bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toxicology assessment for six per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS)-free aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) products
Authors: Holden Lindsay A. , East Andrew G. , Narizzano Allison M. , Quinn Michael J.
Published: February 2023

There is an urgent need to understand the toxicity hazards of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) replacement products to ensure the balance between performance and toxicity hazards and avoid regrettable substitutions during the rapid phasing out of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS)-containing AFFFs. To address this need, we assessed the toxicity of six candidate PFAS-free products via literature review, estimation techniques, and incorporation of testing data from whole products and compared them against one PFAS-containing product. Then, we combined the relative hazards across human occupational exposure (e.g., concentrate, foam, or dilute exposures), human environmental exposure (e.g., training, emergency response, cleanup), and environmental exposure to aquatic, mammalian, and other terrestrial species using an index-based scoring system to quantify potential hazards across these domains. We found that most PFAS-free products in their concentrated form may cause dermal and ocular irritation, and aquatic toxicity may be a concern from direct or repeated environmental releases. Additionally, all PFAS-free AFFF products assessed contain chemicals that are notable as plausible hazards resulting from release uncertainties (e.g., concentration, release volume, release timing), but the PFAS-free AFFF products appear to have a lower likelihood of environmental persistence and bioaccumulation and to have lower oral human health toxicity than the PFAS-containing reference product. Decision makers can use this information alongside cost–benefit, sustainability, or life-cycle analyses to make a data-driven decision for the adoption of PFAS-free AFFF. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:1609–1618. © 2023 SETAC
A reflex testing protocol using two multivariate index assays improves the risk assessment for ovarian cancer in patients with an adnexal mass
Authors: Fritsche Herbert A. , Bullock Rowan G.
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Patients with adnexal masses suspicious for malignancy benefit from referral to oncology specialists during presurgical assessment of the mass. OVA1 is a multivariate assay using a five‐biomarker panel which offers high overall and early‐stage sensitivity. However, OVA1 has a high false‐positive rate for benign masses. Overa, a second‐generation multivariate index assay was developed to reduce the false‐positive rate. The aim of the present study was to use Overa as a reflex for OVA1 and increase specificity.

Methods

OVA1 cut‐off scores were established to place patients into three categories: low, intermediate, and high cancer risk. Samples with intermediate‐risk OVA1 scores were reflexed to the Overa and defined as high or low risk. This protocol was tested with 1035 prospectively collected serum samples and validated with an independent prospectively collected sample set (N = 207).

Results

Thirty‐five per cent (359) of samples had intermediate OVA1 scores. Reflexing these to Overa eliminated 58% of the false‐positives and improved the overall specificity from 50% to 72%. This finding was confirmed in the independent dataset, in which the specificity increased from 56% to 73%.

Conclusions

Reflexing samples with intermediate OVA1 scores significantly decreases the false‐positive rate, thereby reducing unnecessary surgical referrals.
Question 63: What role is played by multidisciplinary dialogue to achieve sustainable development goals?
Authors: Makin Ian W. , Pearson Damien , Ravi Varun
Published: February 2023

Congress Question 63 ‘What role is played by multidisciplinary dialogue to achieve sustainable development goals?’ sought to explore how a multidisciplinary approach can be enhanced with improved interactions and new layers to engage in the attainment of sustainable development goals (SDGs) more effectively. In addressing these questions, some 39 papers summarized findings from about 24 countries representing substantially different economic situations, climate, farming systems and water resources. The papers illustrated the potential of irrigated agriculture to help end poverty (SDG 1), end hunger (SDG 2), to promote collaboration and investments (SDG 17) and sustain water‐related ecosystems (SDG 14 and SDG 15). The papers highlight the need for increased, and improved, exchange of information among multiple stakeholders involved in agricultural production systems, from field level, through the supply chain, to the consumers of the food and fibre created. Furthermore, a continued focus on capacity development among stakeholders in the sector is essential with improved communication of the value and challenges of agricultural water management beyond the immediate stakeholders (farmers, system operators, water sector regulators, etc.). As greater attention is directed towards the role of agricultural water use in the management of water resources and related ecosystems, the irrigation and drainage profession must communicate more effectively with the broader society to maintain a ‘social license to operate’.
Development and test of highly accurate endpoint free energy methods. 2: Prediction of logarithm of n‐octanol–water partition coefficient (logP) for druglike molecules using MM‐PBSA method
Authors: Sun Yuchen , Hou Tingjun , He Xibing , Man Viet Hoang , Wang Junmei
Published: February 2023

