bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterns and drivers of Nothobranchius killifish diversity in lowland Tanzania
Authors: Reichard Martin , Janáč Michal , Blažek Radim , Žák Jakub , Alila Okinyi David , Polačik Matej
Published: June 2022

Temporary pools are seasonal wetland habitats with specifically adapted biota, including annual Nothobranchius killifishes that survive habitat desiccation as diapausing eggs encased in dry sediment. To understand the patterns in the structure of Nothobranchius assemblages and their potential in wetland conservation, we compared biodiversity components (alpha, beta, and gamma) between regions and estimated the role and sources of nestedness and turnover on their diversity. We sampled Nothobranchius assemblages from 127 pools across seven local regions in lowland Eastern Tanzania over 2 years, using dip net and seine nets. We estimated species composition and richness for each pool, and beta and gamma diversity for each region. We decomposed beta diversity into nestedness and turnover components. We tested nestedness in three main regions (Ruvu, Rufiji, and Mbezi) using the number of decreasing fills metric and compared the roles of pool area, isolation, and altitude on nestedness. A total of 15 species formed assemblages containing 1–6 species. Most Nothobranchius species were endemic to one or two adjacent regions. Regional diversity was highest in the Ruvu, Rufiji, and Mbezi regions. Nestedness was significant in Ruvu and Rufiji, with shared core (N. melanospilus, N. eggersi, and N. janpapi) and common (N. ocellatus and N. annectens) species, and distinctive rare species. Nestedness apparently resulted from selective colonization rather than selective extinction, and local species richness was negatively associated with altitude. The Nothobranchius assemblages in the Mbezi region were not nested, and had many endemic species and the highest beta diversity driven by species turnover. Overall, we found unexpected local variation in the sources of beta diversity (nestedness and turnover) within the study area. The Mbezi region contained the highest diversity and many endemic species, apparently due to repeated colonizations of the region rather than local diversification. We suggest that annual killifish can serve as a flagship taxon for small wetland conservation.
Move, migrate, or tolerate: Quantifying three tactics for cold‐water fish coping with warm summers in a large river
Authors: Barrett Hannah S. , Armstrong Jonathan B.
Published: June 2022

Mainstem rivers are important for provisioning cold‐water fisheries and often support fluvial life histories that grow much larger than resident counterparts in tributaries. However, mainstem rivers are also warmer than tributaries during summer and more tightly coupled to regional climate. A key challenge is to understand how fluvial life histories cope with summer temperatures in mainstem rivers, both now and in a warmer future. Here, we outline three options: tolerance, exploitation of cool microhabitats, or migration to cooler tributaries. We quantified the relative prevalence of these responses in the wild using a Lagrangian approach. Specifically, we used temperature transmitting radio‐tags to track coastal cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii) habitat use across 100 km of the Willamette River, which exhibited a maximum temperature of 22°C. We found that 89.8% of fish stayed in the mainstem and tolerated high temperatures; 6.5% of the population exploited cool floodplain alcoves; and 3.7% moved into a cool tributary, the McKenzie River. We also found that on average, larger fish opted to use cold‐water refuge habitats rather than tolerate mainstem river temperatures. The expression of all three coping tactics suggests this population has adaptive capacity to respond to future warming. More work is needed to understand how the relative expression of these tactics change depending on the severity of heat stress or nontemperature attributes of mainstem, floodplain, and tributary habitat.
Biomarkers for the prediction of heart failure and cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes: a position statement from the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology
Authors: Seferović Peter , Farmakis Dimitrios , Bayes‐Genis Antoni , Ben Gal Tuvia , Böhm Michael , Chioncel Ovidiu , Ferrari Roberto , Filippatos Gerasimos , Hill Loreena , Jankowska Ewa , Lainscak Mitja , Lopatin Yuri , Lund Lars H. , Mebazaa Alexandre , Metra Marco , Moura Brenda , Rosano Giuseppe , Thum Thomas , Voors Adriaan , Coats Andrew J.S.
Published: June 2022

Knowledge on risk predictors of incident heart failure (HF) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) is crucial given the frequent coexistence of the two conditions and the fact that T2D doubles the risk of incident HF. In addition, HF is increasingly being recognized as an important endpoint in trials in T2D. On the other hand, the diagnostic and prognostic performance of established cardiovascular biomarkers may be modified by the presence of T2D. The present position paper, derived by an expert panel workshop organized by the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology, summarizes the current knowledge and gaps in evidence regarding the use of a series of different biomarkers, reflecting various pathogenic pathways, for the prediction of incident HF and cardiovascular events in patients with T2D and in those with established HF and T2D.
Low‐cost Trimetallic Ni‐Fe‐Mn Oxides/(Oxy)hydroxides Nanosheets Array for Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Chen Qi , Sheng Xiangxiang , Sun Yue , Yu Kaishan , Cheng Yafei , Geng Hongbo , Shen Junyu , Zhang Qijian , Liu Jinxuan
Published: June 2022

