bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engineering a microfibrous composite hydrogel with cell actuation‐mediated contractile properties
Authors: Gao Daqian , Glahn Joshua Zev , Hsia Henry C.
Published: September 2023

Natural extracellular matrix is a complex system of nano‐ and micrometer sized fibers creating a porous structure that can be recruited, rearranged and contracted by cells. Modeling appropriate analogues of this dynamic system poses a challenge to the field of tissue engineering. Here, we introduce a shape‐changing modifiable composite hydrogel consisting of cellulose microfibers and degradable fibrin with encapsulated NIH3T3 fibroblasts as a shape‐changing actuator. We demonstrate that the extent of hydrogel contraction is adjustable over a range from 12 to 95% by altering cellulose microfiber concentration and length, along with customizing contraction speed by changing cellular seeding density. Cell viability and proliferation capacity were preserved at seeding densities of up to 16 million/ml even after complete fibrin degradation, likely due to the microporous structural support of the stacked cellulose fibers. The hierarchical, living fibrous construct presented here may provide numerous benefits over existing models and enable various new applications in tissue engineering and in vitro disease modeling.
The effect of chemical crosslinking on the properties of Rotomolded high density polyethylene
Authors: Ahmad Hibal , Rostami‐Tapeh‐Esmaeil Ehsan , Rodrigue Denis
Published: September 2023

In this study, high density polyethylene (HDPE) was combined with dicumyl peroxide (DCP) to produce crosslinked parts via rotational molding. The effect of DCP content (0.1–2.5 phr) on the crosslinking degree was investigated to determine its effect on the chemical, mechanical, physical, and thermal properties of HDPE. The gel content and crosslink density was found to increase with DCP content. These trends led to a reduction in the degree of crystallinity, melting, and crystallization temperature. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that crosslinked HDPE (xHDPE) has higher thermal stability than the neat matrix in both air and nitrogen atmosphere. In addition, a direct relationship was observed between improved thermal resistance and higher impact strength. Finally, relationships between the tensile properties of xHDPE and the degree of crystallinity were observed, which were all controlled by the level of crosslinking. These results have the potential to advance the manufacturing of high performance materials suitable for a wide range of applications such as automotive parts, agricultural products, chemical storage tanks, large waste containers, and fuel tanks in general.
Stretching boundaries in neurophysiological monitoring
Authors: Hou Bo , Liu Xiaogang
Published: September 2023

The most prevalent among nervous system tumors significantly jeopardize patient health. For nerve integrity preservation after tumor removal, continuous intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (CINM) is indispensable during microsurgery. The paper highlights the articles about the development of a system that employs soft and stretchable organic electronic materials for CINM. This innovative system harnesses soft and stretchable organic electronic materials and deploys conductive polymer electrodes with low impedance and modulus. These electrodes facilitate uninterrupted near‐field action potential recording during surgery, resulting in enhanced signal‐to‐noise ratios and reduced invasiveness. Additionally, the system's multiplexing capabilities enable precise nerve localization, even in the absence of anatomical landmarks.
Creating Impact: Issues, Challenges and Solutions: Sarah Morton Addresses Plenary
Authors: Hardin Steve
Published: September 2023

EDITOR'S SUMMARY

At the University of Edinburgh, Sarah Morton studies the process of social research and how it affects policy. In her plenary session at the 2015 ASI&T Annual Meeting she cast research impact as knowledge exchange, bringing together researchers, the ways research is used and consequent change. Morton explained that research is used to solve problems and drive knowledge development, typically with multiple contributors, and applied to alter viewpoints or bring about change. For research to have effect it must be communicated, presented in context and put together with real world experience. While a formal research setting promotes an organization's use of research, time issues, competing priorities and poor communication undermine getting the most benefit. When assessing research impact, the presence of collaborative networks, planned user engagement throughout the process and knowledge sharing strategies gained are key. The focus for research has evolved from knowledge dissemination to recognition of relationships and multiple information sources. Ideally a systems model of knowledge combines priorities, culture and context, mediated by relationships and including both researchers and those who put research findings to use.
Racial and gender differences in financial advice seeking: Evidence from the National Financial Capability Study
Authors: Reiter Miranda , Qing Di
Published: September 2023

There is a growing interest to increase diversity among consumers who are seeking financial advice, but the influences of race and gender on financial advice seeking have not been widely explored in the literature. We examine the role of race and gender on financial advice seeking among U.S. households by employing a decomposition technique. The findings highlight that asking for financial advice is not determined by race or gender in and of itself, but by the racial and gender differences in the predictors associated with financial advice seeking. Black and female consumers were found to be more likely to ask for financial advice when making savings and investment decisions. The relationships between financial advice seeking and income level, employment status, education level, and subjective knowledge differed significantly for Black and White consumers. Employment status, race, and homeownership differed significantly for women and men seeking financial advice. The results show that the predictors which explain financial advice seeking may not apply in the same way to all consumers. Practitioners can use this research to refine how they market and gain a better understanding of how race and gender are associated with certain important variables that are associated with seeking financial advice.
Changes in patient‐perceived aggravating factors during the course of atopic dermatitis
Authors: Yanagida Nozomi , Saito Ryo , Kamegashira Akiko , Morioke Satoshi , Tanaka Akio
Published: September 2023

Objective

This study aimed to clarify how patient‐perceived aggravating factors change during the course of AD.

