bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Muscle magnetic resonance imaging involvement patterns in nemaline myopathies
Authors: Perry Luke , Stimpson Georgia , Singh Leeha , Morrow Jasper M. , Shah Sachit , Baranello Giovanni , Muntoni Francesco , Sarkozy Anna
Published: June 2023

Objective

Characterise the diagnostic and prognostic value of muscle MRI patterns as biomarkers in a genetically heterogeneous nemaline myopathy (NM) patient cohort.

Methods

Modified Mercuri scoring of lower limb MRI in genetically characterised NM patients referred to the highly specialised service for congenital myopathies at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Findings were compared to clinical data and MRI patterns derived from collated published data.

Results

Twenty‐seven patients with MRI were identified (8 NEB‐NM, 13 ACTA1‐NM, 6 TPM3‐NM). NEB‐NM demonstrated sparing of the thigh. ACTA1‐NM demonstrated diffuse thigh involvement, notable in the vasti, sartorius and biceps‐femoris, with relative adductor and gracilis sparing. TPM3‐NM demonstrated diffuse thigh involvement notable in biceps‐femoris and adductor magnus with relative rectus femoris, adductor longus and gracilis sparing. In the lower leg, the soleus and tibialis anterior are notably involved in all three genotypes. NEB‐NM and ACTA1‐NM demonstrated relative gastrocnemii and tibialis posterior sparing, while TPM3‐NM showed significantly more tibialis posterior involvement (P =< 0.05). Comparison of involvement patterns with literature datasets highlighted preferential adductor and gracilis sparing in our ACTA1‐NM cohort, consistent tibialis posterior involvement in our TPM3‐NM cohort and a distinct MRI pattern from those derived from other NM genotypes and congenital myopathies. Greater tibialis anterior involvement correlated with foot drop (P = 0.02). Greater tibialis anterior and extensor hallucis longus involvement correlated with worse mobility (P =< 0.04).

Interpretation

This is the widest NM MRI data set described to date; we describe distinct muscle involvement patterns for NEB‐NM, ACTA1‐NM and TPM3‐NM which may have utility as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and aid in genetic variant interpretation.
Housing, addiction and the streets: Kertesz responds to questions
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: June 2023

After reading our story on the Tenderloin district in San Francisco last week (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/adaw.33786), many clinicians responded to ADAW to let us know that they were “depressed” by the piece, and didn't see an exit ramp from the non‐stop fentanyl use and overdoses. Things have gone too far for many of the proposed solutions: treatment that people don't want, needed housing that nobody has money for, and quality of life that multiple comorbidities have made impossible. Advocates for drug‐user “autonomy” sent stories about how the small country of Denmark has dealt with the problem, criticized the San Francisco mayor's decision to shut down the safe injection site (Mayor London Breed did so in December because fewer than 1% of participants had been connected with treatment), and attacked Tom Wolf, who guided us through the Tenderloin in person, for his supposed abstinence‐based treatment philosophy (in fact he strongly believes in treatment with methadone and buprenorphine).
Mn‐Rich Phosphate Cathode for Sodium‐Ion Batteries: Anion‐Regulated Solid Solution Behavior and Long‐Term Cycle Life
Authors: Yin Qi‐Min , Gu Zhen‐Yi , Liu Yan , Lü Hong‐Yan , Liu Yi‐Tong , Liu Yan‐Ning , Su Meng‐Yuan , Guo Jin‐Zhi , Wu Xing‐Long
Published: June 2023

As a sodium superionic conductor, Mn‐rich phosphate of Na3.4Mn1.2Ti0.8(PO4)3 is considered as one of the promising cathodes for sodium‐ion batteries owing to its good thermodynamic stability and high working voltage. However, Na3.4Mn1.2Ti0.8(PO4)3 is faced with low electronic conductivity, poor cycling stability and complex phase transition caused by multi‐electron transfers, which limits its practical application. Herein, an anion‐regulated strategy is proposed to optimize the Mn‐rich Na3.4Mn1.2Ti0.8(PO4)3 phosphate cathode. After introducing F anions into the lattice, the rate performance is improved from 60.5 to 72.8 mAh g−1 at 20 C. Ascribed to unique structure design, the reaction kinetics of Na3.4Mn1.2Ti0.8(PO4)3 are significantly improved, as demonstrated by cyclic voltammetry at varied scan rates and galvanostatic intermittent titration technique. The generated M‐F bond inhibits Jahn–Teller effect with an improved cycle stability (85.8 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles at 5 C with 94.3% capacity retention). Interestingly, reaction mechanism of Na3.4Mn1.2Ti0.8(PO4)3 with the complex two‐phase and solid solution reactions changes to the whole solid solution reaction after fluorine substitution, and leads to a smaller volume change of 5.41% during reaction processes, which is verified by in situ X‐ray diffraction. This anion regulation strategy provides a new method for designing the high‐performance phosphate cathode materials of sodium‐ion batteries.
3D Bioprinting of Neurovascular Tissue Modeling with Collagen‐Based Low‐Viscosity Composites
Authors: Wang Sen , Bai Luge , Hu Xiaoxuan , Yao Siqi , Hao Zhiyan , Zhou JiaJia , Li Xiao , Lu Haixia , He Jiankang , Wang Ling , Li Dichen
Published: June 2023

