bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of beta‐blocker therapy on the response to mavacamten in patients with symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Wheeler Matthew T. , Jacoby Daniel , Elliott Perry M. , Saberi Sara , Hegde Sheila M. , Lakdawala Neal K. , Myers Jonathan , Sehnert Amy J. , Edelberg Jay M. , Li Wanying , Olivotto Iacopo
Published: November 2022

Aims

In the EXPLORER‐HCM trial, mavacamten improved exercise capacity and symptoms in patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM). Mavacamten effects on the primary endpoint, a composite of peak oxygen consumption (VO2) and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, were greater in patients not receiving background beta‐blockers than in those receiving beta‐blockers. We sought to determine if the effect of background treatment was consistent across other clinically meaningful parameters.

Methods and results

Subgroup analyses by beta‐blocker use were performed in patients with oHCM from the EXPLORER‐HCM and mavacamten long‐term extension (MAVA‐LTE) studies. In EXPLORER‐HCM, 189 patients (75.3%) were receiving beta‐blockers, and 62 (24.7%) were receiving non‐dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers or no background HCM medication; 170 patients (90.4%) receiving beta‐blockers had chronotropic incompetence. Improvements in peak VO2 at week 30 with mavacamten versus placebo were lower with beta‐blockers (mean difference [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 1.04 [0.12, 1.95] ml/kg/min) than without beta‐blockers (mean difference [95% CI]: 2.69 [1.29, 4.09] ml/kg/min); improvements in non‐heart rate‐dependent parameters (VE/VCO2 slope) appeared unaffected by beta‐blockers. Improvements in functional capacity parameters at week 30 with mavacamten versus placebo were independent of beta‐blockade for post‐exercise left ventricular outflow tract gradient (mean difference [95% CI]: −37.9 [−48.0, −27.9] mmHg with beta‐blockers; −33.5 [−53.6, −13.3] mmHg without beta‐blockers), proportion of patients with reduction of ≥1 NYHA class, Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire clinical summary scores and N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide. Mavacamten benefits were reproduced and maintained in MAVA‐LTE regardless of beta‐blockade.

Conclusion

Mavacamten improved measures of functional capacity, left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, symptom burden and biomarkers in patients with HCM regardless of beta‐blocker use. Beta‐blocker use was often associated with chronotropic incompetence, affecting peak VO2 and other heart rate‐dependent measures, but had minimal impact on heart rate‐independent measures.
Adaptive clipping‐and‐redistribution algorithms for bounded and conservative high‐order interpolations applied to discontinuous and reactive flows
Authors: Overton‐Katz Nathaniel , Gao Xinfeng , Johansen Hans , Guzik Stephen M.
Published: November 2022

A new adaptive clipping‐and‐redistribution method is presented which provides bounds‐preservation for multidimensional interpolation in the context of high‐order finite‐volume discretizations with adaptive mesh refinement (AMR). The underlying finite‐volume method (FVM) for the computational fluid dynamics applications is fourth‐order accurate for smooth solutions and utilizes AMR for computational efficiency in solving multiscale problems involving turbulence and combustion. High‐order interpolation between different AMR levels is required. However, this operation often leads to numerical issues because combustion species must have physical bounds preserved. The present study overcomes two major challenges in the development of the high‐order interpolation method. First, the method needs to be bound‐preserving near extrema or discontinuities to prevent the emergence of unphysical oscillations while maintaining fourth‐order accuracy in smooth flows. Second, the method needs to satisfy the conservation requirement in multiple dimensions, particularly in the context of curvilinear coordinate transformations. Additionally, the method is designed to be localized and computationally inexpensive. The new interpolation scheme is demonstrated by solving reacting flows, which are extremely sensitive to unphysical overshoots in conserved quantities. The test problems are shock‐induced ‐ combustion and a ‐air flame in a practical bluff‐body combustor. Results show the method prevents new extrema near discontinuities while maintaining high‐order accuracy in smooth regions. In particular, the method is extremely beneficial for combustion with stiff chemistry. With the proposed new method, even if flame fronts cross AMR interfaces or new grids are created in the vicinity of the flame, solution stability is retained.
Turning and multitask gait unmask gait disturbance in mild‐to‐moderate multiple sclerosis: Underlying specific cortical thinning and connecting fibers damage
Authors: Chen Qingmeng , Hattori Takaaki , Tomisato Hiroshi , Ohara Masahiro , Hirata Kosei , Yokota Takanori ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: November 2022

