bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduced visitation to buzz‐pollinated Cyanella hyacinthoides in the presence of other pollen sources in the hyperdiverse Cape Floristic Region
Authors: Kemp Jurene E. , Telles Francismeire J. , Vallejo‐Marín Mario
Published: April 2022

Many plant species have floral morphologies that restrict access to floral resources, such as pollen or nectar, and only a subset of floral visitors can perform the handling behaviors required to extract restricted resources. Due to the time and energy required to extract resources from morphologically complex flowers, these plant species potentially compete for pollinators with co‐flowering plants that have more easily accessible resources. A widespread floral mechanism restricting access to pollen is the presence of tubular anthers that open through small pores or slits (poricidal anthers). Some bees have evolved the capacity to remove pollen from poricidal anthers using vibrations, giving rise to the phenomenon of buzz‐pollination. These bee vibrations that are produced for pollen extraction are presumably energetically costly, and to date, few studies have investigated whether buzz‐pollinated flowers may be at a disadvantage when competing for pollinators’ attention with plant species that present unrestricted pollen resources. Here, we studied Cyanella hyacinthoides (Tecophilaeaceae), a geophyte with poricidal anthers in the hyperdiverse Cape Floristic Region of South Africa, to assess how the composition and relative abundance of flowers with easily accessible pollen affect bee visitation to a buzz‐pollinated plant. We found that the number of pollinator species of C. hyacinthoides was not influenced by community composition. However, visitation rates to C. hyacinthoides were reduced when the relative abundances of flowers with more accessible resources were high. Visitation rates were strongly associated with petal color, showing that flower color is important in mediating these interactions. We conclude that buzz‐pollinated plants might be at a competitive disadvantage when many easily accessible pollen sources are available, particularly when competitor species share its floral signals.
How weak twining lianas adapt to competition with host tree trunks: Case of Merremia boisiana
Authors: Hu Liang , Lin Yuwei
Published: April 2022

Fierce competition exists between most stem‐twining lianas and the trunks of host trees. However, Merremia boisiana, a vigorous invasive twining liana, never strangles the host tree. Here, we investigated how M. boisiana stems adjust their twining growth to avoid intense competition with host trees, and how hydraulic conductivity is maintained for rapid asexual reproduction. We evaluated the effects of competition on twining M. boisiana stems (Em) and host tree trunks (Eh), compared differences in secondary growth between twining and creeping M. boisiana stems, calculated the total number of vessels (Nt), vessel density (Vmm−2), average vessel diameter (VDave), and percentage of vessels wider than 300 μm in diameter (P300) in the secondary xylem, and traced how these parameters change with increasing cross‐sectional area of stem (SA). The results showed that twining M. boisiana stems were competitively weaker, and mean Em (14.3%) was 21 times greater than that of Eh (0.7%). Secondary growth along the normal direction of the contact surface was significantly inhibited in stems twining on host trees. The lateral secondary growth of these stems was active, forming secondary vascular rings and/or arcs with abundant large vessels. Secondary growth in the central vascular cylinder was also significantly limited in extremely flat twining stems. Nt was positively and linearly correlated with SA. Vmm−2 and VDave fluctuated greatly in younger stems and tended to be stable in older stems. Nt and Vmm−2 did not significantly differ between twining and creeping stems, while VDave and P300 were both higher in twining stems compared to creeping stems of the same size. In conclusion, well‐developed lateral anomalous secondary growth prevents twining M. boisiana stems from fiercely competing with their host trees, while stable vessel density and wider, newly formed, vessels ensured sufficient hydraulic conductivity for the rapid asexual reproduction of twining M. boisiana stems.
Water‐Promoted Michael Addition Reaction of Sulfonyl Hydrazides and α, β‐Unsaturated Propionic Acids to 3‐Sulfone Propionic Acids
Authors: Qi Zhiyuan , Liu Yifan , Zhang Qilong , Zhao Panfeng , Gao Lingfeng , Sun Xu , Zheng Gengxiu
Published: April 2022

A water‐promoted synthesis methodology for constructing 3‐sulfone propionic acids from sulfonyl hydrazides and α, β‐unsaturated propionic acids with excellent yields were reported. The green synthesis methodology was promoted by water without any catalyst, ligand and organic solvent. The D2O control experiment sufficiently proved that the 2‐hydrogen atom of 3‐sulfone propionic acid come from water. Moreover, the 3‐sulfone propionic acid derivates could be directly purified by crystallization without column chromatography.
Fast Heating‐Assisted One‐Pot Copper‐Catalyzed Sulfonylation and Sulfochlorination of Styrenes
Authors: Saavedra‐Olavarría Jorge , Hermosilla‐Ibáñez Patricio , Almodóvar Iriux , Pérez Edwin G.
Published: April 2022

Here, a strategy for the synthesis under fast‐heating conditions of vinyl sulfones and β‐chlorosulfones from styrene derivatives, tosyl chloride (TsCl) as sulfonyl and chlorine source, and CuBr‐neocuproine as the catalytic system is reported. The reaction occurs through an atom transfer radical addition (ATRA) mechanism to generate the sulfochlorinated adducts followed by E2 elimination to generate the vinyl sulfones. This methodology allows a wide range of vinyl sulfones and β‐chlorosulfones to be obtained using inexpensive reagents in one and five minutes respectively. These reactions appear as an interesting fast and easy‐to‐handle alternative to obtain these compounds.
Fabrication of a Label‐free Femtomolar Electrochemical Mercury Ion Biosensor Based on Oligonucleotide Receptor Layers Hybridized with Multi‐walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Pal Chittatosh , Majumder Subrata
Published: April 2022

