bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preoperative Imaging Evaluation of Endometrial Cancer in FIGO 2023
Authors: Kido Aki , Himoto Yuki , Kurata Yasuhisa , Minamiguchi Sachiko , Nakamoto Yuji
Published: December 2023

The staging of endometrial cancer is based on the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging system according to the examination of surgical specimens, and has revised in 2023, 14 years after its last revision in 2009. Molecular and histological classification has incorporated to new FIGO system reflecting the biological behavior and prognosis of endometrial cancer. Nonetheless, the basic role of imaging modalities including ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography, as a preoperative assessment of the tumor extension and also the evaluation points in CT and MRI imaging are not changed, other than several point of local tumor extension. In the field of radiology, it has also undergone remarkable advancement through the rapid progress of computational technology. The application of deep learning reconstruction techniques contributes the benefits of shorter acquisition time or higher quality. Radiomics, which extract various quantitative features from the images, is also expected to have the potential for the quantitative prediction of risk factors such as histological types and lymphovascular space invasion, which is newly included in the new FIGO system. This article reviews the preoperative imaging diagnosis in new FIGO system and recent advances in imaging analysis and their clinical contributions in endometrial cancer.

Evidence Level

4

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3
Abnormal Local Brain Activity and Cognitive Impairments in Young Non‐Disabled Patients With Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Resting‐State Functional MRI Study
Authors: Yang Dan , Zhang Xue , Luo Xiangqi , Zhang Fengxia , Sun Shengjun , Shaocheng Liu , Zhao Xingquan , Zhou Jian
Published: December 2023

Background

Resting‐state functional MRI (rs‐fMRI) has identified static changes of local brain activity among patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). However, the dynamic and concordance‐related characteristics of brain activity remain unclear.

Purpose

To investigate static, dynamic, and concordance‐related features of the regional brain activity of young non‐disabled ICH patients.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Thirty‐three ICH patients (modified Rankin Scale score ≤2, 21% female, 46.36 ± 6.53) and 33 matched healthy controls (HCs) (21% female, 47.64 ± 6.16).

Field Strength/Sequence

3‐T, rs‐fMRI using gradient echo‐planar imaging, T1‐weighted imaging.

Assessment

Neuropsychological and rs‐fMRI data were acquired from all participants. Amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuations (ALFF), fractional ALFF (fALFF), regional homogeneity (ReHo), voxel‐mirrored homotopic connectivity, global signal correlation (GSCorr) and degree centrality (DC), and their dynamic and concordance‐related changes with sliding window analysis were calculated based on rs‐fMRI data at a whole‐brain level. The burden of cerebral small vascular diseases (cSVD) was assessed by cSVD scores. All hemorrhage lesions were delineated on normalized T1 images.

Statistical Tests

Multiple regression models, a voxel‐level uncorrected P < 0.001, a cluster‐level false discovery rate (FDR) corrected q < 0.05, a re‐corrected qFDR <0.05 were considered significant. Pearson or Spearman correlation analyses between fMRI data and neurocognitive performance were performed.

Results

Compared to HCs, ICH patients showed significant abnormal changes of ALFF, dynamic ALFF, fALFF, ReHo, dynamic ReHo, GSCorr, DC, and voxel‐wise concordance in multiple brain regions mainly including the bilateral cerebellar hemispheres, ipsilesional thalamus, and bilateral middle cingulum gyrus. The ALFF in the cerebellar posterior lobe and thalamus were significantly associated with attention (r = −0.481) and executive function (rho = −0.521) in ICH patients.

Data Conclusion

Young non‐disabled ICH patients exhibit static, dynamic, and concordance‐related alterations of local brain activity, part of which shows associations with cognitive functions. These findings may help comprehensively understand the mechanism of cognitive impairment after ICH.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3
Does deprotonated benzoic acid lose carbon monoxide in collision‐induced dissociation?
Authors: Liu Yingying , Wang Xue , Zhang Danyang , Wang Chen , Xie Haijiao , Chen Hongping , Chai Yunfeng
Published: December 2023

Decarboxylation is known to be the major fragmentation pathway for the deprotonated carboxylic acids in collision‐induced dissociation (CID). However, in the CID mass spectrum of deprotonated benzoic acid (m/z 121) recorded on a Q‐orbitrap mass spectrometer, the dominant peak was found to be m/z 93 instead of the anticipated m/z 77. Based on theoretical calculations, 18O‐isotope labeling and MS3 experiments, we demonstrated that the fragmentation of benzoate anion begins with decarboxylation, but the initial phenide anion (m/z 77) can react with trace O2 in the mass analyzer to produce phenolate anion (m/z 93) and other oxygen‐containing ions. Thus oxygen adducts should be considered when annotating the MS/MS spectra of benzoic acids.
Effect of mechanical properties on in vitro dynamic digestion of starch contained in hydrogels
Authors: Wang Zaitian , Kozu Hiroyuki , Uemura Kunihiko , Kobayashi Isao , Ichikawa Sosaku
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

This study evaluates the effect of mechanical properties on the in vitro dynamic gastrointestinal digestion of hydrogels containing starch (HCSs) as a model for studying the nutrient digestibility of solid foods. It provides a useful theoretical basis for the processing of specific foods.

