bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of quantitative prognostic prediction using ADV score for resection of hepatocellular carcinoma: A Korea–Japan collaborative study with 9200 patients
Authors: Kang Woo‐Hyoung , Hwang Shin , Kaibori Masaki , Kim Jong Man , Kim Kyung Sik , Kobayashi Tsuyoshi , Kayashima Hiroto , Koh Yang Seok , Kubota Keiichi , Mori Akira , Takeda Yutaka , Yun Sung Su , Matsui Kousuke , Toriguchi Kan , Nagano Hiroaki , Yoon Myung Hee , Soejima Yuji , Ariizumi Shunichi , Kim Bum‐Soo , Park Yohan , Yu Hee Chul , Kim Bong Wan , Lee Jung Bok , Park Sang‐Jae , Jang Jin‐Young , Yamaue Hiroki , Nakamura Masafumi , Yamamoto Masakazu , Endo Itaru ,   Collaboration of Korean Association of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic Surgery,   Japanese Society of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic Surgery
Published: February 2023

Background

A score derived from the concentrations of α‐fetoprotein (AFP) and des‐γ‐carboxy prothrombin (DCP) and tumor volume (TV), called ADV score, has been shown to be prognostic of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence following hepatic resection (HR) or liver transplantation.

Methods

This multicenter, multinational validation study included 9200 patients who underwent HR from 2010 to 2017 at 10 Korean and 73 Japanese centers, and were followed up until 2020.

Results

AFP, DCP, and TV showed weak correlations (ρ ≤ .463, r ≤ .189, p < .001). Disease‐free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and post‐recurrence survival rates were dependent on 1.0 log and 2.0 log intervals of ADV scores (p < .001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that ADV score cutoffs of 5.0 log for DFS and OS yielded the areas under the curve ≥ .577, with both being significantly prognostic of tumor recurrence and patient mortality at 3 years. ADV score cutoffs of ADV 4.0 log and 8.0 log, derived through K‐adaptive partitioning method, showed higher prognostic contrasts in DFS and OS. ROC curve analysis showed that an ADV score cutoff of 4.2 log was suggestive of microvascular invasion, with both microvascular invasion and an ADV score cutoff of 4.2 log showing similar DFS rates.

Conclusions

This international validation study demonstrated that ADV score is an integrated surrogate biomarker for post‐resection prognosis of HCC. Prognostic prediction using ADV score can provide reliable information that can assist in planning treatment of patients with different stages of HCC and guide individualized post‐resection follow‐up based on the relative risk of HCC recurrence.
Content analysis of infanticide and neonaticide cases in the UK
Authors: Greenwood Katie , Synnott John , Ioannou Maria
Published: February 2023

Twenty cases, 14 infanticides and 6 neonaticides committed between 1989 and 2020 by biological mothers were analysed using Smallest Space Analysis for the presence of themes. Three themes associated with offender motivation were identified: Desperation, Disturbance and Rejection. Desperation theme included variables suggesting the mother committed the crime as a result of distress or perceived necessity. Disturbance suggested the motivation behind the offence to be as a result of the mother's caregiving role being disturbed; and the Rejection theme explained complete maternal rejection of the infant or new‐born as the motivation behind the crime. Alongside the themes, three core variables were identified to be common for the crime regardless of motivation: the crime being committed at Home, the victim Female, and the crime being Denied by the mother. The implications of the findings are discussed including the potential for an investigative support tool and developing understandings of neonaticide and infanticide as separate crimes.
CMTM6 recruits T cells within the endocervical adenocarcinoma microenvironment and suppresses cell proliferation via the p53 pathway
Authors: Liang Hao‐Yu , Chen Shi‐Lu , Cai Shao‐Hang , Zhang Shi‐Wen , Yang Xia , Wei Li‐Jun , Luo Rong‐Zhen , Liu Li‐Li
Published: February 2023

Endocervical adenocarcinoma (ECA), harboring poor prognosis, is divided into human papilloma virus (HPV)‐associated adenocarcinoma (HPVA) and non‐HPVA (NHPVA), each consisting of a heterogeneous immune microenvironment. We aim to examine the effect of CKLF‐like MARVEL transmembrane domain 6 (CMTM6), a key regulator of PD‐L1, on ECA. Immunohistochemistry and RNA‐sequencing (RNA‐seq) were used to detect CMTM6, Programmed death ligand 1 (PD‐L1), and immune cells biomarkers levels in tumors. RT‐qPCR and Western Blotting were used to detect the mRNA and protein level changed in cells. The expression of CMTM6 in ECA is upregulated compared to cervical squamous cell carcinoma tissues. More infiltrating T cells were observed in CMTM6high ECA tissues, especially in CMTM6high HPVA. Higher expression of CMTM6 is associated with a higher rate of infiltrating CD8+ T cells in HPVA, but not in NHPVA. ECA patients were divided into three groups according to the co‐expression status of CMTM6 and PD‐L1(CPS). Patients with CMTM6high/PD‐L1(CPS+) had the longest OS and DFS, especially in NHPVA patients. Moreover, knock down of CMTM6 promotes ECA cell proliferation via the p53 pathway. CMTM6 recruits T cells, suppresses ECA cell proliferation via the p53 pathway and can be used as a novel prognostic indicator for ECA patients.
Lower prevalence of anti‐HTLV‐1 as expected by previous models among first‐time blood donors in Japan
Authors: Satake Masahiro , Sagara Yasuko , Hamaguchi Isao
Published: February 2023

