bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neue Erkenntnisse über prähistorische Kunst
Authors: Kochs Susanne , Hauri Urs , Foerster Milena , Bäumler Wolfgang , Schreiver Ines
Published: February 2023

Die momentane Datenlage bietet nur ungenügende Möglichkeiten zur Risikobewertung von Tätowiermitteln. Auch die Langzeit‐Exposition beziehungsweise die dadurch potentiell möglichen Langzeitschäden und die Ursachen vieler Erkrankungen im Zusammenhang mit Tätowierungen sind (noch) nicht bekannt. Forschende aus den verschiedensten Ländern beschäftigen sich mit dieser Thematik mit dem Ziel, so viel wie möglich über Tätowierungen herauszufinden. Dieses Wissen kann dann angewendet werden, um möglichst sichere Tätowiermittel herzustellen.
Bitumen–solids attachment induced by cation activation
Authors: Zhou Joe , Li Haihong
Published: February 2023

Interactions between negatively charged bitumen and fine solids under oil sands extraction conditions were simulated using mature fine tailings (MFT) and hydrocarbon oil with dissolved carboxylic acids. Their attachment induced by cation activation was evaluated with different types of cations by simple dynamic attachment tests. The results revealed that solid hydrophobization by adsorbing surfactants was key for oil–solid attachment. Activation by multivalent metal cations was due to surface precipitation of metal hydroxides, followed by chemisorbing anionic surfactants on metal‐activated solids to form metal carboxylate complexes/precipitates, thereby hydrophobizing the solids. Activation by cationic surfactants depended on their hydrocarbon chain lengths. For short hydrocarbon chains, where hydrophobic interaction is weaker than electrostatic interaction between the added cationic and anionic surfactants, the added cations promote the adsorption of anionic surfactants by electrostatic interaction to render the solids hydrophobic. For long hydrocarbon chains where hydrophobic interaction is stronger than electrostatic interaction between the added cationic and anionic surfactants, the adsorption of anionic surfactants occurs through the hydrophobic association of the hydrocarbon chains, posing the head group towards water, thereby making the solids less hydrophobic. Activation by cationic flocculants was purely physical (hydrogen bonding and electrostatic): when the solids were turned positive by the added cationic flocculants, the added anionic surfactants then adsorbed onto the solids to render them hydrophobic. It appeared that soluble multivalent metal species (e.g., Ca2+ and Mg2+) were much less harmful to bitumen extraction than those heavy metals coated on the solids, either in the form of surface precipitates or hydrolyzed ionic species.
Synthesis of a BINOL‐Based C3 Symmetric Schiff Base and Its Fluorescence Response to Zn2+
Authors: Lu Kai , Guo Hongyu , Jiang Yixuan , Yang Jiaqiao , Yu Shanshan , Yu Xiaoqi , Pu Lin
Published: February 2023

A novel C3 symmetric 1,1’‐bi‐2‐naphthol‐based Schiff base (R,R,R)‐6 has been synthesized which shows highly selective fluorescence enhancement with Zn2+ among 21 metal cations examined. Its sensitivity and selectivity are found to be greater than other related C2 (1) and C1 [(R)‐9] symmetric compounds in the fluorescent recognition of Zn2+. The mechanistic study reveals that the selective fluorescence enhancement of the probe can be attributed to the formation of a unimolecular multidentate 6‐coordinated Zn2+ complex.
Acetylcholinesterase Activity Staining in Freshwater Planarians
Authors: Rabeler Christina , Gong TaiXi , Ireland Danielle , Cochet‐Escartin Olivier , Collins Eva‐Maria S.
Published: February 2023

The serine hydrolase acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is an important neuronal enzyme which catalyzes the hydrolysis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and other choline esters. The breakdown of acetylcholine by AChE terminates synaptic transmission and regulates neuromuscular communication. AChE inhibition is a common mode of action of various insecticides, such as carbamates and organophosphorus pesticides. Freshwater planarians, especially the species Dugesia japonica, have been shown to possess AChE activity and to be a suitable alternative model for studying the effects of pesticides in vivo. AChE activity can be quantified in homogenates using the Ellman assay. However, this biochemical assay requires specialized equipment and large numbers of planarians. Here, we present a protocol for visualizing AChE activity in individual planarians. Activity staining can be completed in several hours and can be executed using standard laboratory equipment (a fume hood, nutator, and light microscope with imaging capability). We describe the steps for preparing the reagents, and the staining and imaging of the planarians. Planarians are treated with 10% acetic acid and fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde and then incubated in a staining solution containing the substrate acetylthiocholine. After incubation in the staining solution for 3.5 hr on a nutator at 4°C, or stationary on ice, planarians are washed and mounted for imaging. Using exposure to an organophosphorus pesticide as an example, we show how AChE inhibition leads to a loss of staining. Thus, this simple method can be used to qualitatively evaluate AChE inhibition due to chemical exposure or RNA interference, providing a new tool for mechanistic studies of effects on the cholinergic system. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Preparing the staining solution

