bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Utility of Proteomics for the Identification of Circulating Pharmacodynamic Biomarkers of IFNβ‐1a Biologics
Authors: Hyland Paula L. , Chekka Lakshmi Manasa S. , Samarth Deepti P. , Rosenzweig Barry A. , Decker Erica , Mohamed Esraa G. , Guo Yan , Matta Murali K. , Sun Qin , Wheeler William , Sanabria Carlos , Weaver James L. , Schrieber Sarah J. , Florian Jeffry , Wang Yow‐Ming , Strauss David G.
Published: October 2022

Proteomics has the potential to identify pharmacodynamic (PD) biomarkers for similarity assessment of proposed biosimilars without relying on clinical efficacy end points. In this study, with 36 healthy participants randomized to therapeutic doses of interferon‐beta 1a products (IFNβ‐1a) or pegylated‐IFNβ‐1a (pegIFNβ‐1a) approved to treat multiple sclerosis or placebo, we evaluated the utility of a proteomic assay that profiles > 7,000 plasma proteins. IFNβ‐1a and pegIFNβ‐1a resulted in 248 and 528 differentially expressed protein analytes, respectively, between treatment and placebo groups over the time course. Thirty‐one proteins were prioritized based on a maximal fold change ≥ 2 from baseline, baseline adjusted area under the effect curve (AUEC) and overlap between the 2 products. Of these, the majority had a significant AUEC compared with placebo in response to either product; 8 proteins showed > 4‐fold maximal change from baseline. We identified previously reported candidates, beta‐2microglobulin and interferon‐induced GTP‐binding protein (Mx1) with ~ 50% coefficient of variation (CV) for AUEC, and many new candidates (including I‐TAC, C1QC, and IP‐10) with CVs ranging from 26%–129%. Upstream regulator analysis of differentially expressed proteins predicted activation of IFNβ1 signaling as well as other cytokine, enzyme, and transcription signaling networks by both products. Although independent replication is required to confirm present results, our study demonstrates the utility of proteomics for the identification of individual and composite candidate PD biomarkers that may be leveraged to support clinical pharmacology studies for biosimilar approvals, especially when biologics have complex mechanisms of action or do not have previously characterized PD biomarkers.
Water usage reduction and CSR committees: Taiwan evidence
Authors: Chen Yu‐Lin , Huang Mei‐Chu
Published: October 2022

Although board‐level corporate social responsibility (CSR) committees have been discussed extensively, we know relatively little about how CSR committees affect companies' water conservation and the contingencies that influence this relationship, specifically in emerging markets. In Taiwan, industrial water conservation is an imperative climate change adaptation given the elevating incidence of floods and droughts brought on by climate change. This study extensively hand‐collects data on water usage, the existence of CSR committees from CSR reports, and the annual reports of companies listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange and Taipei Exchange companies during 2017–2020. Our findings support the stakeholder theory that the existence of CSR committees likely set water use reduction targets and facilitated water usage reduction. Moreover, this relationship is stronger in water consumption industries. In summary, the memberships in water consumption industries and CSR committees are complements rather than substitutes.
A matching game framework for users clustering and resource allocation with wireless power transfer in a CR‐NOMA network
Authors: Das Deepa , Khadanga Rajendra Kumar , Rout Deepak Kumar
Published: October 2022

This paper investigates the resource allocation in a massively deployed user cognitive radio enabled non‐orthogonal multiple access (CR‐NOMA) network considering the downlink scenario. The system performance deteriorates with the number of users who are experiencing similar channel characteristics from the base station (BS) in NOMA. To address this challenge, we propose a framework for maximizing the system throughput that is based on one‐to‐one matching game theory integrated with the machine learning technique. The proposed approach is decomposed to solve users clustering and power allocation subproblems. The selection of optimal cluster heads (CHs) and their associated cluster members is based on Gale‐Shapley matching game theoretical model with the application of Hungarian method. The CHs can harvest energy from the BS and transfer their surplus power to the primary user (PU) through wireless power transfer. In return, they are allowed to access the licensed band for secondary transmission. The power allocation to the users intended for power conservation at CHs is formulated as a probabilistic constraint, which is then solved by employing the support vector machine (SVM) algorithm. The simulation results demonstrate the efficacy of our proposed schemes that enable the CHs to transfer the residual power while ensuring maximum system throughput. The effects of different parameters on the performance are also studied.
Acute monoblastic myeloid leukemic pleural effusion: Pitfalls and clues
Authors: AbdullGaffar Badr , Farhan Rabiah , Dutta Pankhi
Published: October 2022

