bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heterogeneous brain dynamic functional connectivity patterns in first‐episode drug‐naive patients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Jing Rixing , Lin Xiao , Ding Zengbo , Chang Suhua , Shi Le , Liu Lin , Wang Qiandong , Si Juanning , Yu Mingxin , Zhuo Chuanjun , Shi Jie , Li Peng , Fan Yong , Lu Lin
Published: March 2023

It remains challenging to identify depression accurately due to its biological heterogeneity. As people suffering from depression are associated with functional brain network alterations, we investigated subtypes of patients with first‐episode drug‐naive (FEDN) depression based on brain network characteristics. This study included data from 91 FEDN patients and 91 matched healthy individuals obtained from the International Big‐Data Center for Depression Research. Twenty large‐scale functional connectivity networks were computed using group information guided independent component analysis. A multivariate unsupervised normative modeling method was used to identify subtypes of FEDN and their associated networks, focusing on individual‐level variability among the patients for quantifying deviations of their brain networks from the normative range. Two patient subtypes were identified with distinctive abnormal functional network patterns, consisting of 10 informative connectivity networks, including the default mode network and frontoparietal network. 16% of patients belonged to subtype I with larger extreme deviations from the normal range and shorter illness duration, while 84% belonged to subtype II with weaker extreme deviations and longer illness duration. Moreover, the structural changes in subtype II patients were more complex than the subtype I patients. Compared with healthy controls, both increased and decreased gray matter (GM) abnormalities were identified in widely distributed brain regions in subtype II patients. In contrast, most abnormalities were decreased GM in subtype I. The informative functional network connectivity patterns gleaned from the imaging data can facilitate the accurate identification of FEDN‐MDD subtypes and their associated neurobiological heterogeneity.
Increasing fire frequency may trigger eco‐hydrologic divergence
Authors: Lakmali Shyanika , Benyon Richard G. , Sheridan Gary J. , Lane Patrick N. J.
Published: March 2023

Climate‐induced fire regimes may change species abundance and species composition in affected forest types, potentially altering pyro‐eco‐hydrologic feedbacks. In some fire‐prone forests across the globe, eco‐hydrologic thresholds (changing points, or tipping points, in ecohydrology when vegetation shifts from one steady vegetation to another) are being exceeded due to changes in relationships between climate, fire and vegetation. Following compound disturbances, forests may fail to maintain ecological resilience. Under multiple burn conditions, Eucalyptus regnans F. Muell. forests in south east Australia are highly vulnerable to ecological tipping points. In Victoria, over 189 000 ha of obligate seeder forests have been burned two or more times within 18 years. These short return‐interval fires allow Acacia dealbata to become the dominant overstorey species. Such a dramatic species replacement may result in a new evapotranspiration (ET) regime, leading to a new hydrologic state. Stand scale dynamic models were combined with field estimated ET in E. regnans and A. dealbata forests aged 10, 35 and 75/80 years. We found that long‐term forest structure, ET and water yield significantly diverge between E. regnans and A. dealbata forests with increasing age. These divergences imply a non‐equilibrium state after A. dealbata replaces E. regnans under high‐frequency fire conditions. In senescing A. dealbata, understorey transpiration contribution of 29.8% to system ET was similar to that of overstorey transpiration (31.2%), indicating the understorey and overstorey contribute equally to total ET at the final stage of Acacia forests. In contrast, in 75‐year‐old E. regnans forests, understorey contribution to the total system evapotranspiration is about 16%. This suggests that, after the Acacia life cycle finishes, the ET regime will transit into a new state that will be dominated by shrubby understorey species. Our findings suggest that this climate‐induced species replacement would decrease long‐term ET, inferring an increase in streamflow.
The development and application of a novel hazard scoring tool for assessing impacts of cosmetic ingredients on aquatic ecosystems: A case study of rinse-off cosmetics
Authors: de Albuquerque Vita Natália , Rodrigues de Souza Irisdoris , Di Pietro Micali Canavez Andrezza , Brohem Carla A. , Cristine Marios Ferreira Pinto Dâmaris , Schuck Desirée Cigaran , Leme Daniela M. , Lorencini Márcio
Published: March 2023

The cosmetic industry has been committed to promoting less hazardous products to reduce the environmental impacts of cosmetic ingredients. This requires identifying safer cosmetic ingredients for developing cosmetic formulations that are less harmful to the environment. However, one of the challenges in developing eco-friendly cosmetics relies on integrating all environmental hazard (EH) information of cosmetic ingredients to select the most eco-friendly ones (i.e., ingredients least harmful to the aquatic environment). Thus, we developed a hazard scoring tool (IARA matrix), which integrates data on biodegradation, bioaccumulation, and acute aquatic toxicity, providing a hazard index to classify cosmetic ingredients (raw materials) into categories of EH (low, moderate, high, or very high). The classification of the IARA was based on parameters established by Cradle to Cradle (C2C), the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), and European Regulation 1272/2008, considering the most conservative values of each source. The Leopold matrix was employed as a model for the tool, using a numerical scale from 0 to 6 (lowest to highest EH). According to the IARA, we have successfully demonstrated that ultraviolet (UV) filter ingredients have the highest EH out of 41 cosmetic ingredients commonly used for rinse-off products. In addition to UV filters, triclosan (bactericide) and dimethicone (emollient) presented the second-highest EH for aquatic ecosystems, and humectants presented the lowest hazard index. By applying the IARA in the case study of rinse-off products, we have estimated that the aquatic hazard of cosmetic products can be reduced 46% by identifying less hazardous ingredients and combining them into a cosmetic formulation. In summary, the IARA tool allows the estimation of the EH of cosmetic ingredients, provides safer products, and helps achieve sustainability for cosmetic products. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:1619–1635. © 2023 SETAC
Methylation scores for smoking, alcohol consumption and body mass index and risk of seven types of cancer
Authors: Dugué Pierre‐Antoine , Yu Chenglong , Hodge Allison M. , Wong Ee Ming , Joo JiHoon E. , Jung Chol‐Hee , Schmidt Daniel , Makalic Enes , Buchanan Daniel D. , Severi Gianluca , English Dallas R. , Hopper John L. , Milne Roger L. , Giles Graham G. , Southey Melissa C.
Published: March 2023

