bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent advances in agricultural disease image recognition technologies: A review
Authors: Bondre Shweta , Patil Dipti
Published: February 2023

In the world of intelligent agriculture, agricultural disease picture detection plays a critical role. Plant disease identification must be efficient if agricultural production is to be increased sustainably. Anomalies in plants affected by viruses, insects, nutritional deficiencies, or poor weather conditions have traditionally been diagnosed by human experts. Deep learning (DL) and transfer learning, two sophisticated machine learning techniques synonymous with the advancement of artificial intelligence technologies in recent years, have started to be used for the identification of agricultural diseases. However, a variety of significant obstacles exist in the way of widespread use of these approaches. This paper looks at DL and transfer learning in particular, and discusses recent developments in using these advanced technologies to recognize agricultural disease images. Many DL architectures have recently been adopted, along with visualization tools, which are critical for identifying signs and classifying plant diseases. The analysis and evaluation of these two approaches show that transfer learning is the better choice given existing agricultural disease data tools. The paper then looks at the key problems that need to be addressed for research in this area to advance, such as image dataset creation, the collection of big data auxiliary domains, and the optimization of the transfer learning process. The construction of technically feasible agricultural disease image recognition systems requires the creation of image datasets collected under real cultivation conditions. This survey aims to learn more about DL capabilities in plant disease detection to increase device efficiency and accuracy in future research.
Evaluating the Impact of Physiologically Relevant Oxygen Tensions on Drug Metabolism in 3D Hepatocyte Cultures in Paper Scaffolds
Authors: Sitte Zachary R. , DiProspero Thomas J. , Lockett Matthew R.
Published: February 2023

Oxygen is an essential regulator of cellular function and phenotype. Despite its importance, the incorporation of physiologically relevant oxygen tensions is often overlooked in experimental setups. Ambient oxygen tensions (pO2 ∼152 mmHg) are significantly higher than those in the alveolar‐capillary barrier of the lung, which is the most oxygen‐rich interface in the body (pO2 ∼104 mmHg). The discrepancy between standard culture practices and physiologically relevant oxygen tensions is more pronounced when considering the hepatocyte‐lined sinusoids of the liver, whose pO2 values range from 65 mm Hg in the periportal region to 30 mm Hg in the perivenous region. Our previous work highlights the need to transition from standard culture conditions to more physiologically relevant microenvironments when predicting hepatocyte responses to drug candidates or potential toxins. This protocol details an experimental pipeline for quantifying differences in transcript levels, protein levels, and activity of the cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A) enzyme family in hepatocytes maintained in a three‐dimensional environment at ambient and physiologically relevant oxygen tensions. We quantify changes in transcript with qRT‐PCR, protein expression with western blots, and activity with the ethoxyresorufin‐O‐deethylase (EROD) assay. This approach can be adapted to any drug‐metabolizing enzyme. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

This article was corrected on 28 March 2023. See the end of the full text for details.

Basic Protocol 1: Preparing tissue‐like environments to evaluate HepG2 cells in paper‐based cell culture platform at physiological oxygen levels

Basic Protocol 2: Evaluating CYP1A activity of hepatocytes grown in the paper scaffolds using the EROD assay

Basic Protocol 3: Evaluating CYP1A transcript levels of hepatocytes grown in the paper scaffolds using RT‐qPCR

Basic Protocol 4: Evaluating CYP1A protein levels of hepatocytes grown in the paper scaffolds using western blotting
Overview of Adductomics in Toxicology
Authors: Lockridge Oksana
Published: February 2023

Adductomics is epidemiology at the molecular level. Untargeted adductomics compares levels of chemical adducts on albumin, hemoglobin, and DNA between healthy and exposed individuals. The goal is to determine a cause‐and‐effect relationship between chemical exposure and illness. Chemical exposures are not necessarily due to synthetic chemicals but are often due to oxidation products of naturally occurring lipids, for example, 4‐hydroxynonenal and acrolein produced by lipid peroxidation of arachidonic and linoleic acids. The preferred method used in adductomics is ultra‐high pressure liquid chromatography coupled to with nanoelectrospray tandem mass spectrometry. The mass of the adduct indicates its structure and identifies the chemical. The advantages of molecular epidemiology include information about the many toxicants to which a person is exposed over a period of weeks or months and the relative exposure levels. The disadvantage is the absence of information about the mechanism of toxicity. Untargeted adductomics examines albumin and hemoglobin adducts, which serve as biomarkers of exposure but do not identify the proteins and genes responsible for the toxicity. Targeted adductomics is used when the origin of the toxicity is known. This can be either an adducted protein, such as the butyrylcholinesterase protein modified by nerve agents, or a toxicant, such as acetaminophen. Untargeted adductomics methods have identified potential protein adduct biomarkers of breast cancer, colorectal cancer, childhood leukemia, and lung cancer. Adductomics is a new research area that offers structural insights into chemical exposures and a platform for the discovery of disease biomarkers. © 2023 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Graphite‐Based Composite Anodes with C−O−Nb Heterointerfaces Enable Fast Lithium Storage
Authors: Liu Wenhao , Wang Xuanpeng , Liu Jinshuai , Guo Changyuan , Qiao Fan , Ding Xiaoling , Liao Xiaobin , Han Chunhua
Published: February 2023