The feasibility of designing a highly selective and sensitive label‐free cost‐effective biosensor to determine Hg2+ions using gold electrodes functionalized with short‐chain, thymine‐rich, ss‐DNA oligonucleotides wrapped MWNTs is examined. The potassium ferricyanide was used as a redox marker for analytical signal generation. Biosensor response was based on the difference in the electrochemical signal before and after subjecting it to a sample containing Hg2+ions. The lowest detection limit of 1 femtomolar (fM) of mercury ions was observed in the aqueous medium, together with good selectivity against common metal cations. The method developed was successfully applied for the determination of Hg2+ions in environmental waste water samples.
Polysorbate 80 and histidine quantitative analysis by NMR in the presence of virus‐like particles
Authors: Rustandi Richard R.
Published: April 2022

Polysorbate‐80 (PS80) and histidine are common excipients in vaccine and therapeutic protein formulation. A simple quantitative NMR method to measure both PS80 and histidine in human papillomavirus (HPV) virus‐like particle (VLP) vaccine for aqueous and alum‐containing samples is described. The new NMR method is compared to current colorimetric methods for PS80 and RP HPLC for histidine. The new NMR method is comparable to current assays with an advantage of a simpler sample treatment for PS80. The efficiency is also increased because one method can now provide two assay results instead of two separate methods. Furthermore, the NMR method can detect PS80 stability due to hydrolysis and oxidation when PS80 is stored in a stainless steel container by observing a change of its NMR line shape profile.
Analysis of U87 glioma cells by dielectrophoresis
Authors: Sengul Esra , Sharbati Pouya , Elitas Meltem , Islam Monsur , Korvink Jan G.
Published: April 2022

Glioblastoma multiforme is the most aggressive and invasive brain cancer consisting of genetically and phenotypically altering glial cells. It has massive heterogeneity due to its highly complex and dynamic microenvironment. Here, electrophysiological properties of U87 human glioma cell line were measured based on a dielectrophoresis phenomenon to quantify the population heterogeneity of glioma cells. Dielectrophoretic forces were generated using a gold‐microelectrode array within a microfluidic channel when 3 Vpp and 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 kHz, 1, 2, 5, and 10 MHz frequencies were applied. We analyzed the dielectrophoretic behavior of 500 glioma cells, and revealed that the crossover frequency of glioma cells was around 140 kHz. A quantifying dielectrophoretic movement of the glioma cells exhibited three distinct glioma subpopulations: 50% of the glioma cells experienced strong, 30% of the cells were spread in the microchannel by moderate, and the rest of the cells experienced very weak positive dielectrophoretic forces. Our results demonstrated the dielectrophoretic spectra of U87 glioma cell line. Dielectrophoretic responses of glioma cells linked population heterogeneity to membrane properties of glioma cells rather than their size distribution in the population.
Transoral robotic surgery with neck dissection versus nonsurgical treatment in stage I and II human papillomavirus‐negative oropharyngeal cancer
Authors: Bollig Craig A. , Morris Brian , Stubbs Vanessa C.
Published: April 2022

Background

Surgery + adjuvant therapy was shown to have improved overall survival (OS) versus nonsurgical treatment in T1‐T2N1‐N2b human papillomavirus (HPV)‐negative oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). Our objective was to compare OS in transoral robotic surgery (TORS) with neck dissection versus nonsurgical treatment for T1‐T2N0 HPV‐negative OPC.

Methods

Patients with T1‐T2N0 HPV‐negative OPC were identified in the National Cancer Database. OS was compared between groups: (1) TORS with neck dissection +/− adjuvant therapy, (2) primary radiotherapy (>60 Gy) +/− chemotherapy using Kaplan–Meier and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

There were 665 (78.4%) patients treated nonsurgically and 183 (21.6%) patients in the TORS group. Adjusting for age, comorbidity score, facility type, tumor subsite, and tumor stage, primary nonsurgical treatment was associated with worse OS (hazard ratio: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.34–2.69).

Conclusion

For T1‐T2N0 HPV‐negative OPC, TORS with neck dissection may be associated with a survival benefit over nonsurgical treatment.
Head and neck pedicled flap autonomization using a new high‐resolution indocyanine green fluorescence video‐angiography device
Authors: Giordano Leone , Galli Andrea , Familiari Marco , Canta Davide , Irem Ayhan , Biafora Matteo , Battista Rosa Alessia , Bussi Mario
Published: April 2022

