bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine Learning for Analysis of Microscopy Images: A Practical Guide and Latest Trends
Authors: Zinchuk Vadim , Grossenbacher‐Zinchuk Olga
Published: July 2023

The explosive growth of Machine Learning provided scientists with insights into the data in the ways unattainable using established research techniques. It allowed the detection of biological features that were previously unrecognized and overlooked. Yet, since Machine Learning methodology originates from informatics, many cell biology laboratories experience difficulties with implementing it. In preparing this article, we targeted the rapidly expanding audience of cell and molecular biologists who perform analysis of microscopy images and seek to add Machine Learning models to their research workflow. We review the advantages of using Machine Learning in microscopy projects, describe the Machine Learning pipeline, and share practical guidelines for building the models. The latest developments in the rapidly expanding field are also given. The technical survey is concluded with an overview of the tools required for model creation and advice on their use. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Enhancing the anticancer immune response with the assistance of drug repurposing and delivery systems
Authors: Fu Zile , Zhang Xiaoming , Gao Yanfeng , Fan Jia , Gao Qiang
Published: July 2023

Background

The immune system plays a pivotal role in the initiation, evolution, invasion and metastasis of cancer. Therapeutics aiming at modulating or boosting anticancer immune responses have experienced immense advances during the past decades, for example, anti‐PD‐1/PD‐L1 monoclonal antibodies.

Main body

Concomitant with advancements in the understanding of novel mechanisms of action, conventional or emerging drugs bearing the potential to be repurposed for enhancing anticancer immunity have been identified. Meanwhile, ongoing advances in drug delivery systems enable us to utilise novel therapeutic strategies and impart drugs with fresh modes of action in tumour immunology.

Conclusion

Herein, we systemically review these kinds of drugs and delivery systems that can unleash the anticancer response through various aspects, including immune recognition, activation, infiltration and tumour killing. We also discuss the current caveats and future directions of these emerging strategies.
Dropper method for cytology slide staining: An effective and sustainable approach to eliminating cross contamination
Authors: Ward Michael , Chadwick Barbara , Abraham Dev
Published: July 2023

Cytopathology laboratories must ensure effective measures to prevent cross‐contamination during slide staining. As such, slides with high potential for cross‐contamination are usually stained separately, by dipping slides into a series of Romanowsky‐type stains, with periodic (usually weekly) filtering and replacement of stains used. Our 5‐year experience and a validation study of an alternative dropper method is presented. In this method, cytology slides are placed in a staining rack, a small amount of stain is applied to each using a dropper. Because of the small amount of stain used, this dropper method requires no filtering or reuse of stain, eliminating the possibility of cross contamination and reducing the total amount of stain used. In our 5‐year experience, we report a complete elimination of cross contamination due to staining, excellent staining quality, and a slight reduction in overall stain expenditure.
Nontarget catches of traps with chemical lures may refer to the flower‐visitation, probable pollination, and feeding of bush crickets (Ensifera: Tettigoniidae)
Authors: Nagy Antal , Ősz Aletta , Tóth Miklós , Rácz István András , Kovács Szilvia , Szanyi Szabolcs
Published: July 2023

The diurnal bees, lepidopterans, and other pollinators are among the most studied flower‐visiting insect taxa. They mostly play distinct functions in temperate grasslands and ecotones of grassland‐forest mosaics (such as in forest steppes). Although orthopterans are widely distributed in these habitats, however, their flower visitation is nearly unknown, especially in the temperate zone. During the development of traps with chemical lures to catch Lepidoptera pests, large numbers of Orthoptera were caught that provide a chance for studying the flower visitation and odor and indirectly the host plant preference of seven temperate zone Tettigoniidae species. Data on the attractivity of isoamyl alcohol‐based semisynthetic lures for Meconema thalassinum and efficiency of phenylacetaldehyde‐based lures on Leptophyes albovittata and Phaneroptera falcata were reported for the first time. Additionally, analysis of nature photos collected from internet sources, as part of a passive citizen science also supports the revealed preference of these species. Based on photos, the studied orthopterans mainly visit Asteraceae species including the most preferred Tanacetum vulgare, Pulicaria dysenterica, Achillea millefolium, Solidago canadensis, and Centaurea scabiosa. Based on catches of volatile traps, the first data were recorded on the attractivity of phenylacetaldehyde‐ and isoamyl alcohol‐based lures on three temperate zone Orthoptera species. Results of a passive citizen science study strengthen these results that may increase the knowledge on the host plant and habitat preference of Orthoptera species.
The association between early maladaptive schemas and glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Sayyadi Amin , Maleksaabet Mohammad Mehdi , Gozashti Mohammad Hossein
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Diabetes is a disease with high prevalence and causes heavy economic burden. Mental and physical health are tied together and their interaction determines one's health or sickness. Early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) are suitable indicators of mental health. We investigated the association between EMSs and glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study in 2021 on 150 patients with T2DM. We used two questionnaires a demographic data questionnaire, and a Young Schema Questionnaire 2 – Short Form for gathering the data. We also performed laboratory tests on our participants and used the results of fasting blood sugar and haemoglobin A1c to evaluate glycaemic control.

Results

Most of our participants were females (66%). Most of our patients were 41–60 years old (54%). There were only three single participants, and 86.6% of our individuals did not have a university degree. Total mean ± SD for EMSs score was 192.45 ± 55.66; self‐sacrifice (19.09 ± 4.64) and defectiveness/shame (8.72 ± 4.45) had the highest and lowest EMSs scores, respectively. None of the demographic data had any significant impact on EMSs scores or glycaemic control, but generally, younger patients with higher levels of education had better glycaemic control. Participants with higher scores for defectiveness/shame and insufficient self‐control had significantly worse glycaemic control.

