bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy: What Saudi people with epilepsy want to know—A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Aljumah Talal K. , Al‐Attas Alawi A. , Alqahtani Ahmed A. , Masuadi Emad M. , Aldahi Ahmed S. , Alshammari Mohammed A. , Heji Alaa T. , Alanazi Ali
Published: May 2023

Objective

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a significant cause of mortality in people with epilepsy (PWE), with an incidence of 1 per 1000 members of the population. In Saudi Arabia, no data are available that inform local clinical practitioners about the attitudes of PWE regarding SUDEP. The aim of this study was to investigate the perspectives of Saudi PWE toward SUDEP and to assess their knowledge of SUDEP.

Methods

A cross‐sectional questionnaire‐based study was conducted at the neurology clinics of King Abdul‐Aziz Medical City, Riyadh and Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh.

Results

Of the 377 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 325 completed the questionnaire. The mean age of the respondents was 32.9 ± 12.6 years. Of the study subjects, 50.5% were male. Only 41 patients (12.6%) had heard about SUDEP. Most patients (94.5%) wanted to know about SUDEP, of whom 313 (96.3%) wanted to receive this information from a neurologist. A total of 148 patients (45.5%) thought that the appropriate time to receive information about SUDEP was after the second visit, whereas only 75 (23.1%) wanted to learn about SUDEP during the first visit. However, 69 patients (21.2%) thought that the appropriate time to be informed about SUDEP was when seizure control had become more difficult. Almost half (172, 52.9%) of the patients thought that SUDEP could be prevented.

Significance

Our findings suggest that most Saudi PWE do not know about SUDEP and want to be counseled about their risk of SUDEP by their physicians. Therefore, education of Saudi PWE about SUDEP must be improved.
Understanding Ecological Complexity in a Chemical Stress Context: A Reflection on Recolonization, Recovery, and Adaptation of Aquatic Populations and Communities
Authors: Bundschuh Mirco , Mesquita-Joanes Francesc , Rico Andreu , Camacho Antonio
Published: May 2023

Recovery, recolonization, and adaptation in a chemical stress context are processes that regenerate local populations and communities as well as the functions these communities perform. Recolonization, either by species previously present or by new species able to occupy the niches left empty, refers to a metacommunity process with stressed ecosystems benefiting from the dispersal of organisms from other areas. A potential consequence of recolonization is a limited capacity of local populations to adapt to potentially repeating events of chemical stress exposure when their niches have been effectively occupied by the new colonizers or by new genetic lineages of the taxa previously present. Recovery, instead, is an internal process occurring within stressed ecosystems. More specifically, the impact of a stressor on a community benefits less sensitive individuals of a local population as well as less sensitive taxa within a community. Finally, adaptation refers to phenotypic and, sometimes, genetic changes at the individual and population levels, allowing the permanence of individuals of previously existing taxa without necessarily changing the community taxonomic composition (i.e., not replacing sensitive species). Because these processes are usually operating in parallel in nature, though at different degrees, it seems relevant to try to understand their relative importance for the regeneration of community structure and ecosystem functioning after chemical exposure. In the present critical perspective, we employed case studies supporting our understanding of the underlying processes with the hope to provide a theoretical framework to disentangle the relevance of the three processes for the regeneration of a biological community after chemical exposure. Finally, we provide some recommendations to experimentally compare their relative importance so that the net effects of these processes can be used to parameterize risk-assessment models and inform ecosystem management. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:1857–1866. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Treatment patterns and clinical outcomes of mantle cell lymphoma: A retrospective cohort study by CHOICE
Authors: Zeng Dongfeng , Fang Yu , Fei Yue , Liang Rong , Ye Haige , Liang Yun , Sun Xiuhua , Wang Michael , Huang Huiqiang , Qiu Lugui , Che Yuxuan , Liu Panpan , Wang Yi , Pan Tao , Lv Yao , Deng Jintai , Yi Shuhua , He Yizi , Xiao Ling , Lv Huijuan , Feng Jiangfang , Zhang Huilai , Zhou Hui , Zou Dehui , Cai Qingqing
Published: May 2023

Regimens based on Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKi) have been increasingly used to treat mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). A real‐world multicenter study was conducted to characterize treatment patterns and outcomes in patients with newly diagnosed MCL by Chinese Hematologist and Oncologist Innovation Cooperation of the Excellent (CHOICE). The final analysis included 1261 patients. Immunochemotherapy was the most common first‐line treatment, including R‐CHOP in 34%, cytarabine‐containing regimens in 21% and BR in 3% of the patients. Eleven percent (n = 145) of the patients received BTKi‐based frontline therapy. Seventeen percent of the patients received maintenance rituximab. Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHCT) was conducted in 12% of the younger (<65 years) patients. In younger patients, propensity score matching analysis did not show significant difference in 2‐year progression‐free survival and 5‐year overall survival rate in patients receiving standard high‐dose immunochemotherapy followed by AHCT than induction therapy with BTKi‐based regimens without subsequent AHCT (72% vs 70%, P = .476 and 91% vs 84%, P = .255). In older patients, BTKi combined with bendamustine plus rituximab (BR) was associated with the lowest POD24 rate (17%) compared with BR and other BTKi‐containing regimens. In patients with resolved hepatitis B at the baseline, HBV reactivation rate was 2.3% vs 5.3% in those receiving anti‐HBV prophylaxis vs not; BTKi treatment was not associated with higher risk of HBV reactivation. In conclusion, non‐HD‐AraC chemotherapy combined with BTKi may be a viable therapeutic strategy for younger patients. Anti‐HBV prophylaxis should be implemented in patients with resolved hepatitis B.
Psoas muscle index is not representative of skeletal muscle index for evaluating cancer sarcopenia
Authors: Pigneur Frédéric , Di Palma Mario , Raynard Bruno , Guibal Aymeric , Cohen Frédéric , Daidj Nassima , Aziza Richard , El Hajjam Mostafa , Louis Guillaume , Goldwasser François , Deluche Elise
Published: May 2023