To better satisfy the increasing demands for electric vehicles, it is crucial to develop fast‐charging lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, the fast‐charging capability of commercial graphite anodes is limited by the sluggish Li+ insertion kinetics. Herein, we report a synergistic engineering of uniform nano‐sized T‐Nb2O5 particles on graphite (Gr@Nb2O5) with C−O−Nb heterointerfaces, which prevents the growth and aggregation of T‐Nb2O5 nanoparticles. Through detailed theoretical calculations and pair distribution function analysis, the stable existence of the heterointerfaces is proved, which can accelerate the electron/ion transport. These heterointerfaces endow Gr@Nb2O5 anodes with high ionic conductivity and excellent structural stability. Consequently, Gr@10‐Nb2O5 anode, where the mass ratio of T‐Nb2O5/graphite=10/100, exhibits excellent cyclic stability and incredible rate capabilities, with 100.5 mAh g−1 after 10000 stable cycles at an ultrahigh rate of 20 C. In addition, the synergistic Li+ storage mechanism is revealed by systematic electrochemical characterizations and in situ X‐ray diffraction. This work offers new insights to the reasonable design of fast‐charging graphite‐based anodes for the next generation of LIBs.
Loss of mitochondrial Chchd10 or Chchd2 in zebrafish leads to an ALS‐like phenotype and Complex I deficiency independent of the mitochondrial integrated stress response
Authors: Petel Légaré Virginie , Rampal Christian J. , Gurberg Tyler J. N. , Aaltonen Mari J. , Janer Alexandre , Zinman Lorne , Shoubridge Eric A. , Armstrong Gary A. B.
Published: February 2023

Mutations in CHCHD10 and CHCHD2, encoding two paralogous mitochondrial proteins, have been identified in cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal lobar degeneration, and Parkinson's disease. Their role in disease is unclear, though both have been linked to mitochondrial respiration and mitochondrial stress responses. Here, we investigated the biological roles of these proteins during vertebrate development using knockout (KO) models in zebrafish. We demonstrate that loss of either or both proteins leads to motor impairment, reduced survival and compromised neuromuscular junction integrity in larval zebrafish. Compensation by Chchd10 was observed in the chchd2−/− model, but not by Chchd2 in the chchd10−/− model. The assembly of mitochondrial respiratory chain Complex I was impaired in chchd10−/− and chchd2−/− zebrafish larvae, but unexpectedly not in a double chchd10−/− and chchd2−/− model, suggesting that reduced mitochondrial Complex I cannot be solely responsible for the observed phenotypes, which are generally more severe in the double KO. We observed transcriptional activation markers of the mitochondrial integrated stress response (mt‐ISR) in the double chchd10−/− and chchd2−/− KO model, suggesting that this pathway is involved in the restoration of Complex I assembly in our double KO model. The data presented here demonstrates that the Complex I assembly defect in our single KO models arises independently of the mt‐ISR. Furthermore, this study provides evidence that both proteins are required for normal vertebrate development.
A novel non‐pillar coal mining technology in longwall top coal caving: A case study
Authors: Wang Haosen , Wang Jiong , He Manchao , Ma Zimin , Tian Xichun , Liu Peng
Published: February 2023

In longwall top coal caving (LTCC) mining methods, problems such as large deformations, loss of coal resources, and excavation relay out of balance are often encountered with the increased production in single mining panels. To address these problems, a novel non‐pillar coal mining technology in LTCC was used based on the equilibrium mining theory. This approach could cut off the stress transmission, eliminate the coal pillar, and retain the gob‐side entry. In this technology, the entry is first excavated along the roof of the coal, and then four techniques are applied to control the surrounding rock of the retained entry. The constant resistance and large deformation anchor cable are used to maintain the roof stability. The directional roof split blasting technique is adopted to separate the roof between the entry and gob. The blocking‐gangue support system (BGSS) is used to form the gangue rib lagging the mining panel. The temporary support system is applied to prevent the roadway from being affected by the dynamic pressure and prevented the BGSS from falling. Finally, the field monitoring results indicate that the surrounding rock of retained entry is stabilized at 200 m behind the working face. The deformation of retained entry is within a reasonable range at 180–190 m behind the mining panel. The results provide an important reference for the thick coal seam non‐pillar coal mining technology, specifically using this technology in LTCC panels.
Examining the commonalities and knowledge gaps in coastal zone vegetation simulation models
Authors: Piercy Candice D. , Charbonneau Bianca R. , Russ Emily R. , Swannack Todd M.
Published: February 2023

