bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cyberbullying and eating disorder symptoms in US early adolescents
Authors: Cheng Chloe M. , Chu Jonathan , Ganson Kyle T. , Trompeter Nora , Testa Alexander , Jackson Dylan B. , He Jinbo , Glidden David V. , Baker Fiona C. , Nagata Jason M.
Published: September 2023

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine the association between cyberbullying and eating disorder symptoms in a national sample of 10–14‐year‐old early adolescents.

Method

We analyzed cross‐sectional data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study (Year 2, 2018–2020, N = 10,258/11,875, 49% female, 46% non‐White). Data were collected using multi‐stage probability sampling. Modified Poisson regression analyses examined the association between cyberbullying and self‐reported eating disorder symptoms based on the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (KSADS‐5).

Results

Cyberbullying victimization was associated with worry about weight gain (prevalence ratio [PR] 2.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.48–3.91), self‐worth tied to weight (PR 2.08, 95% CI 1.33–3.26), inappropriate compensatory behavior to prevent weight gain (PR 1.95, 95% CI 1.57–2.42), binge eating (PR 1.95, 95% CI 1.59–2.39), and distress with binge eating (PR 2.64, 95% CI 1.94–3.59), in models adjusting for potential confounders. Cyberbullying perpetration was associated with worry about weight gain (PR 3.52, 95% CI 1.19–10.37), self‐worth tied to weight (PR 5.59, 95% CI 2.56–12.20), binge eating (PR 2.36, 95% CI 1.44–3.87), and distress with binge eating (PR 2.84, 95% CI 1.47–5.49).

Discussion

Cyberbullying victimization and perpetration in early adolescence are associated with eating disorder symptoms. Clinicians may consider assessing for cyberbullying and eating disorder symptoms in early adolescence and provide anticipatory guidance.

Public Significance Statement

Eating disorders often onset in adolescence and have among the highest mortality rates of any psychiatric disorder. In addition, cyberbullying has increased in prevalence among adolescents and significantly impacts mental health. In a national study of early adolescents, we found that cyberbullying victimization and perpetration are associated with eating disorder symptoms. Screening for and providing anticipatory guidance on cyberbullying and eating disorder symptoms in early adolescents may be warranted.
How we study cryptic species and their biological implications: A case study from marine shelled gastropods
Authors: Shin Caren P. , Allmon Warren D.
Published: September 2023

Methodological and biological considerations are intertwined when studying cryptic species. A potentially large component of modern biodiversity, the frequency of cryptic species among taxonomic groups is not well documented. The term “cryptic species” is imprecisely used in scientific literature, causing ambiguity when interpreting their evolutionary and ecological significance. This study reviews how cryptic species have been defined, discussing implications for taxonomy and biology, and explores these implications with a case study based on recently published literature on extant shelled marine gastropods. Reviewed gastropods were recorded by species. Records of cryptic gastropods were presented by authors with variable levels of confidence but were difficult to disentangle from inherent biases in the study effort. These complexities notwithstanding, most gastropod species discussed were not cryptic. To the degree that this review's sample represents extinct taxa, the results suggest that a high proportion of shelled marine gastropod species are identifiable for study in the fossil record. Much additional work is needed to provide a more adequate understanding of the relative frequency of cryptic species in shelled marine gastropods, which should start with more explicit definitions and targeted case studies.
Further insights into the phylogeny of facultative parasitic ciliates associated with tetrahymenosis (Ciliophora, Oligohymenophorea) based on multigene data
Authors: Liu Lihui , Jiang Mingyue , Zhou Chunyu , Li Bailin , Song Yumeng , Pan Xuming
Published: September 2023

Tetrahymenosis, caused by about 10 Tetrahymena species, is an emerging problem inflicting a significant economic loss on the aquaculture industry worldwide. However, in the order Tetrahymenida, there are many unresolved evolutionary relationships among taxa. Here we report 21 new sequences, including SSU‐rRNA, ITS1‐5.8S‐ITS2 rRNA and LSU‐rRNA, genes of 10 facultative parasitic Tetrahymena associated with tetrahymenosis, and conduct phylogenetic analyses based on each individual gene and a three‐gene concatenated dataset. The main findings are: (1) All the parasitic and facultative parasitic species cluster in borealis group. (2) With the addition of new sequences, Tetrahymena is still divided into three groups, namely the “borealis group”, the “australis group,” and the “paravorax group.” (3) the cluster pattern of all the newly sequenced facultative parasitic Tetrahymena species shows that members of the “borealis” group may be more susceptible to parasitism. (4) phylogeny based on concatenated genes show that T. pyriformis, T. setosa, and T. leucophrys have close relationship.
Shifts in competitive structures can drive variation in species' phenology
Authors: Dumandan Patricia Kaye T. , Yenni Glenda M. , Ernest S. K. Morgan
Published: September 2023

