bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polyamide‐6/cellulose nanocomposites: Influence of fiber treatment and screw rotation on nanofibrillation of jute during extrusion process
Authors: Amantes Bruno P. , Melo Renato P. , Marques Maria de Fátima Vieira
Published: October 2022

The present work studied the preparation of nanocomposites of polyamide‐6 (PA6) containing nanofibrillated cellulose by melt blending in a twin screw extruder at different screw rotations to verify the fibrillation of cellulose fibers. Initially, the jute fibers were purified, hydrolyzed, and modified with titanium isopropoxide and aminopropyl silane, as well as with the two chemical modifications. They were incorporated into the polymeric matrix aiming that the shear in processing further aids in fiber fibrillation. The scanning electron microscopy analysis images of the composites showed the presence of fibers with nanodiameters dispersed in the PA6 matrix. The doubly modified fibers resulted in more fibrillation during extrusion. Increasing the screw speed of the extruder improved the degree of crystallinity for the composites with the modified fibers. The thermogravimetric measurements showed that the composite containing the doubly modified fibers increased the maximum degradation temperature. The storage modulus increased for the composites with the insertion of the treated fibers, and the glass transition temperature decreased in some composites. The composites showed higher pseudoplastic behavior, especially at high shear rates.
Dipteran endoparasitoid Exorista bombycis utilizes antihemocyte components against host defense of silkworm Bombyx mori
Authors: Makwana Pooja , Hungund Shambhavi P. , Pradeep Appukuttan Nair R.
Published: October 2022

Dipteran endoparasitoids avoid host immune response; however, antidefense components from the Dipterans are unknown. Infestation of commercial silkworm Bombyx mori Linnaeus (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) by endoparasitoid Exorista bombycis Louis (Diptera: Tachinidae) induced immune reactions, cytotoxicity, granulation, degranulation, and augmented release of cytotoxic marker enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and degranulation‐mediator enzyme β‐hexosaminidase in hemocytes. In this study, by reverse phase high‐performance liquid chromatography, fractions of E. bombycis larval tissue protein with antihemocytic activity are separated. From the fraction, peptides of hemocyte aggregation inhibitor protein (HAIP) and pyridoxamine phosphate oxidase (PNPO) are identified by mass spectrometry. Interacting partners of HAIP and PNPO are retrieved that further enhance the virulence of the parasitoid. PNPO and HAIP genes showed a four‐ to seven fold increase in expression in the integument of the parasitoid larva. Together, the dipteran endoparasitoid E. bombycis exploit antihemocyte activity to inhibit host defense reactions in addition to defense evasion contemplated.
How human anatomy is being taught in entry‐level occupational therapy programs in the United States
Authors: Veazey Kathryn , Robertson Ellen M.
Published: October 2022

There has been a lack of empirical information regarding anatomy education for occupational therapists (OTs). Insufficient anatomy education can result in underprepared entry‐level OTs, who may then produce increased practice errors and reduced patient care. The objective of this study was to investigate how human gross anatomy was taught in entry‐level occupational therapy programs throughout the United States and evaluate faculty perspectives on its teaching. A mixed‐methods survey was sent to the directors of entry‐level occupational therapy programs in the United States. Survey responses were compiled to best represent the current occupational therapy education environment. Ten of sixty‐eight participating programs did not teach anatomy as a part of their standard occupational therapy curriculum. Of the programs that featured entry‐level occupational therapy anatomy courses, the majority were taught by either a non‐clinician anatomist or an OT without specialized anatomy training in a region‐based, standalone anatomy course during the first semester. In most programs, anatomy was taught to only occupational therapy students using lecture, models/plastination, and/or prosection. Teaching tools, methods, faculty, and programmatic factors were perceived as contributing to program strengths. The design, resources, and faculty involved in the occupational therapy anatomy course may negatively impact the perceived quality of an occupational therapy anatomy program and its students. Participants identified several consequences of insufficient anatomy preparedness, including academic, clinical reasoning, treatment skills, patient care, and professional identity concerns. Occupational therapy educators may want to be aware of the current climate of occupational therapy anatomy education in the United States when designing entry‐level occupational therapy anatomy curricula.
Promoting more future‐ready anatomy education after the Covid‐19 pandemic: A scoping review
Authors: Gasmalla Hosam Eldeen Elsadig , Mossa Abubakr H. , Taha Mohamed H. , Wadi Majed M. , Shehzad Khalid , Abdalla Mohamed Elhassan , Hadie Siti Nurma Hanim
Published: October 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid‐19) pandemic caused an abrupt transition from face‐to‐face to online anatomy teaching, learning, and assessment. Although online education has ensured the continuity of anatomy education during the pandemic, its implementation has been challenging, and its effectiveness has been questioned. Therefore, literature pertinent to online anatomy education during the pandemic is crucial to explain Covid‐19's disruptions to this field. Accordingly, this scoping review explored changes, disruptions, and gaps in anatomy teaching and assessment during Covid‐19 using an enhanced version of Arksey and O′Malley's six‐stage protocol. Five online databases were searched for articles that described changes and disruptions in anatomy education. Three independent researchers were involved in titles, abstracts, and full texts screening, while another four researchers were independently involved in data extraction, charting, and synthesis. This review revealed six themes: immediate strategic plans and actions, teaching and learning changes, online assessment practice, students' and educators' receptivity and adaptability, online learning and assessment effects, and future directions. It also revealed four gaps: non‐future‐ready curricula, learning obstacles, administrative and teaching challenges, and online education ethical issues. The results were reported in tabular and narrative forms, following the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR guidelines). Understanding the evolution and gaps in anatomy education during the Covid‐19 pandemic will help anatomists design future‐ready, adaptable curricula.
Multimodal approach to the treatment of patients with radioiodine refractory differentiated thyroid cancer and metastases to the central nervous system
Authors: Alonso‐Gordoa Teresa
Published: October 2022

