bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of clear cell renal cell carcinoma grades using diffusion-relaxation correlation spectroscopic imaging with optimized spatial-spectrum analysis
Authors: Luo Yuansheng , Zhu Mengying , Wei Xiaobin , Xu Jianrong , Pan Shihang , Liu Guiqin , Song Yang , Hu Wentao , Dai Yongming , Wu Guangyu
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To differentiate high-grade from low-grade clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) using diffusion-relaxation correlation spectroscopic imaging (DR-CSI) spectra in an equal separating analysis.

Methods

Eighty patients with 86 pathologically confirmed ccRCCs who underwent DR-CSI were enrolled. Two radiologists delineated the region of interest. The spectrum was derived based on DR-CSI and was further segmented into multiple equal subregions from 2*2 to 9*9. The agreement between the 2 radiologists was assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Logistic regression was used to establish the regression model for differentiation, and 5-fold cross-validation was used to evaluate its accuracy. McNemar’s test was used to compare the diagnostic performance between equipartition models and the traditional parameters, including the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and T2 value.

Results

The inter-reader agreement decreased as the divisions in the equipartition model increased (overall ICC ranged from 0.859 to 0.920). The accuracy increased from the 2*2 to 9*9 equipartition model (0.68 for 2*2, 0.69 for 3*3 and 4*4, 0.70 for 5*5, 0.71 for 6*6, 0.78 for 7*7, and 0.75 for 8*8 and 9*9). The equipartition models with divisions >7*7 were significantly better than ADC and T2 (vs ADC: P = .002-.008; vs T2: P = .001-.004).

Conclusions

The equipartition method has the potential to analyse the DR-CSI spectrum and discriminate between low-grade and high-grade ccRCC.

Advances in knowledge

The evaluation of DR-CSI relies on prior knowledge, and how to assess the spectrum derived from DR-CSI without prior knowledge has not been well studied.
Sclerotherapy with intralesional bleomycin injection under guidance of multi-slice CT for retrobulbar orbital low-flow vascular lesions—single-center experience
Authors: Lin Shin-Nan , Wu Yi-Ming , Siow Tiing-Yee , Yeh Chih-Hua , Toh Cheng-Hong , Tseng Ti-Yung , Wong Ho-Fai
Published: January 2024

Objective

This study investigated the safety and efficacy of sclerotherapy with intralesional bleomycin injection (IBI) for retrobulbar orbital low-flow vascular lesions under multi-slice computed tomography (CT) guidance.

Methods

Between January 2010 and September 2021, consecutive patients with retrobulbar orbital low-flow vascular lesions who underwent CT-guided IBI at a tertiary centre in Taiwan were enrolled. Their medical records and imaging data were retrospectively collected.

Results

This study enrolled 13 patients (7 male and 6 female patients; age range: 1-57 years; mean age: 25.9 years) with lymphatic malformation (LM, n = 4), venolymphatic malformation (n = 1), and venous malformation (VM, n = 8). The overall radiological response rate was 76.9% (10 of 13); the radiological response rate was 75.0% in the VM group (6 of 8) and 75.0% in the LM group (3 of 4). Moreover, 3 patients (23.1%) had minor complications and 1 (7.7%) had a major complication. The mean clinical and radiological follow-up was 8.3 months and no recurrence or progression was reported.

Conclusion

CT-guided IBI is an effective and relatively safe minimally invasive treatment for retrobulbar orbital low-flow vascular lesions, with an overall radiological response rate of 76.9% in a mean of 1.5 sessions and a low complication rate.

Advances in knowledge

CT-guided sclerotherapy with IBI is a relatively safe, effective, and feasible alternative treatment option for retrobulbar orbital low-flow vascular lesions.
Role of non-contrast CT component of prostate-specific membrane antigen PET/CT scan in the detection of peripheral zone prostate cancer
Authors: Aggarwal Piyush , Krishna Kumar R G , Das Chandan J , Kubihal Vijay , Subudhi T Kishan , Khan M A , Kumar Rakesh
Published: January 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to look for feasibility of non-contrast CT (NCCT) in detecting peripheral zone prostate cancer (PCa).

Methods

A retrospective analysis included 50 biopsy-proven PCa patients between April 2019 and March 2022 who underwent staging whole body prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)/CT prior to treatment. The control subjects were 50 randomly selected adult male patients who underwent PET/CT for non-prostate malignancy during the same time period. Two readers independently calculated the Hounsfield unit (HU) of normal peripheral zone, central zone, and corresponding PSMA avid focus in cases.

Results

No significant difference was seen in the mean HU value of normal peripheral zone between cases and controls. Significant difference in the mean HU was seen between the PSMA avid focus in cases (40.1 ± 6.2) and normal peripheral zone of cases (28.2 ± 7.0) and controls (27.7 ± 5.8). No significant difference was found between the mean HU values of high-grade PCa and non-high-grade PCa. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed a mean HU cut-off of ≥35 for detecting PCa with a sensitivity and specificity of 86% and 90%, respectively, between cases and controls (AUC 0.88).

Conclusion

Detection of clinically significant PCa is possible on routinely performed NCCT scans. Radiologists should routinely look for and convey these findings to facilitate further work-up and early detection of PCa.

