bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non‐Contrast‐Enhanced MR Arteriography of Potential Living‐Related Liver Donor: Using Contrast Enhanced CT Arteriography as Standard Reference
Authors: Lin Wei‐Ching , Chen Chun‐Ming , Westphalen Antonio Carlos , Lin Tzu‐Yang , Chang Chia Hao , Chen Li‐Kuang , Lin Chia‐Wei , Yeh Chun‐Chieh , Yu Jiaxin , Jeng Long‐Bin , Chen Jeon‐Hor
Published: December 2022

Background

Contrast‐enhanced computed tomography angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) are the primary modalities to assess donors' vessels before transplant surgery. Radiation and contrast medium are potentially harmful to donors.

Purpose

To compare the image quality and visualization scores of hepatic arteries on CTA and balanced steady‐state free‐precession (bSSFP) non‐contrast‐enhanced MRA (NC‐MRA), and to evaluate if bSSFP NC‐MRA can potentially be a substitute for CTA.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Fifty‐six consecutive potential living‐related liver donors (30.9 ± 8.4 years; 31 men).

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5T; four bSSFP NC‐MRA sequences: respiratory‐triggered (Inhance inflow inversion recovery [IFIR]) and three breath‐hold (BH); and CTA.

Assessment

The artery‐to‐liver contrast (Ca‐l) was quantified. Three radiologists independently assigned visualization scores using a four‐point scale to potential origins, segments, and branches of the hepatic arteries, determined the anatomical variants based on Hiatt's classification, and assessed the image quality of NC‐MRA sequences.

Statistical Tests

Fleiss' kappa to evaluate the readers' agreement. Repeat measured ANOVA or Friedman test to compare Ca‐l of each NC‐MRA. Friedman test to compare overall image quality and visualization scores; post hoc analysis using Wilcoxon signed‐rank test. P‐value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Inhance IFIR Ca‐l was significantly higher than all BH bSSFP Ca‐l (0.56 [0.45–0.64] vs. 0.37 [0.29–0.47] to 0.41 [0.23–0.51]). Overall image quality score of BH bSSFP TI1200 was significantly higher than other NC‐MRA (4 [4–4] vs. 4 [3 to 4–4]). The median visualization scores of almost all arteries on CTA were significantly higher than on NC‐MRA (4 [3 to 4–4] vs. 1 [1–2] to 4 [4–4]). The median visualization scores were all 4 [4–4 ] on Inhance IFIR with >92.3% observed scores ≥3, except the segment 4 branch (3 [1–4], 53.6%). The identification rates of arterial variants were 92.9%–97% on Inhance IFIR.

Data Conclusions

Although CTA is superior to the NC‐MRA, all NC‐MRA depict the donor arterial anatomy well. Inhance IFIR can potentially be an alternative image modality for CTA to evaluate the arterial variants of living donors.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Scale‐separation diagnostics and the Symmetric Bounded Efficiency for the inter‐comparison of precipitation reanalyses
Authors: Casati Barbara , Lussana Cristian , Crespi Alice
Published: December 2022

The ERA5 global reanalysis has been compared against a high‐resolution regional reanalysis (COSMO‐REA6) by means of scale‐separation diagnostics based on 2d Haar discrete wavelet transforms. The presented method builds upon existing methods and enables the assessment of bias, error and skill for individual spatial scales, separately. A new skill score (evaluated against random chance) and the Symmetric Bounded Efficiency are introduced. These are compared to the Nash‐Sutcliffe and the Kling‐Gupta Efficiencies, evaluated on different scales, and the benefits of symmetric statistics are illustrated. As expected, the wavelet statistics show that the coarser resolution ERA5 products underestimate small‐to‐medium scale precipitation compared to COSMO‐REA6. The newly introduced skill score shows that the ERA5 control member (EA‐HRES), despite its higher variability, exhibits better skill in representing small‐to‐medium scales with respect to the smoother ensemble members. The Symmetric Bounded Efficiency is suitable for the inter‐comparison of reanalyses, since it is invariant with respect to the order of comparison.
Sex differences in wrist torque and endurance—Biomechanical factors associated with developing lateral epicondylitis of the humerus
Authors: Ikeda Kazuhiro , Yoshii Yuichi , Kohyama Sho , Ikumi Akira , Ikeda Reimi , Yamazaki Masashi
Published: December 2022

Since eccentric contractions contribute to the development of tendinopathy, sex differences in wrist torque and endurance may be involved in the pathophysiology of lateral epicondylitis and its refractoriness. Therefore, the present study investigated sex differences in wrist torque and endurance. The wrist extension and flexion torques of the 100 wrists of 25 males and 25 females were measured. The following parameters were assessed: muscle strength at the starting‐ and end point for the measurement, Δ muscle strength, that is, the amount of a loss over time, and the muscle endurance ratio, that is, the decrease rate over time. Each parameter in males and females was statistically analyzed. In wrist extension, muscle strength at the starting point was 6.1 Nm for males and 3.3 Nm for females (p < 0.001); Δ Muscle strength was −0.052 Nm/s for males and −0.038 Nm/s for females (p = 0.036); The muscle endurance ratio was 99.1%/s for males and 98.8%/s for females (p = 0.015). In wrist flexion, muscle strength at the starting point and absolute value of Δ muscle strength were significantly larger in males than in females; No significant difference was observed in the muscle endurance ratio in wrist flexion between males and females. These results revealed sex differences in wrist torque and endurance. The muscle endurance ratio of the wrist extensors was lower in females than in males, which suggests that females need to exert more effort to maintain the wrist extension position under resistance. This may predispose the wrist extensor muscles in females to eccentric contractions.
Lack of radiosensitivity predicts poor disease specific survival in myxoid liposarcoma
Authors: Houdek Matthew T. , Mallett Katherine E. , Heidenreich Mark J. , Ahmed Safia K. , Wenger Doris E. , Smith John‐Rudolph H. , Siontis Brittany L. , Robinson Steven I. , Folpe Andrew L. , Petersen Ivy A. , Rose Peter S.
Published: December 2022

