bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Follow‐up study of veterans with white and red oral mucosal lesions at Veterans Affairs Dental Clinics
Authors: Redman Robert S. , Diehl Scott R. , Jones‐Richardson Trina , Silva Rebeka G. , Yeh Chih‐Ko , Malley Kevin J. , Farish Sam E. , Duffy Mary B. , Craig Robert M. , Winn Deborah M.
Published: December 2022

Objectives

This analysis examined the clinical and histopathological characteristics of white and red oral mucosal lesions and patient lifestyle behaviors to understand how the lesions changed over 19–23 years, including among patients who developed oral and pharyngeal cancer.

Materials and methods

Seventy‐five individuals with red and/or white oral mucosal lesions with clinical diagnoses of smokeless tobacco lesions, leukoplakia, erythroplakia, lichen planus, ulcer, and virus‐associated lesions were identified in six Veterans Affairs Medical Center Dental Clinics (VAMC) from 1996 to 2001. Biopsy results and patients' sociodemographic, medical, and tobacco/alcohol use characteristics were obtained. Study dentists used standardized forms to capture information about the lesions. Study participants were re‐examined at intervals through January 2002. In 2020, a retrospective review of VAMC and public records ascertained whether participants developed oral cancer or died.

Results

The most common red or white oral mucosal lesions among the 75 study participants were leukoplakia (36.0%), smokeless tobacco lesions (26.7%), virus‐associated lesions (18.7%), and lichen planus (16.0%). Lesions in 11% of participants with leukoplakia and one‐third of participants with lichen planus persisted for 5 years or more. Dysplasia was present in four participants with leukoplakia. Seventeen percent of participants developed a new white or red oral mucosal lesion. Five patients (6.1%) developed oral or pharyngeal cancer, four among participants with leukoplakia (one with prior dysplasia) and one among participants with lichen planus. Four of the cancers developed 6–20 years after enrollment, and only one was at the original lesion site.

Conclusions

The occurrence of oral and pharyngeal cancers in some study participants with white and red oral mucosal lesions many years after enrollment reinforces the need for patients, dentists, and health care systems to have better methods to identify and assess the malignant potential of oral lesions, monitor patients over time, and intercept high‐risk oral lesions before they become cancerous.
MRI free water as a biomarker for cognitive performance: Validation in the MarkVCID consortium
Authors: Maillard Pauline , Hillmer Laura J. , Lu Hanzhang , Arfanakis Konstantinos , Gold Brian T. , Bauer Christopher E. , Kramer Joel H. , Staffaroni Adam M. , Stables Lara , Wang Danny J.J. , Seshadri Sudha , Satizabal Claudia L. , Beiser Alexa , Habes Mohamad , Fornage Myriam , Mosley Thomas H. , Rosenberg Gary A. , Singh Baljeet , Singh Herpreet , Schwab Kristin , Helmer Karl G. , Greenberg Steven M. , DeCarli Charles , Caprihan Arvind
Published: December 2022

Introduction

To evaluate the clinical validity of free water (FW), a diffusion tensor imaging–based biomarker kit proposed by the MarkVCID consortium, by investigating the association between mean FW (mFW) and executive function.

Methods

Baseline mFW was related to a baseline composite measure of executive function (EFC), adjusting for relevant covariates, in three MarkVCID sub‐cohorts, and replicated in five, large, independent legacy cohorts. In addition, we tested whether baseline mFW predicted accelerated EFC score decline (mean follow‐up time: 1.29 years).

Results

Higher mFW was found to be associated with lower EFC scores in MarkVCID legacy and sub‐cohorts (p‐values < 0.05). In addition, higher baseline mFW was associated significantly with accelerated decline in EFC scores (p = 0.0026).

Discussion

mFW is a sensitive biomarker of cognitive decline, providing a strong clinical rational for its use as a marker of white matter (WM) injury in multi‐site observational studies and clinical trials of vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID).
Testing the niche reduction hypothesis for a fossorial rodent (Geomys bursarius) experiencing agricultural intensification
Authors: Alexander Nathan , Cosentino Bradley J. , Schooley Robert L.
Published: December 2022

Habitat loss and fragmentation from conversion to agriculture are known threats to grassland species. However, continued agricultural intensification may further reduce a species distribution and realized niche. Here, we create species distribution models (SDMs) for the plains pocket gopher (Geomys bursarius), an ecosystem engineer in grasslands, for historic and contemporary eras in a dynamic agroecosystem and test the “niche reduction hypothesis.” We compare SDMs created from gopher occurrences from the historic era (~1950s, pre‐agricultural intensification) and the contemporary era (post‐agricultural intensification) and assess model transferability. We evaluate shifts in environmental relationships, changes in limiting factors, and an overall decline in niche hypervolume. SDMs were nontransferable between the historic and contemporary eras. Environmental drivers of gopher distribution shifted from elevation, precipitation, and land cover in the 1950s to land cover, soil texture, and soil drainage presently. There also were shifts in environmental associations with gophers now occurring at lower elevations, in sandier soils, and less often in agriculture. Dominant limiting factors of gophers shifted from precipitation to land cover. Gophers were not detected at historic locations during recent resurveys. Contemporary niche hypervolume was reduced compared with the historic niche hypervolume. We found support for the niche reduction hypothesis for a fossorial, grassland species. Further application of the niche reduction hypothesis in landscapes experiencing agricultural intensification is warranted. Understanding niche reduction allows for conservation efforts that promote continued persistence in the contemporary niche while also identifying areas to restore within the historic niche.
Understanding the relative roles of local environmental, geo‐climatic and spatial factors for taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic β‐diversity of stream fishes in a large basin, Northeast China
Authors: Wu Naicheng , Lv Yuanyuan , Zhang Min , Wang Yaochun , Peng Wenqi , Qu Xiaodong
Published: December 2022

