bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comprehensive approach to defining the cutoff value of oligometastasis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Berzenji Diako , Oude Booijink Olivier R. G. , Gahrmann Renske , Mast Hetty , Capala Marta E. , Koppes Sjors A. , van Meerten Esther , Kremer Bernd , Baatenburg de Jong Robert Jan , Offerman Marinella P. J. , Hardillo Jose A.
Published: November 2024

Background

Patients with limited distant metastatic disease, also known as oligometastasis, show better survival rates than polymetastatic patients, and may be amenable for curative‐intent treatment. The definition of oligometastasis, however, is unknown, and no quantitative analyses on the cutoff value for oligometastasis have been performed before. This study aims to derive specific threshold values for the number of metastases and affected locations that defines oligometastatic disease in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted including all patients diagnosed with distant metastases between 2006 and 2021. For each patient, the number of distant metastases and affected locations was recorded on the basis of the available imaging at the time of diagnosis. Cox regression analyses and a machine‐learning k‐means algorithm were used to determine threshold values.

Results

A total of 384 patients untreated for their metastatic foci were analyzed. Most patients (n = 207; 53.9%) had metastasis to one anatomic location, followed by metastases in two anatomic locations (n = 62; 16.1%). The majority of patients had ≥9 metastatic foci (n = 174; 45.3%), followed by one focus (n = 74; 19.3%) and two foci (n = 32; 8.3%). Cox regression and machine‐learning k‐means models showed that although the number of metastases did not predict survival, the number of affected locations did significantly (p < .001), by identifying a threshold of two locations.

Conclusions

Contrary to the prevalent dogma, the definition of oligometastasis should not be defined by the number of metastases but rather by the number of affected locations, with a maximum number of affected locations set at two.
Specification of just‐noticeable color difference for 2° and 10° stimuli using different color matching functions
Authors: Zhao Mengjing , Wei Minchen
Published: November 2024

Just‐noticeable color difference (JNCD) is important in color specification and characterization. The commonly referenced specification of JNCD (i.e., 0.004 or 0.0033 u′v′ unit) is thought to originate from the MacAdam ellipses, which were derived using 2° color stimuli and characterized using the CIE 1931 2° color matching functions (CMFs). However, there is no universally agreed or clear definition of JNCD. Also, such a specification is widely used in various ways based on an assumption that it is applicable regardless of the actual size of the stimuli and CMFs. In this study, an experiment using a constant stimuli method was carried out. The human observers evaluated a series pairs of test and reference stimuli, with a field of view (FOV) of 2° or 10°. The chromaticities of the test stimuli were carefully calibrated using four standard CIE CMFs (i.e., CIE 1931 2°, 1964 10°, 2006 2°, and 10° CMFs). The results suggested that the widely used specification of JNCD seems to be derived based on the one standard deviation ellipses, the use of these four CMFs has little effect on the specification, and the JNCD value for stimuli with an FOV of 10° is 0.0025–0.0027 u′v′ unit depending on the CMFs.
Exploring Gas Evolution Oscillators: Mechanisms and Applications
Authors: Budroni Marcello A. , Rustici Mauro , Rossi Federico
Published: November 2024

We review an iconic class of chemical oscillators driven by phase transition instabilities, namely Gas Evolution Oscillators (GEOs). These systems show oscillatory dynamics in the delivery of gas sustained simple reactions yielding gaseous products in a liquid mixture, due to nucleation and supersaturation phenomena. After presenting the main features and properties of these systems, we deepen the underlying mechanism through a unified picture of the various models that have been proposed to describe this kind of oscillations. We finally discuss a concrete example of how such instabilities can impact chemical processes with applied relevance.
Absence of the Third Linker Domain of ApcE Subunit in Phycobilisome from Synechocystis 6803 Reduces Rods‐To‐Core Excitation Energy Transfer
Authors: Niedzwiedzki Dariusz M. , Tomar Rupal Singh , Akram Fatima , Williams Anna M. , Liu Haijun
Published: November 2024

Phycobilisome (PBS) is a pigment‐protein complex utilized by red algae and cyanobacteria in photosynthesis for light harvesting. A cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 contains PBS with a tricylindrical core built of allophycocyanin (APC) disks where six phycocyanin (PC) rods are attached. The top core cylinder is seemingly involved in attaching four PC rods and binding orange carotenoid protein (OCP) to quench excess of excitation energy. In this study, we have deleted the third linker domain (LD3) of ApcE subunit of PBS which assembles four APC discs into the top core cylinder. The mutation resulted in PBS with bicylindrical core, structurally comparable to the naturally existing PBS from Synechococcus 7942. Lack of LD3 and the top APC cylinder reduces the excitation energy transfer between PC and APC in the mutant. Moreover, these PBSs are more prone to light induced‐photodamage and do not bind to the photoactivated orange carotenoid protein (OCP), a known PBS excitation quencher. These findings highlight the complex and elegant interplay between the PBS architecture and the functional efficiency, suggesting that in PBSs with naturally tri‐cylindrical cores, the top cylinder has essential roles in recruiting the rods and proper binding of OCP.
Validation of the SCOFF as a Simple Screening Tool for Eating Disorders in an Inpatient Sample Before and During COVID‐19
Authors: Beer Clara Sophie , Lüken Luisa Marie , Eggendorf Jessica , Holtmann Martin , Legenbauer Tanja
Published: November 2024

Objective

Eating disorders (EDs) represent a significant public health concern, with a high prevalence among adolescent girls. The COVID‐19 pandemic has led to a marked increase in EDs, underlining the need for a brief screening tool in clinical settings. The present study compared ICD‐10‐based ED‐diagnoses with SCOFF‐identified at‐risk female patients in a clinical setting and assessed the tool's reliability.

