bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
No differences in implicit hand maps among different degrees of autistic traits
Authors: Hidaka Souta , Chen Na , Ishii Naomi , Iketani Risa , Suzuki Kirino , Longo Matthew R. , Wada Makoto
Published: July 2023

People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or higher levels of autistic traits have atypical characteristics in sensory processing. Atypicalities have been reported for proprioceptive judgments, which are tightly related to internal bodily representations underlying position sense. However, no research has directly investigated whether self‐bodily representations are different in individuals with ASD. Implicit hand maps, estimated based on participants' proprioceptive sensations without sight of their hand, are known to be distorted such that the shape is stretched along the medio‐lateral hand axis even for neurotypical participants. Here, with the view of ASD as falling on a continuous distribution among the general population, we explored differences in implicit body representations along with autistic traits by focusing on relationships between autistic traits and the magnitudes of the distortions in implicit hand maps (N ~ 100). We estimated the magnitudes of distortions in implicit hand maps both for fingers and hand surfaces on the dorsal and palmar sides of the hand. Autistic traits were measured by questionnaires (Autism Spectrum [AQ] and Empathy/Systemizing [EQ‐SQ] Quotients). The distortions in implicit hand maps were replicated in our experimental situations. However, there were no significant relationships between autistic traits and the magnitudes of the distortions as well as within‐individual variabilities in the maps and localization performances. Consistent results were observed from comparisons between IQ‐matched samples of people with and without a diagnosis of ASD. Our findings suggest that there exist perceptual and neural processes for implicit body representations underlying position sense consistent across levels of autistic traits.
A dual‐function fluorescent probe for the detection of pH values and formaldehyde
Authors: Deng Bing , Ding Leyuan , Yang Shaoxiang , Tian Hongyu , Sun Baoguo
Published: July 2023

A dual‐function fluorescent probe (Probe 1) was developed in this work for the separate detection of pH value and formaldehyde (HCHO). Probe 1 could recognize HCHO and the pH value from the amino group. The colour of the probe solution was changed from grey blue to light blue with the increase in the pH value, and luminous intensity became larger with the increase in formaldehyde concentration. The curve function relationship between fluorescence intensity and the pH value was also determined. A smartphone containing a colour detector for imaging was used to record the values of the three primary colours (R value, G value, and B value) for the probe solution in formaldehyde. Importantly, there was a linear functional relationship between the B*R/G value with HCHO concentration. Therefore, the probe could be used as a rapid tool for the detection of formaldehyde. More importantly, Probe 1 was successfully used to detect formaldehyde in an actual distilled liquor sample.
Clinical features and prognosis of patients with metastatic ocular and orbital melanoma: A bi‐institutional study
Authors: Liu Xin , Yue Han , Jiang Shiyu , Kong Lin , Xu Yu , Chen Yong , Wang Chunmeng , Wang Yan , Zhu Xiaoli , Kong Yunyi , Zhang Xiaowei , Qian Jiang , Luo Zhiguo
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Metastatic ocular and orbital melanomas are extremely rare. The clinical characteristics and standard treatments for these patients are not fully established.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively analyzed patients with metastatic ocular and orbital melanoma from Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University between January 2012 and May 2022.

Results

Overall, 51 patients with metastatic ocular and orbital melanoma were included. The most common primary sites were uvea (73%), followed by conjunctiva (22%), lacrimal sac (4%), and orbit (2%). Patients with uveal melanoma (UM) had a significantly younger age (48 vs. 68 years, p < 0.001), higher incidence of liver metastases (89% vs. 9%, p<0.001), a lower incidence of lymph nodes metastases (16% vs. 46%, p = 0.043) and a lower incidence of BRAF mutation (0% vs. 55%, p<0.001) compared with patients with conjunctival melanoma (CM). The overall response rate of the first‐line treatment was 18%. Three of the four patients with BRAF‐mutated CM responded to dabrafenib and trametinib treatment. The median progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of first‐line treatment were 5.1 and 11.9 months, respectively. Among patients with liver metastases, liver‐directed treatment was correlated with better patient PFS (p < 0.001) and OS (p < 0.001) after adjusting for number of metastatic sites and primary sites.

Conclusion

CM and UM have different characteristics. Patient with CM had a high incidence of BRAF mutation, and the treatment of BRAF and MEK inhibitors conferred clinical benefit. Liver directed therapies had a potential benefit in disease control in patients with liver metastases.
Compliance to genomic test recommendations to guide adjuvant chemotherapy decision‐making in the case of hormone receptor‐positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2‐negative breast cancer, in real‐life settings
Authors: Hequet D. , Hajjaji N. , Charafe‐Jauffret E. , Boucrauta A. , Dalenc F. , Nicolai V. , Lopez J. , Tredan O. , Deluche E. , Fermeaux V. , Tixier L. , Cayre A. , Menet E. , Lerebours F. , Rouzier R.
Published: July 2023

Background

Genomic tests are a useful tool for adjuvant chemotherapy decision‐making in the case of hormone receptor‐positive (HR+), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2‐negative (HER2−) breast cancer with intermediate prognostic factors. Real‐life data on the use of tests can help identify the target population for testing.

