bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Periodontal referral patterns in Norway: 2003 versus 2018
Authors: Lind Kristian H. , Bunæs Dagmar F. , Lie Stein Atle , Leknes Knut N.
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Changes in periodontal referral patterns over time have been reported from the United States and Australia. To date, comparable studies have not been published from Europe. The objectives of the present study were to examine changes in periodontal referral patterns in Norway in 2003 versus 2018 and to compare these with trends observed in the United States and Australia using universal criteria for grading of periodontal severity.

Materials and methods

A retrospective analysis of 369 charts from four Norwegian periodontics clinics was completed. Data on year of referral, gender, age, tobacco smoking, periodontal status and missing teeth at initial examination, teeth planned for extraction, and periodontal case type were collected using a survey format; case type I, II, III, and IV representing increasing severity of periodontitis, case type V representing referral for other periodontal conditions (peri‐implantitis, refractory periodontitis, etc.). Chi‐square, t‐tests, and negative binomial regression were used for the statistical analysis.

Results

Compared with 2003, the 2018 data showed an increase in mean age at referral (p < 0.05), overall distribution of case type III and V (p = 0.047), and number of missing teeth (p = 0.001). Further, a decrease in prevalence of smokers (p < 0.05), but no change in number of teeth planned for extraction (p = 0.104), were observed.

Conclusions

During a period of 15 years, changes in periodontal referral patterns in Norway are similar to those in the United States and Australia. The adoption of a guideline‐based referral practice might be beneficial for both the dental profession and patients.
Two sexes respond equally to food restriction in a sexually dimorphic but not body mass dimorphic jumping spider
Authors: Li Qin , Liu Jing‐Xin , Dong Bing , Xiao Rong , Chen Zhanqi
Published: September 2021

Natural selection favors animals that evolve developmental and behavioral responses that buffer the negative effects of food restrictions. These buffering responses vary both between species and within species. Many studies have shown sex‐specific responses to environmental changes, usually in species with sexual size dimorphism (SSD), less found in species with weak or no SSD, which suggests that sizes of different sexes are experiencing different selections. However, previous studies usually investigated development and behavior separately, and the balanced situation where males and females of sexually dimorphic species respond in the same way to food restriction remains little known. Here, we investigated this in Phintelloides versicolor (Salticidae) that presents sexual dimorphism in color and shape but weak SSD. We examined whether food restriction induced the same responses in males and females in development duration, adult body size and weight, daily time allocated to foraging, and hunting. We found food restriction induced similar responses in both sexes: both exhibited longer development duration, smaller adult body size and weight, higher probability of staying outside nests and noticing prey immediately, and higher hunting success. However, there were sexual differences regardless of food condition: females showed faster development, smaller adult body size, higher probability of staying outside of nests, and higher hunting success. These indicated the differential selection on male and female sizes of P. versicolor could be under a balanced situation, where males and females show equal developmental and behavioral plasticity to environmental constraints.
Does the intensive grazing and aridity change the relations between the dominant shrub Artemisia kopetdaghensis and plants under its canopies?
Authors: Rahmanian Soroor , Ejtehadi Hamid , Farzam Mohammad , Hejda Martin , Memariani Farshid , Pyšek Petr
Published: September 2021

The interspecific plant interactions along grazing and aridity stress gradients represent a major research issue in plant ecology. However, the combined effects of these two factors on plant–plant interactions have been poorly studied in the northeast of Iran. To fill this knowledge gap, 144 plots were established in 12 study sites with different grazing intensities (high vs. low) and climatic characteristics (arid vs. semiarid) in northeastern Iran. A dominant shrub, Artemisia kopetdaghensis, was selected as the model species. Further, we studied changes in plant life strategies along the combined grazing and aridity stress gradients. In this study, we used relative interaction indices calculated for species richness, Shannon diversity, and species cover to determine plant–plant interactions using linear mixed‐effect models (LMM). The indicator species analysis was used to identify the indicator species for the undercanopy of shrub and for the adjacent open areas. The combined effects of grazing and aridity affected the plant–plant interactions and plant life strategies (CSR) of indicator species. A. kopetdaghensis showed the highest facilitation effect under high stress conditions (high grazing, high aridity), which turned into competition under the low stress conditions (low grazing, low aridity). In the arid region, the canopy of the shrub protected ruderals, annual forbs, and grasses in both high and low grazing intensities. In the semiarid region and high grazing intensity (low aridity/high grazing), the shrubs protected mostly perennial forbs with C‐strategy. Our findings highlight the importance of context‐dependent shrub management to restore the vegetation damaged by the intensive grazing.
Plasticity and artificial selection for developmental mode in a poecilogonous sea slug
Authors: Caplins Serena A.
Published: September 2021

