bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of race and ethnicity on presentation and outcomes of patients treated on rhabdomyosarcoma clinical trials: A report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Munnikhuysen Senna R. , Ekpo Princess A. , Xue Wei , Gao Zhengya , Lupo Philip J. , Venkatramani Rajkumar , Heske Christine M.
Published: April 2023

Background

Racial and ethnic disparities have been demonstrated in pediatric and adult cancers. However, there is no consensus on whether such disparities exist in the presentation, treatment, and outcome of patients with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS).

Methods

Patient information from the seven most recent RMS clinical trials was obtained from the Children's Oncology Group (COG). Chi‐squared analyses were used to compare patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics across racial and ethnic groups. Pairwise analyses comparing Non‐Hispanic Black (NHB) versus Non‐Hispanic White (NHW) racial groups and Hispanic versus NHW ethnic groups were conducted for significant characteristics. Kaplan–Meier method and Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests were performed to analyze outcomes.

Results

In the overall cohort (n = 2157), patients' self‐identified race/ethnicity was: 0.4% American Indian/Alaska Native, 2.6% Asian, 12.6% Hispanic, 0.2% Native American/other Pacific Islander, 12.8% NHB, 61.9% NHW, and 9.6% unknown. Six characteristics differed by race/ethnicity: age, histology, IRS group, invasiveness, metastatic disease, and FOXO1 fusion partner. Five were significant in pairwise comparisons: NHB patients were more likely to present at age ≥ 10 years and with invasive tumors than NHW patients; Hispanic patients were more likely to present with alveolar histology, metastatic disease, and IRS group IV disease than NHW patients. No differences were found in event free or overall survival of the entire cohort, in risk group‐based subset analyses, or among patients with high‐risk characteristics significant on pairwise analysis.

Conclusions

While NHB and Hispanic patients enrolled in COG trials presented with higher risk features than NHW patients, there were no outcome differences by racial or ethnic group.
Standardization of organoid culture in cancer research
Authors: Zhou Changchun , Wu Yuanbo , Wang Zeyu , Liu Yanli , Yu Jiaqi , Wang Weiping , Chen Sunrui , Wu Weihua , Wang Jidong , Qian Guowei , He Aina
Published: April 2023

Establishing a valid in vitro model to represent tumor heterogeneity and biology is critical but challenging. Tumor organoids are self‐assembled three‐dimensional cell clusters which are of great significance for recapitulating the histopathological, genetic, and phenotypic characteristics of primary tissues. The organoid has emerged as an attractive in vitro platform for tumor biology research and high‐throughput drug screening in cancer medicine. Organoids offer unique advantages over cell lines and patient‐derived xenograft models, but there are no standardized methods to guide the culture of organoids, leading to confusion in organoid studies that may affect accurate judgments of tumor biology. This review summarizes the shortcomings of current organoid culture methods, presents the latest research findings on organoid standardization, and proposes an outlook for organoid modeling.
A promising prognostic model for predicting survival of patients with HIV‐related diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma in the cART era
Authors: Chen Juanjuan , Wu Yihua , Kang Zixin , Qin Shanfang , Ruan Guangjing , Zhao Han , Tao Xin , Xie Zhiman , Peng Jie
Published: April 2023

Background

Optimization of risk stratification is important for facilitating prognoses and therapeutic decisions regarding diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). However, a simple and applicable prognostic tool is lacking for individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐related DLBCL in the era of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART).

Methods

This retrospective multicenter observational study included 147 HIV‐related DLBCL patients with histologically confirmed DLBCL from 2013 to 2020. The total group was divided into training (n = 78) and validation (n = 69) cohorts to derive the best prognostic score. Clinicopathological and characteristic biomarkers correlated with clinical outcomes were analyzed.

Results

Age, Ann Arbor stage, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) ratio, bulky disease, and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) ratio retained robust independent correlations with overall survival (OS) in multivariate analysis. A new and practical prognostic model was generated and externally validated, classifying patients into three categories with significantly different survival rates. Moreover, the new index outperformed the International Prognostic Index (IPI) score (area under the curve values of 0.94 vs. 0.81 in the training cohort and 0.85 vs. 0.74 in the validation cohort, C‐indices of 0.80 vs. 0.70 in the training cohort and 0.74 vs. 0.70 in the validation cohort, and integrated discrimination improvement values of 0.203 in the training cohort and 0.175 in the validation cohort) and was better at defining intermediate‐ and high‐risk groups. The calibration curves performed satisfactorily for predicting 3‐year OS in the training and validation cohorts.

Conclusions

We developed and validated a simple and feasible prognostic model for patients with HIV‐related DLBCL that had more discriminative and predictive accuracy than the IPI score for risk stratification and individualized treatment in the cART era.
Metastatic sites and lesion numbers cooperated to predict efficacy of PD‐1 inhibitor‐based combination therapy for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Jiang Weiqin , He Yinjun , He Wenguang , Zhang Xiang , Chen Nan , Li Yandong , Zhong Weixiang , Wu Guosheng , Zhou Xile , Hua Hanju , Ye Feng
Published: April 2023

Background

Limited data have been used to evaluate the efficacy of immunotherapy in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Furthermore, potential markers that can be used to identify responding patients and to further improve efficacy have not been fully explored.

