bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Covid‐19 is dangerous”: The role of parental verbal threat information on children's fear of Covid‐19
Authors: Nimphy Cosima A. , Elzinga Bernet M. , Van der Does Willem , Aktar Evin
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Theoretical and empirical evidence suggests that the effect of parental verbal threat information on the offspring's fear acquisition of novel stimuli may be causal. The current study investigated this verbal fear acquisition pathway from parents to children in the unique context of Covid‐19 as a novel environmental threat for parents and children.

Methods

Using an online cross‐sectional survey, we collected data about fear of Covid‐19, parent–child communication, parental anxiety, and child temperament, in the period between June 11th 2020 and May 28th 2021. Participants were 8 to 18‐year‐old children (N = 195; Mage = 14.23; 113 girls) and their parents (N = 193; Mage = 47.82; 146 mothers) living in the Netherlands.

Results

Children of parents with stronger Covid‐19 fears also reported stronger Covid‐19 fears. Moreover, parents who were more fearful of Covid‐19 provided more threat‐related information about the virus to their children. More parental threat information in turn was related to stronger fear of Covid‐19 in their children, and partly mediated the link between parent and child fear of the virus. The link between parental threat information and children's fear of Covid‐19 was not moderated by child temperament or parental anxiety.

Conclusions

Parental communication about Covid‐19 may play a role in children's fear acquisition of Covid‐19. The lack of moderation of this link by parental anxiety and child temperament may reflect the potentially adaptive nature of verbal fear transmission during the first year of the pandemic and the nonclinical levels of fear in this community sample.
Sex‐Specific Differences in Gsα‐Mediated Signaling Downstream of PTH1R Activation by Abaloparatide in Bone
Authors: Swami Srilatha , Johnson Joshua , Vecchi Lawrence A , Kim Matthew J , Lanske Beate , Johnson Rachelle W , Wu Joy Y
Published: October 2022

Teriparatide, recombinant parathyroid hormone (PTH[1‐34]), and abaloparatide, an analogue of PTH related‐peptide (PTHrP[1‐34]), are both anabolic medications for osteoporosis that target the PTH receptor PTH1R. PTH1R is a G protein–coupled receptor, and the stimulatory Gs protein is an important mediator of the anabolic actions of PTH1R activation in bone. We have published that mice lacking the α subunit of Gs in osteoprogenitors do not increase bone mass in response to PTH(1‐34). Unexpectedly, however, PTH(1‐34) still increases osteoblast numbers and bone formation rate in male mice, suggesting that PTH1R may have both Gs‐dependent and ‐independent actions in bone. Here we examine the role of Gs signaling in the anabolic actions of abaloparatide. We find that abaloparatide increases bone formation in male mice with postnatal deletion of Gsα in Osx‐expressing osteoprogenitors (P‐GsαOsxKO mice) but not in female P‐GsαOsxKO mice. Therefore, abaloparatide has anabolic effects on bone in male but not female mice that appear to be independent of Gs‐mediated signaling. © 2022 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The spectrum of plasma renin activity and hypertension diseases: Utility, outlook, and suggestions
Authors: Liu Zhenni , Jin Lizi , Zhou Weiyan , Zhang Chuanbao
Published: October 2022

Background

Plasma renin activity (PRA) is one of the recommended screening indicators for primary aldosteronism (PA) diagnosis and had become increasingly important in hypertension identification, medication guidance, and endocrine disorder confirmation.

Methods

To provide an overview of the PRA measurement progress and clinical value, this review summarizes the main contributing factors related to PRA measurement and necessary precautions during the entire analysis process. We also outline the characteristics of PRA in different endocrine diseases and their clinical utility.

Results

Significant inconsistency was observed in PRA measurement methods, including immunoassay and isotope dilution liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (ID‐LC/MS/MS), which could be attributed to preanalytical, analytical, and postanalytical variations. Meanwhile, consensus about environmental and procedural factors during the entire analytical process, including storage temperature, incubation condition, blank subtraction, and standardized operational procedures across different self‐developed assay laboratories, could be important to minimize analytical variations. Furthermore, commutable uniform calibrators should be prepared to improve consistency, ultimately achieving accurate and reliable measurement of PRA.

Conclusion

This review summarizes the clinical utilization of PRA as a biomarker in multiple diseases, elaborating on routine detection methods and the key factors in the analytical process. We also provide feasible strategies for improving standardization and facilitating PRA assessment for larger‐scale clinical applications.
Measuring patient engagement with HIV care in sub‐Saharan Africa: a scoping study
Authors: Keene Claire M. , Ragunathan Ayesha , Euvrard Jonathan , English Mike , McKnight Jacob , Orrell Catherine ,   the InCARE Stakeholder Group
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Engagement with HIV care is a multi‐dimensional, dynamic process, critical to maintaining successful treatment outcomes. However, measures of engagement are not standardized nor comprehensive. This undermines our understanding of the scope of challenges with engagement and whether interventions have an impact, complicating patient and programme‐level decision‐making. This study identified and characterized measures of engagement to support more consistent and comprehensive evaluation.

Methods

We conducted a scoping study to systematically categorize measures the health system could use to evaluate engagement with HIV care for those on antiretroviral treatment. Key terms were used to search literature databases (Embase, PsychINFO, Ovid Global‐Health, PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane and the World Health Organization Index Medicus), Google Scholar and stakeholder‐identified manuscripts, ultimately including English evidence published from sub‐Saharan Africa from 2014 to 2021. Measures were extracted, organized, then reviewed with key stakeholders.