Acute myeloid leukemic pleural effusions are uncommon with heterogenous cytomorphology and variable immunoprofiles. This imposes a difficult cytologic diagnosis. In particular, acute myeloid leukemia of monocyte lineage mimicking benign and malignant lymphoid and non‐lymphoid lesions is challenging. Few cases of acute myeloid monocyte‐lineage leukemia have been reported. Our aim is to report a case of a 54‐year‐old female patient who presented with pancytopenia and bilateral pleural effusions. We highlight the characteristic cytomorphologic features, diagnostic pitfalls and helpful hints of acute monoblastic leukemia. Initially, the cells were misinterpreted as chronic inflammatory histiocytic infiltrates with reactive mesothelial cells. The presence of frequent mitotic figures, apoptotic bodies and a two‐cell population raised the possibility of neoplastic cells. The cellular infiltrate simulated lymphoma, carcinoma and melanoma tumor cells. Cellblock immunocytochemistry however showed negative B‐cell, T‐cell, myeloid, Langerhans cell, plasma cell and dendritic cell lineage markers. They were positive for LCA, CD68, CD4 and CD117 with a high Ki67 index. The cytologically suggested impression of acute myeloid leukemia of monocyte origin favoring monoblastic variant was confirmed by flow cytometry and bone marrow trephine biopsy. Cytomorphologic clues included agranular amphophilic cytoplasm, occasional grooved indented nuclei, tingible body macrophages, associated plasma cells and absent granulocytes. The cytologic and cellblock findings matched the bone marrow trephine biopsy features. Cytopathologists should be aware of this unusual and challenging cytologic diagnosis in patients with pancytopenia and utilize at least two monocyte markers when formulating their differential diagnosis. Certain cytomorphologic features are helpful hints for their correct recognition.
Terminal field volume of the glossopharyngeal nerve in adult rats reverts to prepruning size following microglia depletion with PLX5622
Authors: Riquier Andrew J. , Sollars Suzanne I.
Published: October 2022

Programmed reduction of synapses is a hallmark of the developing brain, with sensory systems emerging as useful models with which to study this pruning. The central projections (terminal field) of the gustatory glossopharyngeal nerve (GL) of the rat are a prime example of developmental pruning, undergoing an approximate 66% reduction in volume from postnatal day 15 (P15) to P25. Later in adulthood, developmental GL pruning can be experimentally reversed, expanding to preweaning volumes, suggesting mature volumes may be actively maintained throughout the life span. Microglia are central nervous system glia cells that perform pruning and maintenance functions in other sensory systems, including other gustatory nerves. To determine their role in GL pruning, we depleted microglia from Sprague–Dawley rat brains from P1 to P40 using daily intraperitoneal injections of the colony‐stimulating factor 1 receptor inhibitor PLX5622. This prevented GL developmental pruning, resulting in preweaning terminal field volumes and innervation patterns persisting through P40, 2 weeks after pruning is normally completed. These findings show microglia are necessary for developmental GL pruning. Ceasing PLX5622 treatments at P40 allowed microglia repopulation, and within 4 weeks the GL terminal field had reduced to control volumes, indicating that pruning can occur outside of the typical developmental period. Conversely, when microglia were depleted in adult rats, GL terminal fields expanded, reverting to sizes comparable to the neonatal rat. These data indicate that microglia are required for GL pruning and may continue to maintain the GL terminal field at a reduced size into adulthood.
Microglia in motor neuron disease: Signaling evidence from last 10 years
Authors: Wang Min‐Jia , Kang Lu , Wang Yao‐Zheng , Yang Bi‐Ru , Zhang Chun , Lu Yu‐Feng , Kang Liang
Published: October 2022

Motor neuron disease (MND), including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy and others, involved the upper or lower motor neurons selective loss, is characterized by neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation, in conjunction with microglia. We summarized that pathways and key mediators are associated with microglia, such as fractalkine signaling, purinergic signaling, NF‐κB signaling, p38 MAPK signaling, TREM2‐APOE signaling, ROCK signaling, C1q signaling, and Ion channel, which are involved in the activation, proliferation, and inflammation of microglia. This review aims to identify the microglia‐related molecular target and explore potential treatment strategies for MND based on that target.
Economic evaluation of dyslexia intervention
Authors: Moll Kristina , Georgii Beatrice J. , Tunder Ralph , Schulte‐Körne Gerd
Published: October 2022

In many countries, intervention costs are not covered by public health care. A critical basis for deciding whether an intervention is covered or not is to analyse the relation between benefits and costs of the intervention, and to quantify the consequential costs. In this study, a cost‐utility analysis was computed to investigate the costs of individualized dyslexia intervention while quantifying the benefit in terms of health‐related quality of life in a sample of 36 individuals with dyslexia. In addition, educational outcomes and costs of untreated dyslexia for the society were estimated using information for class repetition, school success, and unemployment rates from previous studies and official statistics. A significant increase in quality of life with medium effect sizes was found across all quality‐of‐life measures. Increases in quality of life were domain‐specific, thus occurring specifically in those domains that are affected by learning disorders. The cost‐utility ratio was 9,782 Euros per quality adjusted life years (QALYs), which is in line with similar therapy forms, such as speech therapy. The loss of productivity for untreated dyslexia in the German population was estimated for class repetition and reduced income due to lower school degrees. The cost‐utility analysis and the calculation of consequential costs suggest that the dyslexia intervention is cost‐effective.
Above‐ and belowground net‐primary productivity: A field‐based global database of grasslands
Authors: Sun Yuanfeng , Chang Jinfeng , Fang Jingyun
Published: October 2022