An estimated 1.08 million carriers of human T‐lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV‐1) were living in Japan in 2006–2007. Since that study, new data on horizontal infection, nationwide antenatal screening for anti‐HTLV‐1 in pregnant women, and social educational campaigns on HTLV‐1 infection have emerged in Japan. To estimate the current number of HTLV‐1 carriers in Japan, confirmed HTLV‐1 infections among first‐time blood donors in 2020–2021 from across Japan were investigated. Age‐, sex‐ and geographic area‐specific information associated with HTLV‐1 antibody detection was evaluated. Data obtained were compared with predictions based on 2006–2007 data, considering a birth cohort effect that assumed lifelong maintenance of seropositivity. HTLV‐1 seroprevalence in women was almost equivalent to that in men. The prevalence in men was similar to that predicted from 2006 to 2007 data. In contrast, the prevalence in women was lower in all age strata than that predicted by each birth cohort. The estimate for the entirety of Japan was 534 000 carriers from measured prevalence, whereas that from the birth cohort effect‐adjusted prevalence was 658 000. The number of HTLV‐1 carriers in Japan was estimated to have decreased by approximately 40% during the past 14 years.
Droughts during the last 2000 years in a tropical sub‐humid environment in central Mexico
Authors: Caballero Margarita , Lozano‐García Socorro , Romero Mercedes Vázquez , Sosa Susana
Published: February 2023

High‐quality records of hydroclimate variability in central Mexico during the last 2000 years are necessary to better understand human–environment interactions in Mesoamerica. Of particular interest are the climatic conditions during the Epiclassic period (ad 600–900), as droughts have been associated with a cultural demise occurring around
ad 900–1000. We reconstruct the hydroclimate history of the last 2000 years based on a sediment record from a drought‐sensitive lake located near one of the most important Epiclassic city‐states in Mesoamerica. Titanium concentrations, pollen and diatoms give a consistent environmental signal of five droughts occurring at about: (i)
ad 50–250, (ii)
ad 700–950, (iii)
ad 1200–1300, (iv)
ad 1450–1550 and (v)
ad 1760–1820. Some droughts were associated with cooler climatic conditions, and all of them framed major historical events. Our results show that the great cultural development of the Epiclassic period (
ad 600–900) was framed by a scenario of drought conditions followed by abandonment at
ad 900–1000. A brief return to moister conditions is recorded before another drought during the time of the fall of the city‐state of Tula (1200). European contact (1521) and the War of Independence (1810–20) also occurred during times of drought.
Enhanced Recognition Confidence of Millimeter‐Sized Intrahepatic Targets by Real‐Time Virtual Sonography
Authors: Takamoto Takeshi , Nara Satoshi , Ban Daisuke , Mizui Takahiro , Murase Yoshiki , Esaki Minoru , Shimada Kazuaki
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Real‐time virtual sonography (RVS) is an artificial‐intelligence‐assisted ultrasonographic navigation system that displays synchronized preoperative computed tomography (CT) images corresponding to real‐time intraoperative ultrasonograms (IOUS). This study aimed to investigate whether RVS can enhance IOUS identification of small intrahepatic targets found in preoperative CT.

Methods

Patients with small intrahepatic targets detected by preoperative thin‐slice dynamic CT before liver resection were included. The targets included millimeter‐sized liver tumors or a third‐order or more distal portal branch and were marked on CT images using 3D simulation software. After laparotomy, the targets were searched using fundamental IOUS, and participating liver surgeons subjectively scored the target identifying confidence on a scale of 1–5 (5 points for detection with the highest confidence and one point for undetectable). Then, the search procedure was repeated using the RVS, and the scores were compared.

Results

Totally, 55 patients with 117 small targets were investigated. The median target size was 6.0 mm, and the median registration time was 3.6 seconds. The target identification confidence score significantly increased from 2.78 to 4.52 points after using RVS. Seventeen targets (14.5%) were undetectable in fundamental IOUS, and 14 of them were identified by RVS. The detectability of small liver tumors (2–5 points of identification confidence) by IOUS was 81.1 and 96.7% by RVS.

Conclusion

RVS enhanced surgeons' confidence in identifying millimeter‐sized intrahepatic targets found in preoperative CT.
Improvement in quality of life comparing noninvasive versus invasive hearing rehabilitation in children
Authors: Urík Milan , Šikolová Soňa , Hošnová Dagmar , Kruntorád Vít , Bartoš Michal
Published: February 2023

Objectives

The young population requires early rehabilitation of their hearing loss for normal cognitive, auditive hence social development. All of which, in turn, may have an impact on quality of life (QoL). This study aims to evaluate QoL between two different bone conduction (BC) hearing devices: a noninvasive adhesive hearing aid (Adhear [ADH]) vs. an active transcutaneous implant (Bonebridge [BB]).

Methods

This study composed of 12 BB and 15 ADH users. Pure tone as well as speech in noise and quiet measurements were evaluated and compared to the Assessment in QoL questionnaire (AQoL‐6d).

Results

Freefield results showed significant improvements for both devices compared to the unaided condition (p < .0001). Emphasis needs to be drawn on the different unaided level of conductive hearing loss as well as the indication range for both evaluated device groups: the ADH subjects exhibited a mean BC value of 9.50 ± 7.96 dB HL (the indication range up to 25 dB) and the BB subjects a mean of 23.33 ± 25.66 dB HL (the indication range up to 45 dB). Speech perception in quiet and in noise was significantly improved (p < .05; p < .001, respectively). QoL was significantly improved for both treatments (p < .05) but was not different among the devices, and the values were similar to their normal hearing, age, and sex‐matched control group. High correlations were found between QoL utility scores and improved PTA4 in the aided condition (r2 = .8839 and .7810 for BB and ADH, respectively).

