bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection rates and factors affecting thereof in endometrial hyperplasia, endometrial carcinoma, and cervical glandular lesions on cervical smear
Authors: Ng Joanna K. M. , Cheung Bryan H. C. , Lee Dennis H. Y. , Li Joshua J. X. , Ip Philip P. C. , Lee Jacqueline H. S. , Yeung Carol S. Y. , Yu Mei‐Yung
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Endometrial lesions are morphologically diverse and uncommon on cervical smears, with its detection rate and associated diagnostic categories uncharacterized. In this study, cervical smears matched to histologically proven endometrial hyperplasias and carcinomas were reviewed and compared with cervical in‐situ‐carcinomas/carcinomas, aiming to detail the diagnostic performance of cervical smears for upper tract and glandular lesions.

Methods

Pathology reports of cervical smears, hysterectomies, endometrial and cervical biopsies from 1995 to 2021 were retrieved. Diagnoses of cervical smears were matched to endometrial hyperplasias and carcinomas, or cervical carcinomas and reviewed.

Results

Totally 832 cervical smears (272 cervical carcinomas, 312 endometrial carcinomas, and 248 hyperplasias) were included. Considering all cytologic glandular diagnosis as positive, the detection rate of cervical adenocarcinoma‐in‐situ was the highest (64.3%), followed by cervical adenocarcinoma (63.8%), endometrial carcinoma (31.7%), and hyperplasia (with atypia–8.5%; without atypia–2.3%) (p < 0.001). Endometrial hyperplasia was most often diagnosed as atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) (5.0%) or atypical glandular cells, not otherwise specified (3.6%) without indication of endometrial origin. For endometrial carcinomas, higher FIGO grading and endocervical involvement were associated with higher detection rates across all diagnostic categories (p = 0.002–0.028). High FIGO grade was associated with suspicious/favor neoplastic (C4) (31.1%vs10.3%, p < 0.001) and carcinoma (C5) (17.8% vs. 5.6%, p = 0.005) categories, but not for all glandular diagnoses combined (33.3% vs. 31.0%, p = 0.761).

Conclusion

Detection rates for endometrial lesions are lower than cervical lesions but not insignificant. Endometrial hyperplasia should be recognized as a differential of human papilloma virus‐negative ASCUS and prompt consideration of investigation of the upper genital tract.
Hand‐drawn anime line drawing colorization of faces with texture details
Authors: Akita Kenta , Morimoto Yuki , Tsuruno Reiji
Published: July 2023

Automatic or semi‐automatic colorization can reduce the burden of illustrators in color illustration production, which is a research area with significant market demand. Texture details in eyes and hair influence the impression of character illustrations. Generally, these details are not expressed in line drawings. Many existing automatic or semi‐automatic colorization methods do not target hand‐drawn line drawings and it is difficult to paint texture details on such drawings. In this paper, we propose the semi‐automatic colorization of character line drawings around faces with texture details. Our method uses a reference image as a color hint and transfers the textures of the reference image to a line drawing. To achieve this, our method uses semantic segmentation masks to match parts of the line drawing with the same parts of the reference image. We create two types of segmentation datasets to train a segmentation network that creates segmentation masks. We transfer texture details to a hand‐drawn line drawing by mapping each part of the reference image to the corresponding part of the line drawing using segmentation masks. We show that our method is more effective for hand‐drawn line drawings than existing methods using qualitative and quantitative evaluations.
RNA‐TAG Mediated Protein‐RNA Conjugation
Authors: Tota Ember M. , Devaraj Neal K.
Published: July 2023

Combinations of biological macromolecules can provide researchers with precise control and unique methods for regulating, studying, and manipulating cellular processes. For instance, combining the unmatched encodability afforded by nucleic acids with the diverse functionality of proteins has transformed our approach to solving several problems in chemical biology. Despite these benefits, there remains a need for new methods to site‐specifically generate conjugates between different classes of biomolecules. Here we present a fully enzymatic strategy for combining nucleic acids and proteins using SNAP‐tag and RNA‐TAG (transglycosylation at guanosine) technologies via a bifunctional preQ1‐benzylguanine small molecule probe. We demonstrate the robust ability of this technology to assemble site‐specific SNAP‐tag – RNA conjugates with RNAs of varying length and use our conjugation strategy to recruit an endonuclease to an RNA of interest for targeted degradation. We foresee that combining SNAP‐tag and RNA‐TAG will facilitate researchers to predictably engineer novel macromolecular complexes.
Impact of the Carbon Substrate for Gas Diffusion Electrodes on the Electroreduction of CO2 to Formate
Authors: Theußl Verena , Weinrich Henning , Heume Christine , Dzieciol Krzysztof , Schmid Bernhard , Kungl Hans , Tempel Hermann , Eichel Rüdiger‐A.
Published: July 2023