The contribution of phenotypically plastic traits to evolution depends on the degree of environmental influence on the target of selection (the phenotype) as well as the underlying genetic structure of the trait and plastic response. Likewise, maternal effects can help or hinder evolution through affects to the response to selection. The sacoglossan sea slug Alderia willowi exhibits intraspecific variation for developmental mode (= poecilogony) that is environmentally modulated with populations producing more yolk‐feeding (lecithotrophic) larvae during the summer, and more planktonic‐feeding (planktotrophic) larvae in the winter. I found significant family‐level variation in the reaction norms between 17 maternal families of A. willowi when reared in a split‐brood design in low (16 ppt) versus high (32 ppt) salinity, conditions which mimic seasonal variation in salinity of natural populations. I documented a significant response to selection for lecithotrophic larvae in high and low salinity. The slope of the reaction norm was maintained following one generation of selection for lecithotrophy. When the maternal environment was controlled in the laboratory, I found significant maternal effects, which reduced the response to selection. These results suggest there is standing genetic variation for egg‐mass type in A. willowi, but the ability of selection to act on that variation may depend on the environment in which the phenotype is expressed in preceding generations.
Rapid adaptive responses of rosette‐type macrophyte Vallisneria natans juveniles to varying water depths: The role of leaf trait plasticity
Authors: Gao Yuxuan , Wang Lei , Hu Xiaoqing , Zhang Zhuolun , Liu Baogui , Zhang Xinhou , Wang Guoxiang
Published: September 2021

Rosette‐type submerged macrophytes are widely distributed across a range of water depths in shallow lakes and play a key role in maintaining ecosystem structures and functions. However, little is known about the rapid adaptive responses of such macrophytes to variations in water depth, especially at the juvenile stage. Here, we conducted a short‐term in situ mesocosm experiment, in which the juveniles of Vallisneria natans were exposed to a water depth gradient ranging from 20 to 360 cm. Twenty‐two leaf‐related traits were examined after 4 weeks of growth in a shallow lake. Most (18) traits of V. natans generally showed high plasticity in relation to water depth. Specifically, juveniles allocated more biomass to leaves and had higher specific leaf area, leaf length‐to‐width ratio, chlorophyll content, and carotenoids content in deep waters, displaying trait syndrome associated with high resource acquisition. In contrast, V. natans juveniles in shallow waters had higher leaf dry matter content, leaf soluble carbohydrate content, carotenoids per unit chlorophyll, and peroxidase activity, pertaining to resource conservation. Notably, underwater light intensity was found to be the key factor explaining the trait plasticity along the water depth gradient, and 1.30 mol photons m−2 d−1 (at 270 cm) could be the optimal irradiance level based on the total biomass of V. natans juveniles. The present study highlights the significance of leaf trait plasticity for rosette‐type macrophytes in response to variations in water depth and sheds new light on the differences between trade‐offs in deep‐ and shallow‐water areas.
Generating political priority for skin cancer primary prevention: A case study from Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Gage Ryan , Leung William , Gurtner Marcus , Reeder Anthony I. , McNoe Bronwen M. , Signal Louise
Published: September 2021

Issues addressed

Skin cancer is highly prevalent but preventable, yet little research has been done on the challenges in generating political priority for skin cancer prevention. This qualitative study aimed to identify the political challenges to, facilitators of, and strategies to strengthen skin cancer prevention. The focus was on the case of Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ): a country with high skin cancer rates, but limited investment in primary prevention.

Methods

Data sources included 18 national key informant interviews and documentary analysis. Data were analysed inductively for emerging themes and framed using a conceptual framework of political priority.

Results

Challenges to advocates for skin cancer primary prevention include limited resources and competing priorities. Political‐level challenges include a lack of quick results compared with other initiatives vying for political attention, lack of negative externalities and, in NZ, misalignment with health system priorities. Challenges in the evidence base include the perceived conflict of sun protection with Vitamin D and physical activity, the lack of data on the financial burden of skin cancer and relatively low temperatures in NZ. Facilitators include strong policy community cohesion and issue framing, and weak opposition. Promising strategies to strengthen skin cancer prevention in NZ could include network building, using framing that resonates with policy makers and addressing key knowledge gaps in NZ, such as the financial burden of skin cancer.

Conclusion

Advocacy for skin cancer prevention faces challenges due to advocates’ limited resources, political challenges such as lack of quick results and gaps in evidence. Nonetheless, the initiative encounters little opposition and can be framed in ways that resonate with policy makers.

So what?

