bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thia‐ and Seleno‐Michael Reactions for the Synthesis of Carbonic Anhydrases Inhibitors
Authors: Angeli Andrea , Occhini Alessio , Renzi Gioele , Capperucci Antonella , Ferraroni Marta , Tanini Damiano , Supuran Claudiu T.
Published: June 2024

Novel chalcogen‐containing amides and esters bearing the benzenesulfonamide moiety have been synthesised upon nucleophilic conjugate addition of thiols and selenols to suitable electron‐deficient alkenes. The activity of the synthesised compounds as Carbonic Anhydrases inhibitors has been investigated in vitro and the inhibition mechanism has been elucidated by X‐rays studies.
The IMS Library: from IN‐Stock to Virtual
Authors: Djikic‐Stojsic Teodora , Bret Guillaume , Blond Gaëlle , Girard Nicolas , Le Guen Clothilde , Marsol Claire , Schmitt Martine , Schneider Séverine , Bihel Frederic , Bonnet Dominique , Gulea Mihaela , Kellenberger Esther
Published: June 2024

A chemical library is a key element in the early stages of pharmaceutical research. Its design encompasses various factors, such as diversity, size, ease of synthesis, aimed at increasing the likelihood of success in drug discovery. This article explores the collaborative efforts of computational and synthetic chemists in tailoring chemical libraries for cost‐effective and resource‐efficient use, particularly in the context of academic research projects. It proposes chemoinformatics methodologies that address two pivotal questions: first, crafting a diverse panel of under 1000 compounds from an existing pool through synthetic efforts, leveraging the expertise of organic chemists; and second, expanding pharmacophoric diversity within this panel by creating a highly accessible virtual chemical library. Chemoinformatics tools were developed to analyse initial panel of about 10,000 compounds into two tailored libraries: eIMS and vIMS. The eIMS Library comprises 578 diverse in‐stock compounds ready for screening. Its virtual counterpart, vIMS, features novel compounds guided by chemists, ensuring synthetic accessibility. vIMS offers a broader array of binding motifs and improved drug‐like characteristics achieved through the addition of diverse functional groups to eIMS scaffolds followed by filtering of reactive or unusual structures. The uniqueness of vIMS is emphasized through a comparison with commercial suppliers′ virtual chemical space.
Resilience and distress among adolescents and young adults receiving hematopoietic cell transplantation: The Promoting Resilience in Stress Management randomized trial
Authors: Rosenberg Abby R. , Taylor Mallory R. , Fladeboe Kaitlyn M. , Zhou Chuan , Levine Deena R. , Johnston Emily E. , Freyer David R. , Comiskey Liam , Junkins Courtney C. , Bradford Miranda , Odom J. Nicholas , Baker K. Scott , Yi‐Frazier Joyce P.
Published: June 2024

Background

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) receiving hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) are at high risk of poor psychosocial health. This study aimed to determine whether the Promoting Resilience in Stress Management (PRISM) intervention mitigated these risks during the first 6 months posttransplant.

Methods

This multisite, parallel, randomized trial was conducted from April 2019 to March 2023. Eligible AYAs were aged 12–24 years, English speaking, and within 1 month of HCT for cancer or cancer predisposition syndrome. They were assigned 1:1 to PRISM (a brief, skills‐based intervention targeting “resilience resources” [stress management, goal setting, cognitive reframing, and meaning making]) or usual care (UC). Outcomes included total symptoms of depression and anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; primary outcome), hope (Snyder Hope Scale), resilience (10‐item Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale), and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL; Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Cancer Module). Analyses leveraged multivariable linear regressions; exploratory analyses assessed the influence of baseline depression or anxiety.

Results

Of 94 enrolled and randomized AYAs, the mean age was 16.7 years (SD, 4.2); 43 (46%) were female, 56 (60%) were non‐Hispanic White, 22 (23%) were Hispanic, and nine (10%) were Black. Most (77%) had leukemia. Of n = 50 randomized to PRISM and n = 44 to UC, 37 (74%) and 33 (73%) completed all study procedures, respectively. In intention‐to‐treat analyses, PRISM did not affect 6‐month depression and anxiety (β = −1.1; 95% CI, −3.7 to 1.5), hope (β = 0.83; 95% CI, −3.3 to 4.9), resilience (β = −0.01; 95% CI, −3.0 to 3.0), or HRQOL (β = 1.5; 95% CI, −4.7 to 7.9). Among AYAs with preexisting anxiety or depression, PRISM recipients reported greater 6‐month improvements in hope (score change, +3.71; SD, 6.9) versus UC recipients (score change, −2.76; SD, 6.5) (p = .04).

Conclusions

Resilience coaching did not influence outcomes in this sample. Exploratory findings suggest it may be more effective when directed toward those with concurrent distress.
Convergent encryption enabled secure data deduplication algorithm for cloud environment
Authors: Ahmad Shahnawaz , Arif Mohd. , Ahmad Javed , Nazim Mohd. , Mehfuz Shabana
Published: June 2024