Methods and Results

In our study, we included a total of 97 patients with mCRC, who each received programmed death‐1 (PD‐1) inhibitor‐based combination therapy at our center. All 12 hypermutated patients benefited from immunotherapy, with median progression‐free survival (mPFS) reaching 28.3 months, regardless of liver metastasis. The objective response rate (ORR) of non‐hypermutated patients was 16.5% (14/85), with an mPFS of 4.0 months. For non‐hypermutated patients, multivariate analysis revealed that the combination of liver metastasis and baseline lesion number significantly stratified response and survival. The lesion‐based analysis indicated that the lymph node was the most responsive, followed by the peritoneum and lung, with liver metastasis being the least responsive. None of the patients (0/7) with negative programmed ligand‐1 (PD‐L1) expression responded, and positive PD‐L1 expression may serve as a biomarker (mPFS 5.7 vs. 2.2 months, p = 0.002) that can be used to further guide treatment in non‐hypermutated mCRC with liver metastasis (CRLMs).

Conclusion

Patients with hypermutated mCRC benefited significantly from immunotherapy, whereas the non‐hypermutated cohort with liver metastasis and numerous lesions showed less benefit. The lesion sites reflected varying levels of efficacy, among which PD‐L1 potentially cooperated to guide the immunotherapy of CRLMs.
Emotion regulation and choice of bilateral mastectomy for the treatment of unilateral breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Jin‐Xiao , Kurian Allison W. , Jo Booil , Nouriani Bita , Neri Eric , Gross James J. , Spiegel David
Published: April 2023

Background

There has been steadily increasing use of bilateral mastectomy (BMX) in the treatment of primary breast cancer (BC). In this study, we utilized functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine the influence of emotion regulation on the decision of newly diagnosed BC patients to choose BMX rather than non‐BMX treatments.

Methods

We recruited 123 women with unilateral BC, 61 of whom received BMX and 62 of whom received non‐BMX treatments, and 39 healthy controls. While participants were in the fMRI scanner, we showed them BC‐related and non‐BC‐negative images. In one condition, they were instructed to watch the images naturally. In another, they were instructed to regulate their negative emotion. We compared the fMRI signal during these conditions throughout the brain.

Results

With non‐BC‐negative images as the baseline, BC patients showed greater self‐reported reactivity and neural reactivity to BC‐related images in brain regions associated with self‐reflection than did controls. Among the BC patients, the BMX group showed weaker activation in prefrontal emotion regulation brain regions during emotion regulation than did the non‐BMX group.

Conclusions

BC patients are understandably emotionally hyper‐reactive to BC‐related stimuli and those who ultimately received BMX experience more difficulty in regulating BC‐related negative emotion than non‐BMX BC patients. These findings offer neuropsychological evidence that difficulty in managing anxiety related to the possibility of cancer recurrence is a factor in surgical treatment decision‐making and may be an intervention target with the goal of strengthening the management of cancer‐related anxiety by nonsurgical means.

Trial Registration

NCT03050463.
Sentinel node‐assisted neck dissection in advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma—A new protocol for staging and treatment
Authors: Bark Rusana , Kolev Aeneas , Elliot Alexandra , Piersiala Krzysztof , Näsman Anders , Grybäck Per , Georén Susanna Kumlien , Wendt Malin , Cardell Lars Olaf , Margolin Gregori , Marklund Linda
Published: April 2023

Background

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is used to improve the staging of and guide treatment in patients with early‐stage T1–T2 N0 oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The role of sentinel nodes (SNs) and the use of SN‐technique in advanced OSCC (T3–T4 and/or N+) remain to be evaluated. This study investigates the nodal drainage and the rate of positive SNs (SNs+) in all stages of OSCC.

Materials and Methods

In total, 85 patients with T1–T4 OSCC diagnosed 2019–2021 were included. We used a prolonged interval between peritumoral injection of radionuclide and SPECT–CT to include all SNs.

Results

Patients with advanced OSCC presented a higher proportion of contralateral lymphatic drainage and a higher rate of SN+ compared to patients with early‐stage disease. T3–T4 and N+ tumors presented a tendency for a higher rate of contralateral lymphatic drainage compared to T1–T2 and N0 tumors (p = 0.1). The prevalence of positive nodes (SNs+) was higher among patients with advanced disease, T3–T4 versus T1–T2 (p = 0.0398).

Conclusion

SN‐assisted ND enables identification and removal of all SNs + and has the potential for more accurate staging and could possibly give prognostic advantages regarding regional recurrence for all OSCC patients, especially among those with advanced disease. The precise localization of the SNs + also suggests that a more individualized ND approach might be possible in the future even for patients with advanced OSCC.
Analysis for discharge within 2 days after thoracoscopic anatomic lung cancer surgery
Authors: Xu Yuanyuan , Chen Xiaoke , Ren Jianghao , Zhu Mingyang , Li Ruonan , Huang Jiazheng , Yao Yaxian , Zhang Zhengmin , Tan Qiang
Published: April 2023

Objectives

The risk and beneficial factors of early discharge after thoracoscopic anatomic lung cancer surgery are unknown, and this study aims to investigate predictors and associated 30‐day readmission for early discharge.

