bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep learning radiomics of ultrasonography for comprehensively predicting tumor and axillary lymph node status after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients: A multicenter study
Authors: Gu Jionghui , Tong Tong , Xu Dong , Cheng Fang , Fang Chengyu , He Chang , Wang Jing , Wang Baohua , Yang Xin , Wang Kun , Tian Jie , Jiang Tian'an
Published: November 2022

Abatract

Background

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) can downstage tumors and axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer (BC) patients. However, tumors and axillary response to NAC are not parallel and vary among patients. This study aims to explore the feasibility of deep learning radiomics nomogram (DLRN) for independently predicting the status of tumors and lymph node metastasis (LNM) after NAC.

Methods

In total, 484 BC patients who completed NAC from two hospitals (H1: 297 patients in the training cohort and 99 patients in the validation cohort; H2: 88 patients in the test cohort) were retrospectively enrolled. The authors developed two deep learning radiomics (DLR) models for personalized prediction of the tumor pathologic complete response (PCR) to NAC (DLR‐PCR) and the LNM status (DLR‐LNM) after NAC based on pre‐NAC and after‐NAC ultrasonography images. Furthermore, they proposed two DLRNs (DLRN‐PCR and DLRN‐LNM) for two different tasks based on the clinical characteristics and DLR scores, which were generated from both DLR‐PCR and DLR‐LNM.

Results

In the validation and test cohorts, DLRN‐PCR exhibited areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) of 0.903 and 0.896 with sensitivities of 91.2% and 75.0%, respectively. DLRN‐LNM achieved AUCs of 0.853 and 0.863, specificities of 82.0% and 81.8%, and negative predictive values of 81.3% and 87.2% in the validation and test cohorts, respectively. The two DLRN models achieved satisfactory predictive performance based on different BC subtypes.

Conclusions

The proposed DLRN models have the potential to accurately predict the tumor PCR and LNM status after NAC.

Plain language summary

In this study, we proposed two deep learning radiomics nomogram models based on pre‐neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and preoperative ultrasonography images for independently predicting the status of tumor and axillary lymph node (ALN) after NAC.

A more comprehensive assessment of the patient's condition after NAC can be achieved by predicting the status of the tumor and ALN separately.

Our model can potentially provide a noninvasive and personalized method to offer decision support for organ preservation and avoidance of excessive surgery.
Surgical salvage of human papillomavirus–positive oropharyngeal cancer: Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Quan Daniel L. , Grauer Jordan S. , Sunkara Pranit R. , Cramer John D.
Published: November 2022

Background

Survival outcomes are generally better for human papillomavirus–associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV+ OPSCC) than other forms of head and neck cancer. However, less is known about oncologic outcomes, late adverse events, and gastrostomy tube dependence associated with salvage surgery after the failure of definitive chemoradiation in patients with HPV+ OPSCC.

Methods

A secondary analysis of the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 1016 randomized trial, which compared radiotherapy plus cetuximab to radiotherapy plus cisplatin in patients with HPV+ OPSCC, was performed. The oncologic and adverse event outcomes for patients who underwent salvage surgery were examined.

Results

Among the 805 patients who were assigned to treatment and were eligible for analysis, 198 developed treatment failure. Salvage surgery was required for 61 patients (7.6%), with 33 patients undergoing salvage surgery after locoregional failure (LRF) and 28 patients undergoing salvage neck dissection within the 20 weeks after treatment. Patients with LRF who underwent salvage surgery experienced improved overall survival in comparison with patients with LRF who did not undergo surgery (45% vs. 17% at 5 years after treatment; hazard ratio, 0.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.23–0.74). Surgical salvage after LRF was associated with similar frequencies of late grade 3/4 dysphagia in comparison with LRF without surgery (24% [95% CI, 13%–41%] vs. 20% [95% CI, 12%–32%]; p = .64) and with similar gastrostomy tube dependence at 2 years (29% [95% CI, 15%–49%] vs. 13% [95% CI, 5%–28%]; p = .12).

Conclusions

Salvage surgery in patients with HPV+ OPSCC is associated with favorable survival and adverse event outcomes.
Boosting Electroreduction of CO2 to Tunable Syngas by Using a Pd‐Based Trimetallic Alloy
Authors: Yang Shuai , Zhan Peng , Si Zhihao , Li Guozhen , Chu Mengen , Liu Chang , Lu Lu , Qin Peiyong
Published: November 2022

Electrochemical reduction of CO2 to produce syngas is an ideal way to alleviate energy crisis and excessive CO2 emissions. The doping of additional elements to the Pd‐based material to form alloy is expected to result in catalyst with high activity, wide CO/H2 ratio and excellent stability for production on different platform chemicals. Here, Cu and Co species in the trimetallic alloy are targeted to solve the problems of Pd, the electronic structure and the synergistic interaction of alloy have a major effect on the reaction pathway. The obtained PdCuCo can achieve high Faradaic efficiency of CO (87.5% at −1.16 V vs RHE) and has a wide range of tunable CO/H2 ratio (from 0.44 to 7). In different downstream application scenarios, PdCuCo can provide high current densities for syngas preparation (44.4 mA cm−2 for Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis, 54.1 mA cm−2 for aldehyde production and 75.8 mA cm−2 for methanol production).
Knowledge regarding breast cancer among Congolese women in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Sulu Stanislas Maseb'a Mwang , Mukuku Olivier , Sulu Arnold Maseb Sul , Massamba Bienvenu Lebwaze , Mashinda Désiré Kulimba , Tshimpi Antoine Wola
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Breast cancer is the most frequent type of cancer in women and is characterized by late clinical signs in developing countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo. One of the main reasons of death from breast cancer is lack of awareness and screening, which has led to late diagnosis (at an advanced stage). This study aims to measure women's knowledge regarding breast cancer in Kinshasa, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Materials and Methods

