bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling electrical conductivity variation using a travel time distribution approach in the Duck River catchment, Australia
Authors: Riazi Zahra , Western Andrew W. , Bende‐Michl Ulrike
Published: October 2022

Solute dynamics depend strongly on hydrologic flow paths and transit times within catchments. In this paper, we use a travel time tracking method to simulate stream salinity (as measured by electrical conductivity) in the Duck River catchment, NW Tasmania, Australia. The study couples storage selection function transit time modelling with two alternate approaches to model electrical conductivity (EC). The first approach assumes the catchment has a cyclic salt balance (i.e., rainfall source, stream flow sink) that is in dynamic equilibrium and evapoconcentration of salt is the only process changing concentration. The second approach assumes that the salinity of water in catchment storages is a function of water age in those stores, without explicitly simulating salt mass balance processes. The paper compares these alternate approaches in terms of EC simulation performance, simulated stream water age distributions, and simulated storage age distributions. A split sample calibration‐validation analysis was conducted using the 2008 and 2009 water years. Both EC simulation approaches reproduced stream EC variations very well under both calibration and validation. The simulations using the age‐related EC simulation approach produced less biased results and, consequently, higher model coefficient of efficiency for validation periods. This approach also produced more consistent model parameter estimates between periods. There were systematic differences in the resultant age distributions between models, particularly for the solute balance‐based simulations where parameters (catchment storage size) changed more between the two calibration periods. The effect of time varying versus static storage selection functions were compared, with clear evidence that time varying storage selection functions with parameters linked to catchment conditions (flow) are essential for adequate simulation of EC dynamics during flow events.
Study to determine efficacy of urinary HPV 16 & HPV 18 detection in predicting premalignant and malignant lesions of uterine cervix
Authors: John Julie Hansa , Halder Ajay , Purwar Shashank , Pushpalatha Kameshwarachari , Gupta Priyal , Dubey Pankhuri
Published: October 2022

Objectives

To evaluate clinical performance and diagnostic accuracy of urinary HPV for non‐invasive screening of high‐grade precancerous and cancerous cervical lesions in a visual inspection under acetic acid (VIA) ‐positive cohort.

Method

The study included 180 women aged 35–65 years, who were VIA positive in a colposcopy clinic. All participants had the initial stream of a random urine sample tested for the presence of high‐risk HPV (hrHPV) types 16 and 18 and acetowhite lesions were biopsied per protocol. Concordance analysis was conducted to assess agreement between detection of hrHPV in urine and the presence of premalignant and malignant lesions in cervix on histopathology. Measures of diagnostic accuracy were estimated to evaluate the performance of urinary HPV against histopathology (reference standard).

Results

Substantial agreement between urinary HPV detection and histopathology was found (Cohen's κ is 0.696, P ≤ 0.001), with an agreement in 88.9% of the cases and disagreement in 11.1%. The diagnostic performance of urinary HPV in predicting the presence of a high‐grade precancerous or cancerous lesion was as follows: sensitivity 67%, specificity 97%, positive predictive value 89%, and negative predictive value 88.8%.

Conclusion

HPV DNA detection from urine has good concordance with the histopathology for detection of precancerous and cancerous lesions of the cervix. Further studies on optimization of urine sampling and processing techniques are warranted.
Osseointegration behavior of carbon fiber reinforced polyetheretherketone composites modified with amino groups: An in vivo study
Authors: Wang Junyan , Yu Wanqi , Shi Ruining , Yang Shihui , Zhang Jingjie , Han Xiao , Zhou Zhe , Gao Weijia , Li Yongli , Zhao Jinghui
Published: October 2022

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has become increasingly popular in dentistry and orthopedics due to its excellent chemical stability, reliable biosafety, and low elastic modulus. However, PEEK's biomechanical strength and bioactivity are limited and need to be increased as an implant material. The previous study in vitro has shown that the amino‐functionalized carbon fiber reinforced PEEK (A‐30%‐CPEEK) possessed enhanced mechanical property and bioactivity. This study aims to evaluate the effect of amino groups modification on the osseointegration behavior of carbon fiber reinforced PEEK (30%‐CPEEK) in rabbits. Herein, 30%‐CPEEK and A‐30%‐CPEEK implant discs were implanted in rabbit skulls for 5 weeks, with pure titanium implants serving as a control. The bone‐forming ability and osseointegration in vivo were systematically investigated by micro‐computed tomography analysis, scanning electron microscope observation, and histological evaluation. Our results showed that all detection parameters were significantly different between the A‐30%‐CPEEK and 30%‐CPEEK groups, favoring those in the A‐30%‐CPEEK, whose appraisal parameters were equal to or better than pure titanium. Therefore, this study supported the importance of amino groups in facilitating the new bone formation and bone‐implant integration, suggesting that A‐30%‐CPEEK with enhanced osseointegration will be a promising material for dental or orthopedic implants.
The Efficacy and Safety of Abaloparatide-SC in Men With Osteoporosis: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Czerwinski Edward , Cardona Jose , Plebanski Rafal , Recknor Chris , Vokes Tamara , Saag Kenneth G , Binkley Neil , Lewiecki E Michael , Adachi Jonathan , Knychas Dorota , Kendler David , Orwoll Eric , Chen Yinzhong , Pearman Leny , Li Y Heather , Mitlak Bruce
Published: October 2022