Methylation marks of exposure to health risk factors may be useful markers of cancer risk as they might better capture current and past exposures than questionnaires, and reflect different individual responses to exposure. We used data from seven case‐control studies nested within the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study of blood DNA methylation and risk of colorectal, gastric, kidney, lung, prostate and urothelial cancer, and B‐cell lymphoma (N cases = 3123). Methylation scores (MS) for smoking, body mass index (BMI), and alcohol consumption were calculated based on published data as weighted averages of methylation values. Rate ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals for association with cancer risk were estimated using conditional logistic regression and expressed per SD increase of the MS, with and without adjustment for health‐related confounders. The contribution of MS to discriminate cases from controls was evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC). After confounder adjustment, we observed: large associations (RR = 1.5‐1.7) with lung cancer risk for smoking MS; moderate associations (RR = 1.2‐1.3) with urothelial cancer risk for smoking MS and with mature B‐cell neoplasm risk for BMI and alcohol MS; moderate to small associations (RR = 1.1‐1.2) for BMI and alcohol MS with several cancer types and cancer overall. Generally small AUC increases were observed after inclusion of several MS in the same model (colorectal, gastric, kidney, urothelial cancers: +3%; lung cancer: +7%; B‐cell neoplasms: +8%). Methylation scores for smoking, BMI and alcohol consumption show independent associations with cancer risk, and may provide some improvements in risk prediction.
Effect of nano‐ceramic coating on surface property and microbial adhesion to poly(methyl methacrylate)
Authors: Yang Bin , Ginsburg Shari , Li Wei , Vilela Marina Moscardini , Shahmohammadi Mina , Takoudis Christos G. , Wu Christine D.
Published: March 2023

To improve surface properties of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) using nano‐ceramic coatings and assess microbial adherence after long‐term use of a chemical cleanser. Thirty‐six PMMA samples were fabricated, polished and coated with a nano‐thin TiO2 or mixed TiO2/ZrO2, with uncoated samples as controls. Six samples in each group (n = 12) were soaked in Polident denture cleaner 180 times for 30 min, while six were soaked in deionized water. Surface roughness of PMMA before and after being soaked in Polident was assessed. All samples were subsequently exposed to Candida albicans for 6 h and the adherent cells were determined by viable colony count. Two‐way analysis of variance was performed for statistical analysis. No significant difference in surface roughness was noted between the uncoated and coated PMMA before soaking. After soaking, surface roughness of the uncoated PMMA increased from 0.164 to 0.532 μm (p < .05). No significant change was observed for TiO2‐coated (0.105–0.143 μm) or TiO2/ZrO2‐coated PMMA (0.104–0.141 μm). Attachment of C. albicans to PMMA soaked in water showed significantly less attachment to both TiO2‐coated (1.4 × 103 cfu/ml) and TiO2/ZrO2‐coated PMMA (1.6 × 103 cfu/ml) than to the uncoated PMMA (2.6 × 103 cfu/ml). After soaking in Polident, the uncoated PMMA had significantly less C. albicans attachment than coated samples. Less attachment was noted on the TiO2/ZrO2‐coated PMMA then the TiO2‐coated samples (p < .05). Nano‐ceramic TiO22/ZrO2 coating of PMMA denture base material alters surface properties thus reduces oral microbial adhesion. It represents a promising alternative to the chemical disinfection for PMMA denture materials.
A quantitative analysis of resurgence following downshifts in alternative‐reinforcer magnitude
Authors: Ritchey Carolyn M. , Kuroda Toshikazu , Podlesnik Christopher A.
Published: March 2023

Resurgence is the increase in a previously reinforced and then extinguished target response due to changes in reinforcement conditions for an alternative response, including reductions in the rate or magnitude of reinforcement for the alternative response. Research with nonhumans suggests that reductions in both alternative‐reinforcer rate and magnitude produce resurgence, but the present study was the first to examine effects of downshifts in alternative‐reinforcer magnitude on humans' resurgence. Moreover, it was the first to evaluate whether the quantitative framework, resurgence as choice in context (RaC2), could account for those effects. Consistent with predictions of RaC2, resurgence of a target button press occurred with reductions in point gain for an alternative response, with greater reductions producing higher levels of resurgence. However, the model consistently underpredicted and then overpredicted resurgence during tests with low‐magnitude reinforcement and extinction. Systematic deviations in model predictions of alternative responding were also evident and consistent with previous fits of RaC2 to nonhuman data. Overall, our findings suggest that RaC2 could be a useful quantitative theoretical framework for understanding processes contributing to resurgence in humans, but further theoretical development is needed to account for the apparent divergent effects of extinction versus downshifts in reinforcer magnitude.
Developing a machine learning model to detect diagnostic uncertainty in clinical documentation
Authors: Marshall Trisha L. , Nickels Lindsay C. , Brady Patrick W. , Edgerton Ezra J. , Lee James J. , Hagedorn Philip A.
Published: March 2023

Background and Objective

Diagnostic uncertainty, when unrecognized or poorly communicated, can result in diagnostic error. However, diagnostic uncertainty is challenging to study due to a lack of validated identification methods. This study aims to identify distinct linguistic patterns associated with diagnostic uncertainty in clinical documentation.