Conclusion

Mental and physical health are tied together, and paying attention to psychological aspects in prevention and management of physical disorders is crucial. EMSs, especially defectiveness/shame and insufficient self‐control are associated with glycaemic control of T2DM patients.
Synthesis of Thiophene‐fused Helicenes
Authors: Vallejos González Victorino , Kahle Justin , Hüßler Christopher , Heckershoff Robin , Hashmi A. Stephen K. , Birenheide Bernhard , Hauser Adrian , Podlech Joachim
Published: July 2023

The synthesis of three penta‐ and three hexahelicenes containing two terminal thiophene units is described. The syntheses of pentahelicenes consist of 1,4‐bisalkynylation of a benzene precursor and double Suzuki coupling in 2,3‐position to introduce thiophene units. The ortho,ortho’ fusion yielding the final products was achieved with Fürstner's protocol using platinum(II) chloride or JohnPhos‐complexed gold(I) as catalysts. A similar approach to hexahelicenes started with a naphthalene derivative, where 2,7‐bisalkynylation and subsequent double Suzuki coupling with thiophene‐2‐boronic acid at 1,8‐position furnished precursors, in which ortho,ortho’ fusion to the respective hexahelicenes was achieved with platinum(II) chloride or, favourably, with indium(III) chloride. UV/Vis spectra and cyclic voltammograms were recorded for all helicenes and HOMO/LUMO gaps were calculated with DFT methods.
Application of response surface methodology to optimize the emissions and performance of a dual fuel engine using diesel and dimethyl ether
Authors: Kumar Nishant , Yadav Vinod Singh
Published: July 2023

In this study, the combustion and exhaust emission characteristics of a single‐cylinder, water‐cooled, four‐stroke VCR engine at a fixed CR were evaluated using DME and diesel with timed manifold injections of 2, 3, 4, and 5 ms for DME and conventional diesel settings. The investigational trials showed that DME has the capability to reduce NOxand OP while used in an optimized range and to have clean combustion characteristics. Induction of DME under low to medium load conditions resulted in a reduction in NOx, OP, and BTE with an increase in HC, whereas at higher load settings, NOxincreased with an increase in diesel energy share. The dual fuel combustion was characterized by a short ignition delay, an early start of combustion, and increased in‐cylinder pressure due to the increased compression work input during the cycle. The absence of carbon–carbon bonds in DME molecules caused low soot emissions during dual fuel combustion. After experimentation, RSM was applied to the results for parametric optimization and found to be a useful tool for reducing the error as well as minimizing the number of trials. The optimum settings were achieved at 2 kW load and 4 ms duration, where the desirability function reached a value of 0.94189. The regression equations developed by the model were validated by 9 random experiments, and the error is found to be acceptable. The engine should be operated at medium load to control NOx, and the DME energy share should be low and near 50%.
Biodiesel production from sunflower and waste cooking oils using K2O/RGO catalyst
Authors: Ghavami Sara , Akhlaghian Faranak , Mohammadiazar Sirwan , Rahmani Farhad
Published: July 2023

Biodiesel, touted as a viable alternative to fossil fuels, has attracted interest due to its environmentally friendly nature, renewability, and high combustion yield. This study utilized K2O/RGO heterogeneous catalyst for biodiesel production through the transesterification of sunflower and waste cooking oils. Reduced graphene oxide (RGO) was prepared from graphite via the modified Hummers' method and potassium was subsequently deposited on it. The K2O/RGO catalyst was characterized using a variety of techniques, including FTIR, SEM, XRD, ASAP, Raman spectroscopy, and TEM. The study further investigated the impacts of the temperature, molar ratio of methanol to oil, catalyst dose and time; and optimized the process with the response surface method. The characteristics of biodiesel fell within the ASTM D 6751 and EN 14214 standard ranges. The K2O/RGO catalyst demonstrated reusability for up to four cycles. Maximum biodiesel yields of 98.54% for sunflower oil and 96.89% for waste cooking oil were achieved under operating conditions of 70°C temperature, 19.5 methanol to oil molar ratio, 2 wt.% catalyst dose, and 8.5 h time duration.
Phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, and α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity of ethanol extracts of perilla seed meal
Authors: Choi Ga‐Young , Han Young‐Sil , Sim Ki‐Hyeon , Kim Myung‐Hyun
Published: July 2023

Perilla frutescens is a medicinal herb that is commonly cultivated in Asian countries. Perilla seed is extensively pressed for cooking oil extraction. However, phenolic chemicals are still abundant in pressed perilla seed meal (PSM), which was previously thought to be useless after oil extraction. In our study, PSM was extracted using five solvents (water and 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% ethanol) based on different ethanol concentrations, and its antioxidant activity, phenolic compounds, and inhibitory effects against key enzymes related to diabetes mellitus were evaluated. The 75% ethanol extract had higher phenolic (105.58 mg GAE/g DW) and flavonoid (66.52 mg QE/g DW) contents and showed better antioxidant and inhibitory effects against α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase. Analysis of the phenolic compounds of the five extracts by HPLC indicated the presence of apigenin, rosmarinic acid, benzoic acid, caffeic acid, and vanillic acid. Therefore, because of its high antioxidant activity and inhibitory capacity against enzymes relevant to diabetes, the 75% ethanol extract of perilla seed meal has the most potential to be used as a functional or nutraceutical food in the prevention and treatment of oxidation and diabetes.
Preparation of a multilayer antibacterial film and its application for controlling postharvest disease in temperate fruit (including apple, pear, and peach) under ambient storage
Authors: Hu Jingjing , Jiao Wenxiao , Chen Qingmin , Liu Bangdi , Fu Maorun
Published: July 2023