Abaloparatide significantly increased bone mineral density (BMD) in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis and decreased risk of vertebral, nonvertebral, and clinical fractures compared with placebo. The Abaloparatide for the Treatment of Men with Osteoporosis (ATOM; NCT03512262) study evaluated the efficacy and safety of abaloparatide compared with placebo in men. Eligible men aged 40 to 85 years with osteoporosis were randomized 2:1 to daily subcutaneous injections of abaloparatide 80 μg or placebo for 12 months. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in lumbar spine BMD. Key secondary endpoints included BMD change from baseline at the total hip and femoral neck. A total of 228 men were randomized (abaloparatide, n = 149; placebo, n = 79). Baseline characteristics were similar across treatment groups (mean age, 68.3 years; mean lumbar spine BMD T-score, −2.1). At 12 months, BMD gains were greater with abaloparatide compared with placebo at the lumbar spine (least squares mean percentage change [standard error]: 8.48 [0.54] versus 1.17 [0.72]), total hip (2.14 [0.27] versus 0.01 [0.35]), and femoral neck (2.98 [0.34] versus 0.15 [0.45]) (all p < 0.0001). The most common (≥5%) treatment-emergent adverse events were injection site reaction, dizziness, nasopharyngitis, arthralgia, bronchitis, hypertension, and headache. During 12 months of abaloparatide treatment, men with osteoporosis exhibited rapid and significant improvements in BMD with a safety profile consistent with previous studies. These results suggest abaloparatide can be considered as an effective anabolic treatment option for men with osteoporosis. © 2022 Radius Health Inc and The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

Abstract

Change from baseline in bone mineral density. *p < 0.0001. In men with osteoporosis, least squares mean percentage change (standard error) from baseline in lumbar spine BMD at 12 months was 8.48% (0.54%) with abaloparatide compared with 1.17% (0.72%) with placebo (p < 0.0001).
Discussing proximal pasts and far futures
Authors: Weingarten Evan , Berger Jonah
Published: October 2022

Consumers often share word of mouth, and such interpersonal communication shapes attitudes and purchases. But while some research has examined what consumers talk about, there has been less attention to when consumers discuss. How does the distance from now (i.e., whether something is temporally near or far away) shape the likelihood of discussion? And might the effect of temporal distance on word of mouth vary based on whether those things happened in the past or will happen in the future? Five studies, including analyses of thousands of social media posts, address these questions. They suggest that consumers tend to talk about temporally near things, but that this is moderated by whether they are talking about the past or future (i.e., consumers talk about more temporally distant things when talking about the future). Accessibility seems to play an important role in these effects. While temporally near things tend to be more accessible, on average, goals and plans are more likely to remain active in the future, which shapes what gets discussed. These findings have implications for understanding drivers of word of mouth, how time shapes consumer behavior, and how companies can more effectively manage interpersonal communication.
Chondrocranial variation in chicken domestication
Authors: Núñez‐León Daniel , Nagashima Hiroshi , Sánchez‐Villagra Marcelo R.
Published: October 2022

The chondrocranium is a key structure of the skull, but our knowledge of its embryonic development is based mostly on investigations of few stages across taxa. Variation of chondrocranial features is known across species, but little is known about intraspecific variation, or its evolution in the context of domestication. Here, we investigated two specific structures of the chondrocranium in three windows of embryonic development. The anatomy of one of these structures was also compared among adult skulls of chickens and their wild ancestor (red junglefowl [RJF]). The proccesus tectalis and the prenasal process, along with the surrounding area of the orbitonasal foramina, presented variation throughout the ontogeny and in the adults. The processus tectalis showed distinct variation from the earliest stage studied to the adult. The numbers of orbitonasal foramina were also found to be variable in the ancestor and breeds studied. Furthermore, during early embryonic development, the prenasal process is similar across breeds and RJF, but later in embryonic development this structure presents variable states. The embryonic and adult variation found herein could be an example of intraspecific variation under domestication, resulting from different types of tissue interrelationship during development.
Viral load decrease in SARS‐CoV‐2 BA.1 and BA.2 Omicron sublineages infection after treatment with monoclonal antibodies and direct antiviral agents
Authors: Mazzotta Valentina , Cozzi Lepri Alessandro , Colavita Francesca , Rosati Silvia , Lalle Eleonora , Cimaglia Claudia , Paulicelli Jessica , Mastrorosa Ilaria , Vita Serena , Fabeni Lavinia , Vergori Alessandra , Maffongelli Gaetano , Carletti Fabrizio , Lanini Simone , Caraffa Emanuela , Milozzi Eugenia , Libertone Raffaella , Piselli Pierluca , Girardi Enrico , Garbuglia AnnaRosa , Vaia Francesco , Maggi Fabrizio , Nicastri Emanuele , Antinori Andrea ,   INMI COVID‐19 Outpatient Treatment Study Group
Published: October 2022

