bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel model incorporating chromatin regulatory factors for risk stratification, prognosis prediction, and characterization of the microenvironment in Wilms tumor
Authors: Zhao Xiaodong , Chu Xiaobin , Song Lei , Tang Weichun
Published: August 2023

Background

Wilms tumor, also known as nephroblastoma, a pediatric most‐frequent malignant‐kidney tumor, may be regulated and influenced by transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms. Chromatin regulatory factors (CRs) play key roles in epigenetic regulation. The present study aimed to explore the involvement of CRs in the development of nephroblastoma.

Methods

RNA‐sequencing and clinical information of nephroblastoma samples were obtained by downloading data from the TARGET database. The Limma package was utilized to perform differential expression analysis of genes (DEGs) between the tumor group and the control group. A Venn map was used for intersection of differential genes and CRs and to perform Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis of DEGs using the clusterProfiler package. LASSO and Cox analyses were used to construct CR‐related risk models and were evaluated based on clinical parameters. A receiver operating characteristic curve was employed to assess the diagnostic performance of risk model. Furthermore, we used a single‐sample gene set enrichment analysis algorithm for immune cell infiltration analysis. Finally, to confirm the transcriptome expression of pivotal genes in human nephroblastoma cell lines, a quantitative real‐time PCR was employed.

Results

Fifteen key CRs were obtained through analysis in nephroblastoma and then the risk model based on 13 important CRs was constructed using the transcriptome data of nephroblastoma. Using the risk model, pediatric nephroblastoma patients were stratified into high‐ and low‐risk groups based on their individual risk scores. The risk score of CRs can predict adverse outcomes in pediatric nephroblastoma, and this gene cluster is closely related to various immunity characteristics of nephroblastoma. Moreover, the nephroblastoma cell line exhibited higher expression levels of prognostic genes (VRK1, ARNTL, RIT1, PRDM6, and TSPY1) compared to the HEK293 T cell line.

Conclusions

The risk characteristics derived from CRs have tremendous significance in predicting prognosis and guiding clinical classification and intervention strategies for pediatric nephroblastoma.
Differentiation Between the Low and High Trans‐Stenotic Pressure Gradient in Patients With Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Using 4D Flow MRI‐Derived Hemodynamic Parameters
Authors: Bi Jingfeng , Li Zhiye , Zhang Xue , Bai Xiaoyan , Zhao Xingquan , Qu Hui , Kong Qingle , An Jing , Mo Dapeng , Sui Binbin
Published: August 2023

Background

Trans‐stenotic pressure gradient (TPG) measurement is essential for idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) patients with transverse sinus (TS) stenosis. Four‐D flow MRI may provide a noninvasive imaging method for differentiation of IIH patients with different TPG.

Purpose

To investigate the associations between 4D flow parameters and TPG, and to evaluate the diagnostic performance of 4D flow parameters in differentiating patients with high TPG (GroupHP) from low TPG (GroupLP).

Study type

Prospective.

Population

31 IIH patients with TS stenosis (age, 38 ± 12 years; 23 females) and 5 healthy volunteers (age, 25 ± 1 years; 2 females).

Field Strength/Sequence

3T, 3D phase contrast MR venography, and gradient recalled echo 4D flow sequences.

Assessment

Scan‐rescan reproducibility of 4D flow parameters were performed. The correlation between TPG and flow parameters was analyzed. The netflow and velocity difference between inflow plane, outflow plane, and the stenosis plane were calculated and compared between GroupHP and GroupLP.

Statistical Tests

Pearson's correlation or Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, Independent samples t‐test or Wilcoxon rank‐sum test, Intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC), Bland–Altman analyses, Receiver operating characteristic curves. A P value <0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Significant correlations were found between TPG and netflow parameters including Favg,out‐s, Favg,in‐s, Fmax,out‐s, and Fmax,in‐s (r = 0.525–0.565). Significant differences were found in Favg,out‐s, Fmax,out‐s, Favg,in‐s, and Fmax,in‐s between GroupHP and GroupLP. Using the cut‐off value of 2.19 mL/sec, the Favg,out‐s showed good estimate performance in distinguishing GroupHP from GroupLP (AUC = 0.856). The ICC (ranged 0.905–0.948) and Bland–Altman plots indicated good scan‐rescan reproducibility.

Data Conclusions

4D flow MRI derived flow parameters showed good correlations with TPG in IIH patients with TS stenosis. Netflow difference between outflow and stenosis location at TS shows the good performance in differentiating GroupHP and GroupLP cases.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
A novel humanized tri‐receptor transgenic mouse model of HAdV infection and pathogenesis
Authors: Wang Yawei , Wang Min , Bao Renlong , Wang Ligui , Du Xinying , Qiu Shaofu , Yang Chaojie , Song Hongbin
Published: August 2023

