bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Employment of an efficient particle tracking algorithm based on barycentric coordinates in hybrid finite‐volume/probability‐density‐function Monte Carlo methods
Authors: Barezban Mohamad Bagher , Darbandi Masoud
Published: February 2024

One main concern of this work is to develop an efficient particle‐tracking‐managing algorithm in the framework of a hybrid pressure‐based finite‐volume/probability‐density‐function (FV/PDF) Monte‐Carlo (MC) solution algorithm to extend the application of FV/PDF MC methods to absolutely incompressible flows and speedup the convergence rate of solving the fluctuating velocity‐turbulent frequency joint PDF equation in turbulent flow simulations. Contrary to the density‐based algorithms, the pressure‐based algorithms have stable convergence rates even in zero‐Mach number flows. As another contribution, literature shows that the past developed methods mostly used mesh searching techniques to attribute particles to cells at the beginning of each tracking time‐step. Also, they had to calculate the linear basis functions at every time‐step to estimate the particle mean fields and interpolate the data. These calculations would be computationally very expensive, time‐consuming, and inefficient in computational domains with arbitrary‐shaped 3D meshes. As known, the barycentric tracking is a continuous particle tracking method, which provides more efficiency in case of handling 3D domains with general mesh shapes. The barycentric tracking eliminates any mesh searching technique and readily provides the convenient linear basis functions. So, this work benefits from these advantages and tracks the particles based on their barycentric coordinates.  It leads to less computational work and a better efficiency for the present method. A bluff‐body turbulent flow case is examined to validate the present FV/PDF MC method. From the accuracy perspective, it is shown that the results of the present algorithm are in great agreement with experimental data and available numerical solutions. The present study shows that the number of particle time‐steps required to reach the statistically steady‐state condition is at least one‐sixth less than the previously developed algorithms. This also approves a faster convergence rate for the present hybrid pressure‐based algorithm.
Measuring the advantages of contemporaneous aggregation in forecasting
Authors: Li Zeda , Wei William W. S.
Published: February 2024

Suppose an underlying multivariate time series is contemporaneously aggregated under a known aggregation mechanism, and a lower dimensional multivariate aggregated time series is obtained. To forecast the aggregated time series, one could consider two general strategies: first, aggregate the forecasts of the underlying time series; second, forecast the aggregated time series directly. Intuitively, the first strategy should be more accurate, as the underlying time series contains more comprehensive information than the aggregated time series. However, the model‐building process and estimation procedure for the higher dimensional underlying multivariate time series are more complex compared with that for the lower dimensional aggregated time series, which may increase the chances of model misspecification and result in larger estimation errors. Therefore, it may be preferable to forecast the aggregated time series directly. It is then crucial to measure the relative precision between the two forecasting strategies in practice. To this end, we introduce a forecasting measure to quantify the advantages of using contemporaneous aggregation in forecasting in the sense of the mean‐squared error. The forecasting measure is constructed under the assumption that the underlying time series follows the vector autoregressive moving average (VARMA) process. The estimation procedure does not require specifying any particular form of the VARMA, namely, the lag order
and
. Asymptotic properties of the estimation procedure are established, and we evaluate the finite‐sample performance of the proposed method through Monte Carlo simulations and a real data example.
CO2 dynamic mass balance of low permeability reservoir based on “four regions”
Authors: Chen Xiaofan , Wang Jian , Fan Qingzhen , Zhang Rujie , Yue Ping , Li Jian
Published: February 2024

In order to limit the increase in global average temperature to 1.5°C, it is necessary to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 45% by 2030. CO2 capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) is one of the effective ways to reduce CO2 emissions. Geological storage of CO2 provides a solution with the lowest economic cost and the fastest effect for reducing CO2 emissions. This article proposes a CO2 storage regional division method based on the characteristics of low‐permeability reservoirs in the Yanchang W oilfield in China. The storage space is divided into four regions: gas phase region, two‐phase or near‐miscible region, diffusion region, and oil phase region. As the displacement progresses, the volume of the gas phase region and the two‐phase or near‐miscible region gradually increases; the volume of the diffusion region first increases and then decreases. By calculating the storage capacity of each region separately, the total storage capacity is finally calculated. The impact of different pressures and injection rates on dynamic CO2 storage capacity was evaluated. The results show that pressure and injection rate are positively correlated with total storage capacity. When CO2 miscible conditions are reached, the increase in total storage capacity will significantly decrease. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Humoral immunity trends in a hemodialysis cohort following SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA booster: A cohort study
Authors: Goggins Eibhlin , Sharma Binu , Ma Jennie Z. , Gautam Jitendra , Bowman Brendan
Published: February 2024

Background and Aims

Patients with end stage kidney disease on hemodialysis are vulnerable to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Current guidelines recommend boosters of SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA‐based vaccines. The long‐term humoral response of hemodialysis patients infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 after receiving a booster of SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA‐based vaccines has been incompletely characterized. Here, we determined the long‐term humoral response of hemodialysis patients to two and three doses of the Pfizer BioNTech (BNT162b2) mRNA SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine and investigated the effect of postbooster SARS‐CoV‐2 infection on antibody levels over time.