Aiming to advance the technical maturity of CO2 electrolysis to formic acid, various gas diffusion layers (GDLs) are investigated for their suitability as carbon‐based substrate for gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) and their effect on the electroreduction of CO2 to formate. Particular attention lies on the elucidation for the effect of the GDL thickness, hydrophobic treatment, and presence of a microporous layer (MPL) on the GDE performance in terms of Faradaic efficiency. Based on the investigation it is found that the GDL thickness has no discernible influence on the Faradaic efficiency, while a GDE with a hydrophobic treatment of 10 % PTFE outperforms a GDE based on a GDL with 30 % PTFE. Furthermore, the presence of a MPL is found to be of marked importance to achieve relevant current densities given its effect on the focus of the catalyst layer on the GDE surface after spray coating, the wetting, and the electrical conductivity.
The Direct Electrochemical Detection of Hepatitis B Virus
Authors: Xu Jiawen , Wang Yufei , Sha Zhou , Chen Yanpei , Sun Changjiang , Gu Hai‐Ying
Published: July 2023

The direct electrochemistry of hepatitis B virus containing the covalently closed circular DNA (HBV cccDNA) is realized at pretreated glassy carbon electrode (PGCE). It is essential that the direct electron transfer of guanine (G) and adenine (A) on HBV cccDNA strand is captured by microwave irradiation to melt cccDNA into ssDNA. The irreversible adsorption and diffusion controlled processes of G and A are revealed by cyclic voltammetry with participating 2 protons and 2 electrons respectively. In addition, we found that there are two oxidation peaks of G and A in whole blood containing HBV. Nevertheless, there is only one oxidation peak of G in whole blood of normal people. According to this difference of oxidation peaks in whole blood sample, it can be used screen quickly HBV infection or carriers in clinic and large area of blood donors.
Stretched Central Double Bonds in Dialumene and Disilene by Amino Substituents: A Case of Lone Pair Repulsion
Authors: Zhang Huaiyu , Wang Yating , Lu Qingrui , Song Jinshuai , Duan Yandong , Zeng Yanli , Mo Yirong
Published: July 2023

There have been remarkable advances in the syntheses and applications of groups 13 and 14 homonuclear ethene analogues. However, successes are largely limited to aryl‐ and/or silyl‐substituted species. Analogues bearing two or more heteroatoms are still scarce. In this work, the block‐localized wavefunction (BLW) method at the density functional theory (DFT) level was employed to study dialumene and disilene bearing two amino substituents whose optimal geometries exhibit significantly stretched central M=M (M=Al or Si) double bonds compared with aryl‐ and/or silyl‐substituted species. Computational analyses showed that the repulsion between the lone electron pairs of amino substituents and M=M π bond plays a critical role in the elongation of the M=M bonds. Evidently, replacing the substituent groups −NH2 with −BH2 can enhance the planarity and shorten the central double bonds due to the absence of lone pair electrons in BH2.
Iron deficiency in young basketball players: Is a 100 μg/L ferritin cut‐off appropriate for iron supplementation?: Results of a randomized placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Csulak Emese , Takács Titanilla , Babis Brigitta , Horváth Laura , Márton Petra , Lakatos Bálint , Kovács Attila , Staub Levente , Szabó Liliána Erzsébet , Dohy Zsófia , Vágó Hajnalka , Merkely Béla , Sydó Nóra
Published: July 2023

Background

Iron deficiency (ID) is one of the most common factors that may reduce sports performance, supplementation forms and doses are still not standardized in athletes. Our aim was to assess the iron status of young male basketball players and to study the effect of iron supplementation in a randomized placebo‐controlled study.

Hypothesis

We hypothesized that due to the higher iron demand of athletes, the 100 μg/L ferritin cut‐off may be appropriate to determine the non‐anemic ID.

Methods

During a sports cardiology screening, questionnaires, laboratory tests, electrocardiograms, echocardiography exams, and cardiopulmonary exercise tests were performed. Athletes with ID (ferritin <100 μg/L) were randomized into iron and placebo groups. Ferrous sulfate (containing 100 mg elemental iron [II] and 60 mg ascorbic acid) or placebo (50 mg vitamin C) was administered for 3 months. All exams were repeated after the supplementation period.

Results

We included 65 (age 15.8 ± 1.7 years) basketball players divided into four age groups. Non‐anemic ID was observed in 60 (92%) athletes. After supplementation, ferritin levels were higher in the iron group (75.5 ± 25.9 vs. 54.9 ± 10.4 μg/L, p < .01). Ferritin >100 μg/L level was achieved only in 15% of the athletes. There were no differences in performance between the groups (VO2 max: 53.6 ± 4.3 vs. 54.4 ± 5.7 mL/kg/min, p = .46; peak lactate: 9.1 ± 2.2 vs. 9.1 ± 2.6 mmol/L, p = .90).