Human adenovirus (HAdV) is a highly virulent respiratory pathogen that poses clinical challenges in terms of diagnostics and treatment. Currently, no effective therapeutic drugs or prophylactic vaccines are available for HAdV infections. One factor contributing to this deficiency is that existing animal models, including wild‐type and single‐receptor transgenic mice, are unsuitable for HAdV proliferation and pathology testing. In this study, a tri‐receptor transgenic mouse model expressing the three best‐characterized human cellular receptors for HAdV (hCAR, hCD46, and hDSG2) was generated and validated via analysis of transgene insertion, receptor mRNA expression, and protein abundance distribution. Following HAdV‐7 infection, the tri‐receptor mice exhibited high transcription levels at the early and late stages of the HAdV gene, as well as viral protein expression. Furthermore, the tri‐receptor mice infected with HAdV exhibited dysregulated cytokine responses and multiple tissue lesions. This transgenic mouse model represents human HAdV infection and pathogenesis with more accuracy than any other reported animal model. As such, this model facilitates the comprehensive investigation of HAdV pathogenesis as well as the evaluation of potential vaccines and therapeutic modalities for HAdV.
Reliability of gridded temperature datasets to monitor surface air temperature variability over Bolivia
Authors: Satgé F. , Pillco R. , Molina‐Carpio J. , Mollinedo P. Pacheco , Bonnet M‐P.
Published: August 2023

Six gridded temperature datasets (T‐datasets) were evaluated for the first time over the South American continent, through the case study of Bolivia, by comparing them with temperature records acquired from 82 meteorological stations spanning the 1995–2010 period. The comparisons were carried out at the daily time step considering different seasons (annual scale, austral summer and austral winter) and regions (Amazon, La Plata and Altiplano basins). Overall, the climate hazards group infrared temperature with stations (CHIRTS) and the climate prediction centre (CPC) T‐datasets provided the most reliable mean daily temperature (Tmean) and also described well the temporal variability of minimum and maximum daily temperature estimates (Tn and Tx). Tmean, Tn and Tx trends were analysed over the 1983–2016 period to observe temperature temporal evolution across the three regions. Despite some general agreements between the trends (Tmean, Tx and Tn), large discrepancies are also observed. It was found that CPC overestimates and CHIRTS underestimates mean temperature trends and that CPC (CHIRTS) was better than CHIRTS (CPC) to estimate Tx (Tn) trends, both in magnitude and space. Furthermore, opposing trends (i.e., warming and cooling) are described by CPC and CHIRTS for some specific regions, which call into question their reliability for such analyses. These findings highlight the need to validate gridded temperature products with reliable ground data for the regions under study, particularly if they have a wide elevation range.
Regionalization of rainfall in the upper Madeira basin based on interannual and decadal variability: A multi‐seasonal approach
Authors: Molina‐Carpio Jorge , Rivera Irma Ayes , Espinoza‐Romero Daniel , Cerón Wilmar Loaiza , Espinoza Jhan‐Carlo , Ronchail Josyane
Published: August 2023

Identifying rainfall regions associated with specific modes of variability is of practical interest for water resources management, seasonal forecasting, and mitigation of weather‐related risks. This study aims to identify homogeneous rainfall regions within the ~1 million km2 Upper Madeira River basin—southwestern Amazon—by their interannual and decadal variability and relates this variability to ocean indices. An observed dataset of 146 ground‐based rainfall stations, distributed throughout the Andes and the Amazon, and homogenized at the monthly time‐step for the period 1980–2016, was used for the analysis. With no spatial constraints, hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) optimally grouped stations into 10 rainfall homogenous regions. The value of the regionalization for interpreting the rainfall variability was evaluated by relating the seasonal rainfall time series of the regions with ocean indices. Then, by applying PCA to seasonal rainfall series and linking the principal components to sea surface temperature and ocean indices, an insight into the main large‐scale drivers of the rainfall spatio‐temporal variability in this basin at interannual and decadal scales is provided. This analysis identified differences in the year‐round influences of the tropical Pacific and/or Atlantic oceans on the 10 homogenous regions.
Curiosity Causes Creativity? Revealing the Reinforcement Circle between State Curiosity and Creativity
Authors: Ma Jie (Yonas) , Wei Wenyuan
Published: August 2023

Curiosity has long been extolled as a seed for employee creativity. This causality is plausible when considering curiosity as a stable trait. However, curiosity can also oscillate as a transitory state, thus complicating the causal sequence between such state curiosity and creativity. To clarify the causal ordering and achieve a refined understanding of what role state curiosity plays in the creative process, we utilize a random‐intercept cross‐lagged panel model (RI‐CLPM) to estimate the reciprocal effects between state curiosity and creativity at the within‐person level. With a full longitudinal panel data across three‐time points (N = 400), we find that at the within‐person level, state curiosity has a positive lagged effect on creativity and creativity also shows a positive lagged effect on state curiosity. This research highlights that curiosity and creativity, in fact, mutually reinforce each other.
Dioscin ameliorates doxorubicin‐induced heart failure via inhibiting autophagy and apoptosis by controlling the PDK1‐mediated Akt/mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Yuan Ling , Ji Hai‐Gang , Yan Xiao‐Jing , Liu Meng , Ding Yu‐Han , Chen Xiao‐Hu
Published: August 2023

Heart failure (HF) is a disease with high mortality and morbidity rate. Autophagy is critically implicated in HF progression. The current research was designed to investigate the function of Dioscin on oxidative stress, autophagy, and apoptosis in HF. In this study, doxorubicin (Dox) was employed to induce HF model and HL‐1 cell damage model. Echocardiography implied that Dioscin could dramatically relieve heart function in vivo. Western blotting determined that Dioscin treatment reversed the promotive effect of autophagy caused by Dox through modulating levels of key autophagy‐associated molecules, including Atg5 and Beclin1. Dioscin also impaired apoptosis by regulating apoptosis‐related protein, including Bcl‐2 and cleaved caspase‐3 following Dox treatment in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, the impacts of Dioscin were mediated by upregulation of PDK1‐mediated Akt/mTOR signaling. The mTOR inhibitor (rapamycin) could counteract the therapeutic impact of Dioscin in vitro. Taken together, Dioscin could relieve cardiac function through blocking apoptosis and autophagy by activating the PDK1‐elicited Akt/mTOR pathway.
Antibiotic Sensitivity and Nasal Microbiome in Patients with Acute Bacterial Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Gwak Ho‐Jin , Lee Hyeon A. , Jeong Jae Yeong , Lee Yangsoon , Rho Mina , Cho Seok Hyun
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) is a common upper respiratory tract infection that is mostly of viral origin. However, little is known about the nasal microbiome profile at presentation and the changes caused by antibiotics in acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS).