Skin cancer is highly preventable, but advocates for prevention initiatives have struggled to gain political traction. This study identifies several strategies that could help raise the political profile for skin cancer prevention.
Investigating model performance and parameter sensitivity for runoff simulation across multiple events for a large green roof
Authors: Worthen Lucie , Kelleher Christa , Davidson Cliff
Published: September 2021

Green roofs are a form of green infrastructure aimed at retaining or slowing the movement of precipitation as stormwater runoff to sewer systems. To determine total runoff versus retention from green roofs, researchers and practitioners alike employ hydrologic models that are calibrated to one or more observed events. However, questions still remain regarding how event size may impact parameter sensitivity, how best to constrain initial soil moisture (ISM), and whether limited observations (i.e., a single event) can be used within a calibration‐validation framework. We explored these questions by applying the storm water management model to simulate a large green roof located in Syracuse, NY. We found that model performance was very high (e.g., Nash Sutcliffe efficiency index > 0.8 and Kling‐Gupta efficiency index > 0.8) for many events. We initially compared model performance across two parameterizations of ISM. For some events, we found similar performance when ISM was varied versus set to zero; for others, varying ISM yielded higher performance as well as greater water balance closure. Within a calibration‐validation framework, we found that calibrating to larger events tended to produce moderate to high performance for other non‐calibration events. However, very small storms were notoriously difficult to simulate, regardless of calibration event size, as these events are likely fully retained on the roof. Using regional sensitivity analysis, we confirmed that only a subset of model parameters was sensitive across 16 events. Interestingly, many parameters were sensitive regardless of event size, though some parameters were more sensitive when simulating smaller events. This emphasizes that storm size likely influences parameter sensitivity. Overall, we show that while calibrating to a single event can achieve high performance, exploring simulations across multiple events can yield important insight regarding the hydrologic performance of green roofs that can be used to guide the gathering of in situ properties and observations for refining model frameworks.
Associations between migration experience and perceived mental health in optimal ageing: Evidence from the Sardinian Blue Zone
Authors: Fastame Maria Chiara , Mulas Ilaria , Ruiu Marilena
Published: September 2021

The effect of migration on perceived mental health has not been examined in older migrants after their return to their places of origin. This study was mainly aimed at evaluating the perceived mental health of older people who experienced migration and permanent resident peers living in the Sardinian Blue Zone (i.e. one of the four areas of exceptional longevity in the world). Forty‐eight community‐based older participants (32 males and 16 females) with and without a migration experience were recruited in two villages of the Sardinian Blue Zone and completed a battery of self‐report inventories assessing psychological well‐being, negative mood, and ego resilience. Older individuals who experienced migration reported higher ego resilience and exhibited greater resources used to manage positive emotionality (i.e. openness to life experiences). Moreover, compared to the normative data, both the groups reported higher psychological well‐being and fewer depressive symptoms. Finally, no significant associations were found between the length of migration and each mental health index. In conclusion, resilience seems to represent a psychological trait that helps to manage stressful events and contributes to the preservation of perceived mental health in late adulthood.
Solute carrier family 16 member 5 downregulation and its methylation might serve as a prognostic indicator of prostate cancer
Authors: Meng Xiangui , Yuan Hongwei , Li Weiquan , Xiong Zhiyong , Dong Wei , Xiao Wen , Zhang Xiaoping
Published: September 2021

Prostate cancer (PCa), characterized by high invasion, metastasis, and recurrence, is the most prevalent malignant tumor in men worldwide. A clear understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms and their role during PCa tumorigenesis can help develop prognostic and targeted therapies. We analyzed datasets from public databases, including the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Oncomine and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis for differential expression of solute carrier family 16 member 5 (SLC16A5). We further investigated its relationship with clinical stage, pathological grade, and prognosis of PCa. The promoter methylation level of SLC16A5 in PCa was also investigated by UALCAN. We also utilized datasets from UCSC Xena to explore the prognostic role of SLC16A5 methylation levels and CpG site. Correlations between SLC16A5 and immune infiltration were discovered through TIMER. We observed significantly lower levels of SLC16A5 mRNA in PCa relative to normal tissues across six datasets from Oncomine database (p < .001) and 498 cases from TCGA database (p < .0001). SLC16A5 is strongly negatively regulated by its DNA methylation, with a Spearman of −0.81 and Pearson of −0.80 (p < .001). The aberrant SLC16A5 expression resulted in a significant relationship with clinical stage, pathological grade, and lower SLC16A5 mRNA expression, and its hypermethylation was related to a poorer PCa prognosis. SLC16A5 acted as an important factor for PCa diagnosis, with an AUC of 0.9038 (95% CI: 0.8597–0.9479; p < .0001). Besides, the aberrant SLC16A5 expression revealed close correlations with multiple immune cells. Overall, these results indicate that decreased SLC16A5 expression might be a potential biomarker for determining prognosis and immune infiltration in PCa. The positive SLC16A5 modulation might be a promising therapeutic target for PCa.
Determining support for and barriers to pharmacist‐driven research: Results of a national survey
Authors: O'Brien Kathryn M. , Badowski Melissa E. , Bartoo Anna S. , Peppard William J. , Schwarz Kerry , Sharpe Abigail R. , Austin Szwak Jennifer
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Active engagement in research and scholarly output is challenging for pharmacists following residency training.

Objectives

To determine the current structure of institutional support for pharmacy research, describe barriers to increasing staff research support and scholarly output, and benchmark best practices.

Methods

A national survey was developed and distributed to the Vizient Consortium Director of Pharmacy listserv. The survey was conducted between October 2, 2019 and January 31, 2020 and incorporated 23 base questions assessing seven domains: financial support, study design/conduct support, interdisciplinary support, staff incentives, pharmacy research oversight, best practices, and barriers to research support.