A cross‐sectional study of 489 women aged 20–65 years was conducted. Data was collected using a predesigned, tested, self‐administered questionnaire. The questionnaire included specific sections to test the participants' knowledge related to breast cancer and its screening, and practices related to breast self‐examination (BSE). Bivariate and multivariate analyzes were used.

Results

Our results indicated that 22.09% of the participants had good breast cancer knowledge and 77.91% had poor breast cancer knowledge. Overall, 322 (65.85%) participants recognized that BSE is a valuable method for early screening of BSE. In total, 136 (27.81%) respondents had learned to do the BSE and 216 (44.17%) had reported doing it. Two hundred and ninety‐two (59.71%) respondents mentioned that any woman was at risk for breast cancer and 357 (71.78%) mentioned that it was possible to prevent breast cancer. Determinants of an adequate level of knowledge were higher/university educational level (adjusted odds ratio = 2.70; 95% confidence interval: 1.27–5.73; p = .010) and having previously been screened for breast cancer (adjusted odds ratio = 2.31; 95% confidence interval: 1.40–3.83; p = .001).

Conclusion

The majority (77.91%) of women have demonstrated poor knowledge of signs/symptoms, risk factors, and screening methods of breast cancer. Additional efforts should be made through women's healthcare workers to raise knowledge of breast cancer screening.
Effects of Food and Multiple‐dose Administration on the Pharmacokinetic Properties of HR20033, a Sustained‐release Formulation of Henagliflozin and Metformin for the Treatment of Diabetes, in Healthy Chinese Volunteers
Authors: Liu Yueyue , Huyan Xiaoyuan , Zhang Qian , Qing Huiling , Zhang Qing , Wang Xihan , Li Yijing , Liu Zeyuan , Hu Wei
Published: November 2022

Henagliflozin proline and metformin hydrochloride sustained‐release tablets (HR20033) are a fixed‐dose combination of the novel, highly selective, and effective sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitor henagliflozin, with a metformin sustained‐release layer for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in conjunction with dietary control and exercise. The aims of this study were to investigate the effect of a high‐fat diet on the pharmacokinetics of henagliflozin and metformin after a single administration of HR20033 and the effect of repeated oral administration of HR20033 on their pharmacokinetics in healthy volunteers. The food‐effect clinical study involved 18 healthy subjects randomized to receive either HR20033 in the fasted condition followed by HR20033 in the fed condition or the reverse schedule, with the two doses separated by a washout period of at least 7 days. The multiple‐dose clinical study was conducted on 10 healthy subjects. In the food‐effect study, compared with those in the fasted condition, the area under the blood concentration curve (AUC) and peak concentration (Cmax) of henagliflozin decreased by 12.64% and 40.89%, respectively, while the AUC of metformin increased by 31.13% and Cmax decreased by 7.09% in the fed state. There was no significant accumulation of HR20033 in the body after multiple oral doses. No serious adverse event was observed in either of the two clinical studies. Food did not have a clinically meaningful effect on the absorption of HR20033.
Theoretical Simulations of Kinetic Isotope Effects on Decarboxylation of 3‐Carboxybenzisoxazole
Authors: Xu Yuqing , Wong Kin‐Yiu , Wang Meishan
Published: November 2022

Kinetic isotope effect values on the decarboxylation of 3‐carboxybenzisoxazole have been computed using the second‐order Kleinert's variational perturbation theory in the framework of Feynman's path integrals along with the potential energy surface obtained at the MP2/6‐31+G(d) level. Good agreement with the experimental data was obtained, demonstrating that this novel computational approach for computing KIE values of organic reaction is a viable alternative to the traditional method employing the Bigeleisen equation and harmonic vibrational frequencies. Compared with the experimental measurements, consideration of anharmonicity and tunneling effects can significantly improve the calculated KIE values, reducing the root‐mean‐square deviation from 1.19 % for traditional method to 0.20 % for path‐integral method.
Composite Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles with Dual‐color Afterglow for Cross‐correlation‐based Living Cell Imaging
Authors: Sun Mingqi , Meng Jiaqi , Bao Weier , Liu Ming , Li Xiaojuan , Wang Zicheng , Ma Zhecheng , Wang Xuefei , Tian Zhiyuan
Published: November 2022

