bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient estimation for large-scale linkage disequilibrium patterns of the human genome
Authors: Huang Xin , Zhu Tian-Neng , Liu Ying-Chao , Qi Guo-An , Zhang Jian-Nan , Chen Guo-Bo
Published: October 2023

In this study, we proposed an efficient algorithm (X-LD) for estimating linkage disequilibrium (LD) patterns for a genomic grid, which can be of inter-chromosomal scale or of small segments. Compared with conventional methods, the proposed method was significantly faster, dropped from O(nm2) to O(n2m)—n the sample size and m the number of SNPs, and consequently we were permitted to explore in depth unknown or reveal long-anticipated LD features of the human genome. Having applied the algorithm for 1000 Genome Project (1KG), we found (1) the extended LD, driven by population structure, universally existed, and the strength of inter-chromosomal LD was about 10% of their respective intra-chromosomal LD in relatively homogeneous cohorts, such as FIN, and to nearly 56% in admixed cohort, such as ASW. (2) After splitting each chromosome into upmost of more than a half million grids, we elucidated the LD of the HLA region was nearly 42 folders higher than chromosome 6 in CEU and 11.58 in ASW; on chromosome 11, we observed that the LD of its centromere was nearly 94.05 folders higher than chromosome 11 in YRI and 42.73 in ASW. (3) We uncovered the long-anticipated inversely proportional linear relationship between the length of a chromosome and the strength of chromosomal LD, and their Pearson’s correlation was on average over 0.80 for 26 1KG cohorts. However, this linear norm was so far perturbed by chromosome 11 given its more completely sequenced centromere region. Uniquely chromosome 8 of ASW was found most deviated from the linear norm than any other autosomes. The proposed algorithm has been realized in C++ (called X-LD) and is available at https://github.com/gc5k/gear2, and can be applied to explore LD features in any sequenced populations.
Near-perfect precise on-target editing of human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells
Authors: Cloarec-Ung Fanny-Meï , Beaulieu Jamie , Suthananthan Arunan , Lehnertz Bernhard , Sauvageau Guy , Sheppard Hilary M , Knapp David JHF
Published: October 2023

Precision gene editing in primary hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) would facilitate both curative treatments for monogenic disorders as well as disease modelling. Precise efficiencies even with the CRISPR/Cas system, however, remain limited. Through an optimization of guide RNA delivery, donor design, and additives, we have now obtained mean precise editing efficiencies >90% on primary cord blood HSCPs with minimal toxicity and without observed off-target editing. The main protocol modifications needed to achieve such high efficiencies were the addition of the DNA-PK inhibitor AZD7648, and the inclusion of spacer-breaking silent mutations in the donor in addition to mutations disrupting the PAM sequence. Critically, editing was even across the progenitor hierarchy, and did not substantially distort the hierarchy or affect lineage outputs in colony-forming cell assays. As modelling of many diseases requires heterozygosity, we also demonstrated that the overall editing and zygosity can be tuned by adding in defined mixtures of mutant and wild-type donor. With these optimizations, editing at near-perfect efficiency can now be accomplished directly in human HSPCs. This will open new avenues in both therapeutic strategies and disease modelling.
Calcareous dinoflagellate blooms during the Late Cretaceous ‘greenhouse’ world—a case study from western Ukraine
Authors: Ciurej Agnieszka , Dubicka Zofia , Poberezhskyy Andriy
Published: October 2023

The Late Cretaceous was a unique period in the history of the Earth characterized by elevated sea levels, reduced land area, and significantly high concentrations of atmospheric CO2 resulting in increased temperatures across the globe—a ‘Greenhouse World’. During this period, calcareous dinoflagellate cysts (c-dinocysts) flourished and became a ubiquitous constituent of calcifying plankton around the world. An acme in calcareous dinocysts during the Albian to the Turonian coincided with the highest recorded seawater surface temperatures and was possibly linked to conditions that favored calcification and a highly oligotrophic system in European shelf seas. This study examines the potential applicability of c-dinocysts as a proxy for paleoenvironmental conditions based on their assemblage changes plotted against foraminiferal occurrences and microfacies analysis. The material was extracted from the upper Turonian chalk of the Dubivtsi region in western Ukraine. An inverse correlation was observed between species diversity and the number of c-dinocyst specimens. Nutrient availability gradients apparently determined important changes in the calcareous dinocysts distribution. These trophic changes were likely caused by the interplay of eustatic sea-level fluctuations and Subhercynian tectonic activity leading to changeable nutrient inputs from the nearby land.
Levels of Physical Activity at Age 10 Years and Brain Morphology Changes From Ages 10 to 14 Years
Authors: Estévez-López Fernando , Dall’Aglio Lorenza , Rodriguez-Ayllon María , Xu Bing , You Yueyue , Hillman Charles H. , Muetzel Ryan L. , Tiemeier Henning
Published: October 2023

Importance

Physical activity may promote healthy brain development in children, but previous research was predominantly cross-sectional and included small samples, providing limited knowledge.

Objective

To investigate the longitudinal associations of physical activity with brain morphology changes.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A 4-year longitudinal population-based cohort study in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, embedded in Generation R, a cohort from fetal life onward. From the women enrolled during pregnancy, children who had repeated measures of brain structure at ages 10 (range 8 to 12) years and 14 (range 13 to 15) years were included. Data were collected from March 2013 to November 2015 (baseline) and from October 2016 to January 2020 (follow-up). Data were analyzed from April to December 2022.