Methods

This study involved a questionnaire‐based survey administered to 115 patients with AD at our hospital. The changes in patient‐perceived aggravating factors were examined as treatment progressed by readministering the questionnaire to 36 patients 6 months later.

Results

The most frequent aggravating factors at the first visit were sweating, emotional stress, and house dust. The number of patients who identified food, dust mites, house dust, pollen, and pets as aggravating factors decreased during the course of the disease. However, the number of patients who identified sweating, environmental factors, emotional stress, and lack of sleep as aggravating factors did not differ from those at the first visit; this included those who newly identified these as aggravating factors.

Conclusion

Many patients with AD are concerned about the aggravating factors, and it may be possible to reduce aggravating factor‐related anxiety by informing patients that certain aggravating factors may change during treatment. Hence, it is necessary to ask patients about the aggravating factors at the first visit and fixed intervals and resolve them immediately.
Deriving Novel Quaternary Ammonium Compound Disinfectant Scaffolds from a Natural Product: Mechanistic Insights of the Quaternization of Ianthelliformisamine C
Authors: Allen Ryan A. , McCormack Caroline E. M. , Wuest William M.
Published: September 2023

In the search for novel quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) disinfectants that can evade bacterial resistance, we turned to natural products as a source of inspiration. Herein we used natural product ianthelliformisamine C as a scaffold to design a small library of QACs. We first synthesized ianthelliformisamine C via an amide coupling that allowed for facile purification without the need for protecting groups. We then alkylated and quaternized the internal amines to yield four novel QACs, but all but one demonstrated no antibacterial activity against the tested strains. Using a combination of membrane depolarization and permeabilization assays, we were able to demonstrate that ianthelliformisamine C and the active QAC analog enact cell death via membrane permeabilization, contrary to prior reports on ianthelliformisamine C's mechanism of action.
A novel room concept for shared resource laboratories
Authors: Kukat Christian , Neumann Eckhard , Fava Eugenio , Fried Hans
Published: September 2023

Shared resource laboratories/core facilities (SRLs) are centralized platforms that house and provide access to complex and expensive research equipment. Due to the highly complex nature of the instrumentation they support, SRLs have special environmental requirements for their laboratory space. Here, we describe the planning and establishment of a large light microscopy SRL, with a special focus on room layout, custom‐designed air conditioning and vibration, which can also be adapted to proteomics, genomics, and flow or mass cytometry SRLs.
Spontaneous infant crying modulates vagal activity in real time
Authors: Madden‐Rusnak Anna , Micheletti Megan , Dominguez Alexis , de Barbaro Kaya
Published: September 2023

Porges’ polyvagal theory (1991) proposes that the activity of the vagal nerve modulates moment‐by‐moment changes in adaptive behavior during stress. However, most work, including research with infants, has only examined vagal changes at low temporal resolutions, averaging 30+ s across phases of structured stressor paradigms. Thus, the true timescale of vagal regulation—and the extent to which it can be observed during unprompted crying—is unknown. The current study utilized a recently validated method to calculate respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) dynamically at a high resolution of 5 Hz (updated every 200 ms) in a home‐based infant study. Using an event‐related analysis, we calculated the relative change in RSA around the onset of naturally occurring unprompted instances of n = 41 infants’ 180 crying events. As predicted, RSA significantly decreased after the onset of crying compared to non‐crying chance changes in RSA. Decreasing trends in RSA were driven by infants with higher pre‐cry RSA values, infants rated lower in Negative Affectivity, and those rated both high and low in Orienting by their mothers. Our results display the timescale of RSA in spontaneous and naturalistic episodes of infant crying and that these dynamic RSA patterns are aligned with real‐time levels of RSA and also caregiver‐reported temperament.
Knowledge and attitudes of gout patients and their perspectives about diagnosis and management: A cross‐sectional study in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Khormi Abdulrahman A. M. , Basalem Abdulaziz A. , Al Muaddi Alhaytham M. Z. , Alaskar Abdulaziz M. , Algahtani Rakan A. S. , Alharbi Abdulsalam S. , Alanazi Tariq D. M. , Alqahtani Nawaf A. , Altamimi Abdulrahman A. S.
Published: September 2023

Background

Gout is a chronic noncommunicable disease that might lead to multiple systemic complications if it is left untreated. The knowledge, attitudes, and perceptives among patients toward the diagnosis and management of gout are important indicators in determining the prognosis and predicting sequelae of the disease. This cross‐sectional survey aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and perspectives of patients diagnosed with gout toward the disease diagnosis and treatment.

Methodology

An observational cross‐sectional study was conducted at university clinics and local health facilities in central Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for the duration between April and August 2022. Pearson χ2 test was used to determine the difference in the proportion of patients who adapt different attitudes and perspectives in terms of their demographic variables. Statistical significance was defined as a p value less than .05.