Methods

We performed a single‐center retrospective analysis of 10,834 consecutive patients who underwent thoracoscopic anatomic lung cancer surgery. Two groups were determined based on discharge date: “discharged by postoperative Day 2” and “discharged after postoperative Day 2.” Univariable and multivariable analysis were conducted to identify predictors for discharge. Using propensity score matching (PSM) to compare 30‐day readmission rate between two cohorts.

Results

A total of 1911 patients were discharged by postoperative Day 2. Multivariable analysis identified older age (odds ratio (OR) = 1.014, p < 0.001), male sex (OR = 1.183, p = 0.003), larger tumor size (OR = 1.248, p < 0.001), pleural adhesions (OR = 1.638, p = 0.043), lymph nodes calcification (OR = 1.443, p = 0.009), advanced clinical T stage (vs. T < 2, OR = 1.470, p = 0.010), lobectomy resection (vs. segmentectomy resection, OR = 2.145, p < 0.001) and prolonged operative time (OR = 1.011, p < 0.001) as independent risk factors for discharge after postoperative Day 2. Three adjustable variables including higher FEV1/FVC (OR = 0.989, p = 0.001), general anesthesia (GA) plus thoracic paravertebral blockade (vs. GA alone, OR = 0.823, p = 0.006) and uni‐portal thoracoscopic surgery (vs. multi‐portal, OR = 0.349, p < 0.001) were associated with a decreased likelihood of discharge after postoperative Day 2. Before and after a 1:1 PSM, discharged by postoperative Day 2 did not increase the risk of 30‐day readmission compared to counterparts.

Conclusions

Carefully selected patients can be safely discharged within 2 days after thoracoscopic anatomic lung cancer surgery. Three modifiable variables may be favorable for promoting discharge by postoperative Day 2.
Causes of death among patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in United States from 2000 to 2018
Authors: Yang Zhen , Leng Kaiming , Shi Guangjun
Published: April 2023

Background

The gains in survival outcomes of US patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have come at the expense of developing non‐cancer‐related morbidities, such as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and infections. However, population‐based data on causes of death (CODs) in patients with HCC are scarce.

Methods

A cancer registry database in the United States was used to analyze the CODs among patients with HCC. Death cause distribution and standardized mortality ratios were calculated to quantify the disease‐specific death burden.

Results

A total of 40,094 patients with a histological diagnosis of HCC were identified from the SEER‐18 database between 2000 and 2018, of which 30,796 (76.8%) died during the follow‐up period. The majority of these deaths (25,153, 81.7%) occurred within 2 years after diagnosis, 13.2% (4075) occurred within 2–5 years, and 5.1% (1568) occurred after 5 years. All age groups had a lower burden of female deaths than of male deaths during the study period. With respect to CODs, 23,824 (77.4%), 2289 (7.4%), and 4683 (15.2%) were due to HCC, other cancers, and non‐cancer causes, respectively. Non‐cancer‐related deaths were more common among older patients and those with longer latency periods since diagnosis. The major causes of non‐cancer‐related deaths are other infectious and parasitic diseases, including HIV and CVDs.

Conclusions

CODs during HCC survivorship varied, and a growing number of survivors tended to die from causes other than HCC, with an increasing latency period since diagnosis. Comprehensive analyses of mortality patterns and temporal trends could underpin strategies to reduce these risks.
Chemical Constituents of Primulina eburnea (Gesneriaceae) and Their Cytotoxic Activities
Authors: Yang Li‐Yuan , Yi Ping , Chen Jun‐Lei , Li Yu‐Huan , Qiu Jue‐Lin , Wang Zhao‐Yang , Fu Mao , Yuan Chun‐Mao , Huang Lie‐Jun , Hao Xiao‐Jiang , Gu Wei
Published: April 2023

Two new ursane‐type triterpenes, eburnealactones A and B (1 and 2), one new flavonoid, eburneatin A (6), and one new phenylethanoid glycoside, chiritoside D (7), along with 9 known compounds (3–5, 8–13) were isolated from the whole plant of Primulina eburnea. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis (IR, UV, NMR, and HR‐ESI‐MS). All the compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities. Compound 1 showed significant cytotoxic activities against MKN‐45 cell lines and 5637 cell lines with the IC50 values of 9.57 μM and 8.30 μM, respectively. Compound 1 exhibited moderate cytotoxic activities against A549 and PATU8988T cell lines with the IC50 values of 30.70 μM and 38.22 μM, respectively. Compound 6 exhibited moderate cytotoxic activities against MKN‐45, HCT116, PATU8988T, 5637 and A‐673 cell lines with the IC50 values of 19.69 μM, 16.44 μM, 18.07 μM, 11.51 μM and 18.15 μM, respectively. Compound 5 showed moderate cytotoxic activities against A549 cell lines with the IC50 values of 24.06 μM.
Association of asthma genetic variants with asthma‐associated traits reveals molecular pathways of eosinophilic asthma
Authors: El‐Husseini Zaid W. , Vonk Judith M. , van den Berge Maarten , Gosens Reinoud , Koppelman Gerard H.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Asthma is a complex, polygenic, heterogenous inflammatory disease. Recently, we generated a list of 128 independent single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with asthma in genome‐wide association studies. However, it is unknown if asthma SNPs are associated with specific asthma‐associated traits such as high eosinophil counts, atopy, and airway obstruction, revealing molecular endotypes of this disease. Here, we aim to identify the association between asthma SNPs and asthma‐associated traits and assess expression quantitative trait locus (e‐QTLs) to reveal their downstream functional effects and find drug targets.

