bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D Metabolites Are Associated With Musculoskeletal Injury in Young Adults: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Carswell Alexander T , O'Leary Thomas J , Swinton Paul , Jackson Sarah , Tang Jonathan CY , Oliver Samuel J , Izard Rachel M , Walsh Neil P , Fraser William D , Greeves Julie P
Published: August 2023

The relationship between vitamin D metabolites and lower body (pelvis and lower limb) overuse injury is unclear. In a prospective cohort study, we investigated the association between vitamin D metabolites and incidence of lower body overuse musculoskeletal and bone stress injury in young adults undergoing initial military training during all seasons. In 1637 men and 530 women (aged 22.6 ± 7.5 years; body mass index [BMI], 24.0 ± 2.6 kg/m-2; 94.3% white ethnicity), we measured serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (24,25(OH)2D) by high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) by immunoassay during week 1 of training. We examined whether the relationship between 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D:24,25(OH)2D ratio was associated with overuse injury. During 12 weeks of training, 21.0% sustained ≥1 overuse musculoskeletal injury, and 5.6% sustained ≥1 bone stress injury. After controlling for sex, BMI, 2.4 km run time, smoking, bone injury history, and Army training course (Officer, standard, or Infantry), lower body overuse musculoskeletal injury incidence was higher for participants within the second lowest versus highest quartile of 24,25(OH)2D (odds ratio [OR] = 1.62; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13–2.32; p = 0.009) and lowest versus highest cluster of 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D:24,25(OH)2D (OR = 6.30; 95% CI 1.89–21.2; p = 0.003). Lower body bone stress injury incidence was higher for participants within the lowest versus highest quartile of 24,25(OH)2D (OR = 4.02; 95% CI 1.82–8.87; p < 0.001) and lowest versus highest cluster of 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D:24,25(OH)2D (OR = 22.08; 95% CI 3.26–149.4; p = 0.001), after controlling for the same covariates. Greater conversion of 25(OH)D to 24,25(OH)2D, relative to 1,25(OH)2D (ie, low 1,25(OH)2D:24,25(OH)2D), and higher serum 24,25(OH)2D were associated with a lower incidence of lower body overuse musculoskeletal and bone stress injury. Serum 24,25(OH)2D may have a role in preventing overuse injury in young adults undertaking arduous physical training. © 2023 Crown copyright and The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR). This article is published with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and the King's Printer for Scotland.
A novel method for age identification of mountain‐cultivated ginseng
Authors: Zhang Gong‐Min , Huang Qing , Chen Gan , Yuan Man , Zheng Chang‐Wu , Zhang Hong‐Mei , Xu Hong‐Xi
Published: July 2023

Panax ginseng, a slow‐growing perennial herb, is the most praised and popular traditional medicinal herb. Mountain‐cultivated ginseng (MCG) and cultivated ginseng (CG) both belong to Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer. The market price and medical effects of this popular health product are closely related to its age. It is widely acknowledged that CG is typically harvested after 4–6 years of growth, but MCG is often collected after 10 years. Until now, the age identification of MCG or mountain wild ginseng (MWG) has remained a major challenge. In this study, we established a novel and rapid method for staining xylem vessels with phloroglucinol and identifying the “annual growth rings” of ginseng by utilizing a stereoscope, which serves as a reliable indicator of the age of MCG. Statistical analysis of the ring radius and the ring density of MCG aged from 1 to 20 years shows that the secondary xylem of MCG increases rapidly in the first 3 years but then gradually slows down from 4 to 10 years, and minor fluctuation is observed in the next 10 years. Meanwhile, the space between the growth rings (ring density) becomes increasingly small with age. This straightforward staining approach can reveal the age of MCG with remarkable clarity and can distinguish MCG from CG.

Research Highlights

A novel rapid staining method for Panax ginseng was established.

The age of mountain‐cultivated ginseng (MCG) can be identified by microscopic techniques.

MCG and cultivated ginseng (CG) can be discriminated by microstructure characteristics.
Disjoint total dominating sets in near‐triangulations
Authors: Francis P. , Illickan Abraham M. , Jose Lijo M. , Rajendraprasad Deepak
Published: August 2023

We show that every simple planar near‐triangulation with minimum degree at least three contains two disjoint total dominating sets. The class includes all simple planar triangulations other than the triangle. This affirms a conjecture of Goddard and Henning.
New synthetic approach to pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrazine derivatives from 2,2‐dichlorovinylacetophenones
Authors: Guirado Antonio , Vera María , Martiz Bruno , Ródenas Francisco , Bautista Delia , Gálvez Jesús
Published: August 2023