The primary objective of this study was to determine the relative roles of local environmental (Local), geo‐climatic (Geo), and spatial (Spatial) factors to taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic β‐diversity of stream fish in a large basin in Northeast China. We quantified the current biodiversity patterns of fish communities in the Hun‐Tai River using β‐diversity. We assessed (i) corresponding contributions of turnover and nestedness within the taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic β‐diversity of fishes; (ii) correlations among β‐diversity facets (i.e., taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic facets); (iii) relative contributions of Local, Geo, and Spatial factors to β‐diversity. We collected fish communities from 171 sampling sites. Mantel tests were used to examine the correlation of three facets of β‐diversity and their components (i.e., total, nestedness, and turnover). Distance‐based redundancy analysis and variation partitioning assess the relative contributions of Local, Geo, and Spatial factors to β‐diversity. We found that turnover is the main driving mechanism for β‐diversity in fish. Among the facets of β‐diversity, taxonomic and phylogenetic facets have strong ecological information association. Spatial factors have a general contribution to various facets of β‐diversity and its components. From aspects of fish β‐diversity conservation, connectivity and habitat heterogeneity need to be maintained in the entire aquatic environment. In addition, protecting taxonomic β‐diversity is helpful for maintaining phylogenetic β‐diversity.
A new biologging approach reveals unique flightless molt strategies of Atlantic puffins
Authors: Darby Jamie Hendrick , Harris Mike P. , Wanless Sarah , Quinn John L. , Bråthen Vegard Sandøy , Fayet Annette L. , Clairbaux Manon , Hart Tom , Guilford Tim , Freeman Robin , Jessopp Mark John
Published: December 2022

Animal‐borne telemetry devices provide essential insights into the life‐history strategies of far‐ranging species and allow us to understand how they interact with their environment. Many species in the seabird familyAlcidaeundergo a synchronous molt of all primary flight feathers during the non‐breeding season, making them flightless and more susceptible to environmental stressors, including severe storms and prey shortages. However, the timing and location of molt remain largely unknown, with most information coming from studies on birds killed by storms or shot by hunters for food. Using light‐level geolocators with saltwater immersion loggers, we develop a method for determining flightless periods in the context of the annual cycle. Four Atlantic puffins (Fratercula arctica) were equipped with geolocator/immersion loggers on each leg to attempt to overcome issues of leg tucking in plumage while sitting on the water, which confounds the interpretation of logger data. Light‐level and saltwater immersion time‐series data were combined to correct for this issue. This approach was adapted and applied to 40 puffins equipped with the standard practice deployments of geolocators on one leg only. Flightless periods consistent with molt were identified in the dual‐equipped birds, whereas molt identification in single‐equipped birds was less effective and definitive and should be treated with caution. Within the dual‐equipped sample, we present evidence for two flightless molt periods per non‐breeding season in two puffins that undertook more extensive migrations (>2000 km) and were flightless for up to 77 days in a single non‐breeding season. A biannual flight feather molt is highly unusual among non‐passerine birds and may be unique to birds that undergo catastrophic molt, i.e., become flightless when molting. Although our conclusions are based on a small sample, we have established a freely available methodological framework for future investigation of the molt patterns of this and other seabird species.
Spatially explicit assessment of genetic variation to inform conservation effort for an endangered Mediterranean conifer,Cedrus atlantica
Authors: Bobo‐Pinilla Javier , Nieto Lugilde Diego , Terrab Anass , Balao Francisco , Peñas Julio
Published: December 2022

Preserving the genetic diversity of forest species is critical for maintaining their adaptive potential and allowing for generation turnover in forest ecosystems. Considering an uncertain future, it is necessary to establish reliable genetic conservation strategies to optimize the genetic variation preserved within populations in a spatially explicit context to assist decision‐makers. Hence, we aimed to incorporate genetic information into spatially designed conservation actions.Cedrus atlanticais a large, long‐lived conifer native to the mountains of North Africa, threatened by extinction. The relevant genetic units for conservation were selected using Bayesian analysis. The relative contribution of the populations to the genetic pool that maximized the species' genetic diversity was calculated to design an optimal seed bank. Finally, the relationship between the genetic composition and bioclimatic variables was estimated and projected throughout the study area under current and future climatic conditions. Three relevant genetic units were found forC. atlanticaconservation that maximizes genetic diversity in a spatial context. Bioclimatic variables with the highest influence on genetic composition were closely related to climate warming and decreased soil water availability. We identified the role of genetic markers in designing a reliable conservation strategy for forest trees considering climate change, increased deforestation, and aridity. Projections of genetic composition due to the climate in the study region of North Africa provide spatially explicit guidance for optimizing the selection and preservation of seed banks.
Early land plants: Plentiful but neglected nutritional resources for herbivores?
Authors: Duhin Audrey , Machado Ricardo A. R. , Turlings Ted C. J. , Röder Gregory
Published: December 2022

