bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved overall survival is associated with adjuvant chemotherapy after definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy for N3 nasopharyngeal cancer
Authors: Tsai Mu-Hung , Wu Shang-Yin , Lu Hsi-Huei , Yu Tsung , Tsai Sen-Tien , Wu Yuan-Hua
Published: August 2022

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy is the established treatment for locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, there is no evidence supporting routine adjuvant chemotherapy. We aimed to demonstrate the effect of adjuvant chemotherapy on survival and distant metastasis in high-risk N3 NPC patients. We linked the Taiwan Cancer Registry and Cause of Death database to obtain data. Clinical N3 NPC patients were divided as those receiving definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) with adjuvant 5-fluorouracil and platinum (PF) chemotherapy and those receiving no chemotherapy after CCRT. Patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy were excluded. We compared overall survival, disease-free survival, local control, and distant metastasis in both groups using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. Propensity-score matching was also performed to evaluate the independent effect of adjuvant PF in a matched cohort with similar baseline characteristics. We included 431 patients (152 and 279 patients in the adjuvant PF and observation groups, respectively). Median follow-up was 4.3 years. The 5-year overall survival were 69.1% and 57.4% in the adjuvant PF chemotherapy and observation groups, respectively (p = 0.02). Adjuvant PF chemotherapy was associated with a lower risk of death (hazard ratio [HR] 0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.43–0.84; p = 0.003), even after adjusting for baseline prognostic factors (HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.43–0.86; p = 0.005). Distant metastasis-free survival at 12 months was higher in the adjuvant PF chemotherapy group than in the observation group (98% vs 84.8%; p < 0.001). After adjusting for baseline prognostic factors, adjuvant PF chemotherapy was associated with freedom from distant metastasis (HR 0.11, 95% CI 0.02–0.46; p = 0.003). Adjuvant chemotherapy was also associated with a decreased risk of death (HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.41–0.85, p = 0.004) in a propensity score-matched cohort. Prospective evaluation of adjuvant PF chemotherapy in N3 NPC patients treated with definitive CCRT is warranted because adjuvant PF chemotherapy was associated with improved overall survival and decreased risk of distant metastasis.
Molecular profile and response to energy deficit of leptin-receptor neurons in the lateral hypothalamus
Authors: Kakava-Georgiadou N. , Drkelic V. , Garner K. M. , Luijendijk M. C. M. , Basak O. , Adan R. A. H.
Published: August 2022

Leptin exerts its effects on energy balance by inhibiting food intake and increasing energy expenditure via leptin receptors in the hypothalamus. While LepR neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, the primary target of leptin, have been extensively studied, LepR neurons in other hypothalamic nuclei remain understudied. LepR neurons in the lateral hypothalamus contribute to leptin's effects on food intake and reward, but due to the low abundance of this population it has been difficult to study their molecular profile and responses to energy deficit. We here explore the transcriptome of LepR neurons in the LH and their response to energy deficit. Male LepR-Cre mice were injected in the LH with an AAV carrying Cre-dependent L10:GFP. Few weeks later the hypothalami from fed and food-restricted (24-h) mice were dissected and the TRAP protocol was performed, for the isolation of translating mRNAs from LepR cells in the LH, followed by RNA sequencing. After mapping and normalization, differential expression analysis was performed with DESeq2. We confirm that the isolated mRNA is enriched in LepR transcripts and other known neuropeptide markers of LepRLH neurons, of which we investigate the localization patterns in the LH. We identified novel markers of LepRLH neurons with association to energy balance and metabolic disease, such as Acvr1c, Npy1r, Itgb1, and genes that are differentially regulated by food deprivation, such as Fam46a and Rrad. Our dataset provides a reliable and extensive resource of the molecular makeup of LH LepR neurons and their response to food deprivation.
Predicting liver regeneration following major resection
Authors: Dehlke Karolin , Krause Linda , Tyufekchieva Silvana , Murtha-Lemekhova Anastasia , Mayer Philipp , Vlasov Artyom , Klingmüller Ursula , Mueller Nikola S. , Hoffmann Katrin
Published: August 2022

Breakdown of synthesis, excretion and detoxification defines liver failure. Post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is specific for liver resection and a rightfully feared complication due to high lethality and limited therapeutic success. Individual cytokine and growth factor profiles may represent potent predictive markers for recovery of liver function. We aimed to investigate these profiles in post-hepatectomy regeneration. This study combined a time-dependent cytokine and growth factor profiling dataset of a training (30 patients) and a validation (14 patients) cohorts undergoing major liver resection with statistical and predictive models identifying individual pathway signatures. 2319 associations were tested. Primary hepatocytes isolated from patient tissue samples were stimulated and their proliferation was analysed through DNA content assay. Common expression trajectories of cytokines and growth factors with strong correlation to PHLF, morbidity and mortality were identified despite highly individual perioperative dynamics. Especially, dynamics of EGF, HGF, and PLGF were associated with mortality. PLGF was additionally associated with PHLF and complications. A global association-network was calculated and validated to investigate interdependence of cytokines and growth factors with clinical attributes. Preoperative cytokine and growth factor signatures were identified allowing prediction of mortality following major liver resection by regression modelling. Proliferation analysis of corresponding primary human hepatocytes showed associations of individual regenerative potential with clinical outcome. Prediction of PHLF was possible on as early as first postoperative day (POD1) with AUC above 0.75. Prediction of PHLF and mortality is possible on POD1 with liquid-biopsy based risk profiling. Further utilization of these models would allow tailoring of interventional strategies according to individual profiles.
Investigation of acoustic waves behavior of an underground tunnel in a multilayer soil
Authors: Roohezamin A. , Kalatehjari R. , Hajihassani M. , Kharghani M. , Dias D.
Published: August 2022