The objective of this study was to provide formulation of a new multilayer antibacterial film and to investigate the optimal use concentration of chitosan and carboxymethyl cellulose in the range from 0.5% to 2%, as well as its application for controlling postharvest disease in temperate fruit (apple, pear, and peach). The multilayer antibacterial film used chitosan (CS) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as polysaccharide macromolecule, lemon essential oil (LEO) as active agent, and ε‐polylysine (ε‐PL) as the main antibacterial ingredient. The results showed that the physical properties of the self‐assembled film were adjusted by the electrostatic layer‐by‐layer (LbL) deposition. Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) analysis and thermogravimetric (TGA) revealed that hydrogen bonds were generated during the self‐assembly of CS‐LEO/CMC‐ε‐PL film, resulting in changes in intermolecular interactions and thermal stability. Furthermore, compared with CS‐LEO single‐layer film, the multilayer film exhibited higher retention rate of LEO. In vivo test, the self‐assembled film significantly inhibited the infection of postharvest pathogenic fungi including Penicillium expansum (P. expansum) and Alternaria alternata (A. alternata) on fruit. To summarize, the CS‐LEO/CMC‐ε‐PL LbL self‐assembly coating notably controlled postharvest pathogen rot on fruit, and reduced the loss of fruit during storage and transportation. Our results suggest that the polysaccharide‐based edible coating prepared in this work may offer an alternative to synthetic waxes.
A review of the bioactive properties of Mongolian plants, with a focus on their potential as natural food preservatives
Authors: Burenjargal Munkhjargal , Narangerel Tuya , Batmunkh Tuyagerel , Dong Alideertu , Idesh Saruul
Published: July 2023

Consumers have recently preferred food that is easy to make and of excellent quality, as well as food that is safe, natural, and minimally processed, but has a longer shelf life. Food deteriorates over time as a result of microbiological, chemical, or physical changes. Phytochemicals derived from medicinal and food plants have long been recognized for their biological activity to protect plants. These bioactivities are designed to increase the shelf life of food while inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. The use of natural plant food preservatives containing bioactive compounds as health‐promoting agents is particularly intriguing. Furthermore, due to their effectiveness against food spoilage and foodborne pathogens, natural plant‐origin antimicrobial compounds have been investigated as alternatives to synthetic antimicrobial compounds for preserving food quality. This review focused on the plant composition and properties that can be utilized as a natural food preservative, as well as the possibilities of using Mongolian medicinal plants.
Erfahrungen zur Festigkeitsbestimmung von Mergelgesteinen mit dem Nadelpenetrometer
Authors: Aderhold Moritz , Alber Michael , Plinninger Ralf J.
Published: July 2023

Die zutreffende Beurteilung der einaxialen Druckfestigkeit stellt eine der Kernaufgaben der Geotechnik im Kontext der Planung und Ausführung von Tief‐, Tunnel‐ und Spezialtiefbauarbeiten dar. Für viele geringfeste und veränderlich feste Gesteine, z. B. Tonsteine, Mergelsteine, Tuffe, oder stärker verwitterte Gesteine ist allerdings die Probengewinnung, der Erhalt des natürlichen Wassergehalts, die Probenpräparation und schließlich die Prüfung mit herkömmlichen Laborversuchsverfahren wie dem einaxialen Druckversuch herausfordernd, wenn nicht gar unmöglich. Bereits 1980 wurde in Japan das Nadelpenetrometer als feldtaugliches Prüfverfahren zur Abschätzung der einaxialen Druckfestigkeit derartiger Gesteine entwickelt. Obwohl das Verfahren in einer 2014 veröffentlichten ISRM Suggested Method verankert ist, ist der Einsatz des Nadelpenetrometers und der damit ermittelte Nadelpenetrometerindex (NPI) in Deutschland und Mitteleuropa im Fels eher unüblich. Dass das Verfahren sinnvoll und gewinnbringend einsetzbar ist, soll anhand umfangreicher Messdaten erläutert werden, die bei der Begleitung eines anspruchsvollen Spezialtiefbauprojekts in verschiedenen Mergelgesteinen der Münsterländer Kreidebucht erhoben wurden. Ausgehend von diesen Erfahrungen stellt der Beitrag eine Analyse des potenziellen Anwendungsbereichs vor und diskutiert die Ableitung von Schätzwerten der einaxialen Druckfestigkeit.
Botox for the prevention of radiation‐induced Sialadenitis and xerostomia in head and neck cancer patients: A pilot study
Authors: Nieri Chad Alexander , Benaim Ezer Haim , Zhang Yanhui H. , Garcia‐Godoy Franklin , Herr Michael J. , Zhang Weiqiang , Schwartz David , Coca Kimberly K. , Gleysteen John P. , Gillespie Marion Boyd
Published: July 2023

Background

To determine the safety of Botox and its potential effect on alleviating radiation therapy (RT)‐induced sialadenitis in head and neck cancer patients.

