bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experience with the US health care system for Black and White patients with advanced prostate cancer
Authors: Rencsok Emily M. , Stopsack Konrad H. , Slopen Natalie , Odedina Folakemi T. , Ragin Camille , Nowak Joel , McSwain Lawrence , Manarite Jan , Heath Elisabeth , George Daniel J. , Kantoff Philip W. , Vinson Jacob , Villanti Paul , Haneuse Sebastien , Mucci Lorelei A. ,   the IRONMAN Registry
Published: May 2023

Objective

The purpose of this study was to assess differences in reported information about treatment, integration into care, and respect by self‐identified Black and White individuals with advanced prostate cancer in the United States.

Patients and Methods

This is a prospective cohort study of 701 participants (20% identifying as Black) enrolled in the International Registry for Men with Advanced Prostate Cancer at 37 US sites from 2017 to 2022. Participants were asked six questions from the Cancer Australia National Cancer Control Indicators about their experience with care at study enrollment. Prevalence differences by self‐reported race were estimated using marginal standardization of logistic‐normal mixed effects models (adjusted for age at enrollment and disease state at enrollment), and 95% CIs were estimated using parametric bootstrapping.

Results

Most participants reported a high quality of care for each question. Black participants generally reported higher care quality compared with White participants. Black participants reported more frequently that they were offered a written assessment and care plan (71%) compared with White participants (58%; adjusted difference, 13 percentage points; 95% CI, 4–23). Black participants also reported more frequently being given the name of nonphysician personnel who would support them (64%) than White participants (52%; adjusted difference, 10; 95% CI, 1–20). Prevalence differences did not differ by disease state at enrollment.

Conclusions

Black participants generally reported a higher quality of care compared with White participants. This study calls attention to the need to study potential mediating factors and interpersonal aspects of care in this population to improve survivorship.
Mesh‐free high‐resolution simulation of cerebrocortical oxygen supply with fast Fourier preconditioning
Authors: Ventimiglia Thomas , Linninger Andreas A.
Published: May 2023

Oxygen transfer from blood vessels to cortical brain tissue is representative of a class of problems with mixed‐domain character. Large‐scale efficient computation of tissue oxygen concentration is dependent on the manner in which the tubular network of blood vessels is coupled to the tissue mesh. Models which explicitly resolve the interface between the tissue and vasculature with a contiguous mesh are prohibitively expensive for very dense cerebral microvasculature. We propose a mixed‐domain mesh‐free technique whereby a vascular anatomical network (VAN) represented as a thin directed graph serves for convection of blood oxygen, and the surrounding extravascular tissue is represented as a Cartesian grid of 3D voxels throughout which oxygen is transported by diffusion. We split the network and tissue meshes by the Schur complement method of domain decomposition to obtain a reduced set of system equations for the tissue oxygen concentration at steady state. The use of a Cartesian grid allows the corresponding matrix equation to be solved approximately with a fast Fourier transform‐based Poisson solver, which serves as an effective preconditioner for Krylov subspace iteration. The performance of this method enables the steady‐state simulation of cortical oxygen perfusion for anatomically accurate vascular networks down to single micron resolution without the need for supercomputers.
Simultaneous Multisite Extracellular Electrophysiological Recordings During Electrical Stimulation in Anesthetized Rats
Authors: Lin Muxin , Wang Ying , Ping Yong , Chen Fujun
Published: May 2023

Analyzing neuronal activities is essential to deciphering the function of neural circuits. In anesthetized rodents, simultaneous multisite recording of extracellular electrophysiological activity with defined electrical stimulation is a powerful tool to dissect reciprocal relationships between brain structures. Here, we present a protocol to simultaneously record from the subthalamic nucleus and substantia nigra pars reticulata while stimulating the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus in anesthetized rats. This protocol describes the preparation of recording and stimulating electrodes, surgery setup, and detailed recording techniques. Basic post‐recording data analysis methods are included as well. This protocol can be adapted to other brain areas of interest following the outlined procedures. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Assembly of recording and stimulating electrodes

Basic Protocol 2: Implantation of recording and stimulating electrodes in an anesthetized rat

Basic Protocol 3: Simultaneous recording from the STN and SNr with PPTg stimulation

Basic Protocol 4: Histological verification of recording sites

Basic Protocol 5: Analysis of electrophysiological data
Effect of pH on Structure, Optical, and Dielectric Properties of BaTiO3 Nanoparticles
Authors: Kumari Pillalamarri Anita , Devi Damala Madhuri , Kumar Nune Satya Vijaya
Published: May 2023

Barium titanate (BTA) nanoparticles are prepared by low‐temperature hydrothermal technique with varying pH from 9 to 12. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirm that the BTA nanoparticles with pH ranging from 9 to 11 show the existence of few small secondary phases (*) related to tetragonal structure along with the prominent cubic phases. But for sample with pH = 12, the XRD patterns confirm the presence of cubic phases without secondary phases. The morphology evidences the existence of almost spherical‐shaped grains (field‐emission scanning electron microscopy), and nanoparticles (high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy) in case of all samples. The energy dispersive spectra confirm the presence of Ba, Ti, and O elements among all samples. Besides, the photocatalytic activity is noticed for all samples. Using the Tauc's plots, optical band gap is determined. The dielectric constant (at pH = 12) is ≈15.10 while the dielectric loss is ≈1.231 suggesting the sample is suitable for charge stored capacitor applications. The dielectric modulus and impedance spectra are recorded in order to evaluate the polarization and conduction mechanism.
Fast power density aware three‐dimensional integrated circuit floorplanning for hard macroblocks using best operator combination genetic algorithm
Authors: Meitei Naorem Yaipharenba , Baishnab Krishna Lal , Trivedi Gaurav
Published: May 2023

