bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reviving grain quality in wheat through non‐destructive phenotyping techniques like hyperspectral imaging
Authors: Safdar Luqman B. , Dugina Kateryna , Saeidan Ali , Yoshicawa Guilherme V. , Caporaso Nicola , Gapare Brighton , Umer M. Jawad , Bhosale Rahul A. , Searle Iain R. , Foulkes M. John , Boden Scott A. , Fisk Ian D.
Published: September 2023

A long‐term goal of breeders and researchers is to develop crop varieties that can resist environmental stressors and produce high yields. However, prioritising yield often compromises improvement of other key traits, including grain quality, which is tedious and time‐consuming to measure because of the frequent involvement of destructive phenotyping methods. Recently, non‐destructive methods such as hyperspectral imaging (HSI) have gained attention in the food industry for studying wheat grain quality. HSI can quantify variations in individual grains, helping to differentiate high‐quality grains from those of low quality. In this review, we discuss the reduction of wheat genetic diversity underlying grain quality traits due to modern breeding, key traits for grain quality, traditional methods for studying grain quality and the application of HSI to study grain quality traits in wheat and its scope in breeding. Our critical review of literature on wheat domestication, grain quality traits and innovative technology introduces approaches that could help improve grain quality in wheat.
CN‐N: A gridded dataset of nitrogen rate for rice, wheat and maize in China developed using the county‐level nitrogen statistics
Authors: Zhang Wenmeng , Zhang Tianyi , Yang Xiaoguang
Published: September 2023

Existing agricultural nitrogen datasets in China are mostly developed using coarse national or provincial statistics. A crop‐specific nitrogen rate dataset based on the finest‐scale agricultural nitrogen statistics at the county level remains lacking. Here, we constructed a new dataset (CN‐N), which provides annual nitrogen rates for rice, wheat and maize in China at a 1‐km spatial resolution from 2004 to 2016. This dataset was developed by harmonizing county‐level and provincial agricultural nitrogen statistics with gridded crop distribution maps, resulting in 13 years of nitrogen rate maps for each crop covering 2004–2016. Validation against farmers' surveys by crop indicates CN‐N reliably quantifies average nitrogen rates and trends for each crop over 2004–2016, demonstrating improved spatial heterogeneity compared to previous datasets rasterized using only provincial statistics. Our study provides a crop‐specific, temporally consistent, gridded nitrogen rate dataset based on the finest‐scale county‐level agricultural nitrogen statistics. This can support future process‐based modelling for sustainable agricultural nitrogen management strategies.
A journey of the continental crust to and from mantle depth: The P–T–t‐d path of Venaco unit, Alpine Corsica (France)
Authors: Di Rosa Maria , Sanità E. , Frassi C. , Lardeaux J. M. , Corsini M. , Marroni M. , Pandolfi L.
Published: September 2023

This work presents the first pressure–temperature‐deformation‐time (P–T‐d‐t) path obtained for the Lower Units (Alpine Corsica, France) including the Tenda Massif that represent fragments of the European continental margin involved in the east‐dipping Alpine subduction. The new thermobarometric data applied to metapelites and the new 40Ar/39Ar dating of syn‐kinematic muscovite sampled from metagranitoids allowed us to define the P–T conditions and the age of the metamorphism of the Venaco Unit, a Lower Unit located in the southernmost sector of the Alpine Corsica. The outcoming scenario indicates that the Venaco Unit reached the baric peak at ≈ 33 km depth, not before Bartonian time. At 35.7 Ma (i.e., during the middle Priabonian), it was exhumed to a shallower structural level (i.e., at ≈ 26 km depth), mainly through the activation of the top‐to‐W shear zones. This retrograde path suggests that the Venaco Unit experienced fast exhumation, unlike the Tenda Massif which had been involved in subduction during the Ypresian and was stationary at 25–30 km, before its exhumation in the Priabonian.
Hospitalizations among children with sickle cell disease enrolled in the Kumasi Sickle Cell Pan African Consortium (SPARCo) database: A cross sectional study
Authors: Oppong–Mensah Yaa Gyamfua , Odoom Samuel Frimpong , Nyanor Isaac , Amuzu Evans Xorse , Yawnumah Suraj Abubakar , Asafo‐Adjei Emmanuel , Nguah Samuel Blay , Ansong Daniel , Osei‐Akoto Alex , Paintsil Vivian
Published: September 2023

Background and Aims

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the commonest monogenic haemolytic disorder in Africa. Despite strides made in its management, a significant proportion of patients are hospitalized from the various complications of the disease. This study set out to describe the main causes and outcomes of hospitalizations among pediatric patients with SCD.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted at the Pediatric Emergency Unit of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital within a period of 12 months to recruit pediatric SCD patients. This study looked at causes of admission, length of hospital stay (LOS), and outcome of admission.

Results

Of the 201 SCD patients recruited, 57.2% were males and majority were of SCD‐SS phenotype 83.1%. The median age was 6 years. The three leading causes of hospitalization were Vaso‐occlusive pain events (VOPE) (39.8%), acute chest syndrome (ACS) (25.9%), and infections (12.4%). Ten (5.0%) of the patients presented with a stroke. High admissions were observed in June (12.4%) and November (16.9%). The median (interquartile range [IQR]) LOS was 6 days (IQR: 4–10). Six (3.0%) of the patients died from complications of the disease during hospitalization.

