bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Personality traits and perception of parenting: The comparative twin study from Germany and Serbia
Authors: Milovanović Ilija , Mitrović Dušanka , Branovački Bojan , Sadiković Selka , Riemann Rainer , Kodžopeljić Jasmina
Published: April 2023

This study examines the aetiology of the relationship between personality traits and perceived parenting in light of cross‐cultural differences. The sample consisted of 188 Serbian and 394 German twin pairs. Personality traits were measured using the NEO‐personality inventory. A Blocks Environmental Questionnaire (BEQ) was applied to measure two dimensions of perceived parenting: support and organisation. Genetic factors account for 63–79% of the variance for BEQ dimensions in both samples, while around 50–60% of the variance in Big Five personality scores could be attributed to genetic factors. The exception was Neuroticism in the Serbian sample, where the genetic effect was somewhat smaller. The results indicated similar etiological pathways of the relationship between personality traits and perceived parenting, with some cultural differences related to Neuroticism and Extraversion. Negative Neuroticism‐Support and positive Extraversion‐Organisation environmental relationships were stronger in the Serbian sample. Genetic overlaps were more significant in the German sample, except for the relationship of Organisation with Conscientiousness and Extraversion. This indicates that the relationship between personality and perceived parenting is largely genetically mediated, but that the environmental effect may play an important role in individual adaptation to the family setting.
Effects of activation of an alcohol metabolic gene, cigarette smoking, and alcohol intake on the incidence of metachronous gastric cancer in patients who underwent endoscopic resection for gastric cancer: A multicenter retrospective pilot study
Authors: Abiko Satoshi , Shimizu Yuichi , Ishikawa Marin , Inoue Masaki , Nakajima Katsuma , Kohya Risako , Hirata Koji , Suzuki Kazuharu , Sugiura Ryo , Miyamoto Shuichi , Kinoshita Kenji , Hatanaka Kazuteru , Yamamoto Yoshiya , Naruse Hirohito , Miyagishima Takuto , Sakamoto Naoya
Published: April 2023

Background and Aim

Metachronous gastric cancer (GC) frequently occurs in patients who have undergone endoscopic resection (ER) for GC. We evaluated the risk for development of metachronous GC following ER for GC based on genetic polymorphisms for alcohol dehydrogenase‐1B (ADH1B) and aldehyde dehydrogenase‐2 (ALDH2), as well as alcohol consumption and smoking habits.

Methods

We studied 77 patients who underwent ER for GC (median follow‐up of 84 months). Genotyping of ADH1B/ALDH2 was performed using saliva sampling. Histories of alcohol consumption and smoking before and after ER and Helicobacter pylori eradication were documented.

Results

Multivariate analyses revealed that homozygous slow‐metabolizing ADH1B (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.38, P < 0.13), heavy smoking (HR = 2.36, P < 0.09), and cigarette smoking after ER (HR = 2.47, P < 0.10) were not independently associated with the risk of secondary GC development. We analyzed the cessation status of the 38 patients who were classified as heavy smokers before ER based on their smoking habits after the ER and divided them into a cessation group (n = 27, non‐smokers after ER) and a non‐cessation group (n = 11). Cumulative incidence curves of secondary GC in the cessation and non‐cessation groups revealed 5‐year incidence rates of 19.0% and 45.0%, respectively (P = 0.02).

Conclusion

Continued cigarette smoking, at a high level, may be an important risk factor for the development of metachronous GC. Advice for smoking cessation should be given.
Organization of atrial fibrillation using a pure sodium channel blocker: Implications of rotor ablation therapy
Authors: Nanbu Tadafumi , Yotsukura Akihiko , Suzuki George , Takekawa Hiroyuki , Tanaka Yuki , Yamanashi Katsuma , Tsuda Masaya , Yoshida Izumi , Sakurai Masayuki , Ashihara Takashi
Published: April 2023

Background

Rotors are the source of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the ablation of rotors for persistent AF is challenging. The purpose of this study was to identify the dominant rotor by accelerating the organization of AF using a sodium channel blocker and detecting the rotor's preferential area that governs AF.

Methods

Overall, 30 consecutive patients with persistent AF who underwent pulmonary vein isolation and still sustained AF were enrolled. Pilsicainide 50 mg was administered. An online real‐time phase mapping system (ExTRa Mapping™) was used to identify the meandering rotors and multiple wavelets in 11 left atrial segments. The time ratio of non‐passive activation (%NP) was evaluated as the frequency of rotor activity in each segment.

Results

Conduction velocity became slower—from 0.46 ± 0.14 to 0.35 ± 0.14 mm/ms (p = .004)—and the rotational period of the rotor was significantly prolonged—156 ± 21 to 193 ± 28 ms/cycle (p < .001). AF cycle length was prolonged from 169 ± 19 to 223 ± 29 ms (p < .001). A decrease in %NP was observed in seven segments. Additionally, 14 patients had at least one complete passive activation area. Of them, the use of high %NP area ablation resulted in atrial tachycardia and sinus rhythm in two patients each.