Advances in knowledge

Our study adds to the knowledge that NCCT scans performed for unrelated indications can serve as a screening tool for clinically significant PCa.
Elevated splenic 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography activity is associated with 5-year risk of recurrence in non-metastatic invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast
Authors: Wang Yiting , Li Yuchao , Jiang Hongyuan , Zuo Changjing , Xu Wengui
Published: January 2024

Objective

To construct prediction models including baseline 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) metabolic parameters of tumoural lesions and non-tumour lymphoid tissue for recurrence-free survival within 5 years (5y-RFS) after imaging examination in patients with invasive ductal carcinomas (IDCs) of the breast.

Methods

The study included 101 consecutive female patients. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression were used to identify clinicopathological and metabolic parameters associated with risk of recurrence. Four prediction models based on the results of multivariable analysis were constructed and visualized as nomograms. Performance of each nomogram was evaluated using the concordance index (C-index), integrated discrimination improvement, decision curve analysis (DCA), and calibration curve.

Results

N3 status, total metabolic tumour volume, the maximum standardized uptake value of spleen, and spleen-to-liver ratio were significant predictors of 5y-RFS. The nomogram including all significant predictors demonstrated superior predictive performance for 5y-RFS, with a C-index of 0.907 (95% CI, 0.833-0.981), greatest net benefit on DCA, good accuracy on calibration curves, and excellent risk stratification on Kaplan-Meier curves.

Conclusions

The model that included metabolic parameters of the spleen had the best performance for predicting 5y-RFS in patients with IDCs of the breast. This model may guide personalized treatment decisions and inform patients and clinicians about prognosis.

Advances in knowledge

This research identifies 18F-FDG PET/CT metabolic parameters of non-tumour lymphoid tissue as predictors of recurrence in breast cancer.
Deep learning for automated segmentation in radiotherapy: a narrative review
Authors: Bibault Jean-Emmanuel , Giraud Paul
Published: January 2024

The segmentation of organs and structures is a critical component of radiation therapy planning, with manual segmentation being a laborious and time-consuming task. Interobserver variability can also impact the outcomes of radiation therapy. Deep neural networks have recently gained attention for their ability to automate segmentation tasks, with convolutional neural networks (CNNs) being a popular approach. This article provides a descriptive review of the literature on deep learning (DL) techniques for segmentation in radiation therapy planning. This review focuses on five clinical sub-sites and finds that U-net is the most commonly used CNN architecture. The studies using DL for image segmentation were included in brain, head and neck, lung, abdominal, and pelvic cancers. The majority of DL segmentation articles in radiation therapy planning have concentrated on normal tissue structures. N-fold cross-validation was commonly employed, without external validation. This research area is expanding quickly, and standardization of metrics and independent validation are critical to benchmarking and comparing proposed methods.
US-guided percutaneous irrigation of extra-shoulder calcific tendinitis
Authors: Albano Domenico , Viglino Umberto , Messina Carmelo , Fusco Stefano , Gitto Salvatore , Lacelli Francesca , Sconfienza Luca Maria
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To investigate the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided percutaneous irrigation of calcific tendinopathy (US-PICT) applied out of the shoulder, comparing its effectiveness to US-PICT of the rotator cuff.

Methods

Patients subjected to US-PICT for extra-shoulder calcific tendinitis (Case Group) were compared to those subjected to US-PICT of the rotator cuff (Control Group). We had pre-procedure Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain score, 1- and 3-month VAS of patients of the Case Group, pre-procedure and 3-month VAS of patients of the Control Group.

Results

The Case Group consisted of 41 patients (27 women; mean age: 45 ± 9years): 26 gluteus medius, 5 patellar tendon, 3 rectus femoris, 2 gluteus maximus, 2 common extensor tendon, 1 extensor carpi radialis longus, 1 pes anserinus, and 1 peroneus longus. The Control Group included 41 patients (27 women; mean age: 47 ± 11 years). The mean pre-procedure VAS of the Case Group was 8.8 ± 0.7 with a significant (P < .001) drop at 1 month (4.5 ± 0.6) and 3 months (3.6 ± 0.6). The mean pre-procedure VAS of the Control Group was 8 ± 1.4 and dropped to 3.1 ± 1.6 after 3 months (P < .001). Post-treatment VAS at 3 months was not significantly different between two Groups (P = 0.134). Similarly, the decrease of VAS from baseline to 3 months was not significantly different between the two Groups (P = 0.264).

Conclusions

US-PICT is a safe and effective procedure that can be used out of the shoulder.

Advances in knowledge

This study demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of US-PICT as a valuable therapeutic option for extra-shoulder calcific tendinitis, with similar clinical outcome to the same procedure performed in the rotator cuff. The technique must be adapted in some deeply located calcifications by means of the use of different needles and by thoroughly planning the access point for the procedure.
Service and clinical impacts of reader bias in breast cancer screening: a retrospective study
Authors: de Vries Clarisse F , Staff Roger T , Dymiter Jaroslaw A , Boyle Moragh , Anderson Lesley A , Lip Gerald ,   the iCAIRD Radiology Collaboration, Black Corri , Murray Alison D. , Wilde Katie , Blackwood James D , Butterly Claire , Zurowski John , Eilbeck Jon , McSkimming Colin
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To determine factors influencing reader agreement in breast screening and investigate the relationship between agreement level and patient outcomes.