Methods

Samples were collected on a monthly basis and tested for anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies against anti‐spike S1 domain. Thirty‐five hemodialysis patients were enrolled in the original study and 27 of these received a booster. Patients were followed up to 6 months after the first two doses and an additional 7 months after the third BNT162b2 dose. Results are presented as the internationally harmonized binding antibody units (BAU/mL).

Results

Antibody level significantly increased from prebooster to 2 weeks postbooster, with a median [25th, 75th percentile] rise from 52.72 [28.55, 184.7] to 6216 [3806, 11,730] BAU/mL in the total population. Of patients with a negative or borderline detectable antibody level 6 months after vaccination who received a third dose, 89% developed positive antibody levels 2 weeks postbooster. Postbooster antibody levels declined an average rate of 29% per month in infection‐naïve patients. Antibody levels spiked in patients infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 after receiving a booster but declined rapidly. No patients infected postbooster required hospitalization.

Conclusions

A third dose of BNT162b2 restores antibody levels to high levels in dialysis patients but levels decline over time. A third dose did not necessarily prevent infection, but no patients suffered severe infection or required hospitalization. SARS‐CoV‐2 recovered patients appear to have a blunted rise in antibody levels after a third dose. Although patients infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 postbooster had an immediate spike in antibody levels, these declined over time.
Fragmented QRS, a strong predictor of mortality and major arrhythmic events in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zangiabadian Moein , Sharifian Ardestani Mohammad , Rezaee Malihe , Saberi Sharbabaki Elahe , Nikoohemmat Mahdi , Eslami Mohammad , Goudarzi Kian , Sanjari Mojgan , Namazi Mohammad Hasan , Akbarzadeh Mohammad Ali , Aletaha Azadeh
Published: February 2024

Background and Aims

Fragmented QRS (fQRS), which is associated with rhythm disturbances, can predispose the heart to fatal ventricular arrhythmias. Recently, accumulating studies indicates that fQRS is associated with poor prognosis in various types of cardiomyopathies. Therefore, we assessed the association between fQRS with all‐cause mortality and major arrhythmic events (MAEs) in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy, in this systematic review and meta‐analysis study.

Methods

We performed a comprehensive search in databases of PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, and Web of Science from the beginning to December 31, 2022. Published observational studies (cohorts, case–control, or analytical cross‐sectional studies) were included that report the prognostic value of fQRS in patients with different types of nonischemic cardiomyopathies for MAEs (sudden cardiac death, sudden cardiac arrest, sustained ventricular tachycardia [VT], ventricular fibrillation [VF], and appropriate shock) and all‐cause mortality. We pooled risk ratios (RRs) through raw data and adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) using “Comprehensive Meta‐Analysis” software, Version 2.0.

Results

Nineteen cohort and three analytical cross‐sectional studies were included in this meta‐analysis involving a total of 4318 subjects with nonischemic cardiomyopathy (1279 with fQRS and 3039 without fQRS). FQRS was significantly associated with an increased risk of all‐cause mortality in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy (pooled RR: 1.920; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.388–2.656, p < 0.0001/pooled HR: 1.729; 95% CI: 1.327–2.251, p < 0.0001). Also, the risk of developing MAEs in the presence of fQRS was significantly increased (pooled RR: 2.041; 95% CI: 1.644–2.533, p < 0.0001/pooled HR: 3.626; 95% CI: 2.119–6.204, p < 0.0001). In the subgroup analysis, the strongest association between fQRS presence and increased MAEs was observed in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) (pooled RR: 3.44; 95% CI: 2.07–5.71, p < 0.0001/pooled HR: 3.21; 95% CI: 2.04–5.06, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Fragmented QRS could be a prognostic marker for all‐cause mortality and MAEs in patients with various types of nonischemic cardiomyopathies, particularly HCM.
Use, reuse, and waste management of single-use products associated with the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States
Authors: Rodriguez Morris Monica I. , Kontar Wissam , Hicks Andrea L.
Published: February 2024

Single-use product usage is not a new concern. However, during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the use and disposal of single-use products, especially those related to managing the pandemic, rose to prominence. Reports of shortages—and at the same time litter formation arising from improper disposal of various pandemic-related materials such as gloves, masks, wipes, and food takeout containers—were frequently relayed. To address shortages, it was recommended that single-use products be reused in some instances. As these recommendations were widely adopted, it became essential to assess consumer preferences regarding single-use product usage. Aiming to fill that void, a survey was distributed to learn about single-use product usage, possible reuse of single-use products, and waste-management practices during the COVID-19 pandemic in the US. Respondents preferred reusable fabric masks followed by disposable surgical masks. A significant percentage of respondents answered that they would reuse a disposable mask and mostly selected rotating masks as the preferred “disinfection” method in between the reuse of single-use masks. Gloves were not used by most respondents whereas wipes and/or paper towels were used by more than half of respondents. Free-response answers were analyzed for common themes. Concerns related to pandemic-related product use and disposal, and food packaging or food preparation were observed in the free-response answers. This survey reveals that respondents perceived changes in their consumption and waste generation or perceived a change in the type of products consumed and discarded due to the pandemic. Overall, respondents expressed a preference for reuse and a concern over the increase in single-use products. Results of this study can be used to make projections on the consumption and reuse of single-use products in crisis scenarios. In addition, the data can be used to model the use and disposal phase in single-use product life-cycle assessments. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1736–1746. © 2024 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