Design, Setting and Participants

This case–control study compares the clinical documentation of hospitalized children who received a novel uncertain diagnosis (UD) diagnosis label during their admission to a set of matched controls. Linguistic analyses identified potential linguistic indicators (i.e., words or phrases) of diagnostic uncertainty that were then manually reviewed by a linguist and clinical experts to identify those most relevant to diagnostic uncertainty. A natural language processing program categorized medical terminology into semantic types (i.e., sign or symptom), from which we identified a subset of these semantic types that both categorized reliably and were relevant to diagnostic uncertainty. Finally, a competitive machine learning modeling strategy utilizing the linguistic indicators and semantic types compared different predictive models for identifying diagnostic uncertainty.

Results

Our cohort included 242 UD‐labeled patients and 932 matched controls with a combination of 3070 clinical notes. The best‐performing model was a random forest, utilizing a combination of linguistic indicators and semantic types, yielding a sensitivity of 89.4% and a positive predictive value of 96.7%.

Conclusion

Expert labeling, natural language processing, and machine learning methods combined with human validation resulted in highly predictive models to detect diagnostic uncertainty in clinical documentation and represent a promising approach to detecting, studying, and ultimately mitigating diagnostic uncertainty in clinical practice.
Impact of working capital on firm performance: DoesITmatter?
Authors: Deb Palash , Naskar Suvendu , Devaraj Sarv , Basu Preetam
Published: March 2023

Although prior research in operations management has explored the working capital—firm performance relationship, the results from these studies remain inconclusive, with studies finding positive, curvilinear, or even insignificant relationships. This is largely due to contingent factors that make this relationship both complex and idiosyncratic. To strengthen the beneficial effect of working capital on performance, firms must therefore make appropriate investments that would foster more objective, informed, and firm‐specific working capital choices. This article examines one such investment, namely in information technology (IT), that can allow firms to optimize the working capital–firm performance relationship. This is important, as the role of IT in this relationship is yet to be explored. Using proprietary IT data from the Harte Hanks database, and based on a sample of 1,054 US‐based manufacturing firms during 2011–2013, we find that IT investment positively moderates the performance effects of inventory, payables, and receivables cycles, and that these moderating effects vary by the type of IT investment, namely IT infrastructure and IT labor. Drawing on the theory of the Smart Machine, we explain how IT infrastructure and IT labor perform distinct roles that can helpautomate(i.e., use technology to increase the speed and accuracy of process execution) and/orinformate(i.e., use technology to create new information), thereby moderating the working capital–firm performance relationship. We argue and find evidence that, due to the largely transactional nature of working capital processes, IT infrastructure has a relatively stronger moderating effect on performance than IT labor.
Effect of zinc supplement on patients with trauma: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Huang Shu‐Yi , Huang Jen‐Fu , Chan Shang‐Yu , Ou Yang Chun‐Hsiang , Cheng Chi‐Tung , Wang Chia‐Cheng , Hsu Chih‐Po , Fu Chih‐Yuan , Liao Chien‐Hung
Published: March 2023

Aims

This study aimed to assess the effect of zinc supplementation, with or without other antioxidants and trace elements, on clinical outcomes in patients with trauma.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted for adult patients with acute trauma who had been admitted to the hospital. Those who sustained burn injuries were excluded. Studies in PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase from 1990 to 2022 regarding the additional nutrition supplementation of zinc to patients, either in a single‐agent or combined regimen, were included. Comparisons were made between the zinc supplement group and those who received a placebo or regular treatment.

Results

The primary outcomes of the study were mortality rate, length of hospital stay, and incidence of pneumonia. Seven studies qualified for the meta‐analysis. Of the 594 patients eligible for analysis, 290 and 304 were in the zinc supplementation and control groups, respectively. The meta‐analysis revealed that zinc supplementation was associated with a lower risk of pneumonia in patients with acute trauma than in the control group (odds ratio [OR], 0.506; 95% CI = 0.292–0.877; P = 0.015; heterogeneity, I2 = 12.7%). Zinc supplementation did not influence the mortality rate (OR, 0.755; 95% CI = 0.492–1.16; P = 0.612; heterogeneity, I2 = 0%) or the length of hospital stay (standard difference in means, −0.24; 95% CI = −0.544 to 0.063; P = 0.121; heterogeneity, I2 = 45.0%).

Conclusion

Zinc supplementation, with or without other antioxidants and trace elements, in patients with trauma was associated with a lower incidence of pneumonia.
Sacha inchi albumin delays skin‐aging by alleviating inflammation, oxidative stress and regulating gut microbiota ind‐galactoseinduced‐aging mice
Authors: Zeng Jieyu , An Miaoqing , Tian Wenni , Wang Kun , Du Bing , Li Pan
Published: March 2023

Background

Sacha inchi albumin exhibits considerable functional activity with notable anti‐inflammatory and antioxidation properties, which could delay skin aging. However, its underlying mechanisms for delaying skin aging have not been elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anti‐skin‐aging effect of sacha inchi albumin (SIA) ind‐galactose induced‐aging mice.

