bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Alterations in Chromatin Regulatory Genes in Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma and Urothelial Bladder Cancer
Authors: Wang Shuo , Yan Xuzhi , Lan Weihua , Wang Yapeng , Wang Ze , Tong Dali , Zhang Yao , Ran Qiang , Li Haoyang , Jin Junhao , Xiao Haiyang , Xu Jing , Yan Qian , Zhang Dianzheng , Ma Qiang , Xiao Hualiang , Qin Jun , Wang Luofu , Jiang Jun , Liu Qiuli
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) and urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB) share histomorphological and therapeutic features but distinct epidemiologic and clinicopathologic characteristics. We examined alterations of chromatin regulatory genes in molecular subtypes, clonal relatedness, and T‐cell receptor (TCR) diversity in UTUC and UCB.

Materials and Methods

Targeted next‐generation sequencing or whole‐exome DNA sequencing and TCR sequencing were conducted with 34 UTUC and 49 UCB specimens from 63 patients. Tumors were subtyped based on the expression of CK5 and GATA3. Results of tissue microarray of 78 muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) samples were used as prognostic factors of different subtypes of MIBC.

Results

Chromatin regulatory genes were frequently mutated in both UTUC and UCB. Rapid relapse and progression of non‐MIBC are correlated with alterations of KMT2C and EP300. Frequency of alterations in chromatin regulatory genes is higher in UTUC patients with SBS22 and SBS2 signatures and lower in UCB patients with SBS2 and SBS6 signatures. GATA3 and CK5 double‐positive patients with higher frequencies of SMARCA4, ARID1A, and EP300 mutations have better prognoses than patients with basal subtypes. Although UTUC and UCB in the same patient can be either clonally related or developed independently, mutated genes in chromatin pathway were enriched in the related clones. Compared to UTUC, UCB had more deleterious mutations in DNA damage repair (DDR) genes, higher levels of tumor mutation burden (TMB) and copy number variations (CNVs), as well as higher TCR clonality and lower TCR diversity.

Conclusions

Since genetic alterations of the chromatin pathway genes are important in both UTUC and UCB, they could serve as potential biomarkers for predicting disease progression and therapeutic targets. Differences in mutation frequencies of DDR pathway, TMB, CNV, and TCR might be the contributing factors for the distinct responses to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) between UTUC and UCB.
Pretreatment Quality of Life and Substance Use Among Patients Diagnosed With Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Adjei Boakye Eric , Nassar Sami I. , Alzouhayli Suma J. , Williams Amy M. , Chang Steven S. , Ghanem Tamer A. , Gilbert Marissa , Momin Suhael , Siddiqui Farzan , Wu Vivian F. , Tam Samantha H.
Published: November 2024

Background

There is a paucity of research on the effects of commonly used substances, such as cannabis and other drugs, on quality of life as a contributor to head and neck cancer (HNC) prognosis. We examined associations between non‐alcohol or tobacco substance use (cannabis and other illicit drug) and self‐reported quality of life in patients with HNC prior to starting treatment.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study of patients who presented for routine psych‐oncologevaluation prior to treatment between 11/2015 and 9/2022. Primary exposures were cannabis use (never, past, or current users) and current illicit drug use (yes/no). The primary outcome measure was the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy—Head and Neck (FACT‐HN) subscales (physical, social/family, functional and emotional). Linear regression models examined associations between pretreatment substance use and FACT‐HN subscales adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical factors.

Results

Of 570 patients, 13.9% endorsed current cannabis and 13.9% current illicit drug use. The mean (SD) scores for FACT‐HN subscales were physical well‐being = 22.8 (5.0), social well‐being = 22.7 (5.5), emotional well‐being = 17.5 (4.5), and functional well‐being = 18.7 (6.9). In the adjusted models, cannabis use was not independently associated with any FACT‐HN subscales. However, patients who currently used illicit drugs reported worse emotional well‐being (β = −1.32; 95% CI −2.45 to −0.20). No independent association was found between current illicit drug use and other subscales (physical, social, and functional).

Conclusions

Illicit drug use, but not cannabis use, is negatively associated with pretreatment emotional well‐being in patients with HNC. Further research exploring the relationships between longitudinal cannabis and illicit drug use and methods of consumption on QoL and cancer outcomes in patients with head and neck cancer is warranted.
Analysis of Candidate miRNAs' Expression in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Al‐Temaimi Rabeah , Abdulkarim Bicher , Al‐Ali Ali , John Bency , Mallik Mrinmay Kumar , Kapila Kusum
Published: November 2024

Background

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most aggressive types of cancer. Despite advances in molecular diagnostics, PC diagnosis relies on imaging technologies and morphological assessment of fine needle aspirates (FNAs). MicroRNA (miRNA) involvement in PC pathogenesis and potential diagnostics application have been suggested, albeit current supporting evidence is lacking. Here, we investigated the association of selected miRNAs with PC incidence and clinical characteristics.

Methods

Fold expression of miR‐216a‐3p, ‐217‐5p, ‐221‐3p, ‐222‐3p, and miR‐196a‐5p was assessed in 73 PC FNA cell‐block sections and 6 healthy pancreas tissues using Taqman advanced miRNA assays. Potential miRNA targets were ascertained using immunocytochemistry.

