bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On (in)validating environmental models. 2. Implementation of a Turing‐like test to modelling hydrological processes
Authors: Beven Keith , Lane Stuart , Page Trevor , Kretzschmar Ann , Hankin Barry , Smith Paul , Chappell Nick
Published: September 2022

Part 1 of this study discussed the concept of using a form of Turing‐like test for model evaluation, together with eight principles for implementing such an approach. In this part, the framing of fitness‐for‐purpose as a Turing‐like test is discussed, together with an example application of trying to assess whether a rainfall‐runoff model might be an adequate representation of the discharge response in a catchment for predicting future natural flood management scenarios. It is shown that the variation between event runoff coefficients in the record can be used to create some limits of acceptability that implicitly take some account of the epistemic uncertainties arising from lack of knowledge about errors in rainfall and discharge observations. In the case study it is demonstrated that the model used cannot be validated in this way across all the range of observed discharges, but that behavioural models can be found for the peak flows that are the subject of interest in the application. Thinking in terms of the Turing‐like test focusses attention on the critical observations needed to test whether streamflow is being produced in the right way so that a model is considered as fit‐for‐purpose in predicting the impacts of future change scenarios. As is the case for uncertainty estimation in general, it is argued that the assumptions made in setting behavioural limits of acceptability should be stated explicitly to leave an audit trail in any application that can be reviewed by users of the model outputs.
On (in)validating environmental models. 1. Principles for formulating a Turing‐like Test for determining when a model is fit‐for purpose
Authors: Beven Keith , Lane Stuart
Published: September 2022

Model invalidation is a good thing. It means that we are forced to reconsider either model structures or the available data more closely, that is to challenge our fundamental understanding of the problem at hand. It is not easy, however, to decide when a model should be invalidated, when we expect that the sources of uncertainty in environmental modelling will often be epistemic rather than simply aleatory in nature. In particular, epistemic errors in model inputs may well exert a very strong control over how accurate we might expect model predictions to be when compared against evaluation data that might also be subject to epistemic uncertainties. We suggest that both modellers and referees should treat model validation as a form of Turing‐like Test, whilst being more explicit about how the uncertainties in observed data and their impacts are assessed. Eight principles in formulating such tests are presented. Being explicit about the decisions made in framing an analysis is one important way to facilitate communication with users of model outputs, especially when it is intended to use a model simulator as a ‘model of everywhere’ or ‘digital twin’ of a catchment system. An example application of the concepts is provided in Part 2.
Estimation of greenhouse gas emissions from Iran's gas flaring by using satellite data and combustion equations
Authors: Shojaei S. Mohammad , Vahabpour Amir , Saifoddin Amir Ali , Ghasempour Roghayeh
Published: September 2022

In addition to the waste of resources and economic losses, environmental damage by gas flaring is widespread and significant. Since flaring the associated gas gives no added value in exchange for its pollution and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, it could be identified as a top priority for mitigation. Iran is the third gas flaring country after Russia and Iraq among those facing this issue, and is responsible for 12.1% of the world's gas flaring. While the necessity of developing a method for the precise estimation of flaring GHG emissions is clear, especially for evaluating the result of countries' efforts to meet their nationally determined contribution target, there are huge uncertainties and discrepancies in the values of emission factors among various data sources due to the lack of actual measurements of the volume and diversity of the composition of flare gas. This study aimed to fill the gap in providing authentic data on Iran's gas flaring GHG and air pollutant emissions by developing a model based on satellite data on flare volumes, gas compositions, and combustion equations. Our results revealed that based on 2021 data on flaring volume, Iranian gas flares are emitting approximately 50 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent to the atmosphere annually, which could be reduced to 43 by only enhancing the flares' efficiency. It accounted for 5.5%–6% of the total GHG emissions of the country. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:735–748. © 2022 SETAC.
Circulating immune markers and risks of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma subtypes: A pooled analysis
Authors: Rhee Jongeun , Birmann Brenda M. , De Roos Anneclaire J. , Epstein Mara M. , Martinez‐Maza Otoniel , Breen Elizabeth C. , Magpantay Larry I. , Levin Lynn I. , Visvanathan Kala , Hosgood H. Dean , Rohan Thomas E. , Smoller Sylvia W. , Bassig Bryan A. , Qi Lihong , Shu Xiao‐Ou , Koh Woon‐Puay , Zheng Wei , Yuan Jian‐Min , Weinstein Stephanie J. , Albanes Demetrius , Lan Qing , Rothman Nathaniel , Purdue Mark P.
Published: September 2022

