bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disparities in curative treatments and outcomes for early stage intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in the United States
Authors: Lee Yi‐Te , Singal Amit G. , Lauzon Marie , Agopian Vatche G. , Luu Michael , Noureddin Mazen , Todo Tsuyoshi , Kim Irene K. , Friedman Marc L. , Kosari Kambiz , Nissen Nicholas N. , Roberts Lewis R. , Heimbach Julie K. , Gores Gregory J. , Yang Ju Dong
Published: August 2022

Background

Curative surgical treatments afford the best prognosis for patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA); however, the comparative effectiveness of treatment options and factors associated with curative treatment receipt for early stage iCCA remain unknown.

Methods

The authors identified patients who were diagnosed with early stage iCCA, defined as a unifocal tumor <3 cm, during 2004–2018 from the National Cancer Database. Multivariable logistic and Cox regression analyses were used to identify the factors associated with curative treatment and overall survival (OS), respectively.

Results

The proportion of patients with early stage iCCA increased from 4.5% in 2004 to 7.3% in 2018, with the odds of early stage detection increasing by 3.1% per year (odds ratio [OR], 1.031; 95% CI, 1.015–1.049). Of 1093 patients who had early stage iCCA, 464 (42.5%) underwent resection, 113 (10.3%) underwent ablation, 62 (5.7%) underwent liver transplantation, and 454 (41.5%) received noncurative treatments. Hispanic patients (adjusted OR [aOR], 0.57; 95% CI, 0.33–0.97) and Black patients (aOR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.28–0.77) were less likely to receive curative treatments than White patients. Compared with patients who underwent surgical resection, those who underwent liver transplantation had a trend toward improved OS (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.63; 95% CI, 0.37–1.08), whereas those who underwent local ablation (aHR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.01–1.92) and noncurative treatments (aHR, 3.97; 95% CI, 3.24–4.88) experienced worse OS.

Conclusions

More than one third of patients with early stage iCCA did not receive curative treatment, with Hispanic and Black patients being less likely to receive curative treatments than White patients. Surgical resection and liver transplantation were associated with improved survival compared with local ablation. Future studies should investigate disparities in curative treatment receipt and outcomes for early stage iCCA.
Synthesis of Ortho‐Functionalized Tetrachlorinated Azobenzene Phosphoramidites for Incorporation Into siRNAzos for Photocontrolled Gene Silencing
Authors: Hammill Matthew L. , Islam Golam , Desaulniers Jean‐Paul
Published: August 2022

This paper contains the detailed synthesis and characterization protocols of ortho‐functionalized tetrachlorinated azobenzene‐containing small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), which have photoswitchable properties effectively controlled with visible light. To design this tetrachlorinated azobenzene scaffold, a late‐stage chlorination with N‐chlorosuccinimide and palladium is used. Next, a single hydroxyl group from the tetrachlorinated azobenzene is protected with a 4,4′‐dimethoxytrityl (DMT) group, followed by phosphitylation with 2‐cyanoethyl‐N,N‐diisopropylchlorophosphoramidite. These phosphoramidite monomers are compatible with automated solid‐phase oligonucleotide synthesis to generate tetrachlorinated azobenzene‐containing oligonucleotides.

This paper also contains the detailed biophysical characterization, biological testing, and photo‐switching protocols of ortho‐functionalized chlorinated azobenzene‐containing siRNAs (Cl‐siRNAzos), which have photoswitchable properties that can be controlled with visible light. First, the Cl‐siRNAzos are characterized by annealing the sense and antisense strands together and then measuring the circular dichroism (CD) profile, and the melting temperatures (Tm) of the duplexes. Secondly, the biological testing of the Cl‐siRNAzos in cell culture is done to determine their gene silencing efficacy. Finally, their gene‐silencing activities are measured after exposure to red light in order to inactivate the Cl‐siRNAzo, and then either violet light or infrared thermal relaxation is deployed, which re‐activates the Cl‐siRNAzo. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Synthesis of 4,4′‐bis(hydroxyethyl) ortho‐functionalized tetrachlorinated azobenzene phosphoramidite (5)

Basic Protocol 2: Synthesis, purification, and characterization of siRNAs containing ortho‐functionalized tetrachlorinated azobenzene

Basic Protocol 3: Gene‐silencing evaluation of ortho‐functionalized tetrachlorinated azobenzene using firefly luciferase
The comparison of two different mandibular positions for oral appliance therapy in patients with obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Makihara Eri , Watanabe Takafumi , Ogusu Hiromichi , Masumi Shin‐Ichi
Published: August 2022

Background

An oral appliance (OA) can alleviate upper airway obstruction by pulling the mandible forward during sleep. While a large mandibular advancement with an OA decreases the number of apnea and hypopnea events, long‐term use may cause side effects, such as toothache, stiffness, and pain in the temporomandibular joint.

Objetives

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of different mandibular positions for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and determine the optimal therapeutic mandibular position.

Methods

Thirty‐two patients (17 males and 15 females) with mild to moderate OSA participated in this prospective study. All patients were randomly allocated to receive a 50% mandibular advancement or a 75% mandibular advancement with an OA. The pre‐ and posttreatment apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI), apnea index (AI), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) were compared. Treatment effectiveness and treatment success were compared between groups.