Results

Sacha inchi albumin improved moisture content, collagen level, and the state of aged skin in rats. Sacha inchi albumin intervention markedly increased the skin antioxidant enzymatic activities including those of glutathione peroxidase, and catalase, but decreased the malondialdehyde content. It also regulated inflammation by reducing the level of tumor necrosis factor‐α(TNF‐α) and increasing the level of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6). Administration of SIA also increased the expression level of collagen I and III, increased the expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease‐1, and decreased the expression of metalloproteinases. Sacha inchi albumin can also activate the transforming growth factor‐β(TGF‐β)/Smad pathway. Meanwhile, 16S rRNA sequencing analysis revealed that SIA treatment altered the composition of microbiota, and increased the relative abundance ofLactobacillus, but decreased the relative abundance ofAlloprevotellaandHelicobacter, etc.Helicobacterwas positively associated with malondialdehyde (MDA) content and was negatively related to IL‐6.

Conclusion

Sacha inchi albumin exhibits excellent anti‐skin‐aging effect, which provide a new insight for the development of functional sacha inchi albumin. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
USP21 contributes to the aggressiveness of laryngeal cancer cells by deubiquitinating and stabilizing AURKA
Authors: Wang Qing‐Dong , Shi Tao , Xu Yang , Liu Yang , Zhang Mei‐Jia
Published: March 2023

Laryngeal cancer is a usual malignant tumor of the head and neck. The role and mechanism of deubiquitinase USP21 in laryngeal cancer are still unclear. We aimed to explore whether USP21 affected laryngeal cancer progress through deubiquitinating AURKA. USP21 and AURKA levels were evaluated by qRT‐PCR and Western blot. Kaplan–Meier analysis was conducted by survival package. MTT was performed to detect cell proliferation. The wound healing assay was applied to evaluate cell migration. Transwell was used to measure cell invasion. Co‐IP and GST‐pull down determined the interaction between USP21 and AURKA. In addition, AURKA ubiquitination levels were analyzed. USP21 was signally elevated in laryngeal cancer tissues and cells. USP21 level in clinical stages III–IV was higher than that in clinical stages I–II, and high levels of USP21 were highly correlated with poor prognosis in laryngeal cancer. USP21 inhibition suppressed AMC‐HN‐8 and TU686 cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Co‐IP and GST‐pull down confirmed the interaction between USP21 and AURKA. Knockdown of USP21 markedly increased the ubiquitination level of AURKA, and USP21 restored AURKA activity through deubiquitination. In addition, overexpression of AURKA reversed the effects of USP21 knockdown on cell growth, migration, and invasion. USP21 stabilized AURKA through deubiquitination to promote laryngeal cancer progression.
A hybrid mechanism for the initiation and expansion of loess caves across the Chinese Loess Plateau
Authors: Geng Haopeng , Xu Wanying , Zheng Weishan , Gao Xiaolei , Pan Baotian
Published: March 2023

Loess caves are a distinctive and widespread landform on the Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP). Their formation contributes considerably to the soil erosion and land degradation; however, quantitative studies that improve the mechanistic understanding of their formation are still lacking. We aimed to explore the formation mechanism of loess caves and selected nine study sites across the CLP with different degrees of cave development and varied environmental conditions. We surveyed the study sites (~9.6 km2) using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). We mapped the loess caves using high‐resolution UAV images and quantified their degree of development (i.e., density and area). We then analyzed the topographic characteristics of loess caves at individual sites and examined the environmental controls (i.e., climatic factors and soil properties) on the degree of loess cave development at different sites. The results show that loess caves are predominantly distributed in gullies and high topographic wetness index areas with clear topographic preferences, which suggests that cave initiation is accomplished by mechanical scouring. The average area correlated negatively with density but positively with saturated hydraulic conductivity, indicating loess cave expansion is a dissolution process caused by infiltrated water. Finally, we proposed a hybrid mechanism for loess cave development, where mechanical scouring dominates the initiation and dissolution expansion drives their expansion. Both initiation and expansion need, but compete for, surface runoff, and hydrologically relevant processes dominate loess cave development. Based on the non‐linear relationship between loess cave development and precipitation (NDVI), we proposed that the impact of vegetation rehabilitation on loess cave development needs to be assessed on a sub‐regional basis.
Effects of coastal wetland reclamation on soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus in China: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Tao , Song Bing , Han Guangxuan , Zhao Huili , Hu Qiuli , Zhao Ying , Liu Haojie
Published: March 2023