Results

Two‐hundred thirteen patients were involved in this study. The majority of the patients (84.0%) were diagnosed for more than 1 year. The majority of the patients (76.5%) were aged 25–60 years when they were diagnosed with gout. The most common complaint at the time of the diagnosis was joint pain (73.7%). The most commonly reported gout medication treatment being used was allopurinol accounting for 23.0%. The majority of the patients (83.6%) were satisfied regarding the effects of gout management on their job performance, work life, and careers. The vast majority (97.5%) reported that they are satisfied with the health service provided.

Conclusion

The patients diagnosed with gout in Saudi Arabia exhibited a satisfactory level of information, attitude, and perspectives regarding their condition. The participants expressed a significant degree of satisfaction with the impact of gout management on their occupational performance, work‐life balance, and professional plans. Additional research is necessary to ascertain the risk factors associated with gout and provide suitable preventative interventions.
Three cases of xanthinuria identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry‐based urine metabolomics
Authors: Kuhara Tomiko , Tetsuo Masahiro , Ohse Morimasa , Shirakawa Toshihiko , Nakashima Yumiko , Yoshiura Koh‐ichiro , Tanaka Nagaaki , Taya Tadashi
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Early diagnosis of patients with urolithiasis or hypouricemia owing to inborn errors of hypoxanthine metabolism is important in preventing renal failure or drug‐induced toxicity.

Case presentation

We identified three patients with xanthinuria using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry‐based urine metabolomics: a 72‐year‐old male with bladder stone, a severe hypouricemic 59‐year‐old female with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and an 8‐year and 9‐month‐old female who was first discovered to harbor a mutation in the xanthine dehydrogenase gene using whole‐exome sequencing, but had a normal molybdenum cofactor sulfurase gene. Hydantoin‐5‐propionate was detected in the first and third patients but not in the second, suggesting that the first and second patients had type I and II xanthinuria, respectively.

Conclusion

Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry‐based metabolomics can be used for undiagnosed patients with xanthinuria, identification of the type of xanthinuria without allopurinol loading, and the quick functional evaluation of mutations in the xanthinuria‐related genes.
Using a group game increases preschoolers' step count
Authors: Mercado Baez Alexandra N. , Elliott Tyler‐Curtis C. , Ayres Kevin M.
Published: September 2023

Children should engage in at least 60 min of physical activity daily to develop or maintain healthy habits (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021a). Previous research suggests that contingent attention is a powerful tool for increasing moderate to vigorous physical activity. In this study, the researchers examined the effects of a group game on steps per minute at recess in an inclusive classroom with preschoolers. The researcher taught the game called the T‐Rex game in which the game rules (chasing students who were moving) involved contingencies for natural attention to follow moderate to vigorous physical activity. The results showed a functional relation between step count and the group game in which students engaged in higher step counts when the group game was in place than during baseline. These findings extend other work by demonstrating that contingent attention embedded in group games can increase step count.
The effect of supplementing the calcium phosphate cement containing poloxamer 407 on cellular activities
Authors: Kim Yeeun , Hamada Kenichi , Sekine Kazumitsu
Published: September 2023

Calcium phosphate cement (CPC) is generally used for bone repair and augmentation. Poloxamers are tri‐block copolymers that are used as surfactants but have applications in drug and antibiotic delivery. However, their biological effects on bone regeneration systems remain unelucidated. Here, we aimed to understand how supplementing the prototype CPC with poloxamer would impact cellular activity and its function as a bone‐grafting material. A novel CPC, modified beta‐tricalcium phosphate (mβ‐TCP) powder, was developed through a planetary ball‐milling process using a beta‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP). The mβ‐TCP dissolves rapidly and accelerates hydroxyapatite precipitation; successfully shortening the cement setting time and enhancing the strength. Furthermore, the addition of poloxamer 407 to mβ‐TCP could reduce the risk of leakage from bone defects and improve fracture toughness while maintaining mechanical properties. In this study, the poloxamer addition effects (0.05 and 0.1 g/mL) on the cellular activities of MC3T3‐E1 cells cultured in vitro were investigated. The cell viability of mβ‐TCP containing poloxamer 407 was similar to that of mβ‐TCP. All specimens showed effective cell attachment and healthy polygonal extension of the cytoplasm firmly attached to hydroxyapatite (HA) crystals. Therefore, even with the addition of poloxamer to mβ‐TCP, it does not have a negative effect to osteoblast growth. These data demonstrated that the addition of poloxamer 407 to mβ‐TCP might be considered a potential therapeutic application for the repair and regeneration of bone defects.
Unleashing efficiency and insights: Exploring the potential applications and challenges of ChatGPT in accounting
Authors: Zhao Joanna (Jingwen) , Wang Xinruo
Published: September 2023