The exponential growth of data poses a critical challenge for cloud storage systems. Redundant data consumes valuable storage space and increases infrastructure costs. Data deduplication, a technique for eliminating duplicate data copies, offers a promising solution. However, existing deduplication techniques often compromise data security, especially when dealing with encrypted data. This paper proposes a novel approach that merges convergent encryption (CE) with data deduplication. CE leverages user data itself to generate unique encryption keys, enabling secure deduplication on encrypted data. We analyze existing literature on secure data deduplication and categorize various techniques using UML activity diagrams. We then present our proposed CE‐based deduplication system, outlining its functionalities through UML diagrams. This research contributes to the field of secure data storage by proposing a novel and secure deduplication approach. By demonstrating its efficiency and security benefits, this work paves the way for more efficient and secure cloud storage solutions. Finally, we demonstrate the system's effectiveness through a comparative analysis, highlighting its potential to significantly improve storage efficiency while maintaining data security.
Organic Ferroelastic with Dual‐Channel Manipulation Obtained by H/F Substitution
Authors: Xu Yu‐Qiu , Lan Jin‐Fei , Mao Wei‐Xin , Zhou Long‐Xing , Deng Xin , Chen Xiao‐Gang , Zhang Han‐Yue
Published: June 2024

Ferroelastic materials with high phase transition temperature have broad application prospects in information conversion and storage, shape memory, energy conversion, hyperelasticity, etc. However, most of the current reports focus on inorganic ferroelastic materials. Inorganic ferroelastic materials have the disadvantages of high energy consumption and harmful metals, which limit their application in practical work. In contrast, organic ferroelastic materials have the advantages of structural adjustability, environmental protection, easy processing, low cost, mechanical flexibility, and so on, which have great development potential in new ferroelastic materials. Here, we have successfully designed and synthesized a pair of homochiral enantiomers [(R/S)‐4‐fluorobenzoic acid‐2‐amino‐2‐phenylethanol] (R‐ and S‐F) using the chemical design strategy of H/F substitution. Compared with the non‐F substitution [(R/S)‐benzoic acid‐2‐amino‐2‐phenylethanol] (R‐ and S‐H), they undergo 2F1‐type ferroelastic phase transitions at 370 K. Notably, the ferroelastic domains of R/S‐F can be controlled through two physical channels that are temperature and stress, showing great potential in dual‐channel switches.
Updated techniques and evidence for endoscopic ultrasound‐guided tissue acquisition from solid pancreatic lesions
Authors: Itonaga Masahiro , Ashida Reiko , Kitano Masayuki
Published: June 2024

Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided tissue acquisition (EUS‐TA), including fine‐needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) and fine‐needle biopsy (EUS‐FNB), has revolutionized specimen collection from intra‐abdominal organs, especially the pancreas. Advances in personalized medicine and more precise treatment have increased demands to collect specimens with higher cell counts, while preserving tissue structure, leading to the development of EUS‐FNB needles. EUS‐FNB has generally replaced EUS‐FNA as the procedure of choice for EUS‐TA of pancreatic cancer. Various techniques have been tested for their ability to enhance the diagnostic performance of EUS‐TA, including multiple methods of sampling at the time of puncture, on‐site specimen evaluation, and specimen processing. In addition, advances in next‐generation sequencing have made comprehensive genomic profiling of EUS‐TA samples feasible in routine clinical practice. The present review describes updates in EUS‐TA sampling techniques of pancreatic lesions, as well as methods for their evaluation.
Emerging Rare Earth Element Separation Technologies
Authors: Pramanik Subhamay , Kaur Sandeep , Popovs Ilja , Ivanov Alexander S. , Jansone‐Popova Santa
Published: June 2024

Rare earth elements are essential for numerous clean energy applications, yet their mining, separation, and processing pose significant environmental challenges. Traditional separation processes often result in ecological damage, highlighting the critical need for innovative techniques that reduce environmental impacts. This article reviews recent advancements in rare earth separation technologies, with a particular focus on the role of neutral organic compounds. It explores how these compounds change selectivity across the rare earth series, offering promising strategies for designing more effective rare earth element separation systems. Furthermore, the article points out research areas requiring additional investigation to improve the sustainability of these critical processes.
Controlled Reactivity of Viologens in Alkaline Solutions Via Cucurbit[7]uril Complexation
Authors: Bossavit Axel , Monnier Valérie , Siri Didier , Canard Gabriel , Gigmes Didier , Bardelang David , Kermagoret Anthony
Published: June 2024

A series of N‐alkyl‐ and N‐aryl‐viologens has been studied in alkaline solutions. In this work, we evaluated the deuteration rate of the viologens in D2O solutions of pH values ranging from 7.3 to 12.7. Kinetic experiments and computational calculations showed the high reactivity of H−C(2) bonds toward deprotonation of N‐aryl‐pyridinium moieties compared to N‐alkyl‐pyridinium moieties, even in hybrid N‐aryl/N‐alkyl dissymmetric viologens. However this high H−C(2) reactivity in liquid phase contrasted with the proton fragmentation mechanism observed in the gas phase by mass spectrometry. The H/D exchange rate of viologens in very strong alkaline conditions could be significantly reduced using cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) as supramolecular protecting group. Ultimately, CB[7] inclusion led to a selective protection of H−C(2) group of N‐aryl‐pyridinium of dissymmetric viologens, and induced a supramolecular regioselective deuteration.
Effect of Juniperus communis extract on probiotic properties of Bacillus safensis isolated from camel milk in the region of El Oued (Algeria)
Authors: Layadi Ikram , Laiche Ammar Touhami , Tlili Mohammed Laid , Messaoudi Mohammed , Ghemam Amara Djilani , Mezghani‐Khemakhem Maha , Naccache Chahnez , Sawicka Barbara , Atanassova Maria , Zahnit Wafa , Ahmad Sheikh F.
Published: June 2024