The reclamation of coastal wetlands for agriculture has expanded considerably over the last 40 years in China. Wetland reclamation could substantially alter soil properties, but so far, a systematic analysis of the changes in soil chemical elements after reclamation is missing on a national scale. In this study, we synthesized 418 pairs of data from 41 experimental studies and investigated the responses of soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) contents to coastal wetlands reclamation in China. The results showed that SOC significantly decreased by 24.77% after reclamation, while TN and TP were significantly increased by 23.57% and 13.55%, respectively. The changes in SOC, TN, and TP after reclamation of coastal wetlands mainly occurred in the 0–40 cm soil layer but not in the deep soil layer. For different land use types, SOC was significantly reduced by 49.48%, 44.57%, and 32.91% after reclaiming wetlands to woodlands, paddy fields, and drylands, respectively. TN and TP were significantly increased by 32.22% and 13.54% after the reclamation of wetlands to drylands, respectively. The reclamation duration also had significant effects on those elements. Specifically, SOC gradually decreased with increasing reclamation duration, while TN and TP increased with the increased reclamation duration. Anthropogenic factors, such as land use types and reclamation duration, rather than climatic factors, dominated changes in SOC, TN, and TP contents after coastal reclamation. Further, our study showed a significant SOC reduction following reclamation, and given the importance of coastal blue carbon, it is essential to reduce wetland reclamation to protect coastal blue carbon.
Global patterns of dried soil layers and environmental forcing
Authors: Zhou Zixuan , Wang Yunqiang
Published: March 2023

Deep soil drought represents a low level of deep soil water status that is unsuitable for vegetation growth and transpiration. It can be exacerbated through the excessive water uptake by vegetation during climate droughts, while signs of deep soil drought remain unclear worldwide due to a lack of unified methods and comparative data. In this study, we performed a literature search, focusing on deep soil water profiles (>2 m) and quantification of the degree of deep soil drought as indicated by dried soil layers (DSLs). The results revealed the following: (1) DSLs were distributed worldwide, with mean values of 2.2 ± 0.5 m, 3.3 ± 3.9 m, 14.6% ± 8.3%, and 0.66 ± 0.14 for the formation depth, thickness, soil water content, and quantitative index, respectively; (2) at the global scale, DSLs were more common and more severe under forestland, including shrubland, than under grassland and farmland; (3) DSLs were shaped directly by rooting depth and soil particle composition and indirectly by land use, soil thickness, terrain, and climate. The preliminary investigation of DSL distribution confirms the existence of DSLs globally, something that has not been addressed in previous studies. Our study provides an early warning of DSL formation in association with rooting depth and soil particle composition under an increased drought condition, which in turn harms vegetation production and sustainability.
Tongue base augmentation to improve swallow function in a cadaveric model
Authors: Ramaswamy Apoorva T. , Cates Daniel , Evangelista Lisa , Srikanth Mayuri , Belafsky Peter
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To evaluate the feasibility of using Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) to augment the tongue base for patients with swallowing impairment due to tongue base atrophy.

Methods

A fresh human cadaver was obtained through the institution's body donation program and baseline lateral fluoroscopic images were obtained. A total of 2 mL of CaHA (Prolaryn Plus) were injected into three sites of the base of tongue under flexible endoscopic guidance with a 22G, 1.5‐inch needle (Monoject, Cardinal Health). Post‐lateral fluoroscopic images were obtained and pharyngeal area (cm2) and tongue base to pharyngeal wall distance (cm) was measured pre‐ and postinjection using SwallowTail fluoroscopic measurement software (Belldev Medical).

Results

The procedure was easily performed and the CaHA flowed easily into the cadaveric tongue without evidence of extrusion. The pre‐procedural pharyngeal area decreased from 24.36 to 23.14 cm after augmentation. The base of tongue to pharyngeal wall distance decreased from 2.21 to 1.32 cm after augmentation.

Conclusion

Tongue base augmentation with CaHA may be a feasible adjuvant therapy for the management of swallowing impairment secondary to tongue base atrophy. Further investigation is necessary to evaluate the clinical safety and efficacy.

Level of Evidence

4
Minerogenic salt marshes can function as important inorganic carbon stores
Authors: Mueller Peter , Kutzbach Lars , Mozdzer Thomas J. , Jespersen Emil , Barber Donald C. , Eller Franziska
Published: March 2023

Stocks and fluxes of soil inorganic carbon have long been ignored in the context of coastal carbon sequestration, and their implications for the climate cooling effect of blue carbon ecosystems are complex. Here, we investigate the role of soil inorganic carbon in five salt marshes along the northern coast of the European Wadden Sea, one of the world's largest intertidal areas, harboring ~ 20% of European salt‐marsh area. We demonstrate a substantial contribution of inorganic carbon (average: 29%; range: 7–57%) to the total soil carbon stock of the top 1 m. Notably, inorganic exceeded organic carbon stocks in one of the studied sites; a finding that we ascribe to site geomorphic features, such as proximity to marine calcium carbonate sources and hydrodynamic exposure. Contrary to our hypothesis that inorganic carbon stocks would decline along the successional gradient from tidal flat to high marsh, as carbonate deposits would progressively dissolve in increasingly organic‐rich rooted sediments, our findings demonstrate the opposite pattern—an increase in inorganic carbon stocks along the successional gradient. This suggests that the dissolution of calcium carbonates in the root zone is counterbalanced by other processes, such as trapping of sedimentary carbonates by marsh vegetation and calcium carbonate precipitation in anaerobic subsoils. In the context of blue carbon, it will be critical to develop an improved understanding of these plant‐ and microbiota‐mediated processes in calcium carbonate cycling.
Ab Initio Site‐Selective Occupancy and Luminescence Enhancement in Broadband NIR Emitting Phosphor Mg7Ga2GeO12:Cr3+
Authors: Xiang Jinmeng , Zhou Xue , Zhao Xiaoqi , Wu Ziyang , Chen Changheng , Zhou Xianju , Guo Chongfeng
Published: March 2023