Conclusion

VOPE, ACS, infections, and acute anaemia from hyperhaemolysis were observed as the most common causes of admissions among SCD patients. A good outcome of discharge was seen in most of the patients that were hospitalized with a median length of stay of 6 days. This study also strengthens the importance of a good SCD database with patient follow‐ups for better outcomes in SCD patients.
The developing of executive function skills through culturally organized autonomy and helping
Authors: Alcalá Lucía
Published: September 2023

The study of Executive Function skills, like most research in the developmental sciences, has been heavily focused on the experiences of children from Western, industrialized, highly schooled and middle‐class communities, often ignoring the experiences of the majority of children in the world. When research does include diverse populations, the approach is often from a deficit perspective, looking for ways to “fix” these children's lack of Executive Function skills. In this commentary, I argue for a contextual definition of Executive Function skills to reflect children's lived experiences, including the daily experiences of Indigenous children. I provide examples to illustrate how cultural values such as respect for children'sautonomyand beingacomedida/ocan support the development of Executive Function skills. I then propose how the field of executive function research can move forward by (1) recognizing the broader ways in which children's daily activities can contribute to their Executive Function skills and (2) creating culturally relevant methods to measure Executive Function skills.
Stability of the online grooming victimization of minors: Prevalence and association with shame, guilt, and mental health outcomes over one year
Authors: Gámez‐Guadix Manuel , Mateos‐Pérez Estíbaliz , Alcázar Miguel A. , Martínez‐Bacaicoa Jone , Wachs Sebastian
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Online grooming is the process by which an adult manipulates a minor by using information and communication technologies to interact sexually with that minor. The objective of this study was to analyze the stability of online grooming victimization among minors and its relationship with demographic variables (e.g., gender, age, and sexual orientation), emotions of shame and guilt, and depression and anxiety symptoms.

Methods

The participants were 746 adolescents aged 12–14 years when the study started (Mage = 13.34, SD = 0.87) who completed self‐reports at Time 1 (T1) and 1 year later at Time 2 (T2). Among them, 400 were girls, 344 were boys, and two were nonbinary. At each time point, the minors self‐reported their online grooming experiences during the previous year.

Results

The results showed that 11.8% (n = 89) of the participants were T1‐victims, 13% (n = 95) were T2‐victims, and 11% (n = 81) were stable victims of online grooming. Stability in victimization was related to being older, being a sexual minority, being born abroad, having separated or divorced parents, and having parents with a lower education level. Stable victims showed higher shame and guilt scores at T1 than did T1‐victims, indicating that elevated levels of shame and guilt could contribute to the persistence of online grooming over time.

Conclusions

Overall, adolescents in the stable victim category presented more depression and anxiety symptoms. Intervention strategies should address emotions related to victimization, such as shame and guilt, as well as depression and anxiety symptoms.
The role of ethnicity in the admission process of male juvenile released offenders: Examining risk and readiness to change in the Israeli Shushan centers
Authors: Haviv Noam , Itzik Lea
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Disparities in evaluating readiness to change and recidivism risk across diverse cultural groups can profoundly affect rehabilitation program efficacy. This study examines readiness to change and recidivism risk disparities between Israeli‐Arabs and Israeli‐Jews entering a re‐entry program by the Prisoner Rehabilitation Authority postrelease.

Method

The University of Rhode Island Change Assessment Scale questionnaire gauged readiness to change, whereas the Ohio Youth Assessment System‐Residential tool assessed recidivism risk. The sample included 151 participants: 98 Israeli‐Arabs and 53 Israeli‐Jews. Mean differences in change readiness and recidivism risk were statistically assessed through t tests.

Results

Significant differences emerged in change readiness levels between Israeli‐Arabs and Jews upon rehabilitation program entry, with Israeli‐Jews exhibiting higher readiness. Additionally, a noteworthy divergence in recidivism risk was noted, indicating elevated average risk for Israeli‐Jews.

Conclusions

Findings underscore the vital need for cultural sensitivity during admission. Bias potential in assessing risk for Arab participants emphasizes the necessity of a comprehensive culturally sensitive approach. While focusing on admission, the Risk‐Need‐Responsivity model application could enhance risk evaluation and guide culturally tailored treatments.
MicroRNA‐155 downregulates long noncoding RNA prostate cancer‐associated transcript 29 in hepatocellular carcinoma to suppress cancer cell invasion and migration
Authors: Yang Muyi , Yu Peng , Li Peng , Diao Guanghao
Published: September 2023

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) prostate cancer‐associated transcript 29 (PCAT29) is known to suppress several cancers, but its participation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains elusive. This study tried to explore PCAT29 function in HCC. In this study, a total of 62 HCC patients were enrolled. Tissue samples were collected from all 62 patients to isolate RNA samples. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was applied for the expression analysis of PCAT29 and microRNA‐155 (miR‐155) in these tissue samples. The 62 HCC patients were followed up for 5 years to explore the prognostic value of PCAT29 for HCC. Correlations were analyzed using linear regression. IntaRNA 2.0 was used to predict the interaction between PCAT29 and miR‐155. The role of PCAT29 and miR‐155 in regulating HCC cell invasion and migration was evaluated by Transwell assay. We found that PCAT29 expression was downregulated in HCC and miR‐155 expression was upregulated in HCC compared to nontumor samples (p < 0.001). Downregulation of PCAT29 was found to be closely associated with poor survival of HCC patients. MiR‐155 was inversely correlated with PCAT29. It was predicted that miR‐155 could target PCAT29. In HCC cells, miR‐155 overexpression resulted in reduced PCAT29 expression (p < 0.05). MiR‐155 counteracted the inhibitory effects of PCAT29 overexpression on HCC cell migration and invasion. These results suggest that PCAT29 may be a potential prognostic biomarker and a novel therapeutic target for treating HCC.
Therapeutic targeting of microtubule affinity‐regulating kinase 4 in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Alam Manzar , Ahmed Sarfraz , Abid Mohammad , Hasan Gulam Mustafa , Islam Asimul , Hassan Md. Imtaiyaz
Published: September 2023