New efficient synthetic methods in pyrazoline and pyrazolopyrazine chemistry have been developed starting from 2,2‐dichlorovinylacetophenones 1, which were sequentially transformed into 3‐aryl‐5‐dichloromethyl‐1‐(2‐hydroxiethyl)‐2‐pyrazolines 2, 3‐aryl‐5‐dichloromethyl‐1‐(2‐O‐tosylhydroxyethyl)‐2‐pyrazolines 3, 3‐aryl‐5‐dichloromethyl‐1‐(2‐azidoethyl)‐2‐pyrazolines 4, and 3‐aryl‐5‐dichloromethyl‐1‐(2‐aminoethyl)‐2‐pyrazoline hydrochlorides 5, by reaction with 2‐hydroxyethylhydrazine, O‐tosylation, azidation, and catalytic hydrogenation, respectively. Compounds 5 were treated with aqueous sodium hydroxide to provide 2‐aryl‐4,5,6,7‐tetrahydropyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrazines 6 in one‐step conversions involving cyclization and aromatization. A reaction mechanism has been proposed with the aid of DFT theoretical calculations. Compounds 6 could also be obtained directly in one‐pot reactions of tosylates 3 with ammonium hydroxide followed by the addition of sodium hydroxide. The molecular structure of 2‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐4,5,6,7‐tetrahydropyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrazine 6c was determined by X‐ray crystallography. Simplicity, good overall yields and inexpensive starting materials are advantageous features of the improved synthetic procedures reported herein.
Motion Robust MR Fingerprinting Scan to Image Neonates With Prenatal Opioid Exposure
Authors: Ma Dan , Badve Chaitra , Sun Jessie E.P. , Hu Siyuan , Wang Xiaofeng , Chen Yong , Nayate Ameya , Wien Michael , Martin Douglas , Singer Lynn T. , Durieux Jared C. , Flask Chris , Costello Deanne Wilson
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To explore whether MR fingerprinting (MRF) scans provide motion‐robust and quantitative brain tissue measurements for non‐sedated infants with prenatal opioid exposure (POE).

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

13 infants with POE (3 male; 12 newborns (age 7–65 days) and 1 infant aged 9‐months).

Field Strength/Sequence

3T, 3D T1‐weighted MPRAGE, 3D T2‐weighted TSE and MRF sequences.

Assessment

The image quality of MRF and MRI was assessed in a fully crossed, multiple‐reader, multiple‐case study. Sixteen image quality features in three types—image artifacts, structure and myelination visualization—were ranked by four neuroradiologists (8, 7, 5, and 8 years of experience respectively), using a 3‐point scale. MRF T1 and T2 values in 8 white matter brain regions were compared between babies younger than 1 month and babies between 1 and 2 months.

Statistical Tests

Generalized estimating equations model to test the significance of differences of regional T1 and T2 values of babies under 1 month and those older. MRI and MRF image quality was assessed using Gwet's second order auto‐correlation coefficient (AC2) with confidence levels. The Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel test was used to assess the difference in proportions between MRF and MRI for all features and stratified by the type of features. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The MRF of two infants were excluded in T1 and T2 value analysis due to severe motion artifact but were included in the image quality assessment. In infants under 1 month of age (N = 6), the T1 and T2 values were significantly higher compared to those between 1 and 2 months of age (N = 4). MRF images showed significantly higher image quality ratings in all three feature types compared to MRI images.

Conclusions

MR Fingerprinting scans have potential to be a motion‐robust and efficient method for nonsedated infants.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy Stage

1
Efficient reverse genetics approach involving infectious subgenomic amplicon for engineering dengue virus
Authors: Park Chang‐Joo , Lee Yoon‐A , Yoo Seung‐Min , Kim Geon A. , Lee Myung‐Shin , Park Changhoon
Published: July 2023

Dengue virus, which belongs to the Flaviviridae family, can induce a range of symptoms from mild to severe, including dengue fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever, and dengue shock syndrome. While infectious cloning technology is a useful tool for understanding viral pathogenesis and symptoms, it exhibits limitations when constructing the entire Flavivirus genome. The instability and toxicity of the genome to bacteria make its full‐length construction in bacterial vectors a time‐consuming and laborious process. To address these challenges, we employed the modified infectious subgenomic amplicon (ISA) method in this study, which can potentially be a superior tool for reverse genetic studies on the dengue virus. Using ISA, we generated recombinant dengue viruses de novo and validated their robust replication in both human and insect cell lines, which was comparable to that of the original strains. Moreover, the efficiency of ISA in genetically modifying the dengue virus was elucidated by successfully inserting the gene for green fluorescence protein into the genome of dengue virus serotype 4. Overall, this study highlighted the effectiveness of ISA for genetically engineering the dengue virus and provided a technical basis for a convenient reverse genetics system that could expedite investigations into the dengue virus.
COVID‐19‐induced autoimmune thyroiditis: Exploring molecular mechanisms
Authors: Mohammadi Bita , Dua Kamal , Saghafi Mohammadreza , Singh Sachin Kumar , Heydarifard Zahra , Zandi Milad
Published: July 2023

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) damages multiple organs, including the thyroid, by direct invasion and cell entry via angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 or indirectly by promoting excessive inflammation in the body. The immune system is a critical factor in antiviral immunity and disease progression. In the context of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, the immune system may become overly activated, resulting in a shift from regulatory to effector responses, which may subsequently promote the development and progression of autoimmune diseases. The incidence of autoimmune thyroid diseases, such as subacute thyroiditis, Graves' disease, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis, increases in individuals with COVID‐19 infection. This phenomenon may be attributed to aberrant responses of T‐cell subtypes, the presence of autoantibodies, impaired regulatory cell function, and excessive production of inflammatory cytokines, namely interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐1β, interferon‐γ, and tumor necrosis factor‐α. Therefore, insights into the immune responses involved in the development of autoimmune thyroid disease according to COVID‐19 can help identify potential therapeutic approaches and guide the development of effective interventions to alleviate patients' symptoms.
Biochemical characterization and mycorrhizal fungal community of plant species in the Brazilian seasonal dry forest
Authors: de Souza Tancredo Augusto Feitosa , de Lucena Edjane Oliveira , Nascimento Gislaine dos Santos , da Silva Lucas Jónatan Rodrigues
Published: July 2023

