bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Equivalent dimensionality reduction method of doubly‐fed induction generator model and discrimination of Hopf bifurcation type
Authors: Chen Wei , Li Qiangqiang , Wei Zhanhong , Ding Cong , Wang Kun
Published: March 2023

The strong coupling, multivariate, and nonlinear characteristics of the mathematical model of a doubly‐fed induction generator (DFIG) make it challenging to analyze the bifurcation category of the DFIG. Therefore, in this study, we developed a method for analyzing the DFIG model via topologically equivalent dimensionality reduction in the neighborhood of bifurcation values based on the central manifold theorem and realized the discrimination of the Hopf bifurcation type of the DFIG. We established a complex frequency domain model of the DFIG and then calculated the critical open‐loop gain point using the root trajectory method to obtain the relationship between the critical open‐loop gain point and Hopf bifurcation. Thereafter, we performed topological equivalence dimensionality reduction in the neighborhood of the DFIG bifurcation values based on the central manifold theorem. Subsequently, the Hopf bifurcation type of the system was determined using the stability index (first Lyapunov exponent) of the Hopf bifurcation. Finally, a nonlinear time‐domain simulation was used to verify that the four and two‐dimensional DFIGs generate a stable limit cycle by supercritical Hopf bifurcation under the tuning parameter. The results indicated that the proposed method was feasible and effective in the neighborhood of bifurcation values in the state parameter space of DFIG, which provides a theoretical basis for the control of Hopf bifurcation of the DFIG.
Study on tillering stage cold tolerant response in overwintering cultivated rice via comparative transcriptomic
Authors: Huang Lunxiao , Yu Jie , Liu Qian , Yu Kunchi , Zhang Qiuyu , Fan Mao , Jiang Fei , Han Jiajia , Wei Hongyu , Jian Wei , Zhao Zhengwu
Published: March 2023

Rice adaptation to low temperatures involves changes in their genetic and physiological architecture, caused by complex and variable transcriptional regulatory networks to regulate between growth and stress resistance. Overwintering rice survives cold winter and germinates the following spring. The perennial and cold‐tolerant properties present great potential regarding rice breeding and food security. In this study, the cold‐tolerant overwintering cultivar rice, “glutinous rice 89‐1” (Gr 89‐1), and an indica cultivar rice, “R07,” were placed at 4°C at the tillering stage and sampled at 0, 12, 24, and 96 h, and recovery 7 days. Physiological indicators of each sample were measured, and transcriptome analysis was performed. The results revealed that the overwintering cultivar rice Gr 89‐1 exhibited a pattern of physiological parameters consistent with the cold‐tolerant phenotype, less membrane damage accumulation and water loss with increasing duration of low temperature, and a stable increase in peroxidase activities, catalase activities, and soluble sugar content. Transcriptome analysis of two cultivars at 0, 12, and 24 h under 4°C revealed different gene expression patterns to low temperatures. Compared with R07, gene ontology terms of nuclear lumen, endomembrane system, organelle membrane, and envelope were enriched in Gr 89‐1, suggesting an alteration of membrane composition during cold acclimation. Specific upregulated transcription factors and cold‐tolerance regulators indicated a coordinated response between signal transduction, energy regulation, cell cycle, and circadian rhythm, which might help maintain cell homeostasis and improve Gr 89‐1 survival under cold stress. Two candidate genes OsETR3 and NAC78 were screened out, they significantly upregulated at 12 and 24 h of cold treatment in Gr 89‐1 and were higher than R07, and they were involved in cell wall remodeling and endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis under stress, respectively, which may relate to the cold‐tolerant trait of Gr 89‐1.
Long‐term outcomes in Hodgkin lymphoma survivors. Temporary trends and comparison with general population
Authors: Núñez‐García Beatriz , Clemente Mariola Blanco , Sánchez Juan Cristóbal , Royuela Ana , Ibargüen Blanca Cantos Sánchez de , Méndez Miriam , López‐Ibor Jorge V. , Martínez Marta , Traseira Cristina , Garitaonaindia Yago , Aguado Ramón , Calvo Virginia , Torrente María , Parejo Consuelo , Provencio Zaida , Provencio Mariano
Published: March 2023

The high cure rates of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) make this oncological disease among those with the greatest number of long‐term survivors. This single‐institution study including 383 HL patients with up to 45 years of follow‐up, analyses the morbidity and mortality of this population after treatments in comparison with the overall Spanish population, and investigates whether it has changed over time stratifying by periods of time, as a consequence of therapeutic optimization. The median age was 34.8 years (range 15–87) with median overall survival of 30 years, significantly higher in women (HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.42–0.79) (p = 0.0002). 185 late‐stage diseases were noted (35% patients), cardiovascular disease (CVD) being the most frequent (23.2%). 30% of patients developed at least one second malignant neoplasm (SMN) to give a total of 174 SMNs. 20.9% of the patients died from HL and 67.0% died from non‐HL causes (32.2% from SMN, 17% from CVD). The overall standardized mortality ratio (SMR) was 3.57 (95% CI: 3.0–4.2), with striking values of 7.73 (95% CI: 5.02–8.69) and of 14.75 (95% CI: 11.38–19.12) for women and patients <30 years at diagnosis, respectively. Excluding HL as the cause of death, the SMRs of those diagnosed before 2000 and from 2000 were proved to be similar (3.88 vs 2.73), maintaining in this last period an unacceptable excess of mortality due to secondary toxicity in patients cured of HL. Our study confirm that HL treatment substantially reduces the life expectancy of patients cured of HL. In recent periods, despite therapeutic optimization, deaths from toxicity continue to occur, mainly from CVD and SMN. Risk‐factor monitoring should be intensified, prevention programs developed, and therapeutic optimization of LH investigated, especially in two vulnerable groups: those aged <30 years at diagnosis, and women.
Caregiver perspectives of risk and protective factors influencing early childhood development in low‐income, urban settings: A social ecological perspective
Authors: Draper Catherine E. , Cook Caylee J. , Howard Steven J. , Makaula Hleliwe , Merkley Rebecca , Mshudulu Mbulelo , Tshetu Nosibusiso , Scerif Gaia
Published: March 2023