Results

AHI improved significantly in both groups, and AI improved significantly in the group with 50% mandibular advancement. No significant improvements in the ESS were observed in either group. There was no significant difference in treatment effectiveness between groups. In the proportion of females and males whose treatment was effective in the two groups, females were significantly greater than males.

Conclusions

For patients with mild to moderate OSA, 50% mandibular advancement is recommended as the initial therapeutic mandibular position. It was suggested that gender differences also affect treatment effectiveness.
Nitrogen‐Doped Hollow Carbon Spheres Based on Schiff Base Reaction as an Anode Material for High‐Performance Lithium and Sodium Ion Batteries
Authors: Huang Gang , Kong Qingquan , Jiang Jianhao , Yao Weitang , Wang Qingyuan
Published: August 2022

Nitrogen‐doped carbon has great potential in lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) and sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), considering N‐doping can not only improve the surface wettability of carbon materials, but also accelerate charge transfer by generating additional defects. However, designing carbon materials with a high nitrogen content and uniform distribution using conventional doping methods remains a challenge. In this study, a hollow carbon sphere with an ultrahigh nitrogen content of 9.58 wt % was successfully fabricated by rationally designing Schiff base chemistry (PTA‐NHCS‐700). Stable hierarchical pore structures, moderate defects, and large specific surface areas were formed during the carbonization process. Excellent electrochemical performance was observed in LIBs (204.2 mAh g−1 after 7000 cycles at 5 A g−1) and SIBs (154.2 mAh g−1 after 10000 cycles at 5 A g−1). This study not only promotes the development of efficient carbon anode materials for LIBs and SIBs, but also provides a novel idea for the doping of heteroatoms with special chemical structures.
Diversification and shared features of tumor‐binding antibody repertoires in tumor, sentinel lymph node and blood of three patients with breast cancer
Authors: Pero Stephanie C , Rosenfeld Aaron M , Shukla Girja S , Mei Linda , Sun Yujing , Meng Wenzhao , Fournier David J , Harlow Seth P , Robinson Matthew K , Krag David N , Luning Prak Eline T , Harman Benjamin C
Published: August 2022

Objectives

B cell‐mediated immunity can be associated with favorable clinical outcomes in cancer patients. However, the mechanism and features of anti‐tumor immune responses are not well understood. In particular, how B cells expressing tumor‐specific antibodies are distributed (in the tumor vs. the circulation) has not been well defined.

Methods

We performed an in‐depth analysis of B cell antibody repertoires derived from the tumor, sentinel lymph nodes and peripheral blood of three treatment‐naïve patients with breast cancer. We integrated transcriptional analysis, next‐generation sequencing of immunoglobulin heavy‐chain gene rearrangements and phage display to define B cell responses and clonal architecture in the tumor microenvironment, and to identify antibodies against autologous tumor tissues.

Results

B cell clonal lineage mapping across sequencing libraries generated from the tumor, sentinel lymph node and blood revealed that some expanded B cell clones overlap between tumor and lymph node, and fewer clones overlapped with the peripheral blood. Notably, tumor‐associated or tumor‐binding clones recovered in the phage panning and tracked back through the tissues harboured extensive somatic hypermutations in both the tumor and the lymph node.

Conclusions

These findings suggest an evolving humoral immune response that targets the tumor and the possibility of monitoring B cell clones of interest in blood after identifying them in tumor or lymph node samples. Studying the dynamics and specificity of B cell responses may provide insights into the characteristics of successful anti‐tumor immunity, provide a means for monitoring therapy and yield novel targets for personalised therapies.
The impact of punishment on error‐related brain activity in children
Authors: Cole Sally L. , Cibrian Enrique , Mirzadegan Isaac A. , Meyer Alexandria
Published: August 2022

The error‐related negativity (ERN) is sensitive to individual differences relating to anxiety and is modulated by manipulations that increase the threat‐value of committing errors. In adults, the ERN magnitude is enhanced when errors are followed by punishment, especially among anxious individuals. Punitive parenting is related to an elevated ERN in children; however, the effects of task‐based punishment on the ERN in children have yet to be understood. Furthermore, there is a need to assess developmental periods wherein the ERN might be especially prone to modulation by punishment. We examined the impact of punishment on the ERN in a sample of children and assessed whether the impact of punishment on the ERN was moderated by age and anxiety. Punishment potentiated the ERN in children, especially among higher trait‐anxious individuals; the punishment potentiation of the ERN was also associated with older age. The interaction between child age and anxiety symptoms did not significantly predict the punishment potentiation of the ERN; however, both child age and anxiety symptoms uniquely predicted the punishment potentiation of the ∆ERN. Anxious children may be especially prone to punishment‐related alterations in error monitoring, and the impact of punishment on the ERN may become more pronounced as children age.
Ecological indices from environmental DNA to contrast coastal reefs under different anthropogenic pressures
Authors: Polanco F. Andrea , Waldock Conor , Keggin Thomas , Marques Virginie , Rozanski Romane , Valentini Alice , Dejean Tony , Manel Stéphanie , Vermeij Mark , Albouy Camille , Pellissier Loïc
Published: August 2022