Methods

Association analyses between 128 asthma SNPs and associated traits (blood eosinophil numbers, atopy, airway obstruction, airway hyperresponsiveness) were conducted using regression modelling in population‐based studies (Lifelines N = 32,817/Vlagtwedde‐Vlaardingen N = 1554) and an asthma cohort (Dutch Asthma genome‐wide association study N = 917). Functional enrichment and pathway analysis were performed with genes linked to the significant SNPs by e‐QTL analysis. Genes were investigated to generate novel drug targets.

Results

We identified 69 asthma SNPs that were associated with at least one trait, with 20 SNPs being associated with multiple traits. The SNP annotated to SMAD3 was the most pleiotropic. In total, 42 SNPs were associated with eosinophil counts, 18 SNPs with airway obstruction, and 21 SNPs with atopy. We identified genetically driven pathways regulating eosinophilia. The largest network of eosinophilia contained two genes (IL4R, TSLP) targeted by drugs currently available for eosinophilic asthma. Several novel targets were identified such as IL‐18, CCR4, and calcineurin.

Conclusion

Many asthma SNPs are associated with blood eosinophil counts and genetically driven molecular pathways of asthma‐associated traits were identified.
First‐in‐human study of E7130 (a tumor microenvironment‐ameliorating microtubule inhibitor) in patients with advanced solid tumors: Primary results of the dose‐escalation part
Authors: Doi Toshihiko , Matsubara Nobuaki , Naito Yoichi , Kuboki Yasutoshi , Harano Kenichi , Ono Makiko , Urasaki Tetsuya , Ohmoto Akihiro , Kawanai Tsubasa , Hisai Takashi , Ikezawa Hiroki , Shiba Sari , Ito Ken , Semba Taro , Asano Osamu , Takahashi Shunji
Published: April 2023

Background

E7130 is a novel anticancer agent created from a total synthetic study of norhalichondrin B. The authors report the E7130 dose‐escalation part of a first‐in‐human study of patients with advanced solid tumors (NCT03444701).

Methods

Japanese patients ≥20 years of age were enrolled. E7130 was administered intravenously in two cycles: day 1 of a 21‐day cycle (Q3W) or days 1 and 15 of a 28‐day cycle (Q2W). Doses were escalated from 270 to 550 μg/m2 for the Q3W group or 25–400 μg/m2 for the Q2W group. The primary end point of the dose‐escalation phase was safety and tolerability as assessed by the incidence of dose‐limiting toxicities (DLTs) and adverse events. Other end points included determination of the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics.

Results

Forty‐four patients were enrolled: 15 in the E7130 Q3W group and 29 in the Q2W group. Treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) occurred in all patients; the most common TEAE overall was leukopenia (78.6%). Grade 3–4 TEAEs occurred in 93.3% of patients in the Q3W group and 86.2% of patients in the Q2W group. None had a TEAE resulting in study drug discontinuation, and no treatment‐related deaths were reported. Per the DLT evaluation, the MTDs were determined as 480 μg/m2 Q3W and 300 μg/m2 Q2W. Significant changes in multiple plasma biomarkers, including vascular endothelial growth factor 3 and matrix metallopeptidase 9, were dose‐dependent after initial doses of 350–480 μg/m2.

Conclusions

E7130 480 μg/m2 Q3W was chosen for the dose‐expansion part over 300 μg/m2 Q2W primarily per dose‐dependent biomarker results.
Tunable Properties of Graphene Antenna Affected by Curing Temperature and Exposure Time for Future Application
Authors: Nor Hafizah Sa'don Siti , Haizal Jamaluddin Mohd , Ramlee Kamarudin Muhammad , Ahmad Fauzan
Published: April 2023

This paper proposes a tunable antenna based on graphene for future wireless communication technology. The proposed antenna that is made by graphene/polyimide film able to tune the frequency using thermal that is exposed on it. The approach is investigated since it able to work as the other reconfiguration technique but cannot be adjustable likes diodes and liquid crystal. The antenna is fabricated into fifteen similar pieces and are separately cured at different temperature and exposure time; 250 °C, 300 °C, and 350 °C, for 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, and 3 hours. The fabricated antennas are measured its S‐parameter as well as the characterisation of relative complex permittivity, sheet resistance, conductivity, surface morphology, and structure analysis. The measured results indicate that the frequency is tuned to lower within 4.1 GHz at 250 °C, 5.5 GHz at 300 °C, and 400 MHz at 350 °C. Looking into the future, even though this work is not using the same antenna, but it will lead to the proof of concept for tunable graphene antenna using thermal at fifth generation (5G) and next generation.
Increasing death rate in children and teens due to guns, drugs, and suicide
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: April 2023

Between 2019 and 2020, the mortality rate for ages 1 to 19 years increased by 10.7%, researchers warned this spring. Then, between 2020 and 2021, it increased by an additional 8.3%.
Some patients spike their urine with buprenorphine to hide nonadherence: Study
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: April 2023

