bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel tumour suppressor protein encoded by circMAPK14 inhibits progression and metastasis of colorectal cancer by competitively binding to MKK6
Authors: Wang Lu , Zhou Jiahui , Zhang Chuan , Chen Ranran , Sun Qingyang , Yang Peng , Peng Chaofan , Tan Yuqian , Jin Chi , Wang Tuo , Ji Jiangzhou , Sun Yueming
Published: October 2021

Background

The mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is highly associated with the progression and metastasis of various solid tumours. MAPK14, a core molecule of the MAPK pathway, plays vital roles in the colorectal cancer (CRC). Recent studies have shown that circRNAs can affect tumour progression by encoding peptides. However, little is known regarding the potential protein translated from circMAPK14 and whether it plays a role in the carcinogenesis of colorectal cancer.

Methods

The RNA level and translatable potential of circMAPK14 in CRC was verified using qRT‐PCR and public databases. RNase R digestion assay, qRT‐PCR, sanger sequencing and FISH assays were utilised to verify the circular characteristics and subcellular localisation of circMAPK14. The suppressive role of circMAPK14 on the progression and metastasis of CRC was verified in vivo and in vitro. LC/MS analysis combined with western blotting demonstrated the presence and relative expression of circMAPK14‐175aa. The underlying mechanism of circMAPK14‐175aa action to inhibit CRC was identified by co‐IP analysis. The binding of U2AF2 within the flanking introns of circMAPK14 was evaluated by RNA pull‐down assay and RIP assay. Ultimately, luciferase reporter gene assays and ChIP assays confirmed that FOXC1 suppressed transcription of U2AF2 by binding to the U2AF2 promoter in the –400 bp to –100 bp region.　

Results

We identified that hsa_circ_0131663 (termed circMAPK14) showed significantly decreased expression level in cells and tissue samples of CRC, and was primarily localised in the cytoplasm. A series of function experiments demonstrated that circMAPK14 influenced CRC progression and metastasis by encoding a peptide of 175 amino acids (termed circMAPK14‐175aa). We also found that circMAPK14‐175aa reduced nuclear translocation of MAPK14 by competitively binding to MKK6, thus facilitating ubiquitin‐mediated degradation of FOXC1. Moreover, we described a positive feedback loop in CRC in which elevated FOXC1 expression was caused by reduced circMAPK14‐175aa expression. This, in turn, decreased circMAPK14 biogenesis by suppressing U2AF2 transcription.

Conclusion

In summary, we reported for the first time that circMAPK14 functioned as a tumour‐suppressor by encoding circMAPK14‐175aa, which blocked the progression and metastasis of colorectal cancer.
Paeonol inhibits human lung cancer cell viability and metastasis in vitro via miR‐126‐5p/ZEB2 axis
Authors: Lv Jing , Zhu Shibing , Chen Huiping , Xu Ying , Su Qingyu , Yu Guofen , Ma Wei
Published: October 2021

Paeonol exerted an effect in lung cancer, but the underlying mechanism remained vague. In this research, we assessed the effects of Paeonol and microRNA (miR)‐126‐5p on the viability, migration, invasion, and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) of lung cancer cells. Lung cancer cells and BEAS‐2B cells were treated with Paeonol, and viability was detected by 3‐(4,5)‐dimethylthiahiazo (‐z‐y1)‐3,5‐di‐ phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT) assay. The migration and invasion of lung cancer cells after treatment with Paeonol at 40 μg/mL or 80 μg/mL were detected by wound healing assay and Transwell assay, respectively. The effects of Paeonol on transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1)‐induced EMT and relative expressions of EMT‐related proteins were determined using Western blot. The target gene of miR‐126‐5p and the binding sites between them were predicted by TargetScan, and confirmed using dual‐luciferase reporter assay. Relative expressions of miR‐126‐5p, its target gene and EMT‐related proteins were determined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and Western blot. Rescue assay was performed to analyze the relation between Paeonol and miR‐126‐5p. Paeonol down‐regulated cell viability and inhibited migration, invasion and TGF‐β1‐induced EMT while up‐regulating miR‐126‐5p expression in lung cancer cells as the dose increased. However, miR‐126‐5p inhibitor could reverse the effect of Paeonol. ZEB2 was the target gene of miR‐126‐5p, and silencing ZEB2 expression reversed the effects of miR‐126‐5p downregulation. Paeonol also regulated the expression of ZEB2 in lung cancer cells, and this regulation depends on the regulation of miR‐126‐5p. Paeonol inhibits human lung cancer cell viability and metastasis via the miR‐126‐5p/ZEB2 axis, and could be adopted as a potential agent for lung cancer treatment.
Actinic keratoses: The latest in therapy
Authors: Berman Brian , Berman Daniela K.
Published: October 2021

The following is a review of the pathogenesis and natural history of actinic keratoses, their progression to squamous cell carcinoma, and recent findings and insights into the mechanisms of action of chemopreventative and field therapeutic agents for actinic keratoses are highlighted. Oral nicotinamide appears to be a safe and tolerable chemopreventative agent although its effectiveness requires continued use. Tirbanibulin ointment 1% is novel in its proposed mechanism of action and requires the shortest period of treatment of currently US Food and Drug Administration‐approved, topically applied field therapies for actinic keratoses.
Similarities and differences between multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes
Authors: Pozzilli Valeria , Grasso Eleonora Agata , Tomassini Valentina
Published: October 2021