Understanding the acoustic behavior of buried tunnels is valuable for locating them and monitoring their structure health. This research focuses on the acoustic behavior of buried tunnels in multilayer soil structures. The reflected and transmitted acoustic wave pressure variations are investigated exclusively for a multilayer soil buried tunnel. The tunnel system's 3D finite element model is presented, which contains the tunnel lining, surrounding soil, and the air inside the tunnel and at the ground surface. A free air explosion is used as the acoustic wave source. The reflected and transmitted waves' pressure values are measured to evaluate the effects of mechanical characteristics of soil layers, tunnel buried depths, and lining concrete types on the acoustic wave behavior of the tunnel. In addition, a utility line is introduced to the system in different positions related to the main tunnel to investigate its effect on the main tunnel’s acoustic wave behavior. The results indicate that in a multilayer soil structure, the relative position of the soil layers and the tunnel (whether the main tunnel or the utility line) significantly impacts the acoustic pressure value, particularly the transmitted wave pressure. When changing the tunnel buried depth and the lining concrete type, multiple pressure peaks are observed in reflected acoustic wave pressure–time history exclusive to a tunnel surrounded by a multilayer soil structure. The findings can be used to precisely interpret the recorded signals for structural health monitoring and locating underground structures, especially in a media with multilayer soil structures.
Physiological measurements in social acceptance of self driving technologies
Authors: Palatinus Zsolt , Volosin Márta , Csábi Eszter , Hallgató Emese , Hajnal Edina , Lukovics Miklós , Prónay Szabolcs , Ujházi Tamás , Osztobányi Lilla , Szabó Balázs , Králik Tamás , Majó-Petri Zoltán
Published: August 2022

The goal of the present study is to examine the cognitive/affective physiological correlates of passenger travel experience in autonomously driven transportation systems. We investigated the social acceptance and cognitive aspects of self-driving technology by measuring physiological responses in real-world experimental settings using eye-tracking and EEG measures simultaneously on 38 volunteers. A typical test run included human-driven (Human) and Autonomous conditions in the same vehicle, in a safe environment. In the spectrum analysis of the eye-tracking data we found significant differences in the complex patterns of eye movements: the structure of movements of different magnitudes were less variable in the Autonomous drive condition. EEG data revealed less positive affectivity in the Autonomous condition compared to the human-driven condition while arousal did not differ between the two conditions. These preliminary findings reinforced our initial hypothesis that passenger experience in human and machine navigated conditions entail different physiological and psychological correlates, and those differences are accessible using state of the art in-world measurements. These useful dimensions of passenger experience may serve as a source of information both for the improvement and design of self-navigating technology and for market-related concerns.
Identification of quantitative trait loci for tillering, root, and shoot biomass at the maximum tillering stage in rice
Authors: Barnaby Jinyoung Y. , McClung Anna M. , Edwards Jeremy D. , Pinson Shannon R. M.
Published: August 2022

Tillering and plant biomass are key determinants of rice crop productivity. Tillering at the vegetative stage is associated with weed competition, nutrient uptake, and methane emissions. However, little information is available on quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with tiller number (qTN), root biomass (qRB), and shoot biomass (qSB) at the active tillering stage which occurs approximately 6 weeks after planting. Here, we mapped tiller and biomass QTLs with ~ 250 recombinant inbred lines derived from a ‘Francis’ by ‘Rondo’ cross using data collected at the maximum tillering stage from two years of greenhouse study, and further compared these QTLs with those mapped at the harvest stage from a field study. Across these three studies, we discovered six qTNs, two qRBs, and three qSBs. Multiple linear regression further indicated that qTN1-2, qTN3-3, qTN4-1, qRB3-1, and qRB5-1 were significant at the maximum tillering stage while qTN3-2 was detected only at the harvest stage. Moreover, qTN3-1 was consistently significant across different developmental stages and growing environments. The genes identified from the peak target qTN regions included a carotenoid metabolism enzyme, a MYB transcription factor, a CBS domain-containing protein, a SAC3/GANP family protein, a TIFY motif containing protein, and an ABC transporter protein. Two genes in the qRB peak target regions included an expressed protein and a WRKY gene. This knowledge of the QTLs, associated markers, candidate genes, and germplasm resources with high TN, RB and SB is of value to rice cultivar improvement programs.
Visualization of micro-agents and surroundings by real-time multicolor fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Kaya Mert , Stein Fabian , Padmanaban Prasanna , Zhang Zhengya , Rouwkema Jeroen , Khalil Islam S. M. , Misra Sarthak
Published: August 2022