Background

A common method for diagnosing sarcopenia involves estimating the muscle mass by computed tomography (CT) via measurements of the cross‐sectional muscle area (CSMA) of all muscles at the third lumbar vertebra (L3) level. Recently, single‐muscle measurements of the psoas major muscle at L3 have emerged as a surrogate for sarcopenia detection, but its reliability and accuracy remain to be demonstrated.

Methods

This prospective cross‐sectional study involved 29 healthcare establishments and recruited patients with metastatic cancers. The correlation between skeletal muscle index (SMI = CSMA of all muscles at L3/height2, cm2/m2) and psoas muscle index (PMI = CSMA of psoas at L3/height2, cm2/m2) was determined (Pearson's r). ROC curves were prepared based on SMI data from a development population (n = 488) to estimate suitable PMI thresholds. International low SMI cut‐offs according to gender were studied for males (<55cm2/m2) and for females (<39 cm2/m2). Youden's index (J) and Cohen's kappa (κ) were calculated to estimate the test's accuracy and reliability. PMI cut‐offs were validated in a validation population (n = 243) by estimating the percentage concordance of sarcopenia diagnoses with the SMI thresholds.

Results

Seven hundred and sixty‐six patients were analysed (mean age 65.0 ± 11.8 years, 50.1% female). Low SMI prevalence was 69.1%. Correlation between the SMI and PMI for the entire population was 0.69 (n = 731, P < 0.01). PMI cut‐offs for sarcopenia were estimated in the development population at <6.6cm2/m2 in males and at <4.8 cm2/m2 for females. The J and κ coefficients for PMI diagnostic tests were weak. The PMI cut‐offs were tested in the validation population where 33.3% of the PMI measurements were dichotomously discordant.

Conclusions

A diagnostic test employing single‐muscle measurements of the psoas major muscle as a surrogate for sarcopenia detection was evaluated but found to be unreliable. The CSMA of all muscles must be considered for evaluating cancer sarcopenia at L3.
Gene therapies for mucopolysaccharidoses
Authors: Rossi Alessandro , Brunetti‐Pierri Nicola
Published: May 2023

Current specific treatments for mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) include enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Both treatments are hampered by several limitations, including lack of efficacy on brain and skeletal manifestations, need for lifelong injections, and high costs. Therefore, more effective treatments are needed. Gene therapy in MPSs is aimed at obtaining high levels of the therapeutic enzyme in multiple tissues either by engrafted gene‐modified hematopoietic stem progenitor cells (ex vivo) or by direct infusion of a viral vector expressing the therapeutic gene (in vivo). This review focuses on the most recent clinical progress in gene therapies for MPSs. The various gene therapy approaches with their strengths and limitations are discussed.
Proprioception‐related gene mutations in relation to the aetiopathogenesis of idiopathic scoliosis: A scoping review
Authors: Lau Kenney K. L. , Law Karlen K. P. , Kwan Kenny Y. H. , Cheung Jason P. Y. , Cheung Kenneth M. C.
Published: May 2023

Since idiopathic scoliosis is a multifactorial disorder, the proprioceptive defect is considered one of its etiological factors. Genetic studies have separately revealed this relationship, yet it remains indeterminate which specific genes that related to proprioception contributed to the initiation, progression, pathology, and treatment outcomes of the curvature. A systematic search was conducted on four online databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Academic search complete. Studies were included if they involved human or animal subjects with idiopathic scoliosis and evaluated with proprioceptive genes. The search period was the inception of the database to February 21, 2023. Four genes (i.e., Ladybird homeobox 1 [LBX1], Piezo type mechanosensitive ion channel component 2 [PIEZO2], Runx family transcription factor 3 [RUNX3], and neurotrophin 3 [NTF3]) investigated in 19 studies were included. LBX1 has confirmed the correlation with the development of idiopathic scoliosis in 10 ethnicities, whereas PIEZO2 has shown a connection with clinical proprioceptive tests in subjects with idiopathic scoliosis. However, curve severity was less likely to be related to the proprioceptive genes. The potential pathology took place at the proprioceptive neurons. Evidence of proprioception‐related gene mutations in association with idiopathic scoliosis was established. Nevertheless, the causation between the initiation, progression, and treatment outcomes with proprioceptive defect requires further investigation.
Toxicity of allyl isothiocyanate applied in systems with or without recirculation for controllingSitophilus zeamais, Rhyzopertha dominica, andTribolium castaneumin corn grains
Authors: Cerón Daniel Andrés Castro , de Alencar Ernandes Rodrigues , Faroni Lêda Rita D'Antonino , Silva Marcus Vinicius De Assis , Salvador Davi Vittorazzi
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