Methods

This was a prospective single‐center study. Overall, 43 ARS patients were screened and were assessed with the symptom questionnaires, nasal endoscopy, and Water's view. Five healthy subjects were recruited as controls. Middle meatal mucus samples were obtained using a cotton swab (for bacterial culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing) and the suction technique (for 16S rRNA sequencing). After 1 week of antibiotic use (amoxicillin with clavulanic acid), we enrolled 13 patients with ABRS with positive isolates and middle meatal samples for 16S rRNA sequencing were obtained again.

Results

Overall, we demonstrated a significantly lower abundance of the Lactobacillaceae family in ABRS patients than in healthy controls. Resistant ABRS had different characteristics of middle meatal microbiomes when compared to sensitive ABRS as follows: (1) lower proportion of lactic acid bacteria, (2) increased pathogens such as Rhodococcus sp., Massila sp., Acinetobacter sp., and H. influenza, and (3) increased beta diversity. However, no remarkable changes were observed in the middle meatal microbiome after antibiotic use.

Conclusion

We showed the roles of Lactobacillaceae in ABRS, and Acinetobacter and Massilia in case of amoxicillin resistance.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:1081–1088, 2024
A Consistent Endoscopic Landmark to Identify the Anterior Ethmoidal Artery
Authors: Mundy David C. , Yan Carol H. , Tyler Matthew A. , Patel Zara M.
Published: August 2023

Objective

The anterior ethmoidal artery (AEA) is an important structure to identify during endoscopic sinus surgery. Although identification on imaging is easily taught, a consistent endoscopic landmark for the AEA, independent of anatomic ethmoid cell variation, is lacking, leaving many surgeons unclear about the exact location without dependence on navigation. Here, we describe a consistent endoscopic landmark, regardless of anatomical ethmoid variation.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled adult patients undergoing endoscopic surgery involving frontal and ethmoid sinuses in this observational study. The AEA landmark was defined simply as the septation or ridge one step back along the ethmoid skull base from the posterior table of the frontal sinus. The gold standard to calculate the sensitivity of our endoscopic landmark was an image‐navigation system, registered to within 1.5 mm accuracy, locating the AEA within three planes. Both endoscopic and computerized tomography (CT) images of the pointer at the landmark were taken simultaneously. The concordance of endoscopic to navigation images was independently assessed by three blinded rhinologists.

Results

Forty patients were included in our study with 73 sides analyzed. Diagnoses included chronic rhinosinusitis without polyps (52.5%), with polyps (22.5%), recurrent acute sinusitis (15%), sinonasal tumors (7.5%), and odontogenic sinusitis (2.5%). The AEA was accurately identified using our endoscopic landmark in 97.3% of the cases (71/73). Of the two cases in which the AEA was not found within the landmark, the artery was located ≤1 mm posteriorly.

Conclusion

We describe a consistent endoscopic landmark to identify the AEA, conserved across various clinical diagnoses and anatomic variations in sinus structure.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:1096–1099, 2024
Use of Perioperative Virtual Reality Experiences on Anxiety and Pain: A Randomized Comparative Trial
Authors: Pandrangi Vivek C , Low Garren , Slijepcevic Allison , Shah Suparna , Shindo Maisie , Schindler Joshua , Colaianni Alessa , Clayburgh Daniel , Andersen Peter , Flint Paul , Wax Mark K , Li Ryan J
Published: August 2023

Objective

To evaluate the effect of different virtual reality (VR) experiences on perioperative anxiety and pain among patients undergoing head and neck surgery.

Methods

Prospective, randomized, comparative trial among patients undergoing outpatient head and neck surgery from December 2021 to April 2022 at a single academic institution. Group 1 utilized a preoperative VR gaming experience and a postoperative VR mindfulness experience, while Group 2 utilized the same interventions in the reverse order. Anxiety and pain were measured using visual analog scales (VAS). Primary outcomes were changes in post‐intervention anxiety and pain. Secondary outcomes included vital sign changes and subjective patient experiences using a 5‐point Likert scale.

Results

There were 32 patients randomized for inclusion, with 16 patients per group. The majority of patients were female (65.6%) and mean (standard deviation) age was 47.3 (16.7) years. After outlier exclusion, there were no differences in post‐intervention preoperative anxiety reduction (Group 1 vs. Group 2, median [IQR]: −12.0 [15] vs. −10.5 [13], p = 0.62). There were minor differences in vital sign changes (p < 0.05). Among the 10 patients in Group 1 and 12 patients in Group 2 who completed postoperative VR use, there were no differences in post‐intervention pain reduction (−8.5 [22.3] vs. −7.5 [19.3], p = 0.95) or vital sign changes (p > 0.05). There were no differences in questionnaire responses, with high satisfaction in both groups (p > 0.05). No adverse events encountered.