Optical microscopy techniques are a popular choice for visualizing micro-agents. They generate images with relatively high spatiotemporal resolution but do not reveal encoded information for distinguishing micro-agents and surroundings. This study presents multicolor fluorescence microscopy for rendering color-coded identification of mobile micro-agents and dynamic surroundings by spectral unmixing. We report multicolor microscopy performance by visualizing the attachment of single and cluster micro-agents to cancer spheroids formed with HeLa cells as a proof-of-concept for targeted drug delivery demonstration. A microfluidic chip is developed to immobilize a single spheroid for the attachment, provide a stable environment for multicolor microscopy, and create a 3D tumor model. In order to confirm that multicolor microscopy is able to visualize micro-agents in vascularized environments, in vitro vasculature network formed with endothelial cells and ex ovo chicken chorioallantoic membrane are employed as experimental models. Full visualization of our models is achieved by sequential excitation of the fluorophores in a round-robin manner and synchronous individual image acquisition from three-different spectrum bands. We experimentally demonstrate that multicolor microscopy spectrally decomposes micro-agents, organic bodies (cancer spheroids and vasculatures), and surrounding media utilizing fluorophores with well-separated spectrum characteristics and allows image acquisition with 1280$$\times$$×1024 pixels up to 15 frames per second. Our results display that real-time multicolor microscopy provides increased understanding by color-coded visualization regarding the tracking of micro-agents, morphology of organic bodies, and clear distinction of surrounding media.
Comparison between MR and CT imaging used to correct for skull-induced phase aberrations during transcranial focused ultrasound
Authors: Leung Steven A. , Moore David , Gilbo Yekaterina , Snell John , Webb Taylor D. , Meyer Craig H. , Miller G. Wilson , Ghanouni Pejman , Butts Pauly Kim
Published: August 2022

Transcranial focused ultrasound with the InSightec Exablate system uses thermal ablation for the treatment of movement and mood disorders and blood brain barrier disruption for tumor therapy. The system uses computed tomography (CT) images to calculate phase corrections that account for aberrations caused by the human skull. This work investigates whether magnetic resonance (MR) images can be used as an alternative to CT images to calculate phase corrections. Phase corrections were calculated using the gold standard hydrophone method and the standard of care InSightec ray tracing method. MR binary image mask, MR-simulated-CT (MRsimCT), and CT images of three ex vivo human skulls were supplied as inputs to the InSightec ray tracing method. The degassed ex vivo human skulls were sonicated with a 670 kHz hemispherical phased array transducer (InSightec Exablate 4000). 3D raster scans of the beam profiles were acquired using a hydrophone mounted on a 3-axis positioner system. Focal spots were evaluated using six metrics: pressure at the target, peak pressure, intensity at the target, peak intensity, positioning error, and focal spot volume. Targets at the geometric focus and 5 mm lateral to the geometric focus were investigated. There was no statistical difference between any of the metrics at either target using either MRsimCT or CT for phase aberration correction. As opposed to the MRsimCT, the use of CT images for aberration correction requires registration to the treatment day MR images; CT misregistration within a range of ± 2 degrees of rotation error along three dimensions was shown to reduce focal spot intensity by up to 9.4%. MRsimCT images used for phase aberration correction for the skull produce similar results as CT-based correction, while avoiding both CT to MR registration errors and unnecessary patient exposure to ionizing radiation.
Increased risk of being diagnosed with endometriosis in patients with Systemic lupus erythematosus: a population-based cohort study in Taiwan
Authors: Sun Yi-Hung , Leong Pui-Ying , Huang Jing-Yang , Wei James Cheng-Chung
Published: August 2022

Epidemiological study shows inconsistent results in the association between endometriosis and Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We conducted a nationwide retrospective cohort study and analyzed data from the Taiwan Longitudinal Health Insurance Research Database 2000 (n = 958,349) over a 13-year follow-up period (2000–2013). After matching 1930 SLE women with 7720 non-SLE women in a 1:4 ratio by age, we used Cox proportional hazard regression to calculate the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) for endometriosis diagnosed after SLE. We also used a diagnosis of endometriosis with previous gynecologic surgery codes as secondary outcomes and performed sensitivity analyses using a landmark analysis. After adjustment for age, urbanization, income, length of hospital stay, and comorbidities in the age-matched group, women with SLE had a higher risk of endometriosis than women without SLE (aHR 1.32, 95% CI 1.02–1.70). When we defined endometriosis as patients with an ICD-9 endometriosis code after undergoing gynecologic surgery, the increased risk of endometriosis in patients with SLE was not significant. Our findings suggest that the risk of endometriosis was significantly elevated in the cohort of women with SLE compared with the age-matched general cohort of women. The burden of endometriosis in SLE patients requires special attention.
Metabolomics insights into the interaction between Pseudomonas plecoglossicida and Epinephelus coioides
Authors: Zeng Jun , Yang Zhiqiang , Zhong Yue , Zheng Yingli , Hao Jingwen , Luo Gang , Yan Qingpi
Published: August 2022

As a highly infectious epidemic in aquaculture, Pseudomonas plecoglossicida infection results in high mortality of teleosts and serious economic losses. Host–pathogen interactions shape the outcome of an infection, yet we still understand little about the molecular mechanism of these pathogen-mediated processes. Here, a P. plecoglossicida strain (NZBD9) and Epinephelus coioides were investigated as a model system to characterize pathogen-induced host metabolic remodeling over the course of infection. We present a non-targeted metabolomics profiling of E. coioides spleens from uninfected E. coioides and those infected with wild-type and clpV-RNA interference (RNAi) strains. The most significant changes of E. coioides upon infection were associated with amino acids, lysophospatidylcholines, and unsaturated fatty acids, involving disturbances in host nutritional utilization and immune responses. Dihydrosphingosine and fatty acid 16:2 were screened as potential biomarkers for assessing P. plecoglossicida infection. The silencing of the P. plecoglossicida clpV gene significantly recovered the lipid metabolism of infected E. coioides. This comprehensive metabolomics study provides novel insights into how P. plecoglossicida shape host metabolism to support their survival and replication and highlights the potential of the virulence gene clpV in the treatment of P. plecoglossicida infection in aquaculture.
Plasticity of body axis polarity in Hydra regeneration under constraints
Authors: Livshits Anton , Garion Liora , Maroudas-Sacks Yonit , Shani-Zerbib Lital , Keren Kinneret , Braun Erez
Published: August 2022