Key Points

Plastic waste increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Human behavior with respect to plastic waste is heterogeneous. Face masks in particular reached a new level of use during the pandemic.
Intestinal mRNA expression analysis of polarity‐related genes identified the discriminatory ability of CRB3 as a diagnostic marker for celiac disease
Authors: Taraz Tannaz , Asri Nastaran , Nazemalhosseini‐Mojarad Ehsan , Forouzesh Flora , Rezaei‐Tavirani Mostafa , Rostami‐Nejad Mohammad
Published: February 2024

Background

Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by an abnormal immune response to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. It is well established that the integrity of epithelial tight junctions (TJs) and adherens junctions (AJs) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of CD. These junctional complexes contribute to the apical–basal polarity of the intestinal epithelial cells, which is crucial for their proper functioning.

Methods

Sixty CD subjects, and 50 controls were enrolled in the current study. Mucosal samples were obtained from the distal duodenum, total RNA was extracted and complementary DNA was synthesized. The relative expression levels of the desired genes were evaluated by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction based on ΔΔCt method. The gene–gene interaction network was also constructed using GeneMANIA.

Results

CRB3 (p = .0005), LKB1 (p < .0001), and SCRIB (p = .0005) had lower expression in CD patients compared to controls, while PRKCZ expression did not differ between groups (p > .05). CRB3 represented a significant diagnostic value for differentiating CD patients from the control group (p = .02).

Conclusion

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the changes in the mRNA expression levels of SCRIB, PRKCZ, LKB1, and CRB3 genes in the small intestinal biopsy samples of CD patients in comparison to the healthy control subjects. Our data uncover the importance of polarity‐related genes (especially CRB3) in CD pahtomechanism, that may facilitate the planning of the future studies looking for finding innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for CD.
Association between preoperative systemic immune inflammation index and postoperative sepsis in patients with intestinal obstruction: A retrospective observational cohort study
Authors: Yang Jirong , Ran Taojia , Lin Xiaoyu , Xu Jinyan , Zhou Shaoli , Chen Chaojin , Huang Pinjie
Published: February 2024

Background

Sepsis is a severe complication that results in increased morbidity and mortality after intestinal obstruction surgery. This study examined the role of preoperative systemic immune inflammation index (SII) for postoperative sepsis in intestinal obstruction patients.

Methods

Data on patients who underwent intestinal obstruction surgery were collected. SII was determined and separated into two groups (≤1792.19 and >1792.19) according to the optimal cut‐off value of SII for postoperative sepsis. The odds ratio (OR) is calculated for the correlation between SII and postoperative sepsis. Additional analyses were used to estimate the robustness of SII.

Results

A total of 371 intestinal obstruction patients undergoing surgery were included in the final cohort, and 60 (16.17%) patients developed postoperative sepsis. Patients with an SII ＞1792.19 had a significantly higher risk for developing postoperative sepsis after multivariable adjustment [adjusted odds ratio = 2.12, 95% confidence interval: [1.02–4.40]]. The analysis of interaction showed no correlation between the preoperative SII and postoperative sepsis regarding age, hypertension, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, blood loss, albumin, hemoglobin, creatinine, and leukocyte (all interactions p > .05). In subgroup analysis, all statistically significant subgroups showed that SII was a risk factor for postoperative sepsis (all p < .05). The analyses of subgroups and interactions revealed that the interaction effect of a preoperative SII ＞1792.19 and postoperative sepsis remained significant. A sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the results.

Conclusions

A preoperative SII ＞ 1792.19 was a risk factor for postoperative sepsis in patients undergoing intestinal obstruction surgery.
Cost‐sensitive machine learning to support startup investment decisions
Authors: Setty Ronald , Elovici Yuval , Schwartz Dafna
Published: February 2024

In 2022, global startup investments exceeded US$445 billion, sourced from entities like venture capital (VC) funds, angel investors, and equity crowdfunding. Despite their role in driving innovation, startup investments often fall short of S&P 500 returns. Surprisingly, the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) remains untapped by investors, despite AI's growing sway in financial decision‐making. Our empirical analysis predicts the success of 10,000 Israeli startups, utilizing diverse machine learning models. Unlike prior research, we employ the MetaCost algorithm to convert models into cost‐sensitive variants, minimizing total cost instead of total error. This innovative approach enables varied costs linked to different prediction errors. Our results underscore that these cost‐sensitive machine learning models significantly reduce risk for VC funds and startup investors compared to traditional ones. Furthermore, these models provide investors with a distinct capability to tailor their risk profiles, aligning predictions with their risk appetite. However, while cost‐sensitive machine learning reduces risk, it may limit potential gains by predicting fewer successful startups. To address this, we propose methods to enhance successful startup identification, including aggregating outcomes from multiple MetaCost models, particularly advantageous for smaller deal flows. Our research advances AI's role in startup investing, presenting a pivotal tool for investors navigating this domain.
Implementation of a pharmacist‐driven chronic obstructive pulmonary disease transitions of care service at a large academic medical center
Authors: Lycouras Maggie M. , Cieri‐Hutcherson Nicole E. , Kersten Brian P. , Clark Collin M.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States, and one in five COPD hospitalizations result in a readmission within 30 days. Pharmacists have been identified as key members of interdisciplinary teams to improve transitions of care.