Methods

Reader pair agreement for 83 265 sets of mammograms from the Scottish Breast Screening service (2015-2020) was evaluated using Cohen’s kappa statistic. Each mammography examination was read by two readers, per routine screening practice, with the second initially blinded but able to choose to view the first reader’s opinion. If the two readers disagreed, a third reader arbitrated. Variation in reader agreement was examined by: whether the reader acted as the first or second reader, reader experience, and recall, cancer detection and arbitration recall rate.

Results

Readers’ opinions varied by whether they acted as the first or second reader. Furthermore, reader 2 was more likely to agree with reader 1 if reader 1 was more experienced than they were, and less likely to agree if they themselves were more experienced than reader 1 (P < .001). Agreement was not significantly associated with cancer detection rate, overall recall rate or arbitration recall rates (P > .05). Lower agreement between readers led to a higher arbiter workload (P < .001).

Conclusions

In mammography screening, the second reader’s opinion is influenced by the first reader’s opinion, with the degree of influence dependent on the readers’ relative experience levels.

Advances in knowledge

While less-experienced readers relied on their more experienced reading partner, no adverse impact on service outcomes was observed. Allowing access to the first reader’s opinion may benefit newly qualified readers, but reduces independent evaluation, which may lower cancer detection rates.
Impact of CT and MRI in the diagnostic workup of malignant triton tumour—a monocentric analysis and review of the literature
Authors: Drews Marcel A , Milosevic Aleksandar , Hamacher Rainer , Grüneisen Johannes S , Haubold Johannes , Opitz Marcel K , Bauer Sebastian , Umutlu Lale , Forsting Michael , Schaarschmidt Benedikt M
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Malignant triton tumours (MTTs) are rare but aggressive subtypes of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours (MPNSTs) with a high recurrence rate and 5-year survival of 14%. Systematic imaging data on MTTs are scarce and mainly based on single case reports. Therefore, we aimed to identify typical CT and MRI features to improve early diagnosis rates of this uncommon entity.

Methods

A systematic review on literature published until December 2022 on imaging characteristics of MTTs was performed. Based on that, we conducted a retrospective, monocentric analysis of patients with histopathologically proven MTTs from our department. Explorative data analysis was performed.

Results

Initially, 29 studies on 34 patients (31.42 ± 22.6 years, 12 female) were evaluated: Literature described primary MTTs as huge, lobulated tumours (108 ± 99.3 mm) with central necrosis (56% [19/34]), low T1w (81% [17/21]), high T2w signal (90% [19/21]) and inhomogeneous enhancement on MRI (54% [7/13]). Analysis of 16 patients (48.9 ± 13.8 years; 9 female) from our institution revealed comparable results: primary MTTs showed large, lobulated masses (118 mm ± 64.9) with necrotic areas (92% [11/12]). MRI revealed low T1w (100% [7/7]), high T2w signal (100% [7/7]) and inhomogeneous enhancement (86% [6/7]). Local recurrences and soft-tissue metastases mimicked these features, while nonsoft-tissue metastases appeared unspecific.

Conclusions

MTTs show characteristic features on CT and MRI. However, these do not allow a reliable differentiation between MTTs and other MPNSTs based on imaging alone. Therefore, additional histopathological analysis is required.

Advances in knowledge

This largest published systematic analysis on MTT imaging revealed typical but unspecific imaging features that do not allow a reliable, imaging-based differentiation between MTTs and other MPNSTs. Hence, additional histopathological analysis remains essential.
Deploying artificial intelligence software in an NHS trust: a how-to guide for clinicians
Authors: Blake Sarah R , Das Neelanjan
Published: January 2024

Over the past 10 years, artificial intelligence (AI) has become one of the fastest-growing sectors in healthcare. There are now numerous new technologies designed to cut costs and improve diagnoses and treatment pathways. However, there is significant scepticism amongst National Health Service (NHS) staff regarding the usefulness of AI and it’s cost to the NHS. This has likely resulted in underuse and slow adoption of software that may revolutionize our healthcare system and ensure its continued survival and effectiveness. Several governing bodies have put forward guidance on the safe and effective adoption of AI tools, but this rarely covers the reality of selecting and deploying new software. This article set out clear guidance on the practicalities and pitfalls of deploying digital solutions in healthcare, using the example of a deep learning algorithm designed to improve the accuracy of chest X-ray (CXR) interpretation in the emergency department.
Is 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET recommended for small lung nodules? CT findings of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose non-avid lung cancer
Authors: Sugawara Haruto , Kikkawa Nao , Ito Kimiteru , Watanabe Hirokazu , Kaku Sawako , Akai Hiroyuki , Abe Osamu , Watanabe Shun-ichi , Yatabe Yasushi , Kusumoto Masahiko
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To determine the image characteristics associated with low 18F-FDG (18F-fluorodeoxyglucose) avidity among 8-15 mm solid lung cancer.

Methods

Patients satisfying the following criteria were included: underwent surgery between January 2014 and December 2019 for lung cancer, presented 8-15 mm nodule without measurable ground glass component on preoperative CT, and underwent 18F-FDG PET before resection. Image characteristics, including air bronchogram, concave shape, pleural attachment, and background emphysema, were evaluated by two board-certified radiologists. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare maximum standardized uptake (SUVmax) values from 18F-FDG PET images.