Net primary productivity (NPP) over global grasslands is crucial for understanding the terrestrial carbon cycling and for the assessments of wild herbivores food security. During the past few decades, numerous field investigations have been conducted to estimate grassland NPP since the measuring criterion released by the International Biological Program. However, a comprehensive NPP database, particularly for belowground NPP (BNPP), in global grasslands is rare to date. Here, field NPP measurements from 438 publications (1957–2018) in global grasslands were collected, critically filtered, and incorporated in a comprehensive global database with observations for aboveground NPP (ANPP), BNPP, total NPP (TNPP), and BNPP fraction (fBNPP). Associated information on geographical locations, climatic records, grassland types, land use patterns, manipulations subjected to manipulative experiments, sampling year of study sites, as well as NPP measurement methods are also documented. This database included 2985 entries from 1785 study sites. Among them, 806 entries contained paired data of ANPP and BNPP, resulting in the 806 fBNPP data. The study sites encompassed global grasslands with latitudinal range of 54.5° S~78.9° N, longitudinal range of 157.4° W~175.8° E, and altitudes from 0 to 5168 m above sea level, covering broad climatic gradients (−17.6 to 28.8°C in mean annual temperature and 63–2052 mm in mean annual precipitation). This global database is the world's largest paired data of ANPP and BNPP field measurements in grasslands. It can be used to study the spatio‐temporal patterns of NPP and its allocation, evaluate the responses of above‐ and below‐ground carbon components to future global changes, and validate the NPP estimation by empirical or process‐based models in global grasslands. The database can be freely used for noncommercial applications. We kindly request users cite this data paper when using the database, respecting all the hard work during data compilation.
Power control and resource allocation for return on investment maximization in cross‐modal communications
Authors: Wen Mengtian , Zhang Zhe , Chen Jianxin , Wei Xin , Chen Mingkai
Published: October 2022

Multi‐modal services will become the mainstream in future applications, including video, audio, and haptic flows. In multi‐modal services, video and audio primarily require high‐rate transmission, while haptic flow requires ultra‐high reliability and ultra‐low latency transmission, which imposes unprecedented challenges on the network. To improve the transmission efficiency of multi‐modal services, this article proposes a cross‐modal communication architecture in the cloud radio access network based on network slicing technology. First, we take the data rate and transmission latency of video, audio, and haptic flows contents as the quality of service (QoS) parameters, and send different modes of flows into varying slices for transmission. Second, to transmit the cross‐modal services efficiently while saving communication resources as many as possible, we define our optimization goal as the form of return on investment (ROI), that is, we aim to maximize the return of QoS parameters under the limited investment in communication resources. Third, we propose a two‐stage framework to solve this ROI maximization problem. In the first stage, we propose the power control gradient assisted binary search algorithm to solve the power control problem, which can achieve the optimization of data rate and transmission latency and obtain the suitable QoS. Then, in the second stage, we introduce the network slicing ant colony optimization algorithm to solve the slice resource allocation problem, and get the largest possible ROI. The simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed cross‐modal communication architecture, and prove the optimum of the proposed algorithm in terms of ROI compared to some existing algorithms, such as the reverse labeling Dijkstra algorithm, the delay acceptance algorithm, and the random searching algorithm.
Investigations of hypoxia‐induced deoxyhemoglobin as a contrast agent for cerebral perfusion imaging
Authors: Sayin Ece Su , Schulman Jacob , Poublanc Julien , Levine Harrison T. , Raghavan Lakshmikumar Venkat , Uludag Kamil , Duffin James , Fisher Joseph A. , Mikulis David J. , Sobczyk Olivia
Published: October 2022

The assessment of resting perfusion measures (mean transit time, cerebral blood flow, and cerebral blood volume) with magnetic resonance imaging currently requires the presence of a susceptibility contrast agent such as gadolinium. Here, we present an initial comparison between perfusion measures obtained using hypoxia‐induced deoxyhemoglobin and gadolinium in healthy study participants. We hypothesize that resting cerebral perfusion measures obtained using precise changes of deoxyhemoglobin concentration will generate images comparable to those obtained using a clinical standard, gadolinium. Eight healthy study participants were recruited (6F; age 23–60). The study was performed using a 3‐Tesla scanner with an eight‐channel head coil. The experimental protocol consisted of a high‐resolution T1‐weighted scan followed by two BOLD sequence scans in which each participant underwent a controlled bolus of transient pulmonary hypoxia, and subsequently received an intravenous bolus of gadolinium. The resting perfusion measures calculated using hypoxia‐induced deoxyhemoglobin and gadolinium yielded maps that looked spatially comparable. There was no statistical difference between methods in the average voxel‐wise measures of mean transit time, relative cerebral blood flow and relative cerebral blood volume, in the gray matter or white matter within each participant. We conclude that perfusion measures generated with hypoxia‐induced deoxyhemoglobin are spatially and quantitatively comparable to those generated from a gadolinium injection in the same healthy participant.
Prognostic factors in patients with bone marrow hemophagocytosis and its association with hematologic malignancies
Authors: Jiang Jing‐Gu , Liu Chia‐Jen , Yeh Chiu‐Mei , Yang Ching‐Fen , Liu Yao‐Chung , Wang Hao‐Yuan , Ko Po‐Shen , Chen Po‐Min , Yu Yuan‐Bin , Gau Jyh‐Pyng , Tsai Chun‐Kuang
Published: October 2022