Human activities can degrade the quality of coral reefs and cause a decline in fish species richness and functional diversity and an erosion of the ecosystem services provided. Environmental DNA metabarcoding (eDNA) has been proposed as an alternative to Underwater Visual Census (UVC) to offer more rapid assessment of marine biodiversity to meet management demands for ecosystem health indices. Taxonomic information derived from sequenced eDNA can be combined with functional traits and phylogenetic positions to generate a variety of ecological indices describing ecosystem functioning. Here, we inventoried reef fish assemblages of two contrasting coastal areas of Curaçao, (i) near the island's capital city and (ii) in a remote area under more limited anthropogenic pressure. We sampled eDNA by filtering large volumes of seawater (2 × 30 L) along 2 km boat transects, which we coupled with species ecological properties related to habitat use, trophic level, and body size to investigate the difference in fish taxonomic composition, functional and phylogenetic indices recovered from eDNA metabarcoding between these two distinct coastal areas. Despite no marked difference in species richness, we found a higher phylogenetic diversity in proximity to the city, but a higher functional diversity on the more isolated reef. Composition differences between coastal areas were associated with different frequencies of reef fish families. Because of a partial reference database, eDNA only partly matched those detected with UVC, but eDNA surveys nevertheless provided rapid and robust species occurrence responses to contrasting environments. eDNA metabarcoding coupled with functional and phylogenetic diversity assessment can serve the management of coastal habitats under increasing threat from global changes.
Ca(NTf2)2/HFIP‐Mediated Direct and Mild Rearrangement of Cyclopropyl Carbinols to E‐Homoallylic Triflimides
Authors: Wu Min , Duan Zhiqiang , Liu Qingmei , Gao Hui , Zhou Zhi , Yi Wei , Wang Shengdong
Published: August 2022

Unsaturated triflimides, especially homoallylic triflimide species, are rarely assessable. Herein, we disclose a Ca(NTf2)2/HFIP‐mediated direct chemo‐, regio‐, and stereoselective rearrangement of diverse cyclopropyl carbinols to exclusive E‐homoallylic triflimides in moderate to excellent yields at room temperature, in which Ca(NTf2)2 was used as both the OH activator and the triflimide anion source. This protocol shows excellent substrate/functional group tolerance with an emphasis on those substrates bearing strong electron‐withdrawing functional groups.
An Electrochemical Acetylcholinesterase Biosensor Based on Fluorene(bisthiophene) Comprising Polymer for Paraoxon Detection
Authors: Celik Huzeyfe , Soylemez Saniye
Published: August 2022

In this study, a novel conductive polymer comprising biosensor based on poly‐2,2′‐(9,9‐dioctyl‐9 h‐fluorene‐2,7‐diyl)bistiophene (Poly(BT)) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was reported for the determination of paraoxon. This practical biosensor allowed to catalyze electrochemical oxidation of acetylthiocholine (+0.6 V vs. Ag reference). The detection range for acetylcholine chloride (AThCl) with Poly(BT)/AChE was found to be 0.025–4 mM. In pesticide analysis, wide linear ranges from 0.5 to 1 μg/L and 1 to 14 μg/L, and a low detection limit of 0.033 μg/L were estimated. Under optimum operating conditions, the developed biosensor was used for pesticide detection in milk and tap water samples, effectively.
Quantifying power and energy fluctuations of photovoltaic systems
Authors: Maitanova Nailya , Schlüters Sunke , Hanke Benedikt , von Maydell Karsten , Agert Carsten
Published: August 2022

The high share of power generation based on fluctuating renewable energy sources, especially wind and solar, has increased the levels of variability and uncertainty in power systems. The aim of this study is to develop a method for quantifying the variability of photovoltaic (PV) systems. The developed method investigates the power measurements of a PV system and quantifies its power and energy fluctuations in three steps. The first includes a classification of days into three classes according to the variability and power output of the PV system. The second consists of computing the empirical cumulative distribution functions of PV power ramps for the given classes. The third calculates the PV daily energy fluctuations based on predicted PV power output. This method of PV variability quantification was then applied to seven rooftop PV systems in different locations that feature different installed capacities, years of installation, orientations and solar cell types. The testing of this method indicates that it can be used to quantify the power and energy fluctuations of different PV systems, independent of their locations and technical characteristics. The proposed method was developed as part of a general approach for quantifying the flexibility potential of buildings and city districts with PV systems.
Geochemical characteristics of mafic intrusive rocks from the Naga Hills Ophiolite, north‐east India: Constraints on petrogenesis and tectonic setting
Authors: Hussain Mohammed Faruque , Dey Ajoy
Published: August 2022