Methods

Twenty patients with stage III/IV head and neck cancer were randomized to receive Botox or saline injections into both submandibular glands (SMG). There were three visits: one before RT (V1); 1 week after RT (V2); and 6 weeks after RT (V3), each of which included saliva collection, a 24‐h dietary recall, and a quality‐of‐life survey.

Results

No adverse events were observed. While the control group was much older, the Botox group more commonly underwent induction chemotherapy compared with controls. From V1 to V2, salivary flow decreased in both groups, but only in the control group from V1 to V3. CXCL‐1 (GRO), a neutrophil chemoattractant, was lower in the Botox group compared with the control group at V3.

Conclusion

Botox can be safely administered to the salivary glands prior to external beam radiation without observed complications or side‐effects. After an initial reduction in salivary flow following RT, the Botox group showed lack of further flow reduction compared with controls. The inflammatory marker CXCL 1, which was reduced in the in Botox group at V3, may be a candidate for further studies of radiation‐induced sialadenitis.
Hematocytological, biochemical, and hemostasis parameters' role in predicting the possibility of the various forms of the COVID‐19 course in hospitalized Ukrainian patients: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Yushchuk Anna , Pykaliuk Vasyl , Korzhyk Olha
Published: July 2023

Background and Aims

The main objective of this study is to establish the characteristics of blood laboratory parameters in hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) Ukrainian patients and the significance of the above‐mentioned parameters for predicting the course of the disease.

Methods

Hematocytological, biochemical, and hemostasis methods of research have been used. Groups of patients with different forms of the coronavirus disease course have been analyzed (lethality ‐ recovery, recovery with a severe and mild course).

Results and Conclusion

Age is one of the risk factors for COVID‐19 mortality. Absolute values of neutrophils, neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), systemic inflammation index, d‐dimer, C‐reactive protein, and soluble fibrin complex can be used by clinicians to effectively differentiate between two possible outcomes (lethality vs. recovery). A higher number of stab leukocytes, d‐NLR, and platelets concentration have been recorded in patients with severe COVID‐19 cases, compared to mild ones. The risk of adverse COVID‐19 outcome (lethality) is significantly linked with
d‐dimer and NLR (odds ratio 1.42). The risk of a severe course of the disease was significantly associated with the count of leukocytes (odds ratio 4.96).
Sexual behavioral factors of the subjects visiting the clinic of sexually transmitted infections in Northern Finland: A cross‐sectional study among 775 subjects
Authors: Repo Iiro , Sopenlehto Atte , Huilaja Laura , Jokelainen Jari , Kiviniemi Eetu , Sinikumpu Suvi‐Päivikki
Published: July 2023

Background and Aims

Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are among the most common infections globally. However, the sexual behavioral factors and sexual history of people visiting STI clinics have only been surveyed in a few studies. We aimed to evaluate the characteristics of the patients visiting the open STI clinic.

Methods

This is a prospective observational study performed in the STI clinic in the premises of Department of Dermatology, Oulu University Hospital. All individuals (n = 775) attending the STI clinic between February and August 2022 were included to the study and the profile of the patients was evaluated.

Results

We found that the majority of the STI clinic attendees (58.5%) were female. Mean age of the study population was 28.9 years, with females being significantly younger than males (p < 0.001). Only one‐third (30.6%) of the patients reported having symptoms at the time of attending. Most commonly, patients had had one sex partner in the last 6 months. However, one‐fifth (21.7%) reported several sex partners (over four). Almost half of the patients (47.6%) reported using a condom only randomly. Those with heterosexual orientation had fewer multiple‐sex partners (p < 0.001) than those with homo‐ or bisexual orientation (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

It is important to increase knowledge about the profile of STI clinic visitors to effectively target STI prevention on the groups at the highest risk of STIs.
Magnitude and factors influencing pastoralist women's maternity waiting home utilization in Teltelle district, Ethiopia: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Bedada Firaol Worku , Wendimu Debisa Eshatu , Daba Derese Bekele , Degefa Mosisaa Bekele
Published: July 2023

Background and Aims

Pastoralists in Ethiopia benefit the least from health‐sector advances compared to the country's agrarian population. Maternity waiting homes (MWHs) have been established to provide mothers living in remote regions with access to skilled healthcare services during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum periods. However, there is a dearth of data on the utilization of MWHs in pastoralist areas.

Objectives

To assess maternity waiting home utilization and its associated factors among pastoralist women who gave birth in the last 12 months in Teltelle district, Southeastern Ethiopia; 2021.

Methods

A community‐based cross‐sectional study was undertaken from March 1 to June 20, 2021. A multistage sampling technique was used to select the 458 study subjects. A pretested structured questionnaire was used to gather the data. For data entry and analysis, Epi‐data version 4.4.3.1 and SPSS version 25.0 were utilized respectively. Models of bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were utilized to identify associated factors. In the multivariable analysis, variables withp < 0.05 were declared significantly associated with maternity waiting home utilization.

Result

A total of 458 pastoralist women participated in the study. From the total participants, 26.64% [95% confidence interval: 22.57%−30.70%] of women utilized MWHs. Women's husband education status, complications during their last pregnancy, family support to MWHs, and community involvement and support were found to be significantly associated with the utilization of MWHs.

