bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Establishing Chronic Toxicity Effect Levels for Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Exposed to Perfluorooctane Sulfonate
Authors: Pandelides Zacharias , Arblaster Jennifer , Conder Jason
Published: October 2023

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are among the aquatic species most sensitive to perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). Environmental regulatory agencies and researchers use effect benchmarks from laboratory zebrafish PFOS toxicity studies in PFOS-spiked water to calculate PFOS aquatic life criteria. Threshold values as low as 0.7 µg/L (identified in an early, limited scope study) have been used in criteria derivation and site-specific aquatic ecological risk assessments. The present study reviews PFOS effects benchmarks for lethality, growth, and reproduction endpoints from more than 20 zebrafish toxicity studies, including a recent multigenerational study conducted by the United States Army Corps of Engineers Engineer Research & Development Center. Our review of 12 key studies examining long-term, chronic exposures (including multigenerational exposures of 300 days or more) indicated that 0.7 µg/L should not be used as a conservative screening threshold given that effects could not be repeated at this concentration by the recent enhanced multigenerational study. Based on this finding and multiple chronic sublethal studies on PFOS in zebrafish, chronic effects on lethality, growth, and reproduction occur at concentrations two orders of magnitude higher than 0.7 µg/L. Overall, the present review indicates a no-effect screening level of 31 µg/L and a low-effect screening level of 96 µg/L should be used to develop PFOS aquatic life criteria and to inform site-specific ecological risk assessments that are charged with evaluating risks to freshwater fish. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:7–18. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
A low‐fat synbiotic cream cheese containing herbal gums, Bifidobacterium adolescentis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus: Physicochemical, rheological, sensory, and microstructural characterization during storage
Authors: Shahraki Reza , Elhamirad Amir Hossein , Hesari Javad , Noghabi Mostafa Shahidi , Nia Ahmad Pedram
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to use natural herbal gums, as fat replacers, for preparing a low‐fat synbiotic cream cheese; for this purpose, the effects of Lepidium perfoliatum seed gum (LPSG) (1% w/w) and flaxseed gum (FG) (1% w/w) on physicochemical, rheological, organoleptic, and microstructural properties of low‐fat cream cheese containing B. adolescentis and L. rhamnosus were analyzed over a 45‐day storage period. The results indicated that adding LPSG and FG had no significant effects on acidity and pH (p > .05). The results also showed that full‐fat (FF) cheese samples had the highest textural (hardness (1.099–0.88), cohesiveness (0.72–0.67), springiness (1.95–1.64), adhesiveness (1.01–0.69), and spreadability (1.53–1.17)), viscosity and sensory scores (color (4.22–4.18), odor (4.13–4.09), taste (4.19–3.89), texture (4.08–3.81), and overall acceptability (4.01–3.72)) during 45‐day storage. Based on the probiotic count test, only the treated samples with LPSG + FG had a probiotic count in the standard range (6.23 cfu/g) at the end of the storage time. The outcomes of the present study indicated that the incorporation of LPSG and FG into the formulation of low‐fat synbiotic cream cheese could be an effective strategy to overcome the problems associated with fat reduction.
Microencapsulated polyphenol extracts from Georgia‐grown pomegranate peels delay lipid oxidation in salad dressing during accelerated and ambient storage conditions
Authors: Yang Boran , Chen Jinru , Mis Solval Kevin
Published: October 2023

Lipid oxidation is a major cause of quality deterioration in salad dressings. This study evaluated the effect of incorporating microencapsulated polyphenol extracts via spray drying from pomegranate peels (MPP) to delay lipid oxidation in Italian‐style salad dressings (ISD) during accelerated (55°C) and ambient (25°C) storage conditions. ISDs, prepared at high (5000 rpm) and low (250 rpm) shear rates conditions, were formulated with unencapsulated polyphenol extracts from pomegranate peels (PPP), MPP, and/or grape seed extract (GSE). Lipid oxidation in ISDs was evaluated by measuring peroxide value (PV), iodine value (IV), and TBARS, stored in accelerated and ambient conditions for 21 days and 8 weeks, respectively. Tannis in extracts were measured via HPLC‐DAD and the total hydrolyzable tannin content of PPP and MPP was 283.09 and 427.74 (mg/g extract), respectively. Condensed tannins were not detected in PPP and MPP but were found in GSE (348.53 mg/g extract). Salad dressings prepared at high shear rates had significantly (p < .05) higher emulsion stability than those homogenized at low shear rates. Mixing conditions did not affect the lipid oxidative stability of IDSs. Salad dressing stored under accelerated storage had higher lipid oxidation (higher PV, lower IV, and higher TBARS) after 21 days than IDSs stored under ambient conditions for 8 weeks. ISDs prepared with MPPP showed significantly (p < .05) lower lipid oxidation than the other ISDs at the end of the shelf life studies. Results from the accelerated storage suggested that incorporating MPP could have extended the shelf life of IDSs by 20% compared to using unencapsulated polyphenol extracts. The study demonstrated that MPP delays lipid oxidation in ISDs during storage more effectively than unencapsulated extracts. MPP may serve as a natural and effective functional food ingredient for controlling lipid oxidation in high‐lipid and acidified foods.
Drought impacts on river water temperature: A process‐based understanding from temperate climates
Authors: White J. C. , Khamis K. , Dugdale S. , Jackson F. L. , Malcolm I. A. , Krause S. , Hannah D. M.
Published: October 2023

