bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of the Ageing and Drying Steps of a CoMoP/γ‐Al2O3 Catalyst onto the Multi‐Scale Molybdenum Active Phase Organization
Authors: Cottrez Candice , Humbert Séverine , Gay Anne‐Sophie , Devers Elodie , De Geuser Frédéric , Carrier Xavier , Chaumonnot Alexandra
Published: February 2023

To study the influence of ageing and drying steps onto the multiscale Mo active phase arrangement (i. e. MoS2 slabs and slab aggregates), a series of highly loaded CoMoP/γ‐Al2O3 catalysts aged, unaged, dried or freeze‐dried were prepared and tested in toluene hydrogenation. Electron Probe Micro Analyses (EPMA) and Anomalous Small Angle X‐Ray Scattering (ASAXS) permit to highlight the influence of each preparation steps. A growth of Mo entities occurs during ageing along with metal diffusion inside the support and leads to longer slabs. The same occurs during drying with metal redistribution due to solvent evaporation. Concomitantly, a fragmentation of slab aggregates takes place and leads to numerous small slabs aggregates. Slab length and aggregates amount were found to drive the catalytic activity, which translates the relationship between activity, number of active sites and their accessibility. Conversely, macroscopic metal distribution into the extrudates appears to have no impact on the catalytic performance.
An Atropisomerism Study of Large Cycloarylenes: [n]Cyclo‐4,10‐Pyrenylenes’ Case
Authors: Kurosaki Ryo , Morimoto Hirofumi , Matsuo Kyohei , Hayashi Hironobu , Yamada Hiroko , Aratani Naoki
Published: February 2023

An atropisomerism of large cycloarylenes was studied using [n]cyclo‐4,10‐pyrenylenes (n=6–21) as an illustrative example with two simple assumptions: (1) alternating configurations (R,S,R,S,…) are thermodynamically most stable, and (2) three consecutive identical configurations (R,R,RorS,S,S) are prevented. Ni‐mediated coupling of a 5,9‐diiodopyrene gave a series of directly‐linked cyclic pyrene oligomers in one‐pot reaction. As‐synthesized cyclic hexamer was assigned as an (R,S,S,R,R,S) structure, converted into an (R,S,R,S,R,S)‐form upon heating. Cyclic heptamer consists of two types ofC2symmetric structures predicted from assumption (2), one of which was convergent to one another by heating. Three atropisomers of cyclic octamer were analyzed from the possible five candidates by means of1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and the conversion process to (R,S,R,S,R,S,R,S) configurations upon heating was investigated. In total, according to two simple rules, the analysis of atropisomerism could be performed smoothly.
Absolute Configuration Determination of Chiral API Molecules by MicroED Analysis of Cocrystal Powders Formed Based on Cocrystal Propensity Prediction Calculations**
Authors: Shah Harsh S. , Yuan Jiuchuang , Xie Tian , Yang Zhuocen , Chang Chao , Greenwell Chandler , Zeng Qun , Sun GuangXu , Read Brandon N. , Wilson Timothy S. , Valle Henry U. , Kuang Shanming , Wang Jian , Sekharan Sivakumar , Bruhn Jessica F.
Published: February 2023

Establishing the absolute configuration of chiral active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) is of great importance. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction (scXRD) has traditionally been the method of choice for such analysis, but scXRD requires the growth of large crystals, which can be challenging. Here, we present a method for determining absolute configuration that does not rely on the growth of large crystals. By examining microcrystals formed with chiral probes (small chiral compounds such as amino acids), absolute configuration can be unambiguously determined by microcrystal electron diffraction (MicroED). Our streamlined method employs three steps: (1) virtual screening to identify promising chiral probes, (2) experimental cocrystal screening and (3) structure determination by MicroED and absolute configuration assignment. We successfully applied this method to analyze two chiral API molecules currently on the market for which scXRD was not used to determine absolute configuration.
Styrene Oxide Isomerase‐Catalyzed Meinwald Rearrangement in Cascade Biotransformations: Synthesis of Chiral and/or Natural Chemicals
Authors: See Willy W. L. , Li Zhi
Published: February 2023

Styrene oxide isomerase (SOI) catalyzes the Meinwald rearrangement of aryl epoxides to carbonyl compounds via a 1,2‐trans‐shift in a stereospecific manner. A number of cascade biotransformations with SOI‐catalyzed epoxide isomerization as a key step have been developed to convert readily available substrates into valuable chiral chemicals. Cascade conversion of terminal or internal alkenes into chiral acids, alcohols or amines was achieved, which involved SOI‐catalyzed enantio‐retentive isomerization of terminal epoxides via 1,2‐H shift, or internal epoxides via 1,2‐methyl shift. SOI‐involved cascades were also developed to convert racemic epoxides into chiral acids or amines via dynamic kinetic resolution. Additionally, combining SOI‐catalyzed isomerization with enantioselective C−C bond forming enzymes enabled the synthesis of chiral amino acids or amino alcohols from racemic epoxides. Finally, integration of SOI‐involved cascades with biosynthesis pathways allowed for the direct utilization of renewable substrates for the sustainable synthesis of high‐value natural chemicals such as alcohols, acids, and esters.
Taste arbor structural variability analyzed across taste regions
Authors: Ohman Lisa C. , Hanbali Lama , Krimm Robin F.
Published: February 2023