RESULT

Four types of HCSs with two levels of fracture stress (17.4–20.9 kPa and 55.5–57.6 kPa) and two levels of fracture strain (25.4–28.5% and 53.7–57.4%) were prepared. For these HCSs, the degree of gastric disintegration of hydrogels reduced significantly when fracture strain exceeded 30% (P < 0.05). The gastric emptying of HCS particles was also affected by mechanical properties. For example, even at the same level of fracture stress (ca. 20 kPa), the dry solids retention ratio decreased markedly from 0.90 to 0.43 with a decrease in fracture strain from 53.7% to 25.4% (P < 0.05). For the starch hydrolysis of HCSs after gastric digestion, more than 70% of starch in the particles of all types of HCSs emptied did not undergo digestion. The starch hydrolysis of HCSs during small intestinal digestion was also influenced by their mechanical properties. Fracture strains of HCSs, rather than their fracture stress, affected starch digestibility in hydrogels.

CONCLUSION

The gastric disintegration, the gastric emptying, and the starch hydrolysis of HCSs are suppressed when fracture strain exceeded 30%. Even with the amount of nutritional components contained in hydrogels being the same, the in vitro gastrointestinal digestion behavior of HCSs depends on their mechanical properties. This behavior has the potential to be used in the design of processed foods with controlled bioaccessibility. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Postoperative Care of Zenker Diverticula: Contemporary Perspective from the Prospective OUtcomes Cricopharyngeaus Hypertonicity (POUCH) Collaborative
Authors: McKeon Mallory , McCoy Nicole , Johnson Christopher , Allen Jacqui , Altaye Mekibib , Amin Milan , Bayan Semirra , Belafsky Peter , DeSilva Brad , Dion Greg , Ekbom Dale , Friedman Aaron , Fritz Mark , Giliberto John Paul , Guardiani Elizabeth , Kasperbauer Jan , Kim Brandon , Krekeler Brittany N. , Kuhn Maggie , Kwak Paul , Ma Yue , Madden Lyndsay L. , Matrka Laura , Mayerhoff Ross , Piraka Cyrus , Rosen Clark A. , Tabangin Meredith , Wahab Shaun , Wilson Keith , Wright Carter , Young VyVy N. , Postma Gregory , Howell Rebecca J.
Published: December 2023

Objectives

The aim of the study was to identify trends in postoperative management of persons undergoing surgery for Zenker diverticula (ZD) by evaluating length of stay (LOS), diet on discharge, and imaging with or without surgical complication.

Methods

Prospectively enrolled adult patients with cricopharyngeal muscle dysfunction with diverticula undergoing surgery from August 1, 2017 to February 1, 2023 were included. Data were extracted from a multi‐institutional REDCap database, summarizing means, medians, percentages, and frequencies. Fisher's exact or chi squared analyses were utilized, as appropriate, to compare subsets of data. Descriptive analysis assessed differences in clinical course and the relationship to postoperative management.

Results

There were 298 patients with a mean (standard deviation) age of 71.8 (11.2) years and 60% male. Endoscopic surgery was performed in 79.5% (237/298) of patients versus 20.5% (61/298) open surgery. Sixty patients (20.1%) received postoperative imaging, with four leaks identified. Complications were identified in 9.4% of cases (n = 29 complications in 28 patients), more commonly in open surgery. Most (81.2%) patients were discharged within 23 h. About half of patients (49%) were discharged from the hospital on a pureed/liquid diet; 36% had been advanced to a soft diet. In patients without complications, LOS was significantly longer following open cases (p = 0.002); postoperative diet was not different between open and endoscopic (p = 0.26).

Conclusions

Overall, most patients are discharged within 23 h without imaging. However, LOS was affected by surgical approach. Postoperative complications are different in endoscopic versus open surgery. Complications with either approach were associated with prolonged LOS, need for imaging, and diet restriction.

Level of Evidence

Level III Laryngoscope, 134:2678–2683, 2024
Treatment outcome and prognostic factors of inverted papilloma involving the frontal sinus
Authors: Cho Sung‐Woo , Kim Su Geun , Han Doo Hee , Kim Hyun Jik , Kim Jeong‐Whun , Kim Dong‐Young , Rhee Chae‐Seo , Won Tae‐Bin
Published: December 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics and treatment outcomes of inverted papillomas involving the frontal sinus.

Methods

Patients treated for inverted papilloma involving the frontal sinus between 2003 and 2020 were reviewed. Tumors were classified based on their extent (Extent 1: partially encroaching on the frontal sinus; Extent 2: completely filling the frontal sinus; Extent 3: eroding bony borders beyond the frontal sinus) and site of origin (Origin 1: originating outside the frontal sinus and prolapsing into the frontal sinus; Origin 2: originating from the frontal sinus walls medial to the vertical plane of the lamina papyracea; Origin 3: originating from the frontal sinus walls lateral to the vertical plane of the lamina papyracea). Treatment outcomes including tumor recurrence and patency of the frontal recess were analyzed according to tumor characteristics and surgical treatment modalities.

