bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional consequences of inhibition of Bruton's tyrosine kinase by ibrutinib in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Chen Shih‐Shih , Chiorazzi Nicholas
Published: June 2023

The leukemic B cells from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) require interactions with non‐malignant cells and matrix in the tissue microenvironment to survive and grow. These interactions are mediated through the B‐cell antigen receptor (BCR), C‐X‐C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4), and a variety of integrins, including VLA‐4. Exciting each receptor type leads to activation of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK), which in turn helps initiate trophic signals that prevent cell death and promote cell activation and growth as well as allowing cells to return to anatomic sites for rescue signals. These represent the two major functional actions targeted by inhibitors of Btk. Here we relate some of the therapeutic actions of ibrutinib, a Btk inhibitor that is extremely helpful for patients with CLL, certain Diffuse Large B‐cell Lymphomas (ABC type), and other non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas, emphasizing that ibrutinib's value results from blocking beneficial signals, not by inducing lethal ones.
Reappraisal of the role of radiation therapy in lymphoma treatment
Authors: Specht Lena
Published: June 2023

Radiation therapy (RT) for lymphomas has improved dramatically with modern imaging and treatment techniques, encompassing only the necessary volume with minimal doses to normal structures. Prescribed radiation doses are reduced, and fractionation schedules are under revision. With effective systemic treatment only initial macroscopic disease is irradiated. With no or less effective systemic treatment, possible microscopic disease is also included. Risks of long‐term side effects of RT have diminished dramatically and should be weighed against risks from more systemic treatment or increased risk of relapse. Lymphoma patients are often elderly, they tolerate modern limited RT very well. Lymphomas refractory to systemic treatments often remain radioresponsive, and brief, mild RT may offer effective palliation. New roles for RT are emerging with immune therapies. RT for “bridging,” keeping the lymphoma under control while waiting for immune therapy, is well established. Enhancement of the immune response to lymphomas, so‐called “priming,” is being intensively researched.
Primary testicular lymphoma demonstrates overexpression of the Wilms tumor 1 gene and different mRNA and miRNA expression profiles compared to nodal diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Mansoor Adnan , Akhter Ariz , Shabani‐Rad Meer‐Taher , Deschenes Jean , Yilmaz Asli , Trpkov Kiril , Stewart Douglas
Published: June 2023

Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) shows a high degree of clinical and biological heterogeneity. Primary testicular lymphoma (PTL) is an extranodal variant of DLBCL associated with a higher risk of recurrence, including contralateral testicles and central nervous system sanctuary sites. Several molecular aberrations, including somatic mutation of MYD88, CD79B, and upregulation of NF‐kB, PDL‐1, and PDL‐2, are thought to contribute to the pathogenesis and poor prognosis of PTL. However, additional biomarkers are needed that may improve the prognosis and help understand the PTL biology and lead to new therapeutic targets. RNA from diagnostic tissue biopsies of the PTL‐ABC subtype and matched nodal DLBCL‐ABC subtype patients was evaluated by mRNA and miRNA expression. Screening of 730 essential oncogenic genes was performed, and their epigenetic connections were examined using the nCounter PAN‐cancer pathway, and Human miRNA assays with the nCounter System (NanoString Technologies). PTL and nodal DLBCL patients were comparable in age, gender, and putative cell of origin (p > 0.05). Wilms tumor 1 (WT1) expression in PTL exceeded that in nodal DLBCL (>6‐fold; p = 0.01, FDR <0.01) and WT1 associated pathway genes THBS4, PTPN5, PLA2G2A, and IFNA17 were upregulated in PTL (>2.0‐fold, p < 0.01, FDR <0.01). Additionally, miRNAs targeting WT1 (hsa15a‐5p, hsa‐miR‐16‐5p, has‐miR‐361‐5p, has‐miR‐27b‐3p, has‐miR‐199a‐5p, has‐miR‐199b‐5p, has‐miR‐132‐3p, and hsa‐miR‐128‐3p) showed higher expression in PTL compared to nodal DLBCL (≥2.0‐fold; FDR 0.01). Lower expression of BMP7, LAMB3, GAS1, MMP7, and LAMC2 (>2.0‐fold, p < 0.01) was observed in PTL compared to nodal DLBCL. This research revealed higher WT1 expression in PTL relative to nodal DLBCL, suggesting that a specific miRNA subset may target WT1 expression and impact the PI3k/Akt pathway in PTL. Further investigation is needed to explore WT1's biological role in PTL and its potential as a therapeutic target.
The impact of alcohol consumption on commercial eye blink drowsiness detection technology
Authors: Cori Jennifer M. , Wilkinson Vanessa E. , Jackson Melinda , Westlake Justine , Stevens Bronwyn , Barnes Maree , Swann Philip , Howard Mark E.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Driver drowsiness detection technology that assesses eye blinks is increasingly being used as a safety intervention in the transport industry. It is unclear how alcohol consumption to common legal driving limits impacts upon this technology. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.05% and of 0.08% on drowsiness detection technology during simulated driving.

Methods

Participants completed a 60‐min driving simulation and sleepiness questionnaire under three conditions: 1–0.00% BAC, 2–0.05% BAC and 3–0.08% BAC. During the driving simulation task participants wore a commercial eye blink drowsiness detection technology (Optalert) with the drowsiness alarms silenced.

Results

Twelve participants (3 female) completed all alcohol conditions. Relative to baseline, all eye blink parameters were affected at 0.08% BAC (all p < 0.05), whereas 0.05% BAC only affected the composite eye blink drowsiness measure (the Johns Drowsiness Scale).