The diagnosis of central nervous system metastases in patients with radioiodine refractory differentiated thyroid cancer is a late and rare event that occurs in less than 1% of patients. Definitive conclusions on the overall clinical management cannot be drawn due to the limited number of patients included in retrospective series or post hoc analysis from clinical trials. However, most data show a trend to an increased benefit from a multimodal approach. Local treatment based on surgical and/or radiation techniques is highly encouraged for symptom control and to reduce tumor burden in this location despite a high risk of clinical complications. In addition, systemic treatment with novel tyrosine kinase inhibitors has demonstrated activity in this subgroup of patients, improving an otherwise unfavorable prognosis.
Use of multikinase inhibitors/lenvatinib in patients with synchronous/metachronous cancers coinciding with radioactive‐resistant differentiated thyroid cancer
Authors: Sambo Marcel
Published: October 2022

This review focuses on patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) associated with multiple primary malignant neoplasm (MPMN) treated by multikinase inhibitors (MKIs) as systemic treatment for advanced disease. Despite the increasing frequency of MPMNs (many at an advanced stage) and the usefulness of MKIs for multiple metastatic cancers, published data on the management of MPMN and MKI therapies in this scenario are scarce. There are infrequent descriptions of patients with advanced MPMN treated with MKIs, but only a few have described advanced DTC. The management of MPMNs, including DTC and its particular circumstances, is reviewed, focusing on the evidence for MKI therapies. Some considerations for MPMN patients with advanced DTC are discussed, with the intention of helping physicians make decisions in these challenging situations and improving treatment and patient outcomes.
Clinical use of lenvatinib in patients with previous renal and/or hepatic impairment and radioiodine‐refractory differentiated thyroid cancer
Authors: Martínez‐Trufero Javier
Published: October 2022

Lenvatinib is one the most active drugs in radioiodine‐refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (RR‐DTC) such that it has become an important therapeutic tool in tumor control and survival. Renal and hepatic impairments are common comorbidities in cancer patients. Treating these patients is a challenge that requires careful consideration. As a first approach to patients with RR‐DTC and renal or hepatic impairment, Summary of Product Characteristics recommendations for lenvatinib use and dose adjustments should be strictly followed. Close clinical and blood monitoring is the gold standard approach to optimizing lenvatinib's use during the whole course of treatment.
Role of microbiota and microbiota‐derived short‐chain fatty acids in PDAC
Authors: Temel Hülya Yılmaz , Kaymak Öznur , Kaplan Seren , Bahcivanci Basak , Gkoutos Georgios V. , Acharjee Animesh
Published: October 2022

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive lethal diseases among other cancer types. Gut microbiome and its metabolic regulation play a crucial role in PDAC. Metabolic regulation in the gut is a complex process that involves microbiome and microbiome‐derived short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs). SCFAs regulate inflammation, as well as lipid and glucose metabolism, through different pathways. This review aims to summarize recent developments in PDAC in the context of gut and oral microbiota and their associations with short‐chain fatty acid (SCFA). In addition to this, we discuss possible therapeutic applications using microbiota in PDAC.
Predictive value of molecular subtypes and APOBEC3G for adjuvant chemotherapy in urothelial bladder cancer
Authors: Olah Csilla , Reis Henning , Hoffmann Michèle J. , Mairinger Fabian , Ting Saskia , Hadaschik Boris , Krafft Ulrich , Grünwald Viktor , Nyirady Peter , Varadi Melinda , Győrffy Balázs , Kiss Andras , Szekely Eszter , Sjödahl Gottfrid , Szarvas Tibor
Published: October 2022

Objective

Although targeted approaches have become available in second‐ and third‐line settings, platinum‐based chemotherapy remains the standard first‐line treatment for advanced muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Therefore, the prediction of platinum resistance is of utmost clinical importance.