The current study focuses on the effect of Juniperus communis extract on the probiotic properties of lactic acid bacteria isolated from camel milk in the region of El Oued (Algeria). Chromatographic analysis by HPLC was carried out to detect the most important compounds extracted from the plant. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined using the colorimetric procedures Folin–Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride. The probiotic properties were studied and evaluated in vivo with Juniperus communis extracts after isolating strains from camel's milk and identifying them using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Chromatographic profiles of the phenolic compounds revealed that Juniperus communis extract is rich in quercetin. After conducting chemical analyses of polyphenols and flavonoids, the results demonstrated a high content of phenolic compounds in Juniperus communis extracts (polyphenols: 103.80 ± 0.30 mg GAE/g E. flavonoids: 15.85 ± 0.80 mg QE/g E). Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis showed that the isolates belong to Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus safensis strains. The combination of Juniperus communis and Bacillus safensis restored the healthy intestine wall structure and returned the blood biochemical parameters to normal values. It was found that the mixture enhanced anti‐inflammatory effectiveness by reducing erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C‐reactive protein values. Juniperus communis has a high polyphenol and flavonoid content which can have a considerable impact on Bacillus safensis probiotic properties.
Accelerating wavepacket propagation with machine learning
Authors: Singh Kanishka , Lee Ka Hei , Peláez Daniel , Bande Annika
Published: June 2024

In this work, we discuss the use of a recently introduced machine learning (ML) technique known as Fourier neural operators (FNO) as an efficient alternative to the traditional solution of the time‐dependent Schrödinger equation (TDSE). FNOs are ML models which are employed in the approximated solution of partial differential equations. For a wavepacket propagating in an anharmonic potential and for a tunneling system, we show that the FNO approach can accurately and faithfully model wavepacket propagation via the density. Additionally, we demonstrate that FNOs can be a suitable replacement for traditional TDSE solvers in cases where the results of the quantum dynamical simulation are required repeatedly such as in the case of parameter optimization problems (e.g., control). The speed‐up from the FNO method allows for its combination with the Markov‐chain Monte Carlo approach in applications that involve solving inverse problems such as optimal and coherent laser control of the outcome of dynamical processes.
From Voxels to Physiology: A Review of Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging Applications in Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Berry David B. , Gordon Joseph A. , Adair Vincent , Frank Lawrence R. , Ward Samuel R.
Published: June 2024

Skeletal muscle has a classic structure function relationship; both skeletal muscle microstructure and architecture are directly related to force generating capacity. Biopsy, the gold standard for evaluating muscle microstructure, is highly invasive, destructive to muscle, and provides only a small amount of information about the entire volume of a muscle. Similarly, muscle fiber lengths and pennation angles, key features of muscle architecture predictive of muscle function, are traditionally studied via cadaveric dissection. Noninvasive techniques such as diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) offer quantitative approaches to study skeletal muscle microstructure and architecture. Despite its prevalence in applications for musculoskeletal research, clinical adoption is hindered by a lack of understanding regarding its sensitivity to clinically important biomarkers such as muscle fiber cross‐sectional area. This review aims to elucidate how dMRI has been utilized to study skeletal muscle, covering fundamentals of muscle physiology, dMRI acquisition techniques, dMRI modeling, and applications where dMRI has been leveraged to noninvasively study skeletal muscle changes in response to disease, aging, injury, and human performance.

Level of Evidence

5

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Streptococcus suis Deploys Multiple ATP‐Dependent Proteases for Heat Stress Adaptation
Authors: Liu Jianan , Wang Jianzhong , Zhang Zhen , Bai Qiankun , Pan Xinming , Chen Rong , Yao Huochun , Yu Yong , Ma Jiale
Published: June 2024

Streptococcus suis is an important zoonotic pathogen, causing cytokine storms of Streptococcal toxic shock‐like syndrome amongst humans after a wound infection into the bloodstream. To overcome the challenges of fever and leukocyte recruitment, invasive S. suis must deploy multiple stress responses forming a network and utilize proteases to degrade short‐lived regulatory and misfolded proteins induced by adverse stresses, thereby adapting and evading host immune responses. In this study, we found that S. suis encodes multiple ATP‐dependent proteases, including single‐chain FtsH and double‐subunit Clp protease complexes ClpAP, ClpBP, ClpCP, and ClpXP, which were activated as the fever of infected mice in vivo. The expression of genes ftsH, clpA/B/C, and clpP, but not clpX, were significantly upregulated in S. suis in response to heat stress, while were not changed notably under the treatments with several other stresses, including oxidative, acidic, and cold stimulation. FtsH and ClpP were required for S. suis survival within host blood under heat stress in vitro and in vivo. Deletion of ftsH or clpP attenuated the tolerance of S. suis to heat, oxidative and acidic stresses, and significantly impaired the bacterial survival within macrophages. Further analysis identified that repressor CtsR directly binds and controls the clpA/B/C and clpP operons and is relieved by heat stress. In summary, the deployments of multiple ATP‐dependent proteases form a flexible heat stress response network that appears to allow S. suis to fine‐tune the degradation or refolding of the misfolded proteins to maintain cellular homeostasis and optimal survival during infection.
Small Interfering RNA Mediated Messenger RNA Knockdown in the Amphibian Pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
Authors: Webb Rebecca J. , Roberts Alexandra A. , Rush Catherine , Skerratt Lee F. , Tizard Mark L. , Berger Lee
Published: June 2024