Results

The analysis included 235 patients. The SUVmax values of lesions with air bronchogram and concave shape were significantly lower than the SUVmax values of lesions without these features (median: 1.55 vs 2.56 and 1.66 vs 2.45, both P < .001), whereas lesions arising from emphysematous lungs had significantly higher SUVmax values than lesions arising from non-emphysematous lungs (2.90 vs 1.69, P < .001). No significant differences were detected between lesions attached and not attached to pleura. The interobserver agreement was almost perfect for air bronchograms and background emphysema (κ = 0.882 and 0.927, respectively), and 89.7% of lesions with air bronchograms and arising from non-emphysematous lungs showed SUVmax values below 2.5.

Conclusions

Among 8-15 mm solid lung cancer, the presence of air bronchograms and concave shape and the absence of background emphysema were associated with low 18F-FDG accumulation.

Advances in knowledge

18F-FDG PET can be misleading in differentiating certain type of small solid lung cancer.
A spiculated mass target model for clinical image quality control in digital mammography
Authors: Salomon Elisabeth , Vanko Bence , Homolka Peter , Cockmartin Lesley , Figl Michael , Clauser Paola , Unger Ewald , Bosmans Hilde , Marshall Nicolas , Hummel Johann
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Quality assurance of breast imaging has a long history of using test objects to optimize and follow up imaging devices. In particular, the evaluation of new techniques benefits from suitable test objects. The applicability of a phantom consisting of spiculated masses to assess image quality and its dependence on dose in flat field digital mammography (FFDM) and digital breast tomosynthesis systems (DBT) is investigated.

Methods

Two spiculated masses in five different sizes each were created from a database of clinical tumour models. The masses were produced using 3D printing and embedded into a cuboid phantom. Image quality is determined by the number of spicules identified by human observers.

Results

The results suggest that the effect of dose on spicule detection is limited especially in cases with smaller objects and probably hidden by the inter-reader variability. Here, an average relative inter-reader variation of the counted number of 31% was found (maximum 83%). The mean relative intra-reader variability was found to be 17%. In DBT, sufficiently good results were obtained only for the largest masses.

Conclusions

It is possible to integrate spiculated masses into a cuboid phantom. It is easy to print and should allow a direct and prompt evaluation of the quality status of the device by counting visible spicules. Human readout presented the major uncertainty in this study, indicating that automated readout may improve the reproducibility and consistency of the results considerably.

Advances in knowledge

A cuboid phantom including clinical objects as spiculated lesion models for visual assessing the image quality in FFDM and DBT was developed and is introduced in this work. The evaluation of image quality works best with the two larger masses with 21 spicules.
Nickel-catalyzed cross-coupling between benzyl alcohols and alkenyl triflates assisted by titanium-mediated radical C–O bond cleavage
Authors: Suga Takuya , Kondo Miki , Takahashi Yuuki , Ukaji Yutaka
Published: January 2024

A Ni-catalyzed radical cross-coupling reaction between benzyl alcohols and alkenyl triflates was discovered. A benzyl radical was generated directly from alcohols by using low-valent Ti-mediated alcohol C–O bond homolysis and was successfully utilized in a Ni-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction. The addition of tetrabutylammonium iodide (n-Bu4NI) facilitated the reaction. n-Bu4NI was found to be instrumental in transforming alkenyl triflates into iodides, which are more reactive in the subsequent cross-coupling process.
Mechanochromic polymers based on radical-type dynamic covalent chemistry
Authors: Yamamoto Takumi , Takahashi Akira , Otsuka Hideyuki
Published: January 2024

Polymer mechanochemistry has emerged as a field of considerable interest from both an academic and an industrial perspective. Mechanochromic polymers that show optical change in response to mechanical stimuli can be used to visualize the mechanical force applied to the materials, which provides a wide range of information from the nano- to the macroscale, and also enables damage detection to prevent critical failure of the materials. We have explored a wide variety of radical-type dynamic covalent chemistry in the field of polymer reactions and revealed its great potential in developing mechanochromic materials. This account describes our recent efforts in the precise design of mechanochromic polymers based on radical-type dynamic covalent chemistry to impart polymeric materials with bespoke chromic properties, and discusses their characteristics derived from the radical chemistry as well as potential applications.
Charge transfer reaction at gas-liquid interface of aqueous tetrabutylammonium iodide solution: influence of ions on dynamical response of solvent
Authors: Karashima Shutaro , Suzuki Yoshi-Ichi , Yamamoto Yo-ichi , Suzuki Toshinori
Published: January 2024

Tetrabutylammonium iodide (TBAI) is known to create an electric double layer at the air-water interface. In the present study, we investigated the charge-transfer-to-solvent reaction from iodide ions to liquid water near the gas-liquid interface of an aqueous TBAI solution using extreme UV (EUV) time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy. Use of EUV radiation ensured accurate measurements of electron kinetic energy distributions by minimizing spectral distortions caused by electron inelastic scattering in the liquid and the influence of the electron transmission efficiency through the gas-liquid interface. The spectra observed for photodetached electrons exhibited a rapid energy shift and a variation of the bandwidth in subpicoseconds, and the rates of these changes clearly depended on the TBAI concentration. The results indicate that the dynamical response of solvent water changes in the presence of a high density of ions.
Materials chemistry for metal halide perovskite photovoltaics
Authors: Nakamura Tomoya , Kondo Yoshio , Ohashi Noboru , Sakamoto Chihiro , Hasegawa Akio , Hu Shuaifeng , Truong Minh Anh , Murdey Richard , Kanemitsu Yoshihiko , Wakamiya Atsushi
Published: January 2024