Conclusion

Our results show that both devices offer significant beneficial audiological rehabilitations with significantly increased QoL. However, the underlying condition and the unaided degree of hearing loss, hence the required higher stimulation must be the deciding factor when opting for a hearing device, and this should be independent of age.

Level of evidence

2c.
Antarctic Krill Oil Exhibited Synergistic Effects with Nobiletin and Theanine on Regulating Ligand‐Specific Receptor‐Mediated Transcytosis in Blood–Brain Barrier by Inhibiting Alkaline Phosphatase in SAMP8 Mice
Authors: Wang Cheng‐Cheng , Kong Jing‐Ya , Xue Chang‐Hu , Zhang Tian‐Tian , Wang Yu‐Ming
Published: February 2023

Blood−brain barrier (BBB) impairment is related to the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is dependent not only on tight junction but also on transcytosis of brain endothelial cells (BECs) in the BBB. Aging induces the decrease of ligand‐specific receptor‐mediated transcytosis (RMT) and the increase of non‐specific caveolar transcytosis in BECs, which lead to the entry into parenchyma of neurotoxic proteins and the smaller therapeutic index in central nervous system drug delivery, further provoking neurodegenerative disease. A previous study suggests that sea‐derived Antarctic krill oil (AKO) exhibits synergistic effects with land‐derived nobiletin (NOB) and theanine (THE) on ameliorating memory and cognitive deficiency in SAMP8 mice. However, it is still unclear whether BBB change is involved. Hence, the effects of AKO combined with NOB and THE on aging‐induced BBB impairment, including tight junction between BECs, ligand‐specific RMT, and non‐specific caveolar transcytosis in BECs, are investigated. The results suggest that AKO exhibits synergistic effects with NOB and THE on regulating ligand‐specific RMT in BBB by inhibiting alkaline phosphatase (ALPL). The study provides a potential strategy candidate or targeted dietary patterns to prevent and treat AD by improving the BBB function.
MsgeCNN: Multiscale geometric embedded convolutional neural network for ONFH segmentation and grading
Authors: Li Xiang , Lv Songcen , Tong Chuanxin , Qin Yong , Liang Chen , Ma Yingkai , Li Minglei , Luo Hao , Yin Shen
Published: February 2023

Background

The incidence of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is increasing gradually, rapid and accurate grading of ONFH is critical. The existing Steinberg staging criteria grades ONFH according to the proportion of necrosis area to femoral head area.

Purpose

In the clinical practice, the necrosis region and femoral head region are mainly estimated by the observation and experience of doctor. This paper proposes a two‐stage segmentation and grading framework, which can be used to segment the femoral head and necrosis, as well as to diagnosis.

Methods

The core of the proposed two‐stage framework is the multiscale geometric embedded convolutional neural network (MsgeCNN), which integrates geometric information into the training process and accurately segments the femoral head region. Then, the necrosis regions are segmented by the adaptive threshold method taking femoral head as the background. The area and proportion of the two are calculated to determine the grade.

Results

The accuracy of the proposed MsgeCNN for femoral head segmentation is 97.73%, sensitivity is 91.17%, specificity is 99.40%, dice score is 93.34%. And the segmentation performance is better than the existing five segmentation algorithms. The diagnostic accuracy of the overall framework is 90.80%.

Conclusions

The proposed framework can accurately segment the femoral head region and the necrosis region. The area, proportion, and other pathological information of the framework output provide auxiliary strategies for subsequent clinical treatment.
Keeping expanded access programs in context
Authors: Caress James B.
Published: February 2023

See article on pages 354–362 in this issue.
Prevalence and reasons for self‐medication for prevention of COVID‐19 among the adult population in Kermanshah‐Iran
Authors: Janatolmakan Maryam , Naghipour Armin , Khatony Alireza
Published: February 2023

Aim

To determine the prevalence of self‐medication and reasons for self‐medication (SM) for the prevention/treatment of COVID‐19 among the adult population.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

This study was performed on 147 adults in Kermanshah, Iran. Data were collected by a researcher‐made questionnaire and analysed by SPSS‐18 software using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results

The prevalence of SM in the participants was 69.4%. Vitamin D and vitamin B complex were the most commonly used drugs. The most common symptoms leading to SM were fatigue and rhinitis. Strengthening the immune system and prevention of COVID‐19 (48%) were the main reasons for SM. Factors related to SM included marital status [OR = 8.04, 95% CI = (3.62, 17.83)], education [OR = 0.16, 95%CI = (0.08, 0.35)] and monthly income [OR = 0.09, 95%CI = (0.03, 0.26)].

Patient or Public Contribution

Yes
Nurses' self‐esteem, self‐compassion and psychological resilience during COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Joy George Vellaramcheril , Alomari Albara Mohammad Ali , Singh Kalpana , Hassan Nesiya , Mannethodi Kamaruddeen , Kunjavara Jibin , Al Lenjawi Badriya
Published: February 2023

Aim

This study aimed to identify self‐esteem, self‐compassion and psychological resilience among staff nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Qatar.

Design

Descriptive cross‐sectional survey design.