Objective

The objective of this study was to develop, implement, and evaluate outcomes for a pharmacist‐driven COPD transitions of care bundle at an academic medical center.

Methods

A COPD care bundle was implemented for patients presenting with a COPD exacerbation from December 1, 2021 to February 28, 2022. A historical control group was created from patients who were discharged between December 1, 2020 and February 28, 2021. Patient characteristics, pharmacist‐driven interventions, and time required for the intervention were assessed descriptively. Inhaler technique was assessed before and after pharmacist education utilizing standardized rubrics. The percentage change in inhaler scores was assessed with a Wilcoxon signed‐rank test. Readmission outcomes were analyzed using a chi‐squared test.

Results

There were 30 patients in the intervention group and 46 in the control group. There were 104 interventions requiring provider collaboration, of which 84 (81%) were accepted. A median (interquartile range, IQR) of 46 (37–55) min was spent per patient in the intervention group. At baseline, patients scored a median of 84.6% (75–100) of steps correctly across all inhaler device types. After pharmacist education, patient scores increased to a median of 100% [92.3–100] (p < 0.0001). There were eight (26.7%) 30‐day all‐cause readmission rates in the intervention group and 15 (32.6%) in the control group (p = 0.58).

Conclusion

Most pharmacist recommendations were accepted by providers. Medication education led to improved understanding of inhaler technique, but there was no difference in 30‐day readmission rates. Further development of this service is warranted based on these findings.
On the antibacterial photodynamic inactivation mechanism of Emodin and Dermocybin natural photosensitizers: A theoretical investigation
Authors: Ritacca Alessandra Gilda , Prejanò Mario , Alberto Marta Erminia , Marino Tiziana , Toscano Marirosa , Russo Nino
Published: February 2024

A DFT and TDDFT study has been carried out on monomeric anthraquinones Emodin and Dermocybin (Em, Derm) recently proposed as natural antibacterial photosensitizers able to act also against gram‐negative microbes. The computational study has been performed considering the relative amount of neutral and ionic forms of each compound in water, with the variation of pH. The occurrence of both Type I and Type II photoreactions has been explored computing the absorption properties of each species, the spin‐orbit coupling constants (SOC), the vertical ionization potentials and the vertical electron affinities. The most plausible deactivation channels leading to the population of excited triplet states have been proposed. Our data indicate Emodin as more active than Dermocybin in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy throughout the Type II mechanism. Our data support a dual TypeI/II activity of the monomeric anthraquinones Emodin and Dermccybin in water, in all the considered protonation states.
Bridging gaps: Transforming dental public health training for modern job market demands
Authors: Gritzer Lauren , Zavras Athanasios , Macek Mark , Alqaderi Hend
Published: February 2024

Objectives

To create optimal oral and overall community health, dental public health (DPH) specialists must be competent and appropriately skilled to deal with contemporary and emergent public health issues. This study aims to evaluate the current job market demands related to the DPH profession and suggest contemporary skills and qualities that would enable DPH professionals to address emerging issues more effectively in their field.

Methods

A multimethod qualitative study was conducted involving two distinct groups: employers and potential employees. Interviews of stakeholders (employers) representing different job market domains, and a survey was administered to recent DPH residency graduates (employees). Qualitative analysis was applied to the data collected.

Results

Employers identified the following skills as crucial for future DPH employees: proficiency in care delivery systems, health informatics, clinical training, leadership, and professional and grant writing skills. Many employers assumed the presence of a clinical component in the residency program. DPH residency graduates emphasized that the most significant barrier to securing positions is the lack of clinical experience within the residency program.

Conclusions

This research highlights skills currently valued by the DPH job market and proposes that DPH specialty training may consider revising its curriculum to include these skills. Implementing such updates would ensure that graduates are well equipped and competitive, thus significantly contributing to the broader objective of attaining optimal oral health and overall well‐being of the community.
Inclusion chromatic index of random graphs
Authors: Kwaśny Jakub , Przybyło Jakub
Published: February 2024

Erdős and Wilson proved in 1977 that almost all graphs have chromatic index equal to their maximum degree. In 2001 Balister extended this result and proved that the same number of colours is almost always sufficient if we additionally demand the distinctness of the sets of colours incident with any two vertices. We study a stronger condition and show that one more colour is almost always sufficient and necessary if the inclusion of these sets is forbidden for any pair of adjacent vertices. We also settle the value of a more restrictive graph invariant for almost all graphs, where inclusion is forbidden for all pairs of vertices, which necessitates one more colour for graphs of even order.
Novel oxadiazole functionalized pyridopyrimidine derivatives; their anticancer activity and molecular docking studies
Authors: Dasari Raghu , Gali Srinivas , Korra Rajashekar , Vaddiraju Namratha
Published: February 2024