Exposure

At age 10 years, both the child and their primary caregiver reported the child’s levels of physical activity with regard to sport participation, outdoor play, and total physical activity. Primary analyses were based on an average multi-informant report.

Main outcomes and measures

Brain morphology was quantified by magnetic resonance imaging. Hypothesized regions of interest were the bilateral amygdala and hippocampal volumes. Global brain measures were studied to test the specificity of the hypothesis.

Results

Data were available for 1088 children (566 girls [52%]; 693 [64%] Dutch). Their mean (SD) age at baseline was 10.1 (0.6) years. For amygdala volume change, positive associations with multi-informant reports of total physical activity (β = 2.6; 95% CI, 0.3-4.9) were found. Total physical activity was associated with hippocampal volume increases only when reported by the child (β = 3.1; 95% CI, 0.4-5.8). No robust associations with global brain measures were found.

Conclusions and relevance

In this cohort study of 1088 children, more physical activity at 10 years was consistently associated with an increase in amygdala volume in children aged 10 to 14 years. Physical activity and increases in hippocampal volume were found using child reports of physical activity only. These findings suggest physical activity in late childhood was prospectively associated with volumetric changes in specific subcortical structures, but not to global brain development, from late childhood to early adolescence. These findings may inform the design of future public health interventions to best facilitate neurodevelopment with physical activity.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Glycemic Control Among Insured US Adults
Authors: Zakaria Nora I. , Tehranifar Parisa , Laferrère Blandine , Albrecht Sandra S.
Published: October 2023

Importance

Poor access to care and lack of health insurance are important contributors to disparities in glycemic control. However expanding health insurance coverage may not be enough to fully address the high burden of poor glycemic control for some groups.

Objective

To characterize racial and ethnic disparities in glycemic control among adults with private and public insurance in the US over a 15-year timeframe and to evaluate whether social, health care, and behavioral or health status factors attenuate estimates of disparities.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2003 to 2018. Participants included Hispanic or Latino, non-Hispanic Black, and non-Hispanic White adults aged 25 to 80 years with self-reported diabetes and health insurance. Data were analyzed from January 15 to August 23, 2023.

Exposure

Participants self-identified as Hispanic or Latino, non-Hispanic Black, or non-Hispanic White.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcome, poor glycemic control, was defined as glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of 7.0% or greater. Information about social (education, food security, and nativity), health care (insurance type, routine place for health care, insurance gap in past year, and use of diabetes medications), and behavioral or health status (years with diabetes, waist circumference, and smoking) factors were collected via questionnaires.

Results

A total of 4070 individuals (weighted mean [SE] age, 61.4 [0.27] years; 1970 [weighted proportion, 49.3%] were women) were included, representing 16 337 362 US adults, including 1146 Hispanic or Latino individuals (weighted proportion, 13.2%), 1196 non-Hispanic Black individuals (weighted proportion, 15.7%), and 1728 non-Hispanic White individuals (weighted proportion, 71.1%). In models adjusted for age, sex, and survey year, Hispanic or Latino and non-Hispanic Black individuals had significantly higher odds of poor glycemic control than non-Hispanic White individuals (Hispanic or Latino: odds ratio [OR], 1.46; 95% CI, 1.16-1.83; Black: OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.04-1.57). There was some attenuation after adjustment for social factors, especially food security (Hispanic or Latino: OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.08-1.81); Black: OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.08-1.81). However, accounting for health care and behavioral or health status factors increased disparities, especially for Hispanic or Latino individuals (OR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.24-2.16), with racial and ethnic disparities persisting even among those with private insurance (OR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.10-2.52).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study of insured adults with diabetes in the US, disparities in poor glycemic control persisted despite adjustment for social, health care, and behavioral factors. Research is needed to identify the barriers contributing to poor control even in populations with access to care.
Heterogeneity and Utility of Pharmaceutical Company Sharing of Individual-Participant Data Packages
Authors: Hopkins Ashley M. , Modi Natansh D. , Abuhelwa Ahmad Y. , Kichenadasse Ganessan , Kuderer Nicole M. , Lyman Gary H. , Wiese Michael D. , McKinnon Ross A. , Rockhold Frank W. , Mann Aaron , Rowland Andrew , Sorich Michael J.
Published: October 2023

Importance

The pharmaceutical industry has made substantial investments in developing processes for sharing individual-participant data (IPD) from clinical trials. However, the utility and completeness of shared IPD and supporting documents must be evaluated to ensure the potential for scientific advancements from the data sharing ecosystem can be realized.

Objective

To assess the utility and completeness of IPD and supporting documents provided from industry-sponsored clinical trials.

Design, Setting, and Participants

From February 9, 2022, to February 9, 2023, 91 of 203 clinical trials supporting US Food and Drug Administration registrations of anticancer medicines for the treatment of solid tumors from the past decade were confirmed as eligible for IPD request. This quality improvement study performed a retrospective audit of the utility and completeness of the IPD and supporting documents provided from the 91 clinical trials for a planned meta-analysis.

Exposures

Request for IPD from 91 clinical oncology trials indicated as eligible for the request.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The utility and completeness of the IPD and supporting documents provided.