This qualitative study explored caregivers' perceptions of factors influencing early childhood development in low‐income, urban South African settings, from a social ecological perspective. Individual interviews were conducted with 15 caregivers of 3–5‐year‐old children; a reflexive thematic analysis approach was adopted. In the family and home context, caregivers spoke about their role in developing, nurturing, providing, protecting and disciplining their children. Risks included low socioeconomic status, dysfunctional relationships and caregiver mental health; resources related to early learning and social support. In the preschool/school context, caregivers discussed the value of early learning, and priorities for selecting early childhood care and education settings. Community risks included violence and crime; resources mentioned were social support, community programmes and infrastructure. The social ecological model provides a holistic and contextually relevant perspective for understanding multiple factors (risks and protective factors) influencing early childhood development in low‐income South African settings.
A case of metastatic renal cell carcinoma successfully treated with deferred cytoreductive nephrectomy following lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab combination therapy
Authors: Sato Hiroaki , Sazuka Tomokazu , Fujimoto Ayumi , Kagitani Sakurako , Arai Takayuki , Goto Yusuke , Imamura Yusuke , Sakamoto Shinichi , Ikeda Jun‐Ichiro , Ichikawa Tomohiko
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Combination therapy using immuno‐oncology drugs with tyrosine kinase inhibitors is increasingly important in the therapeutic strategy for metastatic renal cell carcinomas. Here, we report a case of metastatic renal cell carcinoma that was successfully treated with deferred cytoreductive nephrectomy following lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab combination therapy.

Case presentation

A 49‐year‐old man was referred to our hospital with a diagnosis of advanced right kidney cancer with multiple lung metastases (cT3aN0M1). The size of the primary tumor was so huge that it exceeded 20 cm in diameter, pushing the liver and intestines to the left. After administration of lenvatinib and pembrolizumab combination as first‐line treatment, all the metastatic lung lesions disappeared, and the primary lesion shrank significantly. Robot‐assisted radical nephrectomy was successfully performed, resulting in complete surgical remission.

Conclusion

Deferred cytoreductive nephrectomy following a lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab combination is a useful therapeutic strategy for achieving complete remission of metastatic renal cell carcinomas.
The dynamics of information system development in developing countries: From mutual exclusion to hybrid vigor
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Ngoc , Nielsen Petter
Published: March 2023

The integration of isolated software components into large‐scale and complex information systems is a topic that attracts the interest of many information systems practitioners and researchers. However, less attention is given to the intricate processes by which these infrastructures are built using multiple independent software components. Different actors introduce these components, which can lead to a “battleground of functional roles” where components are replacing and blocking each other. To better understand this phenomenon, we conducted multiple case studies involving the development of a large‐scale information system for communicable disease detection, prevention, and control in Vietnam. We collected empirical data through various methods, including interviews, focus groups, and participation observation. We identified different strategies employed by actors to block, remove, or replace other software components, protect their position, and find a way to join the existing and established systems. This paper contributes to this topic by theorizing a strategy called “hybrid vigor,” which allows for the combination of the strengths of individual software components and enables sustainable evolution.
Humoral responses after primary and booster SARS‐CoV‐2 inactivated vaccination in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection: A longitudinal observational study
Authors: Chen Zhiwei , Huang Tianquan , He Taiyu , Zha Guanhua , Zhu Qian , Zhang Gaoli , Xiang Dejuan , Chen Min , Li Hu , Ling Ning , Lan Yinghua , Shi Xiaofeng , Zhang Dazhi , Xu Pan , Pan Qingbo , Song Rui , Cao Junxiong , Zhang Yingzhi , Xiang Hongyan , Feng Yali , Yang Ziqiao , Zhang Biqiong , Shen Wei , Cai Dachuan , Peng Mingli , Hu Peng , Ren Hong
Published: March 2023

Given the pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 Omicron variants, booster vaccination (BV) using inactivated virus vaccines (the third dose) has been implemented in China. However, the immune responses after BV, especially those against Omicron, in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (CHB) are unclear. In this prospective longitudinal study, 114 patients with CHB and 68 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited after receiving inactivated vaccination. The anti‐receptor‐binding domain (RBD) immunoglobulin G (IgG), neutralizing antibodies (NAbs), neutralization against Omicron (BA2.12.1, BA.4/5), and specific B/T cells were evaluated. In patients, anti‐RBD IgG was elevated significantly after BV; the titers were as high as those in HCs. Similar results were obtained for the NAbs. However, compared with that against wild type (WT), the neutralization against Omicron was compromised after BV. The frequency of RBD+ atypical memory B cells increased, but spike‐specific cluster of differentiation 4+/8+ T cells remained unchanged after BV. Moreover, no serious adverse events or HBV reactivation were observed after BV. These results suggest that BV significantly enhanced antibody responses against WT; however, it resulted in compromised antibody responses against Omicron in patients with CHB. Hence, new all‐in‐one vaccines and optimal vaccination strategies should be studied promptly.
Performance analysis of short channel effects immune JLFET with enhanced drive current
Authors: Raj Abhishek , Singh Kunal , Sharma Shashi Kant
Published: March 2023