Results and discussion

We screened 14,885 titles/abstracts, included 118 full‐texts and identified 110 measures of engagement, categorized into three engagement dimensions (“retention,” “adherence” and “active self‐management”), a combination category (“multi‐dimensional engagement”) and “treatment outcomes” category (e.g. viral load as an end‐result reflecting that engagement occurred). Retention reflected status in care, continuity of attendance and visit timing. Adherence was assessed by a variety of measures categorized into primary (prescription not filled) and secondary measures (medication not taken as directed). Active self‐management reflected involvement in care and self‐management. Three overarching use cases were identified: research to make recommendations, routine monitoring for quality improvement and strategic decision‐making and assessment of individual patients.

Conclusions

Heterogeneity in conceptualizing engagement with HIV care is reflected by the broad range of measures identified and the lack of consensus on “gold‐standard” indicators. This review organized metrics into five categories based on the dimensions of engagement; further work could identify a standardized, minimum set of measures useful for comprehensive evaluation of engagement for different use cases. In the interim, measurement of engagement could be advanced through the assessment of multiple categories for a more thorough evaluation, conducting sensitivity analyses with commonly used measures for more comparable outputs and using longitudinal measures to evaluate engagement patterns. This could improve research, programme evaluation and nuanced assessment of individual patient engagement in HIV care.
Hit and run oncogeneses in head and neck cancers requires greater investigation
Authors: Goon Peter , Sudhoff Holger , Goerner Martin
Published: October 2022

Head and neck cancers are unique in so far that two major oncogenic viruses, Epstein Barr virus (EBV) and Human papillomavirus (HPV) infect adjacent anatomy and cause nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal cancers, respectively. Dominant recognized carcinogens are alcohol and tobacco but some head and neck cancers have been found to have mixed carcinogens (including betel leaf, areca nuts, slaked lime, viruses, etc.) involved in their oncogenesis and conversely, groups of patients with unknown or less dominant carcinogens involved in their development. These cancers may have had viral involvement in the past but then lost most of their viral nucleic acids (be they DNA and/or RNA) below a detection threshold, thus rendering them virus‐negative. Some of these virus‐negative tumors appear to have mutagenic signatures associated with virus‐positive cancers,  for example, from the APOBEC defense mechanism which is known to mutate viral nucleic acids as well as cause collateral damage to host DNA, with subsequent development of strongly viral prejudiced mutational signatures. These mechanisms are likely to be less efficient at oncogenesis than traditional EBV and HPV oncogenes directly driving mutagenesis, thus accounting for the smaller frequencies of these cancers found. More profound investigations of these unusual tumors are warranted to dissect out these mechanistic pathways.
LANA regulates miR‐155/GATA3 signaling axis by enhancing c‐Jun/c‐Fos interaction to promote the proliferation and migration of KSHV‐infected cells
Authors: Luo Ting , Pan Yangyang , Liu Yuhao , Zheng Jun , Zhuang Zhaowei , Ren Zuodong , Zhu Jiaojiao , Gu Yongqing , Zeng Yan
Published: October 2022

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is the second most common tumor in people infected with human immunodeficiency virus worldwide, but its pathogenesis is still unclear. In this study, we discovered that the expression of GATA‐binding protein 3 (GATA3) was lowly expressed in KS tissues and KSHV‐infected cells, while microRNA‐155 (miR‐155) was highly expressed in KS serum and KSHV‐infected cells. miR‐155 promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of KSHV infection by targeting GATA3. Further, The KSHV‐encoded protein, the Latency associated nuclear antigen (LANA), promotes the proliferation, migration and invasion of KSHV‐infected cells by regulating the miR‐155/GATA3 axis. Regarding the molecular mechanism, c‐Jun and c‐Fos interact to form a complex. LANA upregulates the expression of c‐Jun and c‐Fos and enhances the formation of c‐Jun/c‐Fos complex. The complex binds to the −95∼−100 bp site of miR‐155 promoter and transcriptionally activates miR‐155. All in all, LANA enhances the c‐Jun/c‐Fos interaction, resulting in enhanced transcriptional regulation of miR‐155 by the c‐Jun/c‐Fos complex, thereby downregulating GATA3 and promoting the proliferation, migration and invasion of KSHV‐infected cells. The discovery of LANA/c‐Jun/c‐Fos/miR‐155/GATA3 further refines the pathogenesis of KS, potentially opening a new avenue for developing effective drugs against KS.
Effective bioremediation of petroleum‐contaminated saline soil using halotolerant Bacillus strains isolated from the Persian Gulf
Authors: Ghaedrahmat Zeinab , Ghafari Shokouh , Almasi Halime , Baboli Zeynab , Neisi Abdolkazem
Published: October 2022