Conclusions

As a result of the 3‐month iron supplementation, the ferritin levels increased; however, only a small portion of the athletes achieved the target ferritin level, while performance improvement was not detectable.
Sequential In‐Situ Growth of Layered Conjugated Polymers for Optoelectronics Under Electrochemical Control
Authors: Ismail Rimeh , Guerra Valentino L. P. , Kovaříček Petr
Published: July 2023

Layered optoelectronic devices are manufactured using multistep procedures that require high precision in the spatial positioning of individual materials. Current technology uses costly and tedious procedures and instrumentation. In this work instead, we propose an approach which exploits the fundamental properties of the substrate to direct the growth of the next layer, here controlled by an electrochemical potential. We have electrochemically synthesized and characterized a series of polymeric materials that are most commonly used in the field. The films produced show gradient monomer ratios embedded in the polymeric film as a function of the distance from the working electrode. Under the optimized conditions, reproducible construction of simple electronic elements, e. g., rectifying diodes, is achieved. We argue that the sequential in situ method leads to gradient composition of polymer chains and the film resulting in the rectification of electric current. We discuss how this system can open new avenues in advanced optoelectronic applications, such as organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) or field‐effect transistors (OFETs).
Survey of target site resistance alleles conferring resistance in Poa annua
Authors: Rutland Claudia Ann , Bowling Rebecca G. , Russell Eli C. , Hall Nathan D. , Patel Jinesh , Askew Shawn D. , Bagavathiannan Muthukumar V. , Brosnan James T. , Gannon Travis W. , Gonçalves Clebson , Hathcoat Daniel , McCarty Lambert B. , McCullough Patrick E. , McCurdy James D. , Patton Aaron J. , Unruh Joseph Bryan , McElroy Joseph Scott
Published: July 2023

Poa annua L. (annual bluegrass) is a common weed in turfgrass and has been reported resistant to 12 different herbicide sites of action, with various combinations of multiple‐herbicide resistance having been identified. To quantify the extent of herbicide‐resistant P. annua, the ResistPoa Project (resistpoa.org) surveyed 1349 P. annua populations for resistance to nine sites of action and one plant growth retardant. Herein, we report results from sequencing of known target site mutations found in 5‐enolpyruvylshikimate‐3 phosphate synthase (EPSPS), acetolactate synthase (ALS), photosystem II protein D (psbA), and 𝛼‐tubulin genes. Populations were sequenced using either capillary or amplicon sequencing (AmpSeq), depending on the complexity of the gene, and were analyzed for target‐site resistance. After additional resistance screening, a total of 389 suspected resistant populations were sequenced—131 for ALS, 83 for EPSPS, 93 for psbA, and 82 for 𝛼‐tubulin. From the resistant populations, 64 displayed resistance to multiple sites of action. After sequencing, it was determined that target‐site resistance was the common form of resistance for all sites of action outside of psbA with 65.6% of ALS populations, 73.5% of EPSPS, 39.8% of psbA, and 91.5% of 𝛼‐tubulin having presented a target‐site mutation.
An elevational gradient in floral traits and pollinator assemblages in the Neotropical species Costus guanaiensis var. tarmicus in Peru
Authors: Maguiña‐Conde Rossana , Zuñiga‐Rivas Dorali , Kay Kathleen M.
Published: July 2023

Different populations of plant species can adapt to their local pollinators and diverge in floral traits accordingly. Floral traits are subject to pollinator‐driven natural selection to enhance plant reproductive success. Studies on temperate plant systems have shown pollinator‐driven selection results in floral trait variation along elevational gradients, but studies in tropical systems are lacking. We analyzed floral traits and pollinator assemblages in the Neotropical bee‐pollinated taxon Costus guanaiensis var. tarmicus across four sites along a steep elevational gradient in Peru. We found variations in floral traits of size, color, and reward, and in the pollinator assemblage along the elevational gradient. We examined our results considering two hypotheses, (1) local adaptation to different bee assemblages, and (2) the early stages of an evolutionary shift to a new pollinator functional group (hummingbirds). We found some evidence consistent with the adaptation of C. guanaiensis var. tarmicus to the local bee fauna along the studied elevational gradient. Corolla width across sites was associated with bee thorax width of the local most frequent pollinator. However, we could not rule out the possibility of the beginning of a bee‐to‐hummingbird pollination shift in the highest‐studied site. Our study is one of the few geographic‐scale analyses of floral trait and pollinator assemblage variation in tropical plant species. Our results broaden our understanding of plant‐pollinator interactions beyond temperate systems by showing substantial intraspecific divergence in both floral traits and pollinator assemblages across geographic space in a tropical plant species.
Utility of a Ferrocene Unit in a Cyclometallated Cp*Ir(III) Catalyst during Water Oxidation: Exploring Bimetallic Cooperativity
Authors: Gayen Firdaus Rahaman , Bora Debashree , Mallick Dibyendu , Sarbajna Abir , Ghosh Subrata , Jarugala Jayaramudu , Saha Biswajit
Published: July 2023