Cr3+ activated near‐infrared (NIR) phosphors are getting unprecedented attention to fabricate the broad band NIR light emitting diodes (NIR‐LEDs) for nondestructive detection, bio‐imaging, and night vision. However, it remains a major challenge to obtain ultrabroadband NIR emitting phosphor with excellent quantum yield (QY). Here, a broadband NIR emitting phosphor Mg7Ga2GeO12:Cr3+ (MGGO: Cr3+) ranging from 600 to 1300 nm with an outstanding QY (93%) and large full width of half maximum (FWHM = 226 nm) is developed, in which the site occupancy tendency of Cr3+ in MGGO host is discussed in detail through combining the structure optimization and the first‐principles theory calculation with luminescent properties at low temperature. After that, the emission intensity of MGGO:Cr3+ is improved through partial substitution of Mg2+ by alkaline‐earth ions Ca2+, Sr2+, or Ba2+, and the luminescence enhancement mechanism is also investigated. Furthermore, the NIR pc‐LED device is fabricated by combining 450 nm blue LED chip with the brightest phosphor MGGO:Cr3+/Ba2+, and its potential applications are evaluated in the field of nondestructive detection, night vision, and bio‐imaging.
Electrosprayed curcumin‐zein@polycaprolactone‐mucilage capsules for an improved sustained release
Authors: Shahbazi Kimia , Akbari Iman , Baniasadi Hossein
Published: March 2023

Nanocapsules of curcumin‐zein as core and polycaprolactone‐mucilage (PCL‐MUC) as a shell were effectively made by using an electrospray process for drug delivery applications. Because of its anticancer and anti‐inflammatory qualities, curcumin (Cur) was chosen as a model medicine, and its stability was improved by combining it with zein. The monodisperse and spherical shapes of CUR‐ZEIN@PCL‐MUC nanocapsules with an average diameter of 200 nm were obtained and validated by SEM and TEM images by altering spinning voltage, flow rates, polymeric concentrations, and drug content. FTIR was used to determine the chemical structure of the nanocapsules. In addition, the in vitro release was investigated, with samples exhibiting a burst release for the first 6 h followed by a sustained release for the next 24 h. The results show that adding opuntia mucilage and zein improved the curcumin release rate. Overall, 30% curcumin release was observed after 24 h, as described by the Ritger–Peppas model. In summary, our study developed an electrospray method for fabricating CUR‐ZEIN@PCL‐MUC nanocapsules with the potential to regulate curcumin release.
The efficient detection of Fe3+ by sulfonamidated lignin composite carbon quantum dots
Authors: Lv Shenghua , Zhang Shanshan , Zuo Jingjing , Liang Shan , Liu Leipeng , Wei De quan
Published: March 2023

Fluorescent carbon quantum dots are a new type of nano‐fluorescent probe material, which overcomes some deficiencies of organic fluorescent materials and semiconductor quantum dots. In addition, they also have excellent optical properties, biocompatibility, and good application potential in environmental detection and other fields. To realize the special functions of carbon quantum dots, various functionalized composite carbon quantum dots have also been gradually developed. Lignin is a kind of natural polymer material rich in aromatic ring structure, which has abundant π electrons and a large number of easily functionalized active groups. Therefore, lignin is gradually used as a fluorescent probe material. In this article, sulfadiazine, p‐aminobenzenesulfonic acid, ammonium sulfamate as the amination reagents were used to modify lignin, and then citric acid was used as raw material to prepare carbon quantum dots (CQDs), and finally sulfadiazine lignin composite carbon quantum dots (PSA‐L‐CQDs), sulfamic acid lignin composite carbon quantum dots (BSA‐L‐CQDs), and sulfamate amine lignin composite carbon quantum dots (ASA‐L‐CQD) were prepared. Their structure and fluorescence characteristics were analyzed. The selectivity and sensitivity of PSA‐L‐CQDs to metal ions were tested by fluorescence spectroscopy. The experimental results show that PSA‐L‐CQDs have good selectivity and high sensitivity to Fe3+. The detection limit of Fe3+ was 29.5634 nmol/L. The composite carbon quantum dots have the advantages of low cost, simple manufacture, high selectivity, and high sensitivity.
Proteins and metabolites fingerprints of gestational diabetes mellitus forming protein–metabolite interactomes are its potential biomarkers
Authors: Chatterjee Bhaswati , Thakur Suman S.
Published: March 2023

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a consequence of glucose intolerance with an inadequate production of insulin that happens during pregnancy and leads to adverse health consequences for both mother and fetus. GDM patients are at higher risk for preeclampsia, and developing diabetes mellitus type 2 in later life, while the child born to GDM mothers are more prone to macrosomia, and hypoglycemia. The universally accepted diagnostic criteria for GDM are lacking, therefore there is a need for a diagnosis of GDM that can identify GDM at its early stage (first trimester). We have reviewed the literature on proteins and metabolites fingerprints of GDM. Further, we have performed protein–protein, metabolite–metabolite, and protein–metabolite interaction network studies on GDM proteins and metabolites fingerprints. Notably, some proteins and metabolites fingerprints are forming strong interaction networks at high confidence scores. Therefore, we have suggested that those proteins and metabolites that are forming protein–metabolite interactomes are the potential biomarkers of GDM. The protein–metabolite biomarkers interactome may help in a deep understanding of the prognosis, pathogenesis of GDM, and also detection of GDM. The protein–metabolites interactome may be further applied in planning future therapeutic strategies to promote long‐term health benefits in GDM mothers and their children.
A neural network for phenotyping Fusarium‐damaged kernels (FDKs) in wheat and its impact on genomic selection accuracy
Authors: Wu Junzhe , Ackerman Arlyn , Gaire Rupesh , Chowdhary Girish , Rutkoski Jessica
Published: March 2023