A consortium isolated from the Persian Gulf is evaluated for its ability to bioremediate petroleum‐contaminated soils. The soil sample was collected from oil fields of South Western Iran. The crude oil concentrations were set to 1000–10,000 mg/kg, and the sodium chloride concentration was set to 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, and 2.5%. Operational parameters including volume (2–20 ml) and soil moisture (25%, 50%, and 100%) were studied consecutively according to one factor at the time of experimental design. A total number of eight different isolates capable of degrading crude oil were isolated from hydrocarbon‐contaminated sites (KL1–KL8). The removal efficiency of Total petroleom hydrocarbons (TPH) with an initial concentration of 1000 mg/kg for numbers of bacterial cells per gram soil of 2, 10, and 20 CFU/g was 20.9%, 45%, and 60%, respectively. The removal efficiency of TPHs (initial concentration of 1000 mg/kg) at the end of fifth week for salinity amounts of 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, and 2.5% was 10.87%, 22.4%, 25.7%, 68.6%, and 60.5%, respectively. The TPHs biodegradation efficiencies at different soil/water ratios of 25%, 50%, and 100% (slurry) were 12%, 28.7%, and 60.8%, respectively. In sunflowers, there was no statistically significant difference in seed germination for different levels of soil pollution (p > 0.05). The results of the current work suggest that this process is a viable and efficient method for remediating contaminated sites. To enhance the removal results in real soil, a scale‐up study should also be conducted.
Understanding experiential awareness in humanistic‐phenomenological counseling
Authors: Wilkinson Brett D.
Published: October 2022

The author distinguishes metacognition from experiential awareness in counseling. While all therapeutic approaches engage metacognitive awareness, phenomenologically driven humanistic approaches emphasize experiential awareness by attending to the subjective character of mental acts and the qualitative character of experience. Clinical implications are examined to illustrate how experientially focused practices differ from rationality‐focused practices.
SE‐ResNet‐based classifier for highly similar mixtures based on Raman spectrum: Classification for alcohol systems as an example
Authors: Xie Yuhao , Yang Siwei , Zhou Shenghua , Liu Jiazhen , Zhao Shuai , Jin Shangzhong , Chen Qiang , Liang Pei
Published: October 2022

Raman spectroscopy is widely used in the identification of substances. Raman spectra contain molecular information from various components and interference from noise and instruments. Therefore, using Raman spectroscopy to identify components is still challenging, especially for substances with high similarity. In this study, a class of highly similar products (methanol and ethanol) and a multicomponent mixture of propanol and water were tested using a portable Raman spectrometer. They are divided into 11 categories according to the volume fraction ratio. A total of 5,060 groups of Raman spectrum data were obtained, constituting the data set of this study. The deep neural network structure adopted in this study is based on ResNet architecture, on which the SE module in the attention mechanism is added, which increases the weight of some spectral features and achieves significant performance improvement. Finally, SE‐ResNet achieves a recall of 0.95, a precision rate of 0.95, a Micro‐F1 of 0.95, and an accuracy rate of 99.20%.
Ecofriendly chromatographic estimation of spasmolytic pharmaceutical mixture along with official toxic impurity, 3,5‐dichloroaniline: Complete green profile appraisal
Authors: Darweish Eman , Marzouk Hoda M. , Fayez Yasmin M. , Eissa Maya S.
Published: October 2022

Nowadays, Green Analytical Chemistry is widely applied to provide various analytical methods with eco‐friendly procedures employing the least toxic, harmful reagents on humans and the environment without affecting the efficacy of the determination. Accordingly, two eco‐friendly, accurate, and reliable high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography‐densitometry and high‐performance liquid chromatographic methods were established for the determination and separation of two antispasmodic drugs, namely phloroglucinol and trimethylphloroglucinol in their pure, combined dosage form along with phloroglucinol toxic impurity, 3,5‐dichloroaniline. For high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography‐densitometry, efficient separation was developed via utilizing the stationary phase of high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography silica gel 60 F254 plates and developing a system comprising of ethyl acetate‐butanol‐ammonia in the ratio of 8.0:2.0:0.2, by volume and scanning of the developed bands at 210.0 nm. The subsequent method is isocratic high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection in which separation was successively attained using XTerra RP‐C18 (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) column as stationary phase and methanol‐10.0 mM phosphate buffer, pH 3.7 ± 0.1 as mobile phase in the ratio of 75.0:25.0, v/v at flow rate 1.0 ml/min and scanning at 220.0 nm. The developed liquid chromatography methods were validated according to the International Council for Harmonization guidelines, and all results acknowledged their efficacy. Additionally, the proposed methods worked well for assessing the cited drugs in binary combined commercially available pharmaceutical formulation. The greenness profile of the present methods was assessed and estimated using various assessment tools, namely; Green Analytical Procedure Index, analytical eco‐scale method, National Environmental Method Index in addition to Analytical GREEnness tool to evaluate the greenness of the provided methods with a statistical comparison between them to assess the more green ones.
Atmospheric chemistry of CCl2FCH2CF3(HCFC‐234fb): Kinetics and mechanism of reactions with Cl atoms and OH radicals
Authors: Sulbaek Andersen Mads P. , Frausig Morten , Nielsen Ole John
Published: October 2022