Results

The survey was distributed to 253 directors of pharmacy and 49 (19%) distinct responses were obtained. Most responders (71%) reported less than 25% of clinical staff were involved in research. Responses indicated most departmental research was driven by residents: 43% reported postgraduate year one (PGY1) and postgraduate year two (PGY2) residents were responsible for at least 75% of research projects. The greatest barriers to conducting research included time (72%), funding (33%), and knowledge/experience (32%). Research support included access to statisticians for data analysis (63%) or study design (57%), development of a pharmacy research committee (55%), and financial support or stipends (45%).

Conclusion

Despite institutional financial and educational support, the most commonly reported barriers to conducting pharmacy research were time, funding, and knowledge or experience of staff pharmacists.
Stress and Resilience Among Professional Counselors During the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Litam Stacey Diane Arañez , Ausloos Clark D. , Harrichand John J. S.
Published: September 2021

This study used a national sample of professional counselors (N = 161) providing services during the COVID‐19 pandemic to examine the extent to which perceived stress, coping response, resilience, and posttraumatic stress predict burnout, secondary traumatic stress, and compassion satisfaction. The results of a multiple regression analysis indicated that resilience had a strong positive relationship with compassion fatigue and a strong negative relationship with burnout. Perceived stress was also strongly positively related to burnout. Implications and strategies for counselors to mitigate the effects of perceived stress during the COVID‐19 pandemic by engaging in self‐care practices and cultivating resilience are provided.
Risk, Symptoms, and Well‐Being: Emerging Adult Latent Profiles During Treatment
Authors: Jankowski Peter J. , Hall Eugene , Crabtree Sarah A. , Sandage Steven J. , Bronstein Miriam , Sandage Danielle
Published: September 2021

Emerging adulthood seems to be a period of not only heightened risk for mental health symptoms, but also growth toward greater well‐being. Mental health disorders are highest among adults ages 18 to 29 years, yet emerging adults are unlikely to access treatment. However, emerging adults can also experience gains in life satisfaction and interpersonal functioning, and mental health treatment for emerging adults tends to reduce symptoms. This dialectic of risk and growth has prompted a call for a specialty clinical practice focused on emerging adults and highlights a need for treatment effectiveness research that examines symptoms and well‐being. We examined the influence of risk variables on change in a sample of emerging adult clients (N = 187; mean age = 25.82 years; 62.0% female; 75.9% White). Results provide evidence of improvement, conditioned by risk variables. Implications included integrating distinct interventions to reduce symptoms and promote well‐being and addressing intra‐ and interpersonal processes associated with positive development.
Detection of amphetamine‐type stimulants using sample derivatization and SALDI‐TOF‐MS
Authors: Wang Shuo‐Feng , Lin Wen‐Yu , Dai Jia‐Shan , Chen Yen‐Ling , Chen Yung‐fou , Chau Lai‐Kwan
Published: September 2021

We have developed a gold nanoparticle‐based surface‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometric (SALDI‐MS) method for the analysis of amphetamine‐type stimulants (ATS), including methamphetamine (MA), 3,4‐methylenedioxy‐N‐methamphetamine (MDMA), 3,4‐methylenedioxy‐N‐ethylamphetamine (MDEA), and 4‐fluoromethamphetamine (4‐FMA), by derivatization to form quaternary ammonium species. After derivatization, the ion signal intensities of the derivatives of MA, MDMA, MDEA, and 4‐FMA significantly increase as compared to that without derivatization. Moreover, there is no analyte suppression effect in our samples after derivatization. The limits of detection (LODs) for MA, MDMA, MDEA, and 4‐FMA are 0.1, 1.0, 91, and 44 ppb, respectively, with the correlation coefficients of these regressions in the calibration curves higher than 0.99. The optimal experimental conditions, including concentration of gold nanoparticles and sample preparation method, were then applied to urine samples. After a simple sample pretreatment, including extraction and derivatization, results show that the average recoveries of the SALDI‐MS method for MA and MDMA are 100.87 ± 5.8% and 98.28 ± 2.9%, respectively. In summary, we have demonstrated a method to improve the sensitivity of the SALDI method for determination of ATS by derivatization and the method has been validated in the determination of MA and MDMA in urine samples.
The molecular structure and role of LECT2 or CHM‐II in arthritis, cancer, and other diseases
Authors: Zhu Sipin , Bennett Samuel , Li Yihe , Liu Mei , Xu Jiake
Published: September 2021