Fusarium head blight (FHB) remains one of the most destructive diseases in wheat. Primarily caused by the mycotoxigenic fungi Fusarium graminearum, FHB results in both widespread yield loss and deoxynivalenol (DON) contamination of wheat grain. Phenotyping for Fusarium‐damaged kernels (FDKs) is the most efficient estimate of resistance to DON accumulation outside of performing costly and time‐consuming laboratory assays. However, manual phenotyping for FDKs can be tedious and highly subjective to observers. This study developed and tested an open‐access, easy‐to‐use, and effective method for phenotyping FDKs using a neural network capable of analyzing cell phone camera images. Quantitative genetic analysis of FDK data generated by our trained neural network found that the trait had a broad sense heritability of 0.48, and its phenotypic and genetic correlations with DON were 0.41 and 0.58, respectively. To determine if our neural network‐derived FDK data could be useful in a modern breeding scenario, we included it in a multi‐trait genomic selection (GS) model and evaluated the model's ability to predict DON. We found that including FDK data generated by our trained neural network on the test set during GS model training more than doubled GS accuracy, but the highest accuracy was obtained using conventional FDK data. Although further training is needed to improve the capabilities of our neural network, initial testing shows encouraging results and demonstrates the possibility of providing an automated and objective phenotyping method for FDKs that could be widely deployed to support FHB resistance breeding efforts.
Underlying causes and outcomes of recurrent pneumonia in hospitalized children
Authors: Mei Mei , Dai Dan , Guo Zhuoyao , Zhang Congcong , Liu Jing , Qi Yuanyuan , Wang Xiaochuan , Wang Libo , Qian Liling
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To describe the clinical characteristics and underlying causes of recurrent pneumonia (RP) among hospitalized children, and to identify risk factors associated with adverse outcomes.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of hospitalized children diagnosed with RP at the Children's Hospital of Fudan University from January 2016 to January 2021 and then described clinical characteristics and underlying causes. The associations between factors and adverse outcomes were assessed using logistic regression.

Results

Of 551 children with RP, 483 (87.7%) manifested underlying causes, with recurrent aspiration (127, 23.0%), primary immunodeficiency (PID) (91, 16.5%), and congenital heart diseases (63, 11.4%) being the most common. Genetic defects were identified in about a quarter (158, 28.7%) of the patients. PID odds ratio (OR, 7.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.8–22.8), primary ciliary dyskinesia (OR, 12.9; 95% CI, 3.0–54.8), bronchiolitis obliterans (OR, 7.0; 95% CI, 1.7–28.5), and a diagnosis of RP at an age of >3 years (OR, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.3–9.0) were risk factors for severe outcomes. Aspiration (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.3–6.3) and an abnormal family history (OR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.3–8.2) were risk factors for rehospitalization.

Conclusions

The majority (87.7%) of hospitalized children with RP exhibited underlying causes, and genetic defects were common.
Nanoporous GaN Photoanode Decorated with Plasmonic Au Nanoparticles for Enhanced Solar Water Splitting
Authors: Zheng Haonian , Zhao Chaopeng , Hu Shaochen , Gao Qian , Liu Duo
Published: March 2023

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is a promising approach to generating eco‐friendly hydrogen energy from water. Despite long‐lasting efforts, the existing methods still suffer limitations in the design of photoelectrodes with optimal structures for efficient operation. Herein, a novel porous gallium nitride (PGaN) photoanode decorated with plasmonic Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) is fabricated. After microstructural optimization, this composite photoanode improves the water‐splitting efficiency from 0.036% to 0.30% and exhibits a 2.7 times improvement of the photocurrent density in comparison with the planar GaN photoanode. The significant improvement of the water‐splitting efficiency is attributed to the synergistic combination of the porous structure with the plasmonic AuNPs that greatly benefits electron–hole pairs generation, separation, and charge‐carrier transport. The photoanode is robust and easy to fabricate, and this work provides an idea for future exploration of durable and efficient GaN‐based photoelectrodes.
Using cryobiopsy with Radial EBUS in high‐bleeding‐risk, peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPL): description of cases and technique
Authors: Herath Samantha
Published: March 2023

Cryobiopsy is an emerging tool in the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPL) and becoming an important tool in the toolbox. Anecdotally the data on cryobiopsy use in the lung was extrapolated from the use of transbronchial cryobiopsy (TBCB) in Interstitial Lung disease (ILD). Similar to ILD data, cryobiopsy in PPL also provided larger tissue compared to forceps biopsies. Yet, unlike TBCB in ILD, the safety profile for cryobiopsy in PPL seems much more favourable, yet the number of publications on cryobiopsy in PPL remains sparse. Some PPL, both malignant and non‐malignant are considered to be of a high bleeding risk due to vascularity of the tumour and/or inflammation of the blood vessels and surrounding tissue. The use of cryobiopsy and the risk of bleeding in this type of PPL have not been described. This paper describes four patients with PPL, undergoing cryobiopsy with radial EBUS for suspected lung cancer, and later diagnosed to have a PPL, deemed to be of a high bleeding risk. The use of cryobiopsy with radial ultrasonic examination for the vasculature of the PPL, bronchial blocker use, and airway protection as well as an expert team preserved the safety of the procedure.
The Controllable Synthesis of High‐Quality Two‐Dimensional Iron Sulfide with Specific Phases
Authors: Wang Bicheng , Yao Yu , Hong Wenting , Hong Zhaoan , He Xu , Wang Taiku , Jian Chuanyong , Ju Qiankun , Cai Qian , Sun Zhihua , Liu Wei
Published: March 2023