This manuscript reports analog/RF and noise analysis of a novel junctionless field effect transistor. To reduce the gate induced drain leakage (GIDL), step‐gate‐oxide structure is used with a high‐k buried oxide (BOX) which subsequently reduces IOFF. The off current and gate capacitance is reduced by including step‐gate‐oxide in high k‐BOX JLFET due to increase in the band to band tunneling (BTBT) width. The DIBL is reduced significantly to 0.014 which is 60% less as compared to high‐k BOX JLFET (HB JLFET). For different length and thickness of the step‐gate‐oxide, the analog/RF and noise performance of the step‐gate‐oxide JLFET with high‐k BOX (SGO HB JLFET) have also been investigated in detail. Silvaco TCAD simulation of the proposed structure for 20 nm channel length shows an extremely high ION/IOFF ratio of ~108. The subthreshold swing for the simulated structure was also found to be considerably low (82 mV/dec).
Effect of transactional and transformational leadership on talent engagement: Mediating role of talent development
Authors: Ali Mohammad , Ullah Muhammad Shariat , Haque Amlan
Published: March 2023

Leadership is an essential antecedent to talent development and engagement, but there is a dearth of literature related to transactional or transformational leadership and talent management (TM). The paper investigates the impact of transactional and transformational leadership on talent engagement and the mediating role of talent development between them. Based on a cross‐sectional survey of 450 employees, the study employs structural equation modeling using social exchange theory as a lens to test the hypothesized relationship among transactional leadership, transformational leadership, talent development and engagement. The results confirmed that transactional leadership is positively related to talent engagement and development while transformational leadership is neither associated with talent engagement nor talent development. Moreover, talent development mediates the relationship between transactional leadership and talent engagement. The study outcomes are helpful to managers and leaders in comprehending the significance of transactional leadership in developing and engaging talents.
Fractional CO2‐laser versus microneedle radiofrequency for acne scars: A randomized, single treatment, split‐face trial
Authors: Hendel Kristoffer , Karmisholt Katrine , Hedelund Lene , Haedersdal Merete
Published: March 2023

Background

Ablative fractional CO2 laser (AFL) is an established first‐line energy‐based treatment for acne scars. Microneedle radiofrequency (MNRF) is an emerging treatment, also targeting the skin in fractions. No studies have so far compared AFL with MNRF for acne scars in a direct controlled, side‐by‐side comparison. In this study, we compared AFL and MNRF treatments for acne scars in a randomized split‐face trial with blinded response evaluation, objective measures, and patient‐reported outcomes.

Study Design/Materials and Method

Fifteen patients with moderate to severe acne scars were included. At baseline each patient had two similar test areas identified, these were randomized to receive a single treatment with either AFL or MNRF. Standardized multilayer techniques were applied with AFL and MNRF, first targeting the scar base, thereafter the entire scar area. Outcome measures included blinded evaluation of clinical improvement of scar texture (0–10 scale) at 1‐ and 3‐months follow‐up, local skin reactions (LSR), pain according to Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), skin integrity quantified by transepidermal water loss, and patient satisfaction.

Results

Fifteen patients completed the study with a median test area size of 24.6 cm2 (interquartile range [IQR] 14.9–40.6). A single treatment with AFL or MNRF equally resulted in a median 1‐point texture improvement after 3 months follow‐up (p < 0.001). Best responders achieved up to a 3‐point improvement (n = 3 test areas, 10% of treatment areas). Erythema and loss of skin integrity was more intense after AFL compared with MNRF after 2–4 days (p < 0.001). Patients reported MNRF (VAS 7.0) to be significantly more painful than AFL (5.5) (p = 0.009). Patients were generally satisfied with the overall outcome on a 10‐point scale at median 6 for both treatments (IQR 5–7).

Conclusion

AFL and MNRF treatments are equally effective at improving texture in skin with acne scars. AFL resulted in more pronounced LSRs whereas MNRF was more painful. Patients were generally satisfied with the overall outcome.
Study on the Friction and Wear Properties of PEEK against Cortical Bone Tissue Under Different Lubricating Conditions
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Ma Xiaochen , Lin Qianming , Xiao Lin , Wang Shuhan , Yang Han , Liao Liqiong , Liu Yuhong , Zhang Chao , Song Jian
Published: March 2023

The tribological behavior between orthopedic implants and cortical bone is important but usually neglected. Poly(ether‐ether‐ketone) (PEEK) is a promising material for orthopedic applications. To further understand and improve the interfacial tribological properties between PEEK implant and host bone tissue, a PEEK‐cortical bone tribo‐pair is designed and fabricated. The frictional and wear performance of such tribo‐pair is investigated under different lubricants, i.e., simulated body fluid (SBF), calf serum (CS), hyaluronic acid (HA), and mucin (MUC). The results suggest that MUC solution can be utilized as an artificial natural synovial fluid to improve the tribological properties of PEEK‐based implants.
Development of a Supramolecular Hydrogel for Intraperitoneal Injections
Authors: Wintjens Anne G. W. E. , Fransen Peter‐Paul K. H. , Lenaerts Kaatje , Liu Hong , van Almen Geert C. , van Steensel Sebastiaan , Gijbels Marion J. , de Hingh Ignace H. J. T. , Dankers Patricia Y. W. , Bouvy Nicole D.
Published: March 2023