A series of novel oxadiazole functionalized pyridopyrimidine derivatives prepared starting from 6‐methyl/ethyl‐2‐oxo‐4‐(trifluoromethyl)‐1,2‐dihydropyridine‐3‐carbonitrile 1. This compound 1 on reaction with sulfuric acid obtained compound 2, further compound 2 on reaction with chloroacetamide followed by reaction with ethoxy methylene malonic diethyl ester coupling and further cyclization to obtain compound 5. Compound 5 on reaction with hydrazide hydrate obtained hydrazide derivatives 6. Compound 6 on reaction with diverse substituted aromatic acids to get oxadiazole derivatives 7a–l. All the final compounds 7a–l evaluated for anticancer activity against four human cancer cell lines such as HeLa—cervical cancer (CCL‐2); COLO 205—colon cancer (CCL‐222); HepG2—liver cancer (HB‐8065); and MCF7—breast cancer (HTB‐22) and promising compounds 7d and 7k have been identified and evaluated for molecular docking interactions.
Mind the misalignment: The moderating role of daily social sleep lag in employees' recovery processes
Authors: Völker Jette , Koch Theresa J. S. , Wiegelmann Monika , Sonnentag Sabine
Published: February 2024

Circadian processes are important for employees and organizations yet have been relatively underexplored in recovery research. Thus, we embed the concept of circadian misalignment into the recovery literature by investigating the moderating role of employees' daily social sleep lag (i.e., a discrepancy between employees' actual and biologically preferred sleep–wake times) in their recovery processes. Building on the effort‐recovery model and a circadian perspective on recovery, we propose that low relaxation and mastery experiences explain the relationship between workplace interpersonal conflicts and low next‐morning vigor. Concerning circadian misalignment, we investigated whether daily social sleep lag impedes the occurrence and effectiveness of after‐work recovery experiences (i.e., moderates the relationships with interpersonal conflicts and vigor, respectively). Results of a daily diary study with 274 employees (1926 days) demonstrated that low mastery experiences, but not relaxation, explained the negative association between interpersonal conflicts and next‐morning vigor. Additionally, mastery experiences translated less to next‐morning vigor on days with high (vs. low) social sleep lag. Investigating circadian misalignment can thus help determine under which circumstances employees best recover from work, highlighting the need to take circadian processes into account in recovery research.
Impact of trial attrition rates on treatment effect estimates in chronic inflammatory diseases: A meta‐epidemiological study
Authors: Overgaard Silja H. , Moos Caroline M. , Ioannidis John P. A. , Luta George , Berg Johannes I. , Nielsen Sabrina M. , Andersen Vibeke , Christensen Robin
Published: February 2024

The objective of this meta‐epidemiological study was to explore the impact of attrition rates on treatment effect estimates in randomised trials of chronic inflammatory diseases (CID) treated with biological and targeted synthetic disease‐modifying drugs. We sampled trials from Cochrane reviews. Attrition rates and primary endpoint results were retrieved from trial publications; Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated from the odds of withdrawing in the experimental intervention compared to the control comparison groups (i.e., differential attrition), as well as the odds of achieving a clinical response (i.e., the trial outcome). Trials were combined using random effects restricted maximum likelihood meta‐regression models and associations between estimates of treatment effects and attrition rates were analysed. From 37 meta‐analyses, 179 trials were included, and 163 were analysed (301 randomised comparisons; n = 62,220 patients). Overall, the odds of withdrawal were lower in the experimental compared to control groups (random effects summary OR = 0.45, 95% CI, 0.41–0.50). The corresponding overall treatment effects were large (random effects summary OR = 4.43, 95% CI 3.92–4.99) with considerable heterogeneity across interventions and clinical specialties (I2 = 85.7%). The ORs estimating treatment effect showed larger treatment benefits when the differential attrition was more prominent with more attrition in the control group (OR = 0.73, 95% CI 0.55–0.96). Higher attrition rates from the control arm are associated with larger estimated benefits of treatments with biological or targeted synthetic disease‐modifying drugs in CID trials; differential attrition may affect estimates of treatment benefit in randomised trials.
Production optimization of food functional factor ergothioneine in wild‐type red yeast Rhodotorula mucilaginosaDL‐X01
Authors: Xiong Kexin , Guo Hui , Xue Siyu , Liu Mengyang , Dai Yiwei , Lin Xinping , Zhang Sufang
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Ergothioneine (EGT) is a high‐value food functional factor that cannot be synthesized by humans and other vertebrates, and the low yield limits its application.

RESULTS

In this study, the optimal fermentation temperature, fermentation time, initial pH, inoculum age, and inoculation ratio on EGT biosynthesis of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa DL‐X01 were optimized. In addition, the effects of three key precursor substances – histidine, methionine, and cysteine – on fungal EGT synthesis were verified. The optimal conditions were further obtained by response surface optimization. The EGT yield of R. mucilaginosa DL‐X01 under optimal fermentation conditions reached 64.48 ± 2.30 mg L−1 at shake flask fermentation level. Finally, the yield was increased to 339.08 ± 3.31 mg L−1 (intracellular) by fed‐batch fermentation in a 5 L bioreactor.

