bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Causal effect estimation for multivariate continuous treatments
Authors: Chen Juan , Zhou Yingchun
Published: April 2023

Causal inference is widely used in various fields, such as biology, psychology, and economics, etc. In observational studies, balancing the covariates is an important step in estimating the causal effect. This study extends the one‐dimensional entropy balancing method to multiple dimensions to balance the covariates. Both parametric and nonparametric methods are proposed to estimate the causal effect of multivariate continuous treatments and theoretical properties of the two estimations are provided. Furthermore, the simulation results show that the proposed method is better than other methods in various cases. Finally, the proposed method is applied to analyze the impact of the duration and frequency of smoking on medical expenditure. The results from the parametric method indicate that the frequency of smoking increases medical expenditure while the duration of smoking does not. The results from the nonparametric method indicate that there is a short‐term downward trend and then a long‐term upward trend as the duration and frequency of smoking increase.
Strategies for controlling afucosylation in monoclonal antibodies during upstream manufacturing
Authors: Rish Adam J. , Siddiquee Khandaker , Huang Zhuangrong , Xu Jianlin , Anderson Carl A. , Borys Michael C. , Khetan Anurag
Published: April 2023

Core fucosylation is a highly prevalent and significant feature of N‐glycosylation in therapeutic monoclonal antibodies produced by mammalian cells where its absence (afucosylation) plays a key role in treatment safety and efficacy. Notably, even slight changes in the level of afucosylation can have a considerable impact on the antibody‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity. Therefore, implementing control over afucosylation levels is important in upstream manufacturing to maintain consistent quality across batches of product, since standard downstream processing does not change afucosylation. In this review, the influences and strategies to control afucosylation are presented. In particular, there is emphasis on upstream manufacturing culture parameters and media supplementation, as these offer particular advantages as control strategies over alternative approaches such as cell line engineering and chemical inhibitors. The review discusses the relationship between the afucosylation influences and the underlying cellular metabolism to promote increased process understanding. Also, briefly highlighted is the value of empirical and mechanistic models in evaluating and designing control methods for core fucosylation.
Associations of deep medullary veins with vascular risk factors, laboratory indicators, and cerebral small vessel disease: A population‐based study
Authors: Tian Yu , Li Shan , Yang Yingying , Cai Xueli , Jing Jing , Wang Suying , Meng Xia , Mei Lerong , Jin Aoming , Yao Dongxiao , Wei Tiemin , Wang Yongjun , Pan Yuesong , Wang Yilong
Published: April 2023

Objective

Deep medullary veins (DMVs) were not considered a typical marker of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) due to limited understanding of their involvement in pathology of CSVD. This study aimsto investigate potential vascular risk factors for DMVs and their associations with CSVD.

Methods

In total, 1909 community‐dwelling participants were included in this analysis. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and imaging data were collected. DMV scores (0–18) werecalculated as the sum of bilateral frontal, parietal, and occipital regional scores using a semiquantitative visual scale (0–3). The presence, total burden, and imaging markers of CSVD were assessed. Linear regression analyses were conducted to explore potential vascular factors for DMV scores. Binary and ordinal logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the associations of DMV scores with CSVD and its markers.

Results

Mean age was 61.8 (SD 6.5) years, and 1027 (53.8%) of participants were men. The median DMV scores were14 (IQR 12–16). DMV scores wererelated to age, male sex, body mass index, diastolic blood pressure, hypercholesterolaemia, atrial fibrillation, current drinking, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low‐density lipoprotein, hemoglobin A1c, leukocytes, lymphocytes, hemoglobin, and platelets (p < .05). DMV scores wereassociated with the presence and total burden of CSVD (Rothwell's scale), modified white matter hyperintensity burden, and enlarged perivascular spaces in centrum semiovale (p < .05). However, these associations between DMV scores and CSVD disappeared after adjusting for potential confounders.

Conclusion

Several conventional vascular factors were associated with DMVs. The relationship between DMVs and CSVD was vulnerable, suggesting decreased visible and discontinuous DMVs may differ mechanistically from traditional markers of CSVD.
SGLT2 inhibitors and autophagy in diabetes
Authors: Yaribeygi Habib , Maleki Mina , Atkin Stephen L. , Jamialahmadi Tannaz , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: April 2023

Autophagy is a physiological event in mammalian cells to promote cell survival and efficiency in tissues, but it may turn to be a pathological process in disease conditions such as in diabetes. Chronic hyperglycemia induces aberrant autophagy and promotes cellular death as a main underlying cause of diabetes‐related complications. Therefore, autophagy‐modifying therapy may be of value to prevent the development of complications. Sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) are a class of newly introduced antidiabetic drugs that achieve normoglycemia through causing overt glycosuria. There is evidence that these drugs may have pleiotropic extra‐glycemic benefits, but their effect on the autophagy process is unclear; therefore, this review was undertaken to clarify the possible effects of SGLT2is on autophagy.
The ultrastructure of the apical organ of the Müller's larva of the tiger flatworm Prostheceraeus crozieri
Authors: Dittmann Isabel L. , Grosbusch Alexandra L. , Nagler Magdalena , Salvenmoser Willi , Zankel Armin , Telford Maximilian J. , Egger Bernhard
Published: April 2023