Local intraperitoneal drug administration is considered a challenging drug delivery route. The therapeutic efficiency is low, mainly due to rapid clearance of drugs. To increase the intraperitoneal retention time of specific drugs, a pH‐sensitive supramolecular hydrogel that can act as a drug delivery vehicle is developed. To establish the optimal formulation of the hydrogel and to study its feasibility, safety, and tissue compatibility, in vitro, postmortem, and in vivo experiments are performed. In vitro tests reveal that a hydrogelator formulation with pH ≥ 9 results in a constant viscosity of 0.1 Pa·s. After administration postmortem, the hydrogel covers the parietal and visceral peritoneum with a thin, soft layer. In the subsequent in vivo experiments, 14 healthy rats are subjected to intraperitoneal injection with the hydrogel. Fourteen and 28 days after implantation, the animals are euthanized. Intraperitoneal exposure to the hydrogel is not resulted in significant weight loss or discomfort. Moreover, no macroscopic adverse effects or signs of organ damage are detected. In several intra‐abdominal tissues, vacuolated macrophages are found indicating a physiological degradation of the synthetic hydrogel. This study demonstrates that the supramolecular hydrogel is safe for intraperitoneal application and that the hydrogel shows good tissue compatibility in rats.
Targeted nanopore sequencing enables complete characterisation of structural deletions initially identified using exon‐based short‐read sequencing strategies
Authors: McClinton Benjamin , Crinnion Laura A. , McKibbin Martin , Mukherjee Rajarshi , Poulter James A. , Smith Claire E. L. , Ali Manir , Watson Christopher M. , Inglehearn Chris F. , Toomes Carmel
Published: March 2023

Background

The widespread adoption of exome sequencing has greatly increased the rate of genetic diagnosis for inherited conditions. However, the detection and validation of large deletions remains challenging. While numerous bioinformatics approaches have been developed to detect deletions from whole ‐ exome sequencing and targeted panels, further work is typically required to define the physical breakpoints or integration sites. Accurate characterisation requires either expensive follow ‐ up whole ‐ genome sequencing or the time ‐ consuming, laborious process of PCR walking, both of which are challenging when dealing with the repeat sequences which frequently intersect deletion breakpoints. The aim of this study was to develop a cost‐effective, long‐range sequencing method to characterise deletions.

Methods

Genomic DNA was amplified with primers spanning the deletion using long‐range PCR and the products purified. Sequencing was performed on MinION flongle flowcells. The resulting fast5 files were basecalled using Guppy, trimmed using Porechop and aligned using Minimap2. Filtering was performed using NanoFilt. Nanopore sequencing results were verified by Sanger sequencing.

Results

Four cases with deletions detected following comparative read‐depth analysis of targeted short‐read sequencing were analysed. Nanopore sequencing defined breakpoints at the molecular level in all cases including homozygous breakpoints in EYS, CNGA1 and CNGB1 and a heterozygous deletion in PRPF31. All breakpoints were verified by Sanger sequencing.

Conclusions

In this study, a quick, accurate and cost ‐ effective method is described to characterise deletions identified from exome, and similar data, using nanopore sequencing.
Identification of a homozygous frameshift mutation in the FGF3 gene in a consanguineous Iranian family: First report of labyrinthine aplasia, microtia, and microdontia syndrome in Iran and literature review
Authors: Jamshidi Fereshteh , Shokouhian Ebrahim , Mohseni Marzieh , Kahrizi Kimia , Najmabadi Hossein , Babanejad Mojgan
Published: March 2023

Background

To date, over 400 syndromes with hearing impairment have been identified which altogether constitute almost 30% of hereditary hearing loss (HL) cases around the globe. Manifested as complete or partial labyrinthine aplasia (severe malformations of the inner ear structure), type I microtia (smaller outer ear with shortened auricles), and microdontia (small and widely spaced teeth), labyrinthine aplasia, microtia, and microdontia (LAMM) syndrome (OMIM 610706) is an extremely rare autosomal recessive condition caused by bi‐allelic mutations in the FGF3 gene.

Methods

Using the whole‐exome sequencing (WES) data of the proband, we analyzed a consanguineous Iranian family with three affected members presenting with congenital bilateral HL, type I microtia, and microdontia.

Results

We discovered the homozygous deletion c.45delC in the first exon of the FGF3 gene, overlapping a 38.72 Mb homozygosity region in chromosome 11. Further investigations using Sanger sequencing revealed that this variant co‐segregated with the phenotype observed in the family.