One of the major events in animal morphogenesis is the emergence of a polar body axis. Here, we combine classic grafting techniques with live imaging to explore the plasticity of polarity determination during whole body regeneration in Hydra. Composite tissues are made by fusing two rings, excised from separate animals, in different configurations that vary in the polarity and original positions of the rings along the body axes of the parent animals. Under frustrating initial configurations, body axis polarity that is otherwise stably inherited from the parent animal, can become labile and even be reversed. Importantly, the site of head regeneration exhibits a strong bias toward the edges of the tissue, even when this involves polarity reversal. In particular, we observe head formation at an originally aboral tissue edge, which is not compatible with models of Hydra regeneration based only on preexisting morphogen gradients or an injury response. The site of the new head invariably contains an aster-like defect in the organization of the supra-cellular ectodermal actin fibers. While a defect is neither required nor sufficient for head formation, we show that the defect at the new head site can arise via different routes, either appearing directly following excision as the tissue seals at its edge or through de novo defect formation at the fusion site. Altogether, our results show that the emergence of a polar body axis depends on the original polarity and position of the excised tissues as well as structural factors, suggesting that axis determination is an integrated process that arises from the dynamic interplay of multiple biochemical and mechanical processes.
Comprehensive lipid and lipid-related gene investigations of host immune responses to characterize metabolism-centric biomarkers for pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Long Nguyen Phuoc , Anh Nguyen Ky , Yen Nguyen Thi Hai , Phat Nguyen Ky , Park Seongoh , Thu Vo Thuy Anh , Cho Yong-Soon , Shin Jae-Gook , Oh Jee Youn , Kim Dong Hyun
Published: August 2022

Despite remarkable success in the prevention and treatment of tuberculosis (TB), it remains one of the most devastating infectious diseases worldwide. Management of TB requires an efficient and timely diagnostic strategy. In this study, we comprehensively characterized the plasma lipidome of TB patients, then selected candidate lipid and lipid-related gene biomarkers using a data-driven, knowledge-based framework. Among 93 lipids that were identified as potential biomarker candidates, ether-linked phosphatidylcholine (PC O–) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) were generally upregulated, while free fatty acids and triglycerides with longer fatty acyl chains were downregulated in the TB group. Lipid-related gene enrichment analysis revealed significantly altered metabolic pathways (e.g., ether lipid, linolenic acid, and cholesterol) and immune response signaling pathways. Based on these potential biomarkers, TB patients could be differentiated from controls in the internal validation (random forest model, area under the curve [AUC] 0.936, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.865–0.992). PC(O-40:4), PC(O-42:5), PC(36:0), and PC(34:4) were robust biomarkers able to distinguish TB patients from individuals with latent infection and healthy controls, as shown in the external validation. Small changes in expression were identified for 162 significant lipid-related genes in the comparison of TB patients vs. controls; in the random forest model, their utilities were demonstrated by AUCs that ranged from 0.829 to 0.956 in three cohorts. In conclusion, this study introduced a potential framework that can be used to identify and validate metabolism-centric biomarkers.
Assessment of a combination of plasma anti-histone autoantibodies and PLA2/PE ratio as potential biomarkers to clinically predict autism spectrum disorders
Authors: El-Ansary Afaf , Al-Onazi Mona , Alhowikan Abdulrahman M. , Alghamdi Mashael A. , Al-Ayadhi Laila
Published: August 2022

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficiencies in social interaction and repetitive behaviors. Multiple studies have reported abnormal cell membrane composition and autoimmunity as known mechanisms associated with the etiopathogenesis of ASD. In this study, multiple regression and combined receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve as statistic tools were done to clarify the relationship between phospholipase A2 and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) ratio (PLA2/PE) as marker of lipid metabolism and membrane fluidity, and antihistone-autoantibodies as marker of autoimmunity in the etiopathology of ASD. Furthermore, the study intended to define the linear combination that maximizes the partial area under an ROC curve for a panel of markers. Forty five children with ASD and forty age- and sex-matched controls were enrolled in the study. Using ELISA, the levels of antihistone-autoantibodies, and PLA2 were measured in the plasma of both groups. PE was measured using HPLC. Statistical analyses using ROC curves and multiple and logistic regression models were performed. A notable rise in the area under the curve was detected using combined ROC curve models. Additionally, higher specificity and sensitivity of the combined markers were documented. The present study indicates that the measurement of the predictive value of selected biomarkers related to autoimmunity and lipid metabolism in children with ASD using a ROC curve analysis should lead to a better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanism of ASD and its link with metabolism. This information may enable the early diagnosis and intervention.
Optical sensor using space-domain active fiber cavity ringdown technique
Authors: Chen Wenjia , Ou Yiwen , Cheng Chunfu , Zhu Yuanchang , Xiao Wen , Lv Hui
Published: August 2022