Room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials are characterized with emission after removing the excitation source. Such long‐lived emission feature possesses great potential in biological fluorescence imaging because it enables a way regarding temporal dimension for separating the interference of autofluorescence and common noises typically encountered in conventional fluorescence imaging. Herein, we constructed a new type of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs)‐based composite nanoparticles (NPs) with dual‐color long‐lived emission, namely millisecond‐level green phosphorescence and sub‐millisecond‐level delayed red fluorescence by encapsulating a typical RTP dye and Rhodamine dye in the cavities of the MSNs with the former acting as energy donor (D) while the latter as acceptor (A). Benefiting from the close D‐A proximity, energy match between the donor and the acceptor and the optimized D/A ratio in the composite NPs, efficient triplet‐to‐singlet Förster resonance energy transfer (TS‐FRET) in the NPs occurred upon exciting the donor, which enabled dual‐color long‐lived emission. The preliminary results of dual‐color correlation imaging of live cells based on such emission feature unequivocally verified the unique ability of such NPs for distinguishing the false positive generated by common emitters with single‐color emission feature.
The Aetion Coalition to Advance Real‐World Evidence through Randomized Controlled Trial Emulation Initiative: Oncology
Authors: Merola David , Campbell Ulka , Gautam Nileesa , Rubens Alexa , Schneeweiss Sebastian , Wang Shirley V. , Carrigan Gillis , Chia Victoria , Ovbiosa Osayi E. , Pinheiro Simone , Bruno Amanda , Jiao Xiaolong , Stewart Mark , Hendricks‐Sturrup Rachele , Rodriguez‐Watson Carla , Khosla Sajan , Zhang Yiduo , Rimawi Mothaffar , Huang Jenny , Taylor Aliki , Becnel Lauren , McRoy Lynn , Eckert Joy , Taylor Benjamin
Published: November 2022

Legislative and technological advancements over the past decade have given rise to the proliferation of healthcare data generated from routine clinical practice, often referred to as real‐world data (RWD). These data have piqued the interest of healthcare stakeholders due to their potential utility in generating evidence to support clinical and regulatory decision making. In the oncology setting, studies leveraging RWD offer distinct advantages that are complementary to randomized controlled trials (RCTs). They also permit the conduct of investigations that may not be possible through prospective designs due to ethics or feasibility. Despite its promise, the use of RWD for the generation of clinical evidence remains controversial due to concerns of unmeasured confounding and other sources of bias that must be carefully addressed in the study design and analysis. To facilitate a better understanding of when RWD can provide reliable conclusions on drug effectiveness, we seek to conduct 10 RWD‐based studies that emulate RCTs in oncology using a systematic, protocol‐driven approach described herein. Results of this investigation will help inform clinical, scientific, and regulatory stakeholders on the applications of RWD in the context of product labeling expansion, drug safety, and comparative effectiveness in oncology.
Visible‐Light Driven Z‐Scheme Water Splitting over NiS/CdS/PtOx/WO3 through Modulating Redox Mediator Environments
Authors: Wang Xue , Zhuo Zhenzhen , Shen Cheng , Cai Mengdie , Li Da , Liu Kai , Cao Siyu , Wei Yuxue , Xue Zhaoming , Sun Song
Published: November 2022

Visible‐light‐driven Z‐scheme photocatalytic systems are very appealing for achieving efficient overall water splitting. However, developing the Z‐scheme using long wavelength responsive sulfides as H2‐evolving photocatalysts remains challenging. Herein, the construction of Z‐scheme photocatalytic systems for overall solar water splitting is described using CdS and WO3 as H2‐evolving and O2‐evolving photocatalysts, respectively, in the presence of a shuttle redox mediator. The stoichiometric water splitting into H2 and O2 under the solar‐simulated irradiation was determined through optimization of cocatalyst, shuttle redox mediator, and pH conditions. The activity attenuation during the long‐term reaction was mainly attributed to the backward reaction which can be alleviated by filling the system with moderate argon. This work provides a new photocatalysts combination for the Z‐scheme overall water splitting, further reflecting the importance of modulation of redox mediator environments.
Design of lossy three‐element networks with optimization efficiency
Authors: Wang Bingting , Cao Ziping , Yu Wenjuan , Li Lingchun , Zhou Changhai
Published: November 2022

Lumped passive elements are usually lossy because parasitic resistances dissipate the power transferred from the source to the load; thus, this loss influences the performance of the matching network. Furthermore, the impedances that need to be matched are usually complex‐valued. In this paper, we described an optimization design method for lossy three‐element network to achieve impedance matching between complex source and load impedances. We first determined the efficiency formulas for lossy
and T networks via a generalized quality‐based equation. Next, two methods were introduced to design the lossy
and T networks with maximum efficiency. Finally, to validate the effectiveness of the designed lossy three‐element networks, we conducted a series of numerical analysis and simulations, which indicates that the designed lossy
and T networks exhibits excellent impedance matching performance at the desired frequency. For some instances, the lossy
network with three elements exhibits a higher efficiency than a multistage matching network with more elements.
Cytomorphologic and immunocytochemical diagnosis of primary hepatic angiosarcoma in a young adult: Challenging diagnosis of a rare, aggressive malignancy
Authors: Gupta Parikshaa , Singh Brijdeep , Chaluvashetty Sreedhara B. , Gupta Nalini , Kalra Naveen , Duseja Ajay , Behera Arunanshu
Published: November 2022