Background

Compared to other sarcomas, myxoid liposarcoma (ML) is known to be radiosensitive, with improved oncologic outcomes. Although these tumors “shrink” following radiotherapy, there is a paucity of data examining the degree of radiosensitivity and oncologic outcome. The purpose of the study was to evaluate pre‐ and postradiotherapy tumor volume to determine if size reduction impacts outcome.

Methods

We reviewed 62 patients with ML undergoing surgical resection combined with preoperative radiotherapy, with pre‐ and postradiotherapy MRI. This included 34 (55%) males, with a mean age of 47 ± 14 years. All tumors were deep to the fascia, and 12 (19%) patients had tumors with a >5% round‐cell component.

Results

The mean volume reduction was 54% ± 29%. Compared to patients with >25% volume reduction, patients with reduction ≤25% had worse 10‐year disease specific survival (86% vs. 37%, p < 0.01), in addition to an increased risk of metastatic disease (HR 4.63, p < 0.01) and death due to disease (HR 4.52, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Lack of volume reduction is a risk factor for metastatic disease and subsequent death due to disease in patients with extremity ML treated with combined preoperative radiotherapy and surgery. This data could be used to stratify patients for adjuvant therapies and follow‐up intervals.
Colloidal Quantum Dots: Synthesis, Composition, Structure, and Emerging Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Zhang Jian , Zhang Shaohui , Zhang Yule , Al‐Hartomy Omar A. , Wageh Swelm , Al‐Sehemi Abdullah G. , Hao Yabin , Gao Lingfeng , Wang Hao , Zhang Han
Published: December 2022

In recent decades, quantum dots (QDs) with tunable bandgap, large absorption coefficient, high quantum yield, multiexciton effect, and easy solution processing have unparalleled advantages in photoelectric conversion. Optoelectronic devices based on QDs of different composition have made great progress. However, there is still a lack of reviews on comparing the optoelectronic application level of semiconductor quantum dots (SQDs), perovskite quantum dots (PQDs), and carbon quantum dots (CDs), and also rarely providing a comprehensive summary of photocatalysis. First, this review almost completely summarizes advantages and disadvantages of common synthesis methods for QDs, especially pointing out the importance of optimization strategies for preparing high‐quality QDs such as ligand engineering, ion exchange, and purification separation. Then, compositions of SQD, PQD, CD, and corresponding optoelectronic properties are introduced, respectively. Next, the strengths and weaknesses of the four QDs structures are compared in detail. Finally, the flourishing development in various optoelectronic applications is separately demonstrated, and development degree of SQDs, PQDs, and CDs is compared to discover the most suitable application scenarios for each. On these bases, bottlenecks and opportunities are also put forwarded, hoping to stimulate more breakthroughs in this field.
Corrosion behavior and kinetics model of rare earth low‐alloy steel in a soil simulation solution
Authors: Zhang Jinling , Dong Yuanneng , Ding Cong , Yu Yanchong , Wang Shebin
Published: December 2022

The corrosion behavior of rare earth (RE) low‐alloy steel in soil simulation solution was investigated by immersion test, electrochemical experiment, scanning electron microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction, compared with Q450 weathering steel. The kinetics model of all steels in soil simulation solution was established. The pitting corrosion mechanism of nonmetallic and RE inclusions was discussed. The results revealed that the RE improved the corrosion resistance of low‐alloy steel by modifying inclusions and promoting the formation of a dense protective film. The steel containing 0.0047% RE achieved the best corrosion resistance. The corrosion product layers were mainly composed of γ‐FeOOH, α‐FeOOH, Fe3O4, and Fe(OH)3. The results of the kinetic model showed that the dissolution of the anode was the restricted link of the whole process. The lowest apparent corrosion rate constant k of the sample containing 0.0047% RE was 2.359 × 10−4 μm/h in the soil simulation solution. The kinetic model could serve as a method to predict the service life of steel parts.
Influence of Tacticity on the Structure Formation of Poly(methacrylic acid) in Langmuir/Langmuir–Blodgett and Thin Films
Authors: Hasan Nazmul , Nguyen Thi Minh Hai , Busse Karsten , Kressler Jörg
Published: December 2022

A perfect isotactic poly(methacrylic acid) (it‐PMAA) is synthesized and characterized by NMR spectroscopy. Surface pressure versus mean area per repeat unit (π−A) isotherms are recorded and compared with atactic poly(methacrylic acid) (at‐PMAA). it‐PMAA exhibits a π−A isotherm, indicating the formation of a stable Langmuir film. The isotherm has a characteristic pseudo‐plateau at π of ≈11–14 mN m−1 attributed to the creation of worm‐like entities confirmed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) in Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) films. These structures transform into spherical nanoparticles of ≈40 to 80 nm seen in LB films transferred at the end of the pseudo‐plateau of the isotherm. Grazing incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (GI‐WAXS) shows a broad scattering signal (halo‐like) at a q position of ≈11.12 nm−1, revealing the amorphous nature of the nanoparticles. An ordered morphology, however, is observed in thin films prepared by precipitating it‐PMAA from dimethylformamide (DMF) solution under vigorous stirring and coating them on a solid support. Optical microscopy (OM), AFM, and GI‐WAXS reveal more details about the structure. Finally, various structural modifications of PMAAs are explained based on their tacticity and the subsequent hydrogen bonding effects between the carboxylic acid groups.
Three‐Dimensional Mesh Recovery from Common 2‐Dimensional Pictures for Automated Assessment of Body Posture in Camptocormia
Authors: Wolke Robin , Gavriliuc Olga , Granert Oliver , Deuschl Günther , Margraf Nils G.
Published: December 2022