In vitro neurovascular unit (NVU) models are valuable for investigating brain functions and developing drugs. However, it remains challenging to recapitulate the native architectural features and ultra‐soft extracellular matrix (ECM) properties of the natural NVU. Cell‐laden bioprinting is promising to prepare complex living tissues, but hard to balance the fidelity and cell growth. This study proposes a novel two‐stage methodology for biomanufacturing functional 3D neurovascular constructs in vitro with low modulus of ECM. At the shaping stage, a low‐viscosity alginate/collagen is printed through an embedded approach; at the culturing stage, the alginate is removed through targeted lysing. The low‐viscosity and rapid crosslinking properties provide a printing resolution of ≈10 µm, and the lysis processing can decrease the hydrogels’ modulus to ≈1 kPa and adjust the porosity of the microstructure, providing cells with an environment closing to the brain ECM. A 3D hollow coaxial neurovascular model is fabricated, in which the endothelial cells has expressed tight junction proteins and shown selective permeability, and the astrocytes outside of the endothelial layer are found to spread out with branches and directly interact with endothelial cells. The present study offers a promising modeling method for better understanding the NVU function and screening neuro‐drugs.
Protein@Cyanine‐Based NIR‐II Lymphography Enables the Supersensitive Visualization of Lymphedema and Tumor Lymphatic Metastasis
Authors: Xu Jiajun , Du Yijing , Han Tianyang , Zhu Ningning , Zhu Shoujun
Published: June 2023

Visualization of the lymphatic system is clinically indispensable for the diagnosis and/or treatment of lymphatic diseases. Although indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography becomes an alternate imaging modality compared to traditional lymphoscintigraphy, it is still far from ideal due to the insufficient detection depth and low spatiotemporal resolution. Herein, protein@cyanine probes are rationally developed to solve the limitations of the current near‐infrared‐I (NIR‐I) lymphography. The protein@cyanine probes are synthesized following a chlorine‐containing dye‐labeling strategy based on structure‐selectivity (facile covalent binding between the dye and protein with a 1:1 molar ratio). As expected, the probes display exceptional NIR‐II imaging ability with much‐improved imaging contrast/resolution and controllable pharmacokinetics, superior to the clinical ICG. The protein@cyanine probes locate lymph nodes and delineate lymphatic vessels with super‐high sensitivity and signal‐to‐background ratio, enabling real‐time diagnosing lymphatic diseases such as lymphedema and tumor lymphatic metastasis. In particular, the NIR‐II lymphography provides an opportunity to discover the disparate morbidity rate of primary lymphedema in different types of mice. Given the fact of lacking clinically transferable NIR‐II probes, this work not only provides a promising strategy for enriching of the current library of NIR‐II probes, but also promotes the clinical translation of NIR‐II lymphography technology.
Epitaxy of a Monocrystalline CsPbBr3–SrTiO3 Halide–Oxide Perovskite p–n Heterojunction with High Stability for Photodetection
Authors: Liu Songlong , Chen Yang , Gao Weiqi , Li Wanying , Yang Xiaokun , Li Zhiwei , Xiao Zhaojing , Liu Yuan , Wang Yiliu
Published: June 2023

Perovskite heterojunctions are essential components of perovskite optoelectronics, but their construction and investigation have been impeded by the instability and severe anion interdiffusion. This work epitaxially deposits p‐type CsPbBr3 on n‐type Nb:SrTiO3 (STO) to construct a functional perovskite heterojunction with high stability. The lattice match allows epitaxial growth of CsPbBr3 to occur over large scale, resulting in a monocrystalline thin film with excellent crystallinity and uniformity. The highly stable STO prevents the anion migration frequently happening in halide perovskites, forming a sharp interface of two perovskite with opposite conduction type, with which a diode is fabricated and a current rectification ratio of 374 is obtained. The diode is able to work as a photodetector with dark current of 2.01 × 10−12 A at −1 V and responsivity (R) of 8.26 A W−1, rendering a detectivity (D*) of 2.98 × 1013 Jones. Owing to the all‐inorganic architecture, effective photoresponse at temperature as high as 150 °C is guaranteed with D* of ≈1.52 × 1013 Jones. Combining the unique optoelectrical properties of halide perovskite and the rigidity of oxide perovskite, the epitaxy of CsPbBr3 on n–type STO opens up a new method to construct functional perovskite heterojunction for optoelectronics.
Advanced Sensoring Technologies for Evaluation and Management of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
Authors: Gong Haitao , Ding Zhenshan , Jiao Binbin , Ren Jian , Yu Qingsong
Published: June 2023

Nowadays, urination dysfunction caused by lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) has been a nonnegligible issue owing to its influences on patients’ physical and mental health, and in particular, the detection of the urination process and analysis of the urine samples of the patients have been the priority for diagnosis and treatment of LUTS. In this article, the existing perception of LUTS, such as the etiologies of LUTS and current approaches for LUTS evaluation in the clinic, is systematically summarized. Furthermore, several novels lower urinary tract (LUT) status‐sensing systems used for monitoring physiological indexes, including intravesical pressure, urine flow rate, residue urine volume, bladder volume, and biomarkers in urine, are introduced. It is believed that this presentation will make a contribution to deepening the comprehension of LUTS and promote the development of rapid, accurate, and convenient LUT testing techniques.
Design and Implementation of a Wearable System Based on a Flexible Capacitive Sensor, Monitoring Knee Laxity
Authors: Sheeja Prakash Karthika , Andersen Erik , von Einem Vicky Chantal , Muthalagu Sabari Kannan , Agarwal Priyank , Mayr Hermann Otto , Seidenstuecker Michael , Rosenstiel Nikolaus , Roundy Shad , Woias Peter , Comella Laura Maria
Published: June 2023