A novel active fiber cavity ringdown (FCRD) technique using frequency-shifted interferometry (FSI) is proposed for the first time. Using this scheme, external parameters can be monitored in the space domain by measuring the ringdown distance instead of ringdown time. A bidirectional erbium-doped fiber amplifier (Bi-EDFA) is employed to compensate the inherent cavity loss for achieving higher sensitivity. And two band-pass filters are used to reduce the amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) noise of the Bi-EDFA. Compared with the well-known time-domain active FCRD scheme, our proposed method enables us to avoid using pulsed laser needed in time-domain active FCRD, it uses continuous-wave laser to inject into the fiber cavity and stabilize the optical power in the fiber cavity, which can suppress the baseline drift of ringdown signal caused by the gain fluctuations of the EDFA and thus improve the detecting precision. Moreover, this novel method enables us to use differential detection method for further reducing the ASE noise, and thus eliminating the baseline drift of ringdown signal. A magnetic field sensor was developed as a proof-of-concept demonstration. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed sensor with a sensitivity of 0.01537 (1/km·Gs) was achieved. This is the highest magnetic field sensitivity compared to the time-domain active FLRD method. Due to the reduced ASE noise, the stability of the proposed sensing system was also greatly improved.
In vivo evaluation of the effects of combined boron and gadolinium neutron capture therapy in mouse models
Authors: Lee Woonghee , Kim Kyung Won , Lim Jeong Eun , Sarkar Swarbhanu , Kim Jung Young , Chang Yongmin , Yoo Jeongsoo
Published: August 2022

While boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) depends primarily on the short flight range of the alpha particles emitted by the boron neutron capture reaction, gadolinium neutron capture therapy (GdNCT) mainly relies on gamma rays and Auger electrons released by the gadolinium neutron capture reaction. BNCT and GdNCT can be complementary in tumor therapy. Here, we studied the combined effects of BNCT and GdNCT when boron and gadolinium compounds were co-injected, followed by thermal neutron irradiation, and compared these effects with those of the single therapies. In cytotoxicity studies, some additive effects (32‒43%) were observed when CT26 cells were treated with both boron- and gadolinium-encapsulated PEGylated liposomes (B- and Gd-liposomes) compared to the single treatments. The tumor-suppressive effect was greater when BNCT was followed by GdNCT at an interval of 10 days rather than vice versa. However, tumor suppression with co-injection of B- and Gd-liposomes into tumor-bearing mice followed by neutron beam irradiation was comparable to that observed with Gd-liposome-only treatment but lower than B-liposome-only injection. No additive effect was observed with the combination of BNCT and GdNCT, which could be due to the shielding effect of gadolinium against thermal neutrons because of its overwhelmingly large thermal neutron cross section.
CT-derived body composition analysis could possibly replace DXA and BIA to monitor NET-patients
Authors: Kroll Lennard , Mathew Annie , Baldini Giulia , Hosch René , Koitka Sven , Kleesiek Jens , Rischpler Christoph , Haubold Johannes , Fuhrer Dagmar , Nensa Felix , Lahner Harald
Published: August 2022

Patients with neuroendocrine tumors of gastro-entero-pancreatic origin (GEP-NET) experience changes in fat and muscle composition. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) are currently used to analyze body composition. Changes thereof could indicate cancer progression or response to treatment. This study examines the correlation between CT-based (computed tomography) body composition analysis (BCA) and DXA or BIA measurement. 74 GEP-NET-patients received whole-body [68Ga]-DOTATOC-PET/CT, BIA, and DXA-scans. BCA was performed based on the non-contrast-enhanced, 5 mm, whole-body-CT images. BCA from CT shows a strong correlation between body fat ratio with DXA (r = 0.95, ρC = 0.83) and BIA (r = 0.92, ρC = 0.76) and between skeletal muscle ratio with BIA: r = 0.81, ρC = 0.49. The deep learning-network achieves highly accurate results (mean Sørensen-Dice-score 0.93). Using BCA on routine Positron emission tomography/CT-scans to monitor patients’ body composition in the diagnostic workflow can reduce additional exams whilst substantially amplifying measurement in slower progressing cancers such as GEP-NET.
An integrated approach to the analysis of antioxidative peptides derived from Gouda cheese with a modified β-casein content
Authors: Iwaniak Anna , Mogut Damir , Minkiewicz Piotr , Żulewska Justyna , Darewicz Małgorzata
Published: August 2022

This study is the first to present an integrated approach involving in silico and in vitro protocols that was pursued to analyse an antioxidative potency of Gouda cheese with modified content of β-casein. Firstly, the predictions of the presence of antioxidant peptides in the casein sequences were computed using the BIOPEP-UWM database. Then, the antioxidative bioactivity of six variants of Gouda cheese (with reduced, normative, and increased content of β-casein at the initial and final stage of ripening) was assessed. Finally, the RP-HPLC–MS/MS was applied to identify antioxidative peptides in Gouda-derived water-soluble extracts (WSEs). Analyses were supported with the heatmaps and the computation of parameters describing the efficiency of proteolysis of caseins in the modified Gouda cheeses, i.e., the frequency and the relative frequency of the release of antioxidative fragments during cheese ripening (AEexp and Wexp., respectively). All Gouda cheese variants exhibited the antioxidative potential which differed depending on the assay employed. The highest antioxidative activity (ABTS·+ radical scavenging effect, FRAP, and Fe-chelating) was observed for WSEs derived from Gouda cheese with increased content of β-casein after the 60th day of ripening. The results obtained suggest the potential of Gouda cheese as the antioxidant-promoting food.
An ultra-wideband origami microwave absorber
Authors: Biswas Akash , Zekios Constantinos L. , Ynchausti Collin , Howell Larry L. , Magleby Spencer P. , Georgakopoulos Stavros V.
Published: August 2022