The tiger flatworm Prostheceraeus crozieri (Polycladida) develops via an eight‐lobed, and three‐eyed planktonic Müller's larva. This larva has an apical organ, ultrastructural details of which remain elusive due to a scarcity of studies. The evolution and possible homology of the polyclad larva with other spiralian larvae is still controversial. Here, we provide ultrastructural data and three‐dimensional reconstructions of the apical organ of P. crozieri. The apical organ consists of an apical tuft complex and a dorso‐apical tuft complex. The apical tuft complex features a central tuft of five long cilia, which emerge from four or five individual cells that are themselves encircled by two anchor cells. The necks of six multibranched gland cells are sandwiched between ciliated tuft cell bodies and anchor cells. The proximal parts of the ciliated cell bodies are in contact with the lateral brain neuropil via gap junctions. Located dorsally of the apical tuft complex, the dorso‐apical tuft complex is characterized by several long cilia of sensory neurons, these emerge from an epidermal lumen and are closely associated with several gland cells that form a crescent apically around the dorsal anchor cell, and laterally touch the brain neuropil. Such ciliated sensory neurons emerging from a ciliated lumen are reminiscent of ampullary cells of mollusc and annelid larvae; a similar cell type can be found in the hoplonemertean decidula larva. We hypothesize that the ampullary‐like cells and the tuft‐forming sensory cells in the apical organs of these spiralian larvae could be homologous.
Obesity and vascular complication in percutaneous transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve insertion
Authors: Hosseini Motahar , Lahr Brian D. , Greason Kevin L. , Arghami Arman , Gulati Rajiv , Eleid Mackram F. , Crestanello Juan A.
Published: April 2023

Background

Obesity has been associated with an increased risk of vascular complication during percutaneous coronary intervention, but there are no data on the risk of vascular complication during percutaneous transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve insertion (TAVI).

Objectives

We hypothesized there would be a similar increased risk associated with TAVI.

Methods

We reviewed the records of 1176 patients who received percutaneous transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve insertion from September 2015 to September 2020. All patients received 1) preoperative computed tomoraphy angiography assessment of the abdomen and pelvis to delineate iliofemoral artery anatomy, 2) ultrasound‐guided percutaneous femoral arterial access, and 3) pre‐closure of the delivery sheath femoral access site. Vascular complication was recorded based on definitions set forth by Valve Academic Research Consortium 3.

Results

The median age of patients was 81 years, and 60% were men. The median body mass index (BMI) was 29 kg/m2 (range, 11–67), and 91 (8%) patients had a value ≥40 kg/m2 (i.e., morbid obesity). Delivery sheath size was 14‐French in 859 (73%) patients, 16‐French in 311 (26%), and 18‐French in 6 (1%). Vascular complication occurred in 53 (5%) patients, including 39 (7%) among the first half of procedures and 14 (2%) among the second half (p < 0.001). When stratified by obesity status (BMI < or ≥30 kg/m2, p < 0.001), the complication rate was 4% in nonobese patients and 5% in obese patients. Multivariable analysis showed no overall association between risk of vascular complication and BMI categories (p = 0.583)BMI continuous values (p = 0.529), or sheath size (p = 0.217).

Conclusions

Obesity is not associated with a vascular complication during percutaneous transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve insertion. The operation should not be denied in obese patients.
Temperature management using an intervascular cooling device for a COVID‐19 patient with refractory hyperthermia
Authors: Yoshino Yuya , Kyo Michihito , Ohshimo Shinichiro , Shime Nobuaki
Published: April 2023

COVID‐19 is a life‐threatening disease complicated by hyperinflammation followed by multi‐organ failure. Although refractory hyperthermia in COVID‐19 contributes to an unfavorable prognosis, little is known about effective interventions. We present a case of successful temperature management using an intravascular cooling device in a patient with COVID‐19 who developed refractory hyperthermia.
A case of subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord diagnosed with difficulty due to a history of treatment for pyogenic spondylitis
Authors: Shimokawa Yoshiki , Ishikawa Yuki , Okawa Teiki , Higashihara Mana , Tokimura Fumiaki , Miyazaki Tsuyoshi , Hayakawa Kentaro
Published: April 2023

Early diagnosis of spinal cord subacute combined degeneration (SCD) is difficult, especially in pre‐existing lower extremity impairment cases. We report a case of progressive SCD diagnosed after severe anemia. The peripheral symptoms of SCD other than gait disturbance should also be well understood and given close attention.
Accelerated Solid Phase Glycan Synthesis: ASGS
Authors: Bakhatan Yasmeen , Alshanski Israel , Chan Chieh‐Kai , Lo Wei‐Chih , Lu Po‐Wei , Liao Pin‐Hsuan , Wang Cheng‐Chung , Hurevich Mattan
Published: April 2023