Models can be powerful tools to help scientists, policymakers, and practitioners forecast vegetation dynamics and inform management decisions in a variety of ecosystems. In coastal environments, vegetation moderates physical and hydrodynamic processes that conversely affect vegetation dynamics. Coastal management and the implementation of nature‐based solutions in the coastal environment requires models that can predict vegetation dynamics that are driven by ecological processes as well as physical processes (e.g., storms, sea level rise). To determine models that are capable of simulating biomass dynamics and assess their ability to make predictions within the context of climate change and environmental management, we reviewed coastal dynamic vegetation simulation models across the following coastal zone habitats: tidal wetlands (salt marsh, mangroves, and freshwater wetlands), seagrass beds, coastal forests (maritime and floodplain forests), and dune habitats. Fifty‐four models met the review criteria and were examined to assess their ability to simulate relevant ecological processes and the spatiotemporal scales at which they are applied. These models included a variety of exogenous and endogenous processes and integrate complex ecogeomorphological feedbacks affecting plant and soil community, hydrodynamic, and sediment transport dynamics. Most models reviewed utilized implicit approaches to predicting vegetation biomass and simulated a limited number of processes based on the principal drivers of habitat of interest. Key gaps identified were the exclusion of below‐ground biomass dynamics, limited inclusion of processes such as competition, facilitation, and succession, and the inability to simulate management actions. Future models should seek to move towards process‐based approaches where appropriate to enable their application to different systems and facilitate their use under novel environmental conditions.
Simulating Real‐World Context in an Email Writing Task: Implications for Task‐Based Language Assessment
Authors: Norris John M. , Sasayama Shoko , Kim Michelle
Published: February 2023

Accomplishing a communication task in the real world requires the ability not only to do the task per se but also to manage aspects of the context in which it occurs. For this reason, simulations of target language use contexts have been incorporated into the design of communicative language tests as a way of enhancing the authenticity of assessment task performance. Although some contextual factors may increase extraneous cognitive load and distract learners from focusing on the task at hand (Sweller, 1994), they represent important design considerations in task‐based language assessment (TBLA), where the purpose of assessment is to determine what second language (L2) learners can do with the target language in the real world. In that sense, the extraneous cognitive load might well be part of the construct we are interested in assessing. Accordingly, the current study simulated aspects of a real‐world task performance context as part of an email writing task assessment. Simulated context was operationalized as (a) additional information about the task scenario, (b) a visual image to simulate the physical context, and (c) an audio to replicate the real‐world experience. A total of 276 L2 English learners performed the email task, half with simulated context and the other half without it. Findings revealed that, when presented with simulated context, the tasks were perceived by participants to have induced more time pressure and to be more interesting. In terms of performance effects, the provision of simulated context negatively affected the syntactic complexity of participants' writing but positively affected their syntactic fluency. It also led to greater discrimination among learners at different proficiency levels on various measures of language performance. The paper concludes by highlighting implications for task design and validity evaluation, especially in TBLA.
Equity in adjuvant radiotherapy utilization in locally advanced head and neck cancer: A SEER‐data based study
Authors: Beckett Matthew , Gaudet Marc , Bourque Jean‐Marc , Dennis Kristopher , Abdel‐Wahab May
Published: February 2023

Background

Not all patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer (HNC) who are eligible for adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) following upfront surgery appear to receive it.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Selected patients from 2009 to 2018 had locally advanced HNC, underwent upfront surgery, and were eligible for adjuvant RT. Multivariable logistic regression and chi‐squared test were used to analyze available patient and tumor characteristics.

Results

Of 12 549 patients, 84.5% underwent adjuvant RT, 15.5% did not. Characteristics associated with lowest adjuvant RT utilization included cancers of the larynx (p < 0.0001) and gingivae (p < 0.0001), age 80 and above (p < 0.0001), unpartnered status (p < 0.0001), and residence within a nonmetropolitan area (p < 0.0024).

Conclusions

Tumor subsite, age, partnered status, and rural/urban residence correlate with omission of adjuvant RT in locally advanced HNC.
Halogen‐Bonded Liquid Crystals
Authors: Präsang Carsten , Bruce Duncan W.
Published: February 2023

While the halogen bond has been recognised and studied for over a hundred years, it is only in more recent times that chemists have begun to apply it and see its possibilities as another supramolecular interaction that can be deployed in the preparation of materials. This review takes one of those areas, liquid crystals, and considers examples of motifs that have been deployed successfully to generate new mesogens. In particular, rather than attempting to be comprehensive, the article reviews critically data from well‐characterised systems and seeks to first make some comparisons with analogous hydrogen‐bonded materials, before considering how the lability and flexibility of the halogen bond expresses itself in liquid crystal behaviour.
Role of seasonality variation in prevalence and trend of childhood wasting in India: An empirical analysis using National Family Health Surveys, 2005–2021
Authors: Dwivedi Laxmi Kant , Bhatia Mrigesh , Bansal Anjali , Mishra Rahul , P. Shirisha , Jana Somnath , Subramanian S. V. , Unisa Sayeed
Published: February 2023

Background

Wasting develops over a short period and can be reversed with short‐term interventions. The prevalence of wasting typically varies from season to season—becoming higher during the monsoon (June to September) season as compared to the winter (October to January) and summer (February to May) seasons every year in a cyclical fashion. However, to the best of our knowledge, using nationally representative demographic surveys to extensively study the impact of the timing of the survey on the results and trends around wasting has not been done so far.

Objectives

The goal of this study is to ascertain whether seasonality has an impact on the trend and levels of wasting between NFHS‐3 (2005–2006) and NFHS‐5 (2019–2021).

