bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CNTFET‐based ternary address decoder design
Authors: Mohammed Rawan , Fouda Mohammed E. , Alouani Ihsen , Said Lobna A. , Radwan Ahmed G.
Published: June 2022

With the end of Moore's law, new paradigms are investigated for more scalable computing systems. One of the promising directions is to examine the data representation toward higher data density per hardware element. Multiple valued logic (MVL) emerged as a promising system due to its advantages over binary data representation. MVL offers higher information processing within the same number of digits when compared with binary systems. Accessing memory is considered one of the most power‐ and time‐consuming instructions within a microprocessor. In the quest for building an entire ternary computer architecture, we propose investigating the potential opportunities of ternary address decoders. This paper presents three different designs for ternary address decoder based on CNTFET. The first design is based on a cascade of Ternary to Binary blocks (T2B) and a binary decoder. The second design is built using the hierarchical structure and enables signals. The third is designed utilising a pre‐decoder and ternary logic gates. A comparison of the proposed designs and the binary address decoder in terms of power and delay under different supply voltage and temperature values is introduced. Simulation results show that the second design has the least power and delay of the proposed ternary designs.
An optimized joint medium access control and routing protocol with iterative contention window adjustment mechanism for a guaranteed lifetime in Internet of Things‐based wireless sensor networks
Authors: Nizampatnam Srikanth , Shankar Thirunarayanan , Yamuna Govindarajan
Published: June 2022

The problem of extending the lifespan of wireless sensor networks (WSN) based on the Internet of Things (IoT) has been widely investigated over the last 20 years. This paper proposes an Optimized J‐RMAC (optimized joint routing and media access control protocol) to guarantee the network lifetime in IoT‐based WSN. Initially, all sensor nodes report their position and coverage information to the sink, which uses this information to pick a list of active nodes based on energy usage and active time. Then, the k‐covered network is formed to execute the routing task by selecting the active nodes with the largest sensing areas. A multi‐objective seagull optimization algorithm (MO‐SOA) represents routing paths between the source and destination by considering two objective functions: energy consumption cost and end‐to‐end delay of a routing path. After that, the contention window of the nodes in the routing path is adjusted using a new iterative adaptive adjustment process of the contention window with adjustment parameters (IAACW‐AP) to avoid message conflicts. The proposed protocol is simulated in the NS2 simulator. The performance of the proposed protocol will be compared with existing strategies in terms of network lifetime, packet delivery ratio, communication overhead, energy consumption, and delay.
Genetic differentiation that is exceptionally high and unexpectedly sensitive to geographic distance in the absence of gene flow: Insights from the genus Eranthis in East Asian regions
Authors: Oh Ami , Oh Byoung‐Un
Published: June 2022

Genetic differentiation between populations is determined by various factors, including gene flow, selection, mutation, and genetic drift. Among these, gene flow is known to counter genetic differentiation. The genus Eranthis, an early flowering perennial herb, can serve as a good model to study genetic differentiation and gene flow due to its easily detectable population characteristics and known reproductive strategies, which can be associated with gene flow patterns. Eranthis populations are typically small and geographically separated from the others. Moreover, previous studies and our own observations suggest that seed and pollen dispersal between Eranthis populations is highly unlikely and therefore, currently, gene flow may not be probable in this genus. Based on these premises, we hypothesized that the genetic differentiation between the Eranthis populations would be significant, and that the genetic differentiation would not sensitively reflect geographic distance in the absence of gene flow. To test these hypotheses, genetic differentiation, genetic distance, isolation by distance, historical gene flow, and bottlenecks were analyzed in four species of this genus. Genetic differentiation was significantly high, and in many cases, extremely high. Moreover, genetic differentiation and geographic distance were positively correlated in most cases. We provide possible explanations for these observations. First, we suggest that the combination of the marker type used in our study (chloroplast microsatellites), genetic drift, and possibly selection might have resulted in the extremely high genetic differentiation observed herein. Additionally, we provide the possibility that genetic distance reflects geographic distance through historical gene flow, or adaptation in the absence of historical gene flow. Nevertheless, our explanations can be more rigorously examined and further refined through additional observations and various population genetic analyses. In particular, we suggest that other accessible populations of the genus Eranthis should be included in future studies to better characterize the intriguing population dynamics of this genus.
Context dependence in a tropical forest: Repeated disturbance reduces soil nitrate response but increases phosphate
Authors: McDowell William H. , Potter Jody D.
Published: June 2022