Basic Protocol 2: Fixing, staining, and imaging whole‐mount planarian specimens for visualization of acetylcholinesterase activity
The impact of low muscle mass on prognosis following neoadjuvant chemotherapy for resectable locally advanced rectal cancer: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hatt Jacob , Smart Thomas F.F. , Hardy Edward J. , Doleman Brett , Lund Jonathan N. , Philips Bethan E.
Published: February 2023

Background

Sarcopenia is characterized by the progressive and generalized loss of muscle mass and function. There is an increasing body of evidence to suggest that cancer patients with pre‐existing sarcopenia are at a greater risk of both short‐ and long‐term clinical complications. The aim of this review is to examine the impact of low muscle mass on prognostic outcomes in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) who undergo neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) prior to surgery.

Methods

MEDLINE, PubMed, and Embase databases were searched from inception to October 2021. Any comparative studies relating to the prognostic outcomes of sarcopenic versus non‐sarcopenic patients with LARC who received nCRT prior to surgery were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Risk Of Bias In Non‐randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS‐I). Meta‐analysis was performed on reported hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using DerSimonian–Laird random‐effects models.

Results

A total of 598 patients from five studies were included in the analysis of hazard ratios for overall survival, whereas 505 patients from four studies were available for analysis of HR for disease‐free survival. Meta‐regression analysis showed a significant association between pre‐existing sarcopenia and worse overall survival (HR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.15–2.48). The association between pre‐existing sarcopenia and shorter disease‐free survival was not statistically significant (HR: 1.07, 95% CI: 0.63–1.82).

Conclusions

The review highlights the role that body composition can play on prognostic outcomes in patients undergoing multimodal cancer treatment. Given the complex underpinnings of sarcopenia progression, more research is needed to develop strategies to mitigate this impact in a physiologically vulnerable population.
Label‐free multiphoton imaging flow cytometry
Authors: Kinegawa Ryo , Gala de Pablo Julia , Wang Yi , Hiramatsu Kotaro , Goda Keisuke
Published: February 2023

Label‐free imaging flow cytometry is a powerful tool for biological and medical research as it overcomes technical challenges in conventional fluorescence‐based imaging flow cytometry that predominantly relies on fluorescent labeling. To date, two distinct types of label‐free imaging flow cytometry have been developed, namely optofluidic time‐stretch quantitative phase imaging flow cytometry and stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) imaging flow cytometry. Unfortunately, these two methods are incapable of probing some important molecules such as starch and collagen. Here, we present another type of label‐free imaging flow cytometry, namely multiphoton imaging flow cytometry, for visualizing starch and collagen in live cells with high throughput. Our multiphoton imaging flow cytometer is based on nonlinear optical imaging whose image contrast is provided by two optical nonlinear effects: four‐wave mixing (FWM) and second‐harmonic generation (SHG). It is composed of a microfluidic chip with an acoustic focuser, a lab‐made laser scanning SHG‐FWM microscope, and a high‐speed image acquisition circuit to simultaneously acquire FWM and SHG images of flowing cells. As a result, it acquires FWM and SHG images (100 × 100 pixels) with a spatial resolution of 500 nm and a field of view of 50 μm × 50 μm at a high event rate of four to five events per second, corresponding to a high throughput of 560–700 kb/s, where the event is defined by the passage of a cell or a cell‐like particle. To show the utility of our multiphoton imaging flow cytometer, we used it to characterize Chromochloris zofingiensis (NIES‐2175), a unicellular green alga that has recently attracted attention from the industrial sector for its ability to efficiently produce valuable materials for bioplastics, food, and biofuel. Our statistical image analysis found that starch was distributed at the center of the cells at the early cell cycle stage and became delocalized at the later stage. Multiphoton imaging flow cytometry is expected to be an effective tool for statistical high‐content studies of biological functions and optimizing the evolution of highly productive cell strains.
Dependable and reliable cloud‐based architectures for vehicular communications: A systematic literature review
Authors: Yang Zhe , Li Lingzhi , Gu Fei , Ling Xinghong
Published: February 2023

Traffic congestion, air pollution, fuel wastage, and car accidents are all exacerbated by increased traffic. Thus, vehicular communications, which refer to information transmission between cars, pedestrians, and infrastructures, have lately gained popularity and been extensively explored due to their enormous potential to enable intelligent transportation and various safety applications. Manually piloted cars and automated vehicles can acquire relevant information via vehicular communications to enhance traffic security and boost entertainment services. The basic concept of automobile clouds was originally published in the literature not long ago, and several suggested structural approaches have been presented in this study thus far. Several academics have concentrated on the structural layout to address various problems and, as a result, satisfy user expectations in order to give dependable services. We examined various vehicular cloud topologies in this study. We also offered a complete summary of current network layer research on allowing efficient vehicle communications and examined specific security, architectural, and reliability concerns in vehicular clouds. Also, the taxonomy of vehicular networks was discussed in terms of the service link between vehicular networks and cloud computing. Ultimately, we discussed the research prospects available. The results showed that security and privacy challenges are among the most important challenges.
Curalin supplement for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Weinberg Sibony Roni , Wainstein Julio , Ish Shalom Maya , Ganz Tali , Rozenberg Aliza , Yanuv Ilan , Eliyahu Uri , Raz Itamar
Published: February 2023