Methods

The study was conducted on January 2022 (during the third wave in Qatar). Anonymous data were collected through an online survey using Microsoft forms from 300 nurses in 14 health facilities in Qatar. Socio‐demographic information, Connor‐Davidson Resilience Scale, Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale and Self‐Compassion Scale‐Short Form were used to collect the data. Correlation, t‐test and ANOVA analyses were conducted.

Results

Participants expressed a high level of resilience, self‐esteem and self‐compassion. Resilience scores were positively and significantly correlated with self‐esteem and self‐compassion. The education level of nurses was a statistically significant contributing factor to self‐esteem and resilience.
Hearing Outcomes in Failed Newborn Hearing Screening Infants With and Without Chronic Serous Otitis
Authors: Huang Emily Y. , Suarez Daniel , Holley Anna , Zhang Emily , McVicar Stephanie B. , Black Pamella , Sidesinger Max , Park Albert H.
Published: February 2023

Objective

To identify outcomes in hearing loss (HL) diagnosis and intervention in infants with a failed newborn hearing screen (NBHS) and otitis media with effusion (OME) compared to those with failed NBHS and without OME.

Study Design

Retrospective review.

Setting

Tertiary medical center.

Methods

A chart review was performed on infants referred to Primary Children's Hospital for failed NBHS from 2012 to 2018. Eighty infants with failed NBHS and OME and 55 with failed NBHS and no OME were included. Incidence of permanent HL along with the age of HL confirmation and early intervention (EI) enrollment were compared.

Results

The incidence of OME in infants with failed NBHS was 59.3%. Fifty‐six percent of infants with OME and 12.5% of those without OME did not receive definitive hearing confirmation in either ear due to loss to follow‐up or insufficient audiometric assessment. Permanent HL was identified in 11.3% (n = 9) of infants with OME and in 20.0% (n = 11) of those without OME. Infants with OME were significantly older at the time of HL confirmation (4.2 ± 2.1 months) and EI enrollment (5.4 ± 2.5 months) compared to those without OME at the time of HL confirmation (1.0 ± 1.0 months; p < .001) and EI enrollment (2.6 ± 1.8 months; p = .04).

Conclusion

Infants with failed NBHS and OME are highly susceptible to a significant delay in HL confirmation or lack of confirmatory hearing tests. Timely OME resolution with earlier ventilation tube insertion by 3 months of age and follow‐up audiologic assessment is recommended.
Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis revealed the flavonoid biosynthesis and regulation in Areca catechu
Authors: Yu Dong , Zhang Kelan , Wu Jiao , Li Xinyu , Zhou Guangzhen , Wan Yinglang
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Flavonoids are active substances in many herbal medicines, and Areca catechu fruit (AF), an important component in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is rich in flavonoids. Different parts of AF, Pericarpium Arecae (PA) and Semen Arecae (SA), have different medicinal effects in prescription of TCM.

Objective

To understand flavonoid biosynthesis and regulation in AF.

Methodology

The metabolomic based on liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) and the transcriptome based on high‐throughput sequencing technology were combined to comprehensively analyse PA and SA.

Results

From the metabolite dataset, we found that 148 flavonoids showed significant differences between PA and SA. From the transcriptomic dataset, we identified 30 genes related to the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway which were differentially expressed genes in PA and SA. The genes encoding the key enzymes in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway, chalcone synthase and chalcone isomerase (AcCHS4/6/7 and AcCHI1/2/3), were significantly higher expressed in SA than in PA, reflecting the high flavonoid concentration in SA.

Conclusions

Taken together, our research acquired the key genes, including AcCHS4/6/7 and AcCHI1/2/3, which regulated the accumulation of flavonol in AF. This new evidence may reveal different medicinal effects of PA and SA. This study lays a foundation for investigating the biosynthesis and regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis in areca and provides the reference for the production and consumption of betel nut.
Mental time travel in psychiatric disorders
Authors: Wang Ya , Ye Jun‐yan , Lui Simon S. Y. , Chan Raymond C. K.
Published: February 2023

Mental time travel (MTT) refers to the ability to mentally re‐experience the past and pre‐experience the future. Here we briefly review impairments in MTT, its underlying cognitive and neural mechanisms, and ways to improve MTT in psychiatric patients. Future research directions on MTT are discussed.
Clinical characteristics and outcomes of cystic fibrosis in Palestine: Cross sectional study
Authors: Salah Samya , Rumman Nisreen , Nassar Amal , Khdour Maher , Hallak Hussein
Published: February 2023

Objective

To assess the clinical characteristics and outcomes of cystic fibrosis in Palestine by studying the quality of life (QoL) of participants.

Method

This cross‐sectional study involved the application of Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire‐Revised (CFQ‐R) to participants attending the pediatric pulmonology clinic at Caritas Baby Hospital between January and May 2017. Health status was assessed by measuring pulmonary function test (FEV1), body mass index (BMI), age of CF diagnosis, and presence of other affected siblings or deaths in the family.

Results

There were 77 participants from 58 families: 46.8% (36/77) were males, and 53.3% (41/77) were females. The mean age was 10.7 years (range: 0.5–36 years). The participants were divided into three groups by age in years: group I ( < 6), II (6–13), and III (≥ 14). The highest and lowest CFQ scores were for the eating domain in group III (55.6 ± 22.5) and the body domain in group II (14.5 ± 17.7), respectively. Mean illness severity was 69.6% (range: 33%–111%). The mean BMI was 15.9 (range: 9.6–23.1). The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 4.2 years (± 6.3). The study showed that 1.7% of the families (1/58) had four affected siblings, and 21% (12/58) had death cases related to CF, of which 58.3% (7/12) were from the Hebron district. Finally, all parameters for CF participants in West Bank, Palestine were noticeably lower than those reported in other countries.