Conclusions

Use of different VR experiences among patients undergoing outpatient head and neck surgery appears associated with similar reductions in perioperative anxiety and pain.

Level of Evidence

2 Laryngoscope, 134:1197–1202, 2024
Bell's palsy in pregnancy: A scoping review of risk factors, treatment and outcomes
Authors: Jones Holly , Hintze Justin , Slattery Fionn , Gendre Adrien
Published: August 2023

Objective

There are limited studies reporting on Bell's palsy and pregnancy. Our study aimed to evaluate risk factors, current treatment options and facial function outcomes in women who developed Bell's palsy in pregnancy. To our knowledge this is the first review analyzing these factors.

Data sources/review methods

A search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Sciences and Scopus was carried out. Studies describing risk factors, treatment and/or facial function outcomes of Bell's palsy in pregnancy were included. PRISMA‐Scr guidelines were followed.

Results

The search yielded 392 abstracts, of which 15 studies were included for analysis. It was not possible to perform a meta‐analysis due to small numbers and quality of studies. There were 559 patients included from the 15 studies. The third trimester was the most common time for Bell's palsy to occur (n = 364, 65%). Pre‐eclampsia was the most common co‐morbidity reported. The most common treatment was corticosteroids and the majority of patients had a complete recovery of their palsy (58%, n = 192).

Conclusion

This analysis has evaluated all available data concerning risk factors, treatment and facial function outcomes of BP in pregnancy. The third trimester is the most common time for Bell's palsy to occur in pregnancy. There is currently a lack of high quality evidence into this condition in pregnancy.

Level of evidence

1.
Potential influence of microorganisms on the corrosion of carbon steel in the French high‐level long‐lived radioactive waste disposal context at 80°C
Authors: Diler Erwan , Leblanc Vanessa , Gueuné Hervé , Maillot Valérie , Linard Yannick , Charrier Gaëlle , Crusset Didier
Published: August 2023

In this study, experiments were carried out to assess the microbially influenced corrosion (MIC) risk in the context of the French high‐level radioactive waste disposal. The exposures were carried out at 80°C in different repository relevant conditions, including the presence of different cement‐grout mixtures as filling material. Biotic conditions with nutrient and nonsterile conditions with indigenous microbes added from Callovo Oxfordian clayey rock and without nutrients were considered. For biotic conditions, specific preparations of microbial inoculum were carried out from samples collected at Andra's Underground Research Laboratory and microorganisms from microbial culture collection centers. Corrosion kinetics were determined using traditional coupons and completed with real‐time corrosion sensors. Microbiological characterizations consisted of cultural approach, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and next‐generation sequencing. The obtained results show no significant MIC and a reduced risk with the use of more alkaline filling material.
Mild Motor Signs in Healthy Aging Are Associated with Lower Synaptic Density in the Brain
Authors: Van Cauwenberge Margot G.A. , Delva Aline , Vande Casteele Thomas , Laroy Maarten , Radwan Ahmed , Vansteelandt Kristof , Van den Stock Jan , Bouckaert Filip , Van Laere Koen , Emsell Louise , Vandenberghe Wim , Vandenbulcke Mathieu
Published: August 2023

Objective

To investigate whether mild motor signs (MMS) in old age correlate with synaptic density in the brain.

Background

Normal aging is associated with a decline in movement quality and quantity, commonly termed “mild parkinsonian signs” or more recently MMS. Whether MMS stem from global brain aging or pathology within motor circuits remains unresolved. The synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A positron emission tomography (PET) ligand 11C‐UCB‐J allows the investigation of brain‐motor associations at the synaptic level in vivo.

Method

Fifty‐eight healthy older adults (≥50 years) were included from two monocentric control cohorts. Brain magnetic resonance imaging and 11C‐UCB‐J PET data were available in 54 participants. 11C‐UCB‐J PET binding was quantified by standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) values in grey matter (GM) volumes of interest (VOIs): caudate, putamen, globus pallidus, substantia nigra, thalamus, cerebellum, and the frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital cortex. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed with Movement Disorder Society‐Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS‐UPDRS) part III score measuring MMS as the dependent variable and mean SUVR values in each VOI as the independent variable with age, Fazekas score (white matter lesion [WML] load), VOI and cohort as covariates.

Results

Participants (68 ± 7.5 years; 52% female) had an average MDS‐UPDRS part III score of 3.3 ± 2.8. The MDS‐UPDRS part III score was inversely associated with synaptic density, independently of WML load or GM volume, in the caudate, substantia nigra, thalamus, cerebellum, and parietal, occipital, temporal cortex. Cohen's f2 showed moderate effect sizes for subcortical (range, 0.30–0.35), cortical (0.28–0.35) and cerebellar VOIs (0.31).