In this article, we propose a fast three‐dimensional integrated circuit (3D‐IC) floorplanning method for hard macroblocks that includes a thermal management scheme. It applies a genetic algorithm constituted by an optimal combination of crossover and mutation operations to identify the optimal solution for design variables, namely, total wire length, number of through‐silicon vias (TSVs), and maximum average layer power density. The proposed method additionally makes use of a unique TSV placement scheme that arranges TSVs next to their respective functional blocks. To enable efficient heat transmission to the ambient environment, layers with higher power densities are placed closer to the heat sink. The proposed 3D‐IC floorplanning approach provides the fewest TSVs, the lowest peak temperature, and promising values of wire length within the least amount of computation time. Compared to the recent fast thermal analysis for fixed‐outline 3D‐floorplanning, it generates 13.14% shorter wire length, 39.27% lower peak temperature, and 34.35% lesser number of TSVs on average with significant improvement in computation time, while analyzing GSRC thermal benchmark circuits.
Who is reporting non‐native species and how? A cross‐expert assessment of practices and drivers of non‐native biodiversity reporting in species regional listing
Authors: Castro Andry , Ribeiro Joana , Reino Luís , Capinha César
Published: May 2023

Each year, hundreds of scientific works with species' geographical data are published. However, these data can be challenging to identify, collect, and integrate into analytical workflows due to differences in reporting structures, storage formats, and the omission or inconsistency of relevant information and terminology. These difficulties tend to be aggravated for non‐native species, given varying attitudes toward non‐native species reporting and the existence of an additional layer of invasion‐related terminology. Thus, our objective is to identify the current practices and drivers of the geographical reporting of non‐native species in the scientific literature. We conducted an online survey targeting authors of species regional checklists—a widely published source of biogeographical data—where we asked about reporting habits and perceptions regarding non‐native taxa. The responses and the relationships between response variables and predictors were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ordinal logistic regression models. With a response rate of 22.4% (n = 113), we found that nearly half of respondents (45.5%) do not always report non‐native taxa, and of those who report, many (44.7%) do not always differentiate them from native taxa. Close to half of respondents (46.4%) also view the terminology of biological invasions as an obstacle to the reporting of non‐native taxa. The ways in which checklist information is provided are varied, but mainly correspond to descriptive text and embedded tables with non‐native species (when given) mentioned alongside native species. Only 13.4% of respondents mention to always provide the data in automation‐friendly formats or its publication in biodiversity data repositories. Data on the distribution of non‐native species are essential for monitoring global biodiversity change and preventing biological invasions. Despite its importance our results show an urgent need to improve the frequency, accessibility, and consistency of publication of these data.
The interplay between vitamin C and thyroid
Authors: Farasati Far Bahareh , Behnoush Amir Hossein , Ghondaghsaz Elina , Habibi Mohammad Amin , Khalaji Amirmohammad
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a water‐soluble vitamin, that plays a key role in the prevention and treatment of scurvy. As vitamin C is an antioxidant and thyroid function may be affected and may affect vitamin C levels, for the first time, we aimed to provide a detailed review of all human studies evaluating the different roles of vitamin C in the thyroid gland. Thyroid cancers, goitre, Graves' disease and other causes of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism were the conditions discussed in this study. Furthermore, vitamin C addition to other medications such as levothyroxine was also reviewed.

Methods

In this study, we reviewed the relevant literature regarding the association between vitamin C and thyroid diseases using original studies from PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science.

Results

In this review, we found anti‐cancer effects for intravenous (IV) administration of vitamin C in addition to the beneficial effects of using it in combination with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. As autoimmune diseases affect some antioxidant markers, some studies reported a significant difference in blood vitamin C levels in patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases such as Graves' disease. Despite many studies evaluating the effects of IV administration of vitamin C in mentioned diseases, there is a lack of evidence for oral consumption of vitamin C.

Conclusions

To conclude, there is a lack of evidence, especially clinical trials, for the therapeutic effects of vitamin C on thyroid diseases; however, promising results were reported in some studies in the literature.
Safety, tolerability and efficacy of up‐titration of guideline‐directed medical therapies for acute heart failure in elderly patients: A sub‐analysis of the STRONG‐HF randomized clinical trial
Authors: Arrigo Mattia , Biegus Jan , Asakage Ayu , Mebazaa Alexandre , Davison Beth , Edwards Christopher , Adamo Marianna , Barros Marianela , Celutkiene Jelena , Čerlinskaitė‐Bajorė Kamilė , Chioncel Ovidiu , Damasceno Albertino , Diaz Rafael , Filippatos Gerasimos , Gayat Etienne , Kimmoun Antoine , Lam Carolyn S.P. , Metra Marco , Novosadova Maria , Pagnesi Matteo , Pang Peter S. , Ponikowski Piotr , Saidu Hadiza , Sliwa Karen , Takagi Koji , Ter Maaten Jozine M. , Tomasoni Daniela , Voors Adriaan A. , Cotter Gad , Cohen‐Solal Alain
Published: May 2023

Aims

STRONG‐HF examined a high‐intensity care (HIC) strategy of rapid up‐titration of guideline‐directed medical therapy (GDMT) and close follow‐up after acute heart failure (AHF) admission. We assess the role of age on efficacy and safety of HIC.