Method

Routine data (n = 955 participants) from a child and adolescent psychiatric hospital were evaluated regarding the incidence of ED‐diagnoses before (n = 312) and during the pandemic (n = 643) and compared with SCOFF results. The SCOFF's sensitivity and specificity were examined.

Results

ED‐diagnoses significantly increased, almost doubling from before to during the pandemic. The number of at‐risk patients identified by the SCOFF likewise differed between the two time points. The SCOFF showed high sensitivity at cut‐offs of 2 (pre‐pandemic) and 3 (peri‐pandemic) but low specificity. Internal consistency was poor.

Discussion

The findings align with previous research indicating an elevated rate of admission to clinical care for ED‐diagnoses during the pandemic, a trend also reflected in the SCOFF results. However, the SCOFF's low specificity and poor internal consistency raise concerns about its applicability among adolescent psychiatric inpatients.
Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP): The Most Accurate Indicator of Overweight and Obesity Among Lipid Indices in Type 2 Diabetes—Findings From a Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Karimpour Reyhan Sahar , Yadegar Amirhossein , Samimi Sahar , Nakhaei Pooria , Esteghamati Alireza , Nakhjavani Manouchehr , Karimpour Reihan Soheil , Rabizadeh Soghra
Published: November 2024

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the relationships of conventional and calculated lipid indices with obesity or overweight in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, all participants were categorised into three groups: normal weight (18 ≤ BMI < 25), overweight (25 ≤ BMI < 30) and obese (BMI ≥ 30). Conventional lipid indices, including triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol, LDL‐C and HDL‐C, were measured. Lipid indices, including the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), non‐HDL‐C, TC/HDL‐C, LDL‐C/HDL‐C, non‐HLD‐C/HDL‐C (atherogenic index, AI) and lipoprotein combine index (LCI), were calculated. The associations of these lipid indices with obesity and overweight status were evaluated using univariate and multivariate multinomial logistic regression analyses.

Results

In this study, 2661 patients with T2D, including 651 patients with normal weight, 1144 with overweight, and 866 with obesity, were recruited. According to a multinomial logistic regression analysis after adjustment for multiple confounders, the odds ratio (OR) was greater for the AIP than for other conventional and calculated lipid indices in overweight and obese patients with T2D. The AIP had a significant relationship with overweight, with an OR of 4.79 (95% CI: 1.65–13.85), and it had a significant relationship with obesity, with an OR of 13.64 (95% CI: 3.96–47.04). According to the ROC curve, with a cut‐off value of 0.68, AIP could predict obesity with 82% sensitivity and 55% specificity (AUC = 0.770, 95% CI: 0.729–0.812, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Compared with other conventional and calculated lipid markers, the AIP is most strongly associated with obesity and overweight in patients with T2D.
N/S‐Codoped Nickel Oxide Supported on Activated Montmorillonite Clay as an Efficient Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Patel Neha , Saini Bhagirath , Ponnada Srikanth , Singhal Rahul , Sharma Rakesh K.
Published: November 2024

Developing low‐cost, highly effective, and durable electrocatalysts for overall water splitting (OER/HER) is crucial for future energy provision. Herein, we report N/S‐codoped Nickel oxide supported on activated Montmorillonite clay as an efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst for water electrolysis. The different wt % of Ni‐MMT catalysts were synthesized using an effortless one‐step solvothermal method and their phase recognition, morphology, analysis of elements, and electrochemical performance were confirmed by various characterization techniques. The optimal 10 Ni‐MMT catalyst exhibits outstanding efficiency in both HER (170 mV) and OER (365 mV) at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in 1 M KOH. Furthermore, doping of N/S heteroatoms increases the active sites for HER/OER, facilitates charge transfer and achieves electrochemical stability of 15 h. The Ni‐MMT catalyst achieved an overall water‐splitting performance in 1 M KOH, reaching 10 mA cm−2 at a cell voltage of 1.82 V.
Surface Hydroxyl‐Assisted BiOBr Nanostructure Evolution for Remarkable Visible Light Photocatalytic Capability
Authors: Chen Jiashang , Chen Qiliang , Bao Liang , Zhang Huaiwei , Yuan Yong‐Jun
Published: November 2024

Herein, various BiOBr nanostructures are successfully synthesized using a facile solvothermal method. A series of structural and morphological analyses clearly indicate that due to the nucleation protection provided by KOH and the presence of surface‐absorbed hydroxyl groups, BiOBr transforms from nanosheet microspheres to nanopillow aggregations (BNP) and finally to nanoneedle matrix. The open‐porous nanostructure of the BiOBr nanopillows (BNPs), along with their enhanced visible light absorption capacity and the presence of surface hydroxyls, enables them to adsorb nearly 100% of organic dyes, including rhodamine B (RhB), methylene blue, and methyl red. Furthermore, the BNP exhibits remarkable visible light photocatalytic activity, degrading higher concentrations of RhB in ≈20 min.
Mechanical properties and energy evolution of outburst coal seams under different load regimes
Authors: Tianjun Zhang , Jiaokun Wu , Gang Wang , Yong Chen , Hong Ding , Hongyu Ma , Jie Yang
Published: November 2024