Results

miR‐196a‐5p was upregulated in PC compared to healthy pancreatic tissue (β = −0.05, 95% CI: −0.065 – (−0.035); p < 0.001). miR‐221‐3p and miR‐222‐3p fold expression were strongly correlated (r = 0.897, p < 0.001), whereas miR‐196a‐5p fold expression correlated with that of miR‐221‐3p (r = 0.688, p < 0.001) and miR‐222‐3p (r = 0.489, p < 0.001). Moreover, miR‐196a‐5p fold expression positively correlated with tumor stage (r = 0.32, p = 0.034). miR‐217‐5p fold expression inversely correlated with KRAS expression (r = ‐0.69, p = 0.0027).

Conclusion

Our study shows miR‐196a‐5p has reasonable specificity to PC and thus may have diagnostic and prognostic potential in PC as proposed in the literature. Moreover, KRAS and NFKBIA may be potential targets for miR‐217‐5p and miR‐196a‐5p, respectively. Thus, these miRNAs may be involved in tumor progression and may have valuable applications in novel therapeutics or treatment monitoring.
Methylene Blue Adsorption Using Boric Acid Functionalized Activated Carbon: Kinetics, Isothermal, and Thermodynamic Studies
Authors: Ullah Nasim , Ali Zarshad , Kamran Urooj , khan Amir Sada , Ansari Mushtaq Ahmad , Adalat Bushra , Nasrallah Asma
Published: November 2024

In this study, the activated carbon (AC) was prepared from Sesbania sesban plant stem. Boric acid (H3BO3) was used as an activating agent. During calcination, the optimized temperature was kept upto 500 °C for 2 h. The prepared adsorbents were characterized using various techniques such as FT‐IR, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analyzer. The prepared adsorbents were used for the removal of methylene blue (MB) dye adsorption. The adsorption experiments were conducted at different pHs such as (2–11), doses (0.0025–0.020 mg), times (30–300 min), MB initial concentrations (100–600 mg L−1), and temperatures (298–318 K), respectively. The maximum MB uptake capacity of the prepared adsorbent was 1380 mg g−1 under optimized adsorption conditions. Furthermore, the kinetic study is well described by pseudo‐second order, whereas the isothermal study showed the Freundlich isotherm was better followed by the equilibrium data. Based on thermodynamic studies, the negative values of ΔG° and ΔH° revealed that the MB adsorption process is spontaneous and exothermic in nature. However, the negative ∆Sxg° value indicates that solid‐solute interaction decreased randomness in the adsorption systems. The overall studies of AC showed that it was better to remove MB from an aqueous solution.
Tailoring ORR Activity in Fe−N−C Catalysts through Phosphorus Incorporation
Authors: Xiang Tingting , Zhu Qingchao , Zhou Tanyu , Chen Chenglong , Wang Ruibo , Hu Tieyu , Li Bing , Xu Ziwei , Yang Juan
Published: November 2024

Atomically dispersed iron and nitrogen co‐doped carbon materials (Fe−N−C) represent promising non‐precious metal catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), offering potential alternatives to noble metal‐based benchmarks. In our study, we investigated the influence of phosphorus doping on the catalytic activity of Fe−N−C. The experimental research demonstrate that the doping of phosphorus significantly enhances the ORR activity. Specifically, the resulting Fe‐NPC exhibits high metal loading and excellent ORR activity in 0.1 M KOH with an onset potential of 1.00 V and a half‐wave potential of 0.864 V. Density functional theory (DFT) simulations reveal that phosphorus improves the electrocatalytic activity by activating O2 molecules and reducing the energy barrier (the hydrogenation reaction *OH→H2O) of the rate‐determining step. Furthermore, Fe‐NPC exhibits promising application prospects as an air cathode in Zn‐air batteries, delivering a high maximum discharge power density of 180.3 mW cm−2 and outstanding discharge specific capacity (758.8 mAh g−1Zn) at a discharge current density of 10 mA cm−2.
Perylene‐ and Perylene Diimide‐based Framework Materials Constructed through Metal Coordination
Authors: Wang Junxiao , Wei Haoxuan , Guan Jun , Müllen Klaus , Yin Meizhen
Published: November 2024

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) are a class of materials composed of coordinative interactions between metal ions and organic linkers, encompassing two‐dimensional (2D), and three‐dimensional (3D) architectures. Metal‐organic cages (MOCs), a special case of these species, are discrete molecular “capsules” with zero‐dimensional (0D) structures. Over the last two decades, MOFs and MOCs composed of organic perylene (P) and perylene diimide (PDI) linkers have gained much attention due to their versatile properties, which can be further enhanced after incorporation into frameworks. This minireview highlights recent progress in the construction and application of P/PDI‐based coordination framework materials. The text offers an overview of the synthesis of P/PDI organic linkers, proceeds to their integration into coordination frameworks of different dimensionalities – 2D and 3D MOFs, and 0D MOCs, and then explores potential applications. These include sensing, photocatalysis, electrochemical devices and photothermal conversion and focus on the apparent structure‐property relationships. Finally, the challenges and future prospects of P/PDI‐derived coordination frameworks will be addressed.
Langweilig oder Spannend? Eine Reise Durch Die Fettsäure‐Chemie der Haut
Authors: Lautenschläger Hans
Published: November 2024