Multiple sclerosis (MS) and type 1 diabetes (T1D) are chronic conditions that result from dysfunction of the immune system. Their common root in autoimmunity stimulates interest in the exploration of similarities and differences between the two diseases. Genetic susceptibility is relevant, creating a substrate, on which environmental factors act as a trigger of an aberrant immune response. Despite being both T‐cell mediated disorders with a strong involvement of the humoral arm, immunomodulation is a mainstay of MS management, whereas hormone replacement therapy remains the principal approach for T1D. T1D is usually diagnosed in children and adolescents, while MS is typical of young adults. This difference has implications for disease progression and treatment. The SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic and its effect on immunity may affect the prevalence of these conditions, as well as their clinical manifestation.
Natural history of a bighorn sheep pneumonia epizootic: Source of infection, course of disease, and pathogen clearance
Authors: Besser Thomas E. , Cassirer E. Frances , Lisk Amy , Nelson Danielle , Manlove Kezia R. , Cross Paul C. , Hogg John T.
Published: October 2021

A respiratory disease epizootic at the National Bison Range (NBR) in Montana in 2016–2017 caused an 85% decline in the bighorn sheep population, documented by observations of its unmarked but individually identifiable members, the subjects of an ongoing long‐term study. The index case was likely one of a small group of young bighorn sheep on a short‐term exploratory foray in early summer of 2016. Disease subsequently spread through the population, with peak mortality in September and October and continuing signs of respiratory disease and sporadic mortality of all age classes through early July 2017. Body condition scores and clinical signs suggested that the disease affected ewe groups before rams, although by the end of the epizootic, ram mortality (90% of 71) exceeded ewe mortality (79% of 84). Microbiological sampling 10 years to 3 months prior to the epizootic had documented no evidence of infection or exposure to Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae at NBR, but during the epizootic, a single genetic strain of M. ovipneumoniae was detected in affected animals. Retrospective screening of domestic sheep flocks near the NBR identified the same genetic strain in one flock, presumptively the source of the epizootic infection. Evidence of fatal lamb pneumonia was observed during the first two lambing seasons following the epizootic but was absent during the third season following the death of the last identified M. ovipneumoniae carrier ewe. Monitoring of life‐history traits prior to the epizootic provided no evidence that environmentally and/or demographically induced nutritional or other stress contributed to the epizootic. Furthermore, the epizootic occurred despite proactive management actions undertaken to reduce risk of disease and increase resilience in this population. This closely observed bighorn sheep epizootic uniquely illustrates the natural history of the disease including the (presumptive) source of spillover, course, severity, and eventual pathogen clearance.
Nitrogen and phosphorus addition differentially enhance seed production of dominant species in a temperate steppe
Authors: Su Lei , Liu Mengzhou , You Chengming , Guo Qun , Hu Zhongmin , Yang Zhongling , Li Guoyong
Published: October 2021

Previous studies have demonstrated changes in plant growth and reproduction in response to nutrient availability, but responses of plant growth and reproduction to multiple levels of nutrient enrichment remain unclear. In this study, a factorial field experiment was performed with manipulation of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) availability to examine seed production of the dominant species, Stipa krylovii, in response to N and P addition in a temperate steppe. There were three levels of N and P addition in this experiment, including no N addition (0 g N m−2 year−1), low N addition (10 g N m−2 year−1), and high N addition (40 g N m−2 year−1) for N addition treatment, and no P addition (0 g P m−2 year−1), low P addition (5 g P m−2 year−1), and high P addition (10 g P m−2 year−1) for P addition treatment. Low N addition enhanced seed production by 814%, 1371%, and 1321% under ambient, low, and high P addition levels, respectively. High N addition increased seed production by 2136%, 3560%, and 3550% under ambient, low, and high P addition levels, respectively. However, P addition did not affect seed production in the absence of N addition, but enhanced it under N addition. N addition enhanced seed production mainly by increasing the tiller number and inflorescence abundance per plant, whereas P addition stimulated it by decreasing the plant density yet stimulating height of plants and their seed number per inflorescence. Our results indicate seed production is not limited by P availability but rather by N availability in the temperate steppe, whereas seed production will be increased by P addition when N availability is improved. These findings enable a better understanding of plant reproduction dynamics in the temperate steppe under intensified nutrient enrichment and can inform their improved management in the future.
Population assignment tests uncover rare long‐distance marine larval dispersal events
Authors: D’Aloia C. C. , Bogdanowicz S. M. , Andrés J. A. , Buston P. M.
Published: October 2021

Long‐distance dispersal (LDD) is consequential to metapopulation ecology and evolution. In systems where dispersal is undertaken by small propagules, such as larvae in the ocean, documenting LDD is especially challenging. Genetic parentage analysis has gained traction as a method for measuring larval dispersal, but such studies are generally spatially limited, leaving LDD understudied in marine species. We addressed this knowledge gap by uncovering LDD with population assignment tests in the coral reef fish Elacatinus lori, a species whose short‐distance dispersal has been well‐characterized by parentage analysis. When adults (n = 931) collected throughout the species’ range were categorized into three source populations, assignment accuracy exceeded 99%, demonstrating low rates of gene flow between populations in the adult generation. After establishing high assignment confidence, we assigned settlers (n = 3,828) to source populations. Within the settler cohort, <0.1% of individuals were identified as long‐distance dispersers from other populations. These results demonstrate an exceptionally low level of connectivity between E. lori populations, despite the potential for ocean currents to facilitate LDD. More broadly, these findings illustrate the value of combining genetic parentage analysis and population assignment tests to uncover short‐ and long‐distance dispersal, respectively.
Neosilyllithium‐Catalyzed Hydroboration of Alkynes and Alkenes in the Presence of Pinacolborane (HBpin)
Authors: Kumar Gobbilla Sai , Moorthy Shruti , Karmakar Himadri , Singh Saurabh Kumar , Panda Tarun K.
Published: October 2021