Microwave absorbers have been used to mitigate signal interference, and to shield electromagnetic systems. Two different types of absorbers have been presented: (a) low-cost narrowband absorbers that are simple to manufacture, and (b) expensive wideband microwave absorbers that are based on complex designs. In fact, as designers try to increase the bandwidth of absorbers, they typically increase their complexity with the introduction of several electromagnetic components (e.g., introduction of multi-layer designs, introduction of multiple electromagnetic resonators, etc.,), thereby increasing their fabrication cost. Therefore, it has been a challenge to design wideband absorbers with low cost of fabrication. To address this challenge, we propose a novel design approach that combines origami math with electromagnetics to develop a simple to manufacture ultra-wideband absorber with minimal fabrication and assembly cost. Specifically, we utilize a Tachi–Miura origami pattern in a honeycomb configuration to create the first absorber that can maintain an absorptivity above 90% in a 24.6:1 bandwidth. To explain the ultra-wideband behavior of our absorber, we develop analytical models based on the transmission-reflection theory of electromagnetic waves through a series of inhomogeneous media. The ultra-wideband performance of our absorber is validated and characterized using simulations and measurements.
Improving MGMT methylation status prediction of glioblastoma through optimizing radiomics features using genetic algorithm-based machine learning approach
Authors: Do Duyen Thi , Yang Ming-Ren , Lam Luu Ho Thanh , Le Nguyen Quoc Khanh , Wu Yu-Wei
Published: August 2022

O6-Methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation was shown in many studies to be an important predictive biomarker for temozolomide (TMZ) resistance and poor progression-free survival in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients. However, identifying the MGMT methylation status using molecular techniques remains challenging due to technical limitations, such as the inability to obtain tumor specimens, high prices for detection, and the high complexity of intralesional heterogeneity. To overcome these difficulties, we aimed to test the feasibility of using a novel radiomics-based machine learning (ML) model to preoperatively and noninvasively predict the MGMT methylation status. In this study, radiomics features extracted from multimodal images of GBM patients with annotated MGMT methylation status were downloaded from The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA) public database for retrospective analysis. The radiomics features extracted from multimodal images from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) had undergone a two-stage feature selection method, including an eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) feature selection model followed by a genetic algorithm (GA)-based wrapper model for extracting the most meaningful radiomics features for predictive purposes. The cross-validation results suggested that the GA-based wrapper model achieved the high performance with a sensitivity of 0.894, specificity of 0.966, and accuracy of 0.925 for predicting the MGMT methylation status in GBM. Application of the extracted GBM radiomics features on a low-grade glioma (LGG) dataset also achieved a sensitivity 0.780, specificity 0.620, and accuracy 0.750, indicating the potential of the selected radiomics features to be applied more widely on both low- and high-grade gliomas. The performance indicated that our model may potentially confer significant improvements in prognosis and treatment responses in GBM patients.
Delta-like canonical Notch ligand 1 is predictive for sepsis and acute kidney injury in surgical intensive care patients
Authors: Schneck Emmanuel , Edinger Fabian , Uhle Florian , Markmann Melanie , Hecker Andreas , Weigand Markus A. , Sander Michael , Koch Christian
Published: August 2022

The early identification of sepsis in surgical intensive care patients is challenging due to the physiological postoperative alterations of vital signs and inflammatory biomarkers. Soluble Delta-like protein 1 (sDLL1) may be a potential discriminatory biomarker for this purpose. For this reason, this study aimed to evaluate sDLL1 for the identification of sepsis in a cohort of surgical intensive care patients. This study comprises a secondary analysis of a prospective observational study including 80 consecutive patients. The study groups included 20 septic shock patients, 20 patients each undergoing major abdominal surgery (MAS) and cardiac artery bypass surgery (CABG), and 20 matched control subjects (CTRL). The surveillance period was 72 h. The plasma concentration of sDLL1 was measured with ELISA. The plasma levels of sDLL1 were significantly elevated in septic patients compared to both surgical cohorts (septic vs. all postoperative time points, data are shown as median and interquartile range [IQR]; septic shock: 17,363 [12,053–27,299] ng/mL, CABG 10,904 [8692–16,250] ng/mL; MAS 6485 [4615–9068] ng/mL; CTRL 5751 [3743–7109] ng/mL; septic shock vs. CABG: p < 0.001; septic shock vs. MAS: p < 0.001). ROC analysis showed a sufficient prediction of sepsis with limited specificity (AUCROC 0.82 [0.75–0.82], sensitivity 84%, specificity 68%). The plasma levels of sDLL correlated closely with renal parameters (creatinine: correlation coefficient = 0.60, r2 = 0.37, p < 0.0001; urea: correlation coefficient = 0.52, r2 = 0.26, p < 0.0001), resulting in a good predictive performance of sDLL1 for the identification of acute kidney injury (AKI; AUCROC 0.9 [0.82–0.9], sensitivity 83%, specificity 91%). By quantifying the plasma concentration of sDLL1, sepsis can be discriminated from the physiological postsurgical inflammatory response in abdominal and cardiac surgical patients. However, sDLL1 has only limited specificity for the detection of sepsis in cardiac surgical patients, which may be explained by impaired renal function. Based on these findings, this study identifies the predictive value of sDLL1 for the detection of AKI, making it a potential biomarker for surgical intensive care patients.