Metal halide perovskite semiconductors are excellent materials for next-generation solar cells. As a result of research and development all over the world, the photoelectric conversion efficiency for single-cell devices has rapidly improved to over 26% (as of July 2023), while the record efficiency for silicon-on-perovskite tandem devices currently stands at 33.7% (reported in May 2023). Materials chemistry has made many important contributions toward these remarkable results. In this account, we will introduce our achievements in these areas of material chemistry research for improving the performance of perovskite photovoltaics, including the development of high-purity precursor materials, and precursor inks tailored for large-area printed perovskite films. Studies of the nucleation and crystallization process, including simulations, have led to the reliable fabrication of high-quality perovskite films. Diverse new charge collection materials, as well as compounds to effectively modify perovskite surfaces, have improved solar cell performance.
Dermoscopy in vitiligo, diagnostic clues and markers of disease activity: a review of the literature
Authors: Yang Yebin , Morriss Samuel , Rodrigues Michelle
Published: January 2024

Dermoscopy is a noninvasive, efficient and inexpensive tool used to aid diagnosis of skin conditions such as vitiligo. Furthermore, it aids in tracking patient progress, treatment response and disease activity. Vitiligo can be diagnosed on dermoscopy by the presence of white structureless areas signifying hypopigmentation with a typical glowing appearance. Other typical features are perilesional and perifollicular hyperpigmentation, pigmentation networks and leucotrichia. In total, 15 studies were reviewed to determine the dermoscopic signs of the three main stages of disease activity: active, stable and repigmenting vitiligo. Features that differentiate active, stable and repigmenting vitiligo are reviewed and discussed in this article. Notably, there is a conflict in the literature between various dermoscopic features and which type of vitiligo they are truly indicative of. However, dermoscopy can be coupled with other clinical, biological and physiological markers to strengthen diagnostic accuracy.
A novel variant with a severe phenotype in a patient with CARD14-associated papulosquamous eruption successfully treated with ixekizumab
Authors: Ouyang Xiaoliang , Zhang Deng , Wang Xiuping , Wu Liang , Xiao Zhen , Zhu Yunxia , Yu Simin , Li Chunming
Published: January 2024

CARD14-associated papulosquamous eruption (CAPE) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by early onset of symptoms, prominent facial involvement, clinical manifestations resembling both psoriasis and pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP), family history of psoriasis or PRP and limited response to conventional topical and systemic therapies for psoriasis or PRP. Here, we describe the clinical features of a patient with CAPE and a novel mutation of CARD14.
What support is available for patients with hidradenitis suppurativa to stop smoking and maintain a healthy weight? A guide for clinicians
Authors: Khalil Nada , Bala Laksha , Hussain Khawar , Patel Neil P
Published: January 2024

Guidelines on hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) recommend that patients with obesity be advised to lose weight and people who smoke be advised to quit as a first-line management step. This article aims to inform dermatologists about the various weight loss and smoking cessation services available. We hope that this knowledge can empower clinicians to advise patients with HS on how to access the right support to achieve these goals.
Janus superwetting fabric for effective emulsion separation
Authors: Yang Zhejun , Liu Qian , Li Jing , Dong Ying , Yang Xiao-Yu
Published: January 2024

Superwetting membranes have superior advantages in the treatment of oil contaminated wastewater, especially when it is in an emulsified state. However, these types of membranes suffer from size-sieving limitations. Here, a Janus membrane was constructed by integration of superhydrophobic/underwater superoleophilic and superhydrophilic/underwater superoleophobic fabrics. Under gravity induced flow, water rapidly passes from the superhydrophobic to the superhydrophilic sides of this membrane while oil droplets are retained by the superwetting interface via an “attraction-aggregation-coalescence” process, realizing highly efficient emulsion separation.
Understanding of a Pt thin-film H2 sensor under working conditions using AP-XPS and XAFS
Authors: Toyoshima Ryo , Tanaka Takahisa , Kato Taro , Abe Hitoshi , Uchida Ken , Kondoh Hiroshi
Published: January 2024

The operating principle of a Pt thin-film H2 gas sensor was investigated using a combination of surface sensitive ambient-pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and bulk sensitive X-ray absorption fine structure techniques, which provided chemical and structure information under working conditions, coupled with electric resistivity measurements. It is shown that the sensor response was in a linear relation with both coverages of H and O atoms on the Pt surface. Moreover, the bulk structure of Pt remains unchanged under H2­ exposure. These observations support that the resistivity change is associated with electron scattering in the near-surface region.
Boron and nitrogen co-doped carbon supported cobalt nanoparticle in neutral aluminum-air battery
Authors: Xu Xuebing , Zhong Jie , Wu Rongfang , Hu Chaoquan
Published: January 2024