The application of allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) has been proposed as an alternative to control stored‐grain insects. However, AITC is a compound with a low diffusion coefficient, making its distribution throughout the grain mass difficult. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of AITC applied in systems with or without recirculation for controlling Sitophilus zeamais (Mots. 1855) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), Rhyzopertha dominica (Fabr.) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae), and Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) infesting a corn grain mass. The assays used a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) prototype, dimensioned 1.60 m in length, 0.30 m in diameter, and a static capacity of 60 kg of grains. AITC toxicity to insects was evaluated at the base, 0.5 m from the base, and top of the grain column (1.0 m). Different concentrations of AITC were tested for an exposure period of 48 h.

RESULTS

In the system without AITC recirculation, insect mortality was verified only at the base of the grain column. However, insect mortality was considered uniform at the different positions of the column when the AITC recirculation system was adopted. In this system, there was also a marked reduction in the instantaneous population growth rate of S. zeamais, T. castaneum, and R. dominica, and a decrease in the dry matter loss of the grains, when the AITC concentrations were increased.

CONCLUSION

AITC recirculation proved to be a viable strategy for protecting grains against the species S. zeamais, R. dominica, and T. castaneum. AITC fumigation ultimately did not cause changes in grain quality. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Interaction mechanism of egg derived peptides RVPSL and QIGLF with dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine membrane: microcalorimetric and molecular dynamics simulation studies
Authors: Yu Zhipeng , Ma Wenhao , Ji Huizhuo , Fan Yue , Zhao Wenzhu
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

Egg‐derived peptides are becoming increasingly popular due to their biological activity and non‐toxic effects. The egg‐derived peptides Arg‐Val‐Pro‐Ser‐Leu (RVPSL) and Gln‐Ile‐Gly‐Leu‐Phe (QIGLF) display strong angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitory activity and they can be taken up by intestinal epithelial cells. The interaction of the egg‐derived peptides RVPSL and QIGLF with the membrane remains unclear.

RESULTS

The position and structure of the peptides in the membrane were calculated. The maximum density values of RVPSL and QIGLF were 2.27 and 1.22 nm from the center of the 1,2‐dipalmitoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) membrane, respectively, indicating that peptides penetrated the membrane‐water interface and were embedded in the membrane. The interaction of RVPSL and QIGLF with the DPPC membrane did not affect the average area per lipid or the lipid sequence parameters. The thermodynamic parameters ΔH, ΔG, and ΔS of the interaction between the peptide RVPSL with the DPPC membrane were 17.91 kJ mol−1, −17.63 kJ mol−1, 187.5 J mol−1·k−1, respectively. The thermodynamic parameters ΔH, ΔG, and ΔS of the interaction between peptide QIGLF with DPPC membrane were 17.10 kJ mol−1, −17.12 kJ mol−1, 114.8 J mol−1·k−1, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that the binding of peptides RVPSL and QIGLF to DPPC is an endothermic, spontaneous, and entropy‐driven reaction. The results of the study are relevant to the problem of the low bioavailability of bioactive peptides (BP). © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Spatial and temporal variability in summertime dissolved carbon dioxide and methane in temperate ponds and shallow lakes
Authors: Ray Nicholas E. , Holgerson Meredith A. , Andersen Mikkel Rene , Bikše Jānis , Bortolotti Lauren E. , Futter Martyn , Kokorīte Ilga , Law Alan , McDonald Cory , Mesman Jorrit P. , Peacock Mike , Richardson David C. , Arsenault Julien , Bansal Sheel , Cawley Kaelin , Kuhn McKenzie , Shahabinia Amir Reza , Smufer Facundo
Published: May 2023

Small waterbodies have potentially high greenhouse gas emissions relative to their small footprint on the landscape, although there is high uncertainty in model estimates. Scaling their carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) exchange with the atmosphere remains challenging due to an incomplete understanding and characterization of spatial and temporal variability in CO2 and CH4. Here, we measured partial pressures of CO2 (pCO2) and CH4 (pCH4) across 30 ponds and shallow lakes during summer in temperate regions of Europe and North America. We sampled each waterbody in three locations at three times during the growing season, and tested which physical, chemical, and biological characteristics related to the means and variability of pCO2 and pCH4 in space and time. Summer means of pCO2 and pCH4 were inversely related to waterbody size and positively related to floating vegetative cover; pCO2 was also positively related to dissolved phosphorus. Temporal variability in partial pressure in both gases weas greater than spatial variability. Although sampling on a single date was likely to misestimate mean seasonal pCO2 by up to 26%, mean seasonal pCH4 could be misestimated by up to 64.5%. Shallower systems displayed the most temporal variability in pCH4 and waterbodies with more vegetation cover had lower temporal variability. Inland waters remain one of the most uncertain components of the global carbon budget; understanding spatial and temporal variability will ultimately help us to constrain our estimates and inform research priorities.
Mid‐summer fish behavior in a high‐latitude twilight zone
Authors: Kaartvedt Stein , Christiansen Svenja , Titelman Josefin
Published: May 2023