Multiple sclerosis (MS) causes gait and cognitive impairments that are partially normalized by compensatory mechanisms. We aimed to identify the gait tasks that unmask gait disturbance and the underlying neural correlates in MS. We included 25 patients with MS (Expanded Disability Status Scale score: median 2.0, interquartile range 1.0–2.5) and 19 healthy controls. Fast‐paced gait examinations with inertial measurement units were conducted, including straight or circular walking with or without cognitive/motor tasks, and the timed up and go test (TUG). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to distinguish both groups by the gait parameters. The correlation between gait parameters and cortical thickness or fractional anisotropy values was examined by using three‐dimensional T1‐weighted imaging and diffusion tensor imaging, respectively (corrected p < .05). Total TUG duration (>6.0 s, sensitivity 88.0%, specificity 84.2%) and stride velocity during cognitive dual‐task circular walking (<1.12 m/s, 84.0%, 84.2%) had the highest discriminative power of the two groups. Deterioration of these gait parameters was correlated with thinner cortical thickness in regional areas, including the left precuneus and left temporoparietal junction, overlapped with parts of the default mode network, ventral attention network, and frontoparietal network. Total TUG duration was negatively correlated with fractional anisotropy values in the deep cerebral white matter areas. Turning and multitask gait may be optimal to unveil partially compensated gait disturbance in patients with mild‐to‐moderate MS through dynamic balance control and multitask processing, based on the structural damage in functional networks.
Identification of MET fusions in solid tumors: A multicenter, large scale study in China
Authors: Yang Wenhui , Zhao Ximeng , Zheng Aiwen , Liu Zhengchuang , Ma Jie , Zhang Xiang , Li Wei , Wang Dan , Zhu Jianhua , Tao Houquan , Zhang Yanxiang , Ma Tonghui , Liu Qing
Published: November 2022

MET amplification and exon 14 skipping are well known as oncogenic drivers in multiple cancer types. However, MET fusions in most cancer types are poorly defined. To explore the profile and analyze the characteristics of MET fusions, a large‐cohort study was conducted to screen MET fusions in clinical samples (n = 10 882) using DNA‐based NGS. A total of 37 potentially functional MET fusions containing the intact tyrosine kinase domain (TKD) of MET were identified in 36 samples. Further, 15 novel MET fusions were identified in five cancer types, and the incidence of novel MET fusions accounted for 40.5% (15/37). Brain cancer had the highest incidence of MET fusion, with PTPRZ1‐MET as the most common fusion (37.0%). All MET breakpoints in brain cancer (n = 27) were also located in intron 1, while those in lung cancer (n = 4) occurred in intron 1, intron 11, intron 14 and exon 14, respectively. The positive consistency of the common fusion group was 100% (11/11), while that of the rare fusion group was 53.8% (7/13). In conclusion, we provided a comprehensive genomic landscape of MET rearrangement and updated the MET fusions database for clinical test. In addition, we revealed that DNA‐based NGS might serve as the clinical test for common MET fusions; however, rare MET fusions must be validated by both DNA‐based NGS and RNA‐based NGS. Prospective trials are necessary to confirm the treatment efficacy of MET inhibitors.
Experiences with thermal ablation for cervical precancer treatment after self‐collection HPV‐based screening in the ASPIRE Mayuge randomized trial
Authors: Gottschlich Anna , Payne Beth A. , Trawin Jessica , Albert Arianne , Jeronimo Jose , Mitchell‐Foster Sheona , Mithani Nadia , Namugosa Ruth , Naguti Priscilla , Orem Jackson , Rawat Angeli , Simelela Princess Nothemba , Singer Joel , Smith Laurie W. , van Niekerk Dirk , Nakisige Carolyn , Ogilvie Gina
Published: November 2022

Cervical cancer remains a significant public health burden in low‐resourced countries. Thus, the WHO prioritized cervix screening, and recently recommended thermal ablation treatment for cervical precancer. However, there is limited information on side effects during treatment and recovery, and acceptability among those treated. The ASPIRE Mayuge trial recruited women to participate in self‐collection cervix screening between 2019 and 2020 (N = 2019). Screen‐positive women (N = 531, 26.3%) were referred for visual inspection with acetic acid and thermal ablation treatment, per Uganda Ministry of Health recommendations; 71.2% of those referred attended follow‐up. Six months post‐screening, a subset of trial participants were recontacted. Those who received thermal ablation completed a survey assessing side effects during and after the procedure, and willingness to recommend the treatment to others. We summarized the results to describe the side effects and acceptability of thermal ablation treatment. Of 2019 participants, 349 (17%) received thermal ablation. A subset of 135 completed the follow‐up survey, where 90% reported pain during treatment; however, intensity and duration were low. Over a third of women reported problems with recovery for reasons including pain, discharge and bleeding. Regardless, 98% reported they would recommend the treatment to others. The use of thermal ablation to treat cervical precancer appears to be highly acceptable in this population. While many women reported side effects during the procedure and recovery, the majority said they would recommend the treatment to others. However, given the substantial proportion who reported problems with recovery, efforts should be made to provide additional resources to women after receiving thermal ablation treatment for cervical precancer.
The new Colombian law on abortion
Authors: Jaramillo Sierra Isabel C.
Published: November 2022

On February 21, 2022, the Colombian Constitutional Court decided that the existing regulation of abortion was unconstitutional and repealed it (Sentencia C‐055/2022). The new abortion law, as per the Court's decision, considers the voluntary interruption of a pregnancy a crime only when it happens after week 24 and does not fall under the health, rape, or malformation indications developed through precedent from 2006 to 2022. The decision is generally binding and of immediate application. The decision's rationale builds on the right to health, substantive equality, and freedom of conscience. It acknowledges severe restrictions in access to abortion faced by Colombian women and the costs these restrictions have on their lives. It also recognizes that the indications model forces women to obtain permission from medical doctors to access abortion, and thus fails to recognize women's freedom of conscience.
A systematic review of the correspondence between descriptive assessment and functional analysis
Authors: Contreras Bethany P. , Tate Savannah A. , Morris Samuel L. , Kahng SungWoo
Published: November 2022