For many species, a well documented response to anthropogenic climate change is a shift in various aspects of its life history, including its timing or phenology. Often, these phenological shifts are associated with changes in abiotic factors used as proxies for resource availability or other suitable conditions. Resource availability, however, can also be impacted by competition, but the impact of competition on phenology is less studied than abiotic drivers. We fit generalized additive models (GAMs) to a long‐term experimental dataset on small mammals monitored in the southwestern United States and show that altered competitive landscapes can drive shifts in breeding timing and prevalence, and that, relative to a dominant competitor, other species exhibit less specific responses to environmental factors. These results suggest that plasticity of phenological responses, which is often described in the context of annual variation in abiotic factors, can occur in response to biotic context as well. Variation in phenological responses under different biotic conditions shown here further demonstrates that a more nuanced understanding of shifting biotic interactions is useful to better understand and predict biodiversity patterns in a changing world.
Resistance and resilience to invasion is stronger in synchronous than compensatory communities
Authors: Davidson Janette L. , Shoemaker Lauren G.
Published: September 2023

While community synchrony is a key framework for predicting ecological constancy, the interplay between community synchrony and ecological invasions remains unclear. Yet the degree of synchrony in a resident community may influence its resistance and resilience to the introduction of an invasive species. Here we used a generalizable mathematical framework, constructed with a modified Lotka–Volterra competition model, to first simulate resident communities across a range of competitive strengths and species' responses to environmental fluctuations, which yielded communities that ranged from strongly synchronous to compensatory. We then invaded these communities at different timesteps with invaders of varying demographic traits, after which we quantified the resident community's susceptibility to initial invasion attempts (resistance) and the degree to which community synchrony was altered after invasion (resiliency of synchrony). We found that synchronous communities were not only more resistant but also more resilient to invasion than compensatory communities, likely due to stronger competition between resident species and thus lower cumulative abundances in compensatory communities, providing greater opportunities for invasion. The growth rate of the invader was most influenced by the resident and invader competition coefficients and the growth rate of the invader species. Our findings support prioritizing the conservation of compensatory and weakly synchronous communities which may be at increased risk of invasion.
Finding (dis‐)advantaged system justifiers: A bottom‐up approach to explore system justification theory
Authors: Kesberg Rebekka , Brandt Mark J. , Easterbrook Matthew J. , Spruyt Bram , Turner‐Zwinkels Felicity
Published: September 2023

System Justification Theory (SJT) postulates that individuals are motivated to justify the status quo, including the paradoxical prediction that those who are disadvantaged (e.g., lower social status) by the prevailing system will justify the system more than those who are advantaged by the prevailing system. We test if this assumption holds in an entire sample, or only among subsets of a sample using a bottom‐up approach, Correlational Class Analysis. Using a representative sample from four European countries (Ntotal = 5157) we found six subpopulations. The first subpopulation (Justifiers, ntotal = 1256; 24%) was consistent with SJT, that is, system justification and social status were negatively correlated. The second subpopulation (Rejectors, ntotal = 1688; 33%), however, was characterized by a positive correlation between social status and system justification, which contrasts with the prediction of system justification theory. The other four subpopulations (Ntotal = 2211; 43%) were characterized by an ambivalent pattern. That is, at least one social status indicator, but not all, supported the prediction that disadvantaged individuals justified the system more than advantaged individuals. These heterogeneous patterns would be undetected using traditional approaches. Further, our results show that inequality salience is lower, trust in political institutions is higher, and support for political violence is higher among Justifiers compared to Rejectors. We discuss how understanding the interrelations between multiple indicators of social status and how they differ between subpopulations can help us to obtain a more comprehensive picture regarding under which circumstances and for whom system justification theory applies.
Challenges and Recommendations in Assessing Potential Endocrine-Disrupting Properties of Metals in Aquatic Organisms
Authors: Brix Kevin V. , Baken Stijn , Poland Craig A. , Blust Ronny , Pope Louise J. , Tyler Charles R.
Published: September 2023

New tools and refined frameworks for identifying and regulating endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are being developed as our scientific understanding of how they work advances. Although focus has largely been on organic chemicals, the potential for metals to act as EDCs in aquatic systems is receiving increasing attention. Metal interactions with the endocrine system are complicated because some metals are essential to physiological systems, including the endocrine system, and nonessential metals can have similar physiochemical attributes that allow substitution into or interference with these systems. Consequently, elevated metal exposure could potentially cause endocrine disruption (ED) but can also cause indirect effects on the endocrine system via multiple pathways or elicit physiologically appropriate compensatory endocrine-mediated responses (endocrine modulation). These latter two effects can be confused with, but are clearly not, ED. In the present study, we provide several case studies that exemplify the challenges encountered in evaluating the endocrine-disrupting (ED) potential of metals, followed by recommendations on how to meet them. Given that metals have multiple modes of action (MOAs), we recommend that assessments use metal-specific adverse outcome pathway networks to ensure that accurate causal links are made between MOAs and effects on the endocrine system. We recommend more focus on establishing molecular initiating events for chronic metal toxicity because these are poorly understood and would reduce uncertainty regarding the potential for metals to be EDCs. Finally, more generalized MOAs such as oxidative stress could be involved in metal interactions with the endocrine system, and we suggest it may be experimentally efficient to evaluate these MOAs when ED is inferred. These experiments, however, must provide explicit linkage to the ED endpoints of interest. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:2564–2579. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Detection of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in High-Protein Food Products
Authors: Surma Magdalena , Sznajder-Katarzyńska Katarzyna , Wiczkowski Wiesław , Piskuła Mariusz , Zieliński Henryk
Published: September 2023

