bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi‐institutional analysis of clinical and imaging risk factors for detecting clinically significant prostate cancer in men with PI‐RADS 3 lesions
Authors: Fang Andrew M. , Shumaker Luke A. , Martin Kimberly D. , Jackson Jamaal C. , Fan Richard E. , Khajir Ghazal , Patel Hiten D. , Soodana‐Prakash Nachiketh , Vourganti Srinivas , Filson Christopher P. , Sonn Geoffrey A. , Sprenkle Preston C. , Gupta Gopal N. , Punnen Sanoj , Rais‐Bahrami Soroush
Published: July 2022

Background

Most Prostate Imaging–Reporting and Data System (PI‐RADS) 3 lesions do not contain clinically significant prostate cancer (CSPCa; grade group ≥2). This study was aimed at identifying clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)–derived risk fac‐ tors that predict CSPCa in men with PI‐RADS 3 lesions.

Methods

This study analyzed the detection of CSPCa in men who underwent MRI‐targeted biopsy for PI‐RADS 3 lesions. Multivariable logistic regression models with goodness‐of‐fit testing were used to identify variables associated with CSPCa. Receiver operating curves and decision curve analyses were used to estimate the clinical utility of a predictive model.

Results

Of the 1784 men reviewed, 1537 were included in the training cohort, and 247 were included in the validation cohort. The 309 men with CSPCa (17.3%) were older, had a higher prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) density, and had a greater likelihood of an anteriorly located lesion than men without CSPCa (p < .01). Multivariable analysis revealed that PSA density (odds ratio [OR], 1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05–1.85; p < .01), age (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02–1.07; p < .01), and a biopsy‐naive status (OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.38–2.44) were independently associated with CSPCa. A prior negative biopsy was negatively associated (OR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.24–0.50; p < .01). The application of the model to the validation cohort resulted in an area under the curve of 0.78. A predicted risk threshold of 12% could have prevented 25% of biopsies while detecting almost 95% of CSPCas with a sensitivity of 94% and a specificity of 34%.

Conclusions

For PI‐RADS 3 lesions, an elevated PSA density, older age, and a biopsy‐naive status were associated with CSPCa, whereas a prior negative biopsy was negatively associated. A predictive model could prevent PI‐RADS 3 biopsies while missing few CSPCas.

Lay summary

Among men with an equivocal lesion (Prostate Imaging–Reporting and Data System 3) on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI), those who are older, those who have a higher prostate‐specific antigen density, and those who have never had a biopsy before are at higher risk for having clinically significant prostate cancer (CSPCa) on subsequent biopsy.

However, men with at least one negative biopsy have a lower risk of CSPCa.

A new predictive model can greatly reduce the need to biopsy equivocal lesions noted on mpMRI while missing only a few cases of CSPCa.
AMD‐CNN: Android malware detection via feature graph and convolutional neural networks
Authors: Arslan Recep Sinan , Tasyurek Murat
Published: July 2022

Android malware has become a serious threat to mobile device users, and effective detection and defence architectures are needed to solve this problem. Recently, machine learning techniques have been widely used to deal with Android malicious apps. These methods are based on a simple feature set and have difficulty detecting up‐to‐date malware. Therefore, more robust and efficient classification methodologies are needed. In this article, AMD‐CNN, an Android malware detection tool, is proposed, and it uses graphical representations to detect malicious apks. In the first step, the features related to the androidmanifest.xml file are extracted and converted into a vector consisting of one or zero. The feature vector is then converted to 2D‐code images and used in training the CNN network. The model needs low‐resource consumption to run on mobile devices and allow real‐time applications to be analyzed. The experiments with 1920 malicious and benign apks show that the malware detection rate (accuracy) was 96.2% and precision, recall, and F‐score values were 97.9%, 98.2%, and 98.1%, respectively. The average time and memory space to analyze each application are 0.035 s and 3.38 MB. AMD‐CNN is an efficient and robust tool and has advantages over previous studies.
Photocatalytic Cleavage of C(sp3)−N Bond in Trialkylamines to Dialkylamines and Olefins
Authors: Zhai Jianxin , Zhou Baowen , Wu Haihong , Jia Shuaiqiang , Chu Mengen , Han Shitao , Xia Wei , He Mingyuan , Han Buxing
Published: July 2022

Development of a new and green strategy for C(sp3)−N bond cleavage is very interesting. Herein, photocatalytic cleavage of the C(sp3)−N bond of trialkylamines was achieved, with concurrent formation of dialkylamines and olefins. It was found that a rationally designed 2D‐Bi2WO6@1D‐LaPO4 heterostructure was very efficient for the reaction due to its high light collection efficiency and unique catalytic properties. The strategy could be used for different trialkylamines, including triethylamine, tri‐n‐propylamine, and ethyl‐di‐isopropylamine. The mechanistic investigation indicated that the catalyst with heterostructure was not only favorable for charge carrier separation but also rendered excited electrons with high reduction capacity. This work opens a way for C(sp3)−N bond cleavage of trialkylamines.
Hepatic and renal function impact concentrations of plasma biomarkers of neuropathology
Authors: Berry Kacey , Asken Breton M. , Grab Joshua D. , Chan Brandon , Lario Lago Argentina , Wong Randi , Seetharaman Srilakshmi , LaHue Sara C. , Possin Katherine L. , Rojas Julio C. , Kramer Joel H. , Boxer Adam L. , Lai Jennifer C. , VandeVrede Lawren
Published: July 2022

Introduction

The impact of hepatorenal function on plasma biomarkers of neuropathology is unknown. Herein, we measured several plasma biomarkers in patients with cirrhosis.