Clinicians report that they often rely on descriptive assessments when developing behavior‐reduction plans despite literature suggesting that functional analysis is the most rigorous assessment method. Further, research comparing the outcomes of descriptive assessments and functional analyses is mixed, with some studies showing low correspondence and others showing high correspondence. Such persistent use of descriptive assessments suggests that they may yield useful information despite inconsistent correspondence with functional analyses. A more fine‐grained analysis of the relation between descriptive assessments and functional analyses may elucidate variables affecting their utility. We conducted a review of 48 studies that included descriptive assessments and functional analyses and evaluated several measures of correspondence between each pair of assessments. Results indicated that descriptive assessments had exact correspondence with functional analyses in 50% of comparisons. Results also suggested that descriptive assessments were more likely to accurately identify and predict the absence of a function relative to the presence of a function and that structured descriptive assessments were more likely to accurately predict functions.
Visualizing Cathepsin K‐Cre Expression at the Single‐Cell Level with GFP Reporters
Authors: Chai Wenhuan , Hao Weiwei , Liu Jintao , Han Zhenglin , Chang Shiyu , Cheng Liben , Sun Mingxin , Yan Guofang , Liu Zemin , Liu Yin , Zhang Guodong , Xing Li , Chen Hongqian , Liu Peng
Published: November 2022

The Cre/lox system is a fundamental tool for functional genomic studies, and a number of Cre lines have been generated to target genes of interest spatially and temporally in defined cells or tissues; this approach has greatly expanded our knowledge of gene functions. However, the limitations of this system have recently been recognized, and we must address the challenge of so‐called nonspecific/off‐target effects when a Cre line is utilized to investigate a gene of interest. For example, cathepsin K (Ctsk) has been used as a specific osteoclast marker, and Cre driven by its promoter is widely utilized for osteoclast investigations. However, Ctsk‐Cre expression has recently been identified in other cell types, such as osteocytes, periosteal stem cells, and tenocytes. To better understand Ctsk‐Cre expression and ensure appropriate use of this Cre line, we performed a comprehensive analysis of Ctsk‐Cre expression at the single‐cell level in major organs and tissues using two green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporters (ROSA nT‐nG and ROSA tdT) and a tissue clearing technique in young and aging mice. The expression profile was further verified by immunofluorescence staining and droplet digital RT‐PCR. The results demonstrate that Ctsk‐Cre is expressed not only in osteoclasts but also at various levels in osteoblast lineage cells and other major organs/tissues, particularly in the brain, kidney, pancreas, and blood vessels. Furthermore, Ctsk‐Cre expression increases markedly in the bone marrow, skeletal muscle, and intervertebral discs in aging mice. These data will be valuable for accurately interpreting data obtained from in vivo studies using Ctsk‐Cre mice to avoid potentially misleading conclusions. © 2022 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Gut microbiome in tumorigenesis and therapy of colorectal cancer
Authors: Wang Ling , Yu Ke‐Chun , Hou Yun‐qing , Guo Min , Yao Fan , Chen Zhen‐Xia
Published: November 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the malignant tumor with the highest incidence in the digestive system, and the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in CRC tumorigenesis and therapy. The gastrointestinal tract is the organ harboring most of the microbiota in humans. Changes in the gut microbiome in CRC patients suggest possible host–microbe interactions, thereby hinting the potential tumorigenesis, which provides new perspective for preventing, diagnosing, or treating CRC. In this review, we discuss the effects of gut microbiome dysbiosis on CRC, and reveal the mechanisms by which gut microbiome dysbiosis leads to CRC. Gut microbiome modulation with the aim to reverse the established gut microbial dysbiosis is a novel strategy for the prevention and treatment of CRC. In addition, this review summarizes that probiotic antagonize CRC tumorigenesis by protecting intestinal barrier function, inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, resisting oxidative stress, and enhancing host immunity. Finally, we highlight clinical applications of the gut microbiome, such as gut microbiome analysis‐based biomarker screening and prediction, and microbe modulation‐based CRC prevention, treatment enhancement, and treatment side effect reduction. This review provides the reference for the clinical application of gut microbiome in the prevention and treatment of CRC.
Prognostic impact of postoperative circulating tumor DNA as a molecular minimal residual disease marker in patients with pancreatic cancer undergoing surgical resection
Authors: Hata Tatsuo , Mizuma Masamichi , Motoi Fuyuhiko , Ohtsuka Hideo , Nakagawa Kei , Morikawa Takanori , Unno Michiaki
Published: November 2022

Purpose

We aimed to clarify the prognostic impact of postoperative circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) shortly after pancreatectomy in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

Methods

Preoperative and paired postoperative blood samples were obtained from 66 patients in patients with PDAC. Cell‐free DNA was extracted from the plasma, and KRAS mutations, as a benchmark of ctDNA, were examined using droplet digital PCR. Disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared between patients with presence and absence of ctDNA.

Results

In univariate analysis, patients with detectable postoperative ctDNA showed worse survival than those with undetectable in both DFS (P = .034) and OS (P = .022). Multivariate analysis also revealed that the presence of postoperative ctDNA was an independent risk factor for recurrence (hazard ratio: 2.677, P = .011). In contrast, preoperative ctDNA detection did not affect long‐term outcomes. These trends persisted in 34 patients with resectable PDAC who underwent resection after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Patients with detectable postoperative ctDNA were more prone to developing hepatic recurrence than those with undetectable postoperative ctDNA (P = .039).