Primary hepatic angiosarcoma (PHA) is a rare, rapidly growing, highly aggressive hepatic malignancy, primarily seen in elderly males. Establishing an accurate clinical diagnosis is challenging owing to its rarity and nonspecific presentation. Rendering a cytologic diagnosis of PHA is extremely difficult, and immunocytochemistry(ICC) on cell block(CB) sections is essential to confirm the diagnosis. The characteristic cytomorphologic features of PHA have rarely been documented, further augmenting the diagnostic challenge. A 32‐year‐old male presented with abdominal pain, abdominal distension, and significant weight loss over the past 9 months. On examination, the abdomen was distended, with multiple spider angiomas and a large mass in the right hypochondrium. His renal function tests, liver function tests, and serum tumor markers were within normal limits. An abdominal triphasic computerized tomography revealed a large lobulated mass in the right lobe with central necrosis. An ultrasound‐guided FNA was performed from the liver lesion. The cytologic smears showed singly scattered large, markedly pleomorphic, epithelioid‐elongated tumor cells having oval‐elongated nuclei, irregular nuclear contours, coarse chromatin, prominent macronucleoli, and abundant finely vacuolated cytoplasm in a background of blood. ICC on the CB demonstrated diffuse positivity for vimentin, CD31, and nuclear positivity for FLI‐1, confirming a vascular origin. Hence, a final cytologic diagnosis of primary hepatic angiosarcoma was rendered. The index report describes the characteristic cytomorphologic and immunocytochemical features of a rare hepatic malignancy in a young male and reiterates the usefulness of FNAC coupled with CB‐ICC in the quick and precise diagnosis of such challenging cases.
Flavone‐associated resistance of two Lemna species to duckweed weevil attack
Authors: Lee Gisuk , Choi Hanyoung , Joo Youngsung , Kim Sang‐Gyu
Published: November 2022

Lemna perpusilla and Lemna minor are free‐floating plants that often live in the same habitat. However, little is known about how they differ in response to herbivore attacks. In this study, we examined the species‐specific resistance of two Lemna species to the duckweed weevil, Tanysphyrus lemnae. The female adults of T. lemnae preferred to lay eggs on L. perpusilla over L. minor. In addition, the larvae of T. lemnae performed better when fed on L. perpusilla than on L. minor. To understand the physiological basis of species‐specific resistance in the two Lemna species, we measured the amounts of jasmonic acid (JA), phytosterols, and flavonoids. Attacks by duckweed weevils increased the levels of JA in the two Lemna species, but these levels did not differ significantly between the two species. Interestingly, the levels of flavones (isoorientin, vitexin, and isovitexin) in L. minor species were higher than those in L. perpusilla. The in vitro bioassay showed that three flavones significantly decreased the survival rate of duckweed weevil larvae. Although L. perpusilla was less resistant to duckweed weevil attack compared to L. minor, L. perpusilla grew faster than L. minor regardless of the duckweed weevil attack. These results suggest that these two Lemna species have different defense strategies against the duckweed weevil.
Molecular and quantitative genetic variation within and between populations of the declining grassland species Saxifraga granulata
Authors: Walisch Tania J. , Colling Guy , Hermant Sylvie , Matthies Diethart
Published: November 2022

Formerly common plant species are expected to be particularly susceptible to recent habitat fragmentation. We studied the population genetics of 19 recently fragmented Saxifraga granulata populations (max. distance 61 km) in Luxembourg and neighboring Germany using RAPD markers and a common garden experiment. We assessed (1) the relationships between plant fitness, quantitative genetic variation, molecular genetic variation, and population size; and (2) the relative importance of genetic drift and selection in shaping genetic variation. Molecular genetic diversity was high but did not correlate with population size, habitat conditions, or plant performance. Genetic differentiation was low (FST = 0.079 ± 0.135), and there was no isolation by distance. Longevity, clonality, and the long‐lived seed bank of S. granulata may have prevented strong genetic erosion and genetic differentiation among populations. However, genetic distinctness increased with decreasing genetic diversity indicating that random genetic drift occurred in the studied populations. Quantitative and molecular genetic variations were correlated, and their differentiation (QST vs. FST) among S. granulata populations was similar, suggesting that mainly random processes have shaped the quantitative genetic differentiation among populations. However, pairwise quantitative genetic distances increased with geographic and climatic distances, even when adjusted for molecular genetic distances, indicating diversifying selection. Our results indicate that long‐lived clonal species may be buffered at least temporarily against the negative effects of fragmentation. The relationship between quantitative genetic and geographic distance may be a more sensitive indicator of selection than QST–FST differences.
Environmental factors and stochasticity affect the fungal community structures in the water and sediments of Hulun Lake, China
Authors: Shang Yongquan , Wu Xiaoyang , Wang Xibao , Dou Huashan , Wei Qinguo , Ma Shengchao , Sun Guolei , Wang Lidong , Sha Weilai , Zhang Honghai
Published: November 2022