Methods

Plasma phosphorylated tau (p‐tau181), neurofilament light chain (NfL), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), total tau (t‐tau), and ubiquitin carboxyl‐terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) were measured in 135 adults with cirrhosis and 22 healthy controls using Simoa. Within cirrhosis, associations between biomarkers and hepatorenal function were explored using linear regression.

Results

p‐tau181, NfL, t‐tau, and UCHL1 were increased 2‐ to 4‐fold in cirrhosis, whereas GFAP was not increased. Within cirrhosis, creatinine moderately correlated with p‐tau181 (β = 0.75, P < .01), NfL (β = 0.32, P < .01), and t‐tau (β = 0.31, P < .01), but not GFAP (β = –0.01, P = .88) or UCHL1 (β = –0.05, P = .60), whereas albumin showed weak, inverse correlations: p‐tau181 (β = –0.18, P < .01), NfL (β = –0.22, P < .01), GFAP (β = –0.17, P < .05), t‐tau (β = –0.20, P = .02), and UCHL1 (β = –0.15, P = .09).

Conclusions

Elevated p‐tau181, NfL, and t‐tau in cirrhosis were associated with renal impairment and hypoalbuminemia, suggesting that hepatorenal function may be important when interpreting plasma biomarkers of neuropathology.
Safety and efficacy of the novel motorized power spiral enteroscopy: A single‐center experience
Authors: Singh Pankaj , Singla Vikas , Bopanna Sawan , Shawl Muzaffer Rashid , Garg Pallavi , Agrawal Jatin , Arya Anupama , Mittal Vibhuti , Bhargava Richa , Madan Kaushal
Published: July 2022

Objective

Evaluation and management of small bowel disorders have always been challenging due to the limitations of the existing technology. Motorized power spiral enteroscopy (PSE) is an innovative new technique that offers easier, faster, and more complete small bowel evaluation with the ability to perform therapeutics. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of PSE in various indications.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of consecutive patients, who underwent PSE at a tertiary care center. Primary outcome measures were technical success rate, pan‐enteroscopy rate, diagnostic and therapeutic yield, and the secondary outcomes measures were the depth of maximal insertion, median insertion time, and adverse events.

Results

Fifty‐four patients (mean age of 49.38 ± 16.26 years) underwent PSE for small bowel evaluation. Technical success rate was 95.55% (antegrade route) and 93.10% (retrograde route).  Pan‐enteroscopy rate is 46.29% and antegrade enteroscopy to the cecum was achieved in eight patients.  Overall diagnostic and therapeutic yields were 85.18% and 30.76%, respectively. The most common findings were ulcero‐stricturing lesions (51.92%) followed by vascular lesions (9.61%). The most common histopathologic diagnosis was Crohn's disease in 29.62%. Median depth of maximal insertion was 400 cm (range 150–550 cm; antegrade route) and 180 cm (range 50–350 cm; retrograde route). The median insertion time to depth of maximal insertion was 70 min (range 30–110 min; antegrade route) and 45 min (range 20–70 min; retrograde route).  PSE‐associated major adverse events occurred in one patient and minor adverse events were seen in 48.14%.

Conclusion

PSE is a safe and effective modality for the evaluation of small bowel disorders with a high diagnostic yield.
Preference of carbon absorption determines the competitive ability of algae along atmospheric CO2 concentration
Authors: Zhou Qing Shi , Gao Yang , Hou Jing Ming , Wang Tian , Tang Long
Published: July 2022

Although many studies have focused on the effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 on algal growth, few of them have demonstrated how CO2 interacts with carbon absorption capacity to determine the algal competition at the population level. We conducted a pairwise competition experiment of Phormidium sp., Scenedesmus quadricauda, Chlorella vulgaris and Synedra ulna. The results showed that when the CO2 concentration increased from 400 to 760 ppm, the competitiveness of S. quadricauda increased, the competitiveness of Phormidium sp. and C. vulgaris decreased, and the competitiveness of S. ulna was always the lowest. We constructed a model to explore whether interspecific differences in affinity and flux rate for CO2 and HCO3− could explain changes in competitiveness between algae species along the gradient of atmospheric CO2 concentration. Affinity and flux rates are the capture capacity and transport capacity of substrate respectively, and are inversely proportional to each other. The simulation results showed that, when the atmospheric CO2 concentration was low, species with high affinity for both CO2 and HCO3− (HCHH) had the highest competitiveness, followed by the species with high affinity for CO2 and low affinity for HCO3− (HCLH), the species with low affinity for CO2 and high affinity for HCO3− (LCHH) and the species with low affinity for both CO2 and HCO3− (LCLH); when the CO2 concentration was high, the species were ranked according to the competitive ability: LCHH > LCLH > HCHH > HCLH. Thus, low resource concentration is beneficial to the growth and reproduction of algae with high affinity. With the increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration, the competitive advantage changed from HCHH species to LCHH species. These results indicate the important species types contributing to water bloom under the background of increasing global atmospheric CO2, highlighting the importance of carbon absorption characteristics in understanding, predicting and regulating population dynamics and community composition of algae.
Evidence for the evolution of native plant response to mycorrhizal fungi in post‐agricultural grasslands
Authors: Delavaux Camille S. , Bever James D.
Published: July 2022