Microtubule affinity‐regulating kinase 4 (MARK4) is a member of the Ser/Thr protein kinase family, phosphorylates the microtubule‐connected proteins and plays a vital role in causing cancers and neurodegenerative diseases. This kinase modulates multiple signaling pathways, including mammalian target of rapamycin, nuclear factor‐κB, and Hippo‐signaling, presumably responsible for cancer and Alzheimer's. MARK4 acts as a negative controller of the Hippo‐kinase cassette for promoting YAP/TAZ action, and the loss of MARK4 detains the tumorigenic properties of cancer cells. MARK4 is involved in tau hyperphosphorylation that consequently affects neurodegeneration. MARK4 is a promising drug target for cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer's. Developing the potent and selective inhibitors of MAKR4 are promising in the therapeutic management of associated diseases. Despite its great significance, a few reviews are available to discuss its structure, function and clinical significance. In the current review, we aimed to provide detailed information on the structural features of MARK4 targeted in drug development and its role in various signaling pathways related to cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. We further described the therapeutic potential of MARK4 inhibitors in preventing numerous diseases. Finally, the updated information on MARK4 will be helpful in the further development of effective therapeutic molecules.
How to better select SARS‐CoV‐2 preservation solution of virus nucleic acid testing
Authors: Duan Xiuzhi , Huang Letao , Wang Xuchu , Ping Ying , Yu Pan , Liu Weiwei , Xie Yiyi , Tao Zhihua
Published: September 2023

Background

Sampling and testing for SARS‐CoV‐2 is a widely recognized method for identifying patients with COVID‐19. However, there is limited research available on the stability of nucleic acids in viral storage solutions.

Methods

This paper investigates the components that provide better protection for virus and nucleic acid detection. The study utilized real‐time quantitative fluorescent PCR to detect SARS‐CoV‐2 and evaluate the preservation effect and stability of SARS‐CoV‐2 viral storage solution under various conditions, including different guanidinium salts, brands, and storage conditions.

Results

All brands of inactivated virus preservation solutions demonstrated effective preservation and stability. However, 0.5 mol/L guanidine hydrochloride and guanidine isothiocyanate solutions exhibited poor antiseptic effects. Additionally, refrigerated storage showed better preservation compared to room temperature storage.

Conclusions

We recommend using inactivated virus collection solution to preserve and transport samples and testing preferably within 6 hours to reduce false negatives of NAT results.
circAP1M2 activates ATG9A‐associated autophagy by inhibiting miR‐1249‐3p to promote cisplatin resistance in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wenhao Ren , Yali Cheng , Shaoming Li , Jingjing Zheng , Ling Gao , Keqian Zhi
Published: September 2023

Cisplatin (CDDP) is the first‐line chemotherapeutic agent for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Susceptibility to drug resistance during treatment is a significant challenge in enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of OSCC. Autophagy is an essential element to guarantee the cancer cells' survival under chemo‐stress conditions. We established a cisplatin‐resistant OSCC cell line (CAL27/CDDP) and showed that circAP1M2 is a remarkably upregulated circular RNA in OSCC. Knockdown of circAP1M2 contributes to reversing cisplatin chemoresistance in vivo, while enhanced autophagic activity in cisplatin‐resistant OSCC cells contributes to chemoresistance. Mechanistically, we showed that circAP1M2 induces autophagy‐associated cisplatin resistance via the miR‐1249‐3p‐ATG9A axis in OSCC cells. This study provides insights into the specific influence of a newly identified circular RNA circAP1M2 in OSCC regarding drug abuse and the treatment of a broad range of cancers that can benefit from cisplatin.
A study on the oxidation of 1‐(4‐chlorophenyl) pyrazolidin‐3‐one to 1‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐3‐pyrazolol by oxygen
Authors: Zhu Bao‐Guang , Jiang Yu‐Cheng , Song Lin‐Peng , Long Xiang‐Li
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

Pyraclostrobin manifests a bright promise in agriculture with the characteristics of a broad spectrum, high efficiency, low toxicity, non‐target biosafety, and friendliness to users and the environment due to its ability to inhibit mitochondrial respiration in a novel mode of action. 1‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐3‐pyrazolol is an essential intermediate for the preparation of pyraclostrobin. The commercial technology for the production of 1‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐3‐pyrazolol by oxidizing 1‐(4‐chlorophenyl)pyrazolidan‐3‐one with H2O2 in strong an alkali solution is risky and not friendly to the environment.

RESULTS

A solid Fe/AC catalyst is constructed by loading ferric on commercial activated carbon. The activated carbon and ferric act cooperatively to upgrade the oxidation rate of 1‐(4‐chlorophenyl)pyrazolidan‐3‐one and the yield of 1‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐3‐pyrazolol with air. The best catalyst is Fe/AC supported with 15% Fe2O3 on activated carbon of 100 ~ 120 mesh without activation.