Methods and results

Hospitalized AHF patients, not treated with optimal GDMT were randomized to HIC or usual care. The primary endpoint of 180‐day death or HF readmission occurred equally in older (>65 years, n = 493, 74 ± 5 years) and younger patients (53 ± 11 years, adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.73–1.43, p = 0.89). Older patients received slightly lower GDMT to day 21, but same doses at day 90 and 180. The effect of HIC on the primary endpoint was numerically higher in younger (aHR 0.51, 95% CI 0.32–0.82) than older patients (aHR 0.73, 95% CI 0.46–1.15, adjusted interaction p = 0.30), partially related to COVID‐19 deaths. After exclusion of COVID‐19 deaths, the effect of HIC was similar in younger (aHR 0.51, 95% CI 0.32–0.82) and older patients (aHR 0.63, 95% CI 0.32–1.02, adjusted interaction p = 0.56), with no treatment‐by‐age interaction (interaction p = 0.57). HIC induced larger improvements in quality of life to day 90 in younger (EQ‐VAS adjusted‐mean difference 5.51, 95% CI 3.20–7.82) than in older patients (1.77, 95% CI −0.75 to 4.29, interaction p = 0.032). HIC was associated with similar rates of adverse events in older and younger patients.

Conclusion

High‐intensity care after AHF was safe and resulted in a significant reduction of all‐cause death or HF readmission at 180 days across the study age spectrum. Older patients have smaller benefits in terms of quality of life.
Synthesis of 3‐Arylquinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones under Visible‐Light Irradiation with Oxygen‐Doped Carbon Nitride as Heterogenous Photocatalyst
Authors: Gao Huanjie , Zhang Ying , Liang Zeyao , Zhang Wenjie , Xu Qingyu , Zhu Li , Yao Xiaoquan
Published: May 2023

A novel oxygen‐doped graphitic carbon nitride (OCN) material was designed and synthesized via the hydrothermal‐calcination method with melamine and hydroperoxide as starting materials. The OCN material was utilized as a highly efficient solid metal‐free photocatalyst for the synthesis of 3‐arylquinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones via the catalytic decomposition of aryl diazonium salts under blue light irradiation. Following this approach, various 3‐arylquinoxalin‐2(1H)‐one derivatives could be obtained in moderate to excellent yields with broad substrate scope under mild conditions. Also, the OCN solid photocatalyst shows good recyclability in the reaction, there was no appreciable loss in yields observed even after 5 cycles. This methodology offers a practical, mild, and metal‐free alternative to the preparation of 3‐arylquinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones.
In‐situ leakage diagnosis of urban water supply network by fire hydrants and EPANET simulation
Authors: Chen Ying‐Chu , Chen Li‐Shiuan
Published: May 2023

A method of in‐situ leakage diagnosis of a water supply network using fire hydrant water flow measurements and simulation by EPANET software was established. A network with 1032 m of water distribution pipes and 350 user‐side water meters in Taipei was separated into five zones. The lowest volume of daily water flow occurred between 1:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., with values ranging from 0.004 to 0.785 m3/min; these data can be regarded as a minimum value of water leakage in the network at midnight. The volume of water leakage was strongly correlated with observed pressure transients, enabling the measurement of the water leakage in the network, which ranged from 5.76 to 628 m3/d. The total water leakage simulated by EPANET was 1.48 m3/d in the network. Although this value deviated by 23% from the District Metered Area (DMA) results, both EPANET and DMA tools confirmed that zones 4 and 5 had severe water leakage problems. Simplifying valves and combining neighboring pipes of the same diameter during the EPANET simulation was efficiently tackle water leakage. EPANET allows for quick diagnosis of the water leakage areas, whereas the DMA tool allows for precise measurements of water volume and pressure. The costs of in‐situ diagnosis and EPANET simulation include instruments, labor, and time, and are estimated to be lower than those of the DMA tool. Furthermore, the methodology of this study can reduce the risks of underground working disasters.
Between hierarchies and markets: How street‐level bureaucratic autonomy leads to policy innovations
Authors: Barral Stéphanie , Ghosh Ritwick
Published: May 2023