Conclusion and Recommendation

This study found that utilization of MWHs was significantly lower in pastoralist areas of Ethiopia than in agrarian areas. Previous pregnancy complications, family support, husband's literacy, and community support were all significantly associated with improved maternity waiting home utilization. Encouraging community participation and family support are recommended to improve its utilization. Moreover, increasing community involvement in MWHs establishment and sustainability will be expected from the stakeholders.
Fifty‐three years of the Journal of Engineering Education: A bibliometric overview
Authors: Qiu Shaoping , Natarajarathinam Malini
Published: July 2023

Background

The Journal of Engineering Education (JEE) is a leading academic journal that serves to cultivate, disseminate, and archive scholarly research in engineering education. Bibliometric analysis has been gaining considerable interest from the scientific community in recent years. However, to the best of our knowledge, bibliometric analysis was not employed to analyze the publications of JEE.

Purpose

In recognition of JEE's 111 years of publication, this paper uses bibliometric analysis to provide a retrospective journal overview. This study analyzes the publication characteristics, influence, and collaborative relationship of JEE. It also provides data for the development of future research.

Method

A total of 1251 articles of JEE were retrieved from Scopus database for our bibliographic analysis using VOSviewer (Van Eck and Waltman, Scientometrics 2010; 84(2):523–538). The search was performed in mid‐November 2021 using the term “Journal of Engineering Education” in the “Publication Titles” field, yielding 1379 documents between 1969 and 2021. We excluded editorials and notes and only included articles, reviews, and conference papers.

Results

JEE has increasing contribution and influence within empirical engineering research publications regarding the quantity and the quality/citations of its published articles. The top contributing institutions are mainly from the United States. Major themes identified include knowledge acquisition and skill development, diversity and inclusion, engineering research and assessment, engineering learning mechanisms, and instrument and measurement.

Conclusions

Emerging technologies and challenges provide new research topics and directions for JEE. Additionally, this study uncovers certain research gaps that JEE—to increase contributions and influence—can identify as growth areas.
Integrated mRNA and microRNA profiling in lung tissue and blood from human silicosis
Authors: Zhang Jingbo , Hu Weijiang , Liu Kai , Liu Jie , Zheng Yuxin , Sun Xin , Mei Liangying , Qian Zushu , Sun Qiangguo , Liu Qiang , Wu Zhijun , Zhang Hengdong , Li Yanping , Sun Daoyuan , Ye Meng
Published: July 2023

Background

The overwhelming majority of subjects in the current silicosis mRNA and microRNA (miRNA) expression profile are of human blood, lung cells or a rat model, which puts limits on the understanding of silicosis pathogenesis and therapy. To address the limitations, our investigation was focused on differentially expressed mRNA and miRNA profiles in lung tissue from silicosis patients to explore potential biomarker for early detection of silicosis.

Methods

A transcriptome study was conducted based on lung tissue from 15 silicosis patients and eight normal people, and blood samples from 404 silicosis patients and 177 normal people. Three early stage silicosis, five advanced silicosis and four normal lung tissues were randomly selected for microarray processing and analyze. The differentially expressed mRNAs were further used to conduct Gene Ontology and pathway analyses. Series test of cluster was performed to explore possible changes in differentially expressed mRNA and miRNA expression patterns during the process of silicosis. The blood samples and remaining lung tissues were used in a quantitative real‐time PCR (RT‐qPCR) (RT‐qPCR).

Results

In total, 1417 and 241 differentially expressed mRNAs and miRNAs were identified between lung tissue from silicosis patients and normal people (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in most mRNA or miRNA expression between early stage and advanced stage silicosis lung tissues. RT‐qPCR validation results in lung tissues showed expression of four mRNAs (HIF1A, SOCS3, GNAI3 and PTEN) and seven miRNAs was significantly down‐regulated compared to those of control group. Nevertheless, PTEN and GNAI3 expression was significantly up‐regulated (p < 0.001) in blood samples. The bisulfite sequencing PCR demonstrated that PTEN had significantly decreased the methylation rate in blood samples of silicosis patients.

Conclusions

PTEN might be a potential biomarker for silicosis as a result of low methylation in the blood.
Interval colorings of graphs—Coordinated and unstable no‐wait schedules
Authors: Axenovich Maria , Zheng Michael
Published: July 2023

A proper edge‐coloring of a graph is an interval coloring if the labels on the edges incident to any vertex form an interval, that is, form a set of consecutive integers. The interval coloring thickness of a graph is the smallest number of interval colorable graphs edge‐decomposing . We prove that for any graph on vertices. This improves the previously known bound of , see Asratian, Casselgren, and Petrosyan. While we do not have a single example of a graph with an interval coloring thickness strictly greater than 2, we construct bipartite graphs whose interval coloring spectrum has arbitrarily many arbitrarily large gaps. Here, an interval coloring spectrum of a graph is the set of all integers such that the graph has an interval coloring using colors. Interval colorings of bipartite graphs naturally correspond to no‐wait schedules, say for parent–teacher conferences, where a conversation between any teacher and any parent lasts the same amount of time. Our results imply that any such conference with participants can be coordinated in  no‐wait periods. In addition, we show that for any integers and , , there is a set of pairs of parents and teachers wanting to talk to each other, such that any no‐wait schedules are unstable—they could last hours and could last hours, but there is no possible no‐wait schedule lasting hours if .
Reproductive season‐based plasticity in the size and strength of female crayfish (Faxonius obscurus) claws
Authors: Graham Zackary A. , Stubbs Megan B. , Loughman Zachary J.
Published: July 2023