Conclusions

Alcohol consumption to 0.08% BAC impaired eye blink measures to a level that would be considered a moderate drowsiness risk. Therefore, employers should be aware that drowsiness alerts from these technologies may increase after alcohol consumption.
Real‐World Experience with a Human Fibrinogen Concentrate: Clinical Data from Adult and Pediatric Patients Requiring Fibrinogen for Bleeding Control and Prevention
Authors: Stéphan Francois , Gutermann Loriane , Bourget Stéphanie , Djabarouti Sarah , Berdugo Johanna , Fardini Yann , Clerson Pierre , Hébert Guillaume , Belmokhtar Chafké
Published: June 2023

Human fibrinogen concentrate (Fibryga) received temporary approval for fibrinogen replacement therapy in France (2017), with subsequent full approval for congenital and acquired hypofibrinogenemia. We evaluated real‐world use for on‐demand treatment of bleeding and prophylaxis to enhance our knowledge on fibrinogen concentrate as an option for fibrinogen replacement. Data were retrospectively collected from adult and pediatric patients with fibrinogen deficiency. The primary end point was indication for fibrinogen concentrate use; the secondary end point was treatment success for on‐demand treatment/perioperative prophylaxis. The study included 150 adult (median age, 62 years; range, 18‐94 years) and 50 pediatric (median age, 3 years; range, 0.01‐17 years) patients with acquired fibrinogen deficiency. Fibrinogen concentrate was administered to 47.3% for nonsurgical bleeding, 22.7% for surgical bleeding, and 30.0% for perioperative prophylaxis in adult patients, and to 4.0% for surgical bleeding and 96.0% for perioperative prophylaxis in pediatric patients. Cardiac surgeries accounted for 79.5%/75.0% perioperative prophylaxis and 82.4%/100.0% surgical bleeding cases in adult/pediatric patients, respectively. The mean ± standard deviation (SD, median) total fibrinogen doses were 3.06 ± 1.69 g (32.61 mg/kg), 2.09 ± 1.36 g (22.99 mg/kg), and 2.36 ± 1.25 g (29.67 mg/kg) for adult nonsurgical bleeding, surgical bleeding, and perioperative prophylaxis, respectively; doses of 0.75 ± 0.35 g (47.64 mg/kg) and 0.83 ± 0.62 g (55.56 mg/kg) were used for pediatric surgical bleeding and perioperative prophylaxis, respectively. Treatment success was 85.7%/97.1/93.3% in adults and 50.0%/87.5% in pediatrics for nonsurgical bleeding (adults only), surgical bleeding, and perioperative prophylaxis, respectively. Fibrinogen concentrate demonstrated favorable effectiveness and safety across the age groups. This study contributes to evidence supporting fibrinogen concentrate for bleeding control/prevention in real‐world clinical practice, particularly for patients with acquired fibrinogen deficiency.
High well‐matched energy gravimetric–volumetric symmetric super‐capacitor derived from hollow paper stack‐like biomass‐based functional carbon
Authors: Julnaidi  , Amri Amun , Saputra Edy , Nofrizal  , Taer Erman
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND

Two‐ and three‐dimensional porous activated carbon (C)‐based symmetrical supercapacitors show great potential for extraordinary gravimetric performance as sustainable energy storage. However, the applications of portable and microdimensional supercapacitors are limited by their low volumetric performance stemming from reduced density resulting from increased porosity and high fabrication costs. This study aimed to demonstrate the high gravimetric–volumetric performance of symmetrical supercapacitors from biomass‐based porous carbon‐sources materials through an environmentally benign development method. Unique porous C sourced from TENERA‐type palm oil stick waste was prepared using potassium hydroxide (KOH) as an activating agent. The electrode set resembled a solid plate with an encapsulation density of ≈1.40 g cm−3.

RESULT

The study used superior gravimetric–volumetric electrode materials, including an adjusted specific surface area of 934 m2 g−1, single‐doped optimization, and a hollow paper‐stack‐like morphological structure with a high C content of 91%. The results showed that the best electrode in the 1 mol L−1 H2SO4 electrolytes exhibited a high gravimetric capacitance of 233 F g−1 and an extraordinary volumetric capacitance of 326 F cm−3 at 1 A g−1. Furthermore, their coulombic efficiency was ≈99.1% at 10 A g−1. The symmetrical electrode device performed a high gravimetric–volumetric energy density of 19.03 Wh kg−1 and 26.6 Wh L−1 at a maximum output power density of 1.7 kW kg−1 and 1.9 kW L−1, respectively.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that the applied method development and the C‐biomass‐based electrode material design could achieve a high, well‐matched gravimetric–volumetric performance balance in symmetric supercapacitor devices. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Optimization of parameters for adsorption of acid yellow 36 dye onto nitrate‐intercalated MgAl LDH nanoparticle using Box–Behnken design
Authors: Yadav Balram Singh , Durgawati  , Dasgupta Sudip
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND

Layered double hydroxide nanoparticles have been extensively investigated and exploited for the removal of harmful anions from contaminated water. For adsorption of acid yellow dye (AY) from contaminated water, nitrate‐intercalated MgAl layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanoparticles were synthesized using the co‐precipitation method with the refluxing condition in a nitrogen atmosphere.

