced quality control pipeline
Authors: Naëgel Antoine , Ratiney Hélène , Karkouri Jabrane , Kennouche Djahid , Royer Nicolas , Slade Jill M. , Morel Jérôme , Croisille Pierre , Viallon Magalie
Published: October 2023

Implementing a standardized phosphorus‐31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P‐MRS) dynamic acquisition protocol to evaluate skeletal muscle energy metabolism and monitor muscle fatigability, while being compatible with various longitudinal clinical studies on diversified patient cohorts, requires a high level of technicality and expertise. Furthermore, processing data to obtain reliable results also demands a great degree of expertise from the operator. In this two‐part article, we present an advanced quality control approach for data acquired using a dynamic 31P‐MRS protocol. The aim is to provide decision support to the operator to assist in data processing and obtain reliable results based on objective criteria. We present here, in part 1, an advanced data quality control (QC) approach of a dynamic 31P‐MRS protocol. Part 2 is an impact study that will demonstrate the added value of the QC approach to explore data derived from two clinical populations that experience significant fatigue, patients with coronavirus disease 2019 and multiple sclerosis. In part 1, 31P‐MRS was performed using 3‐T clinical MRI in 175 subjects from clinical and healthy control populations conducted in a University Hospital. An advanced data QC score (QCS) was developed using multiple objective criteria. The criteria were based on current recommendations from the literature enriched by new proposals based on clinical experience. The QCS was designed to indicate valid and corrupt data and guide necessary objective data editing to extract as much valid physiological data as possible. Dynamic acquisitions using an MR‐compatible ergometer ran over a rest (40 s), exercise (2 min), and a recovery phase (6 min). Using QCS enabled rapid identification of subjects with data anomalies, allowing the user to correct the data series or reject them partially or entirely, as well as identify fully valid datasets. Overall, the use of the QCS resulted in the automatic classification of 45% of the subjects, including 58 participants who had data with no criterion violation and 21 participants with violations that resulted in the rejection of all dynamic data. The remaining datasets were inspected manually with guidance, allowing acceptance of full datasets from an additional 80 participants and recovery phase data from an additional 16 subjects. Overall, more anomalies occurred with patient data (35% of datasets) compared with healthy controls (15% of datasets). In conclusion, the QCS ensures a standardized data rejection procedure and rigorous objective analysis of dynamic 31P‐MRS data obtained from patients. This methodology contributes to efforts made to standardize 31P‐MRS practices that have been underway for a decade, with the goal of making it an empowered tool for clinical research.
Paravascular fluid dynamics reveal arterial stiffness assessed using dynamic diffusion‐weighted imaging
Authors: Wen Qiuting , Wright Adam , Tong Yunjie , Zhao Yi , Risacher Shannon L. , Saykin Andrew J. , Wu Yu‐Chien , Limaye Kaustubh , Riley Kalen
Published: October 2023

Paravascular cerebrospinal fluid (pCSF) surrounding the cerebral arteries within the glymphatic system is pulsatile and moves in synchrony with the pressure waves of the vessel wall. Whether such pulsatile pCSF can infer pulse wave propagation—a property tightly related to arterial stiffness—is unknown and has never been explored. Our recently developed imaging technique, dynamic diffusion‐weighted imaging (dynDWI), captures the pulsatile pCSF dynamics in vivo and can explore this question. In this work, we evaluated the time shifts between pCSF waves and finger pulse waves, where pCSF waves were measured by dynDWI and finger pulse waves were measured by the scanner's built‐in finger pulse oximeter. We hypothesized that the time shifts reflect brain‐finger pulse wave travel time and are sensitive to arterial stiffness. We applied the framework to 36 participants aged 18–82 years to study the age effect of travel time, as well as its associations with cognitive function within the older participants (N = 15, age > 60 years). Our results revealed a strong and consistent correlation between pCSF pulse and finger pulse (mean CorrCoeff = 0.66), supporting arterial pulsation as a major driver for pCSF dynamics. The time delay between pCSF and finger pulses (TimeDelay) was significantly lower (i.e., faster pulse propagation) with advanced age (Pearson's r = −0.44, p = 0.007). Shorter TimeDelay was further associated with worse cognitive function in the older participants. Overall, our study demonstrated pCSF as a viable pathway for measuring intracranial pulses and encouraged future studies to investigate its relevance with cerebrovascular functions.
On the stability of mixed polygonal finite element formulations in nonlinear analysis
Authors: Sauren Bjorn , Klinkel Sven
Published: October 2023