We report here a novel protocol for the hydroboration of alkynes and alkenes, which in the presence of neosilyllithium (LiCH2SiMe3) (5 mol %) and pinacolborane efficiently results in the formation of corresponding alkenyl and alkyl boronate ester products in good yields. The electron‐donating and electron‐withdrawing substituents on the aromatic rings of alkynes and alkenes converted smoothly to the desired products. When we extended the scope of reactivity to various aliphatic alkynes and styrenes using similar conditions, the alkenyl and alkyl boronate ester products were again formed in good yields. We also performed intramolecular and intermolecular reactions to check the reactivity of different functional groups on the phenyl ring. Experimental investigations and DLPNO‐CCSD(T) calculations reveal mechanistic insights from the LiCH2SiMe3‐catalyzed alkyne hydroboration.
Facile Synthesis of Gold/Graphene Nanocomposites for Simultaneous Determination of Sunset Yellow and Tartrazine in Soft Drinks
Authors: Wu Tingxuan , Wang Qi , Peng XiuYing , Guo Yujing
Published: October 2021

Herein, poly (diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) functionalized gold nanoparticles/graphene (AuNPs/Gr) composites were prepared by the one‐pot method under simple, rapid and mild conditions. The prepared nanocomposites combined the excellent conductivity and electrocatalytic performance of Gr and AuNPs. Based on the above advantages, an outstanding electrochemical sensor was constructed to detect sunset yellow (SY) and tartrazine (TZ) simultaneously. Under the optimum conditions, the linear response ranges for SY and TZ were 0.006–5.0 and 0.008–3.0 μmol/L, with low detection limits of 2.0 and 2.5 nmol/L, respectively. The as‐proposed sensor displayed long‐term stability, anti‐interference performance and reproducibility, revealing its promising method for practical monitoring.
Distribution of b‐values in Indo‐Burma Ranges, northeast India: Implications to structural heterogeneities and style of faulting
Authors: Bora Dipok K. , Borah Kajaljyoti , Singh Ajay P. , Mishra Om Prakash
Published: October 2021

The spatial distribution of the b‐value has been determined using a homogeneous earthquake catalogue from 1964 to 2018 to examine the characteristics of structural heterogeneities and their bearing on the style of faulting in the Indo‐Burma region of Northeastern India. The study region is associated with an uneven distribution of structural heterogeneities and demonstrates the mixed type of faulting, nature where the majority of earthquakes resulted mainly by thrust and strike‐slip fault. Our critical analysis demonstrates that the existence of two prominent zones is associated with high b‐values and low b‐values where the mixed type of faulting resulted in the genesis of seismicity in the study area. The high b‐values in the study area contain a large number of smaller earthquakes whilst the low b‐values comprise a smaller number of larger earthquakes distributed along with the Naga‐Disang Thrust, Kabaw Fault, and Sagaing fault systems. A close comparison between b‐values and different faulting styles reveals that the area containing a low b‐value suggests stronger seismogenic zones, where an accumulation of strain energy leads to the genesis of seismicity by thrust faulting with slight slip component whilst Indo‐Burma Ranges regions connected with b‐values (0.5–0.9) demonstrate strike‐slip to the normal mode of faulting, indicating relatively weak seismogenic zones where tensional forces are prevalent. The depth sections illustrate that lower b‐values for the upper part of the subducting slab correspond to more stress generated by tectonics compared to that of the lower part, and interestingly the deeper part of the subducting Indian slab is coupled with conspicuously very high‐b values, suggesting the weakening of the Indian subducting slab through dehydration.
MiRNome analysis identifying miR‐205 and miR‐449a as biomarkers of disease progression in intestinal‐type sinonasal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Re Massimo , Tomasetti Marco , Monaco Federica , Amati Monica , Rubini Corrado , Sollini Giacomo , Bajraktari Arisa , Gioacchini Federico Maria , Santarelli Lory , Pasquini Ernesto
Published: October 2021

Background

Patients with intestinal‐type sinonasal adenocarcinoma (ITAC) have an unfavorable prognosis, and new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are needed to improve clinical management.

Methods

Next‐generation sequencing‐based miRNome analysis was performed on 43 ITAC patients who underwent surgical resection, and microRNA (miRNA) data were obtained from 35 cases. Four miRNAs were identified, and their expression levels were detected by reverse‐transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and related to the relevant patient outcome. Overall survival and disease‐free survival rates were evaluated through the Kaplan–Meier method and log‐rank test, and multivariate analysis was performed by means of Cox proportional hazard analysis.

Results

High levels of miR‐205 and miR‐34c/miR‐449 cluster expression were associated with an increased recurrence risk and, therefore, a worse prognosis. Multivariate analysis confirmed that miR‐205 and miR‐449 were significant prognostic predictors.