Invasive alien plant species (IAPS) have the ability to change the biochemical properties and the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) community structure in their rhizosphere. Organic acids, microbial activity, and AMF play a key role in the invader's spread and also has interactions with the soil chemical factors. Our aim here was to assess the rhizosphere's biochemical factors, AMF community composition, and soil chemical properties associated with Cryptostegia madagascariensis (IAPS) and Mimosa tenuiflora (endemic plant species) from the Brazilian Seasonal Dry Forest. The highest values of total glomalin (5.87 mg g−1 soil), root colonization (54.5%), oxalic and malic acids (84.21 and 3.01 μmol g−1, respectively), microbial biomass C (mg kg−1), Na+ (0.080 cmolc kg−1), Ca2+ (7.04 cmolc kg−1), and soil organic carbon (4.59 g kg−1) were found in the rhizosphere of C. madagascariensis. We found dissimilarities on AMF community structure considering the studied plant species: (i) Racocetra coralloidea, Dentiscutata heterogama, Dentiscutata cerradensis, Gigaspora decipiens, and AMF's richness were highly correlated with the rhizosphere of M. tenuiflora; and (ii). The rhizosphere of C. madagascariensis was highly correlated with the abundance of Claroideoglomus etunicatum, Rhizoglomus aggregatum, Funneliformis mosseae, and Funneliformis geosporum. The results of our study highlight the importance of considering C. madagascariensis as potential hosts for AMF species from Glomerales, and a potential plant species that increase the bioavailability of exchangeable Na and Ca at semi‐arid conditions.
MRI order appropriateness for chronic neck pain: Comparison of ordering practices and treatment outcomes for primary care physicians and specialists
Authors: Romero Andrew , Lynch Daniel , Johnson Evan , Zhu Xiang , Kirkpatrick John
Published: August 2023

Chronic neck pain is a common reason for doctor visits in the United States. This diagnosis can be evaluated through patient history, physical examination, and judicious use of radiographs. However, possible inappropriate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) ordering persists. We hypothesized that no difference in ordering practices, ordering appropriateness, and subsequent intervention would be appreciated regarding physician specialty, location, patient characteristics, and history and physical exam findings. A multisite retrospective review of cervical spine MRI between 2014 and 2018 was performed. A total of 332 patients were included. Statistical analysis was used to assess MRI order appropriateness, detail of history and physical exam findings, and intervention decision‐making among different specialties. If significant differences were found, multiple linear regression was performed to evaluate the association of MRI order appropriateness regarding physician specialty, location, patient characteristics and history, and physical exam findings. The significance level for all tests was set at <0.05 Orthopedic surgeons ordered MRIs most appropriately with an average American College of Radiology (ACR) score of 8.4 (p < 0.005). Orthopedic surgeons had more comprehensive physical exams as compared to the remaining specialties. The decision for intervention did not vary by physician specialty or ACR score, except for patients of pain medicine physicians who received pain management (p = 0.000). Orthopedic surgeons utilize MRI most appropriately and have more comprehensive physical exams. These findings suggest a need for increased physician education on what indicates an appropriate MRI order to improve the use of resources and further protect patient risk‐benefit profiles. Further research elucidating factors to minimize negative findings in “appropriate” MRIs is indicated. Clinical significance: More detailed physical exams may lead to more appropriately ordered MRIs, subsequently resulting in surgery or procedures being performed when appropriately indicated. This suggests the need for increased physician education on when MRI ordering is appropriate for chronic neck pain to improve the use of resources and further protect patient risk‐benefit profiles.
Fibronectin sensitizes activation of contractility, YAP, and NF‐κB in nucleus pulposus cells
Authors: Naha Ananya , Driscoll Tristan P.
Published: August 2023

Intervertebral disc degeneration involves the breakdown of the discs of the spine due to genetics, aging, or faulty mechanical loading. As part of the progression of the disease, nucleus pulposus cells lose their phenotypic characteristics, inducing inflammation and extracellular matrix (ECM) alterations that result in a loss of disc mechanical homeostasis. Fibronectin is one ECM molecule that has been shown to be upregulated in disc degeneration and plays an important role in the progression of a wide variety of fibrotic diseases. Fragments of fibronectin have also long been associated with both osteoarthritis and disc degeneration. The goal of this work is to test the effects of fibronectin on disc cell phenotype, mechanosensing, and inflammatory signaling. We identify that fibronectin increases the activation of cellular contractility, the mechanosensitive transcription factor Yes‐associated protein, and the inflammatory transcription factor nuclear factor‐κB. This results in decreased production and expression of proteoglycans, which are required to maintain healthy disc function. Thus, fibronectin is a potential regulator of phenotypic changes in disc degeneration, and a potential target for treating disc degeneration at the cellular level. Understanding the role of fibronectin, and its potential as a therapeutic target, could provide new approaches for preventing or reversing disc degeneration.
Corroboration of coupled musculoskeletal model and finite element predictions with in vivo RSA migration of an uncemented acetabular component
Authors: Fallahnezhad Khosro , Callary Stuart A. , O'Rourke Dermot , Bahl Jasvir S. , Thewlis Dominic , Solomon Lucian B. , Taylor Mark
Published: August 2023