Animal weapons are morphological traits that improve the fighting ability of the wielder and are associated with competition. These traits are typically sexually dimorphic, with males possessing weaponry and females lacking weaponry. However, in some cases, like in many crustaceans, both males and females wield enlarged claws, which may function as weapons. Further, animal weapons may vary in their size, shape, and performance, with theory predicting that selection pressure for weaponry should be the highest when the importance of fights is the greatest, such as during a reproductive season. However, the degree and direction of selection may vary based on sex and season, with females potentially benefiting from wielding larger weapons during nonreproductive seasons. Crayfishes offer an ideal system to investigate how weapon phenotypes change across reproductive seasons since both males and females undergo a form alteration associated with reproduction. Thus, we investigated whether female Allegheny crayfish, Faxonius obscurus, claws change in size, shape, or pinching strength based on whether a female is in a reproductive or nonreproductive form. We found that female F. obscurus claws are larger and stronger during the reproductive season. These findings align with previous research on males of the same species. We discuss how predictions about the relationship between seasonality and weapon investment may differ based on sex.
Harmonizing T1‐Weighted Images to Improve Consistency of Brain Morphology Among Different Scanner Manufacturers in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Zhao Shilun , Zhang Tianhao , Zhang Wei , Pan Tingting , Zhang Ge , Feng Shuang , Zhang Xiwan , Nie Binbin , Liu Hua , Shan Baoci ,   For the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: July 2023

Background

Brain MRI scanner variability can introduce bias in measurements. Harmonizing scanner variability is crucial.

Purpose

To develop a harmonization method aimed at removing scanner variability, and to evaluate the consistency of results in multicenter studies.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

Multicenter data from 170 healthy participants (males/females = 98/72; age = 73.8 ± 7.3) and 170 Alzheimer's disease patients (males/females = 98/72; age = 76.2 ± 8.5) were compared with reference data from another 340 participants.

Field Strength/Sequence

3‐T, magnetization prepared rapid gradient echo and turbo field echo; 1.5‐T, inversion recovery prepared fast spoiled gradient echo T1‐weighted sequences.

Assessment

Gray matter (GM) brain images, obtained through segmentation of T1‐weighted images, were utilized to evaluate the performance of the harmonization method using common orthogonal basis extraction (HCOBE) and four other methods (removal of artificial voxel effect by linear regression, RAVEL; Z_score; general linear model, GLM; ComBat). Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was used to access the effectiveness of different methods in reducing scanner variability. The performance of harmonization methods in preserving GM volumes heterogeneity was evaluated by the similarity of the relationship between GM proportion and age in the reference and multicenter data. Furthermore, the consistency of the harmonized multicenter data with the reference data were evaluated based on classification results (train/test = 7/3) and brain atrophy.

Statistical Tests

Two‐sample t‐tests, area under the curve (AUC), and Dice coefficients were used to analyze the consistency of results from the reference and harmonized multicenter data. A P‐value <0.01 was considered statistically significant.

Results

HCOBE reduced the scanner variability from 0.09 before harmonization to 0.003 (ideal: 0, RAVEL/Z_score/GLM/ComBat = 0.087/0.003/0.006/0.013). GM volumes showed no significant difference (P = 0.52) between the reference and HCOBE‐harmonized multicenter data. Consistency evaluation showed that AUC values of 0.95 for both reference and HCOBE‐harmonized multicenter data (RAVEL/Z_score/GLM/ComBat = 0.86/0.86/0.84/0.89), and the Dice coefficient increased from 0.73 before harmonization to 0.82 (ideal: 1, RAVEL/Z_score/GLM/ComBat = 0.39/0.64/0.59/0.74).

Data Conclusion

HCOBE may help to remove scanner variability and could improve the consistency of results in multicenter studies.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy Stage

1
A Channel‐Dimensional Feature‐Reconstructed Deep Learning Model for Predicting Breast Cancer Molecular Subtypes on Overall b‐Value Diffusion‐Weighted MRI
Authors: Zhou Xin‐Xiang , Zhang Lan , Cui Quan‐Xiang , Li Hui , Sang Xi‐Qiao , Zhang Hong‐Xia , Zhu Yue‐Min , Kuai Zi‐Xiang
Published: July 2023

Background

Dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) MRI commonly outperforms diffusion‐weighted (DW) MRI in breast cancer discrimination. However, the side effects of contrast agents limit the use of DCE‐MRI, particularly in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Purpose

To develop a novel deep learning model to fully exploit the potential of overall b‐value DW‐MRI without the need for a contrast agent in predicting breast cancer molecular subtypes and to evaluate its performance in comparison with DCE‐MRI.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

486 female breast cancer patients (training/validation/test: 64%/16%/20%).

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0 T/DW‐MRI (13 b‐values) and DCE‐MRI (one precontrast and five postcontrast phases).

Assessment

The breast cancers were divided into four subtypes: luminal A, luminal B, HER2+, and triple negative. A channel‐dimensional feature‐reconstructed (CDFR) deep neural network (DNN) was proposed to predict these subtypes using pathological diagnosis as the reference standard. Additionally, a non‐CDFR DNN (NCDFR‐DNN) was built for comparative purposes. A mixture ensemble DNN (ME‐DNN) integrating two CDFR‐DNNs was constructed to identify subtypes on multiparametric MRI (MP‐MRI) combing DW‐MRI and DCE‐MRI.