A boron and nitrogen co-doped carbon supported cobalt nanoparticle catalyst (CoBNC-phen) is successfully prepared. The co-doping method led to the formation of a Co–N bond, inhibiting the accumulation of Co nanoparticles. This also changes the electronic state, hence promoting oxygen reduction reaction performance. CoBNC-phen exhibits a half-wave potential of 23 mV higher than the commercial Pt/C. The power-density of the aluminum-air battery is 20% higher when CoBNC-phen is applied as the air cathode. Meanwhile, the voltage remained stable after 15 h of discharge.
Mechanochemical responses in β-lactoglobulin-based hydrogels: protein unfolding and chemical modification through compression
Authors: Oohora Koji , Kageyama Kazuki , Innami Hiroki , Hayashi Takashi
Published: January 2024

In this study, we investigated mechanical protein unfolding in hydrogels composed of cross-linked β-lactoglobulin. The hydrogels were prepared by the reaction of β-lactoglobulin with polyethylene glycol tethering activated esters at both ends. Compressing the hydrogels enables the modification of β-lactoglobulin in the gel with fluorophores such as a pyridyl disulfide-containing fluorescent protein and a tetraphenylethene derivative. This finding indicates that the unfolding triggered by hydrogel compression induces exposure of a reactive cysteine residue in the protein.
Can amine ligands atomically disperse Cu atoms on TiO2(110)? Cu deposition on TiO2(110) premodified with o-anthranilic acid
Authors: Kim Cho Rong , Maeda Honoka , Lu Bang , Nakamura Yuto , Lin Yunli , Wakisaka Yuki , Kido Daiki , Asakura Kiyotaka , Takakusagi Satoru
Published: January 2024

The three-dimensional (3D) structure of evaporated Cu atoms on a TiO2(110) surface premodified with o-anthranilic acid (o-AA) was examined using polarization-dependent total reflection fluorescence X-ray absorption fine structure (PTRF-XAFS) to elucidate the effect of the premodification on the Cu dispersion over the TiO2(110) surface. Cu was found to be atomically dispersed with the formation of N–Cu–O bonds (where the N is provided by the o-AA and the O is present in the TiO2 lattice) on the surface, and the factors for controlling the atomic dispersion are discussed.
Elasticity tuning of a hexameric hemoprotein-based hydrogel by mutation of its protein building block
Authors: Oohora Koji , Kageyama Kazuki , Hidaka Yuri , Hayashi Takashi
Published: January 2024

Mutants of a hexameric hemoprotein reconstituted with an acryloyl group-tethered heme were prepared and used as cross-linkers to produce polyacrylamide hydrogels to evaluate the effect of mutations on their elastic modulus. The mutations decrease the heme-binding affinities in a solution state, reducing the Young's modulus by 30% relative to that of the wild-type protein-based hydrogel. Furthermore, a stimuli-responsive gel–sol transition occurs upon reduction of the mutant-based gel. This work indicates that the molecular-level heme affinity for the cross-linked protein units has an important influence on macro-level mechanical properties.
Breastfeeding in the United States Among Women With HIV: Con Viewpoint
Authors: Nachman Sharon , Aldrovandi Grace
Published: January 2024

To breast feed or not has long been a difficult question for women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in high-income countries, as undetectable HIV in maternal plasma does not translate to zero risk of transmission while breastfeeding, and clean water and formula are readily available. Recent, and more permissive, changes in US and other high-income-country guidelines regarding breastfeeding underscore this issue and acknowledge the information gaps that are essential for informed maternal choice and provider management. These include lack of guidance as to routine monitoring of mothers during lactation, type and length of prophylaxis for infants, and lack of data on factors associated with increased breast-milk viral load and risk of transmission. Ancillary to data are the education and staffing needs for providers participating in the management of breastfeeding individuals. Future studies of breast-milk transmission will need to evaluate these gaps so that we can move transmission to zero.
Skeletal facial asymmetry: reliability of manual and artificial intelligence-driven analysis
Authors: Kazimierczak Natalia , Kazimierczak Wojciech , Serafin Zbigniew , Nowicki Paweł , Jankowski Tomasz , Jankowska Agnieszka , Janiszewska-Olszowska Joanna
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To compare artificial intelligence (AI)-driven web-based platform and manual measurements for analysing facial asymmetry in craniofacial CT examinations.

Methods

The study included 95 craniofacial CT scans from patients aged 18-30 years. The degree of asymmetry was measured based on AI platform-predefined anatomical landmarks: sella (S), condylion (Co), anterior nasal spine (ANS), and menton (Me). The concordance between the results of automatic asymmetry reports and manual linear 3D measurements was calculated. The asymmetry rate (AR) indicator was determined for both automatic and manual measurements, and the concordance between them was calculated. The repeatability of manual measurements in 20 randomly selected subjects was assessed. The concordance of measurements of quantitative variables was assessed with interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) according to the Shrout and Fleiss classification.

Results

Erroneous AI tracings were found in 16.8% of cases, reducing the analysed cases to 79. The agreement between automatic and manual asymmetry measurements was very low (ICC < 0.3). A lack of agreement between AI and manual AR analysis (ICC type 3 = 0) was found. The repeatability of manual measurements and AR calculations showed excellent correlation (ICC type 2 > 0.947).