Conclusion

MMS in healthy aging are associated with lower synaptic density throughout the brain. © 2023 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Functionalizing MXene with PEPA‐containing polyphosphazene towards highly fire‐safe polypropylene
Authors: Li Lei , Chen Yishen , Lai Xuejun , Li Hongqiang , Zeng Xingrong
Published: August 2023

Phosphorus‐nitrogen intumescent flame retardant (IFR) is one of the most promising halogen‐free flame retardants in enhancing the fire safety of polypropylene (PP), but its efficiency needs to be further improved. Herein, a novel single‐component polyphosphazene IFR containing pentaerythritol caged phosphate (PEPA) functionalized titanium carbide nanosheet (MXene), named PZS‐MXene, was prepared. When the amount of PZS‐MXene was 25 wt%, PP/PZS‐MXene classed a UL‐94 V‐0 rating with the limiting oxygen index of 32.7%. Compared with PP, its peak of heat release rate, total heat release rate and total smoke production rate were reduced by 74.5%, 33.0%, and 19.8%, respectively. The flame‐retardant mechanism revealed that PZS‐MXene quenched high‐active free radicals to inhibit the degradation of PP during the combustion. MXene rapidly catalyzed the carbonization of PZS to form high‐quality intumescent char layer on its surface. Besides, MXene acted as the supporting skeletons and exerted the layered barrier effect to improve the compactness of the intumescent char layer, thus effectively inhibited the degradation and combustion of PP. This work provided new insights for the efficient halogen‐free flame‐retardant PP.
Common queries in managing rhabdomyosarcoma in low‐ and middle‐income countries: An Indo‐North American collaboration
Authors: Totadri Sidharth , Bansal Deepak , Donaldson Sarah S. , Binitie Odion , Teot Lisa , Gupta Abha A. , Oberoi Sapna
Published: August 2023

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma among children and adolescents. The management of RMS involves risk stratification of the patients based on various clinicopathological characteristics. The multimodality treatment approach requires chemotherapy, surgery, and/or radiation. The treatment of RMS necessitates the involvement of multiple disciplines, such as pathology, pediatric oncology, surgery, and radiation oncology. The disease heterogeneity, molecular testing, evolving treatment regimens, and limited resources are some of the challenges faced by clinicians while treating a patient with RMS in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). In this review, we endeavor to bring experts from varying fields to address clinicians’ common questions while managing a child or adolescent with RMS in LMICs. This review is most applicable to level 2 centers in LMICs as per the levels of services described by the Adapted Treatment Regimens Working Group of the Pediatric Oncology in Developing Countries committee of the International Society of Pediatric Oncology.
Ependymin‐related protein 1 levels are elevated in children with obesity and correlated with metabolic disorders
Authors: Mou Chunfeng , Liu Shan , Luo Yetao , Xue Yu , Liu Jia , Chen Dapeng , Li Xiaoqiang , Wang Han
Published: August 2023

Ependymin‐related protein 1 (EPDR1) has been found in the secretory body of adipocytes where it plays a role in lipid binding, transportation, and catabolism. The aim of this study was to investigate serum EPDR1 levels in children with obesity and normal‐weight children and to compare the levels of EPDR1 between children with obesity, with and without metabolic‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Thirty‐four normal‐weight children and 49 children with obesity (15 with MAFLD) were included in the study. Circulating EPDR1, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements related to obesity, blood lipids, and insulin resistance were performed on all participants. The serum EPDR1 levels of children with obesity were significantly higher than those of the control group. There was no difference in EPDR1 levels between the patients with and without MAFLD. Circulating EPDR1 was positively correlated with body mass index (BMI), BMI z‐score, insulin, glucose, homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance index (HOMA‐IR), triglycerides, white blood cells, and neutrophils. Binary logistic regression analysis showed a significant increase in the odds ratio of obesity with increasing EPDR1 levels. EPDR1 is strongly associated with obesity and may also be associated with metabolic disorders. This trial is registered with ChiCTR2300070951.
Alterations in pitching biomechanics and performance with an increasing number of pitches in baseball pitchers: A narrative review
Authors: Yanagisawa Osamu
Published: August 2023

In baseball pitchers, the association of fatigue with overuse injury and decline in pitching performance has been discussed frequently, but the scientific data concerning their interrelationships have been inconsistently reported. The purpose of this narrative review is to summarize and explore the evidence regarding acute changes in pitching biomechanics and performance from repetitive throwing motions among baseball pitchers. Muscle fatigue from repetitive throwing not only decreases muscle output but also disturbs the kinetic chain of baseball pitching. In addition, repetitive throwing can impair the proprioceptive and kinesthetic functions needed for accurate joint position sense in the shoulder and elbow. Consequently, these changes negatively affect ball velocity and pitching accuracy, two critical aspects of overall pitching performance. Moreover, the cumulative loading caused by fatigue contributes to the high prevalence of overuse injuries, particularly in the elbow and shoulder joints. Thus it is important to comprehensively understand the relationships among changed pitching mechanics, deteriorated performance, and musculoskeletal injury originating from muscle fatigue due to repetitive pitching.
Cu2SnTe3 Nanoparticles for Chemodynamic/Photodynamic /Photothermal Combination Tumor Therapy
Authors: Gao Nan , Huang Qiushi , Zhang Lingjian , Gao Mengluan , Chen Yusheng , Zou Rujia
Published: August 2023