Plants and herbivores have been engaged in a co‐evolutionary arms race for millions of years, during which plants evolved various defenses and other traits to cope with herbivores, whereas herbivores evolved traits to overcome the plants' resistance strategies. Herbivores may also avoid certain plants merely because these lack suitable nutrients for their development. Interestingly, the number of herbivores that attack individual early land plants like mosses and ferns is quite low. Among others, poor nutrient quality has been hypothesized to explain the apparent low herbivory pressure on such plants but still waits for scientific evidences. Here, the nutritive suitability of representative mosses and liverworts (bryophytes) and ferns (pteridophytes) for herbivores was investigated using feeding assays combined with quantifications of nutrients (proteins, amino acids, and sugars). Growth and survival of two polyphagous herbivores, a caterpillar and a snail, were monitored when fed on 15 species of bryophytes and pteridophytes, as well as on maize (Zea mays, angiosperm) used as an external indicative nutritional resource. Overall, our results show that the poor performance of the herbivores on the studied early land plants is not correlated with nutritional quality. The growth and performance of snails and caterpillars fed with these plants were highly variable and independent of nutrient content. These findings arguably dismiss the poor nutrient quality hypothesis as the cause of herbivory deficit in bryophytes and pteridophytes. They suggest the possible presence of early resistance traits that have persisted all through the long evolutionary history of plant–herbivore interactions.
Inferring predator–prey interactions from camera traps: A Bayesian co‐abundance modeling approach
Authors: Amir Zachary , Sovie Adia , Luskin Matthew Scott
Published: December 2022

Predator–prey dynamics are a fundamental part of ecology, but directly studying interactions has proven difficult. The proliferation of camera trapping has enabled the collection of large datasets on wildlife, but researchers face hurdles inferring interactions from observational data. Recent advances in hierarchical co‐abundance models infer species interactions while accounting for two species' detection probabilities, shared responses to environmental covariates, and propagate uncertainty throughout the entire modeling process. However, current approaches remain unsuitable for interacting species whose natural densities differ by an order of magnitude and have contrasting detection probabilities, such as predator–prey interactions, which introduce zero inflation and overdispersion in count histories. Here, we developed a Bayesian hierarchical N‐mixture co‐abundance model that is suitable for inferring predator–prey interactions. We accounted for excessive zeros in count histories using an informed zero‐inflated Poisson distribution in the abundance formula and accounted for overdispersion in count histories by including a random effect per sampling unit and sampling occasion in the detection probability formula. We demonstrate that models with these modifications outperform alternative approaches, improve model goodness‐of‐fit, and overcome parameter convergence failures. We highlight its utility using 20 camera trapping datasets from 10 tropical forest landscapes in Southeast Asia and estimate four predator–prey relationships between tigers, clouded leopards, and muntjac and sambar deer. Tigers had a negative effect on muntjac abundance, providing support for top‐down regulation, while clouded leopards had a positive effect on muntjac and sambar deer, likely driven by shared responses to unmodelled covariates like hunting. This Bayesian co‐abundance modeling approach to quantify predator–prey relationships is widely applicable across species, ecosystems, and sampling approaches and may be useful in forecasting cascading impacts following widespread predator declines. Taken together, this approach facilitates a nuanced and mechanistic understanding of food‐web ecology.
Importance of data selection and filtering in species distribution models: A case study on the Cantabrian brown bear
Authors: Zarzo‐Arias Alejandra , Penteriani Vincenzo , Gábor Lukáš , Šímová Petra , Grattarola Florencia , Moudrý Vítězslav
Published: December 2022

Species distribution models (SDMs) are powerful tools in ecology and conservation. Choosing the right environmental drivers and filtering species' occurrences taking their biases into account are key factors to consider before modeling. In this case study, we address five common problems arising during the selection of input data for presence‐only SDMs on an example of a generalist species: the endangered Cantabrian brown bear. First, we focus on the selection of environmental variables that may drive its distribution, testing if climatic variables should be considered at a 1‐km analysis grain. Second, we investigate how filtering the species' data in view of (1) their collection procedures, (2) different time frames, (3) dispersal areas, and (4) subpopulations affects the performance and outputs of the models at three different spatial analysis grains (500 m, 1 km, and 5 km). Our results show that models with different input data yielded only minor differences in performance and behaved properly in terms of model validation, although coarsening the analysis grain deteriorated model performance. Still, the contribution of individual variables and the habitat suitability predictions differed among models. We show that a combination of limited data availability and poor selection of environmental variables can lead to inaccurate predictions. Specifically for the brown bear, we conclude that climatic variables should not be considered for exploring habitat suitability and that the best input data for modeling habitat suitability in the study area originate from (1) observations and traces from the (2) most recent period (2006–2019) in which the population is expanding, (3) not considering cells of dispersing bear occurrences and (4) modeling subpopulations independently (as they show distinct habitat preferences). In conclusion, SDMs can serve as a useful tool for generalist species including all available data; still, expert evaluation from the perspective of data suitability for the purpose of modeling and possible biases is recommended. This is especially important when the results are intended for management and conservation purposes at the local level, and for species that respond to the environment at coarse analysis grains.
Determining potential drivers of vegetation change in a Mediterranean environment
Authors: Dewees Shane L. , D'Antonio Carla M. , Molinari Nicole
Published: December 2022