While finite element (FE) models have been used extensively in orthopedic studies, validation of their outcome metrics has been limited to comparison against ex vivo testing. The aim of this study was to validate FE model predictions of the initial cup mechanical environment against patient‐matched in vivo measurements of acetabular cup migration using radiostereometric analysis (RSA). Tailored musculoskeletal and FE models were developed using a combination of three‐dimensional (3D) motion capture data and clinical computerized tomography (CT) scans for a cohort of eight individuals who underwent primary total hip replacement and were prospectively enrolled in an RSA study. FE models were developed to calculate the mean modulus of cancellous bone, composite peak micromotion (CPM), composite peak strain (CPS) and percentage area of bone ingrowth. The RSA cup migration at 3 months was used to corroborate the FE output metrics. Qualitatively, all FE‐predicted metrics followed a similar rank order as the in vivo RSA 3D migration data. The two cases with the lowest predicted CPM (<20 µm), lowest CPS (<0.0041), and high bone modulus (>917 MPa) were confirmed to have the lowest in vivo RSA 3D migration (<0.14 mm). The two cases with the largest predicted CPM (>80 µm), larger CPS (>0.0119) and lowest bone modulus (<472 MPa) were confirmed to have the largest in vivo RSA 3D migration (>0.78 mm). This study enabled the first corroboration between tailored musculoskeletal and FE model predictions with in vivo RSA cup migration. Investigation of additional patient‐matched CT, gait, and RSA examinations may allow further development and validation of FE models.
Influences of standardized clinical probing on peri‐implant soft tissue seal in a situation of peri‐implant mucositis: A histomorphometric study in dogs
Authors: Cai Rong , Liu Yi , Wang Xinge , Wei Hongbo , Wang Jin , Cao Yanze , Lei Jiaqi , Li Dehua
Published: July 2023

Background

Clinical probing is commonly recommended to evaluate peri‐implant conditions. In a situation of peri‐implant mucositis or peri‐implantitis, the peri‐implant seal healing from the disruption of soft tissue caused by probing has not yet been studied. This study aimed to investigate soft tissue healing after standardized clinical probing around osseointegrated implants with peri‐implant mucositis in a dog model.

Methods

Three transmucosal implants in each hemi‐mandible of six dogs randomly assigned to the peri‐implant healthy group or peri‐implant mucositis group were probed randomly in the mesial or distal site as probing groups (PH or PM), the cross‐sectional opposite sites as unprobed control groups. Histomorphometric measurements of implant shoulder (IS)–most coronal level of alveolar bone contact to the implant surface (BCI), apical termination of the junctional epithelium (aJE)–BCI, mucosal margin (MM)–BCI, and MM–aJE were performed at 1 day, 1 week, and 2 weeks after probing. Apoptosis, proliferation, proinflammatory cytokines, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) of peri‐implant soft tissue were estimated by immunofluorescent analysis.

Results

In the PM group, apical migration of junctional epithelium was revealed by significantly decreased aJE–BCI from 1 day to 2 weeks in comparison to unprobed sites (p < 0.05), while no significant differences were found in the PH group. Immunofluorescent analysis showed higher levels of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐6, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), MMP‐1, and MMP‐8, together with exaggerated apoptosis and proliferation of peri‐implant soft tissue in the PM group.

Conclusion

Within the limitations, standardized clinical probing might lead to apical migration of the junctional epithelium in a situation of peri‐implant mucositis.
Exploring genetic variability, heritability, and trait correlations in gari and eba quality from diverse cassava varieties in Nigeria
Authors: Aghogho Cynthia Idhigu , Kayondo Siraj Ismail , Maziya‐Dixon Bussie , Eleblu Saviour JY , Asante Isaac , Offei Samuel K , Parkes Elizabeth , Ikpan Smith Andrew , Adesokan Micheal , Abioye Racheal , Chijioke Ugo , Ogunpaimo Kayode , Kulakow Peter , Egesi Chiedozie , Dufour Dominique , Rabbi Ismail Y
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND

Gari (especially in Nigeria) is an important West African food product made from cassava. It is an affordable, precooked, dry, easy to prepare and store food product. Eba is a stiff dough produced by reconstituting gari in hot water. Gari and eba quality is an important driver of varietal acceptance by farmers, processors, and consumers.

RESULTS

This study characterized the genetic variability, heritability, and correlations among quality‐related traits of fresh roots, gari, and eba. Thirty‐three diverse genotypes, including landraces and released and advanced breeding genotypes, were used in this study. In total, 40 traits categorized into fresh root quality, colour, functional, and texture properties trait groups were assessed. We observed broad phenotypic variability among the genotypes used in this study. Dry matter content had a positive (P < 0.05) correlation with gari%, bulk density and a negative correlation with eba hardness and gumminess. Broad‐sense heritability across all environments varied considerably among the different trait groups: 62% to 79% for fresh root quality, 0% to 96% for colour, 0% to 79% for functional and 0% to 57% for texture properties.