The atmospheric chemistry of CCl2FCH2CF3(HFCF‐234fb) was examined using FT‐IR/relative‐rate methods. Hydroxyl radical and chlorine atom rate coefficients ofk(CCl2FCH2CF3+OH)= (2.9 ± 0.8) × 10−15cm3molecule–1s–1andk(CCl2FCH2CF3+Cl)= (2.3 ± 0.6) × 10−17cm3molecule–1s–1were determined at 297 ± 2 K. The OH rate coefficient determined here is two times higher than the previous literature value. The atmospheric lifetime for CCl2FCH2CF3with respect to reaction with OH radicals is approximately 21 years using the OH rate coefficient determined in this work, estimated Arrhenius parameters and scaling it to the atmospheric lifetime of CH3CCl3. The chlorine atom initiated oxidation of CCl2FCH2CF3gives C(O)F2and C(O)ClF as stable secondary products. The halogenated carbon balance is close to 80% in our system. The integrated IR absorption cross‐section for CCl2FCH2CF3is 1.87 × 10−16 cm molecule−1(600–1600 cm−1) and the radiative efficiency was calculated to 0.26 W m−2ppb1. A 100‐year Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 1460 was determined, accounting for an estimated stratospheric lifetime of 58 years and using a lifetime‐corrected radiative efficiency estimation.
Knowledge sharing, knowledge seeking, and emotions: A longitudinal study of hospital restructuring decision making
Authors: Chan Yolande E. , Krishnamurthy Rashmi , Mann Janelle , Sabherwal Rajiv
Published: October 2022

Prior research examines factors that enable or hinder knowledge sharing and knowledge seeking in groups. However, individuals also share and seek knowledge outside group meetings, especially if the group is making strategic decisions over time. Therefore, this study examines how, during a longitudinal strategic decision‐making process, the emotions of group members and knowledge sharing within the group affect their knowledge‐sharing intentions and knowledge‐seeking behaviors beyond the group. We focus on a single organization, a hospital, whose board created a citizen advisory panel (CAP) of 28 individuals to gather community input on the restructuring of the hospital's activities to contain costs. The group met in five all‐day sessions to provide their input. We surveyed each member before the CAP process and after each CAP session. The resulting longitudinal data were analyzed using panel‐data techniques, with the findings being complemented by qualitative insights. The results indicate, somewhat surprisingly, that both positive and negative emotions (specifically enthusiasm and anxiety) positively affect both knowledge‐sharing intentions and knowledge sharing within groups in strategic decision‐making contexts. We also find that enthusiasm, anxiety, and perceived relative knowledge within groups positively affect subsequent knowledge‐seeking behaviors. Our findings contribute to the literature on knowledge management and organizational decision making. The study provides insights into how, in groups making strategic decisions over time, emotions as well as knowledge sharing within groups affect knowledge‐related intentions and behaviors beyond the groups. The study also adds to the theory of planned behavior to highlight the role of emotions in influencing intentions and behaviors.
Impact of Serial Intralesional Steroid Injections on Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis
Authors: Hoffman Matthew R. , Patro Ankita , Huang Li‐Ching , Chen Sheau‐Chiann , Berry Lynn D. , Gelbard Alexander , Francis David O. ,   North American Airway Collaborative
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Serial intralesional steroid injection (SILSI) has been increasingly used to treat idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS). Prior studies have shown effectiveness, but not in all patients. This multi‐institutional study evaluates the effect of SILSI on time to recurrent operation, peak expiratory flow (PEF), and dyspnea.

Methods

Post‐hoc secondary analysis of the North American Airway Collaborative data were performed to evaluate the outcomes of iSGS patients undergoing and not undergoing SILSI. The primary outcome was time to recurrent operation, evaluated using Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression analysis. Secondary outcomes were change in PEF and clinical chronic obstructive pulmonary disease questionnaire (CCQ) score. Within patients undergoing SILSI, demographics, time from last procedure, and PEF at initiation of SILSI were evaluated to determine the effect on recurrence.

Results

Two hundred and ninety patients were included, 238 undergoing endoscopic dilation alone and 52 undergoing dilation and SILSI. No differences in baseline characteristics were observed. There was no difference in time to recurrence (hazard ratio: 0.64; p = 0.183). There were no differences in PEF or CCQ across the 2.5‐year study period. Among 52 patients undergoing SILSI, PEF at the time of starting SILSI did not affect recurrence (χ2 = 0.09, p = 0.77).

Conclusion

Patients undergoing and not undergoing SILSI had similar times to recurrence, PEF, and CCQ. Factors predicting recurrence among patients undergoing SILSI were not identified. These results support a randomized controlled trial with a uniform SILSI protocol to quantify the effects of SILSI on objective and subjective outcomes and help determine which iSGS patients benefit most.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 133:2255–2263, 2023
Gender Disparities in Otolaryngology: A Case Report Reflecting Global Perspectives
Authors: Ali Hawa M. , Lee Stellina Y. H. , Jashek‐Ahmed Farizeh , Seguya Amina , Faucett Erynne , Van Beck Jenna , Stapleton Emma , Peer Shazia , Husain Inna A. , Wiedermann Joshua , Salano Valerie ,   Global OHNS
Published: October 2022

Objectives

To explore the impact of female sex on the experiences of trainees and surgeons in otolaryngology from LMIC and HIC.

Methods

This study includes perspectives of five consultants and two resident physicians from the United States, United Kingdom, Uganda, Kenya and South Africa.

Results

Six themes emerged from these interviews. Overall, LMIC and HIC women shared similar experiences of microaggressions during patients, working along ancillary staff, related to pregnancy, imposter syndrome, difficulties during job search, and unique barriers as consultant.