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a heterogeneous group of hyperinflammatory statuses that are difficult to diagnose and can be life‐threatening. Bone marrow (BM) hemophagocytosis is one of the diagnostic criteria according to HLH 2004 diagnostic criteria and HS score. Limited studies have focused on the prognostic factors of BM hemophagocytosis and its association with hematologic malignancies. We aimed to analyze the clinical significance of BM hemophagocytosis. Patients with BM hemophagocytosis, either by cytology or pathology, were enrolled at Taipei Veterans General Hospital from January 2002 to July 2021. Relevant clinical and laboratory data were extracted from medical records. Of 119 patients with BM hemophagocytosis, 57 were diagnosed with hematologic malignancies. The median age of the patients was 58, ranging from 21 to 90. Splenomegaly (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.96; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13–7.79) was a risk factor for hematologic malignancies, while autoimmune disease (aOR 0.07; 95% CI 0.01–0.39) and increased D‐dimer (aOR 0.25; 95% CI 0.07–0.92) were protective factors. Risk factors for mortality in patients with BM hemophagocytosis were hematologic malignancies (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 2.34; 95% CI 1.24–4.44), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score ≥3 (aHR 2.42; 95% CI 1.20–4.89) and thrombocytopenia (aHR 3.09; 95% CI 1.04–9.16). In conclusion, among patients with BM hemophagocytosis, splenomegaly was a predictor of hematologic malignancies. Patients with hematologic malignancies, poor performance status, or thrombocytopenia had a higher mortality risk. Further validation studies are warranted.
Patients' experience and satisfaction using telemedicine for outpatient services in a Tertiary Cancer Center in Qatar during COVID‐19: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Elhakeem Israa , Iqbal Phool , Nashwan Abdulqadir J. , Abubakar Muhammad , Jawad Arsalan T. , AlHiyari Mousa A. , Chandra Prem , Osman Maab A. , Mohamad Sara S. , Alkhatib Mohammed , Yassin Mohamed A.
Published: October 2022

Background and Aim

The coronavirus‐19 is an ongoing global pandemic resulting in millions of deaths worldwide. For a patient population at higher risk of infection, telemedicine is a promising means of providing safe and alternative care routes while minimizing their risk of exposure. This study gives insight into patients' experiences and satisfaction with telemedicine during this pandemic.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study on 297 patients (RR: 85%) at the National Center for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR), Qatar. Data was collected through electronic medical records of the eligibe patient population, and phone calls were made whereby the physician read a standard introductory script followed by a survey questionnaire. We focused on patients' experience with telemedicine services amid the pandemic. This was done using a six‐point Likert scoring system of seven questions that were scaled from 1 to 6.

Results

More than 80% of patients somewhat to strongly agreed that telemedicine met their healthcare needs, improved their confidence in their healthcare system, and were generally satisfied with the quality of care provided. Nearly all patients (90%) understood their physicians' recommendations over the phone. In addition, more than half of the patients (89%) felt they could freely communicate their concerns. Patients also showed an inclination towards face‐to‐face consultations at 68%; however, 90% were willing to participate in future teleconsultations.

Conclusion

Our study indicates an overall positive experience among patients towards the use of telemedicine. Telemedicine is a safe, futuristic approach toward patient care management and, thus, provides healthcare professionals a platform to implement further patient and physician education. Even though our data also showed that patients liked in‐person visits to some degree, this needs to be looked into more in future studies.
Satisfaction with care provided by home‐based palliative care service to the cancer patients in Dhaka City of Bangladesh: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Biswas Jheelam , Faruque Mithila , Banik Palash Chandra , Ahmad Nezamuddin , Mashreky Saidur Rahman
Published: October 2022

Background and Aims

Patient satisfaction is an important quality indicator of health care service. The concept of home‐based palliative care has been recently introduced in Bangladesh, but the patients' satisfaction with this care remained unexplored. This study aimed to assess the satisfaction of the cancer patients receiving this care.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted among 51 surviving cancer patients above 18 years of age registered under the home‐based care service of the Department of Palliative Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Data were collected by face‐to‐face interviews using a structured questionnaire based on the FAMCARE P16 questionnaire from February to March 2019. Descriptive analysis was done for the sociodemographic and satisfaction‐related indicators. A correlation matrix was done to see the correlation among the satisfaction indicators.

Result

The majority of the patients (88.2%) were satisfied with the service provided by the home care team. Most (76.5%) of the patients were women, and the mean age was 56.25 ± 14.8 years. The median duration of getting home‐based care was 4 months. Main satisfaction indicators were—assessment of physical symptoms (70.6%), providing information about pain management (70.6%), the inclusion of the family in decision making (76.5%), coordination of care between the members of the home care team (84.3%) and availability of doctors, nurses and palliative care assistants (74.5%). A high correlation was observed between satisfaction regarding the care of physical symptoms and provision of information (R = 0.814, p < 0.001). Also, satisfaction regarding the provision of information and support provided to the family is highly correlated (R = 0.722, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Despite the limitations, the overall satisfaction level of the patients regarding home‐based palliative care services in Bangladesh is very high. Home‐based palliative can be a solution to provide palliative care to patients who are unable to access institution‐based care and improve their quality of life.
Evaluation of right ventricular performance in patients with postoperative congenital heart disease using Doppler tissue imaging and cardiopulmonary bypass indices: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Bhende Vishal V. , Sharma Tanishq S. , Trivedi Bhadra Y. , Kumar Amit , Parmar Dushyant M. , Nerurkar Paresh , Shah Prachi M. , Fumakiya Naresh J. , Majmudar Hardil P. , Pathan Sohilkhan R.
Published: October 2022

Background and Aims

Postoperative cardiac outcomes after intracardiac repair (ICR) are determined by numerous factors whereas right ventricle (RV) dysfunction is considered essential for them, as only few studies attempted to evaluate it postsurgically. RV's function is supposed to be the strong prognostic factor for patients diagnosed with congenital heart defects; therefore, assessing it is the main objective of the study.