Conclusions

A high expression of miR‐205 and miR‐449 is independent predictors of poor survival for ITAC patients.
Synthesis of Stereochemically Flexible Cyclic Biphenylbisphosphinite Ligands: Control of the Dynamics and Selectivity
Authors: Menke Jan‐Michael , Scholz Katharina , Trapp Oliver
Published: October 2021

Novel l‐tartaric acid based stereodynamic biphenylbisphosphinite ligands with anilino linkers were prepared as cyclic diamide compounds. The influence of the constitutional substitution pattern of the amino group at the aniline moiety on the diastereoselective formation of the ligand was investigated. While the meta‐anilino bridged ligands showed a highly dynamic behavior and no discrimination between (Rax) and (Sax) configuration, l‐tartaric acid substitution on ortho‐anilino bridged ligands leads to diastereoselective self‐alignment of the central biphenol axis, which controls the stereoselectivity of the ligand and catalyst. The experimental findings were corroborated by theoretical calculations. In the rhodium‐catalyzed enantioselective hydrogenation of methyl 2‐acetamidoacrylate (MAA), an enantiomeric ratio of 75 : 25 (R/S) was obtained for the ortho‐substituted ligand.
Aligning priorities in Ethiopian health finance: How do the essential health services package and health benefit plans compare?
Authors: Koon Adam D. , Wright Jenna , Ageze Leulseged , Charles Jodi , Holtz Jeanna
Published: October 2021

Priority setting is a key function of health systems in low‐ and middle‐income countries that seek to achieve universal health coverage. Essential health services packages (EHSPs) and health benefit plans are two types of instruments used in setting health care priorities. Both instruments exist in Ethiopia, but little is known about how they are aligned. To gain insights into the evolution, purpose, policy objectives, and governance of the EHSP, community‐based health insurance (CBHI), and social health insurance (SHI) in Ethiopia, we conducted a case study. This included a desk review of relevant documents as well as qualitative analysis of key informant interviews conducted with 15 leading health finance experts in Addis Ababa. Interviewees understood the EHSP to be a key priority‐setting instrument in the country by coordinating the activities of health system stakeholders, and guaranteeing the right of citizens to a basic level of care. Community‐based health insurance and SHI were described as mechanisms for the government to expand health coverage and provide financial protection. Interviewees acknowledged that Ethiopia had drawn on the experience of other countries when designing health benefit plans, but contrasted Ethiopia's experience with that of other countries. We found that in Ethiopia, the EHSP, CBHI, and SHI are not explicitly aligned. We propose that EHSPs play an important role in early stages of health systems development. However, as governments develop health benefit plans with expansive packages of services, the importance of EHSPs becomes less clear.
Islet amyloid toxicity: From genesis to counteracting mechanisms
Authors: Marmentini Carine , Branco Renato C. S. , Boschero Antonio C. , Kurauti Mirian A.
Published: October 2021

Islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP or amylin) is a hormone co‐secreted with insulin by pancreatic β‐cells and is the major component of islet amyloid. Islet amyloid is found in the pancreas of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and may be involved in β‐cell dysfunction and death, observed in this disease. Thus, investigating the aspects related to amyloid formation is relevant to the development of strategies towards β‐cell protection. In this sense, IAPP misprocessing, IAPP overproduction, and disturbances in intra‐ and extracellular environments seem to be decisive for IAPP to form islet amyloid. Islet amyloid toxicity in β‐cells may be triggered in intra‐ and/or extracellular sites by membrane damage, endoplasmic reticulum stress, autophagy disruption, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and apoptosis. Importantly, different approaches have been suggested to prevent islet amyloid cytotoxicity, from inhibition of IAPP aggregation to attenuation of cell death mechanisms. Such approaches have improved β‐cell function and prevented the development of hyperglycemia in animals. Therefore, counteracting islet amyloid may be a promising therapy for T2D treatment.
MAP kinase/ERK kinase 1 (MEK1) phosphorylates regulator of calcineurin 1 (RCAN1) to regulate neuronal differentiation
Authors: Kim Seon Sook , Lee Eun Hye , Shin Jin Hak , Seo Su Ryeon
Published: October 2021

Regulator of calcineurin 1 (RCAN1) is located close to the Down syndrome critical region (DSCR) on human chromosome 21 and is related to the Down syndrome (DS) phenotype. To identify a novel binding partner of RCAN1, we performed yeast two‐hybrid screening and identified mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinase/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) kinase 1 (MEK1) as a partner. MEK1 was able to bind and phosphorylate RCAN1 in vitro and in vivo. MEK1‐dependent RCAN1 phosphorylation caused an increase in RCAN1 expression by increasing the protein half‐life. Nerve growth factor (NGF)‐dependent activation of the MEK1 pathway consistently induced RCAN1 expression. Moreover, we found that RCAN1 overexpression inhibited NGF‐induced neurite outgrowth and expression of neuronal marker genes, such as growth cone‐associated protein 43 (GAP43) and synapsin I, via inhibition of MEK1‐ERK1/2 pathways. Our findings provide evidence that MEK1‐dependent RCAN1 phosphorylation acts as an important molecular mechanism in the control of neuronal differentiation.
Blood cyst of the pulmonary valve causing right ventricular outflow tract obstruction: A case report
Authors: Wang Xiaoyan , Yang Yanfeng , Zhang Yong , Fan Lingxia , Wang Shushui
Published: October 2021