Conclusions

A sodium channel blocker organized persistent AF. In selective patients with a wide organized area, high %NP area ablation could convert AF into atrial tachycardia or terminate AF.
Dire wolf (Canis dirus) from the late Pleistocene of southern Canada (Medicine Hat, Alberta)
Authors: Reynolds Ashley R. , Lowi‐Merri Talia M. , Brannick Alexandria L. , Seymour Kevin L. , Churcher C. S. , Evans David C.
Published: April 2023

The dire wolf (Canis dirus) had a broad geographic range in Pleistocene North and South America. Its northernmost occurrence has been reported from late Pleistocene deposits in Medicine Hat, Alberta, representing the only record of the taxon in Canada. However, the dentary upon which these reports were based has never been described or illustrated. The Medicine Hat specimen is badly crushed and appears to be from an old individual, which precludes the observation of adult diagnostic morphological characters. Geometric morphometrics were used to test the previous identification of the Medicine Hat dentary. A landmark‐based principal component analysis and a canonical variates analysis suggests that the specimen more strongly resembles dire wolf specimens than grey wolf (Canis lupus). Identification of the Medicine Hat specimen asC. dirussupports it as the northernmost occurrence of this species in North America. However, we note the potential for allometric relationships that may confound differentiation between grey and dire wolves based on the morphology of the dentary. This study concludes by identifying future work needed in the areas of canid allometry and the biogeography of late Pleistocene North America and Beringia.
Microbiota structure of traditional starters from around the Tai‐hang mountains and their influence on the fermentation properties, aroma profile and quality of Chinese steamed bread
Authors: Wei Guanmian , Regenstein Joe M
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

Steamed bread is a popular staple food in China, and the significant regional differences of the microbiota in traditional starters make the flavor and quality of steamed bread highly variable along with long preparation times. Therefore, analyzing the microbial flora of traditional starters and their influences on the flavor and quality may help to solve the problems mentioned earlier, and it may also be conducive to potentially meet consumer needs and permit industrialization of this traditional fermented food.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty‐two fungal and 50 bacterial species were identified in five traditional starters, each with a different dominant genus. The fermentation properties of dough showed that total titratable acid, dough volume and gas production increased and the pH decreased with fermentation time. The traditional starters improved the quality of Chinese steamed bread (CSB) including the crumb structure, specific volume and sensory attributes. Thirty‐three aroma compounds with a VIP (variable importance for the projection) > 1 were identified as characteristic aroma compounds. The correlations among the microbiota, aroma and qualities of CSB showed a greater contribution from the bacteria, which was consistent with the predictions of metabolic pathways in the sequenced genomes.

CONCLUSION

The quality of CSB fermented with traditional starters was improved induced by their different microbial profiles, and bacteria made a greater contribution than fungus to the aroma and qualities of CSB. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Assessment of a novel biliary‐specific near‐infrared fluorescent dye (BL‐760) for intraoperative detection of bile ducts and biliary leaks during hepatectomy in a preclinical swine model
Authors: Saruwatari Michele S. , Jawed Kochai , Ali Khalid M. , Ning Bo , Naik Sailee , Nam So‐Hyun , Schnermann Martin J. , Sandler Anthony , Cha Richard J.
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Postoperative bile leakage is a common complication of hepatobiliary surgery and frequently requires procedural intervention. Bile‐label 760 (BL‐760), a novel near‐infrared dye, has emerged as a promising tool for identifying biliary structures and leakage, owing to its rapid excretion and strong bile specificity. This study aimed to assess the intraoperative detection of biliary leakage using intravenously administered BL‐760 compared with intravenous (IV) and intraductal (ID) indocyanine green (ICG).

Materials and Methods

Laparotomy and segmental hepatectomy with vascular control were performed on two 25–30 kg pigs. ID ICG, IV ICG, and IV BL‐760 were administered separately, followed by an examination of the liver parenchyma, cut liver edge, and extrahepatic bile ducts for areas of leakage. The duration of intra‐ and extrahepatic fluorescence detection was assessed, and the target‐to‐background (TBR) of the bile ducts to the liver parenchyma was quantitatively measured.

Results

In Animal 1, after intraoperative BL‐760 injection, three areas of leaking bile were identified within 5 min on the cut liver edge with a TBR of 2.5–3.8 that was not apparent to the naked eye. In contrast, after IV ICG administration, the background parenchymal signal and bleeding obscured the areas of bile leakage. A second dose of BL‐760 demonstrated the utility of repeated injections, confirming two of the three previously visualized areas of bile leakage and revealing one previously unseen leak. In Animal 2, neither ID ICG nor IV BL‐760 injections showed obvious areas of bile leakage. However, fluorescence signals were observed within the superficial intrahepatic bile ducts after both injections.

Conclusions

BL‐760 enables the rapid intraoperative visualization of small biliary structures and leaks, with the benefits of fast excretion, repeatable intravenous administration, and high‐fluorescence TBR in the liver parenchyma. Potential applications include the identification of bile flow in the portal plate, biliary leak or duct injury, and postoperative monitoring of drain output. A thorough assessment of the intraoperative biliary anatomy could limit the need for postoperative drain placement, a possible contributor to severe complications and postoperative bile leak.
Synthesis and Characterization of Waterborne Sulfonate Polyesters
Authors: Lu Wei , Lv Tianyi , Lin Xuliang , Yang Zhuoni , Cheng Keke
Published: April 2023