Ferrocene functionalized 2‐phenylpyridine iridium(III) pentamethylcyclopentadienyl complex is synthesized and probed for oxygen evolution from water. The excellent activity of this system has been rationalized by proposing a Fe(III)/Ir(IV) transient intermediate where bimetallic redox synergism between the Fe and Ir centres possibly provide an alternative pathway rather than a conventional Ir(V) based cycle.
Diastereoselective Synthesis of Pyrazolo[1,2‐a][1,2,4]triazine Derivatives via Cross‐1,3‐dipolar Cyclizations of Azaoxyallyl Cations with N,N′‐Cyclic Azomethine Imines
Authors: Wang Gang , Wu Jiang , Li Yi , Huang Zicheng , Zou Jing , He Zhao‐Lin
Published: July 2023

A cross‐1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction of α‐halohydroxamates (in situ generated azaoxyallyl cations) with N,N′‐cyclic azomethine imines was developed. The synthetic protocol provided facile and rapid access to pyrazolo[1,2‐a][1,2,4]triazine derivatives in good yields and excellent diastereoselectivities under mild metal‐free conditions.
Lateral load resistance of reinforced concrete columns with brittle details
Authors: Dameh Farah , Pantazopoulou S. J.
Published: July 2023

Analytical models for shear strength and deformation capacity estimation of reinforced concrete members are essential for the practical implementation of performance‐based seismic evaluation of existing structures and form a key part of current seismic assessment codes (e.g., EN 1998‐3 (2005), (2022), ASCE/SEI 41‐17). Although these models have been derived from regression or calibration of large datasets collected from experimental literature, discrepancy persists between experimental and analytical estimates, especially in cases of members with old‐type detailing. The evident uncertainty about parametric dependencies of the underlying mechanistic problem motivated the present work, where a set of benchmark columns that represent older structural detailing are studied parametrically through advanced finite element simulation. Parameters considered were, the axial load ratio, transverse reinforcement amount and spacing, longitudinal reinforcement ratio, and anchorage/lap splice detailing; results were gauged in terms of the resulting drift ratio (deformation capacity) at the performance limit states and were compared with the Code estimates to evaluate their limits and conservatism. The simulation results were used to vet the assumptions that underlie the simple mechanistic models used in deriving seismic design expressions for yield and ultimate deformation capacities, shear strength, and the rate of its degradation with increasing ductility.
Catalytic Main‐Group Metal Complexes of Phosphine‐Based Pincer Ligands
Authors: Montag Michael , Milstein David
Published: July 2023

Pincer ligand complexes, which appeared nearly five decades ago, have provided a valuable platform for the study of fundamental chemical processes and the development of efficient catalysts for many chemical transformations. These complexes have usually contained transition metal atoms or ions, and their respective pincer ligands have often featured phosphine donor groups, which strongly coordinate to the metal center and allow its steric and electronic properties to be fine‐tuned. The increasing need to develop cost‐effective and sustainable catalytic processes has driven the search for main‐group metals as alternatives to commonly‐used transition metals. In this review, we show that despite the inherent mismatch between phosphines, which are soft Lewis bases, and main‐group metal ions, which are hard Lewis acids, a series of well‐defined phosphine‐based pincer complexes containing Li(I), Na(I), K(I), Mg(II), Ca(II), Zn(II) and Al(III) have been reported, which have proven to be active catalysts for industrially‐relevant transformations.
Mental health in undergraduate engineering students: Identifying facilitators and barriers to seeking help
Authors: Wright Courtney J. , Wilson Sarah A. , Hammer Joseph H. , Hargis Lucy E. , Miller Melanie E. , Usher Ellen L.
Published: July 2023

Background

Engineering students encounter high levels of stress, which may negatively impact their mental health. Nevertheless, engineering students who experience mental health distress are less likely than their peers to seek professional help, even when controlling for gender and race/ethnicity.

Purpose

We examined beliefs that undergraduate engineering students have about barriers and facilitators to seeking professional help for their mental health. We also sought to identify cultural and systemic factors within and beyond engineering that might affect help‐seeking. Together, these beliefs influence students' sense of personal agency around seeking mental health care.

Method

We implemented a pragmatic qualitative design that incorporated the integrated behavioral model to investigate engineering students' (N = 33) professional mental health help‐seeking beliefs. We used thematic analysis to analyze help‐seeking beliefs and perceived barriers and facilitators that students described during interviews.

Results

We identified four themes: Navigating the system impacts personal agency; sacrifices associated with help‐seeking act as a barrier; engineering culture acts as a barrier to help‐seeking; and student confidence in help‐seeking varies significantly. These themes portray the effect of perceived barriers and facilitators on students' personal agency for accessing mental health care. Our findings have implications for engineering departments and university counseling centers that want to minimize barriers to help‐seeking.