CONCLUSION

To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest EGT yield ever reported in non‐recombinant strains. The fermentation strategy described in this study will promote the efficient biosynthesis of EGT in red yeast and its sustainable production in the food industry. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Proposal for standardized ultrasound analysis of the salivary glands: Part 1 submandibular gland
Authors: Hoffman Henry T. , Koch Michael , Witt Robert Lee , Ryan William R. , Zenk Johannes , Katz Philippe , Rahmati Rahmatullah , Rassekh Christopher , Donato Francisco , McCulloch Timothy M. , Joshi Arjun S. , Chang Jolie Lien , Gillespie M. Boyd , Pichardo Priscilla F. A. , Orloff Lisa Ann , Marcelino Antonio , Wenzel Piper , Cohen David , Fundakowski Christopher E. , Cognetti David M. , Walvekar Rohan R. , Bertelli Antonio , Quon Harry , Anderson Carryn , Policeni Bruno , Siegel Gordy
Published: February 2024

Objectives

The Salivary Gland Committee of the American Academy of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery seeks to standardize terminology and technique for ultrasonograpy used in the evaluation and treatment of salivary gland disorders.

Methods

Development of expert opinion obtained through interaction with international practitioners representing multiple specialties. This committee work includes a comprehensive literature review with presentation of case examples to propose a standardized protocol for the language used in ultrasound salivary gland assessment.

Results

A multiple segment proposal is initiated with this focus on the submandibular gland. We provide a concise rationale for recommended descriptive language highlighted by a more extensive supplement that includes an extensive literature review with additional case examples.

Conclusion

Recommendations are provided to improve consistency both in performing and reporting submandibular gland ultrasound.
HNRNPC promotes estrogen receptor‐positive breast cancer cell cycle by stabilizing WDR77 mRNA in an m6A‐dependent manner
Authors: Xu Wenjie , Huang Ziwei , Xiao Yunxiao , Li Wenhui , Xu Ming , Zhao Qiuyang , Yi Pengfei
Published: February 2024

Breast cancer has become the most commonly diagnosed cancer. Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C (HNRNPC), a reader of N6‐methyladenosine (m6A), has been observed to be upregulated in various types of cancer. Nevertheless, the role of HNRNPC in breast cancer and whether it is regulated by m6A modification deserve further investigation. The expression of HNRNPC in breast cancer was examined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. RNA immunoprecipitation was performed to validate the binding relationships between HNRNPC and WD repeat domain 77 (WDR77). The effects of HNRNPC and m6A regulators on WDR77 were investigated by actinomycin D assay. The experiments in vivo were conducted in xenograft models. In this research, we found that HNRNPC was highly expressed in breast cancer, and played a crucial role in cell growth, especially in the luminal subtype. HNRNPC could combine and stabilize WDR77 mRNA. WDR77 successively drove the G1/S phase transition in the cell cycle and promoted cell proliferation. Notably, this regulation axis was closely tied to the m6A modification status of WDR77 mRNA. Overall, a critical regulatory mechanism was identified, as well as promising targets for potential treatment strategies for luminal breast cancer.
KDM5B promotes metastasis and epithelial–mesenchymal transition via Wnt/β‐catenin pathway in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
Authors: Yuan Wenhui , Hu Junli , Wang Mengshu , Li Guo , Lu Shanhong , Qiu Yuanzheng , Liu Chao , Liu Yong
Published: February 2024

Metastasis determines clinical management decision and restricts the therapeutic efficiency in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Epigenetic factor KDM5B serves as an oncogene in multiple cancers. However, its role in SCCHN metastasis remains unclear. Our previous study showed that KDM5B is significantly elevated in SCCHN tissue and is positively correlated with metastasis and recurrence. KDM5B overexpression predicted a poor prognosis in both disease‐free survival and overall survival, which served as an independent prognostic factor in SCCHN patients. This study further investigates the exact impact of KDM5B in metastasis of SCCHN. We found that KDM5B knockdown significantly inhibits the migration and invasion of SCCHN cells both in vitro and in vivo. On the contrary, forced expression of KDM5B leads to enhanced migration and invasion, accompanied by canonical alterations of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Mechanism investigations demonstrated that KDM5B activates Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, and inhibition of Wnt/β‐catenin pathway via a small molecule inhibitor iCRT‐14 partially reverses the enhanced migratory and invasive ability caused by KDM5B in SCCHN cells. Together, our data indicate that KDM5B promotes EMT and metastasis via Wnt/β‐catenin pathway in SCCHN, suggesting that KDM5B may be a potential therapeutic target and prognosis biomarker in SCCHN.
Peptidase inhibitor 16 promotes proliferation of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells through OASL signaling
Authors: Chen Qun , Jiang Lu‐Yang , Cao Cheng , Liu Feng‐Yuan , Li Dan‐Rui , Wu Peng‐Fei , Jiang Kui‐Rong
Published: February 2024

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly invasive cancer with a poor prognosis and a 5‐year survival rate of less than 11%. As a member of the CAP superfamily of proteins, the role of peptidase inhibitor 16 (Pi16) in tumor progression is still unclear. Immunohistochemistry and quantitative RT‐PCR methods were used to detect the expression levels of Pi16 protein and mRNA in PDAC patients. CRISPR/Cas9 technology was used to knock out the expression of Pi16 in PDAC cell lines. In vivo and in vitro experiments were used to verify the effect of Pi16 on PDAC proliferation ability. By RNA sequencing, we found that oligoadenylate synthetase L (OASL) can serve as a potential downstream target of Pi16. The expression of Pi16 was higher in PDAC tissues than in matched adjacent tissues. High expression of Pi16 was associated with PDAC progression and poor prognosis. Overexpression of Pi16 could promote the proliferation of PDAC cells in vitro and in vivo. Bioinformatics analysis and coimmunoprecipitation assays showed that Pi16 could bind to OASL. Moreover, the functional recovery test confirmed that Pi16 could promote the proliferation of PDAC via OASL. Our present study demonstrates that Pi16 might participate in the occurrence and development of PDAC by regulating cell proliferation by binding to OASL, indicating that Pi16 might be a promising novel therapeutic target for PDAC.
Clinical details of individuals with Rauch–Steindl syndrome due to NSD2 truncating variants
Authors: Nishi Eriko , Yanagi Kumiko , Kaname Tadashi , Okamoto Nobuhiko
Published: February 2024