Taste ganglion neurons are functionally and molecularly diverse, but until recently morphological diversity was completely unexplored. Specifically, taste arbors (the portion of the neuron within the taste bud) vary in structure, but the reason for this variability is unclear. Here, we analyzed structural variability in taste arbors to determine which factors determine their morphological diversity. To characterize arbor morphology and its relationship to taste bud cells capable of transducing taste stimuli (taste‐transducing cell) number and type, we utilized sparse cell genetic labeling of taste ganglion neurons in combination with whole‐mount immunohistochemistry. Reconstruction of 151 taste arbors revealed variation in arbor size, complexity, and symmetry. Overall, taste arbors exist on a continuum of complexity, cannot be categorized into discrete morphological groups, and do not have stereotyped endings. Arbor size/complexity was not related to the size of the taste bud in which it was located or the type of taste‐transducing cell contacted (membranes within 180 nm). Instead, arbors could be broadly categorized into three groups: large asymmetrical arbors contacting many taste‐transducing cells, small symmetrical arbors contacting one or two taste‐transducing cells, and unbranched arbors. Neurons with multiple arbors had arbors in more than one of these categories, indicating that this variability is not an intrinsic feature of neuron type. Instead, we speculate that arbor structure is determined primarily by nerve fiber remodeling in response to cell turnover and that large asymmetrical arbors represent a particularly plastic state.
Genetic Variants Associated With Opioid Use Disorder
Authors: Freiermuth Caroline E. , Kisor David F. , Lambert Joshua , Braun Robert , Frey Jennifer A. , Bachmann Daniel J. , Bischof Jason J. , Lyons Michael S. , Pantalon Michael V. , Punches Brittany E. , Ancona Rachel , Sprague Jon E.
Published: February 2023

Genetics are presumed to contribute 30–40% to opioid use disorder (OUD), allowing for the possibility that genetic markers could be used to identify personal risk for developing OUD. We aimed to test the potential association among 180 candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 120 of which were related to the dopamine reward pathway and 60 related to pharmacokinetics. Participants were randomly recruited in 2020–2021 in a cross‐sectional genetic association study. Self‐reported health history including Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM‐5) OUD criteria and buccal swabs were collected. A total of 1,301 participants were included in the analyses for this study. Of included participants, 250 met the DSM‐5 criteria for ever having OUD. Logistic regression, adjusting for age and biologic sex, was used to characterize the association between each SNP and DSM‐5 criteria consistent with OUD. Six SNPs found in four genes were associated with OUD: increased odds with CYP3A5 (rs15524 and rs776746) and DRD3 (rs324029 and rs2654754), and decreased odds with CYP3A4 (rs2740574) and CYP1A2 (rs2069514). Homozygotic CYP3A5 (rs15524 and rs776746) had the highest adjusted odds ratio of 2.812 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.737, 4.798) and 2.495 (95% CI 1.670, 3.835), respectively. Variants within the dopamine reward and opioid metabolism pathways have significant positive (DRD3 and CYP3A5) and negative (CYP3A4 and CYP1A2) associations with OUD. Identification of these variants provides promising possibilities for genetic prognostic and therapeutic targets for future investigation.
Metal Doping to Control Gate Opening and Increase Methane Working Capacity in Isostructural Flexible Diamondoid Networks
Authors: Wang Shao‐Min , Shivanna Mohana , Lama Prem , Yang Qing‐Yuan , Barbour Leonard J. , Zaworotko Michael J.
Published: February 2023

Adsorbed natural gas (ANG) systems involve using porous materials to increase the working capacity and/or reduce the storage pressure compared to compressed natural gas (CNG). Flexible metal‐organic materials (FMOMs) are particularly interesting in this context since their stepped isotherms can afford increased working capacity if the adsorption/desorption steps occur within the proper pressure range. We report herein that metal doping in a family of isostructural FMOMs, ML2 (M=Co, Ni or NixCo1−x, L=4‐(4‐pyridyl)‐biphenyl‐4‐carboxylic acid), enables control over the gate opening between non‐porous (closed) and porous (open) phases at pressures relevant to methane storage. Specifically, methane‐induced phase transformations can be fine‐tuned by using different Ni/Co ratios to enhance methane working capacity. The optimal working capacity from 5 to 35 bar at 298 K (153 cm3 cm−3) was found for Ni0.89Co0.11L2 (X‐dia‐1‐Ni0.89Co0.11), which is greater than that of benchmark rigid MOFs.
Synthesis, antitubercular evaluation, and molecular docking studies of hybrid pyridinium salts derived from isoniazid
Authors: Bhavani Gollagani Vijaya , Kondapuram Sree Karani , Shamsudeen Aifa Fathima , Coumar Mohane Selvaraj , Selvin Joseph , Kannan Tharanikkarasu
Published: February 2023