High river water temperature (Tw) extremes have been widely reported during drought conditions as extreme low‐flows often coincide with high atmospheric energy inputs. This has significant implications for freshwater ecosystem health and sustainable river management practices globally. However, the extent to which different meteorological and hydrological processes interact during droughts to govern Tw dynamics, and how this varies between environmental contexts, remains poorly understood. Here, we review the mechanisms controlling Tw dynamics during droughts across temperate, maritime environments, using the United Kingdom as a detailed case study. We evidence that Tw spikes have widely occurred during extreme low‐flow events observed within droughts, but such trends have been inconsistent due to varying hydroclimatic conditions and river basin controls. To better understand this, we re‐conceptualize the mechanisms governing drought‐induced Tw dynamics operating across three ‘process sets’: (i) ‘energy flux dynamics’ as non‐advective controls on Tw; (ii) the role of ‘reach‐scale habitat conditions’ in mediating non‐advective controls on Tw, including hydraulic properties (e.g., residence time) and physical conditions (e.g., riparian vegetation coverages, wetted perimeters); (iii) ‘water source contributions’ (surface water and groundwater) as advective heat and water flow controls. We review natural and anthropogenic influences affecting Tw controls within each process set and discuss how such mechanisms are likely to change under drought conditions. More systematic research (spanning various river environments and drought severities) is required to test such concepts, with existing scientific knowledge on drought‐induced Tw dynamics being largely gleaned from studies examining non‐extreme low‐flow conditions or with broader focuses (e.g., annual thermal dynamics). We conclude by highlighting critical future research questions that need to be answered to better model Tw dynamics during future droughts and for unmonitored sites. Such scientific advances would more effectively inform how high Tw extremes could be better managed through evidence‐based mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Predicting stream water temperature with artificial neural networks based on open‐access data
Authors: Drainas Konstantina , Kaule Lisa , Mohr Stefanie , Uniyal Bhumika , Wild Romy , Geist Juergen
Published: October 2023

Predictions of stream water temperature are an important tool for assessing potential impacts of climate warming on aquatic ecosystems and for prioritizing targeted adaptation and mitigation measures. Since predictions require reliable baseline data, we assessed whether open‐access data can serve as a suitable resource for accurate and reliable water temperature prediction using artificial neural networks (ANNs). For this purpose, we trained and tested ANNs in 16 small () headwater streams of major types located in Bavaria, Germany. Between four and eight different combinations of input parameters were trained and tested for each stream ANN, based on data availability. These were air temperature (mean, minimum and maximum), day of the year, discharge, water level and sunshine duration per day. We found that the input combination with the highest accuracy (lowest RMSE) was stream‐specific, suggesting that the optimal input combination cannot be generalized across streams. Using a reasonable, but random, input combination resulted in an increase in error (RMSE) of up to >100% compared to the stream‐specific optimal combination. Hence, we conclude that the accuracy of water temperature prediction strongly depends on the availability of open‐access input data. We also found that environmental parameters such as hydrological characteristics and the proportion of land use in the 5 m riparian strip and the entire catchment are important drivers, affecting the accuracy and reliability of ANNs. ANNs' prediction accuracy was strongly negatively related to river length, total catchment area and water level. High proportions of semi‐natural and forested land cover correlated with a higher accuracy, while open‐canopy land use types such as grassland were negatively associated with ANN accuracy. In conclusion, open‐access data were found to be suitable for accurate and reliable predictions of water temperature using ANNs. However, we recommend incorporating stream‐specific environmental information and tailor the combination of input parameters to individual streams in order to obtain optimal results.
Impact of e‐cigarette liquid on porcine lung tissue—Ex vivo confocal Raman micro‐spectroscopy study
Authors: Jaafar Ali , Albarazanchi Abbas , Kadhim Mohammed Jawad , Darvin Maxim E. , Váczi Tamás , Tuchin Valery V. , Veres Miklós
Published: October 2023

Ex vivo porcine lung immersed in e‐liquid was investigated in‐depth using confocal Raman micro‐spectroscopy to assess the e‐liquid influence on the lung. It was found that lung‐related Raman band intensities at 1002, 1548, 1618 and 1655 cm−1 increased after first and second treatments except the surface, which was attributed to the well‐known optical clearing (OC) effect due to alveoli filling with e‐liquid resulting in light scattering reduction. The autofluorescence enhancement was explained by oxidative stress induced in lung during exposure to e‐liquid. Moreover, e‐liquid induced collagen dehydration was revealed by the I937/I926 Raman band intensity ratio change. The effect was enhanced after the second treatment of the same lung tissue that indicates the possibility of multi‐step OC treatment. We hypothesize that the nicotine‐flavour‐free e‐liquids containing glycerol and propylene glycol could potentially be used in clinical protocols as OC agent for enhanced in‐depth Raman‐guided bronchoscopy.
Quantifying Bone Strength Deficits in Young Adults Born Extremely Preterm or Extremely Low Birth Weight
Authors: Dao Thang , Robinson Dale Lee , Doyle Lex W , Lee Peter VS , Olsen Joy , Kale Ashwini , Cheong Jeanie LY , Wark John D
Published: October 2023