Conclusion

Here, we report the first identified case of LAMM syndrome in Iran, and by identifying a frameshift variant in the first exon of the FGF3 gene, our result will help better clarify the phenotype–genotype relation of LAMM syndrome.
Genetic analysis of periventricular nodular heterotopia 7 caused by a novel NEDD4L missense mutation: Case and literature summary
Authors: Liu Juan , Hu Jihong , Duan Yaqing , Qin Rong , Guo Chunguang , Zhou Hongtao , Liu Hua , Liu Chunlei
Published: March 2023

Background

Neurodevelopmental disorders associated with periventricular nodular heterotopia (PVNH) are characterized by phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity. NEDD4L mutation can lead to PVNH7. However, at present, only eight NEDD4L pathogenic variants have been identified across 15 cases of PVNH7 worldwide. Given this dearth of evidence, the precise correlations between genetic pathogenesis and phenotypes remain to be determined.

Methods

This report discusses the case of a 19‐month‐old male child with cleft palate, seizures, psychomotor retardation, and hypotonia, for whom we verified the genetic etiology using Trio‐whole‐exome and Sanger sequencing to analyze the potential pathogenicity of the mutant protein structure. Mutant plasmids were constructed for in vitro analyses. After transfection into human 293 T cells, the mutant transcription process was analyzed using real‐time PCR (RT‐PCR), and levels of mutant protein expression were examined using western blotting (WB) and immunofluorescence (IF) experiments.

Results

Genetic analyses revealed a novel missense mutation Gln900Arg, located in the homologous to E6‐APC terminal (HECT) domain of NEDD4L and that the parents were wild‐type, suggestive of a de novo mutation. The variant was predicted to be pathogenic by bioinformatics software, which also suggested alterations in the structural stability of the mutant protein. RT‐PCR results indicated that the mutation did not affect mRNA expression, whereas WB and IF results indicated that the level of mutant protein was significantly reduced by 41.07%.

Conclusion

Functional experiments demonstrated that Gln900Arg probably did not lead to transcriptional abnormalities in this patient, instead leading to increased ubiquitination activity owing to the constitutive activation of the HECT domain, thereby promoting protein degradation. Extensive clinical reports should be generated for patients presenting with PVNH and/or polymicrogyria, developmental delay, syndactyly, and hypotonia to increase the pool of evidence related to NEDD4L.
The Hypoglycemic Activities and Underlying Mechanisms of Two Saponins‐Rich Components from Fried Ziziphus jujuba Mill. Kernel
Authors: Li Yi‐Meng , Hao Ke‐xin , Xie Hong , Jiang Jian‐Guo
Published: March 2023

Scope

Dried Ziziphus jujuba Mill. kernel is a potential natural source of nutraceutical and therapeutic agents in China. Recent researches have shown that the saponins of dried Z. jujuba Mill. kernel (SZJs: SZJ‐1 and SZJ‐2) have various biological effects. However, the hypoglycemic activities and underlying mechanisms of SZJs remain obscure.

Method and results

In the current study, two saponins SZJ‐1 and SZJ‐2 mainly composed of betulinic acid, spinosin, jujuboside A, and jujuboside B are extracted and is olated from dried Z. jujuba Mill. kernel. The SZJ‐1 and SZJ‐2 could significantly inhibit the activities of digestion enzymes α‐glucosidase and α‐amylases. The hypoglycemic ability of SZJ‐1 and SZJ‐2 is further investigated and the results show that SZJ‐1 and SZJ‐2 can improve the hyperglycemic by increasing the glucose consumption, improving the superoxide dismutase (SOD), hexokinase (HK), pyruvate kinase (PK) activities, and decrease the MDA content of insulin resistant HepG2 cells. Furthermore, SZJ‐1 and SZJ‐2 can activate the phosphorated adenosine 5′‐monophosphate (AMP)‐activated protein kinase α (p‐AMPK), phosphoinositide 3‐kinase p110α (PI3K‐p110α), and phosphorated glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (Ser9) (p‐GSK3β).

Conclusion

These results indicating that the SZJ‐1 and SZJ‐2 might improve the insulin resistant symptoms by improving the energy metabolic level and increasing the glycogen synthase activity of HepG2 cells.
Adaptive‐weighted high order TV algorithm for sparse‐view CT reconstruction
Authors: Xi Yarui , Zhou Pengwu , Yu Haijun , Zhang Tao , Zhang Lingli , Qiao Zhiwei , Liu Fenglin
Published: March 2023

Background

With the development of low‐dose computed tomography (CT), incomplete data reconstruction has been widely concerned. The total variation (TV) minimization algorithm can accurately reconstruct images from sparse or noisy data.

Purpose

However, the traditional TV algorithm ignores the direction of structures in images, leading to the loss of edge information and block artifacts when the object is not piecewise constant. Since the anisotropic information can facilitate preserving the edge and detail information in images, we aim to improve the TV algorithm in terms of reconstruction accuracy via this approach.

Methods

In this paper, we propose an adaptive‐weighted high order total variation (awHOTV) algorithm. We construct the second order TV‐norm using the second order gradient, adapt the anisotropic edge property between neighboring image pixels, adjust the local image‐intensity gradient to keep edge information, and design the corresponding Chambolle‐Pock (CP) solving algorithm. Implementing the proposed algorithm, comprehensive studies are conducted in the ideal projection data experiment where the Structural similarity (SSIM), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Contrast to noise ratio (CNR), and modulation transform function (MTF) curves are utilized to evaluate the quality of reconstructed images in statism, structure, spatial resolution, and contrast, respectively. In the noisy data experiment, we further use the noise power spectrum (NPS) curve to evaluate the reconstructed images and compare it with other three algorithms.