Conclusions

Engineering stakeholders must improve access to professional help for engineering students. Implementing changes to normalize help‐seeking behaviors, enhance personal agency, and facilitate engagement with mental health resources will create better conditions for engineers. Further research is necessary to understand how other beliefs (e.g., attitudes, perceived norms) inform the relationships between student mental health, professional help seeking, and engineering culture.
Trajectories of PrEP use among men who have sex with men: a pooled analysis of two prospective, observational cohort studies
Authors: Jongen Vita W. , Reyniers Thijs , Schim van der Loeff Maarten , Smekens Tom , Hoornenborg Elske , van den Elshout Mark , Zimmermann Hanne , Coyer Liza , Kenyon Chris , De Baetselier Irith , Davidovich Udi , de Vries Henry J. C. , Prins Maria , Laga Marie , Vuylsteke Bea , Boyd Anders
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Daily and event‐driven oral pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) reduce the risk of HIV acquisition. PrEP use can vary over time, yet little is known about the trajectories of PrEP use irrespective of the chosen PrEP regimens among men who have sex with men (MSM).

Methods

Using data from a mobile, web‐based diary application collected daily from 17 August 2015 until 6 May 2018, we analysed PrEP use and sexual behaviour in two large cohorts, AMPrEP (Amsterdam, the Netherlands) and Be‐PrEP‐ared (Antwerp, Belgium). In both cohorts, participants could choose between daily and event‐driven oral PrEP every 3 months. We used group‐based trajectory modelling to identify trajectories of PrEP use over time and their determinants. In addition, we estimated the incidence rate of chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis within these trajectories.

Results

We included 516 MSM (n = 322 AMPrEP; n = 194 Be‐PrEP‐ared), of whom 24% chose event‐driven PrEP at PrEP initiation. Participants contributed 225,015 days of follow‐up (median = 508 days [IQR = 429−511]). Four distinct PrEP use trajectories were identified: ≤2 tablets per week (“low frequency,” 12% of the total population), 4 tablets per week (“variable,” 17%), “almost daily” (31%) and “always daily” (41%). Compared to participants with “low frequency” PrEP use, participants with “variable” (odds ratio [OR] = 2.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.04−4.60) and “almost daily” PrEP use were more often AMPrEP participants (OR = 2.64, 95% CI = 1.27−5.49). “Almost daily” PrEP users were more often employed (OR = 6.76, 95% CI = 2.10−21.75) and were younger compared to participants with “low frequency” PrEP use. In addition, the number of days on which anal sex occurred was lower among participants with “low frequency” PrEP use compared to the other groups (all p<0.001). Compared to “low frequency” PrEP users, the incidence rates of chlamydia and gonorrhoea were higher for participants with “almost daily” and “always daily” PrEP use.

Conclusions

We uncovered four distinct PrEP use trajectories, pointing to different patterns of PrEP use in practice beyond the two‐regimen dichotomy. These trajectories were related to sexual behaviour and rates of sexually transmitted infection. Tailoring PrEP care according to different PrEP use patterns could be an important strategy to improve efficient PrEP delivery.
Can inspiratory muscle training benefit patients with COVID‐19? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Yusha , Liu Xuefeng , Tong Zhaohui
Published: July 2023

The possible benefits of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on mechanical and clinical outcomes in patients with Coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) remain controversial. We conducted a meta‐analysis to evaluate the effect of IMT in the rehabilitation strategy of patients with COVID‐19. The Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science (WOS), and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched to identify trials evaluating the efficacy of IMT in the treatment of patients with COVID‐19. The primary outcome included change from baseline of VO2max, maximal inspiratory pressure (PImax), 6‐min walk test(6MWT), forced expiratory volume in the first second predicted (FEV1%pred), and quality of life (QOL). Six studies with 349 participants were analyzed. Significant improvements were found in change from baseline of VO2max (MD: 4.54, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.79–7.30, Z = 3. 32, I2 = 0, p = 0.001), PImax (MD: 21.43, 95% CI: 1.33–41.52, Z = 2.09, I2 = 90%, p = 0.04), 6MWD (MD: 40.13, 95% CI: 24.92–55.35, Z = 5.17, I2 = 0, p < 0.00001) and FEV1%pred (MD: 8.73, 95% CI 3.07–14.39, Z = 3.02, p = 0.002) while no statistical improvements were found in QOL (SMD: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.37–1.03, Z = 4.15, I2 = 89% p = 0.32) between IMT group and control group. The application of IMT might elicit mechanical and clinical improvement in patients with COVID‐19. IMT could be recommended as an effective strategy of pulmonary rehabilitation for COVID‐19. However, the proper timing, optimal duration, as well as appropriate frequency and intensity of IMT remain uncertain and further studies are needed.
Acyclovir‐resistant HSV‐1 isolates among immunocompromised patients in southern Taiwan: Low prevalence and novel mutations
Authors: Kuo Jhao‐You , Yeh Chun‐Sheng , Wang Shih‐Min , Chen Shun‐Hua , Wang Jen‐Ren , Chen Tsai‐Yun , Tsai Huey‐Pin
Published: July 2023