The long-term bone health of young adults born extremely preterm (EP; <28 weeks' gestation) or extremely low birth weight (ELBW; <1000 g birth weight) in the post-surfactant era (since the early 1990s) is unclear. This study investigated their bone structure and estimated bone strength using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT)-based finite element modeling (pQCT-FEM). Results using this technique have been associated with bone fragility in several clinical settings. Participants comprised 161 EP/ELBW survivors (46.0% male) and 122 contemporaneous term-born (44.3% male), normal birth weight controls born in Victoria, Australia, during 1991–1992. At age 25 years, participants underwent pQCT at 4% and 66% of tibia and radius length, which was analyzed using pQCT-FEM. Groups were compared using linear regression and adjusted for height and weight. An interaction term between group and sex was added to assess group differences between sexes. Parameters measured included compressive stiffness (kcomp), torsional stiffness (ktorsion), and bending stiffness (kbend). EP/ELBW survivors were shorter than the controls, but their weights were similar. Several unadjusted tibial pQCT-FEM parameters were lower in the EP/ELBW group. Height- and weight-adjusted ktorsion at 66% tibia remained lower in EP/ELBW (mean difference [95% confidence interval] −180 [−352, −8] Nm/deg). The evidence for group differences in ktorsion and kbend at 66% tibia was stronger among males than females (pinteractions <0.05). There was little evidence for group differences in adjusted radial models. Lower height- and weight-adjusted pQCT-FEM measures in EP/ELBW compared with controls suggest a clinically relevant increase in predicted long-term fracture risk in EP/ELBW survivors, particularly males. Future pQCT-FEM studies should utilize the tibial pQCT images because of the greater variability in the radius possibly related to lower measurement precision. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Behavioral activation is associated with post‐disaster mental health: Secondary longitudinal analysis from a population‐based study
Authors: Pavlacic Jeffrey M. , Ruggiero Kenneth J. , Andrews Arthur R. , Price Matthew , Rheingold Alyssa A.
Published: October 2023

Objective

Interventions in post‐disaster environments may be accelerated by identifying protective behavioral factors adding incremental value to models of psychopathology using longitudinal methods. One protective behavior applicable to post‐disaster contexts is behavioral activation (BA). BA is defined here as a behavioral pattern involving presence of valued activity engagement. While relevant post‐disaster, the incremental value of BA behaviors in predicting longitudinal post‐disaster outcomes is not well understood. We hypothesized that higher baseline engagement in behaviors consistent with a BA framework would predict decreased posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity, depression symptom severity, and sleep disturbance approximately 3, 6, and 12 months after hurricane survivors completed baseline measures.

Methods

The current study is a secondary analysis from a randomized controlled trial of a disaster mental health digital intervention. Participants completed surveys at baseline and approximately 3, 6, and 12 months post‐enrollment. Correlations and hierarchical regression analyses were calculated following data screening to predict PTSD symptom severity, depression symptom severity, and sleep disturbances.

Results

Controlling for alcohol use, prior trauma, displacement, and intervention condition, higher baseline BA consistently predicted less PTSD symptom severity, depression symptom severity, and sleep disturbances.

Conclusion

Results suggest that post‐disaster interventions should consider addressing BA. The study provides evidence that BA is potentially an important protective factor longitudinally predicting sleep disturbances and psychopathology after natural disasters.
Deep Learning Model Based on Multisequence MRI Images for Assessing Adverse Pregnancy Outcome in Placenta Accreta
Authors: Zong Ming , Pei Xinlong , Yan Kun , Luo Deng , Zhao Yangyu , Wang Ping , Chen Lian
Published: October 2023

Background

Preoperative assessment of adverse outcomes risk in placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders is of high clinical relevance for perioperative management and prognosis.

Purpose

To investigate the association of preoperative MRI multisequence images and adverse pregnancy outcomes by establishing a deep learning model in patients with PAS.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

323 pregnant women (age from 20 to 46, the median age is 33), suspected of PAS, underwent MRI to assess the PAS, divided into the training (N = 227) and validation datasets (N = 96).

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5T scanner/fast imaging employing steady‐state acquisition sequence and single shot fast spin echo sequence.

Assessment

Different deep learning models (i.e., with single MRI input sequence/two sequences/multisequence) were compared to assess the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, which defined as intraoperative bleeding ≥1500 mL and/or hysterectomy. Net reclassification improvement (NRI) was used for quantitative comparison of assessing adverse pregnancy outcome between different models.

Statistical Tests

The AUC, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were used for evaluation. The Shapiro–Wilk test and t‐test were used. A P value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

215 cases were invasive placenta accreta (67.44% of them with adverse outcomes) and 108 cases were non‐invasive placenta accreta (9.25% of them with adverse outcomes). The model with four sequences assessed adverse pregnancy outcomes with AUC of 0.8792 (95% CI, 0.8645–0.8939), with ACC of 85.93% (95%, 84.43%–87.43%), with SEN of 86.24% (95% CI, 82.46%–90.02%), and with SPC of 85.62% (95%, 82.00%–89.23%) on the test cohort. The performance of model with four sequences improved above 0.10 comparing with that of model with two sequences and above 0.20 comparing with that of model with single sequence in terms of NRI.