Although street‐level bureaucrats (SLBs) play a key role in the implementation of market‐based instruments (MBIs), their participation is widely understudied. This paper addresses this blind spot by engaging the concept of street‐level bureaucratic policy entrepreneurship. Using the case of conservation banking, a market‐based environmental policy in the United States, we explore why this novel instrument has only been adopted in a handful of jurisdictions. We examine both non‐adoption and adoption of conservation banking to find that SLBs are likely to engage in such entrepreneurial acts when a new policy form is particularly useful in legitimizing regulatory enforcement. Implementing a MBI is, however, not straightforward. Organizational conditions can restrain SLB autonomy to implement MBIs, preferring instead to persist with baseline policies, which further underscores the importance of SLB risk‐taking behavior. SLBs must strategically straddle their unique position between the market and the hierarchy to enroll different actors into the new policy arrangement, all within dynamic political–economic conditions.
Insight into seasonal aerosol concentrations and meteorological influence over a flood affected area using satellite data and statistical model simulation
Authors: Divya P. S. , Moses Vijila , Jasmin Shany V. , Samuel Cyril , Manoj G.
Published: May 2023

Aerosol particles in the atmosphere are one of the many factors that might affect floods. One of India's most flood‐prone regions, Muzaffarpur district in Bihar, has been chosen as the study area. The time period considered for the satellite data on meteorological influence is from the year 2000 to 2021. The correlation coefficient between past forecasts and its confirming data is often used to assess the effectiveness of weather and climate forecasting systems. Therefore, changes in correlation can be utilized to gauge advancements in forecasting ability. In this study, the relationship between aerosol optical depth (AOD) 550 nm, temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, PM2.5 and precipitation are carried out with correlation co‐efficient. The average rainfall throughout the monsoon was found to be 162.5 mm, during the period 2000–2021. The descriptive statistical data for seasonal data were determined for AOD (550 nm), PM2.5, wind speed, relative humidity, and temperature values. It is inferred that there is a positive correlation between precipitation and AOD for the monsoon season. Hence the fitting of meteorological parameter AOD for the monsoon season are done with six different probability distributions Gamma (3P), Logistics, Lognormal (3P), Normal, Rayleigh (2P) and Weibull (3P). The parameters of these distributions are evaluated using the Maximum Likelihood Estimation and the goodness of fit is tested using the test statistics Kolmogorov Smirnov and Anderson Darling test. Among the six discussed distributions, Weibull (3P) distribution provides the best fit to model the meteorological data from the satellite, the flood prediction would be obtained from the model proposed.
Zircon U–Pb ages and Hf–O isotopes of Xiaomasa Miocene granite in the Ximeng area, western Yunnan, southwest China: Constraints on petrogenesis and tectonic setting
Authors: Chen Xiaocui , Li Peng , Mao Kainan , Yang Wei , Yang Wu , Yan Jun
Published: May 2023

Characteristic granites of the East Tethyan Tectonic Domain (ETTD) are primarily exposed along the Himalayan orogenic belt and Gangdese batholith in the north, extend from western Yunnan in the centre, and through the Burma batholith to Peninsular Malaysia in the south. Western Yunnan is an important part of the ETTD magmatic arc, featuring characteristic granites that mainly developed between the Jurassic and Paleogene. Nonetheless, compared to other regions of the ETTD, Miocene magmatism has been poorly documented in western Yunnan. The Xiaomasa granite occurs in the Ximeng area of western Yunnan. In this study, we present U–Pb ages, and Hf–O isotope data for zircon crystals from the Xiaomasa granite pluton. Laser Ablation–Multicollector–Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometry (LA–MC–ICP–MS) zircon U–Pb dating yields precise emplacement ages of 15.8–16.1 Ma for the Xiaomasa granite, indicating that Miocene granitic magmatism occurred in western Yunnan. Zircons from the Xiaomasa granite have negative εHf(t) values ranging from −6.6 to −11.6, relatively high δ18O values (6.8%–10.2‰), and two‐stage Hf isotopic model ages (1.51–1.83 Ga). Zircon Hf–O isotopic characteristics indicate that the Xiaomasa granite was mainly derived from partial melting of ancient continental crust. The Ximeng Precambrian metamorphic basement is a probable material source for the granite. The Xiaomasa granite was probably produced by partial melting of the thickened Ximeng ancient metamorphic basement under a reduced pressure environment, reflecting a cumulative effect of the escape of Sundaland caused by the dynamics of the continuous India–Asia collision.
Association of ipsilateral radiation therapy with contralateral lymph node failure in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Razavian Niema B. , Shenker Rachel F. , D'Agostino Ralph B. , Hughes Ryan T.
Published: May 2023

Background

Ipsilateral neck radiotherapy (INRT) is controversial in some patients with oral cavity cancer due to concern for contralateral neck failure (CNF).

Methods

A systematic review was performed and data were extracted following PRISMA guidelines. Outcomes were the rate of CNF following INRT and the rates of CNF by AJCC 7th ed. tumor and nodal staging.

Results

Fifteen studies consisting of 1825 patients were identified. Among the 805 patients treated with INRT, the rate of CNF was 5.7%. Patients with T4 tumors constituted 56% of all CNF cases. The rate of CNF increased by N stage (N0: 1.2%; N1: 3.8%; N2‐N3: 17.4%) and was significantly higher for patients with N2‐N3 than N0‐N1 disease (p < 0.001).