The logarithm of n‐octanol–water partition coefficient (logP) is frequently used as an indicator of lipophilicity in drug discovery, which has substantial impacts on the absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity of a drug candidate. Considering that the experimental measurement of the property is costly and time‐consuming, it is of great importance to develop reliable prediction models for logP. In this study, we developed a transfer free energy‐based logP prediction model‐FElogP. FElogP is based on the simple principle that logP is determined by the free energy change of transferring a molecule from water to n‐octanol. The underlying physical method to calculate transfer free energy is the molecular mechanics‐Poisson Boltzmann surface area (MM‐PBSA), thus this method is named as free energy‐based logP (FElogP). The superiority of FElogP model was validated by a large set of 707 structurally diverse molecules in the ZINC database for which the measurement was of high quality. Encouragingly, FElogP outperformed several commonly‐used QSPR or machine learning‐based logP models, as well as some continuum solvation model‐based methods. The root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) and Pearson correlation coefficient (R) between the predicted and measured values are 0.91 log units and 0.71, respectively, while the runner‐up, the logP model implemented in OpenBabel had an RMSE of 1.13 log units and R of 0.67. Given the fact that FElogP was not parameterized against experimental logP directly, its excellent performance is likely to be expanded to arbitrary organic molecules covered by the general AMBER force fields.
Tight junctions and acute kidney injury
Authors: Wei Wei , Li Weiying , Yang Letian , Weeramantry Savidya , Ma Liang , Fu Ping , Zhao Yuliang
Published: February 2023

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is characterized by a rapid reduction in kidney function caused by various etiologies. Tubular epithelial cell dysregulation plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of AKI. Tight junction (TJ) is the major molecular structure that connects adjacent epithelial cells and is critical in maintaining barrier function and determining the permeability of epithelia. TJ proteins are dysregulated in various types of AKI, and some reno‐protective drugs can reverse TJ changes caused by insult. An in‐depth understanding of TJ regulation and its causality with AKI will provide more insight to the disease pathogenesis and will shed light on the potential role of TJs to serve as novel therapeutic targets in AKI.
Regulation of epidermal stratification and development by basal keratinocytes
Authors: Yin Hanxiao , Hu Mingzheng , Li Dengwen
Published: February 2023

The epidermis is a stratified squamous epithelium distributed in the outermost layer of the skin and is intimately involved in the formation of a physical barrier to pathogens. Basal keratinocytes possess the properties of stem cells and play an essential role in epidermal development and skin damage recovery. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanism of how basal keratinocytes participate in epidermal development and stratification is vital for preventing and treating skin lesions. During epidermal morphogenesis, the symmetric division of basal keratinocytes contributes to the extension of skin tissues, while their asymmetric division and migration facilitate epidermal stratification. In this review, we summarize the process of epidermal stratification and illustrate the molecular mechanisms underlying epidermal morphogenesis. Furthermore, we discuss the coordination of multiple signaling pathways and transcription factors in epidermal stratification, together with the roles of cell polarity and cell dynamics during the process.
Whole‐genome sequencing of Crimean−Congo hemorrhagic fever virus circulating in Pakistan during 2022
Authors: Umair Massab , Rehman Zaira , Haider Syed A. , Ali Qasim , Hakim Rabia , Bibi Shaheen , Salman Muhammad , Ikram Aamer
Published: February 2023

Pakistan is an endemic country for Crimean−Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) and its Balochistan province is considered a hotspot region for circulation of the virus whereas sporadic cases have been reported from other parts of the country. Our study aims to investigate the genomic diversity of the CCHF virus circulating in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces of Pakistan. Between April to September 2022, 46 samples from suspected CCHF patients were tested, with 6 (13%) showing positive RT‐PCR results. Among the positive cases, all were male, aged 14−48 years among which 4 were butchers. Three CCHF patients succumbed to the disease. The complete S‐M‐L‐gene fragments of 4 positive samples were sequenced. The S and L segments belonged to the Asia‐1 clade and clustered with regional strains from Iran, India, and Afghanistan. One M segment sequence grouped into Africa‐2 along with those reported from India during 2016−2019. We report the detection of a reassorted virus (NIH‐PAK‐CCHF‐03|2022) having Asia‐1‐Africa‐2‐Asia‐1 (S‐M‐L) segment pattern for the first time from Pakistan. Mutational analysis showed M segments harboring eight mutations (T55A, S80P, T110I, T185A, T189A, A212T, and N239I/T) in the mucin‐like domain, five mutations (D250N, T333S, I375V, M401I, A433T), four mutations (N545D, Y657F, K688R, and I824V) in GP38‐domain, and three mutations (T1418N, A1431V, and G1449S) in Gc‐domain. These findings highlight the significance of whole‐genome sequencing of indigenous strains for a better understanding of the CCHFV evolution in Pakistan.
Integrative review of remote patient monitoring in gynecologic and urologic surgical oncology
Authors: Perez Fernanda , Nolde Margaret , Crane Tracy E. , Kebria Mehdi , Chan Kevin , Dellinger Thanh , Sun Virginia
Published: February 2023

Patients with cancer facing complex and invasive urologic and gynecologic cancer surgery often experience symptoms and rapid declines in functional capacity postoperatively. Remote patient monitoring that leverages patient‐generated health data is a potential approach to assess and promote postoperative recovery. This integrative review aims to provide an overview of the current literature and research on remote patient monitoring in gynecologic and urologic surgical oncology.
Combination of mathematics and label‐free proteomics for discovering keratin‐derived specific peptide biomarkers to distinguish animal horn‐derived traditional Chinese medicines
Authors: Liu Rui , Tang Jiayao , Wu Wenxing , Zhao Jingjing , Zhu Zhaoying , Gu Hai‐ou , Wang Zhibin , Zhao Ming , Duan Jin‐ao
Published: February 2023