Data Conclusion

The proposed model showed good diagnostic performance for assessing adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Amide Proton Transfer‐Weighted Imaging and Multiple Models Intravoxel Incoherent Motion‐Based 18F‐FDG PET/MRI for Predicting Progression‐Free Survival in Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Meng Nan , Jiang Han , Sun Jing , Shen Lei , Wang Xinhui , Zhou Yihang , Wu Yaping , Fu Fangfang , Yuan Jianmin , Yang Yang , Wang Zhe , Wang Meiyun
Published: October 2023

Background

Amide proton transfer‐weighted imaging (APTWI) and multiple models intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) based 18F‐FDG PET/MR could reflect the microscopic information of the tumor from multiple perspectives. However, its value in the prognostic assessment of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) still needs to be further explored.

Purpose

To determine whether pretreatment APTWI, mono‐, bi‐, and stretched‐exponential model IVIM, and 18F‐FDG PET‐derived parameters of the primary lesion may be associated with progression‐free survival (PFS) in NSCLC.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Seventy‐seven patients (mean age, 62 years, range, 20–81 years) with 37 men and 40 women were included.

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0 T 18F‐FDG PET/MRI, single shot echo planar imaging sequences for IVIM and fast spin‐echo sequences with magnetization transfer pulses for APTWI.

Assessment

Patient clinical characteristics (age, sex, smoke, subtype, TNM stage, and surgery), PFS (chest CT every 3 months, median follow‐up was 18 months, range, 4–27 months), and APTWI (MTRasym(3.5 ppm)), IVIM (ADCstand, D, D*, f, DDC, and α), and 18F‐FDG PET (SUVmax, MTV, and TLG) parameters were recorded.

Statistical Tests

Proportional hazards model, concordance index, calibration curve, decision curve analysis (DCA), and Log‐rank test. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Histological subtype, TNM stage, MTV, D*, and MTRasym(3.5 ppm) were all independent predictors of PFS. A prediction model based on these predictors was developed with a C‐index of 0.895 (95% CI: 0.839–0.951), which was significantly superior to each of the above predictors alone (C‐index = 0.629, 0.707, 0.692, 0.678, and 0.558, respectively). The calibration curve and DCA indicated good consistency and clinical utility of the prediction model, respectively. Log‐rank test results showed a significant difference in PFS between the high‐ and low‐risk groups.

Data Conclusion

APTWI and multiple models IVIM based 18F‐FDG PET/MRI can be used for PFS assessment in NSCLC.

Evidence Level

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
A Review of the Estimation of Sensitivity and Specificity in the Context of Time‐Dependent Outcomes
Authors: Sevilimedu Varadan , Pangan Giuseppe , Pinker Katja
Published: October 2023

Time is an essential element in the field of survival analysis. Time to an event is essential in adjudicating diagnostic utility and determining the effectiveness of treatment. However, time‐to‐event outcomes—in a sense—are complicated to deal with, since they involve both a binary component, which is the outcome itself (death or recurrence) and a continuous component, which is the time for the occurrence of the outcome. In such scenarios, simpler metrics such as sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and area under the curve are insufficient to establish the utility of a diagnostic marker. Given the above constraint, this review discusses established ways in which sensitivity and specificity can be determined and are therefore sufficient in establishing utility in the context of time‐dependent outcomes. This review also discusses how studies investigating the sensitivity and specificity of a diagnostic marker in the context of time‐dependent outcomes can be improved through the use of existing user‐friendly statistical software.

Level of Evidence

5

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3
α‐Lipoic acid alleviates dextran sulfate sodium salt‐induced ulcerative colitis via modulating the Keap1–Nrf2 signaling pathway and inhibiting ferroptosis
Authors: Jiang Peng , Zhai Zongzhen , Zhao Linxian , Zhang Kai , Duan Liwei
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronically relapsing inflammatory disease with severe diarrhea, fatigue and weight loss. α‐Lipoic acid (LA), a well‐known antioxidant, is able to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and maintain a healthy cellular redox state. However, the role of LA in protecting IBD is still unclear. Hence the aim of this research was to investigate the protective effect of LA on dextran sulfate sodium salt‐induced ulcerative colitis (UC) and its underlying mechanism.

RESULTS

Here, our findings showed that LA significantly alleviated UC symptoms and the overproduction of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in UC mice. In addition, LA treatment inhibited intestinal cell apoptosis by regulating the expression levels of p53/caspase‐3 pathway‐related protein in UC mice. Meanwhile, the inhibitory effects of LA on colonic oxidative stress and ferroptosis were revealed. Our study further demonstrated that LA treatment could regulate the Kelch‐like ECH‐associating protein 1 (Keap1)–nuclear factor E2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway. Interestingly, we confirmed that LA inhibited ferroptosis by attenuating endoplasmic reticulum stress and suppressing apoptosis in erastin‐induced ferroptosis model in vitro.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, this study's findings suggest that LA could be considered as a therapeutic agent protecting against IBD. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Characterization of wheat dough and Chinese steamed bread using mealworm powder formulated with medium‐gluten and whole wheat flour
Authors: Xie Xinyuan , Zhang Jinhao , Yuan Zhihe , Wang Haibo , An Jianhui , Deng Lingli
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) larvae are nutritious edible insects and exhibit the potential to act as protein substitutes in food products. In this study, we added mealworm powder as a substitute to medium‐gluten wheat and whole wheat flours to enhance the quality of baked products. We compared the pasting, farinograph and extensograph properties of medium‐gluten wheat and whole wheat flours replaced with different concentrations of mealworm powder to explore the interactions between flour and mealworm powder.