Methods

French multicentric study (8 centers) including patients, all candidates for adjuvant chemotherapy for HR‐positive, HER2‐negative early breast cancer. We describe the percentage of tests performed outside recommendations, according to the year of testing. We calculated a ratio defined as the number of tests required to avoid chemotherapy for one patient, and according to patient and cancer characteristics. We then performed a cost‐saving analysis using medical cost data over a period of 1 year from diagnosis, calculated from a previous study. Finally, we calculated the threshold of the ratio (number of tests required to avoid chemotherapy for one patient) below which the use of genomic tests was cost‐saving.

Results

A total of 2331 patients underwent a Prosigna test. The ratio (performed test/avoided chemotherapy) was 2.8 [95% CI: 2.7–2.9] in the whole population. In the group following recommendations for test indication, the ratio was 2.3 [95% CI: 2.2–2.4]. In the case of non‐abidance by recommendations, the ratio was 3 [95% CI: 2.8–3.2]. Chemotherapy was avoided in 841 patients (36%) following the results of the Prosigna test. The direct medical costs saved over 1 year of care were 3,878,798€ and 1,718,472€ in the group of patients following test recommendations. We calculated that the ratio (performed test/avoided chemotherapy) needed to be under 6.9 for testing to prove cost‐saving.

Conclusion

The use of genomic testing proved cost‐saving in this large multicentric real‐life analysis, even in certain cases when the test was performed outside recommendations.
Casearia Essential Oil: An Updated Review on the Chemistry and Pharmacological Activities
Authors: Alexandre Carvalho Flavio , Valadares de Moraes Natália , Eduardo Miller Crotti Antônio , José Crevelin Eduardo , Gonzaga dos Santos André
Published: July 2023

Casearia species are found in the America, Africa, Asia, and Australia and present pharmacological activities, besides their traditional uses. Here, we reviewed the chemical composition, content, pharmacological activities, and toxicity of the essential oils (EOs) from Casearia species. The EO physical parameters and leaf botanical characteristics were also described. The bioactivities of the EOs from the leaves and their components include cytotoxicity, anti‐inflammatory, antiulcer, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antifungal, and antiviral activities. The main components associated with these activities are the α‐zingiberene, (E)‐caryophyllene, germacrene D, bicyclogermacrene, spathulenol, α‐humulene, β‐acoradiene, and δ‐cadinene. Data on the toxicity of these EOs are scarce in the literature. Casearia sylvestris Sw. is the most studied species, presenting more significant pharmacological potential. The chemical variability of EOs components was also investigated for this species. Caseria EOs have relevant pharmacological potential and must be further investigated and exploited.
Successfully drug treatment for necrotizing fasciitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes in 88‐year‐old patient
Authors: Ladjouzi Nadia , Ben Hassen Jihène , Mebarki Idir , Al Zoabi Mohamad , Alaysh Adel , Schlatter Joël
Published: July 2023

Key Clinical Message

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rare soft‐tissue infection generally treated by emergency surgical intervention. We report a case of successfully drug treatment for NF in older patient with comorbidities thus avoiding surgical intervention.
Critical Issues of Vanadium‐Based Cathodes Towards Practical Aqueous Zn‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Jiang Weikang , Zhu Kaiyue , Yang Weishen
Published: July 2023

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) are gaining significant attention for their numerous advantages, including high safety, high energy density, affordability, and environmental friendliness. However, the development of ZIBs has been hampered by the lack of suitable cathode materials that can store Zn2+ with high capacity and reversibility. Currently, vanadium‐based materials with tunnel or layered structures are widely researched owing to their high theoretical capacity and diversified structures. However, their long‐term cycling stability is unsatisfactory because of material dissolution, phase transformation, and restrictive kinetics in aqueous electrolytes, which limits their practical applications. Different from previous reviews on ZIBs, this review specifically addresses the critical issues faced by vanadium‐based cathodes for practical aqueous ZIBs and proposes potential solutions. Focusing on vanadium‐based cathodes, their ion storage mechanisms, the critical parameters affecting their performance, and the progress made in addressing the aforementioned problems are also summarized. Finally, future directions for the development of practical aqueous ZIB are suggested.
Monomer Recycling as Complementary Technology in a Circular Economy
Authors: Brepohl Esther , Paschetag Mandy , Scholl Stephan
Published: July 2023

Plastic waste is one of the major challenges facing modern society. Against the background of climate change and finite fossil resources, the realization of a true circular economy for plastics is imperative. Mechanical recycling processes offer a short‐cut path for the recycling of clean, single material waste while they are not capable to handle mixed material or colored feeds. Complementary technologies are necessary to recover pure monomers, hydrocarbon mixtures or syngas from mixed secondary raw material to continuously close the loop in a circular plastics economy. Using the example of PET, this contribution discusses the benefit of integrating a back‐to‐monomer recycling for closing the loop aiming at a holistically approach integrating technological, ecological and economic aspects.
Predator–prey interactions in the Arctic: DNA metabarcoding reveals that nestling diet of snow buntings reflects arthropod seasonality
Authors: Stolz Christian , Varpe Øystein , Ims Rolf A. , Sandercock Brett K. , Stokke Bård G. , Fossøy Frode
Published: July 2023