In the quest to develop potent inhibitors for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, novel isoniazid‐based pyridinium salts were designed, synthesized, and tested for their antimycobacterial activities against the H37Rv strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis using rifampicin as a standard. The pyridinium salts 4k, 4l, and 7d showed exceptional antimycobacterial activities with MIC90 at 1 µg/mL. The in vitro cytotoxicity and pharmacokinetics profiles of these compounds were established for the identification of a lead molecule using in vivo efficacy proof‐of‐concept studies and found that the lead compound 4k possesses LC50 value at 25 µg/mL. The in vitro antimycobacterial activity results were further supported by in silico studies with good binding affinities ranging from −9.8 to −11.6 kcal/mol for 4k, 4l, and 7d with the target oxidoreductase DprE1 enzyme. These results demonstrate that pyridinium salts derived from isoniazid can be a potentially promising pharmacophore for the development of novel antitubercular candidates.
A novel FAME1 repeat configuration in a European family identified using a combined genomics approach
Authors: Maroilley Tatiana , Tsai Meng‐Han , Mascarenhas Rumika , Diao Catherine , Khanbabaei Maryam , Kaya Sabine , Depienne Christel , Tarailo‐Graovac Maja , Klein Karl Martin
Published: February 2023

Familial adult myoclonic epilepsy (FAME) is an adult‐onset neurological disease characterized by cortical tremor, myoclonus, and seizures due to a pentanucleotide repeat expansion: a combination of pathogenic TTTCA expansion associated with a TTTTA repeat in introns of six different genes. Repeat‐primed PCR (RP‐PCR) is an inexpensive test for expansions at known loci. The analysis of the SAMD12 locus revealed that the repeats have different size, configuration, and composition. The TTTCA repeats can be very long (>1000 repeats) but also very short (14 being the shortest identified). Here, we report siblings of European descent with the clinical diagnosis of FAME yet a negative RP‐PCR test. Using short‐read genome sequencing, we identified the pentanucleotide expansion in intron 4 of SAMD12, which was confirmed by CRIPSR‐Cas9‐mediated enrichment and long‐read sequencing to be of (TTTTA)~879(TTTCA)3(TTTTA)7(TTTCA)7 configuration. Our finding is the first to associate the SAMD12 locus in European patients with FAME and currently represents the shortest identified TTTCA expansion. Our results suggest that the SAMD12 locus should be tested in patients with suspected FAME independent of ethnicity. Furthermore, RP‐PCR may miss the underlying mutation, and genome sequencing may be needed to confirm the pathogenic repeat.
Shaking table test of a damped‐outrigger system incorporating friction dampers
Authors: Lin Pao‐Chun , Chen Ming‐Ching , Chung Meng‐Lin
Published: February 2023

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the seismic performance of a damped‐outrigger system incorporating friction dampers through numerical analysis and shaking table tests. A 9‐m‐tall steel structure specimen was designed by scaling down a 20‐story benchmark model. The specimen was equally divided into 10 floors; the outrigger beams together with the friction dampers could be installed in different floors. The normal force in the friction damper was adjustable so that its energy performance could be modified during the test. The seismic response of the specimen was evaluated by performing response spectral analysis (RSA) using the OpenSees numerical model. The equivalent damping ratio was included in the RSA to evaluate the energy dissipation resulting from the friction dampers. Based on the RSA results, the specimen configurations when outrigger was located at the sixth (6F), eighth (8F), and roof floors (RF) and when the normal force in the friction damper varied between 5, 10, and 20 kN were tested by imposing five different ground motions with the peak ground acceleration of 0.64g. Both the RSA and test results indicated that the maximum roof drift of the specimen was around 0.7, 0.4, and 0.3% rad., when the outrigger was located at the RF, 8F, and 6F, respectively. The greater normal force applied in the friction damper generally result in a greater amount of energy dissipation and a smaller roof drift response. Based on the experimental and numerical results, the optimal design of the damped‐outrigger system incorporating friction dampers are demonstrated in this study.
Recent advances in targeted antibacterial therapy basing on nanomaterials
Authors: Geng Zhongmin , Cao Zhenping , Liu Jinyao
Published: February 2023

Bacterial infection has become one of the leading causes of death worldwide, particularly in low‐income countries. Despite the fact that antibiotics have provided successful management in bacterial infections, the long‐term overconsumption and abuse of antibiotics has contributed to the emergence of multidrug resistant bacteria. To address this challenge, nanomaterials with intrinsic antibacterial properties or that serve as drug carriers have been substantially developed as an alternative to fight against bacterial infection. Systematically and deeply understanding the antibacterial mechanisms of nanomaterials is extremely important for designing new therapeutics. Recently, nanomaterials‐mediated targeted bacteria depletion in either a passive or active manner is one of the most promising approaches for antibacterial treatment by increasing local concentration around bacterial cells to enhance inhibitory activity and reduce side effects. Passive targeting approach is widely explored by searching nanomaterial‐based alternatives to antibiotics, while active targeting strategy relies on biomimetic or biomolecular surface feature that can selectively recognize targeted bacteria. In this review article, we summarize the recent developments in the field of targeted antibacterial therapy based on nanomaterials, which will promote more innovative thinking focusing on the treatment of multidrug‐resistant bacteria.
From salt pan to saucepan: Salicornia, a halophytic vegetable with an array of potential health benefits
Authors: Ekanayake Sadini , Egodawatta Chaminda , Attanayake Renuka N. , Perera Dinum
Published: February 2023