Methods

The analysis was based on data on 51,555, 259,627, and 232,920 children under 5 years included in NFHS‐3, NFHS‐4, and NFHS‐5 respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis and the predicted probabilities approach were employed to examine the effect of the months of interview on the prevalence of wasting. The analysis was conducted for 9 states of India which had data for comparable months to compute wasting levels.

Results

We found that at the national level, wasting increased in India by one per cent from NFHS‐3 to NFHS‐4 but declined by 2% from NFHS‐4 to NFHS‐5. The results show that seasonality significantly influenced the prevalence of wasting. It was observed that compared to January, the odds of wasting were particularly higher in summer and monsoon seasons, especially in the month of August across all three rounds, indicating the influence of seasonality in the prevalence of wasting in the country.

Discussion

The prevalence of wasting in India needs to be interpreted across seasonal changes as seasonality affects many of the variables intrinsically related to child health and nutritional status.
Clinical effective use of Conquest Pro 12 Sharpened Tip for chronic total occlusion intervention: A series of three case reports
Authors: Matsuda Hiroaki , Tsuchikane Etsuo , Yoshikawa Ryohei , Okamura Atsunori
Published: February 2023

A new chronic total occlusion (CTO) guidewire, Conquest Pro 12 Sharpened Tip (CP12ST), has a stronger penetration force than the original CP12 and a deflection effect that it does not have. The CP12ST enables us to advance into hard plaque that has not ever penetrated, which might change CTO treatment as shown in three cases.
Financial stability and sustainable development
Authors: Ozili Peterson K. , Iorember Paul Terhemba
Published: February 2023

Financial institutions operating in a stable financial system seem to be willing to support the realization of the sustainable development goals (SDGs). This view assumes that financial stability is crucial for sustainable development. We investigate the effect of financial stability on sustainable development. We use a unique financial stability index, sustainable development index and four SDG indicators. We analyse 26 countries from 2011 to 2018 using the system GMM method. The findings of the sustainable development index analysis show that financial stability has a significant effect on the level of sustainable development and the effect is negative in Asian countries. European and Asian countries have a high sustainable development index compared to African countries. The result of the individual SDG analyses show that financial stability has a significant effect on SDG3. Financial stability has a negative effect on SDG10 in Asian countries and a negative effect on SDG3 during periods of economic prosperity. Financial stability has a positive effect on SDG3 and SDG7 in countries where the banking system have high capital buffer. The results show that the effect of financial stability on sustainable development depends on how sustainable development is measured.
Outpatient management of preterm prelabor rupture of membranes before 34 weeks: Maternal and neonatal outcomes
Authors: Murillo Clara , Ferrero Silvia , Cobo Teresa , Renau Montse Izquierdo , Aldecoa Victoria , Grau Laia , Ponce Julia , Rueda Claudia , Palacio Montse
Published: February 2023

Objective

To evaluate the maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes of pregnant women complicated with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) eligible for outpatient care.

Methods

This study included a retrospective cohort of patients with singleton pregnancies with PPROM between 23+0 to 34+0 weeks who remained pregnant after the first 72 h. Outpatient management was considered in women with clinical, ultrasound and analytical stability, and easy access to hospital. Maternal, fetal, and neonatal results were compared between women managed as inpatients versus those managed as outpatients.

Results

Women eligible for the outpatient management had a better prognostic profile (no anhydramnios, longer cervical length, less intraamniotic infection, and clinical, ultrasound, and analytical stability) and presented a lower gestational age at admission and longer latency to delivery, resulting in a similar gestational age at delivery as the inpatient group. Postpartum curettage, uterine atony, respiratory distress syndrome, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia were less frequent in the outpatient group. Composite maternal‐fetal morbidity and mortality outcomes were similar in both groups, while composite neonatal morbidity and mortality outcomes were significantly lower in the outpatient group.

Conclusion

Outpatient management may be an option for women presenting stable PPROM before 34 weeks when adequate selection criteria are fulfilled. Differences in perinatal outcomes in the outpatient group compared with the inpatient group are probably attributable to baseline characteristics. Further prospective randomized studies are needed to confirm the benefits of outpatient management in PPROM.
SkinNet‐ENDO: Multiclass skin lesion recognition using deep neural network and Entropy‐Normal distribution optimization algorithm with ELM
Authors: Khan Muhammad Attique , Akram Tallha , Zhang Yu‐Dong , Alhaisoni Majed , Al Hejaili Abdullah , Shaban Khalid Adel , Tariq Usman , Zayyan Muhammad H.
Published: February 2023