More than 7% of patients whose urine is tested for drugs directly add buprenorphine to the specimen, according to analysis from a national database maintained by the lab that conducted the tests.
Novel and holistic approaches are required to realize allelopathic potential for weed management
Authors: Hickman Darwin T. , Comont David , Rasmussen Amanda , Birkett Michael A.
Published: April 2023

Allelopathy, that is, plant–plant inhibition via the release of secondary metabolites into the environment, has potential for the management of weeds by circumventing herbicide resistance. However, mechanisms underpinning allelopathy are notoriously difficult to elucidate, hindering real‐world application either in the form of commercial bioherbicides or allelopathic crops. Such limited application is exemplified by evidence of limited knowledge of the potential benefits of allelopathy among end users. Here, we examine potential applications of this phenomenon, paying attention to novel approaches and influential factors requiring greater consideration, with the intention of improving the reputation and uptake of allelopathy. Avenues to facilitate more effective allelochemical discovery are also considered, with a view to stimulating the identification of new compounds and allelopathic species. Synthesis and Applications: We conclude that tackling increasing weed pressure on agricultural productivity would benefit from greater integration of the phenomenon of allelopathy, which in turn would be greatly served by a multi‐disciplinary and exhaustive approach, not just through more effective isolation of the interactions involved, but also through greater consideration of factors which may influence them in the field, facilitating optimization of their benefits for weed management.
Species coexistence and niche interaction between sympatric giant panda and Chinese red panda: A spatiotemporal approach
Authors: Feng Bin , Bai Wenke , Fan Xueyang , Fu Mingxia , Song Xinqiang , Liu Jingyi , Qin Weirui , Zhang Jindong , Qi Dunwu , Hou Rong
Published: April 2023

The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) and the Chinese red panda (Ailurus styani) are distributed in the same region in the mountain forest ecosystem on the eastern edge of the Qinghai Tibet Plateau and share the same food sources. In order to understand how sympatric giant pandas and Chinese red pandas maintain interspecific relationships to achieve stable coexistence, we used species distribution models and diurnal activity rhythms to analyze the spatial and temporal niche characteristics of giant pandas and Chinese red pandas in the Daxiangling Mountain system based on 187 camera traps data. The results show that: (1) In the Daxiangling Mountains, the total area of suitable habitats for giant pandas and Chinese red pandas is 717.61 km2 and 730.00 km2, respectively, accounting for 17.78% and 18.25%, respectively, of the study area. (2) The top five environmental factors contributing to the model of giant panda and Chinese red panda are precipitation seasonality, temperature seasonality, distance to the road, and elevation and vegetation type. (3) The total overlapping area of suitable habitats for giant pandas and Chinese red pandas is 342.23 km2, of which the overlapping area of highly suitable habitats is 98.91 km2. The overlapping index of suitable habitats is 0.472, and the overlapping index of highly suitable habitats is 0.348, which indicates that the two achieve spatial niches are separated to achieve stable coexistence. (4) The overlapping index of the daily activity rhythm of giant panda and Chinese red panda is 0.87, which is significantly different (p < .05). The existence of Chinese red panda will significantly affect the daily activity rhythm of giant panda (p < .001). This research can provide scientific reference for the researches about population and habitat protection of giant pandas and Chinese red pandas, so as to understand the driving mechanism of resource allocation and population dynamics of sympatric species.
First case report of the use of two stents following coronary artery obstruction during indirect mitral annuloplasty
Authors: Metze Michael , Stöbe Stephan , Pfeiffer Dietrich , Hagendorff Andreas , Laufs Ulrich , Lenk Karsten
Published: April 2023

The case of a 71‐year‐old male with end stage heart failure and severe mitral regurgitation is presented, where percutaneous indirect mitral annuloplasty was performed. During device implantation in the coronary sinus the circumflex artery was compromised at two anatomic locations, while the mitral regurgitation was efficiently reduced. After weighing risks and alternative therapeutic options, stent implantation was chosen as bailout strategy to leave the device in place and retain the efficient MR reduction. The anatomical proximity of Cx and coronary sinus in the mitral valve plane bears the risk of circumflex artery damage during surgical and interventional mitral repair. Usually, a device exchange solves the problem of arterial flow limitation in most cases. While stent implantation remains off label use in this setting and should not be performed without critical evaluation, it has been performed successfully in similar clinical settings as well (e.g. artery stenosis by surgical suture).
A physics‐based spectral matching (PBSM) method for generating fully site‐related ground motions
Authors: Wang Xiang‐Chao , Wang Jin‐Ting
Published: April 2023