RESULTS

The X‐ray diffraction pattern of LDH nanoparticles showed that LDH nanopowder with nitrate in the interlayer position was successfully synthesized. The shift in (003) basal plane diffraction peak to a lower angle (2θ) of 7.75° in the LDH‐AY from 10.40° in the pristine LDH confirmed the intercalation of AY in the interlayer space of LDH. Variable factors for the adsorption of the AY on the LDH nanoparticles were examined in the batch process using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy and those included the adsorbent dose (5–30 mg), the incubation time (3–60 min), the temperature (25–50 °C), the pH of the AY aqueous suspension (5–9) and the AY concentration (0.03–0.1 mg mL−1). Box–Behnken design was used to optimize the three independent variables of temperature, incubation time and pH of AY solution for the adsorption of the dye. The optimized values of the incubation time, temperature and pH were found to be 25.89 min, 35.99 °C and 5.16, respectively. A maximum adsorption rate of 0.00515 g mg−1 min−1 of AY onto LDH nanoparticles was found at a solution pH of 5 and a temperature of 50 °C. The adsorption kinetics of the AY at different suspension pH values and temperature followed a pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. Furthermore, an adsorption isotherm study for the adsorption of AY at a temperature of 40 °C and pH 5 followed a Langmuir isotherm model, and the maximum adsorption capacity of the AY was calculated to be 412.55 mg g−1 with excellent regeneration capacity.

CONCLUSION

The study revealed that the synthesized nitrate intercalated Mg Al LDH nanoparticles using the reflux conditions offered promising potential to adsorb acid yellow 36 dye form its aqueous solution. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Traceability of SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission through quasispecies analysis
Authors: Messali Serena , Rondina Alessandro , Giovanetti Marta , Bonfanti Carlo , Ciccozzi Massimo , Caruso Arnaldo , Caccuri Francesca
Published: June 2023

During COVID‐19 pandemic, consensus genomic sequences were used for rapidly monitor the spread of the virus worldwide. However, less attention was paid to intrahost genetic diversity. In fact, in the infected host, SARS‐CoV‐2 consists in an ensemble of replicating and closely related viral variants so‐called quasispecies. Here we show that intrahost single nucleotide variants (iSNVs) represent a target for contact tracing analysis. Our data indicate that in the acute phase of infection, in highly likely transmission links, the number of viral particles transmitted from one host to another (bottleneck size) is large enough to propagate iSNVs among individuals. Furthermore, we demonstrate that, during SARS‐CoV‐2 outbreaks when the consensus sequences are identical, it is possible to reconstruct the transmission chains by genomic investigations of iSNVs. Specifically, we found that it is possible to identify transmission chains by limiting the analysis of iSNVs to only three well‐conserved genes, namely nsp2, ORF3, and ORF7.
Interannual variations of heat budget in the lower layer of the eastern Ross Sea shelf and the forcing mechanisms in the Southern Ocean State Estimate
Authors: Chen Yuanjie , Zhang Zhaoru , Wang Xuezhu , Liu Xiaohui , Zhou Meng
Published: June 2023

The temporal variation of heat budget in the lower layer of the eastern Ross Sea shelf (ERSS) is crucial for understanding the stability of ice shelves in the Ross Sea. In this study, a 6‐year (2005–2010) simulation from the Southern Ocean State Estimate (SOSE) is employed to analyse the interannual variations of heat budget in the lower layer of the ERSS and the controlling mechanisms. The results reveal that the annual change in the heat content of the study region is dominated by the horizontal heat advection term, and only in 2015 the vertical advection and diffusion terms also play an important role. The horizontal advection term is affected by the intrusion of warm circumpolar deep water (CDW) onto the shelf across the northern boundary of the ERSS, the transport of cold dense shelf water (DSW) from the western Ross Sea shelf, and the transport of CDW across the western boundary of the ERSS. The contributions of these physical processes to the change in annual heat content vary between years. The interannual variation of the CDW intrusion is associated with the strength of eddy activity over the slope, and the interannual variation of heat transports associated with DSW is affected by both the extent of DSW on the western shelf and the coastal circulations that affect the eastward spread of DSW.
Improving the subseasonal variability of the Indian summer monsoon in a climate model
Authors: Srivastava Ankur , Rao Suryachandra A. , Ghosh Subimal
Published: June 2023

Many global climate models, including the Climate Forecast System version 2 (CFSv2), have a biased representation of subseasonal modes of variability of the Indian summer monsoon. For instance, they simulate a weaker summer mean monsoon low‐pressure systems (LPS) climatology, faster than observed northward propagation of monsoon intraseasonal oscillations (MISOs), and a systematic dry bias over Indian landmass. The Bay of Bengal (BoB), with its shallow mixed layers and unique thermal stratification, significantly modulates the convective activity in this region at subseasonal‐to‐seasonal timescales through modulation of sea surface temperature. The highly stratified upper ocean in the BoB is due to the enormous freshwater it receives from rains and rivers. A river routing model is coupled to the CFSv2 to account for the riverine freshwater and the improvements in modelling the upper‐ocean structure are analysed. Model simulations indicate that inclusion of temporally varying riverine freshwater improves the upper‐ocean state in the BoB and the observed mixed‐layer temperature gradients in the Bay are simulated reasonably after incorporating the time varying river runoff. This resulted in increased LPS lifetime and track density, and enhanced rainfall over central India. Better representation of the upper‐ocean stratification in the model leads to larger post‐convection shoaling of mixed layers at intraseasonal timescales, thereby forming thick barrier layers. Enhanced air–sea interactions restricted to the shallow mixed layer are associated with stronger vorticity, specific humidity and low‐level convergence to the north of the intraseasonal convection band. This enhanced low‐level moisture convergence north of the convection centre results in realistic northward propagation of MISO and aids LPS activity. It is demonstrated that better simulation of the upper‐ocean structure in coupled climate models can improve the representation of subseasonal modes of monsoon variability. These results bear important implications for operational forecasting.
Effect estimates can be accurately calculated with data digitally extracted from interrupted time series graphs
Authors: Turner Simon Lee , Korevaar Elizabeth , Cumpston Miranda S. , Kanukula Raju , Forbes Andrew B. , McKenzie Joanne E.
Published: June 2023