The efficacy on the Omicron variant of the approved early coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) therapies, especially monoclonal antibodies, has been challenged by in vitro neutralization data, while data on in vivo antiviral activity are lacking. We assessed potential decrease from Day 1 to Day 7 viral load (VL) in nasopharyngeal swabs of outpatients receiving Sotrovimab, Molnupiravir, Remdesivir, or Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir for mild‐to‐moderate COVID‐19 due to sublineages BA.1 or BA.2, and average treatment effect by weighted marginal linear regression models. A total of 521 patients (378 BA.1 [73%], 143 [27%] BA.2) received treatments (Sotrovimab 202, Molnupiravir 117, Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir 84, and Remdesivir 118): median age 66 years, 90% vaccinated, median time from symptoms onset 3 days. Day 1 mean VL was 4.12 log2 (4.16 for BA.1 and 4.01 for BA.2). The adjusted analysis showed that Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir significantly reduced VL compared to all the other drugs, except versus Molnupiravir in BA.2. Molnupiravir was superior to Remdesivir in both BA.1 and BA.2, and to Sotrovimab in BA.2. Sotrovimab had better activity than Remdesivir only against BA.1. Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir showed the greatest antiviral activity against Omicron variant, comparable to Molnupiravir only in the BA.2 subgroup. VL decrease could be a valuable surrogate of drug activity in the context of the high prevalence of vaccinated people and low probability of hospital admission.
The relationship between length of stay in intensive care unit and Tpeak‐Tend and Tpeak‐Tend/QTc ratio in COVID 19 patients with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Altuntas Emine , Cetın Sükrü , Karabay Kanber Ocal , Bagırtan Bayram , Celebı Filiz
Published: October 2022

Background

Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) can develop cardiac injury resulting in cardiac arrhythmias, myocarditis, and acute coronary syndrome (ACS). In this study, we aimed to investigate whether COVID‐19 infection affects ventricular repolarization parameters such as Tpeak‐Tend interval (Tp‐e), QT interval, corrected QT (QTc), Tp‐e/QT, and Tp‐e/cQT in patients with ACS.

Methods

The study consisted of two groups. The first group included patients with ACS and COVID‐19 (Group 1) (n = 50). Polymerase chain reaction test positive patients were enrolled. The second group included patients with only ACS (Group 2) (n = 100). The risk of ventricular arrhythmias was evaluated on the basis of the measured electrocardiographic Tp‐e and QT interval, and QTc, Tp‐e/QT, and Tp‐e/QTc values.

Results

Tp‐e interval, QTc, and Tp‐e/QTc were significantly higher in the group1 than group 2 (p < .001, p < .018, and p < .001, respectively). Significant positive correlations were found between Tp‐e, D‐dimer level, and C‐reactive protein (CRP) level in the group1 (p = .002, p = 0 .03, and p = .021, respectively). Univariate and multivariate regression analyses revealed that Tp‐e was one of the independent predictor of length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU). (B = 1.662, p = .006 and B = 1.804, p = .021, respectively).

Conclusions

In the patients with ACS, COVID‐19 infection caused increases in QTc, Tp‐e, and Tp‐e/QTc ratio. In addition, age and prolonged Tp‐e were found to be independent predictors of prolonged ICU stay.
Atrial late potentials are associated with atrial fibrillation recurrence after catheter ablation
Authors: Saito Daiki , Fukaya Hidehira , Oikawa Jun , Sato Tetsuro , Matsuura Gen , Arakawa Yuki , Kobayashi Shuhei , Shirakawa Yuki , Ishizue Naruya , Kishihara Jun , Niwano Shinichi , Ako Junya
Published: October 2022

Background

Previous studies have identified noninvasive methods for predicting atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after catheter ablation (CA). We assessed the association between AF recurrence and atrial late potentials (ALPs), which were measured using P‐wave signal‐averaged electrocardiography (P‐SAECG).

Methods

Consecutive patients with paroxysmal AF who underwent their first CA at our institution between August 2015 and August 2019 were enrolled. P‐SAECG was performed before CA. Two ALP parameters were evaluated: the root‐mean‐square voltage during the terminal 20 ms (RMS20) and the P‐wave duration (PWD). Positive ALPs were defined as an RMS20 <2.2 μV and/or a PWD >115 ms. Patients were allocated to either the recurrence or nonrecurrence group based on the presence of AF recurrence at the 1‐year follow‐up post‐CA.

Results

Of the 190 patients (age: 65 ± 11 years, 37% women) enrolled in this study, 21 (11%) had AF recurrence. The positive ALP rate was significantly higher in the recurrence group than in the nonrecurrence group (86% vs. 64%, p = .04), despite the absence of differences in other baseline characteristics between the two groups. In the multivariate analysis, positive ALP was an independent predictor of AF recurrence (odds ratio: 3.83, 95% confidence interval: 1.05–14.1, p = .04).