Blood cysts are rare cardiac tumors, often involve the atrioventricular valves. Blood cysts are usually small and tend to be clinically silent. Here, we report a case of blood cyst adhered to the junction of the pulmonary valve and the right ventricular outflow, causing severe outflow obstruction. This case was initially misdiagnosed as pulmonary valve stenosis by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and even underwent percutaneous balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (PBPV). As the right ventricle‐to‐pulmonary artery peak gradient did not decrease after PBPV procedure, the boy underwent TTE again and the diagnosis was corrected as blood cyst. The cystic mass was successfully resected subsequently, and the boy recovered well.
Opportunities for narrative medicine in dental education and practice, a narrative review
Authors: Soni Mehar , Eidelman Alec Saul
Published: October 2021

Purpose/objectives

Reflection is one of four components of the experiential learning cycle and is often the one overlooked. This practice can be used in graduate‐level health care education, such as medicine and dentistry. This metacognitive practice allows students to conceptualize learning in a clinical setting and apply this knowledge to new scenarios. Reflective practice can be taught using different modalities of narrative medicine, and several studies have studied its effectiveness in areas such as professional development, collaboration, communication among others. Most of these studies, however, have been conducted solely in the medical setting, and narrative medicine may have useful application in the practice and teaching of dentistry.

Methods

This literature review examined the outcomes of narrative medicine in medical studies concerning reflection and hypothesized their benefits to dental education. The studies reviewed were chosen by utilizing key term searches of the National Center for Biotechnology Information PubMed library and qualitative factor analysis by study team investigators. Elective‐based, prospective enrollment and whole cohort participation programs were analyzed for potential effectiveness in dental education.

Results

The most feasible programs for potential integration into dental curricula are elective‐based, small‐group, graduate‐level courses with a level of evaluation such as residency competencies, as demonstrated by Arntfield et al.

Conclusion(s)

These programs should be investigated further to evaluate their potential in improving reflective skills of students, and ultimately in improving their experiential learning experience.
Quantifying nonlinear temporal effects of ethanol preservation on round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) anatomical traits
Authors: Lorencen Bailey M. , Homola Jared J. , Robinson John D. , Scribner Kim T.
Published: October 2021

Geometric morphometrics provides a powerful means of evaluating differences in phenotypic traits among specimens. However, inferences of trait variability can be confounded when measurements are based on preserved samples. We evaluated effects of ethanol preservation on morphology over a 22‐week time period for a Laurentian Great Lakes invasive fish, round goby (Neogobius melanostomus, Pallas 1814), using sets of 17 lateral and six dorsal landmarks. We tested whether ethanol preservation affected the magnitude of inter‐population variation between individuals collected from lake and river habitats. Generalized least square regression determined that length did not significantly vary through the preservation time series for fish from either population, while mass decreased significantly. Body shape variation was summarized using principal component analysis, which revealed that most preservation‐associated changes occurred in the first 14 days. The lateral shape experienced a large magnitude change during the first 24 h in ethanol then only minor changes for the remainder of the study. The dorsal shape began to revert to pre‐preservation measurements about 14 days following preservation. Additionally, differences in shape were apparent between the two populations throughout the experiment; however, the magnitude of differences between populations varied depending on whether dorsal or lateral landmarks were considered. Our study demonstrates that tissue responses to ethanol preservation can be more complex than a simple loss of mass, resulting in difficult to predict consequences for geometric morphometric analyses, including variable responses depending on the anatomical region being analyzed.
Intra‐abdominal lymph node flaps in lymphedema therapy: An anatomical guide to donor site selection
Authors: Daniel Bassem W. , Sonnenberg Anna M. , Stern Josef E. , Tannapfel Andrea , Yamamoto Takumi , Ring Andrej
Published: October 2021

Background

Secondary lymphedema is a leading sequela of cancer surgery and radiotherapy. The microsurgical transfer of lymph node flaps (LNFs) to affected limbs can improve the symptoms. The intra‐abdominal cavity contains an abundant heterogenic source. The aim of this study is to aid selection among intra‐abdominal LNFs.

Methods

Eight LNFs were harvested in a microsurgical fashion at five sites in 16 cadavers: gastroepiploic, jejunal, ileal, ileocolic, and appendicular. These flaps were compared regarding size, weight, arterial diameter, and lymph node (LN) count after histologic verification.

Results

One hundred and sixteen flaps were harvested. The exposed area correlated with the flap weight and volume (r2 = 0.86, r = 0.9). While gastroepiploic LNFs (geLNFs) showed the highest median weight of 99 ml, the jejunal LNFs (jLNFs) had the highest density with 3.8 LNs per 10 ml. The most reliable jLNF was 60 cm from the ligament of Treitz. Three or more LNs were contained in 94% of the jejunal, 88% of the ileal/ileocolic, and 63% of the omental LNs. The ileocolic LNF had the largest arterial diameter of 3 mm, yet the smallest volume.