Methods

In this study, we established a routine compatible method for the molecular classification of MIBC samples according to various classification systems and applied this method to evaluate the impact of subtypes on survival after adjuvant chemotherapy. This retrospective study included 191 patients with advanced MIBC (pT≥3 or pN+) who underwent radical cystectomy, with or without adjuvant chemotherapy. A 48‐gene panel and classifier rule set were established to determine molecular subtypes according to TCGA, MDA, LundTax, and Consensus classifications. Additionally, 12 single platinum‐predictive candidate genes were assessed. The results were correlated with patients' clinicopathological and follow‐up data and were validated using independent data sets.

Results

Our final evaluation of 159 patients demonstrated better survival in the luminal groups for those who received chemotherapy compared with those who did not. In contrast, no such differences were observed in basal subtypes. The use of chemotherapy was associated with better survival in patients with high APOBEC3G expression (p < 0.002). This association was confirmed using an independent data set of patients who received neoadjuvant platinum therapy.

Conclusions

The proposed method robustly replicates the most commonly used transcriptome‐based subtype classifications from paraffin‐embedded tissue samples. The luminal, but not basal, molecular subtypes had the greatest benefit from adjuvant platinum therapy. We identified and validated APOBEC3G as a novel predictive marker for platinum‐treated patients.
Know how to comply with changes to NCAA infractions process, transfer rules
Authors: O'Brien Timothy
Published: October 2022

The NCAA recently announced changes to both the infractions process and transfer rules, which are reflective of the new reality surrounding college sports. With antitrust concerns, ongoing litigation over the possible employment status of student‐athletes, and name, image, and likeness issues permeating the NCAA's agenda, both changes allow the NCAA to stay relatively current on two important issues.
AD gets into the ‘swim of things’
Authors: Elfman Lois
Published: October 2022

Kelly Peloquin's entry into intercollegiate athletics administration came in 2018 when she was named Associate Athletics Director at Bronx Community College, an institution in the City University of New York system. Her experience in aquatics was immediately put to the test as she was tasked with reopening the college's swimming pool, which had been closed for 15 years.
Seasonal Variability in Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids in Jacobaea alpina from the Trentino‐Alto Adige Region (Northern Italy)
Authors: Chizzola Remigius , Eller Andy
Published: October 2022

In recent years, increased attention has been given to plants containing toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). Jacobaea alpina (syn. Senecio cordatus) is a tall forb growing on mountain pastures and meadows containing such alkaloids and therefore, the plant is considered as a noxious weed in these environments. The repartition of toxic macrocyclic PAs in the plant and their evolution during the vegetation period has been studied in two populations. Eight PAs were found where senciphylline and senecionine accounted in most samples for more than 85 % of total alkaloids. Leaves in April and stems in May started with high PA concentrations (19–22 mg/g dry matter), then alkaloid levels declined. This decrease was more rapid in stems than in leaves. Depending on the population, fully developed inflorescences in June and July PA contents were higher or lower than in the respective leaves. Later, also in the inflorescences PA concentration decreased. Combined with growth data total alkaloid content in the whole plant as mg/plant was highest in midsummer and declined afterwards. Finally, new emerging leaves in September had high PA levels, which declined markedly towards the end of the season in November. In sum, over a large period PA concentration appeared to be high enough to present a health risk for grazing animals.
Getting to shared governance: New perspectives for implementing governance
Authors: Kater Susan T. , Burke Doyle
Published: October 2022

Effective shared governance processes enhance institutional effectiveness and sustainability, but governance in higher education is complex. The concept of shared governance lacks common understandings and practice, and models are outdated and need to be more inclusive, nimble, and flexible. Community colleges are responsive institutions and therefore well‐positioned to have a role in rethinking shared governance. However, before we can create new models, we need new ways of thinking about governance. Based on trends in research on shared governance in this chapter, we argue that new perspectives on shared governance include a focus on trust and transparency and provide examples of shared governance opportunities and challenges through the perspectives of key stakeholders. We suggest interest‐based bargaining as one of the tools for institutions to manage important conversations about stakeholders’ shared responsibility for student success. We may never agree on shared governance, but we need to find a way of effective, participatory governance. This chapter creates some opportunities for creating such a space.
Community college boards of trustees: The more things change, the more they stay the same?
Authors: Amey Marilyn J.
Published: October 2022

The chapters in this volume of New Directions for Community Colleges highlight the intended roles of boards of trustees and illustrate areas in which board relations often go awry. This final manuscript brings together the themes of the volume, highlights lessons learned and presents recommendations moving forward. The challenges facing community colleges require boards and the presidents they hire to bring forth change in the colleges they lead to help support student success, provide talented graduates for employers, and contribute to the communities around them.
Sparse Multiple Factor Analysis, sparse STATIS, and sparse DiSTATIS with applications to sensory evaluation
Authors: Yu Ju‐Chi , Gómez‐Corona Carlos , Abdi Hervé , Guillemot Vincent
Published: October 2022