The Naga Hills Ophiolite (NHO) of Late Jurassic to Eocene age is one of the well‐exposed domains of Tethyan ophiolites, located in the northern margin of the Indo‐Myanmar Orogenic Belt, north‐east India. It is composed of suites of tectonite peridotite and cumulative ultramafic, mafic intrusive‐extrusive rocks, felsic intrusive, radiolarian, and marine pelagic sediments. The mafic intrusives of the NHO exhibit rhythmic to cryptic layering and isotropic in nature. Based on their mineralogy, the mafic intrusives are identified as gabbro, gabbronorite, hornblende gabbro, and olivine gabbro. The gabbros are adcumulate and mesocumulate and essentially composed of plagioclase feldspar, clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene, hornblende, with minor olivine, serpentine, chlorite, and magnetite. These mafic intrusive rocks show affinity to tholeiitic parental magma and fractionated trends in the multi‐elemental diagram, with negative anomalies at Zr, P, Ce and positive anomalies at Sr, Nb, and Ti suggesting that the magmatism was influenced by subduction zone components. The majority of the samples represent light rare earth elements (LREE) depletion (LaN/SmN = 0.28–0.86), except two samples that display LREE enrichment (LaN/SmN = 2.11–3.03), with negligible negative Eu anomaly. Petrogenetic modelling suggests 5%–20% partial melting of a depleted mid‐ocean ridge basalt‐type mantle source, within the spinel lherzolite stability field, as well as low degree partial melting (<10%) of an enriched mantle source probably metasomatized by sediment‐melt from a subducted slab. Therefore, based on mineralogical and geochemical data, we propose that the mafic intrusive of the NHO were generated in the intra‐oceanic arc system within the Neotethys Ocean with the active participation of possible wet basaltic melt from spinel‐lherzolite source‐mantle, subsequently modified by melts derived from sediments in a subduction zone.
Decomposing inequality of opportunity in child health in Tanzania: The role of access to water and sanitation
Authors: Mkupete Mkupete Jaah , Von Fintel Dieter , Burger Ronelle
Published: August 2022

Poor child nutrition is a major public health challenge in Tanzania. Large between and within regional nutritional inequalities exist in rural and urban areas. We looked at how locational circumstances hinder children from having an equal opportunity for good nutrition. We used the 2008/09 Living Standards Measurement Study data for Tanzania to identify the part played by water and sanitation in rural and urban inequality of opportunity in child nutrition. We used the dissimilarity index and the Shapley decomposition technique to quantify and decompose inequality of opportunity in nutrition. We find that 16% of the circumstance‐driven inequality of opportunity needs to be redistributed for equality of opportunity to prevail. We find that in rural areas, about 42% of the inequality of opportunity in nutrition is due to water and sanitation problems and 22% to child age. In urban areas, we find that the inequality of opportunity is related mainly to the child's sex, price fluctuations and intergenerational factors. The findings suggest that policies to improve water and sanitation coverage could help equalize opportunities for children in rural areas. In urban areas, policies that could help equalize opportunities require incentives to change social norms and behavior around feeding practices and vaccination.
Neurodevelopmental toxicity induced by airborne particulate matter
Authors: Shang Mengting , Tang Meng , Xue Yuying
Published: August 2022

Airborne particulate matter (PM), the primary component associated with health risks in air pollution, can negatively impact human health. Studies have shown that PM can enter the brain by inhalation, but data on the exact quantity of particles that reach the brain are unknown. Particulate matter exposure can result in neurotoxicity. Exposure to PM poses a greater health risk to infants and children because their nervous systems are not fully developed. This review paper highlights the association between PM and neurodevelopmental toxicity (NDT). Exposure to PM can induce oxidative stress and inflammation, potentially resulting in blood–brain barrier damage and increased susceptibility to development of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD), such as autism spectrum disorders and attention deficit disorders. In addition, human and animal exposure to PM can induce microglia activation and epigenetic alterations and alter the neurotransmitter levels, which may increase risks for development of NDD. However, the systematic comparisons of the effects of PM on NDD at different ages of exposure are deficient. The elucidation of PM exposure risks and NDT in children during the early developmental stages are of great importance. The synthesis of current research may help to identify markers and mechanisms of PM‐induced neurodevelopmental toxicity, allowing for the development of strategies to prevent permanent damage of developing brain.
In Vitro and In Vivo Pharmacological Profiles of DS-1211, a Novel Potent, Selective, and Orally Bioavailable Tissue-Nonspecific Alkaline Phosphatase Inhibitor
Authors: Soma Kaori , Izumi Masanori , Yamamoto Yuko , Miyazaki Shojiro , Watanabe Kengo
Published: August 2022

Inhibition of tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) may prevent ectopic soft tissue calcification by increasing endogenous pyrophosphate (PPi). DS-1211 is a potent and selective novel small molecule TNAP inhibitor with well-characterized pharmacokinetics (PKs) in rodent and monkey. Herein, we report a comprehensive summary of studies establishing the pharmaceutical profile of DS-1211. In vitro studies characterized the mode of inhibition and inhibitory effects of DS-1211 on three human alkaline phosphatase (ALP) isozymes—TNAP, human intestinal ALP, human placental ALP—and on ALP activity across species in mouse, monkey, and human plasma. In vivo PK and pharmacodynamic (PD) effects of a single oral dose of DS-1211 in mice and monkeys were evaluated, including biomarker changes in PPi and pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP). Oral bioavailability (BA) was determined through administration of DS-1211 at a 0.3-mg/kg dose in monkeys. In vitro experiments demonstrated DS-1211 inhibited ALP activity through an uncompetitive mode of action. DS-1211 exhibited TNAP selectivity and potent inhibition of TNAP across species. In vivo studies in mice and monkeys after single oral administration of DS-1211 showed linear PKs, with dose-dependent inhibition of ALP activity and increases in plasma PPi and PLP. Inhibitory effects of DS-1211 were consistent in both mouse and monkey. Mean absolute oral BA was 73.9%. Overall, in vitro and in vivo studies showed DS-1211 is a potent and selective TNAP inhibitor across species. Further in vivo pharmacology studies in ectopic calcification animal models and clinical investigations of DS-1211 in patient populations are warranted. © 2022 Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Luminescent gold nanoclusters as a signal reporter for cytochrome c assay with a double signal amplification strategy
Authors: Dou Min‐Na , Wu Yifan , Du Jianxiu
Published: August 2022