Results

The IPD packages were obtained from 70 of 91 requested clinical trials (77%). The median time to data provision was 123 (range, 117-352) days. Redactions were observed in 18 of the acquired IPD packages (26%) for outcome data, 11 (16%) for assessment variables, and 19 (27%) for adjustment data. Additionally, 20 IPD packages (29%) lacked a clinical study report, 4 (6%) had incomplete or missing data dictionaries, and 20 (29%) were missing anonymization or redaction description files. Access to IPD from 21 eligible trials (23%) was not granted.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this quality improvement study, there was substantial variability within the provided IPD packages regarding the completeness of key data variables and supporting documents. To improve the data sharing ecosystem, key areas for enhancement include (1) ensuring that clinical trials are eligible for IPD sharing, (2) making eligible IPD transparently accessible, and (3) ensuring that IPD packages meet a standard of utility and completeness.
Quantitative Chemical Proteomics Reveals Triptolide Selectively Inhibits HCT116 Human Colon Cancer Cell Viability and Migration Through Binding to Peroxiredoxin 1 and Annexin A1
Authors: Song Fangli , Li Jinglin , Shi Qiaoli , Wong Yin Kwan , Liu Dandan , Lin Qingsong , Wang Jigang , Chen Xiao
Published: October 2023

Triptolide (TPL), a natural product extracted from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, exerts potential anti‐cancer activity. Studies have shown that TPL is involved in multiple cellular processes and signal pathways; however, its pharmaceutical activity in human colorectal cancer (CRC) as well as the underlying molecular mechanism remain elusive. In this study, the effects of TPL on HCT116 human colon cancer cells and CCD841 human colon epithelial cells are first evaluated. Next, the protein targets of TPL in HCT116 cells are identified through an activity‐based protein profiling approach. With subsequent in vitro experiments, the mode of action of TPL in HCT116 cells is elucidated. As a result, TPL is found to selectively inhibit HCT116 cell viability and migration. A total of 54 proteins are identified as the targets of TPL in HCT116 cells, among which, Annexin A1 (ANXA1) and Peroxiredoxin I/II (Prdx I/II) are picked out for further investigation due to their important role in CRC. The interaction between TPL and ANXA1 or Prdx I is confirmed, and it is discovered that TPL exerts inhibitory effect against HCT116 cells through binding to ANXA1 and Prdx I. The study reinforces the potential of TPL in the CRC therapy, and provides novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of CRC.
Corrosion‐Resistant Biomedical High‐Entropy Alloys: A Review
Authors: Shi Zijie , Fang Qihong , Liaw Peter K. , Li Jia
Published: October 2023

High‐entropy alloys (HEAs) exhibit the outstanding properties, such as excellent antibacterial property, remarkable biocompatibility, and superior corrosion resistance, in the field of biomedical applications. Herein, the biomedical function of HEAs is summarized in aspects of the antibacterial behavior against planktonic gram‐negative/gram‐positive bacteria and biofilms, the biocompatibility inspired by low‐cytotoxicity alloying elements. Considering the corrosive service environment of biomedical device, the corrosion behavior and mechanism are discussed in terms of alloying elements (Al, Ni, Cr, and Cu) and microstructure (phase composition and grain size). Additionally, the promising approaches to simultaneously achieve biomedical function and corrosion resistance, the possible application of additive manufacturing, and the prospective effects of short‐range orderings on the corrosion resistance are simply discussed.
A Review of Acoustic Devices Based on Suspended 2D Materials and Their Composites
Authors: Wan Zhaoyi , Liu Huazhan , Zheng Yuebin , Ma Yuhua , Liu Kehai , Zhou Xu , Liu Chang , Liu Kaihui , Wang Enge
Published: October 2023

Acoustic devices play an increasingly important role in modern society for information technology and intelligent systems, and recently significant progress has been made in the development of communication, sensing, and energy transduction applications. However, conventional material systems, such as polymers, metals and silicon, show limitations to fulfill the evolving requirements for high‐performance acoustic devices of small size, low power consumption, and multifunctional capabilities. 2D materials hold the promise in overcoming the development bottleneck of acoustic devices aforementioned, given their atomic‐thin thickness, extensive surface area, superior physical properties, and remarkable layer‐stacking tunability. By suspending the 2D materials, mechanical and thermal disruption from substrate will be eliminated, which will enable the development of new classes of acoustic devices with unprecedented sensitivity and accuracy. In this review, the recent progress of acoustic devices based on suspended 2D materials and their composites, especially applications in the audio frequency, static pressure, and ultrasonic frequency range, is briefly summarized, emphasizing the advantageous properties of suspended 2D materials and related outstanding device performance. Together with the development of 2D membrane synthesis, transfer, as well as microelectromechanical fabrication process, suspended 2D materials will shed light on the next‐generation high‐performance acoustic devices.
On‐Surface Synthesis of Edge‐Extended Zigzag Graphene Nanoribbons
Authors: Kinikar Amogh , Xu Xiushang , Giovannantonio Marco Di , Gröning Oliver , Eimre Kristjan , Pignedoli Carlo A. , Müllen Klaus , Narita Akimitsu , Ruffieux Pascal , Fasel Roman
Published: October 2023

Graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) have gained significant attention in nanoelectronics due to their potential for precise tuning of electronic properties through variations in edge structure and ribbon width. However, the synthesis of GNRs with highly sought‐after zigzag edges (ZGNRs), critical for spintronics and quantum information technologies, remains challenging. In this study, a design motif for synthesizing a novel class of GNRs termed edge‐extended ZGNRs is presented. This motif enables the controlled incorporation of edge extensions along the zigzag edges at regular intervals. The synthesis of a specific GNR instance—a 3‐zigzag‐rows‐wide ZGNR—with bisanthene units fused to the zigzag edges on alternating sides of the ribbon axis is successfully demonstrated. The resulting edge‐extended 3‐ZGNR is comprehensively characterized for its chemical structure and electronic properties using scanning probe techniques, complemented by density functional theory calculations. The design motif showcased here opens up new possibilities for synthesizing a diverse range of edge‐extended ZGNRs, expanding the structural landscape of GNRs and facilitating the exploration of their structure‐dependent electronic properties.
Regulating Isolated‐Molecular and Aggregated‐State Phosphorescence for Multicolor Afterglow by Photoactivation
Authors: Gao Yanhua , Ye Wenpeng , Qiu Kefan , Zheng Xifang , Yan Shuanma , Wang Zhaoyu , An Zhongfu , Shi Huifang , Huang Wei
Published: October 2023

Ultralong organic phosphorescence (UOP) materials have attracted considerable attention in recent years. Herein, a new type of flexible films is fabricated by doping amphipathic pyrene tetrasulfonic acid sodium salts into amorphous poly(vinyl alcohol) matrix, which enables the realization of color‐tunable UOP spanning from orange‐red to green after excitation light is switched off. Interestingly, precise control of the proportion of isolated‐molecular and aggregated‐state phosphorescence is demonstrated for colorful afterglow using photo‐activation. An increase in the dynamic phosphorescence lifetime of isolated molecules is observed from 894.75 to 1735.71 ms following an 8 min irradiation under ambient conditions. The photo‐activation, however, showed little influence on aggreated‐state phosphorescence. This flexible and processable film exhibits versatile applications in multicolor afterglow displays, ultraviolet detection, multilevel information encryption, etc. This study not only provides a strategy for the rational regulation of UOP colors but also expands the application potential of color‐tunable UOP materials.
Organic Bilayer Heterostructures with Built‐In Exciton Conversion for 2D Photonic Encryption
Authors: Wu Bin , Zheng Min , Zhuo Ming‐Peng , Zhao Yu‐Dong , Su Yang , Fan Jian‐Zhong , Luo Peng , Gu Lin‐Feng , Che Zong‐Lu , Wang Zuo‐Shan , Wang Xue‐Dong
Published: October 2023

Organic multilayer heterostructures with accurate spatial organization demonstrate strong light‐matter interaction from excitonic responses and efficient carrier transfer across heterojunction interfaces, which are considered as promising candidates toward advanced optoelectronics. However, the precise regulation of the heterojunction surface area for finely adjusting exciton conversion and energy transfer is still formidable. Herein, organic bilayer heterostructures (OBHs) with controlled face‐to‐face heterojunction via a stepwise seeded growth strategy, which is favorable for efficient exciton propagation and conversion of optical interconnects are designed and synthesized. Notably, the relative position and overlap length ratio of component microwires (LDSA/LBPEA = 0.39–1.15) in OBHs are accurately regulated by modulating the crystallization time of seeded crystals, resulting into a tailored heterojunction surface area (R = Loverlap/LBPEA = 37.6%–65.3%). These as‐prepared OBHs present the excitation position‐dependent waveguide behaviors for optical outcoupling characteristics with tunable emission colors and intensities, which are applied into two‐dimensional (2D) photonic barcodes. This strategy opens a versatile avenue to purposely design OBHs with tailored heterojunctions for efficient energy transfer and exciton conversion, facilitating the application possibilities of advanced integrated optoelectronics.
Soil health, microbial communities, and annual ryegrass yield under contrasting management practices
Authors: Mateu Martina Gonzalez , Domnariu Horia , Moore Amber D. , Trippe Kristin M.
Published: October 2023

Biological indicators are often used to evaluate the effect of management practices on soil health. However, determining which indicators can detect changes in soil health after implementation of conservation practices and how these indicators relate to plant growth in grass seed production systems remains unclear. The goal of this study was to explore the relationships between management practice history, soil health metrics, plant growth, and soil microbial communities in annual ryegrass grown under greenhouse conditions. Soils were collected from 12 annual ryegrass [Lolium multiflorum (L.) Husnot] fields managed under conventional (till/bale) or conservation (no‐till/full straw) management practices, with three silt loams and three silty clay loams collected for each practice. Annual ryegrass was grown for 5 months on each of the 12 soils in a greenhouse. Soils with a history of conservation management improved the majority of the carbon cycling‐related metrics for the silt loam soils. Management practices had no effect on seed yield, however, conservation management significantly improved aboveground biomass in silty clay loam soils. Contrasting management practices resulted in distinct microbial communities, making them sensitive indicators of changes in soil conditions. Soil health and plant metrics were positively associated with the microbial communities in soils under conservation management. Total C and organic matter were positively correlated to plant parameters in silt loams, while few indicators were correlated to plant metrics in silty clay loams. These results highlight the complex interplay between microbial communities, soil health, and plant growth and the importance of considering inherent soil properties like texture.
A hybrid simulation framework for predicting virus impacts on Chinese cabbage yields
Authors: Kyoung Kim Min , Kim Sojung , Kim Sumin
Published: October 2023