Saiga antelope horn and Rhinoceros horn have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. However, due to the protection of wildlife, the application of these rare animal horns has been restricted or prohibited. Therefore, water buffalo horn, goat horn, and yak horn have been applied as alternatives to Rhinoceros horn or Saiga antelope horn in a clinic. It is extremely difficult to distinguish normal animal horns in powdered or decocted form, especially identifying related species such as water buffalo horn, yak horn, and cattle horn. In this work, mathematics set and label‐free proteomics analysis were combined for discovering keratin‐derived specific peptide biomarkers. By using mathematics set analysis after nano liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry‐based proteomics, the selected species‐specific peptides could be used to identify the authenticity of the Saiga antelope horn and goat horn. Furthermore, peptide biomarkers were selected to distinguish related species‐derived horns, water buffalo horn, yak horn, and cattle horn. In total, eight peptide biomarkers were selected and applied for simultaneously distinguishing different horn samples. The present strategy provides a method for peptide biomarkers discovery and also has positive significance for ensuring the quality and efficacy of animal horn‐derived traditional Chinese medicines and their products.
Developing an Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) for Microlaryngoscopy
Authors: Ramazani Fatemeh , Wright Erin D , Randall Derrick R , Lin Jun R , Jeffery Caroline C
Published: February 2023

Background

Microlaryngoscopy is a basic technical skill in Oto‐HNS. It is essential for residency programs to have a competency‐based assessment tool to evaluate residents' performance of this procedure. An Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) is a procedure‐specific assessment, which consists of the following: (a) Operation‐Specific Checklist and (b) Global Rating Scale (GRS).

Objective

The objective of this study was to create an OSATS for adult microlaryngoscopy.

Methods

This was a prospective study, with an initial qualitative phase for OSATS development (Phase I), and a clinical pilot phase (Phase II). In Phase I, interviews were conducted with three laryngologists to establish a stepwise description of adult microlaryngoscopy and review a previously validated GRS for relevance to microlaryngoscopy. Responses were used to create a framework for the OSATS. The OSATS was then presented to Oto‐HNS residents and laryngologists in an alternating fashion, for review of clarity and relevance. A pilot study was then performed to evaluate the resident performance of adult microlaryngoscopy. Multiple regression analysis was carried out to investigate whether training level, case complexity, and previous OSATS exposure could predict participant scores.

Results

Phase I of this study led to the creation of a 34‐item OSATS. The pilot study (N = 28 procedures) revealed that training level was significantly correlated with increased OSATS scores. There was no statistically significant correlation between case complexity and resident scores. Assessors reported the perceived utility of the OSATS and intent for use in residency training.

Conclusion

Application of the proposed OSATS will allow for competency‐based assessment of the resident performance of microlaryngoscopy.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 133:2719–2724, 2023
Comparison of CPAP and Expansion Sphincter Pharyngoplasty using the Mean Disease Alleviation Concept
Authors: Fiorella Michele , Armache Maria , Scott Elizabeth , Rodin Julianna , Boon Maurits , Huntley Colin
Published: February 2023

Objective

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the typical first treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA); however, patient adherence is often suboptimal. Expansion Sphincter Pharyngoplasty (ESP) is an alternative treatment option for patients with OSA who demonstrate signs of palatal and lateral pharyngeal collapse. The aim of this study is to compare therapeutic outcomes, using the mean disease alleviation concept, for patients who underwent ESP to patients undergoing CPAP therapy.

Data Sources

Single‐institution retrospective cohort study.

Methods

All patients who underwent ESP from 2018 to 2021 or were prescribed CPAP from December to June 2021 at our institution were assessed for inclusion. ESP patients who had pre‐ and post‐operative sleep studies available and CPAP patients who followed up at our institution's sleep clinic were included for analysis. Charts were reviewed for demographic information and sleep study results, and treatment outcomes were measured by calculating mean disease alleviation.

Results

There were 77 patients in the ESP group and 107 patients in the CPAP group. AHI reduction was greater in the CPAP group (p = 0.016); however, mean disease alleviation was similar between groups (p = 0.076). One‐way ANCOVA demonstrated similar MDA between groups when controlling for patient age, BMI, gender, and pre‐operative AHI (F [1,177] = 2,931.6, p = 0.104).

Conclusion

CPAP therapy provided superior reduction in AHI compared to ESP; however, overall treatment efficacy as measured by mean disease alleviation was similar for both groups.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 133:1513–1517, 2023
Small‐organelle‐enriched metagenomics: An improved method for environmental DNA‐based identification of marine plankton
Authors: Jin Soyeong , Lee Hyun‐Gwan , Park Chungoo , Kim Kwang Young
Published: February 2023