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is one of the most common knee injuries causing instability to the knee joint. Current methods of diagnosis fail to meet the ergonomic, reliability, and reproducibility requirements. Thus, the wearable sensors are gaining momentum to overcome current challenges. This paper aims at proposing a wearable capacitive based sensor system that shows a good potential in substituting the currently used methods for the diagnosis of ACL rupture. The developed sensor system measures the internal tibial rotation of the knee. It is compact and lightweight. Being cable free, it can be worn as a patch, without impeding the freedom of movement of the physician. Moreover, it can be powered with a battery or wireless. Both methods make it compact, ergonomic, easy for the patient to wear and for the doctor to use. To analyze the suitability of the developed sensing system, data from a knee simulator setup and three healthy volunteers (2 Males and 1 Female) are compared and analyzed. In all the patients, above 15° for every 5° angle variation, a relative change of capacitance with respect to its initial value of 0.01 is observed. These results are comparable with the knee simulator's data with a max RMSE of 0.002. Below 15° the system is additionally able to measure a gender‐based difference of rotation due to the higher flexibility of ligaments in females. For them the sensitivity below and above 15° is comparable, for male the sensitivity below 15° is lower. The results show that the developed system has good potential in substituting the currently used method for the diagnosis of ACL rupture and paves the way toward the continuous observation in free movement of knee laxity.
Optimization and Deoptimization of Codons in SARS‐CoV‐2 and Related Implications for Vaccine Development
Authors: Wu Xinkai , Shan Ke‐jia , Zan Fuwen , Tang Xiaolu , Qian Zhaohui , Lu Jian
Published: June 2023

The spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), caused by severe respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), has progressed into a global pandemic. To date, thousands of genetic variants have been identified among SARS‐CoV‐2 isolates collected from patients. Sequence analysis reveals that the codon adaptation index (CAI) values of viral sequences have decreased over time but with occasional fluctuations. Through evolution modeling, it is found that this phenomenon may result from the virus's mutation preference during transmission. Using dual‐luciferase assays, it is further discovered that the deoptimization of codons in the viral sequence may weaken protein expression during virus evolution, indicating that codon usage may play an important role in virus fitness. Finally, given the importance of codon usage in protein expression and particularly for mRNA vaccines, it is designed several codon‐optimized Omicron BA.2.12.1, BA.4/5, and XBB.1.5 spike mRNA vaccine candidates and experimentally validated their high levels of expression. This study highlights the importance of codon usage in virus evolution and provides guidelines for codon optimization in mRNA and DNA vaccine development.
Plasma‐Driven Nitrogen Fixation on Sodium Hydride
Authors: Wu Han , Yang Liang , Wen Jiaqi , Xu Yongfeng , Cai Yongli , Gao Wenbo , Wang Qianru , Guan Yeqin , Feng Sheng , Cao Hujun , He Teng , Liu Lin , Zhang Shaoqian , Guo Jianping , Chen Ping
Published: June 2023

The development of alternative approaches to the conventional Haber–Bosch ammonia synthesis process is an imperative but very challenging task. Extrinsic stimuli such as plasma could provide greater flexibility in materials selection and process innovation for nitrogen fixation. Hydride (hydrogen anion, H‾)‐containing materials have recently shown promise in thermal ammonia synthesis, whereas the interactions of hydrides and N2 under plasma have rarely been investigated. Herein we explore plasma‐driven nitrogen fixation to NH3 mediated by an inexpensive and common reagent sodium hydride, which does not react with N2 under normal thermal conditions. Nitrogen plasma can produce reactive nitrogen species and also induce the dehydriding of NaH, which result in the activation and hydrogenation of N2 to surface NaNH2 species. The subsequent thermal‐hydrogenation of NaNH2 produces NH3 facilely. The stepwise chemical loop prevents ammonia from plasma‐induced cracking. This NaH‐mediated chemistry broadens the scope of hydrides as well as many other materials for N2 fixation, and also has prospect for other chemical transformations.
Estimating fall‐harvested alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) yield using unmanned aerial vehicle–based multispectral and thermal images in southern California
Authors: Sapkota Anish , Haghverdi Amir , Montazar Ali
Published: June 2023

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of simple linear, multiple, and robust regression methods to predict fall‐harvested alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) yield using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)‐acquired multispectral and thermal images. Four alfalfa fields in southern California were selected, and a composite dataset containing 180 ground truth sampling points was formed to build and test the performance of the regression models. The UAV was flown in September 2020, 5–29 days before the ground truth data collection. A total of nine crop indices, canopy temperature, and the difference between canopy temperature and air temperature were used as input predictors. Among the simple linear models, the model with normalized difference vegetation index as input showed a strong performance (coefficient of determination [R2] = 0.76; root mean square error [RMSE] = 170.29 kg ha−1; and mean absolute error [MAE] = 132.18 kg ha−1). A multiple linear regression model with three input predictors showed the highest accuracy with R2 = 0.83, RMSE = 142.99 kg ha−1, and MAE = 109.30 kg ha−1. The top‐performing models accurately estimated mean yield at the field level and differentiated fields with low and high alfalfa productivity. Including canopy temperature‐related inputs did not improve the yield prediction power of the models. The error in the yield prediction increased as the days between UAV flights and field harvest increased. Results here suggested that UAV‐based remote sensing has the potential to estimate fall‐harvested alfalfa yield in southern California.
Olfactory cleft mucus eosinophil‐derived neurotoxin better reflects olfactory loss than blood eosinophil counts in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Wu Dawei , Liu Zheng , Bleier Benjamin S. , Huang Xiaoxi , Hong Junsheng
Published: June 2023

Background

Eosinophils are associated with olfactory dysfunction in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and eosinophil‐derived neurotoxin (EDN) is a sensitive marker of intense eosinophil activation. This study aimed to analyze olfactory cleft mucus and olfactory mucosa EDN levels and their association with olfactory dysfunction in CRS.