Although prediagnostic circulating concentrations of the immune activation markers soluble CD27 (sCD27), sCD30 and chemokine ligand‐13 (CXCL13) have been associated with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) risk, studies have been limited by sample size in associations with NHL subtypes. We pooled data from eight nested case‐control studies to investigate subtype‐specific relationships for these analytes. Using polytomous regression, we calculated odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) relating study‐specific analyte tertiles to selected subtypes vs controls (n = 3310): chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL; n = 623), diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL; n = 621), follicular lymphoma (FL; n = 398), marginal zone lymphoma (MZL; n = 138), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL; n = 82) and T cell lymphoma (TCL; n = 92). We observed associations with DLBCL for elevated sCD27 [OR for third vs first tertile (ORT3) = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.6‐3.1], sCD30 (ORT3 = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.6‐2.5) and CXCL13 (ORT3 = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.8‐3.0). We also observed associations with sCD27 for CLL/SLL (ORT3 = 3.3, 95% CI = 2.4‐4.6), MZL (ORT3 = 7.7, 95% CI = 3.0‐20.1) and TCL (ORT3 = 3.4, 95% CI = 1.5‐7.7), and between sCD30 and FL (ORT3 = 2.7, 95% CI = 2.0‐3.5). In analyses stratified by time from phlebotomy to case diagnosis, the sCD27‐TCL and all three DLBCL associations were equivalent across both follow‐up periods (<7.5, ≥7.5 years). For other analyte‐subtype comparisons, associations were stronger for the follow‐up period closer to phlebotomy, particularly for indolent subtypes. In conclusion, we found robust evidence of an association between these immune markers and DLBCL, consistent with hypotheses that mechanisms related to immune activation are important in its pathogenesis. Our other findings, particularly for the rarer subtypes MZL and TCL, require further investigation.
Esophageal cancer in China: Practice and research in the new era
Authors: Zhu Hongcheng , Ma Xiao , Ye Ting , Wang Honggang , Wang Zezhou , Liu Qi , Zhao Kuaile
Published: September 2022

China, as the one of the largest developing countries in the world and with about one‐fifth of the global population, is bearing an increasing burden on health from cancer. In the area of esophageal cancer (EC), China accounts for more than 50% of the global cases, with this disease being a particularly worse for those in disadvantaged populations. Along with China's socioeconomic condition, the epidemiology, diagnosis, therapeutics and research of EC have developed throughout the 21st century. In the current review, existing control measures for EC in China are outlined, including the incidence, mortality, screening, clinical diagnosis, multidisciplinary treatment and research landscape. EC in China are very different from those in some other parts of the world, especially in Western countries. Core measures that could contribute to the prevention of EC and improve clinical outcomes in patients of less developed countries and beyond are recommended. International cooperation among academia, government and industry is especially warranted in global EC control.
The significance of TNF‐α and MMP‐8 concentrations in non‐invasively obtained amniotic fluid predicting fetal inflammatory response syndrome
Authors: Gulbiniene Violeta , Balciuniene Greta , Dumalakiene Irena , Viliene Rita , Pilypiene Ingrida , Ramasauskaite Diana
Published: September 2022

Objective

To determine the significance of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and matrix metalloproteinase‐8 (MMP‐8) in vaginally obtained amniotic fluid predicting fetal inflammatory response syndrome (FIRS) after preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).

Methods

In this prospective case–control study, TNF‐α and MMP‐8 concentrations were evaluated in vaginally obtained amniotic fluid from women with PPROM at 22–34 weeks of pregnancy. Biomarkers' concentrations were determined using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Patients were divided into two groups: the FIRS group (cord blood interleukin‐6 > 11 pg/ml or histological funisitis) and the non‐FIRS group (without these findings). The data were analyzed using R package (R–4.0.5).

Results

The median TNF‐α and MMP‐8 concentrations in amniotic fluid from the 145 women included in the study were higher in the FIRS group than in the non‐FIRS group. The area under the curve of TNF‐α and MMP‐8 was 0.77 and 0.75, respectively. The TNF‐α concentration cut‐off predicting FIRS was 89.20 pg/ml and was 170.76 pg/ml for MMP‐8. In regression analysis, MMP‐8 concentration was an independent predictor for FIRS. An MMP‐8 concentration greater than 170 ng/ml and a TNF‐α concentration greater than 89 pg/ml increased the odds of FIRS 7.62 and 14.92 times, respectively.

Conclusions

MMP‐8 and TNF‐α concentrations in vaginally obtained amniotic fluid may be good predictors for FIRS after PPROM before 34 weeks of pregnancy. The non‐invasive amniotic fluid analysis could be an alternative method to invasive amniocentesis.
A case of steroid‐resistant cystitis as an immune‐related adverse event during treatment with nivolumab for lung cancer, which was successfully treated with infliximab
Authors: Fukunaga Hiroyuki , Sumii Kenta , Kawamura Shun , Okuno Masato , Taguchi Isao , Kawabata Gaku
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are widely used in various cancers as a standard treatment. However, while various immune‐related adverse events related to immune checkpoint inhibitors have been reported, there are few reports of lower urinary tract symptoms.

Case presentation

The patient was a 60‐year‐old man with primary lung cancer who was receiving long‐term nivolumab therapy. He was referred to our department due to the sudden onset of glans penile pain and micturition pain. We suspected non‐bacterial cystitis as an immune‐related adverse event caused by nivolumab and were able to treat it by administering prednisolone. While his symptoms and findings on cystoscopy recurred during prednisolone therapy, we were able to treat him again by administering an additional dose of infliximab.

Conclusion

A few reports have described cases of immune checkpoint inhibitor‐induced cystitis for which prednisolone was effective. This report is the first to describe cystitis as a steroid‐resistant immune‐related adverse event.
Dynamic change in optical properties of a nanoparticle embedded tumor phantom for plasmonic photothermal cancer therapeutics
Authors: Vikas  , Kumar Raj , Soni Sanjeev
Published: September 2022