Conclusions

This study illustrates the need for new therapies for CF participants in Palestine to improve QoL, health status, and longevity.
α‐Co(OH)2‐Based Quartz Crystal Microbalance Humidity Sensor for Real‐Time Monitoring of Respiration
Authors: Li Lingmei , Chen Tianchi , He Zhenzhi , Lu Xiangning
Published: February 2023

Respiration is an important physiological process of the human body and can assess an individual's health status. Humidity detection is an effective method for real‐time breath monitoring. Herein, the α‐Co(OH)2‐based quartz crystal microbalance humidity sensor (Co‐QCM sensor) is prepared via the hydrothermal method. The Co‐QCM sensor is characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared, and X‐ray diffraction. The α‐Co(OH)2 with hierarchical nanostructure and hydroxy functional groups leads to good humidity‐sensing performance. The Co‐QCM sensor exhibits high sensitivity (23.1 Hz/% relative humidity), fast response and recovery times (within 3 and 4 s, respectively), high linearity (R2 = 0.994), and long‐term stability (≈30 days) in the humidity range of 4–73.3%. In addition, different human breathing signals, including free breathing, shallow breathing, and deep breathing, can be detected and distinguished by this humidity sensor, showing the potential application in human respiratory detection.
Partition of topological indices of benzenoid hydrocarbons into ring contributions
Authors: Redžepović Izudin , Ðorđević Slađana , Brezovnik Simon , Tratnik Niko , Žigert Pleteršek Petra , Furtula Boris , Radenković Slavko
Published: February 2023

This work presents a simple method for partitioning the bond‐additive and atoms‐pair‐additive distance‐based topological indices of plane graphs into the sum of contributions of inner faces. The proposed method is applied to decompose several topological indices (Wiener, hyper‐Wiener, Tratch‐Stankevich‐Zefirov, Balaban, and Szeged indices) into the ring contributions for a series of benzenoid systems. It was found that the employed ring partitioning scheme is providing an accurate assessment of the dominant cyclic conjugation modes in the studied benzenoid hydrocarbons. Thus, the proposed method can be used as the alternative for the quantum‐chemistry‐based aromaticity indices which are significantly more computationally demanding.
Strain‐Induced Ferroelectric Phase Transition in Group‐V Monolayer Black Phosphorus
Authors: Xu Wen , Zheng Jun‐Ding , Tong Wen‐Yi , Wang Jiu‐Long , Shao Ya‐Ping , Zhang Yu‐Ke , Tan Yi‐Fan , Duan Chun‐Gang
Published: February 2023

Recently, a variety of elemental ferroelectric materials have been predicted in group‐V monolayers. However, black phosphorus, as a well‐known group‐V system with the similar structure, seems to be absent of spontaneous ferroelectric polarization. Based on first‐principles calculations, ferroelectric phase in monolayer black phosphorus (BP) is successfully obtained by strain engineering and the driving force can be attributed to Jahn–Teller effect. In addition, the bandgap of the monolayer BP is found to be tunable with applied strain, which can be adjusted to even achieve the metal polarization states. The work not only provides a new route to explore elemental ferroelectricity in 2D materials, but also suggests strain engineering as a powerful tool in related research.
Sparse multi‐trait genomic prediction under balanced incomplete block design
Authors: Montesinos‐López Osval A. , Mosqueda‐González Brandon A. , Salinas‐Ruiz Josafat , Montesinos‐López Abelardo , Crossa José
Published: February 2023

Sparse testing is essential to increase the efficiency of the genomic selection methodology, as the same efficiency (in this case prediction power) can be obtained while using less genotypes evaluated in the fields. For this reason, it is important to evaluate the existing methods for performing the allocation of lines to environments. With this goal, four methods (M1–M4) to allocate lines to environments were evaluated under the context of a multi‐trait genomic prediction problem: M1 denotes the allocation of a fraction (subset) of lines in all locations, M2 denotes the allocation of a fraction of lines with some shared lines in locations but not arranged based on the balanced incomplete block design (BIBD) principle, M3 denotes the random allocation of a subset of lines to locations, and M4 denotes the allocation of a subset of lines to locations using the BIBD principle. The evaluation was done using seven real multi‐environment data sets common in plant breeding programs. We found that the best method was M4 and the worst was M1, while no important differences were found between M3 and M4. We concluded that M4 and M3 are efficient in the context of sparse testing for multi‐trait prediction.
Genomic prediction for complex traits across multiples harvests in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is enhanced by enviromics
Authors: Filho Claudio Carlos Fernandes , Andrade Mario Henrique Murad Leite , Nunes José Airton Rodrigues , Jarquin Diego Hernandez , Rios Esteban Fernando
Published: February 2023