Component‐based multitable methods, such as multiple factor analysis (MFA), STATIS, and DiSTATIS, are routinely used to analyze multiblock data, which are now common in chemometrics and sensory evaluation studies. These blocks of data form data tables that—for example, in sensory evaluation—describe how different assessors evaluate a set of products either on a set of descriptors or on the similarity between products. To analyze these data, component‐based multitable methods extract orthogonal components explaining most of the variance of the data. However, when the data tables are heterogeneous or have complex structures, a single component space does not represent the data well and can give components that are difficult to interpret. Previous literature solved this interpretation problem by eliminating irrelevant variables—a process called sparsification—while keeping the components orthogonal. Here, we extended such methods to develop sparsification algorithms for three multitable methods, namely, “sparse MFA” (sMFA), “sparse STATIS” (sSTATIS), and “sparse DiSTATIS” (sDiSTATIS). In these sparse methods, we sparsified the data tables to identify the most informative assessors or products. In sMFA, we show how group sparsity can be used to sparsify whole tables (i.e., assessors or products), hereby greatly increasing the interpretability of sMFA's outcome. In sSTATIS and sDiSTATIS, we developed two different sparsification approaches: One approach creates subgroups of products and simplifies the components to facilitate interpretation; whereas the other approach creates subgroups of assessors and alleviates the problem of heterogeneity. We showed with three examples how these sparse methods increase interpretability of the results in sensory evaluation.
Gebündelte Kräfte für mehr Nachhaltigkeit
Authors: Heintz Chris , Katzenburg Felix , Kurth Larissa , Kortman Hannah , Neudert Alena
Published: October 2022

Innerhalb des JungChemikerForums (JCF) der Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker (GDCh) wurde 2020 das Team Nachhaltigkeit gegründet und ist seitdem zum größten Team des JCF gewachsen. Die Teammitglieder kommen aus ganz Deutschland und sie eint der Gedanke an mehr Nachhaltigkeit in verschiedenen Bereichen unseres Lebens.
Achieving High Thermoelectric Performance in Mixed Natural‐Synthetic Tetrahedrites
Authors: Levinský Petr , Ventrapati Pavan Kumar , Dauscher Anne , Hejtmánek Jiří , Candolfi Christophe , Lenoir Pr. Bertrand
Published: October 2022

Tetrahedrites, a class of naturally‐occurring sulfosalts, recently emerged as interesting thermoelectric materials due to their semiconducting electronic properties combined with glass‐like thermal transport. Here, we demonstrate that the high thermoelectric performance of synthetic tetrahedrites can be maintained while being mixed with tetrahedrite minerals. The combination of ball‐milling and spark plasma sintering yields chemically‐homogeneous, dense polycrystalline samples with thermoelectric performance equivalent to those obtained in purely synthetic compounds with peak ZT values of ∼0.6 at 623 K. While ball‐milling significantly lowers the crystallite size, a complete solid solution between both types of tetrahedrites is only achieved through the sintering process. Not only do these findings confirm interesting prospects for the direct use of natural ores in the preparation of tetrahedrites, but they also further evidence the importance of the chemical compositions of the two initial tetrahedrites on the optimization of the thermoelectric properties of the final compound.
Exploring the association between early adaptive schemas and self‐reported eating disorder symptomatology
Authors: Maher Anthea L. , Allen Andrew , Mason Jonathan , Houlihan Catherine , Wood Andrew P. , Huckstepp Tyrone
Published: October 2022

Objective

The current study aimed to examine the relationship between early adaptive schemas and eating disorder symptomatology in adults.

Method

A cross‐sectional, correlational design was used to collect data from 352 females and 36 males aged between 18 and 49 years (M = 25.70, SD = 7.04). Participants completed an online questionnaire, which included The Young Positive Schema Questionnaire (YPSQ), Eating Disorder Examination‐Questionnaire (EDE‐Q) and demographic measures.

Results

Four separate hierarchical multiple regression analyses showed that high levels of Healthy Boundaries and low levels of Optimism significantly predicted lower Restraint, Eating Concern, Shape Concern and Weight Concern scores. Additionally, higher scores in Emotional Openness and Social Belonging significantly predicted lower Eating Concern, while higher scores in Self‐Care significantly predicted lower levels of Shape Concern.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the protective function that certain early adaptive schemas may play in mitigating eating disorder symptomatology. Moreover, the findings allude to potential modifiable therapy targets in the treatment of eating disorders. Further research is needed to investigate any differences in early adaptive schemas between eating disorder diagnoses.
Social acceptance of biodiversity offsetting: Motivations and practices in the designing of an emerging mechanism
Authors: Varumo Liisa , Kotilainen Juha M. , Primmer Eeva
Published: October 2022

