bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic value of periostin in lung cancer‐related malignant pleural effusion
Authors: Zhang Jinjin , Zha Tongtong , Zhang Na , Sun Gengyun
Published: December 2021

Background

Periostin (POSTN) is an extracellular matrix protein that is overexpressed in lung cancer and is considered an effective diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for lung cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the diagnostic performance of POSTN and to further evaluate the diagnostic value of POSTN combined with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cancer ratio [CR: serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)/pleural effusion adenosine deaminase (PE ADA)] in lung cancer‐related malignant PE (MPE).

Methods

A total of 108 patients with PE, including 54 with lung cancer and 54 with benign lung disease, were enrolled in this study. The POSTN levels of PE and serum were detected using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Information on the expression of PE and serum CEA, serum LDH, and PE ADA was collected from medical records.

Results

The levels of PE POSTN in MPE of patients with lung cancer were significantly higher than those in patients with benign PE (p < 0.0001). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve indicated that the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of PE POSTN for lung cancer‐related MPE were respectively 77.78% and 68.52% when the cutoff value was determined to be 53.45 ng/ml. The ROC curve analysis demonstrated that PE POSTN has a high diagnostic value in MPE associated with lung cancer [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.764], and the combination of PE POSTN, PE CEA, and CR can improve the diagnostic accuracy of lung cancer‐related MPE (AUC = 0.948).

Conclusion

POSTN can be used as a potential marker for lung cancer‐related MPE diagnosis.
Vertebral morphology in extant porpoises: Radiation and functional implications
Authors: Marchesi María Constanza , Galatius Anders , Zaffino Martina , Coscarella Mariano Alberto , González‐José Rolando
Published: December 2021

Vertebral morphology has profound biomechanical implications and plays an important role in adaptation to different habitats and foraging strategies for cetaceans. Extant porpoise species (Phocoenidae) display analogous evolutionary patterns in both hemispheres associated with convergent evolution to coastal versus oceanic environments. We employed 3D geometric morphometrics to study vertebral morphology in five porpoise species with contrasting habitats: the coastal Indo‐Pacific finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides); the mostly coastal harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) and Burmeister's porpoise (Phocoena spinipinnis); and the oceanic spectacled porpoise (Phocoena dioptrica) and Dall's porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli). We evaluated the radiation of vertebral morphology, both in size and shape, using multivariate statistics. We supplemented data with samples of an early‐radiating delphinoid species, the narwhal (Monodon monoceros); and an early‐radiating delphinid species, the white‐beaked dolphin (Lagenorhynchus albirostris). Principal component analyses were used to map shape variation onto phylogenies, and phylogenetic constraints were investigated through permutation tests. We established links between vertebral morphology and movement patterns through biomechanical inferences from morphological presentations. We evidenced divergence in size between species with contrasting habitats, with coastal species tending to decrease in size from their estimated ancestral state, and oceanic species tending to increase in size. Regarding vertebral shape, coastal species had longer centra and shorter neural processes, but longer transverse processes, while oceanic species tended to have disk‐shaped vertebrae with longer neural processes. Within Phocoenidae, the absence of phylogenetic constraints in vertebral morphology suggests a high level of evolutionary lability. Overall, our results are in accordance with the hypothesis of speciation within the family from a coastal ancestor, through adaptation to particular habitats. Variation in vertebral morphology in this group of small odontocetes highlights the importance of environmental complexity and particular selective pressures for the speciation process through the development of adaptations that minimize energetic costs during locomotion and prey capture.
Radiofrequency ablation on the right ventricular septum changed a bundle branch block pattern of a ventricular tachycardia: What is the mechanism?
Authors: Takasugi Nobuhiro , Yamada Takumi , Naruse Genki , Nakashima Takashi , Kanamori Hiromitsu , Okura Hiroyuki
Published: December 2021

A ventricular tachycardia (VT) with a left bundle branch block (BBB) pattern exhibited the earliest activation (EA) at the left ventricular basal septum near the His bundle with no excellent pace map (PM). Radiofrequency ablation at the right ventricular basal septum (opposite site of the EA site) changed the QRS morphology of VT to a right BBB pattern that matched a PM at the opposite site in the left ventricle. VT ablation was successful at the earliest activation site. The VT should have originated from an intramural origin with preferential pathways to the endocardial breakout sites in the right and left ventricular septum.
Determination of climatic conditions related to precipitation anomalies in the Tropical Andes by means of the random forest algorithm and novel climate indices
Authors: Córdova Mario , Orellana‐Alvear Johanna , Rollenbeck Rütger , Célleri Rolando
Published: December 2021