The increased occurrences of drought and fire may be contributing to the loss of biodiverse ecosystems in Mediterranean regions. Specifically, the conversion of diverse native shrublands, such as chaparral, to non‐native annual grassland by fire is of great conservation concern in California. To avoid or slow the loss of chaparral, it is important to understand the underlying causes of landscape conversion. Studies investigating the interaction of multiple potential drivers are particularly crucial to identification of vulnerable areas of the landscape. Here we used aerial imagery to evaluate vegetation transitions between chaparral, sage scrub, grassland, and tree domination and their potential drivers within Ventura County, CA, a strongly Mediterranean climate region. We used random forest algorithms and conditional inference trees to determine the climatic, topographic, and fire‐related variables contributing most to vegetation change. Our results support that chaparral conversion to grass (27% of chaparral plots) is a result of landscape position, fire, and drought acting in tandem. In particular, lower elevation, southwest‐facing slopes that experience a postfire drought are at very high likelihood of conversion to non‐native annual grass. Additionally, our results show that these grasslands, once formed, rarely convert to other community types. Therefore, protecting shrub‐dominated areas that are most likely to convert (low elevation, more southwest‐facing slopes, and less annual precipitation) is crucial to preserving native vegetation diversity.
Regulation on C2‐C8 carboxylic acid biosynthesis from anaerobic CO2 fermentation
Authors: Wu Wanling , Li Zhiqi , Liu Guangqing , Zhou Ling , Wang Wen
Published: December 2022

Bioconversion of CO2 into liquid fuels or chemicals, preferred medium chain carboxylic acids (caproic and caprylic acid), is an attractive CO2 utilization technology. The present study aims to investigate the effects of different ratios of H2/CO2 on regulating the distribution of C2‐C8 carboxylic acid products, while the headspace pressure of 1.5 bar was set to amplify the effect of different ratios. The H2/CO2 ratio of 4:1 was more suitable for preparing acetic acid, where the highest acetic acid yield was 17.5 g/L. And the H2/CO2 ratio of 2:1 showed excellent chain elongation ability with the highest n‐caprylic yield of 2.4 g/L. Additionally, the actual H2/CO2 ratios of 4:1 reactors were higher than that in 2:1 may be course chain elongation often accompanied by H2 production. The 16S rRNA genes analysis shows that the genus Terrisporobacter and Coriobacteriales may be related to acetic acid production enriched in H2/CO2 ratio 4:1 reactors, and the genus Clostridium and Paenibacillaceae may associate with the chain elongation pathway were enriched in H2/CO2 ratio 2:1 reactors.
Adversary of DNA integrity: A long non‐coding RNA stimulates driver oncogenic chromosomal rearrangement in human thyroid cells
Authors: Demin Denis Eriksonovich , Murashko Matvey Mikhailovich , Uvarova Aksinya Nicolaevna , Stasevich Ekaterina Mikhailovna , Shyrokova Elena Yurievna , Gorlachev Gennady Efimovich , Zaretsky Andrew Rostislavovich , Korneev Kirill Viktorovich , Ustiugova Alina Sergeevna , Tkachenko Elena Andreevna , Kostenko Valentina Vitalevna , Tatosyan Karina Aleksandrovna , Sheetikov Saveliy Andreevich , Spirin Pavel Vladimirovich , Kuprash Dmitry Vladimirovich , Schwartz Anton Markovich
Published: December 2022

The flurry of publications devoted to the functions of long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) published in the last decade leaves no doubt about the exceptional importance of lncRNAs in various areas including tumor biology. However, contribution of lncRNAs to the early stages of oncogenesis remains poorly understood. In this study we explored a new role for lncRNAs: stimulation of specific chromosomal rearrangements upon DNA damage. We demonstrated that lncRNA CASTL1 (ENSG00000269945) stimulates the formation of the CCDC6‐RET inversion (RET/PTC1) in human thyroid cells subjected to radiation or chemical DNA damage. Facilitation of chromosomal rearrangement requires lncRNA to contain regions complementary to the introns of both CCDC6 and RET genes as deletion of these regions deprives CASTL1 of the ability to stimulate the gene fusion. We found that CASTL1 expression is elevated in tumors with CCDC6‐RET fusion which is the most frequent rearrangement in papillary thyroid carcinoma. Our results open a new venue for the studies of early oncogenesis in various tumor types, especially those associated with physical or chemical DNA damage.
Explaining and correcting trade imbalances between the Northern and Southern Eurozone: An empirical investigation
Authors: Litsios Ioannis , Pilbeam Keith
Published: December 2022