Trial registration DRKS00013584, Internet Portal of the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS), registration date 11.07.2018, https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00013584.
Multi-objective goal-directed optimization of de novo stable organic radicals for aqueous redox flow batteries
Authors: S. V. Shree Sowndarya , Law Jeffrey N. , Tripp Charles E. , Duplyakin Dmitry , Skordilis Erotokritos , Biagioni David , Paton Robert S. , St. John Peter C.
Published: August 2022

Advances in the field of goal-directed molecular optimization offer the promise of finding feasible candidates for even the most challenging molecular design applications. One example of a fundamental design challenge is the search for novel stable radical scaffolds for an aqueous redox flow battery that simultaneously satisfy redox requirements at the anode and cathode, as relatively few stable organic radicals are known to exist. To meet this challenge, we develop a new open-source molecular optimization framework based on AlphaZero coupled with a fast, machine-learning-derived surrogate objective trained with nearly 100,000 quantum chemistry simulations. The objective function comprises two graph neural networks: one that predicts adiabatic oxidation and reduction potentials and a second that predicts electron density and local three-dimensional environment, previously shown to be correlated with radical persistence and stability. With no hard-coded knowledge of organic chemistry, the reinforcement learning agent finds molecule candidates that satisfy a precise combination of redox, stability and synthesizability requirements defined at the quantum chemistry level, many of which have reasonable predicted retrosynthetic pathways. The optimized molecules show that alternative stable radical scaffolds may offer a unique profile of stability and redox potentials to enable low-cost symmetric aqueous redox flow batteries.
Direct growth of h-BN multilayers with controlled thickness on non-crystalline dielectric substrates without metal catalysts
Authors: Sun Xiaoyan , Feng Yuanfang , Wang Fei , Wang Peng , Gao Wei , Yin Hong
Published: August 2022

The rGO that we used triggers the formation of highly crystalline h-BN films on non-crystalline dielectric substrates at low temperatures.
A hybrid ZIF-8/ZIF-62 glass membrane for gas separation
Authors: Zhang Yating , Wang Yichen , Xia Huanni , Gao Peng , Cao Yi , Jin Hua , Li Yanshuo
Published: August 2022

A hybrid ZIF-8/ZIF-62 glass membrane was first fabricated, demonstrating excellent performance for carbon capture and C3H6/C3H8 separation.
Novel 2D isomorphic lanthanide complexes based on a bifunctional 5-(pyridin-3-yloxy)isophthalic acid: synthesis, structure, fluorescence and magnetic properties
Authors: Wei Wenwen , Zhang Xue , Lu Liping , Feng Sisi
Published: August 2022

The Tb(iii)-complex can be used as a multifunctional luminescent sensor presenting visual quenching responses towards acetone, Fe3+ and CrO42− in aqueous solution with high sensitivity and low detection limits.
Correction: Polycyclic motif engineering in cyanostilbene-based donors towards highly efficient modulable emission properties in two-component systems
Authors: Khan Arshad , Usman Rabia , Li Rongrong , Hajji Melek , Tang Haiming , Ma Di
Published: August 2022

Correction for ‘Polycyclic motif engineering in cyanostilbene-based donors towards highly efficient modulable emission properties in two-component systems’ by Arshad Khan et al., CrystEngComm, 2021, 23, 8462–8470.
A litmus test for the balanced description of dispersion interactions and coordination chemistry of lanthanoids
Authors: Quesada Juana Vázquez , Chmela Jiří , Greisch Jean-François , Klopper Wim , Harding Michael E.
Published: August 2022

The influence of long-range interactions on the structure of complexes of Eu(iii) with four 9-hydroxy-phenalen-1-one ligands (HPLN) and one alkaline earth metal dication [Eu(PLN)4AE]+(AE: Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba) is analyzed.
Stereodynamics effects in grazing-incidence fast-molecule diffraction
Authors: del Cueto M. , Muzas A. S. , Martín F. , Díaz C.
Published: August 2022

The simulated H2 GIFMD from KCl(001) shows a strong molecular alignment dependence, revealing a puzzling stereodynamics effect in experiments.
Directed evolution of an alcohol dehydrogenase for the desymmetric reduction of 2,2-disubstituted cyclopenta-1,3-diones by enzymatic hydrogen transfer
Authors: Zhang Hongliu , Zhu Liangyan , Feng Jinhui , Liu Xiangtao , Chen Xi , Wu Qiaqing , Zhu Dunming
Published: August 2022

Directed evolution of carbonyl reductase TbADH created mutant Tb2 with balanced activity toward ethyl secodione and isopropanol, enabling the desymmetric reduction of ethyl secodione to give (13R,17S)-ethyl secol with 94% yield, >99% ee and >99% de.
Bismuth single atom supported CeO2 nanosheets for oxidation resistant photothermal reverse water gas shift reaction
Authors: Kang Xiaoxiao , Yuan Dachao , Yi Zhiqi , Yu Chenyang , Yuan Xiaoxian , Liang Baolai , San Xingyuan , Gao Linjie , Wang Shufang , Li Yaguang
Published: August 2022

Bi single atoms supported on CeO2 nanosheets combined with a Ti2O3 based photothermal device showed oxidation resistance and outperforming weak solar driven RWGS with a CO production rate of 31.00 mmol g−1 h−1 under 3 sun units of irradiation.
Facilitating space charge directional separation for enhancing photocatalytic CO2 reduction over tetragonal BiVO4
Authors: Dai Dujuan , Wu Yaqiang , Liu Xiaolei , Xu Yayang , Guo Yuhao , Zhang Qianqian , Wang Zeyan , Zheng Zhaoke , Liu Yuanyuan , Cheng Hefeng , Dai Ying , Huang Baibiao , Wang Peng
Published: August 2022