CONCLUSIONS

The stable broad‐sense heritability found for gari%, gari and eba colour, bulk density, swelling index, and hardness measured using instrumental texture profile analysis coupled with sufficient variability in the population indicate good potential for genetic improvement of these traits through recurrent selection. Also, it is possible to genetically improve gari%, bulk density, and swelling power by simultaneously improving the dry matter content of fresh roots. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Towards differentiated development policies for mountainous areas: A spatial analysis of mountain distribution and characteristics in a geographic region
Authors: Ying Bin , Ke Li , Zhu Feihu , He Na
Published: August 2023

Scientifically defining the scope of mountain distribution and understanding the spatial patterns of mountainous areas in China is critical for formulating development policies tailored to the diverse needs of different regions and promoting rural revitalization in mountainous areas. This study aims to scientifically define the scope of mountain distribution and understand the spatial pattern characteristics of mountainous areas in China to aid in the formulation of differentiated development policies and support the rural revitalization strategies of mountainous areas. Using measurements of the areas of mountains and hills in Mainland China, and drawing on European scholars' definitions of mountain cities, a classification system of mountainous areas was constructed based on the proportion differences between hills and mountains within counties. The results showed that hills and mountains were widely distributed across 81.52% and 85.35% of the 2847 total counties in China, respectively. Moreover, 14 provinces accounted for over 90% of the mountainous area, and 5 provinces accounted for 100%. These findings indicate that China's provinces have obvious mountainous characteristics, which need to be considered in policy‐making for regional development.
Empirical analysis of factors influencing delay in article acceptance in accounting journals
Authors: Argilés‐Bosch Josep M. , Ravenda Diego , Garcia‐Blandon Josep
Published: August 2023

Using a sample of articles published in top accounting journals, we estimate a multivariate model and find empirical evidence of factors influencing delay in article acceptance. Acceptance delay is measured as the time from article submission to acceptance. We find that article length and journal workload are significantly and positively associated with acceptance delay, whereas the distance to historical aspirations in terms of journal impact factor, top corresponding authors and affiliations, as well as corresponding author affiliation with institutions in the USA or the Netherlands, are significantly and negatively associated with acceptance delay. We also find significant differences in acceptance delays related to specific journal procedures and editorial policies. Finally, we observe that acceptance delay increases over time.
Beyond society's desire for a slowed‐down temporal experience: Toward a nomological network of individuals' need‐for deceleration
Authors: Sager Anna‐Lena , Timm Jule , Hoffmann Stefan , Orth Ulrich R.
Published: July 2023

This study expands on past deceleration and slow consumption research by introducing and validating a measure of need‐for‐deceleration, an individual's motivational ability to engage in activities aimed at slowing down the perceived fast passage of time. Following initial scale development, two studies establish construct validity by placing need‐for‐deceleration into a nomological network. Results indicate that the measure correlated with, but was distinct from, variables involving negative affective states, such as state anxiety and neuroticism. Need‐for‐deceleration scores were not related to materialism, but negatively correlated with self‐efficacy, life satisfaction, work‐life balance, and conscientiousness. Correlations were positive with need‐for‐uniqueness, future time orientation, and susceptibility to normative influence. Need‐for‐deceleration was also associated with regulatory focus (positively with prevention, and negatively with promotion focus). To explore criterion validity, a third study establishes associations between need‐for‐deceleration and consumer lifestyle variables. Developing and validating the scale can help researching and managing products relating to the consumption of time, wellness, mindfulness, and simplicity.
The mirrored cationic peptide as miRNA vehicle for efficient lung cancer therapy
Authors: Xu Wenyan , Du Lingran , Yu Lina , Cen Huiyu , Lin Fangyu , Wang Siran , Ruan Zhixiong , Lin Zhongxiao , Zhang Xin , Zhou Na , Chang Jishuo , Yu Xiyong , Zhang Lingmin , Liang Lu
Published: July 2023

Gene therapy has emerged as a potential approach for lung cancer therapy. However, the application of gene therapy is still limited by their properties, such as low specificity to the cancer cells, negatively charged groups, short systemic circulation time, and rapid degradation by nucleases. The progression of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) can be promoted through the methylation process of miR‐148a‐3p promoter, as confirmed by our previous research. In the current study, we are the first to design a mirrored Arg‐Gly‐Asp (RGD)‐modified cationic peptide (RD24) as a microRNA (miRNA) vehicle, which enabled to pack the miRNA (miR‐148a‐3p) efficiently and generate RD24/miR‐148a‐3p nanoparticles (RPRIN) by self‐assembling. RPRIN exhibited a high transfection efficiency in lung cancer cells via the conjugation between RGD and integrins on the surface of lung cancer cells. Furthermore, RD24 showed matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP2) responsiveness, which improved lung cancer cell inhibition induced by the miRNA intracellularly. In addition, RPRIN exhibits several advantages, such as prolonged circulation duration, reduced toxicity, and immune escape. Experiments conducted both in vitro and in vivo revealed that RPRIN effectively suppressed the growth and progression of lung cancer. Thus, the mirrored RGD‐modified cationic peptide showed great potential in transducing miRNA for lung cancer therapy.
Safety and Efficacy of Long‐Term Deutetrabenazine Use in Children and Adolescents with Tics Associated with Tourette Syndrome: An Open‐Label Extension Study
Authors: Jankovic Joseph , Coffey Barbara , Claassen Daniel O. , Jimenez‐Shahed Joohi , Gertz Barry J. , Garofalo Elizabeth A. , Stamler David A. , Wieman Maria , Savola Juha‐Matti , Harary Eran , Alexander Jessica , Barkay Hadas , Gordon Mark Forrest
Published: July 2023

Background

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by motor and phonic tics.