Plant–microbe interactions play an important role in structuring plant communities. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are particularly important. Nonetheless, increasing anthropogenic disturbance will lead to novel plant–AMF interactions, altering longstanding co‐evolutionary trajectories between plants and their associated AMF. Although emerging work shows that plant–AMF response can evolve over relatively short time scales due to anthropogenic change, little work has evaluated how plant AMF response specificity may evolve due to novel plant–mycorrhizal interactions. Here, we examine changes in plant–AMF interactions in novel grassland systems by comparing the mycorrhizal response of plant populations from unplowed native prairies with populations from post‐agricultural grasslands to inoculation with both native prairie AMF and non‐native novel AMF. Across four plant species, we find support for evolution of differential responses to mycorrhizal inocula types, that is, mycorrhizal response specificity, consistent with expectations of local adaptation, with plants from native populations responding most to native AMF and plants from post‐agricultural populations responding most to non‐native AMF. We also find evidence of evolution of mycorrhizal response in two of the four plant species, as overall responsiveness to AMF changed from native to post‐agricultural populations. Finally, across all four plant species, roots from native prairie populations had lower levels of mycorrhizal colonization than those of post‐agricultural populations. Our results report on one of the first multispecies assessment of local adaptation to AMF. The consistency of the responses in our experiment among four species provides evidence that anthropogenic disturbance may have unintended impacts on native plant species' association with AMF, causing evolutionary change in the benefit native plant species gain from native symbioses.
The effect of the presence of a macromolecular organophosphorus flame retardant, poly(N‐[3‐oxopropylmethylphosphinate]ethyleneimine), on the flammability, thermal stability, and mechanical properties of polyamides
Authors: Helmy Mina , Ullmann Jason , Adner David , Otto Tobias , Schadewald Anke
Published: July 2022

A macromolecular halogen‐free flame retardant, poly(N‐[3‐oxopropylmethylphosphinate]ethyleneimine) (PN) has been developed. This material contains both phosphorus and nitrogen. A simple and scalable process for chemical synthesis on commercial scale is described. FTIR, 1H and 31P NMR spectroscopy were utilized for characterization. The compound has a glass transition temperature of 82°C and is thermally stable up to 330°C. Samples of polyamide 6 containing 1 to 10 wt% of PN were prepared in a kneader. The flammability of polyamide 6/PN blends was investigated using the UL 94 vertical fire test, limiting oxygen index measurements, cone calorimetry, and the glow wire test. Samples containing loadings of 1 wt% and 10 wt% PN have V‐2 and V‐0 ratings, respectively. Specimen containing polyamide 12/PN blends were prepared by extrusion and injection molding for mechanical characterization.
An edge‐based smoothed finite element framework for partitioned simulation of vortex‐induced vibration problems
Authors: He Tao , Yao Wen‐Juan , Zhang Xu‐Yan
Published: July 2022

This article proposes an edge‐based smoothed finite element method (ESFEM) for predicting vortex‐induced vibration (VIV) of multiple rigid and elastic structures. The ESFEM is applied to discretize the Navier–Stokes and elastodynamic equations with three‐node triangular (T3) element. The fluid excitation is also evaluated in the edge‐based notion. New integration points are arranged in local smoothing domains to ease the resultant approximation. Dynamic grids are moved by an efficient two‐level mesh scheme. The fluid‐structure mechanical system is formulated under the arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian description which enables tight coupling of interacting fields in a partitioned way. Especially, the geometric conservation law is respected for the ESFEM through a mass source term constructed in the T3 element context. The developed technique is validated against previously published data for three low‐Reynolds‐number VIV problems. Flow features and structural responses have been correctly identified therein as a result of the numerical prediction.
Exploration of anatomical landmarks for performing an endoscopic transoral nasopharyngectomy
Authors: Li Lifeng , Xu Hongbo , Jin Yonggang , Chen Xiaohong , Carrau Ricardo L. , London Nyall R.
Published: July 2022

Background

Performing a nasopharyngectomy via a transoral approach has been reported; however, defining landmarks to facilitate this approach has not been addressed. This study aims to explore anatomical landmarks to aid in performing a nasopharyngectomy via the transoral corridor.

Methods

An endoscopic transoral nasopharyngectomy was performed on six cadaveric specimens (12 sides). Related anatomical landmarks were defined, and the strategy to preserve the parapharyngeal internal carotid artery (pICA) was explored.

Results

An endoscopic transoral nasopharyngectomy was successfully achieved in all 12 sides. Utilizing the pterygoid hamulus as a landmark, the cartilaginous ET and attachments could be adequately exposed. Identification of the pICA is a prerequisite prior to Eustachian tube (ET) transection. The sphenoidal spine and the petrotympanic fissure could be sufficiently revealed in all 12 sides, which aided in transection of the cartilaginous ET without pICA injury. The ET and the prevertebral contents could be adequately removed via the transoral corridor.