The development of low‐cost, efficient, and stable water oxidation electrocatalyst is of great importance for hydrogen production. Herein, we report an approach to convert commercial stainless steel plate (SSP) into trimetallic Ni‐Fe‐Mn oxides/hydroxides nanosheets (NiFeMnOxHy‐SSP) as an oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrode. The NiFeMnOxHy‐SSP exhibits excellent OER performance with an overpotential of 232 mV at 10 mA cmgeo−2, a Tafel slope of 37.6 mV dec−1, and long‐term stability (100 h) in 1.0 M KOH aqueous solution. The electrochemical results reveal that the Mn plays a significant role in reducing overpotential and improving stability at 500 mA cmgeo−2 for OER. This work provides a facile way to fabricate OER electrodes by surface modification of SSP towards industrial water splitting.
A Green Multicomponent Domino Mannich‐Michael Reaction to Synthesize Novel Naphthoquinone‐Polyphenols with Antiproliferative and Antioxidant Activities
Authors: Venturini Filho Eclair , Antoniazi Mariana K. , Ferreira Rafael Q. , dos Santos Gabriel F. S. , Pessoa Claudia , Guimarães Celina J. , Vieira Neto José B. , Silva Artur M. S. , Greco Sandro J.
Published: June 2022

This study reports on the one‐step, green, catalyst‐free synthesis of new naphthoquinone‐polyphenols through an innovative method using the multicomponent domino Mannich–Michael reaction in the lawsone. After optimized condition reactions, twelve novel naphthoquinone polyphenols were synthesized with good yields. The polyphenols were tested on four cancer cell lines (HCT116, PC3, HL60, and SNB19), in which the best results showed antiproliferative activity with IC50 of 25.83–47.95 μM. Additionally, we used the CRAC assay to quantify the antioxidant capacity of each compound and determined a hierarchy based on the Trolox equivalent values.
Synthesis of Ag@carbonized Polymer Dots and their Electrochemical Sensing of miRNA
Authors: Zhang Qi , Guo Zhihui , Zheng Xingwang
Published: June 2022

Polyethyleneimine (PEI) is a cationic polymer with a lot of amino groups in its molecular structure that is secure, sterile, and biocompatible. However, it is difficult for PEI molecules to be directly applied in electroanalysis due to their poor electroactivity. Herein, the PEI‐based carbonized polymer nanodots (CPDs) with core‐shell structure were prepared by hydrothermal method using PEI as the precursors. The results showed that the as‐prepared PEI‐based CPDs can not only exhibit the unique properties of carbon nanodots but also inherit the properties of PEI. Subsequently, based on the strong coordination interaction between the abundant amino groups on the surface of PEI and silver ions, the electroactive Ag@carbonized polymer dots (Ag@CPDs) were prepared. Furthermore, to investigate the electrochemical behaviors and application of Ag@CPDs, the DNA molecule (double‐stranded and single‐stranded DNA) was taken as an example. It was found that the interaction of DNA with Ag@CPDs had a significant influence on the current intensity of Ag@CPDs. Based on this phenomenon, a sensitive electrochemical technique for miRNA detection was established and effectively employed to detect miRNA in human serum samples based on the discriminating effect of Ag@CPDs towards ssDNA probes and ssDNA probe/miRNA complex (dsDNA).
A new imaging platform (iScreen) allows for the concurrent assessment of micronucleus induction and genotoxic mode of action in human A375 cells
Authors: Sun Xiaowen , Rubitski Elizabeth , Spellman Richard A. , Engel Maria , Schuler Maik
Published: June 2022

Genotoxicity testing guidelines require the assessment of the clastogenic and aneugenic potential of compounds. While in vitro micronucleus assays detect both types of endpoints, it requires labor‐intensive microscopic scoring and does not discriminate between the two modes of actions. Here, we present a novel high‐content imaging platform in A375 human cells that addresses the need for rapid scoring while providing additional mechanistic information. We evaluated the new platform with 12 compounds, three compounds from each mechanistic class (clastogen, aneugen tubulin binder, aneugen aurora inhibitor, and nongenotoxicant) following 4‐ and 24‐h compound treatments. The approach we developed is first discriminating between genotoxicant and nongenotoxicant using an image analysis algorithm to quantify micronucleus induction below a 60% cytotoxicity cutoff. Then it uses centromere protein A (CENPA) staining for the genotoxic compounds to discriminate between aneugens and clastogens. Lastly, we use phosphorylated histone H2AX Ser139 (γH2AX) staining to confirm clastogenicity and changes in phosphorylated histone 3 Ser10 (pH 3) and increases in polyploidy in mitotic cells to discriminate between aneugens that bind tubulin from those that affect aurora kinases. All compounds were correctly classified, and we showed by using benchmark dose–response analysis that the imaging platform in A375 cells is at least as sensitive as the MicroFlow® assay in TK6 cells for genotoxicant but appears to be more specific for the nongenotoxicants. A detailed comparison of the cell lines and a more comprehensive validation with a much larger compound set, predictive and dose–response modeling will be presented in the future.
A Novel and Highly Efficient Indolyl‐Based Electrolyte for Mg Batteries
Authors: Zaubitzer Steve , Dongmo Saustin , Schüler Philipp , Krieck Sven , Fiesinger Florian , Gaissmaier Daniel , van den Borg Matthias , Jacob Timo , Westerhausen Matthias , Wohlfahrt-Mehrens Margret , Marinaro Mario
Published: June 2022