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) belong to the emerging class of persistent organohalogenated contaminants in the environment. We determined the levels of 10 PFAS in selected samples representing different food types, with a special focus on those rich in protein such as fish, meat and meat preparations, liver, eggs, and leguminous vegetables. Such determinations were based on the Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged Safe extraction procedure followed by micro-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The most frequently found was perfluorooctanoic acid, in 84% of the food samples. However, its maximum measured concentration was 0.50 ng g–1, in a herring sample. The highest concentrations were for perfluorobutanoic acid (35 ng g–1 measured in a pork liver sample) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (12 ng g–1 measured in a herring sample). Because these compounds may bioaccumulate in human tissues by dietary intake, further research into their impact on human health is called for. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:2589–2598. © 2023 SETAC
Depression recurrence is accompanied by longer periods in default mode and more frequent attentional and reward processing dynamic brain‐states during resting‐state activity
Authors: Alonso Sonsoles , Tyborowska Anna , Ikani Nessa , Mocking Roel J. T. , Figueroa Caroline A. , Schene Aart H. , Deco Gustavo , Kringelbach Morten L. , Cabral Joana , Ruhé Henricus G.
Published: September 2023

Recurrence in major depressive disorder (MDD) is common, but neurobiological models capturing vulnerability for recurrences are scarce. Disturbances in multiple resting‐state networks have been linked to MDD, but most approaches focus on stable (vs. dynamic) network characteristics. We investigated how the brain's dynamical repertoire changes after patients transition from remission to recurrence of a new depressive episode. Sixty two drug‐free, MDD‐patients with ≥2 episodes underwent a baseline resting‐state fMRI scan when in remission. Over 30‐months follow‐up, 11 patients with a recurrence and 17 matched‐remitted MDD‐patients without a recurrence underwent a second fMRI scan. Recurrent patterns of functional connectivity were characterized by applying Leading Eigenvector Dynamics Analysis (LEiDA). Differences between baseline and follow‐up were identified for the 11 non‐remitted patients, while data from the 17 matched‐remitted patients was used as a validation dataset. After the transition into a depressive state, basal ganglia‐anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and visuo‐attentional networks were detected significantly more often, whereas default mode network activity was found to have a longer duration. Additionally, the fMRI signal in the basal ganglia‐ACC areas underlying the reward network, were significantly less synchronized with the rest of the brain after recurrence (compared to a state of remission). No significant changes were observed in the matched‐remitted patients who were scanned twice while in remission. These findings characterize changes that may be associated with the transition from remission to recurrence and provide initial evidence of altered dynamical exploration of the brain's repertoire of functional networks when a recurrent depressive episode occurs.
Do refugees with better mental health better integrate? Evidence from the Building a New Life in Australia longitudinal survey
Authors: Dang Hai‐Anh H. , Trinh Trong‐Anh , Verme Paolo
Published: September 2023

Hardly any evidence exists on the effects of mental distress on refugee labor outcomes. We offer the first study on this topic in the context of Australia, one of the host countries with the largest number of refugees per capita in the world. Analyzing the Building a New Life in Australia longitudinal survey, we exploit the variations in traumatic experiences of refugees interacted with post‐resettlement time periods to causally identify the impacts of refugee mental health. We find that worse mental health, as measured by a one‐standard‐deviation increase in the Kessler mental health score, reduces the probability of employment by 11.9% and labor income by 22.8%. These effects appear more pronounced for refugees that newly arrive or are without social networks, but they may be ameliorated with government support. These findings have significant implications for the development of health and labor policies, particularly regarding the integration of refugees within host countries.
Distal positioning of the skin paddle of pectoralis major myocutaneous flap in head and neck reconstruction
Authors: Dhiwakar Muthuswamy , Shanmugam Jeevithan , Khan Zubair A. , Mehta Shivprakash , Karthik Konagalla
Published: September 2023

Background

To assess outcomes of pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMF) wherein the skin paddle (SP) was positioned with its distal portion extending beyond the lower border of pectoralis major by ≥2 cm (PMF‐d).

Methods

Consecutive head and neck reconstructions with PMF‐d (n = 110). SP dimensions l2 (distal extent below the lower border of pectoralis major), l1 (proximal extent above lower border of pectoralis major), and b (breadth) were recorded. Endpoints were SP necrosis, recipient dehiscence, early fistula, and persistent fistula.

Results

Median values of l2, l1, and b were 3.0, 6.0, and 6.0 cm, respectively. When l2 = 2.0–3.0 cm, SP necrosis occurred in only one (1%) subject (with obesity). When l2 was ≥3.5 cm, necrosis occurred in four (16%) subjects, three of whom also had l1/l2 < 2.0 (proximal SP < 67% of entire SP). Statistically, increased l2 was the only risk factor for necrosis (p = 0.001). Overall, incidence of recipient dehiscence, early fistula, and persistent fistula were 32 (29%), 20 (20%), and 3 (3%), respectively. Persistent fistula occurred only in the setting of SP necrosis and/or re‐irradiation.