In this study, the temporal dynamic changes in optical properties of gold nanorods (GNR) embedded tumor phantom, during photothermal interaction, are reported for plasmonic photothermal therapeutics. Tumor mimicking bilayer phantoms were prepared by using 1% agarose incorporated with 0.1% coffee powder, 0.3% intralipid solution as epidermis layer; 3% intralipid solution and 0.3% human hemoglobin (Hb) powder as dermis layer. On incorporating GNRs of concentrations 10, 20, and 40 μg/ml within the phantom, the absorption coefficients increases 4–8 times, while there is minimal change in the reduced scattering coefficients. Further the absorption coefficient increased by ~8% with the incorporation of GNRs of concentration 40 μg/ml, while no considerable dynamic change in the optical properties is observed for the phantom embedded with GNRs of concentrations 10, and 20 μg/ml. The discussed results are useful for the selection of GNRs dose for pre‐treatment planning of plasmonic photothermal cancer therapeutics.
Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw in Cancer Patients: Result from the OneFlorida Clinical Research Consortium
Authors: Yang Guang , Williams Roy , Wang Lishu , Farhadfar Nosha , Chen Yiqing , Loiacono Alexander T. , Bian Jiang , Holliday Lexie Shannon , Katz Joseph , Gong Yan
Published: September 2022

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a rare but severely debilitating drug-induced bone disorder in the jawbone region. The first MRONJ was reported in 2003 after bisphosphonate (BP) exposure. Recently, other drugs, such as receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) inhibitor denosumab and antiangiogenic agents, were also associated with MRONJ. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence and risk factors for MRONJ related to BPs or denosumab in cancer patients in real-world clinical settings using data from the OneFlorida Clinical Research Consortium. We queried the electronic health records of participants with prescriptions of intravenous (IV) BPs or denosumab between January 1, 2012, and September 1, 2021, in the OneFlorida Consortium. Time to MRONJ diagnosis was evaluated using the Kaplan–Meier method, and Cox regression analysis was performed to estimate the adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for MRONJ. A total of 5689 participants had one or more prescriptions of IV BP or denosumab within this study period and were included in this study. Among these participants, 52 (0.9%) had a diagnosis of MRONJ. The overall rate of MRONJ was 0.73%, 0.86%, and 3.50% in the cancer patients treated with IV BPs, denosumab, and sequential IV BPs and denosumab, respectively. The risk of MRONJ was similar in participants treated with denosumab alone compared to those treated with IV BPs alone (HR: 1.25, 95% CI: 0.66–2.34, p = .49). Patients with sequential prescription of IV BP and denosumab were at much higher risk for MRONJ, with an adjusted HR of 4.49, 95% CI of 1.96–10.28, p = .0004. In conclusion, in real-world clinical settings, the rates of MRONJ associated with IV BPs and denosumab were similar, while the sequential treatment of these two drug classes was associated with a much higher risk of MRONJ. © 2022 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Development of QM/MM (ABEEM polarizable force field) method to simulate the excision reaction mechanism of damaged cytosine
Authors: Liu Cui , Ren Yang , Gao Xiao‐qin , Du Xue , Yang Zhong‐zhi
Published: September 2022

DNA damages are regarded as having harmful effects on cell. The base excision repair mechanism combats these effects by removing damaged bases. The deglycosylation mechanism of excising damaged bases by DNA glycosylase and the state of the leaving base have been controversial. The enzymatic reaction of DNA glycosylase to remove the damaged bases involves not only the formation and breaking of chemical bonds, but also complex polarization effect and charge transfer, which cannot be accurately simulated by the QM/MM method combined with the fixed charge force field. This work has developed the ABEEM fluctuating polarizable force field combining with the QM method, that is (QM/MM[ABEEM]), to accurately simulate the proton transfer, charge transfer and the charge distribution. The piecewise function is used as the valence‐state electronegativity in the QM/MM (ABEEM) to realize the accurate fitting of the charge distribution in reaction. And the charge transfer is accurately simulated by the local charge conservation conditions. Four deglycosylation mechanisms including the monofunctional and difunctional mechanisms of four neutral and protonated cytosine derivatives are explored. It is confirmed that the monofunctional mechanism of Asp‐activated nucleophile water is a better deglycosylation mechanism and the base is protonated before the reaction occurs. Protonization of the base reduced the activation energy by 10.00–17.00 kcal/mol. Asp provides the necessary charge for the reaction, and DNA glycosylase preferentially cleaves ɛC. This work provides a theoretical basis for the research of excising damaged bases by DNA glycosylase.
Sarcopenia reduces overall survival in unresectable oesophageal cancer: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Jogiat Uzair M. , Bédard Eric L.R. , Sasewich Hannah , Turner Simon R. , Eurich Dean T. , Filafilo Heather , Baracos Vickie
Published: September 2022