Spatially separated Ag/MnOx cocatalysts are selectively loaded on BiVO4 by a photo-deposition method. The synergistic effect of the dual cocatalysts enables the optimal photocatalytic activity of the sample to be 3.1 times higher than that of pristine BiVO4.
Synthesis and anti-microbial activity of a new series of bis(diphosphine) rhenium(v) dioxo complexes
Authors: Cooper Saul M. , Siakalli Christina , White Andrew J. P. , Frei Angelo , Miller Philip W. , Long Nicholas J.
Published: August 2022

We report the synthesis of rhenium(v) dioxo complexes bearing N-bridged diphosphine ligands that possess activity against S. aureus and C. albicans.
Boosting efficient alkaline fresh water and seawater electrolysis via electrochemical reconstruction
Authors: Ning Minghui , Zhang Fanghao , Wu Libo , Xing Xinxin , Wang Dezhi , Song Shaowei , Zhou Qiancheng , Yu Luo , Bao Jiming , Chen Shuo , Ren Zhifeng
Published: August 2022

A novel electrochemical reconstruction strategy enables the best seawater electrolysis performance.
Historical record of tritium from tree cores at the Savannah River Site
Authors: Pettitt Elizabeth A. , Duff Martine C. , VerMeulen Holly
Published: August 2022

Tritium (T) levels in trees at the SRS are consistent with known T atmospheric releases.
Retention of sulfidated nZVI (S-nZVI) in porous media visualized by X-ray μ-CT – the relevance of pore space geometry
Authors: Schiefler Adrian A. , Bruns Stefan , Müter Dirk , Uesugi Kentaro , Sørensen Henning Osholm , Tobler Dominique J.
Published: August 2022

Relating S-nZVI nanoparticle retention, spatially resolved via X-ray μ-CT, to different retention mechanisms, such as straining, ripening and sorption deposition, via 3D pore local thickness (LT).
Degradation of sulfapyridine antibiotics by chlorination in a pilot-scale water distribution system: kinetics, THMs, and DFT studies
Authors: Ji Jie , Shi Changjie , Xu Luo , Zhang Kai , Zhang YunShu , Li Cong , Lichtfouse Eric
Published: August 2022

Sulfonamides (SAs) have been proved to damage organisms if the contact time last over the long term.
cryoWriter: a blotting free cryo-EM preparation system with a climate jet and cover-slip injector
Authors: Rima Luca , Zimmermann Michael , Fränkl Andri , Clairfeuille Thomas , Lauer Matthias , Engel Andreas , Engel Hans-Andreas , Braun Thomas
Published: August 2022

A microfluidic sample preparation method for TEM, which entirely avoids paper blotting and allows the passivation of the air–water interface during the preparation process, is presented.
Towards sub-millisecond cryo-EM grid preparation
Authors: Klebl David P. , Kay Robert W. , Sobott Frank , Kapur Nikil , Muench Stephen P.
Published: August 2022

First results from a new cryo-EM grid preparation method are presented, significantly faster than previous methods. The short time delay has the potential to improve grid preparation for challenging samples and to allow faster time-resolved EM.
Flow lithography for structured microparticles: fundamentals, methods and applications
Authors: Sahin Mehmet Akif , Werner Helen , Udani Shreya , Di Carlo Dino , Destgeer Ghulam
Published: August 2022

This critical review presents flow lithography-based particle fabrication methods, describes fundamental physicochemical concepts, discusses applications of particles and highlights potential future research directions.
Mesoporous zinc platinate and platinum nanotubes: insights into the formation mechanism and their catalytic activity
Authors: Shetty Shwetha , Mathur Ankita , Sakhuja Neha , Chatterjee Dipanwita , Kundu Subhajit , Halder Aditi , Bhat Navakanta , Ravishankar N.
Published: August 2022

Mesoporous nanotubes with their 1D morphology, high surface area, and numerous active sites have a distinct microstructural advantage over ultrafine nanoparticles resulting in improved performance over ultrafine nanoparticles.
One-pot synthesis and microstructure analysis of Fe-doped NiS2 for efficient oxygen evolution electrocatalysis
Authors: Zhao Haofei , Li Wenrui , Wang Rongming
Published: August 2022

Fe-doped NiS2 with different doping contents was one-pot synthesized through a solvothermal process utilizing a PEGylated deep eutectic solvent. The prepared samples could be used for efficient and stable oxygen evolution electrocatalysis.
Tuning the nonlinear susceptibility and linear parameters upon annealing Ag60−xSe40Texnanostructured films for nonlinear and photonic applications
Authors: Das Subhashree , Alagarasan D. , Varadharajaperumal S. , Ganesan R. , Naik R.
Published: August 2022

Annealing induced an increase in crystallinity and a change in optical parameters of Ag60−xSe40Texthin films at 150 °C and 200 °C.
An emissive dual-sensitized bimetallic Eu2III-bioprobe: design strategy, biological interactions, and nucleolus staining studies
Authors: Yadav Usha , Verma Madhu , Abbas Zafar , Sivakumar Sri , Patra Ashis K.
Published: August 2022

A dual sensitized Eu2III–bioprobe (1) offers incredible opportunities for fine-tuning and exploring a strongly luminescent probe as a nucleolus staining agent.