Understanding marine biodiversity is of paramount importance. Recently, we developed a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐free small‐organelle‐enriched metagenomics (SoEM) method with enhanced performance in species identification compared to multimarker DNA metabarcoding. However, this method has a problem of applicability for field surveys, for example, the need to filter large volumes of seawater. Here, we propose an improved version of the original SoEM method (SoEM pioneer version [SoEM‐pv]) for marine biodiversity assessment. There are three major contributions to this proposed SoEM method (SoEM v1.0): (1) presentation of PCR‐free protocols for seawater environmental DNA analysis; (2) provision of widely applicable optimal DNA extraction protocols that can be applied to small volumes (approximately 2 liters) of coastal waters; and (3) description of easy‐to‐use bioinformatics pipelines for analysis of the SoEM data. To validate the accuracy and sensitivity of SoEM v1.0, we evaluated the performance of the taxonomic capture capacity from seawater samples and found that, given the sample volume of 2 liters, (1) SoEM v1.0 had an approximately 5‐ to 10‐fold higher DNA extraction yield than the SoEM‐pv; (2) SoEM v1.0 had the highest taxonomic diversity compared to the other methods, 1.6‐fold higher than PCR‐based multi‐locus DNA metabarcoding and 1.2‐fold higher than shotgun metagenomic sequencing; and (3) the number of species identified did not increase proportionally with increasing sample size from 2 to 20 liters. We suggest that SoEM v1.0 is a promising and feasible method for marine eukaryotic diversity studies and expect it to be welcomed by biological oceanographers and coastal resource managers.
Photobiomodulation therapy mitigates cardiovascular aging and improves survival
Authors: Syed Sunayana Begum , Ahmet Ismayil , Chakir Khalid , Morrell Christopher H. , Arany Praveen R. , Lakatta Edward G.
Published: February 2023

Background

Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy, a form of low‐dose light therapy, has been noted to be effective in several age‐associated chronic diseases such as hypertension and atherosclerosis. Here, we examined the effects of PBM therapy on age‐associated cardiovascular changes in a mouse model of accelerated cardiac aging.

Methods

Fourteen months old Adenylyl cyclase type VIII (AC8) overexpressing transgenic mice (n = 8) and their wild‐type (WT) littermates (n = 8) were treated with daily exposure to Near‐Infrared Light (850 nm) at 25 mW/cm2 for 2 min each weekday for a total dose of 1 Einstein (4.5 p.J/cm2 or fluence 3 J/cm2) and compared to untreated controls over an 8‐month period. PBM therapy was administered for 3.5 months (Early Treatment period), paused, due to Covid‐19 restrictions for the following 3 months, and restarted again for 1.5 months. Serial echocardiography and gait analyses were performed at monthly intervals, and serum TGF‐β1 levels were assessed following sacrifice.

Results

During the Early Treatment period PBM treatments: reduced the age‐associated increases in left ventricular (LV) mass in both genotypes (p = 0.0003), reduced the LV end‐diastolic volume (EDV) in AC8 (p = 0.04); and reduced the left atrial dimension in both genotypes (p = 0.02). PBM treatments substantially increased the LV ejection fraction (p = 0.03), reduced the aortic wall stiffness (p = 0.001), and improved gait symmetry, an index of neuro‐muscular coordination (p = 0.005). The effects of PBM treatments, measured following the pause, persisted. Total TGF‐β1 levels were significantly increased in circulation (serum) in AC8 following PBM treatments (p = 0.01). We observed a striking increase in cumulative survival in PBM‐treated AC8 mice (100%; p = 0.01) compared to untreated AC8 mice (43%).

Conclusion

PBM treatment mitigated age‐associated cardiovascular remodeling and reduced cardiac function, improved neuromuscular coordination, and increased longevity in an experimental animal model. These responses correlate with increased TGF‐β1 in circulation. Future mechanistic and dose optimization studies are necessary to assess these anti‐aging effects of PBM, and validation in future controlled human studies is required for effective clinical translation.
Weakly supervised breast lesion detection in DCE‐MRI using self‐transfer learning
Authors: Sun Rong , Zhang Xiaobing , Xie Yuanzhong , Nie Shengdong
Published: February 2023

Background

Breast cancer is a typically diagnosed and life‐threatening cancer in women. Thus, dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI) is increasingly used for breast lesion detection and diagnosis because of the high resolution of soft tissues. Moreover, supervised detection methods have been implemented for breast lesion detection. However, these methods require substantial time and specialized staff to develop the labeled training samples.

Purpose

To investigate the potential of weakly supervised deep learning models for breast lesion detection.

Methods

A total of 1003 breast DCE‐MRI studies were collected, including 603 abnormal cases with 770 breast lesions and 400 normal subjects. The proposed model was trained using breast DCE‐MRI considering only the image‐level labels (normal and abnormal) and optimized for classification and detection sub‐tasks simultaneously. Ablation experiments were performed to evaluate different convolutional neural network (CNN) backbones (VGG19 and ResNet50) as shared convolutional layers, as well as to evaluate the effect of the preprocessing methods.

Results

Our weakly supervised model performed better with VGG19 than with ResNet50 (p < 0.05). The average precision (AP) of the classification sub‐task was 91.7% for abnormal cases and 88.0% for normal samples. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) was 0.939 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.920–0.941). The weakly supervised detection task AP was 85.7%, and the correct location (CorLoc) was 90.2%. A sensitivity of 84.0% at two‐false positives per image was assessed based on free‐response ROC (FROC) curve.