Understanding precipitation and its relation with atmospheric and oceanic conditions is vital in the face of climate change. This is crucial in the Tropical Andes (TA) because millions of people depend on water originated in the cordillera. Unfortunately, the paucity of meteorological monitoring that exists in mountainous regions is accentuated in the tropics. In this context, climate indices, remotely sensed, and gridded datasets, are useful tools to study climate and precipitation in the TA, and additional climate indices can be calculated from reanalysis datasets. The combination of this information with traditional indices has the potential to improve our understanding of precipitation. Our objective was to use the k‐means algorithm to regionalize precipitation in the TA (different regions have different climate), and then use the random forest algorithm to study the variables related to precipitation in each of these regions in seasonal timescales. Here, we show the suitability of the random forest algorithm to reveal climate processes and the high potential of the novel climate indices to improve the regressions. We found that convective available potential energy was the most important variable for precipitation in the northern TA, except for the Chocó, where v at 850 hPa was the most important one. Meanwhile, vertical integral of divergence of moisture flux was the most important one in the southern TA. Interestingly, in the DJF season when the South American low‐level jet (SALLJ) is more active, u and v at 850 hPa showed their lowest relative importance and the total column of water vapour showed its maximum, this could indicate that precipitation anomalies are controlled by atmospheric moisture availability rather than by the speed of the SALLJ during DJF. These results deepen our understanding of precipitation anomalies in the TA and the related oceanic and atmospheric conditions. The proposed methodology was proven to be suitable and it could be used in the future to test and formulate new hypotheses, and to forecast seasonal precipitation.
Comprehensive characterization and identification of chemical constituents in Yangwei decoction using ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Fan Shuaishuai , Li Baolin , Tian Yurou , Feng Wei , Niu Liying
Published: December 2021

Yangwei decoction, a classical traditional Chinese medicine prescription, has been widely used to treat exogenous cold and internal injury with damp stagnation for many centuries. However, its systematic chemical profiling remains ambiguous, which has hampered the interpretation of pharmacology and the mechanism of its formula. In the present study, ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry method was successfully established for the first time to separate and identify the complicated components of Yangwei decoction. The accurate mass data of the protonated molecules, deprotonated molecules, and fragment ions were detected in positive and negative ion modes. A total of 226 compounds in Yangwei decoction were tentatively identified and unambiguously characterized by comparing their retention times and mass spectrometry data with those of reference standards and literature, including 24 lignans, 18 alkaloids, 9 phenylpropanoid glycosides, 76 flavonoids, 59 triterpenoids, 17 organic acids, 7 gingerols, 8 lactones, and 8 other compounds. The present study provides a novel method of constituents characterization for well‐known Chinese medicine prescriptions. The study aims to lay a robust foundation for future research, providing the holistic quality control and pharmacology of Yangwei decoction.
A Spectrum of Ultrasound and MR Imaging of Fetal Gastrointestinal Abnormalities: Part 2 Anorectal Malformation, Liver, and Abdominal Wall Anomalies
Authors: Moradi Behnaz , Banihashemian Masoumeh , Radmard Amir Reza , Tahmasebpour Ahmad‐Reza , Gity Masoumeh , Dadali Anahita , Piri Solmaz , Zeinoddini Atefeh , Najafi Ehsan
Published: December 2021

Ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are two modalities for diagnosing fetal gastrointestinal (GI) anomalies. Ultrasound (US) is the modality of choice. MRI can be used as a complementary method. Despite its expanding utilization in central nervous system (CNS) fetal malformation, MRI has not yet been established for evaluation of fetal GI abnormalities. Therefore, more attention should be paid to the clinical implications of MRI investigations following screening by US.
A Spectrum of Ultrasound and MR Imaging of Fetal Gastrointestinal Abnormalities: Part 1 Esophagus to Colon
Authors: Moradi Behnaz , Banihashemian Masoumeh , Radmard Amir Reza , Tahmasebpour Ahmad‐Reza , Gity Masoumeh , Zarkesh Mohammad Reza , Piri Solmaz , Zeinoddini Atefeh
Published: December 2021

Ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are two modalities for diagnosing fetal gastrointestinal (GI) anomalies. Ultrasound (US) is the modality of choice. MRI can be used as a complementary method. Despite its expanding utilization in central nervous system (CNS) fetal malformation, MRI has not yet been established for evaluation of fetal GI abnormalities. Therefore, more attention should be paid to the clinical implications of MRI investigations following screening by US.
Evaluation of the Relationship Between Carotid Intima Media Thickness and Dietary Compliance in Pediatric Celiac Patients: A Single‐Center Pilot Study
Authors: Oktay Cemil , Yavuz Sibel
Published: December 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to show the relationship between gluten‐free diet (GFD) compliance in Celiac Disease (CD) and early atherosclerotic findings in pediatric patients and to test the effectiveness of carotid‐intima‐media‐thickness (cIMT) to possibly predict long‐term compliance to the GFD.

Methods

Patients from 6 to 18 years of age with a diagnosis of CD confirmed by endoscopic duodenal biopsy who were followed at our hospital's pediatric gastroenterology outpatient clinic between November 2020 and May 2021 were evaluated in this single‐center, prospective study. The study patients were divided into two groups according to GFD compliance. Serologic and biochemical tests were conducted routinely during the follow‐up period. cIMT was measured using ultrasound for both groups.