Waterborne sulfonate polyesters (WSPs) are prepared by esterification and condensation reaction using 1,4‐cyclohexadimethanol, diethylene glycol, and iso‐phthalic acid as monomers and 5‐sulfoisophthalic acid monosodium salt as hydrophilic monomers. The obtained WSPs are characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 1H NMR, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic light scattering, and water contact angle is also investigated. Their Tg can be adjusted between 30 and 55 °C by changing the ratio of monomers. The WSPs have good thermal stability at 350 °C. The static contact results show that the existence of sulfonic group enhances the hydrophilicity of WSPs. Compared with the waterborne acrylic polyester and polyurethane sold in the market, the prepared WSPs show excellent defoaming performance.
Highly Stretchable, Repairable, and Tough Nanocomposite Hydrogel Physically Cross‐linked by Hydrophobic Interactions and Reinforced by Surface‐Grafted Hydrophobized Cellulose Nanocrystals
Authors: Chen Ningxin , He Xiao , Lu Qingye
Published: April 2023

Highly stretchable, repairable, and tough nanocomposite hydrogels are designed by incorporating hydrophobic carbon chains to create first‐layer cross‐linking among the polymer matrix and monomer‐modified polymerizable yet hydrophobic nanofillers to create second‐layer strong polymer‐nanofiller clusters involving mostly covalent bonds and electrostatic interactions. The hydrogels are synthesized from three main components: hydrophobic monomer DMAPMA‐C18 by reacting N‐[3‐(dimethylamino)propyl]methacrylamide] (DMAPMA) with 1‐bromooctadecane, monomer N,N‐dimethylacrylamide (DMAc), and monomer‐modified polymerizable hydrophobized cellulose nanocrystal(CNC‐G) obtained by reacting CNC with 3‐trimethoxysily propyl methacrylate. The polymerization of DMAPMA‐C18 and DMAc and physical cross‐linking due to the hydrophobic interactions between C18 chains make DMAPMA‐C18/DMAc hydrogel. The additional introduction of CNC‐G brings more interactions into the final hydrogel (DMAPMA‐C18/DMAc/CNC‐G): the covalent bonds between CNC‐G and DMAPMA‐C18/DMAc, hydrophobic interactions, electrostatic interactions between negatively charged CNC‐G and positively charged DMAPMA‐C18, and hydrogen bonds. The optimum DMAPMA‐C18/DMAc/CNC‐G hydrogel exhibits excellent mechanical performance with elongation stress of 1085 ± 14 kPa, strain of 4106 ± 311%, toughness of 3.35 × 104 kJ m−3, Young's modulus of 844 kPa, and compression stress of 5.18 MPa at 85% strain. Besides, the hydrogel exhibits good repairability and promising adhesive ability (83–260 kN m−2 toward various surfaces).
Long‐Term Generator Replacement Experience in Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulator Therapy Recipients With CPAP‐Intolerant Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Magaña Linda C. , Strollo Patrick J. , Steffen Armin , Ravesloot Madeline , van Maanen Peter , Harrison Christine , Maurer Joachim T. , Soose Ryan J.
Published: April 2023

Objective

In the last decade, hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS) has emerged as a therapeutic alternative for patients with obstructive sleep apnea. The original clinical trial cohorts are entering the phase of expected battery depletion (8‐12 years). This study aimed to examine the surgical experience with implantable pulse generator (IPG) replacements and the associated long‐term therapy outcomes.

Study Design

Retrospective analysis of patients from the original clinical trial databases (STAR, German post‐market) who were followed in the ongoing ADHERE registry.

Setting

International multicenter HNS registry.

Methods

The ADHERE registry and clinical trial databases were cross‐referenced to identify the serial numbers of IPGs that were replaced. Data collection included demographics, apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI), therapy use, operative times, and adverse events.

Results

Fourteen patients underwent IPG replacement 8.3 ± 1.1 years after their initial implantation. Body mass index was unchanged between the original implant and IPG replacement (29 ± 4 vs 28 ± 2 kg/m2, p = .50). The mean IPG replacement operative time was shorter than the original implant (63 ± 50 vs 154 ± 58 minutes, p < .002); however, 2 patients required stimulation lead replacement which significantly increased operative time. For patients with available AHI and adherence data, the mean change in AHI from baseline to latest follow‐up (8.7 ± 1.1 years after de novo implant) was −50.06%, and the mean therapy use was 7.2 hours/night.

Conclusion

IPG replacement surgery was associated with low complications and shorter operative time. For patients with available outcomes data, adherence and efficacy remained stable after 9 years of follow‐up.
Investigating identity‐related weak developmental assets and their barriers in Iranian female adolescents: Self‐worth, self‐efficacy, and personal power
Authors: Aghatabay Rabea , Vaezi Aliakbar , Mazloomy Mahmoodabad Seyed Saeed , Rahimi Mehdi , Fallahzadeh Hosein , Alizadeh Somayeh
Published: April 2023