Objective

To assess the safety and efficacy of deutetrabenazine (Teva Neuroscience, Inc, Parsippany, NJ), a vesicular monoamine transporter 2 inhibitor, in children and adolescents with TS.

Methods

Alternatives for Reducing Tics in TS (ARTISTS) open‐label extension (OLE) (NCT03567291) was a 54‐week, global, phase 3, open‐label extension study of deutetrabenazine (6–48 mg daily) conducted May 28, 2018 to April 3, 2020 with a 2‐week randomized withdrawal period. Participants (6–16 years of age) had TS and active tics causing distress or impairment. Safety (primary outcome) was assessed by treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and clinical laboratory testing. Efficacy was measured by the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale‐Total Tic Score (YGTSS‐TTS).

Results

The intent‐to‐treat population (228 participants; mean age, 12.0 years; 79.8% male; 86.4% white) had a median (range) duration of exposure of 28.4 (0.3–52.9) weeks. Of 227 participants in the safety analysis, 161 (70.9%) reported ≥1 TEAE (exposure‐adjusted incidence rate, 2.77/patient‐year), of which 95 (41.9%) were treatment related. The most frequently reported TEAEs were headaches, somnolence, nasopharyngitis, weight increases, and anxiety. No additional safety signals were observed. Worsening of YGTSS‐TTS after the 2‐week randomized withdrawal was not statistically significant (least squares mean difference, −0.4; P = 0.78). Several exploratory measures showed sustained improvement throughout the treatment periods.

Conclusions

In this long‐term, open‐label trial, deutetrabenazine was well tolerated with low frequency of TEAEs. There was no significant difference in tics between treatment arms during the 2‐week randomized withdrawal period, however, descriptive statistics and comparison with baseline showed a numeric improvement in tics, quality of life, and other measures.
Parallel dual‐cavity fiber‐optic F‐P salinity sensor based on hollow core fiber and ceramic ferrule
Authors: Li Yitong , Sun Lin , Yang Yuqiang , Mu Xiaoguang , Gao Jiale , Li Yuting , Zhang Yuying
Published: July 2023

A parallel dual‐cavity fiber‐optic Fabry‐Perot (F‐P) salinity sensor based on hollow core fiber and a ceramic ferrule is proposed. The sensor is comprised of a F‐P reference cavity and a F‐P sensing cavity in parallel. The reference cavity is a closed cavity that is fusion spliced with a segment of single‐mode optical fiber (SMF) and a small piece of silica tube (ST). The sensing cavity is an open liquid cavity that is connected by a ferrule after inserting two single‐mode fibers into a ceramic core, facilitating the replacement of salt water. Variations in the salinity of salt water will affect the change in refractive index of optical path, and then change the output spectral structure. By precisely controlling the length of two cavities, the free spectral range (FSR) of the sensing cavity is approximately equal to the FSR of the reference cavity, resulting in the generation of the Vernier effect, which improves the sensitivity of the sensor to salinity greatly. From the experimental results, it can be seen that the sensor sensitivity to salinity reaches −0.78 nm/‰ (−3809.68  nm/RIU) in the salinity range from 35‰ to 20‰ at room temperature of 25°C, which is 10.8 times higher than the sensitivity of a single sensing cavity. The enhancement factor is generally consistent with theoretical analysis results.
Automated nuclear magnetic resonance fingerprinting of mixtures
Authors: Specht Thomas , Arweiler Justus , Stüber Johannes , Münnemann Kerstin , Hasse Hans , Jirasek Fabian
Published: July 2023

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a powerful tool for qualitative and quantitative analysis. However, for complex mixtures, determining the speciation from NMR spectra can be tedious and sometimes even unfeasible. On the other hand, identifying and quantifying structural groups in a mixture from NMR spectra is much easier than doing the same for components. We call this group‐based approach “NMR fingerprinting.” In this work, we show that NMR fingerprinting can even be performed in an automated way, without expert knowledge, based only on standard NMR spectra, namely, 13C, 1H, and 13C DEPT NMR spectra. Our approach is based on the machine‐learning method of support vector classification (SVC), which was trained here on thousands of labeled pure‐component NMR spectra from open‐source data banks. We demonstrate the applicability of the automated NMR fingerprinting using test mixtures, of which spectra were taken using a simple benchtop NMR spectrometer. The results from the NMR fingerprinting agree remarkably well with the ground truth, which was known from the gravimetric preparation of the samples. To facilitate the application of the method, we provide an interactive website (https://nmr-fingerprinting.de), where spectral information can be uploaded and which returns the NMR fingerprint. The NMR fingerprinting can be used in many ways, for example, for process monitoring or thermodynamic modeling using group‐contribution methods—or simply as a first step in species analysis.
Gastric microbiota and its role in gastric carcinogenesis
Authors: Jiang Xiaowen , Peng Lei , Zhang Li , Li Zhexuan , Zhou Tong , Zhang Jingying , Li Wenqing , You Weicheng , Zhang Yang , Pan Kaifeng
Published: August 2023