Aquatic fungi form both morphologically and ecologically diverse communities. However, lake ecosystems are frequently overlooked as fungal habitats, despite the potentially important role of fungi in matter cycling and energy flow. Hulun Lake is a typical example of a seasonal glacial lake; however, previous studies have only focused on bacteria in this ecosystem. Therefore, in the current study, internal transcribed spacer ribosomal RNA (ITS rRNA) gene high‐throughput sequencing was used to investigate the fungal communities in paired water and sediment samples from the Hulun Lake Basin in China. A significant difference was found between the fungal communities of the two sample types. Across all samples, we identified nine phyla, 30 classes, 78 orders, 177 families, and 307 genera. The dominant phyla in the lake were Ascomycota, Basidiomycota and Chytridiomycota. Our results show that both water and sediments have very high connectivity, are dominated by positive interactions, and have similar interaction patterns. The fungal community structures were found to be significantly affected by environmental factors (temperature, chemical oxygen demand, electrical conductivity, total phosphorus, and pH). In addition, the dispersal limitations of the fungi affected the structure of the fungal communities, and it was revealed that stochasticity is more important than deterministic mechanisms in influencing the structure and function of fungal communities. This study provides unique theoretical support for the study of seasonally frozen lake fungal communities and a scientific basis for the future management and protection of Hulun Lake.
How to define a dolphin “group”? Need for consistency and justification based on objective criteria
Authors: Syme Jonathan , Kiszka Jeremy J. , Parra Guido J.
Published: November 2022

Group living is a critical component of the ecology of social animals such as delphinids. In many studies on these animals, groups represent sampling units that form the basis of the collection and analysis of data on their abundance, behavior, and social structure. Nevertheless, defining what constitutes a group has proven problematic. There is inconsistency in the terms and criteria used and many definitions lack biological justification. We conducted a literature review and an online expert survey to assess various terms (group, school, party, and pod), and their definitions as applied to delphinids to identify issues to ultimately make recommendations. Of 707 studies analyzed, 325 explicitly defined one or more terms, providing 344 definitions. Additionally, 192 definitions were obtained from the survey. Among these definitions, group was the most common term used (review: 286 definitions, 83.1%; survey: 69 definitions, 35.9%) and the most familiar to the survey respondents (73 respondents, 100.0%). In definitions of group, spatial proximity was the most used criterion (review: 200 definitions, 71.2%; survey: 53 definitions, 81.5%) followed by behavior (review: 176 definitions, 62.6%; survey: 38 definitions, 58.5%). The terms and criteria used to define delphinid groups vary considerably. Rather than proposing a single formal definition, we instead recommend that the term group and spatial proximity criteria be used to define sampling units of individuals observed in the field. Furthermore, we propose a process for formulating definitions that involves analyzing interindividual distances to determine naturally occurring patterns that are indicative of group membership. Although this process is based principally on the spatial proximity of individuals, it could also incorporate the behavior of group members by evaluating the influence of behavior on interindividual distances. Such a process produces definitions that are biologically meaningful and compatible across studies and populations, thus increasing our ability to draw strong conclusions about group living in delphinids.
Forager‐mediated cascading effects on food resource species diversity
Authors: Ferreira Clara Mendes , Dammhahn Melanie , Eccard Jana A.
Published: November 2022

Perceived predation risk varies in space and time. Foraging in this landscape of fear alters forager‐resource interactions via cascading nonconsumptive effects. Estimating these indirect effects is difficult in natural systems. Here, we applied a novel measure to quantify the diversity at giving‐up density that allows to test how spatial variation in perceived predation risk modifies the diversity of multispecies resources at local and regional spatial levels. Furthermore, we evaluated whether the nonconsumptive effects on resource species diversity can be explained by the preferences of foragers for specific functional traits and by the forager species richness. We exposed rodents of a natural community to artificial food patches, each containing an initial multispecies resource community of eight species (10 items each) mixed in sand. We sampled 35 landscapes, each containing seven patches in a spatial array, to disentangle effects at local (patch) and landscape levels. We used vegetation height as a proxy for perceived predation risk. After a period of three nights, we counted how many and which resource species were left in each patch to measure giving‐up density and resource diversity at the local level (alpha diversity) and the regional level (gamma diversity and beta diversity). Furthermore, we used wildlife cameras to identify foragers and assess their species richness. With increasing vegetation height, i.e., decreasing perceived predation risk, giving‐up density, and local alpha and regional gamma diversity decreased, and patches became less similar within a landscape (beta diversity increased). Foragers consumed more of the bigger and most caloric resources. The higher the forager species richness, the lower the giving‐up density, and alpha and gamma diversity. Overall, spatial variation of perceived predation risk of foragers had measurable cascading effects on local and regional resource species biodiversity, independent of the forager species. Thus, nonconsumptive predation effects modify forager‐resource interactions and might act as an equalizing mechanism for species coexistence.
A curated DNA barcode reference library for parasitoids of northern European cyclically outbreaking geometrid moths
Authors: Nyman Tommi , Wutke Saskia , Koivisto Elina , Klemola Tero , Shaw Mark R. , Andersson Tommi , Haraldseide Håkon , Hagen Snorre B. , Nakadai Ryosuke , Ruohomäki Kai
Published: November 2022