Results

We use the 2D slice in the XCAT phantom, 2D slice in TCIA Challenge data and FORBILD phantom as simulation phantoms and use real bird data for real verification. The results show that, compared with the traditional TV and FBP algorithms, the awHOTV has better performance in terms of RMSE, SSIM, and Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) under the projected data with different sparsity. In addition, the awHOTV algorithm is robust against the noise of different intensities.

Conclusions

The proposed awHOTV method can reconstruct the images with high accuracy under sparse or noisy data. The awHOTV solves the strip artifacts caused by sparse data in the FBP method. Compared with the TV method, the awHOTV can effectively suppress block artifacts and has good detail protection ability.
Influence of Environmental Variables on Catch of Walleye Broodfish for Propagation Efforts
Authors: Kowalewski Lucas K. , Parr Michael A. , Neely Ben C.
Published: March 2023

Walleye Stizostedion vitreum support recreational fisheries throughout their range but increasingly require annual stockings to maintain populations. In many areas of their distribution, Walleye broodfish are collected annually and manually spawned onsite before fertilized eggs are transported to fish culture facilities for rearing. As such, efficiency of these programs is reliant on effective capture of broodfish. Generalized additive models were used to explain the influence of eight environmental factors on catch per effort (CPE) of ripe female Walleye and male Walleye during brood collection events from Hillsdale Reservoir, Kansas, using data from 2009 to 2021 (excluding 2020). The ripe female model explained 63% of the deviance in CPE and identified the day of year, water temperature, moon illumination, previous autumn CPE of preferred-length fish (CPEp), and previous autumn proportional size distribution of preferred-length fish (PSDp) as influential variables. The male model explained 64% of the deviance in CPE and identified the day of year, change in barometric pressure from the previous day, water temperature, and previous autumn proportional size distribution of quality-length fish PSDq as influential variables. These findings provide useful information regarding collection of Walleye broodfish and can be leveraged to increase efficiency of future operations range-wide.
The case for basinwide passage and habitat restoration for Pacific Lamprey in the Willamette River basin (Oregon, USA)
Authors: Clemens Benjamin J. , Friesen Thomas A. , Gregory Stanley V. , Zambory Courtney L.
Published: March 2023

Objective

The Pacific Lamprey Entosphenus tridentatus is an anadromous fish that provides many ecosystem services and is important to Native American tribes, which harvest lamprey for cultural uses. The largest harvest of adult Pacific Lamprey in North America occurs at Willamette Falls (WF) in Oregon, USA. Lamprey have experienced conservation problems for decades, and harvest numbers at WF have plummeted approximately 33-fold from a maximum of over 500,000 during 1946 to an average of about 16,000 per year during 1969–1999. Recent harvest has dropped to less than 6,000 lamprey/year during 2000–2021. However, existing conservation plans do not provide a historical perspective on the lamprey harvest at WF and the cumulative threats in the Willamette River basin that likely caused lamprey harvest reductions. Land development, river impoundment, and water pollution coincided with significant decreases in lamprey harvest at WF. These (and other) threats have resulted in reduced habitat for larval lamprey in the basin and, thus, a reduction in the pheromones they release, which attract adults. Conservation plans do not identify specific, basinwide goals to increase the number of lamprey in general and to provide more lamprey for harvest in particular.

Methods

Therefore, in this review paper, we provide a conservation perspective on three topics to increase and monitor lamprey abundance at WF.

Result

We (1) provide an up-to-date history of the lamprey harvest and its regulation at WF; (2) recommend addressing the lack of basinwide, lamprey-specific passage and habitat restoration to improve the quantity and quality of lamprey spawning and rearing habitats; and (3) identify research needs for monitoring the lamprey population(s) at WF.

Conclusion

We conclude that lamprey-specific passage improvements and habitat restoration throughout the Willamette River basin above WF are necessary to bolster abundance.
Applications of Age–Length Keys for Assigning Ages to Juvenile Steelhead
Authors: Dobos Marika E. , McCormick Joshua L. , Bowersox Brett J. , Copeland Timothy
Published: March 2023

Many population metrics for wild steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss are unquantified due to complex early life history strategies and a lack of juvenile age data. Juvenile steelhead can rear in freshwater systems for up to 7 years, with overlapping size distributions among age-classes. As logistics for sampling and aging fish can be challenging, there are benefits to utilizing age–length keys (ALKs). We examined the potential benefits of applying ALKs to unaged juvenile steelhead from a rotary screw trap and to determine whether stratifying trapping data by season could improve accuracy in assigning ages to unaged fish. Additionally, we examined the effects of reducing samples of aged fish using a uniform sampling design in which there was a fixed number of aged fish across all length intervals of the size distributions. Using a leave-one-out cross validation method with aged fish, we found that ALKs assigned unbiased ages to unaged fish. When including fish with assigned ages from ALKs, results of mean length-at-age and brood year abundance estimates between using proportional-sampled aged fish and uniform-sampled aged fish were comparable. Typically, absolute differences in estimated brood year abundances were improved if age-assigned fish were included, and mean absolute error did not exceed 0.4 years for any of the methods examined. Although seasons had a significant effect on mean length at age, overall brood year estimates of juvenile abundance derived from stratifying data by season did not notably differ from pooling summer and fall seasons together, likely because there was a higher portion of juveniles emigrating in the fall compared to the summer. Age–length keys can benefit trapping operations and aid in filling data gaps in age-based movement and survival for steelhead by being able to accurately assign ages to unaged fish and include more data for population analyses.
Salvage using electrofishing methods caused minimal mortality of burrowed and emerged larval lampreys in dewatered habitats
Authors: Harris Julianne E. , Liedtke Theresa L. , Skalicky Joseph J. , Weiland Lisa K.
Published: March 2023

Objective

Human-induced dewatering of freshwater habitats causes mortality of larval lampreys (family Petromyzontidae). Salvage by electrofishing at dewatering events is assumed to reduce this mortality, but to our knowledge this assumption remains unassessed.