Objective

To examine the efficacy and safety of Curalin supplement in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Research design and methods

Adult patients with type 2 diabetes were randomized 1:1 to receive Curalin supplement or placebo. The primary endpoint was HbA1c decrease at 1 month. The secondary endpoint was a decrease in HbA1c by more than 0.5% and 1% and a change in 7 daily blood glucose measurements. A satisfaction questionnaire was used as an exploratory endpoint. Safety variables and adverse events were assessed.

Results

After 1 month of intervention, HbA1c was reduced by 0.94% in the Curalin arm versus 0.4% in the placebo arm (P = 0.008). 72% of Curalin patients had decreased HbA1c levels >0.5% versus 35% in the placebo arm (P < 0.05). The Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire indicated that Curalin arm patients reported higher overall satisfaction.

Conclusions

Curalin treatment significantly reduced HbA1c over a 1‐month period and was well‐tolerated.
The two faces of Janus: Processes can be both exogenous forcings and endogenous feedbacks with wind as a case study
Authors: Payne Sarah A. R. , Okin Gregory S. , Bhattachan Abinash , Fischella Michael R.
Published: February 2023

Janus is the Roman god of transitions. In many environments, state transitions are an important part of our understanding of ecological change. These transitions are controlled by the interactions between exogenous forcing factors and stabilizing endogenous feedbacks. Forcing factors and feedbacks are typically considered to consist of different processes. We argue that during extreme events, a process that usually forms part of a stabilizing feedback can behave as a forcing factor. And thus, like Janus, a single process can have two faces. The case explored here pertains to state change in drylands where interactions between wind erosion and vegetation form an important feedback that encourages grass‐to‐shrub state transitions. Wind concentrates soil resources in shrub‐centered fertile islands, removes resources through loss of fines to favor deep‐rooted shrubs, and abrades grasses' photosynthetic tissue, thus further favoring the shrub state that, in turn, experiences greater aeolian transport. This feedback is well documented but the potential of wind to act also as a forcing has yet to be examined. Extreme wind events have the potential to act like other drivers of state change, such as drought and grazing, to directly reduce grass cover. This study examines the responses of a grass‐shrub community after two extreme wind events in 2019 caused severe deflation. We measured grass cover and root exposure due to deflation, in addition to shrub height, grass patch size, and grass greenness along 50‐m transects across a wide range of grass cover. Root exposure was concentrated in the direction of erosive winds during the storms and sites with low grass cover were associated with increased root exposure and reduced greenness. We argue that differences between extreme, rare wind events and frequent, small wind events are significant enough to be differences in kind rather than differences in degree allowing extreme winds to behave as endogenous forcings and common winds to participate in an endogenous stabilizing feedback. Several types of state change in other ecological systems in are contextualized within this framework.
Environmental refuges from disease in host–parasite interactions under global change
Authors: Gsell Alena S. , Biere Arjen , de Boer Wietse , de Bruijn Irene , Eichhorn Götz , Frenken Thijs , Geisen Stefan , van der Jeugd Henk , Mason‐Jones Kyle , Meisner Annelein , Thakur Madhav P. , van Donk Ellen , Zwart Mark P. , Van de Waal Dedmer B.
Published: February 2023

The physiological performance of organisms depends on their environmental context, resulting in performance–response curves along environmental gradients. Parasite performance–response curves are generally expected to be broader than those of their hosts due to shorter generation times and hence faster adaptation. However, certain environmental conditions may limit parasite performance more than that of the host, thereby providing an environmental refuge from disease. Thermal disease refuges have been extensively studied in response to climate warming, but other environmental factors may also provide environmental disease refuges which, in turn, respond to global change. Here, we (1) showcase laboratory and natural examples of refuges from parasites along various environmental gradients, and (2) provide hypotheses on how global environmental change may affect these refuges. We strive to synthesize knowledge on potential environmental disease refuges along different environmental gradients including salinity and nutrients, in both natural and food‐production systems. Although scaling up from single host–parasite relationships along one environmental gradient to their interaction outcome in the full complexity of natural environments remains difficult, integrating host and parasite performance–response can serve to formulate testable hypotheses about the variability in parasitism outcomes and the occurrence of environmental disease refuges under current and future environmental conditions.
The short and long‐term characteristics and outcomes of patients with grade 1 myocardial uptake on cardiac scintigraphy
Authors: Itzhaki Ben Zadok Osnat , Ruhrman‐Sahar Noa , Mats Israel , Vaxman Iuliana , Shiyovich Arthur , Aviv Yaron , Vaturi Mordehai , Wiessman Maya , Shochat Tzippy , Kandinov Irit , Kornowski Ran , Hamdan Ashraf
Published: February 2023

Aims

This study aimed to characterize the final diagnosis and prognosis of patients with grade 1 myocardial scintigraphy uptake, which is an unequivocal result for the diagnosis of transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR‐CA) requiring further invasive investigation with tissue biopsy.