Magnesium‐based batteries are one of the most promising candidates as postlithium electrochemical energy storage devices. Despite considerable research progress, suitable electrolytes supporting long‐term reversible stripping/deposition of magnesium metal in a low content or halide‐free electrolyte are still of great interest. Moreover, the electrolytes should possess certain properties to be a good match with candidate cathode materials. Herein, the electrochemical performance of a novel indolyl‐based electrolyte is presented. Theoretical modeling combined with NMR analysis identifies the magnesium species in the electrolyte. Reversible stripping/deposition of Mg metal in indolyl‐based electrolyte shows long‐term cycling with high coulombic efficiency of >99.5% and yields dendrite‐free magnesium deposition in compact and smooth layers. The X‐ray diffraction shows different preferential structural orientations depending on the electrode substrate. Finally, a proof‐of‐concept Mg║Mo6S8 full cell using the newly developed electrolyte is proposed.
Comparative analysis of hybrid renewable energy systems based on concentrating solar and biomass technologies forFaro‐Poli, Cameroon
Authors: Biboum Alain C. , Yilanci Ahmet , Mouangue Ruben
Published: June 2022

In this study, three configurations of hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) consisting of concentrating solar and biomass technologies are investigated for Faro‐Poli, Cameroon. The HRES configurations selected are Linear Fresnel reflectors combined with biomass‐fired technology (HRES1), parabolic trough collectors combined with biomass–fired technology (HRES2) and solar tower combined with biomass‐fired technology (HRES3). The three HRES alternatives are compared by using a multi‐criteria decision making (MCDM) method, Analytic Hierarchy Process combined with the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (AHP‐TOPSIS). In the comparative analysis of the HRES alternatives, social/environmental constraints, thermodynamic laws and technical parameters are used as criteria for the MCDM method. Average attribute weight values obtained are 0.305, 0.647, and 0.667 for HRES1, HRES2, and HRES3, respectively. Further, the relative closeness curve (CC) for HRES3 is closest to the unity curve for the financial, technological and economic criteria. In conclusion, it is found that HRES3 is the best option among the other HRES alternatives based on their performance scores.
Full‐scale simulation of a nearly depleted gas field in South Africa for carbon utilisation and storage
Authors: Saffou Eric , Raza Arshad , Gholami Raoof , Aci Ciriako , Donker Jan van Bever , Salem Sofyan , Zimmermann Udo , Opuwari Mimonitu , Croukamp Leon , Elingou Walter Romaric , Chatterjee Tapas , Manzi Musa S.D.
Published: June 2022

Enhanced gas recovery (EGR) is a recognised CO2 utilisation technique that can reduce the cost of carbon storage and improve its economic feasibility. Although there are many studies on the potential of depleted gas fields for CO2 storage, there has not been a comprehensive full‐scale study that can analyse different aspects of carbon utilisation together with the potential of storage, from reservoir characterisation to modelling and economic evaluation. The aim of this study is to develop a benchmark for assessing the technical and economic feasibility of carbon utilisation and storage in abandoned and nearly depleted gas fields. A depleted gas field from the Bredasdorp Basin in South Africa was selected for CO2‐EGR and storage, given the availability of data and infrastructure. The reservoir of interest is divided into compartments, with this study focusing exclusively on compartment C1. The gas in place (Gi) in compartment C1 was 5.8E+08 MSCF, which was reduced to 3.33E+08 MSCF at the end of the primary production phase. The results obtained indicated that the gas reservoir is very heterogeneous, and a recovery of 20% can be achieved if the injection and production rates are 500 and 3000 MSCF/day, respectively. The amount of CO2 injected after 71 years was about 7.78E+07 MSCF. It was shown that the CO2 in this field can be injected for 71 years without causing problems with the integrity of the reservoir. The economic model was built assuming a project duration of 10 years. The model shows that the total cost of carbon capture, transport and storage is higher than the total revenue for 8 years of natural gas utilisation, which means that the amount of gas recovered from compartment C1 of the reservoir could not offset the cost of CCUS. It is recommended that additional data be collected for the C2 compartment, the carbon capture processes at the Mossel Bay GTL plant, and pipeline transportation to reduce the uncertainty of the proposed economic model. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk factors for hippocampal cavities in a marginally housed population
Authors: Cheng Alex Y. T. , Stubbs Jacob L. , Barr Alasdair M. , Gicas Kristina M. , Su Wayne , Thornton Allen E. , Lang Donna J. , Hamzah Yasmin , Leonova Olga , MacEwan William G. , Rauscher Alexander , Honer William G. , Panenka William J.
Published: June 2022

Cavities in the hippocampus are morphological variants of uncertain significance. Aberrant neurodevelopment along with vascular and inflammatory etiologies have been proposed. We sought to characterize these cavities and their potential risk factors in a marginally housed population, with high rates of viral infection, addiction, and mental illness. (1) The volume of hippocampal cavities (HCavs) is greater in this highly multimorbid population compared to the general population. (2) Conventional vascular risk factors such as greater age and systolic blood pressure are associated with higher HCav volume. (3) Nonprescribed substance‐related risk factors such as stimulant use or dependence, and smoking are associated with increased HCav volume independent of vascular risk factors. This is a retrospective analysis of an ongoing prospective study. We analyzed baseline data, including medical history, physical exam, psychiatric diagnosis, and MRI from a total of 375 participants. Hippocampal cavities were defined as spaces isointense to CSF on T1 MRI sequences, bounded on all sides by hippocampal tissue, with a volume of at least 1 mm3. Risk factors were evaluated using negative binomial multiple regression. Stimulant use was reported by 87.3% of participants, with stimulant dependence diagnosed in 83.3% of participants. Prevalence of cavities was 71.6%, with a mean total bilateral HCav volume of 13.89 mm3. On average, a 1 mmHg greater systolic blood pressure was associated with a 2.17% greater total HCav volume (95% CI = [0.57%, 3.79%], p = .0076), while each cigarette smoked per day trended toward a 2.69% greater total HCav volume (95% CI = [−0.87%, 5.54%], p = .058). A diagnosis of stimulant dependence was associated with a 95.6% greater total HCav volume (95% CI = [5.39%, 263.19%], p = .0335). Hypertension and diagnosis of stimulant dependence were associated with a greater total volume of HCav.
The impact of plants on fine sediment storage within the active channels of gravel‐bed rivers: A preliminary assessment
Authors: Gurnell Angela M. , Bertoldi Walter
Published: June 2022