Results

A total of 80 patients (GFD‐non‐compliant: n = 35, GFD‐compliant: n = 45) were evaluated. No significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of demographic data and pathology results. The mean cIMT value was 0.44 ± 0.028 mm for the GFD‐compliant group and 0.54 ± 0.036 mm for the GFD‐non‐compliant group, with a statistically significant between‐group difference (P < .001). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.992 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.978–1, P < .001) for discrimination of the groups. In addition, a cutoff value of 0.486 mm for cIMT showed 96% (95% CI: 0.83–0.99) sensitivity and 94% (95% CI: 0.79–0.99) specificity for distinguishing GFD‐compliant patients from non‐GFD‐compliant patients.

Conclusion

In this study, the relationship between long‐term GFD compliance and cIMT was demonstrated in CD. Currently used by some authors for the assessment of preclinical atherosclerosis, cIMT can also be used as a long‐term indicator of dietary compliance as well as cardiovascular risk.
Demographic response of brown treesnakes to extended population suppression
Authors: Nafus Melia G. , Siers Shane R. , Levine Brenna A. , Quiogue Zachary C. , Yackel Adams Amy A.
Published: December 2021

From a management perspective, reptiles are relatively novel invasive taxa. Few methods for reptile control have been developed and very little is known about their effectiveness for reducing reptile populations, particularly when the goal is eradication. Many reptiles, and especially snakes, are cryptic, secretive, and undergo extended periods of inactivity, traits that decrease detection probabilities and create challenges in estimating population size or evaluating management effects. The brown treesnake (Boiga irregularis) is a notorious invasive species that continues to cause major ecological and economic harm following their introduction to the island of Guam after World War II. They have been the subject of intensive research on the effectiveness of various techniques to control snakes, including the first ever aerial system for the distribution of toxic acetaminophen baits for reptile control. We provide a cohort‐based life table for a cryptic and invasive reptile undergoing extended population control using toxic baits from March 2017–2020. We also evaluated the effects of single (toxic bait) versus multi‐tool (toxic bait and live trapping) management efforts on population trajectories, and estimated which population vital rates are most important for influencing population growth or decline in a treated landscape. Treatment of the population with acetaminophen‐laced baits resulted in an immediate reduction followed by a gradual population decline that suggested that eradication was the probable outcome given sufficient treatment time but that the period of treatment was decades in magnitude. Inclusion of live trapping reduced the predicted time required to achieve eradication by more than half. Preventing the transition of 1,000‐mm snout‐vent length (SVL) females to larger sizes was predicted to have the greatest effect on population reduction based on integral projection modeling. Our results suggest that toxic baits are capable of eradicating brown treesnakes in an enclosure, although inclusion of trapping reduced overall treatment time required. Tools that effectively target females >1,000 mm SVL may have the greatest effect on reducing overall treatment timelines.
Linking woodland caribou abundance to forestry disturbance in southern British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Lochhead Kyle D. , Kleynhans Elizabeth J. , Muhly Tyler B.
Published: December 2021

The decline of many woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) populations is thought to be linked with habitat disturbances resulting from industrial development, including timber harvesting and its network of haul roads. Defining a disturbance‐abundance relationship offers a tool to assess and potentially manage for the influence of disturbance on caribou abundance. Defining this relationship is challenged by limited historical land use and abundance data, the choice of a disturbance measure, and variability in the relationship between subpopulations and across core versus matrix habitat. For 12 subpopulations of woodland caribou within the southern mountain population, we linked longitudinal caribou abundance data with historical forestry disturbances simulated from forest harvest data. We compared disturbance measures estimating the proportion of forested area commercially harvested with even‐aged, regeneration treatments (cutblocks) and converted to roads for transporting timber within subpopulation‐specific core and matrix habitats as predictors of caribou abundance. Non‐linear mixed models provided evidence that disturbances in matrix habitats negatively influenced caribou abundance, with the effects in core habitat being variable between subpopulations. Of the disturbance types evaluated, the best predictors included roads buffered by 50 m (R50), cutblocks ≤80 years old, and the cumulation of cutblocks ≤80 years old plus roads buffered by 50 m. The top‐ranked model was composed of R50 present in core and in matrix habitats. This model predicted a 42% (95% CI = 33–51%) reduction in caribou abundance for every 1% increase in matrix R50 (holding core R50 constant). Given the lack of pre‐forestry abundance data, we failed to directly derive critical disturbance thresholds; however, our models could be used to estimate subpopulation‐specific habitat‐disturbance thresholds necessary to achieve abundance targets. We recommend that in addition to existing protections of core habitat, few if any new roads should be built in core habitat, and that timber harvest in matrix habitat should be designed to minimize the establishment of associated roads.
Fractional laser‐assisted administration of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells to reduce hypertrophic scars in rabbit ears
Authors: Zhang Hongpeng , Wang Hao , Jiang Cuibao , Wang Hongwei , Xia Yong , Shen Danpeng , Xie Fan , Qi Nianmin , Lv Kaiyang
Published: December 2021

Background

The formation of hypertrophic scar is due to the abnormal accumulation and remodeling of the extracellular matrix, especially collagen tissue. Our research was designed to investigate the treatment effect of different administrations of human umbilical cord‐derived stem cells and to hypertrophic scars on rabbit ears.