In head and neck oncologic surgery a reconstructive phase is often required and pedicled flaps are still a viable option, though they may need a pedicle division performed at a later stage. Several techniques are commonly used for perfusion assessment of the flaps, with indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence video‐angiography representing a promising tool. We used ICG video‐angiography to evaluate the perfusion of two of the most commonly adopted pedicled flaps in the head and neck field (the supraclavicular and the paramedian forehead flap) before and after second‐stage pedicle division, allowing a safer in‐setting. Moreover, the new high‐resolution device that we have employed added further accuracy to the traditional video‐angiography, providing a real‐time flap‐to‐normal skin ICG ratio. Indeed, ICG video‐angiography proved to be a useful tool in head and neck reconstructive surgery and it may allow an earlier second‐stage pedicle division.
Predicting NAFLD prevalence in the United States using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017–2018 transient elastography data and application of machine learning
Authors: Noureddin Mazen , Ntanios Fady , Malhotra Deepa , Hoover Katherine , Emir Birol , McLeod Euan , Alkhouri Naim
Published: April 2022

This cohort analysis investigated the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and NAFLD with fibrosis at different stages, associated clinical characteristics, and comorbidities in the general United States population and a subpopulation with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database (2017–2018). Machine learning was explored to predict NAFLD identified by transient elastography (FibroScan®). Adults ≥20 years of age with valid transient elastography measurements were included; those with high alcohol consumption, viral hepatitis, or human immunodeficiency virus were excluded. Controlled attenuation parameter ≥302 dB/m using Youden’s index defined NAFLD; vibration‐controlled transient elastography liver stiffness cutoffs were ≤8.2, ≤9.7, ≤13.6, and >13.6 kPa for F0–F1, F2, F3, and F4, respectively. Predictive modeling, using six different machine‐learning approaches with demographic and clinical data from NHANES, was applied. Age‐adjusted prevalence of NAFLD and of NAFLD with F0–F1 and F2–F4 fibrosis was 25.3%, 18.9%, and 4.4%, respectively, in the overall population and 54.6%, 32.6%, and 18.3% in those with T2DM. The highest prevalence was among Mexican American participants. Test performance for all six machine‐learning models was similar (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.79–0.84). Machine learning using logistic regression identified male sex, hemoglobin A1c, age, and body mass index among significant predictors of NAFLD (P ≤ 0.01). Conclusion: Data show a high prevalence of NAFLD with significant fibrosis (≥F2) in the general United States population, with greater prevalence in participants with T2DM. Using readily available, standard demographic and clinical data, machine‐learning models could identify subjects with NAFLD across large data sets.
Surveying the hybrid of radiation and magnetic parameters on Maxwell liquid with TiO2 nanotube influence of different blades
Authors: Abdollahzadeh Mohammad Javad , Fathollahi Reza , Pasha Pooya , Mahmoudi Meysam , Samimi Behbahan Amin , Domiri Ganji Davood
Published: April 2022

In this paper, the impacts of Maxwell nanoliquid transmission, rectangular with titanium oxide nanoparticles are explored over the triangular, chamfer blades. The innovation of this paper is the use of the number of chamfers, rectangular, and triangular blades at the top and bottom of a stretched plate to study physical nanofluid parameters such as temperature and the effects of magnetism. Also, by determining the appropriate height and length for the blades, we achieve the best optimization of temperature and velocity of nanofluid between the plate and the blades, which improves heat transfer and with a more and better effect of magnetic effects. The finite element method is utilized for the calculated differential equations. In this paper, by utilizing the reaction surface strategy, we optimized the titanium oxide nanofluid velocity and temperature, and magnetic parameter passing from the extending sheet. On average, the titanium oxide nanoparticle velocity around the two rectangular blades at the beginning of the sheet is 73.09% higher than triangular blades and 66.98% higher than chamfer blades. Based on the outcomes got from the titanium oxide nanofluid speed charts and the warm exchange cantors and magnetic impacts within the Design‐Expert computer program, the most excellent optimization occurred for TiO2 nanofluid speed and TiO2 nanofluid temperature and TiO2 magnetic parameter with u = 0.523, T = 3.25, and H = 2.671.
Biomarkers of the transsulfuration pathway and risk of renal cell carcinoma in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study
Authors: Clasen Joanna L. , Heath Alicia K. , Van Puyvelde Heleen , Huybrechts Inge , Park Jin Young , Ferrari Pietro , Scelo Ghislaine , Ulvik Arve , Midttun Øivind , Ueland Per Magne , Overvad Kim , Eriksen Anne Kirstine , Tjønneland Anne , Kaaks Rudolf , Katzke Verena , Schulze Matthias B. , Palli Domenico , Agnoli Claudia , Chiodini Paolo , Tumino Rosario , Sacerdote Carlotta , Zamora‐Ros Raul , Rodriguez‐Barranco Miguel , Santiuste Carmen , Ardanaz Eva , Amiano Pilar , Schmidt Julie A. , Weiderpass Elisabete , Gunter Marc , Riboli Elio , Cross Amanda J. , Johansson Mattias , Muller David C.
Published: April 2022