The response spectrum is generally adopted in the seismic design to represent the seismic fortification level, but the structural dynamic analysis requires the ground motions as an input. However, ground motions generated by the traditional spectral matching methods do not have site‐related physical backgrounds for the target site. In this study, a physics‐based spectral matching (PBSM) method is developed to generate fully site‐related broadband ground motions (i.e., the generated ground motions have real physical backgrounds for the target site, including the source process, propagation path, and local site conditions) that are compatible to the target spectrum. In this method, the three‐dimensional (3D) numerical model around the target site is constructed to calculate the strain Green's tensors of all potential source locations using adjoint simulations. The variable space dimension of the seismic source is significantly reduced by applying the self‐similar feature of the multidimension source model, so that the optimization algorithm can be used to search for the rupture process that generates the physics‐based and spectrum‐matched ground motions (abbreviated to PBSM ground motions). The proposed method is applied to the Xiluodu dam in China. Compared with the traditional techniques, the generated ground motions have fully site‐related physical backgrounds and are compatible to the target spectrum. Additionally, as this method generates broadband ground motions based on the deterministic rupture process, any features of ground motions, such as large velocity pulses, can be taken into account throughout the optimization process. This study introduces the deterministic physical backgrounds of earthquakes to performance‐based seismic design and analysis. The proposed method may have a significant application potential in earthquake engineering.
3D response simulation of a bridge with a posttensioned base rocking steel pier under sequential loading of traffic loads, braking force, and earthquake excitations
Authors: Rahmzadeh Ahmad , Alam M. Shahria , Tremblay Robert
Published: April 2023

This paper presents finite element (FE) investigations of the seismic response of a bridge incorporating a base rocking steel pier. The pier consists of a circular steel tube, circular end plates, posttensioned (PT) tendon(s), and supplemental energy dissipation devices, and is configured to rock at its interface with the foundation. The main characteristic of such a pier is its ability to ensure small residual drifts after undergoing inelastic deformations during cyclic loading. The system has a tendency to close the gap due to the presence of superstructure dead load (DL) and tendon posttensioning force. Using experimental data, the calibration of the FE procedure is done at the material, component, and global system levels. The FE model of a prototype bridge is developed with the rocking pier modelled by continuum elements while superstructure, bearing units, abutment walls and backfill material modelled by discrete elements. The analysis procedure includes the application of one or two earthquake excitations, traffic loads, and braking force. The varied parameters are the diameter‐to‐thickness ratio of the column, presence of a PT tendon, addition of supplemental energy dissipaters (EDs), base plate dimensions, height of ED chairs, and ED strength. The results of dynamic FE studies demonstrate that a bridge utilizing such a pier has the potential to undergo consecutive earthquakes without sustaining significant damage and return to its original position without requiring abutment component stiffness and strength.
Lower Concentrations of the Glyphosate-Based Herbicide Roundup® Cause Developmental Defects in Artemia salina
Authors: Darmani Homa , Al-Saleh Dua'a Riyad Husain
Published: April 2023

Roundup® is the most used glyphosate-based herbicide. During agricultural use it may directly contaminate existing aquatic ecosystems, posing severe concerns for the safety of nontarget terrestrial and aquatic organisms. We investigated the outcome of exposure to different concentrations of glyphosate in Roundup on cyst hatchability, toxicity, and teratogenic effects in the aquatic crustacean Artemia salina that inhabits diverse types of salt waters and, as a filter feeder, carries a greater risk of being exposed to pollutants. We found that exposure to 144 and 288 μg/ml glyphosate in Roundup resulted in cysts unable to complete diapause, and hatchability was completely inhibited during all exposure times tested (17–48 h). A glyphosate concentration of 288 μg/ml in Roundup was lethal to A. salina nauplii, and the lower concentrations (9, 18, 36, 72 μg/ml) had no significant effects on viability. In addition, sublethal and environmentally safe concentrations of glyphosate (0.72 μg/ml) in Roundup affected the early development of A. salina nauplii, with significantly decreased body lengths and reduced widths of the tail, abdomen, and head. The increased level of catalase activity observed in nauplii exposed to 0.72 μg/ml glyphosate for 24 h and those exposed to 7.2 and 72 μg/ml glyphosate for 48 h may be linked to excessive reactive oxygen species levels that had been induced by Roundup. In conclusion, Roundup containing >72 μg/ml glyphosate totally inhibited hatching of cysts and exerted toxic effects on A. salina nauplii. The increased prevalence of developmental defects in the nauplii observed at 0.72 μg/ml glyphosate signifies possible teratogenicity of Roundup exposure even at environmentally relevant concentrations of glyphosate, possibly due to disturbance of the antioxidant defenses, which needs further investigation. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:1586–1594. © 2023 SETAC
Cartesian‐MUSCL‐like face‐value reconstruction algorithm for solving the depth‐averaged 2D shallow‐water equations
Authors: Li Shuo , Lu Xinhua
Published: April 2023

The aim of this article is to devise a novel second‐order monotone upstream scheme for conservation law (MUSCL) scheme on unstructured quadrilateral meshes, for solving the depth‐averaged 2D nonlinear shallow‐water equations (SWEs) involving rapid wet–dry transitions on uneven bed terrains. The proposed MUSCL scheme elaborately uses the geometry property of the quadrilateral cell and the reconstruction procedure is very similar to the MUSCL scheme on a Cartesian mesh. The edge‐centred value which is to be used for calculating local variable slope in the proposed scheme, is interpolated by both its two adjacent cell‐centred values and its two edge‐node values, where the nodal values are interpolated from surrounding cell‐centred values with a pseudo‐Laplacian formula. To prevent predicting nonphysically extreme velocities near the wet–dry interfaces so as to ensure model robustness, the proposed MUSCL scheme is locally reduced to be first‐order in potentially problematic cells; these cells are detected with a proposed physically‐based criterion. The new scheme does not need to compute variable gradients at cell‐centers, and we proved that the conventional MUSCL scheme on a Cartesian mesh is just a particular case of the newly designed scheme. A 2D SWEs solver is developed based on the new MUSCL scheme. Various numerical tests demonstrate that the developed numerical model is capable of maintaining steady stationary flow at rest and robust for simulation involving large gradients, and captures well the wet–dry front motions. The developed model is also found to adapt to extremely stretched meshes. Though the proposed numerical scheme is designed originally for meshes with purely quadrilateral cells, numerical experiments show that this scheme works well on triangular meshes as well, indicating that the proposed numerical scheme is attractive for simulations on mixed meshes consisting of both quadrilateral and triangular mesh‐cells.
Shelf‐life extension of Fragaria × ananassa Duch. using selenium nanoparticles synthesized from Cassia fistula Linn. leaves
Authors: Aftab Arusa , Ali Maira , Yousaf Zubaida , Binjawhar Dalal Nasser , Hyder Sajjad , Aftab Zill‐e‐Huma , Maqbool Zainab , Shahzadi Zainab , Eldin Sayed M. , Iqbal Rashid , Ali Iftikhar
Published: April 2023