Leukocyte cell‐derived chemotaxin‐2 (LECT2 or LECT‐2), also called chondromodulin II (ChM‐II or CHM2) plays a versatile role in various tissues. It was first identified as a chemotactic factor to promote the migration of neutrophils. It was also reported as a hepatokine to regulate glucose metabolism, obesity, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. As a secreted factor, LECT2 binds to several cell surface receptors CD209a, Tie1, and Met to regulate inflammatory reaction, fibrogenesis, vascular invasion, and tumor metastasis in various cell types. As an intracellular molecule, it is associated with LECT2‐mediated amyloidosis, in which LECT2 misfolding results in insoluble fibrils in multiple tissues such as the kidney, liver, and lung. Recently, LECT2 was found to be associated with the development of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, involving the dysregulation of osteoclasts, mesenchymal stem cells, osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and endothelial cells in the bone microenvironment. LECT2 is implicated in the development of cancers, such as hepatocellular carcinoma via MET‐mediated PTP1B/Raf1/ERK signaling pathways and is proposed as a biomarker. The mechanisms by which LECT2 regulates diverse pathogenic conditions in various tissues remain to be fully elucidated. Further research to understand the role of LECT2 in a tissue tropism‐dependent manner would facilitate the development of LECT2 as a biomarker for diagnosis and therapeutic target.
Sustainable and continuous removal of trimethylamine in a bio‐photoelectrochemical reactor using g‐C3N4/TiO2 photocathode with power generation
Authors: Han Jianqing , Liu Lifen , Lu Xuguang
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND

Trimethylamine (TMA), as a harmful nitrogenous gas, is potentially toxic to animals and human beings. In recent years, the emission of TMA has caused huge environmental problems. TMA is strongly toxic and carcinogenic and requires efficient treatment technology. Photocatalysis and photoelectrocatalysis (PEC) have attracted great interest because of their environmental friendliness and high efficiency. The key problem is how to construct high‐efficiency systems and prepare high‐activity catalysts.

RESULTS

To eradicate TMA in air, an efficient electrochemical system with bio‐anode and photocathode (g‐C3N4‐TiO2) was designed. It removed TMA in air continuously and efficiently, for both single‐cathode and double‐cathode systems. This is the first report about TMA removal in such integrated g‐C3N4/TiO2 photocathode and bio‐electrochemical system. Effects of reaction conditions were investigated, such as the TMA concentrations and flow rates. The highest efficiency for TMA removal was in an integrated PEC and microbial fuel cell (MFC) system with potassium persulfate (PS) activation. The double‐cathode PEC–MFC–PS system could remove more TMA (1.9 g m−3 h−1 versus 1.3 g m−3 h−1) compared with the double‐cathode PEC–MFC system.

CONCLUSIONS

A novel TMA treatment system – PEC–MFC system – was constructed, coupling PEC with MFC for continuous removal of TMA from air. Combined with activated PS, a PEC–MFC–PS system was designed and constructed and proved effective in oxidizing gaseous TMA and generating electricity at the same time, which has practical application prospects for the treatment of TMA pollution. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
The squirrel is in the detail: Anatomy and morphometry of the tail in Sciuromorpha (Rodentia, Mammalia)
Authors: Hofmann Rebecca , Lehmann Thomas , Warren Dan L. , Ruf Irina
Published: September 2021

In mammals, the caudal vertebrae are certainly among the least studied elements of their skeleton. However, the tail plays an important role in locomotion (e.g., balance, prehensility) and behavior (e.g., signaling). Previous studies largely focused on prehensile tails in Primates and Carnivora, in which certain osteological features were selected and used to define tail regions (proximal, transitional, distal). Interestingly, the distribution pattern of these anatomical characters and the relative proportions of the tail regions were similar in both orders. In order to test if such tail regionalization can be applied to Rodentia, we investigated the caudal vertebrae of 20 Sciuridae and six Gliridae species. Furthermore, we examined relationships between tail anatomy/morphometry and locomotion. The position of selected characters along the tail was recorded and their distribution was compared statistically using Spearman rank correlation. Vertebral body length (VBL) was measured to calculate the proportions of each tail region and to perform procrustes analysis on the shape of relative vertebral body length (rVBL) progressions. Our results show that tail regionalization, as defined for Primates and Carnivora, can be applied to almost all investigated squirrels, regardless of their locomotor category. Moreover, major locomotor categories can be distinguished by rVBL progression and tail region proportions. In particular, the small flying squirrels Glaucomys volans and Hylopetes sagitta show an extremely short transitional region. Likewise, several semifossorial taxa can be distinguished by their short distal region. Moreover, among flying squirrels, Petaurista petaurista shows differences with the small flying squirrels, mirroring previous observations on locomotory adaptations based on their inner ear morphometry. Our results show furthermore that the tail region proportions of P. petaurista, phylogenetically more basal than the small flying squirrels, are similar to those of bauplan‐conservative arboreal squirrels.
Radiomic Features on Multiparametric MRI for Preoperative Evaluation of Pituitary Macroadenomas Consistency: Preliminary Findings
Authors: Wan Tao , Wu Chunxue , Meng Ming , Liu Tao , Li Chuzhong , Ma Jun , Qin Zengchang
Published: September 2021

Background

Preoperative assessment of the consistency of pituitary macroadenomas (PMA) might be needed for surgical planning.