Statistical Tests

Model performance was evaluated using accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Model comparisons were performed using the one‐way analysis of variance with least significant difference post hoc test and the DeLong test. P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

The CDFR‐DNN (accuracies, 0.79 ~ 0.80; AUCs, 0.93 ~ 0.94) demonstrated significantly improved predictive performance than the NCDFR‐DNN (accuracies, 0.76 ~ 0.78; AUCs, 0.92 ~ 0.93) on DW‐MRI. Utilizing the CDFR‐DNN, DW‐MRI attained the predictive performance equal (P = 0.065 ~ 1.000) to DCE‐MRI (accuracies, 0.79 ~ 0.80; AUCs, 0.93 ~ 0.95). The predictive performance of the ME‐DNN on MP‐MRI (accuracies, 0.85 ~ 0.87; AUCs, 0.96 ~ 0.97) was superior to those of both the CDFR‐DNN and NCDFR‐DNN on either DW‐MRI or DCE‐MRI.

Data Conclusion

The CDFR‐DNN enabled overall b‐value DW‐MRI to achieve the predictive performance comparable to DCE‐MRI. MP‐MRI outperformed DW‐MRI and DCE‐MRI in subtype prediction.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy Stage

1
Clinical characteristics of unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated children with neurological manifestations due to SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron infection
Authors: Tso Winnie Wan‐Yee , Kwan Mike Yat‐Wah , Kwok Janette Siu‐Yin , Tsang Jessica Oi‐Ling , Yip Cyril Chik‐Yan , Leung Lok‐Kan , Li Cuixin , Wang Yuliang , Chow Mathew Siu‐Chun , Tsang Anita Man‐Ching , Chim Stella , Chow Chin‐Ying , Ho Alvin Chi‐Chung , Chan Sophelia Hoi‐Shan , Tai Shuk‐Mui , Lee Wing‐Cheong , Chan Victor Chi‐Man , Yau Eric Kin‐Cheong , Sun Jacquelyne Ka‐Li , Chow Hei‐Man , Lau Yu‐Lung , Ip Patrick , Chan Jasper Fuk‐Woo
Published: July 2023

Omicron generally causes milder disease than previous strains of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), especially in fully vaccinated individuals. However, incompletely vaccinated children may develop Omicron‐related complications such as those affecting the central nervous system. To characterize the spectrum of clinical manifestations of neuro‐COVID and to identify potential biomarkers associated with clinical outcomes, we recruited 15 children hospitalized for Omicron‐related neurological manifestations in three hospitals in Hong Kong (9 boys and 6 girls aged 1–13 years). All were unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated. Fourteen (93.3%) were admitted for convulsion, including benign febrile seizure (n = 7), complex febrile seizure (n = 2), seizure with fever (n = 3), and recurrent breakthrough seizure (n = 2), and the remaining nonconvulsive patient developed encephalopathic state with impaired consciousness. None of the seven children with benign febrile seizure and six of eight children with other neurological manifestations had residual deficits at 9‐month follow‐up. SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA was undetectable in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens of seven patients who underwent lumbar puncture. Spike‐and‐wave/sharp waves affecting the frontal lobes were detected in four of seven (57.1%) patients who underwent electroencephalogram. Children with Omicron‐related neurological manifestations had significantly higher blood levels of IL‐6 (p < 0.001) and CHI3L1 (p = 0.022) than healthy controls, and higher CSF levels of IL‐6 (p = 0.002) than children with non‐COVID‐19‐related febrile illnesses. Higher CSF‐to‐blood ratios of IL‐8 and CHI3L1 were associated with longer length of stay, whereas higher ratios of IL‐6 and IL‐8 were associated with higher blood tau level. The role of CSF:blood ratio of IL‐6, IL‐8, and CHI3L1 as prognostic markers for neuro–COVID should be further evaluated.
Persistent hepatitis B virus and HIV coinfections in dually humanized mice engrafted with human liver and immune system
Authors: Hogan Glenn , Winer Benjamin Y. , Ahodantin James , Sellau Julie , Huang Tiffany , Douam Florian , Funaki Masaya , Chiriboga Luis , Su Lishan , Ploss Alexander
Published: July 2023

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB), caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV), remains a major medical problem. HBV has a high propensity for progressing to chronicity and can result in severe liver disease, including fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. CHB patients frequently present with viral coinfection, including human immunodeficiency virus type (HIV) and hepatitis delta virus. About 10% of chronic HIV carriers are also persistently infected with HBV, which can result in more exacerbated liver disease. Mechanistic studies of HBV‐induced immune responses and pathogenesis, which could be significantly influenced by HIV infection, have been hampered by the scarcity of immunocompetent animal models. Here, we demonstrate that humanized mice dually engrafted with components of a human immune system and a human liver supported HBV infection, which was partially controlled by human immune cells, as evidenced by lower levels of serum viremia and HBV replication intermediates in the liver. HBV infection resulted in priming and expansion of human HLA‐restricted CD8+ T cells, which acquired an activated phenotype. Notably, our dually humanized mice support persistent coinfections with HBV and HIV, which opens opportunities for analyzing immune dysregulation during HBV and HIV coinfection, and preclinical testing of novel immunotherapeutics.
High sensitivity C reactive protein levels and atrial fibrillation recurrence after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Jaroonpipatkul Surachat , Trongtorsak Angkawipa , Kewcharoen Jakrin , Thangjui Sittinun , Pokawattana Apichai , Navaravong Leenhapong
Published: July 2023

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after AF ablation is not uncommon. High sensitivity C reactive protein (hs‐CRP) is a widely used inflammatory marker with a potential property to predict AF recurrence. We conducted a systematic review and a meta‐analysis to find an association between hs‐CRP levels and AF recurrence after ablation.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Wiley‐Cochrane Library from inception to January 2022 for studies that reported hs‐CRP levels in patients who underwent AF ablation. Weighted mean difference (WMD) was used to evaluate the difference between hs‐CRP levels in post‐ablation AF recurrent and non‐recurrent group. Also, the difference between hs‐CRP levels in pre‐ and post‐ablation was determined.