Fragaria × ananassa Duch. (Strawberry) fruit is susceptible to postharvest diseases, thus decrease in quality attributes, such as physiological and biochemical properties leads to decrease in shelf life. The objective of the present study was to check the effect of Selenium NP's and packaging conditions on the shelf life of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch) fruits. The shelf life was observed with 4 days intervals and examined for characteristics such as physiological weight loss, moisture content, percentage decay loss, peroxidase, catalase, and DPPH radical scavenging. The quality change of postharvest Fragaria × ananassa Duch. was monitored by the application of selenium nanoparticles (T1 plant extract in 10 mM salt solution, T2 plant extract in 30 mM salt solution, T3 plant extract in 40 mM salt solution, T4 distilled water; control) in different packaging materials (plastic bags, cardboard, and brown paper) at different storage conditions (6°C and 25°C). 10 mM, 20 mM, and 30 mM solution of sodium selenite salt, prepared from 1 M stock solution. Selenium nanoparticles were synthesized using Cassia fistula L. extract and sodium selenite salt solution. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was used as a stabilizer. The nanoparticles were characterized through UV–visible spectroscopy and X‐Ray diffractometer (XRD). It was observed that the strawberry Fragaria × ananassa Duch. Treated with T1 (CFE and 10 mM salt solution) stored in plastic packaging at ±6°C showed the best physiological parameters and hence the treatment is recommended for storage without affecting the quality of strawberry fruit up to 16 days.
Correlation between total phenolic and flavonoid contents and biological activities of 12 ethanolic extracts of Iranian propolis
Authors: Fathi Hafshejani Shahnaz , Lotfi Safa , Rezvannejad Elham , Mortazavi Mojtaba , Riahi‐Madvar Ali
Published: April 2023

Propolis is a resinous substance produced by honey bees that is very popular as a natural remedy in traditional medicine. The current research is the first study on the biological properties of ethanolic extracts of propolis (EEP) from several different regions (12) of Iran. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents (TPC and TFC) of Iranian EEPs were variable between 26.59–221.38 mg GAE/g EEP and 4.8–100.03 mg QE/g EEP. The DPPH scavenging assay showed all the studied EEP samples, except for the sample with the lowest TPC and TFC (P6), have suitable antioxidant activity. All the EEPs inhibited both cholinesterase enzymes (acetylcholinesterase: AChE, butyrylcholinesterase: BuChE) but most of them exhibited a distinct selectivity over BuChE. Evaluation of the antibacterial activity of the EEP samples using four pathogenic bacteria (B. cereus, S. aureus, A. baumannii, and P. aeruginosa) demonstrated that the antibacterial properties of propolis are more effective on the gram‐positive bacterium. Spearman correlation analysis showed a strong positive correlation between TPC and TFC of the Iranian EEPs and their antioxidant, anticholinesterase, and antibacterial activities. Considering that there is ample evidence of anticholinesterase activity of flavonoids and a significant correlation between the anticholinesterase activity of the studied Iranian EEPs and their total flavonoid content was observed, the interaction of 17 well‐known propolis flavonoids with AChE and BuChE was explored using molecular docking. The results indicated that all the flavonoids interact with the active site gorge of both enzymes with high affinity. Summing up, the obtained results suggest that Iranian propolis possesses great potential for further studies.
Selection of superior late‐blooming almond (Prunus dulcis [Mill.] D.A.Webb) genotypes using morphological characterizations
Authors: Beigi Fatemeh , Khadivi Ali
Published: April 2023