Tundra arthropods are of considerable ecological importance as a seasonal food source for many arctic‐breeding birds. Dietary composition and food preferences are rarely known, complicating assessments of ecological interactions in a changing environment. In our field study, we investigated the nestling diet of snow buntings (Plectrophenax nivalis (L., 1758)) breeding in Svalbard. We collected fecal samples from 8‐day‐old nestlings and assessed dietary composition by DNA metabarcoding. Simultaneously, the availability of potential prey arthropods was measured by pitfall trapping. Molecular analyses of nestling feces identified 31 arthropod taxa in the diet, whose proportions changed throughout the brood‐rearing period. Changes in nestling diet matched varying abundances and emergence patterns of the tundra arthropod community. Snow buntings provisioned their offspring mainly with Diptera (true flies) based on both presence/absence and relative read abundance of diet items. At the beginning of the season in June, Chironomidae (nonbiting midges) and the scathophagid fly Scathophaga furcata (Say, 1823) dominated the diet, whereas the muscid fly Spilogona dorsata (Zetterstedt, 1845) dominated the diet later in July. When accounted for availability, muscid flies were selected positively among the most often provisioned food taxa. Our study demonstrates the ecological role of the snow bunting as a generalist arthropod predator and highlights DNA metabarcoding as a noninvasive technique for diet analyses with high taxonomical precision if sufficient DNA‐sequence libraries are available.
The prospective study of 54 children with electrical status epilepticus during sleep: How to simplify the electroencephalogram diagnosis and guide the treatment
Authors: Zhang Han , Yan Lisi , Peng Xiaoling , Jiang Li , Zhang Junjiao , Chen Jin , Hu Yue
Published: July 2023

Objective

To simplify the electroencephalogram (EEG) diagnosis and guide the treatment of electrical status epilepticus during sleep (ESES).

Methods

We recruited 54 children with ESES from December 2019 to December 2020 and compared various spike–wave index (SWI) calculation methods. Time‐frequency analysis assessed the correlation between high‐frequency oscillations energy and the SWI. We divided 42 children into responder and non‐responder treatment groups based on the observations made during a 12‐month follow‐up period and evaluate different treatment and the independent risk factors of refractory ESES.

Results

The SWI of 5 min before the second sleep cycle of non‐rapid eye movement (NREM; long method II) and that of all NREM sleep (total method) were not significantly different (p = .06). The average energy of γ (r = .288, p = .002) and ripple (r = .203, p = .04) oscillations were correlated with the SWI. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that encephalomalacia was an independent risk factor for refractory ESES (OR: 10.48, 95% CI: 1.62–67.63). The clinical seizure improvement rates of anti‐seizure medications (ASMs), ASMs with benzodiazepines, and ASMs with benzodiazepines and steroids after 12 months were 9.3%, 42.8%, and 53.8%, EEG improvement rate were 5.5%, 30.9% and 37%, respectively. The intelligence of the children in the responder treatment group has improved during the 1‐year follow‐up.

Significance

These findings demonstrate EEG and clinical features of ESES and may provide basis for simplifying diagnosis and guiding the treatment of children with ESES.
Nervonic acid reduces the cognitive and neurological disturbances induced by combined doses of D‐galactose/AlCl3 in mice
Authors: Aihaiti Mayile , Shi Haidan , Liu Yaojie , Hou Chen , Song Xiaoyu , Li Mengting , Li Jianke
Published: July 2023

Nervonic acid (NA) is a kind of ultra‐long‐chain monounsaturated fatty acid, which can repair nerve cell damage caused by oxidative stress. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a nervous system disease and often accompanied by the decline of learning and memory capacity. In this study, the combined dose of D‐galactose/AlCl3 was used to establish a mouse model of AD. Meanwhile, the mice were treated with different doses of NA (10.95 and 43.93 mg/kg). The results showed that NA delayed the decline of locomotion and learning ability caused by D‐galactose/AlCl3, increased the activity of total superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and reduced the content of malondialdehyde in vivo. Besides, NA reduced the levels of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, increased the levels of 5‐hydroxytryptamine, dopamine, γ‐aminobutyric acid, alleviated the cell morphology damage induced by D‐galactose/AlCl3 in hippocampus and liver tissue. Furthermore, the intervention of NA upregulated the expression levels of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR genes and downregulated the expression levels of TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐1β genes. Therefore, we speculate the intervention of NA could be an effective way in improving cognitive impairment through the activation of PI3K signaling pathway. These results suggest that NA has the potential to be developed as antioxidant drug for the prevention and early therapy of AD.
Coagulation temperature and smoking time determine product quality and shelf life of the acid‐heat coagulated Circassian cheese
Authors: Sıçramaz Hatice , Ayar Ahmet
Published: July 2023

This study examined the effects of process parameters on acid‐heat coagulated Circassian cheese. For this purpose, cheeses were produced at coagulation temperatures of 70°C and 90°C, and smoked for 0, 2.5, and 6 h in both summer and winter. Microbiological, textural, proteolytic, and sensorial changes were observed for 90 days at 30‐day intervals. According to the results, coagulation at 90°C instead of 70°C formed a firmer structure. Six‐hour smoking time instead of 2.5‐h provided higher dry matter, reduced proteolysis rates, and extended the microbial shelf life. In addition, higher (6 h) smoking decelerated sourness while resulting in intense smoke flavor and higher lipolytic activity. In conclusion, seasonal changes in milk and applied the process conditions revealed significant differences in the quality parameters and shelf life of acid‐heat coagulated Circassian cheese.
Toward Understanding the Environmental Risks of Combined Microplastics/Nanomaterials Exposures: Unveiling ZnO Transformations after Adsorption onto Polystyrene Microplastics in Environmental Solutions
Authors: Gomez‐Gonzalez Miguel A. , Da Silva‐Ferreira Tatiana , Clark Nathaniel , Clough Robert , Quinn Paul D. , Parker Julia E.
Published: July 2023