Results

We identified 10 studies, and a total of 789 patients were included (299 recurrent vs. 490 non‐recurrent patients). The mean age was 57.7 years (76.4% male). There was no difference in baseline hs‐CRP levels between AF recurrent and non‐recurrent group (WMD = 0.05, 95% CI = −0.04 to 0.15, p = 0.045). However, higher hs‐CRP levels post‐ablation were found in AF recurrent group (WMD = 0.09, 95% CI = 0.03–0.15, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

There is no significant difference in baseline hs‐CRP levels between AF recurrent and non‐recurrent patients after AF ablation. However, higher post‐ablation hs‐CRP level was found in AF recurrent group. High Sensitivity C reactive protein may play a role as a predictor of AF recurrence.
Association with the nonparoxysmal atrial fibrillation duration and outcome of ExTRa Mapping‐guided rotor ablation
Authors: Okuyama Yusuke , Ozawa Tomoya , Nishikawa Takuma , Fujii Yusuke , Kato Koichi , Sugimoto Yoshihisa , Nakagawa Yoshihisa , Ashihara Takashi
Published: July 2023

Background

Additional ablation strategies after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for patients with nonparoxysmal atrial fibrillation (non‐PAF) lasting ≥2 years have not been fully effective. This is presumably because of insufficient identification of non‐PAF maintenance mechanisms. In this study, we employed a novel online and real‐time phase mapping system, ExTRa Mapping, to identify and modulate rotors as one of the non‐PAF maintenance mechanisms in patients with non‐PAF sustained after PVI. We investigated the relationship between outcomes of ExTRa Mapping‐guided rotor ablation (ExTRa‐ABL) and non‐PAF duration prior to this procedure.

Methods

This study consisted of 73 non‐PAF patients (63 ± 8 years, non‐PAF duration 31 ± 37 months) who underwent the first ExTRa‐ABL in patients with non‐PAF sustained after completion of PVI.

Results

Freedom from non‐PAF/atrial tachycardia (AT) recurrence at 12 months after ExTRa‐ABL was achieved in 50 (69%) of patients. The non‐PAF duration prior to ExTRa‐ABL was significantly longer in patients with non‐PAF/AT recurrence after ExTRa‐ABL compared with those without (56 ± 50 vs. 19 ± 22 months, p = .001). In patients with non‐PAF duration of ≤60 months prior to ExTRa‐ABL, compared with >60 months, non‐PAF/AT‐free rate was significantly higher (68.9% vs. 23.1%, p < .001), during the follow‐up of 36 ± 18 months.

Conclusions

A non‐PAF duration of ≤60 months prior to ExTRa‐ABL was associated with a better outcome. The effect of ExTRa‐ABL was considered to be limited in patients with >60 months of non‐PAF duration.
Effects of supplemental irrigation on grain yield and water and nitrogen efficiencies of winter wheat in the North China Plain
Authors: Zhao Jinke , Xu Yufan , Xu Xuexin , Liu Shuai , Hao Tianjia , Qu Wenkai , Li Mingrui , Shi Yan , Zhao Changxing
Published: July 2023

Background

Aiming at unbalanced coordination of irrigation and fertilization of winter wheat in the eastern North China Plain, this study investigated the effect of fertigation on wheat grain yield, grain quality, and water use efficiency (WUE) and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in seven irrigation and nitrogen (N) fertilization treatments. Under the field conditions, the traditional irrigation and fertilization method (total N amount of 240 kg ha−1, application of 90 kg ha−1 at sowing irrigation at jointing and anthesis, with topdressing N of 150 kg ha−1 at jointing) was used as the control (CK). There were six fertigation treatments to compare with CK. For the fertigation treatments, the total amount of N application was set to 180 kg ha−1 and 90 kg ha−1 was applied at sowing and the remaining N fertilizer was applied through fertigation. The fertigation treatments included the combination of three fertigation frequencies (S2: at jointing and anthesis; S3: at jointing, anthesis, and filling; S4: at jointing, booting, anthesis, and filling) and two soil water replenishment depths (M1: 0–10 cm; M2: 0–20 cm). The six treatments were S4M2, S4M1, S3M2, S3M1, S2M2, and S2M1.

Result

Compared with CK, three and four irrigations (S3 and S4) maintained higher soil and plant analyzer development value and photosynthetic rate after anthesis. These treatments increased soil water extraction while reducing crop water consumption during the whole growing season, promoted the assimilation and translocation of dry matter into the grain after anthesis, and increased the 1000‐grain weight. These fertigation treatments also significantly increased WUE and NUE. At the same time, the high grain protein content and grain protein yield were maintained.

Compared with the CK, high wheat yield was maintained by S3M1 (drip irrigation fertilizer at the jointing, anthesis, and filling, and the depth of the moisture replenishment is 10 cm). This fertigation treatment significantly increased yield by 7.6%, WUE by 30%, NUE by 41.4%, and partial factor productivity from applied N by 25.8%; grain yield, grain protein content, and grain protein yield also performed well.

Conclusion

Consequently, S3M1 treatment was suggested to be a good practice for reducing irrigation water and N input in the eastern North China Plain. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.