Fettsäuren zeichnen sich durch eine große Vielfalt von Strukturen und Eigenschaften aus. Entsprechend vielseitig sind ihre Funktionen und die Wirkungen ihrer Metaboliten in und auf der Haut. Sie reichen von physikalischem Schutz bis hin zu lokalen, hormonellen Wirkungen. Neben der Biochemie der Fettsäuren in der Epidermis spielen synergistische Einflüsse des Hautmikrobioms eine große Rolle für die physiologisch intakte Haut.
Partikelanalyse leicht gemacht: Künstliche Intelligenz und Elektronenmikroskopie
Authors: Gumbiowski Nina , Loza Kateryna , Epple Matthias
Published: November 2024

Methoden der Künstlichen Intelligenz (KI) bieten die Möglichkeit, große Datenmengen in kurzer Zeit zu verarbeiten und analysieren, was schnellere, effizientere und neuartige Arbeitsabläufe ermöglicht. Gleichermaßen sollte man sich als Nutzer aber auch der Grenzen dieser computergestützten Anwendungen bewusst sein. Am Beispiel von elektronenmikroskopischen Aufnahmen wird gezeigt, wie ein KI‐basiertes Programm zunächst mit echten Daten trainiert wird, so dass es dann Partikel selbständig mit hoher Genauigkeit erkennen und auswerten kann.
Electrochemical Synthesis of Alkenylsulfonates from Alkynes, NaHSO3 and Alcohols
Authors: Wang Xiaoman , Chen Qianqian , Zhou Jinhang , Hu Yi , Ye Shengqing , Wu Jie
Published: November 2024

Comprehensive Summary

Alkenylsulfonates are commonly encountered in medicinal chemistry, polymer chemistry, and organic synthesis. In this research, an electrochemical reaction involving alkynes, NaHSO3, and alcohols has been developed. This method yields functionalized alkenylsulfonates in good yields with broad functional group tolerance. Mechanism studies indicate that anodic oxidation of inorganic sulfite, radical insertion process, and HAT process are involved in this transformation.
Getting the Numbers Right in Medicinal Chemistry
Authors: Ducho Christian
Published: November 2024

Medicinal Chemistry is a quantitative scientific discipline. Hence, it is of utmost importance that scientists working in this field pay rigorous attention to the correct representation of their quantitative data. However, browsing the Medicinal Chemistry literature, it becomes obvious that this is very often not the case. In particular, results from biological assays are too frequently reported with unreasonable numbers of significant figures. In this Perspective, it is argued that this is poor practice that sheds an unfortunate light on the discipline of Medicinal Chemistry and that therefore, more rigorous policies regarding the presentation of quantitative data in Medicinal Chemistry publications should be considered.
The Use of Routine Outcome Monitoring (ROM) Among the Psychotherapists of the Italian National Health Service
Authors: Lampis Jessica , Rocca Guido
Published: November 2024

Routine outcome monitoring (ROM) is one of the most important methodologies for evaluating client progress and improving the efficiency and quality of psychological assistance. Despite this, the culture of ROM use is struggling to establish itself in the Italian National Health System, shaping up as a sporadic and unevenly used practice. The main objective of the present study was to assess the frequency of use of different outcome monitoring measures and the attitudes toward ROM within psychological services of the Italian National Health System. The study involved 184 psychotherapist (75% female and 25% male) employed in the Italian Health System structures. Participants completed an anonymous questionnaire composed by Outcome monitoring use and Attitudes to ROM. The data reveal a general low‐frequency in ROM use, with the exception of the symptom monitoring measures. In our sample, the variables that significantly affect the level of ROM use are psychological capability and physical and social opportunity. The present study provides some empirical evidence to reflect on the importance of increasing the use of ROM within psychological services and to promote interventions to improve clinicians' positive attitudes toward ROM.
Structural Design on Porous Aromatic Frameworks for Photocatalysis
Authors: Cao Linzhu , Tao Xin , Zhu Guangshan
Published: November 2024

Photocatalytic technology has shown great potential in various fields such as environmental purification, energy conversion, and chemical transformations due to its green, sustainable, and low‐cost characteristics. Porous aromatic frameworks (PAFs) with high specific surface areas, designable local structures, and abundant active sites could potentially serve as efficient photocatalysts for various catalytic reactions. This makes PAFs have a wide range of application prospects and significant advantages in the field of photocatalysis. This concept discusses the recent progress of photocatalysis over PAFs. Various strategies are used to solve the general problems of photocatalyst, such as poor light absorption, low carrier separation efficiency and poor stability, which further reveal the relationship between their structures and performances.
Triple Wavelength for Laser Hair Reduction: Parameter Selection and Optimisation of Results
Authors: Pai Ganesh Srinivas , Prasad Avitus John Raakesh , Pai Anusha H. , Pillai Rahul
Published: November 2024

Background

Triple wave hair removal is an advanced method for achieving permanent hair reduction which has always been challenging. This technique combines the benefits of three different wavelengths of laser light to target a broader range of skin types effectively. This study employed three different equipment.

Aims

To establish the efficacy of triple wavelength hair removal in various skin types, sites and type of hair. To give importance to parameter selection and various techniques to be employed in various situations to achieve permanent hair removal.

Patients and Methods

This was an Investigator initiated, two center study of female's patients with hirsutism above age 18 years with skin type III−V, areas included are face, chin, chest and others between the period of August 2017 to February 2024.