CONCLUSION

The Fe/AC catalyst is able to not only accelerate the oxidation of 1‐(4‐chlorophenyl) pyrazolidin‐3‐one but also obtain a higher yield of 1‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐3‐pyrazolol than FeCl3 or activated carbon can in 5%(wt.) NaOH solution. The highest 1‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐3‐pyrazolol yield is obtained by a gas stream containing 60%(wt.) oxygen with a Fe/AC dosage of 1.25 g L−1. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Ectrodactyly‐ectodermal dysplasia‐clefting syndrome. Prenatal prospective ultrasound diagnosis
Authors: Orlandi Giuliana , Di Girolamo Raffaella , Carbone Luigi , Sarno Laura , Maresca Antonia , Fulgione Caterina , Mazzarelli Laura Letizia , D'antonio Francesco , Mappa Ilenia , Pietrolucci Maria Elena , Rizzo Giuseppe , Maruotti Giuseppe Maria
Published: September 2023

Objective

Prenatal diagnosis of the Ectrodactyly‐Ectodermal dysplasia‐clefting (EEC) syndrome has been based upon the detection of ectrodactyly, in association with facial clefting and/or positive family history. Our aim is to describe other ultrasonographic features indicating the presuntive diagnosis, regardless of genetic diagnosis, especially in cases of negative family history.

Materials and Methods

A case report and a review of the literature was assessed.

Results

Our case report showed a singleton foetus “lobster claw” deformities of hands and feet. Paternal history revealed bilateral agenesia of two fingers. Through literature, 15 case reports of prenatal diagnosis of EEC syndrome were found, 14 of which were eligible for our systematic review.

The 33% of cases (5/15) had a familiar history of EEC, thus, we found one case of consanguinity of parents. Anomalies EEC‐related were recognized in the 40% of cases (6/15). An association with genitourinary anomalies was found in 30% (5/15) of them.

Conclusions

A strong suspicion of final diagnosis of EEC may be done in the presence of ectrodactyly, facial clefting and urinary malformation especially in cases of negative family history. More attention should be given to a genetic counseling, especially to understand a possible relation to other genetic syndromes.
救急外来における四肢開放骨折に対する抗菌薬投与時間に影響する因子の検討(Prediction of factors associated with time to antibiotics among patients with open limb fractures in the emergency department)
Authors: 啓子 内藤 , 拓 舩越 , 仁 髙橋
Published: September 2023

【目的】開放骨折では迅速な抗菌薬投与が重要だが，どのような因子が投与時間に影響するかの研究は乏しい。本研究は，四肢開放骨折の患者の来院から抗菌薬投与までの時間経過を調べ，抗菌薬の投与遅延に関連する因子の評価を目的とした。【対象】単施設後ろ向き研究である。2017年から2021年に救急外来受診時に四肢開放骨折の診断で抗菌薬を経静脈的に投与された患者を対象とした。患者来院から抗菌薬投与までの時間と，患者背景として年齢，性別，来院方法，バイタルサイン，GCS，骨折部，Gustilo分類，他部位外傷，精神疾患・認知症・飲酒の有無，患者受診時の外来混雑状況を収集した。来院から抗菌薬投与までが120分未満（早期群）かそれ以上（遅延群）かで2群に分け両群の背景を比較した。【結果】206例が対象となり早期群は141例（68.4%）であった。早期群と比較し遅延群では，年齢が有意に低かった（P = 0.03）。また，GCS 15未満（調整オッズ比 3.30，95%CI: 1.07–10.20），Gustiloタイプ I（調整オッズ比 2.16，95%CI: 1.13–4.14），他部位外傷あり（調整オッズ比 2.53，95%CI: 1.21–5.29）が抗菌薬投与遅延と関連を認めた。【結語】GCS 15未満，Gustiloタイプ I，他部位外傷ありが来院から抗菌薬投与までの時間遅延に関連した。
Effect of MALDI matrices on lipid analyses of biological tissues using MALDI‐2 postionization mass spectrometry
Authors: McMillen Josiah C. , Fincher Jarod A. , Klein Dustin R. , Spraggins Jeffrey M. , Caprioli Richard M.
Published: September 2023

Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI IMS) allows for highly multiplexed, untargeted detection of many hundreds of analytes from tissue. Recently, laser postionization (MALDI‐2) has been developed for increased ion yield and sensitivity for lipid IMS. However, the dependence of MALDI‐2 performance on the various lipid classes is largely unknown. To understand the effect of the applied matrix on MALDI‐2 analysis of lipids, samples including an equimolar lipid standard mixture, various tissue homogenates, and intact rat kidney tissue sections were analyzed using the following matrices: α‐cyano‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid, 2′,5′‐dihydroxyacetophenone, 2′,5′‐dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB), and norharmane (NOR). Lipid signal enhancement of protonated species using MALDI‐2 technology varied based on the matrix used. Although signal improvements were observed for all matrices, the most dramatic effects using MALDI‐2 were observed using NOR and DHB. For lipid standards analyzed by MALDI‐2, NOR provided the broadest coverage, enabling the detection of all 13 protonated standards, including nonpolar lipids, whereas DHB gave less coverage but gave the highest signal increase for those lipids recorded. With respect to tissue homogenates and rat kidney tissue, mass spectra were compared and showed that the number and intensity of neutral lipids tentatively identified with MALDI‐2 using NOR increased significantly (e.g., fivefold intensity increase for triacylglycerol). In the cases of DHB with MALDI‐2, the number of protonated lipids identified from tissue homogenates doubled with 152 on average compared with 76 with MALDI alone. High spatial resolution imaging (~20 μm) of rat kidney tissue showed similar results using DHB with 125 lipids tentatively identified from MALDI‐2 spectra versus just 72 using standard MALDI. From the four matrices tested, NOR provided the greatest increase in sensitivity for neutral lipids (triacylglycerol, diacylglycerol, monoacylglycerol, and cholesterol ester), and DHB provided the highest overall number of lipids detected using MALDI‐2 technology.
Analytical strategies for the structural elucidation of proline‐containing dipeptides by liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionization‐tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Madmon Moran , Shamai Yamin Tamar , Prihed Hagit , Blanca Merav , Weissberg Avi
Published: September 2023