Interrupted time series (ITS) studies are frequently used to examine the impact of population‐level interventions or exposures. Systematic reviews with meta‐analyses including ITS designs may inform public health and policy decision‐making. Re‐analysis of ITS may be required for inclusion in meta‐analysis. While publications of ITS rarely provide raw data for re‐analysis, graphs are often included, from which time series data can be digitally extracted. However, the accuracy of effect estimates calculated from data digitally extracted from ITS graphs is currently unknown. Forty‐three ITS with available datasets and time series graphs were included. Time series data from each graph was extracted by four researchers using digital data extraction software. Data extraction errors were analysed. Segmented linear regression models were fitted to the extracted and provided datasets, from which estimates of immediate level and slope change (and associated statistics) were calculated and compared across the datasets. Although there were some data extraction errors of time points, primarily due to complications in the original graphs, they did not translate into important differences in estimates of interruption effects (and associated statistics). Using digital data extraction to obtain data from ITS graphs should be considered in reviews including ITS. Including these studies in meta‐analyses, even with slight inaccuracy, is likely to outweigh the loss of information from non‐inclusion.
Untersuchungen zum Vorkommen von Acrylamid, Furan und Furanderivaten in Vietnam Robusta Röstkaffee
Authors: Bahar Ina , Engelhardt Ulrich
Published: June 2023

Während der Röstung von Kaffee laufen zahlreiche Reaktionen ab. Darunter entstehen unerwünschte Stoffe wie Acrylamid, Furan, 2‐ und 3‐Methylfuran, 2,5‐Dimethylfuran (Methylfurane). Das Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war es, Röstungen und Behandlungsverfahren zu identifizieren, bei denen eine gleichzeitige Minimierung von Acrylamid und Furan/Methylfuranen möglich ist. Hierzu wurden Vietnam Robusta Röstkaffees auf die Gehalte der genannten Analyten mittels optimierter und validierter Methoden mit GC‐MS untersucht.

Industriell wurden Rohkaffees unter Variation der Zeit und der Temperatur auf die Röstfarben hell, mittel und dunkel geröstet. Die Untersuchungen zeigten das gegenläufige Verhalten der Bildung von Acrylamid und Furan/Methylfuranen. Die höchsten Gehalte an Acrylamid wurden in hellen sowie kurzen Röstungen und die von Furan/Methylfuranen in dunklen sowie langen Röstungen ermittelt.

Weiterhin wurden extreme Röstprofile im Vergleich zu o.g. Röstserien untersucht. Bezüglich der Gehalte von Furan und Methylfuranen konnten deutliche Unterschiede festgestellt werden, jedoch ohne eine charakteristische Tendenz. Acrylamid zeigte höhere Gehalte in den Kaffees, die zu Beginn mit niedrigerer und zum Ende hin mit höherer Energiezufuhr geröstet wurden. Betrachtet wurden ebenfalls die Einflüsse von Rohkaffee‐Vorbehandlungen und einer Röstkaffee‐Nachbehandlung. Bei diesen Röstexperimenten konnte deutlich erkannt werden, dass die Behandlungsart differente Einflüsse auf die Bildung der Analyten ausübt. Insgesamt konnten keine Röstparameter ermittelt werden, mit denen eine gleichzeitige Minimierung von Acrylamid und Furan/Methylfuranen möglich ist.

Weiterhin wurden die bei der Röstung gebildeten Furanabkömmlinge: Furfurylalkohol, 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural, 2‐Furancarbonsäure und 5‐Hydroxymethyl‐2‐furancarbonsäure in den o. a. Kaffees mittels HPLC‐DAD untersucht. Eine deutliche Abhängigkeit von den Röstgraden und Röstzeiten konnte auch bei diesen festgestellt werden.
Atherogenic dyslipidaemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus: The PREDISAT study
Authors: Climent Elisenda , Millán Jesús , Ascaso Juan F. , Suárez‐Tembra Manuel , Morillas Carlos , Civeira Fernando , Bellón Jose M. , Pedro‐Botet Juan ,   the Spanish Atherosclerosis Society Working Group on Atherogenic Dyslipidaemia
Published: June 2023

Extremely variable prevalence rates of atherogenic dyslipidaemia (AD) in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) subjects have been reported. The primary aim was to assess AD prevalence in Spanish T2DM subjects. Secondary objectives were to evaluate the differential clinical characteristics between T2DM subjects with and without AD, to describe lipid profile evolution and use of lipid‐lowering treatment in clinical practice by the Spanish Lipid Units. Data was obtained from the National Registry of Dyslipidaemias of the Spanish Atherosclerosis Society, from a multicentric sub‐study focused on AD prevalence in T2DM subjects (PREDISAT study). The inclusion criteria were subjects diagnosed of T2DM with age ≥18 years old. A total of 385 T2DM subjects with a mean age of 61 years and 246 (64%) men were included. The mean follow‐up was 22 ± 7.4 months. At baseline, 41.3% of the T2DM subjects presented AD, this percentage decreasing to 34.8% with therapeutic intervention. AD prevalence varied in different age groups and appeared to be more prevalent in younger T2DM subjects. Those with AD had a more atherogenic lipid profile at baseline, with higher total cholesterol, triglyceride and non‐(high‐density lipoprotein) HDL cholesterol levels at baseline, together with lower HDL cholesterol concentrations, without achieving lipid subfraction goals during follow‐up. Although almost 90% of the AD subjects were under lipid‐lowering treatment, most were receiving only one drug, being statins the most used treatmentA high AD prevalence in T2DM subjects was observed, being age a determinant factor, with a modest decline during follow‐up. Although almost 90% of the AD subjects were under lipid‐lowering drugs, most were only receiving monotherapy with statins.
Automatic right ventricular segmentation for cine cardiac magnetic resonance images based on a new deep atlas network
Authors: Wang Lijia , Su Hanlu , Liu Peng
Published: June 2023