Methods

We estimated mortality of salvaged larval lampreys (Lampetra spp. and Pacific Lamprey Entosphenus tridentatus) within 24 h following collection at field dewatering events in July and October. To assess when salvage may reduce mortality, we compared mortality of salvaged individuals from field dewatering events to mortality of burrowed and emerged individuals in dewatered habitats in the laboratory. Salvage protocols included electrofishing and foot pressure from walking in test enclosures before and after dewatering. Electrofishing after dewatering (“dry shocking”) involves positioning probes on moist sediment to entice burrowed larval lampreys to emerge.

Result

During the July salvage, air temperature averaged 36°C, bottom water temperature averaged 20°C, and many emerged larval lampreys were dead on the sediment surface. During two October events, air temperatures averaged 18 and 11°C, bottom water temperatures averaged 12 and 7°C, and only one dead emerged larval lamprey was observed. Estimated mortality of salvaged larval lampreys was 0.20 (90% credible interval = 0.09–0.37) in July and 0.00 (90% credible interval = 0.00–0.06) and 0.06 (90% credible interval = 0.01–0.18) in October. All larval lampreys that remained burrowed and were excavated from enclosures after salvage were dead in July but alive in October. Logistic regression suggested that mortality declined with increasing larval length. Mortality of salvaged 80-mm larval lampreys in October was lower than that of 80-mm individuals emerged for 1 h or burrowed for 8 h at similar water temperatures (8–10°C) in the laboratory.

Conclusion

In this study, electrofishing for salvage caused minimal mortality of burrowed and emerged larval lampreys in dewatered habitats. Thus, salvage using electrofishing methods could aid conservation of native lampreys by reducing mortality associated with human-induced dewatering events, especially when temperatures are elevated.
Health‐Related Quality of Life in Children With Unilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss Following Cochlear Implantation
Authors: Zeitler Daniel M. , Dunn Camille , Schwartz Seth R. , McCoy Jennifer L. , Jamis Carmen , Chi David H. , Goldberg Donald M. , Anne Samantha
Published: March 2023

Objective

Evaluate health‐related quality of life (HR‐QOL) benefits with cochlear implantation (CI) in children with unilateral sensorineural hearing loss (USNHL) versus bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (BSNHL).

Study Design

A cross‐sectional survey of parents of children who underwent CI for USNHL and BSNHL.

Setting

Tertiary care academic centers.

Methods

The “Children with cochlear implants: parental perspectives” survey was administered. Parents rated responses on a 5‐point Likert scale. Scores greater than 3.0 were considered favorable. Responses were recorded within 8 domains and groups were compared with respect to domain scores. Analysis of covariance models was used to compare groups while adjusting for age at implantation and duration of implant use.

Results

There were 31 patients with USNHL and 27 patients with BSNHL. The average age of implantation in BSNHL patients was 1.9 and 6.7 years for USNHL. Parents of all children answered favorably in all domains. When adjusted for age at implantation and duration of implant use, parents of BSNHL children responded significantly more favorably only in 2 domains. When comparing patients with older age or prolonged duration of hearing loss in the USNHL cohort, there were favorable responses in all domains with no significant differences between groups.

Conclusion

There are HR‐QOL benefits of CI in USNHL children; less pronounced favorable results were noted only in 2 domains when compared to BSNHL children. Benefits were noted with CI in USNHL children at an older age at implantation or prolonged duration of hearing loss. Therefore, these factors should not be absolute contraindications for CI in USNHL.
Associations Between Body Composition and Sensorineural Hearing Loss Among Adults Based on the UK Biobank
Authors: Pang Wendu , Li Junhong , Qiu Ke , Yi Xiaowei , Cheng Danni , Rao Yufang , Song Yao , Deng Di , Mao Minzi , Li Xiaohong , Ma Ning , Chen Daibo , Luo Yi , Xu Wei , Ren Jianjun , Zhao Yu
Published: March 2023

Objective

To explore the association between body composition and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL).

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study, prospective study and Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses.

Setting

UK Biobank.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 147,296 adult participants with complete data on body composition and the speech‐reception‐threshold (SRT) test. We further conducted a prospective study with 129,905 participants without SNHL at baseline and followed up to 15 years to explore the association between body composition and new‐onset SNHL. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox regression models were used. Subgroup analyses stratified by age and sex were performed. We further assessed the causal association between body composition and SNHL using two‐sample MR analyses.

Results

Our cross‐sectional study revealed that fat percentage, especially leg (odds ratio [OR] 1.46, p = .029) and arm (OR 1.43, p = .004), were significant risk factors for SNHL. However, fat‐free mass, especially in the arm (OR 0.27, p < .001) and leg (OR 0.58, p < .001) showed significant protective effects against SNHL, which was substantially consistent with the results of the prospective study. In addition, we found that young women with SNHL were more susceptible to body composition indicators. However, MR analyses revealed no evidence of significant causal association.