Sustainable production of Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapaL.) is essential for the economy and food security in South Korea. However, climate change poses significant threats to its growth and quality. Changes in precipitation patterns, such as drought and heavy rain, can affect the development of crop, leading to stunted growth or disease. This can lead to significant losses in crop yield. In this study, a hybrid modeling system was developed to predict the incidence of viral disease and evaluate impacts of combination of virus infection and environmental variabilities (including climate and location) on marketable cabbage yields. The crop growth model was successfully developed using a limited number (n = 7) of previous studies (root mean square error 0.25–0.33 Mg ha−1,R2 = 0.87–0.99). The developed hybrid modeling system was composed of a virus incident model and a crop growth model. According to simulated results, all study locations had around 20% incidence rates. However, based on the simulation results, the rates of viral disease incidence varied depending on the climate of each year. Among several climatic factors, precipitation had the greatest effect on virus outbreaks. Jeju Island, which had relatively high rainfall, had a higher disease incidence rate than other provinces. According to shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs), in SSP245 (an intermediate development pathway), the yield of 1.58 Mg ha−1was reduced to 1.26 Mg ha−1due to a 25% viral disease outbreak. In SSP585 (a high development pathway), with an incidence of 23%, the yield was reduced by 0.2 Mg ha−1. These results will be useful for efficiently cultivating crops under various climatic conditions and seeking management methods to minimize damage from viral disease.
Proton pump inhibitors and dementia: A nationwide population‐based study
Authors: Pourhadi Nelsan , Janbek Janet , Jensen‐Dahm Christina , Gasse Christiane , Laursen Thomas Munk , Waldemar Gunhild
Published: October 2023

INTRODUCTION

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may increase dementia risk. However, it is currently unknown whether timing of exposure or age at dementia diagnosis influence the risk.

METHODS

We assessed associations between cumulative PPI use and dementia at different ages in a nationwide Danish cohort of 1,983,785 individuals aged 60 to 75 years between 2000 and 2018.

RESULTS

During follow‐up, there were 99,384 all‐cause dementia incidences. Incidence rate ratio (IRR) of dementia with PPI ever‐use compared with never‐use was 1.36 (95% CI, 1.29 to 1.43) for age 60 to 69 years at diagnosis, 1.12 (1.09 to 1.15) for 70 to 79 years, 1.06 (1.03 to 1.09) for 80 to 89 years, and 1.03 (0.91 to 1.17) for 90+ years. Longer treatment duration yielded increasing IRRs. For cases below 90 years, increased dementia rate was observed regardless of treatment initiation up to >15 years before diagnosis.

DISCUSSION

Regardless of timing of treatment initiation, PPI use was associated with increased dementia rate before age 90 years. Dementia rates increased with younger age at diagnosis.

Highlights

After following 1,983,785 individuals for a median of 10 years, 99,384 developed dementia

PPIs were used by 21.2% of cases and 18.9% of controls

PPI use was associated with increased dementia rate regardless of time of treatment onset

Magnitude of associations increased with younger age at diagnosis

PPI use was not associated with dementia occurring after age 90 years
La3+ and Al3+ loaded D151 as salt‐resistant resins for efficient adsorption of glyphosate: Effects of ionic radius
Authors: Xie Huixian , Xiao Guqing , Song Qingwen , Meng Qiudong
Published: October 2023

La3+ and Al3+ loaded D151 resin [R‐La and R‐Al, respectively] were used as salt‐resistant resins for the efficient adsorption of glyphosate. The results showed that La3+ with a larger ionic radius could accommodate more glyphosate as ligands, resulting in higher glyphosate adsorption capacity of R‐La than that of R‐Al. Both R‐La and R‐Al exhibited maximum adsorption capacities at pH 2.52, where glyphosate existed in its ionization equilibrium of pKa2. Consistent with the larger ionic radius of La3+, R‐La featured larger qm and KL than R‐Al at the same temperature. Owing to the smaller radius of Al3+, the enthalpy values for the coordination adsorption of glyphosate by R‐Al were larger than those of R‐La at the same adsorption capacity. Owing to the smaller radius of Al3+, R‐Al exhibited stronger coordination adsorption for glyphosate and significantly higher salt tolerance than R‐La. The adsorption mechanisms indicated that both R‐La and R‐Al could adsorb glyphosate through the coordination of La3+ and Al3+ with O atoms of the phosphonate group of glyphosate. At a NaCl concentration range of 0–16%, R‐Al featured excellent salt tolerance and highly stable glyphosate adsorption capacity than 330, D301, R‐La, and the 14 adsorbents reported in the literature.
A structured review on game‐based learning applied to electrical power and energy engineering
Authors: Giraldo Juan S. , Kok Koen , Paterakis Nikolaos G.
Published: October 2023