Breeding for dry matter yield and persistence in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) can take several years as these traits must be evaluated under multiple harvests. Therefore, genotype‐by‐harvest interaction should be incorporated into genomic prediction models to explore genotypes’ adaptability and stability. In this study, we investigated how enviromics could help to predict the genotypic performance under multiharvest alfalfa breeding trials by evaluating 177 families across 11 harvests under four cross‐validation scenarios. All scenarios were analyzed using six models in a Bayesian mixed model framework. Our results demonstrate that models accounting to the enviromics information led to an increase of genetic variance and a decrease in the error variance, indicating better biological explanation when the enviromic information was incorporated. Furthermore, models that accounted for enviromic data led to higher predictive ability (PA) in a reduced number of harvests used in the training data set. The best enviromic models (M2 and M3) outperformed the base model (GBLUP model—M0) for predicting adaptability and persistence across all cross‐validation scenarios. Incorporating environmental covariates also provided higher PA for persistence compared with the base model, as predictions increased from 0 to 0.16, 0.20, 0.56, and 0.46 for CV00, CV1, CV0, and CV2. The results also demonstrate that GBLUP without enviromics term has low power to predict persistence, thus the adoption of enviromics is a cheap and efficient alternative to increase accuracy and biological meaning.
Recent advances in nano‐scaffolds for tissue engineering applications: Toward natural therapeutics
Authors: Rahmani Del Bakhshayesh Azizeh , Saghebasl Solmaz , Asadi Nahideh , Kashani Elmira , Mehdipour Ahmad , Nezami Asl Amir , Akbarzadeh Abolfazl
Published: February 2023

Among the promising methods for repairing or replacing tissue defects in the human body and the hottest research topics in medical science today are regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. On the other hand, nanotechnology has been expanded into different areas of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering due to its essential benefits in improving performance in various fields. Nanotechnology, a helpful strategy in tissue engineering, offers new solutions to unsolved problems. Especially considering the excellent physicochemical properties of nanoscale structures, their application in regenerative medicine has been gradually developed, and a lot of research has been conducted in this field. In this regard, various nanoscale structures, including nanofibers, nanosheets, nanofilms, nano‐clays, hollow spheres, and different nanoparticles, have been developed to advance nanotechnology strategies with tissue repair goals. Here, we comprehensively review the application of the mentioned nanostructures in constructing nanocomposite scaffolds for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.

This article is categorized under:

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology

Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanotechnology in Tissue Repair and Replacement

Diagnostic Tools > Biosensing
Future Directions in OER
Authors: Kimmons Royce , Irvine Julie
Published: February 2023

Open educational resources (OER) are revolutionary for shaping our distributed learning ecosystems (DLE), but only if we avoid technocentric narratives of OER as having effects themselves. Rather, we must focus on exploring the opportunities provided by open technologies and resources to allow us “to rethink what learning is all about, to rethink education” (cf. Papert, 1990) and actively work to reshape our institutions in concert with possible futures. This rethinking and reshaping are not only limited to how we understand the impact of OER but also how educators can more feasibly create and use OER and how we make a better and more equitable world. This chapter will explore some of the emerging possibilities offered by OER to rethink how we have approached education in the past and how we can use OER to move toward futures that allow for more sustainable generosity.
Axion dark matter with thermal friction
Authors: Choi Kiwoon , Im Sang Hui , Kim Hee Jung , Seong Hyeonseok
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Cosmological evolution of axion field in the early universe might be significantly affected by a thermal friction induced by the axion coupling to thermalized hidden sector. We examine the effects of such a thermal friction on axion dark matter density and its perturbation when the thermal friction dominates over the Hubble friction until when the axion field begins to oscillate around the potential minimum. We show that in the presence of sizable thermal friction there can be an exponential decay phase of the axion field before the oscillation phase, during which the axion energy density is efficiently dissipated into hidden thermal bath. Consequently, the previously excluded parameter region due to overclosing relic axion density becomes cosmologically viable with thermal friction. In particular, a QCD axion much lighter than μeV is viable without tuning the initial misalignment angle. We also find that thermal friction can affect the density perturbation of axion dark matter in various ways. For instance, it can alleviate the large-scale isocurvature bound on axion dark matter in the pre-inflationary PQ breaking scenario, which would make the pre-inflationary axion dark matter compatible with high scale inflation over a wide range of model parameters. In the post-inflationary PQ breaking scenario, thermal friction can also significantly change the scaling behavior of axionic strings, and therefore the typical size of the resultant axion miniclusters.
Twistors, the ASD Yang-Mills equations and 4d Chern-Simons theory
Authors: Bittleston Roland , Skinner David
Published: February 2023

Abstract

We show that the approaches to integrable systems via 4d Chern-Simons theory and via symmetry reductions of the anti-self-dual Yang-Mills equations are closely related, at least classically. Following a suggestion of Kevin Costello, we start from holomorphic Chern-Simons theory on twistor space, defined with the help of a meromorphic (3,0)-form Ω. If Ω is nowhere vanishing, it descends to a theory on 4d space-time with classical equations of motion equivalent to the anti-self-dual Yang-Mills equations. Examples include a 4d analogue of the Wess-Zumino-Witten model and a theory of a Lie algebra valued scalar with a cubic two derivative interaction. Under symmetry reduction, these yield actions for 2d integrable systems. On the other hand, performing the symmetry reduction directly on twistor space reduces holomorphic Chern-Simons theory to the 4d Chern-Simons theory with disorder defects studied by Costello & Yamazaki. Finally we show that a similar reduction by a single translation leads to a 5d partially holomorphic Chern-Simons theory describing the Bogomolny equations.
Screening inflammatory protein biomarkers on premature infants with necrotizing enterocolitis
Authors: Dong Huifang , Zhang Lingling , Li Bingbing , Li Jing , Chen Yanshan , Richard Seidu A. , Xu Yiran , Zhu Changlian
Published: February 2023

Objective

This study aimed to explore potential inflammatory biomarkers for early prediction of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants.