Biodiversity offsetting is a governance mechanism proposed as a solution to ecosystem degradation and the underlying economic drivers. Biodiversity offsetting's potential is often evaluated and argued with ecological and economic criteria. These factors are intertwined with a multitude of social and ideological conditions for acceptance and legitimacy, which have received less systematic empirical attention especially from the perspective of the actors who implement the offsets. In this paper, we empirically analyse how companies and authorities, the central actors applying biodiversity offsetting in practice, perceive the social acceptance in the design and implementation of the emerging mechanism in Finland. The interview data analysed with three interlinked dimensions of social acceptance, namely socio‐political acceptance, market acceptance and community acceptance reveal where the mechanism's implementation may face friction with the central actors. While the importance of social acceptance of biodiversity offsetting shows to be a priority for the actors that will be implementing the mechanism and carrying the responsibility of the offsets in practice, the division of roles and benefits remains a point of tension, in the political sphere, in the market and in the community. Our analysis points to the necessity of integrating social and local values alongside ecological and economic ones as a way to address social acceptance. Finding the limits to flexibility between ecological, economic and social aspects is important in order to reach the diverse objectives of a BO mechanism.
Coordination Chemistry of Ir with Chelating Ligands Containing a Xanthine‐Derived, Protic N‐Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC) Moiety
Authors: Bevilacqua Matteo , Giuso Valerio , Rancan Marzio , Armelao Lidia , Graiff Claudia , Baratta Walter , Di Marco Valerio , Biffis Andrea
Published: October 2022

A series of protic N‐heterocyclic carbene ligand precursors based on theophylline or adenine has been prepared, and the reactivity and coordination chemistry of these proligands towards iridium(III) centers has been investigated. Complex formation appears to be highly dependent on the proligand structure. In one case, a particularly stable complex is formed that enables fully reversible protonation/deprotonation of the coordinated NHC moiety. The acidity constant of the protonated complex was consequently determined.
Parallelized continuous flow dielectrophoretic separation of DNA
Authors: Derksen Jakob , Viefhues Martina
Published: October 2022

Numerous microfluidic separation applications have been shown in the past years providing a fast analysis of biological samples like DNA or proteins. Microfluidic separation based on dielectrophoresis (DEP), that is the migration of a polarizable object in an inhomogeneous electric field, provides numerous advantages. However, the main drawback of DEP separation devices is that they are not sufficient for large‐scale sample purification due to the lack of high sample throughput. In this work, we present for the first time a microfluidic device with two parallelized dielectrophoretic separations of (biological) samples smaller than 1 µm. The separation is carried out by means of insulator‐based DEP, that is an insulating ridge reduced the flow through height and thus created a nanoslit at which the selective DEP forces occur. The device consists of a cross injector, two parallel operation regions and separate harvesting reservoirs where the samples are collected. Each DEP operation region contains an insulating ridge. We successfully demonstrate the separation of 100 and 40 nm beads and 10 and 5 kbp DNA with a separation purity of more than 80%. This states the proof‐of‐concept for up‐scaling of dielectrophoretic separation by parallelization. As the present technique is virtually label‐free, it offers a fast purification, for example in the production of gene vaccines.
Price discovery in China's crude oil futures markets: An emerging Asian benchmark?
Authors: Yu Ziliang , Yang Jian , Webb Robert I.
Published: October 2022

We examine the price discovery performance of China's crude oil futures traded on the Shanghai International Energy Exchange (INE) for the spot prices of 19 types of deliverable and nondeliverable Asian crude oil. We find evidence for the INE crude oil futures price discovery function even at the early stage for almost all the deliverable crudes and some nondeliverable crudes. Both the INE crude oil futures price and the spot price significantly contribute to the price discovery process, with substantially time‐varying informational roles. While the price discovery performance was severely damaged around the period of COVID‐19 pandemic shock intensification in China with the temporary cancellation of nighttime trading, it improved to some extent after China started the recovery from the shock. But such improvement deteriorated drastically and disappeared since early 2021. Further analysis reveals that both economic fundamentals (e.g., the warehouse inventory) and trading‐related characteristics of the futures market are significant determinants of the price discovery performance. The overall findings imply that the INE crude oil futures market has evolved into a useful and important information source in pricing Asian crudes, and is on the path to emerge as an Asian benchmark.
Controlling factors and palaeoclimatic significance of colour reflectance in the Late Tertiary red clay on the Chinese Loess Plateau
Authors: Zhao Guoyong , Meng Jia'ning , Han Yan , Liu Xiuming , Lü Bin , Liu Minghua , Qiao Qiang , Li Hetan , Wang Yun
Published: October 2022

The colour of soil is one of its most striking features, and records the palaeoenvironment conditions when the soil is formed; however, the controlling factors and palaeoclimatic significance of colour reflectance in the Late Tertiary red clay are poorly understood. In this study, the Jiaxian section, on the northern edge of the Chinese Loess Plateau, was selected to explore the aforementioned issue using colour reflectance, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), geochemical, and magnetic approaches. In the red clay sequence, (1) the concentration of iron oxides (mainly haematite and goethite) and the intensity of pedogenesis were significantly positively correlated with redness (a*) and yellowness (b*). (2) a*, b*, and a*/b* can be used as proxy indicators of haematite concentration, goethite concentration, and temperature, respectively. (3) The parameters derived from colour reflectance and DRS measurements were proven to be better than magnetic susceptibility (χ) in recording palaeoclimatic evolution, and Ca*b* was better than the chemical weathering index in recording soil development.
Morphological fingerprinting: Identifying patients with first‐episode schizophrenia using auto‐encoded morphological patterns
Authors: Sun Huaiqiang , Luo Guoting , Lui Su , Huang Xiaoqi , Sweeney John , Gong Qiyong
Published: October 2022