Conclusions

Positive ALP on pre‐CA P‐SAECG is associated with AF recurrence after CA.
Swarming behavior of a novel strain of Brevibacillus thermoruber
Authors: Sakka Kazuo , Kihira Masaki , Kuhara Wataru , Mochida Akihiro , Kimura Tetsuya , Sakka Makiko
Published: October 2022

Brevibacillus thermoruber strain Nabari was isolated from compost and identified based on 16 S rRNA gene sequencing and DNA–DNA hybridization using B. thermoruber DSM 7064 T as the standard, despite some differences in their physiological and structural characteristics. When B. thermoruber Nabari was cultivated on various solid media containing 1.5% agar at 60°C, it rapidly propagated over the entire plate. In particular, on R2A‐agar medium, it formed fine dendritic colonies. Macroscopic and microscopic observations of peripheral regions of the colonies indicated that the dendritic patterns were formed by bacterial swarming of some of the cells; large flows of bacterial cell populations were observed in the peripheral regions of the dendritic colonies. The cells were highly flagellated, but no extreme elongation of cells was observed. When B. thermoruber Nabari cells were cultivated at 37°C on R2A‐agar plates, most colonies were nonmotile, but some colonies were motile. For example, a wandering colony moved on the plate and split into two, and then they collided to become one again. Additionally, a simple incubation system was devised to record the movement of colonies at high temperatures in this study while protecting the cameras from thermal damage.
Pancreatic lipase and alpha‐glucosidase inhibitors screening from Schisandra chinensis based on spectrum‐effect relationship and ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: He Fu‐Qin , Wan Guang‐Zhen , Chen Juan
Published: October 2022

As a traditional Chinese medicine, Schisandra chinensis has a potential weight‐loss effect by delaying carbohydrate absorption and improving lipid metabolic disorders. However, its active components are still unclear and require in‐depth research. In this study, the active components of Schisandra chinensis responsible for pancreatic lipase and alpha‐glucosidase inhibitory activity were screened and identified based on a spectrum‐effect relationship study in combination with ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry analysis. The ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography fingerprints of 17 batches of Schisandra chinensis were established, and 14 common peaks were specified by similarity analysis. The half‐maximal inhibition concentration values for pancreatic lipase and alpha‐glucosidase inhibition were separately measured by enzymatic reactions. Using multivariate statistical methods including principal component analysis, partial least square analysis, and grey relational analysis, the correlation models between the peak areas of 14 common peaks and half‐maximal inhibition concentration values were constructed, and the chromatographic peaks making a great contribution to efficacy were screened out. Peak1, Peak2, Peak4, Peak6, Peak9, Peak10, Peak11, and Peak13 were responsible for alpha‐glucosidase inhibitory activity, while Peak1, Peak4, Peak6, Peak9, Peak10, and Peak11 for pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity. Finally, the 70% ethanol extracts of Schisandra chinensis were characterized by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry analysis, and 14 lignans were identified to further elucidate the active constituents of Schisandra chinensis. The positive results suggested the proposed strategy is simple and effective to screen active components from complex medicinal plants.
Increasing heatwave frequency in streams and rivers of the United States
Authors: Tassone Spencer J. , Besterman Alice F. , Buelo Cal D. , Ha Dat T. , Walter Jonathan A. , Pace Michael L.
Published: October 2022

Heatwaves are increasing in frequency, duration, and intensity in ocean, coastal, and lake ecosystems. While positive water temperature trends have been documented in many rivers, heatwaves have not been analyzed. This study examined heatwaves in rivers throughout the United States between 1996 and 2021. Riverine heatwaves increased in frequency over the study period, with the most robust increases occurring in summer and fall, in mid‐ to high‐order streams, and at free‐flowing sites and sites above a reservoir. The increase in heatwave frequency was accompanied by an increase in moderate strength heatwaves as well as a doubling of the annual mean total number of heatwave days at a site. Riverine heatwaves were often associated with normal or below‐normal discharge conditions and at sites with a mean annual discharge ≤ 250 m3 s−1. These results provide the first assessment of heatwaves in rivers for a large geographic area in the United States.
Quantification of dissolved metabolites in environmental samples through cation‐exchange solid‐phase extraction paired with liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry
Authors: Sacks Joshua S. , Heal Katherine R. , Boysen Angela K. , Carlson Laura T. , Ingalls Anitra E.
Published: October 2022

Small, biologically produced, organic molecules called metabolites play key roles in microbial systems where they directly mediate exchanges of nutrients, energy, and information. However, the study of dissolved polar metabolites in seawater and other environmental matrices has been hampered by analytical challenges including high inorganic ion concentrations, low analyte concentrations, and high chemical diversity. Here we show that a cation‐exchange solid‐phase extraction (CX‐SPE) sample preparation approach separates positively charged and zwitterionic metabolites from seawater and freshwater samples, allowing their analysis by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. We successfully extracted 69 known compounds from an in‐house compound collection and evaluated the performance of the method by establishing extraction efficiencies (EEs) and limits of detection (pM to low nM range) for these compounds. CX‐SPE extracted a range of compounds including amino acids and compatible solutes, resulted in very low matrix effects, and performed robustly across large variations in salinity and dissolved organic matter concentration. We compared CX‐SPE to an established SPE procedure (PPL‐SPE) and demonstrate that these two methods extract fundamentally different fractions of the dissolved metabolite pool with CX‐SPE extracting compounds that are on average smaller and more polar. We use CX‐SPE to analyze four environmental samples from distinct aquatic biomes, producing some of the first CX‐SPE dissolved metabolomes. Quantified compounds ranged in concentration from 0.0093 to 49 nM and were composed primarily of amino acids (0.15–16 nM) and compatible solutes such as trimethylamine N‐oxide (0.89–49 nM) and glycine betaine (2.8–5.2 nM).
Targeted Drug Delivery Systems for Eliminating Intracellular Bacteria
Authors: Feng Wenli , Chittò Marco , Moriarty Thomas Fintan , Li Guofeng , Wang Xing
Published: October 2022