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1) can establish latency in humans and easily relapse in immunocompromised patients, with significant mortality. Treatment with acyclovir (ACV) can result in the emergence of HSV resistance. A total of 440 frozen HSV‐1 isolates collected from 318 patients from January 2014 to July 2019 were obtained from National Cheng Kung University Hospital in southern Taiwan. These 440 isolates were subjected to phenotypic studies for ACV‐resistance by initial screening with the plaque reduction assay (PRA) and further validation by the DNA reduction assay (DRA). The ACV‐resistant strains were further investigated by Sanger sequencing for the full‐length UL23 and UL30 genes, which encode thymidine kinase and DNA polymerase, respectively. Hematological malignancies or hematopoietic stem‐cell transplantation patients accounted for 56.9% (124/218) among the immunocompromised patients (218/318) in this study. Repeated sampling for HSV testing was 50% (109/218) in immunocompromised patients. Only 1.38% (3/218) of immunocompromised patients and 0.9% (3/318) of all patients developed ACV‐resistant HSV‐1 as measured by phenotypic screening assays. It is noteworthy that a novel Y248D mutation in the UL23 gene from an immunocompromised patient was found by both PRA and DRA. In 3D protein predicting analysis, uncharged Y248 was located at an alpha‐helix and substituted by negative‐charged D248, which may alter the function of viral thymidine kinase. Besides, three unreported mutations related to natural polymorphism were found in virus isolates from two immunocompetent patients, including 683−688 deletion, R227H, and A351D in the UL30 gene. These data show that the prevalence of ACV‐resistant HSV‐1 among immunocompromised patients in southern Taiwan is low. These results will be helpful for the clinical management and treatment of HSV infections.
Emergence of equine‐like G3 and porcine‐like G9 rotavirus strains in Sarawak, Malaysia: 2019−2021
Authors: Tahar Ahmad Syatir , Ong Eng Joe , Rahardja Andy , Mamora Dewi , Lim Khwang Thong , Ahmed Kamruddin , Kulai Dorothy , Tan Cheng Siang
Published: July 2023

Rotavirus is the leading causative viral agent of pediatric acute gastroenteritis globally, infecting mostly children 5 years old and below. Data on rotavirus prevalence in Malaysia is scarce, despite the WHO's recommendation for continuous rotavirus surveillance, and has underestimated the need for national rotavirus vaccination. Characteristics of the current rotavirus strains in Malaysia have to be determined to understand the rotavirus epidemiology and vaccine compatibility. This study sought to determine the genetic relatedness of Sarawak rotavirus strains with global strains and to determine the antigenic coverage and epitope compatibility of Rotarix and RotaTeq vaccines with the Sarawak rotavirus strains via in silico analysis. A total of 89 stool samples were collected from pediatric patients (<5 years old) with acute gastroenteritis at private hospitals in Kuching, Sarawak. Rotavirus was detected using reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. Positive amplicons were analyzed using nucleotide sequencing before phylogenetic analyses and assessment of epitope compatibility. Genotyping revealed G1P[8] (1/13; 7.7%), G3P[8] (3/13; 23%), G9P[4] (1/13; 7.7%), and G9P[8] (3/13; 23%), G9P[X] (1/13; 7.7%), GXP[4] (1/13; 7.7%), and GXP[8] (3/13; 23%) in samples. All wild‐type Sarawak rotavirus strains, with the exception of G1, showed variations in their phylogenetic and antigenic epitope characteristics.
Sex differences in the association between dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry‐measured body composition and periodontitis
Authors: Zhu Peijun , Li An , Cai Qingqing , Chen Yuntao , Liu Yang , Jager‐Wittenaar Harriët , E. Tjakkes Geerten‐Has , Xu Shulan
Published: July 2023

Background

A positive association between obesity based on body mass index (BMI) and periodontitis has been reported. Fat tissue‐related systemic inflammation acts as the link to periodontal comorbidities of obesity. However, the BMI is unable to distinguish fat and fat‐free tissues. More precise measures are required to evaluate body composition, including fat and fat‐free tissues. This study aimed to determine the sex differences in the association between dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA)‐measured body composition (i.e., fat mass and muscle mass) and phenotypes with periodontitis.

Methods

Cross‐sectional data of 3892 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) study 2011‒2014 were analyzed. Adiposity indices (fat mass index [FMI] and percentage body fat [%BF]) and muscle mass index (MMI) were calculated. The participants were categorized by the quintiles of FMI, MMI, and %BF. Body composition phenotypes were categorized as: low adiposity‐low muscle (LA‐LM), low adiposity‐high muscle (LA‐HM), high adiposity‐low muscle (HA‐LM), or high adiposity‐high muscle (HA‐HM), respectively. Periodontitis was defined by the CDC/AAP (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/American Academy of Periodontology) criteria. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted, stratified by sex. We further adjusted for white blood cell (WBC) counts in the sensitivity analysis.