Coal elasticity and gas expansion are important factors for coal and gas outburst. During the outburst process, the elastic strain energy of coal is mainly released from the stress region, and the gas expansion energy near the working face is larger, and it is not a continuous release process. To reveal the mechanical characteristics and energy evolution of outburst coal seam, uniaxial and triaxial compression tests were carried out on outburst coal seam samples under different loading methods. The experimental results show that the elastic characteristics become more obvious with the increase of loading rate, the peak strain increases, the elastic modulus is linearly related with the loading rate，and the overall degree of fragmentation increases with the increase of loading rate, which is consistent with the severity of macroscopic coal failure. The failure mode of coal under uniaxial compression conditions is often manifest as brittle failure. The strength characteristics of coal under different loading rates comply with the Mohr‐Coulomb criterion, and the peak strength is linearly related to the failure time and loading rate. With the increasing confining pressure causes the failure of coal samples to transition from ductile to brittle, and the failure mode develops from local shear to overall splitting. The elastic energy evolution curve is consistent with its stress‐strain curve. With the increase of confining pressure, the limiting elastic energy and peak total energy increase in a quasi‐linear manner. The accumulated limit elastic energy plays an important role in the failure of coal samples, and the macroscopic manifestation thereof is that the coal samples fail more severely under high confining pressure conditions than under low confining pressure conditions. The research results are of great significance for the comprehensive prevention and control of coal and gas outburst.
Holocene Floodplain Transformation Through Catchment‐Scale Human‐Environment Interactions: An Interdisciplinary Case Study of the Gete Catchment (Belgium)
Authors: van Zon Marleen , Hoevers Renske , Swinnen Ward , Simons Bob , Vanmontfort Bart , Verstraeten Gert
Published: November 2024

Floodplains across the European loess region transformed from nature‐ to human‐dominated environments during the Holocene. A general framework of this evolution is well established, but it is less clear how differences in timing—observed within and between catchments—can be explained. Although human impact is an important driver, little attention has thus far been paid to the actual human activities involved, their intensities, and spatiotemporal patterns. By adopting an interdisciplinary approach, this study provides insight into the evolution of both environmental (e.g., local floodplain geoecohydrology and regional land cover) and human dynamics (e.g., demography and land use) in the Belgian Gete catchment. Results show that the observed changes in land cover and floodplain geoecology can indeed be attributed to spatiotemporal variations in human impact. Human‐induced vegetation change, driven by population growth and associated agrarian production, resulted in hydrological changes and localized colluviation. Catchment‐scale improvement of hillslope‐channel connectivity initiated alluviation in the valleys and completed the transformation from forested marsh to open floodplain with overbank sedimentation. In turn, this allowed people to settle in the floodplains in the Early Medieval period, laying the foundations for our present‐day landscape.
Recurrent Patterns in Patients With Nasopharyngeal Caricinoma and Risks Leading to Inaccurate Delineation in Marginal Failure in the Era of Intensity‐Modulated Radiotherapy
Authors: Zhang Shu , Zeng Ni , Yang Jiangping , Han Jiaqi , He Jinlan , Duan Baofeng , Chen Xiaoqiang , Gou Xiaofang , Zhu Fubin , Liu Huizhen , Zeng Ming , Yan Di , Chen Nianyong
Published: November 2024

Objective

To investigate the failure patterns of recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), especially to identify the relationship between the recurrent‐prone anatomic structures and the tumor regression sites after the introduction of chemotherapy (IC).

Method

A cohort of 1121 non‐metastatic patients with NPC was retrospectively enrolled. The pretreatment and recurrent images of each patient were registered to the planning CT. Tumor regression sites after IC (Vicr) overlapped with recurrent tumor (rGTV) were evaluated for the delineation accuracy and dose sufficiency in marginal failure patients.

Results

A total of 126 (11.24%) experienced tumor recurrence. Re‐evaluation of 12 patients with local marginal recurrence, their rGTV within Vicr predominantly located at choanae, sphenoidal sinus, and cavernous sinus. The regression sites did not receive the full 70 Gy but over half receiving with 60Gy.

Conclusion

Analysis from marginal failure that exempts tumor regression sites from GTV or an insufficient prescription dose of less than 70 Gy may contribute to marginal failure.
Public health policy for temporary seasonal workers with chronic hepatitis B in high‐income countries: A comparative analysis
Authors: Fox Haylee , Mude William , Vaughan Geraldine , Preston Robyn , O'Mullan Catherine , Gu Zhihong
Published: November 2024

Issue Addressed

This study examines Australia's Hepatitis B public health policies with a focus on the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme seasonal workers as a priority population. The aim is to evaluate if Australia's Hepatitis B public health policies adequately address health disparities and equitable access to health care for seasonal workers as a priority population. We draw comparisons with the public health policies of New Zealand and Canada, to understand how these nations approach similar health concerns among their temporary seasonal workers.