Sarcopenia measured through body composition analysis is emerging as an important prognosticator among various malignancies, including oesophageal cancer. Skeletal muscle index (SMI) as determined by the third lumbar vertebrae on cross‐sectional CT images has been demonstrated as a predictor of overall survival in oesophageal cancer, using pre‐defined cut off values for sarcopenia. However, this is largely within the setting of resectable disease. The primary objective of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to determine the effect of sarcopenia defined by SMI on overall‐survival in patients with unresectable oesophageal cancer. On 30 January 2021, a systematic search of the literature was conducted to identify the role of SMI among patients with unresectable oesophageal cancer, with overall survival as the primary outcome. Databases included MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Inclusion criteria included age >18, diagnosis of oesophageal cancer, and non‐operative management. A meta‐analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4.1 using an inverse variance, random effects model. After the removal of duplicates, 2755 unique search results were obtained. Manual screening of titles and abstracts resulted in 287 full text articles that were reviewed. Of these, five studies met the inclusion criteria with data evaluating the effect of sarcopenia defined by SMI on overall survival. A total of 783 patients, the majority of which were male (n = 638, 81%), with a mean age of 68 ± 2.3 years were included. 641 (82%) patients were diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma. Sarcopenia, as determined by SMI using pre‐defined cut‐off values, was reported in 517 patients (66%). Meta‐analysis demonstrated decreased overall survival in the sarcopenia group compared with the non‐sarcopenia group (HR = 1.51; 95% CI 1.21–1.89; P = 0.0003; I2 = 0%; Figure 1). No significant publication bias was noted on assessment of funnel plot and Egger's test (P = 0.295). Sarcopenia as defined by SMI is predictive of overall survival among patients with nonoperative oesophageal cancer. Further analysis on the effect of sarcopenia on treatment related adverse effects and complications, particularly related to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and oesophageal stenting, is needed to identify the degree of prognostication offered by body composition analysis. Studies on the modifiability of sarcopenia will help determine the utility of nutritional interventions.
Congenital intra‐hepatic porto‐systemic shunts diagnosed during intrauterine life: Systematic review
Authors: Carneiro Darlei Neves , Rossi Isabela , Oliveira Nagibe Tayfour , de Moraes Oliveira Lorena , Rodrigues Mariana , Araujo Júnior Edward , Ruano Rodrigo , Peixoto Alberto Borges , Paschoini Marina Carvalho
Published: September 2022

Objective

To describe the ultrasonographic characteristics of congenital porto‐systemic venous shunts (CPSS) diagnosed during pregnancy, their outcomes, and their evolution.

Methods

Two independent researchers selected 493 review articles and case reports through the analysis of titles, abstracts, and full text. The PubMed and LILACS databases were searched. Through the application of filters according to the PRISMA protocol, only six articles were used in the research. The following information was collected, when available: gestational age at diagnosis, gender, birth weight, type of shunt, associated anomalies/complications and treatment/progression.

Results

The data were obtained from 27 cases, with 22 (82%) fetuses diagnosed with intra‐hepatic CPSS and 5 (18%) with extra‐hepatic CPSS. The median time of intrauterine diagnosis was 33 weeks. In 12 (57.1%) of the 21 pregnancies evaluated, delivery was preterm. The estimated fetal weight ranged from 1150 to 3760 g, with 4 (25%) cases at <3rd, 3 (18.75%) cases at <10th, 8 (50%) cases at <50th, and 1 (6.25%) case at >97th percentile for gestational age. The most frequent obstetric complication was fetal growth restriction, which occurred in nine (60%) cases. As for postnatal treatment, 19 (70.4%) cases were conservatively treated, and 8 (29.6%) cases required surgical intervention.

Conclusion

The diagnosis of CPSS still represents a challenge during prenatal care. Its early identification aims to provide guidance to pregnant women and their families, as well as follow‐up and anticipation of possible complications, in addition to the evaluation of the mode of delivery and postnatal follow‐up, directing the short‐ and long‐term prognosis.
Fetal hydrometrocolpos: Challenges of prenatal differential diagnosis on ultrasound
Authors: Uygur Lütfiye , Demirci Oya , Celayir Ayşenur
Published: September 2022

Hydrometrocolpos is a pelvic cystic mass representing the distension of the vagina and uterus due to a lower genital tract obstruction causing accumulation of utero‐cervical‐vaginal secretions or urine in the vagina and endometrial cavity. Prenatal diagnosis is uncommon and differential diagnosis of the underlying etiologies is quite challenging in the prenatal period. We present three cases of female fetuses with hydrometrocolpos and discuss the prenatal differential diagnoses in the light of ultrasound findings along with postnatal diagnoses and outcomes.
The added value of high‐resolution EURO‐CORDEX simulations to describe daily wind speed over Europe
Authors: Molina María Ofelia , Careto João António Martins , Gutiérrez Claudia , Sánchez Enrique , Soares Pedro Miguel Matos
Published: September 2022

In the context of the CORDEX project, an ensemble of regional climate simulations (RCMs) of high resolution on a 0.11° grid has been generated for Europe with the objective of improving the representation of regional to local‐scale atmospheric phenomena. However, such simulations are computationally expensive and do not always reveal added value. Here, a recently proposed metric (the distribution added value [DAV]) is used to determine the added value of all available EURO‐CORDEX high‐resolution simulations at 0.11° for daily mean wind speed compared to their respective coarser‐gridded 0.44° counterparts and their driving fields, hindcast and historical experiments. The analysis consists in comparing the degree of similarity between normalized wind probability density function (PDF) of simulations and observations. In addition, the use of a normalized PDF allows for a direct spatial comparison among the different regions and time periods. Results show that RCMs add value to their reanalysis or forcing global model, but the nature and magnitude of the improvement on the representation of wind speed may vary depending on the model, region and season. We found most RCMS at 0.11° to outperform models at the 0.44° resolution in terms of their quality in capturing the measured wind speed PDF. When looking at the upper tail of the wind speed PDF, the benefits of downscaling are generally larger. At the regional scale, added value is obtained for 0.11° with respect to 0.44° resolution for all subdomains studied, particularly over the Mediterranean, the Iberian Peninsula and the Alps. When analysing the added value dependence on altitude, runs at 0.11° models represent better the locations below 50 m and above 350 m of altitude, and the 0.44° increasingly under‐perform for higher altitudes. Overall, DAV are larger at 0.11° than at 0.44° resolution, due to a better performance of local‐scale feedbacks at high resolution.
Chemical composition, nutritional evaluation and functional properties of Elaeagnus mollis Diels (Elaeagnus L.) seeds
Authors: Xiaoxiao Feng , Hua Yufei
Published: September 2022

Background

Elaeagnus L. seeds have high amount protein and are an important food source for humans. The chemical composition of Elaeagnus mollis Diels (Elaeagnus L.) seeds and the biochemical, nutritional, and functional properties of Elaeagnus L. seeds protein isolate (PPI) and protein fractions were studied, which is essential to the exploration of new protein sources.