The intracellular survival of pathogenic bacteria requires a range of survival strategies and virulence factors. These infections are a significant clinical challenge, wherein treatment frequently fails because of poor antibiotic penetration, stability, and retention in host cells. Drug delivery systems (DDSs) are promising tools to overcome these shortcomings and enhance the efficacy of antibiotic therapy. In this review, the classification and the mechanisms of intracellular bacterial persistence are elaborated. Furthermore, the systematic design strategies applied to DDSs to eliminate intracellular bacteria are also described, and the strategies used for internalization, intracellular activation, bacterial targeting, and immune enhancement are highlighted. Finally, this overview provides guidance for constructing functionalized DDSs to effectively eliminate intracellular bacteria.
Facets of spherical random polytopes
Authors: Bonnet Gilles , O'Reilly Eliza
Published: October 2022

Facets of the convex hull of n independent random vectors chosen uniformly at random from the unit sphere in are studied. A particular focus is given on the height of the facets as well as the expected number of facets as the dimension increases. Regimes for n and d with different asymptotic behavior of these quantities are identified and asymptotic formulas in each case are established. Extensions of several known results in fixed dimension to the case where dimension tends to infinity are described.
Derivation and Validation of a Phenoconversion‐Related Pattern in Idiopathic Rapid Eye Movement Behavior Disorder
Authors: Mattioli Pietro , Orso Beatrice , Liguori Claudio , Famà Francesco , Giorgetti Laura , Donniaquio Andrea , Massa Federico , Giberti Andrea , Vállez García David , Meles Sanne K. , Leenders Klaus L. , Placidi Fabio , Spanetta Matteo , Chiaravalloti Agostino , Camedda Riccardo , Schillaci Orazio , Izzi Francesca , Mercuri Nicola B. , Pardini Matteo , Bauckneht Matteo , Morbelli Silvia , Nobili Flavio , Arnaldi Dario
Published: October 2022

Background

Idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) represents the prodromal stage of α‐synucleinopathies. Reliable biomarkers are needed to predict phenoconversion.

Objective

The aim was to derive and validate a brain glucose metabolism pattern related to phenoconversion in iRBD (iRBDconvRP) using spatial covariance analysis (Scaled Subprofile Model and Principal Component Analysis [SSM‐PCA]).

Methods

Seventy‐six consecutive iRBD patients (70 ± 6 years, 15 women) were enrolled in two centers and prospectively evaluated to assess phenoconversion (30 converters, 73 ± 6 years, 14 Parkinson's disease and 16 dementia with Lewy bodies, follow‐up time: 21 ± 14 months; 46 nonconverters, 69 ± 6 years, follow‐up time: 33 ± 19 months). All patients underwent [18F]FDG‐PET (18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emitting tomography) to investigate brain glucose metabolism at baseline. SSM‐PCA was applied to obtain the iRBDconvRP; nonconverter patients were considered as the reference group. Survival analysis and Cox regression were applied to explore prediction power.

Results

First, we derived and validated two distinct center‐specific iRBDconvRP that were comparable and significantly able to predict phenoconversion. Then, SSM‐PCA was applied to the whole set, identifying the iRBDconvRP. The iRBDconvRP included positive voxel weights in cerebellum; brainstem; anterior cingulate cortex; lentiform nucleus; and middle, mesial temporal, and postcentral areas. Negative voxel weights were found in posterior cingulate, precuneus, middle frontal gyrus, and parietal areas. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.85 (sensitivity: 87%, specificity: 72%), discriminating converters from nonconverters. The iRBDconvRP significantly predicted phenoconversion (hazard ratio: 7.42, 95% confidence interval: 2.6–21.4).

Conclusions

We derived and validated an iRBDconvRP to efficiently discriminate converter from nonconverter iRBD patients. [18F]FDG‐PET pattern analysis has potential as a phenoconversion biomarker in iRBD patients. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Diverse roles for axon guidance pathways in adult tissue architecture and function
Authors: Laws Kaitlin M. , Bashaw Greg J.
Published: October 2022

Classical axon guidance ligands and their neuronal receptors were first identified due to their fundamental roles in regulating connectivity in the developing nervous system. Since their initial discovery, it has become clear that these signaling molecules play important roles in the development of a broad array of tissue and organ systems across phylogeny. In addition to these diverse developmental roles, there is a growing appreciation that guidance signaling pathways have important functions in adult organisms, including the regulation of tissue integrity and homeostasis. These roles in adult organisms include both tissue‐intrinsic activities of guidance molecules, as well as systemic effects on tissue maintenance and function mediated by the nervous and vascular systems. While many of these adult functions depend on mechanisms that mirror developmental activities, such as regulating adhesion and cell motility, there are also examples of adult roles that may reflect signaling activities that are distinct from known developmental mechanisms, including the contributions of guidance signaling pathways to lineage commitment in the intestinal epithelium and bone remodeling in vertebrates. In this review, we highlight studies of guidance receptors and their ligands in adult tissues outside of the nervous system, focusing on in vivo experimental contexts. Together, these studies lay the groundwork for future investigation into the conserved and tissue‐specific mechanisms of guidance receptor signaling in adult tissues.