Methods

Plasma samples were collected from premature infants with NEC (n = 30), sepsis (n = 29), and controls without infection (n = 29). The 92 inflammatory-related proteins were assessed via high-throughput OLINK proteomics platform.

Results

There were 11 inflammatory proteins that significate differences (p < 0.05) among NEC, sepsis and control preterm infants, which include IL-8, TRAIL, IL-24, MMP-10, CCL20, CXCL1, OPG, TSLP, MCP-4, TNFSF14 and LIF. A combination of these 11 proteins could serve as differential diagnosis between NEC and control infants (AUC = 0.972), or between NEC and sepsis infants (AUC = 0.881). Furthermore, the combination of IL-8, OPG, MCP-4, IL-24, LIF and CCL20 could distinguish Stage II and III of NEC (AUC = 0.977). Further analysis showed the combination of IL-8, IL-24 and CCL20 have the best prediction value for NEC and control (AUC = 0.947), NEC and sepsis (AUC = 0.838) and different severity of NEC (AUC = 0.842).

Conclusion

Inflammatory proteins were different expressed in premature infants with NEC compared with controls or sepsis. Combining these proteins provide a higher diagnostic potential for preterm NEC infants.
Developments in the understanding of staging a “major fracture” in polytrauma: results from an initiative by the polytrauma section of ESTES
Authors: Kalbas Yannik , Klingebiel Felix Karl-Ludwig , Halvachizadeh Sascha , Kumabe Yohei , Scherer Julian , Teuben Michel , Pfeifer Roman , Pape Hans-Christoph
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Although the term “major fracture” is commonly used in the management of trauma patients, it is defined insufficiently to date. The polytrauma section of ESTES is trying to develop a more standardized use and a definition of the term. In this process, a standardized literature search was undertaken. We test the hypothesis that the understanding of “major fractures” has changed and is modified by a better understanding of patient physiology.

Methods

A systematic literature search of the Medline and EMBASE databases was conducted in March 2022. Original studies that investigated surgical treatment strategies in polytraumatized patients with fractures were included: This included timing, sequence and type of operative treatment. A qualitative synthesis regarding the prevalence of anatomic regions of interest and core factors determining decision-making was performed. Data were stratified by decades.

Results

4278 articles were identified. Of these, 74 were included for qualitative evaluation: 50 articles focused on one anatomic region, 24 investigated the relevance of multiple anatomic regions. Femur fractures were investigated most frequently (62) followed by pelvic (22), spinal (15) and tibial (15) fractures. Only femur (40), pelvic (5) and spinal (5) fractures were investigated in articles with one anatomic region of interest. Before 2010, most articles focused on long bone injuries. After 2010, fractures of pelvis and spine were cited more frequently. Additional determining factors for decision-making were covered in 67 studies. These included chest injuries (42), TBI (26), hemorrhagic shock (25) and other injury-specific factors (23). Articles before 2000 almost exclusively focused on chest injury and TBI, while shock and injury-specific factors (e.g., soft tissues, spinal cord injury, and abdominal trauma) became more relevant after 2000.

Conclusion

Over time, the way “major fractures” influenced surgical treatment strategies has changed notably. While femur fractures have long been the only focus, fixation of pelvic and spinal fractures have become more important over the last decade. In addition to the fracture location, associated conditions and injuries (chest trauma and head injuries) influence surgical decision-making as well. Hemodynamic stability and injury-specific factors (soft tissue injuries) have increased in importance over time.
No correlation exists between coracoid tunnel widening and loss of reduction after arthroscopic acromioclavicular fixation using tightrope system
Authors: Elkalyoby Ahmed Samir , Waly Mohamed Refaat , Abdelrazek Begad Hesham Mostafa Zaky , Mohamed Ahmed Rizk , Shohayeb Khaled , Seifeldin Ahmed Fouad
Published: February 2023

Purpose

To detect the widening of the tunnel of the coracoid process after arthroscopic fixation of acute acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocation using the TightRope system and its correlation with loss of reduction and functional scores.

Methods

From 2016 to 2018, a prospective study was performed on twenty-three patients with acute grade III–V ACJ dislocation. Arthroscopic TightRope repair of the ACJ was performed. Coracoid tunnel widening was measured by CT, and the coracoclavicular distance was measured on the radiographs immediately postoperatively and at 12 months. The Constant Shoulder Score, Oxford Shoulder Score, Nottingham Clavicle Score and Visual analog scale were used as outcome measures at 12 months.

Results

The coracoid tunnel diameter to horizontal coracoid diameter ratio increased from 22.8 ± 3.7% immediately postoperatively to 38.5 ± 5.5% at 12 months (p < 0.001). The coracoclavicular (CC) distance showed an increase from a mean of 10.8 ± 1.7 mm to a mean of 11.8 ± 2.5 at 12 months (p < 0.001). There was no correlation between the increase in the coracoclavicular distance and the patients’ functional clinical scores or coracoid tunnel widening.

Conclusion

Coracoid tunnel widening and radiological loss of reduction occur after arthroscopic fixation of acute ACJ dislocation with the TightRope system. However, they do not correlate with each other or with the functional scores of the patient.