Over recent decades, there has been a dramatic increase in the manufacture of engineered nanomaterials, which has inevitably led to their environmental release. Zinc oxide (ZnO) is among the more abundant nanomaterial manufactured due to its advantageous properties, used for piezoelectric, semiconducting, and antibacterial purposes. Plastic waste is ubiquitous and may break down or delaminate into smaller microplastics, leaving open the question of whether these small polymers may alter the fate of ZnO through adsorption within aquatic media (tap‐water and seawater). Here, scanning electron microscopy analysis confirms the effective Zn nano/microstructures adsorption onto polystyrene surfaces after only 24‐h incubation in the aquatic media. After pre‐aging the nanomaterials for 7‐days in different environmental media, nanoprobe X‐ray absorption near‐edge spectroscopy analysis reveals significant ZnO transformation toward Zn‐sulfide and Zn‐phosphate. The interaction between a commercial ZnO‐based sunscreen with polystyrene and a cleanser consumer containing microbeads with ZnO nanomaterials is also studied, revealing the adsorption of transformed Zn‐species in the microplastics surfaces, highlighting the environmental relevancy of this work. Understanding the structural and functional impacts of the microplastics/ZnO complexes, and how they evolve, will provide insights into their chemical nature, stability, transformations, and fate, which is key to predicting their bioreactivity in the environment.
China special issue on gastrointestinal tumors‐Radiological features of pathological complete response in mismatch repair deficient colorectal cancer after neoadjuvant PD‐1 blockade: A post hoc analysis of the PICC phase II trial
Authors: Cao Wuteng , Hu Huabin , Li Jiao , Wu Qianyu , Shi Lishuo , Li Biao , Zhou Jie , Wang Xinhua , Chen Junhong , Wang Chao , Wang Huaiming , Deng Weihao , Huang Yan , Deng Yanhong
Published: July 2023

Neoadjuvant programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1) blockade exhibits promising efficacy in patients with mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) colorectal cancer (CRC). However, discrepancies between radiological and histological findings have been reported in the PICC phase II trial (NCT 03926338). Therefore, we strived to discern radiological features associated with pathological complete response (pCR) based on computed tomography (CT) images. Data were obtained from the PICC trial that included 36 tumors from 34 locally advanced dMMR CRC patients, who received neoadjuvant PD‐1 blockade for 3 months. Among the 36 tumors, 28 (77.8%) tumors achieved pCR. There were no statistically significant differences in tumor longitudinal diameter, the percentage change in tumor longitudinal diameter from baseline, primary tumor sidedness, clinical stage, extramural venous invasion status, intratumoral calcification, peritumoral fat infiltration, intestinal fistula and tumor necrosis between the pCR and non‐pCR tumors. Otherwise, tumors with pCR had smaller posttreatment tumor maximum thickness (median: 10 mm vs 13 mm, P = .004) and higher percentage decrease in tumor maximum thickness from baseline (52.9% vs 21.6%, P = .005) compared to non‐pCR tumors. Additionally, a higher proportion of the absence of vascular sign (P = .003, odds ratio [OR] = 25.870 [95% CI, 1.357‐493.110]), nodular sign (P < .001, OR = 189.000 [95% CI, 10.464‐3413.803]) and extramural enhancement sign (P = .003, OR = 21.667 [2.848‐164.830]) was observed in tumors with pCR. In conclusion, these CT‐defined radiological features may have the potential to serve as valuable tools for clinicians in identifying patients who have achieved pCR after neoadjuvant PD‐1 blockade, particularly in individuals who are willing to adopt a watch‐and‐wait strategy.
Calix[5]arene Self‐Folding Cavitands: A New Family of Bio‐Inspired Receptors with Enhanced Induced Fit Behavior
Authors: Álvarez‐Yebra Rubén , López‐Coll Ricard , Clos‐Garrido Núria , Lozano David , Lledó Agustí
Published: July 2023

Self‐folding cavitands represent the quintessential form of bioinspired synthetic receptors, featuring deep hydrophobic cavities that engage in host‐guest chemistry reminiscent of that operating in biomolecules. Although remarkable proof‐of‐concept applications have been reported, the narrow and rigid spaces of the legacy resorcin[4]arene derived hosts constitute a liability towards the development of specific applications in catalysis, sensing or sequestration. While notable efforts to expand the size of the cavities have been reported, the development of confined spaces reproducing the highly adaptable nature of biological receptors is a largely unaddressed issue. This review summarizes the development of a new family of calix[5]arene derived self‐folding cavitands displaying enhanced induced fit and conformational selection phenomena. Our approach capitalizes on hydrogen bonding preorganization rather than the covalent restriction approaches customary of conventional supramolecular chemistry.
Measurements of the Vitamin D Metabolome in the Calgary Vitamin D Study: Relationship of Vitamin D Metabolites to Bone Loss
Authors: Burt Lauren A. , Kaufmann Martin , Rose Marianne S. , Jones Glenville , Billington Emma O. , Boyd Steven K. , Hanley David A.
Published: July 2023