Conclusion

Postoperative ctDNA, as a minimal residual marker, can be useful for predicting the risk of recurrence in patients with PDAC even after curative resection.
Mud redeposition during river incision as a factor affecting authigenic 10Be/9Be dating: Early Pleistocene large mammal fossil‐bearing site Nová Vieska, eastern Danube Basin
Authors: Šujan Michal , Braucher Régis , Chyba Andrej , Vlačiky Martin , Aherwar Kishan , Rózsová Barbara , Fordinál Klement , Maglay Juraj , Nagy Alexander , Moravcová Martina , Team Aster
Published: November 2022

This study examines the suitability of the authigenic 10Be/9Be dating method to the dating of the deposits of an incising river, taking as an example the Nová Vieska river terrace, which accumulated during the neotectonic inversion of the Danube Basin (western Slovakia). The succession was formed by a wandering river with minor preservation of proximal floodplain muds. The frequent occurrence of mud intraclasts reflects significant input of eroded material from underlying, older successions. The ages of 13 authigenic 10Be/9Be dating samples formed three groups: (1) samples from below the base of the river terrace yielded dates of ~4.13–3.70 Ma (including uncertainties); (2) muddy intraclasts from the river terrace gave an age range of ~2.79–1.96 Ma; and (3) in situ muddy layers had ages in the range of ~1.91–1.39 Ma. The large mammal fossil assemblage from channel thalweg deposits yielded a biostratigraphic age of ~3.6–2.2 Ma, matching the age of intraclasts, and thus emphasising the redeposited origin of those fossils. The relatively wide range of authigenic 10Be/9Be dating ages is interpreted as a result of the redeposition of mud from older strata on three scales: decimetre‐scale intraclasts, millimetre‐scale rip‐up clasts mixed into the newly formed beds, and formation of two authigenic rims with different age and 10Be/9Be records around individual particles. Considering these observations, an age range of in situ layers of ~1.91–1.39 Ma is proposed as the depositional age of the river terrace, with the most probable age falling within the most recent part of this interval. The effect of redeposition is thus shown to be potentially limiting to the application of authigenic 10Be/9Be dating to incising rivers, and stands in marked contrast to aggrading river settings, where redeposition of older sediments is limited and the degree of 10Be/9Be variability is low.
Differentiating root and rhizome of panax notoginseng based on precursor ion scanning and multi heart‐cutting two‐dimensional liquid chromatography
Authors: Yang Yuangui , Jin Yan , Zhang Yanhai , Wang Zhengtao
Published: November 2022

Owing to increasing demand for Panax notoginseng‐based medicines and health products, establishing a fast, simple, and reliable assay to analyze the chemical differences between its root and rhizome is important. Although previous studies showed that the chemical and biological differences between the root and rhizome of P. notoginseng seem to be small, efforts should be taken to investigate such differences to ensure the safety and efficacy of the products. This work describes a holistic approach that combines characteristic fingerprinting using ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry parent ion scanning with charged aerosol detection and targeted separation by online heart‐cutting two‐dimensional liquid chromatography, to identify and evaluate characteristic markers allowing differentiation of the root and rhizome. A total of five potential markers chikusetsusaponin L5, ginsenoside Rb2, stipuleanoside R2, malonyl‐ginsenoside Rb1, and malonyl‐ginsenoside Rd, were identified and confirmed by comparing chromatographic retention time, the accurate mass of molecular weight, and the fragments of secondary MS with the available reference materials. The results showed that all five markers were 2.8–7 times higher in content in the rhizome than in the root.
Is customer involvement always beneficial for R&D efficiency? The difference between high‐tech and low‐tech industries
Authors: Yoon Sangpil , Kim Gyuhyung , Chung Yanghon , Son Hosung
Published: November 2022

To investigate the effects of customer involvement as an information source (CIS) throughout the innovation process, this study uses Korea Innovation Survey data and a two‐stage data envelopment analysis method. The results are as follows. High‐tech firms using CIS had lower R&D efficiency at the value creation stage. Low‐tech firms using CIS had higher R&D efficiency at the value creation stage, but lower R&D efficiency at the invention stage. This paper's academic implication extends the research on CIS by examining its effects on firms' R&D efficiency. It also provides a practical guideline for firms that want to leverage customer knowledge.
Synchronization of uncertain chaotic neural networks via average‐delay impulsive control
Authors: Wu Ailong , Zhan Nan
Published: November 2022

In this article, the synchronization problem of uncertain chaotic neural networks (CNNs) is discussed by using delayed impulsive control. Aiming at the disturbances of parametric uncertainties and flexible delays in impulses, we adopt the idea of average impulsive delay (AID) to deal with these delays as a whole and derive a synchronization criterion of uncertain CNNs based on the condition that uncertain parameters are norm‐bounded. To be exact, in our results, the delays in impulsive control input are no longer limited by some strong constraints and can exist flexibly between two continuous impulsive moments. The results also clearly show that the delays in impulses are conducive to the synchronization of uncertain CNNs. Finally, an example is simulated to examine the applicability of the theoretical results.
Lacticaseibacillus casei ATCC334 Ameliorates Radiation‐Induced Intestinal Injury in Rats by Targeting Microbes and Metabolites
Authors: Hua Qinglian , Zhang Haowen , Xu Rui , Tian Chunxiang , Gao Tianlin , Yuan Yanlei , Han Yaling , Li Yue , Qi Ce , Zhong Feng , Ma Aiguo
Published: November 2022

Scope

Gastrointestinal side effects are frequently observed in patients receiving medical radiation therapy. As Lacticaseibacillus casei ATCC334 potentially affects microbial ecosystem, the study hypothesizes that it may improve radiation‐induced intestinal injury in rats by modulating the “gut microbiota‐metabolite‐barrier axis.”