Domestication of novel crops from the wild is a key process that ensures food security by addressing adaptability to changing environments. These wild plants offer broader and unique health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Salinization resulted in a drastic reduction of arable land and freshwater intended for cultivation. Thus, the global food production is currently under a risk of meeting the demands. Salt‐tolerant plants (i.e., halophytes) are potential food candidates that can be used to increase the productivity of salinized land and also to enhance the diversification of food production. Salicornia can survive under hypersaline and extreme climatic conditions and deliver tender shoots and dried seeds that can be used as a food with a unique taste, texture, and therapeutic benefits. Although Salicornia is not equally popular among all the food cultures globally, it has been consumed over centuries, and it is now making its way to the shelves of supermarkets in some countries such as the United States, UAE, South Korea, and Mexico. Despite being an underutilized crop, Salicornia possesses an array of chemical compounds or basic derivatives that can enhance antioxidant, anti‐obesity, antidiabetes, anti‐inflammatory, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective properties of human nutrition. The presence of considerable amounts of nutritional elements and various functional bioactive phytochemicals have opened up avenues of using Salicornia as a functional food. The present paper reviews the recognition of Salicornia as a functional food and a potential cash crop in saline agriculture to enhance agricultural productivity and also to diversify the current food supply chain.
Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of central nervous system infections in a tertiary center: A retrospective study
Authors: Gajurel Bikram P. , Giri Subarna , Rayamajhi Shivani , Khanal Niharika , Bishowkarma Sagar , Mishra Aman , Karn Ragesh , Rajbhandari Reema , Ojha Rajeev
Published: February 2023

Background and Aims

Central nervous system (CNS) infection is one of the most common causes of morbidity, mortality, and hospital admission worldwide. The natural history of CNS infection is quite fatal. Early diagnosis and treatment have been proven to have a crucial role in patients' survival. The aim of this study was to identify the epidemiological and clinical patterns of patients diagnosed with CNS infections.

Methods

This study is a retrospective study conducted in a tertiary level hospital in Nepal in which patient diagnosed with CNS infections (September 2019 to 2021) were included. Data were collected and analyzed in SPSS.

Results

The mean age of the 95 patients included in the study was 45.18 ± 19.56. Meningoencephalitis (n = 44, 46.30%) was the most common infection diagnosed. Patients belonging to the age group 30−60 years had a higher frequency of focal neurological deficit, and other classical clinical features. All the patients who died during the treatment had associated comorbidities but no concurrent infections. Altered sensorium, fever, and headache were the common presenting symptoms in all the recovered patients.

Conclusion

To ensure optimum disease outcome, early diagnosis and prompt management are crucial. For this, recognizing the local disease patterns in terms of disease distribution, commonly implicated aetiologies, presenting symptoms, and prognostic factors is of utmost importance.
When the lights go down in the delivery room: Lessons from a ransomware attack
Authors: Gabbay‐Benziv Rinat , Ben‐Natan Merav , Roguin Ariel , Abbou Benyamine , Ofir Anna , Klein Adi , Dahan‐Shriki Dikla , Hallak Mordechai , Kessel Boris , Dudkiewicz Mickey
Published: February 2023

Objective

To describe the challenges facing the obstetric division following a cyberattack and discuss ways of preparing for and overcoming another one.

Methods

A retrospective descriptive study conducted in a mid‐sized medical center. Division activities, including the number of deliveries, cesarean sections, emergency room visits, admissions, maternal–fetal medicine department occupancy, and ambulatory encounters, from 2 weeks before the attack to 8 weeks following it (a total of 11 weeks), were compared with the retrospective period in 2019 (pre‐COVID‐19). In addition, we present the challenges and adaptation measures taken at the division and hospital levels leading up to the resumption of full division activity.

Results

On the day of the cyberattack, critical decisions were made. The media announced the event, calling on patients not to come to our hospital. Also, all elective activities other than cesarean deliveries were stopped. The number of deliveries, admissions, and both emergency room and ambulatory clinic visits decreased by 5%–10% overall for 11 weeks, reflecting the decrease in division activity. Nevertheless, in all stations, there were sufficient activities and adaptation measures to ensure patient safety, decision‐making, and workflow of patients were accounted for.

Conclusions

The risk of ransomware cyberattacks is growing. Healthcare systems at all levels should recognize this threat and have protocols for dealing with them once they occur.
Interactions between extracellular vesicles and microbiome in human diseases: New therapeutic opportunities
Authors: Luo Rongjin , Chang Yanmin , Liang Huaizhen , Zhang Weifeng , Song Yu , Li Gaocai , Yang Cao
Published: February 2023

In recent decades, accumulating research on the interactions between microbiome homeostasis and host health has broadened new frontiers in delineating the molecular mechanisms of disease pathogenesis and developing novel therapeutic strategies. By transporting proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and metabolites in their versatile bioactive molecules, extracellular vesicles (EVs), natural bioactive cell‐secreted nanoparticles, may be key mediators of microbiota–host communications. In addition to their positive and negative roles in diverse physiological and pathological processes, there is considerable evidence to implicate EVs secreted by bacteria (bacterial EVs [BEVs]) in the onset and progression of various diseases, including gastrointestinal, respiratory, dermatological, neurological, and musculoskeletal diseases, as well as in cancer. Moreover, an increasing number of studies have explored BEV‐based platforms to design novel biomedical diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Hence, in this review, we highlight the recent advances in BEV biogenesis, composition, biofunctions, and their potential involvement in disease pathologies. Furthermore, we introduce the current and emerging clinical applications of BEVs in diagnostic analytics, vaccine design, and novel therapeutic development.
Antifungal liposomes: Lipid saturation and cholesterol concentration impact interaction with fungal and mammalian cells
Authors: LaMastro Veronica , Campbell Kayla M. , Gonzalez Peter , Meng‐Saccoccio Tobias , Shukla Anita
Published: February 2023