RNA interference (RNAi) has not been tested in the pandemic amphibian pathogen, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, but developing this technology could be useful to elucidate virulence mechanisms, identify therapeutic targets, and may present a novel antifungal treatment option for chytridiomycosis. To manipulate and decipher gene function, rationally designed small interfering RNA (siRNA) can initiate the destruction of homologous messenger RNA (mRNA), resulting in the “knockdown” of target gene expression. Here, we investigate whether siRNA can be used to manipulate gene expression in B. dendrobatidis via RNAi using differing siRNA strategies to target genes involved in glutathione and ornithine synthesis. To determine the extent and duration of mRNA knockdown, target mRNA levels were monitored for 24–48 h after delivery of siRNA targeting glutamate–cysteine ligase, with a maximum of ~56% reduction in target transcripts occurring at 36 h. A second siRNA design targeting glutamate‐cysteine ligase also resulted in ~53% knockdown at this time point. siRNA directed toward a different gene target, ornithine decarboxylase, achieved 17% reduction in target transcripts. Although no phenotypic effects were observed, these results suggest that RNAi is possible in B. dendrobatidis, and that gene expression can be manipulated in this pathogen. We outline ideas for further optimization steps to increase knockdown efficiency to better harness RNAi techniques for control of B. dendrobatidis.
Correlation between short‐chain fatty acids and peri‐implant disease: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Liu Yue , Yang Hu , Wang Pingping , Shi Yilin , Shi Ruiwen , Zhang Shengben , Zhao Yajun , Lan Jing , Ge Shaohua
Published: June 2024

Background

To explore the correlation between short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the peri‐implant sulcular fluid (PISF) and peri‐implant diseases.

Methods

PISF samples were obtained from implants that have been placed for at least 5 years, and peri‐implant clinical parameters were examined. Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry and high‐performance liquid chromatography were used to detect SCFAs in PISF. The correlation between SCFAs and clinical parameters was analyzed by Spearman's correlation. SCFAs related to peri‐implant disease were identified by logistic regression and ranked by random forest analysis.

Results

Eighty‐six implants were divided into a peri‐implant health group (PIH‐group, 35 implants), peri‐implant mucositis group (PIM‐group, 25 implants), and peri‐implantitis group (PI‐group, 26 implants) according to clinical and radiographic examination results. The PIM‐group had significantly lower formic acid detection rate than the other two groups (p < 0.001). The PIM‐group had significantly higher levels of acetic, propionic, and isovaleric acids than the PIH‐group (p < 0.05). The PI‐group had significantly higher levels of propionic, butyric, isobutyric, valeric, and isovaleric acids than the PIH‐group (p < 0.05). The PI‐group had significantly higher levels of butyric, isobutyric, and isovaleric acids than the PIM‐group (p < 0.05). SCFAs (apart from hexanoic and succinic acids) were significantly and positively correlated with clinical parameters (p < 0.05). SCFAs related to peri‐implant disease were ranked as follows: butyric, isovaleric, isobutyric, propionic, acetic, formic, and lactic acids.

Conclusions

Elevated specific SCFAs are correlated with peri‐implant disease. Recognition of this correlation may help in early identification of peri‐implant disease and guide further clinical interventions.
Overexpression of the receptor for resolvin E1 (ERV1) prevents early alveolar bone loss in leptin receptor deficiency‐induced diabetes
Authors: Suárez Lina J. , Hasturk Hatice , Tubero Euzebio Alves Vanessa , Díaz‐Baez David , Van Dyke Thomas , Kantarci Alpdogan
Published: June 2024

Background

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that the leptin receptor (LepR) regulates changes in periodontal tissues and that the overexpression of the receptor for resolvin E1 (ERV1) prevents age‐ and diabetes‐associated alveolar bone loss.

Methods

LepR‐deficient transgenic (TG) mice were cross‐bred with those overexpressing ERV1 (TG) to generate double‐TG mice. In total, 95 mice were divided into four experimental groups: wild type (WT), TG, LepR deficient (db/db), and double transgenic (db/db TG). The groups were followed from 4 weeks up to 16 weeks of age. The natural progression of periodontal disease without any additional method of periodontitis induction was assessed by macroscopic and histomorphometric analyses. Osteoclastic activity was measured by tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining.

Results

At 4 weeks, ERV1 overexpression prevented weight gain. From Week 8 onward, there was a significant increase in the weight of db/db mice with or without ERV1 overexpression compared to the WT mice, accompanied by an increase in glucose levels. By 8 weeks of age, the percentage of bone loss in the LepR deficiency groups was significantly greater compared to WT mice. ERV1 overexpression in the db/db TG mice prevented early alveolar bone loss; however, it did not impact the development of diabetic bone loss in aging mice after the onset of weight gain and diabetes.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that the overexpression of ERV1 prevents LepR‐associated alveolar bone loss during the early phases of periodontal disease by delaying weight gain, diabetes onset, and associated inflammation; however, LepR deficiency increases susceptibility to naturally occurring inflammatory alveolar bone loss as the animal ages, associated with excess weight gain, onset of diabetes, and excess inflammation.
Hot water mobilizes the metabolism of energy, soluble sugar, cell wall, and phenolics to cope with chilling injury in postharvest snap beans
Authors: Lv Na , Zhang Haoyan , Zhou Hongtao , Wang Caiping , Guo Changjie , Wang Liyan
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Snap beans (Phaseoulus vulgaris L.) are very sensitive to low temperature during postharvest storage. Pitting, rusting, and water‐soaked patches are typical chilling injury (CI) symptoms of snap beans. The appearance of these symptoms reduces the storage quality of snap beans. The energy, soluble carbohydrates, cell wall, and phenolic metabolisms of refrigerated snap beans and their relationship to CI treated with 35 °C hot water (HW) were investigated.