Conclusions

The findings of this study highlight that gender disparities are present at all levels in Otolaryngology but can present differently depending on context. Laryngoscope, 133:547–551, 2023
Application of Machine Learning to Predict Hearing Outcomes of Tympanoplasty
Authors: Koyama Hajime , Kashio Akinori , Uranaka Tsukasa , Matsumoto Yu , Yamasoba Tatsuya
Published: October 2022

Objective

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the performance of machine learning techniques in predicting air‐bone gap after tympanoplasty compared with conventional scoring models and to identify the influential factors.

Methods

We reviewed the charts of 105 patients (114 ears) with chronic otitis media who underwent tympanoplasty. Two numerical scoring systems (middle ear risk index [MERI] and ossiculoplasty outcome parameter staging [OOPS]) and three algorithms (random forest [RF], support vector machine [SVM], and k nearest neighbor [kNN]) were created. Experimental variables included age, preoperative air‐bone gap, soft‐tissue density lesion in the tympanic cavity in CT, otorrhea, surgical history, ossicular bone problems in CT, tympanic perforation location, perforation type (central or marginal), grafting material, smoking history, endoscopy use, and the operator whose experience was 20 years or longer, or shorter. Binary classification, postoperative air‐bone gap ≤15 or >15 dB, and multiclass classification, classification into seven categories by 10 dB, were performed, and the percentages of correct prediction were calculated. The importance of features in the RF model was calculated to identify influential factors.

Results

The percentages of correct prediction in binary classification were 62.3%, 72.8%, 81.5%, 81.5%, and 81.5% in MERI, OOPS, RF, SVM, and kNN, respectively, and those in multiclass classification were 29.8%, 21.9%, 63.1%, 44.7%, and 50% in the same order. The RF model suggested larger preoperative air‐bone gap, and older age could make the postoperative air‐bone gap larger.

Conclusion

The machine learning techniques, especially the RF model, are promising methods for precise postoperative air‐bone gap prediction.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 133:2371–2378, 2023
Sodium Phytate‐Incorporated Gelatin‐Silicate Nanoplatelet Composites for Enhanced Cohesion and Hemostatic Function of Shear‐Thinning Biomaterials
Authors: Zehtabi Fatemeh , Montazerian Hossein , Haghniaz Reihaneh , Tseng Kaylee , Mohaghegh Neda , Mandal Kalpana , Zamanian Behnam , Dokmeci Mehmet Remzi , Akbari Mohsen , Hassani Najafabadi Alireza , Kim Han‐Jun , Khademhosseini Ali
Published: October 2022

Shear‐thinning biomaterials (STBs) based on gelatin‐silicate nanoplatelets (SNs) are emerging as an alternative to conventional coiling and clipping techniques in the treatment of vascular anomalies. Improvements in the cohesion of STB hydrogels pave the way toward their translational application in minimally invasive therapies such as endovascular embolization repair. In the present study, sodium phytate (Phyt) additives are used to tune the electrostatic network of SNs‐gelatin STBs, thereby promoting their mechanical integrity and facilitating injectability through standard catheters. We show that an optimized amount of Phyt enhances storage modulus by approximately one order of magnitude and reduces injection force by ≈58% without compromising biocompatibility and hydrogel wet stability. The Phyt additives are found to decrease the immune responses induced by SNs. In vitro embolization experiments suggest a significantly lower rate of failure in Phyt‐incorporated STBs than in control groups. Furthermore, the addition of Phyt leads to accelerated blood coagulation (reduces clotting time by ≈45% compared to controls) due to the contributions of negatively charged phosphate groups, which aid in the prolonged durability of STB in coagulopathic patients. Therefore, the proposed approach is an effective method for the design of robust and injectable STBs for minimally invasive treatment of vascular malformations.
Evaluation of nitrogen content on pitting and repassivation behavior of a high alloy nickel‐reduced austenitic stainless steel
Authors: Hempel Christian , Mandel Marcel , Quitzke Caroline , Schröder Christina , Wendler Marco , Volkova Olena , Krüger Lutz
Published: October 2022

The present study deals with the pitting and repassivation behavior of a nickel‐reduced austenitic stainless steel with different nitrogen contents. While nitrogen promoted the resistance to pitting, no significant effect on repassivation was found. The study also aims to address the experimental difficulties in determining repassivation potentials owing to the occurrence of crevice corrosion. Furthermore, the mechanism of the ongoing reactions was investigated, indicating that pitting was initiated in regions where manganese sulfide inclusions were present next to the remaining δ‐ferrite.
Mechanism of surface corrosion resistance of 304 stainless steel processed by nanosecond laser pulses
Authors: Yang Qibiao , Wang Dongguan , Xiong Yihao , Zhang Daomeng , Chen Lie , Cheng Jian , Lou Deyuan , Liu Dun
Published: October 2022