Methods and results

Rats are fed one of three or no doses of L. casei ATCC334 for 7 days and then expose to a single dose of 9 Gy X‐ray total abdominal irradiation. Supplementation with L. casei ATCC334 promote the proliferation of intestinal stem cells (ISCs), increase the expression of tight junction proteins, reduce intestinal permeability, and protect intestinal barrier integrity. Moreover, 16S rRNA sequencing show that medium and high doses of L. casei ATCC334 inhibit the growth of Escherichia/Shigella and favor Akkermansia proliferation. L. casei ATCC334 intervention reprogram the metabolic profile and inhibit putrescine production but promote alpha‐linolenic acid (ALA) production. Notably, a decrease in putrescine and an increase in ALA are significantly correlated with the proliferation of ISCs and enhanced intestinal barrier function following L. casei ATCC334 intervention.

Conclusion

These results highlight that medium and high doses of L. casei ATCC334 alleviate radiation‐induced intestinal damage by enhancing the mucosal barrier and remodeling the gut microbiota structure and metabolic activity.
Dysregulated genes in undifferentiated spermatogonia and Sertoli cells are associated with the spermatogenic arrest in cattleyak
Authors: Zhang Peng , Wang Mingxiu , Chen Xuemei , Jing Kemin , Li Yuqian , Liu Xinrui , Ran Hongbiao , Qin Jie , Zhong Jincheng , Cai Xin
Published: November 2022

Hybrid male sterility (HMS) is a reproductive isolation mechanism limiting the formation of fertile offspring through interspecific fertilization. Cattleyak is the interspecific hybrid presenting significant heterosis in several economic traits, but HMS restricted its wide reproduction in cettleyak breeding. In this study, we detected the specifically expressed genes of a variety of cells (undifferentiated spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes, haploid spermatids, sperm, Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, and macrophages) in the testis of yak and cattleyak, and found that the spermatogenesis of cattleyak might be blocked at meiosis I, and the expression of niche factors (NR5A1, GATA4, STAR, CYP11A1, CD68, TNF, and CX3CR1) in undifferentiated spermatogonia niche was abnormal. Then we isolated the undifferentiated spermatogonia and Sertoli cells from yak and cattleyak by enzyme digestion, and detected the specific genes in the two bovid testicular cells as well as the proliferation capacity of the undifferentiated spermatogonia. These results indicated that weak proliferation ability and scarce number of undifferentiated spermatogonia and abnormal gene expressions in Sertoli cells may contribute to male sterility of cattleyak.
Validation of liver quantitative susceptibility mapping across imaging parameters at 1.5 T and 3.0 T using SQUID susceptometry as reference
Authors: Zhao Ruiyang , Velikina Julia , Reeder Scott B. , Vasanawala Shreyas , Jeng Michael , Hernando Diego
Published: November 2022

Purpose

To validate QSM‐based biomagnetic liver susceptometry (BLS) to measure liver iron overload at 1.5 T and 3.0 T using superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUID)‐based BLS as reference.

Methods

Subjects with known or suspected iron overload were recruited for QSM‐BLS at 1.5 T and 3.0 T using eight different protocols. SQUID‐BLS was also obtained in each subject to provide susceptibility reference. A recent QSM method based on data‐adaptive regularization was used to obtain susceptibility and maps. Measurements of susceptibility and were obtained in the right liver lobe. Linear mixed‐effects analysis was used to estimate the contribution of specific acquisition parameters to QSM‐BLS. Linear regression and Bland–Altman analyses were used to assess the relationship between QSM‐BLS and SQUID‐BLS/.

Results

Susceptibility maps showed high subjective quality for each acquisition protocol across different iron levels. High linear correlation was observed between QSM‐BLS and SQUID‐BLS at 1.5 T (r2 range, [0.82, 0.84]) and 3.0 T (r2 range, [0.77, 0.85]) across different acquisition protocols. QSM‐BLS and were highly correlated at both field strengths (r2 range at 1.5 T, [0.94, 0.99]; 3.0 T, [0.93, 0.99]). High correlation (r2 = 0.99) between 1.5 T and 3.0 T QSM‐BLS, with narrow reproducibility coefficients (range, [0.13, 0.21] ppm) were observed for each protocol.