RESULTS

HW treatment reduced CI index and electrolyte leakage and increased the contents of soluble solids, titratable acidity, and chlorophyll. HW treatment maintained higher activities of proton ATPase, calcium ATPase, and cytochrome c oxidase, which resulted in the accumulation of more adenosine triphosphate, adenosine diphosphate, and energy charge. The accumulation of soluble sugar induced by HW treatment was correlated with the stimulation of sucrose phosphate synthase and sucrose synthase. The prevention effect of HW treatment on the degradation of cell wall components was related to the inhibition of pectin methylesterase and cellulase. HW‐induced phenol accumulation is associated with an increase in shikimate dehydrogenase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase, cinnamate‐4‐hydroxylase, and 4‐coumarine‐coenzyme A ligase, as well as a decrease in polyphenol oxidase.

CONCLUSION

The alleviating effect of HW on CI is due to its regulation of energy, soluble sugar, cell wall, and phenolic metabolism. Therefore, HW treatment may be an effective means to reduce CI of snap beans. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Textbook outcome for evaluating the surgical quality of gastrectomy
Authors: Ramos Marcus F. K. P. , Gusmão Júlia Siman , Pereira Marina A. , Ribeiro‐Junior Ulysses
Published: June 2024

Background

The textbook outcome (TO) is an indicator to evaluate surgical quality based on clinical, pathological, and surgical outcomes.

Objective

To analyze the frequency, factors associated with achievement, and the prognostic impact of TO in gastric cancer treatment.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of patients with gastric cancer operated with curative intent from 2009 to 2022 in a reference Cancer Center.

Results

During the period, 681 patients were included and 444 (65.2%) achieved TO. Major surgical complications were the most common not‐achieved outcome (16.4%) and intraoperative complications were the most achieved (96.2%). Most of the patients have failed in only 1 outcome (n = 105, 44.3%). Failure to achieve TO was associated with Charlson‐Deyo comorbidity index ≥1 (46.4% vs 34.7%, p = 0.003), American Society of Anesthesiologists classification III/IV (40.1% vs 24.1%, p < 0.001), higher mean neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (2.7 vs 3.3, p = 0.024), D1 lymphadenectomy (26.2% vs 15.8%, p = 0.001), and elective postoperative Intensive Care Unit admission (46.4% vs 38.5%, p = 0.046). Disease‐free and overall survival (both p < 0.001) were higher in the TO group even after the exclusion of cases with surgical mortality (p = 0.013 and p = 0.024, respectively).

Conclusions

TO was achieved in most of the cases and its failure was associated with poor clinical performance and it impacts both early surgical results as well as long‐term survival.
Preoperative subjective assessment of disease‐specific quality of life significantly influenced the likelihood of achieving the minimal clinically important difference after surgical stabilization for recurrent lateral patellar instability
Authors: Dan Milinkovic Danko , Schmidt Sebastian , Fluegel Julian , Gebhardt Sebastian , Zimmermann Felix , Balcarek Peter
Published: June 2024

Purpose

To evaluate which factors exert a predictive value for not reaching the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in patients who underwent a tailored operative treatment for recurrent lateral patellar dislocation (RLPD).

Methods

A total of 237 patients (male/female 71/166; 22.4 ± 6.8 years) were included. The Banff Patellofemoral Instability Instrument 2.0 (BPII 2.0) and subjective rating of knee function and pain (numeric analogue scale [NAS]; 0–10) were used to evaluate patients' outcomes from pre‐ to postoperatively. Gender, age at the time of surgery, body mass index (BMI), nicotine abuse, psychiatric diseases, cartilage status and pathoanatomic risk factors were evaluated as potential predictors for achieving the MCID using univariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

The MCID for the BPII 2.0 was calculated at 9.5 points. Although the BPII 2.0 and NAS for knee function and pain improved significantly in the total cohort from pre‐ to postoperatively (all p < 0.001), 29 patients did not reach the MCID at the final follow‐up. The analysis yielded that only the preoperative NAS for function and BPII 2.0 score values were significant predictors for reaching the MCID postoperatively. The optimal threshold was calculated at 7 (NAS function) and 65.2 points (BPII 2.0). Age at the time of surgery should be considered for patients with a preoperative BPII 2.0 score >62.5.

Conclusion

The probability of reaching BPII 2.0 MCID postoperatively depends only on the preoperative BPII 2.0 value and subjective rating of knee function, as well as age at the time of surgery for patients undergoing surgical treatment of RLPD. Here, presented results can assist clinicians in advising and presenting patients with potential outcomes following treatment for this often complex and multifactorial pathology.

Level of Evidence

Level III.
The modified Nice knot has improved mechanical performance compared to the cinch stitch for meniscal root repair
Authors: Oliveira João Pedro , Simões José António , Noronha José Carlos , Ramos António
Published: June 2024

Purpose

According to previous biomechanical studies, the success of meniscus root repair depends on the suture–meniscus interface and optimisation of this procedure seems to be critical. A progressive, reliable and adjustable knot has numerous advantages in meniscal repair since the surgeon can adapt and meticulously tune the final strength of the fixation. We hypothesised that a single passage of one tape at two different points of the posterior meniscal root with a modified Nice knot configuration may allow similar or superior fixation for root repair compared to the cinch stitch suture technique.