Background

Three‐dimensional (3D) human body estimation from common photographs is an evolving method in the field of computer vision. It has not yet been evaluated on postural disorders. We generated 3D models from 2‐dimensional pictures of camptocormia patients to measure the bending angle of the trunk according to recommendations in the literature.

Methods

We used the Part Attention Regressor algorithm to generate 3D models from photographs of camptocormia patients' posture and validated the resulting angles against the gold standard. A total of 2 virtual human models with camptocormia were generated to evaluate the performance depending on the camera angle.

Results

The bending angle assessment using the 3D mesh correlated highly with the gold standard (R = 0.97, P < 0.05) and is robust to deviations of the camera angle.

Conclusions

The generation of 3D models offers a new method for assessing postural disorders. It is automated and robust to nonperfect pictures, and the result offers a comprehensive analysis beyond the bending angle.
Using Downgaze Palsy Progression Rate to Model Survival in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy–Richardson Syndrome
Authors: Xie Tao , Wills Anne‐Marie , Liao Chuanhong , Dale Marian L. , Ramsden David B. , Padmanaban Mahesh , Abou Chaar Widad , Pantelyat Alexander , Golbe Lawrence I.
Published: December 2022

Background

Rapid development of downgaze palsy, the most specific symptom of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), has been associated with shorter survival in small studies.

Objective

We hypothesized that the progression rate of downgaze palsy and other disease features could predict survival if assessed soon after the onset of downgaze palsy in a large data set.

Methods

We used a longitudinal database of 414 patients with probable PSP‐Richardson syndrome from 1994 to 2020. The data set comprised demographics and, for each visit, 28 PSP Rating Scale (PSPRS) items and PSP stage scores. We calculated the rate of progression of each PSPRS item as its item score when the downgaze item first reached 1 or more (on a 0–4 scale) divided by disease duration at that point. Multivariate Cox regression was applied to identify variables independently associated with survival. We also explored the progression pattern of total PSPRS and downgaze palsy scores with disease course.

Results

Independently associated with shorter survival were older onset age and faster progression of downgaze palsy, dysphagia for liquids, difficulty in returning to seat, and PSP stage. Patients with survival duration within 1 year of the median survival (6.58 years) showed approximately linear progression of the PSPRS score and downgaze palsy score during years 2 through 6 of the disease course.

Conclusions

Older onset age and faster progression of downgaze palsy and several axial features are associated with shorter survival. The disease typically progresses in approximately linear fashion during years 2 through 6. These results may aid study design and patient counseling. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
A traveling wave with a buffer zone for asymptotic behavior of an asymmetric fixed credit migration model
Authors: Liang Jin , Lin Yang
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we introduce a new traveling wave with a buffer zone, which is approached by an asymmetric credit migration model with fixed migration boundary. The asymptotic behavior of the solution of the model is discussed. By constructing two sets of sub and super solutions sequences, it is proved that the solution of the credit rating migration model approaches the new traveling wave with buffer zone as time goes to infinite in a direction. Additionally, some numerical results are presented.
Optical coherence tomography for dynamic investigation of mammalian reproductive processes
Authors: Umezu Kohei , Larina Irina V.
Published: December 2022

The biological events associated with mammalian reproductive processes are highly dynamic and tightly regulated by molecular, genetic, and biomechanical factors. Implementation of live imaging in reproductive research is vital for the advancement of our understanding of normal reproductive physiology and for improving the management of reproductive disorders. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is emerging as a promising tool for dynamic volumetric imaging of various reproductive processes in mice and other animal models. In this review, we summarize recent studies employing OCT‐based approaches toward the investigation of reproductive processes in both, males and females. We describe how OCT can be applied to study structural features of the male reproductive system and sperm transport through the male reproductive tract. We review OCT applications for in vitro and dynamic in vivo imaging of the female reproductive system, staging and tracking of oocytes and embryos, and investigations of the oocyte/embryo transport through the oviduct. We describe how the functional OCT approach can be applied to the analysis of cilia dynamics within the male and female reproductive systems. We also discuss the areas of research, where OCT could find potential applications to progress our understanding of normal reproductive physiology and reproductive disorders.
A pilot study of MRI radiomics for high‐risk prostate cancer stratification in 1.5 T MR‐guided radiotherapy
Authors: Zhou Yihang , Yuan Jing , Xue Cindy , Poon Darren M. C. , Yang Bin , Yu Siu Ki , Cheung Kin Yin
Published: December 2022

Purpose

To investigate the potential value of MRI radiomics obtained from a 1.5 T MRI‐guided linear accelerator (MR‐LINAC) for D'Amico high‐risk prostate cancer (PC) classification in MR‐guided radiotherapy (MRgRT).