Although a large number of case–control statistical and machine learning studies have been conducted to investigate structural brain changes in schizophrenia, how best to measure and characterize structural abnormalities for use in classification algorithms remains an open question. In the current study, a convolutional 3D autoencoder specifically designed for discretized volumes was constructed and trained with segmented brains from 477 healthy individuals. A cohort containing 158 first‐episode schizophrenia patients and 166 matched controls was fed into the trained autoencoder to generate auto‐encoded morphological patterns. A classifier discriminating schizophrenia patients from healthy controls was built using 80% of the samples in this cohort by automated machine learning and validated on the remaining 20% of the samples, and this classifier was further validated on another independent cohort containing 77 first‐episode schizophrenia patients and 58 matched controls acquired at a different resolution. This specially designed autoencoder allowed a satisfactory recovery of the input. With the same feature dimension, the classifier trained with autoencoded features outperformed the classifier trained with conventional morphological features by about 10% points, achieving 73.44% accuracy and 0.8 AUC on the internal validation set and 71.85% accuracy and 0.77 AUC on the external validation set. The use of features automatically learned from the segmented brain can better identify schizophrenia patients from healthy controls, but there is still a need for further improvements to establish a clinical diagnostic marker. However, with a limited sample size, the method proposed in the current study shed insight into the application of deep learning in psychiatric disorders.
Further evaluation of treatment duration on the resurgence of destructive behavior
Authors: Greer Brian D. , Shahan Timothy A. , Fisher Wayne W. , Mitteer Daniel R. , Fuhrman Ashley M.
Published: October 2022

Translation of promising procedures for mitigating treatment relapse has received considerable attention recently from researchers across the basic–applied continuum. One procedure that has demonstrated mixed support involves increasing the duration of treatment as a strategy for blunting resurgence. In a recent translational study, Greer et al. (2020) failed to detect a mitigation effect of increased treatment duration on the resurgence of destructive behavior. However, design limitations may have been responsible. The present study corrected these limitations by (a) employing a sequential design to decrease the possibility of multiple‐treatment interference, (b) evaluating more treatment durations, (c) arranging treatments of fixed durations, and (d) conducting treatments of more extreme duration in a different clinical sample. Despite these improvements in experimental rigor and the testing of more extreme boundary conditions, the present study also failed to detect a mitigation effect of increased treatment duration. Likely explanations are discussed.
Influence of lyophilization primary drying time and temperature on porous silk scaffold fabrication for biomedical applications
Authors: Abbott Alycia , Gravina Mattea E. , Vandadi Mobin , Rahbar Nima , Coburn Jeannine M.
Published: October 2022

Lyophilization of protein solutions, such as silk fibroin (silk), produces porous scaffolds useful for tissue engineering (TE). The impact of modifying lyophilization primary drying parameters on scaffold properties has not yet been explored previously. In this work, changes to primary drying duration and temperature were investigated using 3%, 6%, 9%, and 12% (w/v) silk solutions, via protocols labeled as Long Hold, Slow Ramp, and Standard. The 9% and 12% scaffolds were not successfully fabricated using the Standard protocol, while the Long Hold and Slow Ramp protocols resulted in scaffolds from all silk solution concentrations. Scaffolds fabricated using the Long Hold protocol had higher Young's moduli, smaller pore Feret diameters, and faster degradation. To investigate the utility of the different lyophilized scaffolds for in vitro cell culturing, the HepaRG liver cell line was cultured in the 3% to 12% scaffolds fabricated using the Long Hold protocol. The HepaRG cells grown in 3% scaffolds initially had greater lipid accumulation and metabolic activity than the other groups, although these differences were no longer apparent by Day 28. The deoxyribonucleic acid content of the HepaRG cells grown in 3% scaffold group was also initially significantly higher than the other groups. Significant differences in gene expression by 9% scaffolded HepaRG cells (CK19, HNFα) were seen on Day 14 while significant differences by 12% scaffolded HepaRG cells (ALB, APOA4) were seen on Day 28. Overall, modifying the primary drying parameters and silk concentration resulted in lyophilized scaffolds with tunable properties useful for TE applications.
Enhanced catalytic activity of Fe–Ce catalysts determined by synergistic effect of different precursors in selective catalytic reduction of NOx with NH3
Authors: Guo Ning , Niu Ning , Wang Jia , Li Ting , Ding Aifang , Wang Xiaobo
Published: October 2022

Background

Developing environmentally benign and non‐vanadium SCR catalysts remains a challenging task for NOx abatement. In this article, Fe–Ce catalysts including Fe–Ce(S) and Fe(S)–Ce catalysts with different molar ratios of Fe/Ce were synthesized by different precursors of active species expecting to gain high catalytic activity for the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOx with NH3 in a wide temperature range.