The identification of various proline‐containing dipeptides by implementing liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionization‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐ESI‐MS/MS) techniques is a challenging task. The ESI‐MS/MS spectra of protonated molecules [M + H]+ display a single dominant product ion, representing the pyrrolidinyl ring (m/z 70.0652). This lack of ESI‐MS/MS information leads to unavoidable ambiguity in the structure of the dipeptide. We demonstrate how structural information can be obtained instantaneously through ESI‐MS/MS fragmentation of the accompanied sodium adducts [M + Na]+ or alternatively by ESI‐MS/MS fragmentation of their carbamate derivatives. Both strategies are based on altering the charge distribution during fragmentation, promoting rich fragmentation patterns and enabling reliable structural elucidation.
Development and validation of near‐infrared spectroscopy procedures for prediction of cassava root dry matter and amylose contents in Ugandan cassava germplasm
Authors: Nuwamanya Ephraim , Wembabazi Enoch , Kanaabi Michael , Namakula Fatumah Babirye , Katungisa Arnold , Lyatumi Ivan , Esuma Williams , Alamu Emmanuel Oladeji , Dufour Dominique , Kawuki Robert , Davrieux Fabrice
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

Cassava utilization for food and/or industrial products depends on inherent properties of root dry matter content (DMC) and the starch fraction of amylose content (AC). Accordingly, in the present study, near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) models were developed to aid breeding and selection of DMC and AC as critical industrial traits taking care of root sample preparation and cassava germplasm diversity available in Uganda.

RESULTS

Upon undertaking calibrations and cross‐validations, best models were adopted for validation. DMC in calibration samples ranged from 20 to 45 g 100g−1, whereas, for amylose content, it ranged from 14 to 33 g 100g−1. In the validation set, average DMC was 29.5 g 100g−1, whereas, for amylose content, it was 24.64 g 100g−1. For DMC, a modified partial least square regression model had regression coefficients (R2) of 0.98 and 0.96, respectively, in the calibration and validation set. These were also associated with low bias (−0.018) and ratio of performance deviation that ranged from 4.7 to 5.0. In addition, standard error of prediction values ranged from 0.9 g 100g−1 to 1.06 g 100g−1. For AC, the regression coefficient was 0.91 for the calibration set and 0.94 for the validation set. A bias equivalent to −0.03 and a ratio of performance deviation of 4.23 were observed.

CONCLUSION

These findings confirm the robustness of NIRS in the estimation of dry matter content and amylose content in cassava roots and thus justify its use in routine cassava breeding operations. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Assessment of Knee Menisci in Healthy Adults Using Shear Wave Elastography
Authors: Ye Ran , Xiong Huahua , Liu Xiao , Yang Junxing , Guo Jiandong , Qiu Jianwen
Published: September 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study was to explore the application value of shear wave elastography in healthy adults with knee meniscus.

Methods

One hundred adult subjects who underwent health checkups at our hospital from December 2022 to February 2023 were selected as research participants. Shear wave elastography was used to evaluate the periphery of the lateral and medial meniscus in both knees. To assess the mean differences in Young's modulus values between male and female groups, a one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and independent samples t‐test were conducted. In addition, a Pearson correlation coefficient test was used to analyze the correlation between the elastic values of the meniscus and age, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI).

Results

There were no significant differences in elastic values between the lateral meniscus of the left and right sides or between the medial meniscus of the left and right sides within the same gender group (P > .05). Stiffness values of the medial meniscus were higher in each gender group than those of the lateral meniscus (P < .01). Additionally, males demonstrated higher stiffness values than females (P < .01). As age increased, the Young's modulus of the meniscus increased significantly (r > .75, P < .01).

Conclusion

Shear wave elastography can serve as an adjunctive tool to aid in the assessment of knee meniscal elasticity.
Quantitative Evaluation of Vocal Bowing Following Bilateral Thyroplasty in Age‐Related Vocal Atrophy
Authors: Cvancara David J. , Baertsch Hans C. , de Leon Julio A. , Hollenbaugh Eric D. , Giliberto J. P. , Zheng Melissa , Bhatt Neel K.
Published: September 2023

Objective

Age‐related vocal atrophy (ARVA) is associated with vocal fold bowing, persistent glottal gap during phonation, and dysphonia. Bilateral medialization thyroplasty is sometimes performed in patients with ARVA to improve vocal fold closure and voice. We set out to quantify stroboscopic changes in vocal fold bowing, glottal closure, and abduction angle following bilateral thyroplasty and determine how these changes affect voice quality among patients with ARVA.