The role of aquatic and riparian vegetation in driving morphodynamics of rivers is being increasingly recognized across all river types. Here, we focus on gravel‐bed rivers, where the ability of vegetation to influence morphodynamics depends upon the retention and stabilization of predominantly sand and finer sediments to build landforms within the active channel. One aspect of such interactions among vegetation, river flows and transported sediments that has received little research attention is their contribution to within‐channel storage of fine sediment as a potentially important component of the fine sediment budget of river reaches and catchments. In this article, we assemble some preliminary estimates of the fine sediments retained by vegetation across the active channels of four gravel‐bed rivers (12 river reaches) representing a wide range in river planform (near‐straight, meandering, braided), width (6–800 m), gradient (0.0008–0.004) and Q2 flood (2–1100 m3 s−1), and including reaches where submerged and emergent macrophytes and riparian trees and shrubs act as physical ecosystem engineers. Our results indicate that vegetation can retain sizeable quantities of fine sediment, ranging from 480 to >3000 kg m−2 in emergent vegetation‐engineered landforms, equivalent to 20–1000 kg m−2 when averaged across the entire active channel area. Vegetation retains virtually all the fine sediments stored on the bed surface of these active channels, increasing from 78% in the lowest energy to 100% in the highest energy river reaches investigated, with major differences in the locations of these vegetated fine sediment stores according to river planform style and unit stream power. These preliminary estimates suggest that fine sediment retention and storage by vegetation is potentially an important component of within‐channel sediment budgets as well as contributing to the hydrological, geomorphological and ecological functioning of rivers.
Toward a harmonized methodology to analyze field side effects of two pesticide products on earthworms at the EU level
Authors: Brulle Franck , Amossé Joël , Bart Sylvain , Conrad Arnaud , Mazerolles Vanessa , Nélieu Sylvie , Lamy Isabelle , Péry Alexandre , Pelosi Céline
Published: June 2022

Before plant protection product (PPP) marketing authorization, a risk assessment for nontarget soil organisms (e.g., earthworms) is required as part of Regulation (EC) No. 1107/2009. Following a stepwise approach, higher tier earthworm field studies are needed if they cannot demonstrate low long-term risk based on laboratory studies. The European guidance for terrestrial ecotoxicology refers to ISO guideline 11268-3 as a standard to conduct earthworm field studies. Assessment of such studies may be challenging, as no European harmonized guidance is available to properly analyze the accuracy, representativeness, and appropriateness of experimental designs, as well as the statistical analysis robustness of results and their scientific reliability. Following the ISO guideline 11268-3, a field study was performed in 2016–2017 (Versailles, France). An assessment of the first year of this field study was performed in agreement with the quality criteria provided in 2006 in the guidance document published by de Jong and collaborators and recommendations by Kula and collaborators that allows describing the protocol and results of earthworm field studies. Not only did we underline the importance of a detailed analysis of raw data on the effects of pesticides on earthworms in field situations, but we also provided recommendations to harmonize protocols for assessing higher tier field studies devoted to earthworms to advance a better assessment of PPP fate and ecotoxicity. In particular, we provided practical field observations related to the study design, pesticide applications, and earthworm sampling. Concurrently, in addition to the conventional earthworm community study, we propose carrying out an assessment of soil function (i.e., organic matter decomposition, soil structuration, etc.) and calculating diversity indices to obtain information about earthworm community dynamics after the application of PPPs. Finally, through field observations, any relevant observation of external and/or internal recovery should be reported. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:254–271. © 2022 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
The prevalence of mismatch repair deficiency in ovarian cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Atwal Amit , Snowsill Tristan , Dandy Marcus Cabrera , Krum Thomas , Newton Claire , Evans Dafydd Gareth , Crosbie Emma J. , Ryan Neil A. J.
Published: June 2022