Quantitative determination of serum cytochrome c (Cyt c) is of importance in the regular medical assessment of cancer diseases. This work reported a new fluorescence method for the determination of Cyt c with glutathione‐protected gold nanoclusters (GSH‐AuNCs) as a signal reporter. Cyt c was observed to quench the fluorescence of GSH‐AuNCs due to its electron‐rich structure. This inhibitory effect was further strengthened by its peroxidase mimetic catalytic activity on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)‐mediated oxidation of GSH‐AuNCs. The inhibitory efficiency was linearly related to Cyt c concentrations ranging from 10.0 to 700.0 nM with a limit of detection of 2.7 nM (3sb/S). The relative standard deviation was 3.6% for Cyt c at a 40.0 nM concentration level (n = 11). The practical application of the method was evaluated by the determination of Cyt c in spiked human serum samples. The recoveries were within the range from 92.6 to 104.8%, suggesting its potential application in biomedical and clinical diagnosis.
Effect of chemical treatment on the structural, thermal, and mechanical properties of sugarcane bagasse as filler for starch‐based bioplastic
Authors: Hamin Siti Hajar , Sayid Abdullah Sharifah Hanis Yasmin , Lananan Fathurrahman , Abdul Hamid Siti Hajar , Kasan Nor Azman , Mohamed Nurul Najidah , Endut Azizah
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND

The demand for green products is pushing industries to search for more eco‐friendly materials, especially for food packaging applications. Starch biopolymer has been recognized as biodegradable material that can be produced from various plants. However, the strength of starch‐based bioplastic retards their widespread application. Simultaneously, the high amount of agricultural waste produced by the food industry has been a growing environmental issue. Incorporating agro‐waste fibers as a biofiller in starch‐based bioplastic can improve the properties of the bioplastic, allowing its use in various applications. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the effect of chemical treatment on the structural, thermal, and mechanical properties of sugarcane bagasse as filler for starch‐based bioplastic.

RESULTS

Results showed that alkaline treatment improved surface roughness and freed it of surface impurities. Results revealed that the thermal stability and mechanical properties improved significantly with the incorporation of sugarcane bagasse (SB) loading into potato starch (PS). The highest tensile strength (5.30 MPa) and Young's modulus (28.72 MPa) were exhibited by the sample with 6% SB loading and further increments of SB led to a decrease in the strength of the biopolymer.

CONCLUSION

The incorporation of alkali‐treated SB could increase and enhance the tensile strength and thermal stability of the bioplastic. This would contribute to reinforced materials that will allow for the application of PS as a new potential biodegradable material. Thus, it reduces the disposal period process and has great potential as an environmentally friendly, biodegradable, and renewable material. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Equines do not live for grass alone: Training equines using social interaction as a reinforcer
Authors: Nishimuta Maasa , Rosales‐Ruiz Jesús , Will Sean Michael , Hunter Mary
Published: August 2022

Functional analysis data and previous studies on animal training have demonstrated that social interaction with humans can serve as a reinforcer for animals. Yet, some studies have demonstrated that tactile interaction (e.g., patting, petting, or scratching) is less effective or ineffective when compared to food. However, the reinforcement procedures used may account for these discrepancies. The current study investigated whether tactile interaction, in the form of petting and scratching, could be used as a reinforcer to train behaviors to two horses and a mule. First, each equine learned when reinforcement would be available and what behaviors to engage in during reinforcement delivery. Next, a series of shaping steps and a changing‐criterion design were used to test whether tactile interaction could be used to shape two new behaviors, stay and come. All three equines completed reinforcement training and met the mastery criteria for training stay and come. These results demonstrate that tactile interaction can be used as a reinforcer to train equines and also suggest that details of the reinforcement delivery process may be an important consideration when tactile interaction is used as a reinforcer.
Antioxidant and cytotoxic properties of some new dipeptide‐indole conjugates
Authors: Gönül Zeynep , Öztürk Dilara Altay , Küçükbay Fatümetüzzehra , Tekin Suat , Tekin Zehra , Küçükbay Hasan
Published: August 2022

In this study, 10 new indole‐dipeptide conjugates were synthesized, and their anticancer activity was determined against on A2780 (ovarian cancer cell line) and MCF‐7 (breast cancer cell line) cells. Among compounds, 5 and 10 showed better activity against A2780 cell lines than the standard drug docatexel at 0.1 and 1 μM concentrations, while only compound 5 showed better activity than docatexel, the MCF‐7 cell line at 0.1 and 1 μM concentrations. The antioxidant potencies of the compounds were low in both the DPPH and iron reducing power methods tested when compared to standard antioxidants used in this work.
Radiosynthesis and validation of [18F]fluoroestradiol in a Synthra plus research platform for use in routine clinical practice
Authors: Pereira María Pía , Tejería María Emilia , Zeni Maia , Gambini Juan Pablo , Duarte Pablo , Rey Ana , Giglio Javier
Published: August 2022