Conclusion

Fat percentage, especially in the leg and arm, was a significant risk factor for SNHL, whereas fat‐free mass, especially in the leg and arm, had significant protective effects against SNHL, however, these associations may not be causal.
Virtual Resection Specimen Interaction Using Augmented Reality Holograms to Guide Margin Communication and Flap Sizing
Authors: Necker Fabian N. , Chang Marcello , Leuze Christoph , Topf Michael C. , Daniel Bruce L. , Baik Fred M.
Published: March 2023

Head and neck surgeons often have difficulty in relocating sites of positive margins due to the complex 3‐dimensional (3D) anatomy of the head and neck. We introduce a new technique where resection specimens are 3D scanned with a smartphone, annotated in computer‐assisted design software, and immediately visualized on augmented reality (AR) glasses. The 3D virtual specimen can be accurately superimposed onto surgical sites for orientation and sizing applications. During an operative workshop, a surgeon using AR glasses projected virtual, annotated specimen models back into the resection bed onto a cadaver within approximately 10 minutes. Colored annotations can correspond with pathologic annotations and guide the orientation of the virtual 3D specimen. The model was also overlayed onto a flap harvest site to aid in reconstructive planning. We present a new technique allowing interactive, sterile inspection of tissue specimens in AR that could facilitate communication among surgeons and pathologists and assist with reconstructive surgery.
Awareness Among Transgender and Nonbinary Adults of the Otolaryngologist's Role in Providing Gender‐Affirming Care Services
Authors: Ziltzer Ryan S. , Lett Elle , Chambers Tamara , Moayer Roxana
Published: March 2023

Objective

To assess transgender and nonbinary adults’ awareness of Otolaryngologists’ (ENT) and speech‐language pathologists’ (SLP) ability to perform various face, neck, and voice procedures for gender‐affirming purposes.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Setting

Online, from February to May 2022.

Methods

We developed a list of nonsurgical and surgical gender‐affirming face, neck, and voice procedures. We asked transgender and nonbinary (TNB) adults which procedures from this list they knew could be performed by specially‐trained ENTs or SLPs for gender‐affirmation and which listed procedures they knew existed as gender‐affirming treatment before the survey. We assessed awareness of ENTs’ and SLPs’ ability for each procedure across gender identity using Fisher exact tests. We examined if demographic or socioeconomic factors were associated with the total number of gender‐affirming procedures participants knew ENTs or SLPs could perform using univariable linear regression.

Results

TNB adults (N = 234) generally knew these procedures existed as gender‐affirming treatment (64%‐93%). However, TNB adults were largely unaware these gender‐affirming procedures could be performed by specially‐trained ENTs or SLPs (53% or less), especially procedures unrelated to the voice, neck, and nose (26% or less). Knowledge of ENTs' and SLPs' ability was similar across gender identity for most procedures. Total number of procedures known that ENTs or SLPs could perform did not differ by demographic/socioeconomic factors (p > .05).

Conclusion

These findings suggest transgender and nonbinary individuals may not know to seek Otolaryngologists or SLP when desiring gender‐affirming face, neck, or voice care. Increased efforts are needed to promote awareness of Otolaryngology's role in providing gender‐affirming care.

Level of Evidence

4.
Identification of new potential downstream transcriptional targets of the strigolactone pathway including glucosinolate biosynthesis
Authors: Hellens Alicia M. , Chabikwa Tinashe G. , Fichtner Franziska , Brewer Philip B. , Beveridge Christine A.
Published: March 2023

Strigolactones regulate shoot branching and many aspects of plant growth, development, and allelopathy. Strigolactones are often discussed alongside auxin because they work together to inhibit shoot branching. However, the roles and mechanisms of strigolactones and how they act independently of auxin are still elusive. Additionally, there is still much in general to be discovered about the network of molecular regulators and their interactions in response to strigolactones. Here, we conducted an experiment in Arabidopsis with physiological treatments and strigolactone mutants to determine transcriptional pathways associated with strigolactones. The three physiological treatments included shoot tip removal with and without auxin treatment and treatment of intact plants with the auxin transport inhibitor, N‐1‐naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA). We identified the glucosinolate biosynthesis pathway as being upregulated across strigolactone mutants indicating strigolactone–glucosinolate crosstalk. Additionally, strigolactone application cannot restore the highly branched phenotype observed in glucosinolate biosynthesis mutants, placing glucosinolate biosynthesis downstream of strigolactone biosynthesis. Oxidative stress genes were enriched across the experiment suggesting that this process is mediated through multiple hormones. Here, we also provide evidence supporting non‐auxin‐mediated, negative feedback on strigolactone biosynthesis. Increases in strigolactone biosynthesis gene expression seen in strigolactone mutants could not be fully restored by auxin. By contrast, auxin could fully restore auxin‐responsive gene expression increases, but not sugar signaling‐related gene expression. Our data also point to alternative roles of the strigolactone biosynthesis genes and potential new signaling functions of strigolactone precursors.

In this study, we identify a strigolactone‐specific regulation of glucosinolate biosynthesis genes indicating that the two are linked and may work together in regulating stress and shoot branching responses in Arabidopsis. Additionally, we provide evidence for non‐auxin‐mediated feedback on strigolactone biosynthesis and discuss this in the context of sugar signaling.