Cancer is a serious threat to human life. However, the effect of single treatment method is limited at present. Here, a Cu2SnTe3 (CST) nano‐reagent which can provide a strong synergetic effect in tumor therapy is successfully constructed. CST nanoparticles can not only convert endogenous H2O2 into ∙OH through surface‐catalyzed reactions, but also generate 1O2 based on light irradiation‐induced electron pair separation, leading to excessive oxidative stress accumulation in tumor cells. Interestingly, CST nanoparticles are also found to possess catalase‐like activity, which enhances the level of O2 within hypoxic tumors, further improving the production efficiency of 1O2 by photodynamic therapy (PDT). In addition, the CST nanoparticles exhibit good photothermal conversion, which facilitates to promote more ∙OH production by chemodynamic therapy (CDT). The results of in vitro and in vivo anti‐tumor experiments both demonstrate that CST nanoparticles can effectively inhibit the growth of tumor with minimal side effects. To sum up, CST nanoparticles have great potential in tumor treatment for efficient synergetic CDT/PDT/photothermal therapy.
Multimeric structure of a subfamily III haloalkane dehalogenase‐like enzyme solved by combination of cryo‐EM and x‐ray crystallography
Authors: Chmelova Klaudia , Gao Tadeja , Polak Martin , Schenkmayerova Andrea , Croll Tristan I. , Shaikh Tanvir R. , Skarupova Jana , Chaloupkova Radka , Diederichs Kay , Read Randy J. , Damborsky Jiri , Novacek Jiri , Marek Martin
Published: August 2023

Haloalkane dehalogenase (HLD) enzymes employ an SN2 nucleophilic substitution mechanism to erase halogen substituents in diverse organohalogen compounds. Subfamily I and II HLDs are well‐characterized enzymes, but the mode and purpose of multimerization of subfamily III HLDs are unknown. Here we probe the structural organization of DhmeA, a subfamily III HLD‐like enzyme from the archaeon Haloferax mediterranei, by combining cryo‐electron microscopy (cryo‐EM) and x‐ray crystallography. We show that full‐length wild‐type DhmeA forms diverse quaternary structures, ranging from small oligomers to large supramolecular ring‐like assemblies of various sizes and symmetries. We optimized sample preparation steps, enabling three‐dimensional reconstructions of an oligomeric species by single‐particle cryo‐EM. Moreover, we engineered a crystallizable mutant (DhmeAΔGG) that provided diffraction‐quality crystals. The 3.3 Å crystal structure reveals that DhmeAΔGG forms a ring‐like 20‐mer structure with outer and inner diameter of ~200 and ~80 Å, respectively. An enzyme homodimer represents a basic repeating building unit of the crystallographic ring. Three assembly interfaces (dimerization, tetramerization, and multimerization) were identified to form the supramolecular ring that displays a negatively charged exterior, while its interior part harboring catalytic sites is positively charged. Localization and exposure of catalytic machineries suggest a possible processing of large negatively charged macromolecular substrates.
Toxicity of fungal‐derived volatile organic compounds against root‐knot nematodes
Authors: Fang Ming , Long Wenxin , Sun Jie , Wang Ailing , Chen Lei , Cui Yonghe , Huang Zhihua , Li Jiangzhou , Ruan Weibin , Rasmann Sergio , Wei Xianqin
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Root‐knot nematodes (RKNs), including Meloidogyne species, are among the most destructive plant‐parasites worldwide. Recent evidence suggests that entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) can antagonize RKNs. Such antagonistic effects are likely mediated by toxic metabolites, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), produced by the fungi. However, how widespread these effects are across EPF species, and which VOCs mediate negative interactions between EPF and RKNs needs to be further elucidated.

RESULTS

First, we evaluated the nematicidal effect of VOCs emitted by 46 EPF isolates against Meloidogyne incognita and found variable toxicity depending on the isolate. Second, we measured the nematicidal effect of highly toxic isolates, including species in the genus Talaromyces, Aspergillus, Clonostachys, and Purpureocillium and, third, we analyzed the nematicidal effect of major VOCs, including 2‐methyl‐1‐propanol, 3‐methyl‐1‐butanol, isopropyl alcohol and 2‐methyl‐3‐pentanone. The mortality of M. incognita juveniles (J2s) was generally high (50%) either via airborne or in‐solution contact with VOCs. Moreover, the tested VOCs significantly inhibited egg hatching, and repelled J2s away from the VOCs.

CONCLUSION

This study not only provides insights into the ecological function of VOCs in the rhizosphere, but also provides new approaches for developing environmentally friendly control methods of RKNs in agroecosystems. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Facile Fabrication and Characterization of Oriented and Multilayer Thin Films of Solution Processable Conjugated Polymer
Authors: Sharma Shubham , Nagamatsu Shuichi , Singh Vipul , Pandey Shyam S.
Published: August 2023

Fabrication of multilayer thin films of solution‐processable organic semiconductors has great potential in organic electronics, but adopting existing thin‐film techniques to attain this is highly cumbersome. Herein, a unique unidirectional floating film transfer method has been utilized, which allows the facile fabrication of large area and oriented thin films of conjugated polymers. This method has successfully fabricated and characterized multilayer and oriented thin films of regioregular poly(3‐hexylthiophene) without having any adverse effect on the underlying layers. Optical characterizations reveal that fabricated thin films are anisotropic with a dichroic ratio of 2.2 having a single layer thickness of 14.5 nm. X‐ray diffraction results demonstrate uniformity in the crystallinity of the multilayered thin film with comparable crystallite size and interplanar spacing with purely edge‐on molecular orientation. The organic field effect transistor fabricates using multilayer thin films and also exhibits a uniform and saturated charge carrier mobility of about 0.1 cm2  V−1 s−1.
Honokiol attenuates high glucose‐induced peripheral neuropathy via inhibiting ferroptosis and activating AMPK/SIRT1/PGC‐1α pathway in Schwann cells
Authors: Hu Man , Jiang Wen , Ye Chen , Hu Ting , Yu Qingqing , Meng Moran , Sun Lijuan , Liang Jichao , Chen Yong
Published: August 2023