Results

The amount of hair reduction was assessed using the physician GAIS (Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale) score: No results 0% reduction, Poor 0%−25% reduction, Average 25%−50% reduction, good 50%−75% reduction, and excellent 75%−100% reduction. Patients who completed minimum of four to maximum of six sessions were included in the study. An excellent reduction in 80% of the treated patients and good reduction in 15% of treated patients was observed.

Conclusion

This current study shows that a synergistic combination of three diode laser wavelengths used for hair removal is effective and safe to use in subjects of all skin types for facial and body hair and is an alternative in treatment of patients who responds poorly to diode wavelength.
Maladaptive Restrictive Food Choice Behavior in Adolescents With Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Schröder Sabrina S. , Danner Unna N. , Steinglass Joanna , Foerde Karin
Published: November 2024

Objective

Individuals with anorexia nervosa persistently restrict their food intake while often severely underweight. This maladaptive food choice behavior and related decision‐making processes have mainly been investigated in adults. It is unknown whether the same decision‐making processes drive food choices in adolescents, given their more favorable treatment outcomes. This study investigated maladaptive food choice behavior in adolescents with AN and examined whether they display the same decision‐making processes as adults.

Method

Adolescents with AN (n = 42) and age‐matched controls (n = 42) completed a computer‐based food choice task, rating food images for healthiness and tastiness before choosing between two food items.

Results

Adolescents with AN chose high‐fat foods less frequently than controls, with food choices more influenced by their perceived “healthiness” and less by their “tastiness” than they did among controls. Relative to controls, adolescents with AN also reported lower overall tastiness ratings and greater habit strength of restrictive eating, which was, however, not related to food choices.

Discussion

Adolescents with AN display the same maladaptive food choice behavior as adults, namely the persistent restriction of high‐fat food choices. Their choices were more strongly influenced by the perceived healthiness of a food item, compared to the choices of controls.
Legitimacy in polycentric groundwater governance: Framework conditions identified in Nebraska's Natural Resource Districts
Authors: Jedd Theresa , Sixt Gregory N. , Schutz Anthony , Burbach Mark
Published: November 2024

This study considers how and why agricultural groundwater users would limit their own water consumption. We find that voluntary governance arrangements are based on a form of legitimacy that stems from informal social processes. Agricultural irrigation reform in Nebraska, U.S. took place after decades of collaboration in informal social settings; this background of decentralized rulemaking contributed to legitimizing extraction limits in times of water stress. The dimensions of social legitimacy are assessed through triangulation of interview data, integrated management plans, workshop facilitation, and recordings of legal proceedings related to the Natural Resources Districts in the state of Nebraska. These districts initially placed voluntary limits on extraction but evolved to sanction violators for over‐consumption. Groundwater rules are accepted because they are set by publicly elected boards, leaders participate in a state‐wide leadership training network, and the districts are granted rule‐making authority by the state. Our results show that voluntary self‐limiting behavior can form the basis for binding legal requirements. The legitimacy of polycentric governance stems from social acceptance, inclusive membership, a prior history of collaboration, and an understanding of rules. The rules themselves are context‐specific and self‐made. We summarize these elements in an evaluation framework to test whether and how authority in other polycentric groundwater governance arrangements is justified and accepted.
Preparation and quality evaluation of mixed fruit jam made from natural and artificial sweetener
Authors: Haroon Muhammad , Khan Imran , Ejaz Afaf , Afzaal Muhammad , Saeed Farhan , Farooq Muhammad Umar , Ehsan Maryam , Ahmed Faiyaz , Akram Noor , Hailu Gebremichael Gebremedhin
Published: November 2024

In this study nutritionally enriched apple and date jam was developed by replacing sugar with natural and artificial sweeteners stevia and sorbitol. Three different types of samples were prepared. Sample T1 was prepared by using stevia as a sweetener agent. Sample T2 was prepared by using sorbitol as a sweetener agent. Sample T3 was prepared by using a mixture of stevia and sorbitol as sweetener agents. Standard apple jam was used as a control sample labeled as T4 and was used for comparison analysis. The developed product was analyzed by physiochemical analysis and sensory evaluation. Microbial analysis was done to study the shelf life study of the developed product. The study showed that stevia and sorbitol could be used for jam preparation. Sample T3 also showed intermediate values of acidity and pH as 4.14 and 1.90, respectively, moreover, total soluble solids (TSS) was observed as 65.16 °Brix, T3 also showed an intermediate level of energy values. Sample T3 having sorbitol and stevia sweetener agents had the highest rate of overall acceptability. Storage studies of all samples show that with the passage of time all sensory characteristics of all treatments decreased.
The Study of Water Content on the Coal Loading Performance of Thin Coal Seam Shearer Drum by Discrete Element Method (DEM)
Authors: Gao Kuidong , Zhang Wenhe , Zhang Yuanjin , Xu Weipeng , Sun Liqing
Published: November 2024

As the main component of thin coal seam shearers, the drum bears the functions of loading and cutting, and its performance has become an important factor restricting mining efficiency and production safety. In response to the problem of low efficiency in installing thin coal seam shearers, this paper uses the Discrete Element Method (DEM) to study the effects of loading methods, helical angle of drum, drum rotation speed, and particle water content on coal loading rate. Research has found that the coal loading performance of the ejection loading method is much higher than that of the pushing loading method. As the helical angle increases, the average loading rate increases. As the rotation speed increases, the loading rate of wet coal particles gradually decreases. During production and thin coal seam mining, special attentions should be paid to the control of helical angle of drum and drum rotation speed. This study has guiding importance for improving the efficiency of thin coal seam mining.
The Holistic Framework of Time for Warfare
Authors: Hiltunen Elina , Huhtinen Aki‐Mauri
Published: November 2024