In this practitioner protocol, the optimization of the radiochemical synthesis of [18F]fluoroestradiol (FES) on the Synthra RNplus research automated platform is described in detail and a quality control (QC) summary of three validation productions is presented. In comparison with published synthesis methods developed on other platforms, the yield was considerably improved (40%–45% ndc). The other important improvement is the reduction of the required concentration of H2SO4 avoiding the production of high concentrations of acidic vapors that can deteriorate the module. Purification was achieved by solid phase extraction, and the required adaptation of an external heating plate to the module to evaporate the ethanol is also described. The product was obtained with high radiochemical purity and fulfilled all the requirements of current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP). The final product is formulated as a sterile, pyrogen‐free solution suitable for human injection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of FES production using this type of module.
A case of infectious mononucleosis complicated with spontaneous atraumatic splenic rapture caused by Epstein–Barr virus infection
Authors: Lu Qiliang , Fu Wen , Ouyang Guangxiong , Xu Qiuran , Huang Dongsheng
Published: August 2022

Splenic rupture is the most serious complication of infectious mononucleosis (IM) caused by Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection, with a mortality rate of over 1 in 10. We reported a case of spontaneous atraumatic splenic rupture secondary to IM in a young man. The patient presented with abdominal pain caused by splenic rupture as the initial symptom. The diagnosis and treatment process went through a series of twists and turns, including the emergency department, general surgery department, and infection department. This case suggests that clinicians should consider the possibility of EBV infection in young patients with spleen rupture without obvious cause to avoid misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis.
Systematic assessment of GPM IMERG V06 precipitation products with dense rain gauge observations over Zhejiang Province, China
Authors: Bi Zaoying , Sun Shanlei , Shen Huayu , Liu Yi , Ren Yongjian , Li Jinjian , Lin Bin
Published: August 2022

This study systematically assessed the performance of the Integrated Multi‐satellitE Retrievals (IMERG) for Global Precipitation Measurement V06, including the near‐real‐time “Late Run” (IMERG‐L) and the post‐real‐time “Final Run” (IMERG‐F), over Zhejiang Province (ZJP), China. The evaluation was conducted at daily and hourly timescales for a full year and for each season, based on dense rain gauge observations and continuous and categorical validation statistics. For the full year and for each season, IMERG‐F outperformed IMERG‐L in representing the spatial pattern of multiyear mean precipitation. For regional mean of ZJP, IMERG‐F and IMERG‐L overestimated the daily/hourly precipitation for the full year by 6.51 and 4.98%, respectively. Among seasons, the regional mean relative biases for IMERG‐F were between 5.65 and 8.63%; however, for IMERG‐L, they exhibited notable variations with a maximum of 11.09% in fall and a minimum of 0 in spring. Bias composition suggested that the regional mean overestimations were largely due to false bias for the full year and for each season, except in winter, wherein it was due to hit bias. Spatially, the biases for the full year and for each season commonly arose from false and hit biases at daily timescale, and from false and miss biases at hourly timescale. Based on the remaining continuous metrics (i.e., root‐mean‐square‐error [RMSE], correlation coefficient [CC], and Kling–Gupta Efficiency [KGE]) and all categorical metrics, the IMERG daily/hourly performance was acceptable on regional and grid scales throughout the year and in all seasons. From a region‐average perspective, IMERG‐F outperformed IMERG‐L according to CC, RMSE, and KGE, but both products showed the same performance overall based on all categorical metrics; most grids also share these characteristics. This study provides a valuable reference for IMERG developers to improve product accuracy from the perspective of the final postprocessing step and for potential users in ZJP.
Using Daily Creativity Planning to Promote Creative Behavior
Authors: Liu Ting , Li Pin , Zhang Skylor Zhitian , Liu Wanlun
Published: August 2022

Research has demonstrated that on the path from a creative idea to a creative outcome, high creativity motivation and self‐efficacy do not necessarily lead to creative behavior. The present study proposed and examined the notion that daily creativity planning could promote creative behavior and contribute to the cultivation of creativity. A total of 77 middle school students (39 students in the experimental group and 38 in the control group) participated in this study, for which a quasi‐experimental design was administered. The experimental group conducted a two‐week daily planning for creative activities, while the control group did not conduct any intervention. The results showed that students' creativity motivation and creative self‐efficacy were at relatively high levels overall and were positively and moderately correlated with creative behavior. Daily planning could effectively facilitate students' creative behavior. These findings point to a promising and simple creativity enhancement strategy for cultivating students to develop the habit of making creative plans in their daily lives.
Risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE) after adrenalectomy for adrenal cortical neoplasms
Authors: Moore Maureen D. , Agrusa Christopher , Ullmann Timothy M. , Beninato Toni , Zarnegar Rasa , Fahey Thomas J. , Finnerty Brendan M.
Published: August 2022

Background

Incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after adrenalectomy for adrenal cortical carcinoma (ACC) is unknown. Herein, we aim to identify the relative incidence and risk factors of VTE after adrenalectomy for ACC.

Methods

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried to identify patients who underwent adrenalectomy for ACC, Cushing syndrome (CS), and benign adrenal cortical syndromes (BACS). Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to determine clinical characteristics, 30‐day postoperative VTE occurrences, and associated risk factors. Khorana oncologic risk score (KRS) for VTE was calculated and compared between groups.