Methods

One hundred seventy‐six consecutive PC patients underwent 1.5 T MRgRT treatment were retrospectively enrolled. Each patient received one or two pretreatment T2‐weighted MRI scans on a 1.5 T MR‐LINAC. The endpoint was to differentiate high‐risk from low/intermediate‐risk PC based on D'Amico criteria using MRI‐radiomics. Totally 1023 features were extracted from clinical target volume (CTV) and planning target volume (PTV). Intraclass correlation coefficient of scan–rescan repeatability, feature correlation, and recursive feature elimination were used for feature dimension reduction. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression was employed for model construction. Receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (AUC) analysis was used for model performance assessment in both training and testing data.

Results

One hundred and eleven patients fulfilled all criteria were finally included: 76 for training and 35 for testing. The constructed MRI‐radiomics models extracted from CTV and PTV achieved the AUC of 0.812 and 0.867 in the training data, without significant difference (P = 0.083). The model performances remained in the testing. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 85.71%, 64.29%, and 77.14% for the PTV‐based model; and 71.43%, 71.43%, and 71.43% for the CTV‐based model. The corresponding AUCs were 0.718 and 0.750 (P = 0.091) for CTV‐ and PTV‐based models.

Conclusion

MRI‐radiomics obtained from a 1.5 T MR‐LINAC showed promising results in D'Amico high‐risk PC stratification, potentially helpful for the future PC MRgRT. Prospective studies with larger sample sizes and external validation are warranted for further verification.
The osteoarthritis knowledge scale
Authors: Darlow Ben , Krägeloh Chris , Abbott J. Haxby , Bennell Kim , Briggs Andrew M. , Brown Melanie , Clark Jane , Dean Sarah , French Simon , Hinman Rana S. , Lawford Belinda J. , O’Brien Daniel , Whittaker Jackie L. , Stanley James
Published: December 2022

Objective

Accurate knowledge is central to effective self‐care of osteoarthritis (OA). This study aimed to assess the measurement properties of the Osteoarthritis Knowledge Scale (OAKS) with versions for the hip and knee.

Methods

Participants with hip OA (n = 144), knee OA (n = 327), and no OA (n = 735) were recruited. Rasch analysis was conducted to assess psychometric properties using data from all participants with hip OA and 144 randomly selected participants with either knee OA or no OA. Test‐retest reliability and measurement error were estimated among those with hip (n = 51) and knee (n = 142) OA.

Results

Four items from the draft scales were deleted following Rasch analysis. The final 11‐item OAKS was unidimensional. Item functioning was not affected by gender, age, educational level, or scale version (hip or knee). Person separation index was 0.75. Test‐retest intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.81 (95% CI 0.74, 0.86; hip version 0.66 [0.47, 0.79]; knee version 0.85 (0.79, 0.90)). Smallest detectable change was 9 points (scale range 11–55; hip OA version 11 points; knee OA version 8 points).

Conclusion

The OAKS is a psychometrically adequate, unidimensional measure of important OA knowledge that can be used in populations with and without hip and knee OA. Caution is needed when using with populations with only hip OA as test‐retest reliability of the hip version did not surpass the acceptable range.
The RISE FOR HEALTH study: Methods for in‐person assessment and biospecimen collection
Authors: Brubaker Linda , Barthold Julia , Fitzgerald Colleen M. , Kenton Kimberly , Lewis Cora E. , Lowder Jerry , Lukacz Emily S. , Markland Alayne , Meister Melanie , Miller Janis , Mueller Elizabeth R. , Rudser Kyle , Smith Ariana L. , Newman Diane K. ,   The Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (PLUS) Research Consortium
Published: December 2022

Objectives

To describe the methods for the in‐person assessment of the RISE FOR HEALTH (RISE) study, a population‐based multicenter prospective cohort study designed to identify factors that promote bladder health and/or prevent lower urinary tract symptoms in adult women, conducted by the Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Research Consortium (PLUS).

Methods and results

A subset of RISE participants who express interest in the in‐person assessment will be screened to ensure eligibility (planned n = 525). Eligible consenting participants are asked to complete 15 physical assessments in addition to height and weight, to assess pelvic floor muscle function, musculoskeletal (MSK) status, and pain, and to provide urogenital microbiome samples. Pelvic floor muscle assessments include presence of prolapse, strength, levator attachment integrity (tear) and myofascial pain. MSK tests evaluate core stability, lumbar spine, pelvic girdle and hip pain and function. Participants are asked to complete the Short Physical Performance Battery to measure balance, lower extremity strength, and functional capacity. All participants are asked to provide a voided urine sample and a vaginal swab for microbiome analyses; a subset of 100 are asked to contribute additional samples for feasibility and validation of a home collection of urinary, vaginal, and fecal biospecimens.

Results

Online and in‐person training sessions were used to certify research staff at each clinical center before the start of RISE in‐person assessments. Standardized protocols and data collection methods are employed uniformly across sites.

Conclusions

The RISE in‐person assessment is an integral portion of the overall population‐based RISE study and represents an innovative approach to assessing factors hypothesized to promote bladder health and/or prevent lower urinary tract symptoms. Data collected from this assessment will be used to prioritize future research questions and prevention strategies and interventions. This description of the assessment methods is intended to provide methodologic transparency and inform other researchers who join efforts to understand and improve bladder health.
Exploring the relationship between lateral violence and nursing professionalism through the mediating effect of professional identity: A cross‐sectional questionnaire study
Authors: Xu Huiwen , Xue Mengxin , Takashi En , Kitayama Akio , Zhu Pingting , Liu Yongbing
Published: December 2022

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of lateral violence (LV) experienced by nursing students during their internship, explore the difference between professional identity and professionalism among nursing students who had or had not experienced LV and analyse the mediating effect of professional identity on the relationship between LV and professionalism.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey was used.