In this paper we take a novel approach to examining the trade imbalances between the Southern Eurozone countries and the Northern Eurozone countries by aggregating them into a Southern Group and Northern Group. We then explore three possible causes of the trade imbalances, which are the fiscal channel, the investment channel and the competitiveness channel. We find that all three channels are important in explaining the emergence and correction of trade imbalances. In particular, we find that an increase in fiscal deficits in the North are twice as effective in reducing trade imbalances than fiscal consolidation in the South. By contrast, increased investment in the North has a similar impact to reduced investment in the South in correcting the trade imbalances. Finally, we find that a depreciation of the South's real exchange rate is associated with a long run deterioration in the Southern Group's trade balance suggesting that the South needs to seek non‐price competitiveness channels to address its trade imbalances.
Societal influences on career decision making: Perspectives of African women pursuing technology‐related professions
Authors: Siwale Kaluwa , Mwalemba Gwamaka
Published: December 2022

Several studies have explored the phenomenon of low participation of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields and careers. However, there remains very limited understanding of this phenomenon from an African woman's perspective. This is particularly concerning when considering the positionality of African women, in a form of deeply entrenched and systemic marginalization in relation to women from other parts of the world. It is these unique circumstances that warrant study specifically aimed at uncovering and elevating their experiences. This qualitative study has explored and highlighted the dynamics African women face when deciding to pursue a technology‐related profession or studies. An understanding of the experiences of African women can provide a different lens for examining the concept of a “leaky pipeline,” as a phenomenon that has been used to explain the shortage of women in STEM fields. The findings highlight both the motivations as well as challenges experienced by African women pursuing STEM profession and studies. Some of the motivations highlighted include personal interest or capability, as well as the family setting of an individual and status of STEM profession their contexts. The phenomenon of impostor syndrome was identified as one of the clear challenges experienced by African women. The findings also highlight the complexity of factors that act as both challenge as well as motivation. These include gender perception and stereotypes, access (or lack thereof) to role models, family influences, and exposure to technology at a young age. While the study accomplishes the aim of elevating experiences of African women pursuing STEM professions and studies, it is clear that further studies are necessary in this area in order to develop a rich understanding of these experiences in relation to the well‐known systemic issues confronting African women. This deep and nuanced understanding will play a crucial role in formulating meaningful and sustainable resolutions.
Hierarchical random‐effects model for the insurance pricing of vehicles belonging to a fleet
Authors: Desjardins Denise , Dionne Georges , Lu Yang
Published: December 2022

We propose a count‐data model with hierarchical random effects for the posterior insurance ratemaking of vehicles belonging to a fleet, by allowing random effects for the fleet, the vehicles, and time. We derive a simple closed‐form ratemaking formula based on a hierarchical random‐effects specification. We estimate the corresponding econometric model and compute insurance premiums according to the past experience of both the vehicle and the fleet. Our model can be used in other count‐data applications with random individual and common effects on events involving many agents having activities with a principal in a hierarchical principal–agent environment, such as in education, health care management, finance, and business firms.
Data mining approaches for type 2 diabetes mellitus prediction using anthropometric measurements
Authors: Saberi‐Karimian Maryam , Mansoori Amin , Bajgiran Maryam Mohammadi , Hosseini Zeinab Sadat , Kiyoumarsioskouei Amir , Rad Elias Sadooghi , Zo Mostafa Mahmoudi , Khorasani Negar Yeganeh , Poudineh Mohadeseh , Ghazizadeh Sara , Ferns Gordon , Esmaily Habibollah , Ghayour‐Mobarhan Majid
Published: December 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anthropometric measurements most associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) using machine learning approaches.

Methods

A prospective study was designed for a total population of 9354 (43% men and 57% women) aged 35–65. Anthropometric measurements include weight, height, demispan, Hip Circumference (HC), Mid‐arm Circumference (MAC), Waist Circumference (WC), Body Roundness Index (BRI), Body Adiposity Index (BAI), A Body Shape Index (ABSI), Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist‐to‐height Ratio (WHtR), and Waist‐to‐hip Ratio (WHR) were completed for all participants. The association was assessed using logistic regression (LR) and decision tree (DT) analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed to evaluate the DT's accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity using R software.

Results

Traditionally, 1461 women and 875 men with T2DM (T2DM group). According to the LR, in males, WC and BIA (p‐value < 0.001) and in females, demispan and WC (p‐value < 0.001) had the highest correlation with T2DM development risk. The DT indicated that WC has the most crucial effect on T2DM development risk, followed by HC, and BAI.

Conclusions

Our results showed that in both men and women, WC was the most important anthropometric factor to predict T2DM.
Association between KRAS gene polymorphisms and genetic susceptibility to breast cancer in a Chinese population
Authors: Jin Min , Lu Fengke , Li Xi , Zhou Wei , Li Sihui , Jiang Yanting , Wu Huiling , Wang Jian
Published: December 2022

Objective

The KRAS gene has a pathophysiological role in the development of many cancers. This study aims to investigate the relationship between KRAS polymorphisms and genetic susceptibility to breast cancer.

Method

The rs712, rs12587 and rs9266 gene loci in the KRAS gene of 421 subjects (141 breast cancer patients, 141 benign breast tumours and 139 healthy controls) were analysed by the polymerase chain reaction and SNaPshot sequencing. Transcriptomic information on KRAS and corresponding clinical information was downloaded from the TCGA and GTEx databases. Differences in KRAS expression between breast cancer tissues and control tissues were analysed.