Methods

Thirty New Zealand female white rabbits were treated as hypertrophic scar models. PBS was injected into the scars on the right ear of each group as control, while human umbilical cord‐derived stem cells or condition medium of human umbilical cord‐derived stem cells were administrated into the left ear through subcutaneous injection or fractional laser‐assisted administration. Gross examination, scar elevation index (SEI) calculation and sampling were executed 5 weeks after administration. Then H&E and Masson staining analysis and the expression levels detections of α‐SMA, Collagen I, TGF‐β1, IL‐1β, and IL‐6 were performed.

Results

Our results demonstrated that the severity of hyperplasia was lower than the model group after stem cells and conditioned medium treatment. H&E and Masson staining results showed that the inflammation in scars was greatly alleviated and the degree of fibrosis was reduced after treatment. There was no significant difference in the therapeutic effect between subcutaneous injection or fractional laser‐assisted administration. Both stem cells and conditioned medium can down‐regulate SEI and factors expression levels in all groups. However, compared with the stem cells, the therapeutic effects of the conditioned medium were lower.

Conclusions

The results confirmed that stem cells had an available treatment effect on hypertrophic scars of rabbit ears. In addition to the paracrine pathway, stem cells may have other ways to treat hypertrophic scars. Fractional laser‐assisted administration may become a potential administration of stem cell clinical application in the future.
Enhanced Bone Regeneration Using a ZIF‐8‐Loaded Fibrin Composite Scaffold
Authors: Shi Wentao , Bian Lu , Wu Yiqing , Wang Zhe , Dai Yao , Zhou Yanjun , Meng Pengfei , Wang Qing , Zhang Zhijian , Zhao Xijiang , Zhao Peng , Lu Xiaojie
Published: December 2021

In the present study, fibrin‐based biomaterials made of zeolite imidazole framework‐8 (ZIF‐8) and fibrin gel (Z‐FG) are fabricated with the aim of enhancing skull regeneration. X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ultraviolet (UV)–vis spectrophotometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and rheometry are used to characterize ZIF‐8 and Z‐FG. The influences of ZIF‐8 on the physical properties of fibrin gel (e.g., porosity, modulus, and in vitro biodegradation) are investigated, and the effect of ZIF‐8 concentration on fibrin gel properties in vitro is determined by seeding ectomesenchymal stem cells (EMSCs) over Z‐FG. EMSC osteogenic differentiation reveals higher expression of bone‐related proteins and higher calcium deposition and alkaline phosphatase activity, indicating that Z‐FG may be a good osteoinductive biomaterial. Furthermore, these results show that the piezochannel and yes‐associated protein (YAP) signaling pathway are involved in the differentiation process. In addition, the in vivo results demonstrate that Z‐FG increases bone formation in critical‐sized calvarial defects in rats. Thus, the developed composite scaffold may be a suitable biomaterial for skull tissue‐engineering applications.
Motivations of playing digital games: A review and research agenda
Authors: Cheah Isaac , Shimul Anwar Sadat , Phau Ian
Published: December 2021

The global digital gaming industry has grown rapidly in recent years. Rapid technological advancements are changing the ways in which players can interact with video games as individuals and collectives. In addition to the increased penetration of games, the reasons for which people play and employ games need careful attention. In this paper, we have systematically reviewed the peer‐reviewed journal articles (n = 91) relevant to the gamers’ motivations of playing digital games. In addition to analysing the publication trends, we have identified and discussed a set of six key motivational themes (immersion and flow, gratification and affect, escapism, social interaction, identification, and goal orientation). Subsequently, we call for further research on theoretical and methodological advancement as well as individual/social wellbeing and dark sides of digital gaming in relation to players’ motivation.
Metabolic response to radiation therapy in cancer
Authors: Read Graham H. , Bailleul Justine , Vlashi Erina , Kesarwala Aparna H.
Published: December 2021

Tumor metabolism has emerged as a hallmark of cancer and is involved in carcinogenesis and tumor growth. Reprogramming of tumor metabolism is necessary for cancer cells to sustain high proliferation rates and enhanced demands for nutrients. Recent studies suggest that metabolic plasticity in cancer cells can decrease the efficacy of anticancer therapies by enhancing antioxidant defenses and DNA repair mechanisms. Studying radiation‐induced metabolic changes will lead to a better understanding of radiation response mechanisms as well as the identification of new therapeutic targets, but there are few robust studies characterizing the metabolic changes induced by radiation therapy in cancer. In this review, we will highlight studies that provide information on the metabolic changes induced by radiation and oxidative stress in cancer cells and the associated underlying mechanisms.
The impact of political connection and board diversity on company performance: Evidence from China
Authors: Liang Lien‐Wen , Lin Tsui‐Jung , Yu Hui‐Fun , Li Ya‐Wen
Published: December 2021