Conclusions

The results confirm that a weakly supervised CNN based on self‐transfer learning is an effective and promising auxiliary tool for detecting breast lesions.
A study on corporate foundation and philanthropy: Does governance matter for organizational performance?
Authors: Yang Daniel , Babiak Kathy
Published: February 2023

Given the increased social and strategic value of corporate philanthropy (CP) in businesses, a growing number of corporations have established associated corporate foundations to institutionalize and formalize their CP. Notably, CP has been channeled through team charitable foundations in professional sport, which are corporate foundations closely tied to their parent teams while having own (quasi) independent governance structure. However, these corporate foundations have received less scholarly attention. The study explores the relationship between corporate foundation governance and organizational performance in the context of professional sport. Specifically, this study focuses on how board structural characteristics, such as board size and board diversity, and board leadership, such as board chair affiliation with the parent team and the presence of a paid executive director, influence the team foundation's total received contributions. To empirically test our hypotheses, the study used longitudinal data of financial and personnel information of team foundations in the United States from 2011 to 2017. The results show that the team foundations with a larger board and paid executive director generate more significant revenues (received from contributions, grants, and gifts). The study illuminates how the internal governing environment shapes and steers a corporate foundation's philanthropic practices and performance.
Subsequent cancers within 5 years from initial diagnosis of childhood cancer. Patterns and risks in the population of Great Britain
Authors: Stiller Charles A. , Bunch Kathryn J. , Bayne Anita M. , Stevens Michael C. G. , Murphy Michael F. G.
Published: February 2023

Background

Patterns and risks of subsequent primary tumours (SPTs) among long‐term survivors of childhood cancer have been extensively described, but much less is known about early SPTs (ESPTs) occurring within 5 years after initial diagnosis.

Procedure

We carried out a population‐based study of ESPTs following childhood cancer throughout Britain, using the National Registry of Childhood Tumours. The full study series comprised all ESPTs occurring among 56,620 children whose initial cancer diagnosis was in the period 1971–2010. Frequencies of ESPT were calculated for the entire cohort. For analyses of risk, follow‐up began 92 days after initial diagnosis.

Results

ESPT developed in 0.4% of children overall, 0.52% of those initially diagnosed at age less than 1 year and 0.38% of those diagnosed at age 1–14 years. Standardised incidence ratio (SIR) was 7.7 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.7–8.9), overall 9.5 (95% CI: 7.1–12.5) for children initially diagnosed in 1981–1990 and 6.5–7.5 for those from earlier and later decades. SIR by type of first cancer ranged from 4.4 (95% CI: 1.8–9.1) for Wilms tumour to 13.1 (95% CI: 7.7–21.0) for non‐Hodgkin lymphoma. SIR by type of ESPT ranged from 2.0 (95% CI: 1.0–3.4) for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia to 66.6 (95% CI: 52.3–83.6) for acute myeloid leukaemia. Predisposition syndromes were known to be implicated in 21% of children with ESPT and suspected in another 5%.

Conclusions

This study provides an overview of the patterns and risks of ESPTs in a large population where many children received therapy that is still in widespread use. Further research will be needed to monitor and understand changes in risk as childhood cancer treatment continues to evolve.
Combined analysis of PHOX2B at two time points and its value for further risk stratification in high‐risk neuroblastoma
Authors: Yue Zhixia , Gao Chao , Xing Tianyu , Zhao Wen , Duan Chao , Wang Xisi , Jin Mei , Su Yan
Published: February 2023

Background

Risk stratification of high‐risk neuroblastoma (NB) is crucial for exploring treatments. This study aimed to explore the value of minimal residual disease (MRD) based on PHOX2B levels for further risk stratification in high‐risk NB.

Methods

The expression of PHOX2B was monitored at two time points (after two and six cycles of induction chemotherapy, TP1 and TP2, respectively) by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). The clinical characteristics between groups and survival rates were analyzed.

Results

The study included 151 high‐risk patients. Positive expression of PHOX2B at diagnosis was seen in 129 cases. PHOX2B was mainly expressed in patients with high lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and neuron‐specific enolase (NSE) levels (p < .001), bone marrow metastasis (p < .001), more than three metastatic organs (p < .001), 11q23 loss of heterozygosity (LOH) (p = .007), and when more events occurred (p = .012). The 4‐year EFS rate was significantly lower in patients with positive PHOX2B expression compared to the negative group at diagnosis (32.9% ± 6.2% vs. 74.5% ± 10.1%, p = .005). We stratified the 151 patients into three MRD risk groups: low high‐risk (low‐HR), with TP1 less than 10−4 and TP2 less than 10−4; ultra‐HR, with TP1 greater than or equal to 10−2 or TP2 greater than or equal to 10−4, and others classified as intermediate‐HR. Patients in ultra‐HR had the worst survival rate compared with other two groups (p = .02). In a multivariate model, MRD risk stratification based on PHOX2B levels at TP1 and TP2 was an independent prognostic factor for high‐risk patients (p = .001). Patients in ultra‐HR were associated with 11q23 LOH (p < .001), more than three organs of metastasis (p = .005), bone marrow metastasis (p < .001), and occurrence of more events (p = .009).