Large areas of forests are annually damaged or destroyed by outbreaking insect pests. Understanding the factors that trigger and terminate such population eruptions has become crucially important, as plants, plant‐feeding insects, and their natural enemies may respond differentially to the ongoing changes in the global climate. In northernmost Europe, climate‐driven range expansions of the geometrid mothsEpirrita autumnataandOperophtera brumatahave resulted in overlapping and increasingly severe outbreaks. Delayed density‐dependent responses of parasitoids are a plausible explanation for the 10‐year population cycles of these moth species, but the impact of parasitoids on geometrid outbreak dynamics is unclear due to a lack of knowledge on the host ranges and prevalences of parasitoids attacking the moths in nature. To overcome these problems, we reviewed the literature on parasitism in the focal geometrid species in their outbreak range and then constructed a DNA barcode reference library for all relevant parasitoid species based on reared specimens and sequences obtained from public databases. The combined recorded parasitoid community ofE. autumnataandO. brumataconsists of 32 hymenopteran species, all of which can be reliably identified based on their barcode sequences. The curated barcode library presented here opens up new opportunities for estimating the abundance and community composition of parasitoids across populations and ecosystems based on mass barcoding and metabarcoding approaches. Such information can be used for elucidating the role of parasitoids in moth population control, possibly also for devising methods for reducing the extent, intensity, and duration of outbreaks.
Voltammetric Analysis of Cadmium and Lead (Undesirable Elements) in Brine, Supported by Solid Phase Extraction – the Right Solution of the Analytical Challenge
Authors: Drwal Krzysztof , Górska Zuzanna , Bończak Patrycja , Krasnodębska‐Ostręga Beata
Published: November 2022

The stripping voltammetry at HMDE is proposed for Cd and Pb (undesirable ingredients) determination in the natural brine (CCl>43 g L−1). Samples with so high salinity have to be significantly diluted. For ICP MS, a 105–6times dilution is required, which disqualifies this method. The proposed procedure allows to determine Cd (0.001 μg L−1) and Pb (0.005 μg L−1) after only 100 times dilution. The thermal chloride stripping or isolation by Chelex 100 increase the quality of obtained data. The recovery study was performed. The LOQs are below recommendations related to the use of brines in balneology.
Monitoring regional astrocyte diversity by cell type‐specific proteomic labeling in vivo
Authors: Prabhakar Priyadharshini , Pielot Rainer , Landgraf Peter , Wissing Josef , Bayrhammer Anne , van Ham Marco , Gundelfinger Eckart D. , Jänsch Lothar , Dieterich Daniela C. , Müller Anke
Published: November 2022

Astrocytes exhibit regional heterogeneity in morphology, function and molecular composition to support and modulate neuronal function and signaling in a region‐specific manner. To characterize regional heterogeneity of astrocytic proteomes of different brain regions we established an inducible Aldh1l1‐methionyl‐tRNA‐synthetaseL274G (MetRSL274G) mouse line that allows astrocyte‐specific metabolic labeling of newly synthesized proteins by azidonorleucine (ANL) in vivo and subsequent isolation of tagged proteins by click chemistry. We analyzed astrocytic proteins from four different brain regions by mass spectrometry. The induced expression of MetRSL274G is restricted to astrocytes and identified proteins show a high overlap with proteins compiled in “AstroProt,” a newly established database for astrocytic proteins. Gene enrichment analysis reveals a high similarity among brain regions with subtle differences in enriched biological processes and in abundances of key astrocytic proteins for hippocampus, cortex and striatum. However, the cerebellar proteome stands out with proteins being highly associated with the calcium signaling pathway or with bipolar disorder. Subregional analysis of single astrocyte TAMRA intensities in hippocampal layers indicates distinct subregional heterogeneity of astrocytes and highlights the applicability of our toolbox to study differences of astrocytic proteomes in vivo.
Investigating the impacts of biochar on water fluxes in a rice experiment in the dry corridor of Central America, Costa Rica
Authors: Fischer Benjamin M. C. , Morillas Laura , Rojas Conejo Johanna , Sánchez‐Murillo Ricardo , Suárez Serrano Andrea , Frentress Jay , Cheng Chih‐Hsin , Garcia Monica , Manzoni Stefano , Johnson Mark S. , Lyon Steve W.
Published: November 2022

Amending soils with biochar, a pyrolyzed organic material, is an emerging practice to potentially increase plant available water and reduce the risks associated with climatic variability in traditionally‐rainfed tropical agricultural systems. To investigate the impacts of biochar amendment on soil water storage relative to non‐amended soils, we performed an upland rice field experiment in a tropical seasonally dry region of Costa Rica consisting of plots with two different biochar amendments and a control plot. Across all plots, we collected hydrometric and isotopic data (δ18O and δ2H of rain, mobile soil, ground and rice xylem water). We observed that the soil water retention curves for biochar treated soils shifted, indicating that rice plants had 2% to 7% more water available throughout the growing season relative to the control plots and thus could withstand dry spells up to seven extra days. Furthermore, the isotopic composition of plant water in biochar and control treatments were rather similar, indicating that rice plants in different treatments likely consumed similar water. Hence, we observed that biochar amendments can stabilize water supplies for the rice plants; however, still supplemental irrigation was required to facilitate plant growth during extended dry periods. Ultimately, our findings indicate, that biochar amendments can complement, but not necessarily replace, other water management strategies to help reduce the threat of rainfall variability to rainfed agriculture in tropical regions.
Chirality Induced Spin Selectivity – the Photoelectron View
Authors: Möllers Paul V. , Göhler Benjamin , Zacharias Helmut
Published: November 2022