Methods and results

We retrospectively compared the clinical and imaging parameters of patients suspected for ATTR‐CA (based on clinical and echocardiographic parameters) with grade 1 vs. grades 2/3 technetium pyrophosphate uptake on cardiac scintigraphy. Prospectively, grade 1 patients underwent re‐evaluation for ATTR‐CA at long term. Of the 132 ATTR‐CA suspected patients, 89 (67%) were diagnosed as grade 1 and 43 (33%) as grades 2/3 uptake. Grade 1 vs. grades 2/3 patients were younger and female predominant with lower biomarker levels and left ventricular mass. Based on available imaging and pathology findings, only 6 out of the 89 patients with grade 1 uptake (7%) were finally diagnosed with light‐chain cardiac amyloidosis, whereas no patient was diagnosed with ATTR‐CA. At 2 [interquartile range (IQR) 0.75, 3.25] years of follow‐up, the survival of patients with grade 1 vs. grades 2/3 uptake was significantly better [hazard ratio 0.271 (95% confidence interval 0.130 to 0.563, P = 0.0005)]. Prospectively, 30 patients with grade 1 uptake were re‐evaluated at a median follow‐up of 3.2 (IQR 2.2, 3.9) years. Their New York Heart Association class, biomarker levels, and echocardiography findings remained stable. No patient (0/25) demonstrated grades 2/3 uptake at repeated long‐term scintigraphy.

Conclusions

Patients with suspected ATTR‐CA and a grade 1 scintigraphy uptake demonstrate a stable clinical, laboratory, imaging, and scintigraphy phenotype along with a benign survival profile at long‐term follow‐up. Larger studies should define the optimal evaluation strategy in this population.
Adaptive coding of pain prediction error in the anterior insula
Authors: Hoskin Robert , Talmi Deborah
Published: February 2023

Background

Understanding the mechanisms behind the influence of expectation and context on pain perception is crucial for improving analgesic treatments. Prediction error (PE) signals how much a noxious stimulus deviates from expectation and is therefore crucial for our understanding of pain perception. It is thought that the brain engages in ‘adaptive coding’ of pain PE, such that sensitivity to unexpected outcomes is modulated by contextual information. While there is behavioural evidence that pain is coded adaptively, and evidence that reward PE signals are coded adaptively, controversy remains regarding the underlying neural mechanism of adaptively‐coded pain PEs.

Methods

A cued‐pain task was performed by 19 healthy adults while undergoing FMRI scanning. BOLD responses to the task were tested using an axiomatic approach to identify areas that may code pain PE adaptively.

Results

The left dorsal anterior insula demonstrated a pattern of response consistent with adaptively‐coded pain PE. Signals from this area were sensitive to both predicted pain magnitudes on the instigation of expectation, and the unexpectedness of pain delivery. Crucially however, the response at pain delivery was consistent with the local context of the pain stimulation, rather than the absolute magnitude of delivered pain, a pattern suggestive of an adaptively‐coded PE signal.

Conclusions

The study advances our understanding of the neural basis of pain prediction. Alongside existing evidence that the periaqueductal grey codes pain PE and the posterior insula codes pain magnitude, the results highlight a distinct contribution of the left dorsal anterior insula in the processing of pain.

Significance

Although there is behavioural evidence that pain is coded adaptively, the neural mechanisms serving this process are not well understood. This study used functional MRI to provide the first evidence that the left dorsal anterior insula, an area associated with aversive learning, responds to pain in a manner consistent with the adaptive coding of pain prediction error. This study aids our understanding of the neural basis of subjective pain representation, and thus can contribute to the advancement of analgesic treatments.
Environmental data science: Part 2
Authors: Burr Wesley S. , Newlands Nathaniel K. , Zammit‐Mangion Andrew
Published: February 2023

Environmental data science is a multi‐disciplinary and mature field of research at the interface of statistics, machine learning, information technology, climate and environmental science. The two‐part special issue ‘Environmental Data Science’ comprises a set of research articles and opinion pieces led by statisticians who are at the forefront of the field. This editorial identifies and discusses common research themes that appear in the contributions to Part 2, which focuses on applications. These include spatio‐temporal modeling; the problem of aggregation and sparse sampling; the importance of community‐building and training for the next generation of specialists in environmental data science; and the need to look forward at the challenges that lie ahead for the discipline. This editorial complements that of Part 1, which largely focuses on statistical methodology; see Zammit‐Mangion, Newlands, and Burr (2023).
New estimation methods for extremal bivariate return curves
Authors: Murphy‐Barltrop C. J. R. , Wadsworth J. L. , Eastoe E. F.
Published: February 2023