Discussion

INRT is associated with an overall low risk of CNF in well‐selected patients with N0‐N1 disease. Patients with N2‐3 and/or T4 disease should receive bilateral RT due to increased risk of CNF following INRT.
Large‐scale real‐world data analyses of cancer risks among patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Wang Feicheng , Palmer Nathan , Fox Kathe , Liao Katherine P. , Yu Kun‐Hsing , Kou Samuel C.
Published: May 2023

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects 24.5 million people worldwide and has been associated with increased cancer risks. However, the extent to which the observed risks are related to the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis or its treatments is unknown. Leveraging nationwide health insurance claims data with 85.97 million enrollees across 8 years, we identified 92 864 patients without cancers at the time of rheumatoid arthritis diagnoses. We matched 68 415 of these patients with participants without rheumatoid arthritis by sex, race, age and inferred health and economic status and compared their risks of developing all cancer types. By 12 months after the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis patients were 1.21 (95% confidence interval [CI] [1.14, 1.29]) times more likely to develop any cancer compared with matched enrollees without rheumatoid arthritis. In particular, the risk of developing lymphoma is 2.08 (95% CI [1.67, 2.58]) times higher in the rheumatoid arthritis group, and the risk of developing lung cancer is 1.69 (95% CI [1.32, 2.13]) times higher. We further identified the five most commonly used drugs in treating rheumatoid arthritis, and the log‐rank test showed none of them is implicated with a significantly increased cancer risk compared with rheumatoid arthritis patients without that specific drug. Our study suggested that the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis, rather than its treatments, is implicated in the development of subsequent cancers. Our method is extensible to investigating the connections among drugs, diseases and comorbidities at scale.
Potential of implementing irrigation in rainfed agriculture in Quebec: A review of climate change‐induced challenges and adaptation strategies
Authors: Nand Viveka , Qi Zhiming
Published: May 2023

Leading to growing‐season water stress, eastern Canada's evolving climate has disrupted the region's rainfed farming systems. Accordingly, this review was conducted to assess the status of irrigation, climate‐induced challenges and opportunities and the impact of adaptation strategies on economic returns and the environment in Quebec's agricultural regions. While irrigation is limited mainly to high‐value crops, controlled drainage with sub‐irrigation (CDSI) has been implemented at a limited number of field sites. Given the greater rainfall variability and rising number of growing‐season heatwave events anticipated, previous studies have mainly focused on developing climate change adaptation practices. The present study identified two research gaps: (i) a lack of analyses of drought frequency and its effect on root zone soil moisture, crop ET, crop phenology and agricultural production at a regional scale under historical and future climates and (ii) a lack of regional‐scale studies addressing climate change adaptation options, including supplementary irrigation, and their potential effects on economic return and water resources under a changing climate. Additional studies must address these gaps for the development of climate change adaptation practices to secure food demand and water sustainability.
Methylseleninic acid induces apoptosis of human bladder cancer cells through the ROS‐mediated mitochondrial pathway
Authors: Chen Yi , Zhang Yan , Wang Xinsheng , Qiao Saifeng
Published: May 2023

As the most common selenium derivative, methylseleninic acid (MSA) has attracted wide attention. Its apoptotic induction ability and the possible molecular mechanism in human bladder cancer (BC) J82 and T24 cells were investigated in the present study. We found that the survival of J82 and T24 cells were inhibited in a dose‐dependent manner after MSA treatment. Propidium iodide (PI) staining and Annexin V‐fluorescein isothiocyanate/PI double staining clarified that MSA stocked cells at G2/M phase and caused apoptosis in J82 and T24 cells. Further, typical morphological features of apoptotic cells were also observed. Accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential were also detected by dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate and Rhodamin123 staining. Meanwhile, pretreatment with N‐acetylcysteine, an ROS scavenging agent, found that the apoptosis of BC cells induced by MSA was related to the production of ROS. Western blot analysis results showed that MSA interrupted Bax/Bcl‐2 balance, stimulated cytochrome c release into the cytoplasm, activated caspase‐9 and caspase‐3, and finally induced the apoptosis of the BC cells. These findings demonstrated that MSA was able to induce apoptosis in J82 and T24 cells through ROS‐mediated mitochondrial apoptosis.
A novel exonuclease III‐based turn‐on fluorescent aptasensor for aflatoxin B1 detection
Authors: Qiao Mengxiang , Zhao Fei , Wang Xinwei , Liu Yong , Wei Min
Published: May 2023

Background

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is strongly carcinogenic and has been classified as a class I carcinogenic compound by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. AFB1 is widely contaminated in wheat, peanuts, corn and other crops and their products, posing a great threat to human health.

Objective

To establish a rapid, safe and accurate fluorescent aptasensor for sensitive detection of AFB1 in food.

Methods

In this study, single‐stranded DNA (S1) labeled with black hole quencher BHQ1 and carboxyfluorescein FAM at both ends was used as a signal probe. Nucleic acid exonuclease III (EXO‐III) was introduced as a signal amplification strategy. The basic principle is to exploit the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) effect generated between FAM and BHQ1. The fluorescent signal change of FAM in the presence or absence of the target is used for the quantitative detection of AFB1. And on this basis, the factors affecting the sensitivity of the sensor are explored in depth.

Results

Under optimal experimental conditions, the sensor showed a good linear relationship between LgCAFB1 and relative fluorescence intensity in the range of 0.05‐500 ng/mL. The detection limit was as low as 18.2 pg/mL. In particular, the best performance of the aptasensor was achieved when the ratio of cDNA to Apt was 1.2 and the amount of EXO‐III was 25 U.