Liposomes are lipid‐based nanoparticles that have been used to deliver encapsulated drugs for a variety of applications, including treatment of life‐threatening fungal infections. By understanding the effect of composition on liposome interactions with both fungal and mammalian cells, new effective antifungal liposomes can be developed. In this study, we investigated the impact of lipid saturation and cholesterol content on fungal and mammalian cell interactions with liposomes. We used three phospholipids with different saturation levels (saturated hydrogenated soy phosphatidylcholine (HSPC), mono‐unsaturated 1‐palmitoyl‐2‐oleoyl‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (POPC), and di‐unsaturated 1‐palmitoyl‐2‐linoleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (PLPC)) and cholesterol concentrations ranging from 15% to 40% (w/w) in our liposome formulations. Using flow cytometry, >80% of Candida albicans SC5314 cells were found to interact with all liposome formulations developed, while >50% of clinical isolates tested exhibited interaction with these liposomes. In contrast, POPC‐containing formulations exhibited low levels of interaction with murine fibroblasts and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (<30%), while HSPC and PLPC formulations had >50% and >80% interaction, respectively. Further, PLPC formulations caused a significant decrease in mammalian cell viability. Formulations that resulted in low levels of mammalian cell interaction, minimal cytotoxicity, and high levels of fungal cell interaction were then used to encapsulate the antifungal drug, amphotericin B. These liposomes eradicated planktonic C. albicans at drug concentrations lower than free drug, potentially due to the high levels of liposome‐C. albicans interaction. Overall, this study provides new insights into the design of liposome formulations towards the development of new antifungal therapeutics.
Preparation and tumor‐targeting evaluation of BS‐CyP albumin nanoparticles modified with hyaluronic acid based on boron neutron capture therapy
Authors: Ye Minjun , Li Bingyi , Shi Wanyu , Liu Huaize , Wang Yi , Chen Weiqing , Wang Jian , Wang Guixue
Published: February 2023

Radiation therapy has been widely used in the clinical treatment of tumors. Due to the low radiation absorption of tumors, a high dose of ionizing radiation is often required during radiotherapy, which causes serious damage to normal tissues near tumors. Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is more targeted than conventional radiotherapy. To improve the therapeutic effect of cancer, albumin was selected as the drug carrier to wrap the fluorescent tracer boron drug BS‐CyP and prepare the nanoparticles. Then, we developed a novel tumor‐targeting nano‐boron drug by using hyaluronic acid to modify the nanoparticles. We found that BS‐CyP albumin nanoparticles modified with hyaluronic acid effectively delayed drug release and enhanced the aggregation, in tumors, showing good safety with no obvious toxicity to cells and mice. This study confirmed the advantages of boron drugs modified with hyaluronic acid targeting tumors and may provide a reference for BNCT.
Systemic osteosclerosis associated with primary bone marrow B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Ozaki Shuji , Iima Tsutomu , Sekimoto Etsuko , Shibata Hironobu , Shigekiyo Toshio , Higuchi Yukio , Hirose Takanori
Published: February 2023

Systemic osteosclerosis is a rare complication of hematological malignancies. Primary myelofibrosis and acute megakaryocytic leukemia are known as underlying diseases; however, lymphoid tumors have rarely been reported. Here we describe a case of a 50‐year‐old man with severe systemic osteosclerosis associated with primary bone marrow B‐cell lymphoma. Analysis of bone metabolic markers revealed a high turnover of bone metabolism and an increase in serum osteoprotegerin levels. These results suggest the involvement of osteoprotegerin in the pathogenesis of osteosclerosis associated with hematological malignancies.
The pediatric indications for tonsillectomy and adenotonsillectomy: Race/ethnicity, age, and gender
Authors: Han Chihun Jim , Bergman Maxwell , Harley Randall J. , Harley Earl H.
Published: February 2023

Objective

To evaluate how pediatric indications for tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy relate to gender, race/ethnicity, and age.

Methods

Included consecutive pediatric patients who underwent tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy from a single tertiary academic institution between 2012 and 2019. Logistic regression analysis was used to measure association between the indication for tonsillectomy and the demographic variables gender, race/ethnicity, and age.

Results

Of the 1106 children included in this study, 53% were male and 47% were female. Half of the children were White, 40% were African American, 6% were Hispanic and 4% were other. The most common indication for surgery was upper airway obstruction alone (66%), followed by obstruction and infection (22%), and recurrent infections (12%). We found that male gender (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.24–2.04), African American race (OR 2.76, 95% CI 2.08–3.65), and younger age were associated with greater odds of presenting with upper airway obstruction as the indication for tonsillectomy. Conversely, male gender (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.44–0.92), African American race (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.26–0.61), and younger age were associated with lower odds of presenting with recurrent infection as the indication for tonsillectomy.

Conclusions

Male gender, African American race, and young age are risk factors for tonsillar surgery due to airway obstruction. Female gender, White race, and older age are risk factors for tonsillar surgery due to recurrent throat infections.