Conclusion

The pterygoid hamulus, sphenoidal spine and petrotympanic fissure serve as reliable landmarks for performing a transoral nasopharyngectomy. Identification of the pICA is a prerequisite prior to transection of the ET to avoid pICA injury.
Next‐generation pathology detection of T cell–antigen‐presenting cell immune synapses in human liver allografts
Authors: Wood‐Trageser Michelle A. , Lesniak Drew , Gambella Alessandro , Golnoski Kayla , Feng Sandy , Bucuvalas John , Sanchez‐Fueyo Alberto , Demetris A. Jake
Published: July 2022

Background and Aims:

In otherwise near‐normal appearing biopsies by routine light microscopy, next‐generation pathology (NGP) detected close pairings (immune pairs; iPAIRs) between lymphocytes and antigen‐presenting cells (APCs) that predicted immunosuppression weaning failure in pediatric liver transplant (LTx) recipients (Immunosuppression Withdrawal for Stable Pediatric Liver Transplant Recipients [iWITH], NCT01638559). We hypothesized that NGP‐detected iPAIRs enrich for true immune synapses, as determined by nuclear shape metrics, intercellular distances, and supramolecular activation complex (SMAC) formation.

Approach and Results:

Intralobular iPAIRs (CD45high lymphocyte–major histocompatibility complex II+ APC pairs; n = 1167, training set) were identified at low resolution from multiplex immunohistochemistry–stained liver biopsy slides from several multicenter LTx immunosuppression titration clinical trials (iWITH; NCT02474199 (Donor Alloantigen Reactive Tregs (darTregs) for Calcineurin Inhibitor (CNI) Reduction (ARTEMIS); Prospective Longitudinal Study of iWITH Screen Failures Secondary to Histopathology). After excluding complex multicellular aggregates, high‐resolution imaging was used to examine immune synapse formation (n = 998). By enriching for close intranuclear lymphocyte–APC distance (mean: 0.713 μm) and lymphocyte nuclear flattening (mean ferret diameter: 2.1), SMAC formation was detected in 29% of iPAIR‐engaged versus 9.5% of unpaired lymphocytes. Integration of these morphometrics enhanced NGP detection of immune synapses (ai‐iSYN). Using iWITH preweaning biopsies from eligible patients (n = 53; 18 tolerant, 35 nontolerant; testing set), ai‐iSYN accurately predicted (87.3% accuracy vs. 81.4% for iPAIRs; 100% sensitivity, 75% specificity) immunosuppression weaning failure. This confirmed the presence and importance of intralobular immune synapse formation in liver allografts. Stratification of biopsy mRNA expression data by immune synapse quantity yielded the top 20 genes involved in T cell activation and immune synapse formation and stability.

Conclusions:

NGP‐detected immune synapses (subpathological rejection) in LTx patients prior to immunosuppression reduction suggests that NGP‐detected (allo)immune activity usefulness for titration of immunosuppressive therapy in various settings.
Comparison between clinical characteristics and laboratory findings among patients with complicated and noncomplicated SARS‐CoV‐2 infection: A single‐center experience from Shebin Al‐Kom, Egypt
Authors: Fadda Walaa A. , Al‐Batanony Manal A. , Aboukhalil Reham E. E. , Khader Heba F. , Al Rugaie Osamah
Published: July 2022

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection is considered a serious highly infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, resulting in more than 6.27 million deaths worldwide.

Aim of the study

The study aimed to compare clinical characteristics and laboratory findings of COVID‐19 patients with complications and without complications and discriminate the important risk factors for the complications and deaths.

Subjects and Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 75 confirmed COVID‐19 positive patients; out of which 49 were severely‐ill cases. Analysis of all patients' clinical and laboratory information on admission including serum ferritin, thrombotic activity (d‐dimer), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), C‐reactive protein (CRP), creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase were done.

Results

Lymphopenia, tachycardia, tachypnea, elevated CRP, d‐dimer, serum ferritin, LDH, and decreased SpO2 were significantly associated with complicated cases (p < .05 for all). By using multivariate logistic regression analysis models, elevated serum ferritin and tachycardia were significantly correlated with the increased odds of complicated COVID‐19 cases (odds ratio [confidence interval 95%] = 10.42 [2.32–46.89] and 8.01 [1.17–55.99]; respectively) (p = .002 and .007, respectively).

Conclusion

Lymphocytopenia, d‐dimer, LDH, and CRP levels, which were significantly linked to the severity of COVID‐19, were the prognostic biomarkers to predict the disease severity.
Trend Inflation in Sweden
Authors: Österholm Pär , Poon Aubrey
Published: July 2022

In this article, we estimate trend inflation in Sweden using an unobserved components stochastic volatility model. Using data from 1995Q4 to 2022Q1 and Bayesian estimation methods, we find that trend inflation has been well‐anchored during the period—although in general at a level below the inflation target—and it does not appear to have been affected much by the recent high inflation numbers.
Systemic risk and idiosyncratic networks among global systemically important banks
Authors: Cui Xue , Yang Lu
Published: July 2022

In this article, we investigate the role played by idiosyncratic networks in systemic risk transmission among global systemically important banks. To construct idiosyncratic networks, we employ the conditional Granger causality approach and find they are unstable in the short term and stable in the long term. Additionally, we visualise dynamic idiosyncratic networks and confirm that their evolutionary pattern is similar to that of systemic risk. Moreover, we further explore systemic risk and idiosyncratic networks at an individual level and determine that in‐degree and in‐strength measures negatively influence systemic risk. This indicates that a well‐connected idiosyncratic network in the banking system is prone to risk spillover and cause idiosyncratic contagion. The results of the network analysis indicate that global banking idiosyncratic networks are a complex system and can serve as a valuable reference for investors and policymakers.
Self‐powered bifunctional perovskite photodetectors with both broadband and narrowband photoresponse
Authors: Cheng Wenjie , Tian Wei , Cao Fengren , Li Liang
Published: July 2022