Methods

This is a prospective single‐centered cohort study performed on 50 pediatric patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) who underwent ICR between January 2019 and January 2022. All patients underwent echocardiographic assessment of RV function via tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and fractional area change (FAC) at 1, 24, and 48 h. After surgery, where pre‐ and postoperative RV pressure, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), and aortic cross‐clamp (ACC) time were assessed. Similarly ventilation intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stay times and mediastinal drainage were also monitored.

Results

The mean ± standard deviation for pre‐ and postoperative RV pressure was 49.1 ± 16.12 and 42.7 ± 2.9 mmHg, respectively, whereas that for pre‐ and postoperative pulmonary artery pressure was 30.4 ± 2.6 and 24.2 ± 12.9 mmHg, with p value of <0.002 and <0.001, respectively. The mean ± standard deviation of CPB and ACC times was 120.92 ± 74.17 and 78.44 ± 50.5 min accordingly, while those for mean ± standard deviation of ventilation time, mediastinum chest drainage, ICU and hospital stays were 30.36 ± 54.04, 43.78 ± 46.7 min, 5.9 ± 4.01 h, were 30.36 ± 54.0, 43.78 ± 46.7 min, 5.9 ± 4.01 and 10.3 ± 4.83 h, respectively.

Conclusions

RV dysfunction plays the important role in longer recovery and intraoperative time, while its effect is mostly transient. The use of TAPSE and FAC methods is valuable in the evaluation of postoperative outcomes, and the former proved to be more effective.
Motivation for improving academic achievement in cosmetological education
Authors: Lee Jooyoung , Kwon Ki Han
Published: October 2022

Background and Objective

Before and after the fandom, the pattern of education has difficulty in accepting the requirements of the MZ generation with very intense changes. Individual differences between students and different educational environments have more difficulties with the addition of practical subjects than general students. In this study of the purpose, after coronavirus disease‐19 (COVID‐19), the change in demand was described for the factors that influence the motivation necessary in current beauty education for diversity in education methods of MZ generation.

Methods

These thesis studies are literature reviews, and for this purpose, a narrative review approach was used. A total of 200–300 references were selected and reviewed, and a total of papers were finally selected as of 2010–2022 using the PRISMA flow diagram.

Results

With the emergence of diversity in education, online education is showing its power. In beauty education, the need for education of practical subjects has emerged and is the basis for providing more skilled skills in the field. This review paper conducted a comprehensive study on the motivational factors that will be the basis for the improved academic achievement of the MZ generation on the changes in education after COVID‐19.

Conclusion

This literature review revealed the needs of the subjects of K‐education to be seen after the post‐COVID era and the factors of learning motivation required in the beauty distance education of the MZ generation. In addition, the global status of K‐beauty workers has confirmed that new changes with beauty and intelligence are being born as well as simple technical, and it is expected to be used as an important material for beauty distance education.
Left–right reversal of the testes within the scrotum: An extremely rare variant of testicular ectopia
Authors: Kishitani Kenjiro , Yoda Kenji , Taguchi Satoru , Suyama Hikaru , Hoshina Hayato , Akiyama Yoshiyuki , Yamada Yuta , Sato Yusuke , Yamada Daisuke , Kume Haruki
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Testicular ectopia refers to abnormal positioning of testis, which includes a wide variety of variants. An ectopic testis is located off the normal path of male gonadal descent, unlike conventional undescended testis.

Case presentation

A 37‐year‐old man presented with the complaint of a palpable lesion in the scrotum. Magnetic resonance imaging of the scrotum revealed bilateral testes on the respective opposite sides of the scrotum with bilateral spermatic cords crossing under the base of the penis. Accordingly, he was diagnosed as “left‐right reversal of the testes within the scrotum.” In retrospect, the “palpable” lesion was thought to be the spermatic cords crossing above the testes. Semen analysis identified deteriorated sperm motility, suggesting possible male infertility.

Conclusion

This case of left–right reversal of the testes within the scrotum is probably a new variant of testicular ectopia that has never been reported.
Mild phenotypes of phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase deficiency by a novel mutation of PHGDH gene: Case report and literature review
Authors: Fu Junyi , Chen Liqing , Su Tangfeng , Xu Sanqing , Liu Yan
Published: October 2022

Phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH) deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disease of serine biosynthesis. Its typical features are congenital microcephaly, epileptic seizures, and psychomotor developmental delay. Here, we reported the first Chinese familial cases with genetically confirmed PHGDH deficiency and reviewed several previous reports. Two siblings in this family presented with microcephaly, psychomotor retardation, and epilepsy in early juvenile. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed only a slight change of enlarged ventricle. Biochemical investigations revealed low serum serine and glycine concentrations. The whole‐exome sequencing (WES) results identified a missense variant in the PHGDH gene (NM_006623.4: exon11: c.1211T>A, p. Val404Asp). Although two patients in this Chinese family carried the same pathogenic mutation in the PHGDH, their symptoms and responses to treatment were not exactly the same. We found a novel variant in the PHGDH gene and expanded the genotypic and phenotypic spectrum of serine biosynthesis disorders.
Increasing temperature extremes in New Zealand and their connection to synoptic circulation features
Authors: Thomas Anjali , McDonald Adrian , Renwick James , Tradowsky Jordis S. , Bodeker Greg E. , Rosier Suzanne
Published: October 2022