Level of Evidence

3
Dietary patterns and cardiometabolic health: Clinical evidence and mechanism
Authors: Wang Wenting , Liu Yanfei , Li Yiwen , Luo Binyu , Lin Zhixiu , Chen Keji , Liu Yue
Published: February 2023

For centuries, the search for nutritional interventions to underpin cardiovascular treatment and prevention guidelines has contributed to the rapid development of the field of dietary patterns and cardiometabolic disease (CMD). Numerous studies have demonstrated that healthy dietary patterns with emphasis on food‐based recommendations are the gold standard for extending lifespan and reducing the risks of CMD and mortality. Healthy dietary patterns include various permutations of energy restriction, macronutrients, and food intake patterns such as calorie restriction, intermittent fasting, Mediterranean diet, plant‐based diets, etc. Early implementation of healthy dietary patterns in patients with CMD is encouraged, but an understanding of the mechanisms by which these patterns trigger cardiometabolic benefits remains incomplete. Hence, this review examined several dietary patterns that may improve cardiometabolic health, including restrictive dietary patterns, regional dietary patterns, and diets based on controlled macronutrients and food groups, summarizing cutting‐edge evidence and potential mechanisms for CMD prevention and treatment. Particularly, considering individual differences in responses to dietary composition and nutritional changes in organ tissue diversity, we highlighted the critical role of individual gut microbiota in the crosstalk between diet and CMD and recommend a more precise and dynamic nutritional strategy for CMD by developing dietary patterns based on individual gut microbiota profiles.
Stability analysis of tempered fractional nonlinear Mathieu type equation model of an ion motion with octopole‐only imperfections
Authors: Alzabut Jehad , Selvam A. George Maria , Vignesh Dhakshinamoorthy , Etemad Sina , Rezapour Shahram
Published: February 2023

The development of laser‐based cooling and spectroscopic methods has produced unprecedented growth in the ion trapping industry. Mathieu equation, a differential equation with periodic coefficients, is employed to develop models of ion motions under the influence of fields. Ion traps with octopole field is described with nonlinear Mathieu equation with cubic term. This article aims at considering motion of ions under the electric potential with negative octopole field with damping caused by the collision of the ions with Helium buffer gas modeled with tempered fractional derivative. Schaefer's fixed point theorem and Banach's contraction principle are employed to establish the existence of unique solution for the considered tempered fractional nonlinear Mathieu equation model of an ion motion. Further, the analysis of stability is performed in the sense of Hyers and Ulam. The feasibility of the obtained theoretical results are numerically confirmed for suitable parametric values, and simulations are performed supporting them.
A broadband flexible microwave‐optical compatible absorber
Authors: Li Meiling , Hu Wenhao , Zheng Qi , Yang Xuexia , Yi Zixuan
Published: February 2023

In this paper, a broadband flexible absorber for compatible microwave‐optical absorption is proposed. The absorber consists of two polyvinyl chloride (PVC) substrates and three resistive layers made of conductive carbon black (CCB). Two CCB layers are employed as the frequency‐selective surface to achieve microwave absorption while the third one ensures high optical absorption. The PVC substrates provide the structure with good flexibility. An equivalent circuit model is presented to analyze broadband microwave absorption. Finally, the proposed structure is fabricated and tested. The total thickness of the absorber is only 4.05 mm. Simulation and measurement results show the proposed structure process wideband absorption over 90% in the frequency range from 6.24 to 19.8 GHz. The proposed absorber also shows a high‐efficient absorption in an optical band from 220 to 2500 nm. Experimental results verify the proposed absorber possesses compatible microwave‐optical absorption. In addition, the proposed structure possesses compactness and flexibility characteristics, making it easy to conform which indicates its promising applications in stealth areas.
Design of broadband microstrip three‐way directional coupler for multibeam antenna application
Authors: Han Kangkang , Wei Gao , Wang Min , Zhou Yuhang
Published: February 2023

In this letter, a design of broadband microstrip three‐way directional coupler (TWDC) is presented. The broadband performance of the microstrip TWDC is realized by the method of cascading multi‐section. The broadband TWDC is designed to achieve equal power division and −120°, 0°, and +120° phase differences between output signals. To verify the broadband design, a prototype of three‐section microstrip TWDC operating at C‐band is designed, fabricated and measured. The measured results show that the power division error of the designed broadband TWDC is less than ±0.7 dB and phase error is less than ±12° at a relative bandwidth of 16%. To verify its performance in multibeam application, the designed TWDC is used as a beamforming network for multibeam antenna array to generate three orthogonal beams.
Motion guidance lines for robust data consistency–based retrospective motion correction in 2D and 3D MRI
Authors: Polak Daniel , Hossbach Julian , Splitthoff Daniel Nicolas , Clifford Bryan , Lo Wei‐Ching , Tabari Azadeh , Lang Min , Huang Susie Y. , Conklin John , Wald Lawrence L. , Cauley Stephen
Published: February 2023

Purpose

To develop a robust retrospective motion‐correction technique based on repeating k‐space guidance lines for improving motion correction in Cartesian 2D and 3D brain MRI.

Methods

The motion guidance lines are inserted into the standard sequence orderings for 2D turbo spin echo and 3D MPRAGE to inform a data consistency–based motion estimation and reconstruction, which can be guided by a low‐resolution scout. The extremely limited number of required guidance lines are repeated during each echo train and discarded in the final image reconstruction. Thus, integration within a standard k‐space acquisition ordering ensures the expected image quality/contrast and motion sensitivity of that sequence.

Results

Through simulation and in vivo 2D multislice and 3D motion experiments, we demonstrate that respectively 2 or 4 optimized motion guidance lines per shot enables accurate motion estimation and correction. Clinically acceptable reconstruction times are achieved through fully separable on‐the‐fly motion optimizations (˜1 s/shot) using standard scanner GPU hardware.