Conclusions

MRD risk stratification based on PHOX2B levels at two time points (after two and six cycles of induction chemotherapy) provided a stratification system for high‐risk NB, which successfully predicted treatment outcomes. Our results present an effective method for further stratification of high‐risk NB.
Estimation of the impact of natural soiling on solar module operation through image analysis
Authors: Cavieres Robinson , Salas Jorge , Barraza Rodrigo , Estay Danilo , Bilbao José , Valdivia Patricio
Published: February 2023

This study presents a novel algorithm to evaluate the power losses in photovoltaic (PV) modules that are exposed to naturally accumulated soiling. The proposed algorithm uses red, green, and blue (RGB) images of the PV modules captured in the visible spectrum and measures features such as the average color intensity and standard deviation from every color channel. These features are then ranked based on the module performance by using statistical tools, and the most relevant set of features is selected. The selected features are used as an input, and the module power generation is used as the label to train an artificial neural network that outputs a continuous value that represents the instantaneous performance of the evaluated module when compared with a clean module operating under the same environmental conditions. The proposed method is effective for images captured within an irradiance ranging from 700 to 1000 (W/m2), with the predictions achieving an R2 score of 0.96 and RMSE of 0.74% for power losses ranging from 0% to 20% in natural soiling. This percentage corresponds to a clean condition, where irradiance is not used as an input, making it a cheap and reliable solution to monitor soiling conditions. This is the first work of its kind to demonstrate a correlation between the extracted color features of RGB images and module performance under outdoor conditions for the studied dataset. The proposed algorithm presents less accurate results when it is tested in modules exposed to non‐homogenous soiling, suggesting that the proposed methodology might be effective only for naturally accumulated soiling.
Aerial part of Houttuynia cordata reverses memory impairment by regulating amyloid beta accumulation and neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease model
Authors: Ju In Gyoung , Lee Seungmin , Choi Jin Gyu , Kim Namkwon , Huh Eugene , Lee Jong Kil , Oh Myung Sook
Published: February 2023

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease characterized by amyloid‐β (Aβ) deposition, accompanied by neuroinflammation and memory dysfunction. Houttuyniae Herba (aerial parts of Houttuynia cordata, also known as fish mint; HH), an herbal medicine traditionally used to treat fever, urinary disorders, and pus, is revealed to protect neurons from Aβ toxicity and regulate cholinergic dysfunction in AD models. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of HH on excessive accumulation of Aβ followed by neuroinflammation, synaptic degeneration, and memory impairment. Two‐month‐old 5xFAD transgenic mice were administered HH at 100 mg/kg for 4 months. We observed that HH treatment ameliorated memory impairment and reduced Aβ deposits in the brains of the mice. HH directly inhibited Aβ aggregation in vitro using the Thioflavin T assay and indirectly suppressed the amyloidogenic pathway by increasing alpha‐secretase expression in the mice brain. In addition, HH exerted antineuroinflammatory effects by reducing of glial activation and p38 phosphorylation. Moreover, HH treatment increased the expression of synaptophysin, a presynaptic marker protein. Overall, HH alleviates memory impairment in AD by facilitating nonamyloidogenic pathway and inhibiting neuroinflammation. Therefore, we suggest that HH can be a promising herbal drug for patients with AD requiring multifaceted improvement.
Remaining useful life evaluation for accelerated Wiener degradation process model with mixed random effects and measurement errors
Authors: Duan Fengjun , Wang Guanjun , Wei Wanmeng , Jiang Mingye
Published: February 2023

This paper evaluates the remaining useful life (RUL) for the accelerated Wiener process with mixed random effects and measurement errors. In the discussed model, the random effects are included in both the drift and diffusion parameters of the Wiener process to model the heterogeneity among different degradation paths of products. The measurement errors are introduced to describe the inaccuracy during the measurement process. The effect of the accelerated stress level is included in the drift parameter. The expectation‐maximization (EM) algorithm is applied to obtain the estimation of the model parameters. The expressions of the probability density functions (PDFs) and cumulative distribution functions (CDFs) of the lifetime and RUL distributions of products under the normal usage stress level are derived theoretically. Finally, an example of stress relaxation data is used to illustrate the effectiveness of the developed model and method.
Revisiting theN(N + 1)/2‐sites‐type Gaussian charge model for permutationally invariant polynomial fitting of global molecular tensor surfaces
Authors: Kudratov Sophia A. , Kaledin Martina , Kaledin Alexey L.
Published: February 2023