Background

The high morbidity and mortality of heart disease present a significant threat to human health. The development of methods for the quick and accurate diagnosis of heart diseases, enabling their effective treatment, has become a key issue of concern. Right ventricular (RV) segmentation from cine cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) images plays a significant role in evaluating cardiac function for clinical diagnosis and prognosis. However, due to the complex structure of the RV, traditional segmentation methods are ineffective for RV segmentation.

Purpose

In this paper, we propose a new deep atlas network to improve the learning efficiency and segmentation accuracy of a deep learning network by integrating multi‐atlas.

Methods

First, a dense multi‐scale U‐net (DMU‐net) is presented to acquire transformation parameters from atlas images to target images. The transformation parameters map the atlas image labels to the target image labels. Second, using a spatial transformation layer, the atlas images are deformed based on these parameters. Finally, the network is optimized by backpropagation with two loss functions where the mean squared error function (MSE) is used to measure the similarity of the input images and transformed images. Further, the Dice metric (DM) is used to quantify the overlap between the predicted contours and the ground truth. In our experiments, 15 datasets are used in testing, and 20 cine CMR images are selected as atlas.

Results

The mean values and standard deviations for the DM and Hausdorff distance are 0.871 and 4.67 mm, 0.104 and 2.528 mm, respectively. The correlation coefficients of endo‐diastolic volume, endo‐systolic volume, ejection fraction, and stroke volume are 0.984, 0.926, 0.980, and 0.991, respectively, and the mean differences between all of the mentioned parameters are 3.2, −1.7, 0.02, and 4.9, respectively. Most of these differences are within the allowable range of 95%, indicating that the results are acceptable and show good consistency. The segmentation results obtained in this method are compared with those obtained by other methods that provide satisfactory performance. The other methods provide better segmentation effects at the base, but either no segmentation or the wrong segmentation at the top, which demonstrate that the deep atlas network can improve top‐area segmentation accuracy.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that the proposed method can achieve better segmentation results than the previous methods, with both high relevance and consistency, and has the potential for clinical application.
Urinary titin in myotonic dystrophy type 1
Authors: Varga Dávid , Perecz Brigitta , Fülöp Krisztina , Sipos Andrea , Janszky József Vlagyimir , Hajdú Nándor , Pál Endre
Published: June 2023

Introduction/Aims

Urinary titin, an easy‐to‐obtain marker, has been investigated in muscular dystrophies, but not in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). We investigated the role of titin as a biomarker of muscle injury in DM1.

Methods

We compared the urinary titin N‐fragment/creatinine ratio in 29 patients with DM1 vs. 30 healthy controls. We also recorded clinical data such as muscle strength, serum creatine kinase, DM1‐related outcome measures, and the 20‐item DM1‐activ questionnaire. The severity of the disease was graded using the Muscular Impairment Rating Scale (MIRS).

Results

The titin/creatinine ratio was significantly higher in the urine samples of DM1 patients than of healthy controls (median ± mean absolute deviation [MAD]: 39.313 ± 26.546 vs. 6.768 ± 5.245 pmol/mg creatinine; P < .001), and was related to muscle impairment graded by MIRS (τ = 0.503, P = .038).

Discussion

Urinary titin may be a biomarker for DM1. Long‐term follow‐up of DM1 patients is needed to investigate the potential role of titin as a biomarker for disease activity and progression.
Quantitative computed tomography‐based approaches for noninvasive diagnosis of portal hypertension in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Sartoris Riccardo , Vilgrain Valerie
Published: June 2023

Noninvasive diagnosis of portal hypertension in patients with cirrhosis can be achieved using different methods, including laboratory tests and imaging. The Baveno VII consensus suggested that liver stiffness measurements and platelet counts were sufficient for assessing the presence of clinically significant portal hypertension. However, computed tomography (CT) is frequently performed in patients with cirrhosis, and numerous studies have established the possibility of an opportunistic noninvasive diagnosis of portal hypertension using CT. These studies have utilized radiomics, volumetric changes in the liver and spleen, quantitative assessment of liver surface nodularity, and more advanced techniques based on computational fluid dynamics. This review summarizes the main original studies related to the quantitative CT‐based noninvasive diagnosis of portal hypertension.
Life table study of Spodoptera frugiperda at different wheat stages and the effect of larval population density on wheat yield
Authors: Gong Zhongjun , Dong Jiaxin , Li Yanmin , Zhang Ziqi , Duan Yun , Jiang Yueli , Miao Jin , Li Tong , Zhang Jing , Li Huiling , Wang Xueqin , Qin Yifan , Wu Yuqing
Published: June 2023

Background

Spodoptera frugiperda is an invasive, widespread agricultural pest in China. However, there have been no reports assessing feeding damage on wheat caused by S. frugiperda. To clarify the fitness and potential damage of S. frugiperda to wheat, this study analyzed the population parameters of S. frugiperda fed on wheat in a laboratory and simulated the potential damage in field conditions.