Methods

A health policy analysis was conducted on the public health Hepatitis B policies in Australia and then compared with those in Canada and New Zealand. Due to the nature of the study question, the review had a major focus on grey literature. The search was undertaken in two stages, including (1) Google search engine and (2) targeted websites. Basic document data was produced in descriptive summaries. Any data either explicitly or inexplicitly relating to the elimination of hepatitis B or equity towards the inclusion of seasonal workers was produced as analytical summaries through multiple revisions.

Results

Nineteen documents were identified, predominantly from Australia. Although Hepatitis B public health policies emphasised testing and awareness in priority populations, specifically mentioning seasonal workers as a priority population was absent in all three countries.

Conclusions

The study underscores the exclusion of temporary seasonal workers in public health policies and strategies as a human rights issue, conflicting with principles of equity and equitable access to health care. Despite acknowledging challenges for temporary visa holders, policies lack specific provisions for seasonal workers. Addressing this gap is crucial for health equity and inclusive health systems.

So What?

Our findings highlight the need to prioritise equity for temporary seasonal workers to achieve hepatitis B elimination goals by 2030. Exclusion from public health policies is a human rights concern, impacting access to quality health care. This study advocates for inclusive policies explicitly recognising temporary seasonal workers as a priority population, aligning with international human rights commitments to health care for all.
Tracking Telehealth Needs for Individuals With Sickle Cell Disease Through the COVID‐19 Pandemic: A Cross‐Sectional Survey Study
Authors: Treadwell Marsha , Du Lisa , Lawrence Yemi , Gaspar Maxine , Hassell Kathryn , Shah Sanjay , Akpan Moses , Crook Nicole , Taylor Marcia , Gopal Srila ,   For the Pacific Sickle Cell Regional Collaborative
Published: November 2024

Background and Aim

Pervasive disparities characterize sickle cell disease (SCD) care, including limited access to SCD specialists. Rapid deployment of remote healthcare provision and support during the COVID‐19 pandemic provides an opportunity to understand telehealth barriers/facilitators for SCD. We aimed to evaluate telehealth experiences and satisfaction for routine visits among adults and caregivers of children with SCD within a US regional collaborative.

Methods

151 adults ≥ 18 [median (IQR) = 36 (28, 43) years], and 94 caregivers [median child age (IQR) = 12 (7, 14) years] completed a 30‐item online survey in 2021 assessing systems issues such as reliable Internet; health information sharing; and consumer focus (e.g., visit started on time). A multivariable logistic regression model was used to evaluate relations between independent variables and the outcome overall satisfaction with telehealth.

Results

Patients were primarily diagnosed with sickle cell anemia (60.8%) and prescribed hydroxyurea (57.6%). Satisfaction with telehealth was high (> 90%), but 60.6% of caregivers gave the highest rating compared with 44.9% of adults (p = 0.02). Few accessibility/technical issues were cited, however, caregivers reported more often having home support for telehealth (80.9% vs. 63.6%, p = 0.003). In multivariable analyses, participants seen in large centers (> 200) were more likely to give the highest satisfaction ratings compared with those in smaller centers (< 100, aOR: 2.33; 95% CI: 1.21, 4.48, p = 0.01); however, those who needed help from a telehealth navigator were less likely to give the highest telehealth experience rating versus those who did not need help (aOR: 0.37; 95% CI: 0.19, 0.71, p = 0.003).

Conclusion

Views of telehealth were favorable, although caregivers reported greater satisfaction and resources compared with adults with SCD. It remains important to identify factors related to telehealth utilization and efficacy for SCD populations in varied geographies and settings, to ensure equity in access.
Impacts of Buoyancy and Joule Heating on Unsteady MHD Fluid Flow Along a Semi‐Infinite Vertical Porous Plate With Dufour, Chemical Reaction, and Radiation Effect
Authors: Khayer Saleem Jabed Al , Chakraborty Shyamanta
Published: November 2024

An analytical solution for unsteady, incompressible, laminar MHD fluid flow involving mass and heat transfer along a semi‐infinite vertical moving flat plate in a porous medium have been studied in this paper. Effects of heat radiation and absorption, Joule heating, Dufour, thermal and solutal buoyancy, and first order chemical reaction of are discussed under suitable physical conditions. It is postulated that the plate will migrate in the fluid's motion's direction due to the presence of a uniform magnetic field normal to the porous surface. The regular perturbation technique is used to solve the dimensionless governing equations. The mathematical derivations for fluid velocity, temperature, and concentration are evaluated; apart from that, skin friction, rate of mass and heat transfer at the plate are also expressed. The present outcomes are compared with previously obtained results and are found to be in excellent agreement. It is observed that the fluid velocity and temperature enhanced with thermal and solutal buoyancy forces as well as the Dufour effect. Also, with an increase in chemical reaction parameter, there is a decrease in fluid velocity, temperature, and concentration. Skin friction and Nusselt number increase with higher heat absorption parameter values. Schmidt number and chemical reaction parameter both lead to a rise in Sherwood number. Applications for these models have been observed in a number of industrial and technical methods.
Comparative histomorphological assessment of the osteoinductive capacity of a nanofibrillated cellulose‐based composite and autologous blood clot
Authors: Tuleubayev Berik , Kamyshanskiy Yevgeniy , Saginova Dina , Akhmetova Saule , Vinokurov Vladimir , Koshanova Amina , Kossilova Yekaterina
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the effect of nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC)‐based composite with dicalcium phosphate dihydrate and an autologous blood clot (ABC) on the formation of new bone tissue in vivo by histological and histomorphometric assessment.