Extreme temperature events (ETEs) have evolved alongside the warming climate over most parts of the world. This study provides a statistical quantification of how human influences have changed the frequencies of extreme temperatures in New Zealand, depending on the synoptic weather types. We use the ensembles under pre‐industrial conditions (natural scenarios with no human‐induced changes) and present‐day conditions (anthropogenic scenarios) from the weather@home regional climate model. The ensemble simulations under these two scenarios are used to identify how human influences have impacted the frequency and intensity of extreme temperatures based on their connection to different large‐scale circulation patterns derived using self‐organizing maps (SOMs). Over New Zealand, an average two to three fold rise in frequencies of extremes occurs irrespective of seasons due to anthropogenic influence with a mean temperature increase close to 1°C. For some synoptic situations, the frequency of extremes are especially enhanced; in particular, for low‐pressure centres to the northeast of New Zealand where the frequency of occurrence of daily temperature extremes has increased by a factor of 7 between anthropogenic and natural ensembles for the winter season, though these synoptic patterns rarely occur. For low‐pressure centres to the northwest of New Zealand, we observe high temperatures frequently in both anthropogenic and natural ensembles which we expect is probably associated with warm air advection from the Tropics. The frequency of occurrence of high temperatures in these synoptic patterns has also increased by a factor of 2 between the natural and anthropogenic ensembles. For these synoptic states, the extremes are observed in the North Island and along the east coast of the country with the highest temperature along the Canterbury coast and Northland. The change between the natural and anthropogenic ensembles is largest on the west coast along the Southern Alps for all the synoptic circulation types.
Stalagmite evidence of Last Glacial Maximum to early Holocene climate variability in southwestern Iran
Authors: SOLEIMANI MOJGAN , NADIMI ALIREZA , KOLTAI GABRIELLA , DUBLYANSKY YURI , CAROLIN STACY , SPÖTL CHRISTOPH
Published: October 2022

Glacial periods and their terminations are useful for assessing the full scale of natural climate variability in the diverse climate regions of West Asia (i.e. deserts, mountains, alluvial plains, coastal zones). In this study, we report the first stalagmite stable isotope (δ18O and δ13C) records from the southern Zagros Mountains in southwest Iran. The records partially span the period from the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) to the early Holocene, 24.2–9.6 thousand years before the present. The southwest Iran stalagmite δ18O and δ13C records indicate that climate and environment in the area differed substantially between the LGM and early Holocene. High stalagmite δ13C values are found at the LGM (7‰ greater compared to the early Holocene), and are attributed to sparse vegetation and reduced soil bio‐productivity, and possibly a greater degree of prior calcite precipitation in the epikarst, as a result of a cold and dry climate. Stalagmite δ18O values are also high at the LGM (4‰ greater compared to the early Holocene), and are attributed to lower temperatures (larger water–calcite isotope fractionation) and higher δ18O values of the moisture sources (Mediterranean and Red Seas). Through the deglaciation, stalagmite δ18O, δ13C and/or growth features coincide with the North Atlantic Heinrich Stadial 1, the Bølling–Allerød warm period and the Younger Dryas cold event, supporting a relationship between southern Zagros climate and the North Atlantic millennial events.
Perceived unfairness increases desire for unique products: The role of need for social status
Authors: Cai Yuanyuan , Wang Xuehua
Published: October 2022

Consumers often receive unfair treatment during service encounters, such as receiving less monetary compensation than peers, thus inducing perceptions of unfairness. However, no research has yet shown how this perceived unfairness affects consumers' likelihood of choosing unique products. We propose that when consumers feel that they are being unfairly treated in comparison with their group peers, they are more likely to seek unique products. Need for social status is proposed to mediate the above process. Perceived economic mobility is suggested to moderate this effect so that consumers with high (vs. low) economic mobility perception are more (vs. less) likely to choose unique products after being treated unfairly. We demonstrate these effects with six studies. Studies 1a and 1b reveal a positive correlation between chronic fairness deprivation and desire for unique products. Study 2a demonstrates the causal relationship between primed unfairness and desire for unique products and study 2b tests the effects of a set of potential confounds. Study 3 examines need for social status as the underlying mechanism. Study 4 further explores perceived economic mobility as the boundary condition in the above relationship. Companies can benefit from our findings by providing unique products or services to restore consumers' status and buffer negative feelings during such service failures.
Unlocking the myths of size expansion in China's large state‐owned enterprises: Theory and evidence
Authors: Shen Jim Huangnan , Li Weiping , Lee Chien‐Chiang
Published: October 2022

This research proposes a theoretical framework to illustrate the incentives behind the exponential growth in asset size of China's large state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) in the past few decades, with results presenting three types of incentives that led to their expansion. (1) The business empire building effect. (2) The state predatory effect. (3) A state benevolent effect in which the state is also concerned with “social welfare” in terms of increasing labor hiring through a larger asset size of SOEs for the sake of social stability. The empirical evidence is broadly consistent with the theories proposed herein.
The existence and nonexistence of global L2‐constrained minimizers for Kirchhoff equations with L2‐subcritical general nonlinearity
Authors: Ye Hongyu , Zhang Lina
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we study the existence of global
‐constrained minimizers related to the following Kirchhoff type equation:

where
are constants,
is a general
‐subcritical nonlinearity. By using the concentration compactness principle, we prove the sharp existence and nonexistence of global
‐constraint minimizers.
An aptamer‐based magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent for detecting oligomeric amyloid‐β in the brain of an Alzheimer's disease mouse model
Authors: Kim Sang‐Tae , Kim Hyug‐Gi , Kim Yu Mi , Han Ho‐Seong , Cho Jee‐Hyun , Lim Sung‐Chul , Lee Taekwan , Jahng Geon‐Ho
Published: October 2022