The behavior of the mesopelagic fish Benthosema glaciale was studied at 60°N in mid‐summer. We hypothesized that diel vertical migration (DVM) is constrained by short and dusk nights (surface illumination > 10−2 μmol m−2 s−1) and that individuals are active at depth during the long summer days. Submerged echosounders provided high‐resolution data throughout the water column. During the day, a part of the population ascended toward the increasing daylight. Short vertical relocations were followed by minutes of vertical inactivity. Swimming included horizontal turns and loops associated with the vertical steps. Normal DVM was initiated ~ 4 h before sunset and reflected independent individual decisions. The fish initially ascended stepwise but switched to mostly straight upwards swimming attaining 3–4 cm s−1. Their vertical speed was faster than the slow ascent of isolumes and even the deepest living fish potentially could reach upper layers shortly after sunset. However, many individuals aborted their ascent and returned to depth before the darkest time of the night, while others returned downward closer to sunrise. The daytime swimming and individual variability in diel migration behavior have implications for encounters with prey and predators in the twilight zone and the biological carbon pump. A principal conclusion is that mesopelagic fishes can modify their behavior and migration patterns to suit a wide range of changing conditions.
Recent Progress in Regenerated Cellulose Fibers by Wet Spinning
Authors: Shen Hao , Sun Tingyu , Zhou Jinping
Published: May 2023

Cellulose is the most abundant and “green” biomass resource on earth and gains tremendous attention. It is expected to become an alternative for traditional chemical and petroleum resources. This review describes the traditional solvents used for industrial processes, the non‐derivative organic solvents, and the aqueous solution systems, along with their dissolution mechanisms and development of fiber‐spinning processes. The problems associated with the industrial production of viscose fibers and cuprammonium fibers are also discussed. This paper focuses on the research status of regenerated cellulose fibers (RCFs) prepared with green and no‐pollution aqueous solutions and provides some effective strategies and methods for improving the mechanical strength of RCFs and promoting the implementation of industrial production. Lastly, the current developments of RCFs are summarized and prospected and it would serve as a guide for the developmental trend and research direction of RCFs in the future.
Antiparkinsonian Medication Reconciliation as a Strategy to Improve Safety by Preventing Medication Errors
Authors: Viudez‐Martínez Adrián , Ramírez‐López Ana , López‐Nieto Javier , Climent‐Grana Eduardo , Riera Gerónima
Published: May 2023

Background

About 70% of neurologists report that PD patients do not get their medication properly when hospitalized, and 33% are prescribed contraindicated drugs.

Objectives

To execute medication reconciliation (MedRec) focused on antiparkinsonian drugs to identify, characterize and, eventually, prevent medication errors, thus promoting therapeutic quality and safety in daily practice.

Methods

An interventional, single‐center, 1 year, prospective study. All the patients who were hospitalized and had, at least, one active prescription containing an antiparkinsonian drug at hospital admission were included. MedRec was performed by following a three‐phased check: inpatient electronic prescription validation after assessing the outpatient medication schedule, review of the latest clinical report emitted by the Neurology Department/General Practitioner, and pharmacist‐driven interview of the patient and/or caregiver to confirm the information regarding medication gathered.

Results

A total of 171 admission episodes from 132 patients were registered (February 1, 2021, and January 31, 2022). Of 224 prescription lines involving antiparkinsonian drugs, 179 contained, at least, one medication error (59.8%). Commission errors (91.62%) were more frequent than omitted drugs (8.38%). The most common medication errors were related to timing (41.90%), frequency (21.23%), and dosing (19.55%). The implementation of this program prevented the erroneous administration of 2716 antiparkinsonian doses, 60% of the total number of doses prescribed. Interestingly, a significant relationship between the number of medication errors and having levodopa prescribed was evidenced (P < 0.05). A contraindicated drug was prescribed in almost one‐third of the episodes (29.82%).

Conclusions

Clinical pharmacists' implementation of an antiparkinsonians reconciliation program sharply reduced medication errors and prescription of contraindicated drugs.
Genetic analysis and outcomes of Omani children with steroid‐resistant nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Al Riyami Mohamed S. , Al Alawi Intisar , Al Gaithi Badria , Al Maskari Anisa , Al Kalbani Naifain , Al Hashmi Nadia , Al Balushi Aisha , Al Shahi Maryam , Al Saidi Suliman , Al Bimani Muna , Al Hatali Fahad , Mabillard Holly , Sayer John A.
Published: May 2023

Background

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is one of the most common kidney disorders seen by pediatric nephrologists and is defined by the presence of heavy proteinuria (>3.5 g/24 h), hypoalbuminemia (<3.5 g/dL), edema, and hyperlipidemia. Most children with NS are steroid‐responsive and have a good prognosis following treatment with prednisolone. However, 10%–20% of them have steroid‐resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) and fail to respond to treatment. A significant proportion of these children progress to kidney failure.

Methods

This retrospective study aimed to determine the underlying genetic causes of SRNS among Omani children below 13 years old, over a 15‐year period and included 77 children from 50 different families. We used targeted Sanger sequencing combined with next‐generation sequencing approaches to perform molecular diagnostics.