Results

The results indicated that Elaeagnus L. seeds contained 50.87% oil and 36.27% protein. Elaeagnus L. seeds oil was rich in unsaturated fatty acid (91.7%), especially linoleic acid, oleic acid and linolenic acid and ω‐6/ω‐3 was 6.33, closest to FAO/WHO recommended ratio. Alkali protein fraction (APF, 49.82%) was predominant and was rich in Glu, Arg and Pro. Water‐soluble protein fraction (WPF) had the highest SRC of 75.35, followed by PPI (70.66). The essential amino acids of PPI and WPF compared well with FAO/WHO recommended pattern for adults (except Lys and Trp). Functional properties of proteins were found to be comparable with soybean protein isolate. Low antinutritional factors enable the utilization of the proteins in nutrition food formulations.

Conclusion

This study could be beneficial for enabling the utilization of Elaeagnus L. seeds proteins in nutrition and health‐related food formulations.
Effect of ultrasonic pretreatment on tocochromanol and carotenoid biofortification in maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings
Authors: Zhang Bing , Wen Tianxiang , Xiang Nan , Zhao Yihan , Guo Xinbo
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

Maize is a sought‐after food crop because it is micronutrient‐rich and affordable. It is an excellent source of carotenoids and tocochromanols. To investigate ways to enhance the micronutrients in maize, we grew maize seedlings with ultrasonic pretreatment to study the effect of ultrasound pretreatment on the biofortification of tocochromanols and carotenoids using high‐performance liquid chromatography and real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Four tocopherol isomers, three tocotrienol isomers and six carotenoid components were measured in maize seedlings. Compared with the untreated maize seedlings, carotenoid content increased and reached the highest level at 8 min ultrasonic pretreatment (19.21 ± 0.44 μg g−1 fresh weight (FW)), but tocotrienol content evidently decreased. Tocopherol dropped at first but began to rise after 8 min ultrasonic pretreatment (258.1 ± 6.4 μg g−1 FW). In particular, zeaxanthin in maize seedlings doubled after pre‐sonication, while lutein was boosted to 11.81 ± 0.20 μg g−1 FW. Ultrasonic pretreatment changed the predominant component of tocochromanols in maize seedlings from γ‐tocotrienol to α‐tocopherol, with the latter content being 1.3 times higher than in the untreated group. Up‐regulation of key genes involved in the biosynthesis of tocopherols and carotenoids in maize seedlings occurred as a result of both 2 min and 6 min sonication pretreatment. In particular, ZmHPPD, ZmZE, ZmZDS and ZmMPBQ‐MT could partly explain the changes in these phytochemicals.

CONCLUSION

Wet ultrasonic pretreatment could increase tocopherol and carotenoid accumulation in maize seedlings but decrease tocotrienol synthesis. Some up‐regulating genes are related to relevant syntheses, such as ZmHPPD, ZmZE, ZmZDS and ZmMPBQ‐MT, which could influence the accumulation of tocopherols and carotenoids after ultrasonic pretreatment. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Impact of COVID‐19 versus chronic rhinosinusitis/rhinitis associated olfactory dysfunction on health utility and quality of life
Authors: Luong Thanh , Jang Sophie S. , Said Mena , DeConde Adam S. , Yan Carol H.
Published: September 2022

Background

Olfactory dysfunction (OD) is associated with both post‐viral and inflammatory etiologies such as COVID‐19 and chronic rhinosinusitis/rhinitis (CRS/R) respectively, to result in reduced quality of life (QoL). However, the former typically induces a sudden‐onset OD while the latter has a gradual presentation. This study aims to establish and compare health utility values (HUVs) and olfactory‐specific QoL measurements between patients with COVID‐19 and CRS/R related OD.

Methods

This prospective study surveyed COVID‐19 and CRS/R patients with self‐reported OD using HUV assessments (EuroQol‐visual analog scale [EQ‐VAS], EuroQol‐5 dimension [EQ‐5D], time trade‐off [TTO]) and olfactory and sinonasal QoL measures (questionnaire of olfactory disorders –negative and positive statements [QOD‐NS + PS] and sino‐nasal outcome test [SNOT‐22]). A subgroup of subjects completed objective olfactory testing. Intergroup mean scores were compared using Mann–Whitney U tests.

Results

One hundred eleven subjects were enrolled: mean age ± SD (43.0 ± 15.4 years), 55.9% female. CRS/R was associated with lower HUVs as measured by EQ‐VAS (CRS/R: 0.67 ± 0.18 vs. COVID‐19: 0.74 ± 0.19, p = .03) and worse SNOT‐22 scores in both overall (CRS/R: 49.03 ± 21.04 vs. COVID‐19: 27.58 ± 18.45, p < .001) and subgroup analysis of objectively confirmed OD subjects (CRS/R: 52.40 ± 22.78 vs. COVID‐19: 29.84 ± 21.10, p = .01). On the other hand, COVID‐19 has greater burden on olfactory‐specific QoL (QOD‐NS + PS, COVID‐19: 23.19 ± 13.73 vs. CRS/R: 17.25 ± 11.38, p = .04). Both groups demonstrated a similar decrease in health using the EQ‐5D assessment.