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignancies globally, the occurrence of which undergoes a multistage chronic evolutionary process. It is a great public health issue to deeply understand the mechanisms of GC development and factors affecting the evolution of gastric lesions. Helicobacter pylori infection has been identified as one of the main factors for gastric carcinogenesis and microbial dysbiosis. With the advances in molecular biology techniques, other gastric microbes besides H. pylori have been observed to play an essential role in the development of GC. Previous animal model studies suggested that specific and critical microbes in the stomach can accelerate the malignant transformation of gastric mucosa and the progression of gastric lesions to GC. Recently, the composition of human gastric microbiota has been investigated from stages of precancerous lesions to GC, including characteristics of gastric microbiota diversity, lesion‐associated differential microbes, predicted microbiota‐related functions, microbiota interactions, and microbial mechanisms in gastric carcinogenesis. In this review, we provide an overview of the gastric microbiota, summarize current studies exploring the roles of microbiota in gastric carcinogenesis, and illustrate the significance and prospects of integrative multiomics analysis combined with the microbiome in gastric carcinogenesis.
Clinical outcome in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy: Facing variability
Authors: Goedee Stephan , Rajabally Yusuf A.
Published: July 2023

See article on pages 388–396 in this issue.
Muscle MRI in periodic paralysis shows myopathy is common and correlates with intramuscular fat accumulation
Authors: Vivekanandam Vinojini , Suetterlin Karen , Matthews Emma , Thornton John , Jayaseelan Dipa , Shah Sachit , Morrow Jasper M. , Yousry Tarek , Hanna Michael G.
Published: July 2023

Introduction/Aims

The periodic paralyses are muscle channelopathies: hypokalemic periodic paralysis (CACNA1S and SCN4A variants), hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (SCN4A variants), and Andersen‐Tawil syndrome (KCNJ2). Both episodic weakness and disabling fixed weakness can occur. Little literature exists on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in muscle channelopathies. We undertake muscle MRI across all subsets of periodic paralysis and correlate with clinical features.

Methods

A total of 45 participants and eight healthy controls were enrolled and underwent T1‐weighted and short‐tau‐inversion‐recovery (STIR) MRI imaging of leg muscles. Muscles were scored using the modified Mercuri Scale.

Results

A total of 17 patients had CACNA1S variants, 16 SCN4A, and 12 KCNJ2. Thirty‐one (69%) had weakness, and 9 (20%) required a gait‐aid/wheelchair. A total of 78% of patients had intramuscular fat accumulation on MRI. Patients with SCN4A variants were most severely affected. In SCN4A, the anterior thigh and posterior calf were more affected, in contrast to the posterior thigh and posterior calf in KCNJ2. We identified a pattern of peri‐tendinous STIR hyperintensity in nine patients. There were moderate correlations between Mercuri, STIR scores, and age. Intramuscular fat accumulation was seen in seven patients with no fixed weakness.

Discussion

We demonstrate a significant burden of disease in patients with periodic paralyses. MRI intramuscular fat accumulation may be helpful in detecting early muscle involvement, particularly in those without fixed weakness. Longitudinal studies are needed to assess the role of muscle MRI in quantifying disease progression over time and as a potential biomarker in clinical trials.
Consensus on the items for early identification of unmet psychosocial needs of siblings of children with cancer and blood disease: A modified Delphi method
Authors: Kaneko Taro , Niinomi Kazuteru , Nonoyama Tomo , Makishita Akane , Asano Midori
Published: July 2023

Aim

To reach a consensus on question items for early identification of unmet psychosocial needs of school‐aged siblings of children with cancer and blood disease.

Design

Modified Delphi method.

Methods

Twenty‐three studies were reviewed to extract question items, which were classified into seven categories. A total of 39 question items were selected for this study. The selected question items were carefully considered using the modified Delphi method. The participants were 28 medical staff from a childhood cancer hub hospital and 20 sibling support group staff members. The first round consisted of a questionnaire (n = 48); the second, a focus group interview (n = 8) and the third, another questionnaire (n = 8). The first and third rounds used a 5‐point Likert scale. This survey was conducted from July to October 2021.

Results

A total of 38, 26, and 24 question items were included in the first, second, and third rounds respectively. A total of 24 question items were extracted using the modified Delphi method to identify siblings' unmet psychosocial needs: relationship with family members, 3; daily life issues, 4; stress, 6; emotions, 3; information, 3; relationships with medical staff, 1 and social and medical resources, 4. Seven categories and 24 question items were confirmed as items for identifying the unmet psychosocial needs of school‐aged siblings of children with cancer and blood disease.
Pattern of lifestyle behaviors and associated risk of being bullied at schools: A latent class analysis of 25,379 adolescents in Jiangsu Province of China
Authors: Huang Feng , Wang Yan , Yang Jie , Zhang Fengyun , Wang Xin , Xiang Yao , Yang Wenyi , Zhou Yonglin , Fan Lijun , Du Wei
Published: August 2023

School bullying is a worldwide problem. Although previous studies examined the association between different lifestyle behaviors and bullying victimization, the complex co‐occurrence of these behaviors was not identified, and their association with the risk of being bullied remains unclear. We aimed to identify the behavioral patterns of adolescents and to explore their association with bullying victimization. This cross‐sectional study employed data from the “Surveillance for Common Diseases and Health Risk Factors among Students” project implemented in Jiangsu Province of China in 2019, and a total of 25,379 school‐enrolled students were included. We used a latent class analysis to identify behavioral patterns and a regression mixture model to explore various demographic characteristics, such as age, sex, and family structure in relation to bullying victimization across different patterns. We considered respondents having targeted behaviors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, illicit drug use, sugar consumption, no fruit consumption, low physical activity, electronic media use, and insufficient sleep. Four behavioral patterns were identified, including the “adolescents without apparent targeted behaviors” (19.65%), “substance and electronic media users” (12.76%), “typical electronic media users” (54.49%), and “typical substance users” (8.10%). The risk of being bullied was the highest in the “substance and electronic media users” (probability: 0.33), tripled that in “adolescents without apparent targeted behaviors” (odds ratio: 3.60, 95% confidence interval: 3.01–4.30). Risk of being bullied was reduced for those "substance and electronic media users" living with a nuclear family. Behavioral patterns and their association with being bullied differ between groups of school‐aged adolescents. To better inform decision‐making based on the current real‐world findings, the implementation of bullying prevention programs could target specific behavioral patterns.
Construction of a copper hydroxystannate functionalized graphene oxide for rigid polyvinyl chloride foam toward improved fire safety
Authors: Huang Zhenyu , Wang Zhengzhou
Published: July 2023