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the least survivable gynecological malignancy and presents late. Five‐year survival for OC is around 45% increasing the need for innovative treatments. Checkpoint inhibitors have shown significant clinical efficacy in mismatch repair deficient (MMRd) cancers and could be a powerful treatment in OC. However, their application in OC is limited due to the lack of data on the prevalence of MMRd. The aim of our study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature and meta‐analysis to provide an accurate estimate of the prevalence of MMRd in OC. We followed PRISMA guidelines throughout. Studies were identified by electronic searches of Medline, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL and Web of Science followed by citation searching. Studies not written in English were excluded. All studies were reviewed by at least two independent reviewers. Proportions of test positivity were calculated by random and fixed‐effects meta‐analysis models.I2score was used to assess heterogeneity across studies. In total 54 studies were included with 17 532 analyzed for MMRd. The overall proportions of MMRd by immunohistochemistry and microsatellite instability analysis were 6.7% and 10.4%, respectively. MMRd was reported in all histotypes of epithelial OC but was most common in endometrioid OC. We estimate that on average 46.7% (95% CI: 28.8‐65.4) of ovarian carcinomas showing MMRd by IHC had a germline path_MMR variant identified. OC in those with Lynch syndrome seems to present at an earlier age and stage. Studies however were generally of low quality and there was a high degree of heterogeneity. A significant minority (up to 16%) of OC displays MMRd and, therefore, could be amenable to checkpoint inhibition therapy. However, the current literature base is of limited quality and therefore high‐quality prospective studies exploring MMRd in OC with the use of multimodal testing are required. In addition, trials researching efficacy of checkpoint inhibition in MMRd OC are needed.
FOLFIRI plus BEvacizumab or aFLIbercept after FOLFOX‐bevacizumab failure for COlorectal cancer (BEFLICO): An AGEO multicenter study
Authors: Torregrosa Cécile , Pernot Simon , Vaflard Pauline , Perret Audrey , Tournigand Christophe , Randrian Violaine , Doat Solene , Neuzillet Cindy , Moulin Valérie , Stouvenot Morgane , Roth Gael , Darbas Tiffany , Auberger Benjamin , Godet Tiphaine , Jaffrelot Marion , Lambert Aurélien , Dubreuil Olivier , Gluszak Cassandre , Bernard‐Tessier Alice , Turpin Anthony , Palmieri Lola‐Jade , Bouche Olivier , Goujon Gael , Lecomte Thierry , Sefrioui David , Locher Christophe , Grados Lucien , Gignoux Pauline , Trager Stéphanie , Nassif Elise , Saint Angélique , Hammel Pascal , Lecaille Cédric , Bureau Mathilde , Perrier Marine , Botsen Damien , Bourgeois Vincent , Taieb Julien , Auclin Edouard
Published: June 2022

After failure of first line FOLFOX‐bevacizumab for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), adding either bevacizumab or aflibercept to second‐line FOLFIRI increases survival compared to FOLFIRI alone. In this French retrospective multicentre cohort, we included patients with a mCRC treated with either FOLFIRI‐aflibercept or FOLFIRI‐bevacizumab. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS), and secondary endpoints were progression‐free survival (PFS), disease control rate (DCR: CR + PR + SD) and safety. We included 681 patients from 36 centers, 326 and 355 in the aflibercept and bevacizumab groups, respectively. Median age was 64.2 years and 45.2% of patients were men. Most patients had RAS‐mutated tumors (80.8%) and synchronous metastases (85.7%). After a median follow up of 31.2 months, median OS was 13.0 months (95% CI: 11.3‐14.7) and 10.4 months (95% CI: 8.8‐11.4) in the bevacizumab and aflibercept groups, respectively (P < .0001). Median PFS was 6.0 months (95% CI: 5.4‐6.5) and 5.1 months (95% CI: 4.3‐5.6) (P < .0001). After adjustment on age, PS, PFS of first line, primary tumor resection, metastasis location and RAS/BRAF status, bevacizumab was still associated with better OS (HR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.59‐0.86, P = .0003). FOLFIRI‐bevacizumab combination was associated with longer OS and PFS, and a better tolerability, as compared to FOLFIRI‐aflibercept after progression on FOLFOX‐bevacizumab.
A new medical image enhancement algorithm using adaptive parameters
Authors: Dinh Phu‐Hung , Giang Nguyen Long
Published: June 2022

The quality of medical images plays a vital role in many image processing applications such as image segmentation, feature extraction, image classification, image recognition, and image fusion. Some of the common problems with Medical images are noise, blur, or low contrast. According to our observations, current image enhancement algorithms only focus on solving individual problems such as gray level adjustment, noise reduction, or sharpness enhancement. This paper proposes a novel algorithm to solve problems on images simultaneously. First, we propose an image decomposition algorithm. This algorithm allows decomposing the image into three components: structure (IS), texture (IT), and noise (IN). Second, the structural component (IS) is enhanced by the contrast‐limited adaptive histogram equalization method to obtain ICLAHE. We use the structure tensor salient detection operator and the Laplace edge detection operator to add structural and texture features. These operators are applied to the ICLAHE and IT components to obtain the ISTS and ILED components, respectively. The IT and ILED components are used to generate the enhanced component (called ) by using the Max operator. Third, the Marine predators algorithm is used to find the optimal parameters β1, β2, β3, and β4 corresponding to ICLAHE, ISTS, , and IN. Finally, the enhanced image is made up of the sum of the ICLAHE, ISTS, , and IN images multiplied by the optimal parameters β1, β2, β3, and β4, respectively. Six state‐of‐the‐art image enhancement approaches, seven medical image fusion algorithms, and six image quality metrics have been utilized to verify the proposed approach's effectiveness. The experimental results show that the proposed method significantly improves the quality of the input medical images as well as significantly improves the efficiency of current medical image synthesis algorithms.
Optical birefringence changes in myelinated and unmyelinated nerves: A comparative study
Authors: Cury Joaquín , Smets Hugo , Bouzin Caroline , Doguet Pascal , Vanhoestenberghe Anne , Delbeke Jean , Tahry Riëm El , Nonclercq Antoine , Gorza Simon‐Pierre
Published: June 2022