Level of evidence

Level IV.
Influence of aging treatments on 17–4 PH stainless steel parts realized using material extrusion additive manufacturing technologies
Authors: Pellegrini Alessandro , Lavecchia Fulvio , Guerra Maria Grazia , Galantucci Luigi Maria
Published: February 2023

The most relevant criticalities of parts produced by material extrusion additive manufacturing technologies are lower mechanical properties than standard material performances, the presence of pores caused by the manufacturing method, and issues related to the interface between layers and rods. In this context, heat treatments can be considered an effective solution for tailoring the material behavior to different application fields, especially when using precipitation hardening stainless steels. In this work, aging treatments were conducted on parts realized using three different extrusion-based processes: Atomic Diffusion Additive Manufacturing, bound metal deposition, and fused filament fabrication. Two conditions of direct aging (H900 and H1150) were considered with the aim of comparing the response of properties in the opposite conditions of peak-aged and overaged. The hardness tests revealed that H900 aging significantly influenced hardness (max increase of 52%), and porosity (− 34.3% with respect to the as-sintered condition). On the other hand, the H1150 aging decreased the hardness (− 18% max) and porosity (− 32.2% max). Substantial differences among the microstructures due to grain size and δ-ferrite were illustrated. A statistical test was included to better highlight the influence of the heat treatment on the investigated properties.
Revealed preference tests for price competition in multi-product differentiated markets
Authors: Yasui Yuta
Published: February 2023

Assumptions of competitive structure are often crucial for marginal cost estimation and counterfactual predictions. This paper introduces tests for price competition among multi-product firms. The tests are based on the firm’s revealed preference (revealed profit function). In contrast to other approaches based on estimated demand functions such as conduct parameter estimation, the proposed tests do not require any instrumental variables, even though the models can accommodate structural error terms. In this paper, I employ a demand structure introduced by Nocke and Schutz (Econometrica 86(2):523–557, 2018. https://doi.org/10.3982/ECTA14720), the discrete/continuous choice model, which nests the multinomial logit demand and CES demand functions. Any price and quantity data can be rationalized by price competition under a discrete/continuous choice model and increasing marginal costs. Adding more assumptions to the demand functions, such as logit, CES, or the co-evolving and log-concave property produces some falsifiable restrictions.
Impact of environmental factors on diversity of fungi in sediments from the Shenzhen River Estuary
Authors: Lin Wenzhen , Liu Xin , Gong Linfeng , Liu Ruzhen , Ling Minghuang , Guo Chiming , Meng Hongyan , Luo Zhuhua , Du Xiaona , Guo Ying , Xu Wei
Published: February 2023

In this study, to explore the relationship between environmental factors and fungal diversity in the Shenzhen River ecosystem, multiple methods including chemical analysis, culture isolation, qPCR analysis of fungal ITS region and ITS-based Illumina next-generation-sequencing were integrated. A total of 115 isolates were finally isolated and could be classified into 23 genera. Top three abundant genera isolated were Meyerozyma (18 strains), Aspergillus (17 strains) and Penicillium (14 strains). Based on the Illumina sequencing approach, 829 OTUs were affiliated to seven phyla, 17 known classes, and 162 genera, indicating the Shenzhen estuary sediments are rich in fungal diversity. The major fungal genera were Meyerozyma, Trichoderma and Talaromyces. Environmental factors showed a gradient change in Shenzhen estuary, and fungal abundance was only significantly correlated with NH4+. Shannon index was significantly correlated with pH and IC (P < 0.05). Principal coordinate analysis based on OTU level grouped into three clusters among sampling sites along with the IC and pH gradient. Functional guilds analysis suggests most of the fungi in this studying area were almost all saprotrophs, suggesting a large number of saprophytic fungi may play a significant role in the organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling process. In summary, this study will deepen our understanding of fungi community in Shenzhen River ecosystem and their distribution and potential function shaped by environmental factors.
Moss and Liverwort Covers Structure Soil Bacterial and Fungal Communities Differently in the Icelandic Highlands
Authors: Ortiz-Rivero Javier , Garrido-Benavent Isaac , Heiðmarsson Starri , de los Ríos Asunción
Published: February 2023

Cryptogamic covers extend over vast polar tundra regions and their main components, e.g., bryophytes and lichens, are frequently the first visible colonizers of deglaciated areas. To understand their role in polar soil development, we analyzed how cryptogamic covers dominated by different bryophyte lineages (mosses and liverworts) influence the diversity and composition of edaphic bacterial and fungal communities as well as the abiotic attributes of underlying soils in the southern part of the Highlands of Iceland. For comparison, the same traits were examined in soils devoid of bryophyte covers. We measured an increase in soil C, N, and organic matter contents coupled with a lower pH in association with bryophyte cover establishment. However, liverwort covers showed noticeably higher C and N contents than moss covers. Significant changes in diversity and composition of bacterial and fungal communities were revealed between (a) bare and bryophyte-covered soils, (b) bryophyte covers and the underlying soils, and (c) moss and liverworts covers. These differences were more obvious for fungi than bacteria, and involved different lineages of saprotrophic and symbiotic fungi, which suggests a certain specificity of microbial taxa to particular bryophyte groups. In addition, differences observed in the spatial structure of the two bryophyte covers may be also responsible for the detected differences in microbial community diversity and composition. Altogether, our findings indicate that soil microbial communities and abiotic attributes are ultimately affected by the composition of the most conspicuous elements of cryptogamic covers in polar regions, which is of great value to predict the biotic responses of these ecosystems to future climate change.