It has been reported that electrical engineering schools might be facing a decline in newly enrolled students combined with an increase in the number of dropouts due to motivation and engagement problems. At the same time, companies in the electric power industry require safe and realistic training environments for their trainees to reduce induction program times, costs, and accidents. Game‐based learning (GBL) applications offer alternatives in both sectors, that is, education and training, for increasing engagement, motivation, and knowledge transfer in controlled environments. This paper aims to show applications of GBL techniques towards educational and training objectives in electrical power and energy systems in the period spanning from 2002 to 2021. This review points to two main research questions: what GBL tools have been used for education and training purposes in electrical power and energy systems during 2002 to 2021? Also, what are the methodologies used for assessing the efficacy of using GBL applications in electrical power and energy systems? A structured review methodology was applied to identify how GBL has been used in electrical power and energy systems. A total of 81 papers were selected for full review. The procedure included the formulation of research questions, identification and selection of studies, and data synthesis of results. Our review showed that most GBL applications in electrical power and energy systems were developed with education purposes (63%), from which 29% used graphic user interfaces and 23% used serious games. On the other hand, for training purposes, the most popular GBL tool was virtual reality, applications of which were discussed in 56% of the reviewed papers. The review also showed that only 42% of the education papers and 37% of the training papers performed learning efficacy analyses; in which qualitative postevaluations or postsurveys were the most popular methodologies used in over 50% of those papers.
Prediction model of ocular metastasis from primary liver cancer: Machine learning‐based development and interpretation study
Authors: Sun Jin‐Qi , Wu Shi‐Nan , Mou Zheng‐Lin , Wen Jia‐Yi , Wei Hong , Zou Jie , Li Qing‐Jian , Liu Zhao‐Lin , Xu San Hua , Kang Min , Ling Qian , Huang Hui , Chen Xu , Wang Yi‐Xin , Liao Xu‐Lin , Tan Gang , Shao Yi
Published: October 2023

Background

Ocular metastasis (OM) is a rare metastatic site of primary liver cancer (PLC). The purpose of this study was to establish a clinical predictive model of OM in PLC patients based on machine learning (ML).

Methods

We retrospectively collected the clinical data of 1540 PLC patients and divided it into a training set and an internal test set in a 7:3 proportion. PLC patients were divided into OM and non‐ocular metastasis (NOM) groups, and univariate logistic regression analysis was performed between the two groups. The variables with univariate logistic analysis p < 0.05 were selected for the ML model. We constructed six ML models, which were internally verified by 10‐fold cross‐validation. The prediction performance of each ML model was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curves (ROCs). We also constructed a web calculator based on the optimal performance ML model to personalize the risk probability for OM.

Results

Six variables were selected for the ML model. The extreme gradient boost (XGB) ML model achieved the optimal differential diagnosis ability, with an area under the curve (AUC) = 0.993, accuracy = 0.992, sensitivity = 0.998, and specificity = 0.984. Based on these results, an online web calculator was constructed by using the XGB ML model to help clinicians diagnose and treat the risk probability of OM in PLC patients. Finally, the Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) library was used to obtain the six most important risk factors for OM in PLC patients: CA125, ALP, AFP, TG, CA199, and CEA.

Conclusion

We used the XGB model to establish a risk prediction model of OM in PLC patients. The predictive model can help identify PLC patients with a high risk of OM, provide early and personalized diagnosis and treatment, reduce the poor prognosis of OM patients, and improve the quality of life of PLC patients.
Analysis of the cost‐effectiveness of proton beam therapy for unresectable pancreatic cancer in Japan
Authors: Hiroshima Yuichi , Kondo Masahide , Sawada Takuya , Hoshi Shu‐ling , Okubo Reiko , Iizumi Takashi , Numajiri Haruko , Okumura Toshiyuki , Sakurai Hideyuki
Published: October 2023

Background

Proton beam therapy (PBT) has recently been included in Japan's social health insurance benefits package. This study aimed to determine the cost‐effectiveness of PBT for unresectable, locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) as a replacement for conventional photon radiotherapy (RT).

Methods

We estimated the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) of PBT as a replacement for three‐dimensional conformal RT (3DCRT), a conventional photon RT, using clinical evidence in the literature and expense complemented by expert opinions. We used a decision tree and an economic and Markov model to illustrate the disease courses followed by LAPC patients. Effectiveness was estimated as quality‐adjusted life years (QALY) using utility weights for the health state. Social insurance fees were calculated as the costs. The stability of the ICER against the assumptions made was appraised using sensitivity analyses.

Results

The effectiveness of PBT and 3DCRT was 1.67610615 and 0.97181271 QALY, respectively. The ICER was estimated to be ¥5,376,915 (US$46,756) per QALY. According to the suggested threshold for anti‐cancer therapy from the Japanese authority of ¥7,500,000 (US$65,217) per QALY gain, such a replacement would be considered cost‐effective. The one‐way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses demonstrated stability of the base‐case ICER.