The early diagnosis of skin cancer through clinical methods reduces the human mortality rate. The manual screening of dermoscopic images is not an efficient procedure; therefore, researchers working in the domain of computer vision employed several algorithms to classify the skin lesion. The existing computerized methods have a few drawbacks, such as low accuracy and high computational time. Therefore, in this work, we proposed a novel deep learning and Entropy‐Normal Distribution Optimization Algorithm with extreme learning machine (NDOEM)‐based architecture for multiclass skin lesion classification. The proposed architecture consists of five fundamental steps. In the first step, two contrast enhancement techniques including hybridization of mathematical formulation and convolutional neural network are implemented prior to data augmentation. In the second step, two pre‐trained deep learning models, EfficientNetB0 and DarkNet19, are fine‐tuned and retrained through the transfer learning. In the third step, features are extracted from the fine‐tuned models and later the most discriminant features are selected based on novel Entropy‐NDOELM algorithm. The selected features are finally fused using a parallel correlation technique in the fourth step to generate the result feature vectors. Finally, the resultant features are again down‐sampled using the proposed algorithm and the resultant features are passed to the extreme learning machine (ELM) for the final classification. The simulations are conducted on three publicly available datasets as HAM10000, ISIC2018, and ISIC2019 to achieving an accuracy of 95.7%, 96.3%, and 94.8% respectively.
Sulfamethizole attenuates poloxamer 407‐induced atherosclerotic neointima formation via inhibition of mTOR in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Solanki Ankita , Savla Shreya R. , Borkar Maheshkumar R. , Bhatt Lokesh K.
Published: February 2023

Mammalian target of Rapamycin C1 (mTORC1) inhibition limits plaque progression in atherosclerosis. The present study evaluated the protective effect of sulfamethizole on poloxamer 407‐induced atherosclerotic neointima formation in C57BL/6 mice via mTOR inhibition. Poloxamer 407 (P‐407) (0.5 g/kg body weight) was administered intraperitoneally to male C57BL/6 mice every third day for 148 days to induce chronic hyperlipidemia. From Day 121 to 148, animals were additionally administered Sulfamethizole (5, 10, and 50 mg/kg, p.o.), Rapamycin (0.5 mg/kg, positive control), or vehicle (1 ml/kg). Plasma lipid levels were measured on Days 120 and 148. Upon sacrifice, histological studies were performed, and aortic tissue interleukin (IL)‐6, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and mTOR levels were evaluated. A molecular docking study was carried out to mimic the interaction of sulfamethizole with mTOR protein. Chronic P‐407 administration significantly (p < 0.001) elevated plasma lipid levels, compared with those of the normal control group. Chronic hyperlipidemia resulted in increased tunica intima thickness, collagen deposition, and IL‐6, TNF‐α, and mTOR levels. Treatment with Sulfamethizole attenuated these parameters significantly in a dose‐dependent manner. Molecular docking studies showed a significant interaction of Sulfamethizole with mTOR. In conclusion, this study suggests that sulfamethizole significantly limits poloxamer 407‐induced atherosclerotic neointima formation in C57BL/6 mice via mTOR inhibition.
Long‐time scale simulations of virus‐like particles from three human‐norovirus strains
Authors: Lipska Agnieszka G. , Sieradzan Adam K. , Czaplewski Cezary , Lipińska Andrea D. , Ocetkiewicz Krzysztof M. , Proficz Jerzy , Czarnul Paweł , Krawczyk Henryk , Liwo Adam
Published: February 2023

The dynamics of the virus like particles (VLPs) corresponding to the GII.4 Houston, GII.2 SMV, and GI.1 Norwalk strains of human noroviruses (HuNoV) that cause gastroenteritis was investigated by means of long‐time (about 30 μs in the laboratory timescale) molecular dynamics simulations with the coarse‐grained UNRES force field. The main motion of VLP units turned out to be the bending at the junction between the P1 subdomain (that sits in the VLP shell) and the P2 subdomain (that protrudes outside) of the major VP1 protein, this resulting in a correlated wagging motion of the P2 subdomains with respect to the VLP surface. The fluctuations of the P2 subdomain were found to be more pronounced and the P2 domain made a greater angle with the normal to the VLP surface for the GII.2 strain, which could explain the inability of this strain to bind the histo‐blood group antigens (HBGAs).
Induced odd cycle packing number, independent sets, and chromatic number
Authors: Dvořák Zdeněk , Pekárek Jakub
Published: February 2023

The induced odd cycle packing number of a graph is the maximum integer such that contains an induced subgraph consisting of pairwise vertex‐disjoint odd cycles. Motivated by applications to geometric graphs, Bonamy et al. proved that graphs of bounded induced odd cycle packing number, bounded Vapnik–Chervonenkis (VC) dimension, and linear independence number admit a randomized efficient polynomial‐time approximation scheme for the independence number. We show that the assumption of bounded VC dimension is not necessary, exhibiting a randomized algorithm that for any integers and and any ‐vertex graph of induced odd cycle packing number at most returns in time an independent set of whose size is at least with high probability. In addition, we present ‐boundedness results for graphs with bounded odd cycle packing number, and use them to design a quasipolynomial‐time approximation scheme for the independence number only assuming bounded induced odd cycle packing number.
Relationship between supracrestal soft tissue dimensions and other periodontal phenotypic features: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Couso‐Queiruga Emilio , Barboza Eliane Porto , Avila‐Ortiz Gustavo , Gonzalez‐Martin Oscar , Chambrone Leandro , Rodrigues Diogo Moreira
Published: February 2023

Background

The purpose of this study was to determine the association between periodontal supracrestal soft tissue dimensions (PSSTDs) and other phenotypic features in non‐molar maxillary teeth.