Hurricanes and other extreme events are increasing in many regions, yet their long‐term impacts on ecosystem function are uncertain. In forested ecosystems, soil solution chemistry provides an important tool to assess the impacts of disturbance on nutrient cycling and dissolved organic carbon dynamics. Here, we address the dependence of soil solution chemistry on disturbance regime using a novel combination of both experimental and observational results collected over a period of 16 years in montane tropical sites in the Luquillo Experimental Forest of Puerto Rico. Soil solution was sampled following various combinations of canopy trimming and detrital manipulation (2004), repeated manipulation (2014), drought (2015), and Hurricane Maria (2017). Soil solution was sensitive to disturbance but resilient, with return to baseline after 12–18 months. Any disturbance regime that involved loss of canopy and detrital inputs to the forest floor resulted in increased nitrate concentrations, but the response declined with repeated disturbance. Lysimeters in plots that had received no experimental manipulation had 1.5 times higher response to Hurricane Maria than those previously manipulated. The response to disturbance thus showed clear context dependence, with disturbance history affecting disturbance response. Among the nutrients and major ions, only nitrate showed a response to experimental manipulations, drought, and Hurricane Maria. In contrast to nitrate, soil solution potassium was unaltered by initial experimental manipulation but increased dramatically following drought and Hurricane Maria. Phosphorus only increased following Hurricane Maria and only in plots that had twice received experimental trimming and deposition of cut branches on the forest floor. Stoichiometry of dissolved organic matter also changed in these plots, with decreased carbon to nitrogen ratios. The potassium response suggests that damage to roots from tropical cyclones and drought is an important driver of the biogeochemical response to tropical storms. Dampening of soil nitrogen losses and increases in phosphorus losses following successive disturbance events indicates that increased frequency of tropical storms and droughts will result in fundamental alteration of soil biogeochemical cycles, with uncertain effects on forest structure.
Flow variation at multiple scales filters fish life histories and constrains community diversity in desert streams
Authors: Baruch Ethan M. , Ruhi Albert , Harms Tamara K. , Sabo John L.
Published: June 2022

Environmental regimes, which encompass decadal‐scale or longer variation in climate and disturbance, shape communities by selecting for adaptive life histories, behaviors, and morphologies. In turn, at ecological timescales, extreme events may cause short‐term changes in composition and structure via mortality and recolonization of the species pool. Here, we illustrate how short‐term variation in desert stream fish communities following floods and droughts depends on the context of the long‐term flow regime through ecological filtering of life history strategies. Using quarterly measures of fish populations in streams spanning a 10‐fold gradient in flow variation in Arizona, USA, we quantified temporal change in community composition and life history strategies. In streams with highly variable flow regimes, fish communities were less diverse, fluctuation in species richness was the principle mechanism of temporal change in diversity, and communities were dominated by opportunistic life history strategies. Conversely, relatively stable flow regimes resulted in more diverse communities with greater species replacement and dominance of periodic and equilibrium strategies. Importantly, the effects of anomalous high‐ and low‐flow events depended on flow regime. Under more stable flow regimes, fish diversity was lower following large floods than after seasons without floods, whereas diversity was independent of high‐flow events in streams with flashier flow regimes. Likewise, community life history composition was more dependent on antecedent anomalous events in stable compared to more temporally variable regimes. These findings indicate that extreme events may be a second‐level filter on community composition, with effects contingent on the long‐term properties of the disturbance regime (e.g., overall degree of variation) in which extremes take place. Ongoing changes to global environmental regimes will likely drive new patterns of community response to extreme events.
Direct comparison of eDNA capture and extraction methods through measuring recovery of synthetic DNA cloned into living cells
Authors: Bockrath Katherine D. , Tuttle‐Lau Maren , Mize Erica L. , Ruden Kyle Von , Woiak Zeb
Published: June 2022

Before eDNA surveys can be deployed, the methods used to capture and extract DNA need to be determined. Multiple widely used eDNA capture and DNA extraction methods are available, and the effectiveness of these methods has been assessed in the literature. These studies used raw estimates of target cells captured from mesocosms and tanks, or already extracted DNA, which are not reflective of environmental DNA or precise enough to accurately compare eDNA capture and DNA extraction methods. Here, using qPCR quantification, we compared two eDNA capture and extraction methods using low and high concentrations of DNA cloned into living cells. By cloning target DNA into living cells, we can control the quantity of our starting copy number to directly compare the efficiency and effectiveness of each method throughout the process of eDNA handling and data analysis. This approach is useful for determining which capture and extraction method is suitable for the target species and sampling location of interest before full‐scale deployment. Although our target species DNA is consistently and accurately detected (even at low concentrations), stochasticity is a significant factor in our ability to consistently recover all the starting material by the end of sample processing. By recognizing that stochasticity is important for eDNA recovery, more accurate sampling models and eDNA processing protocols can be developed to increase eDNA detection sensitivity.
NRD.E1, an innovative non‐opioid therapy for painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy—A randomized proof of concept study
Authors: Tiecke Eva , Rainisio Maurizio , Eisenberg Elon , Wainstein Julio , Kaplan Eli , Silverberg Michal , Hochman Liat , Mangialaio Sara
Published: June 2022

Background

Painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (PDPN) affects up to 26% of patients with diabetes mellitus, with major impacts on their general health and well‐being. Most available drugs fail to deliver acceptable pain reduction in the majority of patients and are often poorly tolerated. NRD.E1 is a novel product that has shown anti‐nociceptive preclinical effects and good tolerability in healthy volunteer studies.

Methods

This phase 2a, randomized, dose‐finding, Proof of Concept study enrolled patients with PDPN of ≥3 months duration. After at least one treatment‐free week (WO week), 88 patients entered a 1‐week single‐blind (SB)‐placebo run‐in period, followed by 3 weeks' double‐blind (DB) treatment, during which they received NRD.E1 at 10, 40 or 150 mg/day or placebo.