Photodetectors generally operate exclusively in either the broadband or narrowband. Developing bifunctional photodetectors that can detect photons in both broadband and narrowband would bring significant versatility to the optoelectronic platform. Nevertheless, the design of bifunctional integrated devices remains challenging due to the differentiated strategies with respect to device structure and material combination. Herein, we propose introducing polyvinylpyrrolidone to increase the viscosity of the perovskite precursor solution, which introduces abundant defects and cavities into the perovskite film while maintaining a relatively low film thickness. Then, we use methylamine gas to postprocess the middle area of the film to promote directional recrystallization and densification, thereby realizing narrowband and broadband dual‐function photodetection in a single device at zero bias. Both ends of the film exhibit a near‐infrared peak response at 780 nm with a narrow full‐width at half maximum of approximately 30 nm without an external bias. The middle broadband photodetector exhibits a high responsivity of 329 mA W−1 and EQE up to 52.46% at 780 nm. We make full use of narrow‐band wavelength selective detection and broadband full‐spectrum detection to achieve double encryption during signal transmission. This work represents an important step toward the realization of perovskite‐based multifunctional integrated devices.

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Validation of absolutely quantitated Ki67 and cyclinD1 protein levels for prognosis of Luminal‐like breast cancer patients
Authors: Yu Guohua , Lyu Jiahong , Li Yalun , Zhang Yunyun , Lyu Yan , Zhang Wengfeng , Zhang Jianbo , Cai Bocheng , Zhang Jiandi , Tang Fangrong
Published: July 2022

Aims

To translate a clinical research finding into daily clinical practice requires well‐controlled clinical trials. We have demonstrated the usage of absolute quantitation of Ki67 and cyclinD1 protein levels to improve prognosis of Luminal‐like patients based on overall survival (OS) analysis of a cohort of 155 breast cancer specimens (cohort 1). However, this finding is considered the D level of evidence (LOE) to require subsequent validation before it may be used in daily clinical practice. To set the stage for future clinical trials, our findings were validated through OS analysis of an independent cohort (cohort 2) of 173 Luminal‐like patients.

Methods

Both Ki67 and cyclinD1 levels were measured absolutely and quantitatively using the Quantitative Dot Blot (QDB) method in cohort 2. The proposed cutoffs for both biomarkers from cohort 1 were re‐evaluated in cohort 2 and in the merged cohort of 1 and 2, respectively, through univariate, multivariate and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis.

Results

The proposed cutoffs of 2.31 nmol/g for Ki67 and 0.44 μmol/g for cyclinD1 were validated as effective cutoffs in cohort 2 and the merged cohort through OS analysis. The combined use of both biomarkers allowed us to identify patients with both biomarker levels below the cutoffs (59.3%) with10‐year survival probability (SP) of 89%, in comparison to those above the cutoffs (8.3%) with 8 year SP of 28% through OS analysis in the merged cohort.

Conclusions

This study validated our findings that absolute quantitation of Ki67 and cyclinD1 allows effective subtyping of luminal‐like patients. It sets the stage for prospective or prospective‐retrospective clinical studies.
Degradation of ribosomal and chaperone proteins is attenuated during the differentiation of replicatively aged C2C12 myoblasts
Authors: Brown Alexander D. , Stewart Claire E. , Burniston Jatin G.
Published: July 2022

Background

Cell assays are important for investigating the mechanisms of ageing, including losses in protein homeostasis and ‘proteostasis collapse’. We used novel isotopic labelling and proteomic methods to investigate protein turnover in replicatively aged (>140 population doublings) murine C2C12 myoblasts that exhibit impaired differentiation and serve as a model for age‐related declines in muscle homeostasis.

Methods

The Absolute Dynamic Profiling Technique for Proteomics (Proteo‐ADPT) was used to investigate proteostasis in young (passage 6–10) and replicatively aged (passage 48–50) C2C12 myoblast cultures supplemented with deuterium oxide (D2O) during early (0–24 h) or late (72–96 h) periods of differentiation. Peptide mass spectrometry was used to quantify the absolute rates of abundance change, synthesis and degradation of individual proteins.

Results

Young cells exhibited a consistent ~25% rise in protein accretion over the 96‐h experimental period. In aged cells, protein accretion increased by 32% (P < 0.05) during early differentiation, but then fell back to baseline levels by 96‐h. Proteo‐ADPT encompassed 116 proteins and 74 proteins exhibited significantly (P < 0.05, FDR < 5% interaction between age × differentiation stage) different changes in abundance between young and aged cells at early and later periods of differentiation, including proteins associated with translation, glycolysis, cell–cell adhesion, ribosomal biogenesis, and the regulation of cell shape. During early differentiation, heat shock and ribosomal protein abundances increased in aged cells due to suppressed degradation rather than heightened synthesis. For instance, HS90A increased at a rate of 10.62 ± 1.60 ng/well/h in aged which was significantly greater than the rate of accretion (1.86 ± 0.49 ng/well/h) in young cells. HS90A synthesis was similar in young (21.23 ± 3.40 ng/well/h) and aged (23.69 ± 1.13 ng/well/h), but HS90A degradation was significantly (P = 0.05) greater in young (19.37 ± 2.93 ng/well/h) versus aged (13.06 ± 0.76 ng/well/h) cells. During later differentiation the HS90A degradation (8.94 ± 0.38 ng/well/h) and synthesis (7.89 ± 1.28 ng/well/h) declined and were significantly less than the positive net balance between synthesis and degradation (synthesis = 28.14 ± 3.70 ng/well/h vs. degradation = 21.49 ± 3.13 ng/well/h) in young cells.