This paper examines the impact of political connection and board diversity on company performance. The sample is composed of information on Chinese‐listed companies from 2008 to 2016. We find a significantly negative correlation between political connection and company performance. Board diversity also has a significantly negative impact on company performance. However, when the impact of the interaction between political connection and board diversity is taken into consideration, we find that it can increase the performance of the firm. Our results imply that political connectedness and board diversity together play a valuable role in a firm's performance.
Cystectomy and ileal conduit for neurogenic bladder: Comparison of the open, laparoscopic and robotic approaches
Authors: Haudebert Camille , Hascoet Juliette , Freton Lucas , Khene Zine‐eddine , Dosin Gilles , Voiry Caroline , Samson Emmanuelle , Richard Claire , Neau Anne‐Cécile , Drouet Anais , Mathieu Romain , Bensalah Karim , Verhoest Grégory , Manunta Andréa , Peyronnet Benoit
Published: December 2021

Aim

The objective of the present study was to compare the outcomes of open versus laparoscopic versus robotic cystectomy and ileal conduit for neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD).

Methods

The charts of all patients who underwent cystectomy and ileal conduit for NLUTD between January 2004 and November 2020 in an academic center were retrospectively reviewed. The approach was either open, laparoscopic or robot‐assisted depending on the period (i.e., three consecutive era). For the robotic approach, the diversion was done either intracorporeally or extracorporeally. We compared the perioperative and late postoperative outcomes between the three groups.

Results

After exclusion of 10 patients with non‐neurogenic benign conditions, 126 patients were included over the study period. The most frequent neurological conditions were multiple sclerosis (36.5%) and spinal cord injury (25.4%). The approach was open, laparoscopic or robot‐assisted in 31 (24.6%), 26 (20.6%) and 69 (54.7%) cases respectively. Seventy‐two patients experienced a 90‐day postoperative complication (57.1%) of which 22 had a major complication (Clavien 3 or higher, 17.5%) including one death (0.8%). The rate of major postoperative complications was significantly lower in the robotic group (23% vs. 23% vs. 10%; p = 0.049) while the rate of overall complications was comparable across the three groups (58.1% vs. 53.9% vs. 60.6%; p = 0.84). After a median follow‐up of 23 months, 22 patients presented a late complication (17.6%), mainly incisional hernia (5; 4%) and uretero‐ileal stricture (9; 7.2%). The rate of late complications did not differ significantly between the three approaches.

Conclusion

Cystectomy and ileal conduit for neurogenic bladder is associated with a relatively high perioperative morbidity. The robot‐assisted approach may decrease the risk of major postoperative complications.
Performance and safety assessment of an integrated transmit array for body imaging at 7 T under consideration of specific absorption rate, tissue temperature, and thermal dose
Authors: Fiedler Thomas M. , Orzada Stephan , Flöser Martina , Rietsch Stefan H. G. , Schmidt Simon , Stelter Jonathan K. , Wittrich Marco , Quick Harald H. , Bitz Andreas K. , Ladd Mark E.
Published: December 2021

In this study, the performance of an integrated body‐imaging array for 7 T with 32 radiofrequency (RF) channels under consideration of local specific absorption rate (SAR), tissue temperature, and thermal dose limits was evaluated and the imaging performance was compared with a clinical 3 T body coil.

Thirty‐two transmit elements were placed in three rings between the bore liner and RF shield of the gradient coil. Slice‐selective RF pulse optimizations for B1 shimming and spokes were performed for differently oriented slices in the body under consideration of realistic constraints for power and local SAR. To improve the B1+ homogeneity, safety assessments based on temperature and thermal dose were performed to possibly allow for higher input power for the pulse optimization than permissible with SAR limits.

The results showed that using two spokes, the 7 T array outperformed the 3 T birdcage in all the considered regions of interest. However, a significantly higher SAR or lower duty cycle at 7 T is necessary in some cases to achieve similar B1+ homogeneity as at 3 T. The homogeneity in up to 50 cm‐long coronal slices can particularly benefit from the high RF shim performance provided by the 32 RF channels. The thermal dose approach increases the allowable input power and the corresponding local SAR, in one example up to 100 W/kg, without limiting the exposure time necessary for an MR examination.

In conclusion, the integrated antenna array at 7 T enables a clinical workflow for body imaging and comparable imaging performance to a conventional 3 T clinical body coil.
Concentration‐dependent effects of dichloroacetate in type 2 diabetic hearts assessed by hyperpolarized [1‐13C]‐pyruvate magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Hansen Esben Søvsø Szocska , Bertelsen Lotte Bonde , Bøgh Nikolaj , Miller Jack , Wohlfart Paulus , Ringgaard Steffen , Laustsen Christoffer
Published: December 2021

Personalized medicine or individualized therapy promises a paradigm shift in healthcare. This is particularly true in complex and multifactorial diseases such as diabetes and the multitude of related pathophysiological complications. Diabetic cardiomyopathy represents an emerging condition that could be effectively treated if better diagnostic and, in particular, better therapeutic monitoring tools were available. In this study, we investigate the ability to differentiate low and high doses of metabolically targeted therapy in an obese type 2 diabetic rat model. Low‐dose dichloroacetate (DCA) treatment was associated with increased lactate production, while no or little change was seen in bicarbonate production. High‐dose DCA treatment was associated with a significant metabolic switch towards increased bicarbonate production. These findings support further studies using hyperpolarized [1‐13C]‐pyruvate magnetic resonance imaging to differentiate treatment effects and thus allow for personalized titration of therapeutics.
High‐resolution magic angle spinning NMR for intact biological specimen analysis: Initial discovery, recent developments, and future directions
Authors: Cheng Leo L.
Published: December 2021