Conclusion

The addition of guidance lines to scout accelerated motion estimation facilitates robust retrospective motion correction that can be effectively introduced without perturbing standard clinical protocols and workflows.
Trends and Implications of Adjuvant Systemic Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer Without High‐Risk Features
Authors: Armstrong Austin T. , Velez‐Velez Lisa M. , Simpson Matt C. , Massa Sean T.
Published: February 2023

Objective

Determine trends and survival implications of adjuvant systemic therapy use for lower risk head and neck cancer.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

US National Cancer Database, 2010 to 2019.

Methods

Patients with mucosal head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treated with surgery and postoperative radiation therapy were identified. Adjuvant systemic therapy trends in those with and without extranodal extension or positive margins were assessed as annual percent change by JoinPoint analysis. Factors associated with adjuvant systemic therapy and overall survival were assessed with multivariable models and cox proportional hazard models, respectively.

Results

From 2010 to 2019, approximately one‐third of head and neck cancer patients without extranodal extension or positive margins received adjuvant systemic therapy. This rate decreased throughout the study period, with the highest annual percent change from 2016 to 2019 (12.21%; 95% confidence interval: 3.73%‐19.95%). Younger age, male sex, Hispanic ethnicity, community program setting, advanced stage, and lymphovascular invasion increased the odds a patient would receive adjuvant systemic therapy. Adjuvant systemic therapy was associated with inferior overall survival when used in those without extranodal extension or positive margins after controlling for covariates.

Conclusion

Though decreasing, adjuvant systemic therapy use is still common in the absence of extranodal extension and positive margins, and a variety of patient, provider, and oncologic factors may influence its use. The inferior overall survival after adjuvant systemic therapy in the absence of high‐risk features suggests any oncologic benefit may not outweigh the costs and morbidity of the therapy.
Estimations of Inpatient and Ambulatory Pediatric Tonsillectomy in the United States: A Cross‐sectional Analysis
Authors: Johnson Romaine F. , Zhang Jinghan , Chorney Stephen R. , Kou Yann‐Fuu , Lenes‐Voit Felicity , Ulualp Seckin , Liu Christopher , Mitchell Ron B.
Published: February 2023

Objective

To estimate the incidence of inpatient and ambulatory pediatric tonsillectomies in the United States in 2019.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional analysis.

Setting

Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project databases.

Methods

We determined national incidences of hospital‐based ambulatory procedures, inpatient admissions, and readmissions among pediatric tonsillectomy patients, ages 0 to 20 years, using the Kids Inpatient Database, Nationwide Ambulatory Surgery Sample, and Nationwide Readmission Database. We described the demographics, commonly associated conditions, complications, and predictors of readmission.

Results

An estimated 559,900 ambulatory and 7100 inpatient tonsillectomies were performed in 2019. Among inpatients, the majority were male (59%) and the largest ethnic group was white (37%). Adenotonsillar hypertrophy (ATH), 79%, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), 74%, were the most frequent diagnosis and Medicaid (61%) was the most frequent primary payer. The majority of ambulatory tonsillectomy patients were female (52%) and white (65%); ATH, OSA, and Medicaid accounted for 62%, 29%, and 45% of cases, respectively, (all p < .001 when compared to inpatient cases). Common inpatient complications were bleeding (2%), pain/nausea/vomiting (5.6%), and postprocedural respiratory failure (1.7%). On the other hand, ambulatory complications occurred in less than 1% of patients. The readmission rate was 5.2%, with pain/nausea/vomiting and bleeding accounting for 35% and 23% of overall readmissions. All Patient Refined Diagnosis Related Groups severity of illness subclass predicted readmission (odds ratio = 2.18, 95% confidence interval = 1.73‐2.73, p < .001).

Conclusion

A total of 567,000 pediatric ambulatory and inpatient tonsillectomies were performed in 2019; the majority were performed in ambulatory settings. The index admission severity of illness was associated with readmission risk.
A cross‐country comparison of pregnant women's decision‐making and perspectives when opting for non‐invasive prenatal testing in the Netherlands and Belgium
Authors: Lannoo Lore , van der Meij Karuna R. M. , Bekker Mireille N. , De Catte Luc , Deckers Sarah , Devriendt Koenraad , Roggen Nele , Galjaard Robert‐Jan H. , Gitsels‐van der Wal Janneke , Macville Merryn V. E. , Martin Linda , Sistermans Erik A. , Van Calsteren Kristel , Van Keirsbilck Joachim , Crombag Neeltje , Henneman Lidewij
Published: February 2023

Background

The Netherlands and Belgium have been among the first countries to offer non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) as a first‐tier screening test. Despite similarities, differences exist in counseling modalities and test uptake. This study explored decision‐making and perspectives of pregnant women who opted for NIPT in both countries.

Methods

A questionnaire study was performed among pregnant women in the Netherlands (NL) (n = 587) and Belgium (BE) (n = 444) opting for NIPT, including measures on informed choice, personal and societal perspectives on trisomy 21, 18 and 13 and pregnancy termination.