Results

We found a high rate of underlying genetic causes of SRNS in 61 (79.2%) children with pathogenic variants in the associated genes. Most of these genetically solved SRNS patients were born to consanguineous parents and variants were in the homozygous state. Pathogenic variants in NPHS2 were the most common cause of SRNS in our study seen in 37 (48.05%) cases. Pathogenic variants in NPHS1 were also seen in 16 cases, especially in infants with congenital nephrotic syndrome (CNS). Other genetic causes identified included pathogenic variants in LAMB2, PLCE1, MYO1E, and NUP93.

Conclusion

NPHS2 and NPHS1 genetic variants were the most common inherited causes of SRNS in Omani children. However, patients with variants in several other SRNS causative genes were also identified. We recommend screening for all genes responsible for SRNS in all children who present with this phenotype, which will assist in clinical management decisions and genetic counseling for the affected families.
Hopes for major progress on MH funding in Georgia this year go unfulfilled
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: May 2023

Expectations that 2023 would be the year that Georgia mental health advocates would see true progress on legislative initiatives crumbled in recent weeks, with the double hit of a stalled bill in the General Assembly and some unexpected budget moves by Gov. Brian Kemp. Developments over the past couple of months demonstrate the difficulty mental health advocates still face nationally in elevating their issues amid economic worry and political realities.
Stability analysis of an epidemic model with vaccination and time delay
Authors: Turan Mehmet , Sevinik Adıgüzel Rezan , Koç F.
Published: May 2023

This paper presents an epidemic model with varying population, incorporating a new vaccination strategy and time delay. It investigates the impact of vaccination with respect to vaccine efficacy and the time required to see the effects, followed by determining how to control the spread of the disease according to the basic reproduction ratio of the disease. Some numerical simulations are provided to illustrate the theoretical results.
Stackable credentials benefit low‐income students
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: May 2023

Low‐income students are more likely to earn, and benefit from, stackable credentials than their peers, according to a new report from the RAND Corporation, a nonpartisan policy think tank, and researchers from the University of Michigan.
Optical genome mapping identifies a novel pediatric embryonal tumor with a ZNF532::NUTM1 fusion
Authors: Bornhorst Miriam , Eze Augustine , Bhattacharya Surajit , Putnam Ethan , Almira‐Suarez M Isabel , Rossi Christopher , Kambhampati Madhuri , Almalvez Miguel , Barseghyan Mariam , Del Risco Nicole , Dotson David , Turner Joyce , Myseros John S , Vilain Eric , Packer Roger J , Nazarian Javad , Rood Brian , Barseghyan Hayk
Published: May 2023

The molecular characteristics of pediatric brain tumors have not only allowed for tumor subgrouping but have led to the introduction of novel treatment options for patients with specific tumor alterations. Therefore, an accurate histologic and molecular diagnosis is critical for optimized management of all pediatric patients with brain tumors, including central nervous system embryonal tumors. We present a case where optical genome mapping identified a ZNF532::NUTM1 fusion in a patient with a unique tumor best characterized histologically as a central nervous system embryonal tumor with rhabdoid features. Additional analyses including immunohistochemistry for NUT protein, methylation array, whole genome, and RNA‐sequencing was done to confirm the presence of the fusion in the tumor. This is the first description of a pediatric patient with a ZNF532::NUTM1 fusion, yet the histology of this tumor is similar to that of adult cancers with ZNF::NUTM1 fusions reported in the literature. Although rare, the distinct pathology and underlying molecular characteristics of the ZNF532::NUTM1 tumor separates this from other embryonal tumors. Therefore, screening for this or similar NUTM1 rearrangements should be considered for all patients with unclassified central nervous system tumors with rhabdoid features to ensure accurate diagnosis. Ultimately, with additional cases, we may be able to better inform therapeutic management for these patients. © 2023 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Cooperative synergistic effects of multiple functional groups in amide‐containing polyimides with pyridine ring and pendent tert‐butyl
Authors: Cao Tianmin , Wang Xun , Zhang Rongbin , Chen Shichang , Qi Haixia , Yao Yuqing , Liu Feng
Published: May 2023

In this work, pyridine ring and pendent tert‐butyl were introduced into the diamine NTPA in view of improving the processability and transparency of the PIs via inhibiting charge‐transfer complexes (CTCs). Meanwhile, the amide linkage was simultaneously introduced in order to boost the thermal and mechanical properties of the PIs by reasonably increasing the polymer stiffness via noncovalent amide H‐bonding. The dianhydride BPADA was employed in the copolymerization with the diamine comonomers of NTPA with ODA in different ratios. Due to the presence of tert‐butyl and pyridine ring, the synthesized co‐PIs showed good optical properties with T500 higher than 75% for all co‐PIs, reaching 83% for homopolymer BPADA‐NTPA, higher solubility in organic solvents, and better hydrophobicity with maximum hydrostatic contact angle as high as 91.9°. Meanwhile, the amide H‐bonding increased the mechanical properties of co‐PIs with the maximum tensile strength reaching 127 MPa. Furthermore, amide H‐bonding exceedingly offset the reducing effects of pendent bulky butyl groups on the thermal properties of PIs, and the Tg of the co‐PIs containing NTPA moiety ranged in 244–298°C, remarkably higher than 218°C for homopolymer BPADA‐ODA. This work proved cooperative synergistic effects of multiple functional groups in balancing the general properties of co‐PIs.
Impact of omega‐3 supplementation on children and adolescents patients with cystic fibrosis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized‐controlled trials
Authors: Sohouli Mohammad Hassan , Magalhães Elma Izze da Silva , Ghahramani Sara , Nasresfahani Maryam , Ezoddin Neda , Sharifi Parastoo , Rohani Pejman
Published: May 2023

Objective

Clinical trial research have provided evidence that omega‐3 may have larger potential benefits for treating cystic fibrosis (CF). This study's objective was to assess the impact of three supplementation on pediatric CF patients.