Conclusion

CRS/R associated OD has a more severe impact on general health and sinonasal specific QoL outcomes, while COVID‐19 associated OD has a greater burden on olfactory‐specific QoL.

Level of evidence

Level 2c.
Larynx proteomics after jellyfish collagen IL: Increased ECM/collagen and suppressed inflammation
Authors: Bowen Andrew J. , Ekbom Dale C. , Hunter Danielle , Voss Stephen , Bartemes Kathleen , Mearns‐Spragg Andrew , Oldenburg Michael S. , San‐Marina Serban
Published: September 2022

Objectives/Hypothesis

Compare proteomic profiles of rabbit vocal folds (VFs) injected with micronized cross‐linked jellyfish collagen “collagen Type 0” (MX‐JC) against two clinical products for injection medialization laryngoplasty (IL).

Study Design

Animal model.

Methods

Left recurrent laryngeal nerve sectioning and IL were performed in New Zealand White rabbits (N = 6/group). Group 1 received (MX‐JC) and adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs), Group 2, MX‐JC alone; Group 3, cross‐linked hyaluronic acid; and Group 4, micronized acellular dermis. Animals were sacrificed at 4 and 12 weeks. Proteomic profiling of injected versus noninjected VFs by nano‐liquid chromatography, tandem mass spectrometry, and reactome gene ontology analysis was performed.

Results

Overall, 37–61 proteins were found to be upregulated and 60–284 downregulated in injected versus non‐injected VFs (>1.5 fold, false discovery rate‐adjusted p < .05). Over‐representation analysis (% of total) revealed top up‐regulated pathways at 4 and 12 weeks, respectively: Group 1, keratan sulfate metabolism (46%) and cellular processes (29%); Group 2, extracellular matrix (ECM)/collagen processes (33%) and beta oxidation (39%); Group 3, cellular processes (50%) and energy metabolism (100%); and Group 4, keratan sulfate metabolism (31%) and inflammation (50%). Top downregulated pathways were: Group 1, Inflammation (36%) and glucose/citric acid metabolism (42%); Group 2, cell signaling (38%) and glucose/citric acid metabolism (35%); Group 3, keratan sulfate metabolism (31%) and ECM/collagen processes (48%); and Group 4, glucose/citric acid metabolism (33%) and ECM/collagen processes (43%).

Conclusions

MX‐JC “collagen Type 0” upregulates pathways related to ECM/collagen formation and downregulates pathways related to inflammation suggesting that it is promising biomaterial for IL.

Level of Evidence

NA
Understanding corallite demography to comprehend potential bias in sclerochronology: Analysis of coral modular growth by micro‐computed tomography
Authors: Medellín‐Maldonado Francisco , López‐Pérez Andrés , Ruiz‐Huerta Leopoldo , Carricart‐Ganivet Juan P.
Published: September 2022

The discovery of alternating growth bands in the skeletons of massive corals led to the possibility of using them as environmental indicators. However, skeleton formation is the result of the growth of thousands of polyps depositing millimeter‐sized CaCO3structures, called corallites. Nevertheless, the orientation of the corallite trajectories and their position with respect to the colony could be altering the information obtained from the skeleton. In this sense, to obtain reliable information from coral skeletons, it is necessary to understand how polyp population growth influences coral growth rates. For this reason, we present a study that combines computed tomography image segmentation, optical densitometry, and demographic equations to follow the trajectory of corallites in order to model coral growth from the replication of its corallites and understand the responses in terms of their growth. We observed that both corallite replication and skeletal growth characteristics vary significantly according to the position they occupy within the colony. The central zone of the colony promotes corallite replication, and it is in this zone that we measured the highest values of extension and calcification. These variations in vegetative and skeletal growth are possibly in accordance with the variability of available resources and environmental stimuli in different zones of the skeleton. This approach will allow us to explore future lines of research associated with the size limits of different coral species and to observe how different drivers modulate polyp budding.
Oxygenation of a karst subterranean estuary during a tropical cyclone: mechanisms and implications for the carbon cycle
Authors: Brankovits David , Pohlman John W. , Lapham Laura L.
Published: September 2022

Seasonal precipitation affects carbon turnover and methane accumulation in karst subterranean estuaries, the region of coastal carbonate aquifers where hydrologic and biogeochemical processes regulate material exchange between the land and ocean. However, the impact that tropical cyclones exert on subsurface carbon cycling within karst landscapes is poorly understood. Here, we present 5‐month‐long hydrologic and chemical records from 1 and 2 km inland from the coastline within the Ox Bel Ha Cave System in the northeastern Yucatan Peninsula. The record encompasses wet and dry seasons and includes the impact of rainfall during the development of Tropical Storm Hanna in October 2014. Methane accumulated in highest concentrations at the inland site, especially during the wet season preceding the storm. Intense rainfall led to episodic increases in water level and salinity shifts at both sites, indicating a spatially widespread hydrologic response. The most profound storm effect was a ~ 0.8 mg L−1 pulse of dissolved oxygen that declined to zero within 2 weeks and corresponded with a reduction of methane. A positive shift in methane's stable carbon isotope content from −62.6‰ ± 0.6‰ before the storm to −44.0‰ ± 2.4‰ after the storm indicates microbial methane oxidation was a mechanism for the loss of groundwater methane. Post‐storm methane concentrations did not recover to pre‐storm levels during the observation period, suggesting tropical cyclones have long‐lasting (months) effects on the carbon cycle. Compared to seasonal effects, mixing and oxygen inputs during storm‐induced hydrologic forcing have an outsized biogeochemical influence within stratified coastal aquifers.
Electrochemical study of Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy during deep cryogenic process
Authors: Zhang Weijian , Wang Lei , Su Ruiming , Li Guanglong , Qu Yingdong
Published: September 2022

Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy was treated by deep cryogenic treatment combined with T6 treatment to obtain excellent properties. The hardness of the alloy was measured by a Vickers hardness tester. The corrosion behaviors of the alloy were monitored by electrochemical techniques and scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, the microstructures of the alloy were examined by transmission electron microscope. The results show that after deep cryogenic treatment, the hardness and corrosion resistance of the alloy will be optimized, and the corrosion resistance and hardness will be strongly affected by the precipitate state. When the distance between grain boundary precipitates becomes larger and discontinuous, the corrosion resistance will be significantly improved. When the amount of matrix precipitates is large, the fine dispersion distribution can well increase the hardness. The best combination of the hardness and corrosion resistance is exhibited for the alloy treated at −196°C for 10 h with aging treatment at 120°C for 16 h, the hardness, the intergranular corrosion depth, the current density, and the corrosion rate are 189.6 HV, 31.8 μm, 0.0019 mA/cm2, and 0.0022 mm/a, respectively.
Characterization and corrosion evaluation of high‐entropy TixNb0.5MnMo0.5Zr0.3 (x = 0.5, 0.75, 1) thin films for biomedical applications
Authors: Sanaei Saber , Atapour Masoud , Kermanpur Ahmad
Published: September 2022

In the present study, high‐entropy TixNb0.5MnMo0.5Zr0.3 (x = 0.5, 0.75, 1) thin films with excellent corrosion behavior were deposited on AISI 316L using direct current magnetron sputtering. The deposited films were structurally characterized using X‐ray diffraction and field‐emission scanning electron microscopy. The results confirmed the formation of an face‐centered cubic structure with a uniform distribution of constituent elements. It was shown that the crystal structure of thin films was independent of the Ti content. The corrosion properties of the films were evaluated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and polarization examinations at 37°C in the simulated body fluid electrolyte. Based on the EIS results, the stability range of the passive layer was improved by increasing the Ti content. The potentiodynamic polarization curves demonstrated that the film with a higher Ti content had the lowest icorr, indicating more corrosion resistance than other films with a lower Ti content and substrate. Another reason for the superior corrosion performance of the thin film with a higher amount of Ti was correlated with its quasi‐columnar structure. In general, the improvement of the corrosion behavior of the thin films can be associated with the chemical composition and microstructure formed during the deposition process.
Impact of nano‐SiCP and nano‐hBNP on the corrosion performance and fatigue behavior of Mg–Zn hybrid nanocomposites
Authors: Krishnan Parthiban , Lakshmanan Poovazhagan , Annamalai Gnanavelbabu
Published: September 2022

Magnesium (Mg) alloys are characterized by their high specific strength, strong damping resistance, and poor performance against corrosion. This study attempted to evaluate the corrosion capability and fatigue behavior of Mg–Zn alloys reinforced with nanosized silicon carbide (SiC) and hBN particles. Initially, different combinations (1.0 wt% nano‐SiCP [fixed] and 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 wt% nano‐hBNP) of hybrid nanocomposites were synthesized through a stir‐ultrasonication casting process. The samples cut from the nanocomposites were subjected to salt spray, potentiodynamic polarization, tensile, and fatigue tests. The resistance to corrosion and fatigue characteristics of the monolithic alloy and hybrid nanocomposites were measured and compared. Due to the reduction in potential imbalance across the Mg‐α and I‐phases, the hybrid nanocomposites revealed enhanced corrosion performance as compared with the base alloy. The fatigue strength of the Mg–Zn alloy reinforced with 1% SiCP and 1.5% hBNP is about 94 MPa, which is 41% greater than the base alloy's fatigue strength. The scanning electron microscopy micrograph is helpful in investigating the microstructures of the corrosion, tensile, and fatigue‐tested samples.
Different outer membrane c‐type cytochromes are involved in direct interspecies electron transfer to Geobacter or Methanosarcina species
Authors: Holmes Dawn E. , Zhou Jinjie , Smith Jessica A. , Wang Caiqin , Liu Xinying , Lovley Derek R.
Published: September 2022

Direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) may be most important in methanogenic environments, but mechanistic studies of DIET to date have primarily focused on cocultures in which fumarate was the terminal electron acceptor. To better understand DIET with methanogens, the transcriptome of Geobacter metallireducens during DIET‐based growth with G. sulfurreducens reducing fumarate was compared with G. metallireducens grown in coculture with diverse Methanosarcina. The transcriptome of G. metallireducens cocultured with G. sulfurreducens was significantly different from those with Methanosarcina. Furthermore, the transcriptome of G. metallireducens grown with Methanosarcina barkeri, which lacks outer‐surface c‐type cytochromes, differed from those of G. metallireducens cocultured with M. acetivorans or M. subterranea, which have an outer‐surface c‐type cytochrome that serves as an electrical connect for DIET. Differences in G. metallireducens expression patterns for genes involved in extracellular electron transfer were particularly notable. Cocultures with c‐type cytochrome deletion mutant strains, ∆Gmet_0930, ∆Gmet_0557 and ∆Gmet_2896, never became established with G. sulfurreducens but adapted to grow with all three Methanosarcina. Two porin–cytochrome complexes, PccF and PccG, were important for DIET; however, PccG was more important for growth with Methanosarcina. Unlike cocultures with G. sulfurreducens and M. acetivorans, electrically conductive pili were not needed for growth with M. barkeri. Shewanella oneidensis, another electroactive microbe with abundant outer‐surface c‐type cytochromes, did not grow via DIET. The results demonstrate that the presence of outer‐surface c‐type cytochromes does not necessarily confer the capacity for DIET and emphasize the impact of the electron‐accepting partner on the physiology of the electron‐donating DIET partner.
A deep‐sea sulfate‐reducing bacterium generates zero‐valent sulfur via metabolizing thiosulfate
Authors: Liu Rui , Shan Yeqi , Xi Shichuan , Zhang Xin , Sun Chaomin
Published: September 2022