Conclusions

The results indicate that the rate of tracing errors and lack of agreement with manual AR analysis make it impossible to use the tested AI platform to assess the degree of facial asymmetry.
Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and atrial fibrillation: a meta-analysis of clinical trials
Authors: Oraii Alireza , Healey Jeff S , Kowalik Krzysztof , Pandey Avinash K , Benz Alexander P , Wong Jorge A , Conen David , McIntyre William F
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims

Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) improve cardiovascular outcomes in a variety of settings. This study aimed to assess whether cardioprotective effects of MRAs are modified by heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) status and to study their impact on AF events.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central databases were searched to 24 March 2023 for randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of MRAs as compared with placebo or usual care in reducing cardiovascular outcomes and AF events in patients with or at risk for cardiovascular diseases. Random-effects models and interaction analyses were used to test for effect modification.

Results

Meta-analysis of seven trials (20 741 participants, mean age: 65.6 years, 32% women) showed that the efficacy of MRAs, as compared with placebo, in reducing a composite of cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization remains consistent across patients with HF [risk ratio = 0.81; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.67–0.98] and without HF (risk ratio = 0.84; 95% CI: 0.75–0.93; interaction P = .77). Among patients with HF, MRAs reduced cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization in patients with AF (hazard ratio = 0.95; 95% CI: 0.54–1.66) to a similar extent as in those without AF (hazard ratio = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.63–1.07; interaction P = .65). Pooled data from 20 trials (21 791 participants, mean age: 65.2 years, 31.3% women) showed that MRAs reduce AF events (risk ratio = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.67–0.87) in both patients with and without prior AF.

Conclusions

Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists are similarly effective in preventing cardiovascular events in patients with and without HF and most likely retain their efficacy regardless of AF status. Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists may also be moderately effective in preventing incident or recurrent AF events.
Long-term impact of parenting-related leave policies on adolescents’ well-being: a systematic review of quasi-experiments
Authors: Tugrul Hande , Stuckler David , Aassve Arnstein
Published: January 2024

Background

Parenting-related leave policies have gained increasing endorsement across Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries in recent decades. Previous reviews have focused on the short-term impacts and found predominantly positive effects on children. Although there is a growing interest in the long-term impact during adolescence and young adulthood, a comprehensive assessment of this aspect is currently lacking.

Methods

We systematically reviewed studies from three electronic databases (Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed), which used quasi-experimental design and examined policies legislating the introduction or expansion of parenting-related leave policies in North America or Europe. We looked at studies focused on well-being beyond the age of 12 and analyzed the findings across different domains of well-being: health, education and labour market outcomes.

Results

The quasi-experimental evidence is rather limited. The introduction of leave policies or gender-specific quotas produces substantial benefits in the long run. Further, maternal socioeconomic and educational background appears to play a substantial moderating role between leave and adolescents’ well-being. Adolescents with mothers who have higher levels of education have demonstrated a more pronounced advantage from the extended time spent together, thereby accentuating pre-existing disparities.

Conclusions

Though the expansion of already long leaves might not generate significant outcomes, the introduction of leave policies or gender-specific quotas produces substantial long-term benefits. This evidence entails considerable policy implications for countries that lack a national leave policy or offer only short durations of paid leave, such as the USA.
A new hybrid incompatibility locus between Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila sechellia
Authors: Bladen Jackson , Cooper Jacob C , Ridges Jackson T , Guo Ping , Phadnis Nitin
Published: January 2024

Despite the fundamental importance of hybrid incompatibilities to the process of speciation, there are few cases where the evolution and genetic architecture of hybrid incompatibilities are understood. One of the longest studied hybrid incompatibilities causes F1 hybrid male inviability in crosses between Drosophila melanogaster females and males from the Drosophila simulans clade of species—Drosophila simulans, Drosophila mauritiana, and Drosophila sechellia. Here, we discover dramatic differences in the manifestation of this lethal hybrid incompatibility among the D. simulans clade of species. In particular, F1 hybrid males between D. melanogaster and D. sechellia are resistant to hybrid rescue through RNAi knockdown of an essential hybrid incompatibility gene. To understand the genetic basis of this inter-species difference in hybrid rescue, we developed a triple-hybrid mapping method. Our results show that 2 discrete large effect loci and many dispersed small effect changes across the genome underlie D. sechellia aversion to hybrid rescue. The large effect loci encompass a known incompatibility gene Lethal hybrid rescue (Lhr) and previously unknown factor, Sechellia aversion to hybrid rescue (Satyr). These results show that the genetic architecture of F1 hybrid male inviability is overlapping but not identical in the 3 inter-species crosses. Our results raise questions about whether new hybrid incompatibility genes can integrate into an existing hybrid incompatibility thus increasing in complexity over time, or if the continued evolution of genes can gradually strengthen an existing hybrid incompatibility.
Identification of Reduced mTOR T1262 Phosphorylation as a Novel Mechanism and Therapeutic Target of Apoptosis in Senescent Cardiomyocytes: Aging and Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis
Authors: Li Qiuyu , Lin Xiaolong , Bo Xiaowen , Chen Siyuan , Zhao Donghui , Ma Qin , Zhao Yuhao , Yang Hong , Liu Jinghua , Fan Qian
Published: January 2024