ChatGPT, an advanced natural language processing (NLP) model based on GPT‐4 architecture, demonstrates exceptional ability in comprehending, interpreting, and generating human‐like writings. Our study explores ChatGPT's potential applications and challenges in the accounting field. With cutting‐edge NLP capabilities, ChatGPT has the prospect of reshaping various accounting processes by automating repetitive tasks, enhancing financial and managerial reporting and analysis, improving auditing and tax practices, and simplifying client interactions. Meanwhile, recognizing and mitigating possible limitations are vital to ensure the ethical and reliable utilization of AI and NLP techniques in the accounting and business sectors. Our study provides practical insights for accounting professionals, policymakers, investors, and other stakeholders to leverage this cutting‐edge technology to revolutionize the accounting profession, echoing society's ideal blueprint for a promising AI‐empowered economy.
Implementation of machine learning protocols to predict the hydrolysis reaction properties of organophosphorus substrates using descriptors of electron density topology
Authors: Petrova Vlada V. , Domnin Anton V. , Porozov Yuri B. , Kuliaev Pavel O. , Solovev Yaroslav V.
Published: September 2023

Prediction of catalytic reaction efficiency is one of the most intriguing and challenging applications of machine learning (ML) algorithms in chemistry. In this study, we demonstrated a strategy for utilizing ML protocols applied to Quantum Theory of Atoms In Molecules (QTAIM) parameters to predict the ability of the A17 L47K catalytic antibody to covalently capture organophosphate pesticides. We found that the novel “composite” DFT functional B97‐3c could be effectively employed for fast and accurate initial geometry optimization, aligning well with the input dataset creation. QTAIM descriptors proved to be well‐established in describing the examined dataset using density‐based and hierarchical clustering algorithms. The obtained clusters exhibited correlations with the chemical classes of the input compounds. The precise physical interpretation of the QTAIM properties simplifies the explanation of feature impact for both supervised and unsupervised ML protocols. It also enables acceleration in the search for entries with desired properties within large databases. Furthermore, our findings indicated that Ridge Regression with Laplacian kernel and CatBoost Regressor algorithms demonstrated suitable performance in handling small datasets with non‐trivial dependencies. They were able to predict the actual reaction barrier values with a high level of accuracy. Additionally, the CatBoost Classifier proved reliable in discriminating between “active” and “inactive” compounds.
Seasonality and risk factor analysis of respiratory syncytial virus infection in children in Taiwan—A retrospective study from 1995 to 2005
Authors: Lee Ping‐Ing , Liu Ching‐Chuan , Hu Ya‐Li , Chen Jong‐Min
Published: September 2023

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the important pathogens leading to acute respiratory tract infection in infants and young children. We aimed to investigate the seasonality of RSV infection in different parts of Taiwan and to delineate the risk factors for severe RSV infections. We collected RSV‐infected patients' data by retrospective chart review. A total of 1740 RSV‐infected children aged under 18 years were enrolled. The infection was acquired during hospitalization in 103 (7.1%) children, while none of them required ventilator support or needed intensive care before RSV infection. The need for intensive care or ventilator support was significantly associated with congenital heart disease (CHD), chronic lung disease, and neuromuscular diseases. Age <1 year and nosocomially acquired infection are also significant predictors for the need of intensive care. Only the presence of CHD, especially acyanotic CHD, was significantly associated with a fatal outcome. RSV infection occurs all year round. Monthly distribution of RSV infections in Northern Taiwan showed a bimodal pattern, with one peak from March to May, and another from August to October. The distribution in Southern Taiwan showed a single peak from April to July. The occurrence of RSV correlates positively with temperature and rain. The bimodal seasonal distribution pattern in Northern Taiwan may be a transitional pattern shifting from a single high winter peak in temperate areas to a wider summer peak in tropical areas. Continuous surveillance is needed to explore the possible effect of global warming on the seasonality of RSV infection.
The association of sickle cell disorder with adverse outcomes in COVID‐19 patients: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Liang Tianyi , Guo Kaixin , Ni Peng , Duan Guangcai , Zhang Rongguang
Published: September 2023

The aim is to elucidate the relationship between sickle cell disorder and severe COVID‐19. We systematically searched the required articles in three electronic databases, extracting and pooling effect sizes (ES) and 95% confidence interval (CI) from each eligible study to evaluate the effect of combined sickle cell disorder on adverse consequences in patients with COVID‐19. This meta‐analysis included 21 studies. Sickle cell disease (SCD) was a risk factor for mortality (pooled ES = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.00–2.92, p = 0.001), hospitalization (pooled ES = 6.21, 95% CI: 3.60–10.70, p = 0.000) and intensive care unit (ICU) admission (pooled ES = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.61–3.24, p = 0.099) in COVID‐19 patients. Patients with SCD had an increased risk of respiratory failure/mechanical ventilation, but a statistical association was not found (pooled ES = 1.21, 95%CI: 0.74‐1.98, p = 0.036). There was significant heterogeneity between SCD and death, hospitalization, and respiratory failure/mechanical ventilation. The results of meta‐regression of SCD and hospitalization suggested that the tested variables including Area (p = 0.642), study design (p = 0.739), sample size (p = 0.397), proportion of males (p = 0.708), effect type (p = 0.723), whether confounding factors are adjusted (p = 0.606) might not be the source of heterogeneity. In addition, sickle cell trait (SCT) was significantly associated with the mortality (pooled ES = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.28–1.85, p = 0.771) and hospitalization (pooled ES = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.07–1.35，p = 0.519) in patients with COVID‐19. But any increased risk of ICU admission/severe (pooled ES = 1.24, 95% CI: 0.95–1.62, p = 0.520) and mechanical ventilation (OR = 1.00, 95%CI:0.59‐1.69) in COVID‐19 patients with SCT was not observed. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the results were robust. The results of the funnel plot and Egger's test did not support the existence of publication bias. Current meta‐analysis indicated that sickle cell disorder has a meaningful impact on COVID‐19 progression to severe cases and associated deaths. However, further investigations and research to validate the current findings is indispensable.
Increased hippocampal cannabinoid 1 receptor expression is associated with protection from severe seizures in pregnant mice with reduced uterine perfusion pressure
Authors: Jones‐Muhammad Maria , Pryor Tyranny , Shao Qingmei , Freeman Kevin B. , Warrington Junie P.
Published: September 2023