Key Points

Axon guidance ligand and receptor expression often persist into adulthood in neuronal and non‐neuronal tissues alike.

Recent work in genetic model organisms highlights the diverse roles of guidance factors in adult tissues.

Guidance factors are required intrinsically in a variety of adult tissues but can also regulate tissue function indirectly via functions in the nervous and vascular systems.

Studies outside of the nervous system are likely to enhance our understanding of these diverse siganling molecules and could suggest novel signaling modalities in the nervous system.
Imaging of pediatric neuroblastoma: A COG Diagnostic Imaging Committee/SPR Oncology Committee White Paper
Authors: Lai Hollie A. , Sharp Susan E. , Bhatia Aashim , Dietz Kelly R. , McCarville Beth , Rajderkar Dhanashree , Servaes Sabah , Shulkin Barry L. , Singh Sudha , Trout Andrew T. , Watal Pankaj , Parisi Marguerite T.
Published: October 2022

Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid neoplasm in children. This manuscript provides consensus‐based imaging recommendations for pediatric neuroblastoma patients at diagnosis and during follow‐up.
Irinotecan dose schedule for the treatment of Ewing sarcoma
Authors: Slotkin Emily K. , Meyers Paul A.
Published: October 2022

Irinotecan and temozolomide achieve objective responses in patients with Ewing sarcoma that recurs after initial therapy. Optimal dose schedules have not been defined. We reviewed published series of patients treated with irinotecan and temozolomide for Ewing sarcoma that recurred after initial therapy. We compared objective response rates for patients who received 5‐day irinotecan treatment schedules to response rates for patients who achieved 10‐day irinotecan treatment schedules. Among 89 patients treated with a 10‐day irinotecan schedule, there were 47 objective responses (53%). Among 180 patients treated with a 5‐day irinotecan schedule, there were 52 responses (29%). In the treatment of recurrent Ewing sarcoma, investigators should consider the use of a 10‐day schedule for administration of irinotecan.
Relationship between the timing of chemotherapy and surgical complications following surgical biopsy in children with malignant solid tumors
Authors: Hayashi Kentaro , Mori Makiko , Sanmoto Youhei , Oiki Hironobu , Ishimaru Tetsuya , Arakawa Yuki , Koh Katsuyoshi , Kawashima Hiroshi
Published: October 2022

Background

Biopsies for diagnosis before chemotherapy is common in children with malignant solid tumors. Wound healing is delayed by chemotherapy; however, the ideal interval between biopsy and chemotherapy remains unknown. We aimed to summarize the relationship between chemotherapy timing and postoperative surgical complications.

Procedure

We retrospectively reviewed patients with malignant solid tumors who underwent chemotherapy after surgical biopsy at our institution between January 2014 and August 2020. The primary outcomes were postoperative surgical complications (within 30 days) and the timing of chemotherapy.

Results

Forty‐three patients were analyzed. The types of tumors were neuroblastoma (n = 20), hepatoblastoma (n = 10), Ewing sarcoma (n = 5), germ cell tumor (n = 3), angiosarcoma (n = 1), clear cell sarcoma (n = 1), ganglioneuroblastoma (n = 1), rhabdoid tumor (n = 1), and rhabdomyosarcoma (n = 1). The operative procedures were thoracoscopy (n = 5), laparotomy (n = 17), laparoscopy (n = 14), and superficial (n = 7). The median time [range] to chemotherapy after biopsy was 4 [0–21] days. No surgical complications occurred before chemotherapy, and two (4.7%) patients experienced complications after chemotherapy. These included postoperative hemorrhage (grade 3) and surgical site infection (grade 1). Chemotherapy was initiated 1 and 6 days after biopsy, respectively, in these cases. Complications occurred 10 and 23 days after biopsy, respectively.

Conclusion

The rate of postoperative surgical complications related to biopsy seems acceptable, even when chemotherapy was initiated in the early postoperative period. Early initiation of chemotherapy after biopsy may be a suitable option, particularly in children with bulky or symptomatic malignant solid tumors.
Simultaneous determination of seven anthraquinones in Cassiae semen by natural deep eutectic solvent extraction
Authors: Xu Ying , Wan Yiqun , Liu Fan , Chen Jinping , Tan Ting , Guo Lan
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Anthraquinones are considered to be an important class of bioactive substances in Cassiae semen, and the content of anthraquinones is an essential indicator of the quality of Cassiae semen raw herbal materials.

Objectives

The present study aimed to propose a novel, efficient and effective ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) method for the simultaneous determination of aurantio‐obtusin, aloe‐emodin, rhein, obtusin, emodin, chrysophanol and physcion, with the help of natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) as extraction solvents.

Methodology

NADESs were introduced to the simultaneous extraction of anthraquinones from Cassiae semen samples. Several NADESs were designed by menthol, choline chloride, d‐glucose as hydrogen bond acceptors, with nine different acids and appropriate water as hydrogen bond donors. The parameters affecting the extraction efficiency of seven anthraquinones were demonstrated in detail.