Methods

Posterior root repair of medial and lateral meniscus was performed on 26 porcine knees. In group (A), two simple cinch stitches were applied, and in group (B), a modified Nice knot was used in a crossmatch configuration. For both groups, two passages through the meniscus with a 2‐mm braided tape were used, and a single transosseous tibial tunnel technique was performed and tested in pull‐out conditions.

Results

The modified Nice knot showed an improved biomechanical performance considering the maximum failure load for both the medial (600.7 ± 77.5 N) and lateral (686.1 ± 83.5 N) (p = 0.006) posterior root fixation when compared to a double cinch stitch (558.0 ± 123.9 N) and (629.0 ± 110.2 N) (p = 0.178) for medial and lateral fixation, respectively. The maximum stiffness was also higher for the modified Nice knot configuration for both medial (17.1 ± 1.5 vs. 13.3 ± 1.6 N/mm) and lateral meniscus (20.0 ± 2.6 vs. 13.8 ± 2.3 N/mm), being this difference statistically significative (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

The modified Nice knot allowed better adaptation in the pull‐out tests and presented higher fixation strength, stiffness and reproducibility, with lower standard deviation, being at the same time economically advantageous, since only one tape is needed.

Level of Evidence

Level III.
Minimal effect of scanning parameters on ultrasound shear wave elastography variability in tendons
Authors: Zellers Jennifer A. , Li Ran , Vaidya Rachana , Lohse Keith , North Andrew , Cui Stephane , Houston Bryson , Chen Menghan , Zheng Jie , Baxter Josh
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Ultrasound shear wave elastography has potential use in assessing tendon tissue; however, reducing measurement variability remains challenging. The primary purpose of this study was to identify the amount of variability accounted for by ultrasound parameter (frequency, harmonics and CrossXBeam) settings on shear wave speed at two testing sites.

Methods

Shear wave elastography images of the Achilles tendon were obtained from individuals with healthy tendons (n = 28) at two testing sites with standardised image acquisition/postprocessing protocols. Images were acquired at a range of frequencies (7–15 MHz) with CrossXBeam (a filtering technique) and harmonics settings toggled on and off. Variance decomposition analysis was performed to identify the amount of variability in shear wave speed accounted for by scan acquisition settings and testing sites.

Results

Shear wave speed variance was primarily attributed to participants (56.87% of variance; residual error: 35%). All scanning parameters, testing site and interaction terms each accounted for less than 2.5% of the variance. A statistically significant, negative relationship was observed between shear wave speed and image quality (p = 0.001) suggesting poor image quality yields higher shear wave speed estimates.

Conclusion

The findings of this study suggest that natural variation in Achilles tendon mechanics between individuals without tendon pathology accounts for most of the shear wave speed variability. Optimising image quality, which may be observed in higher frequencies, should be considered to improve shear wave speed estimation. Clinically, this study highlights the need to take multiple images, maintain consistent ultrasound settings when tracking patient progress over time and use caution when comparing raw values from tendon scans performed in different clinics with shear wave elastography.

Level of Evidence

Level III.
Modified defect relation for Gauss maps of minimal surfaces with hypersurfaces of projective varieties in the subgeneral position
Authors: Quang Si Duc
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we establish some modified defect relations for the Gauss map of a complete minimal surface into a ‐dimension projective subvariety with hypersurfaces of in ‐subgeneral position with respect to . In particular, we give the upper bound for the number if the image intersects each hypersurface a finite number of times and is nondegenerate over , where , that is, the image of is not contained in any hypersurface of degree with . Our results extend and generalize the previous results for the case of the Gauss map and hyperplanes in a projective space. The results and the method of this paper have been applied by some authors to study the unicity problem of the Gauss maps sharing families of hypersurfaces.
Targeting CD300ld to normalize the tumor microenvironment: an emerging insight in cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Zhang Lin‐Zhu , He Xu , Zhu Hai‐Dong
Published: June 2024

In a recent Nature elegant study, Wang et al. identified CD300ld, a novel functionally highly conserved tumor immunosuppressive receptor, highly expressed specifically on polymorphonuclear myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (PMN‐MDSCs), as well as a key receptor in the regulation of recruitment and immunosuppressive function of PMN‐MDSCs. Targeting CD300ld could remodel the tumor immune microenvironment, resulting in a broad‐spectrum anti‐tumor effect.
Magnetic resonance imaging‐based radiomics analysis for prediction of treatment response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and clinical outcome in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer: A large multicentric and validated study
Authors: Hu TingDan , Gong Jing , Sun YiQun , Li MengLei , Cai ChongPeng , Li XinXiang , Cui YanFen , Zhang XiaoYan , Tong Tong
Published: June 2024

Our study investigated whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐based radiomics features could predict good response (GR) to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) and clinical outcome in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Radiomics features were extracted from the T2 weighted (T2W) and Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) images of 1070 LARC patients retrospectively and prospectively recruited from three hospitals. To create radiomic models for GR prediction, three classifications were utilized. The radiomic model with the best performance was integrated with important clinical MRI features to create the combined model. Finally, two clinical MRI features and ten radiomic features were chosen for GR prediction. The combined model, constructed with the tumor size, MR‐detected extramural venous invasion, and radiomic signature generated by Support Vector Machine (SVM), showed promising discrimination of GR, with area under the curves of 0.799 (95% CI, 0.760–0.838), 0.797 (95% CI, 0.733–0.860), 0.754 (95% CI, 0.678–0.829), and 0.727 (95% CI, 0.641–0.813) in the training and three validation datasets, respectively. Decision curve analysis verified the clinical usefulness. Furthermore, according to Kaplan–Meier curves, patients with a high likelihood of GR as determined by the combined model had better disease‐free survival than those with a low probability. This radiomics model was developed based on large‐sample size, multicenter datasets, and prospective validation with high radiomics quality score, and also had clinical utility.
An interaction‐based combined portfolio strategy with applications to stock markets
Authors: He Tangtang , Wang Zongrun , Xiong Debin
Published: June 2024