Conclusion

Careful patient selection, adequate proximal SP, and l2 = 2.0–3.0 cm is associated with a negligible risk of necrosis. The enhanced reach and laxity and additional skin surface area and soft tissue volume conferred with PMF‐d facilitate recipient wound healing.
A closed‐form solution of DPL bioheat transfer problem with time‐periodic boundary conditions
Authors: Biswas Pranay , Singh Suneet , Srivastava Atul
Published: September 2023

A closed‐form (long‐time) solution of one‐dimensional dual‐phase lag bioheat transfer problem with consistent time‐periodic boundary conditions (BCs) is presented in this paper for planar, cylindrical, and spherical skin tissue for a newly developed solution methodology. The steady‐periodic solution is composed of a steady‐state part and an oscillating part; corresponding to the constant and oscillating parts of BCs, respectively. Using the superposition principle, these two parts are split into two problems, which are solved separately. The steady‐state part is fairly straightforward to obtain, while for the oscillating part, an alternate Laplace transform (LT) approach is proposed in this work. It is demonstrated that for sinusoidal BCs, a closed‐form solution in the time domain can be obtained by evaluating an approximate convolution integral, which emulates the effect of the inverse LT. The obtained closed‐form solution is free of any series summation or numerical inversion, thereby, making it computationally very efficient compared with conventional LT and eigenfunctions‐based approaches. The current methodology is verified with the established eigenfunctions expansion‐based methodology. It can be seen that the long‐time solutions obtained by these two approaches are almost identical. The verified methodology is further extended for the time‐periodic nonsinusoidal BCs. The ease of implementation and simplicity of the new methodology for both sinusoidal and nonsinusoidal BCs is demonstrated using a few test cases. It is evident from the results that the developed methodology leads to an efficient and accurate solution.
Pore‐scale simulation of the influence of temperature on particle motion based on LBM‐IBM‐DEM method
Authors: Lu Taijia , Xue Fangling , Chen Yu , Zhou Yanjie , Gong Yanfeng , Chen Liping
Published: September 2023

Investigation on the depositional characteristics of suspended particles in porous media is crucial to prevent groundwater artificial recharge blockage. In this study, first, particle image velocimetry (PIV) technology was used to extract a 2D porous media skeleton structure formed by spherical superabsorbent resin particles. Second, based on the temperature influence analysis on the physical–chemical properties (including fluid viscosity, relative dielectric constant and zeta potential of solid surface), the Lattice Boltzmann Method‐Immersed Moving Boundary‐Discrete Element Method (LBM‐IBM‐DEM) coupling model was used to simulate suspended particle motion in porous media. The relationships between the suspended particle motion states, stable deposition forms, suspended particle spatial distribution and the collaborative influence of pressure difference, particle size and temperature are innovatively revealed. The results are as follows: (1) In the ‘first temperature effect range’, the suspended particles change in two states of detachment after adsorption and stable deposition. In the ‘second temperature effect range’, the suspended particles change in two states of stable deposition and migration. (2) The non‐uniformity of suspended particle spatial distribution in porous medium increases with the increasing of particle size and the decreasing of pressure difference. However, the temperature effect on suspended particle spatial distribution is weak. (3) Influence weights of pressure difference, particle size and temperature on the suspended particle motion are 2.92, 1.04 and 0.8, respectively.
Reducing the spread of COVID‐19 in road traffic control in Cameroon based on ICT
Authors: Abessolo Alo'o Ghislain , Olle Olle Daniel Georges , Mani Onana Flavien Serge , Enaw Ebot Ebot , Roger Atsa Etoundi
Published: September 2023

The coronavirus outbreak was declared a pandemic in 2019, a once‐in‐a‐lifetime event that tested the limits of humanity. The number 2019 is a memorable year that the entire humanity will hardly forget as the world had fitted against this virus. The pandemic has so far changed the habits of people all over the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) has defined a list of barrier measures that have been implemented and are still effective in several countries. Among these measures, social distancing remains the most important. It requires people to avoid physical contact and not to exchange possessions. However, during road checks in Cameroon, police officers usually check passengers by asking them to show their national identity card. After receiving the ID card, a police officer checks the information on the card and returns it to the holder at the end of the check. This process goes beyond the new regulation and contributes to the spread of the Covid'19 virus. This paper considers this issue as an engineering problem and proposes a new approach based on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to carry out the road traffic control activities. An automatic control system is proposed. It has two main functionalities namely the positioning subsystem and the Data collection subsystem. The positioning subsystem allows the road traffic controller in defining the right position where he/she should stand to collect information from passengers while the data collection subsystem collects data from the ID card presented by each passenger in the car. This approach was tested at police checkpoints on the Douala‐Yaoundé road in Cameroon and the results showed a reduction in COVID‐19 cases related to document handling between police and passengers/drivers.
Caveolin‐3 loss linked with the P104L LGMD‐1C mutation modulates skeletal muscle mTORC1 signalling and cholesterol homeostasis
Authors: Shah Dinesh S. , Nisr Raid B. , Krasteva‐Christ Gabriela , Hundal Harinder S.
Published: September 2023