Eclampsia, new‐onset seizures in pregnancy, can complicate preeclampsia, a hypertensive pregnancy disorder. The mechanisms contributing to increased risk of seizures in preeclampsia are not fully known. One mechanism could be abnormal endocannabinoid system (ECS) activity and impaired neuromodulation. Indeed, increased placental cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) expression and reduced serum anandamide, a CB1R ligand, have been reported in preeclampsia patients. We hypothesized that reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP), used to mimic preeclampsia, leads to changes in hippocampal CB1R expression, and that manipulating CB1R activity will change seizure severity in RUPP mice. Pregnant mice underwent sham or RUPP surgery on gestational day (GD)13.5. On GD18.5, mice received: no drug treatment, pentylenetetrazol (PTZ, 40 mg/kg), Rimonabant (10 mg/kg) + PTZ, or 2‐AG (1 mg/kg) + PTZ. Behaviors were video recorded (15 min for Rimonabant and 2‐AG, followed by 30 min for PTZ), and the hippocampus was harvested. The expression of CB1R and ECS proteins was measured in hippocampal homogenates, synaptosomes, and cytosol. Hippocampal CB1R increased in homogenates and cytosolic fraction, and was unchanged in synaptosomes of RUPP mice. Increased CB1R colocalization on glutamate‐releasing neurons within hippocampal CA1 was observed in RUPP mice. Rimonabant modestly increased seizure scores over time in RUPP mice. PTZ after rimonabant pretreatment increased seizure scores and duration, while reducing latency in sham mice, with little to no change in RUPP mice. Furthermore, RUPP mice had lower seizure scores over time than sham following CB1R blockade and activation. These data suggest that RUPP modifies CB1R activity prior to seizure induction, which protects mice from worse seizure outcomes.
A comparative analysis of the attribution of extreme summer precipitation in south and north parts of the East China monsoon region—with the year 2020 as an example
Authors: Li Rouke , Liu Xiaodong , Xu Ying , Dong Buwen
Published: September 2023

In summer 2020, several watersheds in China monsoon region experienced historically unusually heavy precipitation. The flooding associated with these heavy precipitation events led to devastating impacts on human life, infrastructure, agriculture and economy. Using historical climate simulations from the HadGEM3‐GA6 and CMIP6 models under influences of natural and/or anthropogenic forcings, we conducted a comparative study on the attribution of extremely heavy precipitation events in summer 2020 in the mid‐lower reaches of the Yangtze River and the mid‐lower reaches of the Yellow River‐Hai River Basin which locates respectively in the south and north parts of the East China monsoon region. The potential contributions of anthropogenic forcings to monthly‐scale extreme precipitation and daily maximum precipitation (RX1day) were examined. The results suggest that human activities have decreased the probability of month‐scale extreme precipitation events in the south part of the East China monsoon region. For RX1day extreme precipitation events, anthropogenic factors have increased their probability in both regions. However, the influence of anthropogenic forcings on month‐scale extreme precipitation events in the north part of the East China monsoon region is not robust among the two attribution systems. Further analyses indicated that anthropogenic aerosols (AER) make both month‐scale extreme precipitation events and extreme RX1day less likely to occur in summer 2020, and greenhouse gases (GHG) increase the likelihood of both. GHG influences on Rx1day overwhelm AER influences, leading to an increase of the probability of Rx1day similar to the 2020 events in both regions. In contrast, the decrease in the probability of month‐scale precipitation in the south part of the East China monsoon region is predominantly due to aerosol forcing. The model projections show that the likelihood of both monthly and daily extreme precipitation events in both regions will increase in the future. Accordingly, the recurrence period of extreme precipitation events will be shortened by the end of the 21st century, which is more significant under the high‐emission scenario.
Malignant and Benign Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors in a Single Center
Authors: Jin Zhenzhen , Wang Chao , Wang Dandan , Li Xintong , Guo Wen , Chen Tao
Published: September 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the combined use of ultrasonography and clinical features for the differentiation of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) from benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors (BPNST) and to compare the efficacy of ultrasonography with that of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

This retrospective study included 28 MPNSTs and a control group of 57 BPNSTs. All patients underwent an ultrasound scan using the Logiq E9 (GE Health Care, Milwaukee, WI) or EPIQ7 equipment (Philips Medical System, Bothell, WA). A 3.0‐T MRI machine (Ingenia; Philips Healthcare, Best, the Netherlands) was used for scanning, and conventional MRI was performed on different regions based on the patient's clinical situation. The following variables were evaluated: palpable mass, pain, nerve symptoms, maximum diameter, location, shape, boundary, encapsulation, echogenicity, echo homogeneity, presence of a cystic component, calcification, target sign, posterior echo, and intertumoral vascularity of the tumors. The diagnostic efficacy of ultrasonography and clinical factors was compared with that of MRI. Independent factors for predicting MPNST versus BPNST were also assessed.