Each portfolio model has its own advantages. Behavioral portfolio models can depict investor psychology, but it is not easy to obtain the preference parameters. We propose an interaction‐based combined (InCo) portfolio that determines the proportions of assets based on investor preferences. We take the existing models as alternatives and innovatively develop a visualization tool to present the portfolio performance. Hesitant fuzzy set theory is used to describe investor evaluations and to then determine the proportions of alternatives. The out‐of‐sample performance of four strategies is tested on four datasets. The results show that InCo portfolio performs better in various markets.
Development of a scale examining post‐disaster coping motivations in Turkey after the 6 February earthquake
Authors: Şahi̇n Yahya , Okan Nesrullah
Published: June 2024

Objectives

The aim of this study was to develop the Motivations for Coping After Disaster Scale. To test the construct validity of the scale, a total of 676 data were collected from three different sampling groups (N1: 388; N2: 194; N3: 94).

Methods

Exploratory Factor Analysis, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Criterion validity analysis were conducted to test the construct validity of the scale.

Results

As a result of CFA, it was seen that the post‐disaster scale had a five‐dimensional structure (spiritual values, hope, friend support, solidarity, family support). The loadings of the items of the scale are at a good level. As a result of CFA, the scale was found to have acceptable and good fit indices (χ2/sd = 2.690; RMSEA (Root Mean Square Error of Approximation) = 0.066; SRMR (Standardized Root Mean Square Residual) = 0.047; CFI (Comparative Fit Index) = 0.948; GFI (Goodness of Fit Index) = 0.917). The results of the criterion validity analysis show that the scale has criterion validity. Cronbach Alpha internal consistency coefficient shows that the scale is highly reliable (Total = 0.923).

Conclusions

The results of this study show that the Post‐Disaster Coping Motivations Scale is a valid and reliable instrument. It is thought that the scale can make an important contribution to understanding psychological recovery processes after disaster and providing appropriate support to individuals.
Analysis of Internet‐Based Written Materials on Surgery for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Bhat Amrita , Nesmith William , Durr Megan L. , Chang Jolie L.
Published: June 2024

Objective

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has many treatment options and the Internet is an important resource for patients. The quality of information reviewed by patients about sleep surgery is unknown. We assessed readability, accessibility, actionability, and quality of online content for OSA surgeries.

Study Design

Review of webpages by 2 independent reviewers.

Setting

Internet‐based search.

Methods

We queried Google for sleep apnea surgery and included top 100 English language webpages. Content was scored by 2 reviewers using the Flesch‐Kincaid (FK), Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), JAMA benchmarks, CDC Clear Communication Index (CCI), and Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT) understandability and actionability scores.

Results

Eighty‐seven webpages were evaluated including 40 hosted by academic hospitals, 23 private practices, 10 general knowledge, 4 national organizations, 3 industry, 3 non‐profit hospitals, and 2 government‐sponsored. Mean CCI ranged from 22.7% to 84.9%. No sources met the 90% CCI cutoff. Average PEMAT understandability score was 80.4% (±7.8; 62.5%‐93.3%), with 91% meeting the 70% standard score. Average PEMAT‐actionability score was 38.4% (±16.5; 0%‐70%), with 5% meeting the standard score. The average readability of webpages was the 10th grade reading level. Only 5% of pages met the recommended 6th grade reading level or lower. Only 21% of pages addressed surgical risks.

Conclusion

Most online resources regarding OSA surgery do not meet recommended standards for communication. Providers should be aware of limitations of materials when counseling patients on sleep surgery treatments. Future patient education resources should meet health communication and readability standards.
Albino lethal 13, a chloroplast‐imported protein required for chloroplast development in rice
Authors: Guo Xiaoqiong , Wang Chunli , Zhu Qian , Dongchen Wenhua , Zhang Xiaoling , Li Wei , Zhang Hui , Zhang Cui , Nant Nyein Zar Ni Naing , Li Mengting , Chen Lijuan , Lee Dongsun
Published: June 2024

Chloroplasts play a vital role in plant growth and development, which are the main sites of photosynthesis and the production of hormones and metabolites. Despite their significance, the regulatory mechanisms governing chloroplast development remain unclear. In our investigation, we identified a rice mutant with defective chloroplasts in rice (Oryza sativa L.), named albino lethal 13 (osal13), which displayed a distinct albino phenotype in leaves, ultimately resulting in seedling lethality. Molecular cloning revealed that OsAL13 encodes a novel rice protein with no homologous gene or known conserved domain. This gene was located in the chloroplast and exhibited constitutive expression in various tissues, particularly in green tissues and regions of active cell growth. Our study's findings reveal that RNAi‐mediated knockdown of OsAL13 led to a pronounced albino phenotype, reduced chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, a vesicle chloroplast structure, and a decrease in the expression of chloroplast‐associated genes. Consequently, the pollen fertility and seed setting rate were lower compared with the wild type. In contrast, the overexpression of OsAL13 resulted in an increased photosynthetic rate, a higher total grain number per panicle, and enhanced levels of indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) in the roots and gibberellin A3 (GA3) in the shoot. These outcomes provide new insights on the role of OsAL13 in regulating chloroplast development in rice.
Xanthohumol and echinocystic acid induces PSTVd tolerance in tomato
Authors: Tang Wenkun , Tang Zhichao , Liu Haiyi , Lu Jinbiao , Du Qianyun , Tian Huan , Li Jingwei
Published: June 2024