The exact expressions for the dipole, quadrupole, and octupoles of a collection ofNpoint charges involve summations of corresponding tensors over theNsites weighted by their charge magnitudes. When the point charges are atoms (in a molecule) theN‐site formula is an approximation, and one must integrate over the electron density to recover the exact multipoles. In the present work we revisit theN(N + 1)/2‐site point charge density model of Hall (Chem. Phys. Lett.6, 501, 1973) for the purpose of fitting ab initio derived multipole moment hypersurfaces using permutationally invariant polynomials (PIP). We examine new approaches in PIP‐fitting procedures for the dipole, quadrupole, octupole moments, and polarizability tensor surfaces (DMS, QMS, OMS and PTS, respectively) for a non‐polar CCl4and a polar CHCl3and show that compared to the primitiveN‐site model theN(N + 1)/2‐site model appreciably improves the relative RMSE of the DMS and does much more substantially so, by an order of magnitude, for the corresponding ones of QMS and OMS. Training datasets are obtained by sampling potential energies up to 18 000 cm−1above the global minima, generated by molecular dynamics simulations at the DFT B3LYP/aug‐cc‐pVDZ level of theory.
Exome‐based genome‐wide screening of rare variants associated with the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Tamaoka Satoshi , Saito Kazuki , Yoshida Tomoko , Nakabayashi Kazuhiko , Tatsumi Kenichi , Kawamura Toshihiro , Matsuzaki Toshiya , Matsubara Keiko , Ogata‐Kawata Hiroko , Hata Kenichiro , Kato‐Fukui Yuko , Fukami Maki
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Genetic factors associated with the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) remain largely unknown. Here, we conducted an optimal sequence kernel association test (SKAT‐O), an exome‐based rare variant association study, to clarify whether rare variants in specific genes contribute to the development of PCOS.

Methods

SKAT‐O was performed using exome data of 44 Japanese patients with PCOS and 301 control women. We analyzed frequencies of rare probably damaging variants in the genome.

Results

Rare variants of GSTO2 were more commonly identified in the patient group than in the control group (6/44 vs. 1/301; Bonferroni‐corrected p‐value, 0.028), while the frequencies of variants in other genes were comparable between the two groups. The identified GSTO2 variants were predicted to affect the function, structure, stability, hydrophobicity, and/or the formation of intrinsically disordered regions of the protein. GSTO2 encodes a glutathione transferase that mediates the oxidative stress response and arsenic metabolism. Previously, common variants in GSTO2 and its paralog GSTO1 were associated with the risk of PCOS.

Conclusions

The results indicate that there are no genes whose rare variants account for a large fraction of the etiology of PCOS, although rare damaging variants in GSTO2 may constitute a risk factor in some cases.
Topologically Porous Heterostructures for Photo/Photothermal Catalysis of Clean Energy Conversion
Authors: Gao Fan , Wang Xinqiang , Cui Wen‐Gang , Liu Yanxia , Yang Yaxiong , Sun Wenping , Chen Jian , Liu Ping , Pan Hongge
Published: February 2023

As a straightforward way to fix solar energy, photo/photothermal catalysis with semiconductor provides a promising way to settle the energy shortage and environmental crisis in many fields, especially in clean energy conversion. Topologically porous heterostructures (TPHs), featured with well‐defined pores and mainly composed by the derivatives of some precursors with specific morphology, are a major part of hierarchical materials in photo/photothermal catalysis and provide a versatile platform to construct efficient photocatalysts for their enhanced light absorption, accelerated charges transfer, improved stability, and promoted mass transportation. Therefore, a comprehensive and timely review on the advantages and recent applications of the TPHs is of great importance to forecast the potential applications and research trend in the future. This review initially demonstrates the advantages of TPHs in photo/photothermal catalysis. Then the universal classifications and design strategies of TPHs are emphasized. Besides, the applications and mechanisms of photo/photothermal catalysis in hydrogen evolution from water splitting and COx hydrogenation over TPHs are carefully reviewed and highlighted. Finally, the challenges and perspectives of TPHs in photo/photothermal catalysis are also critically discussed.
Investigation of Inclusion Removal at Steel–Slag Interface toward a Small‐Scale Criterion for Particle Separation
Authors: Zhang Xiaomeng , Pirker Stefan , Saeedipour Mahdi
Published: February 2023

Interactions between inclusion particles and the steel–slag interface directly affect the inclusion removal efficiency and thus influence steel cleanliness. Herein, the three‐phase interactions are resolved using the volume of fluid (VOF) method coupled with a dynamic overset mesh. The simulation is able to capture the instantaneous interface deformation and predict the particle motion driven by capillary force. The model validity is first demonstrated by comparison with analytical results. Then, a parameter study is conducted to examine the most influential factors governing the separation process. The results show that the system's wetting condition and the slag viscosity have a decisive effect on particle behavior at the interface (separation or entrapment). From an energy perspective, a better wetting condition generates more energy sources, and the interfacial energy is efficiently transformed into the particle's kinetic energy within a less viscous environment, thus leading to better separation. Besides, a criterion for predicting particle behavior is developed based on a modified Reynolds number (, relevant to fluid properties) and a quantity related to particle dynamics (ζ). The current work brings insights into the interfacial phenomenon during inclusion removal, which can be incorporated into large‐scale simulations to estimate the removal efficiency more accurately.
Probabilistic Integration of Geomechanical and Geostatistical Inferences for Mapping Natural Fracture Networks
Authors: Chandna Akshat , Srinivasan Sanjay
Published: February 2023