RESULTS

Mealworm powder changed the pasting characteristics of medium‐gluten wheat and whole wheat flours. After adding 20% mealworm powder, the pasting temperature of the medium‐gluten wheat flour remained unchanged (approximately 89.9 °C), while the pasting temperature of whole wheat flour increased from 88.83 to 90.27 °C. Water absorption of medium‐gluten and whole wheat flours exhibited a decreasing trend with increasing mealworm powder concentrations. Mealworm powder substitution resulted in stronger medium‐gluten dough but exerted an opposite effect on the farinograph properties of whole wheat dough. Mealworm powder substitution decreased the stretching resistance of medium‐gluten dough but increased that of whole wheat dough. With an increase in the concentration of mealworm powder, the specific volume of medium‐gluten wheat steamed bread significantly increased from 1.69 mL g−1 (M0) to 3.31 mL g−1 (M10) whereas that of whole wheat steamed bread increased from 1.64 mL g−1 (M0) to 2.34 mL g−1 (M15). The addition of mealworm powder increased the protein, dietary fiber, lipid and sodium contents of steamed bread samples.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a reference for the rheological properties of medium‐gluten wheat and whole wheat flours substituted with mealworm powder and supports the addition of insects as a protein source in food products. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Posttreatment complications in pediatric cervical neuroblastoma: A retrospective case series at a tertiary cancer center
Authors: Lopez Joseph , Subramanian Tejas , Durell Jonathan , Levyn Helena , Wong Richard , Shah Jatin , LaQuaglia Michael P. , Gerstle Justin Ted
Published: October 2023

Background

Neuroblastomas rarely occur as primary tumors in the cervical region. Therefore, very little has been reported regarding treatment strategies, complications, and outcomes of these cervical neuroblastomas. The goal of this study is to review the presentation, management, and outcomes of all primary cervical pediatric neuroblastoma cases at a single tertiary care center.

Methods

A retrospective cohort review of all neuroblastoma patients treated at a single center were performed. All patients with primary cervical neuroblastoma were reviewed for demographic information, tumor characteristics, treatment, and outcomes.

Results

Thirty (1.8%) patients were found to have undergone treatment for cervical neuroblastoma tumors diagnosed on average at 2.1 years old. Most presented with a swollen neck/palpable mass ± Horner's syndrome. Based on features including tumor staging, N‐myc proto‐oncogene protein (MYCN) amplification status, histology, most were deemed intermediate or high risk. Treatment strategies centered around chemotherapeutic regimens with surgery when possible as well as various adjuvant treatments including radiation therapy, immunotherapy, bone marrow transplant, and a neuroblastoma vaccine. Ten (33.3%) of patients experienced treatment‐related complications and four (13.3%) died as a result of their disease progression. All four patients were high‐risk patients, two of which had MYCN amplification.

Conclusion

Cervical neuroblastomas generally have favorable outcomes. These tumors can be treated effectively with chemotherapy and surgical intervention with various adjuvant therapies. MYCN amplification and higher stage disease presentation contribute to worse outcomes.
Exploring the relationship between traditional bibliometrics and Altmetric scores in the primary care literature
Authors: Burrell Alexander , Butler Daniel , Ukoumunne Obioha C. , Dambha‐Miller Hajira
Published: October 2023

There is some evidence that Altmetric scores correlate with citations in medical research, but this is not consistent across different specialties. No previous studies have examined the association between Altmetric score and citations amongst primary care research journals. The aim of this study was therefore to describe this association. We identified the ten most frequently cited articles published in the top 15 highest impact factor primary care research journals. Article and journal metrics were extracted and summarized using descriptive statistics. We used Spearman's correlation coefficient (rs) and log–log linear regression modelling to examine the relationship between citations and Altmetric score. 150 articles were included with a median of 36.5 (IQR 20–59; range 5–811) citations. We found a positive association between citations and Altmetric score (rs = 0.519; p < 0.001). A unit increase in log Altmetric score was associated with increased log citations [0.175 (95% CI 0.091–0.259, p < 0.001)] in an adjusted linear regression model. The regression findings indicate that increasing Altmetric score by 10% was associated with a 1.68% increase in citation rate. This has implications for how authors, academic institutions and primary care research journals approach dissemination of articles.
Acoustic twilight: A year‐long seafloor monitoring unveils phenological patterns in the abyssal soundscape
Authors: Lin Tzu‐Hao , Kawagucci Shinsuke
Published: October 2023