Methods

We prospectively recruited 150 patients with CRS electing endoscopic sinus surgery and 25 healthy controls. Both superior turbinate biopsy specimens and olfactory cleft mucus were collected to analyze EDN levels. Sniffin’ Sticks test scores, olfactory cleft computed tomography (CT) scores, and olfactory cleft endoscopy scale (OCES) were obtained. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to analyze the predictability of EDN levels for olfactory dysfunction in CRS.

Results

Chronic rhinosinusitis with olfactory dysfunction presented significantly higher olfactory mucosa (p = 0.016) and olfactory cleft mucus (p < 0.001) EDN levels than CRS without olfactory dysfunction. Mucus EDN levels were positively correlated with blood eosinophils (r = 0.625, p = 0.002), olfactory cleft CT scores (r = 0.738, p < 0.001), and OCES (r = 0.605, p = 0.004) in CRS. Furthermore, mucus EDN levels were significantly negatively correlated with threshold, discrimination, and identification (TDI) (r = ‐0.688), olfactory threshold (r = ‐0.606), olfactory discrimination (r = ‐0.608), and olfactory identification (r = ‐0.697) scores. After adjusting for patient demographics and comorbidities, mucus EDN levels were significantly associated with olfactory dysfunction in CRS (odds ratio = 2.162; p = 0.027). Mucus EDN levels showed a significantly better performance for predicting olfactory dysfunction than blood eosinophil counts (area under the curve, 0.873 vs. 0.764, p = 0.024).

Conclusion

Olfactory cleft mucus EDN level may be a better biomarker for predicting olfactory dysfunction in CRS than blood eosinophil counts.
Higher concentrations of kynurenic acid in CSF are associated with the slower clinical progression of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Knapskog Anne‐Brita , Aksnes Mari , Edwin Trine Holt , Ueland Per Magne , Ulvik Arve , Fang Evandro Fei , Eldholm Rannveig Sakshaug , Halaas Nathalie Bodd , Saltvedt Ingvild , Giil Lasse M. , Watne Leiv Otto
Published: June 2023

INTRODUCTION

The kynurenine pathway's (KP) malfunction is closely related to Alzheimer's disease (AD), for antagonistic kynurenic acid (KA) and agonistic quinolinic acid act on the N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor, a possible therapeutic target in treating AD.

METHODS

In our longitudinal case–control study, KP metabolites in the cerebrospinal fluid were analyzed in 311 patients with AD and 105 cognitively unimpaired controls.

RESULTS

Patients with AD exhibited higher concentrations of KA (β = 0.18, P < 0.01) and picolinic acid (β = 0.20, P < 0.01) than the controls. KA was positively associated with tau pathology (β = 0.29, P < 0.01), and a higher concentration of KA was associated with the slower progression of dementia.

DISCUSSION

The higher concentrations of neuroprotective metabolites KA and picolinic acid suggest that the activation of the KP's neuroprotective branch is an adaptive response in AD and may be a promising target for intervention and treatment.

Highlights

Patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) exhibited higher concentrations of kynurenic acid and picolinic acid than controls.

Higher concentrations of kynurenic acid were associated with slower progression of AD.

Potential neurotoxic kynurenines were not increased among patients with AD.

Activation of the kynurenine pathway's neuroprotective branch may be an adaptive response in AD.
Novel n‐type Zintl phase thermoelectric materials: The Ca5−xRExAl2Sb6 (RE = Pr, Sm) system
Authors: Lee Junsu , Seo Naeun , Yeon Seongbeom , You Tae‐Soo
Published: June 2023

Two novel n‐type Zintl thermoelectric materials of Ca4.97(1)Pr0.03Al2Sb6 and Ca4.94(2)Sm0.06Al2Sb6 were synthesized with the addition of two types of trivalent rare‐earth metals dopants and characterized by powder and single crystal x‐ray diffraction analyses. Two title compounds adopted the orthorhombic Ca5Ga2As6‐type phase and contained seven crystallographically unique atomic positions including one particular Ca/Pr or Ca/Sm mixed‐site. The crystal structure can be described as a combination of the one‐dimensional (1D) infinite chains and the cationic elements in between the 1D chains. Electrical transport property measurements proved that Ca4.97(1)Pr0.03Al2Sb6 and Ca4.94(2)Sm0.06Al2Sb6 were indeed novel n‐type Zintl phase semiconductors with the maximum electrical conductivities of 69.51 and 75.51 S/cm at 846 K and the Seebeck coefficients of −43.26 and − 29.00 μV/K at 703 K, respectively. Density functional theory calculations proved that the successful n‐type doping should be attributed to a small margin of slight antibonding states near EF on the Sb1Sb1 crystal orbital Hamilton population (COHP) curve.
In the search for greener buildings: The role of green human resource management
Authors: Parida Subhadarsini , Chan Christopher , Ananthram Subramaniam , Brown Kerry
Published: June 2023