In this short overview we discuss the manifestation of the chirality‐induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect in photoelectron spectroscopy experiments with direct spin analysis. Various systems, from the initially investigated monolayers of molecular biosystems and organic hepta‐helicene to recent chirally grown solid oxide films, are evaluated. High spin polarization values of up to P=60 % have been observed for samples at room temperature. For all classes it was shown that the longitudinal spin orientation changes sign with a change of the enantiomeric form. Recent advances allow to distinguish the contributions of electrons with different kinetic energies to the electron spin polarization, and thus to distinguish the CISS effect from bulk contributions to the spin originating from different mechanisms.
The shale oil revolution and the global oil supply curve
Authors: Foroni Claudia , Stracca Livio
Published: November 2022

We focus on the implications of the shale oil boom for the global supply of oil. In order to derive testable implications, we introduce a simple stylized model with two producers, one facing low production costs and one higher production costs but potentially lower adjustment costs, competing à la Stackelberg. We find that the supply function is flatter for the high cost producer and that the supply function for shale oil producers becomes more responsive to demand shocks when adjustment costs decline. On the empirical side, we apply an instrumental variable approach using estimates of demand‐driven oil price changes derived from a standard structural VAR of the oil market. A main finding is that global oil supply is rather vertical, with a short‐term elasticity around 0.05. A rolling sample reveals that the shale oil boom does not appear to have fundamentally changed the contours of global oil production, but there is evidence for the oil supply curve to become more vertical in Saudi Arabia and more price responsive in the United States.
A dynamic pedicle screw system using polyethylene insert for the lumbar spine
Authors: Oshima Yasushi , Kato So , Doi Toru , Taniguchi Yuki , Matsubayashi Yoshitaka , Ohtomo Nozomu , Watanabe Kenichi , Kyomoto Masayuki , Tanaka Sakae , Moro Toru
Published: November 2022

Rigid spinal fusion with instrumentation has been widely applied in treating degenerative spinal disorders and has shown excellent and stable surgical results. However, adjacent segment pathology or implants' loosening could be problematic due to the spine's segmental fusion. Therefore, this study verified a novel concept for posterior stabilization with polyethylene inserts inside a pedicle screw assembly using bone models. We observed that although the gripping capacity of the dynamic pedicle screw system using a tensile and compression tester was less than half that of the rigid pedicle screw system, the flexion‐extension moment of the dynamic pedicle screws was significantly lower than that of the rigid pedicle screws. Furthermore, while the bending force of the rigid pedicle screw assembly increased linearly with an increase in the bending angle throughout the test, that of the dynamic pedicle screw assembly also increased linearly until a bending angle of 2.5° was reached. However, this angle decreased at a bending angle of more than 2.5°. Additionally, the fatigue test of 1.0 × 106 cycles showed that the pull‐out force of the dynamic pedicle screws from two different polyurethane foam blocks was significantly higher than that of the rigid pedicle screws. Therefore, based on our results, we propose that the device can be applied in clinical cases to reduce screw loosening and adjacent segment pathology.
Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Bone Loss in Rodent Models: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bott Kirsten N. , Feldman Evelyn , de Souza Russell J. , Comelli Elena M. , Klentrou Panagiota , Peters Sandra J. , Ward Wendy E.
Published: November 2022

Osteoporosis has traditionally been characterized by underlying endocrine mechanisms, though evidence indicates a role of inflammation in its pathophysiology. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a component of gram-negative bacteria that reside in the intestines, can be released into circulation and stimulate the immune system, upregulating bone resorption. Exogenous LPS is used in rodent models to study the effect of systemic inflammation on bone, and to date a variety of different doses, routes, and durations of LPS administration have been used. The study objective was to determine whether systemic administration of LPS induced inflammatory bone loss in rodent models. A systematic search of Medline and four other databases resulted in a total of 110 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) with a random-effects meta-analyses were used for bone volume fraction (BV/TV) and volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD). Heterogeneity was quantified using the I2 statistic. Shorter-term (<2 weeks) and longer-term (>2 weeks) LPS interventions were analyzed separately because of intractable study design differences. BV/TV was significantly reduced in both shorter-term (SMD = −3.79%, 95% CI [−4.20, −3.38], I2 62%; p < 0.01) and longer-term (SMD = −1.50%, 95% CI [−2.00, −1.00], I2 78%; p < 0.01) studies. vBMD was also reduced in both shorter-term (SMD = −3.11%, 95% CI [−3.78, −2.44]; I2 72%; p < 0.01) and longer-term (SMD = −3.49%, 95% CI [−4.94, −2.04], I2 82%; p < 0.01) studies. In both groups, regardless of duration, LPS negatively impacted trabecular bone structure but not cortical bone structure, and an upregulation in bone resorption demonstrated by bone cell staining and serum biomarkers was reported. This suggests systemically delivered exogenous LPS in rodents is a viable model for studying inflammatory bone loss, particularly in trabecular bone. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Association of polymorphisms in the IL‐10 promoter region with Crohn's disease
Authors: Sun Anna , Li Wei , Shang Shiqiang
Published: November 2022

Background

IL‐10 is thought to play an important role in preventing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), although its efficacy is limited in IBD inflammation treatment. The purpose of this study is to investigate the association between SNP polymorphism in the promoter region of the IL‐10 gene and Crohn's disease (CD).

Methods

In 86 children with CD disease and 142 healthy controls, polymorphisms of three SNPs (rs3790622, rs1800872, and rs1800896) in the IL‐10 promoter region were successfully identified. The risk alleles, genotypes, and haplotypes were also analyzed in the CD patient group and the control group. 2 × 2 chi‐square test was used to identify whether there is a statistically significant association between CD risk and SNP polymorphisms.