Previous studies have suggested that components of one‐carbon metabolism, particularly circulating vitamin B6, have an etiological role in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Vitamin B6 is a cofactor in the transsulfuration pathway. We sought to holistically investigate the role of the transsulfuration pathway in RCC risk. We conducted a nested case‐control study (455 RCC cases and 455 matched controls) within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study. Plasma samples from the baseline visit were analyzed for metabolites of the transsulfuration pathway, including pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate (PLP, the biologically active form of vitamin B6), homocysteine, serine, cystathionine, and cysteine, in addition to folate. Bayesian conditional logistic regression was used to estimate associations of metabolites with RCC risk as well as interactions with established RCC risk factors. Circulating PLP and cysteine were inversely associated with RCC risk, and these associations were not attenuated after adjustment for other transsulfuration metabolites (odds ratio (OR) and 90% credible interval (CrI) per 1 SD increase in log concentration: 0.76 [0.66, 0.87]; 0.81 [0.66, 0.96], respectively). A comparison of joint metabolite profiles suggested substantially greater RCC risk for the profile representative of low overall transsulfuration function compared to high function (OR 2.70 [90% CrI 1.26, 5.70]). We found some statistical evidence of interactions of cysteine with body mass index, and PLP and homocysteine with smoking status, on their associations with RCC risk. In conclusion, we found evidence suggesting that the transsulfuration pathway may play a role in metabolic dysregulation leading to RCC development.
The impact of COVID‐19 on the patient, clinician, healthcare services and society: A patient pathway review
Authors: Kwok Chun Shing , Muntean Elena‐Andra , Mallen Christian D.
Published: April 2022

The spread of COVID‐19 infection has changed the world. Population‐based studies of COVID‐19 are limited because it is unknown why events happen or why certain outcomes occur. An alternative approach called the patient pathway review evaluates what happens to individuals in detail. In the “ideal” pathway patients with COVID‐19 will seek medical attention and COVID‐19 will be identified and they will either be admitted to hospital, managed in the community or they will self‐care. However, in the “real‐world” pathway, patients may delay seeking medical attention and it is variable who the patient decides to seek help from and some patients may be initially misdiagnosed. The eventual outcome will be recovery from the acute infection or death but there may be a spectrum of healthcare needs for patients from those who care for themselves in the community to those who are hospitalized and require intensive care. The patients may or may not have short‐ and long‐term adverse effects. People infected with COVID‐19 can take on different paths which depend on the patient's decision making, clinical decision making, and the patient's response to the infection. Desirable pathways are those where patients have good outcomes and also limit the transmission of the virus.
Inactivated vaccines prevent severe COVID‐19 in patients infected with the Delta variant: A comparative study of the Delta and Alpha variants from China
Authors: Ye Chanyuan , Lv Yan , Kuang Wei , Yang Lisha , Lu Yingfeng , Gu Jueqing , Ding Feng , Shen Huajiang , Yang Yida
Published: April 2022

The Delta variant has gradually replaced the Alpha variant as the major strain of SARS‐COV‐2 infection worldwide. We extracted the clinical characteristics and outcomes information about 381 hospitalized patients infected with Delta variant and compared them with 856 patients diagnosed with Alpha variant infection in Zhejiang Province. The majority (85.3%) of patients infected with the Delta variant had received inactivated vaccine. The patients' condition was generally mild. Most of them were mild (35.7%) and common (62.7%) types. Only six patients (1.5%) were severe/critical types. During the follow‐up period, patients infected with the Delta variant had longer hospital stays than the Alpha variant (24 [21–26] vs. 18 [14–24], p < 0.001). In addition, the unvaccinated patients infected with the Delta variant had a higher proportion of severe/critical cases than vaccinated patients (11.11% vs. 0.92%, p = 0.024) and a higher usage rate of glucocorticoids (38.89 vs. 14.77%, p = 0.017) and antibiotics (55.56% vs. 32.31%, p = 0.042) during hospitalization. The vaccine's efficacy against severe COVID‐19 did not diminish over time for patients who received two doses of the inactivated vaccine. The disease types and clinical manifestations were generally mild in patients infected with the Delta variant, possibly associated with widespread vaccination with inactivated vaccines in China.
A temperature‐dependent hydrating structure around SO42− investigated from Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Hu Qingcheng , Zhao Haiwen , Wu Xiang'en , Liang Yuying
Published: April 2022

The Raman spectra of H2O/D2O−Na2SO4 solutions are measured at temperatures (T) up to 573 K. The hydrating structure of SO42− is investigated based on the solute‐correlated (SC) OD/OH stretch bands obtained by the multivariate curve resolution method. Remaining a nearly constant wavenumber of the main peak with increasing temperature, the SC OD/OH bands are narrowed first due to the reduced relative intensity of the shoulder at 2395/~3245 cm−1 when T < ~473 K/~513 K but then because the OD/OH bands get sunken around 2610/3580 cm−1 above ~473/~513 K (letting the ~2660/~3635 cm−1 mode be more prominent and even a separate peak). These spectral features incline to support a temperature‐dependent water structure in the SO42− hydration shell balanced by the SO42−···H2O(D2O) and O–H(D)···O hydrogen bonds (those with D are stronger) as well as the electrostatics. Most hydrating water molecules are engaged in hydrogen bonding configurations of single donor (SD) and single hydrogen‐bond water (SHW). As temperature rises, the average number of hydrogen bonds per hydrating water molecule decreases below ~373 K because of the SD → SHW transition and increases afterward owning to the rapid increase of the ion pairs, and SO42− changes its role from structure breaker to structure maker above ~453 K. The temperature‐dependent solubility behavior of Na2SO4 in H2O can be rationalized by the ion pairing effect and temperature‐dependent structure details in SO42− hydration shell.
tMCR‐ALS method for the determination of water concentration profiles in the stratum corneum of untreated and treated skin in vivo
Authors: Choe Chun Sik , Ri Jin Song , Choe Se Hyok , Kim Pok Sil , Lademann Jürgen , Schleusener Johannes , Darvin Maxim E.
Published: April 2022