Results

The Fe–Ce(S) catalyst exhibited better catalytic activity than the Fe(S)–Ce catalyst. The characterization results indicated the Fe–Ce(S)catalyst possessed better dispersion of active species, which would favor the contact of active sites and reactant molecules and thus enhance the catalytic performance. Moreover, higher ratios of Fe3+ and Ce3+ and more surface chemisorbed oxygen were observed over the Fe–Ce(S) catalyst. In addition, the Fe–Ce(S) catalyst held better low‐temperature redox properties and more weak acid sites.

Conclusions

The precursor effect was closely related to the catalytic activity of catalysts. All of the mentioned above might be the main reasons for the superior catalytic performance of the Fe–Ce(S) catalyst, especially at low temperatures. These findings indicate that Fe–Ce(S) catalyst is a promising catalyst for the SCR reaction to replace V‐W‐Ti catalysts and can provide guidance for the development of environmentally benign and non‐vanadium SCR catalysts. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS) results for participants of the eXtraordinarY babies study: Screening, counseling, diagnosis, and discordance
Authors: Howell Susan , Davis Shanlee M. , Thompson Talia , Brown Mariah , Tanda Tanea , Kowal Karen , Alston Amanda , Ross Judith , Tartaglia Nicole R.
Published: October 2022

Sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCAs), including 47,XXY, 47,XXX, 47,XYY, and supernumerary variants, occur collectively in approximately one of 500 live births. Clinical phenotypes are highly variable resulting in previous ascertainment rates estimated to be only 10%–25% during a lifetime. Historically, prenatal SCA diagnoses were incidental findings, accounting for ≤10% of cases, with the majority of diagnoses occurring postnatally during evaluations for neurodevelopmental, medical, or infertility concerns. The initiation of noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS) in 2012 and adoption into standardized obstetric care provides a unique opportunity to significantly increase prenatal ascertainment of SCAs. However, the impact NIPS has had on ascertainment of SCAs is understudied, particularly for those who may defer diagnostic testing until after birth. This study evaluates the timing of diagnostic testing following positive NIPS in 152 infants with SCAs and potential factors influencing this decision. Eighty‐seven (57%) elected to defer diagnostic testing after a positive NIPS until birth, and 8% (7/87) of those confirmed after birth were found to have discordant results on postnatal diagnostic testing, most of which would have influenced genetic counseling.
Latest Advances in Image Acceleration: All Dimensions are Fair Game
Authors: Munoz Camila , Fotaki Anastasia , Botnar René M. , Prieto Claudia
Published: October 2022

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a versatile modality that can generate high‐resolution images with a variety of tissue contrasts. However, MRI is a slow technique and requires long acquisition times, which increase with higher temporal and spatial resolution and/or when multiple contrasts and large volumetric coverage is required. In order to speedup MR data acquisition, several approaches have been introduced in the literature. Most of these techniques acquire less data than required and exploit intrinsic redundancies in the MR images to recover the information that was not sampled. This article presents a review of MR acquisition and reconstruction methods that have exploited redundancies in the temporal, spatial, and contrast/parametric dimensions to accelerate image data acquisition, focusing on cardiac and abdominal MR imaging applications. The review describes how each of these dimensions has been separately exploited for speeding up MR acquisition to then discuss more advanced techniques where multiple dimensions are exploited together for further reducing scan times. Finally, future directions for multidimensional image acceleration and remaining technical challenges are discussed.

Evidence Level

5

Technical Efficacy

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Electrophysiological features of repetitive focal Purkinje ventricular arrhythmias originating from the proximal cardiac conduction system
Authors: Ikeda Shota , Sakamoto Kazuo , Tokudome Daigo , Kawai Shunsuke , Ogawa Kiyohiro , Nagaoka Kazuhiro , Takase Susumu , Kowase Shinya , Mukai Yasushi , Nogami Akihiko , Tsutsui Hiroyuki
Published: October 2022

Background

Focal Purkinje ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) might originate from the vicinity of the proximal portion of the cardiac conducting system. This study aimed to clarify the features associated with focal Purkinje VAs originating from the proximal conduction system.

Methods

A total of 18 patients with focal Purkinje VAs undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) were retrospectively examined and divided into the proximal type or the non‐proximal type. The proximal type was defined as having the origin at the proximal half of the interventricular septum, or the proximal half and the septal side of the anterior wall. The 12‐lead electrocardiogram and electrophysiological findings were investigated.

Results

Seven patients met criteria for proximal type of focal Purkinje VA. Out of the 7, 4 patients with proximal VAs had multiple QRS morphologies of VAs clinically, whereas out of 11 patients with non‐proximal VAs, only 1 had multiple morphologies (p = .047). VA QRS duration was shorter in the proximal type than in the non‐proximal type (111.2 ± 19.8 ms vs. 135.7 ± 17.7 ms; p = .003). The absolute axis difference between sinus rhythm and VA was smaller in the proximal type (80.4 ± 46.1°vs. 138.8 ± 59.6°; p = .014). The absolute axis difference ≤134° was useful in distinguishing the two types. Recurrence of VA was recorded in 3 proximal type patients and 3 non‐proximal type patients. No procedure‐related conduction block was observed.