The measurement of birefringence variations related to nerve activity is a promising label‐free technique for sensing compound neural action potentials (CNAPs). While widely applied in crustaceans, little is known about its efficiency on mammal peripheral nerves. In this work, birefringence recordings to detect CNAPs, and Stokes parameters measurements were performed in rat and lobster nerves. While single‐trial detection of nerve activity in crustaceans was achieved successfully, no optical signal was detected in rats, even after extensive signal filtering and averaging. The Stokes parameters showed that a high degree of polarization of light is maintained in lobster sample, whereas an almost complete light depolarization occurs in rat nerve. Our results indicate that depolarization itself is not sufficient to explain the absence of birefringence signals in rats. We hypothesize that this absence comes from the myelin sheets, which constraint the birefringence changes to only take place at the nodes of Ranvier.
Evaluation of Renal Osteodystrophy and Serum Bone-Related Biomarkers in a Peritoneal Dialysis Population
Authors: Pereira Luciano , Magalhães Juliana , Mendonça Luís , Neto Ricardo , Santos Janete , Carvalho Catarina G , Oliveira Ana , Beco Ana , Frazão João
Published: June 2022

The spectrum of renal osteodystrophy (ROD) in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients remains to be clarified. Ideal intact parathormone (iPTH) levels range is still not defined. The role of sclerostin, dickkopf-related protein 1, osteoprotegerin, and receptor activator for nuclear factor κB ligand for the diagnosis of ROD needs to be elucidated. In this cross-sectional study, tetracycline double-labeled bone biopsy was performed in 49 patients with histomorphometric analysis according Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines. All patients were treated with biocompatible PD solutions, with calcium concentration of 1.25 mmol/L. Adynamic bone was the most frequent diagnosed pattern (42.9%) followed by hyperparathyroid-related bone disease (28.6%). Twenty-two percent of patients had normal bone. In patients with iPTH within the KDIGO recommended range for dialysis patients, adynamic bone was found in 59% of cases. Median (range) iPTH in patients with adynamic bone was 312 (60–631) pg/mL. Median (range) levels of sclerostin varied from 1511.64 (458.84–6387.70) pg/mL in patients with hyperparathyroid bone disease to 2433.1 (1049.59–11354.52) pg/mL in patients with adynamic bone. Sclerostin/iPTH ratio was the best marker of low turnover disease but iPTH performed best in the diagnosis of high turnover disease. Calcium mass transfer was positive in patients with low bone volume. Adynamic bone is the most frequent ROD pattern in contemporary PD. Our results suggest the need to review the iPTH target range for this population. The sclerostin/iPTH ratio showed improved performance compared to iPTH for the diagnosis of low turnover bone. © 2022 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Five‐FU@CuS/NH2‐UiO‐66 as a drug delivery system for 5‐fluorouracil to colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Gholami Marjan , Darroudi Majid , Hekmat Azadeh , Khazaei Majid
Published: June 2022

In this study, copper sulfide nanoparticles (CuS‐NPs), which can improve the antiproliferative properties of conventional anticancer drugs such as 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU), were incorporated into the pores of amine‐functionalized UiO‐66 (CuS/NH2‐UiO‐66). The introduced nano‐drug delivery system was exerted to perform an in vitro treatment on CT‐26 mouse colorectal cancer cells. The synthesized final product was labeled as 5‐FU@CuS/NH2‐UiO‐66 and characterized through conventional methods including X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, Ultraviolet‐Visible (UV‐Vis) analysis, Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS), and 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)−2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. In contrast to 5‐FU, the outcomes of the cytotoxicity assay lacked any comparable results for 5‐FU@CuS/NH2‐UiO‐66.
Rivastigmine ameliorates indomethacin experimentally induced gastric mucosal injury via activating α7nAChR with inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis
Authors: Khalaf Hanaa M. , Ahmed Sabreen M. , Welson Nermeen N. , Abdelzaher Walaa Yehia
Published: June 2022

The current study aimed to investigate the potential ameliorative role of Rivastigmine (RIVA), the anti‐Alzheimer drug, against the gastric mucosal injury caused by indomethacin (IND). The rats were divided into four groups: group I was given a vehicle as a control, group II was given RIVA (0.3 mg/kg) once daily intraperitoneal (ip) for 2 weeks, group III was given a single IP dose of 30 mg/kg IND, and group IV was given RIVA ip 2 weeks before the administration of IND. The gastric mucosal injury was detected by the estimation of ulcer index, gastric acidity, pepsin, and mucin concentrations. Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), total nitrite/nitrate (NOx), and the expression of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin 6 (IL‐6), nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB), Hemoxygenase 1 (HO‐1), and caspase‐3 were all measured in gastric tissue. In addition, histological assessment and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immuno‐expression were studied. Gastric mucosal injury induced by IND was indicated by both biochemical and histopathological assessments. RIVA Pretreatment reduced ulcer index, MDA, TNF‐α, IL‐6, NF‐κB, and caspase‐3 and increased SOD, GSH, NOx, and HO‐1. RIVA improved the suppressed nuclear immunoreaction for PCNA observed with IND. The current findings provide novel evidence that RIVA possesses a prophylactic action against IND‐induced gastric mucosal damage in rats. Despite being a cholinergic drug that is associated with increased pepsin and stomach acidity, RIVA protected against IND‐induced gastric mucosal injury via activating α7nAChR and inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis.
Revisiting the Ranson score in acute pancreatitis: Is the drop in hematocrit a worrisome sign?
Authors: Acehan Fatih , Tez Mesut , Kalkan Cagdas , Akdogan Meral , Altiparmak Emin , Doganay Mutlu , Surel Aziz Ahmet , Ates Ihsan
Published: June 2022

Background

The Ranson score has 11 parameters that are complex and laborious to implement. In this study, we aimed to create a revised Ranson score by modifying the parameters in Ranson.