Skin moisturizing is important in dermatology and cosmetics. Raman microspectroscopy is a well‐suited method to determine water concentration profiles in the stratum corneum (SC) of untreated and formulation‐treated skin in vivo. Until now, the water in the SC was quantified using the ratio of water to proteins, and other SC components were neglected. Here, we apply the tailored multivariate curve resolution‐alternating least squares (tMCR‐ALS) method to improve the quantitative determination of water in the SC of cosmetic oil‐treated skin accounting Raman spectra of proteins, lipids, and oils in the high wavenumber region. We compared the water concentration profiles in the SC of petrolatum‐treated skin calculated using the tMCR‐ALS method and two existing conventional and extended methods, which are both based on the analysis of the water‐to‐protein‐ratio. The results show that in petrolatum‐treated skin, the conventional method calculates an incorrect water profile in the depth of 0–70% of the SC thickness; the extended method shows an incorrect profile in the depth of 0–10% of the SC thickness; the applied tMCR‐ALS method show results, which coincide well with the modern knowledge of the moisturizing effect of cosmetic oils on the SC. Almond, jojoba, and paraffin oils exhibit a similar moisturizing effect that manifests itself in an increase of water concentration in the intermediate SC depth. However, the effect of petrolatum is more pronounced. In the context of treated skin, the proposed method calculates water concentration profiles throughout the SC correctly and thus has a great potential in dermatology and cosmetics.
Development of real‐time intelligent films from red pitaya peel and its application in monitoring the freshness of pork
Authors: Ai Yana , Wang Guoxiong , Fang Fang , Zhang Fusheng , Liao Hongmei
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

Red pitaya peel (RPP) is a good source of polysaccharides, which can be used in the production of biodegradable material. Betacyanins in it possess antioxidant and pH‐sensitive properties. However, RPP is commonly discarded during fruit processing. This study aimed to develop real‐time intelligent film using RPP to evaluate pork freshness.

RESULTS

Real‐time intelligent films were developed with film‐forming substrates (FFS) composed of 60–100% (w/w) RPP and 0–4% (v/w) glycerol in pH 4.3 ~ 8.0. Rheology tests revealed that the FFS exhibited shear‐thinning behavior. Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) analysis showed that molecules in the RPP interacted with glycerol and formed hydrogen bonds. It showed that the film developed with FFS of 80% RPP and 2% (v/w) glycerol had strong molecular interaction, dense structure, and optimal tensile strength and elongation at break. Film with pH adjusted to 7.0 had greater sensitivity to ammonia than film that was prepared at an original pH of 4.3, so this film was used to monitor freshness of pork. A visible change in the color of the film was observed during the spoiling process of pork, which correlated with the accumulated total volatile base nitrogen.

CONCLUSION

Based on its sensitivity to ammonia, the film made of 80% (w/w) RPP and 2% (v/w) glycerol at pH 7.0 was recommended for use in monitoring the freshness of protein‐rich food. Our findings are of great significance for ensuring meat quality and safety and for reducing food waste. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Posttraumatic stress symptom severity is associated with impaired processing of emotional faces in a large international sample
Authors: Rutter Lauren A. , Lind Colton , Howard Jacqueline , Lakhan Prabhvir , Germine Laura
Published: April 2022

Trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) are associated with biases in emotional face processing. Existing research has utilized a variety of methodological techniques to demonstrate hyperreactivity to threatening cues in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; i.e., fearful faces), but studies to date have shown conflicting findings, including both increased and decreased time fixating on fearful faces. Moreover, the impact of PTSS severity on emotional face processing in the general population is unknown, as the generalizability of prior work is limited. The current study aimed to examine the associations between PTSS and sensitivity to detecting differences in fearful, angry, and happy faces in a large international sample. Participants were 1,182 visitors (Mage = 31.13 years, SD = 13.57, range: 18–85 years) to TestMyBrain.org who completed three emotion sensitivity tasks and the PTSD Checklist for DSM‐5. The results indicated that higher PTSS scores were associated with poorer performance in detecting happiness, fear, and anger, ps < .001, with the largest effect for fear, f 2 = .06, controlling for age and gender. Participants who experienced more recent and more direct trauma exposure displayed higher levels of PTSS, with a small but significant effect whereby more direct trauma exposure was associated with higher (i.e., better) scores for anger and fear, f2s = .02. Women showed heightened sensitivity to detecting fear compared to men, d = 0.17. The present findings underscore the value of citizen science initiatives that allow researchers to obtain clinical data from diverse samples with a high degree of PTSS variability.
Management of Nasopharyngeal Cyst of Second Branchial Cleft Origin: Case Series and Systematic Review
Authors: Vinciguerra Alessandro , Verillaud Benjamin , Kaci Rachid , Guichard Jean‐Pierre , Herman Philippe
Published: April 2022

Branchial cyst of the second pouch is the most common lesion of the nasopharyngeal lateral wall, generally localized between the pharyngeal wall and internal carotid artery.