Results

We found no significant association between KRAS rs712 and rs12587 locus gene polymorphisms and an increased risk of developing benign breast tumours and breast cancer (p > 0.05). The KRAS rs9266 locus mutation heterozygous model CT and dominant model CT + TT were significantly associated with an increased risk of breast cancer (both p < 0.05). In addition, the TAT haplotype was expressed at an increased frequency, and the GAC haplotype was expressed at a reduced frequency in breast cancer compared with controls (both p < 0.05). We found that KRAS was over expressed in breast cancer tumour tissues compared with the control tissues (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The KRAS rs9266 gene polymorphism and the TAT haplotype may be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in Chinese women. The GAC haplotype may be a protective factor against breast cancer.
Laccase immobilization on bimetallic MOF‐derived porous carbon materials for the removal of bisphenol A
Authors: Song Bixiu , Ren Dajun , Wang Zhaobo , Huang Yongwei , Zhang Xiaoqing , Zhang Shuqin , Gong Xiangyi , Chen Wangsheng
Published: December 2022

As a result of the poor mechanical properties of most metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), they are liable to dissociate in water and thus cannot maintain immobilized enzyme activity. In this paper, a magnetic porous carbon material (Fe‐Cu‐MPC) with good stability was prepared by high temperature carbonization using a bimetallic Fe‐Cu‐MOF precursor, and used to immobilize laccase by a simple and rapid adsorption‐crosslinking method. Optimized by the response surface method, optimal conditions for the immobilization of laccase on Fe‐Cu‐MPC were obtained as follows: enzyme concentration 1.275 mg mL−1, immobilization time 32 min, and pH 4.7. Under the optimal preparation conditions, the activity of the immobilized laccase obtained was 0.63 U mg−1, with activity recovery of 63.13%. The enzyme loading was 189.03 mg g−1 and the immobilization yield was 74.13%. Compared with free laccase, Fe‐Cu‐MPC@Lac showed stronger tolerance to temperature and pH, and had better thermal stability and storage stability. The removal of BPA by immobilized laccase was studied, showing that the removal effect of Fe‐Cu‐MPC@Lac on BPA was much higher than that of free laccase. Within 5 h, the BPA removal amount of Fe‐Cu‐MPC@Lac (0.34 mmol g−1) was two‐fold that of free laccase (0.14 mmol g−1), and the BPA removal rate reached 41.35% after ten cycles. Finally, based on the intermediates identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, two possible degradation pathways of BPA were proposed. Studies have shown that Fe‐Cu‐MPC is an excellent carrier and Fe‐Cu‐MPC@Lac has great potential in the treatment of BPA containing wastewater. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Atlantic Forest restoration recovers physical and biological properties in the short term, but not the general soil quality
Authors: de Vasconcelos Tatiana Cabral , Londe Vinícius , Velasquez Elena , Lavelle Patrick , Rodrigues Ricardo Ribeiro
Published: December 2022

Ecological restoration has the potential to improve and recover soil quality, helping to mitigate soil degradation worldwide. However, soil monitoring is often overlooked in restoration, preventing a comprehensive understanding of how restoration interventions affect soil quality and the time required for recovering different soil properties. Herein, we tested if MAR areas (moderately assisted recovery—tree plantings) in the early restoration stage have better soil quality (and ecosystem services) than UNR areas (unassisted natural recovery—abandoned pastures) and pastures in continuous use (PCU). We collected 72 soil samples in three 5‐year‐old MAR areas and three 5‐year‐old UNR areas, one PCU, and one reference ecosystem (RE) in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlantica). A total of 45 variables representing macrofauna, fertility, structure, and aggregation were measured and then submitted to multivariate analyses to compute sub‐indicators and a general indicator of soil quality (GISQ). The richness of orders and classes, cationic exchange capacity, total porosity, and biogenic aggregates contributed the most to the sub‐indicators. MAR and UNR areas had similar values to the RE for macrofauna, structure, and aggregation sub‐indicators, but they were far below the RE for fertility. In addition, all areas had lower GISQ values than the RE. Soils were classified as high quality in RE and medium quality in other areas. Our study evidences that some soils' physical and biological properties can be rapidly recovered through forest restoration, but 5 years is not enough time to change the general soil quality and make restoration areas have better conditions than the previous land use. If the restoration goal is to have high soil quality in the short term, corrective actions should be taken to improve soil fertility and help the area along the desired trajectory.
Smaller Stokes Shift Induced Highly Efficient Broadband Near Infrared Garnet Phosphor
Authors: Zhang Jingnan , Zhang Liangliang , Liu Feng , Wu Hao , Wu Huajun , Pan Guohui , Luo Yongshi , Hao Zhendong , Zhang Jiahua
Published: December 2022

Broadband near‐infrared (NIR) phosphor converted light emitting diodes (pc‐LEDs) are novel compact light sources that enable portable devices for substance detection. However, to achieve such efficient pc‐LEDs is still a challenge due to lack of efficient phosphors. In this paper, Stokes shift as an efficiency predictor is emphasized. In Cr3+ activated Ca2LuZr2Al3O12 (CLZA) garnet phosphor, Stokes shift decreases from 2990 to 2854 cm−1 upon substituting Ca‐Zr with Lu‐Al. As a result, electron–phonon coupling related nonradiative process is reduced. The external quantum efficiency is significantly enhanced to 47.4%, and the as fabricated NIR pc‐LED offers 33.7% @10 mA electro‐optical efficiency. The results can advance the development of efficient NIR phosphors.
New John–Nirenberg–Campanato‐type spaces related to both maximal functions and their commutators
Authors: Hu Pingxu , Tao Jin , Yang Dachun
Published: December 2022