Despite the perpetual darkness of the deep sea, contrasting the sunlit epipelagic waters, many deep‐sea organisms exhibit rhythmic activities. To discern environmental cues that may serve as entrainment signals for deep‐sea organisms, this study investigated the soundscape of the abyssal plain south of Minamitorishima Island. Our analysis revealed clear diel and seasonal patterns, primarily driven by evening fish choruses and marine mammal vocalizations. These evening choruses, discernible above the background noise, likely serve as a circadian time cue for organisms capable of perceiving them within the aphotic depths. In addition, the frequent detection of whistles and echolocation clicks suggests this region functions as a foraging ground for marine mammals. These acoustic cues might guide organisms with auditory capabilities toward habitats rich in sinking food debris and whale falls. By elucidating the ecological processes shaping abyssal soundscape dynamics, these findings open new directions for further exploration in deep‐sea chronobiology.
When your supporters become your opponents: Exploring the unintended effects of parodies on social media engagement
Authors: Sabri Ouidade , El Hana Nadr , Abidi Zineb , Martin Silvia
Published: October 2023

Using parodies to mock politicians' personal flaws is a prevalent practice and represents an important threat to their brand image and reputation. However, the ability of parodies based on personal attacks to create positive social media engagement from the parodist's point of view is still unexplored. This study contributes to the attribution–emotion–action theory by exposing the unintended effects of parodies on social media engagement. We began with a content analysis of 331 parodies of political figures posted on YouTube from 2012 to 2019. Then, by using both a machine‐learning‐based analysis of 31,300 comments on those parodies and an experiment, we compared the effectiveness of two types of parodies based on personal attacks, depending on the type of stigma depicted: controllable versus uncontrollable. Our findings are paradoxical. Compared to parodies based on controllable personal stigmas, parodies of uncontrollable stigmas foster less supportive social media engagement toward the parodist and his/her parody (i.e., likes, shares), especially among individuals who were originally detractors and opponents of the parodied politician. Those effects are mediated by the role of moral‐condemning emotions expressing the inappropriateness of the topic selected by the parodist. Henceforth, it is advisable for parodists to refrain from incorporating representations of an uncontrollable stigma into their spoof creations, as such actions may imperil the levels of engagement exhibited by their audience, encompassing both their reception of the parodies and their perception of the parodists themselves.
How narcissism biases food healthiness perceptions and consumption
Authors: Lunardo Renaud , Gross Jana
Published: October 2023

Understanding the determinants of food and beverage healthiness perceptions and consumers' subsequent choices are key to fighting obesity. In this research, we provide empirical evidence for narcissism as an important determinant. Building on the psychological literature on narcissism and its evaluative biases, we develop and test a model exploring how individuals high in narcissism perceive benefits in food compared to their counterparts, which, in turn, elicits higher food consumption. In three studies using different samples (French‐ and US‐based), methods (correlational, field study and online experiment), and products (wine and nuts), we report consistent evidence for this argument. We also show that that this pattern flips when considering the social context. Individuals high in narcissism in social situations adopt a protection strategy of their self‐image, thereby focusing more on food health hazards and consequentially refraining more from consuming such foods. Our findings on how narcissism triggers food perceptions as well as subsequent consumption choices have important implications for both the food industry and public policy.
N‐dimensional wave packet transform and associated uncertainty principles in the free metaplectic transform domain
Authors: Dar Aamir Hamid , Bhat Mohammad Younus
Published: October 2023

The free metaplectic transformation (FMT) is an
‐dimensional linear canonical transform. This transform is much useful, especially in multidimensional signal processing and applications. In this paper, our aim is to achieve an efficient time‐frequency representation of higher‐dimensional nonstationary signals by introducing the novel free metaplectic wave packet transform (FM‐WPT) in
, based on the elegant convolution structure associated with the free metaplectic transforms. The FM‐WPT preserves the properties of classical wave packet transform (WPT) in
and has better mathematical properties. Further, the validity of the proposed transform is demonstrated via a lucid example. The preliminary analysis encompasses the derivation of fundamental properties of the novel FM‐WPT, including boundedness, reconstruction formula, Moyal's formula, and the reproducing kernel. To extend the scope of the study, we formulate several uncertainty inequalities, including Lieb's inequality, Pitt's inequality, logarithmic inequality, Heisenberg's uncertainty inequality, and Nazarov's uncertainty inequality for the proposed transform.
Inulin Supplementation Modulates the Hepatic Transcriptome, Metabolome, and Ferritin Content in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Zhao Xiaorui , He Weiwei , Jakobsen Louise M. A. , Zachariassen Line F. , Hansen Axel K. , Rasmussen Martin Krøyer , Bertram Hanne Christine
Published: October 2023

Scope

Liver is an important metabolic organ regulating whole‐body homeostasis. This study aims to investigate how prebiotic‐induced changes in the metabolic activity of the gut microbiome (GM) and dietary calcium depletion modulates the hepatic metabolome and transcriptome.

Methods and results

The serum metabolome, liver metabolome, and transcriptome are determined on samples from ovariectomized (OVX) rats fed a control diet (Control, n = 7), a control diet supplemented with 5% w/w inulin (Inulin, n = 7), or a calcium‐deficient diet (CaDef, n = 7). Inulin fortification is associated with higher serum concentrations of acetate, 3‐hydroxybutyrate, and reduced concentration of dimethyl sulfone, revealing that changes in the metabolic activity of the GM are reflected in circulating metabolites. Metabolomics also reveal that the inulin‐fortified diet results in lower concentrations of hepatic glutamate, serine, and hypoxanthine while transcriptomics reveal accompanying effects on the hepatic expression of ferric iron binding‐related genes. Inulin fortification also induces effects on the hepatic expression of genes involved in olfactory transduction, suggesting that prebiotics regulate liver function through yet unidentified mechanisms involving olfactory receptors.