Background

Caveolins are the principal structural components of plasma membrane caveolae. Dominant pathogenic mutations in the muscle‐specific caveolin‐3 (Cav3) gene isoform, such as the limb girdle muscular dystrophy type 1C (LGMD‐1C) P104L mutation, result in dramatic loss of the Cav3 protein and pathophysiological muscle weakness/wasting. We hypothesize that such muscle degeneration may be linked to disturbances in signalling events that impact protein turnover. Herein, we report studies assessing the effects of Cav3 deficiency on mammalian or mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signalling in skeletal muscle cells.

Methods

L6 myoblasts were stably transfected with Cav3P104L or expression of native Cav3 was abolished by CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing (Cav3 knockout [Cav3KO]) prior to performing subcellular fractionation and immunoblotting, analysis of real‐time mitochondrial respiration or fixed cell immunocytochemistry. Skeletal muscle from wild‐type and Cav3−/− mice was processed for immunoblot analysis of downstream mTORC1 substrate phosphorylation.

Results

Cav3 was detected in lysosomal‐enriched membranes isolated from L6 myoblasts and observed by confocal microscopy to co‐localize with lysosomal‐specific markers. Cav3P104L expression, which results in significant (~95%) loss of native Cav3, or CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated Cav3KO, reduced amino acid‐dependent mTORC1 activation. The decline in mTORC1‐directed signalling was detected by immunoblot analysis of L6 muscle cells and gastrocnemius Cav3−/− mouse muscle as judged by reduced phosphorylation of mTORC1 substrates that play key roles in the initiation of protein synthesis (4EBP1S65 and S6K1T389). S6K1T389 and 4EBP1S65 phosphorylation reduced by over 75% and 80% in Cav3KO muscle cells and by over 90% and 30% in Cav3−/− mouse skeletal muscle, respectively. The reduction in protein synthetic capacity in L6 muscle cells was confirmed by analysis of puromycylated peptides using the SUnSET assay. Cav3 loss was also associated with a 26% increase in lysosomal cholesterol, and pharmacological manipulation of lysosomal cholesterol was effective in replicating the reduction in mTORC1 activity observed in Cav3KO cells. Notably, re‐expression of Cav3 in Cav3KO myoblasts normalized lysosomal cholesterol content, which coincided with a recovery in protein translation and an associated increase in mTORC1‐directed phosphorylation of downstream targets.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that Cav3 can localize on lysosomal membranes and is a novel regulator of mTORC1 signalling in muscle. Cav3 deficiency associated with the Cav3P104L mutation impairs mTORC1 activation and protein synthetic capacity in skeletal muscle cells, which may be linked to disturbances in lysosomal cholesterol trafficking and contribute to the pathology of LGMD‐1C.
The extreme precipitation and added value of East Asia regional reanalysis system
Authors: Yang Linyun , Liang Xudong , Yin Jinfang , Xie Yanxin , Fan Huiyi
Published: September 2023

In the study, we evaluate extreme precipitation of the East Asia regional reanalysis system (EARS‐CMA), ERA‐Interim and ERA5 applying Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission 3B42V7 (TRMM), Climate Prediction Center Morphing Method satellite‐gauge blended product (CMORPH) and CN05.1 over land‐only East Asia in 2008–2017. The added value of EARS‐CMA is also calculated to identify the small‐scale processes at different timescales and spatial resolutions. Compared to TRMM, CMORPH has a better agreement with CN05.1 for the annual, summer and winter spatial pattern and amplitude of most extreme precipitation indices. EARS‐CMA is capable to reproduce amplitude and locations of most extreme precipitation indices for annual and summertime precipitation over China mainland against CN05.1. For land‐only East Asia, ERA5 can reproduce the closest spatial features of various extreme precipitation indices to CMORPH for annual, summer and winter precipitation, followed by EARS‐CMA. All reanalysis datasets show worse skill on the spatial characteristics of duration indicators than on other extreme precipitation indices against CN05.1, but perform better than TRMM and CMORPH. The real added value, potential added value and relative added value of EARS‐CMA show that EARS‐CMA can capture the mesoscale processes over south China, Yangtze River basin, Tibetan Plateau and Indo‐China efficiently, especially the daily and subseasonal timescales over the Tibetan Plateau subregion, which benefits from fine‐scale topographical detail over the complex terrain region in the regional climate model. Also, higher extreme precipitation of aggregating EARS‐CMA than ERA‐Interim can be obtained at the same resolution, which implies that the added value obtained with EARS‐CMA is not merely the contribution of a higher resolution, but also the physical processes resolved by the dynamical downscaling technique.
Tumor size and survival in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma treated with surgical resection or ablation
Authors: Kanu Elishama N. , Rhodin Kristen E. , Masoud Sabran J. , Eckhoff Austin M. , Bartholomew Alex J. , Howell Thomas C. , Bao Jiayin , Befera Nicholas T. , Kim Charles Y. , Blazer Dan G. , Zani Sabino , Nussbaum Daniel P. , Allen Peter J. , Lidsky Michael E.
Published: September 2023

Objectives

We performed a retrospective analysis within a national cancer registry on outcomes following resection or ablation for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA).