Background

Rauch–Steindl syndrome (RAUST) is a very rare genetic syndrome caused by a pathogenic variant in NSD2 on chromosome 4p16.3. Although NSD2 was previously thought to be the major gene in Wolf–Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS), a contiguous gene syndrome of chromosome 4p16.3 deletion, RAUST has been found to present different facial and clinical features from WHS. In this study, we report the details of two newly diagnosed individuals with RAUST in order to better understand the molecular and clinical features of RAUST.

Methods

Whole‐genome sequencing was performed on two individuals with psychomotor delay and growth failure. Detailed clinical evaluation of growth parameters, craniofacial features, electroencephalogram (EEG), magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, and developmental assessment were performed.

Results

Both individuals had de novo truncating variants in NSD2. One had a novel variant (c.2470C>T, p.Arg824*), and the other had a recurrent variant (c.4028del, p.Pro1343Glnfs*49). Both exhibited characteristic RAUST facial features, growth failure, and mild psychomotor delay. A novel finding of RAUST was seen in individual 2, a Chiari malformation type 1, and both showed delayed bone age. They lacked common WHS features such as congenital heart defects, cleft lip/palate, and seizures (EEG with abnormal findings).

Conclusion

We present a novel variant and clinical presentations of RAUST, expand the molecular and clinical diversity of RAUST, and improve our understanding of this rare syndrome, which is distinct from WHS. Further researches are needed on more RAUST cases and on functional analysis of NSD2.
Antenatal description of large 4q13.2q21.23 deletion and outcomes
Authors: Giguet‐Valard Anna‐Gaëlle , Thevenin Christelle , Dreux Sophie , Decatrelle Valérie , Juve Marie‐Laure , Yazza Soraya , Adenet Clara , Lesueur Marion , Bouvagnet Patrice , Gueneret Michèle
Published: February 2024

Background

4q21 microdeletion syndrome is an emergent non‐recurrent genomic disorder characterized by facial dysmorphy, progressive growth retardation, severe intellectual deficit, and absent or severely delayed speech. Deletions occur in clusters along 4q interstitial or terminal regions. 4q chromosomal aberrations are variable in type, size, and breakpoint. Genotype–phenotype correlation is a challenging task. The recurrent antenatal feature associated a posteriori with this syndrome is intrauterine growth retardation. There are very few precise antenatal descriptions of this syndrome.

Methods

We report here the first antenatal history of one of the largest deletion of this region.

Results

Our case harbored a 16.9 Mb deletion encompassing 135 protein coding genes including 20 OMIM morbid genes involved in neurological and cognitive abilities. Those breakpoints overlap two clusters of described microdeletion syndromes of cytogenetic band 4q13 and 4q21.

Conclusion

From the end of the second trimester, set of call signs associated with this syndrome can be completed by: excess of amniotic fluid, mild growth retardation, short long bones, bony anomalies of the extremities, and bulging cheeks. So, emphasis should be placed on the examination of the extremities, and the face during the routine targeted prenatal ultrasound.
On the spectra of multidimensional normal discrete Hausdorff operators
Authors: Mirotin Adolf R.
Published: February 2024

In this paper, the general case of normal discrete Hausdorff operators in
is studied. The main result states that under some natural arithmetic condition, the spectrum of such an operator is rotationally invariant. Several special cases and applications are considered.
Stochastic virus infection model with Ornstein–Uhlenbeck perturbation: Extinction and stationary distribution analysis
Authors: Cao Zhongwei , Guo Chenguang , Shi Zhenfeng , Song Zhifei , Zu Li
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we propose a stochastic virus infection model with nonlytic immune response, where the transmission rate is realistically modeled as being subject to continuous fluctuations, represented by the Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process. Firstly, we establish the existence and uniqueness of the global solution for the stochastic model and its invariant set, ensuring the robustness and applicability of model. Next, by constructing appropriate Lyapunov functions, we derive sufficient conditions for virus extinction and the existence of a stationary distribution for the stochastic model. These conditions elucidate the key dynamic behaviors, such as extinction and persistence, within the stochastic framework.
Digestive Biomarkers of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux: A Preliminary Prospective Controlled Study
Authors: Lechien Jerome R. , De Marrez Lisa G. , Hans Stephane , Muls Vinciane , Spinato Linda , Briganti Giovanni , Saussez Sven , De Vos Nathalie
Published: February 2024

Objective

To investigate the digestive enzymes and biomarkers in the saliva of patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and asymptomatic individuals.

Study Design

Prospective controlled study.

Setting

Multicenter study.