Futurists are, by definition, interested in the future. Futurists, therefore, work with time. But how does time manifest itself in various domains? The laws of nature, historical inventions and chain of events, international agreements, and cultural and religious beliefs affect the way we see and handle time. Time also appears in our bodies and cells, as we have biological clocks that keep time. The sense of time is affected by our senses, psychological situation, and for example by chemicals. This article continues the work of Virmajoki and Laakkonen and their concept: time‐need. Virmajoki and Laakkonen discuss time‐need in their article with a case study of railways. This article will focus on another practical example, warfare, and how time manifests itself in it. The article presents the holistic framework of time for warfare, with various levels of time that affect war and a soldier.
A Tale of Evolution of the Central Indian Tectonic Zone (CITZ) With Glimpses on Pre‐Suture Plate Margin Depositional History
Authors: Sharma A. , Chakraborty P. P. , Pandey A. K. , Das K.
Published: November 2024

Comprehending pre‐suture geological setting and post‐suture intricate tectono‐thermal chronicle in a crustal‐scale orogeny and discerning the temporal connections among different tectonic domains within an orogen yields valuable insights into worldwide tectonic phenomena leading to the reconstruction of paleogeographic configurations of fragmented crustal components within erstwhile supercontinents. Since the tectonic evolution of the Indian subcontinent during the Proterozoic remains a topic of discussion due to multiple controversial views, the Central Indian Tectonic Zone (CITZ) offers a great archive for the protracted geological history of subduction, collision, and suturing of northern Indian cratonic blocks (NIC; composed of Bundelkhand and Aravalli cratons) and southern Indian cratonic blocks (SIC; composed of Bastar, Singhbhum, and Dharwar cratons). Events belonging to two Supercontinents namely, Columbia (ca. 2100 to 1800 Ma) and Rodinia (ca. 1200 to 900 Ma) are embedded within the geological history of CITZ, as it records multiple events that occurred between the Paleoproterozoic and Neoproterozoic. In this backdrop, the present contribution attempts (i) the deconvolution of pre‐suture (pre‐CITZ formation) plate margin basin depositional history including tracking of detrital provenance, and (ii) a review of different stages of collision and suturing as the plate margin evolved in the form of an orogen subsequent to the closure of the basin. A back‐arc basin setup in a subduction margin is recommended for the Mahakoshal Basin which witnessed several tectonic pulses resulting in the formation of alluvial fans/fan deltas along the basin shoreline. It is suggested that the basin was open, at places, even after ca. 1700 Ma, and received sediments.
The Effect of the Continuous Care Model on Oral Health, Self‐Efficacy, and Self‐Care in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer Undergoing Radiotherapy: A Study Protocol for a Quasi‐Experimental Study
Authors: Khosravi Zohre , Kiani Fatemeh
Published: November 2024

Background and Aims

Head and neck cancer, with its unique challenges, often involves radiotherapy as a primary treatment. This can lead to complications affecting patients’ well‐being. A continuous care model offers potential benefits, but its effectiveness requires validation through rigorous studies. This protocol aims to evaluate its impact on patients undergoing head and neck cancer radiotherapy, contributing to improved care strategies and well‐being.

Methods

The study is a double‐arm and parallel‐group quasi experimental study in which a 4‐week intervention will be compared with usual care. A total of 70 eligible patients with head and neck cancer who are undergoing radiotherapy will be recruited to the intervention or control group. The patients in the intervention group will receive a continues care model designed for head and neck cancer patients in four phases of Orientation, Sensitization, Control, and Evaluation. The primary outcomes include dental plaque and gingival index, which will be measured by an approved dentist using The Gingival and Quigley‐Hein index. The secondary outcomes are Oral hygiene self‐efficacy and Dental and Oral Health Self‐Care Behavior which will be assessed by the Oral and Dental Health Self‐Efficacy and Dental and Oral Health Self‐Care Behavior Questionnaires. Descriptive statistics will be used to describe variables. According to the types of variables, appropriate statistical tests, including two‐sample t‐tests, Χ2, analysis of covariance, or linear regression will be performed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study aims to evaluate the impact of a continuous care model on head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Findings will contribute to enhancing care strategies and well‐being in this population.

Ethics and Dissemination

The trial has been approved by the Research Ethics Committees of Zahedan University Of Medical Sciences. In this study, written consent will be obtained from all participants. The results will be presented to representative groups and published in peer‐reviewed journals.
Circulating tumor HPV DNA as a specific biomarker for cervical cancer
Authors: Chen Tao , Wu Tao , Sun Rumei , Sun Jianan , Tao Xuanran , Su Juming , Kong Shujun
Published: November 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine whether circulating tumor human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA is a potential specific biomarker for cervical cancer (CC).

Methods

This retrospective matched study included 87 patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), 29 CC patients (FIGO IA1‐IVA) and 29 HPV‐negative controls at Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University (from July 2022 to September 2023). The digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) was used to detect and quantify ctHPV DNA in the plasma of patients with HPV16, 18, 33, 52, or 58‐associated CC.