High‐resolution magic angle spinning (HRMAS) NMR, an approach for intact biological material analysis discovered more than 25 years ago, has been advanced by many technical developments and applied to many biomedical uses. This article provides a history of its discovery, first by explaining the key scientific advances that paved the way for HRMAS NMR's invention, and then by turning to recent developments that have profited from applying and advancing the technique during the last 5 years. Developments aimed at directly impacting healthcare include HRMAS NMR metabolomics applications within studies of human disease states such as cancers, brain diseases, metabolic diseases, transplantation medicine, and adiposity. Here, the discussion describes recent HRMAS NMR metabolomics studies of breast cancer and prostate cancer, as well as of matching tissues with biofluids, multimodality studies, and mechanistic investigations, all conducted to better understand disease metabolic characteristics for diagnosis, opportune windows for treatment, and prognostication. In addition, HRMAS NMR metabolomics studies of plants, foods, and cell structures, along with longitudinal cell studies, are reviewed and discussed. Finally, inspired by the technique's history of discoveries and recent successes, future biomedical arenas that stand to benefit from HRMAS NMR‐initiated scientific investigations are presented.
Optimizing GPR time‐zero adjustment and two‐way travel time wavelet measurements using a realistic three‐dimensional numerical model
Authors: Zadhoush Hossain , Giannopoulos Antonios
Published: December 2021

Time‐zero adjustment or the true ground surface for ground penetrating radar (GPR) applications is a very important aspect and an essential factor in order to position subsurface targets, especially those located at shallow depths, at their true position in depth. As the transmitted and received signals from GPR antennas are affected by the presence of different materials with varying electromagnetic properties, adjusting the time zero appropriately is important, but often not straightforward to position accurately. This paper uses a realistic three‐dimensional numerical model of a GPR transducer in order to examine where is the best location for time zero on a GPR trace. It is shown that, in order to establish a robust and consistent time‐zero position, careful consideration is also needed around how the two‐way travel time of the reflected GPR wavelet is estimated. Starting with a simple homogeneous model with a set of different targets, a better process of time‐zero adjustment and time picking of the GPR wavelets is put forward, that is verified using further more complex and realistic heterogeneous models. Further verification is obtained by using experimental data.
Different maternal age patterns of preterm birth: Interplay of race/ethnicity, chronic stress, and marital status
Authors: Kim Sangmi
Published: December 2021

The aim of this study was to examine whether the preterm birth (PTB) risks according to maternal age is altered by a woman's marital status and chronic stress among non‐Hispanic (N‐H) White, N‐H Black, Hispanic, and Asian women. This researcher analyzed the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System data for New York City and Washington State linked with the birth certificates for 2004–2007. The sample included 6344 singleton live births without birth defects to women aged 18 years or older identified as N‐H White, N‐H Black, Hispanic, or Asian. The outcome was PTB. Maternal age‐specific PTB rates were calculated according to race/ethnicity, marital status, and chronic stress. Linear trends of PTB rates with maternal age were evaluated by the Mantel–Haenszel χ2 test. Marriage had a protective effect against PTB at advancing maternal age across racial/ethnic groups. The health benefit of marriage was strong, particularly among the married N‐H Black and Asian women, manifested as a maternal age‐related decrease in the PTB rate (reverse‐weathering). In contrast, women not married showed a maternal age‐related increase in the PTB rate (weathering) across the racial/ethnic groups. Under higher chronic stress, married women generally experienced less weathering about PTB. These patterns were observed with noticeable racial/ethnic variations. Acknowledging the different dynamics among maternal age, marital status, and chronic stress by race/ethnicity could help shed light on the psychosocial mechanisms underlying the racial/ethnic inequalities in PTB in the United States. To that end, future studies should use more nuanced measurements of paternal support and chronic stress.
Pneumatosis intestinalis in the pediatric oncology population: An 11‐year retrospective review at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Authors: Bailey Kayleen A. , Kodikara Hemal , Mauguen Audrey , Price Anita , LaQuaglia Michael , Boulad Farid
Published: December 2021

Background

Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) is characterized by the presence of intramural gas in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The overall aim of this study was to review risk factors and outcome of pediatric oncology patients at our institution who developed PI.

Procedure

Patients diagnosed with PI between 2007 and 2018 were identified from ICD‐10 coding of radiology reports at Memorial Sloan Kettering Kids, a tertiary pediatric oncology center. Outcomes of interest were (a) resolution and time to resolution of PI, (b) surgical intervention within 2 weeks of diagnosis of PI, or (c) death secondary to PI. To capture the resolution of PI, we defined the “time to recovery (TTR)” as the time elapsed between date of PI diagnosis and the date of recovery.