In a 36‐month randomized controlled trial examining the effect of high‐dose vitamin D3 on radial and tibial total bone mineral density (TtBMD), measured by high‐resolution peripheral quantitative tomography (HR‐pQCT), participants (311 healthy males and females aged 55–70 years with dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry T‐scores > −2.5 without vitamin D deficiency) were randomized to receive 400 IU (N = 109), 4000 IU (N = 100), or 10,000 IU (N = 102) daily. Participants had HR‐pQCT radius and tibia scans and blood sampling at baseline, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months. This secondary analysis examined the effect of vitamin D dose on plasma measurements of the vitamin D metabolome by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS), exploring whether the observed decline in TtBMD was associated with changes in four key metabolites [25‐(OH)D3; 24,25‐(OH)2D3; 1,25‐(OH)2D3; and 1,24,25‐(OH)3D3]. The relationship between peak values in vitamin D metabolites and changes in TtBMD over 36 months was assessed using linear regression, controlling for sex. Increasing vitamin D dose was associated with a marked increase in 25‐(OH)D3, 24,25‐(OH)2D3 and 1,24,25‐(OH)3D3, but no dose‐related change in plasma 1,25‐(OH)2D3 was observed. There was a significant negative slope for radius TtBMD and 1,24,25‐(OH)3D3 (−0.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.08, −0.03, p < 0.001) after controlling for sex. A significant interaction between TtBMD and sex was seen for 25‐(OH)D3 (female: −0.01, 95% CI −0.12, −0.07; male: −0.04, 95% CI −0.06, −0.01, p = 0.001) and 24,25‐(OH)2D3 (female: −0.75, 95% CI −0.98, −0.52; male: −0.35, 95% CI −0.59, −0.11, p < 0.001). For the tibia there was a significant negative slope for 25‐(OH)D3 (−0.03, 95% CI −0.05, −0.01, p < 0.001), 24,25‐(OH)2D3 (−0.30, 95% CI −0.44, −0.16, p < 0.001), and 1,24,25‐(OH)3D3 (−0.03, 95% CI −0.05, −0.01, p = 0.01) after controlling for sex. These results suggest vitamin D metabolites other than 1,25‐(OH)2D3 may be responsible for the bone loss seen in the Calgary Vitamin D Study. Although plasma 1,25‐(OH)2D3 did not change with vitamin D dose, it is possible rapid catabolism to 1,24,25‐(OH)3D3 prevented the detection of a dose‐related rise in plasma 1,25‐(OH)2D3. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
How construal–regulatory mode fit increases social media sharing
Authors: Pham Thuy , Septianto Felix , Mathmann Frank , Jin Hyun Seung , Higgins E. Tory
Published: July 2023

How can social media managers engage consumers to share posts with others? Extending regulatory mode theory, we demonstrate that high construal levels enable the integration of regulatory mode complementarity orientations, resulting in engagement and shares. Regulatory mode complementarity refers to the combination of high assessment (i.e., the motivation to “be right” by critically evaluating options) and high locomotion (i.e., the motivation to “act” by moving toward a goal). Specifically, this research proposes that an abstract (vs. concrete) construal allows these two orientations to work together, resulting in regulatory fit. Three text analysis field studies on marketer‐ and consumer‐generated Facebook and Twitter posts show that construal–regulatory mode fit increases social media sharing. Three follow‐up studies then show generalizability, establish causality, and demonstrate the role of engagement as the underlying mechanism driving the fit effect.
Multimodal radiomics and nomogram‐based prediction of axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer: An analysis considering optimal peritumoral region
Authors: Duan Yayang , Chen Xiaobo , Li Wanyan , Li Siyao , Zhang Chaoxue
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To explore the optimal peri‐tumoral regions on ultrasound (US) images and investigate the performance of multimodal radiomics for predicting axillary lymph node metastasis (ALNM).

Methods

This retrospective study included 326 patients (training cohort: n = 162, internal validation cohort: n = 74, external validation cohort: n = 90). Intra‐tumoral region of interests (ROIs) were delineated on US and digital mammography (DM) images. Peri‐tumoral ROI (PTR) on US images were gained by dilating actual 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5 mm radius surrounding the tumor. Support vector machine (SVM) method was used to calculate the importance of radiomics features and to pick the 10 most important. Recursive feature elimination‐SVM was used to evaluate the efficacy of models with different feature numbers used.

Results

The PTR0.5mm yielded a maximum AUC of 0.802 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.676–0.901) within the validation cohort using SVM classifier. The multimodal radiomics (intra‐tumoral US and DM and US‐based PTR0.5mm radiomics model) achieved the highest predictive ability (AUC = 0.888/0.844/0.835 and 95% CI = 0.829–0.936/0.741–0.929/0.752–0.896 for training/internal validation/external validation cohort, respectively).

Conclusion

The PTR0.5mm could be the optimal area for predicting ALNM. A favorable predictive accuracy for predicting ALNM was achieved using multimodal radiomics and its based nomogram.
Change in students’ critical thinking over the course of dental education
Authors: Anders Patrick L. , Davis Elaine L. , McCall W. D.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to test whether critical thinking changes over the course of dental education by assessing dental students at the beginning and toward the end of their training.

Methods

Dental student participants completed a survey at the beginning of their first year (August 2019) and at the start of their last year of dental school (August 2022). The survey consisted of two instruments designed to measure the disposition and metacognition components of critical thinking. The study used a pretest‐posttest design. Paired t tests were used to determine whether critical thinking scores changed over the 3‐year period.

Results

Surveys were completed by 85 of 94 students (90%) on the pretest and 63 of 93 students (68%) on the posttest. Of the 92 students who were members of the class at both testing periods, data were available for 59 students (64%). There were significant mean decreases in disposition and its tolerance for cognitive complexity subscale, as well as in metacognition and its metacognitive strategies subscale (p < .05). There was no significant mean change in either open‐mindedness or metacognitive thinking.