Results

A total of 49 surgical cases were analyzed. Extent 1 were the most common type (n = 27), followed by Extent 2 (n = 15), and Extent 3 (n = 7). The most common sites of origin were Origin 1 (n = 23), followed by Origin 2 (n = 15), and Origin 3 (n = 11). Overall, there were nine recurrences (18.4%). Recurrence was not associated with tumor extent, whereas tumor origin, particularly Origin 3 was associated with higher recurrence; 1/23 (4.3%) for Origin 1, 3/15 (20.0%) for Origin 2, and 5/11 (45.5%) for Origin 3 (Log‐rank p < .001). Draf III frontal sinusotomy was associated with in the highest patency rate (84.6%) during the follow‐up.

Conclusion

The recurrence rate of frontal sinus inverted papilloma depends on tumor origin rather than the extent of the tumor. In particular, lesions originating from the frontal sinus lateral to the lamina papyracea recur frequently. Draf III frontal sinusotomy can achieve patent frontal recess allowing active surveillance.

Level of Evidence

IV
Normalized solutions for a Schrödinger system with critical Sobolev growth in R3$\mathbb {R}^3$
Authors: Liu Mei‐Qi , Zou Wenming
Published: December 2023

We study the following critical Schrödinger system in :
where , , , and . Any solving such system (for some ) is called the normalized solution in the literature, where the normalization is settled in . We show that this system has a positive ground state for in the case of . For the case of and , we obtain the non‐existence results.
Cough Correlates of Functional Swallow Outcomes in Atypical Parkinsonism
Authors: Mir Michela J. , Childers Justin T. , Wheeler‐Hegland Karen
Published: December 2023

Background

Swallow and cough impairments lead to aspiration and reduced clearance of aspirate material. Both behaviors are impaired in Parkinson's disease, but it is unknown whether a similar relationship of dysfunction exists in forms of atypical Parkinsonism (APD). Elucidating this association in APD may lead to early, comprehensive airway protection treatment.

Objectives

We tested the hypotheses that swallow deficits in APD are associated with impaired cough and that airway protective dysfunction is associated with longer disease duration.

Methods

Swallowing difficulty was described by 11 participants with APD. Penetration‐Aspiration Scale (PAS) and DIGEST scores for thin liquid trials were extracted from medical records of videofluoroscopic swallow study reports. Voluntary and capsaicin induced‐reflex cough measures of flow, volume, and timing were analyzed.

Results

While most participants did not have post‐swallow residue, ~80% received abnormal PAS scores and reported swallowing difficulty. Those with abnormal PAS scores had lower voluntary cough expired volume (P = 0.037; mean rank difference = 5.0); lower reflex inspiratory flow rate (P = 0.034; mean rank difference = 5.5); and longer reflex expiratory flow rise time (P = 0.034; mean rank difference = 5.5). Higher PAS scores and reduced reflex cough volume acceleration were significantly correlated (r = −0.63; P = 0.04) and longer disease duration predicted larger voluntary cough expired volume (R2 = 0.72) and longer flow rise times (R2 = 0.47).

Conclusions

As swallow safety worsens, so might the ability to clear the airways with effective cough in in APD; particularly with longer disease duration. Assessing cough in conjunction with swallowing is important for informing airway protection treatment plans in APD.
Novel mutation in the NDP gene associated with Norrie disease in a Chinese pedigree
Authors: Jiang Keke , Wang Shuying , Sun Huixin , Peng Chuanzhi , Li Nan , Li Shuchan , Gao Rongyu , Zhang Jie
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Norrie disease (ND) is a rare X‐linked recessive disorder characteristic of early childhood blindness. While several mutations in the NDP gene have been reported as causative for ND, the genetic etiology remains unknown for many patients. This study aims to describe a novel mutation and explore the clinical manifestations in a Chinese family with two affected males.

Methods

Exome sequencing (ES) was employed to identify the causative gene in a four‐generation pedigree. Sanger sequencing was subsequently utilized to validate the mutation detected by ES in additional family members. Ophthalmologic examination and diagnostic imaging relevant to ND were conducted.

Results

The proband (IV:2), an 8‐month‐old male infant, presented with binocular retinal detachment. DNA sequencing revealed a novel heterozygous missense mutation (c.174G>C) within the NDP gene in the proband. This mutation affected highly conserved residues and was predicted to disrupt the normal protein structure. Furthermore, the variant co‐segregated with the disease phenotypes within the family.

Conclusions

Our findings identified a novel missense mutation in the NDP gene associated with Norrie disease in China, expanding the mutation spectrum associated with ND. This discovery holds diagnostic, prognostic, and genetic counseling implications for affected individuals.
Engineering Nannochloropsis oceanica for the production of diterpenoid compounds
Authors: Du Zhi‐Yan , Bhat Wajid W. , Poliner Eric , Johnson Sean , Bertucci Conor , Farre Eva , Hamberger Bjoern
Published: December 2023