Methods

A total of 938 patients diagnosed with acute pancreatitis (AP) between 2014 and 2021 were included in the study. The parameters of the Ranson score were included in the univariate and multivariate analyses. According to the results, some of these parameters were modified, and then the revised Ranson score was created.

Results

The revised Ranson system was created with nine parameters by modifying the hematocrit parameter at 48 hours and excluding the aspartate aminotransferase parameter from the scoring system. For in‐hospital mortality, the area under the curve value of the revised Ranson was 0.959 (95% CI: 0.931–0.986), and it was significantly higher compared to the three scoring systems evaluated. At a cut‐off value of 3.5, the revised Ranson had a sensitivity and specificity of 91.7% and 89.1%, respectively, for mortality.

Conclusion

The revised Ranson scoring system had better predictive ability for all clinical outcomes compared to the original Ranson in our large sample of 938 patients. However, the revised version should be further validated by prospective and multicenter studies.
Prognostic Value of Left Atrial Reservoir Strain in Left Ventricular Myocardial Noncompaction: A 3.0 T Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking Study
Authors: Han Pei‐Lun , Shen Meng‐Ting , Jiang Yu , Jiang Ze‐Kun , Li Kang , Yang Zhi‐Gang
Published: June 2022

Background

The relationship of left atrial (LA) strain to high‐risk heart failure (HF) events in patients with left ventricular myocardial noncompaction (LVNC) remains to be thoroughly investigated.

Purpose

To evaluate the LA performance in patients with LVNC, and to investigate the prognostic value of LA phasic strain on high‐risk HF events, and its influencing factors.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

A total of 95 LVNC patients (74 with LA enlargement [LAE] and 21 without LAE) and 50 healthy controls.

Field Strength/sequence

A 3.0 T, balanced steady‐state free‐precession cine imaging.

Assessment

LA longitudinal strains were measured by cardiac MRI feature tracking technique. LA volume index (LAVI) and LA ejection fraction (LAEF) were calculated. Their intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility were evaluated. The primary outcome was high‐risk HF events, a composite of first HF hospitalization, hospitalization for worsening HF and death from HF.

Statistical Tests

Student's t/Mann–Whitney U, one‐way analysis of variance/Kruskal–Wallis, Chi‐squared, receiver operating characteristic, Kaplan–Meier, log‐rank, Cox regression, Pearson and Spearman correlation and linear regression analyses were performed. The significance threshold was set at P < 0 .05.

Results

LAEF and LA longitudinal strains decreased in LVNC patients irrespective of the presence of LAE. During a median follow‐up of 32.17 months, high‐risk HF occurred in 13 (13.68%) patients. Patients with increased LAVI, decreased LAEF and decreased LA longitudinal strain had significantly higher risks of high‐risk HF events. In patients with LVNC, LA reservoir strain (εs) was independently associated with high‐risk HF (hazard ratio = 23.208 [95% CI: 2.993–179.967]). LV global longitudinal strain (LV GLS) (β = −1.783 [95% CI: −2.493 to −1.073]) was significantly and independently associated with εs. Intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility was excellent for LAVI, LAEF, and LA strain.

Conclusion

In patients with LVNC, εs was an independent predictor for high‐risk HF events. LV GLS was an independent determinant of εs in LVNC.

Evidence Level

4

Technical Efficacy

Stage 4
Continuance in organizational commitment: The role of emotional intelligence, work‐life balance support, and work‐related stress
Authors: Chigeda Felicity , Ndofirepi Takawira Munyaradzi , Steyn Renier
Published: June 2022

The study uses the job demands‐resources (JD‐R) theory to examine the effects of work‐related stress, life‐work balance support, and emotional intelligence on the organizational continuance commitment of workers in under‐resourced organizations. Quantitative cross‐sectional survey data were collected from 212 workers at selected independently owned schools in western Zimbabwe. Correlation and multiple‐regression analyses techniques were used to analyze the data. Positive significant relationships were found between all three independent variables (work‐related stress, work‐life balance support and emotional intelligence) and organizational continuance commitment. Hayes’ PROCESS analyses results demonstrated that emotional intelligence significantly moderated the effect of work‐related stress on organizational continuance commitment, and that of work‐life balance support and organizational continuance commitment. The results highlight the importance of factors including work‐related stress, work‐life balance support, and emotional intelligence in efforts to help inadequately resourced entities retain employees.
Enhanced antioxidant capacity of lipoic acid in different food systems through lipase‐mediated esterification with phytosterols
Authors: He Wen‐Sen , Sun Yuying , Li Zhishuo , Yang Haonan , Li Junjie , Wang Qingzhi , Tan Chen , Zou Bin
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND

α‐Lipoic acid has excellent antioxidant activity, but its poor lipid solubility greatly limits its practical application. This study was undertaken (i) to develop a novel and efficient enzymatic synthesis of lipophilic lipoic acid esters using Candida sp. 99‐125 lipase as a catalyst; and (ii) to systematically evaluate their antioxidant potential against bulk oil, oil‐in‐water emulsion (O/W) and cooked ground meat.

RESULTS

Lipophilic lipoic acid esters were successfully and efficiently synthesized using phytosterols as acyl receptor in the presence of Candida sp. 99‐125 lipase. The product was identified as phytosterol lipoate by mass spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance. The maximum conversion of phytosterol lipoate surpassed 90% within 12 h and its final yield exceeded 81%. Interestingly, the oil solubility of lipoic acid was increased at least 25‐fold and other physicochemical properties were significantly improved. Most importantly, phytosterol lipoate exhibited higher antioxidant activity than lipoic acid in bulk oil, O/W emulsions and cooked ground meat.