Materials and Methods

A total of 72 rats with created femoral defects (2 mm) were used. The rats were divided into three groups: (1) with filling of the defect with an ABC, (2) NFC‐1—with filling of both the cortical plate and intramedullary space in the defect area, and (3) NFC‐2—with filling of only the intramedullary space in the defect area. Histological and histomorphometric analysis was performed to assess the healing of the bone defect after 14, 30 and 60 days.

Results

Complete closure of the cortical plate defect was detected in the NFC‐2 group on Day 30 (p < 0.0001). Moreover, in both NFC groups on the 30th and 60th days, ongoing osteogenesis was observed, characterized by a large volume of newly formed circular pattern bone tissue in the intramedullary space.

Сonclusion

This study demonstrated that the NFC‐based composite, which is located below the level of the cortical plate, tamponing only the intramedullary space (NFC‐2), improves bone tissue repair at the site of a bone defect of the cortical plate and has the potential of prolonged osteoinductivity.

Level of Evidence

Not applicable.
Cold Tolerance and Physiological Response of Natural Overwintering Pomacea canaliculata in South China
Authors: Qin Zhong , Xiao Zeheng , Li Chuang , Liu Jimin , Yao Fucheng , Lin Xiaoting , Zhang Jiaen , Liu Yiman
Published: November 2024

Pomacea canaliculata (Lamarck 1822), a freshwater gastropod indigenous to lower Del Plata Basin of Argentina, has become the most destructive and invasive rice pests in south China since its introduction in the 1980s. In Guangdong, the main production areas for double rice, most of P. canaliculata overwinter in paddy field ditches after late‐rice harvesting in mid‐November and diapause to temporarily to avoid the damaging effects of extreme low temperatures. This pest aroused from diapause and migrated to the paddy field after early‐rice reviving in next late March. Overwintering and cold tolerance of natural P. canaliculata have a non‐negligible impact on population dynamics and distribution in the following year. We tested the supercooling capability, levels of cryoprotectant synthesis, activity of antioxidant defense system (antioxidant enzymes and reduced glutathione), and degree of oxidative damage (concentration of malondialdehyde as an index of lipid peroxidation) monthly, using natural P. canaliculata samples with a size‐gender structure (i.e., juveniles, female, and male adults) from experimental ponds during the period of mid‐November to the following April. P. canaliculata survived the winter with a monthly death rate of 7%–16.5% in coldest January. The supercooling point (SCP) of overwintering P. canaliculata decreased initially before increasing subsequently with monthly changes in water temperature. P. canaliculata accumulated a high glycogen content before December, which depleted towards the end of January, while lipid content reached peak in January and depleted since February. Activity of antioxidant defense system of P. canaliculata exhibited significant monthly differences and showed relatively higher size heterogeneity than monthly variations. The results contribute to the knowledge of adaptability in overwintering P. canaliculata and help to understand the mechanism of the invasive success of this species.
Establishing an Interactive Sequence Database for Shiitake Cultivar Identification
Authors: Ou Jie‐Hao , Li Han‐Yun , Lu Yun‐Shen , Chen Chi‐Yu , Fan Yu‐Hsuan , Phang Guan Jie , Huang Guan‐Ying , Hsieh Sung‐Yuan , Huang Yin‐Tse
Published: November 2024

Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) hold significant cultural and economic value, particularly in Asia where they are extensively cultivated. The diversification of shiitake cultivars, driven by the need to adapt to various climatic conditions and cultivation methods, has resulted in over 200 distinct cultivars. Reliable identification of these cultivars is crucial for breeding, intellectual property protection, and effective genetic resource management. Traditional morphological methods are inadequate due to their subjectivity and labor‐intensive nature. This study leverages nanopore high‐throughput sequencing to comprehensively analyze the rDNA regions (SSU, ITS, LSU, IGS) of 41 shiitake strains from Taiwan's Bioresource Collection and Research Center (BCRC), comprising 5 wild strains, 33 commercial strains, and 3 wild‐commercial hybrids. Our results identified the IGS1 region as the most variable and suitable for cultivar differentiation. Consequently, we developed an interactive online database (https://github.com/Raingel/ShiitakeIGS1) that integrates 317 IGS1 sequences from Taiwan, Japan, and China. This platform allows users to upload their IGS1 sequences and identify similar cultivars through a user‐friendly interface, enhancing the precision and efficiency of shiitake cultivar identification.
More May Not Be Better: Comparison of Oncologic Outcomes Following Induction Chemotherapy Plus Chemoradiation and Chemoradiation Alone for Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yee Elliott J. , Read Jake , Ziogas Ioannis A. , Stuart Christina M. , Olsen Jeffrey , Kim Sunnie S. , Mitchell John D. , Meguid Robert A. , McCarter Martin D. , Mungo Benedetto
Published: November 2024

Introduction

The oncologic benefit of induction chemotherapy (IC) before chemoradiation (CRT) compared to CRT alone for locally advanced esophageal and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma is not well defined. We hypothesized that IC with CRT would improve survival and pathologic complete response rate compared to CRT alone.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients with biopsy proven esophageal or GEJ adenocarcinoma treated with preoperative CRT and IC + CRT and surgical resection from 2007 to 2023 at a single institution was performed. First order outcomes were overall survival and pathologic complete response rate; secondary outcomes included disease‐free survival and distant metastasis failure. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on baseline characteristics and tumor‐specific features. Survival analysis was performed with Kaplan–Meier curves with log‐rank tests and Cox regression analysis.