Tomato is a popular vegetable worldwide; its production is highly threatened by infection with the potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd). We obtained the full‐length genome sequence of previously conserved PSTVd and inoculated it on four genotypes of semi‐cultivated tomatoes selected from a local tomato germplasm resource. SC‐5, which is a PSTVd‐resistant genotype, and SC‐96, which is a PSTVd‐sensitive genotype, were identified by detecting the fruit yield, plant growth, biomass accumulation, physiological indices, and PSTVd genome titer after PSTVd inoculation. A non‐target metabolomics study was conducted on PSTVd‐infected and control SC‐5 to identify potential anti‐PSTVd metabolites. The platform of liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry detected 158 or 123 differential regulated metabolites in modes of positive ion or negative ion. Principal component analysis revealed a clear separation of the global metabolite profile between PSTVd‐infected leaves and control regardless of the detection mode. The potential anti‐PSTVd compounds, xanthohumol, oxalicine B, indole‐3‐carbinol, and rosmarinic acid were significantly upregulated in positive ion mode, whereas echinocystic acid, chlorogenic acid, and 5‐acetylsalicylic acid were upregulated in negative ion mode. Xanthohumol and echinocystic acid were detected as the most upregulated metabolites and were exogenously applied on PSTVd‐diseased SC‐96 seedlings. Both xanthohumol and echinocystic acid had instant and long‐term inhibition effect on PSTVd titer. The highest reduction of disease symptom was induced by 2.6 mg/L of xanthohumol and 2.0 mg/L of echinocystic acid after 10 days of leaf spraying, respectively. A superior effect was seen on echinocystic acid than on xanthohumol. Our study provides a statistical basis for breeding anti‐viroid tomato genotypes and creating plant‐originating chemical preparations to prevent viroid disease.
Energetic transition metal complexes based on 1‐allylimidazole and nitrocyanamide: Syntheses, characterizations and catalytic performances on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate
Authors: Yuan Yuhong , Huang Yinsheng , Ge Mingcheng , Zhong Ye , Li Zhimin
Published: June 2024

To explore combustion catalysts for solid propellants, four novel energetic coordination compounds were prepared with the anion of nitrocyanamide (NCA) as the ligand and 1‐allyl‐imidazole (AIM) as the ligand, and transition metals Mn, Co, Ni, and Cu as the central ions. The structures of these compounds were [Mn(AIM)4] (NCA)2 (1), [Co(AIM)4](NCA)2 (2), [Ni(AIM)4](NCA)2 (3), [Cu(AIM)4](NCA)2 (4). The results showed that all of the compounds possessed high energy density, and compound 2 had a mass energy density (Eg) of 17.9 kJ g−1 and a volume energy density (Ev) of 25.59 kJ cm−3. The catalytic effect of these compounds on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) was studied using DSC. The addition of 5 % catalyst to AP samples advanced the high‐temperature decomposition temperature and significantly increased the heat release. Compound 4 exhibited the best catalytic performance, with an increased heat release of 1739 J g−1, decomposition temperature advanced by 88.2 °C, and activation energy reduced to 74.74 kJ mol−1. These results demonstrate the potential of these compounds as combustion catalysts for solid propellants.
A novel and selective fluorescent ligand for the study of adenosine A2B receptors
Authors: Patera Foteini , Mistry Sarah J. , Kindon Nicholas D. , Comeo Eleonora , Goulding Joelle , Kellam Barrie , Kilpatrick Laura E. , Franks Hester , Hill Stephen J.
Published: June 2024

Fluorescent ligands have proved to be powerful tools in the study of G protein‐coupled receptors in living cells. Here we have characterized a new fluorescent ligand PSB603‐BY630 that has high selectivity for the human adenosine A2B receptor (A2BR). The A2BR appears to play an important role in regulating immune responses in the tumor microenvironment. Here we have used PSB603‐BY630 to monitor specific binding to A2BRs in M1‐ and M2‐like macrophages derived from CD14+ human monocytes. PSB603‐BY630 bound with high affinity (18.3 nM) to nanoluciferase‐tagged A2BRs stably expressed in HEK293G cells. The ligand exhibited very high selectivity for the A2BR with negligible specific‐binding detected at NLuc‐A2AR, NLuc‐A1R, or NLuc‐A3R receptors at concentrations up to 500 nM. Competition binding studies showed the expected pharmacology at A2BR with the A2BR‐selective ligands PSB603 and MRS‐1706 demonstrating potent inhibition of the specific binding of 50 nM PSB603‐BY630 to A2BR. Functional studies in HEK293G cells using Glosensor to monitor Gs‐coupled cyclic AMP responses indicated that PSB603‐BY630 acted as a negative allosteric regular of the agonist responses to BAY 60–6583. Furthermore, flow cytometry analysis confirmed that PSB603‐BY630 could be used to selectively label endogenous A2BRs expressed on human macrophages. This ligand should be an important addition to the library of fluorescent ligands which are selective for the different adenosine receptor subtypes, and will enable study of the role of A2BRs on immune cells in the tumor microenvironment.