Methods

Scopus, PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Embase databases were searched from commencement until July 20, 2022 using standard keywords to identify all randomized controlled studies (RCTs) examining the effects of omega‐3 supplementation on young patients with CF. The eligible studies were subjected to a random‐effects model meta‐analysis.

Results

A meta‐analysis of 12 the eligible studies was performed. Findings of the study showed that omega‐3 supplementation significantly increased the levels of docosahexaenoic acid (weighted mean [WMD]: 2.06%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.29, 2.82, p < 0.001) and eicosapentaenoic acid (WMD: 0.32%, 95% CI: 0.15, 0.48, p < 0.001) as well as decreased arachidonic acid (WMD: −0.78%, 95% CI: −1.50, −0.05, p = 0.035) and C‐receptive protein (CRP) (WMD: −3.76 mg/L, 95% CI: −7.42, −0.10, p = 0.044) especially when used in higher doses and for a longer period of time compared to the control group. However, no significant effect was observed on other factors including forced expiratory volume 1, forced vital capacity as well as anthropometric parameters. In addition, high heterogeneity was reported for all fatty acids, but heterogeneity was low and nonsignificant for other variables.

Conclusion

The finding showed that in pediatric patients with CF, omega‐3 supplementation showed benefits only in plasma fatty acid profile and serum CRP.
Survey analysis and discussion on cultivating scientific research quality among undergraduates in medical colleges
Authors: Liu Ling , Luan Jing
Published: May 2023

To explore rational measures to improve medical undergraduates' scientific research quality by investigating and analyzing their scientific research situation. A questionnaire survey was conducted in March 2022 among medical college/university undergraduates across four grades and five majors. Five hundred and ninety‐four questionnaires were distributed, and 553 valid copies were returned, with a 93.1% return rate. The results showed that 61.5% of the students had an intense interest in research experiments, and 46.8% thought it was important for undergraduates to participate in research experiments, but only 17.5% often participated in them. Among the students, 85.0% thought that the main factors preventing them from participating in research experiments were academic stress and insufficient time, and 82.6% hoped that mentors would focus on practical skills training; only 13.0% read literature at least once per week, and 93.5% were not proficient at organizing and using literature. Among the participating undergraduates, more than half were strongly interested in scientific research, but academic stress, unclear participation modes, and insufficient literature retrieval skills limited undergraduate scientific research practice and improvement of scientific quality. Therefore, it is essential to cultivate undergraduates' interest in scientific research, ensure that they have spare time to engage in scientific research, improve the undergraduate scientific research mentorship system, and enhance relevant scientific research abilities to cultivate more innovative talent in scientific research.
Quantum Neural Networks for a Supply Chain Logistics Application
Authors: Correll Randall , Weinberg Sean J. , Sanches Fabio , Ide Takanori , Suzuki Takafumi
Published: May 2023

Problem instances of a size suitable for practical applications are not likely to be addressed during the noisy intermediate‐scale quantum (NISQ) period with (almost) pure quantum algorithms. Hybrid classical‐quantum algorithms have potential, however, to achieve good performance on much larger problem instances. One such hybrid algorithm on a problem of substantial importance: vehicle routing for supply chain logistics with multiple trucks and complex demand structure is investigated. Reinforcement learning with neural networks with embedded quantum circuits is used. In such neural networks, projecting high‐dimensional feature vectors down to smaller vectors is necessary to accommodate restrictions on the number of qubits of NISQ hardware. However, a multi‐head attention mechanism is used where, even in classical machine learning, such projections are natural and desirable. Data from the truck routing logistics of a company in the automotive sector is considered, and the methodology is applied by decomposing into small teams of trucks and results are found comparable to human truck assignment.
Hollow Ptychography: Toward Simultaneous 4D Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy and Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy
Authors: Kim Na Yeon , Cao Shaohong , More Karren L. , Lupini Andrew R. , Miao Jianwei , Chi Miaofang
Published: May 2023

With the recent development of high‐acquisition‐speed pixelated detectors, 4D scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D‐STEM) is becoming routinely available in high‐resolution electron microscopy. 4D‐STEM acts as a “universal” method that provides local information on materials that is challenging to extract from bulk techniques. It extends conventional STEM imaging to include super‐resolution techniques and to provide quantitative phase‐based information, such as differential phase contrast, ptychography, or Bloch wave phase retrieval. However, an important missing factor is the chemical and bonding information provided by electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). 4D‐STEM and EELS cannot currently be acquired simultaneously due to the overlapping geometry of the detectors. Here, the feasibility of modifying the detector geometry to overcome this challenge for bulk specimens is demonstrated, and the use of a partial or defective detector for ptycholgaphic structural imaging is explored. Results show that structural information beyond the diffraction‐limit and chemical information from the material can be extracted together, resulting in simultaneous multi‐modal measurements, adding the additional dimensions of spectral information to 4D datasets.
Molecularly Capped Omniphobic Polydimethylsiloxane Brushes with Ultra‐Fast Contact Line Dynamics
Authors: Khatir Behrooz , Azimi Dijvejin Zahra , Serles Peter , Filleter Tobin , Golovin Kevin
Published: May 2023