The environmental performance of green buildings is receiving attention from built environment stakeholders. We introduce the concept of green human resource management (GHRM) to analyze how the performance gap in green buildings can be minimized using a human‐focused design perspective. We utilize signaling theory and abilities–motivation–opportunity (AMO) theory to explain the interactions between environmental proactivity, GHRM, pro‐environmental behaviors, job performance, and environmental performance. Survey data were collected from 460 employees working in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)‐certified green buildings in India and analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). Findings highlight that GHRM is likely to motivate employees to demonstrate pro‐environmental behaviors and be engaged in their jobs. We also find that when organizational‐level goals are effectively communicated, employees can enhance environmental performance in green buildings. Our study makes several contributions, including a framework that developing countries can use to promote environmental sustainability in the workplace.
Consideration of the thoracic phenotype of cerebro‐costo‐mandibular syndrome
Authors: Keeling Holly , Williams Elle‐Jo , Itasaki Nobue
Published: June 2023

Cerebro‐costo‐mandibular syndrome (CCMS) is a congenital condition with skeletal and orofacial abnormalities that often results in respiratory distress in neonates. The three main phenotypes in the thorax are posterior rib gaps, abnormal costovertebral articulation and absent ribs. Although the condition can be lethal, accurate diagnosis, and subsequent management help improve the survival rate. Mutations in the causative gene SNRPB have been identified, however, the mechanism whereby the skeletal phenotypes affect respiratory function is not well‐studied due to the multiple skeletal phenotypes, lack of anatomy‐based studies into the condition and rarity of CCMS cases. This review aims to clarify the extent to which the three main skeletal phenotypes in the thorax contribute to respiratory distress in neonates with CCMS. Despite the posterior rib gaps being unique to this condition and visually striking on radiographic images, anatomical consideration, and meta‐analyses suggested that they might not be the significant factor in causing respiratory distress in neonates. Rather, the increase in chest wall compliance due to the rib gaps and the decrease in compliance at the costovertebral complex was considered to result in an equilibrium, minimizing the impact of these abnormalities. The absence of floating ribs is likely insignificant as seen in the general population; however, a further absence of ribs or vestigial rib formation is associated with respiratory distress and increased lethality. Based on these, we propose to evaluate the number of absent or vestigial ribs as a priority indicator to develop a personalized treatment plan based on the phenotypes exhibited.
Genetic and lifestyle factors for breast cancer risk assessment in Southeast China
Authors: Zou Shuqing , Lin Yuxiang , Yu Xingxing , Eriksson Mikael , Lin Moufeng , Fu Fangmeng , Yang Haomin
Published: June 2023

Background

Despite the rising incidence and mortality of breast cancer among women in China, there are currently few predictive models for breast cancer in the Chinese population and with low accuracy. This study aimed to identify major genetic and life‐style risk factors in a Chinese population for potential application in risk assessment models.

Methods

A case–control study in southeast China was conducted including 1321 breast cancer patients and 2045 controls during 2013–2016, in which the data were randomly divided into a training set and a test set on a 7:3 scale. The association between genetic and life‐style factors and breast cancer was examined using logistic regression models. Using AUC curves, we also compared the performance of the logistic model to machine learning models, namely LASSO regression model and support vector machine (SVM), and the scores calculated from CKB, Gail and Tyrer–Cuzick models in the test set.

Results

Among all factors considered, the best model was achieved when polygenetic risk score, lifestyle, and reproductive factors were considered jointly in the logistic regression model (AUC = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.70–0.77). The models created in this study performed better than those using scores calculated from the CKB, Gail, and Tyrer–Cuzick models. However, the logistic model and machine learning models did not significantly differ from one another.

Conclusion

In summary, we have found genetic and lifestyle risk predictors for breast cancer with moderate discrimination, which might provide reference for breast cancer screening in southeast China. Further population‐based studies are needed to validate the model for future applications in personalized breast cancer screening programs.
HandDGCL: Two‐hand 3D reconstruction based disturbing graph contrastive learning
Authors: Han Bing , Yao Chao , Wang Xiaokun , Chang Jian , Ban Xiaojuan
Published: June 2023

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications are becoming increasingly prevalent. However, constructing realistic 3D hands, especially when two hands are interacting, from a single RGB image remains a major challenge due to severe mutual occlusion and the enormous diversity of hand poses. In this article, we propose a disturbing graph contrastive learning strategy for two‐hand 3D reconstruction. This involves a graph disturbance network designed to generate graph feature pairs to enhance the consistency of the two‐hand pose features. A contrastive learning module leverages high‐quality generative features for a strong feature expression. We further propose a similarity distinguish method to divide positive and negative features for accelerating the model convergence. Additionally, a multi‐term loss is designed to balance the relation among the hand pose, the visual scale and the viewpoint position. Our model has achieved state‐of‐the‐art results in the InterHand2.6M benchmark. Ablation studies show the model's great ability to correct unreasonable hand movements. In subjective assessments, our graph disturbance learning method significantly improves the construction of realistic 3D hands, especially when two hands are interacting.
Surgical treatment for the uncommon bi‐articular fracture of trapezium: A case report
Authors: Mohammed Sadougui , Mouncef Amahtil , Walid Bouziane , Amin Hamzaoui , Mohammed Benhammou , Abdelkrim Daoudi
Published: June 2023

Trapezium fracture is a rare condition that goes undetected and exposes to long‐term comorbidities: chronic pain and rhizartrosis. Our work aims to summarize the clinical presentation and improve leading to therapeutic guidelines which are not well established by reporting a case of ORIF with mini‐screws for a displaced fracture of the body of the trapezium with a satisfactory outcome.
Prosthetic management of an ocular defect utilizing a novel threaded iris fabrication technique
Authors: Dudley James , Pellew Jane , Jamayet Nafij Bin
Published: June 2023

Key Clinical Message

The conservative prosthodontic construction of an ocular prosthesis utilizing our novel threaded iris fabrication technique required high time and prosthodontic resource inputs and produced a lifelike aesthetic result.