Cases consistent with such lesion, were collected. Symptomatic patients were treated with endoscopic trans‐nasal marsupialisation, asymptomatic cases were followed‐up. Among the 10 patients included, 4 were symptomatic and accordingly treated. In the literature, 36 cases were found, all of which were treated, most commonly with a total excision.

Considering the benign nature of branchial nasopharyngeal cyst, its treatment should be tailored to each patient: endoscopic marsupialization in symptomatic lesion, follow‐up in asymptomatic one. Laryngoscope, 132:1904–1908, 2022
Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Tube Timing in Head and Neck Cancer Surgery
Authors: Din‐Lovinescu Corina , Barinsky Gregory L. , Povolotskiy Roman , Grube Jordon G. , Park Chan W.
Published: April 2022

Objective

To examine outcomes and complications in patients receiving a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube on the same day of head and neck cancer (HNC) surgery versus later in hospitalization.

Methods

The 2003–2014 Nationwide Inpatient Sample was queried for patients undergoing ablative HNC procedures who had a PEG tube placed. Cases were stratified by PEG tube timing into an early (on the same day as ablative procedure) and late (later in hospitalization) group. Demographics and outcomes were compared using univariate analysis and multivariate regression modeling.

Results

A total of 4,068 cases were included, of which 2,206 (54.23%) underwent early PEG and 1,862 (45.77%) received a late PEG tube. Late PEG tube patients were more likely to have a diagnosis of malnutrition (18.0% vs. 15.3%, p = 0.018) or renal failure (4.7% vs. 3.0%, p = 0.006). On multivariate regression analysis, patients receiving late PEG tubes were more likely to experience aspiration pneumonia, acute pulmonary disease, infectious pneumonia, sepsis, hematoma, wound disruption, surgical site infection, and fistula formation (all p < 0.05). The mean length of stay and hospital charges in the late PEG group were significantly greater (17.1 vs. 12.6 days, p < 0.001) and ($159,993 vs. $125,705, p < 0.001), respectively.

Conclusions

Patients undergoing HNC surgery who received a PEG tube on the day of ablative surgery had lower complication rates, shorter length of stay, and decreased hospital costs compared to those who had a PEG tube placed later during hospitalization. Further research is needed to determine the causal relationships behind these findings.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 133:109–115, 2023
Feasibility of Instituting a Clinical Otolaryngology Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Program
Authors: Palacios Victoria J. , Merlino Dante J. , Anderson Stephanie S. , Yeakel Sarah R. , Choby G Garret W. , Wiedermann Joshua P. , Moore Eric J. , O'Byrne Thomas J. , Jacobson Robert M. , Van Abel Kathryn M.
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To measure baseline human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates among tertiary and community‐based Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (Oto‐HNS) clinic patients and to determine risk factors for under‐vaccination.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of patients aged 9 to 26 years presenting to an Oto‐HNS clinic from 2017 to 2019. Patients were considered complete for HPV vaccination if they received two doses of HPV vaccine with the first dose received before age 15 years or three doses of HPV vaccine otherwise.

Results

8,532 unique patients met the criteria. At the index visit, 3,110 (36.5%) had completed the HPV series, 5,422 (63.5%) were due for one or more doses, with 4,981 (58.4%) eligible for vaccination at the time of their appointment. Of those dues, most (3,148/5,422 or 58%) were past due by age (≥13 years old). Of the 3,148 patients past due, 745 (23.7%) were partially vaccinated and 2,403 (76.3%) were vaccine naïve. Male sex and younger age were both independently associated with incomplete vaccination (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that the implementation of on‐site HPV vaccination has the potential to increase the opportunities for vaccination among vaccine‐eligible patients, especially among young males. Otolaryngologists have the potential to provide meaningful preventive services in the fight against HPV‐mediated disease.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 133:116–123, 2023
Manufacturing Cyclodextrin Fibers Using Water
Authors: Kelly Alesha , Ahmed Jubair , Edirisinghe Mohan
Published: April 2022

Cyclodextrins are a class of biocompatible and highly water‐soluble oligosaccharide polymers, with vast applications in industries ranging from drug delivery to agriculture. Currently, most fiber production relies on using environmentally unfriendly organic solvents and polymeric additions. Cyclodextrins are seldom used on their own without a carrier polymer, however in this work, (2‐hydroxypropyl)‐β‐cyclodextrin) fibers are successfully produced with water, as the “green” solvent with pressurized gyration and electrospinning, without using a carrier polymer. The average fiber diameter of the pressurized gyration produces fibers ranged between 5.5 and 5.8 µm, while the average fiber diameter of the electrospun fibers ranged between only 183 and 305 nm. These findings show the thinnest diameter of pure cyclodextrin fibers achieved in current literature. Both techniques have specific advantages, such as electrospinning being able to produce nanofibers, while pressurized gyration has productivity of over 1.5 g min−1. Here, a pioneering study into the production of cyclodextrin‐only fibers with two different fiber production techniques and the creation of a cyclodextrin‐super‐mat that combines both types of fibers is presented.
Revisiting (dis)fluency: Metacognitive difficulty as a novelty cue that evokes feeling‐of‐interest
Authors: Sung Billy , Vanman Eric J. , Hartley Nicole
Published: April 2022