Achievement of a positive identity and its transition to adulthood is the most important task of the adolescent era. This cross‐sectional explanatory mixed‐method study sought to better understand barriers to identity development in female adolescents in Iran by explaining their own experiences and using a Positive Youth Development model as a framework. A total of 573 female secondary‐school students were recruited through multistage sampling and were asked to complete the questionnaire of Developmental Assets Profile (DAP). Positive identity in DAP consists of four assets (personal power, self‐esteem, a positive view of the personal future, and sense of purpose). Quantitative data analysis showed that among above mentioned four assets, personal power and self‐esteem gained lower scores. A qualitative study held six individual interviews and two focused‐group discussions were conducted to explain the barriers to personal power and self‐esteem. Results showed that considering personal power, there were two categories as follows: (1) barriers to a sense of control over life and future (subcategories: being limited by failures, deprivation of liberty, and dissatisfaction from being excessively controlled by parents). (2) Barriers to adequately dealing with the challenges and problems (subcategories: expressing feelings inappropriately, isolation, and blaming). Barriers to self‐esteem included categories of negative emotions due to weak academic performance, weak religious performance, weak communication with parents, and previous mistakes. The results of the present study highlighted the areas that need intervention in the field of promoting positive identity in adolescent girls and their parents.
How legal patterns over lifetime of migration shape migrants' labour market outcomes: Evidence from Mexican migrants in the United States
Authors: Chen Zhenxiang
Published: April 2023

This article proposes a life‐course measure of the legal pattern that accounts for the overall legal pattern over the lifetime of migration and explores the two main pathways to labour market outcomes: selecting into legal patterns associated with different levels of labour market outcomes and realising different labour market outcomes within each pattern. Results suggest that labour market outcomes depend on which legal patterns migrants end up with instead of what they realise within each pattern. Particularly, migrants with more human capital and better social capital select into legal patterns associated with better labour market outcomes, but they do not realise better labour market outcomes given the legal patterns they experienced. From the dynamic perspective, the economic integration of migrants depends on legal patterns. Migrants in legal patterns that initiate with temporary resident status experience economic integration over time. The growth rate is larger for the patterns that involve a transition in legal status. This paper makes important contributions to the literature. First, it identifies holistic legal patterns that account for the legal status over migrants' entire migration history. Second, it sheds light on the selection into different legal patterns and highlights selection as the major process in explaining migrants' labour market outcomes. Third, it shows how legal patterns, jointly shaped by initial legal status and legal transition, determine migrants' economic integration. Finally, the inclusion of temporary resident status, beyond the illegal–legal dichotomy, enriches our understanding of how liminal legality over the lifetime of migration shapes labour market outcomes.
A decision support system based on artificial intelligence and systems biology for the simulation of pancreatic cancer patient status
Authors: Junet Valentin , Matos‐Filipe Pedro , García‐Illarramendi Juan Manuel , Ramírez Esther , Oliva Baldo , Farrés Judith , Daura Xavier , Mas José Manuel , Morales Rafael
Published: April 2023

Oncology treatments require continuous individual adjustment based on the measurement of multiple clinical parameters. Prediction tools exploiting the patterns present in the clinical data could be used to assist decision making and ease the burden associated to the interpretation of all these parameters. The goal of this study was to predict the evolution of patients with pancreatic cancer at their next visit using information routinely recorded in health records, providing a decision‐support system for clinicians. We selected hematological variables as the visit's clinical outcomes, under the assumption that they can be predictive of the evolution of the patient. Multivariate models based on regression trees were generated to predict next‐visit values for each of the clinical outcomes selected, based on the longitudinal clinical data as well as on molecular data sets streaming from in silico simulations of individual patient status at each visit. The models predict, with a mean prediction score (balanced accuracy) of 0.79, the evolution trends of eosinophils, leukocytes, monocytes, and platelets. Time span between visits and neutropenia were among the most common factors contributing to the predicted evolution. The inclusion of molecular variables from the systems‐biology in silico simulations provided a molecular background for the observed variations in the selected outcome variables, mostly in relation to the regulation of hematopoiesis. In spite of its limitations, this study serves as a proof of concept for the application of next‐visit prediction tools in real‐world settings, even when available data sets are small.
Assimilation of radar‐derived refractivity and radar data in the context of ensemble Kalman filter: Cases study of the Southwest Monsoon Experiment
Authors: Do Phuong‐Nghi , Chung Kao‐Shen , Feng Ya‐Chien , Lin Pay‐Liam , Tsai Bo‐An
Published: April 2023

Radar‐derived refractivity provides moisture information near the surface, which plays a crucial role in convective initiation and of heavy rain. In this study, the high‐resolution Weather Research and Forecasting local ensemble transform Kalman filter data assimilation system was employed for two cases in the Southwest Monsoon Experiment to conduct two experimental sets. The first set was applied in both cases to investigate the effects of assimilating radar‐retrieved refractivity along with reflectivity and radial wind. The second set was conducted in the second case to examine the benefit of increasing the frequency of refractivity assimilation and investigate the optimal strategy to assimilate refractivity. Results of the two cases revealed that assimilating reflectivity and radial velocity modified near‐surface humidity on the basis of the flow‐dependent error correlation estimated by the ensemble, but the spatial distribution may not be fully accurate, causing underestimation of rainfall. With further refractivity assimilation, stronger convergence and more accurate low‐level moisture, temperature, and wind field corrections were obtained, leading to superior forecasts for both light and heavy rainfall during six hours. The results of the second set indicated that increasing the assimilation interval of refractivity enabled capturing the dramatic moisture variation and enhancing wind convergence, resulting in short‐term forecast improvement. The strategy that solely assimilated refractivity before the appearance of the convection system optimized the correction of environmental moisture, then accurately represented the humidity and strengthened the wind convergence when precipitation occurred. Consequently, the achieved improvement of the short‐term forecast was most noteworthy, particularly for heavy rain.
Designing superiority trials with window mean survival time as a primary endpoint
Authors: Paukner Mitchell , Chappell Richard
Published: April 2023