In the multivariate setting, estimates of extremal risk measures are important in many contexts, such as environmental planning and structural engineering. In this paper, we propose new estimation methods for extremal bivariate return curves, a risk measure that is the natural bivariate extension to a return level. Unlike several existing techniques, our estimates are based on bivariate extreme value models that can capture both key forms of extremal dependence. We devise tools for validating return curve estimates, as well as representing their uncertainty, and compare a selection of curve estimation techniques through simulation studies. We apply the methodology to two metocean data sets, with diagnostics indicating generally good performance.
Seismic damage evaluation of unanchored nonstructural components under combined effects of horizontal and vertical near‐fault ground motions
Authors: Wang Jianze , Chen Weiwei , Dai Kaoshan , Li Tao , Tesfamariam Solomon , Lu Yang
Published: February 2023

With consideration of seismic resilience, damage of nonstructural components (NSCs) attracts significant attentions. Most previous studies focused on dynamic behaviors of NSCs under horizontal excitations. Near‐fault earthquakes, however, have strong vertical ground motion components, but few studies assessed their influence on seismic damage of NSCs. In this study, the seismic responses of unanchored NSCs under near‐fault earthquakes with strong vertical components are investigated. Response history analyses of steel moment frames with different heights under near‐fault earthquakes are performed and the derived floor acceleration responses are taken as the inputs of unanchored NSCs. The sliding and rocking responses of NSCs under horizontal and vertical excitations are used to quantify the influence of near‐fault earthquake characteristics. The results highlighted that bidirectional excitations (horizontal & vertical) would elevate the uncertainty in the sliding demands of NSCs and more likely to induce the occurrence of overturning failures for slender NSCs. The relation between rocking demands of NSCs and common intensity measures like PFA would be weakened due to the presence of vertical excitations.
Dexamphetamine influences funneling illusion based on psychometric score
Authors: Kassim Faiz M. , Mark Lim J. H. , Albrecht Matthew A. , Martin‐Iverson Mathew T.
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Our team previously showed that like the experience of the rubber hand illusion (RHI) in people with schizophrenia and their offspring¸ dexamphetamine administration to healthy volunteers increases the stimulus binding windows (BWs) in RHI. It is not clear if similar expansions of BWs are present for unimodal illusions. Studies have also shown that subjective or objective effects of amphetamine would be linked to between‐person variations in personality measures. Therefore, we aimed to examine the effect of dexamphetamine (DEX), a dopamine‐releasing stimulant, on illusory perception using unimodal sensory stimuli (Tactile Funneling Illusion [TFI]) across both temporal and spatial variables. We further examined the relationship between changes in psychometric scores and changes in illusion perception induced by dexamphetamine.

Methods

Healthy subjects (N = 20) participated in a randomized, double‐blind, counter‐balanced, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over study. The effects of dexamphetamine (0.45 mg/kg, PO, q.d.) on funneling and error of spatial localization (EL) were examined using TFI. Psychotomimetic effects were assessed using a battery of psychological measures.

Results

Dexamphetamine did not significantly increased the funneling illusion (p = 0.88) or EL (p = 0.5), relative to placebo. However, the degree of change in psychometric scores following dexamphetamine positively correlated with changes in funneling (ρ = 0.48, p = 0.03, n = 20), mainly at 0 ms delay condition (ρ = 0.6, p = 0.004, n = 20).

Conclusion

Unlike multimodal illusions, alteration of BWs does not occur for unimodal illusions after administration of a dopamine‐releasing agent. However, our findings indicate that moderate release of dopamine, through its psychotomimetic effect, indirectly influences unimodal illusion.
Surface‐to‐tile drain connectivity and phosphorus transport: Effect of antecedent soil moisture
Authors: Williams Mark R. , Penn Chad J. , King Kevin W. , McAfee Scott J.
Published: February 2023

Macropores connecting surface soils to tile drains can alter water and nutrient transport through the subsurface. In this study, laboratory rainfall simulations with artificial macropores combined with edge‐of‐field monitoring were used to evaluate surface‐to‐tile drain connectivity and phosphorus (P) transport as a function of antecedent moisture conditions. Laboratory rainfall simulations using repacked soil boxes with different macropore layouts (i.e., no macropore, surface‐connected macropores, and disconnected macropores) were used to examine changes in water sources and flow pathways to tile drains with varying degrees of connectivity and antecedent wetness. Water, tracer, and P fluxes from a tile‐drained field were also monitored to quantify linkages among water flow pathways, antecedent wetness, and P delivery to tile drains. Both laboratory and field results showed that surface‐to‐tile drain connectivity was important for water transport through the subsurface under both dry and wet antecedent conditions. When soil conditions were dry, discharge was minimal and primarily comprised of event water that bypassed the soil matrix. Increasing wetness resulted in similar event water transport, but greater mobilization of stored pre‐event water and greater discharge; thus, the dominant source of tile water and the magnitude of tile discharge were substantially altered with changing antecedent moisture. Field data revealed that changes in drainage water source and discharge with increasing wetness impacted dissolved P transport. Dissolved P concentration decreased and loading increased with increasing wetness. Findings indicate that greater mobilization of pre‐event water under wet antecedent conditions acted as both a hydrologic and chemical buffer for subsurface dissolved P transport. Comparison of study results to water quality data from a larger edge‐of‐field network suggest that relationships between antecedent moisture conditions, water flow pathways, and P transport from the current study are broadly applicable across tile‐drained fields. Understanding processes controlling P delivery to tile drains has direct applicability for conservation practice implementation and improving process representation in models.
Predictors of adverse perinatal outcomes in fetal growth restriction using a combination of maternal clinical factors and simple ultrasound parameters
Authors: Punyapet Pathinya , Suwanrath Chitkasaem , Chainarong Natthicha , Sawaddisan Rapphon , Vichitkunakorn Polathep
Published: February 2023