Methods

An online anonymous survey was distributed to nursing students (N = 298) in Jiangsu province, China from June to July 2021. The questionnaire consisted of sections on lateral violence, professional identity and nursing professionalism.

Results

Approximately 49.7% of the nursing students experienced LV behaviour during the internship period. Students who experienced LV had lower professional identity and professionalism than those who did not. Among the students, LV was negatively correlated with professional identity (r = −0.333, p < 0.001) and professionalism (r = −0.418, p < 0.001). The relationship effect of LV on nursing professionalism was partly mediated by professional identity.

Conclusion

Nearly half of the nursing students suffered from LV in the workplace, and this condition remarkably influenced nursing professionalism through professional identity. Both quantitative and qualitative studies are needed to investigate the factors that influence LV development in detail.
Attention‐deficit hyperactivity symptoms and risk of alcohol use relapse
Authors: Kawata Takahiro , Sugihara Genichi , Kakibuchi Yoichi , Tomitaka Midori , Miyajima Miho , Matsushima Eisuke , Takeuchi Takashi , Takahashi Hidehiko
Published: December 2022

Aim

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is frequently accompanied by comorbid attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Comorbid ADHD has been reported to increase the severity of AUD. We investigated whether ADHD severity also influences AUD relapse risk at baseline and after inpatient treatment.

Methods

In this study, 187 AUD patients admitted to Narimasu Kosei Hospital from October 2019 to March 2021 were included in the analysis. According to the Adult ADHD Self‐Report Scale (ASRS), participants were divided into two groups: ASRS+ with ADHD characteristics (n = 43) and ASRS− with low/no ADHD characteristics (n = 144). Groups were compared for AUD relapse risk at the start of treatment (baseline) and before hospital discharge using the multidimensional Alcohol Relapse Risk Scale (ARRS). The change in relapse risk during hospitalization was also compared by assessment of the interaction between groups (ASRS+ vs. ASRS−) and time (at discharge vs. baseline).

Results

The total ARRS score and dimension subscores for stimulus‐induced vulnerability and emotionality problems were significantly higher in the ASRS+ group at baseline and before discharge compared to the ASRS− group. There was a significant group × time interaction indicating less improvement of stimulus‐induced vulnerability during inpatient treatment among the ASRS+ group compared to the ASRS− group.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that AUD patients with ADHD characteristics have a higher risk of relapse both at baseline and after inpatient treatment. Stimulus‐induced vulnerability to relapse is less likely to improve with treatment in patients with ADHD characteristics.
Histone variant H3.3 promotes metastasis in alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Karthik Nandini , Lee Jane Jia Hui , Soon Joshua Ling Jun , Chiu Hsin Yao , Loh Amos Hong Pheng , Ong Derrick Sek Tong , Tam Wai Leong , Taneja Reshma
Published: December 2022

The relatively quiet mutational landscape of rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) suggests that epigenetic deregulation could be central to oncogenesis and tumour aggressiveness. Histone variants have long been recognised as important epigenetic regulators of gene expression. However, the role of histone variants in RMS has not been studied hitherto. In this study, we show that histone variant H3.3 is overexpressed in alveolar RMS (ARMS), an aggressive subtype of RMS. Functionally, knockdown of H3F3A, which encodes for H3.3, significantly impairs the ability of ARMS cells to undertake migration and invasion and reduces Rho activation. In addition, a striking reduction in metastatic tumour burden and improved survival is apparent in vivo. Using RNA‐sequencing and ChIP‐sequencing analyses, we identified melanoma cell adhesion molecule (MCAM/CD146) as a direct downstream target of H3.3. Loss of H3.3 resulted in a reduction in the presence of active marks and an increase in the occupancy of H1 at the MCAM promoter. Cell migration and invasion were rescued in H3F3A‐depleted cells through MCAM overexpression. Moreover, we identified G9a, a lysine methyltransferase encoded by EHMT2, as an upstream regulator of H3F3A. Therefore, this study identifies a novel H3.3 dependent axis involved in ARMS metastasis. These findings establish the potential of MCAM as a therapeutic target for high‐risk ARMS patients. © 2022 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Imbuing carbon fibers with electrochemical storage properties without compromising fiber‐to‐matrix adhesion
Authors: Stanfield Melissa K. , Dharamasiri Bhagya , Randall James D. , Stojcevski Filip , Qin Si (Alex) , Razal Joselito M. , Eyckens Daniel J. , Henderson Luke C.
Published: December 2022

The application of carbon fiber in structural batteries and capacitors may be advanced by increasing the surface functionality of these materials. Herein, we describe the electrochemical surface modification to attach ferrocene containing polymers to the carbon fiber surface. This was carried out using a ferrocene monomer in isolation, and as part of a blend in acrylamide. The ferrocene‐containing polymers significantly improve the interfacial shear strength (+180%) in an epoxy resin and improves the tensile strength of the fiber by more than 10%, compared to a control sample (modified fiber 3.81 ± 0.08 GPa; pristine fiber 3.56 ± 0.09 GPa, respectively). These polymers also improve the specific capacitance of the fiber (1250 mF g−1) compared to pristine (113 mF g−1). An excellent retention of capacitance (80%) was also found for these modified materials via galvanostatic charge–discharge stability tests after 1000 charge–discharge cycles.
In vivo localization of iron starvation induced proteins under variable iron supplementation regimes in Phaeodactylum tricornutum
Authors: Kazamia Elena , Mach Jan , McQuaid Jeffrey B. , Gao Xia , Coale Tyler H. , Malych Ronald , Camadro Jean‐Michel , Lesuisse Emmanuel , Allen Andrew E. , Bowler Chris , Sutak Robert
Published: December 2022