Let
,
, and
be a nonnegative integer. In this article, the authors introduce a new function space
of John–Nirenberg–Campanato type, where
denotes
or any cube
of
with finite edge length. The authors give an equivalent characterization of
via both the John–Nirenberg–Campanato space and the Riesz–Morrey space. Moreover, for the particular case
, this new space can be equivalently characterized by both maximal functions and their commutators. Additionally, the authors give some basic properties, a good‐
inequality, and a John–Nirenberg‐type inequality for
.
Improving ultrasound‐based brachytherapy needle conspicuity by applying an echogenic coating
Authors: Brost Eric E. , Stish Bradley J. , Lee Christine U. , Urban Matthew W. , Deufel Christopher L.
Published: December 2022

Background

Applicator conspicuity in ultrasound‐guided brachytherapy procedures is commonly impaired by imaging artifacts or non‐ideal imaging geometry, which can slow down applicator position digitization and increase the geometric uncertainty of the delivered dose distribution.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to improve the conspicuity of high‐dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy needles under B‐mode ultrasound imaging by applying an echogenic surface coating. Our hypothesis was that an echogenic coating would reduce artifacts and improve needle visualization within regions of signal degradation.

Methods

In this study, 17‐gauge, 25‐cm long titanium HDR brachytherapy needles were coated with acoustically reflective microspheres over a 2.5 cm region starting from the needle tip. Three coating thicknesses (27 μm, 40 μm, 64 μm) were compared against an uncoated control needle. The coated and uncoated needles were imaged using B‐mode ultrasound in a tissue‐equivalent prostate phantom and in a cadaverous male pelvis using a transrectal probe. Needle conspicuity was assessed under multiple conditions: a single needle implant, an implant with multiple needles between the probe and the needle of interest, and an angled needle implant. All images were assessed qualitatively for needle conspicuity and the presence of artifacts and quantitatively using grey‐scale image intensity values.

Results

The 64 μm echogenic coating reduced the magnitude of reverberation artifacts by 31 ± 14% and comet tail artifacts by 40%–70%. The echogenic coating also improved needle contrast, measured by the relative differences in signal intensity compared with the adjacent environment, when needles were angled up to 30° with respect to the transducer probe in the cadaver. The improvements in conspicuity and artifact reduction increased with increasing coating thickness. The performance of the needles coated with the 64 μm thickness was qualitatively superior and yielded high‐contrast, well‐circumscribed signals in the cadaverous male pelvis, even under situations where a needle was acoustically shadowed by multiple other needles.

Conclusions

An echogenic surface coating reduced imaging artifacts and improved needle conspicuity under realistic clinical conditions for ultrasound‐based prostate or gynecological brachytherapy. The improved conspicuity has the potential to improve the efficiency of needle placement and the accuracy of needle position digitization during brachytherapy procedures.
AAPM Task Group Report 306: Quality control and assurance for tomotherapy: An update to Task Group Report 148
Authors: Chen Quan , Rong Yi , Burmeister Jay W. , Chao Edward H. , Corradini Nathan A. , Followill David S. , Li X. Allen , Liu An , Qi X. Sharon , Shi Hairong , Smilowitz Jennifer B.
Published: December 2022

Since the publication of AAPM Task Group (TG) 148 on quality assurance (QA) for helical tomotherapy, there have been many new developments on the tomotherapy platform involving treatment delivery, on‐board imaging options, motion management, and treatment planning systems (TPSs). In response to a need for guidance on quality control (QC) and QA for these technologies, the AAPM Therapy Physics Committee commissioned TG 306 to review these changes and make recommendations related to these technology updates. The specific objectives of this TG were (1) to update, as needed, recommendations on tolerance limits, frequencies and QC/QA testing methodology in TG 148, (2) address the commissioning and necessary QA checks, as a supplement to Medical Physics Practice Guidelines (MPPG) with respect to tomotherapy TPS and (3) to provide risk‐based recommendations on the new technology implemented clinically and treatment delivery workflow. Detailed recommendations on QA tests and their tolerance levels are provided for dynamic jaws, binary multileaf collimators, and Synchrony motion management. A subset of TPS commissioning and QA checks in MPPG 5.a. applicable to tomotherapy are recommended. In addition, failure mode and effects analysis has been conducted among TG members to obtain multi‐institutional analysis on tomotherapy‐related failure modes and their effect ranking.
Myelin biomarkers in the healthy adult brain: Correlation, reproducibility, and the effect of fiber orientation
Authors: Morris Sarah R. , Vavasour Irene M. , Smolina Anastasia , MacMillan Erin L. , Gilbert Guillaume , Lam Michelle , Kozlowski Piotr , Michal Carl A. , Manning Alan , MacKay Alex L. , Laule Cornelia
Published: December 2022

Purpose

We investigated the correlation, reproducibility, and effect of white matter fiber orientation for three myelin‐sensitive MRI techniques: magnetization transfer ratio (MTR), inhomogeneous magnetization transfer ratio (ihMTR), and gradient and spin echo–derived myelin water fraction (MWF).