Window mean survival time (WMST), a simple extension of restricted mean survival time (RMST), allows for clinicians to evaluate the mean survival difference between treatment groups in specific windows of time during the follow‐up period of a trial. The advantages of WMST are numerous. Not only does it produce estimates of treatment effect that can be meaningfully interpreted, but also has power advantages over competing methods when hazards are non‐proportional (NPH). WMST, like RMST, is currently underutilized due to clinicians' lack of familiarity with tests comparing mean survival times and the lack of tools to facilitate trial design with this endpoint. The aim of this article is to provide investigators with insights and software to design trials with WMST as the primary endpoint. Functions for performing power and sample size calculations are provided in the survWMST package in R available on GitHub.
Equivalent Efficacy of Indoor Daylight and Lamp-Based 5-Aminolevulinic Acid Photodynamic Therapy for Treatment of Actinic Keratosis
Authors: Ruiz Alberto J. , LaRochelle Ethan P. M. , Fahrner Marie-Christine P. , Emond Jennifer A. , Samkoe Kimberley S. , Pogue Brian W. , Chapman M. Shane
Published: April 2023

Background

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is widely used as a treatment for actinic keratoses (AK), with new sunlight-based regimens proposed as alternatives to lamp-based treatments. Prescribing indoor daylight activation could help address the seasonal temperature, clinical supervision, and access variability associated with outdoor treatments.

Objective

To compare the AK lesion clearance efficacy of indoor daylight PDT treatment (30 min of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) pre-incubation, followed by 2 h of indoor sunlight) versus a lamp-based PDT treatment (30 min of ALA preincubation, followed by 10 min of red light).

Methods

A prospective clinical trial was conducted with 41 patients. Topical 10% ALA was applied to the entire treatment site (face, forehead, scalp). Patients were assigned to either the lamp-based or indoor daylight treatment. Actinic keratosis lesion counts were determined by clinical examination and recorded for pre-treatment, 1-month, and 6-month follow-up visits.

Results

There was no statistical difference in the efficacy of AK lesion clearance between the red-lamp (1-month clearance = 57 ± 17%, 6-month clearance = 57 ± 20%) and indoor daylight treatment (1-month clearance = 61 ± 19%, 6-month clearance = 67 ± 20%). A 95% confidence interval of the difference of the means was measured between −4.4% and 13.4% for 1-month, and −2.2% and +23.6% for 6-month timepoints when comparing the indoor daylight to the red-lamp treatment, with a priori interval of equivalence of ±20%.

Limitations

Ensuring an equivalent dose between the indoor and lamp treatment cohorts limited randomisation since it required performing indoor daylight treatments only during sunny days.

Conclusion

Indoor-daylight PDT provided equivalent AK treatment efficacy to a lamp-based regimen while overcoming temperature limitations and UV-block sunscreen issues associated with outdoor sunlight treatments in the winter.

Clinical trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov listing: NCT03805737.
Atomically Dispersed Pt‐Doped Co3O4 Spinel Nanoparticles Embedded in Polyhedron Frames for Robust Propane Oxidation at Low Temperature
Authors: Xiong Gaoyan , Feng Chao , Chen Hsiao‐Chien , Li Junxi , Jiang Fei , Tao Shu , Wang Yunxia , Li Yichuan , Pan Yuan
Published: April 2023

This study adopts a facile and effective in situ encapsulation‐oxidation strategy for constructing a coupling catalyst composed of atomically dispersed Pt‐doped Co3O4 spinel nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in polyhedron frames (PFs) for robust propane total oxidation. Benefiting from the abundant oxygen vacancies and more highly valent active Co3+ species caused by the doping of Pt atoms as well as the confinement effect, the optimized 0.2Pt‐Co3O4 NPs/PFs catalyst exhibits excellent propane catalytic activity with low T90 (184 °C), superior apparent reaction rate (21.62×108 (mol gcat−1 s−1)), low apparent activation energy (Ea = 17.89 kJ mol−1), high turnover frequency ( 811×107 (mol gcat−1 s−1)) as well as good stability. In situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations indicate that the doping of Pt atoms enhances the oxygen activation ability, and decreases the energy barrier required for CH bond breaking, thus improving the deep oxidation process of the intermediate species. This study opens up new ideas for constructing coupling catalysts from atomic scale with low cost to enhance the activation of oxygen molecules and the deep oxidation of linear short chain alkanes at low temperature.
Sedimentary Pyrite Formation in a Seasonally Oxygen‐Stressed Estuary: Potential Imprints of Microbial Ecology and Position‐Specific Isotope Fractionation
Authors: Hantsoo Kalev , Gomes Maya , Malkin Sairah , Brenner Dana , Kenney William F.
Published: April 2023