Methods

Fifteen individuals with ARVA who underwent bilateral medialization thyroplasty were included in this study. Two independent investigators calculated bowing index (BI), normalized glottal gap area (NGGA), and maximum abduction angle from laryngostroboscopic exams using ImageJ™. Consensus Auditory‐Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE‐V) and patient‐reported measures were collected before and after thyroplasty.

Results

Thyroplasty resulted in a 10‐point improvement in overall CAPE‐V (Mean dif −10; 95% CI –17, −3.3, p < 0.01) and VHI‐10 (mean dif −3.8; 95% CI –9.8, 2.3, p = 0.19, n = 8). NGGA and BI significantly decreased following surgery (mean dif −78; 95% CI –155, −1.5, p = 0.05; and mean dif −2.1; 95% CI –2.4, −0.84, p < 0.01, respectively). BI correlated with CAPE‐V scores (r = 0.66, 95% CI 0.22, 0.87, p < 0.01). When considering the normalized combined contributions of both NGGA and BI, there was a stronger correlation in CAPE‐V scores (r = 0.87, 95% CI 0.50, 0.97, p < 0.01) compared with either measure alone.

Conclusions

Thyroplasty resulted in a decrease in vocal fold bowing, glottal gap area, and CAPE‐V scores in patients with ARVA. Correction of vocal bowing and glottal gap, following bilateral thyroplasty, improved voice measures following surgery. Quantitative evaluation of vocal fold morphology may be valuable when assessing the severity and treatment‐response in patients with ARVA following bilateral thyroplasty. Laryngoscope, 134:835–841, 2024
Effect of vegetation blanket cover with different materials on soil microbial community structure of opencast coal mines in arid areas
Authors: Wang Ziyin , Liu Huili , Crabbe M. J. C. , Zhao Xiaoyu , Liu Bingru
Published: September 2023

Vegetation blanket restoration of mine soils provides a diverse environment for soil microbes, but the effects of vegetation blanket cover on soil physicochemical properties, microbial structure, and diversity are not well understood, particularly in arid areas. In this study, high‐throughput sequencing was used to examine the microbial community at Dafeng Mine, the Helan Mountains, Ningxia, China. Soil microbial communities were analyzed with four different materials: 100% straw, 50% straw–50% coconut, and 100% coconut vegetation blanket types, and a bare ground control (CK). The results showed that the contents of soil total nitrogen (TN), available potassium (AP), urease, and catalase were significantly increased in different types of vegetation blankets. High‐throughput sequencing showed that the straw vegetation blanket increased bacterial diversity, while the coconut vegetation blanket increased fungal diversity. The main influencing factors of the dominant bacterial phylum were total nitrogen, catalase, urease, protease, soil water content (WC), soil organic carbon (SOC), and electrical conductivity (EC). The main influencing factor of the dominant fungal phylum was soil water content. These results show that compared with straw vegetation blankets, coconut, and straw–coconut vegetation blanket mulches are more likely to improve soil physicochemical properties, increase the diversity and abundance of soil microorganisms and improve the structural composition of the community, thus improving the soil environment in dryland mining areas. However, further research is needed as to which is the more significant environmental improvement, coconut or straw–coconut vegetation blankets.
The final countdown? Monitoring the rapid shrinkage of the Maladeta glacier (2010–2020), Southern Pyrenees
Authors: Martínez‐Fernández A. , Serrano E. , de Sanjosé J. J. , Gómez‐Lende M. , Sánchez‐Fernández M. , López‐Moreno J. I. , Rico I. , Pisabarro A.
Published: September 2023

Small glaciers are one of the best indicators of climatic variations and their short‐term effects. Located in the Spanish Pyrenees, the Maladeta is one of these glaciers. Its systematic observation began in the 1980s, being one of the few Pyrenean glaciers with a tongue‐shaped front. This study presents the evolution of the Maladeta glacial tongue over a decade (2010–2020) through multiple geomatic techniques. Surveys have ranged from Total Stations and Global Navigation Satellite System devices to massive data capture techniques such as Terrestrial Laser Scanners or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles photogrammetry. The aim is to analyze in detail the loss of surface area and thickness of the glacier and its transition from being a glacier with a tongue partially determined by climate to a topoclimatically determined cirque glacier. The results reveal a tongue retreat of over 5 m/yr and area losses of over 0.2 ha/yr, along with ice thickness and volume losses of −1.7 m/yr and over −21 × 103 m3/yr, respectively. If this trend continues, the tongue, and possibly the Maladeta glacier, could disappear by the end of the 2030s.
How Probes Affect the Local Dynamics in Supercooled Liquid Revealed by Single Molecule Fluorescence Microscopy
Authors: Li Haipeng , Zhu Hanqi , Zhang Hao , Yan Shouke
Published: September 2023

Due to its high sensitivity and spatial resolution, single molecule fluorescence microscopy is widely used to investigate the dynamic heterogeneity of supercooled liquids around the glass transition temperature, powerful to access microscopic information rather than the merely ensemble averaging. Plenty of works are done, provided a deeper insight into the dynamic heterogeneity of supercooled liquids. However, controversies exist when different kinds of probes are adopted for investigation, which report the local dynamics with discrepancies as a result of their diverse photophysical properties. In this review, a guidance is provided for the optical setup in wide‐field configuration and sample preparation, together with the recent progress on the photophysical properties of probes influencing the reported local dynamics, such as the probe photostability, the intermolecular interaction between probe and host matrix, covalent bonding of probe to host molecule as well as the probe size.
Influence of Natural Crosslinkers on Chitosan Hydrogels for Potential Biomedical Applications
Authors: Sánchez‐Cid Pablo , Gónzalez‐Ulloa Gabriel , Alonso‐González María , Jiménez‐Rosado Mercedes , Rafii‐El‐Idrissi Benhnia Mohammed , Romero Alberto , Ostos Francisco J. , Perez‐Puyana Víctor M.
Published: September 2023