Objective

To identify predictors of adverse perinatal outcomes in pregnancies with fetal growth restriction (FGR) using a combination of maternal clinical factors and simple ultrasound parameters and develop a risk‐scoring model for predicting adverse perinatal outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective study of 370 non‐anomalous singleton pregnancies with FGR was conducted. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with adverse perinatal outcomes; P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The discriminative ability was measured with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). A weighted score for each predictor was calculated.

Results

Adverse perinatal outcomes occurred in 165/370 (44.6%) cases. There were eight predictive factors, including a history of pregnancy‐induced hypertension (PIH) (score = 1), chronic hypertension (score = 3), PIH (score = 2), maternal weight gain less than 8 kg (score = 1), early‐onset FGR (score = 1), estimated fetal weight less than 5th percentile (score = 2), amniotic fluid index less than 5 cm (score = 3), and abnormal umbilical artery Doppler (score = 2), with total scores ranging from 0 to 15. AUC for the eight‐item predictive model was 0.799 (95% confidence interval 0.753–0.845).

Conclusion

A combination of maternal clinical factors and simple ultrasound parameters showed acceptable predictive performance for adverse perinatal outcomes in FGR.
Maternal age and pregnancy outcomes in twin compared with singleton gestations
Authors: Hiersch Liran , Berger Howard , McDonald Sarah D. , Murray‐Davis Beth , Abdulaziz Kasim E. , Geary Michael , Barrett Jon , Melamed Nir ,   for DOH‐NET (Diabetes, Obesity, and Hypertension in Pregnancy Research Network) and SOON (Southern Ontario Obstetrical Network) Investigators™
Published: February 2023

Objective

To estimate the association of advanced maternal age with pregnancy complications in twin pregnancies and compare it with that observed in singleton pregnancies.

Methods

A population‐based retrospective cohort study of all patients with a singleton or twin hospital birth in Ontario, Canada, between 2012 and 2019. The primary outcome was preterm birth (PTB) less than 34 weeks. Pregnancy outcomes were stratified by maternal age groups in twin pregnancies and, separately, in singleton pregnancies.

Results

A total of 935 378 patients met the study criteria: 920503 (98.4%) had a singleton pregnancy and 14 875 (1.6%) had twins. In singletons, the rate of PTB less than 34 weeks increased progressively with increasing maternal age and was highest for patients aged 45 years or more (3.4%; adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 1.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05–2.33). By contrast, in twins, although the rate of PTB less than 34 was highest patients under 20 years of age (25.3%) and was lowest among patients aged 35–39 years (11.7%), the associations between maternal age group and the risk of PTB were not statistically significant in the adjusted analysis.

Conclusion

Although the absolute rates of pregnancy complications are higher in twin pregnancies, there are considerable differences in the relationship between maternal age and the risk of certain complications between twin and singleton pregnancies.
Diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder Using Machine Learning Based on Multisequence MRI Neuroimaging Features
Authors: Li Qinghe , Dong Fanghui , Gai Qun , Che Kaili , Ma Heng , Zhao Feng , Chu Tongpeng , Mao Ning , Wang Peiyuan
Published: February 2023

Background

Previous studies have found qualitative structural and functional brain changes in major depressive disorder (MDD) patients. However, most studies ignored the complementarity of multisequence MRI neuroimaging features and cannot determine accurate biomarkers.

Purpose

To evaluate machine‐learning models combined with multisequence MRI neuroimaging features to diagnose patients with MDD.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

A training cohort including 111 patients and 90 healthy controls (HCs) and a test cohort including 28 patients and 22 HCs.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 3.0 T/T1‐weighted imaging, resting‐state functional MRI with echo‐planar sequence, and single‐shot echo‐planar diffusion tensor imaging.

Assessment

Recruitment and integration were used to reflect the dynamic changes of functional networks, while gray matter volume and fractional anisotropy were used to reflect the changes in the morphological and anatomical network. We then fused features with significant differences in functional, morphological, and anatomical networks to evaluate a random forest (RF) classifier to diagnose patients with MDD. Furthermore, a support vector machine (SVM) classifier was used to verify the stability of neuroimaging features. Linear regression analyses were conducted to investigate the relationships among multisequence neuroimaging features and the suicide risk of patients.