Results

Among the obtained NADESs, the highest extraction efficiency was demonstrated by a solution consisting of d‐glucose, lactic acid and water with a molar ratio of 1:5:4. The seven anthraquinones were separated on an ACQUITY UPLC® BEH C18 column (2.1 mm × 100 mm, 1.8 μm) and detected within 12 min by a photodiode array (PDA) detector at 254 and 284 nm. The limits of detection and quantitation were from 1.00 to 7.26 μg/l and 3.29 to 24.22 μg/l, respectively. And Cassiae semen sample‐based recoveries ranged from 81.13% to 113.78% with the relative standard deviation (RSD) (n = 6) of 1.4% to 10.1%.

Conclusion

The developed method demonstrated that NADESs were applied successfully to analyse the anthraquinones in Cassiae semen samples collected from different regions in China.
Integrating evaluation data to enhance treatment planning for students with ASD
Authors: Bray Melissa A. , Dale Brittany A.
Published: October 2022

Accurate assessment across the various characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and its comorbidities can help guide intervention planning. This introduction to the second issue of a double special issue on ASD assessment highlights assessment of various characteristics of and comorbidities with ASD to assist with treatment planning. For instance, anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are two of the most common comorbidities with ASD. Educational, clinical, and medical interventions for individuals with ASD can vary based on the unique cognitive and additional mental health needs of the individual.
Proteomics profiling of kidney brush border membrane from rats using LC‐MS/MS analysis
Authors: Yu Aiying , Zhao Jingfu , Peng Wenjing , Yadav Shiv Pratap S. , Molitoris Bruce A , Wagner Mark C , Mechref Yehia
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined by a reduced renal function, that is, glomerular filtration rate, and the extent of kidney damage is assessed by determining serum creatinine levels and proteins in urine, diagnosed as proteinuria/albuminuria. Albuminuria increases with age and can result from glomerular and/or proximal tubule (PT) alterations. Brush border membranes (BBMs) on PT cells are important in maintaining the stability of PT functions.

Experimental Design

An LC‐MS/MS bottom‐up proteomics analysis of BBMs from four groups of rat models was applied to investigate protein abundance alterations associated with CKD progression. Moreover, systems biology analyses were used to identify key proteins that can provide insight into the different regulated molecular pathways and processes associated with CKD.

Results

Our results indicated that 303 proteins showed significantly altered expressions from the severe CKD BBM group when compared to the control. Focusing on renal diseases, several proteins including Ctnnb1, Fah, and Icam1 were annotated to kidney damage and urination disorder. The up‐regulation of Ctnnb1 (β‐catenin) could contribute to CKD through the regulation of the WNT signaling pathway.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

Overall, the study of protein abundance changes in BBMs from rat models helps to reveal protein corrections with important pathways and regulator effects involved in CKD. Although this study is focused on rat models, the results provided more information for a deeper insight into possible CKD mechanisms in humans.
BindWeb: A web server for ligand binding residue and pocket prediction from protein structures
Authors: Xia Ying , Xia Chunqiu , Pan Xiaoyong , Shen Hong‐Bin
Published: October 2022

Knowledge of protein–ligand interactions is beneficial for biological process analysis and drug design. Given the complexity of the interactions and the inadequacy of experimental data, accurate ligand binding residue and pocket prediction remains challenging. In this study, we introduce an easy‐to‐use web server BindWeb for ligand‐specific and ligand‐general binding residue and pocket prediction from protein structures. BindWeb integrates a graph neural network GraphBind with a hybrid convolutional neural network and bidirectional long short‐term memory network DELIA to identify binding residues. Furthermore, BindWeb clusters the predicted binding residues to binding pockets with mean shift clustering. The experimental results and case study demonstrate that BindWeb benefits from the complementarity of two base methods. BindWeb is freely available for academic use at http://www.csbio.sjtu.edu.cn/bioinf/BindWeb/.
Modeling cloud properties over the 79 N Glacier (Nioghalvfjerdsfjorden, NE Greenland) for an intense summer melt period in 2019
Authors: Andernach Malena , Turton Jenny V. , Mölg Thomas
Published: October 2022

Long believed to be insignificant, melt activity on the Northeast Greenland Ice Stream (NEGIS) has increased in recent years. Summertime Arctic clouds have the potential to strongly affect surface melt processes by regulating the amount of radiation received at the surface. However, the cloud effect over Greenland is spatially and temporally variable and high‐resolution information on the northeast is absent. This study aims at exploring the potential of a high‐resolution configuration of the polar‐optimized Weather Research & Forecasting Model (PWRF) in simulating cloud properties in the area of the Nioghalvfjerdsfjorden Glacier (79 N Glacier). Subsequently, the model simulations are employed to investigate the impact of Arctic clouds on the surface energy budget and on surface melting during the extensive melt event at the end of July 2019. Compared to automatic weather station (AWS) measurements and remote‐sensing data (Sentinel‐2A and the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer, MODIS), PWRF simulates cloud properties with sufficient accuracy. It appears that peak melt was caused by an increase in solar radiation and sensible heat flux (SHF) in response to a blocking anticyclone and foehn winds in the absence of clouds. Cloud warming over high‐albedo surfaces helped to precondition the surface and prolonged the melting as the anticyclone abated. The results are sensitive to the surface albedo and suggest spatiotemporal differences in the cloud effect as snow and ice properties change over the course of the melting season. This demonstrates the importance of including high‐resolution information on clouds in analyses of ice sheet dynamics.
Delay‐dependent stability of highly nonlinear neutral stochastic functional differential equations
Authors: Shen Mingxuan , Fei Chen , Fei Weiyin , Mao Xuerong , Mei Chunhui
Published: October 2022