2D Fe‐chalcogenides have drawn significant attention due to their unique structural phases and distinct properties in exploring magnetism and superconductivity. However, it remains a significant challenge to synthesize 2D Fe‐chalcogenides with specific phases in a controllable manner since Fe‐chalcogenides have multiple phases. Herein, a molecular sieve‐assisted strategy is reported for synthesizing ultrathin 2D iron sulfide on substrates via the chemical vapor deposition method. Using a molecular sieve and tuning growth temperatures to control the partial pressures of precursor concentrations, hexagonal FeS, tetragonal FeS, and non‐stoichiometric Fe7S8 nanoflakes can be precisely synthesized. The 2D h‐FeS, t‐FeS, and Fe7S8 have high conductivities of 5.4 × 105 S m−1, 5.8 × 105 S m−1, and 1.9 × 106 S m−1. 2D tetragonal FeS shows a superconducting transition at 4 K. The spin reorientation at ≈30 K on the non‐stoichiometric Fe7S8 nanoflakes with ferrimagnetism up to room temperature has also been observed. The controllable synthesis of various phases of 2D iron sulfide may provide a route for synthesizing other 2D compounds with various phases.
The Vital Role of Electrolyte Reduction Potential in Forming a Stable SEI in Phosphorus‐Based Anodes
Authors: Liu Minghui , Zhou En , Wang Chaonan , Ye Yadong , Tong Xinyang , Xie Yuansen , Zhou Shaoyun , Huang Rong , Kong Xianghua , Jin Hongchang , Ji Hengxing
Published: March 2023

In view of their high lithium storage capability, phosphorus‐based anodes are promising for lithium‐ion batteries. However, the low reduction potential (0.74 V versus Li+/Li) of the commonly used ethylene carbonate‐based electrolyte does not allow the early formation of a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) prior to the initial phosphorus alloying reaction (1.5 V versus Li+/Li). In the absence of a protective SEI, the phosphorus anode develops cracks, creating additional P/electrolyte interfaces. This results in the loss of P and the formation of a discontinuous SEI, all of which greatly reduce the electrochemical performance of the anode. Here, the effect of solvent reduction potential on the structure of the SEI is investigated. It is found that solvents with a high reduction potential, such as fluoroethylene carbonate, decompose to form an SEI concomitantly with the P alloying reaction. This results in a continuous, mechanically robust, and Li3PO4‐rich SEI with improved Li‐ion conductivity. These attributes significantly improve the cyclic stability and rate performance of the phosphorus‐based anode.
Tuning the Chiral Structures from Self‐Assembled Carbohydrate Derivatives
Authors: Yao Yawen , Meng Xintong , Li Cheng , Bernaerts Katrien V. , Zhang Kai
Published: March 2023

Carbohydrates have been regarded as one of the most ideally suited candidates for chirality study via self‐assembly owning to their unique chemical structures, abundance, and sustainability. Much efforts have been devoted to design and synthesize diverse carbohydrate derivatives and self‐assemble them into various supermolecular morphologies. Nevertheless, still inadequate attention is paid to deeply and comprehensively understand how the carbohydrate structures and self‐assembly approaches affect the final morphologies and properties for future demands. Herein, to fulfill the need, a range of recently published studies relating to the chirality of carbohydrates is reviewed and discussed. Furthermore, to tune the chirality of carbohydrate‐based structures on both molecular and superstructural levels via chirality transfer and chirality expression, the designing of the molecules and choosing of the proper approaches for self‐assembly are elucidated.
Construction of a Novel Cascade Electrolysis‐Heterocatalysis System by Using Zeolite‐Encaged Ultrasmall Palladium Catalysts for H2O2 Generation
Authors: Chen Caiyi , Wang Xiaoli , Pan Boju , Xie Weiqiao , Zhu Qing , Meng Yali , Hu Zhuofeng , Sun Qiming
Published: March 2023

In situ generation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has attracted extensive attention, especially in water treatment. However, traditional anthraquinones can only produce high‐concentration H2O2 and its transportation and storage are not convenient and dangerous. Herein, an in situ and on‐demand strategy to produce H2O2 by using a cascade water electrolysis together with a heterocatalysis system is provided. Beginning with water, H2, and O2 can be generated via electrolysis and then react with each other to produce H2O2 immediately on efficient zeolite‐encaged ultrasmall Pd catalysts. Significantly, the H2O2 generation rate in the optimized cascade system reaches up to 0.85 mol L−1 h−1 gPd−1, overcoming most of the state‐of‐the‐art catalysts in previous literature. The confinement effect of zeolites is not only beneficial to the formation of highly dispersed metal species, promoting the H2O2 generation, but also inhibits the H2O2 decomposition, enhancing the production yield of H2O2. In addition, the effect of electrolytes, sizes of Pd species, as well as zeolite acidity are also systematically studied. This work provides a new avenue for H2O2 generation via a highly efficient cascade electrolysis‐heterocatalysis system by using zeolite‐supported metal catalysts. The high catalytic efficiency and green process for H2O2 generation make it very promising for further practical applications.