Conclusion

This work evaluated the feasibility and performance of liver QSM‐BLS across iron levels and acquisition protocols at 1.5 T and 3.0 T. High correlation and reproducibility were observed between QSM‐BLS and SQUID‐BLS across protocols and field strengths. In summary, QSM‐BLS may enable reliable and reproducible quantification of liver iron concentration.
Microcephaly as observed in the late 19th century cemetery of the Meerenberg psychiatric hospital: Diagnostic issues and the value of population‐specific data
Authors: Mank Elise , de Boer Hans H. , Versluis Judith M. , Oostra Roelof‐Jan , van der Merwe Alie E.
Published: November 2022

Microcephaly, characterized by crania with an abnormally small occipitofrontal circumference (OFC), is only sporadically described in paleopathological literature. Accurate identification of individuals suffering from microcephaly is challenging when performed in an archeological context, especially in mild cases, as appropriate reference data are often not available. This study aimed to describe the craniometric characteristics of the Meerenberg (MeB) skeletal collection and to identify microcephalic individuals while focusing on the diagnostic criteria and the influence of reference data on the prevalence of the condition. The value of virtual endocasts as a diagnostic tool was also assessed. Forty‐eight adults (1891–1936) excavated from the cemetery of the MeB psychiatric hospital (Bloemendaal, The Netherlands) were investigated. Microcephalic individuals were identified by using the craniometric characteristics of a contemporary Dutch archeological population as reference. In order to investigate the usefulness of modern clinical head circumference reference data on the diagnostic process, cranial OFCs of the MeB individuals were converted to head OFCs. Virtual endocasts were created from the identified microcephalics and three normocephalics. Three MeB females (all <−3 SD) were identified as microcephalic when compared with a sex‐matched contemporary archeological reference sample. The same three MeB females were classified as microcephalic when using sex‐matched modern clinical reference data and when applying −3 SD of the pooled sex archeological craniometric reference data as cut‐off point. No individuals were classified as microcephalic based on the metric characteristics of the virtual endocasts. Microcephaly can only be accurately identified when using sex‐matched contemporary population reference data, or in its absence, modern clinical data after soft tissue correction. Should sex estimation be unreliable, a –3 SD cut‐off point generated using pooled sex reference data seems suitable as diagnostic tool. Virtual endocast did not support the identification of microcephaly in this study.
Predicting Enthalpy of Formation of Energetic Compounds by Machine Learning: Comparison of Featurization Methods and Algorithms
Authors: Tian Xiaolan , Qi Xiujuan , Wang Yi , Wu Junnan , Song Siwei , Zhang Qinghua
Published: November 2022

Machine learning (ML) is an emerging approach for predicting molecular properties. The prediction of the properties of energetic molecules by ML is still in its infancy. In order to improve the accuracy of ML‐based predictions, it is important to pay attention to aspects such as data preparation, model selection, and hyperparameter tuning. In this work, we focused on the influence of different featurization methods and algorithms on predicting the enthalpy of formation (EOF) of energetic compounds. We manually extracted a dataset consisting of 649 EOF values of energetic materials from the literature and compared different combinations of featurization methods and algorithms. The experimental results confirmed that ML can effectively map the relationship between molecular structure and EOF. Custom descriptor sets were found to perform best in featurization with a mean absolute error of 90.10 kJ mol−1, after training by kernel ridge regression algorithm.
The relationship of respiratory functions and respiratory muscle strength with trunk control, functional capacity, and functional independence in post‐stroke hemiplegic patients
Authors: Boz Kübra , Saka Seda , Çetinkaya İrem
Published: November 2022

Background

Cardiorespiratory system involvement and early fatigue observed in stroke patients complicate the rehabilitation process and affect their ability to perform daily activities and functional independence.

Aim

It was aimed to determine the relationship between respiratory functions and respiratory muscle strength with trunk control, functional capacity, and functional independence in hemiplegic patients after stroke.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐five volunteers who were diagnosed with post‐stroke hemiplegia were included in the study. Sociodemographic and physical characteristics were recorded. Pulmonary function test (PFT), respiratory muscle strength, Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), Timed‐Up and Go Test (TUG), and Barthel Index (BI) were applied.

Results

There was a moderate negative correlation between TUG scores and PFT results (r = 0.413–0.502; p = 0.011–0.04), except for PEF (%) and FEV1/FVC. Also, there were statistically significant correlation between TIS scores and FEV1(%) (r = 0.505; p = 0.012), FVC(%) (r = 0.449; p = 0.024). On the other hand, there was no statistically significant relationship between BI results and any parameter of the PFT (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant correlation between respiratory muscle strength and TUG, TIS, BI (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

It has been shown that respiratory functions are associated with functional capacity and trunk control. However, it was found that there was no relationship between respiratory muscle strength and functional capacity, trunk control, and functional independence. It is thought that considering these parameters in the assessment of patients will contribute to the creation of individual and effective rehabilitation programs. The respiratory system should be systematically assessed in stroke rehabilitation and considered as part of a holistic approach.

Clinical Trial Registration

NCT05290649 (retrospectively registered) (clinicaltrials.gov).
Hexafluoroisopropanol decreases liver ischemia–reperfusion injury by downregulation of high mobility group box‐1 protein
Authors: Vintimilla Moscoso Agustin , Figueira Estela Regina Ramos , Rocha‐Filho Joel Avancini , Urner Martin , Lanchotte Cinthia , Jukemura Jose , Ximenes Jorge Luiz Saraiva , Nahas Sergio Carlos , D'Albuquerque Luiz Augusto Carneiro , Galvao Flavio Henrique Ferreira
Published: November 2022