The model pennate diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum is able to assimilate a range of iron sources. It therefore provides a platform to study different mechanisms of iron processing concomitantly in the same cell. In this study, we follow the localization of three iron starvation induced proteins (ISIPs) in vivo, driven by their native promoters and tagged by fluorophores in an engineered line of P. tricornutum. We find that the localization patterns of ISIPs are dynamic and variable depending on the overall iron status of the cell and the source of iron it is exposed to. Notwithstanding, a shared destination of the three ISIPs both under ferric iron and siderophore‐bound iron supplementation is a globular compartment in the vicinity of the chloroplast. In a proteomic analysis, we identify that the cell engages endocytosis machinery involved in the vesicular trafficking as a response to siderophore molecules, even when these are not bound to iron. Our results suggest that there may be a direct vesicle traffic connection between the diatom cell membrane and the periplastidial compartment (PPC) that co‐opts clathrin‐mediated endocytosis and the “cytoplasm to vacuole” (Cvt) pathway, for proteins involved in iron assimilation.

Proteomics data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD021172.

Highlight

The marine diatom P. tricornutum engages a vesicular network to traffic siderophores and phytotransferrin from the cell membrane directly to a putative iron processing site in the vicinity of the chloroplast.
Proteomic and phosphoproteomic landscape of salivary extracellular vesicles to assess OSCC therapeutical outcomes
Authors: Sun Jie , Wang Xiaole , Ding Yajie , Xiao Bolin , Wang Xinxin , Ali Muhammad Mujahid , Ma Leyao , Xie Zhuoying , Gu Zhongze , Chen Gang , Tao W. Andy
Published: December 2022

Circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as an appealing source for surrogates to evaluate the disease status. Herein, we present a novel proteomic strategy to identify proteins and phosphoproteins from salivary EVs to distinguish oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients from healthy individuals and explore the feasibility to evaluate therapeutical outcomes. Bi‐functionalized magnetic beads (BiMBs) with Ti (IV) ions and a lipid analog, 1,2‐Distearoyl‐3‐sn‐glycerophosphoethanolamine (DSPE) are developed to efficiently isolate EVs from small volume of saliva. In the discovery stage, label‐free proteomics and phosphoproteomics quantification showed 315 upregulated proteins and 132 upregulated phosphoproteins in OSCC patients among more than 2500 EV proteins and 1000 EV phosphoproteins, respectively. We further applied targeted proteomics by coupling parallel reaction monitoring with parallel accumulation‐serial fragmentation (prm‐PASEF) to measure panels of proteins and phosphoproteins from salivary EVs collected before and after surgical resection. A panel of three total proteins and three phosphoproteins, most of which have previously been associated with OSCC and other cancer types, show sensitive response to the therapy in individual patients. Our study presents a novel strategy to the discovery of effective biomarkers for non‐invasive assessment of OSCC surgical outcomes with small amount of saliva.
Molecular dynamics simulations of reactive neutral chemistry in an argon‐methane plasma
Authors: Kandjani Glenn O. , Brault Pascal , Mikikian Maxime , Tetard Gautier , Michau Armelle , Hassouni Khaled
Published: December 2022

Molecular dynamics simulations are performed to study the reactions in the volume of a low‐pressure methane plasma diluted in argon. In the first step, a 1D fluid model is used to determine the initial molar fractions of initial species. The obtained composition thus becomes the input for the reactive molecular dynamics simulations. The study is carried out at 300, 400, 500, and 1000 K. Increasing the temperature increases the range of different molecules formed. The time evolution of C2H and CH3 and the different reaction pathways leading to larger molecules show that C2H is the main precursor and CH3 is the main intermediate precursor for the formation of large molecules.
Pediatric pulmonology 2021 year in review: Asthma
Authors: Stephenson Nicole , Loughlin Ceila E.
Published: December 2022

Asthma is the most common chronic disease in children, affecting an estimated 6.1 million children in the United States. SARS‐CoV2 had a significant impact on asthma exacerbations and healthcare utilization of patients with asthma in 2021. Additionally, studies in 2021 influenced the field of asthma with improvements in diagnostic testing and monitoring, treatment of severe exacerbations, social determinants of health, and evaluation of medical costs. This article is part of our 2021 “Year in Review” series, in which we summarize publications in major pulmonary topics, in the context of selected literature from other journals relevant to our discipline.
Xanthatin suppresses proliferation and tumorigenicity of glioma cells through autophagy inhibition via activation of the PI3K‐Akt–mTOR pathway
Authors: Chen Huaqing , Zhu Tong , Huang Xiaojie , Xu Wenshuang , Di Zemin , Ma Yuyang , Xue Min , Bi Sixing , Shen Yujun , Yu Yongqiang , Shen Yuxian , Feng Lijie
Published: December 2022