Methods

The National Cancer Database was queried for patients with clinical stage I–III iCCA diagnosed during 2010–2018, who underwent resection or ablation. Overall survival (OS) was compared with Kaplan–Meier and multivariable Cox proportional hazards methods.

Results

Of 2140 patients, 1877 (87.7%) underwent resection and 263 (12.3%) underwent ablation, with median tumor sizes of 5.5 and 3 cm, respectively. Overall, resection was associated with greater median OS (41.2 months (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 37.6–46.2) vs. 28 months (95% CI: 15.9–28.6) on univariable analysis (p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference on multivariable analysis (p = 0.42); however, there was a significant interaction between tumor size and management. On subgroup analysis of patients with tumors <3 cm, there was no difference in OS between resection versus ablation. However, ablation was associated with increased mortality for tumors ≥3 cm.

Conclusion

Although resection is associated with improved OS for tumors ≥3 cm, we observed no difference in survival between management strategies for tumors < 3 cm. Ablation may be an alternative therapeutic strategy for small iCCA, particularly in patients at risk for high surgical morbidity.
Associations and ranging patterns of common bottlenose dolphins near Brunswick, Georgia, USA
Authors: Speakman Todd R. , Quigley Brian M. , Zolman Eric S. , Balmer Brian C. , Lane Suzanne M. , Martinson Ross A. , Kolkmeyer Trip , Takeshita Ryan , Caldwell Marthajane , Schwacke Lori H.
Published: September 2023

The Southern Georgia Estuarine System (SGES) stock of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) resides in estuarine waters near Brunswick, Georgia, USA. There are concerns for this population due to the presence of anthropogenic stressors, particularly in the Turtle‐Brunswick River Estuary (TBRE), where polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations in dolphins are >10 times higher relative to dolphins elsewhere in the southeastern United States. The goal of this study was to evaluate the association patterns and distribution of the SGES stock based on long‐term photo‐identification data (2010–2021) using analyses of social dynamics and spatial movements. Social analyses identified 5 distinct clusters, 3 of which were substantially larger and more well‐defined than the other 2. Spatial analyses indicated geographic partitioning among the 3 large clusters, with little overlap in their core ranges (50% utilization distributions) but shared ranges in their 95% utilization distributions. Despite having variable ranging patterns, all 3 large clusters used the TBRE in proximity to the Linden Chemicals and Plastics (LCP) Superfund site to a degree, suggesting that they have likely been exposed to high levels of PCBs. Given the spatial distinction and low connectivity between clusters, loss in any of the identified clusters has potential to further segment the population and lead to a decline in the SGES stock as a whole. The fine‐scale population structure should be considered in identifying effective conservation efforts at the appropriate scale.
A Diagnostic Challenge: Toxoplasmosis Masquerading as Tonsillar Neoplasm
Authors: Hamud Amir , Brodsky Alexander , Khnifes Riad
Published: September 2023

This case report elucidates an uncommon manifestation of toxoplasmosis characterized by an ulcerative oropharyngeal lesion and cervical lymphadenopathy, which intriguingly simulated a tonsillar neoplasm. The patient, a 28‐year‐old immunocompetent woman, reported symptoms such as a persistent sore throat, unilateral neck pain, and otalgia. Despite the initial clinical impressions, a diagnostic left subtotal tonsillectomy revealed no malignancy but marked acute and chronic inflammation. A comprehensive investigation subsequently indicated a recent primary infection with Toxoplasma gondii, as evidenced by the presence of high IgM antibodies and low IgG avidity. This unique case underlines the significance of incorporating toxoplasmosis into the differential diagnosis of oropharyngeal lesions, thereby necessitating a meticulous approach to laboratory testing. Laryngoscope, 134:1741–1743, 2024
Synthesis of Crosslinked Microparticles Based on Glycidyl Methacrylate and N‐Vinylimidazole
Authors: Trofin Marin‐Aurel , Racovita Stefania , Vasiliu Silvia , Bargan Alexandra , Bucatariu Florin , Vasiliu Ana‐Lavinia , Mihai Marcela
Published: September 2023