Photosynthetic microalgae like Nannochloropsis hold enormous potential as sustainable, light‐driven biofactories for the production of high‐value natural products such as terpenoids. Nannochloropsis oceanica is distinguished as a particularly robust host with extensive genomic and transgenic resources available. Its capacity to grow in wastewater, brackish, and sea waters, coupled with advances in microalgal metabolic engineering, genome editing, and synthetic biology, provides an excellent opportunity. In the present work, we demonstrate how N. oceanica can be engineered to produce the diterpene casbene—an important intermediate in the biosynthesis of pharmacologically relevant macrocyclic diterpenoids. Casbene accumulated after stably expressing and targeting the casbene synthase from Daphne genkwa (DgTPS1) to the algal chloroplast. The engineered strains yielded production titers of up to 0.12 mg g−1 total dry cell weight (DCW) casbene. Heterologous overexpression and chloroplast targeting of two upstream rate‐limiting enzymes in the 2‐C‐methyl‐
d‐erythritol 4‐phosphate pathway, Coleus forskohlii 1‐deoxy‐
d‐xylulose‐5‐phosphate synthase and geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase genes, further enhanced the yield of casbene to a titer up to 1.80 mg g−1 DCW. The results presented here form a basis for further development and production of complex plant diterpenoids in microalgae.
Existence of weak solutions for Kirchhoff type double‐phase problem in ℝ
Authors: Arora Anupma , Dwivedi Gaurav
Published: December 2023

This article aims to study the existence of weak solutions for the Kirchhoff type double‐phase problem

image

where
and
is a real parameter. The main distinctive feature of this problem lies in the second nonlinearity on the right‐hand side, which can be in the supercritical. Additionally, we encounter the Kirchhoff term, which might become zero at the origin. By imposing certain assumptions, we establish the existence and multiplicity results.
Role of non‐chromosomal birth defects on the risk of developing childhood Hodgkin lymphoma: A Children's Oncology Group study
Authors: Peckham‐Gregory Erin C. , Boff Lucas Maschietto , Schraw Jeremy M. , Spector Logan G. , Linabery Amy M. , Erhardt Erik B. , Ribeiro Karina B. , Allen Carl E. , Scheurer Michael E. , Lupo Philip J.
Published: December 2023

Background

Non‐chromosomal birth defects are an important risk factor for several childhood cancers. However, these associations are less clear for Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). Therefore, we sought to more fully elucidate the association between non‐chromosomal birth defects and HL risk.

Procedure

Information on cases (n = 517) diagnosed with HL (ages of 0–14) at Children's Oncology Group Institutions for the period of 1989–2003 was obtained. Control children without a history of cancer (n = 784) were identified using random digit dialing and individually matched to cases on sex, race/ethnicity, age, and geographic location. Parents completed comprehensive interviews and answered questions including whether their child had been born with a non‐chromosomal birth defect. To test the association between birth defects and HL risk, conditional logistic regression was applied to generate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Children born with any non‐chromosomal birth defect were not more likely to be diagnosed with HL at 0–14 years of age (aOR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.69–1.21). No associations were detected between major or minor birth defects and HL (aOR: 1.34; 95% CI: 0.67–2.67 and aOR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.57–1.34, respectively). Similarly, no association was observed for children born with any birth defect and EBV‐positive HL (aOR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.25–1.26).

Conclusions

Previous assessments of HL in children with non‐chromosomal birth defects have been limited. Using data from the largest case–control study of HL in those <15 years of age, we did not observe strong associations between being born with a birth defect and HL risk.
Multiscale modeling of hyperviscoelastic behavior of particulate rubber composites based on hybrid silica/carbon black filler system
Authors: Barghamadi Mohammad , Ghoreishy Mir Hamid Reza , Karrabi Mohammad , Naderi Ghasem
Published: December 2023

The present research outlines the novel finite element analysis of green tire tread compounds based on solution styrene‐butadiene rubber/butadiene rubber (SSBR/BR) reinforced with a hybrid silica/carbon black filler system. For this purpose, a series of micromodels using representative volume elements (RVEs) were developed. The silica/carbon black ratio with a constant value of the reinforcement and considering periodic boundary conditions (PBCs) were established. The distribution of the reinforcing fillers in the matrix was inspired by transmission electron microscope (TEM) micrographs. A nonlinear hyperviscoelastic model was considered for the matrix and interphase zones and a linear elastic model for the reinforcement phase to predict the dissipation behavior at a moderate to high strain regime. To confirm the accuracy of the proposed model, the RVEs of hybrid systems were simulated and then compared with experimental data. The results showed that the proposed model is capable to predict the mechanical properties of rubber compounds. The presence of agglomerated fillers resulted in an increase in the dissipation behavior. This was confirmed by rubber process analyzer (RPA) and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) results.

Highlights

Rubber compounds based on SSBR/BR reinforced with silica and/or carbon black were prepared by the melt mixing method.

A multi‐scale finite element analysis of the particulate composites was developed using RVE.

The distribution of reinforcing fillers in the matrix was inspired by TEM.

The prediction of the stress–strain behavior of the hybrid composites was confirmed by the results of tensile tests.