A nanosecond pulsed fiber laser was used to modify the surface of 304 stainless steel. The compactness, microstructure, chemical composition, and corrosion resistance of the stainless steel passive film were observed by the blue dot detection method, scanning electron microscopy, x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electrochemical methods. The influence of different laser fluences on the stability and corrosion resistance of the stainless steel passive film was studied. The results show that with increasing laser fluence, the discoloration reaction time of the stainless steel surface increases first and then decreases, while the surface roughness decreases first and then increases. When the laser fluence is lower than 11.19 J/cm2, a compact and uniform passive film is formed. When the laser fluence is larger than this value, the stainless steel substrate is prone to secondary corrosion. Chromium oxides are enriched in the passive film, and the anodic dissolution rate decreases, which promotes a positive shift in the corrosion potential of the stainless steel, decreases the corrosion current density and increases the polarization resistance and the corrosion resistance. The surface corrosion resistance is thus significantly improved.
A Phenylene‐Based Light‐Emitting Polymer: Atums Green
Authors: Mehreen Tanisha , Vagin Sergey I. , Kumar Vishal , Liu Xiaoyuan , Eylert Lukas , Rieger Bernhard , Meldrum Alkiviathes
Published: October 2022

This work synthesizes a green‐fluorescent conjugated polymer and performs basic photophysical characterization of this new material. Atums Green[1] is synthesized by a Suzuki cross‐coupling polymerization reaction between isostructural dibromo and diboronic acid monomers and is structurally characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance and gel permeation chromatography. The polymer consists of an alkoxy‐substituted 1,4‐bis((E)‐styryl)benzene repeating unit with molecular weight up to Mn = 50 kDa relative to polystyrene. Atums Green shows a strong green fluorescence maximized at ≈500 nm in chloroform and tetrahydrofuran solutions, with an absolute quantum efficiency as high as 98%. The photobleaching dynamics and time‐resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) are measured both in solutions and in solid films. Finally, solution‐based lasing is demonstrated in a bulk lasing cavity and in a cylindrical microcavity. Lasing emission is readily achieved in both formats, indicating that Atums Green has excellent emission characteristics, and further suggesting that it may present a viable green‐emitting conjugated polymer materials system for light emission applications.
Whole‐genome sequencing and genome‐scale metabolic modeling of Chromohalobacter canadensis 85B to explore its salt tolerance and biotechnological use
Authors: Enuh Blaise Manga , Nural Yaman Belma , Tarzi Chaimaa , Aytar Çelik Pınar , Mutlu Mehmet Burçin , Angione Claudio
Published: October 2022

Salt tolerant organisms are increasingly being used for the industrial production of high‐value biomolecules due to their better adaptability compared to mesophiles. Chromohalobacter canadensis is one of the early halophiles to show promising biotechnology potential, which has not been explored to date. Advanced high throughput technologies such as whole‐genome sequencing allow in‐depth insight into the potential of organisms while at the frontiers of systems biology. At the same time, genome‐scale metabolic models (GEMs) enable phenotype predictions through a mechanistic representation of metabolism. Here, we sequence and analyze the genome of C. canadensis 85B, and we use it to reconstruct a GEM. We then analyze the GEM using flux balance analysis and validate it against literature data on C. canadensis. We show that C. canadensis 85B is a metabolically versatile organism with many features for stress and osmotic adaptation. Pathways to produce ectoine and polyhydroxybutyrates were also predicted. The GEM reveals the ability to grow on several carbon sources in a minimal medium and reproduce osmoadaptation phenotypes. Overall, this study reveals insights from the genome of C. canadensis 85B, providing genomic data and a draft GEM that will serve as the first steps towards a better understanding of its metabolism, for novel applications in industrial biotechnology.
Sulforaphane inhibits CD44v6/YAP1/TEAD signaling to suppress the cancer phenotype
Authors: Chen Xi , Adhikary Gautam , Ma Emily , Newland John J. , Naselsky Warren , Xu Wen , Eckert Richard L.
Published: October 2022

Sulforaphane (SFN) is a promising cancer prevention and treatment agent that strongly suppresses the cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) cell cancer phenotype. We previously showed that yes‐associated protein 1 (YAP1)/TEAD signaling is a key procancer stimulator of the aggressive CSCC cell cancer phenotype. However, SFN‐responsive upstream regulators of YAP1/TEAD signaling are not well characterized and so there is a pressing need to identify these factors. We show that CD44v6 knockdown reduces YAP1/TEAD‐dependent transcription and target gene expression, and that this is associated with reduced spheroid formation, invasion and migration. CD44v6 knockout cell lines also display reduced YAP1/TEAD activity and target gene expression and attenuated spheroid formation, invasion, migration and tumor formation. An important finding is that SFN treatment suppresses CD44v6 level leading to a reduction in YAP1/TEAD signaling and marker gene expression. Sox2 level and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) are also reduced. Forced expression of constitutive active YAP1 in CD44v6 knockdown cells partially restores the aggressive cancer phenotype. These important findings suggest that CD44v6 drives YAP1/TEAD signaling to enhance the CSCC cell cancer phenotype and that SFN treatment reduces CD44v6 level/function which, in turn, reduces YAP1/TEAD signaling leading to reduced stemness, EMT and tumor growth.
Outcomes of single digit replantation for amputation proximal to the flexor digitorum superficialis insertion: A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Wong Shifa , Banhidy Norbert , Kanapathy Muholan , Nikkhah Dariush
Published: October 2022

Background

A single digit amputated proximal to the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) insertion is a relative contraindication to replantation. The aim of this study is to conduct a systematic review on replantation of these injuries to synthesize best available evidence on outcomes.