Purpose

To investigate the diagnostic performance of radiomics models based on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) for preoperatively evaluating the tumor consistency of PMA.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

One hundred and fifty‐six PMA patients (soft consistency, N = 104 vs. hard consistency, N = 52), divided into training (N = 108) and test (N = 48) cohorts. The tumor consistency was determined on surgical findings.

Field Strength/Sequence

T1‐weighted imaging (T1WI), contrast‐enhanced T1WI (T1CE), and T2‐weighted imaging (T2WI) using spin‐echo sequences with a 3.0‐T scanner.

Assessment

An automated three‐dimensional (3D) segmentation was performed to generate the volume of interest (VOI) on T2WI, then T1WI/T1CE were coregistered to T2WI. A total of 388 radiomic features were extracted on each VOI of mpMRI. The top‐discriminative features were identified using the minimum‐redundancy maximum‐relevance method and 0.632+ bootstrapping. The radiomics models based on each sequence and their combinations were established via the random forest (RF) and support vector machine (SVM), and independently evaluated for their ability in distinguishing PMA consistency.

Statistical Tests

Mann–Whitney U‐test and Chi‐square test were used for comparison analysis. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), accuracy (ACC), sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), and relative standard deviation (RSD) were calculated to evaluate each model's performance. ACC with P‐value<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Eleven mpMRI‐based features exhibited statistically significant differences between soft and hard PMA in the training cohort. The radiomics model built on combined T1WI/T1CE/T2WI demonstrated the best performance among all the radiomics models with an AUC of 0.90 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.87–0.92), ACC of 0.87 (CI: 0.84–0.89), SEN of 0.83 (CI: 0.81–0.85), and SPE of 0.87 (CI: 0.85–0.99) in the test cohort.

Data Conclusion

Radiomic features based on mpMRI have good performance in the presurgical evaluation of PMA consistency.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Impact of BMI on Left Atrial Strain and Abnormal Atrioventricular Interaction in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking Study
Authors: Shen Meng‐ting , Guo Ying‐kun , Liu Xi , Ren Yan , Jiang Li , Xie Lin‐jun , Gao Yue , Zhang Yi , Deng Ming‐yan , Li Yuan , Yang Zhi‐gang
Published: September 2021

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity often coexist and together contribute to left atrial (LA) functional abnormalities. However, little is known about the impact of body mass index (BMI) on LA strains measured using cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking (MR‐FT).

Purpose

To investigate the additive effect of BMI on LA functional remodeling using MR‐FT as well as to explore abnormal atrioventricular interaction in T2DM patients.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

One hundred and fifty‐nine T2DM patients (53, 34, and 72 normal‐weight, overweight, and obese individuals) and 105 non‐diabetic controls (46, 32, and 27 normal‐weight, overweight, and obese individuals).

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0 T/balanced steady‐state free precession.

Assessment

LA reservoir strain (εs), conduit strain (εe), and active strain (εa) and their corresponding strain rates (SRs, SRe, SRa) were measured together with left ventricular (LV) radial, circumferential, and longitudinal peak strain, peak systolic strain rate, and peak diastolic strain rate.

Statistical Tests

Student's t‐test or Mann–Whitney U test, one‐way ANOVA, univariate and multivariate linear regression. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Compared to controls in the same BMI category, T2DM patients had significantly decreased reservoir and conduit function, while pump function was not significantly different (εa and SRa: P = 0.757 and 0.583 for normal‐weight, P = 0.171 and 0.426 for overweight, P = 0.067 and 0.330 for obese). LA strains were significantly correlated with BMI (r = −0.346 for εs, −0.345 for εe) in T2DM patients. Multivariable linear regression analysis indicated that BMI was independently associated with LA εs and εe, LV global longitudinal strain was independently associated with LA εs and εa, and LV circumferential peak diastolic strain rate was independently associated with LA εe.

Data Conclusion

These findings suggest that the coexistence of increased body weight and T2DM patients can exacerbate the impairment of LA strains and indicate abnormal atrioventricular interactions.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3
New fractionations in breast cancer: a dosimetric study of 3D‐CRT versus VMAT
Authors: Piras Antonio , Menna Sebastiano , D’Aviero Andrea , Marazzi Fabio , Mazzini Alberto , Cusumano Davide , Massaccesi Mariangela , Mattiucci Gian Carlo , Daidone Antonino , Valentini Vincenzo , Boldrini Luca
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) following primary surgery in women affected by early breast cancer (EBC) plays a central role in reducing local recurrences and overall mortality. The FAST‐FORWARD trial recently demonstrated that 1‐week hypofractionated adjuvant RT is not inferior to the standard schedule in terms of local relapse, cosmetic outcomes and toxicity. The aim of this in silico study was to evaluate the dosimetric aspects of a 1‐week RT course, administered through volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), compared with traditional three‐dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D‐CRT) with tangential fields.