Results

Forty‐two patients were identified. Within 30 days of diagnosis of PI, three patients had surgical intervention for PI (7%) and two patients died (5%) due to non‐PI causes. Median TTR of PI was 4.5 days (95% CI: 3–7 days). In univariable and multivariable analyses, only steroid use in the prior 30 days was significantly associated with a faster TTR of PI (HR = 2.27 [95% CI: 1.17–4.41], p = .02).

Conclusions

This is the largest case series of patients with PI in the pediatric oncology population, which reveals significantly lower surgical and mortality rates than other published PI series. For the majority of patients, conservative medical management is indicated. A prospective study is warranted to define diagnosis and management guidelines for PI in the pediatric oncology population in a cooperative group setting.
“I just want to be normal”: A qualitative investigation of adolescents' coping goals when dealing with pain related to arthritis and the underlying parent‐adolescent personal models
Authors: Ghio Daniela , Calam Rachel , Lee Rebecca Rachael , Cordingley Lis , Ulph Fiona ,   Childhood Arthritis Prospective Study (CAPS)
Published: December 2021

The aim of the current study was to examine adolescents' goals when coping with pain and map these goals to the cognitive and emotional profiles of both adolescent and their parent. 17 adolescents (11‐16 years) and their parents participated in a cohort study of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA); the adolescents, took part in a two‐part interview (about their pain perceptions and about a recent pain experience) and the parents completed an open‐ended qualitative survey. The three datasets were analysed following a qualitative framework approach. A coping framework was developed and cognitive and emotional profiles for both adolescent and parent were mapped back to the framework. The overall goal of adolescents was to preserve social identity, by either focusing on maintaining a “normal” lifestyle (sub‐coping goal one) or managing the pain (sub‐coping goal two). Across these two sub‐coping goals, the adolescents held similar cognitive profiles (beliefs about timeline, consequences, control) but different emotional profiles such as feeling fine/happy compared with feeling angry and frustrated. Conversely, the parents' cognitive and emotional profiles were mapped back to the two groups and found that their beliefs were different across the two sub‐coping goals but had similar emotional profiles across the two groups such as worry. Both the adolescents' emotional representations and parental cognitive profiles seem to be related to how the adolescent perceives a pain event, deals with the pain, and the overall coping goal of the adolescent. Findings are suggestive that parental pain beliefs influence the adolescents' pain representations and their coping goals but are also driven by adolescents' emotions. Further work on these potential pathways is needed. Family interventions should be designed, targeting coping goals taking into consideration the importance of emotions for adolescents and parental pain beliefs.
Nonthermal tetravinylsilane plasma used for thin‐film deposition: Plasma chemistry controls thin‐film chemistry
Authors: Cech Vladimir , Branecky Martin
Published: December 2021

The power dependence of the plasma species in nonthermal tetravinylsilane plasmas used for thin‐film deposition is investigated by mass spectrometry. Mass spectra analysis reveals the dominant carbon‐ and silicon‐containing species responsible for film growth. The deposition rate determined by in situ spectroscopic ellipsometry correlates with the flux of these species chemisorbed on the film surface if distinct sticking coefficients are taken into account. Then, the carbon to silicon ratio in the deposited film strongly correlates with the C/Si flux ratio for the various power‐controlled plasmas. Similarly, the concentration of vinyl groups incorporated into the deposited film and the proportion of sp2 hybridization of the carbon network correlate with the fluxes of the respective plasma species.
Bursicon receptor gene HLGR2 as a potential RNA interference target for control of the fall webworm Hyphantria cunea
Authors: Sun Lili , Zhang Chenshu , Yan Liqiong , Wang Xiaoqi , Wang Zhiying , Cao Chuanwang
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

Insect G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) have been identified as a new generation of attractive targets for RNA interference (RNAi)‐based pest control. A functional study of the leucine‐rich repeat‐containing (LGR2) gene in Hyphantria cunea (HLGR2) was performed to examine whether it can be used in the molecular control of this notorious pest.

RESULTS

The complementary DNA (cDNA) sequence and deduced amino acids of HLGR2 were obtained and analyzed in the present study. HLGR2 is a typical GPCR and shows high structural and sequence similarity with other insect LGR2 proteins. The spatiotemporal expression profiles of HLGR2 showed that HLGR2 was highly expressed at the egg stage and tissues of head and silk gland. After RNAi of HLGR2, distinct phenotypes were observed when HLGR2 expression was suppressed, indicating that HLGR2 is essential in pupation and eclosion. HLGR2 RNAi led to a low pupation rate (45.00%), body malformation, abnormal wing expansion, failed cuticle melanization (63.33%), and high mortality rate (48.33%). Furthermore, we identified eight genes that are regulated by HLGR2. The expression of these eight genes was induced by the HLGR2 signaling pathway and correlated well with cuticle sclerotization. Unlike LGR2 in other insect species, HLGR2 was found to play a crucial role in the control of H. cunea during ecdysis and postecdysial stages.