Conclusion

Results of this study suggest that some aspects of critical thinking (metacognition and disposition) decrease over the course of dental education. Future research should investigate why this is the case, and explore different instructional methods designed to improve critical thinking.
Person‐centred, integrated non‐communicable disease and HIV decentralized drug distribution in Eswatini and South Africa: outcomes and challenges
Authors: Goldstein Deborah , Ford Nathan , Kisyeri Nicholas , Munsamy Maggie , Nishimoto Lirica , Osi Kufor , Kambale Herve , Minior Thomas , Bateganya Moses
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Non‐communicable diseases (NCDs) are highly prevalent in people living with HIV above 50 years of age and account for increasing mortality. There is little published evidence supporting person‐centred, integrated models of HIV care, hypertension and diabetes treatment in southern Africa, and no data demonstrating mortality reduction. Where clinical visits for NCDs and HIV cannot be combined, integrated medication delivery presents an opportunity to streamline care and reduce patient costs. We present experiences of integrated HIV and NCD medication delivery in Eswatini and South Africa, focusing on programme successes and implementation challenges. Programmatic data from Eswatini's Community Health Commodities Distribution (CHCD) from April 2020 to December 2021 and South Africa's Central Chronic Medicines Dispensing and Distribution (CCMDD) from January 2016 to December 2021 were provided by programme managers and are summarized here.

Discussion

Launched in 2020, Eswatini's CHCD provides over 28,000 people with and without HIV with integrated services, including HIV testing, CD4 cell count testing, antiretroviral therapy refills, viral load monitoring and pre‐exposure prophylaxis alongside NCD services, including blood pressure and glucose monitoring and hypertension and diabetes medication refills.  Communities designate neighbourhood care points and central gathering places for person‐centred medication dispensing.  This programme reported fewer missed medication refill appointments among clients in community settings compared to facility‐based settings. South Africa's CCMDD utilizes decentralized drug distribution to provide medications for over 2.9 million people, including those living with HIV, hypertension and diabetes.  CCMDD incorporates community‐based pickup points, facility “fast lanes” and adherence clubs with public sector health facilities and private sector medication collection units.  There are no out‐of‐pocket payments for medications or testing commodities.  Wait‐times for medication refills are lower at CCMDD sites than facility‐based sites.  Innovations to reduce stigma include uniformly labelled medication packages for NCD and HIV medications.

Conclusions

Eswatini and South Africa demonstrate person‐centred models for HIV and NCD integration through decentralized drug distribution. This approach adapts medication delivery to serve individual needs and decongest centralized health facilities while efficiently delivering NCD care.  To bolster programme uptake, additional reporting of integrated decentralized drug distribution models should include HIV and NCD outcomes and mortality trends.
Local regularity for nonlocal equations with variable exponents
Authors: Chaker Jamil , Kim Minhyun
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we study local regularity properties of minimizers of nonlocal variational functionals with variable exponents and weak solutions to the corresponding Euler–Lagrange equations. We show that weak solutions are locally bounded when the variable exponent p is only assumed to be continuous and bounded. Furthermore, we prove that bounded weak solutions are locally Hölder continuous under some additional assumptions on p. On the one hand, the class of admissible exponents is assumed to satisfy a log‐Hölder–type condition inside the domain, which is essential even in the case of local equations. On the other hand, since we are concerned with nonlocal problems, we need an additional assumption on p outside the domain.
Heintze–Karcher and Jellett‐type theorems in conformally flat spaces
Authors: Sousa Paulo Alexandre , Lima Alexandre Bezerra , de Barros Abdênago Alves
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we consider a class of conformally flat spaces that includes the space forms as well as the doubled Schwarzschild space, and, we will prove an extension of Jellett's theorem. Next, we build an example, where the extension of Jellett's theorem does not hold. We also prove a Heintze–Karcher‐type inequality and we presented a one‐parametric family of conformally flat spaces, all distinct from space forms, where it holds a Heintze–Karcher‐type inequality.
Gauss‐Prym maps on Enriques surfaces
Authors: Faro Dario , Spelta Irene
Published: July 2023

We prove that the kth Gaussian map is surjective on a polarized unnodal Enriques surface with . In particular, as a consequence, when , we obtain the surjectivity of the kth Gauss‐Prym map , with , on smooth hyperplane sections . In case , it is sufficient to ask .
Quantitative dual‐energy computed tomography with cesium as a novel contrast agent for localization of thermochemical ablation in phantoms and ex vivo models
Authors: Thompson Emily A. , Jacobsen Megan C. , Fuentes David T. , Layman Rick R. , Cressman Erik N. K.
Published: July 2023

Background

Thermochemical ablation (TCA) is a minimally invasive therapy under development for hepatocellular carcinoma. TCA simultaneously delivers an acid (acetic acid, AcOH) and base (sodium hydroxide, NaOH) directly into the tumor, where the acid/base chemical reaction produces an exotherm that induces local ablation. However, AcOH and NaOH are not radiopaque, making monitoring TCA delivery difficult.

Purpose

We address the issue of image guidance for TCA by utilizing cesium hydroxide (CsOH) as a novel theranostic component of TCA that is detectable and quantifiable with dual‐energy CT (DECT).