Droplet friction is common and significant in any field where liquids interact with solid surfaces. This study explores the molecular capping of surface‐tethered, liquid‐like polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) brushes and its substantial effect on droplet friction and liquid repellency. By exchanging polymer chain terminal silanol groups for methyls using a single‐step vapor phase reaction, the contact line relaxation time is decreased by three orders of magnitude–from seconds to milliseconds. This leads to a substantial reduction in the static and kinetic friction of both high‐ and low‐surface tension fluids. Vertical droplet oscillatory imaging confirms the ultra‐fast contact line dynamics of capped PDMS brushes, which is corroborated by live contact angle monitoring during fluid flow. This study proposes that truly omniphobic surfaces should not only have very small contact angle hysteresis, but their contact line relaxation time should be significantly shorter than the timescale of their useful application, i.e., a Deborah number less than unity. Capped PDMS brushes that meet these criteria demonstrate complete suppression of the coffee ring effect, excellent anti‐fouling behavior, directional droplet transport, increased water harvesting performance, and transparency retention following the evaporation of non‐Newtonian fluids.
How to differentiate PHACES syndrome from Blake's pouch cyst in first half of pregnancy
Authors: Pomar L. , Lebon S. , Vial Y.
Published: May 2023

Linked article: There is a comment on this article by Paladini et al. Click here to view the Editorial.
Does technology help or hinder improvements in the welfare of cattle?
Authors: Blackie Nicola
Published: May 2023

Nicola Blackie argues that although technology can be used to drive improvements in cattle welfare, the data must be interpreted in light of their context and not replace the need for skilled people.
Cover Image
Authors: Fan Carina L. , Sokolowski H. Moriah , Rosenbaum R. Shayna , Levine Brian
Published: May 2023

The cover image is based on the Advanced Review What about “space” is important for episodic memory? by Carina L. Fan et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/wcs.1645. Image Credit: Sadie Levine.

image
A comprehensive archaeometric research on Roman ceramics of Sinop (Black Sea)
Authors: Bayazit Murat , Akyol Ali Akın , Arıyürek Merve
Published: May 2023

A multi analytical approach was applied to Roman ceramics excavated from the city center and the Church‐Necropolis area in Kılıçlı plateau (Boyabat) in Sinop/Black Sea, Turkey. The samples were exposed to various characterization methods including spectroscopic, microscopic and thermal techniques. The relatively high amounts of CaO suggested use of calcareous clay batches for most of the Gülümoğlu Roman (GR) and Boyabat Roman (BR) potsherds. The hierarchical cluster analysis revealed two main groups excluding GR‐7. Additionally, principal component analysis (PCA) pointed out two sub‐groups for the BR samples, and GR‐7 was out of the groups. The statistical approach suggested two different raw materials for GR and BR pottery which could be assigned to use of local raw materials for each settlement. The sub‐groups in BR samples and the clear distinction of GR‐7 also pointed out diverse clay sources would have been used in pottery production. The mineralogical components of the potsherds indicated a firing temperature range of 900°C in average. A comparison of the chemical and mineralogical compositions of the potsherds with the former works proposed that most of the samples show similarities with some of the formerly investigated ceramic groups of Hellenistic and Roman periods in Sinop. Considering the whole data, the Roman potsherds in the present study are thought to represent the local wares of Sinop and they might have been manufactured in one of the pottery ateliers located on the coastline in the south of Sinop peninsula.
Meniscal rim instability has a high prevalence and a variable location
Authors: Ammann Nora , Kaelin Raphael , Ammann Elias , Rutz Erich , Studer Kathrin , Valdarrabano Victor , Camathias Carlo
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Most classification systems for lateral discoid meniscus do not evaluate instability of the meniscal peripheral rim. Considerable variability in the prevalence of peripheral rim instability has been published, and it appears that instability is underestimated. The purpose of this study was: first, to evaluate the prevalence of peripheral rim instability and its location in the symptomatic lateral discoid meniscus, and second, to investigate if patient age or type of discoid meniscus are possible risk factors for instability.

Methods

A cohort of 78 knees that underwent operative treatment due to symptomatic discoid lateral meniscus was analyzed retrospectively for the rate and location of peripheral rim instability.

Results

Out of the 78 knees, 57.7% (45) had a complete and 42.3% (33) had an incomplete lateral meniscus. The prevalence of peripheral rim instability in symptomatic lateral discoid menisci was 51.3%, and with 32.5%, the anterior attachment was most commonly affected, followed by the posterior (30%) and central (10%) attachment. 27.5% of the tested menisci were unstable anteriorly and posteriorly. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of rim instability between the type of discoid menisci (complete vs. incomplete), nor was there a significant correlation for age as a risk factor for instability.