Results

The population parameters of S. frugiperda were compared using life tables on wheat at the seedling and adult plant stages. The adult female longevity of S. frugiperda varied from 12.29 days on seedling plants to 16.60 days on adult plants. Egg production was significantly higher when fed on wheat at the seedling stage (646.34 eggs) than when fed on adult plants (495.86 eggs). On wheat at the seedling and adult plant stages, the mean generation times were 35.42 and 38.34 days, respectively, and the intrinsic rates of increase were 0.15 and 0.14, respectively. Spodoptera frugiperda completed development and increased its population in wheat at both plant growth stages. In the field, the effect of different larval densities on the 1000‐kernel weight of wheat was significantly different. An action threshold of 40 larvae per m2 was estimated, and the higher population densities caused a yield loss of 17.7%.

Conclusion

Spodoptera frugiperda can complete its life cycle on wheat at different stages. Wheat can serve as an alternative host for S. frugiperda. If S. frugiperda reaches 320 larvae per m2 density during wheat growth, it will cause yield loss exceeding 17%. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Baicalin promotes random‐pattern skin flap survival by inducing autophagy via AMPK‐regulated TFEB nuclear transcription
Authors: Zhang Lilian , Yu Gaoxiang , Yu Qing , Wang Long , Wu Long , Tao Zhenyu , Ding Jian , Lin Damu
Published: June 2023

The random‐pattern skin flap is a generally used technique to cover the soft tissue defect, while its application is often constrained by complications after the flap transplant. Necrosis of the flap remains a principal obstacle. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Baicalin on skin flap survival and its mechanism. First of all, we discovered that administering Baicalin stimulated cell migration and boosted the formation of capillary tubes in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Then, we detected that Baicalin reduced apoptosis‐induced oxidative stress by using western blot and oxidative stress test kit. After that, we observed that Baicalin increased autophagy and utilized 3MA to block autophagy augmentation substantially reversing the effects of Baicalin therapy. Furthermore, we uncovered the underlying mechanisms of Baicalin‐induced autophagy via AMPK‐regulated TFEB nuclear transcription. Finally, our in vivo experiment findings showed that Baicalin reduces oxidative stress, inhibits apoptosis, promotes angiogenesis, and boosts the levels of autophagy. After autophagy was blocked, substantially reversing the effects of Baicalin therapy. Our study indicated that Baicalin‐induced autophagy via AMPK regulated TFEB nuclear transcription and then promotes angiogenesis and against oxidative stress and apoptotic promotes skin flap survival. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential for the clinical application of Baicalin in the future.
Linear Tetraquinanes by Microwave Assisted [3+2] Cycloaddition and Ring‐Rearrangement Metathesis
Authors: Kotha Sambasivarao , Agrawal Arpit
Published: June 2023

Herein, an improved synthetic strategy to linear tetraquinanes is reported via a [3+2] cycloaddition and ring‐rearrangement metathesis as key steps. The linear tetraquinanes reported earlier were synthesized in a nine step sequence with an overall yield of 9 % while the same tetraquinanes are now prepared in four steps with a 3‐fold increase in overall yield of 29 %. Failure of the conventional [3+2] cycloaddition using allyltriisopropylsilane was overcome by using microwave irradiation (MWI) conditions which is performed for the first time for this purpose. The strategy reported here does not involve any protection and deprotection steps and can be helpful for the synthesis of polyquinane based natural products and synthesis of medicinally important targets.
Defect Engineering of Graphene for Dynamic Reliability
Authors: Kumral Boran , Demingos Pedro Guerra , Cui Teng , Serles Peter , Barri Nima , Singh Chandra Veer , Filleter Tobin
Published: June 2023

The interface between two‐dimensional (2D) materials and soft, stretchable polymeric substrates is a governing criterion in proposed 2D materials‐based flexible devices. This interface is dominated by weak van der Waals forces and there is a large mismatch in elastic constants between the contact materials. Under dynamic loading, slippage, and decoupling of the 2D material is observed, which then leads to extensive damage propagation in the 2D lattice. Herein, graphene is functionalized through mild and controlled defect engineering for a fivefold increase in adhesion at the graphene‐polymer interface. Adhesion is characterized experimentally using buckling‐based metrology, while molecular dynamics simulations reveal the role of individual defects in the context of adhesion. Under in situ cyclic loading, the increased adhesion inhibits damage initiation and interfacial fatigue propagation within graphene. This work offers insight into achieving dynamically reliable and robust 2D material‐polymer contacts, which can facilitate the development of 2D materials‐based flexible devices.
Multicomponent Hybridization Transition Metal Oxide Electrode Enriched with Oxygen Vacancy for Ultralong‐Life Supercapacitor
Authors: Zhang Zhihui , Sun Shishuai , Xu Zhihui , Yin Shougen
Published: June 2023