Results

The ctHPV DNA was exclusively detectable in HPV‐positive samples, with no detection in patients across various CIN stages (n = 87) or HPV‐negative controls (n = 29). Additionally, ctHPV DNA was identified in nine out of 10 late‐stage patients (90%) and six out of 19 early‐stage patients (31.6%).

Conclusion

The ctHPV DNA serves as a specific biomarker for the diagnosis CC. Additionally, this discovery addresses the knowledge gap in ctHPV DNA research in the early stages of CC and promotes clinical diagnosis and treatment strategies.
Effects of sprigging date and sprigging rate on establishment of two saltgrass lines
Authors: Wang Jiazhen , Wilhelm Sarah , Qian Yaling
Published: November 2024

Saltgrass [Distichlis spicata var. stricta (L.) Greene], native to the western United States, is a dioecious, warm‐season halophyte. CO‐1 and AZCO‐1 are two elite inland saltgrass lines that have potential as a turfgrass and for revegetation use on saline sites. The objectives of this study were (i) to determine the effect of sprigging date, sprigging rate, and sprig storage time on the establishment of CO‐1 and AZCO‐1 in the field and (ii) to determine the accumulative growing degree day (GDD) requirements for saltgrass to establish adequate coverage (≥75%). Sprigging dates were 22 May and 19 June. Saltgrass rhizomes (sprigs) were harvested from existing field plots. Harvested saltgrass sprigs were stored in sealed plastic bags and kept in temperature below 30°C for 1 or 2 days. Sprig storage time (1 or 2 days) did not affect establishment. Saltgrass sprigged in May established adequate coverage (≥75%) by the end of September at all the rates tested (18, 27, and 54 metric t ha−1). For plots sprigged in June, only the high and medium sprigging rates established adequate coverage (≥75%) by the end of September. Plots sprigged in June using the low rate (18 t ha−1) failed to establish adequate coverage by the end of September. Regression analysis predicted that a sprigging rate of 23 t ha−1 was needed to achieve ≥75% coverage by the end of September for plots sprigged in June. The accumulated GDD to achieve adequate coverage was 1531 and 1703 for 54 and 27 t ha−1 sprigging rates, respectively.
Clinical Impact of Sarcopenia Screening on Long‐Term Mortality in Patients Undergoing Coronary Bypass Grafting
Authors: Lee Seung Hun , Jo Jinhwan , Yang Jeong Hoon , Kim Sung Mok , Choi Ki Hong , Song Young Bin , Jeong Dong Seop , Lee Joo Myung , Park Taek Kyu , Hahn Joo‐Yong , Choi Seung‐Hyuk , Chung Su Ryeun , Cho Yang Hyun , Sung Kiick , Kim Wook Sung , Gwon Hyeon‐Cheol , Lee Young Tak
Published: November 2024

Background

Sarcopenia is an aging‐related condition characterized by loss of skeletal muscle mass and is an indicator of subclinical atherosclerosis. The relationship between reduced muscle mass and long‐term clinical outcomes in patients with advanced coronary artery disease who have undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is not fully understood. This study is sought to evaluate the prognostic implications of sarcopenia screening in patients undergoing CABG.

Methods

A total of 2810 patients who underwent CABG were analysed and classified according to presence of reduced muscle mass. The skeletal muscle index (SMI) was calculated as L3 muscle area (cm2)/height (m)2 on computed tomography. Reduced SMI was defined as SMI ≤ 45 cm2/m2 in male and ≤ 38 cm2/m2 in female. The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality, and survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared with the log‐rank test.

Results

The median follow‐up was 8.7 years, and 924 patients (32.9%) had reduced SMI. Patients with reduced SMI were older (67.7 ± 8.8 vs. 62.2 ± 9.8 years; p < 0.001) and less frequently male (69.8% vs. 81.1%; p < 0.001). SMI was significantly associated with risk of death on a restricted cubic spline curve (HR = 1.04 per‐1 decrease; 95% CI 1.03–1.05; p < 0.001). Patients with reduced SMI had a higher incidence of long‐term mortality than those with preserved SMI (survival rate 41.4% vs. 62.8%; HRadj = 1.18, 95% CI 1.03–1.36, p = 0.020). Subgroup analysis showed that the prognostic implication of reduced SMI on long‐term survival was more evident in male (HRadj = 2.01, 95% CI 1.72–2.35) than female (HRadj = 1.28, 95% CI 0.98–1.68) (interaction p = 0.006).

Conclusions

Reduced muscle mass, defined by SMI on computed tomography, was associated with long‐term mortality after CABG. These results provide contemporary data to allow the evaluation of physical frailty in patients with advanced coronary artery disease before surgery.

Trial Registration: Long‐Term Outcomes and Prognostic Factors in Patients Undergoing CABG or PCI: NCT03870815
GABA Prevents Sarcopenia by Regulation of Muscle Protein Degradation and Inflammaging in 23‐ to 25‐Month‐Old Female Mice
Authors: Song Gunju , Oh Hyun‐Ji , Jin Heegu , Han Hyein , Lee Boo‐Yong
Published: November 2024

Background

Sarcopenia is the gradual decrease in skeletal muscle mass, strength and function in elderly individuals. Gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter naturally produced from glutamate by the enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase. Age‐related decline in GABA is linked to age‐related motor and sensory decline and seems to affect sarcopenia, yet no detailed study has been conducted. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of GABA on improving sarcopenia by suppressing muscle protein degradation through supplementing decreased GABA in old mice.