Materials and Methods

Adult subjects in need of comprehensive dental treatment were recruited. Periodontal phenotypic variables (i.e., facial and palatal gingival thickness [GT], alveolar bone thickness [BT], and PSSTDs, namely distance from the gingival margin to the bone crest defined as periodontal supracrestal tissue height [PSTH] and distance from the cementoenamel junction to the bone crest [CEJ‐BC]) were recorded using cone‐beam computed tomography scans. Standardized intraoral photographs were obtained to assess facial keratinized tissue width (KTW) and other anatomical parameters (i.e., tooth type, gingival architecture, and interproximal papilla height).

Results

The study sample was constituted of 87 participants that contributed with a total of 522 maxillary anterior teeth. Differences in mean values of PSSTDs, KTW, GT, and BT were observed between tooth types and sex. Males exhibited a thicker GT and BT, and taller PSTH and KTW compared to females. Shorter CEJ‐BC was associated with shorter PSTH, wider KTW, and thicker GT and BT. Shorter PSTH was associated with thicker facial BT. Notably, BT and GT were positively correlated at both facial and palatal sites, meaning that the thicker the gingival phenotype, the thicker the bone morphotype. Facial BT and facial GT were positively correlated with KTW. A flat gingival architecture was associated with the thick periodontal phenotype. Square teeth had shorter CEJ‐BC, wider KTW, and thicker GT.

Conclusions

Periodontal phenotypic features vary across and within subjects, between facial and palatal sites at different apico‐coronal levels, and as a function of sex and tooth type. The shorter the PSSTDs, the wider the KTW and the thicker the GT and BT. PSSTDs, particularly PSTH, should be considered an integral component of the periodontal phenotype.
Is clustering accounted for in studies published in periodontology and oral implantology specialty journals?
Authors: Lempesi Evangelia , Pandis Nikolaos , Faggion Clovis , Seehra Jadbinder
Published: February 2023

Background

Clustering effects can be encountered in periodontology and implant dentistry research. The aim of this study was to identify studies with clustering effects published in periodontology and oral implantology specialty journals and to assess the frequency by which clustered designs are correctly accounted for in the statistical analysis.

Methods

Ten periodontology and oral implantology journals were searched to identify studies with clustering effects published between January 1, 2019 and July 31, 2021. Descriptive statistics and frequency distributions were calculated. Associations between the correct statistical handling of clustering effects and study characteristics were explored.

Results

A total of 695 studies were included of which 45.0% correctly accounted for clustering effects in the statistical analysis. Certain journals (p < 0.01) and animal studies (p < 0.01) had lower odds of correctly accounting for clustering effects in the statistical analysis, whereas per unit increase in impact factor (p < 0.001), involvement of statistician (p < 0.001) and when the study design included either repeated measures only (p < 0.01) or both clustering and repeated measures (p < 0.001) had higher odds. The most commonly used tests were the mixed models or generalized estimating equations (64.2%).

Conclusions

Greater awareness of the importance of accounting for clustering effects is required to prevent incorrect inferences being drawn. Incorrect inferences are related to lack of data independence and the artificial inflation of the sample size which can result in statistically significant results which are not genuine. This issue can be further exaggerated in combination with publication bias.
The association between low virulence organisms in different locations and intervertebral disc structural failure: A meta‐analysis and systematic review
Authors: Chen Xiaolong , Lu Shibao , Chopra Neha , Cui Peng , Zhang Sitao , Narulla Rajpal , Diwan Ashish D.
Published: February 2023

Many factors may trigger intervertebral disc (IVD) structural failure (intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) and endplate changes), including inflammation, infection, dysbiosis, and the downstream effects of chemical factors. Of these, microbial diversity in the IVD and elsewhere in the body has been considered as one of the potential reasons for disc structural failure. The exact relationships between microbial colonization and IVD structural failure are not well understood. This meta‐analysis aimed to investigate the impact of microbial colonization and its location (such as skin, IVD, muscle, soft tissues, and blood) on IVD structural failure and corresponding low back pain (LBP) if any. We searched four online databases for potential studies. The potential relationships between microbial colonization in different sample sources (such as skin, IVD, muscle, soft tissues, and blood) and IDD and endplate change were considered as primary outcomes. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for direct comparisons were reported. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) scale was used to assess the quality of evidence. Twenty‐five cohort studies met the selection criteria. Overall pooled prevalence of microbial colonization in 2419 patients with LBP was 33.2% (23.6%–43.6%). The pooled prevalence of microbial colonization in 2901 samples was 29.6% (21.0%–38.9%). Compared with the patients without endplate change, the patients with endplate changes had higher rates of microbial colonization of disc (OR = 2.83; 95% CI = 1.93–4.14; I2 = 37.6%; p = 0.108). The primary pathogen was Cutibacterium acnes which was present in 22.2% of cases (95% CI = 13.3%–32.5%; I2 = 96.6%; p = 0.000). This meta‐analysis and systematic review found low‐quality grade evidence for an association between microbial colonization of disc with endplate changes. The primary pathogen was C. acnes. Due to lack of enough high‐quality studies and methodological limitations of this review, further studies are required to improve our understanding of the potential relationships and mechanisms of microbiota, dysbiosis, IVD colonization and IVD structural failure.
Free‐Water Imaging of the Substantia Nigra in GBA Pathogenic Variant Carriers
Authors: Zhang Dongling , Shi Yuting , Yao Junye , Zhou Liche , Wei Hongjiang , Liu Jun , Tong Qiqi , Ma Lingyan , He Hongjian , Wu Tao
Published: February 2023

Background

Pathogenic variants in the glucocerebrosidase gene (GBA) have been identified as the most common genetic risk factor for Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the features of substantia nigra damage in GBA pathogenic variant carriers remain unclear.