Transition metal oxide electrode materials for supercapacitors suffer from poor electrical conductivity and stability, which are the research focus of the energy storage field. Herein, multicomponent hybridization Ni‐Cu oxide (NCO‐Ar/H2‐10) electrode enriched with oxygen vacancy and high electrical conductivity including the Cu0.2Ni0.8O, Cu2O and CuO is prepared by introducing Cu element into Ni metal oxide with hydrothermal, annealing, and plasma treatment. The NCO‐Ar/H2‐10 electrode exhibits high specific capacity (1524 F g−1 at 3 A g−1), good rate performance (72%) and outstanding cyclic stability (109% after 40,000 cycles). The NCO‐Ar/H2‐10//AC asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) achieves high energy density of 48.6 Wh kg−1 at 799.6 W kg−1 while exhibiting good cycle life (117.5% after 10,000 cycles). The excellent electrochemical performance mainly comes from the round‐trip valence change of Cu+/Cu2+ in the multicomponent hybridization enhance the surface capacitance during the redox process, and the change of electronic microstructure triggered by a large number of oxygen vacancies reduce the adsorption energy of OH− ions of thin nanosheet with crack of surface edge, ensuring electron and ion‐transport processes and remitting the structural collapse of material. This work provides a new strategy for improving the cycling stability of transition metal oxide electrode materials.
Novel Structural Design and Adsorption/Insertion Coordinating Quasi‐Metallic Na Storage Mechanism toward High‐performance Hard Carbon Anode Derived from Carboxymethyl Cellulose
Authors: Zhao Yanhong , Hu Zhuang , Fan Changling , Gao Peng , Zhang Ruisheng , Liu Zhixiao , Liu Jinshui , Liu Jilei
Published: June 2023

Hard Carbon have become the most promising anode candidates for sodium‐ion batteries, but the poor rate performance and cycle life remain key issues. In this work, N‐doped hard carbon with abundant defects and expanded interlayer spacing is constructed by using carboxymethyl cellulose sodium as precursor with the assistance of graphitic carbon nitride. The formation of N‐doped nanosheet structure is realized by the CN• or CC• radicals generated through the conversion of nitrile intermediates in the pyrolysis process. This greatly enhances the rate capability (192.8 mAh g−1 at 5.0 A g−1) and ultra‐long cycle stability (233.3 mAh g−1 after 2000 cycles at 0.5 A g−1). In situ Raman spectroscopy, ex situ X‐ray diffraction and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis in combination with comprehensive electrochemical characterizations, reveal that the interlayer insertion coordinated quasi‐metallic sodium storage in the low potential plateau region and adsorption storage in the high potential sloping region. The first‐principles density functional theory calculations further demonstrate strong coordination effect on nitrogen defect sites to capture sodium, especially with pyrrolic N, uncovering the formation mechanism of quasi‐metallic bond in the sodium storage. This work provides new insights into the sodium storage mechanism of high‐performance carbonaceous materials, and offers new opportunities for better design of hard carbon anode.
Asymmetric Pairing of Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Droplets for Programmable Photonic Cross‐Communication
Authors: Park Sihun , Lee Sang Seok , Yang Sehee , Kim Shin‐Hyun
Published: June 2023

The photonic cross‐communication between photonic droplets has provided complex color patterns through multiple reflections, potentially serving as novel optical codes. However, the cross‐communication is mostly restricted to symmetric pairs of identical droplets. Here, a design rule is reported for the asymmetric pairing of two distinct droplets to provide bright color patterns through strong cross‐communication and enrich a variety of optical codes. Cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) droplets with different stopband positions and sizes are paired. The brightness of corresponding color patterns is maximized when the pairs are selected to effectively guide light along the double reflection path by stopbands of two droplets. The experimental results are in good agreement with a geometric model where the blueshift of stopbands is better described by the angles of refraction rather than reflection. The model predicts the effectiveness of pairing quantitatively, which serves as a design rule for programming the asymmetric photonic cross‐communication. Moreover, three distinct droplets can be paired in triangular arrays, where all three cross‐communication paths yield bright color patterns when three droplets are selected to simultaneously satisfy the rule. It is believed that asymmetric pairing of distinct CLC droplets opens new opportunities for programmable optical encoding in security and anti‐counterfeiting applications.
Impaired ESX‐3 Induces Bedaquiline Persistence in Mycobacterium abscessus Growing Under Iron‐Limited Conditions
Authors: Li Bing , He Siyuan , Tan Zhili , Li Anqi , Fan Junsheng , Zhao Lan , Zhang Zhemin , Chu Haiqing
Published: June 2023

ESX‐3 is a secretion pathway which is essential for mycobactin‐mediated iron acquisition under iron‐limited conditions. Although present in all Mycobacterium sp., ESX‐3 remains to be elucidated in Mycobacterium abscessus. In the study reported here, impaired ESX‐3 seriously restricts the growth of M. abscesses under iron‐limited conditions; growth is salvaged by functional ESX‐3 or iron supplementation. Notably, impaired ESX‐3 does not kill M. abscesses when environmental iron is insufficient but induces persistence to bedaquiline, a diarylquinoline class antibiotic used to treat multidrug‐resistant mycobacteria. One potential mechanism contributing to persistence is the iron deficiency due to impaired ESX‐3 suppressing succinate dehydrogenase activity, which dysregulates the tricarboxylic acid cycle and inactivates bedaquiline. Experiments conducted here also demonstrate that the regulator, MtrA, can bind ESX‐3 and promote the survival of M. abscessus. As such, this study suggests that a novel pathway involving MtrA, ESX‐3, iron metabolism, and the TCA cycle contributes to bedaquiline persistence in M. abscesses growing under iron‐limited conditions.
Production of engineered algal biochar through microwave pyrolysis for nutrient recovery from aqueous solution
Authors: Mishra Bikram , Remya Neelancherry , Mohit Aggarwal
Published: June 2023