Almond (Prunus dulcis [Mill.] D.A.Webb) is one of the earliest domesticated trees and the evidence dates back to 3000–2000 BC. In the present study, 198 almond seedling origin trees were studied to select late‐flowering genotypes having high kernel quality. Significant variabilities were exhibited among the genotypes investigated based on the recorded traits. Full‐blooming date ranged from mid‐March to mid‐April. The Ward dendrogram clustered the genotypes into two major clusters forming several subclusters. After clustering the genotypes based on the full‐blooming dates, 68 late‐blooming genotypes were recognized and reanalyzed based on the quantitative characters to select the superior ones. Nut‐related characters were as follows: nut length: 22.34–43.05 mm, nut width: 14.07–24.34 mm, nut thickness: 9.21–18.00 mm, nut weight: 1.88–6.62 g, and shell thickness: 2.26–4.59 mm. Kernel‐related characters were as follows: kernel length: 16.73–25.91 mm, kernel width: 8.50–13.64 mm, kernel thickness: 3.56–7.37 mm, and kernel weight: 0.35–1.41 g. Kernel weight was positively and significantly associated with nut weight, kernel thickness, kernel length, kernel width, nut length, and branch leaf width. Thus, these key variables are the main traits accounting for kernel weight, and they should be considered together in breeding with aiming at increasing the kernel weight. Based on ideal values of the important and commercial characters of almond, such as fruit yield, nut weight, shell hardness, kernel shape, kernel weight, and kernel taste, 19 late‐blooming genotypes were promising and are recommended for cultivation in orchards.
Algorithmic HRM control in the gig economy: The app‐worker perspective
Authors: Duggan James , Carbery Ronan , McDonnell Anthony , Sherman Ultan
Published: April 2023

Work in the gig economy is championed by platform organizations as affording individuals the flexibility to decide when, where, and how much they wish to work. The reality is more complex. In app‐based gig work, we propose the concept of “algorithmic HRM control,” which acts as an omnipresent and distinctive control system that differs from traditional forms of control in two significant ways: first, the reliance upon, and pervasiveness of, algorithmic technologies in its enactment; and second, the substantial direct and indirect influence of non‐organizational parties in controlling workers. Through a qualitative research design, this article delineates the scope of algorithmic HRM control in allocating and coordinating tasks, managing performance and rewards, and aligning the actions of workers with organizational objectives. Our analysis also unpacks the rigidity and complexities of the control system, as experienced by workers, and the influential role of non‐organizational parties in exerting unique, distinct forms of control. In so doing, we build upon emerging research on the duality of algorithmic HRM by revealing the inherent flaws or challenges from the perspective of the most central party—the gig worker. While output‐oriented control is pervasive, process and normative control elements are also found to exist in some scenarios, creating significant concerns for workers.
Long‐term hydrological and biogeochemical datasets from a Mediterranean forest site (Montseny, NE Spain)
Authors: Avila Anna , Rodà Ferran
Published: April 2023

We present here, and make freely available, two long‐term datasets on the hydrology and hydrochemistry of two small catchments totally or partially covered by holm oak (Quercus ilex) forests. Data have been collected over four decades of research on the ecology of Mediterranean evergreen forests. The datasets contain data on water fluxes in precipitation and runoff, and on the ion concentrations and fluxes in precipitation, throughfall and streamwater. Among other applications, these data have been used to obtain catchment budgets of water and elements, to document decadal changes in atmospheric deposition and streamwater chemistry, to assess the role of Saharo‐Sahelian dust on forest nutrient cycling, and to model habitat suitability for an endangered amphibian under future climates. To encourage their further use by the scientific community, in this paper we summarize the data context and methods, and give a nutshell of obtained results. We provide the links to these datasets on the Zenodo platform.
The effect of silicon groups on the physicochemical property and bioactivity of L‐phenylalanine derived poly(amide‐imide)
Authors: Hu Yaping , Zhang Hongbiao , Zou Qiying , Liu Wenbin , Li Wenqin , Yan Lesan , Dai Honglian
Published: April 2023

Poly(amide‐imide) (PAI), serving as a synthetic polymer, has been widely used in industry for excellent mechanical properties, chemical resistance and high thermal stability. However, lack of suitable cell niche and biological activity limited the further application of PAI in biomedical engineering. Herein, silicon modified L‐phenylalanine derived poly(amide‐imide) (PAIS) was synthesized by introducing silica to L‐phenylalanine derived PAI to improve physicochemical and biological performances. The influence of silicon amount on physicochemical, immune, and angiogenic performances of PAIS were systemically studied. The results show that PAIS exerts excellent hydrophilic, mechanical, biological activity. PAIS shows no effects on the number of macrophages, but can regulate macrophage polarization and angiogenesis in a dose‐dependent manner. This study advanced our understanding of silicon modification in PAI can modulate cell responses via initiating silicon concentration regulation. The acquired knowledge will provide a new strategy to design and optimize biomedical PAI in the future.
Cr2Gen− (n = 15–20) clusters with two Cr atoms exhibited antiferromagnetic coupling
Authors: Wang Kai
Published: April 2023

In this work, we investigated the structural evolution, electronic and magnetic properties of Cr2Gen− clusters for n = 15–20 by using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Low‐energy structures for these clusters were fully searched through a self‐developed genetic algorithm code combined with DFT calculations. The calculations show that all the two Cr atoms prefer to stay together to form a strong CrCr bond, which—except for size 20—is shorter than the nearest neighbor distance in Cr bulk. Sizes 15 and 16 adopt a wheel‐like structure as the structural motif with the extra Ge atoms capped on the top, while larger sizes (n = 17–20) prefer fullerene‐like Cr2@Ge12 motifs. From the results of the average binding energies of Cr2Gen−, one can conclude that it is easier to form larger size clusters. In these lowest‐lying isomers except for size 16, the two Cr atoms contribute opposite magnetic moments for the total magnetic moments of 1 μB, showing an antiferromagnetic state.