Results

The primary endpoint (change from SB‐placebo run‐in week to week 3 in weekly mean of daily average numerical rating scale [NRS] pain intensity) showed clinically relevant placebo‐corrected treatment effect pain reductions at 40 mg and 150 mg/day of 0.82 (95% CI: 0.07, 1.58, p = 0.034) and 0.66 (95% CI: −0.03, 1.35; p = 0.061) NRS points, respectively, though did not meet the pre‐specified value of p = 0.016 required due to multiplicity. An additional post hoc endpoint looking at the change from WO baseline to week 3 in weekly mean of daily average NRS showed the placebo‐corrected treatment effect was 1.46 (95% CI: 0.26, 2.66), and 1.20 (95% CI: 0.10, 2.29) NRS points, respectively. Secondary and post hoc analyses of NRS pain data (including 30 & 50% responder rate and NNT), sleep interference, Short‐form McGill pain questionnaire (especially pain intensity assessed on Visual Analogue Scale), Patient's and Clinician's Global Impression of Change showed effects consistent with the primary findings. NRD.E1 was well tolerated, with only headache reported in more than two patients and more frequently on NRD.E1 than placebo.

Conclusions

The data suggest that NRD.E1 potentially represents a novel non‐opioid therapeutic option for patients with PDPN, with at least similar efficacy and better tolerability than available therapies, justifying its further evaluation in larger‐scale confirmatory studies.

Significance

NRD.E1 is a novel non‐opioid therapeutic which is being developed for the treatment of PDPN. In this randomized, controlled, dose‐finding, Proof of Concept study, NRD.E1 induced a clinically relevant pain reduction and it was well tolerated. Available data suggest that NRD.E1 has at least similar efficacy and better tolerability than the currently available therapies, potentially offering a promising new therapeutic option to patients with PDPN and possibly other neuropathic pain indications.
Facile fabrication of superhydrophobic–superoleophilic ZnCo2O4 nickel foam for highly efficient oil/water separation
Authors: Kang Jun , Du Chunchun , Wang Bo , Zhou Longpeng , Zhou Lizao , Liu Aowei , Li Yaru , Liu Hongtao
Published: June 2022

In recent years, the fabrication of hydrophobic materials and their excellent applications in oil spill cleanup has attracted widespread attention. Herein, we report the rapid and straightforward preparation of ZnCo2O4 nickel foam by hydrothermal synthesis. The prepared sample surfaces possess excellent superlipophilicity and superhydrophobicity after modification by stearic acid, so it can efficiently absorb light and heavy oil in water, and the absorption efficiency is over 99%. Besides, the unmodified ZnCo2O4 nickel foam could be subjected to effective oil–water separation at standard temperature and pressure, and its separation efficiency can be more than 97.4%. After 20 continuous filtration cycles, it can maintain stable high separation efficiency and even work under harsh environmental conditions, like acid, alkali, salt solution, high and low temperature, and ultraviolet radiation. Compared with other methods of manufacturing hydrophobic materials, this method is facile, lower cost, environmentally durable, and highly efficient. Therefore, the as‐prepared ZnCo2O4 nickel foam has good application value in treating oily wastewater.
Cathelicidin‐related antimicrobial peptide promotes neuroinflammation through astrocyte–microglia communication in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Bhusal Anup , Nam Youngpyo , Seo Donggun , Rahman Md Habibur , Hwang Eun Mi , Kim Seung‐Chan , Lee Won‐Ha , Suk Kyoungho
Published: June 2022

Cathelicidin‐related antimicrobial peptide (CRAMP) is an effector molecule of the innate immune system with direct antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities; however, its role in neuroinflammatory responses and related diseases is not clearly understood. In particular, the expression of CRAMP and its functional role has not been previously studied in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) or multiple sclerosis (MS). Here, we investigated the role of CRAMP in neuroinflammation, using an EAE mouse model of MS and postmortem patient tissues. We found that the CRAMP expression was increased in the spinal cords of EAE‐induced mice. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that CRAMP is mainly induced in reactive astrocytes in the inflamed spinal cord of EAE mice. A similar pattern of the LL‐37 (human CRAMP) expression was observed in the brain and spinal cord tissues of patients with MS. An intrathecal injection of the CRAMP peptide in EAE mice accelerated the onset of symptoms and increased disease severity with augmented expression of inflammatory mediators, glial activation, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and demyelination. In addition, shRNA‐mediated knockdown of Cramp in the spinal cord resulted in a milder disease course with less inflammation in EAE mice. We identified FPR2 on microglia as a CRAMP receptor and demonstrated that CRAMP potentiates IFN‐γ‐induced microglial activation via the STAT3 pathway. Taken together, our findings suggest that CRAMP is a novel mediator of astrocyte–microglia interactions in neuroinflammatory conditions such as EAE. Thus, CRAMP could be exploited as a biomarker or therapeutic target for the diagnosis or treatment of MS.
Some considerations for the developmental origin of the principle of fairness
Authors: Geraci Alessandra
Published: June 2022