In this study, suspension polymerization technique is used to obtain 3D porous networks based on two monofunctional monomers (glycidyl methacrylate and N‐vinylimidazole) and one of the following difunctional monomers known as crosslinking agents: mono‐, di‐, and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate or divinylbenzene. The influence of various operational parameters like: monomer molar ratio, amount and type of crosslinkers, composition of stabilization system, stirring speed, amount of porogenic agent on the reaction yield, surface morphologies, particle size distribution, and porous characteristics are investigated in order to find the optimal conditions for the synthesis of microparticles possessing the desired properties for further chemical modification. Crosslinked porous microparticles are structurally characterized by Fourier transform inrared  (FTIR) spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and elemental analysis by determination of nitrogen and epoxy groups. The microparticle morphologies as a function of investigated parameters are revealed by scanning electron microscopy, whereas the porous structure is highlighted by mercury porosimetry and dynamic water vapor sorption methods. All the crosslinked networks exhibit porous structures with different surface morphologies and specific surface area values (1.15–48.32 m2 g−1) depending on the operational parameters. These microparticles can be considered precursors for the preparation of various functional polymeric materials.
Bacteria‐Targeting Nanosilver‐Based Antibacterial Drugs for Efficient Treatment of Drug‐Resistant Bacterial‐Infected Keratitis
Authors: Zhang Yufei , Li Anran , Zhang Ye , Hong Shihao , Xue Yun , Song Xianhui , Li Jie , Huang Siyuan , Zhang Xinge
Published: September 2023

Keratitis caused by drug‐resistant bacteria is a severe condition that can lead to corneal perforation and even blindness, making effective treatment a top priority amid growing antibiotic resistance. Eye drops for anti‐inflammatory treatment necessitate frequent administration of high doses throughout every day due to bacterial resistance resulting from antibiotic overuse and the low bioavailability of drugs. To overcome these issues, an antibacterial nanocomposite is prepared via conjugating random copolymers of galactose and 3‐(acrylamide)phenylboronic acid to the surface of silver nanoparticles. The customized nanocomposites trigger specific binding to bacteria, resulting in excellent retention of the drug on the ocular surface, resulting in rapid and powerful killing of bacteria and inhibition of bacterial proliferation. Due to its superior drug delivery capabilities to the ocular surface, the functionalized nanocomplex markedly amplifies the anti‐inflammatory efficacy, even at low doses. This effect is achieved by impeding immune cell infiltration and diminishing the synthesis of inflammatory mediators and cytokines, thereby suggesting enhanced healing properties for corneal inflammation. This study demonstrates a promising nanocomposite which is an effective and safe antibacterial strategy for bacterial keratitis with favorable prognostic and clinical conversion potential.
Reconstruction of circumferential fingertip defect using free superficial palmar branch of the radial artery flap: Report of two cases
Authors: Kim Ju Hee , Lee Kyeong‐Tae
Published: September 2023

Wide local excision of noninvasive malignant melanomas has been increasingly performed instead of digit amputation, which often results in extensive fingertip defects. Owing to the unique anatomical characteristics of the fingertips, achieving favorable outcomes in both function and cosmesis is challenging during reconstruction. The free superficial palmar branch of the radial artery (SPBRA) flap is advantageous for finger reconstruction. However, its application in circumferential fingertip defects has rarely been reported. In this report, we describe two cases of circumferential fingertip defect reconstruction using a free SPBRA flap after wide local excision of subungual melanoma. The patients were women aged 74 and 63 years at the time of surgery. They presented with subungual melanoma on the right fourth finger and left thumb, in which both biopsies confirmed malignant melanoma in situ (Tis N0 M0), Breslow thickness of 0 mm (noninvasive). After wide local excision, circumferential defects, sized 2.5 × 6 and 2.7 × 7 cm, were formed on their fingertips. A vertically designed free SPBRA flap measuring 2.7 × 6 and 3 × 6 cm was elevated from the unaffected palm in each patient. After performing microvascular anastomosis, the flap was inserted transversely, wrapping the exposed phalangeal bone in a conical shape. The donor site was primarily closed. All flaps survived, and postoperative complications did not develop. Neither local recurrence nor distant metastasis was detected at the latest follow‐up in either patient at 24 or 28 months postoperatively. The patients were satisfied with the natural contour of the reconstructed fingertip and recovered functions. In the evaluation of subjective sensory recovery using four scales (excellent, good, fair, and poor), they responded “fair” and “good,” respectively. We suggest that the free SPBRA flap could be a reliable reconstructive method for circumferential fingertip defects.
Polyphenols Cause Structure Dependent Effects on the Metabolic Profile of Human Hepatocarcinogenic Cells
Authors: Gerdemann Andrea , Broenhorst Melissa , Behrens Matthias , Humpf Hans‐Ulrich , Esselen Melanie
Published: September 2023

Scope

Although many beneficial health effects are attributed to polyphenols their influence on the human metabolome has not been elucidated yet. The ubiquitous occurrence of polyphenols in the human diet demands comprehensive knowledge about physiological and toxicological effects of these compounds on human cells.

Methods and results

The human hepatocarcinogenic cell line HepG2 is used to elucidate the effects of 13 polyphenols and three respective phenolic degradation products on the human metabolome using HPLC‐MS/MS. To investigate structure‐activity‐relationships, structurally related examples of polyphenols from different compound classes are selected. The analysis of catechins points toward a relation between the degree of hydroxylation and the extent of metabolic effects particularly on the urea cycle and the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). A correlation between the modulation of the PPP and the stability of the compounds is demonstrated, which may be caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). The incubation of flavones and alkenylbenzenes demonstrates reduced activity of methoxylated compounds and no impact of the B‐ring position.