Methods

Patients affected by left‐side EBC undergoing adjuvant RT were selected. ESTRO guidelines for the clinical target volume (CTV) delineation and FAST‐FORWARD protocol for CTV to planning target volume (PTV) margin definition were followed. Total prescribed dose was 26 Gy in five fractions. The homogeneity index (HI) and the global conformity index (GCI) were taken into account for planning and dose distribution optimisation purposes. Both 3D‐CRT tangential fields and VMAT plans were generated for each patient.

Results

The analysis included 21 patients. PTV coverage comparison between 3D‐CRT and VMAT plans showed significant increases for GCI (P < 0.05) in VMAT technique; no statistically significant differences were observed regarding HI. For organs at risks (OAR), statistically significant increases were observed in terms of skin V103% (P < 0.002) and ipsilateral lung V30% (P < 0.05) with 3D‐CRT and of heart V5% (P < 0.05) with VMAT technique.

Conclusions

This in silico study showed that both 3D‐CRT and VMAT are dosimetrically feasible techniques in the framework of 1‐week hypofractionated treatments for left EBC.
Effective Planning for an Expatriate Career: What Roles Do Career Adaptability and Cultural Intelligence Play?
Authors: Presbitero Alfred , Teng‐Calleja Mendiola
Published: September 2021

Grounded in the theories of career construction, planned behavior, and intelligence, this study examined the antecedents or mechanisms of effective planning for an overseas career among university students. Two studies were conducted (for Study 1, N = 243 students in the Philippines; for Study 2, N = 274 students in Australia). Results indicated that career adaptability (and its dimensions) was significantly related to expatriate career planning effectiveness and that expatriate career intention and cultural intelligence (and its dimensions) played important roles in the relationship. Findings contribute to the knowledge base regarding expatriation and offer practical insights relevant for career counselors, particularly in the assessment and effective preparation of students aiming to embark and establish overseas careers.
Taxonomic analysis of the Quaternary archaeofauna found at The Lapa do Santo site, Lagoa Santa region, Brazil
Authors: Chahud Artur , Figueiredo Gisele Ferreira , Mingatos Gabriela Sartori , Okumura Mercedes
Published: September 2021

The Lapa do Santo archaeological site, located in the Lagoa Santa region, Brazil, represents an important hunter‐gatherer occupation dated from the Early and Middle Holocene. Prior studies of archaeofauna dating to this period are few and most of them only provide basic faunal identification with limited information on taphonomic processes. The main goal of this study is to identify the archaeofauna, record the taphonomic processes, and make inferences about its natural (interpreted as the death of the animal in the rockshelter area due to natural causes or due to predation) or anthropic origins. No extinct species (including megamastofauna) were identified. Taxonomic analysis indicated that most faunal remains consist of taxa that may be of mixed origin (natural or anthropic), such as microvertebrates and carnivorous mammals. The Cervidae are the main vertebrate family found in the studied material and these are likely the result of hunting. The CervidaeOzotocerossupport the presence of a fauna that is typical of savannah environments, although the assemblage contains mostly generalist fauna that can thrive in a variety of environments. Very few remains showed clear evidence for taphonomic processes related to human interaction, such as burnt bones.
Lymphatic regeneration after implantation of aligned nanofibrillar collagen scaffolds: Preliminary preclinical and clinical results
Authors: Nguyen Dung , Zaitseva Tatiana S. , Zhou Anna , Rochlin Danielle , Sue Gloria , Deptula Peter , Tabada Peter , Wan Derrick , Loening Andreas , Paukshto Michael , Dionyssiou Dimitrios
Published: September 2021

Background

We tested our hypothesis that implantation of aligned nanofibrillar collagen scaffolds (BioBridge™) can both prevent and reduce established lymphedema in the rat lymphedema model. Our authors report clinical cases that demonstrate new lymphatic formation guided by BioBridge™ as seen by near‐infrared (NIR) fluoroscopy and magnetic resonance (MR) lymphography.

Methods

A rat lymphedema model was utilized. A prevention group received implantation of BioBridge™ immediately after lymphadenectomy. A lymphedema group received implantation of BioBridge™ with autologous adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSC; treatment group) or remained untreated (control group). All subjects were observed for 4 months after lymphadenectomy. The hindlimb change was evaluated using computed tomography‐based volumetric analysis. Lymphagiogenesis was assessed by indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography.

Results

Animals in the treatment group showed a reduction in affected limb volume. Animals in the prevention group showed no increase in the affected limb volume. ICG fluoroscopy demonstrated lymph flow and formation of lymphatics toward healthy lymphatics.