Conclusions

The combination of MBs, dual‐labeled S1 probes and Exo‐III was used to develop an accurate and sensitive fluorescent aptasensor for AFB1 detection. The developed aptasensor has satisfied recovery and selectivity in AFB1 detection of corn flour and wine samples, indicating that the designed aptasensor has the potential to be used in detecting AFB1 of food samples.
Epilepsy panel testing criteria: A clinical assessment
Authors: Fazenbaker Andrew C. , Munro Christine D. , Carlson Jenna C. , Durst Andrea L. , Vento Jodie M.
Published: May 2023

Epilepsy is a common, and often genetic, neurological disorder. Few guidelines exist to help medical providers or insurance companies decide when to order or cover epilepsy panels for patients with epilepsy. The most recent guidelines were published by NSGC after this study's data collection. Since 2017, the Genetic Testing Stewardship Program (GTSP) at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh (CHP) has been utilizing a set of internally developed epilepsy panel (EP) testing criteria to facilitate appropriate EP ordering practices. The purpose of this study was to assess these testing criteria by determining their sensitivities and positive predictive values (PPV). Retrospective chart review of the electronic medical record (EMR) was performed for 1242 CHP Neurology patients that were evaluated for a primary diagnosis of epilepsy between 2016 and 2018. One hundred and nine patients had EPs at various testing laboratories. Of the patients that met criteria, 17 had diagnostic EPs and 54 had negative EPs. Criteria were organized into category groupings (C1‐C4), and analyzed alone for C1, in pairs for C2, etc. The highest sensitivity and PPV results in each category grouping were: C1 (64.7%, 60%); C2, (88%, 30.3%); C3, (94.1%, 27.1%); C4, (94.1%, 25.4%). Family history was crucial to increasing sensitivity. Confidence intervals (CIs) narrowed as category grouping level increased, though this was not statistically significant due to the considerable CI overlap across category groupings. The PPV from C4 was applied to the untested population cohort and predicted 121 patients with unidentified positive EPs. This study presents data supporting the predictive capabilities of EP testing criteria and suggests the addition of a family history criterion. This study impacts public health by encouraging the adoption of evidence‐driven insurance policies and by suggesting guidelines to ease EP ordering and coverage decisions, which could potentially improve patient access to EP testing.
Sudden cardiac death in the young: A qualitative study of experiences of family members with cardiogenetic evaluation
Authors: van den Heuvel Lieke , Do Judy , Yeates Laura , Burns Charlotte , Semsarian Chris , Ingles Jodie
Published: May 2023

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a devastating event for the family and the community, especially when it occurs in a young person (<45 years). Genetic heart diseases, including cardiomyopathies and primary arrhythmia syndromes, are an important cause of SCD in the young. Although cardiogenetic evaluation, that is, clinical evaluation, genetic testing, and psychological support, is increasingly performed after SCD, it is unknown how suddenly bereaved family members experience the process. We aimed to explore the experiences of family members with cardiogenetic evaluation after SCD, and their perception of the process and care received. In‐depth interviews were conducted with 18 family members of young people (<45 years old) who died suddenly, including parents, siblings, and partners. The interviews were thematically analyzed by two researchers independently. In total, 18 interviews were conducted from 17 families. The following themes were identified: (1) Experiences with postmortem genetic testing including managing expectations and psychological impact, (2) appreciation of care such as access to genetic counseling and relief following cardiac evaluation of relatives, and (3) need for support including unmet psychological support needs and better coordination of care immediately after the death. Although participants appreciated the opportunity for cardiogenetic evaluation, they also experienced a lack of coordination of cardiogenetic and psychological care. Our findings stress the importance of access to expert multidisciplinary teams, including psychological care, to adequately support these families after a SCD in a young family member.
Synthesis and evaluation of 111In‐labeled tetrapeptide‐based compounds as single‐photon emission computed tomography imaging probes targeting granzyme B
Authors: Kazuta Nobuki , Watanabe Hiroyuki , Ono Masahiro
Published: May 2023

Granzyme B is an attractive target as a biomarker for contributing to improve the treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI). In this study, we designed novel 111In‐labeled granzyme B‐targeting single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging probes, [111In]IDT and [111In]IDAT. Nonradioactive In‐labeled granzyme B‐targeting compounds ([natIn]IDT, [natIn]IDAT) showed the affinity for recombinant mouse granzyme B. [111In]IDT and [111In]IDAT were obtained with moderate radiochemical yield and high stability in mouse plasma (>95%). In a biodistribution experiment using tumor‐bearing mice, [111In]IDT and [111In]IDAT showed moderate accumulation in tumor. Ex vivo autoradiography (ARG) indicated that the accumulation of radioactivity in tumor was correlated to expression of granzyme B confirmed by the immunohistochemical staining. These results indicated that [111In]IDT and [111In]IDAT showed the basic properties as granzyme B‐targeting SPECT probes.
Insight into historical and future spring snow cover from satellite observation and model simulations over the Northern Hemisphere
Authors: Guo Hui , Sun Hui , Meng Fanhao , Sa Chula , Luo Min
Published: May 2023