The principle of fairness is very important in social life and plays an important role in socio‐moral evaluation; in the last decade, the amount of research on this topic is increasing and suggests different considerations about its origin whether this principle is present at birth or constructed later in development. This article presents some of these considerations focused on the common aspects of innatist and constructivist views and sheds light on the role of experience. The conclusions suggest a more integrated approach, supporting that experience seems to instantiate and model an abstract representation that can be presumably innate. The pursuit of this approach could help researchers to address questions in the field.
We need to talk about validity – A commentary on “Six solutions for more reliable infant research” from the viewpoint of an early executive functions researcher
Authors: Holmboe Karla
Published: June 2022

In their methodological article, “Six solutions for more reliable infant research”, Byers‐Heinlein, Bergmann and Savalei (2021) present compelling arguments for why developmental researchers should report and consider measures of reliability more frequently in their work. They also provide useful guidance on solutions to this “reliability crisis”. In this commentary, I highlight a further methodological aspect that I think is key to successful and robust infancy research, that of construct validity. I also discuss recent reliability data from my own research on early executive function development, analyses which were directly inspired by the target article.

Highlights

Considering measurement reliability and effect sizes is important for robust infant research and for optimising infant tasks to measure group‐level effects or individual differences.

Construct validity – making sure that we measure what we think we are measuring – is also important.

A robust effect at the group‐level may not always restrict reliability – it depends on the amount of true variation between infants.
MicroRNA‐9a‐5p inhibits mucosal barrier injury in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Zhou Xiaohong , Wang Jin , Li Wenyan , Zhang Caiqun , Gu Yanling
Published: June 2022

Our previous research found that FOXO1 aggravates the mucosal barrier injury in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by regulating TLR4/MD2 signaling. In this study, we further reveal the mechanism of action whereby miRNA‐9a‐5p inhibits the mucosal barrier injury after regulating FOXO1. An IBD model was established in C57BL/6N mice using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The effects of endogenous miRNA‐9a‐5p were mimicked/antagonized by intraperitoneally injecting miRNA‐9a‐5p agomir and antagomir. Body weights of mice were monitored and the disease activity index scores were assessed. H&E staining was performed to examine pathological changes, while immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was conducted to measure the expressions of TJ proteins (ZO‐1, Occludin), as well as FOXO1 and TLR4. The mucosal permeability was assessed by FITC‐D, the tissue inflammatory cytokines were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, and the expressions of ZO‐1 and Occludin were measured through Western blot analysis. Caco‐2 cells were cultured in vitro to establish a monolayer model of the mucosal barrier. TNF‐α was used to induce the cell damage, while agomir and antagomir were transfected to mimic/antagonize the miRNA‐9a‐5p action, followed by determination of barrier permeability. There was a targeted regulatory relationship between MiRNA‐9a‐5p and FOXO1. MiRNA‐9a‐5p could suppress the FOXO1 expression, thereby downregulating the TLR4 signaling activation, inhibiting the mucosal barrier injury, and elevating the expressions of TJ proteins. We also found in Caco‐2 cells that miRNA‐9a‐5p could protect cells from inflammatory injury and reduce permeability. In rescue experiments, the effect of agomir was found inhibited by the overexpression of FOXO1 in agomir‐treated cells. This study found that miRNA‐9a‐5p could inhibit the TLR4 signaling activation by targeting FOXO1, thereby exerting a protective effect on the mucosal barrier injury in IBD.
Preparation, DFT calculations, docking studies, antioxidant, and anticancer properties of new pyrazole and pyridine derivatives
Authors: Zebbiche Zineddine , Şekerci Güldeniz , Boulebd Houssem , Küçükbay Fatümetüzzehra , Tekin Suat , Tekin Zehra , Küçükbay Hasan , Sandal Süleyman , Boumoud Boudjemaa
Published: June 2022

Seven novel pyrazole derivatives (4a–g) and four novel starting compounds incorporating substituted pyridine moieties were synthesized successfully. Cell viability assay for the tested compounds was performed, and the inhibitory concentrationlogarithmic 50 (LogIC50) values of the compounds were calculated after a 24‐h treatment. Four of the examined compounds (3d, 3g, 4f, and 4g) showed comparable cytotoxic activity against CaCo‐2 compared to the standard drug docetaxel at 0.1 and 1 μM concentrations. Although the LogIC50 of docetaxel was −0.678 μM for CaCo‐2 cells at 24 h, the LogIC50 values of compounds were −0.794, −0.567, −0.657, and −0.498 μM, respectively. Five of the compounds (2d, 2g, 3d, 3g, and 4e) showed comparable cytotoxic activity against MCF‐7 at 0.1 μM concentration compared to docetaxel (p < 0.05). Docking studies revealed the compounds have a good affinity to the active site of the human topoisomerase II β enzyme. The antioxidant capacities of all compounds were determined using both 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl and metal chelation methods. Although the compounds did not show significant antioxidant activity, relatively effective are compounds 3c, 3d, and 3g, which are hydrazine derivatives with approximately 50% antioxidant activity of standard antioxidants at concentrations of 62.5 and 125 μg/ml.
Characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with hepatitis C virus who received direct‐acting antiviral therapy and achieved sustained virological response: The impact of a hepatologist on surveillance
Authors: Tada Toshifumi , Kumada Takashi , Matono Tomomitsu , Nakamura Shinichiro , Sue Masahiko , Matsuo Yu , Takatani Masahiro , Iijima Hiroko , Tanaka Junko
Published: June 2022

Background and Aim

The relationship between the characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnosed after sustained virological response (SVR) with direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) therapy and surveillance status has not been sufficiently investigated. This study investigated the clinical risk factors for HCC development and HCC characteristics according to which type of physician performed follow‐up after SVR.