Results

Restricted cubic splines revealed non‐linear associations between body composition indices and periodontitis risk. Women with a higher FMI (odds ratio for Q5 vs. Q1 [ORQ5vs1] = 1.787, 95% confidence interval: 1.209–2.640) or %BF (ORQ5vs1 = 2.221, 1.509–3.268) had increased odds of periodontitis. In addition, women with HA‐LM phenotype were more likely to develop periodontitis (OR = 1.528, 1.037–2.252). Interestingly, the WBC count, a systemic inflammatory biomarker, attenuated these associations. No statistically significant associations were found in men.

Conclusions

The association between DXA‐measured body composition and phenotypes with periodontitis differs per sex. Only in women higher adiposity indices and HA‐LM phenotype were associated with an increased risk of periodontitis.
Pericranial Flap‐Based Multilayer Reconstruction of Endoscopic Transcribriform Craniectomy for Sinonasal Malignancies
Authors: Calvaruso Federico , Lo Manto Alfredo , Bisi Nicola , Cantaffa Carla , Basso Margherita , Ferrulli Giuseppe , Alicandri‐Ciufelli Matteo , Marchioni Daniele
Published: July 2023

Objective

Diffusion of endoscopic techniques for the resection of ethmoid bone malignancies through a transcribriform approach (TA) has raised new challenges regarding reconstruction options to reduce post‐operative complications. Although there is consensus on the advantages of vascularized flaps over free grafts for large defects, no standard protocol exists on reconstruction procedures. In addition, although the pedicled nasoseptal flap has been extensively discussed, few studies have been published on extranasal pedicled flaps. The aim of this manuscript is to provide a detailed description of a reconstruction technique for large anterior skull base defects with the pericranial flap as part of a multilayered reconstruction. Moreover, patients treated with this approach were retrospectively assessed for post‐operative complications.

Methods

A detailed description of the reconstruction procedure as performed in our departments is provided. Pictures depicting the main surgical steps are also included. In addition, preliminary functional results from a retrospective series of patients who underwent a TA and subsequent pericranial flap‐based multilayer reconstruction for ethmoid roof malignancies between 2016 and 2022 at two institutional centers are reported.

Results

16 patients were included in the study. Nine patients (56.3%) underwent adjuvant radiotherapy. Two patients had a biochemically‐confirmed postoperative CSF leak. Only one of the two patients required surgical revision. During follow‐up (mean 13 months), no other early nor delayed complications were observed.

Conclusion

A standardized surgical technique with pericranial flap as part of a multilayered reconstruction for large anterior skull base defects following resection of sinonasal malignancies is proposed, which appears to be a safe choice when endonasal flaps are not available.

Level of Evidence

Level 4 Laryngoscope, 133:2942–2947, 2023
Treatment of sinus headache using a device that combines acoustic vibration with oscillating expiratory pressure
Authors: Miglani Amar , Germroth Matthew , LaPointe Kristina A. , Nguyen Shaun A. , Meyer Ted A.
Published: July 2023

Objective

To determine if simultaneous administration of acoustic vibration and oscillating expiratory pressure affects the severity of facial pain among patients with complaint of “sinus headache”.

Methods

This is a prospective single‐arm observational study performed at a tertiary care medical center. Subjects with complaint of sinus headache without evidence of chronic rhinosinusitis on exam or computed tomography participated in a clinical study applying simultaneous acoustic vibrations and positive expiratory pressure to the nasal cavity twice daily over 4 weeks. Efficacy was assessed using three validated pain metrics—pain visual analog scale (VAS), brief pain inventory‐short form (BPI‐SF), and McGill pain questionnaire‐short form (MPQ‐SF). Device safety and patient satisfaction were also assessed using questionnaires.

Results

Twenty‐nine patients (mean age 49 years, 55% female) completed the study without any major adverse events. At the 4 week follow‐up, facial pain VAS improved from mean ± SD of 59.6 ± 15.7 to 34.6 ± 21.7 (p < .001), BPI mean pain (mean ± standard deviation) improved from 4.4 ± 2.0 to 2.9 ± 1.9 (p = .007), and MPQ‐SF total improved from 12.2 ± 6.5 to 6.5 ± 5.2 (p < .001) with approximately 70% of patients achieving a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) across all metrics. Additionally, pain VAS was assessed 5 min after a single use at baseline with significant improvement (p < .001). Eighty‐six percent of subjects would both use device again and recommend it to others.

Conclusions

Simultaneous administration of acoustic vibration and oscillating expiratory pressure appears to be a safe treatment for sinus headaches in patients without objective evidence of chronic sinusitis. Results from this initial study are promising with regard to efficacy in treatment of sinus headaches but will require further study.