Solid phase synthesis is the most dominant approach for the preparation of biological oligomers as it enables the introduction of monomers iteratively. Accelerated solid phase synthesis of biological oligomers is crucial for chemical biology, but its application to the synthesis of oligosaccharides is not trivial. Solid‐phase oligosaccharide assembly is a slow process performed in a variety of conditions and temperatures, requires an inert gas atmosphere, and demands high excess of glycosyl donors. The process is done in special synthesizers and poor mixing of the solid support increases the risk of diffusion‐independent hydrolysis of the activated donors. High shear stirring is a new way to accelerate solid phase synthesis. The efficient mixing ensures that reactive intermediates can diffuse faster to the solid support thereby increasing the kinetics of the reactions. We report here a stirring‐based accelerated solid‐phase oligosaccharide synthesis. We harnessed high shear mixing to perform diffusion‐dependent glycosylation in a short reaction time. We minimized the use of glycosyl donors and the need to use an inert atmosphere. We showed that by tailoring the deprotection and glycosylation conditions to the same temperature, assembly steps are performed continuously, and full glycosylation cycles are completed in minutes.
A Non‐Halogenated Polymer Donor Based on Imide Unit for Organic Solar Cells with Efficiency Nearly 16%
Authors: Zhang Liu , Zhang Zhiliang , Liang Haiyan , Guo Xia , Zhang Maojie
Published: April 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Non‐halogenated polymers have great potential in the commercialization of organic solar cells (OSCs) due to their advantages in the manufacturing process. However, high‐performance donor polymers are limited to a small amount of building blocks. Herein, we utilize as building block 4H‐dithieno[3,2‐e:2',3'‐g]isoindole‐4,6(5H)‐dione (DTID) to design and synthesize a relevant non‐halogenated polymer PBTID for active layers in OSCs. PBTID exhibits a strong absorption in the wavelength range of 400—600 nm with a distinctly wide optical bandgap of 2.06 eV, a low‐lying highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy level of −5.53 eV. In addition, this polymer has a very strong aggregation effect in solution and could form nanoscale fibrils in the neat film. Consequently, when blended with the non‐fullerene acceptor Y6, the devices achieve a prominent PCE of 15.8% with a high Voc of 0.87 V. The Voc and PCE values are one of the highest values in the non‐halogenated polymer donor‐based OSCs reported to date.
Anticoagulation therapy and clinical outcomes following transcatheter mitral valve repair for patients with mitral regurgitation: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Jian , Yang Yu , Jia Lin , Su Jiannan , Xiao Ai , Lin Xianhe
Published: April 2023

Transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) using MitraClip (MC) is now an established technique in the interventional treatment of mitral regurgitation. Common complications after MC procedure are bleeding and ischemic events. However, 2017 ESC/EACTS and 2020 ACC/AHA did not give a clear antithrombotic protocol, the policy has been based on clinical experience. Here, we performed a meta‐analysis comparing outcomes with and without the addition of anticoagulants after TMVR. We searched the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science from inception to October 6, 2022 to identify studies with or without the use of anticoagulants after TMVR. From each study, we extracted the number of people with bleeding, stroke, combined endpoints, and all‐cause death. Five observational cohort studies were included, enrolling a total of 1892 patients undergoing TMVR who were assigned to either the anticoagulation group (n = 1209) or the no‐anticoagulation group (n = 683). Pooled analysis showed a significantly lower stroke rate in the anticoagulated group (at least 4 weeks duration) compared with the non‐anticoagulated group (RR [95% CI] = 0.14 [0.0−0.77], p = 0.02), and similar rates of bleeding, combined endpoints, and all‐cause death in both groups (RR [95% CI] = 0.76 [0.48−1.22], p = 0.26), (RR [95% CI] = 0.52 [0.10−2.63], p = 0.43), and (RR [95% CI] = 0.89 [0.58−1.35], p = 0.58). We observed a reduced risk of stroke without elevated risk of bleeding, combined endpoints, or all‐cause death in patients using anticoagulants (at least 4 weeks duration) after TMVR compared to no anticoagulants.
Evidence for intraflagellar transport in butterfly spermatocyte cilia
Authors: Gottardo Marco , Riparbelli Maria Giovanna , Callaini Giuliano , Megraw Timothy L.
Published: April 2023

In the model organism insect Drosophila melanogaster short cilia assemble on spermatocytes that elaborate into 1.8 mm long flagella during spermatid differentiation. A unique feature of these cilia/flagella is their lack of dependence on intraflagellar transport (IFT) for their assembly. Here, we show that in the common butterfly Pieris brassicae, the spermatocyte cilia are exceptionally long: about 40 μm compared to less than 1 μm in Drosophila. By transmission electron microscopy, we show that P. brassicae spermatocytes display several features not found in melanogaster, including compelling evidence of IFT structures and features of motile cilia.
Generation of recombinant and chickenized scFv versions of an anti‐kinesin monoclonal antibody H2
Authors: Niwa Shinsuke , Chiba Kyoko
Published: April 2023

Kinesin‐1, a motor protein composed of the kinesin heavy chain (KHC) and the kinesin light chain (KLC), is essential for proper cellular morphogenesis and function. A monoclonal antibody (mAb) called H2 recognizes the KHC in a broad range of species and is one of the most widely used mAbs in cytoskeletal motor research. Here, we present vectors that express recombinant H2 in mammalian cells. We show the recombinant H2 performs as well as the hybridoma‐derived H2 in both western blotting and immunofluorescence assays. Additionally, the recombinant H2 can detect all three human KHC isotypes (KIF5A, KIF5B, and KIF5C) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis‐associated KIF5A aggregates in cells. In addition, we developed a chickenized version of the H2 mAb's single chain variable fragment, which can be used in immunofluorescence microscopy and expands the potential applications of H2. Overall, our results demonstrate that recombinant H2 is a useful tool for studying the functions of KHCs.
Managing hypertension is critical to reduce cardiovascular disease in patients with cancer
Authors: Nierengarten Mary Beth
Published: April 2023