Chitosan (CH) is a very well‐known biopolymer that has been widely used for the development of biomaterials with a wide range of applications in the biomedical field, such as the preparation of hydrogels, owing to its outstanding anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties, biocompatibility and biodegradability, although they present limited mechanical properties. Chemical crosslinking is one of the most recurrent strategies for the reinforcement of these structures and, above all, crosslinking with natural‐origin compounds that do not compromise their biocompatibility is considered a hot topic in this research field. D‐fructose (F), obtained from the hydrolyzation and further isomerization of starch, an abundant raw material and genipin (G), which is extracted from the fruits of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis are used as natural crosslinkers. Chitosan‐based hydrogels crosslinked with each crosslinking agent are prepared and characterized through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, crosslinking and swelling degree determination, rheological, microstructural, and biological studies. The results demonstrate that crosslinking with G is more beneficial for chitosan‐based hydrogels since these samples showed more compact structures and better rheological performance. Additionally, excellent biological in vitro behavior due to the crosslinking with G, unlike that of F.
Impact of perceived value on intention to use voice assistants: The moderating effects of personal innovativeness and experience
Authors: Molinillo Sebastian , Rejón‐Guardia Francisco , Anaya‐Sánchez Rafael , Liébana‐Cabanillas Francisco
Published: September 2023

Voice assistants (VAs), such as Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant, are instruments increasingly used by consumers to perform daily tasks. The objectives of the present study are to examine the antecedents of consumers' continuance intention to use VAs and the moderating effects of personal innovativeness and experience. Based on behavioral reasoning theory, a research model is proposed to provide insights into the drivers of continuance intention to use. Two empirical studies, based on data collected via online surveys, were conducted. The model was analyzed through partial least squares structural equation modeling. The findings of the studies showed that emotional value and performance expectancy were key antecedents of continuance intention to use, which in turn positively influenced actual use and word‐of‐mouth intention. In contrast, the quality value was a significant antecedent of continuance intention to use in only one of the two studies, and the influence of price value, social value, effort expectancy, and privacy risk was not found to be significant. However, the second study showed that several of these relationships are moderated by the consumer's experience and personal innovativeness; specifically, less innovative users are sensitive to quality value, and experienced users are sensitive to social value.
The triangular relationship between traditional Chinese medicines, intestinal flora, and colorectal cancer
Authors: Zou Yuqing , Wang Shuling , Zhang Honghua , Gu Yuxin , Chen Huijuan , Huang Zhihua , Yang Feifei , Li Wenqi , Chen Cheng , Men Lianhui , Tian Qingchang , Xie Tian
Published: September 2023

Over the past decade, colorectal cancer has reported a higher incidence in younger adults and a lower mortality rate. Recently, the influence of the intestinal flora in the initiation, progression, and treatment of colorectal cancer has been extensively studied, as well as their positive therapeutic impact on inflammation and the cancer microenvironment. Historically, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely used in the treatment of colorectal cancer via promoted cancer cell apoptosis, inhibited cancer metastasis, and reduced drug resistance and side effects. The present research is more on the effect of either herbal medicine or intestinal flora on colorectal cancer. The interactions between TCM and intestinal flora are bidirectional and the combined impacts of TCM and gut microbiota in the treatment of colon cancer should not be neglected. Therefore, this review discusses the role of intestinal bacteria in the progression and treatment of colorectal cancer by inhibiting carcinogenesis, participating in therapy, and assisting in healing. Then the complex anticolon cancer effects of different kinds of TCM monomers, TCM drug pairs, and traditional Chinese prescriptions embodied in apoptosis, metastasis, immune suppression, and drug resistance are summarized separately. In addition, the interaction between TCM and intestinal flora and the combined effect on cancer treatment were analyzed. This review provides a mechanistic reference for the application of TCM and intestinal flora in the clinical treatment of colorectal cancer and paves the way for the combined development and application of microbiome and TCM.
New observation of severe tooth malformation in a female patient with ectodermal dysplasia due to the EDA splice acceptor variant c.742‐2A>G
Authors: Reinhold Vivian , Syrjänen Stina , Kankuri‐Tammilehto Minna
Published: September 2023

Background

Ectodermal dysplasias are inherited disorders, which are characterized by congenital defects in two or more ectodermal structures such as skin, sweat glands, hair, nails, teeth, and mucous membranes.

Method

Here, we describe a new observation of significant oligodontia in a female patient with the EDA gene variant c.742‐2A>G.

Results

The results strongly suggest that the EDA gene variant c.742‐2A>G is pathogenic. The oligodontia in the proband was exceptionally severe.