Conclusions

Our results suggest a loss of proteome quality as a precursor to the lack of fusion of aged myoblasts. The quality of key chaperone proteins, including HS90A, HS90B and HSP7C was reduced in aged cells and may account for the disruption to cell signalling required for the later stages of differentiation and fusion.
Ultrasound‐assisted extraction of β‐glucans from Lentinula edodes using natural deep eutectic solvent and water
Authors: Vezaro Francisco D. , da Rosa Barbara V. , Kuhn Raquel C.
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

Shiitake is a mushroom rich in β‐glucan‐type polysaccharides, long‐chain molecules with antioxidant properties that are beneficial to human health, in addition to having isolated physical properties of interest to the food industry. In this way, the aim of this study was to obtain shiitake β‐glucans using ultrasound‐assisted extraction with water and natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES).

RESULTS

Preliminary assays were carried out to determine the extraction conditions of temperature 25 °C and extraction time 60 min. Subsequently, a central composite rotational design (CCRD) was performed to evaluate the effects of pulse cycle and amplitude in the yield and antioxidant activity of the extracts. Extractions were performed in the proportion of 1.25 g expired shiitake to 50 mL solvent, using two solvents (water and NADES). The best yields using NADES were 25.11 and 23.74 wt% in higher amplitude and pulse cycles, whereas antioxidant activities obtained were 0.73 and 0.66 μg trolox mL−1, respectively. In the assays with water, the yields were 23.47 and 22.75 wt% using higher amplitudes and pulse cycles, with antioxidant activities of 0.59 and 0.64 μg trolox mL−1, respectively.

CONCLUSION

These results showed the potential of water and NADES to extract polysaccharides from mushrooms that can be exploited in the food or pharmaceutical industries. In addition, optimal extraction conditions were found using CCRD. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Adaptation and psychometric evaluation of a scale to measure oral pre‐exposure prophylaxis‐related stigma among key and vulnerable populations in Kenya
Authors: Atkins Kaitlyn , Kan Lena , Musau Abednego , Reed Jason , Were Daniel , Mohan Diwakar
Published: July 2022

Introduction

As oral pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services scale up throughout sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), clients continue to face challenges with sustained PrEP use. PrEP‐related stigma has been shown to influence engagement throughout the HIV PrEP care continuum throughout SSA. Validated quantitative measures of PrEP‐related stigma in SSA are of critical importance to better understand its impacts at each stage of the HIV PrEP care continuum. This study aimed to psychometrically evaluate a PrEP‐related stigma scale for use among key and vulnerable populations in the context of a Kenya national PrEP programme.

Methods

As part of a larger prospective cohort study nested within Kenya'sJilindeprogramme, this study used baseline data collected from 1135 participants between September 2018 and April 2020. We used exploratory factor analysis to evaluate the factor structure of a PrEP‐related stigma scale. We also assessed convergent construct validity of the PrEP‐Related Stigma Scale by testing for expected correlations with depression and uptake of HIV services. Finally, we examined the relationship between PrEP‐related stigma and key demographic, psychosocial and behavioural characteristics.

Results

We identified four dimensions of PrEP‐related stigma: (1) interpersonal stigma, (2) PrEP norms, (3) negative self‐image and (4) disclosure concerns. The scale demonstrated strong internal consistency (α = 0.84), was positively correlated with depressive symptoms and negatively correlated with uptake of HIV services. Multivariable regression analysis demonstrated associations between PrEP‐related stigma and sex worker identity.

Conclusions

The adapted and validated PrEP‐Related Stigma Scale can enable programmes to quantify how PrEP‐related stigma and its dimensions may differentially impact outcomes on the HIV PrEP care continuum, evaluate stigma interventions and tailor programmes accordingly. Opportunities exist to validate the scale in other populations and explore further dimensions of PrEP‐related stigma.
Recognizing and disrupting stigma in implementation of HIV prevention and care: a call to research and action
Authors: Golub Sarit A. , Fikslin Rachel A.
Published: July 2022

Introduction

There is robust evidence that stigma negatively impacts both people living with HIV and those who might benefit from HIV prevention interventions. Within healthcare settings, research on HIV stigma has focused on intra‐personal processes (i.e. knowledge or internalization of community‐level stigma that might limit clients’ engagement in care) or inter‐personal processes (i.e. stigmatized interactions with service providers). Intersectional approaches to stigma call us to examine the ways that intersecting systems of power and oppression produce stigma not only at the individual and interpersonal levels, but also within healthcare service delivery systems. This commentary argues for the importance of analysing and disrupting the way in which stigma may be (intentionally or unintentionally) enacted and sustained within HIV service implementation, that is the policies, protocols and strategies used to deliver HIV prevention and care. We contend that as HIV researchers and practitioners, we have failed to fully specify or examine the mechanisms through which HIV service implementation itself may reinforce stigma and perpetuate inequity.