This news section offers Cancer readers timely information on events, public policy analysis, topical issues, and personalities. In this issue, a recent large epidemiological study has found that using a multidisciplinary approach to managing hypertension is critical to reduce cardiovascular disease in patients with cancer. In addition, magnetic resonance imaging‐guided stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) resulted in fewer toxicities and a better quality of life compared with computed tomography‐guided SBRT for men with localized prostate cancer, and a new biomarker‐based strategy can screen and monitor for myocarditis in patients undergoing immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
Prevalence of oral and blood oncogenic human papillomavirus biomarkers among an enriched screening population: Baseline results of the MOUTH study
Authors: D’Souza Gypsyamber , Tewari Sakshi R. , Troy Tanya , Waterboer Tim , Struijk Linda , Castillo Rachel , Wright Hannah , Shen Michael , Miles Brett , Johansson Mattias , Robbins Hilary A. , Fakhry Carole
Published: April 2023

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV)‐related oropharyngeal cancer screening is being explored in research studies, but strategies to identify an appropriate population are not established. The authors evaluated whether a screening population could be enriched for participants with oncogenic HPV biomarkers using risk factors for oral HPV.

Methods

Participants were enrolled at Johns Hopkins Hospitals and Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine. Eligible participants were either men aged 30 years or older who had two or more lifetime oral sex partners and a personal history of anogenital dysplasia/cancer or partners of patients who had HPV‐related cancer. Oral rinse and serum samples were tested for oncogenic HPV DNA, RNA, and E6 or E7 antibodies, respectively. Participants with any biomarker were considered at‐risk.

Results

Of 1108 individuals, 7.3% had any oncogenic oral HPV DNA, and 22.9% had serum antibodies for oncogenic HPV E6 or E7. Seventeen participants (1.5%) had both oral and blood biomarkers. HPV type 16 (HPV16) biomarkers were rarer, detected in 3.7% of participants, including 20 with oral HPV16 DNA and 22 with HPV16 E6 serum antibodies (n = 1 had both). In adjusted analysis, living with HIV (adjusted odds ratio, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.60–4.40) and older age (66–86 vs. 24–45 years; adjusted odds ratio, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.07–2.70) were significant predictors of being at risk. Compared with the general population, the prevalence of oral HPV16 (1.8% vs. 0.9%), any oncogenic oral HPV DNA (7.3% vs. 3.5%), and HPV16 E6 antibodies (2.2% vs. 0.3%) was significantly elevated.

Conclusions

Enrichment by the eligibility criteria successfully identified a population with higher biomarker prevalence, including HPV16 biomarkers, that may be considered for screening trials. Most in this group are still expected to have a low risk of oropharyngeal cancer.
Cannabis use among cancer survivors in 22 states: Results from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2020
Authors: Sedani Ami E. , Campbell Janis E. , Beebe Laura A.
Published: April 2023

Background

This study identified factors associated with recent cannabis use and cannabis use for medical purposes among cancer survivors relative to individuals without a history of cancer.

Methods

Data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were analyzed for the 22 states completing the optional cannabis module in 2020. Weighted multiple logistic regression was performed to explore variables associated with past 30‐day cannabis use and cannabis use for medical purposes, stratified by history of cancer. Covariates included state‐level cannabis policy, sociodemographic characteristics, health status indicators, and substance use.

Results

Cannabis use was lower among cancer survivors compared to individuals with no history of cancer (7.57% vs. 10.83%). However, a higher proportion of cancer survivors reported use for medical purposes (82.23% vs. 62.58%). After adjusting for state‐level policy, biological sex, age, educational attainment, self‐reported race/ethnicity, home ownership, mental health status and physical health status, current smoking (odds ratio [OR], 5.14 vs. 3.74) and binge drinking (OR, 2.71 vs. 2.69) were associated with cannabis use in both groups. Characteristics associated with medical cannabis use varied for the two groups; however, daily use (20–30 days; OR, 1.72 vs. 2.43) was associated with cannabis use for medical purposes in both groups after adjusting for other variables in the model.

Conclusions

A high proportion of individuals report cannabis use for medical purposes with higher rates among cancer survivors. Findings support the urgent need for ongoing cannabis research to better understand and inform its use for medical purposes, as well as the development of high‐quality standardized education materials and clinical practice guidelines.
Emocolor: An assistant design method for emotional color matching based on semantics and images
Authors: Zhang Lekai , Li Ming , Wang Yingfan , Xing Baixi , Liu Xiaojian , Tang Zhichuan , Shi Lei
Published: April 2023

Much research has been done on the relationship between emotions and colors, and many color scheme recommendation tools have been developed. These tools can often help recommend a suitable color scheme to express a certain emotion, but it is still difficult to design satisfying schemes based on such recommendations. In this study, based on the Color Scheme Bible, Compact Edition, we developed Emocolor, which allows professionals to generate a large number of color schemes based on emotional words or emotional images. It is also used to iteratively optimize the generated color schemes based on an interactive genetic algorithm to find the color scheme design that best matches the user's emotion. Through the evaluation of tram color schemes based on emotional words, Emocolor can effectively generate tram color schemes that match users’ emotions. It can also effectively transfer the emotion of an image with a single dominant color to a tram color scheme. In short, Emocolor can help professionals describe the relationship between emotion and color in a more accurate way and design emotional color schemes. Emocolor can be applied in advertising design, product design, interior design, and other fields.
Pharmacokinetics and Bioequivalence of Fluconazole Capsules Manufactured in France and China in Healthy Chinese Participants: Open‐Label, Randomized, Single‐Dose, 2‐Way, Crossover Bioequivalence Study Under Fasted and Fed Conditions
Authors: Chen Naihan , He Qing , Ma Ying , Liu Shixue , Wei Hua , Peng Ao
Published: April 2023