Schwann cells injury induced by high glucose (HG) contributes to the development of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Honokiol has been reported to regulate glucose metabolism, however, its effect on DPN and the precise molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of AMPK/SIRT1/PGC‐1α axis in the protective effects of honokiol on DPN. The biochemical assay and JC‐1 staining results demonstrated that honokiol reduced HG‐induced oxidative stress and ferroptosis as well as mitochondrial dysfunction in Schwann cells. RT‐qPCR and western blotting were utilized to investigate the mechanism of action of honokiol, and the results showed that HG‐induced inhibition of AMPK/SIRT1/PGC‐1α axis and changes of downstream gene expression profile were restored by honokiol. Moreover, silencing of Sirt1 by siRNA delivery markedly diminished the changes of gene expression profile induced by honokiol in HG‐induced Schwann cells. More importantly, we found that administration of honokiol remarkably attenuated DPN via improving sciatic nerve conduction velocity and increasing thermal and mechanical sensitivity in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats. Collectively, these results demonstrate that honokiol can attenuate HG‐induced Schwann cells injury and peripheral nerve dysfunction, suggesting a novel potential strategy for treatment of DPN.
Background risk and consumers' demand for insurance under limited liability
Authors: Sorek Gilad , Beard T. Randolph
Published: August 2023

This study highlights the importance of financial background risks in consumers' demand for coverage against insurable risks, considering the bankruptcy option. We explore three cases that are overlooked in theoretical literature, although found to be highly relevant in empirical studies: (1) the joint realization of the two financial risks is bankrupting, (2) the insurable risk is bankrupting and the background risk is not, and (3) each financial risk is bankrupting on its own. Our new results highlight the potential role of the background risk in decreasing demand for insurance (and thus insurance take‐up) and yield novel non‐monotonic relationships between the magnitude of the background risk and the demand for insurance coverage, given consumers' initial wealth. Our results align with recent empirical work that highlights the role of consumer bankruptcy as a substitute to formal health insurance, and thereby its significant negative effects on insurance take up among working‐age Americans.
Comparison study on extraction techniques used to assess S‐phenylmercapturic acid as low benzene exposure biomarker based on gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry
Authors: Milagres Vanessa Gonçalves , de Paiva Maria José Nunes , d'Auriol‐Souza Mirna Maciel , Larentis Ariane Leites , Costa‐Amaral Isabele Campos , André Leiliane Coelho
Published: August 2023

The risk assessment of benzene exposure can be performed based on the analysis of biomarkers in biological monitoring processes. S‐phenylmercapturic acid is a specific benzene biomarker, and its analysis challenges the sensitivity of several analytical methods. The present study aims to develop and standardize an analytic procedure to determine this biomarker through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, based on different extraction methods, to increase the sensitivity and specificity of the studied analytical method. Liquid–liquid extraction, solid‐phase extraction, liquid‐phase microextraction, and low‐temperature partitioning extraction were tested. The last one was the selected extraction method, which was validated to ensure their quality and reliability. The method above has shown linear correlation to benzene concentrations ranging from 5 to 60 μg L−1 and presented detection and quantification limits of 0.95 and 3.18 μg L−1, respectively. Intra and inter‐assay accuracy recorded variation coefficients equal 3.63% and 8.67%, respectively. The mean accuracy value was 98.72%. This procedure presented linearity, accuracy, and detection and quantification limits within the range of interest adopted to assess occupational and environmental exposure to benzene based on biomonitoring processes.
A comparison of riparian buffer designs incorporating short‐rotation Salix viminalis to mitigate surface water pollution in the Dunk River watershed on Prince Edward Island
Authors: Wilts Holly , Burton David , Farooque Aitazaz A.
Published: August 2023

Riparian buffers protect surface water from diffuse pollutants, mitigating sediment, nutrient, and chemical losses from agricultural landscapes. Prince Edward Island, Canada, has legislated 15‐m riparian buffers, yet stream contamination from agriculture remains widespread. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool and Riparian Ecosystem Management Model were used to simulate 12 years of nutrient and sediment loads from five potato Hydrologic Response Units in the Dunk River watershed on PEI and evaluate water quality impacts of 30 m three‐zone buffers incorporating shrub willow relative to existing 15 m grass and forest buffers and assess optimal buffer width. Willow buffers (30 m) removed 49.9 T ha−1 year−1 sediment, 18.5 kg ha−1 year−1 total N (TN) and 7.8 kg ha−1 year−1 total P (TP). This was 5.6% and 4.1% more sediment and TP than existing 15 m grass buffers and 7.5%, 12.6%, and 16.8% more sediment, TP, and TN than existing 15 m forest buffers. Willow buffers removed significantly more particulate contaminants than forest and significantly more soluble than grass. Optimal willow buffer width downslope of potato fields was 40 m. Overall, incorporating shrub willow and/or riparian widening can have considerable water quality benefits, particularly in regard to sediment retention, and maximize both soluble and particulate pollutant removal on PEI.
Crystal Structures and Twinning of RuBr3
Authors: Prots Yurii , Rößler Sahana , Rößler Ulrich K. , Rosner Helge , Akselrud Lev , Schmidt Marcus , Fitch Andy , Schwarz Ulrich
Published: August 2023