Methods

A total of 1070 patients in whom hepatitis C virus (HCV) was eradicated with DAA therapy were evaluated.

Results

There were 458 patients followed by hepatologists (specialist group) and 612 followed by non‐hepatologists (non‐specialist group) after SVR. During the follow‐up period, 54 patients developed HCC. The 1‐, 2‐, 3‐, 4‐, and 5‐year cumulative incidence rates of HCC were 1.8, 4.1, 6.9, 10.5, and 17.2%, respectively. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis showed that male sex (hazard ratio [HR], 3.139; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.732–5.690), α‐fetoprotein level (HR, 1.056; 95% CI, 1.035–1.077), and fibrosis‐4 (FIB‐4) index (HR, 1.051; 95% CI, 1.017–1.085) were significantly associated with HCC development, while the follow‐up physician type after SVR was not. There were 25 patients with stage I HCC, 17 with stage II, 9 with stage III, and 3 with stage IV. Multivariate ordinal logistic regression showed that follow‐up physician type (non‐specialist) (HR, 39.100; 95% CI, 9.350–224.00) was independently associated with HCC stage, while α‐fetoprotein level and FIB‐4 index were not.

Conclusion

When patients have more risk factors for HCC development after SVR (i.e., male sex, elevated α‐fetoprotein, or elevated FIB‐4 index), they should be followed by a hepatologist for HCC surveillance.
Variations in the carapace shape of whip spiders (Arachnida: Amblypygi)
Authors: Réveillion Florian , Montuire Sophie , Maquart Pierre‐Olivier , Fétiveau Charlotte , Bollache Loïc
Published: June 2022

Morphological studies often need to reference body size to correctly characterise the shape of organisms. In arthropods, the most commonly used reference for this is the length or width of the carapace, thorax, or the prosoma in the case of chelicerates. However, in the case of animals with unlimited growth, such as whip spiders, this measure could be irrelevant if growth is allometric. In this study, we analyse the ontogenetic modifications in prosoma outline shape in whip spiders during growth and compare the differences in shape between species. Differences are important for the relative prosoma width between species and, in the case of Damon medius, during growth in the juvenile stages, whereas the shape remains stable in mature stages. We conclude that a one‐dimensional measure (i.e., length or width) suffices for mature specimens of a single species or family, but for larger studies, or when including immature specimens, at least the prosoma area (within the outline shape) should be used as a size estimator.
Elucidating chemical and disulfide heterogeneities in rituximab using reduced and non‐reduced peptide mapping
Authors: Nupur Neh , Rathore Anurag S.
Published: June 2022

Peptide mapping by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry is the gold standard to characterize post‐translational modifications (PTMs) and disulfide bonds. The structural integrity, heterogeneity, and quality of biotherapeutic proteins are evaluated via reduced and non‐reduced peptide mapping methods. However, non‐enzymatic artifacts are often induced during sample preparation when alkaline pH conditions are used. To minimize these artifacts, methods using various acidic pH conditions have been developed by multiple researchers. However, these may lead to missed and non‐specific cleavages during the analysis. In this study, an improved reduced and non‐reduced peptide mapping method has been proposed to characterize endogenous chemical modifications and native disulfide bonds of monoclonal antibody‐based products. Solubilization has been carried out at acidic pH conditions under high temperature, followed by the addition of tris (2‐carboxyethyl) phosphine as a reducing agent and a low alkylating agent. It was observed that the non‐enzymatic PTMs and non‐native disulfide scrambled peptides significantly reduced under trypsin plus endoproteinase Lys‐C digestion conditions at acidic pH as compared to the traditional methods. The results demonstrate that the proposed reduced and non‐reduced peptide mapping method using trypsin plus Lys‐C could identify and quantify various chemical and disulfide heterogeneities with minimal artifacts.
Amylase as a Diagnostic Tool for Plunging Ranula: Clinical Series and Description of the Technique
Authors: Song Thomas , Chiu Weldon , de Paiva Leite Sandro , Ahmad Zahoor , Mahadevan Murali , Harrison John D. , Jain Prabha , Morton Randall P
Published: June 2022

Objectives

This study describes a technique of measurement for neck cyst amylase content and reviews the experience of a tertiary referral center for cases of suspected plunging ranula.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed at the Manukau Surgical Center in Auckland, New Zealand. Patients with a possible diagnosis of plunging ranula based on clinical presentation and diagnostic aspiration of the cyst contents were included. Demographic data, imaging and laboratory findings were collected, along with findings from surgery and histology. The technique for measuring the amylase of the aspirated cyst contents was also carefully recorded.

Results

The 37 cases of confirmed plunging ranula included in this study had a submandibular cystic swelling that was aspirated. Imaging features consistent with a plunging ranula were seen in 89% of the study group. All cases had detectable levels of amylase of ≥3 U/L in the ranula contents. There was large variability (range: 5–560 U/L) in the concentration of amylase, with 70% of the cases demonstrating an amylase concentration below 200 U/L. Aspirates were typically described as viscous (87.5%) and yellow or straw‐colored.