This article discusses the accuracy and stability of the pressure field in nonlinear mixed displacement‐pressure finite element formulations in solid mechanics. We focus on two‐dimensional mixed polygonal finite element formulations with linear displacement and constant pressure approximations in particular. The inf‐sup stability of these formulations is assessed and compared with classical mixed finite element formulations. An analytical proof is presented, which concludes that the occurrence of spurious pressure modes depends on the chosen meshing strategy. It is shown that these spurious modes are successfully suppressed on any Voronoi mesh in both linear elasticity and nonlinear hyperelasticity without the need for any kind of stabilization. Several linear and nonlinear nearly‐incompressible examples with different discretization strategies and boundary conditions are considered to validate the analytical proof. A mixed polygonal finite element formulation based on the scaled boundary parameterization is used to approximate the field variables, however, the derivations presented herein hold for any lowest‐order mixed polygonal finite element formulation. The nonexistence of checkerboard modes on linear elastic Voronoi discretizations is shown graphically. By evaluating the incremental pressure in each Newton–Raphson iteration, the stabilization effect of the Voronoi discretization is demonstrated for nonlinear problems. In addition, the analytical proof is validated by the numerical (generalized) inf‐sup test.
Rapid screening, isolation, and activity evaluation of potential xanthine oxidase inhibitors in Polyporus umbellatus and mechanism of action in the treatment of gout
Authors: Liu Qiang , Zhuang Siyuan , Li Sainan , Nong Yuyu , Zhang Yutong , Liang Jiaqi , Zhang Yuchi , Liu Chunming
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Studies show that Polyporus umbellatus has some pharmacological effects in enhancing immunity and against gout.

Objectives

We aimed to establish new techniques for extraction, biological activity screening, and preparation of xanthine oxidase inhibitors (XODIs) from P. umbellatus.

Methods

First, the extraction of P. umbellatus was investigated using the back propagation (BP) neural network genetic algorithm mathematical regression model, and the extraction variables were optimised to maximise P. umbellatus yield. Second, XODIs were rapidly screened using ultrafiltration, and the change of XOD activity was tested by enzymatic reaction kinetics experiment to reflect the inhibitory effect of active compounds on XOD. Meanwhile, the potential anti‐gout effects of the obtained active substances were verified using molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and network pharmacology analysis. Finally, with activity screening as guide, a high‐speed countercurrent chromatography (HSCCC) method combined with consecutive injection and two‐phase solvent system preparation using the UNIFAC mathematical model was successfully developed for separation and purification of XODIs, and the XODIs were identified using MS and NMR.

Results

The results verified that polyporusterone A, polyporusterone B, ergosta‐4,6,8(14),22‐tetraen‐3‐one, and ergosta‐7,22‐dien‐3‐one of P. umbellatus exhibited high biological affinity towards XOD. Their structures have been further identified by NMR, indicating that the method is effective and applicable for rapid screening and identification of XODIs.

Conclusion

This study provides new ideas for the search for natural XODIs active ingredients, and the study provide valuable support for the further development of functional foods with potential therapeutic benefits.
Trajectories of opioid consumption as predictors of patient‐reported outcomes among individuals attending multidisciplinary pain treatment clinics
Authors: Angarita‐Fonseca Adriana , Lacasse Anaïs , Choinière Manon , Kaboré Jean‐Luc , Sylvestre Marie‐Pierre , Dinkou Gillis Delmas Tchouangue , Bruneau Julie , Martel Marc O. , Hovey Richard , Motulsky Aude , Rahme Elham , Pagé M. Gabrielle
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to identify opioid consumption trajectories among persons living with chronic pain (CP) and put them in relation to patient‐reported outcomes 6 months after initiating multidisciplinary pain treatment.

Methods

This study used data from the Quebec Pain Registry (2008–2014) linked to longitudinal Quebec health insurance databases. We included adults diagnosed with CP and covered by the Quebec public prescription drug insurance plan. The daily cumulative opioid doses in the first 6 months after initiating multidisciplinary pain treatment were transformed into morphine milligram equivalents. An individual‐centered approach involving principal factor and cluster analyses applied to longitudinal statistical indicators of opioid use was conducted to classify trajectories. Multivariate regression models were applied to evaluate the associations between trajectory group membership and outcomes at 6‐month follow‐up (pain intensity, pain interference, depression, and physical and mental health‐related quality of life).

Results

We identified three trajectories of opioid consumption: “no or very low and stable” opioid consumption (n = 2067, 96.3%), “increasing” opioid consumption (n = 40, 1.9%), and “decreasing” opioid consumption (n = 39, 1.8%). Patients in the “no or very low and stable” trajectory were less likely to be current smokers, experience polypharmacy, use opioids or benzodiazepine preceding their first visit, or experience pain interference at treatment initiation. Patients in the “increasing” opioid consumption group had significantly greater depression scores at 6‐month compared to patients in the “no or very low and stable” trajectory group.