Assessment of spring snow cover fraction (SCF) can be valuable for understanding the efficacy of certain Earth system models (ESMs) in simulating the energy exchange between land and atmosphere system, global hydrological cycle and future climate impacts. Here, we provide a comprehensive evaluation of simulated spring SCF from 23 and 20 ESMs participating CMIP5 and CMIP6, against satellite data from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Climatic Data Center (NOAA/NCDC) and a long‐term Northern Hemisphere daily 5‐km snow cover extent product (JASMES) over the Northern Hemisphere (NH) and its 13 subregions during the period of 1982–2005 and 2072–2095. Our results show that (a) no model performs consistently better in simulating spring SCF from all aspects (mean annual, long‐term trend and climatological monthly of spring SCF); (b) the mean annual of spring SCF that was simulated by CMIP5 and CMIP6 model simulations was underestimated in most of the NH and overestimated over the Tibetan Plateau and eastern Asia; (c) most of the model simulations showed a stronger reduction trend for mean annual of spring SCF; (d) the climatological monthly variation of spring SCF is reasonably captured by all model simulations, except for overestimation over the TIB and EAS regions, and there is underestimation in other regions; (e) compared to CMIP5, most of the model simulations in CMIP6 exhibit an improved ability to simulate spring SCF across all aspects; (f) we confirm that the multi‐model ensemble mean (MME) is a better way to represent the three aspects of spring SCF than most individual model simulations. Finally, the spring SCF values predicted by models with better simulation abilities over the NH and its 13 subregions under different scenarios show decreasing trends. Specifically, the highest decreasing trend of spring SCF was found under high emission scenarios (RCP8.5 and SSP5‐8.5).
A new approach for seasonal prediction using the coupled model CFSv2 with special emphasis on Indian Summer Monsoon
Authors: Fousiya T. S. , Gnanaseelan Chellappan , Halder Subrota , Kakatkar Rashmi , Chowdary Jasti S. , Darshana Patekar , Parekh Anant
Published: May 2023

Predicting Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) is a challenging task due to its complexity and nonlinear interactions. Any improvement in the seasonal prediction skill of models would highly benefit a large population and the economy. In this context, three sets of hindcast experiments are carried out for 9 months each, for the period 1993–2019, using the National Centers for Environmental Prediction‐Climate Forecast System version 2 (NCEP‐CFSv2). The experiments differ from each other in the way they are initialized: one is initialized in February (FebIC), and the second in May (MayIC), whereas in the third one (Exp), ocean is initialized in February and allowed to evolve but the atmosphere reinitialized every month up to May. So, hindcasts of Exp are from the pre‐evolved ocean with realistic atmospheric initial conditions of May. The representation of mean tropical Indo‐Pacific Sea surface temperature (SST), Walker circulation, mean monsoon circulation and moisture transport to Indian landmass are better represented in Exp. The ISM rainfall prediction (interannual) skill improved in Exp as compared to FebIC and MayIC over central India, Indian land mass and extended monsoon region. The initialization strategy adopted in Exp reduces the model initial shocks especially in the upper ocean heat content and SST over the Indo‐Pacific region, thereby offering a cost‐effective alternative approach for reduction of the initial shock. The well‐known cold tongue SST bias over the equatorial Pacific in MayIC is reduced significantly in Exp with improved monsoon teleconnections and the overdependence of ISM rainfall on El Niño Southern Oscillation in MayIC is also reduced in Exp.
Cerclage augmentation of S1–S2 transsacral screw fixation in osteoporotic posterior pelvis ring injuries: A biomechanical feasibility study
Authors: Berk Till , Zderic Ivan , Schwarzenberg Peter , Halvachizadeh Sascha , Teuben Michel , Richards Geoff , Gueorguiev Boyko , Pape Hans‐Christoph
Published: May 2023

Injuries of the posterior pelvic ring are predominantly associated with osteoporosis. Percutaneously placed screws transfixing the sacroiliac joint have become the gold standard for their treatment. However, screw cut‐out, backing‐out, and loosening are common complications. One promising option could be cerclage reinforcement of cannulated screw fixations. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical feasibility of posterior pelvic ring injuries fixed with S1 and S2 transsacral screws augmented with cerclage. Twenty‐four composite osteoporotic pelvises with posterior sacroiliac joint dislocation were stratified into four groups for S1–S2 transsacral fixation using either (1) fully threaded screws, (2) fully threaded screws with cable cerclage, (3) fully threaded screws with wire cerclage, or (4) partially threaded screws with wire cerclage. All specimens were biomechanically tested under progressively increasing cyclic loading until failure. Intersegmental movements were monitored by motion tracking. The transsacral partially threaded screw fixation with wire cerclage augmentation resulted in significantly less combined angular intersegmental movement in the transverse and coronal plane versus its fully threaded counterpart (p = 0.032), as well as in significantly less flexion versus all other fixations (p ≤ 0.029). Additional cerclage augmentation could be performed intraoperatively to improve the stability of posterior pelvic ring injuries treated with S1–S2 transsacral screw fixation. Further investigations should follow to consolidate the current results on real bones and possibly consider execution of a clinical study.
Characterization of the gut microbiome in an osteosarcoma mouse model
Authors: Le David , Chambers MaKenzie M. , Mercado Kayla , Gutowski Christina J.
Published: May 2023