This was an open‐label, randomized study in healthy Chinese participants to assess the bioequivalence of 2 fluconazole 150‐mg capsules under fasted and fed conditions. The study consisted of 2 treatment periods, separated by a 14‐day washout period. Thirty‐six participants were enrolled, with 18 participants each in the fasted and fed groups. In each treatment period, participants received a single oral dose of the test or reference fluconazole 150‐mg capsule. After washout, participants received the alternate treatment. Blood samples for pharmacokinetic analysis were collected from 1 hour before dosing to 72 hours after dosing. The median plasma concentration–time profiles were similar for both treatments under fasted and fed conditions. Bioequivalence of fluconazole between the 2 capsules was demonstrated as 90% confidence intervals of the geometric mean ratios for the maximum plasma concentration and area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time 0 to 72 hours after dosing under fasted and fed conditions were within the acceptable range of 80%–125%. Overall, 7 participants reported at least 1 treatment‐emergent adverse event; all were mild in severity. No serious adverse events or deaths were reported. The test fluconazole capsule was bioequivalent to the reference capsule, and a single dose was well tolerated.

Clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT03621072
Accurate Interaction Energies of CO2 with the 20 Naturally Occurring Amino Acids
Authors: Sylvanus Amarachi G. , Vogiatzis Konstantinos D.
Published: April 2023

We have performed a series of highly accurate calculations between CO2 and the 20 naturally occurring amino acids for the investigation of the attractive noncovalent interactions. Different nucleophilic groups present in the amino acid structures were considered (α‐NH2, COOH, side groups), and the stronger binding sites were identified. A database of accurate reference interactions energies was compiled as computed by explicitly‐correlated coupled‐cluster singles‐and‐doubles, together with perturbative triples extrapolated to the complete‐basis‐set limit. The CCSD(F12)(T)/CBS reference values were used for comparing a variety of popular density functionals with different basis sets. Our results show that most density functionals with the triple‐zeta basis set def2‐TZVPP align with the CCSD(F12)(T)/CBS reference values, but errors range from 0.1 kcal/mol up to 1.0 kcal/mol.
Theoretical Design of an MoxW1‐xS2/Graphene (x=0.25/0.75) Heterojunction with Adjustable Band Gap: Potential Candidate Materials for the Next Generation of Optoelectronic Devices
Authors: Chen Jinglong , Zhou Zhonghao , Li Zhi , Wang Zhiyong
Published: April 2023

Multicomponent two‐dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) semiconductors based on adjustable band gap are increasingly used to design optoelectronic devices with specific spectral response. Here, we have designed the MoxW1‐xS2/graphene heterostructure with adjustable band gap by adopting the combination idea of alloying and multiple heterogeneous recombination. The contact type, stability and photoelectric properties of MoxW1‐xS2/graphene heterojunction were investigated theoretically. At the same time, by applying external vertical electric field to MoxW1‐xS2/graphene, the regulate of heterojunction Schottky contact type was realized. The results show that MoxW1‐xS2/graphene heterojunction has broad application prospects in the field of photocatalysis and Schottky devices, and is suitable for being a potential candidate material for next generation of optoelectronic devices. The design of MoxW1‐xS2/graphene heterostructure enables it to obtain the advanced characteristics that are lacking in the one‐component intrinsic 2D TMDCs semiconductors or graphene materials, and provides a theoretical basis for the experimental preparation of such heterojunctions.
Clinical Untargeted Metabolomics as a Functional Screen to Improve Variant Classification
Authors: Gijavanekar Charul , Elsea Sarah H.
Published: April 2023

With the rapid increase in clinical exome and genome sequencing, the number of variants of uncertain significance (VUS) that are reported continues to rise, which poses a significant barrier to interpretation of genetic findings. For metabolic disorders, biochemical testing can help alleviate this burden of variant interpretation by providing functional validation of uncertain genetic findings in many cases. However, a major limitation of traditional biochemical testing is the targeted, narrow range of analytes clinically available, resulting in delays in diagnosis if testing is negative. Untargeted metabolomic screening offers higher diagnostic yield and assays for thousands of metabolites across multiple metabolic pathways in a single test, saving time and resources for patients, families, and physicians. When integrated with exome or genome sequencing, untargeted metabolomic screening improves diagnostic outcomes by providing functional validation of genetic findings, particularly for VUS. Here, we present representative cases across the breadth of metabolic pathways as examples of the utility of metabolomics in genomic variant classification. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Investigation of Crystallization Kinetics of Na2ZnP2O7 Glass Using XRD and DTA Analysis
Authors: Ramdani Halima , Bourezg Yousf Islem , Kharroubi Mohamed , Sahnoune Foudil , Gacem Lakhdar
Published: April 2023