Results

Of 205 patients that met inclusion criteria, 76 (38%) patients underwent IC + CRT. There were no significant differences in demographic or tumor‐specific characteristics between the two cohorts. There were no differences in the median overall survival between CRT and IC + CRT groups (47 months vs. not reached, p = 0.194). The rate of pathologic complete response in the overall cohort was 22%; IC + CRT was not associated with higher complete tumor response than CRT alone (20% vs. 23%, p = 0.557). There were no significant differences in any of the secondary outcomes between the two treatment paradigms.

Conclusions

We could not detect added oncologic benefit in survival or pathologic complete response with IC over CRT alone for resectable esophageal and GEJ cancer. Biomarker driven prospective studies exploring the optimal perioperative treatment regimens are warranted.
Electrodeposition of Zn–Al‐Layered Double Hydroxides With Interlayer Modification by Ibuprofen as Fiber Coating for Solid Phase Microextraction of Nonsteroidal Anti‐Inflammatory Drugs
Authors: Al‐Furaiji Qasim Chyad Abdulzahra , Darvishnejad Fatemeh , Raoof Jahan Bakhsh , Ghani Milad
Published: November 2024

In this study, in situ electrodeposition of Zn─Al‐layered double hydroxides (Zn─Al‐LDHs) on the surface of pencil graphite substrate were practiced with interlayer modification by ibuprofen. The prepared composite increases the efficiency of the proposed method by increasing the level of interaction between the sorbent and the selected analytes including acetylsalicylic acid and naproxen (NAP) in real sample. Eventually, the extracted target analytes were injected into high‐performance liquid chromatography ultraviolet (HPLC‐UV) for their measurement. The experimental design including PBD and BBD was implemented to obtain the maximize efficiency and optimal condition for extraction of the target analytes. Therefore, in optimal conditions, limits of detection of 0.33–0.64 µg L−1, linear dynamic range (LDR) of 1–100 µg L−1 (with r2 > 0.9934), and limits of quantification (LOQs) of 1.1–2.1 µg L−1 were obtained for target analytes by SPME‐HPLC‐UV. The intra‐day relative standard deviation (RSD%) were found to range in 3.90%–5.30% (4.90%–6.80%) at concentration of 5–50 µg L−1 (2–10 µg L−1). According to obtained result, the relative recovery was calculated between 90% and 109%. Therefore, the obtained results showed that the selected method has a suitable performance for the preconcentration and extraction of acetylsalicylic acid and NAP in biological samples.
Uniform Polymer Microspheres by Photoinduced Metal‐Free Atom Transfer Radical Precipitation Polymerization
Authors: Bicak Tugrul Cem , Liu Huiyin , Haupt Karsten , Gonzato Carlo , Fresnais Jérôme , Ménager Christine , Fensterbank Louis , Ollivier Cyril , Griffete Nébéwia
Published: November 2024

Herein, a photoinduced method is introduced for the synthesis of highly cross‐linked and uniform polymer microspheres by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) at room temperature and in the absence of stabilizers or surfactants. Uniform particles are obtained at monomer concentrations as high as 10% (by volume), with polymers being exempt from contamination by residual transition metal catalysts, thereby overcoming the two major longstanding problems associated with thermally initiated ATRP‐mediated precipitation polymerization. Moreover, the obtained particles have also immobilized ATRP initiators on their surface, which directly enables the controlled growth of densely grafted polymer layers with adjustable thickness and a well‐defined chemical composition. The method is then employed successfully for the synthesis of molecularly imprinted polymer microspheres.
NEK2 Promotes ESCC Malignant Progression by Inhibiting Cellular Senescence via the FOXM1/c‐Myc/p27 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Li Jiachen , Wang Yaojie , Wei Sisi , Xu Shi , Dai Suli , Zhang Li , Tian Ziqiang , Zhao Lianmei , Lv Huilai
Published: November 2024

Never in mitosis gene A (NIMA)‐related kinase 2 (NEK2) is a crucial serine‐threonine kinase involved in the process of cell mitosis. However, the precise relationship between NEK2 and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains inadequately understood. NEK2 expression in ESCC tissues was assessed through bioinformatics analysis, reverse transcription‐quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR) and immunohistochemistry, revealing a correlation with ESCC patient prognosis. Cultured ESCC cells and human normal esophageal epithelial cells (HEEC) were used to investigate the effects of NEK2 knockdown on the development and progression of ESCC by integrated confluence algorithm, colony formation, wound‐healing, transwell, and ESCC xenograft tumor model, in vitro and in vivo. In ESCC tissues, NEK2 was found to be significantly upregulated, and its expression correlated with poor prognosis in ESCC patients. NEK2 may facilitate ESCC development by regulating cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Additionally, results from in vivo experiments suggested that NEK2 knockdown can inhibit tumor growth. Moreover, forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) was identified as a potential downstream target of NEK2 in the regulation of ESCC, with its overexpression reversing the effects of NEK2 knockdown on ESCC. Mechanistic studies also indicated that NEK2 may promote the malignant progression of ESCC by inhibiting cellular senescence through the activation of the FOXM1/c‐Myc/p27 signaling pathways, which may provide a novel perspective for the management of ESCC.
Identification of Novel Genetic Loci Affecting Age at Onset of Parkinson's Disease: A Genome‐wide Association Study
Authors: Hwang Yun Su , Jo Sungyang , Lee Seung Hyun , Park Kye Won , Shin Eunsoon , Park YoonGi , Seo Yunji , Kwon Kyum‐Yil , Kim Jae Seung , Jeon Sang Ryong , Lee Jae‐Hong , Chung Sun Ju
Published: November 2024

Background

The age at onset (AAO) of Parkinson's disease (PD) varies widely among individuals and significantly influences disease progression and prognosis. However, few genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) have investigated genetic variants determining AAO, particularly in East Asian populations.