The oligomeric amyloid‐β (oAβ) is a reliable feature for an early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore, the objective of this study was to demonstrate imaging of oAβ deposits using our developed DNA aptamer called ob5 conjugated with gadolinium (Gd)‐dodecane tetraacetic acid (DOTA) as a contrast agent for early diagnosis of AD using MRI. An oAβ‐specific aptamer was developed by amide bond formation and conjugated to Gd‐DOTA MRI contrast agent and/or cyanine5 (cy5). We verified the performance of our new contrast agent with an AD mouse model using in vivo and ex vivo fluorescent imaging and animal MRI experiments. The presence of soluble Aβ in 3xTg AD mice was detected using GdDOTA‐ob5‐cy5 probe ex vivo. Fluorescence intensities of the GdDOTA‐ob5‐cy5 contrast agent were high in the brains of 3xTg‐AD mice, but relatively low in the brains of control mice. The GdDOTA‐ob5 contrast agent had higher relaxivity than a clinically available contrast agent. T1‐weighted MRI signals in 5‐month‐old 3xTg AD mice increased at 5 min, were prolonged until 10 min, then decreased 15 min after injecting the GdDOTA‐ob5 contrast agent. Our targeted DNA aptamer GdDOTA‐ob5 contrast agent could be potentially useful for validating the efficacy of a novel diagnostic contrast agent for selectively targeting neurotoxic oAβ. It could ultimately be used for early diagnosis of AD.
Special issue adaptive tools for resilient bones: Biostatistical approaches to past physical activity in osteoarchaeology
Authors: Schrader Sarah A. , Carballo Pérez Jared
Published: October 2022

In this introduction to the special issue, Adaptive Tools for Resilient Bones: Biostatistical Approaches to Past Physical Activity in Osteoarchaeology, we discuss the outcome of the workshop held in Leiden (the Netherlands; November 18–19, 2021). We review statistical approaches to entheseal changes and present a series of new contributions to this field. These research, commentary, and review articles present different statistical approaches to entheseal changes and reflect the current state of research in the field.
Chondroitin/polypyrrole nanocomposite hydrogels for the accurate release of 5‐fluorouracil by electrical stimulation
Authors: Bustamante Génesis Adilene Grijalva , Salas Brianda María Salazar , Ortega María Mónica Castillo , Encinas José Carmelo , Félix Dora Evelia Rodríguez , Chan‐Chan Lerma Hanaiy , Gautrín Rosa Elena Navarro , Romero García Jorge , del Castillo Castro Teresa
Published: October 2022

The development of electro‐stimulated drug release devices is an innovative approach to attain the drug delivery in accurate doses at target sites in a programmed manner. In this work, novel electroactive nanocomposite hydrogels were prepared by encapsulating green‐synthesized polypyrrole (PPy) colloids within chondroitin sulfate (CS) networks during the self‐crosslinking of CS via N‐ethyl‐N′‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide chemistry. The structural and morphological properties of CS/PPy hydrogels were studied by Fourier‐transformed infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and swelling kinetic measurements. The chemotherapeutic agent 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) was loaded into CS/PPy samples by hydrogel swelling method, or alternatively, by pre‐incubating the drug in polymer mixture before crosslinking. Different electrical stimulations can be used to switch ON and accurately tune the 5‐FU delivery from GG/PPy hydrogels. A single pulse potential of 5 V switched on the drug delivery up to 90% from nanocomposite hydrogel, in contrast to the low 5‐FU amount released in a passive form (< 20%). PPy electroactive behavior played a determining role as the main driving force in 5‐FU release activation. Cytotoxicity of hydrogels with and without 5‐FU was examined in normal and cancer cells. Considering the high cytotoxicity of 5‐FU, the ON/OFF 5‐FU release patterns evidenced the potential of CS/PPy hydrogels for electrically controlled drug delivery in implantable or transdermal drug release devices.
Design, synthesis, and antifungal activities of novel sulfoximine derivatives for plant protection
Authors: Liu Yuan , Li Hongsen , Zhao Yuequn , Xie Yonghai , He Yuhong , Qin Yaxin , Wang Yingpan , Shi Junle , Zhao Linjing , Li Ya , Zheng Wenrui
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND

Fungicides play a significant role in the integrated management of plant pathogens. However, the irrational application of fungicides with similar structures has led to development of cross‐resistance, therefore there is a need to seek novel fungicides with new structures.