Conclusions

jLNF and ileal LNF provide a reliable, high LN density for simultaneous, smaller recipient sites. geLNFs are more suitable for larger recipient sites.
Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Foams Based on Poly(vinylidene fluoride)/Carbon Nanotubes Composite
Authors: Dun Dongxing , Luo Jingyun , Wang Minghao , Wang Xingran , Zhou Hongfu , Wang Xiangdong , Wen Bianying , Zhang Yuxia
Published: October 2021

Polymeric electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding foaming materials are found and applied in many frontier fields such as aerospace, transportation, and portable electronics. In this paper, a foam based on a composite system of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) filled with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is prepared for EMI shielding properties by using a solid‐state supercritical CO2 foaming strategy. PVDF is chosen as the matrix because of its excellent chemical resistance, thermal stability, and flame retardancy. The inclusion of CNTs renders this composite system enhanced complex viscosity and storage modulus by about two orders of magnitude. The electrical conductivity and EMI specific shielding effectiveness of obtained foams can be adjusted and reached the optimum value of 0.024 S m−1 and 29.1 dB cm3 g−1, respectively, originating from the gradual development of interconnected CNTs and conductive CNTs network as well as the introduction of cell structure in PVDF matrix. Interestingly, the reorientation of CNTs caused by foaming process results in electrical conductivity percolation threshold of PVDF/CNTs foams markedly decreases, in comparison to their unfoamed samples. This study provides a facile, efficient, green, and economic route for the preparation of EMI shielding foams consisted of fluorinated polymers and carbonaceous fillers.
Rational Design of Polycationic Hydrogel with Excellent Combination Functions for Flexible Wearable Electronic Devices
Authors: Liu Xiaoqing , Huang Peng , Wang Jinqing , Wang Xiangyuan , He Yufeng , Song Pengfei , Wang Rongmin
Published: October 2021

With the popularization of intelligent terminals and the improvement of medical level, the development of flexible wearable electronic devices (FWEDs) with high sensitivity and excellent mechanical properties plays a vital role in human motion and health monitoring. But most of FWEDs still stuck in a difficult choice of mechanical, functional, and sensory properties. In this work, it is found a strategy for extricating such plight. Using zwitterionic and quaternary ammonium salt, a novel polycationic hydrogel [P(ImSL‐AmC)] with excellent performance is synthesized by copolymerization under photoinitiation. After optimizing conditions of synthesis, its structure and properties are characterized. It is found that the electrostatic interaction enhances the mechanical applicability of P(ImSL‐AmC), which combines high stretchability (≈500% strain) with perfect strength (≈900 kPa) successfully. It is exciting that P(ImSL‐AmC) not only exhibits excellent antibacterial activities against both E. coli and S. aureus, but also maintains transparency and flexibility at −10 °C. This polycationic hydrogel also has superior conductivity as a stretchable pressure‐strain sensor, which can accurately monitor human motion. In summary, the obtained polycationic hydrogel possesses excellent combination functions, including intelligent conductivity, mechanical adaptability, antibacterial, frost resistance, and transparency. Furthermore, the practical strategy can be applied in preparation of intelligent wearable devices and human–computer interaction.
Automated segmentation of lung, liver, and liver tumors from Tc‐99m MAA SPECT/CT images for Y‐90 radioembolization using convolutional neural networks
Authors: Chaichana Anucha , Frey Eric C. , Teyateeti Ajalaya , Rhoongsittichai Kijja , Tocharoenchai Chiraporn , Pusuwan Pawana , Jangpatarapongsa Kulachart
Published: October 2021

Purpose

90Y selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) has become a safe and effective treatment option for liver cancer. However, segmentation of target and organ‐at‐risks is labor‐intensive and time‐consuming in 90Y SIRT planning. In this study, we developed a convolutional neural network (CNN)‐based method for automated lungs, liver, and tumor segmentation on 99mTc‐MAA SPECT/CT images for 90Y SIRT planning.

Methods

99mTc‐MAA SPECT/CT images and corresponding clinical segmentations were retrospectively collected from 56 patients who underwent 90Y SIRT. The collected data were used to train three CNN‐based segmentation algorithms for lungs, liver, and tumor segmentation. Segmentation performance was evaluated using the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), surface DSC, and average symmetric surface distance (ASSD). Dosimetric parameters (volume, counts, and lung shunt fraction) were measured from the segmentation results and were compared with clinical reference segmentations.

Results

The evaluation results show that the method can accurately segment lungs, liver, and tumor with median [interquartile range] DSCs of 0.98 [0.97–0.98], 0.91 [0.83–0.93], and 0.85 [0.71–0.88]; surface DSCs of 0.99 [0.97–0.99], 0.86 [0.77–0.93], and 0.85 [0.62–0.93], and ASSDs of 0.91 [0.69–1.5], 4.8 [2.6‐8.4], and 4.7 [3.5–9.2] mm, respectively. Dosimetric parameters from the three segmentation networks show relationship with those from the reference segmentations. The overall segmentation took about 1 min per patient on an NVIDIA RTX‐2080Ti GPU.

Conclusion

This work presents CNN‐based algorithms to segment lungs, liver, and tumor from 99mTc‐MAA SPECT/CT images. The results demonstrated the potential of the proposed CNN‐based segmentation method for assisting 90Y SIRT planning while drastically reducing operator time.
Exploring a new paradigm for the fetal anomaly ultrasound scan: Artificial intelligence in real time
Authors: Matthew Jacqueline , Skelton Emily , Day Thomas G. , Zimmer Veronika A. , Gomez Alberto , Wheeler Gavin , Toussaint Nicolas , Liu Tianrui , Budd Samuel , Lloyd Karen , Wright Robert , Deng Shujie , Ghavami Nooshin , Sinclair Matthew , Meng Qingjie , Kainz Bernhard , Schnabel Julia A. , Rueckert Daniel , Razavi Reza , Simpson John , Hajnal Jo
Published: October 2021

Objective

Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have demonstrated potential to improve medical diagnosis. We piloted the end‐to‐end automation of the mid‐trimester screening ultrasound scan using AI‐enabled tools.