The concerted experimental and computational study reports on the polymorphic behavior of RuBr3. Highly‐resolved X‐ray powder diffraction measurements of the modification lt‐RuBr3 give direct evidence for peak splitting substantiating an orthorhombic unit cell with additional weak intensities confirming a primitive lattice. The crystal structure of lt‐RuBr3 is determined using the intensities of a “Drilling” individuum. For lt‐RuBr3, findings of density functional theory calculations suggest that the deviation from hexagonal symmetry is mainly driven by electronic correlations. Reinvestigation of the recently reported high‐pressure modification hp‐RuBr3 essentially confirms the rhombohedral BiI3‐type crystal structure (space group R
). Simulations of the atomic arrangement of hp‐RuBr3 indicate that spin‐orbit coupling and corrections for the van‐der‐Waals dispersive forces are mandatory to reach a reasonable agreement with the experimentally determined crystal structure.
Introduction
Authors: Ndemo Bitange , Ndung’u Njuguna , Odhiambo Scholastica , Shimeles Abebe
Published: August 2023

Data quality has improved over the 20 years, and there has been a rise in cutting-edge research on African economies as well as behavioral studies with well-designed field experiments. A combination of data quality and new techniques of analysis has given researchers unique advantages to explore frontier issues that were unthinkable a few decades ago. Availability of timely, comprehensive, credible, and reliable data leads to sound economic policy arising from robust analytics. Evidently, Africa national statistics are often characterized with measurement errors, poor data management, and weak institutional capacity to handle the analysis and hence incoherent development strategies. Moreover, when reliable data are collected from large household and labor force survey and census, much of them are not used in the policymaking space. African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) is playing a critical role in facilitating the use of large data sets for microeconomic and macroeconomic analysis emanating from African countries. The institution has contributed significantly to economic policy environment in Africa, but the continent remains under-researched. The contributors of this book consist of economists, lawyers, statisticians, and data technology experts. The chapters in this book have assessed the opportunities, challenges, and risks existent in the current state of data generations, sharing protocols, and consistency of legislations.
Data Protection Legal Regime and Data Governance in Africa: An Overview
Authors: Babalola Olumide
Published: August 2023

In its simplest sense, data governance refers to the overall management of (personal and non-personal) data to facilitate organizational goals. Data protection, on the other hand, predominantly regulates the management of personal data for the protection of users’ privacy and other fundamental rights and freedoms. The Fourth Industrial Revolution has greatly increased the processing of personal data for business and social purposes in Africa, hence the imminent need to regulate dealings with such personal information for undesirable purpose(s) by setting up relevant legal framework to address. The research analyses the regional legal framework around data protection in Africa in the light of their salient provisions, adequacy, efficiency and enforceability in relation to data governance.
More Than Just a Policy: Day-to-Day Effects of Data Governance on the Data Scientist
Authors: Marivate Vukosi
Published: August 2023

Within a short space of time, the debate about Data Governance has fallen behind the realities of data driven industries and economies. The flow and trade of data is driven by the needs of different stake holders and evolution of global contexts of many technologies that are seen as local. To the Data Scientist, it may seem like an exciting time that has infinite possibility and opportunity to invent the near future. The gap between Data Governance on the African continent and Data practice poses a challenge that must be dealt with sooner than later. In this chapter I look at the intersection of Data Science practice and Data Governance and analyse some of the recent literature to identify areas of concern and focus. Ultimately, I want to look at how non-technical considerations are core in bridging Data Governance and Data Science practice. I borrow from other disciplines that had a head start with these challenges. Finally, I work to suggest steps that can be taken by practitioners to reduce this gap between governance and practice.
Introduction
Authors: Samy Yiagadeesen , Adedeji Adeniran , Iraoya Augustine , Dutta Madhurjya Kumar , Fakmawii Jasmine Lal , Hao Wen
Published: August 2023

In this introductory chapter, the authors provide the context for the main research questions that their book examines. These questions—(1) Why—and under what circumstances—do some trade sectors create more jobs for women and others do not? (2) To what extent are the jobs created contributing to women’s economic empowerment? (3) What strategies and policies are needed to ensure these sectors work optimally?—address the relationship between trade and women’s economic empowerment from the perspective of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across six developing countries. The authors review the literature on trade and gender, identify gaps from that literature, and briefly discuss the research design that they have chosen for this project.
Trade and Women’s Economic Empowerment: Survey Results for SMEs Across Six Developing Countries
Authors: Samy Yiagadeesen , Adedeji Adeniran , Iraoya Augustine , Dutta Madhurjya Kumar , Fakmawii Jasmine Lal , Hao Wen
Published: August 2023

In this chapter, the authors present and discuss the survey data on trade and women’s economic empowerment that was collected for this project in 2021–2022 from 610 SMEs across the six developing countries selected for the study, namely Cambodia, Ghana, Madagascar, Nigeria, Senegal and Vietnam. The chapter includes basic contextual country-level information about trade, development and gender equality in the selected countries. The discussion of the survey results includes a comparison with secondary data from World Bank Enterprise Surveys. The authors find that SMEs face various challenges that are often context-specific and recommend that policy options be tailored to address these differences. Women-owned SMEs across the six country cases face varying levels of both gender-related and more general constraints. Among the recommendations in this chapter is the need for more gender-disaggregated data to understand the difference between women-owned exporting and non-exporting SMEs.