Results

Differences between Dutch and Belgian women were shown in the level of informed choice (NL: 83% vs. BE: 59%, p < 0.001), intention to terminate the pregnancy in case of confirmed trisomy 21 (NL: 51% vs. BE: 62%, p = 0.003) and trisomy 13/18 (NL: 80% vs. BE: 73%, p = 0.020). More Belgian women considered trisomy 21 a severe condition (NL: 64% vs. BE: 81%, p < 0.001). Belgian women more frequently indicated that they believed parents are judged for having a child with trisomy 21 (BE: 42% vs. NL: 16%, p < 0.001) and were less positive about quality of care and support for children with trisomy 21 (BE: 23% vs. NL: 62%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Differences in women's decision‐making regarding NIPT and the conditions screened for may be influenced by counseling aspects and country‐specific societal and cultural contexts.
Catalytic effect of DMSO in metal‐catalyzed radical polymerization mediated by disproportionation facilitates living and immortal radical polymerizations
Authors: Maurya Devendra S. , Adamson Jasper , Bensabeh Nabil , Lligadas Gerard , Percec Virgil
Published: February 2023

DMSO, an interesting solvent for copper‐catalyzed living radical polymerization (LRP) mediated by disproportionation, does not exhibit the greatest disproportionation of Cu(I)X into Cu(0) and Cu(II)X2. Under suitable conditions, DMSO provides 100% conversion and absence of termination, facilitating the development of complex‐architecture methodologies by living and immortal polymerizations. The mechanism yielding this level of precision is being investigated. Here we compare Cu(0)‐wire‐catalyzed LRP of methyl acrylate mediated by disproportionating ligands tris(2‐dimethylaminoethyl)amine, Me6‐TREN, tris(2‐aminoethyl)amine, TREN, and Me6‐TREN/TREN = 1/1 in presence of eight disproportionating solvents, some more efficient than DMSO in disproportionation. Unexpectedly, we observed that all solvents increased the rate of polymerization when monomer concentration decreased. This reversed trend from that of conventional LRPs demonstrates catalytic effect for disproportionating solvents. Above a certain concentration, the classic concentration‐rate dependence was observed. The external order of reaction of the apparent rate constant of propagation, kpapp on solvent concentration demonstrated the highest order of reaction for the least disproportionating DMSO. Of all solvents investigated, DMSO has the highest ability to stabilize Cu(0) nanoparticles and therefore, yields the highest activity of Cu(0) nanoparticles rather than their greatest concentration. The implications of the catalytic effect of solvent in this and other reactions were discussed.
A novel hypoxia‐activated polymeric Tirapazamine derivative for enhanced antitumor therapy
Authors: Xu Yajun , Lv Jianlin , Kong Chaoying , Li Yanran , Wang Kun , Shen Na , Tang Zhaohui
Published: February 2023

Tirapazamine (TPZ, 3‐amino‐1,2,4‐benzotriazine 1,4‐dioxide), a representative hypoxia‐activated prodrugs (HAPs), has entered Phase II/III clinical trials. Despite a promising phase II clinical trial results, TPZ does not bring benefits to cancer therapy in most phase III clinical trials, which making the clinical trials failed. To improve its therapeutic effects, in this study, we synthesize a novel TPZ derivative, 3‐(3‐(5‐hydroxypentyl)ureido)benzo[e][1,2,4]triazine 1,4‐dioxide (TPZH), and covalently conjugated it to poly (L‐glutamic acid) (PLG) to obtain TPZH nanoparticles (TPZH‐NPs). The TPZH‐NPs shows prolonged blood circulation, enhanced tumor accumulation, and increased maximum tolerated dose (MTD) than TPZH. In addition, TPZH‐NPs exhibits significantly enhanced antitumor therapeutic efficiency than free TPZH against 4T1 breast tumors.
Novel technique of performing transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) for diagnosing diffuse parenchymal lung diseases (DPLD) in infants
Authors: Joseph Tinku , Agrawal Sumita , Nair Sreeraj , Jayakumar Chandrasekhara , Gopalakrishnan Rajesh , Nambiar Ajit
Published: February 2023

Childhood interstitial lung disease (ChILD) diagnosis often requires surgical lung biopsy after the common causes are ruled out. However, surgical lung biopsy has its own set of complications. Hence transbronchial lung cryobiopsy has been used in various studies of adult interstitial lung disease (ILD) with good yield and minimal complications. But this newer mode is rarely used in diagnosing children with suspected ILD. Here, we present the first case of the use of this technique in an infant via a rigid tracheoscope.
Non‐Oxidative Coupling of Methane Driven by Non‐Thermal Plasma: Effect of Packing Materials on Micro‐Electric Field
Authors: Liu Rui , Hao Yingzi , Meng Shengyan , Guo Hongchen , Yi Yanhui
Published: February 2023

Non‐oxidative coupling of methane (CH4) by plasma has received particular attention due to the achievement of high methane conversion and product selectivity at a low temperature. In this work, experimental results suggest that the packing materials directly affect the electric field, which in turn determines the plasma discharge and, subsequently, the conversion of CH4 and the products selectivity. High selectivity to ethylene was obtained by BaTiO3 packing, which can be ascribed to the moderate electric field generated with special physiochemical properties. Furthermore, in the cases of packing by ZSM‐5, γ‐Al2O3 or SiO2 granules, small size of granules contributed to generate a stronger electric field, which improves CH4 conversion. However, reverse trend has been found in the case of packing by BaTiO3. Finally, the specific indicator of micro‐electric field was developed to illustrate the relationship between reaction performance and packing materials.