CONCLUSION

HLGR2 is essential for the growth and development and wing expansion and maturation in H. cunea, suggesting HLGR2 is a promising candidate for application in RNAi‐based control of this notorious agriculture‐forest pest. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Complementary Insights from Neutron and Resonant X‐Ray Reflectometry for the Study of Perovskite Transition Metal Oxide Heterostructures
Authors: Benckiser Eva , Khaydukov Yury , Guasco Laura , Fürsich Katrin , Radhakrishnan Padma , Kim Gideok , Keimer Bernhard
Published: December 2021

The nondestructive investigation of electronic and magnetic modifications at buried interfaces contributes significantly to the understanding of the underlying interactions. This knowledge is essential for the design of electronic devices based on complex quantum materials. Herein, the application of resonant X‐ray and neutron reflectometry for the study of perovskite transition metal oxide heterostructures is reviewed. Both methods are well suited for the nondestructive study of interfacial reconstructions and interactions of spin, charge, and orbitals at the nanoscale. Herein, cases are highlighted in which both methods are complementary and thus provide unique insights into the physics of oxide heterostructures.
Measure inducing classification and regression trees for functional data
Authors: Belli Edoardo , Vantini Simone
Published: December 2021

We propose a tree‐based algorithm (μCART) for classification and regression problems in the context of functional data analysis, which allows to leverage measure learning and multiple splitting rules at the node level, with the objective of reducing error while retaining the interpretability of a tree. For each internal node, our main contribution is the idea of learning a weighted functionalspace by means of constrained convex optimization, which is then used to extract multiple weighted integral features from the functional predictors, in order to determine the binary split. The approach is designed to manage multiple functional predictors and/or responses, by defining suitable splitting rules and loss functions that can depend on the specific problem and can also be combined with additional scalar and categorical predictors, as the tree is grown with the original greedy CART algorithm. We focus on the case of scalar‐valued functional predictors defined on unidimensional domains and illustrate the effectiveness of our method in both classification and regression tasks, through a simulation study and four real‐world applications.
System approaches in governmental public health: Findings from an analysis of the literature
Authors: Orr Jason M. , Leider Jonathon P. , Gutilla Margaret J.
Published: December 2021

The U.S. public health enterprise is a complex system of public and private partners, loosely coupled, which work together to improve the public's health. This scoping review utilized peer‐reviewed and grey literature to understand systems approaches may be used in the design or enhancement of public health governance structures and service delivery mechanisms. Titles and abstracts were screened against the research question and retained materials were reviewed in full. The final analytic sample included 34 articles from an initial pool of 1128 unique citations that collectively described 25 systems approaches. The findings indicate that few avenues may be present to guide design or enhancement of public health systems when needs arise, such as in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Scarcity of literature on this topic presents a challenge, and further analytical studies are needed to inform evidence‐based systems design strategies and applications.
Study on dynamic mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes reinforced concrete subjected to freeze–thaw cycles
Authors: Song Shushuang , Niu Yanning , Zhong Xiumei
Published: December 2021

As a nanometer material, carbon nanotubes can inhibit the expansion of microcracks and is of great significance to improve the mechanical properties and durability of concrete. In order to explore the mechanism of dynamic mechanical properties enhancement of carbon nanotube reinforced concrete under impact load after freeze–thaw cycles, the dynamic compression test of carbon nanotube reinforced concrete samples was carried out by using the control variable method with freeze–thaw cycles and impact air pressure as variables. The results showed that under the same impact pressure, the peak stress of carbon nanotube reinforced concrete sample decreased gradually with the increase of freeze–thaw cycles. The corresponding strain increased slightly, and the stress–strain curve moved to the right and down as a whole. Under the same freeze–thaw cycle, the peak stress of carbon nanotube reinforced concrete sample increased with the increase of strain rate, and the dynamic strength growth factor DIF also increased, showing an obvious strain rate strengthening effect. In addition, under the same freeze–thaw cycles and external impact load, the dynamic strength of carbon nanotube concrete is 41.97 and 54.21 MPa, respectively, which is 22.27 and 25.81% higher than that of ordinary plain concrete. The results show that carbon nanotube reinforced concrete samples have higher dynamic mechanical properties and freeze–thaw cycle resistance than ordinary plain concrete samples.
Strengthening of beams or slabs using temperature induction
Authors: Löschmann Jens , Mark Peter
Published: December 2021

Several aged reinforced concrete (RC) structures need to be strengthened. A typical method is to subsequently add rebar into slots filled with bonding mortar. However, this kind of strengthening only acts for live loads, not for dead loads, if no prestressing or prior lifting is applied. To overcome this deficiency, a novel method is presented. It activates the postinstalled reinforcement for all types of loading by temporarily inducing temperature from the outside. Doing so, statically indeterminate structures are locally relieved from stresses by constraint moments from systematically induced vertical temperature gradients during strengthening. To set the size of the gradients, the nonlinear material behavior, especially the significant reductions in constraint forces due to softening, is taken into account. If tempering is stopped after strengthening, stresses from dead loads redistribute over the newly formed total cross section. The method is theoretically derived, discussed, and verified in the lab on a two‐span RC girder. It turns out appropriate to enhance the bending resistance of beams or slabs.