Statistical Tests

The comparison of functional network attributes between patients and controls by two‐sample t‐test. Network‐based statistical analysis was used to identify structural and anatomical connectivity changes between MDD and HCs. The performance of the model was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

The performance of the RF model integrating multisequence neuroimaging features in the diagnosis of depression was significantly improved, with an AUC of 93.6%. In addition, we found that multisequence neuroimaging features could accurately predict suicide risk in patients with MDD (r = 0.691).

Data Conclusion

The RF model fusing functional, morphological, and anatomical network features performed well in diagnosing patients with MDD and provided important insights into the pathological mechanisms of MDD.

Evidence Level

1.

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2.
Rationally designed synthetic vectors for therapeutic nucleic acid delivery against human cytomegalovirus infection
Authors: Ge Xuemei , Jaijyan Dabbu K. , Wang Wei , Cheng Tong , Tang Qiyi , Wu Fei , Jin Tuo , Zhu Hua
Published: February 2023

RNA therapy represents a great way to precisely regulate cellular processes by modulating the gene expression. Despite this potential, a profound gap exists in our knowledge of how to subsequently deliver these RNAs into the specific target cells and turn therapeutically active RNAs into practical medicines. An advanced series of interlocked, thermodynamically self‐regulated processes that enable the precise assembly of functional synthetic carriers of siRNA to the target cells in vivo was developed. To demonstrate the efficacy of this delivery system, we used it to treat human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection in a humanized mouse model. In this study, we use small interfering RNA (siRNA) and small complementary RNA (scRNA) to inhibit the expressions of two HCMV genes, IE1 and IE2. The auto‐regulated nanocarrier polywraplex with core‐shell structure was designed to condense and package these RNAs for delivering. To allow these particles recognize the HCMV‐infected cells, a ligand was coupled on the surface of nanoparticle, which would specifically target the HCMV‐encoded CX3CL1 chemokine receptor presented in the HCMV‐infected cells. The results demonstrated that the polywraplex conjugated with the target molecule CX3CL1 effectively and specifically delivered the siRNA/scRNA to HCMV infected cells and inhibited virus growth in vitro and in vivo.
Temperature characteristics over the Carpathian Basin‐projected changes of climate indices at regional and local scale based on bias‐adjusted CORDEX simulations
Authors: Simon Csilla , Kis Anna , Torma Csaba Zsolt
Published: February 2023

The present research focuses on temperature change signals over the Carpathian Basin with a special focus on selected lowland and mountainous subregions. High‐resolution (0.11°) EURO‐ and Med‐CORDEX regional climate model (RCM) simulations of near‐surface air temperature are analysed based on raw and bias‐adjusted data. The mini‐ensemble consists of eight RCM simulations driven by five different general circulation models for the period 1976–2099 under the high‐end RCP8.5 scenario. The high‐resolution, homogenized and quality controlled CARPATCLIM was used as a reference dataset. The selected subregions cover eight municipalities located at diverse altitudes: Bratislava, Budapest, Brassov, Debrecen, Hoverla, Novi Sad, Pécs and Poprad. The following climate indices are assessed: summer days, ice days, frost days, tropical nights, the coldest day, the warmest day, the coldest night and the warmest night. In general, for the reference period (1976–2005) bias‐adjusted RCM data showed almost perfect match with observations. Accordingly, no best performing RCM is found for all indices. The ensemble mean of the bias‐adjusted RCM simulations projects an increase (decrease) of 32% and 112% (18% and 25%) in the annual number of summer days and tropical nights (frost days and ice days) for the period 2021–2050. For 2070–2099 we can expect more frequent tropical nights (about five times) with respect to the reference period and the frequency of frost days can be halved. Profound warming manifests in the increase of the warmest temperature of day of up to 2–3°C by the near future and of 5–7°C by the end of the 21st century, which means the absolute maximum temperature can reach 44–47°C for the period 2070–2099. Our results also highlight the need for bias‐adjusted data adapted by different sectors (human health, agriculture, transport, disaster management, heritage conservation) under the national adaptation strategies.
Keratinized mucosa width assessment at implant sites using high‐frequency ultrasonography
Authors: Tavelli Lorenzo , Yu Ning , Mancini Leonardo , Barootchi Shayan
Published: February 2023

Background

The aim of this study was to describe the application of high‐frequency ultrasonography (HFUS) for assessing keratinized mucosa (KM) width at implant sites.

Methods

KM width was measured at 28 implant sites exhibiting a peri‐implant soft tissue dehiscence at baseline and 12 months after soft tissue augmentation. KM width assessment was performed with a periodontal probe [clinical assessment (clKM)] and with HFUS, based on the echointensity of the keratinized epithelium compared to the adjacent structures. KM width measurements on ultrasound scans were performed linearly (lnKM) and along the soft tissue profile [surface distance (sdKM)].