Conclusion

Opioid consumption trajectories do not seem to be important determinants of most PROs 6 months after initiating multidisciplinary pain treatment.
Vancomycin removal and pharmacokinetics during accelerated venovenous hemofiltration
Authors: Lopez Natasha D. , Griggs Michael , Sin Jonathan H. , Roberts Russel J. , Allegretti Andrew S.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Vancomycin pharmacokinetics are affected by renal replacement therapy and physiologic changes in critically ill patients. Literature regarding vancomycin removal and pharmacokinetics during accelerated venovenous hemofiltration (AVVH), a form of prolonged intermittent renal replacement therapy, is limited.

Objective

To describe the removal and pharmacokinetics of vancomycin during AVVH.

Methods

Eighteen critically ill adults receiving vancomycin and AVVH were included. Vancomycin serum concentrations were obtained within 4 h before and 2–6 h after the AVVH session. Patients' serum concentrations were plotted against time, and individual pharmacokinetic parameters were determined by a one‐compartmental analysis. Continuous data are reported as a median (interquartile range [IQR]) and categorical data as a percentage.

Results

The median AVVH effluent rate was 39.3 mL/kg/h (IQR 35.5–48 mL/kg/h) for a duration of 9 h (IQR 8–9.75 h). AVVH decreased vancomycin concentrations by 29.8% (IQR 24.9%–35.9%), at a rate of 3.4% per hour (IQR 3.1%–4.3% per hour) of AVVH. The vancomycin elimination rate constant and half‐life were 0.039 h−1 (IQR 0.036–0.053 h−1) and 17.6 h (IQR 13.1–18.8 h), respectively. The area under the curve during AVVH was 171.7 mg*h/L (IQR 149.1–190 mg*h/L). The volume of distribution in 10 patients was 1 L/kg (IQR 0.73–1.1 L/kg). After AVVH, vancomycin 1000 mg (IQR 750–1000 mg) was needed to maintain a serum trough concentration ≥15 mg/L.

Conclusion

Vancomycin is significantly removed by AVVH, which requires supplemental dosing after completion of the AVVH session to maintain desired serum concentrations. Therapeutic drug monitoring of vancomycin serum concentrations is recommended for patients undergoing AVVH.
Asymptomatic sonographic abnormalities of the hindfoot region in Division I collegiate gymnasts
Authors: Kruse Ryan C. , Rudolph Lauren , Negaard Matthew
Published: October 2023

Background

The hindfoot region is commonly injured in gymnasts, and musculoskeletal ultrasound can be used to identify structural abnormalities in this region. Although prior studies have shown that sonographic abnormalities may not correlate with symptomatic pathology, the presence of asymptomatic sonographic abnormalities of the hindfoot in Division I collegiate gymnasts has not been evaluated.

Objective

To identify and describe commonly seen asymptomatic sonographic abnormalities of the hindfoot region in Division I collegiate gymnasts.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Tertiary care academic medical center.

Participants

39 Division I NCAA men's and women's collegiate gymnasts without current hindfoot pain or history of hindfoot injury.

Interventions

Diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound of the hindfoot region.

Main Outcome Measures

Sonographic appearance of the hindfoot region, specifically the plantar fascia, plantar fad pad, and Achilles tendon.

Results

A total of 37 of 39 gymnasts included in the study were found to have at least one asymptomatic sonographic abnormality of the hindfoot region. A total of 28.2% of athletes were found to have sonographic abnormalities within the Achilles tendon, with Doppler flow being the most common finding, and 35.8% of athletes were found to have a Haglund's deformity. However, only 7% of athletes with a Haglund's deformity demonstrated abnormal sonographic findings within the tendon. Sonographic abnormalities of the plantar fascia and plantar fat pad were seen in 30.7% and 69.2% of athletes, respectively.

Conclusions

Asymptomatic sonographic abnormalities of the hindfoot region are common in collegiate gymnasts. Clinicians should use clinical judgment when interpreting these findings as they may not represent symptomatic pathology.
Happy thus survivor? A systematic review and meta‐analysis on the association between cancer survival and positive states, emotions, and traits
Authors: Fontesse Sullivan , Fournier Valentyn , Gérain Pierre , Dassonneville Charlotte , Lelorain Sophie , Duprez Christelle , Christophe Véronique , Piessen Guillaume , Grynberg Delphine
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Traditionally, the literature investigating patient‐reported outcomes in relation to cancer survival focused on negative factors such as distress. Meta‐analyses in this field have provided a clear identification of negative affect that reduce cancer survival (e.g., depression). Nevertheless, positive psychological factors and especially positive affect might be equally crucial for cancer survival but have been neglected so far. While studies in this domain have been conducted, they remain less numerous and have produced mixed results.