Results

The parameters of location, shape, boundary, encapsulation, and vascularity were significantly different between MPNSTs and BPNSTs. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that shape, boundary, and vascularity were independent predictors of MPNSTs. The sensitivity, specificity, and Youden index of the three clinical and ultrasound factors (shape, boundary, and vascularity) were 0.89, 0.81, and 0.69, respectively, whereas those of MRI were 0.71, 0.89, and 0.61, respectively. No significant differences in the area under the curve (AUC) of the three combined clinical and ultrasound factors and those of MRI were found (P > .05).

Conclusions

MRI was useful in the differential diagnosis between MPNSTs and BPNSTs. However, the combination of clinical and ultrasound diagnoses can achieve the same effect as MRI, including shape, boundary, and vasculature.
Sinonasal Organizing Hematoma: Demographics, Diagnosis, and Treatment Outcomes of 112 patients
Authors: Park Marn Joon , Choi Ji‐Won , Kim Ji Heui , Chung Yoo‐Sam , Yu Myeong Sang
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Sinonasal organizing hematoma (OH) is a rare, nonneoplastic lesion that often presents with epistaxis, a reddish mass, and destruction of the involved sinonasal structures. Due to its rarity, the demographics, diagnostic modalities, treatment strategies, and outcomes have not yet been studied in a large, long‐term study.

Materials and Methods

Retrospect cohort of 112 sinonasal OH patients treated between 1997 and 2020 in a tertiary, university hospital were evaluated. Demographics, systemic comorbidities, sinonasal surgery history, serum laboratory tests, radiological findings, and treatment results were collected. The present study aimed to assess the accuracy of preoperative computed tomography (CT), Gadolinum‐enhanced magnetic resonance (MR), and punch biopsies in detecting sinonasal OH as the most likely diagnosis. In addition, incidental differences by age and year of diagnosis were calculated using the Poisson log‐linear regression model.

Results

The median age was 44, and 58% were male. Fewer than 20% of these cases had a chronic systemic comorbidity, bleeding tendency, or sinonasal surgery history. MR had the highest accuracy of (87%) to detect sinonasal OH as the most likely diagnosis, compared with contrast‐enhanced‐CT (53%), punch biopsy (49%), and non‐enhanced‐CT (16%) (all <0.05). Sinonasal OH incidence did not vary by age, but the yearly rate significantly increased by 1.05 times over 23 years (p < 0.05). Notably, 84% of 112 patients received surgical removal through the assistance of an endoscope, and none had substantial bleeding without preoperative embolization.

Conclusion

Sinonasal OH was observed regardless of age, sex, systemic comorbidities, bleeding tendency, prior sinonasal surgery, or trauma. Preoperative MR gives the highest accuracy for detecting this disease. Sinonasal OH may be safely managed with endoscopic‐assisted surgery removal without embolization.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:1581–1590, 2024
Trends of Odontogenic Sinusitis Incidence During the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Ringel Barak , Kons Zachary A. , Holbrook Eric H. , Gray Stacey T.
Published: September 2023

Objectives

The COVID‐19 pandemic affected the epidemiology of several diseases. This study aims to compare the incidence of surgically treated odontogenic sinusitis (ODS) before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic and identify unique features.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent at least maxillary antrostomy at a tertiary referral center was performed. The patients were divided into two cohorts: “pre‐COVID” (March 2018 to February 2020) and “COVID” (March 2020 to February 2022). Data on demographics, comorbidities, and treatment interventions were collected and analyzed.

Results

Of the 734 patients who underwent maxillary antrostomy, 370 (50.4%) were operated on during the COVID period, with a mean age of 53.1 ± 15.7 years. ODS was found as the etiology of 22 (6%) and 45 (12.2%) of the pre‐COVID and COVID cases, respectively (p = 0.006). Although no difference was found in the incidence of diabetes (p = 0.9) or obesity (p = 0.7) between groups, a trend toward higher incidence of immunosuppression was found in the pre‐COVID patients (18.2% vs. 0%, p = 0.06). A higher incidence of sphenoid sinus involvement (31.8% vs. 8.9%, p < 0.05) was identified in the pre‐COVID group; however, no differences in ethmoid (86.4% vs. 86.7%, p = 0.999) or frontal sinus involvement (54.5% vs. 37.8%, p = 0.3) were found between the groups.