Biochar adsorbs contaminants from wastewater. However, biochar's modification, its application in nutrient removal from wastewater, and its mechanism of nutrient removal need to be explored. In this study, nitrate and phosphate were recovered from secondary treated domestic wastewater using microalgal biochar (Spirulina sp.). The biochar was obtained by microwave pyrolysis of algae at 400 W power for 10 min. The biochar was modified using Mg(OH)2 under different conditions. Three pre‐and post‐treated biochars with varied Mg(OH)2 percentages (2%, 4%, and 6% by weight) were produced. All the modifications in biochar improved its specific surface area. Highest specific surface area of the modified biochar reached 33 m2/g compared to 12 m2/g of the unmodified biochar. SEM analysis showed improvement in the porosity of the modified biochars. Modification also introduced ‒OH, ‒C=C‒ and ‒C‒O‒C‒ functional groups on the biochar surface. All these modifications improved the nutrient adsorption capability of the biochar. Adsorption studies indicated that 4% post‐treated biochar (Po4) was the best. The adsorption data fit the pseudo second order kinetic model with R2 being 0.99 and 0.96 for phosphate and nitrate respectively. Among different isotherm models, the Freundlich isotherm model showed the best fit for phosphate and nitrate, with their respective R2 being 0.96 and 0.97, indicating multi‐layer physical‐chemical adsorption, including the intra‐particle diffusion. The equilibrium time for adsorption for nitrate and phosphate was 7 and 6 h, respectively. The optimum pH was 5 and 6 for nitrate and phosphate, respectively, and the optimum dosage was 2 g/L. The maximum adsorption capacity for nitrate and phosphate was 7.9 and 8.9 mg/g, respectively. Po4 showed potential as a fertilizer as it had 5.84 and 3.02 g of extractable phosphate and nitrate per kg of biochar.
First detection of hepatitis E virus in dromedary camels from Iran
Authors: Sarani Ali , Ravanbakhsh Atefeh , Kamaladini Hossein
Published: June 2023

Background

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 7 is a zoonotic disease detected in dromedary camels.

Hypothesis/objectives

The consumption of camel meat and dairy products, the abundance of dromedary camels in Southeast Iran and the import of camels from neighbouring countries to Iran made the researchers investigate the infection rate of camels by the virus.

Animals

A total of 53 healthy camels in Southeast Iran (Sistan and Baluchistan Province) tested for HEV RNA.

Method

A total of 17 blood samples and 36 liver samples were taken from 53 healthy dromedary camels (aged between 2 and 10 years) from various southeastern regions of Iran. The samples were tested for HEV using RT‐PCR.

Results

Overall, 56.6% of the studied samples (n = 30) tested positive for HEV RNA.

Conclusions and clinical importance

The present study was the first of its kind in Iran and revealed the presence of HEV in the Iranian dromedary camel population, which might play the role of a zoonosis reservoir for its transmission to humans. This discovery raises concerns about food‐borne illnesses that can be transmitted from animals to humans. However, further research is needed to identify the specific genotype of the HEV in Iranian dromedary camel infections and to determine the risk of spread to other animals and humans.
Symmetry-based decomposition for optimised parallelisation in 3D printing processes
Authors: Hatton Hayley , Khalid Muhammad , Manzoor Umar , Murray John
Published: June 2023

Current research in 3D printing focuses on improving printing performance through various techniques, including decomposition, but targets only single printers. With improved hardware costs increasing printer availability, more situations can arise involving a multitude of printers, which offers substantially more throughput in combination that may not be best utilised by current decomposition approaches. A novel approach to 3D printing is introduced that attempts to exploit this as a means of significantly increasing the speed of printing models. This was approached as a problem akin to the parallel delegation of computation tasks in a multi-core environment, where optimal performance involves computation load being distributed as evenly as possible. To achieve this, a decomposition framework was designed that combines recursive symmetric slicing with a hybrid tree-based analytical and greedy strategy to optimally minimise the maximum volume of subparts assigned to the set of printers. Experimental evaluation of the algorithm was performed to compare our approach to printing models normally (“in serial”) as a control. The algorithm was subjected to a range of models and a varying quantity of printers in parallel, with printer parameters held constant, and yielded mixed results. Larger, simpler, and more symmetric objects exhibited more significant and reliable improvements in fabrication duration at larger amounts of parallelisation than smaller, more complex, or more asymmetric objects.
Effect of LSD and music on the time-varying brain dynamics
Authors: Adamska Iga , Finc Karolina
Published: June 2023

Rationale

Psychedelics are getting closer to being widely used in clinical treatment. Music is known as a key element of psychedelic-assisted therapy due to its psychological effects, specifically on the emotion, meaning-making, and sensory processing. However, there is still a lack of understanding in how psychedelics influence brain activity in experimental settings involving music listening.

Objectives

The main goal of our research was to investigate the effect of music, as a part of “setting,” on the brain states dynamics after lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) intake.

Methods

We used an open dataset, where a group of 15 participants underwent two functional MRI scanning sessions under LSD and placebo influence. Every scanning session contained three runs: two resting-state runs separated by one run with music listening. We applied K-Means clustering to identify the repetitive patterns of brain activity, so-called brain states. For further analysis, we calculated states’ dwell time, fractional occupancy and transition probability.

Results

The interaction effect of music and psychedelics led to change in the time-varying brain activity of the task-positive state. LSD, regardless of the music, affected the dynamics of the state of combined activity of DMN, SOM, and VIS networks. Crucially, we observed that the music itself could potentially have a long-term influence on the resting-state, in particular on states involving task-positive networks.

Conclusions

This study indicates that music, as a crucial element of “setting,” can potentially have an influence on the subject’s resting-state during psychedelic experience. Further studies should replicate these results on a larger sample size.