Conclusion

A VA of absolute axis difference ≤134°, and multiple QRS morphologies of clinical VAs indicate a proximal origin. Focal Purkinje VAs from proximal origins can be suppressed by RFCA without severe conduction disturbance.
Comprehensive analysis of m6A methylation modification in chronic spinal cord injury in mice
Authors: Li Chengjun , Zhao Jinyun , Qin Tian , Jin Yuxin , Duan Chunyue , Wu Tianding , Romani Manini Daudi , Cao Yong , Lu Hongbin , Hu Jianzhong
Published: October 2022

Chronic spinal cord injury (CSCI) is a catastrophic disease of the central nervous system (CNS), resulting in partial or complete loss of neurological function. N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common form of reversible posttranslational modification at the RNA level. However, the role of m6A modification in CSCI remains unknown. In this study, we established a CSCI model using a water‐absorbable polyurethane polymer, with behavioral assessment, electrophysiological analysis, and histochemical staining for validation. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (meRIP‐seq) and messenger RNA sequencing (mRNA‐seq) were jointly explored to compare the differences between CSCI spinal tissue and normal spinal tissue. Furthermore, real‐time quantitative reverse transcription pcr (qRT–PCR), western blot analysis, and immunofluorescence staining were used to analyze m6A modification‐related proteins. We found that water‐absorbable polyurethane polymer simulated well chronic spinal cord compression. Basso mouse scale scores and electrophysiological analysis showed continuous neurological function decline after chronic compression of the spinal cord. meRIP‐seq identified 642 differentially modified m6A genes, among which 263 genes were downregulated and 379 genes were upregulated. mRNA‐seq showed that 1544 genes were upregulated and 290 genes were downregulated after CSCI. Gene Ontology terms and enriched Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways were also identified. qRT–PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining showed that Mettl14, Ythdf1, and Ythdf3 were significantly upregulated after CSCI. Our study revealed a comprehensive profile of m6A modifications in CSCI which may act as a valuable key for future research on CSCI.
Musculoskeletal simulation of elbow stability for common injury patterns
Authors: Melzner Maximilian , Pfeifer Christian , Süß Fran , Dendorfer Sebastian
Published: October 2022

Elbow stability is derived from a combination of muscular, ligamentous, and bony structures. After an elbow trauma the stability of the joint is an important decision criterion for the subsequent treatment. The decision regarding nonoperative/operative care depends mostly on subjective assessments of medical experts. Therefore, the aim of this study is to use musculoskeletal simulations as an objective assessment tool to investigate the extent to which failure of different stabilizers affects the elbow stability and how these observations correspond to the assessment from clinical practice. A musculoskeletal elbow simulation model was developed for this aim. To investigate the stability of the elbow, varus/valgus moments were applied under 0°, 45°, and 90° flexion while the respective cubital angle was analyzed. This was performed for nine different injury scenarios, which were also evaluated for stability by clinical experts. With the results, it can be determined by which injury pattern and under which flexion angle the elbow stability is impaired regarding varus/valgus moments. The scenario with a complete failure of the medial and lateral ligaments and a fracture of the radial head was identified as having the greatest instability. The study presented a numerical determination of elbow stability against varus/valgus moments regarding clinical injury patterns, as well as a comparison of the numerical outcome with experience gained in clinical practice. The numerical predictions agree well with the assessments of the clinical specialists. Thus, the results from musculoskeletal simulation can make an important contribution to a more objective assessment of the elbow stability.
Biomedical applications of silk and its role for intervertebral disc repair
Authors: Croft Andreas S. , Spessot Eugenia , Bhattacharjee Promita , Yang Yuejiao , Motta Antonella , Wöltje Michael , Gantenbein Benjamin
Published: October 2022

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IDD) is the main contributor to chronic low back pain. To date, the present therapies mainly focus on treating the symptoms caused by IDD rather than addressing the problem itself. For this reason, researchers have searched for a suitable biomaterial to repair and/or regenerate the IVD. A promising candidate to fill this gap is silk, which has already been used as a biomaterial for many years. Therefore, this review aims first to elaborate on the different origins from which silk is harvested, the individual composition, and the characteristics of each silk type. Another goal is to enlighten why silk is so suitable as a biomaterial, discuss its functionalization, and how it could be used for tissue engineering purposes. The second part of this review aims to provide an overview of preclinical studies using silk‐based biomaterials to repair the inner region of the IVD, the nucleus pulposus (NP), and the IVD's outer area, the annulus fibrosus (AF). Since the NP and the AF differ fundamentally in their structure, different therapeutic approaches are required. Consequently, silk‐containing hydrogels have been used mainly to repair the NP, and silk‐based scaffolds have been used for the AF. Although most preclinical studies have shown promising results in IVD‐related repair and regeneration, their clinical transition is yet to come.