This article focuses on the delay‐dependent stability of highly nonlinear hybrid neutral stochastic functional differential equations (NSFDEs). The delay dependent stability criteria for a class of highly nonlinear hybrid NSFDEs are derived via the Lyapunov functional. The stabilities discussed in this article include stability, asymptotically stability and exponential stability. A numerical example is given to illustrate the criteria established.
Composite adaptive neural tracking control of uncertain strict‐feedback systems
Authors: Huang Jeng‐Tze , Jiang Yu‐Wei
Published: October 2022

Composite adaptive neural control of uncertain strict‐feedback systems is synthesized. It mainly consists of an adaptive neural backstepping controller, an immersion and invariance (I&I) update algorithm, and a set of state filters for conquering the in‐feasibility of the states' derivatives required in the update algorithm. For compensating the indefinite coupling terms in the update algorithm, a novel nonlinear ‐modification method is promoted. To further tackle the case with unknown input gain functions, the dynamic surface control (DSC) and the adding‐an‐integrator technique are incorporated for preventing the so‐called explosion of complexity and the algebraic‐loop problems in the virtual controller and the composite update algorithm, respectively. The proposed design ensures the semi‐globally uniformly ultimately bounded (SGUUB) stability of the closed‐loop system and, in particular, the convergence of prediction errors to the vicinity of zero without persistent excitation (PE), which in turn improves the tracking performance.
Mechanics of bipedal and quadrupedal locomotion on dry and wet granular media
Authors: Bagheri Hosain , Jayanetti Vidu , Burch Hailey R. , Brenner Clayton E. , Bethke Benjamin R. , Marvi Hamidreza
Published: October 2022

The effectiveness of exploration robots is contingent upon their capability and efficiency to locomote on contorted and multifaceted terrains. Traditional wheeled robots do not suffice at overcoming such terrains and complications they introduce. The proposed work explores the performance of WhegRunner, a whegged (i.e., wheel‐legged) robotic platform used to examine the mechanics of running on granular media at different saturation levels. In particular, the effect of bipedal/quadrupedal gait, saturation level, stride length, and stride frequency on robot's forward body velocity and cost of transport (COT) was studied. To increment nominal stride length, the robot was fitted with different number of spoked whegs from 3 to 7. In addition, eight evenly spaced motor speeds ranging from 2.33 to 7.43 Hz were used to observe the effect of stride frequency. Similar trends were observed between the two gaits, with the quadrupedal gait showing better overall performance. On dry sand, wider strides were attained at reduced motor speeds with lower spoked whegs. However, on wet sand (15% and 30% saturation), wider strides were achieved with higher motor speeds and lower spoked whegs. As a result, lower spoked whegs accomplished higher body forward velocity and lower COT as saturation increased. The acquired knowledge elucidates underexplored mechanics of locomotion on granular media at different saturation levels. The WhegRunner can be used as a platform to obtain a greater insight on how to develop more proficient exploration robots, ones which can face complex and deformable terrains and mediums.
Angiogenic imbalance in pre‐eclampsia and fetal growth restriction: enhanced soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 binding or diminished production of placental growth factor?
Authors: Kluivers A. C. M. , Biesbroek A. , Visser W. , Saleh L. , Russcher H. , Danser A. H. J. , Neuman R. I.
Published: October 2022

Objectives

To assess levels of total placental growth factor (PlGF), soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (sFlt‐1) and free PlGF in women with pre‐eclampsia (PE) with or without a small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) neonate in order to establish whether low free PlGF levels associated with PE and SGA are due to enhanced sFlt‐1 binding or decreased PlGF production.

Methods

This was a secondary analysis of a prospective multicenter cohort study involving 407 pregnancies with suspected or confirmed PE, in which total PlGF levels were calculated from measured sFlt‐1 and free PlGF levels. The control group included women who were suspected to have PE at a certain point in pregnancy but did not develop PE. The analysis was stratified according to whether PE was early‐ or late‐onset (gestational age < 34 weeks vs ≥ 34 weeks) and according to the presence of SGA at birth, which was used as a proxy of fetal growth restriction in the absence of Doppler ultrasound and biometric data.

Results

In early‐onset PE, both women with and those without SGA had lower free (19 and 45 pg/mL) and total (44 and 100 pg/mL) PlGF levels compared with women without PE (free and total PlGF, 300 and 381 pg/mL, respectively). SGA alone did not affect free and total PlGF in this condition (free and total PlGF, 264 and 352 pg/mL, respectively). Observations in women with late‐onset PE were similar, although the changes were more modest. Both SGA (gestational age < 34 weeks) and PE were individually associated with increased sFlt‐1 and, in women with both PE and SGA, the upregulation of sFlt‐1 occurred in a synergistic manner, thus resulting in the highest sFlt‐1/free PlGF ratio in this group. This occurred in both early‐ and late‐onset PE.

Conclusions

Particularly in pregnancies with early‐onset PE and SGA, diminished PlGF production is an important cause of low free PlGF levels. Under such conditions, sFlt‐1 lowering is unlikely to restore the angiogenic balance. © 2022 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.