Conclusion

PBT, as a replacement for conventional photon radiotherapy, is cost‐effective and justifiable as an efficient use of finite healthcare resources. Making it a standard treatment option and available to every patient in Japan is socially acceptable from the perspective of health economics.
Nanotechnology‐Based Strategies for Extended‐Release Delivery of Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs): A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Haji Ali Bahareh , Shirvaliloo Milad , Fathi‐Karkan Sonia , Mirinejad Shekoufeh , Ulucan‐Karnak Fulden , Sargazi Saman , Sargazi Sara , Sheervalilou Roghayeh , Rahman Mohammed M.
Published: October 2023

There has been a significant shift in the perception of hypertension as an important contributor to the global disease burden. Approximately 6 % and 8 % of pregnancies are affected by hypertension, which can adversely affect the mother and the fetus. Furthermore, a hypertensive individual is at increased risk of developing kidney disease, arterial hardening, eye damage, and strokes. Using angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) is widespread in treating hypertension, heart failure, coronary artery disease, and diabetic nephropathy. Despite this, some ARBs have limited use due to their poor oral bioavailability and water solubility. To tackle this, a variety of nanoparticle (NP)‐based systems, such as polymeric NPs (i. e., dendrimers), polymeric micelles, polymer‐drug conjugates, lipid NPs, nanoemulsions, self‐emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS), solid lipid NPs (SLNs), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), carbon‐based nanocarriers, inorganic NPs, and nanocrystals, have been recently developed for efficient delivery of losartan, Valsartan (Val), Olmesartan (OLM), Telmisartan (TEL), Candesartan, Eprosartan, Irbesartan, and Azilsartan to target cells. This review article provides a literature‐based comparison of the various classes of ARBs, their mechanisms of action, and an overview of the nanoformulations developed for ARB delivery and successfully applied to managing hypertension, diabetic complications, and other conditions.
Female intravesical foreign body penetrating the bladder wall: A rare case of traditional Asian hair stickkanzashi
Authors: Arai Masahiro , Takeshita Hideki , Hirata Wataru , Tachibana Kojiro , Nagamoto Shoichi , Kitayama Sachi , Yano Akihiro , Okada Yohei , Kawakami Satoru
Published: October 2023

Key Clinical Message

A female in her thirties inserted an Asian traditional hair stick,kanzashi, into her urinary bladder for sexual gratification. We need to know that everyday objects can become bladder foreign bodies and how to manage them properly.
The effect of neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage on smoking status, quit attempts, and receipt of cessation support among adults with cancer: Results from nine ECOG‐ACRIN Cancer Research Group trials
Authors: Walter Angela Wangari , Lee Ju‐Whei , Streck Joanna M. , Gareen Ilana F. , Herman Benjamin A. , Kircher Sheetal M. , Carlos Ruth C. , Kumar Shaji K. , Mayer Ingrid A. , Saba Nabil F. , Fenske Timothy S. , Neal Joel W. , Atkins Michael B. , Hodi Frank S. , Kyriakopoulos Christos E. , Tempany‐Afdhal Clare M. , Shanafelt Tait D. , Wagner Lynne I. , Land Stephanie R. , Ostroff Jamie S. , Park Elyse R.
Published: October 2023

Background

Tobacco use is associated with adverse outcomes among patients diagnosed with cancer. Socioeconomic determinants influence access and utilization of tobacco treatment; little is known about the relationship between neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage (NSD) and tobacco assessment, assistance, and cessation among patients diagnosed with cancer.

Methods

A modified Cancer Patient Tobacco Use Questionnaire (C‐TUQ) was administered to patients enrolled in nine ECOG‐ACRIN clinical trials. We examined associations of NSD with (1) smoking status, (2) receiving tobacco cessation assessment and support, and (3) cessation behaviors. NSD was classified by tertiles of the Area Deprivation Index. Associations between NSD and tobacco variables were evaluated using logistic regression.

Results

A total of 740 patients completing the C‐TUQ were 70% male, 94% White, 3% Hispanic, mean age 58.8 years. Cancer diagnoses included leukemia 263 (36%), lymphoma 141 (19%), prostate 131 (18%), breast 79 (11%), melanoma 69 (9%), myeloma 53 (7%), and head and neck 4 (0.5%). A total of 402 (54%) never smoked, 257 (35%) had formerly smoked, and 81 (11%) were currently smoking. Patients in high disadvantaged neighborhoods were approximately four times more likely to report current smoking (odds ratio [OR], 3.57; 95% CI, 1.69–7.54; p = .0009), and more likely to report being asked about smoking (OR, 4.24; 95% CI, 1.64–10.98; p = .0029), but less likely to report receiving counseling (OR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.02–0.58; p = .0086) versus those in the least disadvantaged neighborhoods.

Conclusions

Greater neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage was associated with smoking but less cessation support. Increased cessation support in cancer care is needed, particularly for patients from disadvantaged neighborhoods.
Appearance and recurrence of odontogenic keratocysts
Authors: Pylkkö Jaakko , Willberg Jaana , Suominen Auli , Laine Hanna K. , Rautava Jaana
Published: October 2023

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the appearance, histopathological features, and recurrence of odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) from a large single institute registry over a 36‐year period.

Materials and Methods

A total of 226 cases of OKC were identified in 174 patients over a 36‐year period in a single institute in Southwestern Finland. Histological specimens were re‐evaluated. The patient's age, sex, location, recurrence, and histopathological features of the OKC were the study variables.

Results

OKCs occurred more frequently in men, the mean age was 46 years, and the most frequent site was the lower jaw. Recurrence rate was 21%. Histopathologically, inflammation was present in 95% and satellite cysts in 10% of cases. In patients diagnosed with satellite cysts, OKC recurred in 50% of cases, while the corresponding figure for patients without satellite cysts was 17%.