Glioma is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor in adults with high morbidity and mortality. Rapid proliferation and diffuse migration are the main obstacles to successful glioma treatment. Xanthatin, a sesquiterpene lactone purified from Xanthium strumarium L., possesses a significant antitumor role in several malignant tumors. In this study, we report that xanthatin suppressed glioma cells proliferation and induced apoptosis in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner, and was accompanied by autophagy inhibition displaying a significantly reduced LC3 punctate fluorescence and LC3II/I ratio, decreased level of Beclin 1, while increased accumulation of p62. Notably, treating glioma cells with xanthatin resulted in obvious activation of the PI3K‐Akt–mTOR signaling pathway, as indicated by increased mTOR and Akt phosphorylation, decreased ULK1 phosphorylation, which is important in modulating autophagy. Furthermore, xanthatin‐mediated pro‐apoptosis in glioma cells was significantly reversed by autophagy inducers (rapamycin or Torin1), or PI3K‐mTOR inhibitor NVP‐BEZ235. Taken together, these findings indicate that anti‐proliferation and pro‐apoptosis effects of xanthatin in glioma are most likely by inhibiting autophagy via activation of PI3K‐Akt–mTOR pathway, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy against glioma.
Multiscale Multimodal Investigation of the Intratissural Biodistribution of Iron Nanotherapeutics with Single Cell Resolution Reveals Co‐Localization with Endogenous Iron in Splenic Macrophages
Authors: Balfourier Alice , Tsolaki Elena , Heeb Laura , Starsich Fabian H. L. , Klose Daniel , Boss Andreas , Gupta Anurag , Gogos Alexander , Herrmann Inge K.
Published: December 2022

Imaging of iron‐based nanoparticles (NPs) remains challenging because of the presence of endogenous iron in tissues that is difficult to distinguish from exogenous iron originating from the NPs. Here, an analytical cascade for characterizing the biodistribution of biomedically relevant iron‐based NPs from the organ scale to the cellular and subcellular scales is introduced. The biodistribution on an organ level is assessed by elemental analysis and quantification of magnetic iron by electron paramagnetic resonance, which allowed differentiation of exogenous and endogenous iron. Complementary to these bulk analysis techniques, correlative whole‐slide optical and electron microscopy provided spatially resolved insight into the biodistribution of endo‐ and exogenous iron accumulation in macrophages, with single‐cell and single‐particle resolution, revealing coaccumulation of iron NPs with endogenous iron in splenic macrophages. Subsequent transmission electron microscopy revealed two types of morphologically distinct iron‐containing structures (exogenous nanoparticles and endogenous ferritin) within membrane‐bound vesicles in the cytoplasm, hinting at an attempt of splenic macrophages to extract and recycle iron from exogenous nanoparticles. Overall, this strategy enables the distinction of endo‐ and exogenous iron across scales (from cm to nm, based on the analysis of thousands of cells) and illustrates distribution on organ, cell, and organelle levels.
In Vivo Surface‐Enhanced Transmission Raman Spectroscopy under Maximum Permissible Exposure: Toward Photosafe Detection of Deep‐Seated Tumors
Authors: Zhang Yumin , Chen Ruoyu , Liu Fugang , Miao Peng , Lin Li , Ye Jian
Published: December 2022

The detection of deep‐seated lesions is of great significance for biomedical applications. However, due to the strong photon absorption and scattering of biological tissues, it is challenging to realize in vivo deep optical detections, particularly for those using the safe laser irradiance below clinical maximum permissible exposure (MPE). In this work, the combination of ultra‐bright surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanotags and transmission Raman spectroscopy (TRS) is reported to achieve the non‐invasive and photosafe detection of “phantom” lesions deeply hidden in biological tissues, under the guidance of theoretical calculations showing the importance of SERS nanotags’ brightness and the expansion of laser beam size. Using a home‐built TRS system with a laser power density of 0.264 W cm−2 (below the MPE criteria), we successfully demonstrated the detection of SERS nanotags through up to 14‐cm‐thick ex vivo porcine tissues, as well as in vivo imaging of “phantom” lesions labeled by SERS nanotags in a 1.5‐cm‐thick unshaved mouse under MPE. This work highlights the potential of transmission Raman‐guided identification and non‐invasive imaging toward clinically photosafe cancer diagnoses.
Effects of technological change and automation on industry structure and (wage-)inequality: insights from a dynamic task-based model
Authors: Dawid Herbert , Neugart Michael
Published: December 2022

The advent of artificial intelligence is changing the task allocation of workers and machines in firms’ production processes with potentially wide ranging effects on workers and firms. We develop an agent-based simulation framework to investigate the consequences of different types of automation for industry output, the wage distribution, the labor share, and industry dynamics. It is shown how the competitiveness of markets, in particular barriers to entry, changes the effects that automation has on various outcome variables, and to which extent heterogeneous workers with distinct general skill endowments and heterogeneous firms featuring distinct wage offer rules affect the channels via which automation changes market outcomes.
Assessment of perfusion deficit with early phases of [18F]PI-2620 tau-PET versus [18F]flutemetamol-amyloid-PET recordings
Authors: Völter Friederike , Beyer Leonie , Eckenweber Florian , Scheifele Maximilian , Bui Ngoc , Patt Marianne , Barthel Henryk , Katzdobler Sabrina , Palleis Carla , Franzmeier Nicolai , Levin Johannes , Perneczky Robert , Rauchmann Boris-Stephan , Sabri Osama , Hong Jimin , Cumming Paul , Rominger Axel , Shi Kuangyu , Bartenstein Peter , Brendel Matthias
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Characteristic features of amyloid-PET (A), tau-PET (T), and FDG-PET (N) can serve for the A/T/N classification of neurodegenerative diseases. Recent studies showed that the early, perfusion-weighted phases of amyloid- or tau-PET recordings serve to detect cerebrometabolic deficits equally to FDG-PET, therefore providing a surrogate of neuronal injury. As such, two channels of diagnostic information can be obtained in the setting of a single PET scan. However, there has hitherto been no comparison of early-phase amyloid- and tau-PET as surrogates for deficits in perfusion/metabolism. Therefore, we undertook to compare [18F]flutemetamol-amyloid-PET and [18F]PI-2620 tau-PET as “one-stop shop” dual purpose tracers for the detection of neurodegenerative disease.