Results

No statistically significant differences were observed between clKM, lnKM, and sdKM at baseline, while at 12 months, sdKM (5.313 ± 1.188 mm) was significantly higher than clKM (3.98 ± 1.25 mm) and lnKM (4.068 ± 1.197 mm) (P < 0.001 for both comparisons). A linear relationship between mucosal thickness (MT) and the difference between sdKM and lnKM was observed. In 95.2% of cases with MT > 2.51 mm, the discrepancy between sdKM and lnKM was at least 1 mm.

Conclusions

HFUS is a noninvasive and valuable tool for measure KM width at implant site. Evaluating KM width along the soft tissue profile as a surface distance may improve the accuracy of the assessment.
Production and characterization of Ziziphus jujuba extract‐loaded composite whey protein and pea protein beads based on sodium alginate–IFPG (insoluble fraction of Persian gum)
Authors: Khoshdouni Farahani Zahra , Mousavi Mohammad , Seyedain Ardebili Mahdi , Bakhoda Hossein
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

This research was aimed at the fabrication of jujube extract (JE)‐loaded beads by extrusion, using whey protein isolate (WPI), chickpea protein concentrate (PPC) and a combination of two types of hydrocolloid insoluble fraction of Persian gum (IFPG) and sodium alginate (Al).

RESULTS

JE‐loaded beads with the highest encapsulation efficiency (10.87%) and polyphenol content (120.8 mg L−1 gallic acid) were obtained using Al‐IFPG/PPC at 4 °C. The Al‐IFPG, Al‐IFPG/WPI and Al‐IFPG/PPC beads revealed 5.66, 6.85 and 5.76 mm bead size, respectively, and almost all of them demonstrated a homogeneous and spherical structure. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy data proved that the stable structure of the Al‐IFPG beads was due to hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions. The thermostability of beads loaded with JE based on Al‐IFPG/WPI was significantly enhanced compared to pure Al‐IFPG. Texture evaluation of JE‐loaded beads based on Al‐IFPG incorporation with WPI revealed an increment in the hardness of beads.

CONCLUSION

This study confirmed the potential of Al‐IFPG complex beads for the effective delivery of jujube extract via incorporation into pea and whey proteins and for the expansion of its use in products. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Functional properties and in vitro starch digestibility of infrared‐treated (micronized) green banana flour
Authors: Khoza Minenhle , Kayitesi Eugenie , Dlamini Bhekisisa C
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

The consumption of green banana flour (GBF) products has been linked to reduced glycemic index (GI) and low risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of micronization (high‐intensity infrared heating method) on the molecular, microstructure and in vitro starch digestibility of five GBF cultivars grown in South Africa. The GBF was micronized at three surface temperatures (90, 120 and 150 °C for 30 min) and the in vitro starch digestibility was determined with Megazyme kits.

RESULTS

Micronization at the highest temperature (150 °C) increased the swelling power by 6.00% in all five GBF cultivars when compared to control (unmicronized GBF). Micronization slightly reduced the resistant starch (RS) of the GBF cultivars by up to 8.63%. The FHIA‐01 cultivar showed the highest RS (86.50%), whereas Grande Naine – 150 °C cultivar had the lowest RS (76.00%). Both micronized and control GBF exhibited similar X‐ray diffraction patterns with all cultivars and at all micronization temperatures. Similarly, the functional properties of the GBF were not altered by micronization when observed with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy showed changes in the surface morphology of starch granules after micronization and these were dependent on temperature.

CONCLUSION

Overall, micronization at 120 °C showed the best improvement in functional properties of GBF and this makes it suitable for potential application for the manufacture of instant breakfast products, baked goods and pasta. In addition, the micronized GBF cultivars retained high RS, suggesting potential health benefits for people with diabetes and obesity. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Effect of pH on the thermal gel properties of whey protein isolate‐high acyl gellan gum
Authors: Guo Na , Ma Ying , Zhang Fangyan , Zhu Guilan , Yu Zhenyu , Dai Huanhuan , Wang Ziying
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

Protein–polysaccharide gels have significant and unique properties in food formulations. However, they are susceptible to environmental influences like heat and pH. The present work investigated the effects of acid and alkali treatments on the gel properties and microstructural changes of whey protein isolate (WPI) high acyl gellan gum (HG).

RESULTS

The results showed that the pH had a strong effect on the gel hardness, water‐holding capacity (WHC), free sulfhydryl groups (‐SH), and other properties of the composite gel. The hardness reached a maximum level of 282.50 g and the best WHC was 98.33% at pH 7, indicating that a suitable pH could promote this cross‐linking between the WPI and HG molecules. The rheological analysis demonstrated that the pH affected the gel formation time. Meanwhile, the gel formation time reached a maximum at pH 7, and the gel's storage modulus G′ value was the largest in the final state. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results showed that pH affected the interaction between WPI and HG. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis also indicated that the composite gel formed a three‐dimensional network structure at pH 7–9.

CONCLUSION

These results could broaden the application of protein‐polysaccharide gels in food and delivery systems. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.