Contrary to conventional belief and the existing literature, recent research has shown that difficult‐to‐read fonts on marketing communications may evoke perceptual disfluency and enhance consumer evaluation toward unique, complex, or security‐related products. However, no research has examined the psychological mechanism that underlies the positive effects of perceptual disfluency. The current research presents five experiments to address this study gap. Specifically, Studies 1 and 2 provide empirical evidence that perceptual disfluency may lead to perceived novelty and in turn evoke the feeling‐of‐interest, perceived innovativeness, and intention to try a product. Studies 3 and 4 replicate these findings and show that such an indirect effect of perceptual disfluency is mitigated by the presence of salient novelty cues and prior product knowledge, providing further support for the hypothesized disfluency–novelty–interest relationship. Study 5 extended these findings by showing that digital ad banners with disfluent text may enhance click‐throughs in a natural viewing task of a news website. The current findings empirically demonstrate a mechanism that not only underlies the positive effects of perceptual disfluency but also aligns with the fluency–familiarity–liking relationship found in the existing literature.
A Comparative Assessment of Human Serum Proteins Interactions with Hemodialysis Clinical Membranes using Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Mollahosseini Arash , Saadati Shaghayegh , Abdelrasoul Amira
Published: April 2022

End stage renal disease (ESRD) affects ≈10% of the world's population. Hemodialysis (HD) is a life‐sustaining extracorporeal blood purifying treatment for ESRD patients. Despite the advances in technology, the hemoincompatibility of the dialyzers leads to a high morbidity and mortality rate. Decreasing interactions between polymers and blood constituents will result in controlled binding of human serum proteins to the surface and consequently enhanced biocompatibility. This study aims to assess the interaction energy between common hemodialysis polymer structures and human serum proteins using molecular dynamics simulation to offer a framework for understanding the dominant interactions as a reference for material development. Molecular dynamics and molecular docking simulations are conducted for calculating polymerprotein binding energies. Common serum proteins are selected for protein models. Poly aryl ether sulfone (PAES) with and without polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), cellulose triacetate (CTA), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) membrane structures are chosen as the different classes of dialyzers. The van der Waals interactions between polymers and proteins dominate the binding energies sequence. Molecular docking results of the affinity between protein receptors‐ligands are aligned with the MD binding interaction.
Oriented CW complexes and finite‐dimensional alternative algebras
Authors: Ceballos Manuel
Published: April 2022

In this paper, a link between oriented CW complexes (that will also be mentioned as configurations) and alternative algebras is studied, determining which configurations are associated with those algebras. Moreover, the isomorphism classes of each two‐dimensional configuration associated with these algebras is analyzed, providing a new method to classify them. In order to complement the theoretical study, two algorithmic methods are implemented: The first one checks if a given algebra is alternative, while the second one constructs and draws the (pseudo)digraph associated with a given alternative algebra.
New family for Runge‐Kutta‐Nyström pairs of orders 6(4) with coefficients trained to address oscillatory problems
Authors: Kovalnogov Vladislav N. , Kornilova M. I. , Khakhalev Y. A. , Generalov D. A. , Simos T.E. , Tsitouras Ch.
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we consider the integration of the special second‐order initial value problem (IVP)
by Runge‐Kutta‐Nyström (RKN) pairs of algebraic orders 6 and 4. For achieving this, we have to solve a certain set of order conditions. The main contribution of the present work is that we introduce a new methodology of solving them that possesses nine free parameters instead of four used by similar pairs until now. This family uses the FSAL (first stage as last) devise. Selecting these extra coefficients properly we may construct methods with better properties. Here, we exploit the free parameters in order to derive a pair with coefficients trained to furnish better results on problems with periodic solutions. Extensive numerical tests justify our approach.
The supraclavicular nerve
Authors: Seror Paul
Published: April 2022

Introduction/Aims

The aim of this study was to describe a new method for studying the supraclavicular nerve (SCN) conduction and to report four cases with SCN lesions.

Methods

The SCN was antidromically recorded with a pair of self‐adhesive electrodes located in the middle of the clavicle. Stimulation (<5 mA) was delivered 7 cm proximally with a bar electrode. To facilitate recording, it was explained to the participant that they would feel a very faint electrical sensation locally and an electrical tingle upward (ear) or downward (shoulder/clavicle). Each participant was asked to say when the tingling moved downward.

Results

In normal subjects, median values were 16 μV (range: 9–33) for sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) amplitude; 1.2 ms (range: 1–1.5) for onset latency; and 1.25 (range: 1–1.7) for side‐to‐side amplitude ratio. In the four patients, the SCN SNAP was absent on the pathological side and normal on the healthy side. All four patients complained of unilateral neuropathic hypoesthesia on the anterior aspect of the neck, chest, and shoulder that occurred after radical neck surgery for thyroid or larynx cancer (x3) and first rib resection (x1).

Discussion

A comparison with previous reports shows that this simple method provides similar or highest SNAP amplitudes. SCN lesions are rare, and rarely referred for electrodiagnosis, and often overlooked. However, the SCN conduction study, which causes very slight inconvenience (low‐intensity stimulation), allows a better understanding of the origin of the complaints and permits the patient to benefit of more suitable treatment.
Safe urodynamic practices in times of COVID‐19: What can be accomplished and what can be added?
Authors: Pereira‐Correia João A. , Gomes Carlos M. P. P. , Barbosa Paulo H. N. , Salomão Bruno A. , Morais Heitor S. , Muller Valter J. F.
Published: April 2022

Aim

To present feedback, after applying national and international urodynamic study (UDS) recommendations for safe practice during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

We created a checklist to assess the feasibility of performing UDS recommendations for safe practice during the COVID‐19 pandemic from the first week of May 2021 to the last week of July 2021.