Conclusion

The discoid lateral meniscus has a high prevalence and variable location of peripheral rim instability. Meniscal rim stability must be tested and addressed cautiously in all parts and in all types of discoid lateral menisci during operative treatment.
Self-reported outcomes on oral health and oral health-related quality of life in long-term childhood cancer survivors—A DCCSS-LATER 2 Study
Authors: Stolze Juliette , Raber-Durlacher Judith E. , Loonen Jacqueline J. , Teepen Jop C. , Ronckers Cécile M. , Tissing Wim J. E. , de Vries Andrica C. H. , Neggers Sebastian J. C. M. M. , Dulmen-den Broeder Eline , Heuvel-Eibrink Marry M. , van der Pal Helena J. H. , Versluys A. Birgitta , Heiden-van der Loo Margriet , Louwerens Marloes , Kremer Leontien C. M. , Bresters Dorine , Brand Henk S. ,   and on behalf of the DCCSS-LATER Study Group, Grootenhuis Martha , van Leeuwen Flora , van der Steeg Lideke , Janssens Geert , van Santen Hanneke , Veening Margreet , den Hartoghg Jaap , Pluijm Saskia , Batenburg Lilian , de Ridder Hanneke , Hollema Nynke , Teunissen Lennart , Schellekens Anke
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of self-reported oral problems and the oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL) in childhood cancer survivors (CCS).

Methods

Patient and treatment characteristics of CCS have been collected in a cross-sectional study, part of the multidisciplinary DCCSS-LATER 2 Study. To assess self-reported oral health problems and dental problems, CCS filled out the ‘Toegepast-Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek’ (TNO) oral health questionnaire. OHRQoL was assessed by the Dutch version of the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). Prevalences were compared with two comparison groups from the literature. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed.

Results

A total of 249 CCS participated in our study. The OHIP-14 total score had a mean value of 1.94 (sd 4.39), with a median score of 0 (range 0–29). The oral problems ‘oral blisters/aphthae’ (25.9%) and ‘bad odor/halitosis’ (23.3%) were significantly more often reported in CCS than in comparison groups (12% and 12%, respectively). The OHIP-14 score was significantly correlated with the number of self-reported oral health problems (r = .333, p<0.0005) and dental problems (r = .392, p <0.0005). In multivariable analysis, CCS with a shorter time since diagnosis (10-19 years vs. ≥30 years) had a 1.47-fold higher risk of ≥1 oral health problem.

Conclusion

Though the perceived oral health is relatively good, oral complications following childhood cancer treatment are prevalent in CCS. This underlines that attention to impaired oral health and awareness on this topic is mandatory and regular visits to the dentist should be a part of long-term follow-up care.
Tackling SNR at low-field: a review of hardware approaches for point-of-care systems
Authors: Webb Andrew , O’Reilly Thomas
Published: May 2023

Objective

To review the major hardware components of low-field point-of-care MRI systems which affect the overall sensitivity.

Methods

Designs for the following components are reviewed and analyzed: magnet, RF coils, transmit/receive switches, preamplifiers, data acquisition system, and methods for grounding and mitigating electromagnetic interference.

Results

High homogeneity magnets can be produced in a variety of different designs including C- and H-shaped as well as Halbach arrays. Using Litz wire for RF coil designs enables unloadedQvalues of ~ 400 to be reached, with body loss representing about 35% of the total system resistance. There are a number of different schemes to tackle issues arising from the low coil bandwidth with respect to the imaging bandwidth. Finally, the effects of good RF shielding, proper electrical grounding, and effective electromagnetic interference reduction can lead to substantial increases in image signal-to-noise ratio.

Discussion

There are many different magnet and RF coil designs in the literature, and to enable meaningful comparisons and optimizations to be performed it would be very helpful to determine a standardized set of sensitivity measures, irrespective of design.
The ethnomedicinal use of vultures by traditional health practitioners in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Manqele Nomthandazo S. , Selier S. A. Jeanetta , Downs Colleen T.
Published: May 2023

African traditional medicine contributes to greater healthcare coverage by providing primary healthcare to rural dwellers, who often have limited access to modern medical services. However, the prevalence of traditional medicine use has been reported to put pressure on biological resources upon which it relies. Indigenous people have identified many wild animals as possessing curative properties. The use of animals and their body parts as ingredients in traditional medicine is often poorly regulated and therefore represents a major challenge for biodiversity conservation. We investigated traditional health practitioners’ ethnomedicinal use of vultures in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. In-depth interviews were conducted with 26 traditional health practitioners from two district municipalities. Data collected were analysed through qualitative and quantitative methodologies. We documented seven parts of the vulture that traditional health practitioners used in KwaZulu-Natal. When the Use Value (UV) index was calculated for each part, the head obtained the highest (0.92). Consensus on parts and their uses was generally low across the study group. Of the 21 uses reported for vulture parts, 71% were spiritual-based. The participants were aware of the hunting of vultures through the use of poison but demonstrated different views about the risks associated with using such material. Overall, our findings confirm the increasing use of African vultures in traditional medicine. Raising awareness and upscaling the active involvement of traditional health practitioners in natural resource management may benefit vulture conservation and that of other species commonly used in belief-based practices.