Zero‐valent sulfur (ZVS) is a crucial intermediate in the sulfur geobiochemical circulation and is widespread in deep‐sea cold seeps. Sulfur‐oxidizing bacteria are thought to be the major contributors to the formation of ZVS. However, ZVS production mediated by sulfate‐reducing bacteria (SRB) has rarely been reported. In this study, we isolated and cultured a typical SRB designated Oceanidesulfovibrio marinus CS1 from deep‐sea cold seep sediment in the South China Sea. We show that O. marinus CS1 forms ZVS in the medium supplemented with thiosulfate. Proteomic and protein activity assays revealed that thiosulfate reductase (PhsA) and the sulfide:quinone oxidoreductase (SQR) played key roles in driving ZVS formation in O. marinus CS1. During this process, thiosulfate firstly was reduced by PhsA to form sulfide, then sulfide was oxidized by SQR to produce ZVS. The expressions of PhsA and SQR were significantly upregulated when O. marinus CS1 was cultured in a deep‐sea cold seep, strongly indicating that strain CS1 might form ZVS in the deep‐sea environment. Notably, homologs of phsA and sqr were widely identified from microbes living in sediments of deep‐sea cold seep in the South China Sea by the metagenomic analysis. We thus propose that SRB containing phsA and sqr genes potentially contribute to the formation of ZVS in deep‐sea cold seep environments.
Timely and effective media coverage's role in the spread of Corona Virus Disease 2019
Authors: Wang Yan , Qing Feng , Li Haozhan , Wang Xuteng
Published: September 2022

For all humanity, the sudden outbreak of Corona Virus Disease 2019 has been an important problem. Timely and effective media coverage is considered to be one of the effective approaches to control the spread of epidemic in early stage. In this paper, a Sentiment‐enabled Susceptible‐Exposed‐Infected‐Recovered (SEIR) model is established to reveal the relationship between the propagation of the epidemic and media coverage. The authors take the positive and negative media coverage into consideration when implementing the Sentiment‐enabled SEIR model. This model is constructed by parameterizing the number of current confirmed cases, cumulative cured cases, cumulative deaths, and media coverage. The numerical simulation and sensitivity analysis are conducted based on the Sentiment‐enabled SEIR model. The numerical analysis confirms the rationality of the Sentiment‐enabled SEIR model. The sensitivity analysis shows that positive media coverage acts a pivotal part in reducing the figure for confirmed cases. Negative media coverage has an effect on the figure for confirmed cases is not as significant as that of positive media coverage, but it is not negligible.
Asymptotic behavior and extinction of a stochastic predator–prey model with Holling type II functional response and disease in the prey
Authors: Ma Jiying , Ren Haimiao
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we formulate and investigate a stochastic one‐prey and two‐predator model with Holling II functional response and disease in the prey, in which the predators only feed on infected prey. The existence and uniqueness of global positive solution is proved by using conventional methods. The corresponding deterministic model has a disease‐free equilibrium point if the basic reproduction number
, and it has three boundary equilibrium points and one positive equilibrium point if
. For the stochastic model, we investigate the asymptotic behavior around all of the five equilibrium points and prove that there is a unique ergodic stationary distribution under certain conditions. Moreover, we obtain the condition on which the population of the infected prey and the two predators will die out in the time mean sense. Finally, numerical simulations are conducted to illustrate our analysis results.
Suppression of Invasive Fish in the West: Synthesis and Suggestions for Improvement
Authors: Klein Zachary B. , Quist Michael C. , Guy Christopher S.
Published: September 2022

Reservoirs are ubiquitous features on the landscape of the western United States. Although reservoirs provide numerous benefits (e.g., irrigation, flood control, hydropower, recreational use), these systems are often a concern from an ecological perspective. Reservoirs support fisheries primarily composed of nonindigenous sport fishes that may become invasive and negatively influence recipient ecosystems. Furthermore, reservoirs alter adjacent riverine habitats, further increasing the threat of invasive fishes to aquatic systems. As such, most western natural resource management agencies focus considerable effort on managing the threat of invasive fish species. Unfortunately, controlling invasive fish is expensive and rarely effective because of a lack of clear objectives, appropriate fishing mortality, and long-term commitment. In an effort to improve management of invasive fish in the western United States, we reviewed existing literature to identify the steps necessary to effectively suppress these species. Specifically, we provide guidance on defining achievable objectives, assessing feasibility, evaluating success, and improving the efficiency of invasive fish suppression. This iterative approach provides managers with a framework to effectively address the challenge of suppressing invasive fish in the western United States.