Methods

GABA (10 or 30 mg/kg/day) was orally administered daily to young (3 months) and old (21–23 months) C57BL/6 mice for 7 weeks. The body weight and grip strength of the mice were measured weekly at the same time. After sacrificing the mice, the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles were excised from their hind limbs, and the spleen and serum were collected. Histological, biochemical and molecular analyses were conducted in various experiments.

Results

The administration of GABA increased muscle strength (+41%, +70% compared to the aged mouse control group, GABA at doses of 10 or 30 mg/kg/day respectively, p < 0.05) and muscle mass (quadriceps: +28%, +46%; gastrocnemius: +12%, +19%, p < 0.05) in old mice. This increase was accompanied by a cross‐sectional area (CSA) increase in the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscle (p < 0.05). The administration of GABA increased IGF‐1 levels in serum (p < 0.05), leading to the activation of muscle protein synthesis. We found that GABA inhibits sarcopenia by regulating muscle protein degradation through the activation of Akt/mTOR/FoxO3a signalling pathways. GABA also regulates inflammaging, which is a hallmark of age‐related muscle atrophy. There was a significant increase in the F4/80 + CD11b + total macrophage ratio in gastrocnemius and spleen, especially the M1 macrophage ratio increased in old mice. However, GABA administration was effective in suppressing M1 macrophages (gastrocnemius: −40%, − 53%; spleen: −22%, −26%, p < 0.05). Pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as TNF‐α and IL‐6, primarily secreted by M1 macrophages, are also decreased by treatment with GABA (TNF‐α: −24%, −27%; IL‐6: −45%, −59%, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Together, this study demonstrates the importance of GABA in maintaining muscle and low‐chronic inflammation during ageing. We suggest that GABA shows potential as a substance that can effectively address sarcopenia and enhance the overall lifespan and well‐being of older individuals.
Learning on a Limb: An outreach module to engage high school students in orthopaedics
Authors: Panebianco Christopher J. , Azar Tala F. , Duffy Michael P. , Nijsure Madhura P. , Sharp Emily , Tamburro Margaret K. , Hast Michael , Shore Eileen M. , Mauck Robert L. , Soslowsky Louis J. , Shuda Jamie R. , Gullbrand Sarah E.
Published: November 2024

Orthopaedic researchers need new strategies for engaging underrepresented minority (URM) students. Our field has demonstrated noticeable gaps in racial, ethnic, and gender diversity, which inhibit our ability to innovate and combat the severe socioeconomic burden of musculoskeletal disorders. Towards this goal, we designed, implemented, and evaluated Learning on a Limb (LoaL), an orthopaedic research outreach module to teach URM high school students about orthopaedic research. During the 4‐h module, students completed hands‐on activities to learn how biomechanical testing, microcomputed tomography, cell culture, and histology are used in orthopaedic research. Over 3 years, we recruited 32 high school students from the Greater Philadelphia Area to participate in LoaL. Most participants identified as racial/ethnic or gender minorities in orthopaedic research. Using pre/post‐tests, we found that students experienced significant learning gains of 51 percentage points from completing LoaL. In addition to teaching students about orthopaedic research, post‐survey data demonstrated that participating in LoaL strongly influenced students' interest in orthopaedic research and scientific confidence. Several students acted on this interest by completing summer research experiences in the McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania. LoaL instructors also benefited by having the opportunity to “pay it forward” to the next generation of students and build community within their department. Empowering institutions to host modules like LoaL would synergistically inspire URM high school students and strengthen community within orthopaedic departments to ultimately enhance orthopaedic research innovations.
Synthesis of Functionalized Pyridine Modified Magnetic Nanoparticles for Utilization in Magnetic Solid‐Phase Extraction of Tebuconazole and Propiconazole Followed by Quantification via High‐Performance Liquid Chromatography‐Ultraviolet Detection
Authors: Nikbakhsh Naghmeh , Ghani Milad , Maleki Behrooz
Published: November 2024

In the current study, a new magnetic sorbent (Fe3O4@2,6‐diamino‐4‐(3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl) pyridine‐3,5‐dicarbonitrile) was prepared as a new and efficient sorbent to be used in the magnetic solid‐phase extraction method to extract tebuconazole and propiconazole as model compounds. In this regard, effective parameters such as pH of the sample solution, desorption volume, ionic strength, extraction time, desorption time, and amount of the magnetic sorbent were optimized using experimental design. In the optimal condition, the linear dynamic ranges for tebuconazole and propiconazole were between 0.5 and 200.0 µg/L. Also, the limits of detection, limits of quantification, and relative standard deviations were 0.21–0.14 µg/L, 0.49–0.45 µg/L, and 1.3%–4.6%, respectively. The estimated enrichment factors for tebuconazole and propiconazole were 22 and 28, respectively. The absolute recovery (AR%) values for tebuconazole and propiconazole were also 67% and 84%, respectively. Finally, the proposed method was used for determination of tebuconazole and propiconazole in cucumber, tomato, orange, and lemon fruits. The obtained result confirmed that the presented method is capable for the analysis of the selected analytes in complicated matrices. In addition, the ARs% were in the range of 67%–84%. The result proved that the presented method can be an alternative to the extraction process of various pesticides.
Cranial Tremors in Essential Tremor: Prevalence, Anatomic Distribution and Predictors of Occurrence
Authors: Louis Elan D.
Published: November 2024

Background

There are few published data on the prevalence, pattern of anatomic distribution and predictors of various cranial tremors (eg, head, voice, jaw) in essential tremor (ET). Given the high levels of diagnostic misclassification in ET, data on observed clinical patterns would be valuable.