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the microstructural changes in the substantia nigra in non‐manifesting GBA pathogenic variant carriers (GBA‐NMC) and PD patients with GBA pathogenic variant (GBA‐PD) with free‐water imaging.

Methods

First, we compared free water values in the posterior substantia nigra between non‐manifesting non‐carriers (NMNC, n = 29), GBA‐NMC (n = 26), and GBA‐PD (n = 16). Then, free water values in the posterior substantia nigra were compared between GBA‐PD and early‐ (n = 19) and late‐onset (n = 40) idiopathic PD (iPD) patients. Furthermore, we examined whether the baseline free water values could predict the progressions of clinical symptoms.

Results

The free water values in the posterior substantia nigra were significantly higher in the GBA‐NMC and GBA‐PD groups compared to NMNC, and were significantly increased in the GBA‐PD group than both early‐ and late‐onset iPD. Free water values in the posterior substantia nigra could predict the progression of anxiety and cognitive decline in GBA‐NMC and GBA‐PD groups.

Conclusions

We demonstrate that free water values are elevated in the substantia nigra and predict the development of non‐motor symptoms in GBA‐NMC and GBA‐PD. Our findings demonstrate that a significant nigral impairment already exists in GBA‐NMC, and nigral injury may be more severe in GBA‐PD than in iPD. These results support that free‐water imaging can as a potential early marker of substantia nigra damage. © 2023 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Mental health association initiative targets long‐term care workforce
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: February 2023

An innovative training initiative established by the Mental Health Association of Maryland is helping members of the long‐term care workforce have more productive interactions with patients with mental health needs. The skills training keeps participants engaged through the use of live avatars in dynamic virtual training sessions.
Patient‐specific fetal radiation dosimetry for pregnant patients undergoing abdominal and pelvic CT imaging
Authors: Qu Shuiyin , Liu Haikuan , Xie Tianwu , Giger Maryellen L. , Quan Guotao , Zaidi Habib
Published: February 2023

Background

Accurate estimation of fetal radiation dose is crucial for risk‐benefit analysis of radiological imaging, while the radiation dosimetry studies based on individual pregnant patient are highly desired.

Purpose

To use Monte Carlo calculations for estimation of fetal radiation dose from abdominal and pelvic computed tomography (CT) examinations for a population of patients with a range of variations in patients’ anatomy, abdominal circumference, gestational age (GA), fetal depth (FD), and fetal development.

Methods

Forty‐four patient‐specific pregnant female models were constructed based on CT imaging data of pregnant patients, with gestational ages ranging from 8 to 35 weeks. The simulation of abdominal and pelvic helical CT examinations was performed on three validated commercial scanner systems to calculate organ‐level fetal radiation dose.

Results

The absorbed radiation dose to the fetus ranged between 0.97 and 2.24 mGy, with an average of 1.63 ± 0.33 mGy. The CTDIvol‐normalized fetal dose ranged between 0.56 and 1.30, with an average of 0.94 ± 0.25. The normalized fetal organ dose showed significant correlations with gestational age, maternal abdominal circumference (MAC), and fetal depth. The use of ATCM technique increased the fetal radiation dose in some patients.

Conclusion

A technique enabling the calculation of organ‐level radiation dose to the fetus was developed from models of actual anatomy representing a range of gestational age, maternal size, and fetal position. The developed maternal and fetal models provide a basis for reliable and accurate radiation dose estimation to fetal organs.
Surgical and Functional Outcome After Endoscopic Resection Via Transthyrohyoid for Early Glottic Cancer
Authors: Chen Xiangyu , Li Xumao , Cui Xidong , Xie Xingqiao , Zhang Chenshan , Lin Xinsheng , Sun Guangbin , Li Guangfei
Published: February 2023

Transthyrohyoid access to the larynx for endoscopic resection (TTER) for early‐stage glottic cancer in patients with difficult laryngeal exposure (DLE) has recently been developed. However, little is known about the postoperative conditions of patients. Twelve early‐stage glottic cancer patients with DLE who received TTER were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical information was collected during the perioperative period. Functional outcome was evaluated using Voice Handicap Index‐10 (VHI‐10) and Eating Assessment Tool‐10 (EAT‐10) preoperatively and 12 months after surgery. None of the patients experienced serious complications after TTER. The tracheotomy tube was removed in all patients. The 3‐year local control rate was 91.6%. The VHI‐10 score decreased from 18.92 to 11.75 (p < .001), and the EAT‐10 scores of the 3 patients changed slightly. Thus, TTER may be a good option for early‐stage glottic cancer patients with DLE.
Utility of Elective Neck Dissection in Clinically Node‐Negative Parotid Malignancy
Authors: Vedula Sudeepti , Shah Yash S. , Barinsky Gregory L. , Baredes Soly , Park Richard C. W.
Published: February 2023

Objective

We sought to investigate the utility of elective neck dissection (END) in clinically node‐negative parotid malignancy through the evaluation of factors that are associated with receiving END and survival analysis of patients who received END.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort database study.