Sedimentary pyrite records are essential for reconstructing paleoenvironmental conditions, but these records may be affected by seasonal fluctuations in oxygen concentration and temperature, which can impact bioturbation, sulfide fluxes, and distributions of sulfide oxidizing microbes (SOMs). To investigate how seasonal oxygen stress influences surficial (<2 cm) pyrite formation, we measured time‐series concentrations and sulfur isotope (δ34S) compositions of pyrite sulfur along with those of potential precursor compounds at a bioturbated shoal site and an oxygen‐deficient channel site in Chesapeake Bay. We also measured radioisotope depth profiles to estimate sedimentation rates and bioturbation intensities. Results show that net pyrite precipitation was restricted to summer and early autumn at both sites. Pyrite concentration was higher and apparently more responsive to precursor compound concentration at the mildly bioturbated site than at the non‐bioturbated site. This disparity may be driven by differences in the dominant SOM communities between the two sites. Despite this, the sites' similar pyrite δ34S values imply that changes in SOM communities have limited effects on surficial pyrite δ34S values here. However, we found that pyrite δ34S values are consistently and anomalously lower than coeval precursor compounds at both sites. A steady‐state model demonstrates that equilibrium position‐specific isotope fractionation (PSIF) effects in the S8‐polysulfide pool can create a 4.3–7.3‰ gap between δ34S values of pyrite and zero‐valent sulfur. This study suggests that SOM communities may have distinct effects on pyrite accumulation in seasonally dynamic systems, and that PSIF in the polysulfide pool may leave an imprint in pyrite isotope records.
Chiral sulfide and selenide catalysts for asymmetric halocyclizations and related reactions
Authors: Nishiyori Ryuichi , Mori Taiki , Okuno Ken , Shirakawa Seiji
Published: April 2023

Recent advances in chiral sulfide-catalyzed asymmetric halocyclizations are summarized.
Spectrum sharing mechanisms in the unlicensed band: Performance limit and comparison
Authors: Lin Yingqi , Sun Xinghua , Gao Yayu , Zhan Wen , Li Yitong
Published: April 2023

Deploying networks in unlicensed spectrum has been drawing significant attention, which serves to alleviate the increasing demands in licensed spectrum. However, the network coexistence in unlicensed channel may lead to throughput degradation and unfairness. An appropriate spectrum‐sharing mechanism is therefore of great significance. In this paper, we study the performance limit of two representative mechanisms used in the coexistence with WiFi, including Duty Cycle (DC) and Listen‐Before‐Talk (LBT). In particular, both the throughputs of the coexisting network and WiFi under two mechanisms are derived as explicit expressions of system parameters, based on which the maximum total throughput of the coexisting network and WiFi is characterized under throughput fairness and 3GPP fairness, respectively. A systematic comparison between the optimal throughput performance of DC and LBT is conducted. It is found that if the coexisting network with LBT occupies the channel for a large period each time it successfully accesses the channel, then the maximum total throughput in LBT would be close to that in DC under both throughput fairness and 3GPP fairness. The optimal settings for DC and LBT mechanisms to achieve maximum total throughput are obtained, respectively, which sheds important light on the design of fair and efficient spectrum‐sharing protocols.
Improved BlendMask: Nuclei instance segmentation for medical microscopy images
Authors: Wang Juan , Zhang Zetao , Wu Minghu , Ye Yonggang , Wang Sheng , Cao Ye , Yang Hao
Published: April 2023

Nuclei instance segmentation is an important task in medical image analysis involving cell‐level pathological analysis, which is of great significance for many biomedical applications. Nuclei segmentation is a challenging task due to edge adhesions and the distribution of numerous tiny dense nuclei. In this work, a nuclei instance segmentation framework, namely, the improved BlendMask is proposed. In this framework, in order to improve the performance of detection and segmentation of dense small objects and adhering nuclei, two components, including dilated convolution aggregation module (DCA) and context information aggregation module (CIA), are designed. The DCA constructs multi‐path parallel dilated convolution, which greatly increases the receptive field of the network and the ability to capture multi‐scale contextual information. The CIA reduces the information loss in the channel by endowing the network with high‐level multi‐scale spatial context information. In addition, a novel distributional ranking loss function is given that can effectively alleviate the imbalance between the target and the background. The proposed method is validated on the DSB2018 dataset. Compared to BlendMask, this network improves by 3.6% on AP segmentation metric, and the segmentation performance of this network is superior to that of several recent classic open‐source nuclei instance segmentation methods.
Evaluation of Patient-Friendly Diagnosis Clarifications in a Hospital Patient Portal
Authors: van Mens Hugo J. T. , Hannen Gaby E. G. , Nienhuis Remko , Bolt Roel J. , de Keizer Nicolette F. , Cornet Ronald
Published: April 2023

Background Medical data can be difficult to comprehend for patients, but only a limited number of patient-friendly terms and definitions are available to clarify medical concepts. Therefore, we developed an algorithm that generalizes diagnoses to more general concepts that do have patient-friendly terms and definitions in SNOMED CT. We implemented the generalizations, and diagnosis clarifications with synonyms and definitions that were already available, in the problem list of a hospital patient portal.

Objective We aimed to assess the extent to which the clarifications cover the diagnoses in the problem list, the extent to which clarifications are used and appreciated by patient portal users, and to explore differences in viewing problems and clarifications between subgroups of users and diagnoses.

Methods We measured the coverage of diagnoses by clarifications, usage of the problem list and the clarifications, and user, patient and diagnosis characteristics with aggregated, routinely available electronic health record and log file data. Additionally, patient portal users provided quantitative and qualitative feedback about the clarification quality.

Results Of all patient portal users who viewed diagnoses on their problem list (n = 2,660), 89% had one or more diagnoses with clarifications. In addition, 55% of patient portal users viewed the clarifications. Users who rated the clarifications (n = 108) considered the clarifications to be of good quality on average, with a median rating per patient of 6 (interquartile range: 4–7; from 1 very bad to 7 very good). Users commented that they found clarifications to be clear and recognized the clarifications from their own experience, but sometimes also found the clarifications incomplete or disagreed with the diagnosis itself.