Methods

Patients with LPR at the hypopharyngeal‐esophageal impedance‐pH monitoring (HEMII‐pH) and asymptomatic individuals were consecutively recruited from January 2020 to April 2023 from 2 University Hospitals. The saliva of patients (off PPIs) and asymptomatic individuals was collected to measure pH, elastase, bile salts, cholesterol, gastric, and pancreatic lipases. Anxiety, symptoms, and findings were studied through perceived stress scale (PSS), reflux symptom score (RSS), and reflux sign assessment (RSA).

Results

Sixty‐seven LPR patients and 57 asymptomatic individuals completed the evaluations. LPR patients reported higher PSS, RSS, and RSA than asymptomatic individuals. The mean saliva pH was more alkaline in LPR patients (7.23: 95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.08, 7.38) compared to controls (6.13; 95% CI: 5.95, 6.31; P = .001). The mean concentration of elastase was higher in patients (51.65 µg/mL; 95% CI: 44.47, 58.83 µg/mL) versus asymptomatic individuals (25.18 µg/mL; 95% CI: 21.64, 28.72 µg/mL; P = .001). The saliva cholesterol reported higher concentration in healthy individuals (3.43 mg/dL; 95% CI: 3.21, 3.65 mg/dL) compared to patients (1.16 mg/dL; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.27 mg/dL; P = .001). The saliva pH, and elastase concentration were significantly associated with the baseline RSS, while saliva cholesterol was negatively associated with the severity of RSS and RSA.

Conclusion

Cholesterol, bile salts, and elastase are biomarkers of LPR and should be considered to develop future non‐invasive saliva device for the detection of LPR.
The Prevalence of Sentinel Central Events (SCent) During Drug‐Induced Sleep Endoscopy
Authors: Rodin Julianna G. , Parekh Manan H. , Cai Yi , Keenan Brendan T. , Thuler Eric R. , Seay Everett , Atkins Joshua H. , Schwartz Alan R. , Dedhia Raj C.
Published: February 2024

Objective

With the recent addition of airflow and respiratory effort channels, our group has observed central and mixed apnea events during drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE). We measured the frequency and timing of sentinel central and/or mixed events (SCents), as well as assessed for differences in velum, oropharynx, tongue, and epiglottis (VOTE) classification compared to obstructive events.

Study Design

Prospective single‐cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary Care Academic Medical Center.

Methods

Patients underwent DISE between June 2020 and November 2022. Nasal airflow, thoracoabdominal effort belt signals, and videoendoscopy were simultaneously captured. Demographics, sleep study, and DISE data were compared among patients with and without SCents using Student's T tests or χ2 tests.

Results

On average, the cohort (n = 103) was middle‐aged (53.5 ± 12.1 years), overweight (body mass index of 29.7 ± 5.3 kg/m2), and had severe obstructive sleep apnea (apnea‐hypopnea index of 30.7 ± 18.7 events/h). Forty‐seven patients (46%) were found to have at least 1 SCent. Among those with SCent, 45 (95.7%) transitioned to obstructive pathology after an average of 7.91 ± 2.74 minutes, with at least 95% of patients expected to do so within 12.57 minutes. Twenty‐nine out of 47 patients (61.2% [95% confidence interval: 46.4.9%, 75.5%]) with SCent had meaningful differences between central/mixed and obstructive VOTE scores.

Conclusion

Central events were present in almost half of our cohort. At least 95% of patients were expected to transition to obstructive events within 12 to 13 minutes of propofol initiation. In addition, over half of patients demonstrate significantly different VOTE scores between central and obstructive events. These factors should raise awareness of central events and scoring passive apneas during DISE and consider delaying VOTE scoring.
Electrocatalytic oxidation of pyrrole on a quasi‐reversible silver nanodumbbell particle surface for supramolecular porphyrin production
Authors: Fakayode Olayemi Jola , Mohlala Reagan L. , Ratshiedana Rudzani , May Bambesiwe M. , Ebenso Eno E. , Feleni Usisipho , Nkambule Thabo T.I.
Published: February 2024

Photoactive supramolecular porphyrin assemblies are attractive molecules for light‐harvesting applications. This is due to their relatively non‐toxicity, biological activities and charge and energy exchange characteristics. However, the extreme cost associated with their synthesis and requirements for toxic organic solvents during purification pose a challenge to the sustainability characteristics of their applications. This work presents the first report on the sustainable synthesis, spectroscopic and photophysical characterizations of a near‐infrared (NIR) absorbing Ca(II)‐meso‐tetrakis (4‐hydroxyphenyl)porphyrin using an electrolyzed pyrrole solution. The latter was obtained by cycling the pyrrole solution across the silver nanodumbbell particle surface at room temperature. The electrolyzed solution condensed readily with acidified p‐hydroxybenzaldehyde, producing the targeted purple porphyrin. The non‐electrolyzed pyrrole solution formed a green substance with significantly different optical properties. Remarkable differences were observed in the voltammograms of the silver nanodumbbell particles and those of the conventional gold electrode during the pyrrole cycling, suggesting different routes of porphyrin formation. The rationale behind these formations and the associated mechanisms were extensively discussed. Metalation with aqueous Ca2+ ion caused a Stokes shift of 38.75 eV. The current study shows the advantage of the electrochemical method towards obtaining sustainable light‐harvesting porphyrin at room temperature without the need for high‐energy‐dependent conventional processes.