The simulated dissipation behavior of the composites was compared with RPA and DMTA analyses.
Potential‐induced degradation in bifacial silicon heterojunction solar modules: Insights and mitigation strategies
Authors: Arriaga Arruti Olatz , Gnocchi Luca , Jeangros Quentin , Ballif Christophe , Virtuani Alessandro
Published: December 2023

Potential‐induced degradation (PID) may be a serious concern in photovoltaic (PV) modules and plants, particularly when approaching high system voltages (1500+ V). Here, we investigate PID occurring in bifacial rear‐emitter silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells encapsulated in a glass/glass (G/G) module configuration with ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) as an encapsulant. PID testing was performed at 85°C in 85% relative humidity (RH), and the solar cells were subjected to −1 kV and +1 kV for up to 800 h. SHJ cells were found to degrade when subjected to −1 kV, and to a lesser extent when left unbiased in damp heat (DH) conditions, while the application of +1 kV prevented degradation. Although prone to PID after extended test durations, the SHJ mini‐modules investigated in this study noticeably passed the industry standard (IEC 61215:2021) PID test of 96 h. The degradation was primarily characterized by losses in short‐circuit current (ISC) at the front side, followed by fill factor (FF) and open‐circuit voltage (VOC). A cross‐sectional transmission electronic microscopy analysis of the laminates subjected to −1 kV highlighted a transport of sodium (Na) through the transparent conductive oxide (TCO), reaching the amorphous Si/TCO interface. The samples tested in DH conditions and with positive PID test conditions did not exhibit such a migration of Na. To account for these observations, we updated a previously proposed model describing the sensitivity of SHJ cells to water. In our degradation model, moisture in the module corrodes the glass, creating sodium hydroxide (NaOH) that then percolate through the EVA before reaching the SHJ cell. The application of a high negative bias amplifies the previous mechanism by increasing the availability of Na+ and also enhances the drift of Na+ through the EVA to the cell. Finally, we demonstrate that PID can be mitigated or suppressed at the module level by using a high‐volume resistivity encapsulant with a low water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) or by encapsulating SHJ solar cells in a configuration impermeable to water (e.g., using an edge sealant).
Chinese clinical practice guidelines for the prevention and treatment of radiation‐induced rectal injury
Authors: Zhang Hui , Zhang Zhen , Yuan Shuanghu
Published: December 2023

Although radiotherapy plays an important role in the treatment of cancer, it may have negative effects in some individuals. Rectal injury is a common adverse effect of abdominal and pelvic radiotherapy. This injury is caused by administering radiation to the abdomen. Appropriate treatment techniques can be determined if doctors have a better understanding of the incidence, risk factors, and clinical symptoms of radiation‐induced rectal injuries. Studies on the underlying pathophysiology of radiation‐induced rectal injury may aid in the development of effective treatment and prevention strategies. The implementation of efficient preventive measures can improve the quality of life of patients with cancer and make it easier for them to complete their treatment. Therefore, comprehensive and accurate assessments are crucial for developing holistic and individualized treatment plans for patients who have already developed symptoms, with early intervention being a priority.
Red shell‐ high risk normal tissue in stereotactic radiosurgery
Authors: Yang Jun , Qi Weihua , Wang Lei , Lu Qiuxia , Han Liangfu , Wang Brian , Yan Weisi
Published: December 2023

Due to the ablative nature of high prescription in Stereotactic Radiosurgery or stereotactic body radiation therapy (SRS/SBRT), the normal tissue surrounding the CTV receives the dose higher than tissue's dose constraint. A concept of Red Shell is proposed to define and quantify these tissue damaged in SBRT, using biological equivalent dose (BED) concept. The combination of biological factors and physics factors, including serial and parallel organ, dose gradient, dose distribution and fractionations, are further discussed to interpret the clinical meaning of Red Shell. This concept can also help planner to improve the optimization in planning process.
Foliar application of glycine‐functionalized nanopesticides for effective prevention and control of root‐knot nematodes via a targeted delivery strategy
Authors: Zhong Ximing , Su Guofeng , Hao Li , Chen Huayao , Li Chao , Xu Hua , Zhou Hongjun , Zhou Xinhua
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

Root‐knot nematodes (RKNs) are the highly damaging pests for various crops, and the prevalence of RKNs has posed serious threats to worldwide agricultural harvest, severely affecting global food security and ecosystem health. Traditional pesticide systems on controlling RKNs generally cause environmental hazards and phytotoxicity due to the excessive use of pesticides resulted from low utilization efficiency. And effective approaches with biosafe and efficient features are highly demanded to break away from the dilemma caused by RKNs.

RESULTS

In this research, a nanopesticide system with root‐targeted delivery function was developed to achieve effective prevention and control of RKNs. The nanocarriers (MSN‐KH560‐Gly) and the obtained nanopesticides (EB@MSN‐KH560‐Gly) were proved to be biosafe. Also, this nanopesticide system demonstrated sustained release behavior. The grafting of glycine (Gly) significantly improved the pesticide contents translocating to cucumber roots (about 304.7%). Besides, such root‐targeted delivery function resulted in no root nodule in cucumber plants after the foliar application of these nanopesticides (prevention rate of 100%). In addition, the root nodule numbers of the infected cucumber plants decreased by 71.67%.