Conclusion This study shows that the clarifications are used and appreciated by patient portal users. Further research and development will be dedicated to the maintenance and further quality improvement of the clarifications.
Reconstruction of Hand Dorsum Defect Using Double Perforators-Based Anterior Interosseous Artery Island Flap: A Case Report and Description of a New Anterior Interosseous Artery Perforator
Authors: Kang Inho , Lee Hyun Rok , Jung Gyu Yong , Lee Joon Ho
Published: April 2023

The anterior interosseous artery (AIA) perforator flap is not commonly used in hand dorsum reconstruction compared with alternatives. However, it is a versatile flap with several advantages. Literature on the AIA perforator flap is based on the dorsal septocutaneous branch (DSB), which branches from the AIA and passes through fascia between the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) and extensor pollicis brevis muscles. In the described case, the authors reconstructed a hand dorsum defect in a 78-year-old man using an AIA perforator flap with double perforators supplied by the DSB and a new perforator branching from the distal than DSB. No complication was encountered, and the flap survived completely. A retrospective computed tomography review revealed the presence of the new perforator in 14 of 21 patients. Two types of new perforator were observed. One passed through the ulnar side of the extensor indicis proprius (EIP) muscle and penetrated fascia between the extensor digitorum minimi and extensor digitorum communis tendons, whereas the other passed between the EPL and EIP muscles. This report describes the anatomical location and clinical application of the new AIA perforators. The double perforators-based AIA flap provides a straightforward, reliable means of reconstructing hand dorsum defects.
Lipoinjection with Adipose Stem Cells for Nasal Modeling: Rhino Cell, a Highly Versatile Alternative
Authors: Castro-Govea Yanko , García-Garza Jorge A. , Vázquez-Lara Sergio E. , González-Cantú Cynthia M. , Chacón-Moreno Hernán , Cervantes-Kardasch Víctor H.
Published: April 2023

It is undeniable that a significant number of patients who want to improve their facial appearance is increasingly interested in nonsurgical procedures. Without a doubt, the use of autologous fat could not be left out as a magnificent alternative for nasal modeling simply because of four influential factors: ease of collection, compatibility, the temporality of the results, and safety. This work describes an innovative alternative technique for nasal modeling using micrografts enriched with adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs). With this technique, fat was collected and divided into two samples, nanofat and microfat. Nanofat was used to isolate the ASCs; microfat was enriched with ASCs and used for nasal modeling. Lipoinjection was performed in a supraperiosteal plane on the nasal dorsum. Through a retrolabial access, the nasal tip and base of the columella were lipoinjected. We consider that nonsurgical nasal modeling using micrografts enriched with ASCs can be an attractive and innovative alternative. This technique will never be a substitute for surgical rhinoplasty. It can be performed in a minor procedure area with rapid recovery and return to the patient's daily activities the next day. If necessary, the procedure can be repeated.
Scientists drill for oldest ice to reveal secrets about Earth’s climate
Authors: Feder Toni
Published: April 2023

Nations collaborate—and compete—to access million-plus-year-old ice in Antarctica.
Historical contingency or effective niche differentiation as drivers for the emergence of endemism centres? A commentary on ‘The evolution of ecological specialization underlies plant endemism in the Atlantic Forest’
Authors: Molina-Venegas Rafael
Published: April 2023

This article comments on:

Eduardo K. Nery, Mayara K. Caddah, Matheus F. Santos and Anselmo Nogueira. The evolution of ecological specialization underlies plant endemism in the Atlantic Forest, Annals of Botany, Volume 131, Issue 6, 9 May 2023, Pages 921–940, https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcad029
Standard versus no post-filter ionized calcium monitoring in regional citrate anticoagulation for continuous renal replacement therapy (NPC trial)
Authors: Thanapongsatorn Peerapat , Sinjira Tanyapim , Kaewdoungtien Piyanut , Kusirisin Prit , Kulvichit Win , Sirivongrangson Phatadon , Peerapornratana Sadudee , Lumlertgul Nuttha , Srisawat Nattachai
Published: April 2023

Background

Current guidelines recommend monitoring of post-filter ionized calcium (pfCa) when using regional citrate anticoagulation during continuous renal replacement therapy (RCA-CRRT) to determine citrate efficiency for the prevention of filter clotting. However, the reliability of pfCa raises the question of whether routine monitoring is required. Reducing the frequency of pfCa monitoring could potentially reduce costs and workload. Our objective was to test the efficacy and safety of no pfCa monitoring among critically ill patients receiving RCA-CRRT.

Methods

This study was a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial conducted between January 2021 and October 2021 at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thailand. Critically ill patients who were treated with RCA-CRRT were randomized to receive either standard pfCa monitoring (aiming pfCa level of 0.25–0.35 mmol/L), or no pfCa monitoring, in which a constant rate of citrate infusion was maintained at pre-determined citrate concentrations of 4 mmol/L with blinding of pfCa levels to treating clinicians. The primary outcome was the filter lifespan. Non-inferiority would be demonstrated if the upper limit of the 95% confidence interval (CI) for the difference in filter lifespan between the groups was less than 20 h.