In the present investigation, the crystallization kinetics of a glass with a molar composition 25Na2O‐25ZnO‐50P2O5 (NZPO) is studied by means of a non‐isothermal differential thermal analysis (DTA) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. XRD pattern of the as‐synthesized glass indicates an amorphous glassy structure without additional crystalline phase. Moreover, the heat‐treated glass sample shows the crystallization of the Na2ZnP2O7 crystalline phase. The glass transition peak temperature increases with increasing heating rates and is ranged from 505.3 to 601.6 K. The crystallization shows the same behavior and the obtained values are ranged from 685.2 to 731.2 K. The activation energies for glass transition and crystallization are determined using different approaches and are in the range of 25.9–30.5 and 82.8–112.0 kJ mol−1, respectively. The n and m kinetic parameters are each close to 3.0, which indicates bulk nucleation process with 3D growth of crystals.
Predictors of recovery in eating disorders: A focus on different definitions
Authors: van Bree Eline S. J. , Slof‐Op't Landt Margarita C. T. , van Furth Eric F.
Published: April 2023

Objective

Only half of the patients with eating disorders (EDs) fully recover. To increase these rates, knowledge about predictors is essential. Previous studies found that purging behaviors, BMI, ED duration, and depression, predicted symptomatic ED recovery. The current study investigated these four predictors for symptomatic improvement and the subjective experience of recovery.

Method

Participants who completed the baseline and second wave of the Netherlands Eating disorder Registry (NER) (N = 374), were categorized into: (1) Subjective recovery; (2) Clinical improvement; (3) Symptomatic recovery. Using regression analyses, it was investigated if the four baseline factors predicted recovery at wave two. Effects were compared among a binge‐purging and restricting group.

Results

In total, 136 participants were subjectively recovered, 135 showed clinical improvement, and 70 were symptomatically recovered. Overlap occurred between definitions. Lower depression scores predicted subjective recovery (OR 0.77, p < .001) and clinical improvement (OR 0.80, p < .001), and shorter ED duration predicted all definitions (OR 0.99, p < .001; OR 0.99, p < .001; OR 0.99, p = .013). Similar effects were found in the binge‐purging group.

Discussion

Our study emphasized that the same predictors, like depression, apply to symptomatic improvement and the personal experience of recovery. Depression appears an important factor during ED treatment.

Public significance

Recovery rates for EDs are low. To understand this, knowledge about predictors of ED recovery is essential. This study examined the effects of four established predictors across symptomatic improvement and subjective recovery (a more personal experience of recovery). Lower depression scores predicted both, indicating that depression appears important for multiple definitions of recovery and therefore warrants attention during ED treatment.
Measuring habitat quality for waterbirds: A review
Authors: Mott Rowan , Prowse Thomas A. A. , Jackson Micha V. , Rogers Daniel J. , O'Connor Jody A. , Brookes Justin D. , Cassey Phillip
Published: April 2023

Quantifying habitat quality is dependent on measuring a site's relative contribution to population growth rate. This is challenging for studies of waterbirds, whose high mobility can decouple demographic rates from local habitat conditions and make sustained monitoring of individuals near‐impossible. To overcome these challenges, biologists have used many direct and indirect proxies of waterbird habitat quality. However, consensus on what methods are most appropriate for a given scenario is lacking. We undertook a structured literature review of the methods used to quantify waterbird habitat quality, and provide a synthesis of the context‐dependent strengths and limitations of those methods. Our search of the Web of Science and Scopus databases returned a sample of 666 studies, upon which our review was based. The reviewed studies assessed habitat quality by either measuring habitat attributes (e.g., food abundance, water quality, vegetation structure), or measuring attributes of the waterbirds themselves (e.g., demographic parameters, body condition, behavior, distribution). Measuring habitat attributes, although they are only indirectly related to demographic rates, has the advantage of being unaffected by waterbird behavioral stochasticity. Conversely, waterbird‐derived measures (e.g., body condition, peck rates) may be more directly related to demographic rates than habitat variables, but may be subject to greater stochastic variation (e.g., behavioral change due to presence of conspecifics). Therefore, caution is needed to ensure that the measured variable does influence waterbird demographic rates. This assumption was usually based on ecological theory rather than empirical evidence. Our review highlighted that there is no single best, universally applicable method to quantify waterbird habitat quality. Individual project specifics (e.g., time frame, spatial scale, funding) will influence the choice of variables measured. Where possible, practitioners should measure variables most directly related to demographic rates. Generally, measuring multiple variables yields a better chance of accurately capturing the relationship between habitat characteristics and demographic rates.
Landscape factors and allochthonous congeneric species influenceCallithrix auritaoccurrence in Brazilian Atlantic Forest remnants
Authors: Loureiro Natasha Grosch , Guimarães‐Lopes Vanessa de Paula , Rodrigues Flávio Henrique Guimarães , Massara Rodrigo Lima
Published: April 2023