Methods

This review was registered in PROSPERO under registration number CRD42021277305. A MEDLINE, CENTRAL, and EMBASE databases search yielded 1536 studies. Primary clinical studies on single digit replantation and functional outcome with at least 10 cases were included. Data on revision amputation and replantation distal to the FDS were collected as comparators. Data extracted included demographics, type of digit, level of injury, secondary surgeries, duration of sick leave, survival, function, and patient‐reported outcomes. All studies were assessed using the Risk of Bias In Non‐randomized Studies of Intervention (ROBINS‐I) tool and data synthesis was completed using RevMan and Microsoft Excel.

Results

Six studies representing 182 replanted single digits that were amputated proximal to the FDS insertion were included. The average PIPJ motion of replanted single digits was 50° in those amputated proximal to the FDS insertion compared to 82.5 in those amputated distal to the FDS. The average Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ) score was 84.78 in replantation group versus 76.81 in the amputation group which was statistically significant (p < .00001). Mean Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire (DASH) score was 12 in replantation group compared to 18.5 in amputation group, however this was not statistically significant (p = .17).

Conclusion

Few studies exist on outcomes of single digit replantations proximal to FDS insertion. Although range of motion is inferior in the replant group, this has increased since initial studies were performed, and patient satisfaction and patient reported outcomes are high. This is promising evidence for achieving reasonable outcomes in replantation of single digits amputated proximal to the FDS.

Level of evidence

Level III.
Protocatechuic Acid Ameliorates High Fat Diet‐Induced Obesity and Insulin Resistance in Mice
Authors: Xiang Yuyao , Huang Ruolan , Wang Yongliang , Han Shanshan , Qin Xiaochen , Li Zhenzhen , Wang Xu , Han Yuqing , Wang Tao , Xia Bo , Wu Jiangwei , Yang Gongshe
Published: October 2022

Scope

Insulin resistance is a common feature of obesity and type 2 diabetes and partly results from an imbalance between food intake and energy expenditure. Therefore, efficient and safe insulin resistance treatment therapies are warranted. This work is aim to access the impact of protocatechuic acid (PCA), a catechol‐type O‐diphenol phenolic acid, in high fat diet (HFD)‐induced glucose, and lipid dysregulation.

Methods and results

Five‐week‐old male C57BL/6 mice are fed with HFD for 4 weeks and then are randomly divided into two cohorts: one cohort feed with HFD is free access to sterile water for 4 weeks, another cohort is free access to PCA‐containing water (2.7 mM) for 4 weeks with HFD. In this study, using a hyperinsulinemic–euglycemic mouse clamp, it is showed that PCA‐treated mice display improved systemic insulin resistance via enhanced fatty acid mobilization and utilization, thereby reducing ectopic lipid accumulation and promoting hepatic and peripheral insulin action.

Conclusions

This study provides insights on the potent pharmacological effects of PCA from food sources on improving high fat diet (HFD)‐induced whole‐body insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Mean kurtosis‐Curve (MK‐Curve) correction improves the test–retest reproducibility of diffusion kurtosis imaging at 3 T
Authors: Christiaanse Ernst , Wyss Patrik O. , Scheel‐Sailer Anke , Frotzler Angela , Lehnick Dirk , Verma Rajeev K. , Berger Markus F. , Leemans Alexander , De Luca Alberto
Published: October 2022

Diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) is applied to gain insights into the microstructural organization of brain tissues. However, the reproducibility of DKI outside brain white matter, particularly in combination with advanced estimation to remedy its noise sensitivity, remains poorly characterized. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the variability and reliability of DKI metrics while correcting implausible values with a fit method called mean kurtosis (MK)‐Curve. A total of 10 volunteers (four women; age: 41.4 ± 9.6 years) were included and underwent two MRI examinations of the brain. The images were acquired on a clinical 3‐T scanner and included a T1‐weighted image and a diffusion sequence with multiple diffusion weightings suitable for DKI. Region of interest analysis of common kurtosis and tensor metrics derived with the MK‐Curve DKI fit was performed, including intraclass correlation (ICC) and Bland–Altman (BA) plot statistics. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The analyses showed good to excellent agreement of both kurtosis tensor‐ and diffusion tensor‐derived MK‐Curve–corrected metrics (ICC values: 0.77–0.98 and 0.87–0.98, respectively), with the exception of two DKI‐derived metrics (axial kurtosis in the cortex: ICC = 0.68, and radial kurtosis in deep gray matter: ICC = 0.544). Non‐MK‐Curve–corrected kurtosis tensor‐derived metrics ranged from 0.01 to 0.52 and diffusion tensor‐derived metrics from 0.06 to 0.66, indicating poor to moderate reliability. No structural bias was observed in the BA plots for any of the diffusion metrics. In conclusion, MK‐Curve–corrected DKI metrics of the human brain can be reliably acquired in white and gray matter at 3 T and DKI metrics have good to excellent agreement in a test–retest setting.
Larmor frequency shift from magnetized cylinders with arbitrary orientation distribution
Authors: Sandgaard Anders Dyhr , Shemesh Noam , Kiselev Valerij G. , Jespersen Sune Nørhøj
Published: October 2022