Discussion

We apply Link and Phelan's five stigma components (labelling, stereotyping, separation, status loss and discrimination) as a framework for analysing the way in which stigma manifests in existing service implementation and for evaluating new HIV implementation strategies. We present three examples of common HIV service implementation strategies and consider their potential to activate stigma components, with particular attention to how our understanding of these dynamics can be enhanced and expanded by the application of intersectional perspectives. We then provide a set of sample questions that can be used to develop and test novel implementation strategies designed to mitigate against HIV‐specific and intersectional stigma.

Conclusions

This commentary is a theory‐informed call to action for the assessment of existing HIV service implementation, for the development of new stigma‐reducing implementation strategies and for the explicit inclusion of stigma reduction as a core outcome in implementation research and evaluation. We argue that these strategies have the potential to make critical contributions to our ability to address many system‐level form stigmas that undermine health and wellbeing for people living with HIV and those in need of HIV prevention services.
Engineered green nanoparticles interact withNigrospora oryzaeisolated from infected leaves ofArachis hypogaea
Authors: Vijayalakshmi Architha , Soundharajan Ranjani , Srinivasan Hemalatha
Published: July 2022

Oilseed crop diseases are a major concern around the world, particularly in India. The synthetic fungicides not only kill the pathogen, but they also harm the host plant and beneficial microbes and on continuous usage, they decrease the soil fertility. To overcome this problem, green nanotechnology has been a greater alternative with promising benefits. The green synthesized nanoparticles from the extract of various plant parts are an effective remedy for killing the pathogens without affecting the host plants and the environment. Hence, in our study silver nanoparticles were synthesized from Fennel seed (Foeniculum vulgare) extract. The synthesis of nanoparticles was confirmed using UV–vis, Fourier transform infrared, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, and scanning electron microscopic analysis. The in vitro antifungal study was carried out and revealed that the nanoparticles had high efficacy against the isolated phytopathogenNigrospora oryzaewhich causes tikka disease inArachis hypogaeaplants. Hence,F. vulgareseed nanoparticles can be used as an effective alternative to synthetic fungicides without causing any deleterious effect on soil microflora or the environment.
Nutritional composition, biologically active substances and antioxidant activity of young spelt grass extract
Authors: Jančić Dejan , Šuković Danijela , Rešetar Jelena , Delić Ljiljana , Nikolić Marko
Published: July 2022

Background

Triticum speltaL. (familyPoaceae) is an ancient grain, which had been used for nutrition in the past but was eventually substituted, together with other related grains, for bread wheat (Triticum aestivumL.). The main reasons for its substitution are higher yield and economic gain in favor of bread wheat. With the belief that the extract of young spelt grass contains a sufficient amount of key nutrients, which contribute to beneficial effects on human health, research was conducted on 27 samples of young spelt grass extracts. For each sample extracted from young spelt grass cultivated under different conditions (irrigation, lighting, harvest), its nutritional composition, the content of biologically active substances and antioxidant activities were determined, with a comparison of the obtained results.

Results

In this two‐year study several nutrients, the content of major and trace minerals, antioxidant activity and pigment, and polyphenolic and flavonoid contents were analyzed and how the different growth factors influence them. Young spelt grass extract has a relatively high amount of functional ingredients, such as potassium, phosphorus, manganese, chromium, polyphenols and flavonoids. Chlorophyll a and b and pheophytin were the main pigments in the young spelt grass extract. All of these constituents exhibit antioxidant activity, which is important for a healthy lifestyle and protection against diseases.

Conclusion

This extract is a rich source of some major (potassium and phosphorus) and trace (manganese and chromium) elements, pigments, polyphenols and flavonoids. The antioxidant potential of the young spelt grass extract was positively correlated with their phenolic and flavonoid content. Accordingly, this composition of biologically active substances offers various ways of using this extract in the field of nutrition‐like dietary supplements.
Asymptotic behavior of the solutions of a partial differential equation with piecewise constant argument
Authors: Stefanidou Gesthimani , Papaschinopoulos Garyfalos
Published: July 2022

In this paper, we study the partial differential equation with piecewise constant argument of the form:

where
is a
invertible and continuous matrix function on
;
,
, and
are
continuous and bounded matrix functions on
;
and
are the integral parts of
and
, respectively; and
is a continuous function. More precisely, under some conditions on the matrices
,
,
, and
and the function
, we investigate the asymptotic behavior of the solutions of the above equation.
Effects of Feeding Strategies on Growth Performance of F1 Gulf Coast Striped Bass Strains in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems
Authors: Kenter Linas W. , Skillings Casey M. , Berlinsky David L.
Published: July 2022

As feed is a major cost in finfish aquaculture, considerable economic advantages can be gained by optimizing feeding efficiency. In the present study, the effects of reducing feeding frequency were evaluated in Gulf of Mexico strain Striped Bass Morone saxatilis raised in recirculating systems. Juvenile Striped Bass (~170 g) were raised for 84 d at 21°C and fed three or five times weekly at 3% of body weight (% BW) or three, five, and seven times weekly at 2% BW. In another experiment, subadult fish (~720 g) were raised at 15°C for 84 d and were fed three or five times weekly at 2% BW. In all experiments, feeding frequency did not affect growth rates or efficiency and fish that were fed less frequently consumed more feed per feeding but typically had reduced feed consumption over the length of the experiment. These results indicate that labor and feed costs may be reduced by limiting the feeding frequency of Striped Bass in recirculating systems.
Inverse analysis of hydraulic fracturing tests based on artificial intelligence techniques
Authors: Abreu Rafael , Mejia Cristian , Roehl Deane
Published: July 2022