Methods

A prospective method comparison study was conducted. Participants had both standard and AI‐assisted US scans performed. The AI tools automated image acquisition, biometric measurement, and report production. A feedback survey captured the sonographers' perceptions of scanning.

Results

Twenty‐three subjects were studied. The average time saving per scan was 7.62 min (34.7%) with the AI‐assisted method (p < 0.0001). There was no difference in reporting time. There were no clinically significant differences in biometric measurements between the two methods. The AI tools saved a satisfactory view in 93% of the cases (four core views only), and 73% for the full 13 views, compared to 98% for both using the manual scan. Survey responses suggest that the AI tools helped sonographers to concentrate on image interpretation by removing disruptive tasks.

Conclusion

Separating freehand scanning from image capture and measurement resulted in a faster scan and altered workflow. Removing repetitive tasks may allow more attention to be directed identifying fetal malformation. Further work is required to improve the image plane detection algorithm for use in real time.
Advanced photoluminescence imaging using non‐uniform excitation
Authors: Nie Shuai , Zhu Yan , Kunz Oliver , Trupke Thorsten , Hameiri Ziv
Published: October 2021

Photoluminescence (PL) imaging is a powerful inspection technique for research laboratories and photovoltaic production lines. Common PL imaging systems have two limitations: (a) due to the non‐uniformities of the measured samples, the acquired images are affected by lateral carrier flow, resulting in inaccurate lifetime analysis and image blurring; (b) samples' non‐uniformities are measured at locally different injection levels. In this paper, we present a PL imaging system that is not affected by these effects. By adaptively adjusting the light intensity at each pixel, we achieve a uniform excess carrier density across the sample, thereby eliminating any lateral currents. The non‐uniformity of the minority carrier lifetime can then be extracted from the spatial inverse of the illumination intensity. The advantages of the proposed system are demonstrated using silicon wafers with and without a diffusion layer that contain non‐uniform defects. This approach presents a significant improvement in accuracy and sharpness compared to conventional PL imaging techniques and, therefore, is expected to be beneficial for any quantitative PL‐based analysis.
Living ring‐opening metathesis polymerization of norbornenes bay‐functionalized perylene diimides
Authors: Podiyanachari Santhosh Kumar , Barłóg Maciej , Comí Marc , Attar Salahuddin , Al‐Meer Saeed , Al‐Hashimi Mohammed , Bazzi Hassan S.
Published: October 2021

Ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP)‐derived poly(oxanorbornene imide)s bearing bay‐linked mono‐alkoxy‐M1 and 1,7‐di‐alkoxy M2 functionalized perylene diimides (PDIs) were synthesized using Grubb's third (G3) and Hoveyda‐Grubbs second generation (HG2) ruthenium‐alkylidene metathesis initiators. The mono‐alkoxy‐derived PDI‐based non‐ladderphane polymer polyM1 displayed 67% to 77% of the trans olefin content in the polymer chain depending on the initiator used for the polymerization. When using the symmetrical 1,7‐di‐alkoxy‐derived PDI‐based polymer polyM2 having the ladderphane type‐structure, this displayed a significant amount of cis and trans olefin contents in the polymer chains, irrespective of the type of initiators used for the polymerization. ROMP of both monomers M1 and M2 proceeded in a well‐controlled manner with a linear dependence of molecular weight on the monomer/initiator ratio using G3 as initiator. Optical properties of the ladderphane‐based polyM2 and non‐ladderphane‐based polyM1 were characterized in both solution and the film state. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis for all the polymers showed significant π‐stacking in the thin film state with ordered molecular packing and closer values of d‐spacing for both polyM1 and polyM2. Film morphology examined by AFM elucidated homogenous smooth polymer surface for both polymers in general, but with some irregularities observed for polyM1. In addition, CV analysis revealed both polymers could be good candidates as electron‐accepting materials, with excellent film‐forming ability, and thermal stability.
Successful whole lung lavage in a child with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis secondary to hematologic malignancy
Authors: Tsukahara Katharine , Lindell Robert B. , Newman Haley , Lerman Benjamin J. , Kersun Leslie S. , Piccione Joseph
Published: October 2021

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) describes the accumulation of surfactant in the alveolar space. Secondary PAP has been reported in a variety of diseases, and in rare cases has been associated with hematologic malignancy. Treatment for PAP is based on the underlying disease process, and may include whole lung lavage, inhaled or subcutaneous granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor, or statins. PAP secondary to hematologic malignancy has been reported to demonstrate poor response to whole lung lavage. We report a case of successful treatment of a pediatric patient with acute myeloid leukemia and secondary PAP using whole lung lavage.
Towards a typology of childhood internal mobility: Do children of migrants and non‐migrants differ?
Authors: Kuyvenhoven Joeke , Das Marjolijn , de Valk Helga A. G.
Published: October 2021