RESULTS

Twenty‐eight novel sulfoximine derivatives incorporating nitroguanidine moieties were designed, synthesized, and evaluated as antifungal agents. The bioassay results indicated that most of the synthesized compounds displayed excellent fungicidal activities against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium graminearum, and Pyricularia grisea. Among these, compounds 6c4, 6c5, and 6c6 exhibited remarkable fungicidal activities against P. grisea, with EC50 values of 1.28, 1.17, and 1.68 μg mL−1, respectively. In addition, compound 6c2 displayed the most potent activity against S. sclerotiorum (EC50 = 3.64 μg mL−1). Further in vivo fungicidal activity screening against S. sclerotiorum demonstrated that the protective and curative effects of compound 6c2 were 98.1% and 91.3% at 25 μg mL−1, respectively, comparable to that of boscalid (94.4%, 89.6%). The preliminary mechanism study found that the hyphae of S. sclerotiorum treated with compound 6c2 was abnormal with mycelial collapse and membrane permeability increase. The present findings can help to develop new fungicides for crop protection.

CONCLUSION

Novel sulfoximine derivatives containing nitroguanidine possess potential antifungal activity, and the unique structure may offer an alternative option for fungicide development in the future. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Visible–Near‐Infrared Diffuse Reflectance and Optical Energy Gap of Sodium Niobate Modified by Mn Ions: Na(Nb1−zMnz)O3and (Na1−xBix)(Nb1−yMny)O3Compounds Study
Authors: Molak Andrzej
Published: October 2022

The optical and electrical properties of sodium niobate crystals and ceramics doped with Mn atoms are studied. Na(Nb1−zMnz)O3crystals exhibit actualz= 0–1.0 wt% Mn content. The Na(Nb1−zMnz)O3ceramics contains Mn from the 0–5 wt% range. The (Na1−xBix)(Nb1−yMny)O3ceramics is codoped withx = 0.015–0.50 andy = 0.01–0.33. Mn addition decreases the reflectance magnitude. Combined nonstoichiometry and local disorder in the crystal lattice, resulting from Mn doping and oxygen vacancies, induce contributions to the electronic structure. The visible and near‐infrared (Vis–NIR) diffuse reflectance,R(λ), spectra include a linear combination of contributions. The modified Kubelka–Munk function representation allows estimation of the optical energy gap,Egap. This estimation is qualitative because of the complex structure of the samples. Two optical gaps, showing dependence on Mn content, are discerned when Mn content <1 wt%.Egap,highchanges toward the Shockley–Queisser limit, from 1.85 to 1.4 eV, when Mn content is low (z < 1 wt%). Simultaneous occurrence ofEgap,lowof 1.0–1.3 eV suggests tuning possibility.Egapof ≈1 eV dominates optical properties when Mn content is >1 wt%. The optical features are consistent with activation energy attributed to thermally generated electrical conductivity.
Numerical Study of Simultaneously Negative Thermal Expansion and Poisson's Ratio in a Class of Auxetic Structures
Authors: Wang Yun-Che , Tan Kai-Wen , Ko Tsai-Wen , Liao Tse-Chun
Published: October 2022

Cellular solids whose ligaments are made of two distinct materials are constructed for studying their auxeticity and negative thermal expansion via 2D models with the methodology of finite‐element numerical analysis. Three bimaterial cellular models with various radii of ligament curvature (Rc = 5, 8, 11 cm) are analyzed. It is found that when the ligaments comprise aluminum and titanium alloy with Rc = 5 cm, the cellular solid exhibits simultaneous negative effective Poisson's ratio (−0.418) and negative thermal expansion coefficient (−20.82 × 10−6 K−1). When the radius of ligament curvature increases, auxeticity is less pronounced. Positive and negative thermal expansion can be tuned solely by the coefficients of thermal expansion of ligaments’ constituents. Furthermore, smaller radii of curvature give rise to larger negative thermal expansion. In addition, modulus mismatch in the bimaterial ligament can be used to tune overall properties. Our findings herein may serve as foundations for the future quantitative design of such cellular materials. In addition, effective Poisson's ratio and coefficient of thermal expansion can be positively or negatively enhanced due to the interplay between the positive and negative phases. Interactions between negative stiffness and larger curvatures may make the system less unstable.
Revealing the electronic, optical, elastic, mechanical, anisotropic, and thermoelectric responses of Sc2NiZ (Z = Si, Ge, and Sn) Heusler alloys via DFT calculations
Authors: Güler Melek , Uğur Şule , Uğur Gökay , Güler Emre
Published: October 2022

Recent spintronics, thermoelectrics, and quantum computing technologies often desire different types of Heusler alloys because of their extensive uses and versatile properties. Although diverse experiments and theoretical efforts have been dedicated to several Heusler alloys for understanding their key properties, no detailed work has yet been performed on the unclear features of Sc2NiZ (Z = Si, Ge, and Sn) Heusler alloys. So, we aimed to clarify their electronic, optical, elastic, mechanical, anisotropic, and temperature‐dependent thermoelectric characteristics via density functional theory (DFT). All investigated alloys exhibit inherent metallic character confirmed by the electronic band analysis and the calculated Poisson's ratios. According to the obtained optical data, Sc2NiZ (Z = Si, Ge, and Sn) alloys can be used as efficient ultraviolet (UV) absorbers and proper infrared (IR) refractors. Sc2NiSi, Sc2NiGe, and Sc2NiSn alloys also demonstrate mechanical stability, ductility, machinability, and elastic anisotropy validated through the calculated elastic constants and their interrelated mechanical data. Notably, Sc2NiSn alloy exhibits the highest Seebeck coefficient with 120 μV/K at 300 K, and can be considered as a potential room‐temperature thermoelectric material.