Conclusion

The combination of clinical presentation, imaging and the presence of amylase in the cyst contents is diagnostic for plunging ranula.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 133:535–538, 2023
Clinical and dermoscopic evaluation of melanocytic nevi changes during diode laser hair removal: A prospective study
Authors: Acle Renata , Zambrano‐Mericq María José , Navarrete‐Dechent Cristian , Uribe Pablo , Abarzúa‐Araya Álvaro
Published: June 2022

Background

Laser hair removal (LHR) is a common practice with increasing use worldwide. Clinical and dermoscopic changes in melanocytic nevi after LHR have been reported but prospective studies are lacking.

Objective

To describe dermoscopic changes of melanocytic nevi at different time points after LHR.

Methods

Prospective study in a cohort of female patients undergoing diode LHR. Dermoscopic follow‐up of at least three nevi on the legs that underwent hair removal. We included three nonexposed nevi on the arms as controls. Two blinded investigators analyzed dermoscopic images, according to variables selected based on the available literature.

Results

Thirty‐four patients were included with a total of 148 nevi on the legs and 112 nevi on the arms (controls). 47.9% (71/148) of the nevi on the legs had evidence of dermoscopic changes at the sixth hair removal session, compared to 9.8% (11/112) on controls (p < 0.001). The most frequent change was “bleaching” (41.9%, 62/148). Also, we observed “irregular hyperpigmented areas,” and “regression structures” in 5.4% (8/148) and 4.7% (7/148) of the cases at the sixth session, respectively. Neither of these structures were observed in the controls (p < 0.05).

Limitations

Only females were included; we did not perform histopathological evaluation nor reflectance confocal microscopy of changing nevi.

Conclusion

Melanocytic nevi frequently change after diode LHR. The changes cannot always distinguish between LHR induced and melanoma, so we advise avoiding nevi during laser therapies with melanin targets.
The ethnomedicinal and functional uses, phytochemical and pharmacology of compounds from Ardisia species: An updated review
Authors: Liu Bingrui , Liu Rongyu , Liu Qifeng , Ashby Charles R. , Zhang Hang , Chen Zhe‐Sheng
Published: June 2022

Medicinal plants are considered to be a critical source of novel compounds and pharmacophores. The genus Ardisia, consisting of approximately 500 species, is the largest genus in the Myrsinaceae family. Ardisia species are widely distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world and have been used for the treatment of cancer, hypertension, irregular menstruation, gonorrhea, diarrhea and postnatal syndromes, among others. Phytochemical studies of Ardisia species have resulted in the isolation and identification of 111 compounds, including triterpenoid saponins, quinones, phenols, coumarins, cyclic depsipepetide and flavonoids. Crude extracts and isolates from Ardisia have been reported to have in vitro and in vivo efficacies, including but not limited to anticancer, antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antithrombotic and antidiabetic, antitubercular compounds. This review focuses on the medical and functional uses, phytochemical profile and pharmacological efficacies of Ardisia species over the past 15 years. This review will provide information indicating that Ardisia species represent an invaluable source of potential therapeutic compounds.
Botulinum toxin in patients at‐risk for bladder augmentation: Durable impact or kicking the can?
Authors: Bowen Diana K. , Meyer Theresa , Rosoklija Ilina , Sturm Renea , Chu David I. , Cheng Earl Y. , Yerkes Elizabeth B.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Deferring bladder augmentation (BA) may be desirable in a pediatric neurogenic bladder (NGB) with worsening compliance, but prior studies have questioned whether onabotulinum toxin A (BTX) demonstrates durable improvement in compliance. We present our overall experience with BTX and its role in mitigating the “at‐risk” NGB, as determined by urodynamic characteristics.

Methods

A retrospective single‐institution review of all BTX procedures performed during January 2010 to October 2018 was conducted. Patients with <12 months follow‐up after first BTX injection were excluded. Urodynamic studies (UDS) were reviewed to assign National Spina Bifida Patient Registry (NSBPR) as well as institutionally developed (LCH) risk classification groups. Patients were considered “at‐risk” for BA if they had any of the following: NSBPR risk grade of intermediate or hostile; LCH risk grades indicating end‐fill pressure >25 cmH2O or detrusor sphincter dyssynergia (DSD); upper tract changes including new hydronephrosis; new or worsening vesicoureteral reflux; or other signs of a hostile urinary tract (i.e., febrile UTIs). UDS risk grades pre and post‐first BTX injection were compared in this “at‐risk” group, when available.

Results

Thirty‐nine patients underwent 162 injection procedures over a median follow‐up of 65 months interquartile range (IQR 49–81). Median age at first BTX was 10 years and the median number of BTX injections per patient was 4 (IQR 2–7; range 1–12) with a median time of 6 months between injections (IQR 4–10). Twenty‐six patients were deemed “at‐risk” at the time of first BTX injection, and of those, 16 (61.5%) proceeded to BA at a median of 36 months (IQR 22.5–42). A small number (four) had BA due to upper tract changes or worsening pressures on BTX, while nine patients (five with CKD) proceeded to BA given a lack of sufficient improvement to consider BTX a long‐term viable option. Post‐first BTX UDS demonstrated downgrading of risk group in 38% and 63% using NSBPR and LCH classifications, respectively.