Conclusions

Compared with the literature, patients were older and inflamed cysts were found more frequently. Satellite cysts occurred only in association with chronic inflammation. Based on the results, regular radiographic evaluation is important among patients aged 10–29 years to detect OKCs and to treat them before enlargement, infection, and inflammation. Satellite cysts should be reported and may be a sign of increased risk of OKC recurrence.
Characterization of CBD oils, seized on the Belgian market, using infrared spectroscopy: Matrix identification and CBD determination, a proof of concept
Authors: Duchateau Céline , Stévigny Caroline , De Braekeleer Kris , Deconinck Eric
Published: October 2023

The availability of cannabidiol (CBD) oil products has increased in recent years. No analytical controls are mandatory for these products leading to uncertainties about composition and quality. In this paper, a methodology was developed to identify the oil matrix and to estimate the CBD content in such samples, using mid‐infrared and near‐infrared spectroscopy. Different oils were selected based on the information labeled on products and were bought in food stores in order to create a sample set with a variety of matrices. These oils were spiked with CBD to obtain samples with CBD levels from 0% to 20%. The first part of the study was focused on the qualitative analysis of the oil matrix. A classification model, based on Soft Independent Modeling of Class Analogy, was build using the spiked oils to distinguish between the different oil matrices. For both spectroscopic techniques, the sensitivity, the specificity, the accuracy and the precision were equal to 100%. These models were applied to determine the oil matrix of seized samples. The second part of the study was focused on the quantitative estimation of CBD. After determination of CBD in seized samples using gas chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry, partial least square regression (PLS‐R) models were built, one for each matrix in the sample set. Both techniques were able to classify unknown oily samples according to their matrix, and although only few samples were available to evaluate the PLS‐R models, the approach clearly showed promising results for the estimation of the CBD content in oil samples.
Heavy grazing causes plant cluster fragmentation of sparse grasses
Authors: Wang Zihan , Lv Shijie , Liu Hongmei , Chen Chen , Li Zhiguo , Wang Zhongwu , Han Guodong
Published: October 2023

Cleistogenes songorica, as a clustered grass, is the main grassland flora of the Stipa breviflora desert grassland. Some studies have shown that the constructive species of S. breviflora (sparse cluster type) is prone to cluster fragmentation; however, research on C. songorica is relatively rare. Then will the C. songorica plant population (dense cluster type) also have cluster fragmentation under the influence of intense grazing? To answer this question, we used variance analysis and geo‐statistical methods. The spatial distribution of C. songorica in S. breviflora desert steppe in Inner Mongolia was measured under four grazing intensities (no grazing, CK, 0 sheep·ha−1·half year−1; light grazing, LG, 0.93 sheep·ha−1·half year−1; moderate grazing, MG, 1.82 sheep·ha−1·half year−1; and heavy grazing, HG, 2.71 sheep·ha−1·half year−1) and four scales (10 cm × 10 cm, 20 cm × 20 cm, 25 cm × 25 cm, 50 cm × 50 cm). We then analyzed C. songorica whether fragmentation was present. The results showed that increased grazing intensity is associated with increased density and decreased height, coverage, and standing crop of C. songorica. The spatial distribution of C. songorica was affected by structural factors, and spatial heterogeneity decreased with increased spatial scale. With increased grazing intensity and spatial scale, the patch area of C. songorica gradually increased and tended toward band distribution. In summary, increased grazing intensity and spatial scale led to weakened heterogeneity of C. songorica spatial distribution and increased consistency.
A multistateLangevin diffusion for inferring behavior‐specific habitat selection and utilization distributions
Authors: McClintock Brett T. , Lander Michelle E.
Published: October 2023

The identification of important habitat and the behavior(s) associated with it is critical to conservation and place‐based management decisions. Behavior also links life‐history requirements and habitat use, which are key to understanding why animals use certain habitats. Animal population studies often use tracking data to quantify space use and habitat selection, but they typically either ignore movement behavior (e.g., foraging, migrating, nesting) or adopt a two‐stage approach that can induce bias and fail to propagate uncertainty. We develop a habitat‐driven Langevin diffusion for animals that exhibit distinct movement behavior states, thereby providing a novel single‐stage statistical method for inferring behavior‐specific habitat selection and utilization distributions in continuous time. Practitioners can customize, fit, assess, and simulate our integrated model using the provided R package. Simulation experiments demonstrated that the model worked well under a range of sampling scenarios as long as observations were of sufficient temporal resolution. Our simulations also demonstrated the importance of accounting for different behaviors and the misleading inferences that can result when these are ignored. We provide case studies using plains zebra (Equus quagga) and Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) telemetry data. In the zebra example, our model identified distinct “encamped” and “exploratory” states, where the encamped state was characterized by strong selection for grassland and avoidance of other vegetation types, which may represent selection for foraging resources. In the sea lion example, our model identified distinct movement behavior modes typically associated with this marine central‐place forager and, unlike previous analyses, found foraging‐type movements to be associated with steeper offshore slopes characteristic of the continental shelf, submarine canyons, and seamounts that are believed to enhance prey concentrations. This is the first single‐stage approach for inferring behavior‐specific habitat selection and utilization distributions from tracking data that can be readily implemented with user‐friendly software. As certain behaviors are often more relevant to specific conservation or management objectives, practitioners can use our model to help inform the identification and prioritization of important habitats. Moreover, by linking individual‐level movement behaviors to population‐level spatial processes, the multistate Langevin diffusion can advance inferences at the intersection of population, movement, and landscape ecology.