Conclusion

We demonstrate that the very rare splice acceptor variant EDA c.742‐2A>G is associated with severe oligodontia even in females. Our study points that this variant is pathogenic. An early identification of this variant is crucial for planning adequate treatment and follow‐up in time by a multidisciplinary team.
Applications of macrocyclic molecules in cancer therapy: Target cancer development or overcome drug resistance
Authors: Song Xiaoling , Wu Yifan , Qu Xiaojuan , Jiang Biao
Published: September 2023

Cancer is a worldwide leading cause of cancer‐related death due to a lack of efficient disease control by drugs. With the increasing unmet needs in cancer treatment, developing novel effective cancer drugs is in great demand. Macrocyclic molecules represent a group of drug molecules with a cyclic skeleton which endows them with unique drug properties such as improved bioavailability, enhanced metabolic stability, increased binding affinity, and favorable pharmacokinetics parameters. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a bunch of macrocyclic drugs to treat cancer patients. However, the importance of such molecules in cancer drug development remains underestimated. Recent studies support that macrocyclic molecules can also serve as an effective strategy to overcome drug resistance in cancer treatment, but is a lack of review. The purpose of this manuscript was to provide shreds of evidence on the applications of macrocyclic molecules for cancer therapy: (1) act as cancer drugs to target different proteins critical for cancer development; (2) act as cancer drugs to target resistant mutants of oncogenes to overcome drug resistance in targeted therapy. This review will help to attract more interest in developing macrocyclic drugs for cancer therapy and potentially provide more novel strategies to benefit cancer patients and society.
Switched‐beam circular array with ultra‐wideband ridged horn elements
Authors: Li Xiaorui , Qu Shi‐Wei , Yang Shiwen
Published: September 2023

A switched‐beam circular array with ultra‐wideband ridged horn elements is proposed in this letter. To obtain stable radiation patterns in a broadband as well as in a large coverage in the elevation plane, the electromagnetic fields in the ridged horn antenna are analyzed by the mode decomposition method. Based on the analysis, the rear of the ridged horn is cut. Besides, the ridge extension, out of the horn aperture, serves as a transformer from the horn to the free space for the downward radiation caused by the horn aperture asymmetry. The simulated results show that the circular array can obtain omnidirectional beam coverage in the range of θ = 50°–100° from 2.2 to 5.9 GHz, with the S11 below −10 dB and the gain higher than 5 dBi. The performance of the proposed antenna is validated by experiments.
Annihilation‐Net: Learned annihilation relation for dynamic MR imaging
Authors: Cao Chentao , Cui Zhuo‐Xu , Zhu Qingyong , Liu Congcong , Liang Dong , Zhu Yanjie
Published: September 2023

Background

Deep learning methods driven by the low‐rank regularization have achieved attractive performance in dynamic magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The effectiveness of existing methods lies mainly in their ability to capture interframe relationships using network modules, which are lack interpretability.

Purpose

This study aims to design an interpretable methodology for modeling interframe relationships using convolutiona networks, namely Annihilation‐Net and use it for accelerating dynamic MRI.

Methods

Based on the equivalence between Hankel matrix product and convolution, we utilize convolutional networks to learn the null space transform for characterizing low‐rankness. We employ low‐rankness to represent interframe correlations in dynamic MR imaging, while combining with sparse constraints in the compressed sensing framework. The corresponding optimization problem is solved in an iterative form with the semi‐quadratic splitting method (HQS). The iterative steps are unrolled into a network, dubbed Annihilation‐Net. All the regularization parameters and null space transforms are set as learnable in the Annihilation‐Net.

Results

Experiments on the cardiac cine dataset show that the proposed model outperforms other competing methods both quantitatively and qualitatively. The training set and test set have 800 and 118 images, respectively.

Conclusions

The proposed Annihilation‐Net improves the reconstruction quality of accelerated dynamic MRI with better interpretability.
GAN‐based metal artifacts region inpainting in brain MRI imaging with reflective registration
Authors: Xie Kai , Gao Liugang , Zhang Heng , Zhang Sai , Xi Qianyi , Zhang Fan , Sun Jiawei , Lin Tao , Sui Jianfeng , Ni Xinye
Published: September 2023

Background and objective

Metallic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) implants can introduce magnetic field distortions, resulting in image distortion, such as bulk shifts and signal‐loss artifacts. Metal Artifacts Region Inpainting Network (MARINet), using the symmetry of brain MRI images, has been developed to generate normal MRI images in the image domain and improve image quality.

Methods

T1‐weighted MRI images containing or located near the teeth of 100 patients were collected. A total of 9000 slices were obtained after data augmentation. Then, MARINet based on U‐Net with a dual‐path encoder was employed to inpaint the artifacts in MRI images. The input of MARINet contains the original image and the flipped registered image, with partial convolution used concurrently. Subsequently, we compared PConv with partial convolution, and GConv with gated convolution, SDEdit using a diffusion model for inpainting the artifact region of MRI images. The mean absolute error (MAE) and peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR) for the mask were used to compare the results of these methods. In addition, the artifact masks of clinical MRI images were inpainted by physicians.

Results

MARINet could directly and effectively inpaint the incomplete MRI images generated by masks in the image domain. For the test results of PConv, GConv, SDEdit, and MARINet, the masked MAEs were 0.1938, 0.1904, 0.1876, and 0.1834, respectively, and the masked PSNRs were 17.39, 17.40, 17.49, and 17.60 dB, respectively. The visualization results also suggest that the network can recover the tissue texture, alveolar shape, and tooth contour. Additionally, for clinical artifact MRI images, MARINet completed the artifact region inpainting task more effectively when compared with other models.

Conclusions

By leveraging the quasi‐symmetry of brain MRI images, MARINet can directly and effectively inpaint the metal artifacts in MRI images in the image domain, restoring the tooth contour and detail, thereby enhancing the image quality.