Conclusions

In the rat lymphedema model, implantation of BioBridge™ at the time of lymph node removal prevents the development of lymphedema. Treatment of established lymphedema with the BioBridge™ and ADSC reduces lymphedema. New lymphatic vessels are demonstrated by NIR fluoroscopy and MR lymphography. These findings have implications for the treatment of lymphedema in human subjects.
Regionalization of hurricane rainfall in the forests, protected and reserved zones of Mexico
Authors: Gutierrez‐Lopez Alfonso
Published: September 2021

Extreme events such as hurricanes repeatedly affect coastal areas in several tropical regions of the world. The economic and biodiversity losses caused by these extreme events are considerable. Mexico's coasts are exposed to hurricanes annually. A hydrological characterization and regionalization of the storms caused by the rain fields generated by all the hurricanes that touched the Mexican coast from 1966 to 2017 were carried out. Adimensional Huff curves are proposed to get precipitation hyetograms from which the erosion factor of a storm is obtained, using the universal soil loss equation (USLE). The results made it possible to get the typical precipitation hyetograms in the forests and protected areas before, during, and after the impact of a hurricane. The proposed hydrological regionalization made it possible to estimate the rainfall intensity in 30 min to characterize the start of rain erosion. The method proposed in this research was applied in the 177 natural protected areas (25,628,239 ha) as well as in the 370 voluntarily designated areas for conservation (399,643 ha) in Mexico. It is concluded that, with the regionalization and the proposed equations, it is possible to get typical hurricane precipitation hyetograms, which would allow us to detail the forest management plans in forests, ecological reserves, and protected areas of Mexico.
Oceanic Water Temperatures Less Than 20°C May Partly Account for Bias in American Eel Elver Otolith Age Estimates
Authors: Jessop B. M.
Published: September 2021

The mystery of the discrepancy between American Eel Anguilla rostrata larval, glass, and elver ages derived from otolith examination and from observed spawning and recruitment dates is long standing. A variety of solutions have been proposed but none have been validated. Japanese Eels Anguilla japonica do not deposit daily otolith growth rings at water temperatures ≤10°C and have less than daily deposition at temperatures 10–20°C, which may apply to American Eels. Oceanic water temperatures ≤10°C between continental sites and the Gulf Stream during glass and elver eel migration periods have little effect on ages imputed from otolith ring counts of eels migrating to sites south of Cape Hatteras because coastal water temperatures infrequently, and usually only for a few days, decline below 10°C between Cape Hatteras and South Carolina. Coastal and estuarine water temperatures of 10–20°C may have more effect. North of Cape Hatteras, the temperature effect on otolith ages increased with distances north of and from the Gulf Stream. Adjustment to otolith ages for low estuarine/freshwater temperatures may more fully account for the difference between otolith and observed ages over the recruitment period at sites north and south of Cape Hatteras. The effect of recent higher oceanic water temperatures north of Cape Hatteras on otolith daily growth increments remains to be learned but may increase otolith age estimates. Otolith ages for glass and elver American Eels should be used with caution unless adjusted for seasonal low oceanic, estuarine, and freshwater temperatures; even then otolith aging issues remain. A greater understanding of oceanic migratory paths and durations is needed for American Eels.
Polymorphisms in NQO1 and MPO genes and risk for bladder cancer in Tunisian population
Authors: Hemissi Imen , Ayed Haroun , Naimi Zeineb , Meddeb Khedija , Ayadi Mouna , Zouari Skander , Zaghbib Selim , Talbi Emna , Chebil Mohamed , Ouerhani Slah
Published: September 2021

Background

NAD (P) H: quinone oxidoreductase (1) (NQO1‐HGNC: 2874) and myeloperoxidase (MPO‐HGNC: 7218) are two enzymes involved in phase II of the xenobiotic metabolism pathway.

Methods

In this study, a case–control analysis was conducted to investigate the relationship between genetic variations in the NQO1 (C609T, rs1800566; IVS1‐27 C >G, rs689452) and MPO (G463A, rs2333227) genes and the risk for bladder cancer among Tunisian population.

Results

We have found that the MPO 463GA genotype was associated with a decreased risk of developing bladder cancer (p = 0.049; OR = 0.696; 95% CI 0.484–0.999). In contrast, we have found that the NQO1 609CT genotype could increase the risk of bladder cancer patients (p = 0.0039; OR = 1.454; 95% CI = 1.017–2.078). Moreover, patients with “NQO1 609 CT/IVS1‐27 CG” genotype show a 2.180‐fold increasing risk for developing bladder cancer in comparison to the control group with wild genotype. This OR is estimated at 5.6‐fold in smokers patients with “NQO1 609 CT/IVS1‐27 CG” genotype. Lastly, study findings suggest that the NQO1 IVS‐27 *CG genotype (rs689452) is associated with a risk of progression to muscle invasive bladder cancer.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that environmental risk factors in association to NQO1 genotypes (NQO1 609 CT/IVS1‐27 CG) play an important role in the development of bladder cancer in Tunisian population.
Locations of spikes for linearly coupled Schrödinger systems
Authors: Jin Ke , Shen Zifei , Wang Lushun
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we consider the following Schrödinger system with linearly coupled terms:

where ε > 0, 0 < λ < 1, and Ω is a bounded smooth domain in
. Under the Dirichlet or Neumann boundary conditions, we study the locations and interaction of spikes for ground states of (A1) by the variation method, maximum principle, and blow up technique.