Moving during childhood is an important life event that is often stressful and potentially disruptive. With the majority of existing studies on childhood internal mobility using a one‐dimensional measure of mobility and focusing on the total population, there is still limited knowledge on differential childhood mobility patterns for children of different migrant origins. In this study, we acknowledge the multidimensional nature of mobility by covering frequency, timing, distance, and change in place type to understand internal mobility patterns for children aged 0–16 without and with different second‐generation migrant backgrounds. Internal mobility is analysed for children born in the Netherlands between 1995 and 2003 using longitudinal full population register data. K‐means cluster analysis reveals five types of mobility: nearby preschool‐aged, nearby school‐aged, long‐distance to more densely populated areas, long‐distance to less densely populated areas, and frequent movers. Results of multinomial logistic regressions show that having a second‐generation migrant background increases the likelihood of being in any of the mobility clusters and reveals variation in types of mobility patterns for different migrant origin groups. We conclude that childhood mobility patterns are diverse and overall more often experienced by children of second‐generation migrant origin potentially adding to a more vulnerable situation and inequality over the life course.
Ensemble Kalman filtering with coloured observation noise
Authors: Raboudi Naila F. , Ait‐El‐Fquih Boujemaa , Ombao Hernando , Hoteit Ibrahim
Published: October 2021

The Kalman filter (KF) is derived under the assumption of time‐independent (white) observation noise. Although this assumption can be reasonable in many ocean and atmospheric applications, the recent increase in sensor coverage, such as the launching of new constellations of satellites with global spatio‐temporal coverage, will provide high density of oceanic and atmospheric observations which are expected to have time‐dependent (coloured) error statistics. In this situation, the KF update has been shown to generally provide overconfident probability estimates, which may degrade the filter performance. Different KF‐based schemes accounting for time‐correlated observation noise were proposed for small systems by modelling the coloured noise as a first‐order autoregressive model driven by white Gaussian noise. This work introduces new ensemble Kalman filters (EnKFs) which account for coloured observational noises for efficient data assimilation into large‐scale oceanic and atmospheric applications. More specifically, we follow the standard and the one‐step‐ahead smoothing formulations of the Bayesian filtering problem with coloured observational noise, modelled as an autoregressive model, to derive two (deterministic) EnKFs. We demonstrate the relevance of the coloured observational noise‐aware EnKFs and analyze their performances through extensive numerical experiments conducted with the Lorenz‐96 model.
Hair cortisol, perceived stress, and resilience as predictors of coronary arterial disease
Authors: Bergquist Sharon H. , Wang Danyang , Roberts David L. , Moore Miranda A.
Published: October 2021

The widespread prevalence of cardiovascular disease underscores the continuing need for identifying modifiable risk factors and novel targets for therapeutic intervention. Hair cortisol concentration (HCC) is a promising biomarker for evaluating the contribution of chronic stress to the pathogenesis and prognosis of coronary arterial disease (CAD). In this cross‐sectional study of 24 participants, we assessed the risk of CAD associated with HCC and with perceived chronic stress (Perceived Stress Score), controlling for the established risk factors of age, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity. In fully adjusted Poisson regression models, we additionally evaluated CAD risk with the simultaneous inclusion of psychological and physiologic resilience measures (CD‐RISC, DHEA‐S). Our results show that HCC, but not PSS, is significantly associated with CAD (incident rate ratio 0.99, confidence interval 0.98–1.00, p = 0.01), but the magnitude of the association is weak and inverse, and less than with dyslipidemia and age. The association remained significant after inclusion of the sum of resilience measures via a combined resiliency score. Resilience was not independently significantly associated with CAD. Our findings indicate the contribution of HCC to CAD risk is small in an average‐risk population and remains after adjustment for multisystem resilience.
Predicting future amyloid biomarkers in dementia patients with machine learning to improve clinical trial patient selection
Authors: Reith Fabian H. , Mormino Elizabeth C. , Zaharchuk Greg
Published: October 2021

Introduction

In Alzheimer's disease, asymptomatic patients may have amyloid deposition, but predicting their progression rate remains a substantial challenge with implications for clinical trial enrollment. Here, we demonstrate an artificial intelligence approach to use baseline clinical information and images to predict changes in quantitative biomarkers of brain pathology on future images.

Methods

Patients from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) who underwent positron emission tomography (PET) with the amyloid radiotracer 18F‐AV45 (florbetapir) were included. We identified important baseline PET image features using a deep convolutional neural network based on ResNet. These were combined with eight clinical, demographic, and genetic markers using a gradient‐boosted decision tree (GBDT) algorithm to predict future quantitative standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR), an established biomarker of brain amyloid deposition. We used this model to better identify individuals with the highest positive change in amyloid deposition on future images and compared this to typical inclusion criteria for clinical trials. We also compared the model's performance to other methods such as multivariate linear regression and GBDT without imaging features.

Findings

Using 2577 PET scans from 1224 unique individuals, we showed that the GBDT with deep image features was significantly more accurate than the other approaches, reaching a root mean squared error of 0.0339 ± 0.0027 for future SUVR prediction. Using this approach, we could identify individuals with the highest 10% SUVR accumulation at rates 2‐ to 4‐fold higher than by random pick or existing inclusion criteria.

Discussion

Predicting quantitative biomarkers on future images using machine learning methods consisting of deep image features combined with clinical data may allow better targeting of treatments or enrollment in clinical trials.