CONCLUSION

Foliar application of these Gly‐functionalized nanopesticides achieved effective prevention and control of RKNs due to the root‐targeted delivery property inherent in this nanopesticide system, and such root‐targeted delivery strategy opens a novel and efficient method to protect crops from RKN invasion and thus facilitates the development of sustainable agriculture. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Workflows for detecting fungicide resistance in net form and spot form net blotch pathogens
Authors: Knight Noel L. , Adhikari Kul C. , Dodhia Kejal N. , Mair Wesley J. , Lopez‐Ruiz Francisco J.
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

Fungicide resistance in Pyrenophora teres f. maculata and P. teres f. teres has become an important disease management issue. Control of the associated barley foliar diseases, spot form and net form net blotch, respectively, relies on three major groups of fungicides, demethylation inhibitors (DMIs), succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHIs) and quinone outside inhibitors (QoIs). However, resistance has been reported for the DMI and SDHI fungicides in Australia. To enhance detection of different resistance levels, phenotyping and genotyping workflows were designed.

RESULTS

The phenotyping workflow generated cultures directly from lesions and compared growth on discriminatory doses of tebuconazole (DMI) and fluxapyroxad (SDHI). Genotyping real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were based on alleles associated with sensitivity or resistance to the DMI and SDHI fungicides. These workflows were applied to spot form and net form net blotch collections from 2019 consisting predominantly of P. teres f. teres from South Australia and P. teres f. maculata from Western Australia. For South Australia the Cyp51A L489‐3 and SdhC‐R134 alleles, associated with resistance to tebuconazole and fluxapyroxad, respectively, were the most prevalent. These alleles were frequently found in single isolates with dual resistance. This study also reports the first detection of a 134 base pair insertion located at position‐66 (PtTi‐6) in the Cyp51A promoter of P. teres f. maculata from South Australia. For Western Australia, the PtTi‐1 insertion was the most common allele associated with resistance to tebuconazole.

CONCLUSION

The workflow and PCR assays designed in this study have been demonstrated to efficiently screen P. teres collections for both phenotypic and genetic resistance to DMI and SDHI fungicides. The distribution of reduced sensitivity and resistance to DMI and SDHI fungicides varied between regions in south‐western Australia, suggesting the emergence of resistance was impacted by both local pathogen populations and disease management programmes. The knowledge of fungicide resistance in regional P. teres collections will be important for informing appropriate management strategies. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
UV‐LASER adjuvant–surfactant‐facilitated delivery of mobile dsRNA to tomato plant vasculature and evidence of biological activity by gene knockdown in the potato psyllid
Authors: Thakre Neha , Carver Megan , Paredes‐Montero Jorge R , Mondal Mosharrof , Hu Jiahuai , Saberi Esmaeil , Ponvert Nathaniel , Qureshi Jawwad A , Brown Judith K
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

Double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) biopesticides are of interest for the abatement of insect vectors of pathogenic bacteria such as ‘Candidatus Liberibacter’, which infects both its psyllid and plant hosts. Silencing of genes essential for psyllids, or for Liberibacter, is anticipated to lead to mortality or impeded bacterial multiplication. Foliar delivery is preferred for biopesticide application; however, the cuticle impedes dsRNA penetration into the vasculature. Here, conditions were established for wounding tomato leaves using ultraviolet light amplification by stimulated emissions of radiation (UV‐LASER) to promote dsRNA penetration into leaves and vasculature.

RESULTS

UV‐LASER treatment with application of select adjuvants/surfactants resulted in vascular delivery of 100‐, 300‐ and 600‐bp dsRNAs that, in general, were correlated with size. The 100‐bp dsRNA required no pretreatment, whereas 300‐ and 600‐bp dsRNAs entered the vasculature after UV‐LASER treatment only and UV‐LASER adjuvant/surfactant treatment, respectively. Of six adjuvant/surfactants evaluated, plant‐derived oil combined with an anionic organosilicon compound performed most optimally. Localization of dsRNAs in the tomato vasculature was documented using fluorometry and fluorescence confocal microscopy. The biological activity of in planta‐delivered dsRNA (200–250 bp) was determined by feeding third‐instar psyllids on tomato leaves post UV‐LASER adjuvant/surfactant treatment, with or without psyllid cdc42‐ and gelsolin dsRNAs. Gene knockdown was quantified by quantitative, real‐time polymerase chain reaction with reverse transcription (RT–qPCR) amplification. At 10 days post the ingestion‐access period, knockdown of cdc42 and gelsolin expression was 61% and 56%, respectively, indicating that the dsRNAs delivered to the tomato vasculature were mobile and biologically active.

CONCLUSION

Results indicated that UV‐LASER adjuvant/surfactant treatments facilitated the delivery of mobile, biologically active dsRNA molecules to the plant vasculature. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Remote exercise testing in pulmonary hypertension (PHRET)
Authors: Stubbs Harrison , Lua Stephanie , Ingram Jamie , Jani Bhautesh D. , Brewis Melanie , Church Colin , Johnson Martin
Published: December 2023