Methods

We measured the three metrics in 17 white and three deep grey matter regions in 17 healthy adults at 3 T.

Results

We found a strong correlation between ihMTR and MTR (r = 0.70, p < 0.001) and ihMTR and MWF (r = 0.79, p < 0.001), and a weaker correlation between MTR and MWF (r = 0.54, p < 0.001). The dynamic range in white matter was greatest for MWF (2.0%–27.5%), followed by MTR (14.4%–23.2%) and then ihMTR (1.2%–5.4%). The average scan–rescan coefficient of variation for white matter regions was 0.6% MTR, 0.3% ihMTR, and 0.7% MWF in metric units; however, when adjusted by the dynamic range, these became 6.3%, 6.1% and 2.8%, respectively. All three metrics varied with fiber direction: MWF and ihMTR were lower in white matter fibers perpendicular to B0 by 6% and 1%, respectively, compared with those parallel, whereas MTR was lower by 0.5% at about 40°, with the highest values at 90°. However, separating the apparent orientation dependence by white matter region revealed large dissimilarities in the trends, suggesting that real differences in myelination between regions are confounding the apparent orientation dependence measured using this method.

Conclusion

The strong correlation between ihMTR and MWF suggests that these techniques are measuring the same myelination; however, the larger dynamic range of MWF may provide more power to detect small differences in myelin.
An improved method of active earth pressure on rigid retaining wall under movement modes considering arching effects
Authors: Fan Ling , Zheng Zhuyan , Peng Shuquan , Zhou Jian , Shen Tianli , Wan Hua , Ma Hongling
Published: December 2022

Both wall movement mode and soil arching are important to the active earth pressure on rigid retaining wall, but the method of active earth pressure under wall movement modes considering arching effects is yet to be studied. A series of minor principal stress trajectories described by the power function with the exponent b is assumed to analyze the soil arching effect using the equivalent friction coefficient between adjacent soil layers. The horizontal Winkler elastic foundation beam model induced by wall movement modes is presented. Then based on the trajectories and wall movement modes the horizontal flat‐element method of active earth pressure on rigid retaining wall is improved and verified. The active earth pressures on the retaining wall under translation (T), rotation about top (RT) mode and rotation about bottom (RB) mode calculated by the improved method are in a better agreement with the experimental results than other analytical studies. The application point of the resultant active earth pressure on retaining wall increases from 0.25 H to 0.49 H with varies of wall movement modes considering soil arching effect. The larger equivalent friction coefficient is, the more notable soil arching effect is. The most notable soil arching effect is described by the approximate linear minor principal stress trajectory whose power function with exponent of b approaches zero from positive direction. The active earth pressure on retaining wall under RT mode considering the most notable soil arching effect is simplified and suggested for the engineering practice.
Inexact inner–outer Golub–Kahan bidiagonalization method: A relaxation strategy
Authors: Darrigrand Vincent , Dumitrasc Andrei , Kruse Carola , Rüde Ulrich
Published: December 2022

We study an inexact inner–outer generalized Golub–Kahan algorithm for the solution of saddle‐point problems with a two‐times‐two block structure. In each outer iteration, an inner system has to be solved which in theory has to be done exactly. Whenever the system is getting large, an inner exact solver is, however, no longer efficient or even feasible and iterative methods must be used. We focus this article on a numerical study showing the influence of the accuracy of an inner iterative solution on the accuracy of the solution of the block system. Emphasis is further given on reducing the computational cost, which is defined as the total number of inner iterations. We develop relaxation techniques intended to dynamically change the inner tolerance for each outer iteration to further minimize the total number of inner iterations. We illustrate our findings on a Stokes problem and validate them on a mixed formulation of the Poisson problem.
The healthful plant‐based diet index as a tool for obesity prevention—The healthy lifestyle community program cohort 3 study
Authors: Koeder Christian , Alzughayyar Dima , Anand Corinna , Kranz Ragna‐Marie , Husain Sarah , Schoch Nora , Hahn Andreas , Englert Heike
Published: December 2022

Background

World‐wide the prevalence of obesity is high, and promoting a shift toward more healthful and more plant‐based dietary patterns appears to be one promising strategy to address this issue. A dietary score to assess adherence to a healthy plant‐based diet is the healthful plant‐based diet index. While there is evidence from cohort studies that an increased healthful plant‐based diet index is associated with improved risk markers, evidence from intervention studies is still lacking.

Methods

A lifestyle intervention was conducted with mostly middle‐aged and elderly participants from the general population (n = 115). The intervention consisted of a 16‐month lifestyle program focusing on a healthy plant‐based diet, physical activity, stress management, and community support.

Results

After 10 weeks, significant improvements were seen in dietary quality, body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, total cholesterol, measured and calculated low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, oxidized LDL particles, non‐high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, remnant cholesterol, glucose, insulin, blood pressure, and pulse pressure. After 16 months, significant decreases were seen in body weight (−1.8 kg), body mass index (−0.6 kg/m2), and measured LDL cholesterol (−12 mg/dl). Increases in the healthful plant‐based diet index were associated with risk marker improvements.

Conclusions

The recommendation of moving toward a plant‐based diet appears acceptable and actionable and may improve body weight. The healthful plant‐based diet index can be a useful parameter for intervention studies.