The magnetic susceptibility of tissue can provide valuable information about its chemical composition and microstructural organization. However, the relation between the magnetic microstructure and the measurable Larmor frequency shift is understood only for a few idealized cases. Here we analyze the microstructure formed by magnetized, NMR‐invisible infinite cylinders suspended in an NMR‐reporting fluid. Through simulations, we scrutinize various geometries of mesoscopic Lorentz cavities and inclusions, and show that the cavity size should be approximately one order of magnitude larger than the width of the inclusions. We also analytically derive the Larmor frequency shift for a population of cylinders with arbitrary orientation dispersion and show that it is determined by the
Laplace expansion coefficients
of the cylinders' orientation distribution function. Our work underscores the need to account for microstructural organization when estimating magnetic tissue properties.
Recommending ultra‐processed oral nutrition supplements for unintentional weight loss: Are there risks?
Authors: Rivero‐Mendoza Daniela , Caldwell Cecelia L. , Cooper Hannah , Goldberg Jessica , Lamothe Meagan , Logan Sarah , Smith Elena B. , Torna Elena , Zeldman Jamie A. , Dahl Wendy J.
Published: October 2022

Oral nutrition supplements (ONS) are widely recommended for the management of unintentional weight loss in patient populations, long‐term care residents, and community‐dwelling older adults. Most marketed ONS are ultra‐processed, with precision nutrition and aseptic composition, as well as convenience and availability, driving their selection. However, therapeutic effectiveness is mixed and the potential health risks of consuming ultra‐processed ONS long‐term in lieu of less‐processed foods have received little attention. A diverse and balanced microbiota supporting immunity and wellness is maintained by a diet rich in plant‐sourced foods. The implications of ultra‐processed ONS displacing plant‐sourced foods, and specifically the potential for undesirable impacts on the gut microbiota, require consideration. Most ONS are either devoid of fiber or are supplemented with isolated or purified fibers that may contribute to adverse gastrointestinal symptoms and appetite suppression. In contrast, the diversity of microbial‐available, nondigestible carbohydrates, together with the array of phytochemicals found in plant‐sourced foods, support microbial diversity and its resiliency. This review outlines the clinical dilemma of recommending commercial ultra‐processed ONS vs nutritionally adequate (eg, high‐energy/high‐protein) foods and beverages that contribute to diet quality, maintenance of a diverse and stable gut microbiota composition, and support nutrition status and health. Ultra‐processed ONS may fall short of expected health benefits, and overreliance may potentially contribute to the risk for patient and older adult populations because of the displacement of a variety of healthful foods.
Host‐guest tuning of the CO2 reduction activity of an iron porphyrin cage
Authors: Surendran Adarsh Koovakattil , Tripodi Guilherme L. , Pluhařová Eva , Pereverzev Aleksandr Y. , Bruekers Jeroen P. J. , Elemans Johannes A. A. W. , Meijer Evert Jan , Roithová Jana
Published: October 2022

Efficient electrocatalytic CO2 reduction requires developing catalysts with high selectivities and high activities, which is simultaneously difficult to achieve. Here, we present a new approach to tune the CO2 reduction activity based on host‐guest chemistry enabled by an iron porphyrin cage catalyst. The cage design allows the hosting of alkali metals in the side walls causing a change in the electrostatic potential inside the cage cavity. Density functional theory calculations show that the guest potassium ions assist the reduction of CO2 by inverting the two‐electron transfer from iron(0) to CO2 from endothermic to exothermic. Accordingly, electrochemical experiments with the cage catalyst show that in the presence of the potassium ions, the overpotential for the CO2 reduction decreases, and the catalytic activity increases while the high selectivity of the cage is retained. A novel coupling between the electrochemical cell and a mass spectrometer allowed the trapping of the key intermediates. Cryogenic ion spectroscopy characterization of the intermediates showed the details of the potassium ions hosting in the reduced cage and of the stabilization of the Fe‐COOH intermediates by the interaction with the potassium ions at the single‐molecule level.

Key points

Host‐guest chemistry of iron porphyrin‐cage catalysts in electrocatalytic CO2 reduction results in an increase in the activity and the selectivity of the catalysis.

Electrochemistry—mass spectrometry coupling allowed studying of the reaction intermediates in CO2 reduction by mass spectrometry and by helium tagging infrared photodissociation spectroscopy.

DFT calculations showed the details of the CO2 reduction pathway inside of the cage cavity and the working principles of the reactivity enhancement by the host‐guest chemistry.
Children and pain: Assessment and management according to parents' perspective
Authors: Ndengeyingoma Assumpta , Lebel Valérie , Alvarez Sandra Bonilla
Published: October 2022

Pain in children is frequent. Parents evaluate their children's pain to decide how to manage it or to share information with caregivers. This qualitative descriptive study aims to identify elements influencing the evaluation and management of pain in children from a parent's perspective. Participants were recruited through a pediatric center and university family medicine clinic. Participants had to have used medication for their child that was prescribed “as needed” to manage their child's pain in the month preceding the interview, whether it was a prescription‐strength medication or an over‐the‐counter strength prescription. Semi‐directed interviews 30–45 min in duration were conducted with 16 parents in the Outaouais region of Quebec (Canada), either at the participant's home or by phone (after the declaration of the COVID‐19 pandemic). A thematic analysis was completed to identify themes in the data from these individual interviews. The evaluation of children's pain by their parents is influenced by the parents' experience with pain and the expression of the pain by the children, whereas the actions to relieve the pain are based on the beliefs surrounding pain management in children. Evaluation of pain is complex since many parents' beliefs influence this evaluation and the subsequent pain management. The study results raise healthcare professionals' awareness regarding several elements which influence the evaluation of children's pain and its management by their parents.