Objectives

To identify single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) affecting AAO of PD in Korean patients.

Methods

We conducted a GWAS on AAO of PD in 1048 Korean patients using sex‐adjusted linear regression models. Additionally, we conducted downstream analyses of our primary GWAS results.

Results

rs2134545 demonstrated genome‐wide significance (β = −2.459; standard error [SE] = 0.851; P = 1.898 × 10−8) and is an intergenic SNP near the ALCAM gene associated with an average AAO reduction of 3.47 years. Additionally, rs4366309 (LYST; MIR1537) demonstrated suggestive significance (β = 2.949; SE = 1.072; P = 8.68 × 10−8) and was associated with an average delay of 3.05 years. The polygenic risk score based on known PD risk loci also affected the AAO for European and Korean PD risk loci, respectively (β = −0.149; P < 0.001 and β = −0.096; P = 0.002). However, the proportion of variance was small (r2 = 0.022 and 0.009, respectively).

Conclusion

We identified a novel SNP associated with the AAO of PD near the ALCAM gene, distinct from previously reported PD risk loci. These findings need further functional validation; however, they suggest unique genetic pathways influencing the AAO of PD and highlight the need for further research in diverse populations. © 2024 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
A nonuniform mesh method in the Floquet parameter domain for wave scattering by periodic surfaces
Authors: Arens Tilo , Zhang Ruming
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we propose a new numerical method to simulate acoustic scattering problems in two‐dimensional periodic structures with non‐periodic incident fields. Applying the Floquet‐Bloch transform to the scattering problem yields a family of quasi‐periodic boundary value problems dependent on the Floquet‐Bloch parameter. Consequently, the solution of the original scattering problem is written as the inverse Floquet‐Bloch transform of the solutions to these boundary value problems. The key step in our method is the numerical approximation of this integral transform by a quadrature rule with a nonuniform choice of quadrature points adapted to the regularity of the family of quasi‐periodic solutions. This achieved by a graded subdivision of the full interval for the Floquet‐Bloch parameter and applying a Gauss‐Legrendre quadrature rule on each subinterval. We prove that the numerical method converges exponentially with respect to both the number of subintervals and the number of Gaussian quadrature points. Some numerical experiments are provided to illustrate the results.
3D in‐system calibration method for PET detectors
Authors: Kuhl Yannick , Mueller Florian , Thull Julian , Naunheim Stephan , Schug David , Schulz Volkmar
Published: November 2024

Background

Light‐sharing detector designs for positron emission tomography (PET) systems have sparked interest in the scientific community. Particularly, (semi‐)monoliths show generally good performance characteristics regarding 2D positioning, energy‐, and timing resolution, as well as readout area. This is combined with intrinsic depth‐of‐interaction (DOI) capability to ensure a homogeneous spatial resolution across the entire field of view (FoV). However, complex positioning calibration processes limit their use in PET systems, especially in large‐scale clinical systems.

Purpose

This work proposes a new 3D positioning in‐system calibration method for fast and convenient (re‐)calibration and quality control of assembled PET scanners. The method targets all kinds of PET detectors that achieve the best performance with individual calibration, including complex segmented detector designs. The in‐system calibration method is evaluated and empirically compared to a state‐of‐the‐art fan‐beam calibration for a small‐diameter proof of concept (PoC) scanner. A simulation study evaluates the method's applicability to different scanner geometries.

Methods

A PoC scanner geometry of 120 mm inner diameter and 150 mm axial extent was set up consisting of five identical finely segmented slab detectors (one detector under test and four collimation detectors). A 22Na point source was moved in a circular path inside the FoV. Utilizing virtual collimation and by selecting gamma rays incident approximately perpendicular to the detector normal of the detector under test, training data was created for the training of a 2D positioning model with the machine‐learning technique gradient tree boosting (GTB). Data with oblique ray angles was acquired in the same measurement for subsequent angular DOI calibration. For this, a 2D position estimate in the detector under test was calculated first. On this basis, the DOI label was calculated geometrically from the ray path within the detector to finally establish up to 3D training data.

Results

With a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.8  and 1.19 mm full‐width at half maximum (FWHM) along the planar‐monolithic slab dimension, the in‐system methods performed similarly within 1% to the fan‐beam collimator results. The DOI performance was at ∼90% with 1.13 mm MAE and 2.47 mm FWHM to the fan‐beam collimator. Analytical calculations suggest an improved performance for larger scanner geometries.