The buffy‐tufted‐ear marmoset (Callithrix aurita) is a small primate endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest biome, and one of the 25 most endangered primates in the world, due to fragmentation, loss of habitat, and invasion by allochthonousCallithrixspecies. Using occurrence data forC. auritafrom published data papers, we employed model selection using Akaike Information Criterion corrected for small samples and cumulative AICc weight (w+) to evaluate whether fragment size, distance to fragments with allochthonous species, altitude, connectivity, and surrounding matrices influence the occurrence ofC. auritawithin its distributional range. Distance to fragments withC. jacchus(w+ = 0.94) and nonvegetated areas (w+ = 0.59) correlated negatively withC. auritaoccurrence. Conversely, the percentage of agriculture and pasture mosaic (w+ = 0.61) and the percentage of savanna formation (w+ = 0.59) in the surrounding matrix correlated positively withC. auritaoccurrence. The findings indicate thatC. auritais isolated in forest fragments surrounded by potentially inhospitable matrices, along with proximity of a more generalist and invasive species, thereby increasing the possibility of introgressive hybridization. The findings also highlighted the importance of landscape elements and allochthonous congeneric species forC. auritaconservation, besides indicating urgency for allochthonous species management. Finally, the approach used here can be applied to improve conservation studies of other endangered species, such asC. flaviceps, which is also endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and faces the same challenges.
Antioxidant availability trades off with warning signals and toxin sequestration in the large milkweed bug (Oncopeltus fasciatus)
Authors: Heyworth H. Cecilia , Pokharel Prayan , Blount Jonathan D. , Mitchell Christopher , Petschenka Georg , Rowland Hannah M.
Published: April 2023

In some aposematic species the conspicuousness of an individual's warning signal and the concentration of its chemical defense are positively correlated. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain this phenomenon, including resource allocation trade‐offs where the same limiting resource is needed to produce both the warning signal and chemical defense. Here, the large milkweed bug (Oncopeltus fasciatus: Heteroptera, Lygaeinae) was used to test whether allocation of antioxidants, that can impart color, trade against their availability to prevent self‐damage caused by toxin sequestration. We investigated if (i) the sequestration of cardenolides is associated with costs in the form of changes in oxidative state; and (ii) oxidative state can affect the capacity of individuals to produce warning signals. We reared milkweed bugs on artificial diets with increasing quantities of cardenolides and examined how this affected signal quality (brightness and chroma) across different instars. We then related the expression of warning colors to the quantity of sequestered cardenolides and indicators of oxidative state—oxidative lipid damage (malondialdehyde), and two antioxidants: total superoxide dismutase and total glutathione. Bugs that sequestered more cardenolides had significantly lower levels of the antioxidant glutathione, and bugs with less total glutathione had less luminant orange warning signals and reduced chroma of their black patches compared to bugs with more glutathione. Bugs that sequestered more cardenolides also had reduced red–green chroma of their black patches that was unrelated to oxidative state. Our results give tentative support for a physiological cost of sequestration in milkweed bugs and a mechanistic link between antioxidant availability, sequestration, and warning signals.
Ruppia mongolica (Ruppiaceae), a new species from Inner Mongolia (China), based on morphological and genetic data
Authors: Zou Yang , Wang Xiaofan , Xu Xinwei , Yu Dan
Published: April 2023

Ruppia mongolica Y. Zou & X.W. Xu, a new species from Inner Mongolia, China, is described and illustrated. The phylogenetic position of the new species within the genus was analyzed based on eight chloroplast DNA fragments and an ingroup sampling of all Eurasian species of Ruppia. The results showed that R. mongolica formed a separate branch between R. sinensis and the clade of R. maritima, R. brevipedunculata, R. drepanensis, and R. cirrhosa. Based on molecular and geographical evidence, our study reveals that R. mongolica is closely related to R. sinensis and R. brevipedunculata but differs from the former in the length and shape of the peduncle and seed size, and from the latter in the length of the peduncle, number of carpels per flower, and seed size. In addition, the karyotype analysis revealed that R. mongolica is octoploid, which is first reported within Ruppia, further supporting R. mongolica as a new species.
Pregnancy and refractory epilepsy in Sturge–Weber syndrome: Challenges and outcomes
Authors: Olson Jennifer , McKee Heather
Published: April 2023

Sturge–Weber Syndrome (SWS) is a rare neurocutaneous disorder caused by focal vascular dysplasia. It is associated with facial angiomas, ocular abnormalities, epilepsy, intellectual disability, and leptomeningeal angiomas. There is a paucity of literature regarding the management of epilepsy and pregnancy in women with SWS. The effects of pregnancy on this syndrome therefore remain largely undefined. Consensus on management is needed; as pregnancy has widespread effects on the vascular system and therefore may pose risk in women with SWS. This is a comprehensive review of the existing literature and case report of a woman with SWS, refractory epilepsy, and a successful pregnancy and delivery. Fifteen cases were found and, in addition to our case, 14 cases were reviewed, 11 of which discuss labor and delivery. Neurological complications were described in four cases and successful delivery without complication occurred in seven patient cases.
Epilepsy with eyelid myoclonia
Authors: Nayak Chetan Sateesh , Kiguradze Tina , Nascimento Fábio A. , Hogan Robert E.
Published: April 2023

Content available: Video
Synergistic flame retardant linear low‐density polyethylene based on piperazine pyrophosphate and melamine cyanurate
Authors: Chen Kexuan , Bao Qiuru , Chen Gang , Wu Shulong , Liu Yuan , Wang Qi
Published: April 2023

Linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) combined with the piperazine pyrophosphate (PAPP) and melamine cyanurate (MCA) was adopted to prepare the flame retardant LLDPE composite by melt blending. The research results showed that the PAPP/MCA mixture with a mass ratio of 4:1 presented the optimal flame retardant effect. With the 25 wt% addition amount, the LLDPE composite passed the UL‐94 V‐0 level (1.6 mm), and the limiting oxygen index (LOI) reached 29.4%. The peak of heat release rate (PHRR) decreased by 78.9% from 877.5 to 185.0 kW/m2, which is attributed to the good synergistic effect between PAPP and MCA, forming the stable and compact char layer. Besides, the thermal behaviors were characterized through thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, and the synergistic mechanism was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), TG analysis‐infrared spectrometry (TG‐IR), and x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results indicate that the good synergistic flame retardant effect can enhance the flame retardancy of LLDPE materials, and with the addition of MCA and PAPP, a flame retardant LLDPE composite with good thermal stability and mechanical properties can be prepared with no molten droplets on combustion, which provides a feasible solution for the application of high‐performance halogen‐free flame retardant LLDPE materials.
GPR37L1 controls maturation and organization of cortical astrocytes during development
Authors: Nguyen TrangKimberly Thu , Camp Chad R. , Doan Juleva K. , Traynelis Stephen F. , Sloan Steven A. , Hall Randy A.
Published: April 2023

Astrocyte maturation is crucial to proper brain development and function. This maturation process includes the ramification of astrocytic morphology and the establishment of astrocytic domains. While this process has been well‐studied, the mechanisms by which astrocyte maturation is initiated are not well understood. GPR37L1 is an astrocyte‐specific G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) that is predominantly expressed in mature astrocytes and has been linked to the modulation of seizure susceptibility in both humans and mice. To investigate the role of GPR37L1 in astrocyte biology, RNA‐seq analyses were performed on astrocytes immunopanned from P7 Gpr37L1−/− knockout (L1KO) mouse cortex and compared to those from wild‐type (WT) mouse cortex. These RNA‐seq studies revealed that pathways involved in central nervous system development were altered and that L1KO cortical astrocytes express lower amounts of mature astrocytic genes compared to WT astrocytes. Immunohistochemical studies of astrocytes from L1KO mouse brain revealed that these astrocytes exhibit overall shorter total process length, and are also less complex and spaced further apart from each other in the mouse cortex. This work sheds light on how GPR37L1 regulates cellular processes involved in the control of astrocyte biology and maturation.
Abnormal functional connectivity of the habenula in mild cognitive impairment patients with depression symptoms revealed by resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Cao Yungang , Chen Tao , Xia Honglian , Zhu Hong , Hou Hongtao , Guo Zhongwei , Wei Fuquan , Liu Xiaozheng
Published: April 2023

Background

Recent research suggests that abnormalities in the habenula (HB), a core area of the brain that transmits reward information, may be a determinant of depression. However, it is not clear whether the functional connectivity (FC) pattern of the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) with and without depression symptoms is abnormal.

Methods

In this study, we used resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine the FC pattern of the HB in MCI patients with depression symptoms (D‐MCI). We acquired fMRI data from 54 subjects on a 3T MRI. Subjects collected included 16 patients with D‐MCI, 18 patients with MCI with no depression, and 20 healthy controls. One way ANCOVA and post hoc t‐test were used to compare the difference in FC strength between the three groups.

Results

The D‐MCI group had altered FC between the left HB and the right superior temporal gyrus, right inferior frontal gyrus/opercular part, and right middle frontal gyrus. The D‐MCI group had increased FC between the right HB and precuneus.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the dysfunction of the HB–Default model network might be involved in the neural mechanism underlying depression in MCI.
Algebraic connectivity of the second power of a graph
Authors: Afshari B.
Published: April 2023

Denote the Laplacian of a graph by and its second smallest Laplacian eigenvalue by . If is a graph on vertices, then it is shown that the second smallest eigenvalue of is at least 1, where is the complement of the second power of . As a corollary of this result, it is shown that

where is the number of vertices of eccentricity at least 3 in .
Analysis of on‐chipGSGpads coupling effects on laterally‐coupled and double‐stacked inductors in the millimeter‐wave frequency regime
Authors: Mawuli Ernest Smith , Kang Kai
Published: April 2023

On‐chip coupled inductors express huge nonuniform coupling tendencies, especially as frequency increases. This though desirable for wireless/galvanically isolated signal transfer but when mixed with the ground‐signal‐ground (GSG) pad could lead to a misrepresentative of the device's true coupling performance. To determine the coupling between the coupled inductors and that of the GSG pad an integrator analytical model investigating the total coupling effects of the GSG pad on laterally‐coupled and stacked inductors is presented in this study. The model characterizes the lateral and vertical coupling effects using lumped circuit elements with analytical equations. The coupling effects of each component are further decomposed and analyzed as electrical, magnetic, and combined effects. The electrical coupling effect, particularly that of the GSG pad, increases with frequency and impacts significantly on the coupled inductors and the substrate. The mm‐wave frequency characteristics such as skin and proximity effects of the inductors are also modeled by the double RL ladder network. The parameter extraction of the model is based on the measuredS‐parameter data. The validation of the proposed model given the measured scattering parameterS21 dB achieves an RMSE of 0.0132 dB at 50 GHz. The inductor typology is most applicable to two‐port networks for impedance matching, cross‐coupled VCOs, and high‐speed communication networks.