A copper hydroxystannate (CHS) functionalized graphene oxide (GO) (CHS@GO) was feasibly prepared through an in‐situ method, and well characterized by TEM, XRD, FTIR and XPS. Rigid poly vinyl chloride (RPVC) foams containing CHS@GO were prepared by utilizing methyl hexahydrophthalic anhydride and isocyanate as coupling agents, azodiisobutyronitrile and azodicarbonamide as blowing agents. The fire safety, mechanical properties and thermal decomposition behavior of the RPVC foams were studied. The RPVC foam containing 2 wt% CHS@GO (RPVC/2CHS@GO) achieved a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 35.5% and a V0 rating in the UL‐94 tests. The cone calorimetric tests (CCT) results demonstrated the peak heat release rate (pHRR) and total heat release (THR) of RPVC/2CHS@GO were reduced by 40.6% and 36.8%, respectively, compared with those of pure RPVC foam (pure RPVC). The compressive strength and flexural strength of RPVC/2CHS@GO were increased by 47.3% and 34.6%, respectively, in contrast with those of Pure RPVC. The thermogravimetry results showed that CHS@GO endowed the RPVC foams with improved char residue.
Dynamic mechanical analysis for assessment of carbon fillers in glass fiber epoxy composites
Authors: Aradhya Rashmi , Sundara Rajan J.
Published: July 2023

The effect of incorporation of micron sized aluminum trihydrate, multi‐walled carbon nanotubes, and graphene nano platelets into glass fiber reinforced epoxy matrix is investigated using dynamic mechanical analysis. The objective of the investigation was to develop polymer central core of high temperature low sag transmission conductor. The effect of individual and hybrid carbon fillers on the viscoelastic properties of the epoxy composites is investigated and discussed. The storage modulus of the glass reinforced epoxy increases by 20% at room temperature due to incorporation of carbon nanofillers. In glass transition region, the increase is higher between 40% and 60% and it varies up to 90% in the rubbery region. Key attributes of carbon filler addition are limited enhancement of storage modulus at room temperature, higher enhancement over glassy, glass transition, and rubbery regions. The carbon fillers extend the temperature range of the glassy region. The cross‐link density, filler efficiency, and degree of entanglement of fibers are estimated to understand the implications of the carbon fillers on the viscoelastic properties. The loss modulus peak of glass epoxy composite increases from 2800 to 3900 MPa with carbon fillers and the increase in glass transition temperature is 47°C. Incorporation of carbon fillers leads to increase of damping factor peak from 0.2 to 0.28. Cole–Cole plots have established the inherent heterogeneity of epoxy systems due to the presence of carbon fillers. Prediction models for storage modulus and damping factor have been proposed to highlight the influence of geometry and size of carbon filler.
A comprehensive experimental study of enhanced solid particle erosive resistance on the inner/outer surface of graphene nanoplatelets modified basalt/epoxy composite pipe
Authors: Sepetcioglu Harun , Demet Seyit Mehmet , Bagci Mehmet
Published: August 2023

Basalt fiber reinforced polymer (BFRP) composite pipe is an excellent alternative to glass and carbon fiber reinforced composite pipes in industry and promising in high recycling for polymer composite used in aerospace, marine, and automotive. To enhance the solid particle erosion (SPE) properties of filament‐wound BFRP composite pipe while preserving its mechanical properties, reinforced BFRP composite pipes were prepared to employ non‐functionalized graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs) at a reinforcement concentration of 0.25 wt.% and ultrasonication mixing technique. The SPE behavior of GnPs reinforced and non‐reinforced BFRP composite pipes were characterized by axial and radial positioning of the inner and outer surfaces of the pipes. In each case, the erosion rates of these composite pipes were evaluated at five impingement angles (30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, and 90°) and an impact velocity of 34 m/s. The erosion response of both BFRP composite pipes' outer surfaces showed a semi‐ductile in the axial positioning, with a maximum erosion rate at a 60° impingement angle. However, these composite pipes' inner surfaces in the same positioning presented a maximum erosion rate at a 45° impingement angle. Besides, it is explored that the GnPs contribute to an improvement of approximately 10%–55% in erosive wear resistance of the non‐reinforced BFRP composite pipes. The damage analysis of eroded surfaces was examined through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the GnPs effect upon composite pipes' erosion micromechanisms was presented and discussed in detail.

Highlights

GnPs increased the BFRP composite pipe's erosion resistance.

Erosion rate on the inner surface increases due to particle accumulation.

GnPs improved erosion behavior via solid lubrication and mechanical properties.