Setting

The National Cancer Database (NCDB).

Methods

The NCDB was used to extract patients with clinically node‐negative parotid malignancy. END was defined as having 5 or more lymph nodes examined pathologically, as previously defined in the literature. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to compare predictors of receiving END, rates of occult metastasis, and survival.

Results

Of the 9405 included patients, 3396 (36.1%) underwent an END. END was most frequently performed for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and salivary duct histology. All other histologies were significantly less likely to undergo END compared to SCC (p < .05). Salivary ductal carcinoma and adenocarcinoma had the greatest rates of occult node disease (39.8% and 30.0%, respectively), followed by SCC (29.8%). Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis showed a statistically significant increase in 5‐year overall survival in patients who received END with poorly differentiated mucoepidermoid (56.2% vs 48.5%, p = .004) along with moderately and poorly differentiated SCC (43.2% vs 34.9%, p = .002; 48.9% vs 36.2%, p < .001, respectively).

Conclusion

Histological classification is a benchmark for determining which patients should receive an END. We demonstrated an increase in overall survival in patients who undergo END with poorly differentiated tumors of mucoepidermoid and SCC histology. As such, histology should be considered along with clinical T‐stage and rate of occult nodal metastasis to determine eligibility for END.
Surgical Outcomes of Simultaneous Cochlear Implantation and Intracochlear Schwannoma Removal
Authors: Ha Jungho , Kim Hantai , Gu Ga Young , Song Young Jae , Jang Jeong Hun , Park Hun Yi , Choung Yun‐Hoon
Published: February 2023

Objective

Intracochlear schwannoma is very rare, and complete loss of hearing is inevitable after the removal of this tumor. Here, we discuss cochlear implantation (CI) performed simultaneously with the removal of an intracochlear schwannoma.

Study Design

Retrospective single‐center study.

Setting

Tertiary medical institute.

Methods

Simultaneous CI and intracochlear schwannoma removal were performed in 4 subjects. After subtotal cochleostomy, the tumors were removed meticulously, with preservation of the modiolus. A new slim modiolar electrode (Nucleus CI632) was placed in a manner that hugged the modiolus. The surgical outcomes of functional gain, word recognition score (WRS), sound localization, and hearing in noise and speech intelligibility tests were investigated.

Results

Intracochlear schwannomas were removed successfully from the 4 patients, with no remnant tumor. The mean aided hearing threshold 6 months after surgery was 25.0 ± 1.8 dB, and the mean‐aided WRS with a 60 dB stimulus was 36.0 ± 18.8% (range 16%‐60%). The Categorical Auditory Performance (CAP) score of the 3 single‐sided deafness patients under contralateral ear masking was 7. The CAP score of the patient with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss was 6, which improved from a preoperative score of 0.

Conclusion

When an intracochlear schwannoma does not completely invade the modiolus, CI with simultaneous tumor removal can be performed successfully, resulting in good hearing performance. A slim modiolar electrode can be placed stably at the modiolus after schwannoma removal.
Preoperative Embolization Techniques in the Treatment of Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kothari Dhruv Shreedhar , Linker Lauren A. , Tham Tristan , Maroda Andrew J. , McElfresh Jenessa M. , Fastenberg Judd H. , Hachem Ralph Abi , Elijovich Lucas , Michael Lattimore Madison , Rangarajan Sanjeet V.
Published: February 2023

Objective

Preoperative embolization has proven beneficial in the surgical treatment of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas (JNA). However, the consensus for the best embolization practices remains unclear. This systematic review seeks to characterize the reporting of embolization protocols throughout the literature and to compare differences in surgical outcomes.

Data Sources

PubMed, Embase, and Scopus.

Review Methods

Studies investigating embolization in the treatment of JNA from 2002 to 2021 were selected from defined inclusion criteria. All studies underwent a 2‐stage blinded screening, extraction, and appraisal process. Embolization material, time to surgery, and embolization route were compared. Embolization complications, surgical complications, and rate of recurrence were pooled.

Results

Of 854 studies, 14 retrospective studies with 415 patients met the criteria for inclusion. A total of 354 patients underwent preoperative embolization. A total of 330 patients (93.2%) underwent transarterial embolization (TAE) and 24 patients had a combination of direct puncture embolization and TAE. Polyvinyl alcohol particles were the most used embolization material (n = 264, 80.0%). The most common reported time to surgery was 24 to 48 hours (n = 8, 57.1%). Pooled results showed an embolization complication proportion of 3.16% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.96‐6.60) (n = 354), a surgical complication proportion of 4.96% (95% CI: 1.90‐9.37) (n = 415), and a recurrence proportion of 6.30% (95% CI: 3.01‐10.69) (n = 415).

Conclusion

The current data on JNA embolization parameters and their effect on surgical outcomes remains too heterogenous to provide expert recommendations. Future studies should use uniform reporting to allow for more robust comparisons of embolization parameters, which, in turn, may lead to optimized patient outcomes.