Conclusion

There was an increase in the incidence of ODS during the first 2 years of the COVID‐19 pandemic compared to the 2 years prior. Similar clinical characteristics were found in both groups. Future studies focusing on specific etiologies to explain ODS preponderance may help determine optimal treatment and prevention strategies.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:1597–1602, 2024
Terminus‐Selective Covalent Immobilization of Heparin on a Thermoresponsive Surface Using Click Chemistry for Efficient Binding of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor
Authors: Onodera Yu , Kobayashi Jun , Mitani Seiji , Hosoda Chihiro , Banno Kimihiko , Horie Kyoji , Okano Teruo , Shimizu Tatsuya , Shima Midori , Tatsumi Kohei
Published: September 2023

Cell therapy using endothelial cells (ECs) has great potential for the treatment of congenital disorders, such as hemophilia A. Cell sheet technology utilizing a thermoresponsive culture dish is a promising approach to efficiently transplant donor cells. In this study, a new method to prepare terminus‐selective heparin‐immobilized thermoresponsive culture surfaces is developed to facilitate the preparation of EC sheets. Alkynes are introduced to the reducing terminus of heparin via reductive amination. Cu‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) facilitates efficient immobilization of the terminus of heparin on a thermoresponsive surface, resulting in a higher amount of immobilized heparin while preserving its function. Heparin‐immobilized thermoresponsive surfaces prepared using CuAAC exhibit good adhesion to human endothelial colony‐forming cells (ECFCs). In addition, upon further binding to basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on heparin‐immobilized surfaces, increased proliferation of ECFCs on the surface is observed. The confluent ECFC monolayer cultured on bFGF‐bound heparin‐immobilized thermoresponsive surfaces exhibits relatively high fibronectin accumulation and cell number and detaches at 22 °C while maintaining the sheet‐like structure. Because heparin has an affinity for several types of bioactive molecules, the proposed method can be applied to facilitate efficient cultures and sheet formations of various cell types.
Importance of geometric parameters in modeling of porous materials – a finite element study
Authors: Chandrasekaran Rajesh , Itskov Mikhail , Rege Ameya
Published: September 2023

Porous materials consist of interconnected skeletal structure around a porous space. The skeletal structure is usually formed of a solid phase and the pores are typically filled with a fluid (liquid or gas). Porous materials are characterized by two essential geometric properties: porosity and pore size distribution (PSD), which influence their bulk mechanical properties. Porosity, which is defined in terms of the ratio between the envelope and the skeletal densities, is sufficient to describe the elastic bulk properties of porous materials. Gibson and Ashby developed a power scaling law expressing the linear relation between the elastic modulus and the relative density. The PSD describes the spatial variation of the pore sizes and has recently been shown to influence the mechanical properties of porous materials. In addition to porosity and PSD, the pore characteristics, namely pore size and shape, and pore‐wall size and shape, also determine the geometric properties that influence the bulk response of these materials. In this study, the importance of the above‐mentioned geometric parameters in the modeling of the porous materials is studied using a computational framework. The bulk mechanical response under large deformation of various porous structures with PSD based on different probability density functions (PDF) and different combinations of other geometric properties under uniaxial compression is investigated. The sensitivity of mechanical response to these geometric parameters is studied. Interdependent parameters which are significantly influential are identified. By controlling these parameters, the synthesis of porous materials can be guided and optimized.
Dispersion characteristics and mechanical properties of epoxy nanocomposites reinforced with carboxymethyl cellulose functionalized nanodiamond, carbon nanotube, and graphene
Authors: Zhang Dawei , Huang Ying , Xia Wenjie , Xu Luyang , Wang Xingyu
Published: September 2023

Carbon‐based nanoparticles are widely regarded as promising nanofillers in nanocomposites to pursue advanced properties. To date, there has been a lack of systematic investigation into the structural variations of nanofillers and their influences on dispersion characteristics, as well as the resulting mechanical properties of nanocomposites. In this study, nanodiamond (ND), carbon nanotube (CNT), and graphene (GNP) were selected as the representative zero‐, one‐, and two‐dimensional nanofillers, respectively. A novel functionalization technique utilizing carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was employed to disperse nanofillers. The various characterization techniques and experimental results revealed that CMC functionalization was effective in reducing the agglomeration and improving the distribution uniformity of all three nanofillers. Among the three nanofillers, zero‐dimensional ND exhibited the most homogeneous dispersion quality in epoxy nanocomposites. The strongest abrasion resistance was found in ND‐reinforced epoxy nanocomposites, while CNT‐reinforced epoxy nanocomposites exhibited the best tensile properties.

Highlights

Nanodiamond with a spherical structure had better dispersion characteristics.

Cylindrical carbon nanotube and planar graphene tended to agglomerate.

Nanodiamond reinforced nanocomposites had better abrasion resistance.

Carbon nanotube reinforced nanocomposites had better tensile properties.