CONCLUSION

The antioxidant capacity of lipoic acid can be significantly enhanced by esterification with phytosterols. Therefore, phytosterol lipoate could be further developed as a new antioxidant for use in oil‐ and fat‐based foods. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Analysis of Thermoplastic Copolymers by Mild Thermal Degradation Coupled to Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Alawani Nadrah , Barrère‐Mangote Caroline , Wesdemiotis Chrys
Published: June 2022

Thermal desorption/degradation with an atmospheric solids analysis probe (ASAP) and ion mobility (IM) separation are coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) analysis and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) fragmentation to characterize thermoplastic elastomers. The compounds investigated, which are used in the manufacture of a wide variety of packaging materials, are mainly composed of thermoplastic copolymers, but also contain additional chemicals (“additives”), like antioxidants and UV stabilizers, for enhancement of their properties or protection from degradation. The traditional method for analyzing such complex mixtures is vacuum pyrolysis followed by electron or chemical ionization mass spectrometry, often after gas chromatography separation. Here, an alternative, faster approach, involving mild degradation at atmospheric pressure (ASAP) and subsequent characterization of the desorbates and pyrolyzates by IM‐MS, and if needed, MS/MS is presented. Such multidimensional dispersion considerably simplifies the resulting spectra, permitting the conclusive separation, characterization, and classification of the multicomponent materials examined.
Singlet Fission Materials for Photovoltaics: From Small Molecules to Macromolecules
Authors: Wang Ting , Zhang Bo‐Yang , Zhang Hao‐Li
Published: June 2022

Singlet fission (SF) is a spin‐allowed process in which a singlet state splits into two triplet states. Materials that enable SF have attracted great attention in the last decade, mainly stemming from the potential of overcoming the Shockley–Queisser (SQ) limit in photoenergy conversion. In the past decade, a large number of new molecules exhibiting SF are explored and many devices based on SF materials are studied, though the mechanistic understanding is still obscure. This review focuses on the recent developments of SF materials, including small molecules, oligomers, and polymers. The molecular design strategies and related mechanisms of SF are discussed. Then the dynamics of charge transfer and energy transfer between SF materials and other materials are introduced. Further, the progresses of implementing SF in photovoltaics are discussed. It is hoped that a comprehensive understanding to the SF materials, devices, and mechanism may pave a new way for the design of next generation photovoltaics.
Carotid artery and soft tissue reconstruction with superficial femoral artery‐sartorius muscle‐anteromedial thigh chimeric free flap: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Ciudad Pedro , Kaciulyte Juste , Agko Mouchammed , Kiranantawat Kidakorn , Nicoli Fabio , Lo Torto Federico , Chen Hung‐Chi
Published: June 2022

Tumoral involvement of the carotid artery may require en‐bloc resection in order to achieve a better regional control. Among the carotid reconstruction methods at disposal, autologous tissues appear to be more reliable in cases with high risk of infection and poor tissue healing like in radiated necks. We describe a case of a 55 year old man, who suffered from recurrent squamous cell carcinoma in the neck region, invading the common carotid artery. After en‐bloc resection of the tumor together with skin, internal jugular vein, vagus nerve and common carotid artery, carotid reconstruction was performed with a flow‐through chimeric flap based on superficial femoral vessels (15 cm). After resection of the tumor, the flap was used to replace the soft tissue defect (23 × 12 cm). Anteromedial thigh skin paddle (8 × 5 cm) and sartorius muscle (12 × 3 cm) were included in the flap. The superficial femoral vessels were reconstructed with 8‐mm ringed polytetrafluoroethylene graft interposition. Thanks to an accurate surgical planning and a 2‐team approach, the ischemia time of the leg was 42 min and there were no limb ischemia nor pathologic neurological signs after surgery. During the 12‐month follow up, no other complication was registered. In our experience, microsurgical carotid reconstruction represents a reliable option with important advantages such as resistance to infection, optimal size matching, and good tissue healing between the irradiated carotid stump and the vascular graft.
Amine‐weighted chemical exchange saturation transfer magnetic resonance imaging in brain tumors
Authors: Cho Nicholas S. , Hagiwara Akifumi , Yao Jingwen , Nathanson David A. , Prins Robert M. , Wang Chencai , Raymond Catalina , Desousa Brandon R. , Divakaruni Ajit , Morrow Danielle H. , Nghiemphu Phioanh L. , Lai Albert , Liau Linda M. , Everson Richard G. , Salamon Noriko , Pope Whitney B. , Cloughesy Timothy F. , Ellingson Benjamin M.
Published: June 2022

Amine‐weighted chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is particularly valuable as an amine‐ and pH‐sensitive imaging technique in brain tumors, targeting the intrinsically high concentration of amino acids with exchangeable amine protons and reduced extracellular pH in brain tumors. Amine‐weighted CEST MRI contrast is dependent on the glioma genotype, likely related to differences in degree of malignancy and metabolic behavior. Amine‐weighted CEST MRI may provide complementary value to anatomic imaging in conventional and exploratory therapies in brain tumors, including chemoradiation, antiangiogenic therapies, and immunotherapies. Continual improvement and clinical testing of amine‐weighted CEST MRI has the potential to greatly impact patients with brain tumors by understanding vulnerabilities in the tumor microenvironment that may be therapeutically exploited.