Results

A total of 5896 patients were analyzed: 576 ACC, 371 CS, and 4949 BACS. Postoperative VTE occurred 0.9%, with the highest rate occurring in ACC (2.6% ACC vs. 1.6% CS vs. 0.7% BACS, p < 0.001). Forty percent of VTEs in the ACC cohort were diagnosed postdischarge. ACC patients with KRS ≥ 2 had a 9.6% incidence of VTE (p = 0.007). Multivariable analysis identified increased age (p = 0.03), presence of adrenal cancer (p = 0.01), and KRS ≥ 2 (p = 0.005) as risk factors for VTE after adrenalectomy.

Conclusions

Postoperative VTE after adrenalectomy occurs most frequently for ACC. ACC patients with increased age and/or Khorana score ≥2 should be considered for extended VTE prophylaxis.
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans surgery: Experiences of four African surgical oncology units and literature review
Authors: Zongo Nayi , Guigemdé R. Adeline , Yaméogo Parateyandé B. , Somé Roland Ollo , Traore Bangaly , Dem Ahmadou
Published: August 2022

Background and Objectives

Dermatofibrosarcoma is a locally malignant tumor. This gives surgery a place of choice. The advent of imatinib has improved outcomes. Our aim is to describe the indications, techniques and results of surgery.

Methods

A retrospective, multicenter, descriptive study conducted in four West African surgical oncology units. It covers dermatofibrosarcoma surgery performed between January 1, 1988 and December 31, 2020. We took into account the surgical procedure, the mode of skin coverage, adjuvant treatments and survival. Comparisons were possible using Student's t‐test and Pearson's χ2.

Results

We recorded 81 cases of dermatofibrosarcoma. Surgery was effective in 90.1% of cases. Wide resection was the principle with a mean resection margin of 3.8 ± 1.9 cm. healing by primary intention, flaps and healing by secondary intention were the methods of skin coverage in 30.1%, 24.7% and 41.1% respectively. The type of skin coverage was related to the topography and size of the tumor (p < 0.0001). The healing time is associated with the type of skin cover. The recurrence rate was not related to the type of skin coverage (p = 0.8).

Conclusions

Wide and deep resection in the absence of Mohs micrographic surgery ensures healthy margins. Oncoplasty reduces the healing time without increasing the risk of recurrence.
n‐Heptane oxidation in a high‐pressure flow reactor
Authors: Thorsen Lauge Sven , Jensen Malene Stryhn Thestrup , Pullich Mille Stub , Christensen Jakob Munkholt , Hashemi Hamid , Glarborg Peter
Published: August 2022

The oxidation properties of n‐heptane have been investigated by conducting experiments in a laminar flow reactor at pressures of 21 and 100 bar, near‐stoichiometric () and fuel‐lean conditions (), and temperatures of 450–900 K. At 21 bar and stoichiometric conditions, a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) region was detected around 600 K. At increased pressure or oxygen concentration, the NTC behavior was much less pronounced. The observed concentration profiles for the major species were compared to predictions with selected literature mechanisms. While all models provided a satisfactory agreement for the n‐heptane profiles at 21 bar fuel lean conditions and at 100 bar, only the mechanisms from NUI and Polimi captured the NTC behavior at 21 bar and stoichiometric conditions. The model from Zhang et al. provided the best overall agreement and was selected for detailed comparison with species concentrations and used in analysis of reaction paths and reaction sensitivity under the present conditions.
Predicting Pathologic Lymph Node Positivity in cN0 Pharynx and Larynx Cancers
Authors: Anderson Eric M. , Luu Michael , Lu Diana J. , Chung Eric M. , Gay Christopher , Scher Kevin S. , Mita Alain C. , Mallen‐St. Clair Jon , Ho Allen S. , Zumsteg Zachary S.
Published: August 2022

Background

Elective neck dissection is a standard of care for pharynx and most larynx cancer patients undergoing surgery, based largely on historical series. It is unclear if this is necessary for all patients in the modern era.

Methods

Patients with cN0 oropharynx, larynx, and hypopharynx cancers diagnosed from 2010–2015 undergoing primary surgery were identified in the National Cancer Data Base.

Results

Inclusion criteria were met by 4117 cN0 patients. The presence of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) was the strongest independent predictor of pN+ (odds ratio [OR] = 4.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.56–4.93, p < 0.001). Histologic grade strongly predicted pN+ (OR 2.58, 95% CI 1.88–3.59, p < 0.001). A nomogram predicted less than 10% of cN0 patients had pN+ risk <15%.