Estimation of a reservoir’s production potential, well placement and field development depends largely on accurate modeling of the existing fracture networks. However, there is always significant uncertainty associated with the prediction of spatial location and connectivity of fracture networks due to lack of sufficient data to model them. Therefore, stochastic characterization of these fractured reservoirs becomes necessary.
Searching for Worlds Worth Living in
Authors: Kaukko Mervi , Windsor Sally , Reimer Kristin
Published: February 2023

The idea of living well, the ‘good’ life, and the type of world that allows all lifeforms to thrive is not new. Its outlines are visible in many Indigenous knowledges. In the Western tradition, its roots stretch back beyond Aristotle in ancient Greece. This chapter presents the book at hand as a listening project. Through the 13 chapters of the book, we invite the reader to pause, ponder, identify and interpret what ‘living well’ or a ‘world worth living in’ means in different contexts and for different groups of people, and how the meaning changes depending on where one stands. Hearing from knowledge holders standing in different positions in the world, our knowledge gets richer. As we listen deeply to all the chapters of the book, we can hear clearly the language of criticism: how educational practices are currently stopping us from living well; and how educational practices are creating a world of inequity and unmet needs. But we can also hear the language of hope: how education is helping us to live well and to live well together—both today and in the future; and how education is supporting us, together, to create a world, day by day and practice by practice, that is worth living in for all.
“The Kitchen is My Favrote Place in the House”: A World Worth Living in for Children with Feeding Difficulties and Their Families
Authors: Hopwood Nick , Gowans Henry , Gowans Jessica , Disher-Quill Kate , Elliot Chris
Published: February 2023

We cannot live well without food. However, a significant number of children experience medical issues that impact their feeding, in some cases requiring feeding via a tube. The SUCCEED Child Feeding Alliance recognises the challenges that tube-feeding presents, and collaborates with parents, healthcare providers, and others to take steps towards a world in which all children who tube-feed thrive, experiencing the full joys of childhood, and agentically pursuing the futures of their own making. This chapter is inspired by Henry, who despite an ongoing need to tube-feed, has a passion for cooking, and wants to be a chef when he is older. We explore the challenges and praxis of tube-feeding, and different responsibilities and opportunities we have as adults in promoting positive change—from perspectives as parent, clinician, artist, and researcher. This dialogue is infused with theoretical insights from the theory of practice architectures, and Stetsenko’s transformative activist stance, which draws our attention to ways in which we contribute individually and collectively to the future that ought to be. We conclude by presenting one of Chef Henry’s own recipes.
Facing the Climate Crisis, Acting Together: Young Climate Activists on Building a Sustainable Future
Authors: Kiilakoski Tomi , Piispa Mikko
Published: February 2023

In this article, we examine the constructive democratic practices of young climate activists and their views on how democracy should be improved. We study how the youth climate movement is expressing utopias of democracy. Utopias are thought to be central to imagining more just societies. Furthermore, they enable critical analysis of existing social structures and have a special function in surpassing dystopian reality. For young activists, living well refers to preserving a planet that can sustain decent and eco-socially just conditions for all. These conditions are endangered by the current way of life. According to our results, acting together is a source of hope. Besides criticising the current status quo, young people have combined everyday activism with efforts to influence decision-makers. Furthermore, they argue that while democracy is the best platform to approach the eco-crisis in a just manner, democracy needs improvement. The analysis is based on multi-sited ethnography and 18 interviews, gathered during 2020. Our emphasis is on the young as agents, not as recipients or objects of education. Analysis combines theoretical educational perspectives, which emphasise the significance of utopian thinking, with empirical youth research.
Education for Living Well in a World Worth Living in
Authors: Kemmis Stephen
Published: February 2023

This chapter sets out to articulate and provide a theoretical justification for the view that education has a double purpose: the formation of individual persons and the formation of societies. The argument proceeds in four parts. First, it outlines the dialectic of the individual and the collective articulated in Marx’s third thesis on Feuerbach. Second, using the theory of practice architectures, it describes the three-dimensional intersubjective space in which this dialectic is realised: the space in which people encounter one another as interlocutors, as embodied beings, and as social and political beings. Third, it shows that the dialectic of the individual-collective, as it unfolds through time, is more than an abstract matter, which Hegel pursued in the form of a history of ideas; against Hegel, the Young Hegelians, including Feuerbachand Marx, argued that the dialectic of the individual-collective is a concrete and practical matter, realised in human history and practice. The final section draws these three strands together in a contemporary theory of education underpinned by the theory of practice architectures.
Why Listen? Student Voice Work Defended: Students as ‘Expert Witnesses’ to Their Experiences in Schools and Other Sites of Learning
Authors: Groundwater-Smith Susan
Published: February 2023

This chapter makes the case for educative practice in which teachers and learners unite in a form of participative inquiry with an emphasis upon inclusion and social justice. It will demonstrate that taking this stance acts as an interruption to pedagogical power relations and hierarchical governance leading to a reconsideration of the typical assemblages of engagement on the part of all participating in the dance of education. The chapter honours the capability of young people to witness the manner in which educative practices can and should take place in a world worth living in. It will illuminate its assertions by offering a range of examples varying in levels of participation and the scale of the engagement in participative inquiry with a focus upon mutual learning that attends to a variety of voices including those often marginalised, even silenced.