Conclusion

In general, polyphenols induce a multitude of metabolic effects, for example, on energy metabolism, PPP, and urea cycle. These metabolic alterations may be related to the widely reported bioactivity of these compounds such as the anticarcinogenic effects.
Concentrated Grape Powder Consumption Modulates Cholesterol Metabolism and Homeostasis in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Yang Jieping , Lee Rupo , Henning Susanne M. , Xing Emily , Huang Jianjun , Yang Scarlet , Garcia Michael C. , Surampudi Vijaya , Heber David , Li Zhaoping
Published: September 2023

Scope

Four weeks’ of concentrated grape powder (GP) consumption reduces circulating cholesterol in healthy free‐living subjects consuming a low‐fiber/low‐polyphenol diet. Here, the study aims to investigate the underlying mechanisms for cholesterol reduction by evaluating biomarkers of cholesterol de novo biosynthesis, intestinal absorption, miRNA involved in transcriptional regulation of cholesterol metabolism, as well as cholesterol oxidation.

Methods and results

Fasting plasma samples collected from 19 healthy free‐living subjects at baseline and week 4 of GP consumption are used in this study. Gas chromatography‐mass (GC‐MS) analysis of plasma samples shows that lathosterol, a precursor of cholesterol synthesis, is significantly decreased after GP consumption indicating reduced cholesterol de novo biosynthesis. Markers of intestinal absorption, campesterol, and β‐sitosterol are not changed. Realtime PCR shows that plasma exosomal miRNA‐1 is increased after GP consumption. GC‐MS also shows that GP consumption reduces the plasma cholesterol oxidation product 27‐hydroxycholesterol (27‐HC).

Conclusions

This study enhances the understanding of the mechanisms of the cholesterol lowering effects of GP, and provides new insights into the potential health benefits of grape consumption.
Coded aperture and Compton imaging for the development of 225Ac‐based radiopharmaceuticals
Authors: Frame Emily , Bobba Kondapa , Gunter Donald , Mihailescu Lucian , Bidkar Anil , Flavell Robert , Vetter Kai
Published: September 2023

Background

Targeted alpha‐particle therapy (TAT) has great promise as a cancer treatment. Arguably the most promising TAT radionuclide that has been proposed is 225Ac. The development of 225Ac‐based radiopharmaceuticals has been hampered due to the lack of effective means to study the daughter redistribution of these agents in small animals at the preclinical stage.

Purpose

The ability to directly image the daughters, namely 221Fr and 213Bi, via their gamma‐ray emissions would be a boon for preclinical studies. That said, conventional medical imaging modalities, including single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) based on nonmultiplexed collimation, cannot be employed due to sensitivity limitations.

Methods

As an alternative, we propose the use of both coded aperture and Compton imaging with the former modality suited to the 218‐keV gamma‐ray emission of 221Fr and the latter suited to the 440‐keV gamma‐ray emission of 213Bi.

Results

This work includes coded aperture images of 221Fr and Compton images of 213Bi in tumor‐bearing mice injected with 225Ac‐based radiopharmaceuticals.

Conclusions

These results are the first demonstration of visualizing and quantifying the 225Ac daughters in small animals through the application of coded aperture and Compton imaging.
Semi‐solid 3D printing of mesoporous silica nanoparticle‐incorporated xeno‐free nanomaterial hydrogels for protein delivery
Authors: Mahran Alaa , Özliseli Ezgi , Wang Qingbo , Özliseli Ilayda , Bhadane Rajendra , Xu Chunlin , Wang Xiaoju , Rosenholm Jessica M.
Published: September 2023

Multifunctional biomaterial inks are in high demand for adapting hydrogels in biomedical applications through three‐dimensional (3D) printing. Our previously developed xeno‐free system consisting of anionic cellulose nanofibers (T‐CNF) and methacrylated galactoglucomannan (GGMMA) as a photo(bio)polymer provides high‐performance ink fidelity in extrusion‐based 3D printing. The fusion between nanoparticles and this biomaterial‐ink system is a promising yet challenging avenue worth exploring, due to the colloidal stability of T‐CNF being sensitive to electrostatic interactions. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), with their robust ceramic matrix and fine‐tunable surface chemistries, are well‐established nanocarriers for different biologicals. Here, we fabricated MSNs with different surface modifications resulting in a net surface charge ranging from highly negative to highly positive to develop printable MSNs‐laden nanocomposite biomaterial inks. We utilized rheology as a comprehensive tool to address the matrix interactions with differently surface‐charged MSNs. Fluorescently labeled bovine serum albumin (FITC‐BSA) was used as a model protein for MSN loading, whereby negatively or neutral‐charged MSNs were found suitable to formulate FITC‐BSA‐loaded biomaterial inks of T‐CNF/GGMMA. Depending on the particles’ surface charge, FITC‐BSA showed different release profiles and preserved its stability after release. Lastly, the proof‐of‐concept to deliver large‐sized biological cargo with MSN‐laden nanocomposite biomaterial inks was established via the 3D printing technique.