Patients with ocular defects frequently present with significant local anatomical deficiencies and complex histories and require extensive time and resource inputs to treat. This case report describes the conservative management of an ocular defect completed in a postgraduate prosthodontics clinical residency program utilizing a novel threaded iris fabrication technique.
Acid‐Base Synergistic Catalysis over Zn/Al Layered Double Oxides toward the Hydrolysis of Ethyl Carbonate under Mild Conditions
Authors: Zhao Ruikun , Feng Zhendong , Lv Ying , Li Guosong , Yan Peifang , Niu Jingyang , Gao Shuang
Published: June 2023

Among many ethylene glycol (EG) synthetic methods, the ethylene carbonate (EC) route is preferred due to its extremely high EG selectivity and low H2O/EC ratio. In this work, a variety of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and layered double oxides (LDOs) were synthesized by the co‐precipitation method and evaluated as catalysts for this reaction. The Zn3Al‐LDO showed the highest catalytic activity under low H2O/EC ratio and mild conditions, and the EG yield of 93 %–99 % could be obtained at 100 °C for 3–4 h. This superior performance is attributed to the absence of the “memory effect”, allowing Zn3Al‐LDO to retain a significant number of base sites in the hydrolysis system. The active sites inhibition experiment proved that Zn3Al‐LDO is an acid‐base synergistic catalyst and the base sites are dominant. The catalyst can be recycled at least five times with calcination and activation to maintain excellent catalytic activity.
Ancient spring wheat production in Wyoming
Authors: Thapa Raksha K. , Eberle Carrie , Youngquist Caitlin
Published: June 2023

The ancient wheats einkorn (Triticum monococcum L.), emmer (Triticum turgidum L.), and spelt (Triticum spelta L.) are currently attracting renewed consumer interest due to their unique flavor profiles and high nutritional quality compared with modern bread (Triticum aestivum L.) and durum (Triticum durum L.) wheat. Ancient wheats are well suited for production in marginal lands and may be well adapted to Wyoming growing conditions. A 2‐year study was conducted in three locations in Wyoming (Powell, Sheridan, and Lingle, WY) under irrigated and rainfed conditions to identify the agronomic potential of spring planted spelt, emmer, and einkorn in Wyoming. Across locations, grain yields averaged 832 lbs acre−1 for einkorn, 1,492 lbs acre−1 for emmer, and 1064 lbs acre−1 for spelt with 14.7–15.9% protein. In 2017, irrigated spring wheat yield in Wyoming averaged 3642 lbs acre−1 and dryland yield averaged 1020 lbs acre−1. The Powell irrigated location was the highest yielding and perhaps the best suited for ancient wheat production. Continued research on variety selection and management is needed to further improve the yield and profitability of ancient wheats in Wyoming.
Caenorhabditis elegans septins contribute to the development and structure of the oogenic germline
Authors: Perry Jenna A. , Werner Michael E. , Rivenbark Larry , Maddox Amy Shaub
Published: June 2023

Oocytes must be exceptionally large cells in order to support embryonic development. Throughout animal phylogeny, a specialized cell called a syncytium, wherein many nuclei share a continuous cytoplasm, achieves oogenesis. The syncytial nature of germline architecture is key to its function and depends on conserved components of the cortical cytoskeleton. Septins form non‐polar cytoskeletal polymers that associate with membranes. In the syncytial germline of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, septins are highly enriched on the cortex and generally required for fertility, but the role of septins in the germline is poorly understood. We report that the C. elegans septins, UNC‐59 and UNC‐61, are important for germline extension during development, the maintenance of its syncytial architecture, and production of oocytes. While much of our findings substantiate the idea that the two C. elegans septins act together, we also found evidence that they have distinct functions. Loss of UNC‐61 perturbed germline extension during germline development, while the loss of UNC‐59 function severely affected germline architecture in adult hermaphrodites. Consultation of clustering results from a large‐scale high‐throughput screen suggested that septins are involved in germ cell proliferation and/or differentiation. In sum, our findings implicate a conserved cytoskeletal component in the complex architecture of a germline syncytium.
Artificial intelligence and cytopathology: Where are we heading?
Authors: Nelson Bryn , Faquin William
Published: June 2023

This news section is written by a medical journalist and offers Cancer Cytopathology readers timely information on events, issues, and personalities of interest to the subspecialty. In this first of a two‐part series, whether you are intrigued or alarmed by the emergency of artificial intelligence (AI), a recent burst of research in AI is showing how the algorithms can expand and might shift responsibilities for the cytology workforce, even as multiple challenges remain.
Assessment of glutathione peroxidase enzyme response and total antioxidant status in oral cancer – Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Mohideen Khadijah , Jeddy Nadeem , Krithika C. , Faizee Shahul Hameed , Dhungel Safal , Ghosh Snehashish
Published: June 2023

Background

Oxidative stress induced by free radical accumulation contributes to many pathologies, including cancer. Antioxidant defense system fails to scavenge free radicals when it is excessively accumulated. Assessing individual antioxidant enzymes and total antioxidant capacity could direct the customized therapeutic strategies.