Materials and methods

To quantify the minimum concentration of CsOH that can be positively identified by DECT, the limit of detection (LOD) was established in an elliptical phantom (Multi‐Energy CT Quality Assurance Phantom, Kyoto Kagaku, Kyoto, Japan) with two DECT technologies: a dual‐source system (SOMATOM Force, Siemens Healthineers, Forchheim, Germany) and a split‐filter, single‐source system (SOMATOM Edge, Siemens Healthineers). The dual‐energy ratio (DER) and LOD of CsOH were determined for each system. Cesium concentration quantification accuracy was evaluated in a gelatin phantom before quantitative mapping was performed in ex vivo models.

Results

On the dual‐source system, the DER and LOD were 2.94 and 1.36‐mM CsOH, respectively. For the split‐filter system, the DER and LOD were 1.41‐ and 6.11‐mM CsOH, respectively. The signal on cesium maps in phantoms tracked linearly with concentration (R2 = 0.99) on both systems with an RMSE of 2.56 and 6.72 on the dual‐source and split‐filter system, respectively. In ex vivo models, CsOH was detected following delivery of TCA at all concentrations.

Conclusions

DECT can be used to detect and quantify the concentration of cesium in phantom and ex vivo tissue models. When incorporated in TCA, CsOH performs as a theranostic agent for quantitative DECT image‐guidance.
Continued benefit of nusinersen initiated in the presymptomatic stage of spinal muscular atrophy: 5‐year update of theNURTUREstudy
Authors: Crawford Thomas O. , Swoboda Kathryn J. , De Vivo Darryl C. , Bertini Enrico , Hwu Wuh‐Liang , Finkel Richard S. , Kirschner Janbernd , Kuntz Nancy L. , Nazario Aledie Navas , Parsons Julie A. , Pechmann Astrid , Ryan Monique M. , Butterfield Russell J. , Topaloglu Haluk , Ben‐Omran Tawfeg , Sansone Valeria A. , Jong Yuh‐Jyh , Shu Francy , Zhu Cong , Raynaud Stephanie , Lago Tiffany R. , Paradis Angela D. , Foster Richard , Chin Russell , Berger Zdenek ,   the NURTURE Study Group
Published: July 2023

Introduction/Aims

NURTURE (NCT02386553) is an open‐label study of nusinersen in children (twoSMN2copies,n = 15; threeSMN2copies,n = 10) who initiated treatment in the presymptomatic stage of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). A prior analysis after ~3 y showed benefits on survival, respiratory outcomes, motor milestone achievement, and a favorable safety profile. An additional 2 y of follow‐up (data cut: February 15, 2021) are reported.

Methods

The primary endpoint is time to death or respiratory intervention (≥6 h/day continuously for ≥7 days or tracheostomy). Secondary outcomes include overall survival, motor function, and safety.

Results

Median age of children was 4.9 (3.8–5.5) y at last visit. No children have discontinued the study or treatment. All were alive. No additional children utilized respiratory intervention (defined per primary endpoint) since the prior data cut. Children with threeSMN2copies achieved all World Health Organization (WHO) motor milestones, with all but one milestone in one child within normal developmental timeframes. All 15 children with twoSMN2copies achieved sitting without support, 14/15 walking with assistance, and 13/15 walking alone. Mean Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded total scores showed continued improvement. Subgroups with twoSMN2copies, minimum baseline compound muscle action potential amplitude ≥2 mV, and no baseline areflexia had better motor and nonmotor outcomes versus all children with twoSMN2copies.

Discussion

These results demonstrate the value of early treatment, durability of treatment effect, and favorable safety profile after ~5 y of nusinersen treatment. Inclusion/exclusion criteria and baseline characteristics should be considered when interpreting presymptomatic SMA trial data.
New insights into cancer: MDM2 binds to the citrullinating enzyme PADI4
Authors: Araujo‐Abad Salomé , Rizzuti Bruno , Villamarin‐Ortiz Adrián , Pantoja‐Uceda David , Moreno‐Gonzalez Celia M. , Abian Olga , Velazquez‐Campoy Adrián , Neira José L. , de Juan Romero Camino
Published: July 2023

PADI4 is one of the human isoforms of a family of enzymes implicated in the conversion of arginine to citrulline. MDM2 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase which is crucial for down‐regulation of degradation of the tumor suppressor gene p53. Given the relationship between both PADI4 and MDM2 with p53‐signaling pathways, we hypothesized they may interact directly, and this interaction could be relevant in the context of cancer. Here, we showed their association in the nucleus and cytosol in several cancer cell lines. Furthermore, binding was hampered in the presence of GSK484, an enzymatic PADI4 inhibitor, suggesting that MDM2 could bind to the active site of PADI4, as confirmed by in silico experiments. In vitro and in silico studies showed that the isolated N‐terminal region of MDM2, N‐MDM2, interacted with PADI4, and residues Thr26, Val28, Phe91 and Lys98 were more affected by the presence of the enzyme. Moreover, the dissociation constant between N‐MDM2 and PADI4 was comparable to the IC50 of GSK484 from in cellulo experiments. The interaction between MDM2 and PADI4 might imply MDM2 citrullination, with potential therapeutic relevance for improving cancer treatment, due to the generation of new antigens.
Influence of physico‐mechanical and electrical resistivity performance of high volume fly‐ash cementitious mortar with low carbon
Authors: Maurya Sameer Kumar , Kothiyal N C
Published: July 2023