Conclusion

The functionality of the 3D in‐system positioning calibration method was successfully demonstrated with the measurements within a PoC scanner configuration with similar positioning performance as the bench‐top fan‐beam setup. The in‐system calibration method can be used to calibrate and test fully assembled PET systems to enable more complex light‐sharing detector architectures in, for example, large PET systems with many detectors. The acquired data can further be used for more complex energy and time calibrations.
Monte Carlo modeling of a commercial machine and experimental setup for FLASH‐minibeam irradiations with electrons
Authors: Bonfrate Anthony , Ronga Maria Grazia , Patriarca Annalisa , Heinrich Sophie , De Marzi Ludovic
Published: November 2024

Background

Ultra‐high dose rate (UHDR/FLASH) irradiations, along with particle minibeam therapy (PMBT) are both emerging as promising alternatives to current radiotherapy techniques thanks to their improved healthy tissue sparing and similar tumor control.

Purpose

Monte Carlo (MC) modeling of a commercial machine delivering 5–7 MeV electrons at UHDR. This model was used afterward to compare measurements against simulations for an experimental setup combining both FLASH and PMBT modalities.

Methods

We modeled the main accelerator elements with TOPAS3.8/Geant4.10.07.p03, optimized the electron source parameters, and subsequently benchmarked this geometry against measurements. Minibeam experiments were performed by delivering 7 MeV electrons at UHDR on three different 65‐mm thick brass collimators as manufactured for protons with a 400‐µm slit width: single slit, 5 slits with a center‐to‐center (CTC) distance of 4 mm and 9 slits with CTC of 2 mm. Finally, complementary simulations were run by changing critical PMBT collimator parameters to assess their specific impact on peak‐to‐valley dose ratio (PVDR) as well as on the Bremsstrahlung photon contribution to the total dose.

Results

Percentage depth dose (PDD) distributions and lateral dose profiles showed a good agreement between simulations and measurements, with a maximum discrepancy of less than 4%. With the PMBT collimators in place, discrepancies between simulated and measured dose profiles, lateral and in‐depth in peaks and valleys, were within 3%. High PVDR between 5 and 26 were observed until 4 mm in the phantom. During the experiments, a mean dose rate of 167 Gy/s and an instantaneous dose rate of 1.2 × 105 Gy/s were obtained for the FLASH‐minibeam setup. PMBT collimator parameters need to be optimized to maximize PVDR while limiting Bremsstrahlung photon contribution to the total dose.

Conclusions

The validation of the MC model and the configuration of an electron FLASH‐minibeam setup were successfully completed, paving the way for future radiobiological investigations.
On generalized Jacobians in the sense of Clarke for the inverse of a bi‐Lipschitz map and applications in relaxation theory
Authors: Behr Florian , Dolzmann Georg
Published: November 2024

Relaxed variational problems in the scalar case involving functions are frequently characterized by the convex envelope of the energy density . For functions with superlinear growth and Lipschitz continuous gradient, a formula for is presented in an open neighborhood of any maximal phase simplex provided that is and strictly convex close to the vertices of the phase simplex. This formula involves a carefully chosen parameterization of which identifies those subsets in in which may be written as a convex combination of a prescribed number of function values.
Photobiomodulation Therapy in the Prevention of Chemotherapy Induced Oral Mucositis in Children with Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Randomized, Double‐blind, Clinical trial
Authors: Elkady Reem E. , Khedr Reham , Hassan Mohammed , Bayoumy Samy El , Mahmoud Sonia , Hanafy Ebtisam , ElAraby Salam , Haddad Alaa El
Published: November 2024

Background

Many preventive modalities have been advocated to reduce the incidence and severity of chemotherapy‐induced Oral Mucositis (OM). Photobiomodulation, also known as Low‐Level laser. Therapy, has shown promising results. This clinical trial was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of Photobiomodulation (PBM) for the prevention of chemotherapy‐induced oral mucositis (OM) in children with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).

Patients and methods

A double‐blinded randomized clinical trial was performed, including forty‐two children diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) admitted to receiving chemotherapy (CT) at Children's Cancer Hospital 57357, Cairo, Egypt. Patients were randomly assigned to either the control or test group. Both groups followed the standard preventive protocol for oral mucositis. In the control group I sham therapy, while in the Laser group I had Photobiomodulation sessions for five consecutive days once a day performed by Diode laser (Sirrolaser Blue ™, USA) 660nm, 15watt, 10 s. Laser sessions began on day 1 of chemotherapy and were repeated on days 2,3, 4, and 5. The response to both groups was evaluated according to the development of oral mucositis; graded using the classification criteria of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Cancer Institute scale (NCI – Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 4.0). Incidence of oral mucositis was evaluated from baseline to 5, 12, 19, and 30 days after treatment.

Results

A clinical significant difference between the laser and control group was observed. The laser group showed a higher prevalence of no oral mucositis with decreased incidence of OM, while on day 12, the control group showed a higher prevalence of grades I and II (P‐value <0.001, effect size = 0.796). However, the laser group showed higher prevalence of mucosa free of OM; on day 19, the control group showed higher rates of grades II and III, (P‐value <0.001, effect size = 0.670). while on day 30 there was higher rates of grades I and II (P‐value <0.001, effect size = 0.576) with higher rates of healthy oral mucosa in the laser group.

Conclusion

Photobiomodulation effectively reduces the incidence and severity of chemotherapy‐induced oral mucositis in pediatric patients diagnosed with AML.