Results

According to the chi‐square test results, only the polymorphism of rs1800872 was associated with pediatric CD. T allele in rs1800872 showed a high risk for pediatric CD (Pearson χ2 p = 0.030). TT genotype of rs1800872 was associated with a higher risk of CD in the pediatric population (OR 1.986, 95% CI 1.146–3.442, p = 0.020, TT vs. TG + GG). Finally, a risk haplotype GTT (rs3790622‐rs1800872‐rs1800896) in IL‐10 was found (OR 1.570, 95% CI 1.054–2.341, p = 0.028).

Conclusions

Our data suggested that T allele, TT genotype, and haplotype GTT in rs1800872 were associated with the susceptibility to pediatric CD in China.
Intercellular communication among liver cells in the perisinusoidal space of the injured liver: Pathophysiology and therapeutic directions
Authors: Ezhilarasan Devaraj , Najimi Mustapha
Published: November 2022

Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in the perisinusoidal space are surrounded by hepatocytes, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, Kupffer cells, and other resident immune cells. In the normal liver, HSCs communicate with these cells to maintain normal liver functions. However, after chronic liver injury, injured hepatocytes release several proinflammatory mediators, reactive oxygen species, and damage‐associated molecular patterns into the perisinusoidal space. Consequently, such alteration activates quiescent HSCs to acquire a myofibroblast‐like phenotype and express high amounts of transforming growth factor‐β1, angiopoietins, vascular endothelial growth factors, interleukins 6 and 8, fibril forming collagens, laminin, and E‐cadherin. These phenotypic and functional transdifferentiation lead to hepatic fibrosis with a typical abnormal extracellular matrix synthesis and disorganization of the perisinusoidal space of the injured liver. Those changes provide a favorable environment that regulates tumor cell proliferation, migration, adhesion, and survival in the perisinusoidal space. Such tumor cells by releasing transforming growth factor‐β1 and other cytokines, will, in turn, activate and deeply interact with HSCs via a bidirectional loop. Furthermore, hepatocellular carcinoma‐derived mediators convert HSCs and macrophages into protumorigenic cell populations. Thus, the perisinusoidal space serves as a critical hub for activating HSCs and their interactions with other cell types, which cause a variety of liver diseases such as hepatic inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and their complications, such as portal hypertension and hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, targeting the crosstalk between activated HSCs and tumor cells/immune cells in the tumor microenvironment may also support a promising therapeutic strategy.
Capsaicin alleviates cisplatin‐induced muscle loss and atrophy in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Huang Ko‐Chieh , Chiang Yi‐Fen , Huang Tsui‐Chin , Chen Hsin‐Yuan , Lin Po‐Han , Ali Mohamed , Hsia Shih‐Min
Published: November 2022

Background

Cisplatin (CP) is a widely used chemotherapeutic drug with subsequent adverse effects on different organs and tissues including skeletal muscle loss and atrophy as the most common clinical symptoms. The molecular mechanism of cisplatin‐induced muscle atrophy is not clearly understood. However, recent significant advances indicate that it is related to an imbalance in both the protein status and apoptosis. Capsaicin (CAP) is one of the major ingredients in chilli peppers. It is a valuable pharmacological agent with several therapeutic applications in controlling pain and inflammation with particular therapeutic potential in muscle atrophy. However, the mechanisms underlying its protective effects against cisplatin‐induced muscle loss and atrophy remain largely unknown. This study aims to investigate capsaicin's beneficial effects on cisplatin‐induced muscle loss and atrophy in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

The anti‐muscle‐atrophic effect of capsaicin on cisplatin‐induced muscle loss was investigated using in vivo and in vitro studies. By using the pretreatment model, pretreated capsaicin for 24 h and treated with cisplatin for 48 h, we utilized a C2C12 myotube formation model where cell viability analysis, immunofluorescence, and protein expression were measured to investigate the effect of capsaicin in hampering cisplatin‐induced muscle atrophy. C57BL/6 mice were administered capsaicin (10, 40 mg/kg BW) as a pretreatment for 5 weeks and cisplatin (3 mg/kg BW) for seven consecutively days to assess muscle atrophy in an animal model for protein and oxidative stress examination, and the grip strength was tested to evaluate the muscle strength.

Results

Our study results indicated that cisplatin caused lower cell viability and showed a subset of hallmark signs typically recognized during atrophy, including severe reduction in the myotube diameter, repression of Akt, and mTOR protein expression. However, pretreatment with capsaicin could ameliorate cisplatin‐induced muscle atrophy by up‐regulating the protein synthesis in skeletal muscle as well as down‐regulating the markers of protein degradation. Additionally, capsaicin was able to downregulate the protein expression of apoptosis‐related markers, activated TRPV1 and autophagy progress modulation and the recovery of lysosome function. In vivo, capsaicin could relieve oxidative stress and cytokine secretion while modulating autophagy‐related lysosome fusion, improving grip strength, and alleviating cisplatin‐induced body weight loss and gastrocnemius atrophy.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that capsaicin can restore cisplatin‐induced imbalance between protein synthesis and protein degradation pathways and it may have protective effects against cisplatin‐induced muscle atrophy.