Results

Fifty patients were randomized to the standard pfCa monitoring group (n = 25) or no pfCa monitoring group (n = 25). The mean filter lifespan was 54 ± 20 h in the standard pfCa monitoring group and 47 ± 23 h in the no pfCa monitoring group (absolute difference 7.1 h; 95% CI –5.3, 19.5, P = .25). When restricting the analysis to circuits reaching the maximum duration of circuit lifespan at 72 h and clotted filters, the filter lifespan was 61 ± 17 h in the standard pfCa group vs 60 ± 19 h in the no pfCa monitoring group (absolute difference 0.9 h; 95% CI –11.5, 13.4, P = .88). Compared with the no pfCa monitoring group, the standard pfCa monitoring group had a significantly higher mean citrate concentrations (4.43 ± 0.32 vs 4 mmol/L, P < .001) and a higher rate of severe hypocalcemia (44% vs 20%, P = .13). No statistical differences were found in filter clotting, citrate accumulation, citrate overload and mortality between the two groups.

Conclusions

Among critically ill patients receiving RCA-CRRT, no pfCa monitoring by maintaining the citrate concentrations of 4 mmol/L is feasible. Larger randomized controlled trials should be conducted to ensure the efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness of this strategy.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04792424 (registered 11 March 2021)
Mineral Resources and the Salience of Ethnic Identities
Authors: Berman Nicolas , Couttenier Mathieu , Girard Victoire
Published: April 2023

This paper shows how ethnic identities may become more salient due to natural resources extraction. We combine individual data on the strength of ethnic—relative to national—identities with geo-localised information on the contours of ethnic homelands, and on the timing and location of mineral resources exploitation in 25 African countries, from 2005 to 2015. Our strategy takes advantage of several dimensions of exposure to resources exploitation: time, spatial proximity and ethnic proximity. We find that the strength of an ethnic group identity increases when mineral resource exploitation in that group’s historical homeland intensifies. We argue that this result is at least partly rooted in feelings of relative deprivation associated with the exploitation of the resources. We show that such exploitation has limited positive economic spillovers, especially for members of the indigenous ethnic group; and that the link between mineral resources and the salience of ethnic identities is reinforced among members of powerless ethnic groups and groups with strong baseline identity feelings or living in poorer areas, or areas with a history of conflict. Put together, these findings suggest a new dimension of the natural resource curse: the fragmentation of identities, between ethnic groups and nations.
Widespread genetic heterogeneity and genotypic grouping associated with fungicide resistance among barley spot form net blotch isolates in Australia
Authors: Hassett Kealan , Muria-Gonzalez Mariano Jordi , Turner Aleesha , McLean Mark S , Wallwork Hugh , Martin Anke , Ellwood Simon R
Published: April 2023

Spot form net blotch, caused by Pyrenophora teres f. maculata, is a major foliar disease of barley worldwide. Knowledge of the pathogen's genetic diversity and population structure is critical for a better understanding of inherent evolutionary capacity and for the development of sustainable disease management strategies. Genome-wide, single nucleotide polymorphism data of 254 Australian isolates revealed genotypic diversity and an absence of population structure, either between states, or between fields and cultivars in different agro-ecological zones. This indicates there is little geographical isolation or cultivar directional selection and that the pathogen is highly mobile across the continent. However, two cryptic genotypic groups were found only in Western Australia, predominantly associated with genes involved in fungicide resistance. The findings in this study are discussed in the context of current cultivar resistance and the pathogen's adaptive potential.
Endoscopic and Histological Placebo Rates in Crohn’s Disease Clinical Trials: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Vuyyuru Sudheer K , Nguyen Tran M , Hogan Malcolm , Raine Tim , Noor Nurulamin M , Narula Neeraj , Verstockt Bram , Feagan Brian G , Singh Siddharth , Ma Christopher , Jairath Vipul
Published: April 2023

Background

Precise estimates of placebo response rates help efficient clinical trial design. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we assessed contemporary placebo endoscopic and histological response rates in Crohn’s disease (CD) clinical trials.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched from inception to April 2022 to identify placebo-controlled studies of pharmacological interventions for CD. Endoscopic response, remission, and mucosal healing rates for participants assigned to placebo in induction and maintenance studies were pooled using a random-effects model. Point estimates and associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

Results

In total, 16 studies (11 induction, 3 maintenance, 2 induction and maintenance) that randomized 1646 participants to placebo were eligible. For induction trials, the pooled placebo endoscopic response, endoscopic remission, and mucosal healing rates in participants assigned to placebo were 13% (95% CI, 10-16; I2 = 14.1%; P = .14), 6% (95% CI, 3-11; I2 = 74.7%; P < .001), and 6% (95% CI, 4-9; I2 = 26.9%; P = .29), respectively. The pooled endoscopic remission rate in patients who were bio-naïve was 10% (95% CI, 4-23) compared with only 4% (95% CI, 3-7) in bio-experienced patients. For maintenance trials, the pooled endoscopic response, remission, and mucosal healing rates were 7% (95% CI, 1-31; I2 = 78.2%; P = .004), 11% (95% CI, 4-27; I2 = 70.8%; P = .06), and 7% (95% CI, 3-15; I2 = 29.7; P = .23), respectively. Only 3 trials assessed histological outcomes.

Conclusions

Endoscopic placebo rates vary according to trial phase and prior biologic exposure. These contemporary data will serve to inform CD trial design, sample size calculation, and end point selection for future trials.