Objective

Evaluation of total antioxidant status and enzyme glutathione peroxidase activity in the oral cancer group compared to the healthy control group.

Method

The literature search included databases PubMed, Science Direct, Wiley Online Library, Cochrane and Cross Reference between 1999 and 2021. The database search was completed in the month of August 2022. The extracted data were analyzed by Comprehensive Meta‐Analysis (CMA) version 3 software (Biostat Inc. Englewood, NJ). Based on search strategies, 1435 articles have been retrieved from the database. In the segregated articles, 1365 were excluded due to duplicated articles, animal studies, low‐quality studies, articles unrelated to the research question, and with unmatched objectives. Based on inclusion criteria, 70 articles were selected for full‐text valuation. However, 33 articles were found highly suitable for inclusion and data extraction. Finally, 11 articles were selected for meta‐analysis.

Results

The meta‐analysis of four included studies of tissue samples showed a significantly (p < .001) increased GPx activity in the oral cancer group, when compared to the control group, whereas three included studies of erythrocyte samples displayed a significantly (p < .001) decreased GPx activity in the oral cancer group than the control group with the pooled standardized mean difference value of −2.766 moles/min/g Hb at 95% CI (−3.297 to −2.234). The meta‐analysis of the included studies depicted an insignificant (p = .947) reduction of salivary TAS levels in the oral cancer group when compared to the control group.

Conclusion

Our systematic review and meta‐analysis depict antioxidant GPx enzyme activity in the regional tissue samples of the oral cancer group differs from other systemic biological fluid samples compared to the healthy control group.
Variational methods for a singular SPDE yielding the universality of the magnetization ripple
Authors: Ignat Radu , Otto Felix , Ried Tobias , Tsatsoulis Pavlos
Published: June 2023

The magnetization ripple is a microstructure formed in thin ferromagnetic films. It can be described by minimizers of a nonconvex energy functional leading to a nonlocal and nonlinear elliptic SPDE in two dimensions driven by white noise, which is singular. We address the universal character of the magnetization ripple using variational methods based on Γ‐convergence. Due to the infinite energy of the system, the (random) energy functional has to be renormalized. Using the topology of Γ‐convergence, we give a sense to the law of the renormalized functional that is independent of the way white noise is approximated. More precisely, this universality holds in the class of (not necessarily Gaussian) approximations to white noise satisfying the spectral gap inequality, which allows us to obtain sharp stochastic estimates. As a corollary, we obtain the existence of minimizers with optimal regularity.
Underwater acoustic sensor networks: Taxonomy on applications, architectures, localization methods, deployment techniques, routing techniques, and threats: A systematic review
Authors: Gola Kamal Kumar , Arya Shikha
Published: June 2023

Wireless information routing beneath the ocean, or usually underwater, has supplied the most excellent technical methods of oceanic observations. Traditionally, ocean bottoms have been monitored by placing oceanographic sensors that collect data at specific and defined ocean zones. When the duties are performed, the oceanographic instruments are recovered. Because there is no collaborative exchange of collected data between the collecting point and the monitoring end, data cannot be observed remotely. Underwater sensor networks can be wirelessly connected with sensors and monitors without extensive cable. Underwater wireless sensor networks are what they are called (UWSNs). This article investigates the various aspects of UWSNs, such as their significance, applications, network design, demands, routing, deployments and challenges.
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing predicts prognosis in amyloid cardiomyopathy: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Cantone Anna , Serenelli Matteo , Sanguettoli Federico , Maio Daniele , Fabbri Gioele , Dal Passo Beatrice , Agostoni Piergiuseppe , Grazzi Giovanni , Campo Gianluca , Rapezzi Claudio
Published: June 2023

Background

The clinical value of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is uncertain. Due to the growing prevalence of the disease and the current availability of disease‐modifying drugs, prognostic stratification is becoming fundamental to optimizing the cost‐effectiveness of treatment, patient phenotyping, follow‐up, and management. Peak VO2 and VE/VCO2 slope are currently the most studied CPET variables in clinical settings, and both demonstrate substantial, independent prognostic value in several cardiovascular diseases. We aim to study the association of peak VO2 and VE/VCO2 slope with prognosis in patients with CA.

Methods and results

We performed a systematic review and searched for clinical studies performing CPET for prognostication in patients with transthyretin‐CA and light‐chain‐CA. Studies reporting hazard ratio (HR) for mortality and peak VO2 or VE/VCO2 slope were further selected for quantitative analysis. HRs were pooled using a random‐effect model. Five studies were selected for qualitative and three for quantitative analysis. A total of 233 patients were included in the meta‐analysis. Mean peak VO2 resulted consistently depressed, and VE/VCO2 slope was increased. Our pooled analysis showed peak VO2 (pooled HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.84–0.94) and VE/VCO2 slope (pooled HR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01–1.07) were significantly associated with the risk of death in CA patients, with no significant statistical heterogeneity for both analyses.