Liver ischemia–reperfusion (IR) injury is associated with poor outcome after liver transplantation and liver resections. Hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) is a tri‐fluorinated metabolites of volatile anesthetics and has modulatory effects on inflammation that have been observed mainly in cell culture experiments. In this survey, we investigated the effects of HFIP in a rat model of normothermic hepatic ischemia–reperfusion injury. Twenty‐four male Wistar rats were randomized into three groups: (1) control in which animals were submitted to 30 min of partial liver ischemia with resection of non‐ischemic liver lobes immediate after reperfusion, (2) pre‐ischemia (PI) group in which animals received intravenous HFIP (67 mg/kg) 5 min before liver ischemia, and (3) pre‐reperfusion (PR) group in which animals received intravenous HFIP (67 mg/kg) 5 min before reperfusion. Four hours after reperfusion, all animals were euthanized for sample collection. Aspartate and alanine transaminases, glucose, and high mobility group box‐1 (HMGB‐1) protein concentrations showed a significant decreased, and malondialdehyde was increased in the PR group compared with control and PI groups. Interleukin 6 (IL‐6) was increased in the PI group compared with control and PR groups. IL‐10 and ‐12 were increased in the PR and PI groups, respectively, when compared with the control group. Glucose decreased in the PR when compared with the control group. Post‐conditioning with HFIP led to a decrease in hepatocellular injury and was associated with a downregulation of HMGB‐1. The HFIP resulted in a better control of inflammatory response to ischemia–reperfusion even without causing a reduction in oxidative stress.
Statistical modeling approaches for the comparison of dissolution profiles
Authors: Pourmohamad Tony , Ng Hon Keung Tony
Published: November 2022

Dissolution studies are a fundamental component of pharmaceutical drug development, yet many studies rely upon the and model‐independent approach that is not capable of accounting for uncertainty in parameter estimation when comparing dissolution profiles. In this paper, we deal with the issue of uncertainty quantification by proposing several model‐dependent approaches for assessing the similarity of two dissolution profiles. We take a statistical modeling approach and allow the dissolution data to be modeled using either a Dirichlet distribution, gamma process model, or Wiener process model. These parametric forms are shown to be reasonable assumptions that are capable of modeling dissolution data well. Furthermore, based on a given statistical model, we are able to use the difference factor and similarity factor to test the equivalency of two dissolution profiles via bootstrap confidence intervals. Illustrations highlighting the success of our methods are provided for both Monte Carlo simulation studies, and real dissolution data sets.
Quantum information of the modified Mobius squared plus Eckart potential
Authors: Njoku Ifeanyi J. , Onyeocha Emeka , Onyenegecha Chibueze P. , Onuoha Modestus , Egeonu Eugene K. , Nwaokafor Placid
Published: November 2022

The quantum information measures and complexity of the modified Mobius squared plus Eckart (MMSE) potential are presented in this paper. First, the energy eigenvalues and wave function of the system are obtained from the approximate solutions of the Schrödinger equation via the parametric Nikiforov‐Uvarov (pNU) method. Using the wave function, the Shannon entropy, Onicescu information energy and Fisher information of the system are examined for two low‐lying states along with the modified Lopez‐Ruiz‐Mancini‐Calbet (LMC) complexity and Heisenberg uncertainty relation. The results of the work point to the fact that the radial (momentum) probability density peak shifts to lower (higher) values with increase in the screening parameter. Furthermore, the Bialynicki‐Birula and Mycielski (BBM) inequality, the lower bound of the modified LMC complexity, the Fisher information sum inequality and the Stam‐Cramer‐Rao inequality are verified for the system. Also, the Heisenberg uncertainty principle is verified for the MMSE potential and the existence of squeezed states is observed for both position and momentum states.
Non‐lethal sampling does not misrepresent trophic level or dietary sources for Sagmariasus verreauxi (eastern rock lobster)
Authors: Day Jeremy Karl , Knott Nathan Aaron , Swadling Daniel , Ayre David , Huggett Megan , Gaston Troy
Published: November 2022

Rationale

Isotope analysis can be used to investigate the diets of predators based on assimilation of nitrogen and carbon isotopes from prey. Recent work has shown that tissues taken from legs, antennae or abdomen of lobsters can give different indications of diet, but this has never been evaluated for Sagmariasus verreauxi (eastern rock lobster). Work is now needed to prevent erroneous conclusions being drawn about lobster food webs, and undertaking this work could lead to developing non‐lethal sampling methodologies. Non‐lethal sampling for lobsters is valuable both ethically and for areas of conservation significance such as marine reserves.

Method

We evaluated this by dissecting 76 lobsters and comparing δ13C and δ15N isotope values in antennae, leg and abdomen tissue from the same individuals ranging from 104 to 137 mm carapace length. Stable isotope values were determined using a Europa EA GSL elemental analyser coupled with Hydra 20–20 Isoprime IRMS.

Results

We found the abdomen δ13C values to be lower than other tissues by 0.3 ± 0.2‰ for antennae tissue and 0.1 ± 0.2‰ δ13C for leg tissues, whereas for δ15N, no significant difference between tissues was observed. There was no significant effect of lobster size or sex, though we did observe interactions between month and tissue type, indicating that differences may be seasonal. Importantly, the detected range of isotopic variability between tissues is within the range of uncertainty used for discrimination factors in isotopic Bayesian modelling of 0‰–1.0‰ for δ13C and 3.0‰–4.0‰ for δ15N.