Conclusions

Encouraging improvements in the urodynamic risk group were noted in some patients. With careful counseling and follow‐up, BTX may safely extend the time to BA in some “at‐risk” patients.
Rapid profiling of potential antitumor polymethoxylated flavonoids in natural products by integrating cell biospecific extraction with neutral loss/diagnostic ion filtering‐based high‐performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Cheng Li , Wang Fang , Cao Yuanxin , Tong Chaoying , Wei Qisheng , Shi Shuyun , Guo Ying
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride (CRPV, Qing Pi in Chinese) has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. Polymethoxylated flavonoids (PMFs), which are a special group of flavonoids with strong antitumor activity, are broadly distributed in citrus peels. However, systematic investigation of antitumor PMFs in CRPV has received little attention to date.

Objectives

An MCF‐7 cell biospecific extraction method integrated with neutral loss/diagnostic ion filtering‐based HPLC‐QTOF‐MS/MS strategy was developed for rapid and specific profiling of antitumor PMFs and systematic identification of PMFs in CRPV.

Methodology

By incubating MCF‐7 cells with CRPV extract, potential antitumor PMFs specifically bound to cells and were isolated. Then, by systematic investigation of fragmentation pathways, neutral loss and diagnostic ion filtering strategies were proposed to comprehensively and accurately identify PMFs.

Results

Sixteen antitumor PMFs were unambiguously or tentatively identified. Among them, minor compound 15 (5‐hydroxy‐6,7,8,3′,4′‐pentamethoxyflavone with a free hydroxyl group at C‐5) exhibited excellent antitumor activity, with an IC50 value of 2.81 ± 0.76 μg/mL, which is lower than that of 5‐fluorouracil (IC50, 4.92 ± 0.83 μg/mL). Nobiletin (12) and tangeretin (16), two major PMFs, presented moderate antitumor activities with IC50 values of 13.06 ± 1.85 and 17.07 ± 1.18 μg/mL, respectively, and their contents were sensitively and precisely determined.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the systematic investigation of antitumor PMFs in CRPV. The study will lay a foundation for the quality control and clinical application of CRPV.
Solar cell efficiency tables (Version 60)
Authors: Green Martin A. , Dunlop Ewan D. , Hohl‐Ebinger Jochen , Yoshita Masahiro , Kopidakis Nikos , Bothe Karsten , Hinken David , Rauer Michael , Hao Xiaojing
Published: June 2022

Consolidated tables showing an extensive listing of the highest independently confirmed efficiencies for solar cells and modules are presented. Guidelines for inclusion of results into these tables are outlined, and new entries since January 2022 are reviewed. An appendix describing temporary electrical contacting of large‐area solar cells approaches and terminology is also included.
Can omic tools help generate alternative newer sources of edible seed oil?
Authors: Rangan Parimalan , Maurya Rasna , Singh Shivani
Published: June 2022

There are three pathways for triacylglycerol (TAG) biosynthesis: De novo TAG biosynthesis, phosphatidylcholine‐derived biosynthesis, and cytosolic TAG biosynthesis. Variability in fatty acid composition is mainly associated with phosphatidylcholine‐derived TAG pathway. Mobilization of TAG‐formed through cytosolic pathway into lipid droplets is yet unknown. There are multiple regulatory checkpoints starting from acetyl‐CoA carboxylase to the lipid droplet biogenesis in TAG biosynthesis. Although a primary metabolism, only a few species synthesize oil in seeds for storage, and less than 10 species are commercially exploited. To meet out the growing demand for oil, diversifying into newer sources is the only choice left. The present review highlights the potential strategies targeting species like Azadirachta, Callophyllum, Madhuca, Moringa, Pongamia, Ricinus, and Simarouba, which are not being used for eating but are otherwise high yielding (ranging from 1.5 to 20 tons per hectare) with seeds having a high oil content (40–60%). Additionally, understanding the toxin biosynthesis in Ricinus and Simarouba would be useful in developing toxin‐free oil plants. Realization of the importance of cell cultures as “oil factories” is not too far into the future and would soon be a commercially viable option for producing oils in vitro, round the clock.
Living with or beyond lymphoma: A rapid review of the unmet needs of lymphoma survivors
Authors: Boland Vanessa , Drury Amanda , Sheaf Greg , Brady Anne‐Marie
Published: June 2022

Objective

To establish an understanding of the unmet needs of people living with or beyond a lymphoma diagnosis. Survivors of lymphoma are at increased risk of unmet needs due to cancer, treatment‐related toxicities and extended survivorship. Despite the rapidly growing numbers of lymphoma survivors, their needs and research priorities are underserved and undervalued, therefore left largely unaddressed.

Methods

A rapid review method and reflexive thematic analysis approach assimilated current knowledge. Eligibility criteria included quantitative, qualitative, or mixed approaches employing cross‐sectional, longitudinal, cohort or review designs focused on the needs of adult lymphoma survivors (any subtype or stage of disease). Five databases: CINAHL, EMBASE, Medline, PsycInfo and Scopus, were systematically searched.