Results

One hundred patients were analyzed during the study period. We observed that all preventive recommendations for the steps that precede UDS could be followed in full. However, some guidelines for performing the exam were not feasible in all patients. We have successfully adopted other safety measures for all patients.

Conclusions

The COVID‐19 pandemic will likely persist for several more years. We believe that continuous improvement, revision, and updating of existing protocols and guidelines for the safe practice of UDS in times of COVID‐19, as we propose in this study, should be encouraged.
A 10 ka intentionally deformed human skull from Northeast Asia
Authors: Yin Qiyu , Li Qiang , Zhang Hucai , Ma Ning , Zhang Wei , Ni Xijun
Published: April 2022

The oldest‐known undoubted cultural practices of intentional cranial deformation (ICD, also known as artificial cranial modification) appeared in the Middle East, Australia, and Northeast China in the terminal Pleistocene‐early Holocene populations. Here, we report an ICD calvarium fossil (Songhuajiang II) discovered from an underwater sand mining site near Harbin City in Northeast China. With a calibrated accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) radiocarbon age of 11,095–10,745 BP, the fossil calvarium is among the oldest‐known ICD records in the world. A combination of pronounced superciliary arches, salient temporal lines, and relatively round and dull supraorbital margin, together with moderately wide interorbital space, flat glabella region without infraglabellar notch, flat and small zygomatic trigon, round and inclined superior‐lateral orbital margin, and largely closed sutures, suggests that Songhuajiang II skull belonged to a middle‐aged Asian man. The man has flat frontal and occipital bone, conical posterior parietal region, and a circular depression posterior to the coronal suture, and more subdivisions and many crenulated terminal branches on the anterior branch of the middle meningeal vessels. These features are typical for the tabular deformation methodology of ICD. The discovery, together with previously known ICD records (Songhuajiang I, Qianguo Man Qingshantou 1, and Djalai‐Nor cranium), suggests that the ICD cultural practice has a long and continuous history in Northeast Asia.
A risk classification model for prioritising the management of quality issues relating to substandard medicines in Singapore
Authors: Ang Pei San , Teo Desmond Chun Hwee , Toh Yi Long , Ng Michelle Sau Yuen , Choong Chih Tzer , Phuah Doris Sock Tin , Tan Dorothy Hooi Myn , Tan Filina Meixuan , Tan Maggie Siok Hwee , Koh Suan Tian , Thinn Wint Maw , Poh Jalene Wang Woon , Dorajoo Sreemanee Raaj
Published: April 2022

Background

Monitoring for substandard medicines by regulatory agencies is a key post‐market surveillance activity. It is important to prioritise critical product defects for review to ensure that prompt risk mitigation actions are taken.

Methods

A regulatory risk impact prioritisation model for product defects (RISMED) with 11 factors considering the seriousness and extent of impact of a defect was developed. The model generated an overall score that categorised cases into high, medium or low impact. The model was further developed into a statistical risk scoring model (stat‐RISMED) using multivariate logistic regression that classified cases into high and non‐high impact. Both models were evaluated against an expert‐derived gold standard annotation corpus and tested on an independent dataset.

Results

Product defect cases received from January 2011 to June 2020 (n = 660) were used to train stat‐RISMED and cases from July 2020 to June 2021 (n = 220) for validation. The stat‐RISMED identified four factors associated with high impact cases, namely defect classification based on MedDRA‐HSA terms, therapeutic indication of product, detectability of defect and whether any overseas regulatory actions were performed. Compared to RISMED, stat‐RISMED achieved an improved sensitivity (94% vs 42%) and positive predictive value (47% vs 43%) for the identification of high impact cases, against the gold standard labels.

Conclusions

This study reported characteristics that predicts cases with high impact, and the use of a statistical model to identify such cases. The model may potentially be applied to prioritise product defect issues and strengthen overall surveillance efforts of substandard medicines.
Evaluating psychometric properties of common autism educational identification measures through a culturally and linguistically responsive lens
Authors: Schmidt Jaime , Harris Bryn , McClain Maryellen Brunson , Benallie Kandice J.
Published: April 2022

Little information regarding the psychometric properties of the most commonly used autism identification measures used in school settings with traditionally racially and ethnically minoritized (REM) groups is available. This analysis of autism identification measures is particularly important due to the demographic increase in the United States among most REM populations in recent decades. In addition, most REM groups are inequitably identified for autism and these measures may contribute to disproportionate identification based on problematic psychometric factors. This study systematically compiles the recommended psychometric properties pertaining to validity and reliability of the common autism identification measures among REM groups that are traditionally underrepresented (i.e., Black and Latinx populations) for autism identification. Conclusions suggest that several of the most common autism identification measures lack sufficient psychometric analyses to evaluate appropriate utilization with REM populations, specifically those who are Black and Latinx. The findings from this study may inform school psychologists' utilization and knowledge of limitations of these measures, as well as assisting with the determination of the appropriateness of these measures for use with REM populations.