Methods

A pre‐registered systematic review and meta‐analysis (https://osf.io/jtw7x) aimed at identifying the positive affect linked to mortality in cancers were conducted. Four databases (Pubmed, PsycINFO, Embase, and Cochrane Library) were searched to find longitudinal studies linking positive affect to survival in cancers. Two reviewers completed each stage of the study selection process, the data extraction, and the Quality in Prognosis Studies risk of bias assessments.

Results

Twenty‐four studies involving 822,789 patients were included based on the 2462 references identified. The meta‐analysis reveals that positive affect is associated with longer survival (Hazard Ratio [HR] = 0.91; 95% CI [0.86, 0.96], z = −3.58, p < 0.001) and lower mortality (Odd Ratio [OR] = 0.59; 95% CI [0.45, 0.78], z = −3.70, p < 0.001). Sub‐group analyses indicated that the main predictors of survival are emotional and physical well‐being, optimism, and vitality.

Conclusion

This work emphasizes the need to consider the role of affective mechanisms in patients with cancer, including their levels of well‐being or optimism to provide the most favorable conditions for survival. Therefore, stronger and continuous effort to improve patients' positive affect could be particularly beneficial for their life expectancy.
The magpie and the grapes: increasing ozone exposure impacts fruit consumption by a common corvid in a suburban environment
Authors: Viviano Andrea , Mori Emiliano , Manzini Jacopo , Paoletti Elena , Hoshika Yasutomo , Cotrozzi Lorenzo , Pisuttu Claudia , Risoli Samuele , Materassi Alessandro , Moura Barbara Baesso
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

The Eurasian magpie Pica pica is a resident bird species able to colonize farmlands and anthropized environments. This corvid shows a wide trophic spectrum by including fruits, invertebrates, small vertebrates and carcasses in its diet. A camera‐trap experiment was carried out to test the effect of different ozone (O3) concentrations on potted Vitis vinifera plants, which resulted in different grape consumption rates by suburban birds. The test was performed at an Ozone‐Free Air Controlled Exposure (FACE) facility, consisting of nine plots with three ozone (O3) levels: AA (ambient O3 concentration); and two elevated O3 levels, 1.5× AA (ambient air with a 50% increase in O3 concentration) and 2.0× AA (ambient air with a 100% increase in O3 concentration). Camera‐traps were located in front of each treatment area and kept active for 24 h day−1 and for 5 days at a time over a period of 3 months to monitor grape consumption by birds.

RESULTS

We collected a total of 38 videos. Eurasian magpies were the only grape consumers, with a total of 6.7 ± 3.3 passages per hour (mean ± SD) and no differences across the different O3 treatments. Grapes in the AA treatment were consumed significantly more quickly than those in the 1.5× AA treatment, which in turn, were consumed faster than those in the 2.0× AA treatment. At 3 days from the start of treatment, 94%, 53% and 22% berries from the AA, 1.5× AA and 2.0× AA treatments had been eaten, respectively. When the O3 was turned off, berries were consumed at the same rate among treatments.

CONCLUSION

Increasing O3 concentrations limited grape consumption by magpies probably because O3 acted as a deterrent for magpies, although the lower sugar content recorded in the 2.0× AA berries did not affect the consumption when O3 was turned off. Our results provided valuable insights to mitigate human–wildlife conflicts in suburban environments. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Closest family in the household or in the community? The role of family in residential satisfaction among intended stayers in Iceland
Authors: Bjarnason Thoroddur , Haartsen Tialda
Published: October 2023

The salience of family in residential satisfaction and staying in rural communities has been well established. However, the relative importance family in the households and wider networks of family ties remains unclear, as well as the extent to which such associations can be found across the urban–rural continuum. This study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the role of family in residential satisfaction and residential decision‐making processes by distinguishing between satisfied, ambivalent, and dissatisfied stayers in metropolitan and non‐metropolitan areas. Drawing on several large‐scale surveys conducted in Iceland, we use binomial and multinomial logistic regression models to show that both having family in the household and having the closest family in the community predict intentions to stay, net of residential satisfaction. The odds of being a stayer are significantly higher if living with a spouse, with or without children in the household. Interestingly, this effect is found in all non‐metropolitan types of communities but not in the metropolitan Reykjavík capital area. Familial factors relate differently to the odds of being a satisfied, ambivalent, or dissatisfied stayer and vary significantly between urban, exurban, micro‐urban, and farming communities. Living with a spouse and children in the household increases the odds of being a stayer, regardless of residential satisfaction. Living in a household as a couple without the presence of children is only associated with higher odds of being a dissatisfied stayer. Beyond the household, respondents are significantly more likely to be stayers if most or all closest family live in the community, regardless of being a satisfied, ambivalent, or dissatisfied stayer. This is true for all types of communities. These results contribute to the cross‐cultural evidence base and suggest several possible avenues for future research relevant to policy and practice in the field of regional development.