Compelling evidence has mounted surrounding the relationship between the gut microbiome and many intestinal and extraintestinal cancers. Few studies exist investigating the relationship between the gut microbiome and sarcoma. We hypothesize that the presence of distant osteosarcoma induces change to the profile of flora within the mouse. Twelve mice were used for this experiment: six were sedated and received an injection of human osteosarcoma cells into the flank, while six served as controls. Baseline stool and weight were collected. Tumor size and mouse weight were recorded weekly, and stool samples were collected and stored. Fecal microbiomes of the mice were profiled by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and analyzed for alpha diversity, relative abundances of microbial taxa, and abundance of specific bacteria at different time points. Alpha diversity was increased in the osteosarcoma group compared with the control group. The family Lachnospiraceae had the second strongest negative net average change in relative abundance over time in the osteosarcoma group whereas it had a positive net average change in the control group. An increased Firmicutes/Bacteroidota (F/B) ratio was observed in the osteosarcoma group relative to the control mice. These differences suggest that there may be an interplay between the gut microbiome and osteosarcoma. Clinical significance: Due to the paucity of literature available, our work can support novel research on this relationship and the development of new, personalized treatments for osteosarcoma.
Advances of responsive deep eutectic solvents and application in extraction and separation of bioactive compounds
Authors: Zhang Mengying , Zhang Ze , Gul Zarmina , Tian Mengfei , Wang Junling , Zheng Kaili , Zhao Chunjian , Li Chunying
Published: May 2023

In recent years, it has been found that changing ambient conditions (CO2/N2, temperature, pH) can trigger a switchable phase transition of deep eutectic solvents, and such solvents are known as responsive deep eutectic solvents. In this work, we present the development history, properties, and preparation of responsive deep eutectic solvents, followed by the application of responsive deep eutectic solvents in the extraction and separation of bioactive compounds are presented. Importantly, the mechanism of responsive deep eutectic solvents in the extraction of bioactive compounds is discussed. Finally, the challenges and prospects of responsive deep eutectic solvents in the extraction and separation of bioactive compounds are proposed. Responsive deep eutectic solvents are considered green and efficient solvents. Some methods for extraction and separation of bioactive compounds by responsive deep eutectic solvents can increase the possibility of recycling the deep eutectic solvents, and provide higher efficiency in the extraction and separation field. It is hoped that this will provide a reference for the green and sustainable extraction and separation of various bioactive compounds.
Silk Fibroin/Wool Keratin Composite Scaffold with Hierarchical Fibrous and Porous Structure
Authors: Yang Jie , Wang Huan , Zhou Yuhang , Duan Lirong , Schneider Karl H , Zheng Zhaozhu , Han Fengxuan , Wang Xiaoqin , Li Gang
Published: May 2023

The present study describes a silk microfiber reinforced meniscus scaffold (SMRMS) with hierarchical fibrous and porous structure made from silk fibroin (SF) and wool keratin (WK) using electrospinning and freeze‐drying technology. This study focuses on the morphology, secondary structure, mechanical properties, and water absorption properties of the scaffold. The cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of SMRMS are assessed in vivo and in vitro. The scaffold shows hierarchical fibrous and porous structure, hierarchical pore size distribution (ranges from 50 to 650 µm), robust mechanical properties (compression strength can reach at 2.8 MPa), and stable biodegradability. A positive growth condition revealed by in vitro cytotoxicity testing indicates that the scaffold is not hazardous to cells. In vivo assessments of biocompatibility reveal that only a mild inflammatory reaction is present in implanted rat tissue. Meniscal scaffold made of SF/WK composite shows a potential application prospect in the meniscal repair engineering field with its development.
A Model of Mechanotransduction in Polyvinyl Alcohol‐Based Composite Hydrogels for Regulating Musculoskeletal Differentiation
Authors: Firoozi Mahtab , Entezam Mehdi , Ejeian Fatemeh , Masaeli Elahe
Published: May 2023

In regenerative medicine, extracellular matrix (ECM)‐inspired materials are currently being explored to imitate mechanotransduction pathways and control cell fate. In musculoskeletal tissue regeneration, enhancing mechano‐biological signals require biomaterials that are both biocompatible and viscoelastic and can retain water content. Herein, based on these requirements, various polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)‐based composite hydrogels, reinforced by polyhydroxy butyrate (PHB) nanofibers, are proposed to differentiate equine adipose‐derived stem cells for musculoskeletal regeneration. To study the role of fiber embedding in improving scaffold properties, different nanofiber assemblies, including chopped short ones with random orientation (PVAS), single‐layer (PVAL1), and double‐layer membranes (PVAL2) are positioned into the PVA matrix. PHB reinforcements negatively affect swelling and positively enhanced phase transition temperatures and crystallinity of PVA hydrogel. According to mechanical analysis results, compositing with PHB nanofibrous layers strengthen the PVA matrix due to some restrictions on PVA chain mobility. Gene expression investigations also reveal that higher matrix stiffness after layering with two PHB membranes (PVAL2) promotes osteogenesis, while the random addition of short‐chapped fibers (PVAS) facilitate tenogenic differentiation. As a consequence of the findings, fiber placement is crucial to the mechanical properties of composite hydrogels that ultimately control musculoskeletal differentiation signals through mechanosensing pathways.