A graphene oxide (GO) has the potential to improve the strength and hardness of cementitious matrix. The agglomeration of GO in an alkaline medium of cement matrix reduced the reinforcing efficiency. In this study, two types of control samples were fabricated named OPC‐C (OPC control) and HVFA‐C (OPC + 50% FA control) without the addition of GO and four HVFA cementitious mortar samples HVFA‐G1, HVFA‐G2, HVFA‐G3, and HVFA‐G4 were prepared with incorporation of GO 0.005%, 0.010%, 0.020% and 0.040%, respectively. The results revealed that the superplasticizer stabilized GO in cement mortar, significantly improves the compressive (27.12%) and split tensile strength (38.16%) in the HVFA‐G3 mix as compared to HVFA‐C at a curing age of 90 days. The maximum electrical resistivity attained in HVFA‐G4 (83%) mix as compared to OPC‐C at a curing age of 90 days. In addition, microstructural analysis of HVFA cementitious mortar was conducted using a Field Emission‐Scanning Electron Microscope (FE‐SEM), while the crystallization behavior of hydration products ware examined through Powdered X‐Ray Diffraction (PXRD). Furthermore, the chemical bonding between the hydration products was studied using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT‐IR). Overall, it is concluded that the superplasticizer stabilized GO in HVFA cementitious mortar, helps to achieve better mechanical strength, electrical resistivity performance, and microstructural behavior.
Impact of nano catalyst in the biodiesel production for direct injection diesel engine: A review
Authors: Senthilkumar J. , Dharun K. , Sanchit Kumar T. , Suresh Kumar R. , Jayanthi N. , Venkatesh S.
Published: July 2023

The demand for energy is a significant topic in both developing and developed nations. The need for energy is growing rapidly every day. Biodiesel is a viable alternative answer to this issue, hence it is vital to discover an environmentally friendly alternative solution. To compare the emissions and combustion behaviors while diesel engines employing with Pithecellobium dulce seed oil. As a catalyst, seed oil biodiesel that has been blended separately and mixed with nanoparticles of titanium oxide and aluminum oxide is employed. Transesterification was used to esterify Pithecellobium dulce Seed Oil. Then, for each nano substance, samples S1, S2, and S3 were generated using a sonication technique. The project's focus is on creating a substitute fuel for everyday use. Hydrocarbon‐based gasoline is currently a dependable fuel. Alternatives that are environmentally friendly, like biodiesel, should be taken into account. The main objective of this experiment is to determine the engine performance and emission parameters of diesel engines using mixes of diesel and biodiesel with nano additives. The experiment's fuel is diesel, and an equal volume of biodiesel is mixed with different‐sized nano additives.
Modulation of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment by Natural Products
Authors: Calderon Jhon Jairo , Prieto Karol , Lasso Paola , Fiorentino Susana , Barreto Alfonso
Published: July 2023

During carcinogenesis, the microenvironment plays a fundamental role in tumor progression and resistance. This tumor microenvironment (TME) is characterized by being highly immunosuppressive in most cases, which makes it an important target for the development of new therapies. One of the most important groups of cells that orchestrate immunosuppression in TME is myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), which have multiple mechanisms to suppress the immune response mediated by T lymphocytes and thus protect the tumor. In this review, we will discuss the importance of modulating MDSCs as a therapeutic target and how the use of natural products, due to their multiple mechanisms of action, can be a key alternative for modulating these cells and thus improve response to therapy in cancer patients.
Influences of various parameters on shear stiffness of bolted joints subjected to shear load
Authors: Murai Ayaka , Watanabe Tadatoshi , Fukuda Masahiro , Hashimura Shinji
Published: July 2023

Parameters which affect shear stiffness characteristics of bolted joints subjected to shear load should be elucidated in order to design mechanical structures for functionality focusing not only on their strength and self-loosening but also on their shear stiffness. In this study, we have both experimentally and analytically investigated the behaviors of a bolted joint subjected to shear load and primary parameters which determine the shear stiffness characteristics of bolted joints. The experiments have been conducted applying the shear load four times repeatedly on clamped plates of a bolt/nut assembly with washers. We measured the shear stiffness of bolted joints and the shear load at which the slippage started to occur between the clamped plates. Four types of washers were used in the experiments with different contact areas on the clamped plates in order to reveal the effect of contact area of washers. We also conducted FE analysis under the same conditions. As the results, it was seen that the shear stiffness slightly increased with an increase in the clamp force of bolted joint. The shear stiffness was not influenced by the number of loading cycles. It was also seen that the amount of rotational deformation in the bolted joint depended on the slippage between the clamped plates. Although the rotation deformation was very small until the slippage occurrence, the rotational deformation remarkably increased after the slippage occurred. In general, it is well-known that the joining portion of lap jointed plates by spot welding, for example, slightly and rotationally deformed, but it has never been elucidated that the inclination angle due to the rotational deformation depends on the slippage between the clamped plates in the bolted joint. It was also seen that the shear stiffness until the slippage occurrence increased with an increase in the contacting surface area between the clamped plates. Although we investigated the effect of surface roughness of the clamped plates only in the experiments, we cannot clearly reveal its effect on the shear stiffness. But it is seen from the FE analysis result that the friction coefficient between clamped plates had a slight influence on the shear stiffness. The result shows that the shear stiffness of bolted joint mainly depends not only on the slip resistance between the clamped plates but also on increase of the contact surface between the washers and clamped plates. The results can be applied in order to control the shear stiffness of lap-jointed plates by spot welding and so on.