Remote exercise tests for patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) would improve the telemedicine strategies in this disease. The PHRET study assessed the validity and feasibility of four remote exercise tests performed by PH patients at home. Participants undergoing diagnostic assessment for PH were included. At baseline, patients completed a 6MWT followed by a range of study tests including a Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, a Sit‐to‐Stand (STS), a Step Test (ST), and a tele‐6MWT (T6MWT) performed outside using a GPS‐enabled smartphone. Patients performed these tests at home following discharge and at first follow‐up. Analysis focused on comparing the results of study tests to the standard 6MWT. The discontinuation rate was 15%. Ninety‐seven percent of patients were able to complete a TUG, 92% a STS, 73% a ST, and 49% a T6MWT. At baseline, correlation between the standard 6MWT and study tests, respectively, was T6MWT 0.93, ST 0.78, STS 0.71, and TUG −0.76 (p < 0.001). Direction of change in the study test agreed with the standard 6MWT in 68% of the follow‐up ST, 68% of the STS, 71% of the TUG, and 79% of the T6MWT. Patients were able to complete the tests at home, there were no adverse incidents and ≥92% of patients were happy to continue performing home tests. Remote exercise testing is feasible. The T6MWT was a valid remote measure of exercise capacity, but could only be performed by a limited number of patients. The high discontinuation rate may impact the utility of remote tests.
Action reliability analysis under random‐interval hybrid uncertainty of chain conveyor based on adaptive intelligent extremum surrogate model
Authors: Wen Hao , Hou Baolin , Lin Yubin , Jin Xin
Published: December 2023

The action responses of controlled mechanisms are often multiparametric, nonlinear, and uncertain. Complex dynamics and limited uncertain information pose difficulties for action reliability analysis. This paper develops an adaptive intelligent extremum surrogate model (AIESM) method for the action reliability under random‐interval hybrid uncertainty of a chain conveyor. First, a dynamic model of the chain conveyor is established, which considers the impact and frictional effects within the mechanical system, the regulating effects of the control system, and the external disturbances of the system. After that, a hybrid kernel extreme learning machine optimized by the sparrow search algorithm is employed as an intelligent surrogate model to construct the initial surrogate model from the hybrid uncertain variables to the limit state function (LSF) response and the extremum surrogate model (ESM) from the random variables to the LSF extremum response. An adaptive infilling strategy combining active learning and opposition‐based learning is applied to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the ESM and reduce the estimation error of action reliability. Finally, the action reliability interval bounds are obtained by Monte Carlo simulation based on the ESM. Two numerical examples are presented to illustrate the validity of the AIESM method. The action reliability interval of the chain conveyor provided by the proposed method is [0.9706, 0.9923].
Fixed‐time integral sliding mode control for admittance control of a robot manipulator
Authors: Sun Yuzhu , Van Mien , McIlvanna Stephen , McLoone Seán , Ceglarek Dariusz
Published: December 2023

This article proposes a novel fixed‐time integral sliding mode controller for admittance control to enhance physical human‐robot collaboration. The proposed method combines the benefits of compliance to external forces of admittance control and high robustness to uncertainties of integral sliding mode control (ISMC), such that the system can collaborate with a human partner in an uncertain environment effectively. First, a fixed‐time sliding surface is applied in the ISMC to make the tracking error of the system converge within a fixed time regardless of the initial condition. Then, a fixed‐time backstepping controller (BSP) is integrated into the ISMC as the nominal controller to realize global fixed‐time convergence. Furthermore, to overcome the singularity problem, a nonsingular fixed‐time sliding surface is designed and integrated into the controller, which is useful for practical application. Finally, the proposed controller is validated for a two‐link robot manipulator with uncertainties and external human forces. The results show that the proposed controller is superior in the sense of both tracking error and convergence time, and at the same time, can comply with human motion in a shared workspace.
River regulation effects on zooplankton community assembly: Implications for arid river restoration and conservation
Authors: Li Jiahui , Liang Qiqi , Wang Hang , Montaña Carmen G. , Wang Zhongsuo
Published: December 2023

River flow reduction and biodegradation are increasingly threatening ecological processes and the health of rivers. Water replenishment is frequently applied to drought‐stricken rivers to conserve biodiversity and restore ecosystems. To evaluate and improve the effects of different water supply regimes on aquatic environments and organisms, we investigated the species composition and community structure of zooplankton in 2020, following water replenishment in the dried section of the Yongding River in Beijing. Slow base flow of water and flow break were trialed in the mountainous and plain river sections, respectively, during the flooding season (June–August), while short‐time pulse high flow was applied outside the flooding season. The results indicated a low‐density but stable zooplankton community structure, as well as low nutrient loads with water purification outputs in the flooding season at the mountainous sites. Meanwhile, the absence of flow at plain sites drove isolated lakes or pools into rapid eutrophication and concurrent outbreaks of pollution‐indicator rotifers. Compared with the disturbances of high flow, continuous base flow was effective in fostering a river system with lower nutrient loads and higher biostability. Our findings support the importance of water‐saving base flows for maintaining aquatic habitats and associated biota, whereas high flows can satisfy the nutrient diffusion and special life activities of aquatic organisms in arid river management.
Challenges in measuring fine sediment ingress in gravel‐bed rivers using retrievable sediment trap samplers
Authors: Maltauro R. , Stone M. , Collins A. L. , Krishnappan B. G.
Published: December 2023