Conclusions

CPET is a valuable tool for prognostic stratification in CA, identifying patients at increased risk of death. Large prospective clinical trials are needed to confirm this exploratory finding.
Dietary magnesium is able to influence the relationship between vitamin C and estimated glomerular filtration rate: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Lin Zheng‐yang , Liang Yong‐yi , Wang Ru , Hu Biao , He Wen‐ju , Li Jun‐kui , Ding Zi‐ang , Lin Zhuo‐yuan , Zhang Shi
Published: June 2023

The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is a comprehensive index that is widely used to assess renal function. Although studies have confirmed a correlation between eGFR and dietary vitamin C, the impact of varying levels of vitamin C on eGFR remains unclear. Additionally, the interaction between dietary magnesium intake and vitamin C concentration on eGFR is not well understood. As such, the objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between dietary magnesium intake and vitamin C in relation to eGFR. This study analyzed the data of consecutive NHANES from 2005 to 2018. We included 17,633 participants aged 20 or older and used multiple linear regression analysis to evaluate the relationship between dietary vitamin C and eGFR. Dietary Mg intake from experimental data was dichotomized into a low dietary Mg intake group (≤254 mg/day) and a normal dietary Mg intake group (>254 mg/day). To evaluate the impact of dietary magnesium intake on eGFR, a multivariable linear regression was conducted utilizing an interaction test between dietary vitamin C and eGFR. We discovered a positive association between dietary vitamin C content and eGFR. The relationship between dietary vitamin C levels and eGFR differed between individuals with low Mg intake and those with normal Mg intake (β: 2.96 95% CI:1.63 ~ 4.29 vs. β: 1.05 95% CI: −0.15 to 2.25), and the positive association of high dietary vitamin C content with eGFR was stronger in the low Mg intake group. Furthermore, we observed that dietary magnesium intake significantly altered the positive association between dietary vitamin C and eGFR (interaction value of 0.020). Our experimental study revealed that the interaction between dietary magnesium and dietary vitamin C can significantly impact eGFR. This finding carries significant implications for the treatment of diseases resulting from abnormal eGFR, as well as the selection of clinically relevant drugs.
FGFR1 gene fusions in a subset of pediatric mesenchymal tumors: Expanding the genetic spectrum of tumors sharing histologic overlap with infantile fibrosarcoma and “NTRK‐rearranged” spindle cell neoplasms
Authors: Warmke Laura M. , Al‐Ibraheemi Alyaa , Wang Larry , Parham David , Rudzinski Erin R. , Stohr Bradley A. , Miles Carina , Habeeb Omar , Davis Jessica L.
Published: June 2023

As the classification of kinase‐driven spindle cell tumors continues to evolve, we describe the first series of pediatric mesenchymal tumors harboring FGFR1 gene fusions that share histologic overlap with infantile fibrosarcoma and “NTRK‐rearranged” spindle cell neoplasms. Herein, we present three cases of FGFR1‐rearranged pediatric mesenchymal tumors, including one case with FGFR1::PARD6B gene fusion and two cases with FGFR1::EBF2 gene fusion. The tumors involved infants ranging from 3 to 9 months in age with a male‐to‐female ratio of 2:1. All tumors involved the deep soft tissue of the gluteal, pelvic, or perirectal region. Histologically, the tumors comprised a cellular spindle cell neoplasm with primitive stellate cells, focal myxoid stroma, focal epithelioid features, no necrosis, and occasional mitotic figures (2–6 per 10 high‐power field). By immunohistochemistry, the neoplastic cells focally expressed CD34 but lacked expression of S100 protein, SMA, desmin, myogenin, MyoD1, pan‐TRK, and ALK. These three cases, including a case with long‐term clinical follow‐up, demonstrate that FGFR1 fusions occur in a subset of newly described pediatric kinase‐driven mesenchymal tumors with locally aggressive behavior. Importantly, knowledge of these genetic alterations in this spectrum of pediatric tumors is key for diagnostic and targeted therapeutic purposes.
Influence of dissolved organic carbon on the Cambrian Ocean: Evidence from the carbon isotopes of the sedimentary rocks of the Eastern Tarim Basin, North‐west China
Authors: Liu Hu , Qi Minghui , Cao Taotao , Tan Jieqing , Yin Zhongshan , Cheng Bin
Published: June 2023

In recent years, the typical crude oil from the Cambrian Lower Ordovician source rocks has been found in the Tarim Basin, and it is characterized by 13C enrichment. The stable carbon isotope of the oil is concentrated at approximately −28‰, which is 3‰–6‰ heavier than that of the crude oil from the Middle and Upper Ordovician source rocks. The stable carbon isotope between crude oil and its kerogen is characterized by inversion, with an amplitude of approximately 3‰–4‰. However, the origin of this phenomenon remains controversial, which restricts the next exploration of crude oil in the Cambrian–Lower Ordovician in the Tarim Basin. Samples were collected from seven outcrop profiles in the Kuruketage region. The basic geochemical features of the Cambrian strata, including total organic carbon abundance, δ13Corg, δ13Ccarb, and δ18Ocarb, were studied and compared with those of well TD2. The results show that the lithologies, isotope stratigraphic evolutional curves, and correlations between the organic carbon and inorganic carbon of the profiles from the northern Kuruketage region are successively comparable with those of the profiles from the southern Kuruketage region and the well TD2. In this study, the carbon isotope records are supposed to indicate a vertical gradient Cambrian oceanic mode, including the shallow decoupled isotope zone, middle gradient‐coupled isotope zone, and deep isotope‐decoupled zone. The discovery of this isotope record reflects the formation of stable carbon and oxygen isotope stratified oceans during the Cambrian period. Additionally, it provides important insights into the origin of the 13C enrichment observed in some Lower Cambrian crude oils in the Tarim Basin.