Results

Forty‐seven studies met the inclusion criteria via a stringent screening process facilitated by NVivo. Almost 60 per cent of articles were published within the last five years and investigated a homogenous lymphoma sample. Most studies employed quantitative approaches (77%) and cross‐sectional designs (67%). Studies were of high methodological quality. Five major themes were identified: disparity in health service delivery, the psychological impact of cancer, impactful and debilitating concerns, the monetary cost of survival and insufficient provision of survivorship information. A meta‐analytical approach was not feasible due to the breadth of methodologies of included studies.

Conclusions

This review shows that lymphoma survivors experience a myriad of unmet needs across multiple domains, reinforcing the need for lymphoma‐specific research. However, more research is needed to advance and achieve informed decision‐making relating to survivorship care, placing due attention to the needs and research priorities of lymphoma survivors.
Living alone in the age of freedom: The paradox of solo households in postapartheid South Africa
Authors: Posel Dorrit , Hunter Mark
Published: June 2022

This paper considers an apparent paradox in South Africa: the share of single‐person households increased after the end of apartheid despite the ending of apartheid's racial laws that restricted ‘African’ families from living together, the postapartheid state's building of around four‐million low‐cost houses for families, the economies of scale offered by multiple‐person households in a country where poverty remains prevalent and the reduced significance of some of the longstanding sites of single‐person households—including mining compounds and hostels for men. Bringing together quantitative and qualitative data, we argue that solo dwelling remains associated with persistent rural–urban spatial divisions, increased migration and urbanization, continued declining marriage rates and the nature of employment. These arguments are supported by quantitative data that show an increase in solo dwelling, its greater occurrence among men and working‐age African men, in particular, its concentration in certain urban spaces and the way it fluctuated in the 2000s according to changing labour market conditions. We also draw on a township survey and interviews that show how, as apartheid restrictions collapsed, new areas of land suitable for solo living became available in the 1990s and provide examples of unmarried and married adults living alone, including to access work opportunities.
A case report of coronavirus disease‐2019‐induced acute asthma exacerbation in an obese patient
Authors: Sasaki Hisashi , Miyata Jun , Kobayashi Ai , Kawano Shuichi , Kawana Akihiko
Published: June 2022

The coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) has spread worldwide. Previous studies indicated a low prevalence of COVID‐19 induced acute exacerbations of asthma. We present a 39‐year‐old‐male obese asthmatic case who experienced acute asthma exacerbation during COVID‐19. On day 8 of infection, his cough and dyspnea worsened with hypoxia and wheezing. Laboratory test results revealed elevated interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and total immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels without eosinophilia. Two months since the onset, hypoxia disappeared with decreased IL‐6 and IgE levels. Our case suggested that obesity and high serum IL‐6 and IgE levels may have contributed to atypical asthma exacerbation in COVID‐19.
Nomenclature of the Beeswax bracket (Ganoderma pfeifferi), a European wood decay fungus with medicinal properties
Authors: Papp Viktor , Barina Zoltán , Finy Péter , Dima Bálint , Redhead Scott A.
Published: June 2022

Ganoderma is a large and diverse, cosmopolitan fungal genus in the Basidiomycota, comprises species with prized medicinal properties, valuable biotechnological applications and of significant phytopathological interest. In Europe, the number of Ganoderma species is low compared to North America, East Asia or the tropics. Among the seven accepted Ganoderma species in Europe, only one has a perennial basidiome with a resinous layer on the pileus surface and dark brown context. In the scientific literature, this species appears under the name G. pfeifferi or G. cupreolaccatum. However, Quélet provided a detailed watercolour painting of a single basidiome under the name Fomes advena in 1872, which shows similar morphological features. Considering that F. advena was validly and effectively published well before G. pfeifferi and “Polyporus cupreolaccatus”, the nomenclatural status of this forgotten and overlooked name is discussed.
Clamped Auxiliary Resonant Snubber Soft‐Switching Converter for High‐Precision Applications
Authors: Zhang Qi , Zhang Hailin , Yao Jun , Qin Zhentao
Published: June 2022

High dynamic and low output distortion are the key requirements of power converters in high‐precision motion control. The soft‐switching auxiliary resonant snubber inverter (ARSI) has the advantage of low dead‐time effect is very suitable to be used in high‐precision applications. However, the auxiliary switches in ARSI suffer from over‐voltage problem due to the resonance between the junction capacitors of auxiliary switches and resonant inductor. Besides, all switches of natural zero‐voltage switching (‘NZVS+NZVS’ mode) under the light load condition brings about voltage error. Thus, the clamped auxiliary resonant snubber converter (CARSC) is proposed in this paper. Extra diodes are added, which can not only reduce the voltage stress of auxiliary switches but also save the freewheeling energy for the next commutation to improve the efficiency. Moreover, all switches of auxiliary zero‐voltage switching (‘AZVS+AZVS’ mode) is proposed to reduce the voltage error of ‘NZVS+NZVS’. The experimental results demonstrate that the over‐voltage problem is addressed and the loss of the proposed CARSC is reduced. Besides, the high‐precision performance of CARSC is verified. The lowest THD of the output current is 0.015%. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.