Conclusion

LVI and grade are the strongest predictors of pN+ among patients with cN0 pharynx and larynx cancer. Even in the modern era, pN+ rates warrant neck dissection for cN0 patients.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 133:1660–1666, 2023
Lack of a Zn/Co substitution ability in the polar diatom Chaetoceros neogracileRS19
Authors: Kellogg Riss M. , Moran Dawn M. , McIlvin Matthew R. , Subhas Adam V. , Allen Andrew E. , Saito Mak A.
Published: August 2022

Functional substitution of the essential trace metals zinc (Zn) and cobalt (Co) within metalloenzymes has been well documented in marine diatoms and is known to be prevalent among varying genera and species. In contrast to the majority of species studied to date, we find that the polar diatom Chaetoceros neogracile RS19, originally isolated from the Ross Sea, Antarctica, has a Zn requirement that cannot be met by Co and thus does not demonstrate a Zn/Co substitution ability as assessed by growth rate. We investigated this diatom's inability to use Co to alleviate Zn‐limited growth rates at the transporter, sensor/chaperone, and metalloenzyme level using metal quota and proteomic analyses of cultures grown over a range of Zn and Co availability. Analysis of total cellular metal quotas revealed that, although incapable of substitution, this diatom still actively assimilated dissolved Co. We furthermore observed distinct trends in the abundance levels of putative α and θ‐CAs, ZIP transporters, Zn fingers, and a Zn chaperone in response to increasing media Zn2+. Overall, Co appears to be transported into the cell, but not efficiently utilized by Zn metalloenzymes.
Identifying trait‐based tolerance to sediment dynamics during seedling establishment across eight mangrove species
Authors: van Hespen Rosanna , Hu Zhan , Peng Yisheng , Zhu Zhenchang , Ysebaert Tom , Bouma Tjeerd J.
Published: August 2022

Mechanical disturbance from waves and sediment dynamics is a key bottleneck to mangrove seedling establishment. Yet, how species vary in tolerance to sediment dynamics has not been quantified. We identified how tolerance to sediment dynamics differs for three mangrove propagule traits: propagule size, successional stage, and type of embryo development. We selected eight mangrove species growing in south China that vary from small seeds to large elongated propagules, pioneer to climax species, and non‐viviparous to viviparous. In a mesocosm set‐up, we applied bed level treatments to establishing seedlings: erosion, control, or accretion, by removing 2 cm, 0 cm, or adding 1 cm of sediment per week over 3 weeks. We measured seedling survival, shoot, and root lengths, and the critical erosion depth that leads toppling or dislodgement. We identified five relationships between seedling morphology and accretion and erosion thresholds: (1) tall (viviparous) propagules likely had highest accretion thresholds; (2) small pioneer propagules grew relatively fast to increase accretion thresholds; (3) there was a strong correlation between the erosion threshold and root length; and (4) climax species grew longest roots overall, (5) while pioneer species grew longer roots fast in response to sediment erosion. We identify distinct strategies for successful establishment in sediment dynamics that contribute to understanding mangrove zonation and underpin the importance of restoring diverse forests containing not just robust climax species, but also adaptable pioneers. Furthermore, this study reveals maximum shoot and root length as key determinants for seedling stability across species, providing a simple proxy for modeling establishment events.
Climate warming amplifies the frequency of fish mass mortality events across north temperate lakes
Authors: Tye Simon P. , Siepielski Adam M. , Bray Andrew , Rypel Andrew L. , Phelps Nicholas B. D. , Fey Samuel B.
Published: August 2022

Recent increases of animal mass mortality events have coincided with substantial changes in global climate. Yet, tractable approaches that predict how climate change will accentuate occurrences of these ecological catastrophes remain nascent. We compiled one of the most comprehensive datasets of lentic fish mortality events, thermal tolerances of affected families, and 1.2 million air and water temperature profiles across 8891 north temperate lakes in North America. Temperature extremes within and across lakes were strongly associated with the three most frequent cause types (infectious agents, summerkills, winterkills). Thermal tolerances mediated the lethality of direct thermal stress, but mortalities of warm‐ and cold‐water fishes occurred at similar temperature deviations. Water and air temperature‐based models accurately predicted contemporary summerkills and suggested ~ 6‐ to 34‐fold increases, respectively, in their frequency by 2100. These models forecast and contextualize impending ecosystem changes in an increasingly volatile world.
Stakeholder‐engaged co‐design and implementation of web‐based tools to enhance the dissemination and implementation of AHRQ EPC reports
Authors: Shelton Erica , Mossburg Sarah , Thompson Lee , Savitz Lucy
Published: August 2022

Introduction

A mission‐critical aspect of learning health systems (LHSs) is the provision of evidence‐based practice. One source of such evidence is provided by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) through rigorous systematic reviews, termed evidence reports that synthesize available evidence on nominated topics of interest. However, the AHRQ Evidence‐based Practice Center (EPC) program recognizes that the production of high‐quality evidence reviews does not guarantee or promote their use and usability in practice.

Methods

To make these reports more relevant to LHSs and promote evidence dissemination, AHRQ awarded a contract to the American Institutes for Research (AIR) and its Kaiser Permanente ACTION (KPNW ACTION) partner to design and implement web‐based tools to meet the gap in dissemination and implementation of EPC reports in LHSs. We used a co‐production approach to accomplish this work across three phases of activity: planning, co‐design, and implementation between 2018 and 2021. We describe the methods and results and discuss implications for future efforts.

Results

Web‐based information tools that provide clinically relevant summaries with clear visual representations from the AHRQ EPC systematic evidence reports may be used by LHSs to increase awareness and accessibility of EPC reports, formalize and enhance LHSs' evidence review infrastructure, develop system‐specific protocols and care pathways, improve practice at the point of care, and train and educate.

Conclusions

The co‐design of these tools and facilitated implementation generated an approach to making EPC reports more accessible and allows for more widespread application of systematic review results in supporting evidence‐based practices in LHSs.