Carboxymethyl cellulose functionalization was valid for all three nanofillers.
MassSpecPreppy—An end‐to‐end solution for automated protein concentration determination and flexible sample digestion for proteomics applications
Authors: Reder Alexander , Hentschker Christian , Steil Leif , Gesell Salazar Manuela , Hammer Elke , Dhople Vishnu M. , Sura Thomas , Lissner Ulrike , Wolfgramm Hannes , Dittmar Denise , Harms Marco , Surmann Kristin , Völker Uwe , Michalik Stephan
Published: September 2023

In proteomics, fast, efficient, and highly reproducible sample preparation is of utmost importance, particularly in view of fast scanning mass spectrometers enabling analyses of large sample series. To address this need, we have developed the web application MassSpecPreppy that operates on the open science OT‐2 liquid handling robot from Opentrons. This platform can prepare up to 96 samples at once, performing tasks like BCA protein concentration determination, sample digestion with normalization, reduction/alkylation and peptide elution into vials or loading specified peptide amounts onto Evotips in an automated and flexible manner. The performance of the developed workflows using MassSpecPreppy was compared with standard manual sample preparation workflows. The BCA assay experiments revealed an average recovery of 101.3% (SD: ± 7.82%) for the MassSpecPreppy workflow, while the manual workflow had a recovery of 96.3% (SD: ± 9.73%). The species mix used in the evaluation experiments showed that 94.5% of protein groups for OT‐2 digestion and 95% for manual digestion passed the significance thresholds with comparable peptide level coefficient of variations. These results demonstrate that MassSpecPreppy is a versatile and scalable platform for automated sample preparation, producing injection‐ready samples for proteomics research.
The positive impact of journaling on adolescents with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Kow Sean , Rieger Brenda , Morse Kimberly , Keens Thomas , Wu Susan
Published: September 2023

Background

Individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) often have psychological difficulties on top of their medically complex care, such as anxiety, depression, and medical mistrust. These have been shown to be associated with worse adherence, pulmonary function test results, and other health outcomes. In this pilot trial, we implemented a journaling program based on narrative therapy methodology to improve mental and physical health outcomes for individuals with CF.

Methods

Eight adolescents aged 12–17 with a confirmed diagnosis of CF followed in a single center CF clinic were emailed weekly journaling prompts that explored topics like treatment adherence, feeling different with CF, anxiety, depression, and interpersonal relationships. Subjects completed surveys about their experience with the writing assignment and measures of wellness including the Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC‐17) and baseline health data was collected from the electronic medical records.

Results

The average score for the PSC‐17 decreased by 5.5 points, and fell to less than 28 (mean 23.5, SD 12.2), which is the cutoff for screening positive for behavioral or emotional problems. Participants reported the study was enjoyable and had improvement in feelings of anxiety/depression. 100% of participants responded “Strongly Agree” to the statement “I recommend other people with CF to write about the topics from this study.”

Conclusions

The journaling intervention for individuals with CF was feasible and well received. Initial results show improvement in PSC‐17 and other well‐being measures. Further studies are needed to evaluate the impact of journaling on mental health and disease outcomes.
A spectrophotometric trimethylamine monooxygenase assay
Authors: Maurya Shiwangi , Singh Abhishek , Ramanathan Gurunath
Published: September 2023

Trimethylamine monooxygenase (Tmm, EC‐1.14.13.148) belongs to the family of flavin‐containing monooxygenases that oxidize trimethylamine into trimethylamine‐N‐oxide (TMAO). Conventional methods for assaying Tmm are accurate over a narrow range of substrate/product concentrations. Here we report a TMAO‐specific enzymatic assay for Tmm using polyallylamine hydrochloride (PAHCl)‐capped MnO2 nanoparticles (PAHCl@MnO2). We achieved TMAO specificity using iodoacetonitrile to remove interfering trimethylamine. The change in the concentration of TMAO is measured by observing the difference in the absorbance of 3,3′,5,5′‐tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) at 650 nm. The assay is tolerant to several interfering metal ions and other compounds. This method is more accessible and reliable than currently known methods. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) are 1 μM and 10 μM, respectively, for direct TMAO measurement.
Fast forward? Time compression attempts and post‐IPO performance
Authors: Henderson Andrew D. , Graebner Melissa E.
Published: September 2023

Research Summary

An initial public offering (IPO) expands a firm's access to funding and enables future‐oriented strategic investments. Though aggressive investments can open new opportunities and speed the construction of relative advantage, this aggression risks time compression diseconomies and maladaptive learning from rushed experiences. We propose a firm's investment tempo and industry velocity combine to affect the trajectory of a firm's post‐IPO performance. Agent‐based simulation modeling suggested that aggressive, up‐tempo investment sped the construction of relative advantage in low‐velocity industries. Empirical analyses of multiyear post‐IPO windows in real firms supported this. In contrast, simulations and analyses of real firms suggested up‐tempo investment was maladaptive in high‐velocity industries as the combination of fast investment and fast industry change was often more than boundedly rational agents could cognitively handle.

Managerial Summary

Congratulations! By taking your firm public, you can now finance strategic investments in R&D and CAPX that would have been impossible when your company was private. Rapid investment can open new opportunities, sharpen your firm's skills, and build competitive advantage. However, rapid investment is risky because you can waste time recovering from hastily made mistakes and learn bad habits when new experiences arrive too quickly for managers to assimilate. We found the relationship between investment speed and firm profitability depended on industry velocity. Counterintuitively, rapid investment was ill advised in high‐velocity industries because the combination of fast investment and fast industry change was often more than managers could cognitively handle. In contrast, rapid investment worked well in low‐velocity industries, which placed fewer strains on decision makers.