Conclusion

Inulin ingestion impacts hepatic gene expression and is associated with an upregulation of ferritin synthesis‐related genes and liver ferritin content.
Transformer‐based deep learning denoising of single and multi‐delay 3D arterial spin labeling
Authors: Shou Qinyang , Zhao Chenyang , Shao Xingfeng , Jann Kay , Kim Hosung , Helmer Karl G. , Lu Hanzhang , Wang Danny J. J.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To present a Swin Transformer‐based deep learning (DL) model (SwinIR) for denoising single‐delay and multi‐delay 3D arterial spin labeling (ASL) and compare its performance with convolutional neural network (CNN) and other Transformer‐based methods.

Methods

SwinIR and CNN‐based spatial denoising models were developed for single‐delay ASL. The models were trained on 66 subjects (119 scans) and tested on 39 subjects (44 scans) from three different vendors. Spatiotemporal denoising models were developed using another dataset (6 subjects, 10 scans) of multi‐delay ASL. A range of input conditions was tested for denoising single and multi‐delay ASL, respectively. The performance was evaluated using similarity metrics, spatial SNR and quantification accuracy of cerebral blood flow (CBF), and arterial transit time (ATT).

Results

SwinIR outperformed CNN and other Transformer‐based networks, whereas pseudo‐3D models performed better than 2D models for denoising single‐delay ASL. The similarity metrics and image quality (SNR) improved with more slices in pseudo‐3D models and further improved when using M0 as input, but introduced greater biases for CBF quantification. Pseudo‐3D models with three slices achieved optimal balance between SNR and accuracy, which can be generalized to different vendors. For multi‐delay ASL, spatiotemporal denoising models had better performance than spatial‐only models with reduced biases in fitted CBF and ATT maps.

Conclusions

SwinIR provided better performance than CNN and other Transformer‐based methods for denoising both single and multi‐delay 3D ASL data. The proposed model offers flexibility to improve image quality and/or reduce scan time for 3D ASL to facilitate its clinical use.
Temporal regularity in autobiographical memory: A single case fMRI study
Authors: Gu Yu , Paolini Marco
Published: October 2023

Using fMRI, precise temporal control was extracted from routine activities in a female blind subject. Findings reveal a specific neural machinery for temporal control of recalled sequential events in episodic memory.
Landscape review of global real‐world data sources for studying medication use in pregnancy and lactation that support regulatory decision making
Authors: Davis Kourtney , Yost Emily , Brauneis Jacquelyne , Krumme Alexis , Geldhof Anja , Tuck Astrud , Sylvester Shirley , Ephross Sara
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Most pregnant people take at least one medication during gestation or while breastfeeding, however data are lacking on the safety of medication use in these populations. We conducted a landscape review of real‐world data sources specific to medication use in pregnancy and breastfeeding populations that have met, or have potential to meet, health authorities' requirements for post‐authorization safety studies.

Methods

A 2‐phase approach identified data sources from literature, publicly available registers of non‐interventional post‐authorization studies of pregnant women, existing database inventories, and emerging data sources known to the authors.

Results

Required key attributes were assessed according to current regulatory guidance, resulting in selection of 49 suitable data sources. All global regions were represented, with North America (37%) and Europe (33%) most common; 12% of the data sources included pregnancy information from low‐to middle‐income countries. Administrative healthcare claims (25%) and electronic healthcare records (21%) comprised the largest types of data sources. Across data sources, 53% were managed by national or regional governments, 27% by industry, and 20% by academic institutions. Maternal age, diagnoses, prenatal care, and reproductive history were available in most, whereas fewer included demographic data (e.g., race/ethnicity). Breastfeeding data were collected in 37% of the final data sources.

Conclusion

We conducted a systematic approach to data source evaluation of pregnancy and breastfeeding to be used as a resource for investigators to consider when designing pregnancy‐related research studies to satisfy regulatory requirements.
Separation of acetone‐water mixtures by pervaporation using NaMMT‐loaded PVA‐chitosan nanocomposite IPN membranes
Authors: Das Paramita , Ray Samit K.
Published: October 2023

NaMMT clay incorporated and maleic acid (MA) crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)‐chitisan (CS) interpenetrating network (IPN) type nanocomposite membranes were prepared for dehydration of acetone by pervaporation (PV). FTIR, XRD, SEM, UV spectroscopy, mechanical properties, contact angle measurement, and DTA‐TGA were used to characterize these membranes. The effect of clay, CS, and MA on the flux and separation factor for water were statistically optimized by Box–Behnken design (BBD). Accordingly, the membrane prepared with 39.3 wt.% CS, 3 wt.% each of MA and NaMMT nanoclay showed a flux/separation factor of 0.176–0.733 kg/m2h/ 277–168 for the pervaporative dehydration of 99 wt.% acetone.

Highlights

IPN nanocomposite membranes were prepared from PVA, CS, and nano clay.

Structure and properties of the IPNs were characterized.

Synthesis parameters were optimized by BBD.