Conclusions

We show that S. verreauxi can be sampled non‐lethally with mathematical corrections applied for δ13C, whereas any tissue is suitable for δ15N. Our results indicate that a walking leg is most favourable and would also be the least intrusive for the lobster. The application of non‐lethal sampling provides avenues for the contribution of citizen science to understanding lobster food webs and to undertake fieldwork in ecologically sensitive areas such as marine reserves.
Neural learning control of missile interception against dynamics uncertainty and target evasive maneuver
Authors: Yan Tian , Guo YuYan , Li QuanCheng , Xu Bin
Published: November 2022

The integrated guidance and control (IGC) design for the advanced interceptors against targets in progress of implementing evasive maneuvers is investigated. During interception, the target's unknown maneuver accelerations, and the extra angle of attack (AOA) caused by wind effects, are considered as disturbances. For the sake of enough hit‐to‐kill accuracy under multisource disturbances, the neural networks (NNs) and disturbance observer (DOB) are applied to solve the model inaccuracy and external disturbance. As a result, a novel DOB‐based neural controller can accomplish high tracking accuracy and hit‐to‐kill interception performance can be accomplished. Simulations studies demonstrate the validity and advantage bring by the DOB‐based neural control.
Electrochemical Reconstruction of NiFe/NiFeOOH Superparamagnetic Core/Catalytic Shell Heterostructure for Magnetic Heating Enhancement of Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Peng Dongquan , Hu Ce , Luo Xingfang , Huang Jinli , Ding Yan , Zhou Wenda , Zhou Hang , Yang Yong , Yu Ting , Lei Wen , Yuan Cailei
Published: November 2022

Although (oxy)hydroxides generated by electrochemical reconstruction (EC‐reconstruction) of transition‐metal catalysts exhibit highly catalytic activities, the amorphous nature fundamentally impedes the electrochemical kinetics due to its poor electrical conductivity. Here, EC‐reconstructed NiFe/NiFeOOH core/shell nanoparticles in highly conductive carbon matrix based on the pulsed laser deposition prepared NiFe nanoparticles is successfully confined. Electrochemical characterizations and first‐principles calculations demonstrate that the reconstructed NiFe/NiFeOOH core/shell nanoparticles exhibit high oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalytic activity (a low overpotential of 342.2 mV for 10 mA cm−2) and remarkable durability due to the efficient charge transfer in the highly conductive confined heterostructure. More importantly, benefit from the superparamagnetic nature of the reconstructed NiFe/NiFeOOH core/shell nanoparticles, a large OER improvement is achieved (an ultralow overpotential of 209.2 mV for 10 mA cm−2) with an alternating magnetic field stimulation. Such OER improvement can be attributed to the Néel relaxation related magnetic heating effect functionalized superparamagnetic NiFe cores, which are generally underutilized in reconstructed core/shell nanoparticles. This work demonstrates that the designed superparamagnetic core/shell nanoparticles, combined with the large improvement by magnetic heating effect, are expected to be highly efficient OER catalysts along with the confined structure guaranteed high conductivity and catalytic stability.
Triply Hiding Optical Information via Excitation‐Dependent Allochroic Photoluminescence Based on Cellulose Derivates
Authors: Shi Zhenxu , Zhao Weiwei , Zhang Yue , Yang Dimei , Gan Lin , Huang Jin
Published: November 2022

Optical encryption technologies are widely used in information security, whereas the technology with one single optical secret key can be easily cracked. Here, a triple encryption is reported, which hides patterned information in excitation‐dependent allochroic materials with long afterglow, enhancing the security level. The allochroic materials are based on a uniaxial co‐assembly structure of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and silica. The assembled CNCs present blue emission with quantum yield of 19.8% under 367 nm UV radiation. The blue emission is maintained in the inverse structure when CNCs are calcinated and converted to carbon dots (CDs). The inverse uniaxial‐assembly structure improves the CD emission by 6.7 times. The assembly structure can even improve the phosphorescence of CDs, leading to excellent excitation‐dependent allochroic properties. Specifically, the materials maintain a cyan long afterglow luminescence at 480 nm after removing 365 nm UV light, whose lifetime is 0.492 s. Changing the excitation wavelength to 254 nm, a UV emission at 343 nm can be obtained, alongside a blue long afterglow luminescence of 420 nm, whose lifetime is 1.574 s. Combining with blue afterglow materials, optical encryption labels are prepared, which hide different patterned information in three scenarios: natural light, UV light, and afterglow luminescence.
Highly Sensitive Broadband Phototransistors Based on Gradient Tin/Lead Mixed Perovskites
Authors: Loi Hok‐Leung , Cao Jiupeng , Liu Chun‐Ki , Xu Yang , Li Mitch Guijun , Yan Feng
Published: November 2022

Highly sensitive broadband photodetectors are critical to numerous cutting‐edge technologies such as biomedical imaging, environment monitoring, and night vision. Here, phototransistors based on mixed Sn/Pb perovskites are reported, which demonstrate ultrahigh responsivity, gain and specific detectivity in a broadband from ultraviolet to near‐infrared region. The interface properties of the perovskite phototransistors are optimized by a special three‐step cleaning‐healing‐cleaning treatment, leading to a high hole mobility in the channel. The highly sensitive performance of the mixed Sn/Pb perovskite phototransistors can be attributed to the vertical compositional heterojunction automatically formed during the film deposition, which is helpful for the separation of photocarriers thereby enhancing a photogating effect in the perovskite channel. This work demonstrates a convenient approach to achieving high‐performance phototransistors through tuning compositional gradient in mixed‐metal perovskite channels.