The mechanisms through which aging increases heart injury remain partially understood. Protein phosphorylation plays a critical regulatory role in cell survival and death. Using an unbiased phosphoproteomics approach, we aimed to identify the proteins whose phosphorylation could be causatively related to aging-related cardiomyocyte apoptosis and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Comparative phosphoproteomics was conducted on cardiac tissues obtained from young (8 weeks) and aged (24 months) mice. Our findings revealed that the Mammalian Target of Rapamycin phosphorylation at T1262 (mTORT1262) was reduced in the aging heart. Immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses confirmed these findings in aging myocardia and D-galactose-induced senescent AC16 cardiomyocytes. In hypoxia/reoxygenation cardiomyocytes, mTORT1262 phosphorylation deficiency (mTORT1262A, lentivirus-mediated transfection) inhibited AKT1, suppressed NF-κB, activated FOXO1/3a signaling, and ultimately exacerbated apoptosis. Conversely, mTORT1262 pseudophosphorylation (mTORT1262E) exhibited opposite effects. Through bioinformatics and CO-IP, purinergic receptor P2X4 (P2X4R) was found to be the possible receptor responsible for mTORT1262 phosphorylation. Knockdown of P2X4R increased apoptosis, whereas its overexpression decreased it. In senescent cardiomyocytes, P2X4R expression and mTORT1262 and AKT1S473 phosphorylation were reduced, NF-κB signaling was suppressed, and FOXO1/3a signaling was activated. We demonstrated that P2X4R downregulation and the subsequent reduction of mTORT1262 phosphorylation is a novel mechanism contributing to cardiomyocyte apoptosis in aging hearts. The P2X4R-mTOR-AKT1 signaling pathway represents a potential therapeutic target against accelerated cardiac injury in aging.
Whole-genome Sequencing Reveals Autooctoploidy in Chinese Sturgeon and Its Evolutionary Trajectories
Authors: Wang Binzhong , Wu Bin , Liu Xueqing , Hu Yacheng , Ming Yao , Bai Mingzhou , Liu Juanjuan , Xiao Kan , Zeng Qingkai , Yang Jing , Wang Hongqi , Guo Baifu , Tan Chun , Hu Zixuan , Zhao Xun , Li Yanhong , Yue Zhen , Mei Junpu , Jiang Wei , Yang Yuanjin , Li Zhiyuan , Gao Yong , Chen Lei , Jian Jianbo , Du Hejun
Published: January 2024

The order Acipenseriformes, which includes sturgeons and paddlefishes, represents “living fossils” with complex genomes that are good models for understanding whole-genome duplication (WGD) and ploidy evolution in fishes. Here, we sequenced and assembled the first high-quality chromosome-level genome for the complex octoploid Acipenser sinensis (Chinese sturgeon), a critically endangered species that also represents a poorly understood ploidy group in Acipenseriformes. Our results show that A. sinensis is a complex autooctoploid species containing four kinds of octovalents (8n), a hexavalent (6n), two tetravalents (4n), and a divalent (2n). An analysis taking into account delayed rediploidization reveals that the octoploid genome composition of Chinese sturgeon results from two rounds of homologous WGDs, and further provides insights into the timing of its ploidy evolution. This study provides the first octoploid genome resource of Acipenseriformes for understanding ploidy compositions and evolutionary trajectories of polyploid fishes.
GametesOmics: A Comprehensive Multi-omics Database for Exploring the Gametogenesis in Humans and Mice
Authors: An Jianting , Wang Jing , Kong Siming , Song Shi , Chen Wei , Yuan Peng , He Qilong , Chen Yidong , Li Ye , Yang Yi , Wang Wei , Li Rong , Yan Liying , Yan Zhiqiang , Qiao Jie
Published: January 2024

Gametogenesis plays an important role in the reproduction and evolution of species. The transcriptomic and epigenetic alterations in this process can influence the reproductive capacity, fertilization, and embryonic development. The rapidly increasing single-cell studies have provided valuable multi-omics resources. However, data from different layers and sequencing platforms have not been uniformed and integrated, which greatly limits their use for exploring the molecular mechanisms that underlie oogenesis and spermatogenesis. Here, we develop GametesOmics, a comprehensive database that integrates the data of gene expression, DNA methylation, and chromatin accessibility during oogenesis and spermatogenesis in humans and mice. GametesOmics provides a user-friendly website and various tools, including Search and Advanced Search for querying the expression and epigenetic modification(s) of each gene; Tools with Differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis for identifying DEGs, Correlation analysis for demonstrating the genetic and epigenetic changes, Visualization for displaying single-cell clusters and screening marker genes as well as master transcription factors (TFs), and MethylView for studying the genomic distribution of epigenetic modifications. GametesOmics also provides Genome Browser and Ortholog for tracking and comparing gene expression, DNA methylation, and chromatin accessibility between humans and mice. GametesOmics offers a comprehensive resource for biologists and clinicians to decipher the cell fate transition in germ cell development, and can be accessed at http://gametesomics.cn/.
The Twist for Electrical Networks and the Inverse Problem
Authors: George Terrence
Published: January 2024

We construct an electrical-network version of the twist map for the positive Grassmannian, and use it to solve the inverse problem of recovering conductances from the response matrix. Each conductance is expressed as a biratio of Pfaffians as in the inverse map of Kenyon and Wilson; however, our Pfaffians are the more canonical $B$ variables instead of their tripod variables, and are coordinates on the positive orthogonal Grassmannian studied by Henriques and Speyer.