In the last decades, the study of fluid flow through discontinuities such as fractures has received significant attention from the petroleum industry owing to the discovery of naturally fractured reservoirs. Predicting the behavior of this type of reservoir is challenging and includes, as a crucial step, determining its geomechanical parameters. Several in situ tests and empirical relationships have been established to estimate these parameters. Nevertheless, these procedures have important limitations. This work proposes an artificial intelligence‐based methodology to identify geomechanical parameters from borehole injection pressure curves obtained during hydraulic fracturing tests. This methodology applies a genetic algorithm to minimize the sum of squared differences between the observed and predicted borehole pressure curves. Furthermore, an artificial neural network is adopted to build a proxy model that substitutes hydraulic fracturing numerical simulations, substantially reducing computational time. A proper recursive strategy is adopted to predict the borehole pressure curves. Additionally, a hyperparameter tuning technique selects appropriate neural network hyperparameters based on the multistep‐ahead prediction error. Finally, the framework is applied in a KGD problem that models hydraulic fracture propagation. The benchmark confirms the capability of the proposed methodology to identify geomechanical parameters from fracturing tests.
Whose talon is this? A manual for the identification of ungual phalanges of European birds of prey: Falcons and owls
Authors: Wertz Krzysztof , Tomek Teresa , Bochenski Zbigniew M.
Published: July 2022

This paper is the first of two scheduled publications for this project. It contains a dichotomous key to the identification of the ungual phalanges of European owls and falcons; the second part will contain accipitrids. The manual(s) will facilitate the work of zooarchaeologists and palaeontologists, especially since comparative specimens in osteological collections are often difficult to access and/or incomplete. This, in turn, will indirectly contribute to a more in‐depth interpretation of zooarcheological materials, because bird talons were used to produce symbolic objects and decorations in different archeological periods and in various geographical areas.
Synergic effect of temperature and alkalinity on the long‐term durability of pure vinyl ester
Authors: Wang Peng , Ke Lin‐yu‐wen , Wu Haoliang , Leung Christopher K. Y.
Published: July 2022

This paper presents an experimental approach to investigate the long‐term durability of vinyl ester (VE) used in civil/structural engineering. Various alkaline (pH = 7, 11, 12, and 13) and temperature (23, 40, and 60°C) conditions were considered for accelerated aging over 12 months. The test results reveal only slight changes in water absorption capacity (0.75–1.17%) and mass loss (~1%) for the aged VE, which can be explained by the unchanged glass transition temperature. Furthermore, significant hydrolysis reaction and severe microcracking at an elevated temperature resulted in a higher diffusion coefficient. The VE diffusion coefficient increases from 6.60 × 10−7to 1.75 × 10−6after 12‐month aging in 23°C water (pH = 7), but becomes 4.00 × 10−6 mm2/s as the water temperature rises to 60°C. Surface microcracks with a depth of ~8.46 and chemical hydrolysis reaction with a 74% increment of OH/CH ratio were observed in the 12‐month aged VE at 60°C. However, the diffusion coefficient was insensitive to alkalinity (pH = 7, 11, 12, and 13) regardless of the exposure time and temperatures, which could be attributed to the similar OH/CH ratio at different alkaline conditions. The results of this study shed light on understanding the VE degradation in harsh environments as applied in fiber‐reinforcement polymer (FRP) composites.
The association of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) alleles with COVID‐19 severity: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Dobrijević Zorana , Gligorijević Nikola , Šunderić Miloš , Penezić Ana , Miljuš Goran , Tomić Sergej , Nedić Olgica
Published: July 2022

Due to their pivotal role in orchestrating the immune response, HLA loci were recognized as candidates for genetic association studies related to the severity of COVID‐19. Since the findings on the effects of HLA alleles on the outcome of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection remain inconclusive, we aimed to elucidate the potential involvement of genetic variability within HLA loci in the molecular genetics of COVID‐19 by classifying the articles according to different disease severity/outcomes and by conducting a systematic review with meta‐analysis. Potentially eligible studies were identified by searching PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science literature databases. A total of 28 studies with 13,073 participants were included in qualitative synthesis, while the results of 19 studies with 10,551 SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive participants were pooled in the meta‐analysis. According to the results of quantitative data synthesis, association with COVID‐19 severity or with the lethal outcome was determined for the following alleles and allele families: HLA‐A*01, HLA‐A*03, HLA‐A*11, HLA‐A*23, HLA‐A*31, HLA‐A*68, HLA‐A*68:02, HLA‐B*07:02, HLA‐B*14, HLA‐B*15, HLA‐B*40:02, HLA‐B*51:01, HLA‐B*53, HLA‐B*54, HLA‐B*54:01, HLA‐C*04, HLA‐C*04:01, HLA‐C*06, HLA‐C*07:02, HLA‐DRB1*11, HLA‐DRB1*15, HLA‐DQB1*03 and HLA‐DQB1*06 (assuming either allelic or dominant genetic model). We conclude that alleles of HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, ‐DRB1 and ‐DQB1 loci may represent potential biomarkers of COVID‐19 severity and/or mortality, which needs to be confirmed in a larger set of studies.