Membranes showed high flux and water selectivity for acetone dehydration by PV.
Quantum sensors making waves across europe
Authors: Nikitskiy Ivan
Published: October 2023

Europe has witnessed remarkable developments in quantum sensing technology in recent years. Various companies have entered the field from different perspectives and made significant strides in harnessing the power of quantum phenomena to create highly sensitive and precise sensors. These sensors have the potential to revolutionize a wide range of industries, including healthcare, telecommunications, navigation, and more.
Numerical Analysis of a Photonic Crystal Fiber‐Based Biosensor for the Detection ofVibrio choleraandEscherichia coliBacteria in the THz Regime
Authors: Alhamss Dana N. , Taya Sofyan A. , Almawgani Abdulkarem H. M. , Hindi Ayman Taher , Upadhyay Anurag , Singh Shivam , Colak Ilhami , Pal Amrindra , Patel Shobhit K.
Published: October 2023

To ensure good water quality, microbiological contamination in water must be detected. This process is made easier and more distinctive using a photonic crystal fiber (PCF), which offers outstanding optical sensing capabilities. Herein, a PCF sensor model is proposed for detecting two types of waterborne bacteria, namely,Vibrio cholera and Escherichia colibacteria. The core region of the proposed PCF sensor is made up of a single rectangle and the cladding region has 32 rectangular air holes that have the same height and width as the core rectangle. Zeonex is employed as the fiber material. Using Comsol 5.6 which is based on the finite‐element method, the model is numerically analyzed and structured. The simulation verifies the effectiveness of the proposed PCF to detect the analyte samples. Numerous performance indicators are calculated at an operating 2.8 THz. Simulation results show that the proposed PCF sensor is promising. Extremely high relative sensitivity (97.996%), lower effective area (6.3575 × 104 μm2), higher numerical aperture (0.23319), lower effective material loss (0.0034 cm−1), and lower confinement loss (0.1 × 10−14) are obtained which indicate an efficient PCF sensor. Additionally, the simplicity of the PCF design ensures the fabrication possibilities of the proposed sensor.
Peppermint as a promising treatment agent in inflammatory conditions: A comprehensive systematic review of literature
Authors: Goudarzi Mohammad Ali , Radfar Mohammad , Goudarzi Zohreh
Published: October 2023

Inflammation, a type of the body's defense against injury or infection, causes many chronic disorders including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Therefore, discovering natural compounds with numerous biological activities for the management of inflammation is highly recommended. Out of natural compounds, peppermint and its main component, menthol, has been suggested to possess antiinflammatory potential. Four databases including Web of Sciences, PubMed, Scopus, and Embase were searched to identify articles about peppermint and its antiinflammatory effects up to March 2023. Out of 3805 records screened, 14 articles met the study criteria. The evidence reviewed here proposed peppermint as an antiinflammatory agent. Peppermint may suppress inflammation by activating the AMP‐activated protein kinase/unc‐51 like kinase 1/nuclear factor‐E2 associated factor 2 autophagy pathway, downregulating extracellular signal‐regulated kinase‐nuclear factor kappa B and mitogen activated protein kinases pathways, attenuating oxidative stress, suppressing the production of pro‐inflammatory mediators and nitric oxide, and inducing the production of antiinflammatory prostaglandins. Due to the promising antiinflammatory effects of peppermint and the lack of human studies in this regard, future randomized clinical trials examining the effects of peppermint on inflammation and its related maladies are warranted.
On a rainbow extremal problem for color‐critical graphs
Authors: Chakraborti Debsoumya , Kim Jaehoon , Lee Hyunwoo , Liu Hong , Seo Jaehyeon
Published: October 2023

Given graphs over a common vertex set of size , what is the maximum value of having no “colorful” copy of , that is, a copy of containing at most one edge from each ? Keevash, Saks, Sudakov, and Verstraëte denoted this number as and completely determined for large . In fact, they showed that, depending on the value of , one of the two natural constructions is always the extremal construction. Moreover, they conjectured that the same holds for every color‐critical graphs, and proved it for 3‐color‐critical graphs. They also asked to classify the graphs that have only these two extremal constructions. We prove their conjecture for 4‐color‐critical graphs and for almost all ‐color‐critical graphs when . Moreover, we show that for every non‐color‐critical non‐bipartite graphs, none of the two natural constructions is extremal for certain values of .
Military wealth: How money shapes Indigenous‐state relations among Canadian rangers
Authors: Romagnoli Bianca
Published: October 2023

Presented as the eyes, ears, and voice for the Canadian Armed Forces in the Canadian Arctic, Canadian Rangers within the first Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (1CRPG) are applauded as being positive and progressive examples of state‐Indigenous relations. Located in almost 70 communities across the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, the Yukon and Atlin, British Columbia (BC), Canadian Rangers in 1CRPG are viewed as a critical part of the arctic defense strategy and a cheap and easy way to maintain arctic sovereignty, especially in predominately Indigenous communities in the high arctic. Focusing on how Rangers and Ranger Instructors talk and think about the pay system, this article examines how value is ascribed to Rangers depending on their ability and desire to financially invest in the organization. Studying the polarity, this article analyzes how the military—which prides itself on employing Indigenous people as part of arctic defense—reinforces colonial ideologies and relational structures of Indigenous communities' dependence on state aid. However, this, I argue, further entrenches dangerous colonial stereotypes that (Indigenous) members make poor economic choices and are thus responsible for continuing their ongoing poverty and inferiority.