Methods

We obtained early-phase PET recordings with [18F]PI-2620 (0.5–2.5 min p.i.) and [18F]flutemetamol (0–10 min p.i.) in 64 patients with suspected neurodegenerative disease. We contrasted global mean normalized images (SUVr) in the patients with a normal cohort of 15 volunteers without evidence of increased pathology to β-amyloid- and tau-PET examinations. Regional group differences of tracer uptake (z-scores) of 246 Brainnetome volumes of interest were calculated for both tracers, and the correlations of the z-scores were evaluated using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Lobar compartments, regions with significant neuronal injury (z-scores <  − 3), and patients with different neurodegenerative disease entities (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease or 4R-tauopathies) served for subgroup analysis. Additionally, we used partial regression to correlate regional perfusion alterations with clinical scores in cognition tests.

Results

The z-scores of perfusion-weighted images of both tracers showed high correlations across the brain, especially in the frontal and parietal lobes, which were the brain regions with pronounced perfusion deficit in the patient group (R = 0.83 ± 0.08; range, 0.61–0.95). Z-scores of individual patients correlated well by region (R = 0.57 ± 0.15; range, 0.16–0.90), notably when significant perfusion deficits were present (R = 0.66 ± 0.15; range, 0.28–0.90).

Conclusion

The early perfusion phases of [18F]PI-2620 tau- and [18F]flutemetamol-amyloid-PET are roughly equivalent indices of perfusion defect indicative of regional and lobar neuronal injury in patients with various neurodegenerative diseases. As such, either tracer may serve for two diagnostic channels by assessment of amyloid/tau status and neuronal activity.
A Homogenized Bending Theory for Prestrained Plates
Authors: Böhnlein Klaus , Neukamm Stefan , Padilla-Garza David , Sander Oliver
Published: December 2022

The presence of prestrain can have a tremendous effect on the mechanical behavior of slender structures. Prestrained elastic plates show spontaneous bending in equilibrium—a property that makes such objects relevant for the fabrication of active and functional materials. In this paper we study microheterogeneous, prestrained plates that feature non-flat equilibrium shapes. Our goal is to understand the relation between the properties of the prestrained microstructure and the global shape of the plate in mechanical equilibrium. To this end, we consider a three-dimensional, nonlinear elasticity model that describes a periodic material that occupies a domain with small thickness. We consider a spatially periodic prestrain described in the form of a multiplicative decomposition of the deformation gradient. By simultaneous homogenization and dimension reduction, we rigorously derive an effective plate model as a$$\Gamma $$Γ-limit for vanishing thickness and period. That limit has the form of a nonlinear bending energy with an emergent spontaneous curvature term. The homogenized properties of the bending model (bending stiffness and spontaneous curvature) are characterized by corrector problems. For a model composite—a prestrained laminate composed of isotropic materials—we investigate the dependence of the homogenized properties on the parameters of the model composite. Secondly, we investigate the relation between the parameters of the model composite and the set of shapes with minimal bending energy. Our study reveals a rather complex dependence of these shapes on the composite parameters. For instance, the curvature and principal directions of these shapes depend on the parameters in a nonlinear and discontinuous way; for certain parameter regions we observe uniqueness and non-uniqueness of the shapes. We also observe size effects: The geometries of the shapes depend on the aspect ratio between the plate thickness and the composite period. As a second application of our theory, we study a problem of shape programming: We prove that any target shape (parametrized by a bending deformation) can be obtained (up to a small tolerance) as an energy minimizer of a composite plate, which is simple in the sense that the plate consists of only finitely many grains that are filled with a parametrized composite with a single degree of freedom.
Reconstruction of a Coloring from its Homogeneous Sets
Authors: Piña C. , Uzcátegui C.
Published: December 2022

We study the following reconstruction problem for colorings. Given a countable set X (finite or infinite), a coloring on X is a function $$\varphi : [X]^{2}\rightarrow \{0,1\}$$

φ
:

[
X
]

2

→

{
0
,
1
}

, where $$[X]^{2}$$

[
X
]

2

is the collection of all 2-elements subsets of X. A set $$H\subseteq X$$

H
⊆
X

is homogeneous for $$\varphi$$
φ
when $$\varphi$$
φ
is constant on $$[H]^2$$

[
H
]

2

. Let $${{\,\textrm{hom}\,}}(\varphi )$$

hom

(
φ
)

be the collection of all homogeneous sets for $$\varphi$$
φ
. The coloring $$1-\varphi$$

1
-
φ

is called the complement of $$\varphi$$
φ
. We say that $$\varphi$$
φ
is reconstructible up to complementation from its homogeneous sets, if for any coloring $$\psi$$
ψ
on X such that $${{\,\textrm{hom}\,}}(\varphi )={{\,\textrm{hom}\,}}(\psi )$$

hom

(
φ
)
=

hom

(
ψ
)

we have that either $$\psi =\varphi$$

ψ
=
φ

or $$\psi =1-\varphi$$

ψ
=
1
-
φ

. We present several conditions for reconstructibility and non reconstructibility. For X an infinite countable set, we show that there is a Borel way to recovering a coloring from its homogeneous sets.