Objectives

To assess the prevalence, pattern of anatomic distribution and predictors of occurrence of cranial tremors in ET.

Methods

ET cases who enrolled in two studies (respective n's = 301 and 175, total n = 476) underwent a detailed clinical assessment, which included a videotaped neurological examination. A senior movement disorders neurologist reviewed the examination and coded a range of cranial tremors as present or absent.

Results

The proportion of cases with any cranial tremor was 57.1% (Study 1) and 73.7% (Study 2). The following patterns emerged: (1) Head only and head + voice were the most commonly observed anatomical distribution of tremor. (2) Jaw tremors were rare, and face and tongue tremors, exceedingly rare. (3) There was a general layering‐on of tremor from head to head + voice to head + voice + jaw in more advanced cases. (4) Women were more likely to have head tremors than men, although there was no sex predilection tremor in other locations. (5) The likelihood of cranial tremor increased with greater tremor severity and age but was unrelated to tremor duration.

Conclusion

We observed and quantified several patterns in the expression of cranial tremors in ET. Data on such patterns may assist clinicians and researchers in assigning diagnoses.
Vali@mPEG‐TK‐COS: A Dual‐Function Nano‐Pesticide for Fungicidal Action and Plant Immune Modulation
Authors: Li Ruixin , Jia Xiaochen , Xie Hongguo , Wang Xueran , Wen Jinxuan , Yu Guanglu , Zhang Chunlai , Sun Yeqing , Yin Heng
Published: November 2024

Pesticides play a crucial role in safeguarding crops against pathogens and pests, yet the limited bioavailability of conventional formulations leads to excessive usage, causing environmental and health concerns. In this study, we developed a novel intelligent response‐controlled release nano‐pesticide, Vali@mPEG‐TK‐COS, by coupling chitosan oligosaccharide (COS), a plant immunity regulator, and methoxy polyethylene glycols (mPEG) at either end of thioketal (TK), a material responsive to reactive oxygen species (ROS), and incorporating validamycin (Vali) for controlled release. Vali@mPEG‐TK‐COS exhibits ROS‐responsive behaviour, releasing Vali and COS in response to plant ROS bursts, exhibiting dual capabilities in pathogen control and plant immunity induction during pathogenic attacks. Plant disease experiments confirmed the superior efficacy of Vali@mPEG‐TK‐COS against Rhizoctonia solani, surpassing the control effects of Vali or COS alone. This study presents a sophisticated ROS‐responsive controlled‐release nano‐pesticide with dual fungicidal and plant immunomodulatory properties, offering an advanced strategy to enhance the efficiency of existing pesticides and promote sustainable crop production by reducing overall pesticide usage.
Deep learning based apparent diffusion coefficient map generation from multi‐parametric MR images for patients with diffuse gliomas
Authors: Eidex Zach , Safari Mojtaba , Wynne Jacob , Qiu Richard L. J. , Wang Tonghe , Viar‐Hernandez David , Shu Hui‐Kuo , Mao Hui , Yang Xiaofeng
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps derived from diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI MRI) provides functional measurements about the water molecules in tissues. However, DWI is time consuming and very susceptible to image artifacts, leading to inaccurate ADC measurements. This study aims to develop a deep learning framework to synthesize ADC maps from multi‐parametric MR images.

Methods

We proposed the multiparametric residual vision transformer model (MPR‐ViT) that leverages the long‐range context of vision transformer (ViT) layers along with the precision of convolutional operators. Residual blocks throughout the network significantly increasing the representational power of the model. The MPR‐ViT model was applied to T1w and T2‐fluid attenuated inversion recovery images of 501 glioma cases from a publicly available dataset including preprocessed ADC maps. Selected patients were divided into training (N = 400), validation (N = 50), and test (N = 51) sets, respectively. Using the preprocessed ADC maps as ground truth, model performance was evaluated and compared against the Vision Convolutional Transformer (VCT) and residual vision transformer (ResViT) models with the peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR), structural similarity index measure (SSIM), and mean squared error (MSE).

Results

The results are as follows using T1w + T2‐FLAIR MRI as inputs: MPR‐ViT—PSNR: 31.0 ± 2.1, MSE: 0.009 ± 0.0005, SSIM: 0.950 ± 0.015. In addition, ablation studies showed the relative impact on performance of each input sequence. Both qualitative and quantitative results indicate that the proposed MR‐ViT model performs favorably against the ground truth data.

Conclusion

We show that high‐quality ADC maps can be synthesized from structural MRI using a MPR‐ViT model. Our predicted images show better conformality to the ground truth volume than ResViT and VCT predictions. These high‐quality synthetic ADC maps would be particularly useful for disease diagnosis and intervention, especially when ADC maps have artifacts or are unavailable.