“Excess” interstitial fine sediment (<2 mm) is known to cause deleterious impacts on streambed ecosystems. Current methodologies available to assess ingress and its vertical and horizontal components still lack standardization, and the accuracy of commonly used assessments is still debatable. Here, we evaluate three fine sediment trap designs that measure only vertical (V), only horizontal (H), and both vertical and horizontal (HV) ingress mechanisms. Sediment traps were deployed in triplicates to: (i) evaluate measurement variability within traps of the same type; (ii) evaluate the effects of trap design on particle size distributions of infiltrated fine sediment and; (iii) assess methodologies used to calculate vertical and horizontal ingress mechanisms. Ingress rates were recorded for each sediment trap during seven deployment periods (lasting from 2 to 10 days) at a range of flow conditions at four sites. A total of 252 traps were deployed. Results from the triplicate assessment of traps with the same design showed that most measurements presented high variability and that particle size distributions were significantly affected by trap design. Here, different sediment traps were able to estimate directional ingress mechanisms. However, direct comparison between HV with either H or V traps led to an overestimation of horizontal or vertical ingress mechanisms, respectively. Better estimations were found when comparing HV observations to half the accumulation in either H or V, due to the proportional trap volume available for each accumulation mechanism according to trap design.
Using leave‐one‐out cross validation (LOO) in a multilevel regression and poststratification (MRP) workflow: A cautionary tale
Authors: Kuh Swen , Kennedy Lauren , Chen Qixuan , Gelman Andrew
Published: December 2023

In recent decades, multilevel regression and poststratification (MRP) has surged in popularity for population inference. However, the validity of the estimates can depend on details of the model, and there is currently little research on validation. We explore how leave‐one‐out cross validation (LOO) can be used to compare Bayesian models for MRP. We investigate two approximate calculations of LOO: Pareto smoothed importance sampling (PSIS‐LOO) and a survey‐weighted alternative (WTD‐PSIS‐LOO). Using two simulation designs, we examine how accurately these two criteria recover the correct ordering of model goodness at predicting population and small‐area estimands. Focusing first on variable selection, we find that neither PSIS‐LOO nor WTD‐PSIS‐LOO correctly recovers the models' order for an MRP population estimand, although both criteria correctly identify the best and worst model. When considering small‐area estimation, the best model differs for different small areas, highlighting the complexity of MRP validation. When considering different priors, the models' order seems slightly better at smaller‐area levels. These findings suggest that, while not terrible, PSIS‐LOO‐based ranking techniques may not be suitable to evaluate MRP as a method. We suggest this is due to the aggregation stage of MRP, where individual‐level prediction errors average out. We validate these results by applying to the real world National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data in the United States. Altogether, these results show that PSIS‐LOO‐based model validation tools need to be used with caution and might not convey the full story when validating MRP as a method.
Prolonged chronic academic stress and its relationship with cytokine dysregulation in health science students
Authors: Rivera Gómez Angie Katherine , Perafán Collazos Jeyson Fernando , Prieto Jerónimo Londoño , Pinzón Paola Vernaza , Ávila González Gloria Inés , Nino Castaño Victoria Eugenia , Dueñas Cuellar Rosa Amalia
Published: December 2023

Academic stress is a problem that affects students due to a number of factors that are considered stressors. These include academic overload and completion of assignments and exams, exacerbated by such external conditions as family, social and economic problems. Together, these can affect emotional and physical health, which may lead in the long term to developing a number of pathologies, given the alteration of immunological homoeostasis with which they are related. Objective: To evaluate the effect of academic stress on the production of cytokines IL‐6, TNF‐α, IL‐1β and IL‐10 in Morphology students in the Faculty of Health Sciences of the Universidad del Cauca during an academic period. Methodology: A descriptive longitudinal study was carried out with a population of 78 students studying Morphology, among the subjects with the highest academic load in the Physiotherapy, Medicine, Nursing and Phonoaudiology programs in the Faculty. Academic stress was assessed in the students by applying the Academic Stress Questionnaire (ASQ), and through quantification of the IL‐6, TNF‐α, IL‐1β and IL‐10 cytokines using the ELISA (Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay) technique in three “moments” of the academic semester: Moment 1: beginning of the academic semester; Moment 2: week of evaluations of 70% of the semester; Moment 3: week of final exams. Results: The students perceived stress as “normal” at Moment 1, while at Moments 2 and 3 it was perceived as "quite a lot", with percentages of 48.7% and 50%, respectively. The predominant stressors were: “methodological deficiencies”, “academic overload”, and “exams”, for the three moments of the study. “Physical exhaustion” was the most prevalent stress response at all three moments, followed by “irascible behaviour” (Moment 2 and 3), and “sleep disturbances” (Moment 3). To cope with the stress, the students resorted mainly to "planning and management of personal resources" in the three moments of the study. A progressive increase in the pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐6 and TNF‐α and a decrease in IL‐10 were observed at all three moments. A correlation was found between some questions belonging to the "methodological deficiencies", "beliefs about performance", "sleep disturbances", "physical exhaustion" and "irascible behaviour" dimensions with IL‐6, IL‐1β, TNF‐α and IL. −10. Conclusion: The morphology students suffer increased stress indicators (perceived stress and pro‐inflammatory cytokines) throughout the academic period. The “methodological deficiencies”, “academic overload” and “exams” stressors, together with “physical exhaustion”, “sleep disturbances” and “irascible behaviour”, possibly influence the production of the IL‐6, TNF‐α and IL‐10 cytokines.