Level of evidence

2c.
Cryptic biodiversity: A portfolio‐approach to coral reef fish surveys
Authors: Bessey Cindy , Depczynski Martial , Goetze Jordan S. , Moore Glenn , Fulton Christopher J. , Snell Mark , Parsons Sylvia K. , Berry Oliver , Wilson Shaun
Published: July 2023

Biodiversity conservation and management requires surveillance that captures the full spectrum of taxa. Here, we showcase the potential for a portfolio of visual, extractive, and molecular methods for detecting previously hidden components of tropical fish biodiversity in an economically and culturally valuable marine site that spans a tropical‐temperate ecotone—the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area. With scale and practicality in mind, we demonstrate how environmental DNA (eDNA) methods deployed in a stratified sampling design can yield a more comprehensive monitoring program for species presence than current alternatives (e.g., extractive sampling via anesthetic). eDNA from filtered water samples detected up to six times as many cryptobenthic fish species per site than samples collected with anesthetic, indicating it is a potentially powerful tool for assessing biodiversity of tropical fishes. However, there were also species that were only found when using anesthetic and the contribution of cryptobenthic species to overall diversity of the fish assemblage was unexpectedly low, suggesting not all cryptobenthic fish species have been detected with eDNA. There were also distinct differences in cryptobenthic assemblages both among sites and sample depths (2–3 m) when using eDNA from filtered water, suggesting this technique may be able to identify fine scale spatial differences in cryptobenthic fish assemblage. eDNA collected from water detects the most cryptobenthic species and is therefore an efficient tool for rapidly assessing biodiversity, but extractive techniques may still be required for biological and monitoring studies, and when combined with eDNA sampling provides the most comprehensive assessment of cryptobenthic fishes.
What is the role of current mass spectrometry in pharmaceutical analysis?
Authors: Khalikova Maria , Jireš Jakub , Horáček Ondřej , Douša Michal , Kučera Radim , Nováková Lucie
Published: July 2023

The role of mass spectrometry (MS) has become more important in most application domains in recent years. Pharmaceutical analysis is specific due to its stringent regulation procedures, the need for good laboratory/manufacturing practices, and a large number of routine quality control analyses to be carried out. The role of MS is, therefore, very different throughout the whole drug development cycle. While it dominates within the drug discovery and development phase, in routine quality control, the role of MS is minor and indispensable only for selected applications. Moreover, its role is very different in the case of analysis of small molecule pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals. Our review explains the role of current MS in the analysis of both small‐molecule chemical drugs and biopharmaceuticals. Important features of MS‐based technologies being implemented, method requirements, and related challenges are discussed. The differences in analytical procedures for small molecule pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals are pointed out. While a single method or a small set of methods is usually sufficient for quality control in the case of small molecule pharmaceuticals and MS is often not indispensable, a large panel of methods including extensive use of MS must be used for quality control of biopharmaceuticals. Finally, expected development and future trends are outlined.
Multiparametric ultrasound imaging for early‐stage steatosis: Comparison with magnetic resonance imaging‐based proton density fat fraction
Authors: Baek Jihye , Basavarajappa Lokesh , Margolis Ryan , Arthur Leroy , Li Junjie , Hoyt Kenneth , Parker Kevin J.
Published: July 2023

Background

The prevalence of liver diseases, especially steatosis, requires a more convenient and noninvasive tool for liver diagnosis, which can be a surrogate for the gold standard biopsy. Magnetic resonance (MR) measurement offers potential, however ultrasound (US) has better accessibility than MR.

Purpose

This study aims to suggest a multiparametric US approach which demonstrates better quantification and imaging performance than MR imaging‐based proton density fat fraction (MRI‐PDFF) for hepatic steatosis assessment.

Methods

We investigated early‐stage steatosis to evaluate our approach. An in vivo (within the living) animal study was performed. Fat inclusions were accumulated in the animal livers by feeding a methionine and choline deficient (MCD) diet for 2 weeks. The animals (n = 19) underwent US and MR imaging, and then their livers were excised for histological staining. From the US, MR, and histology images, fat accumulation levels were measured and compared: multiple US parameters; MRI‐PDFF; histology fat percentages. Seven individual US parameters were extracted using B‐mode measurement, Burr distribution estimation, attenuation estimation, H‐scan analysis, and shear wave elastography. Feature selection was performed, and the selected US features were combined, providing quantification of fat accumulation. The combined parameter was used for visualizing the localized probability of fat accumulation level in the liver; This procedure is known as disease‐specific imaging (DSI).

Results

The combined US parameter can sensitively assess fat accumulation levels, which is highly correlated with histology fat percentage (R = 0.93, p‐value < 0.05) and outperforms the correlation between MRI‐PDFF and histology (R = 0.89, p‐value < 0.05). Although the seven individual US parameters showed lower correlation with histology compared to MRI‐PDFF, the multiparametric analysis enabled US to outperform MR. Furthermore, this approach allowed DSI to detect and display gradual increases in fat accumulation. From the imaging output, we measured the color‐highlighted area representing fatty tissues, and the fat fraction obtained from DSI and histology showed strong agreement (R = 0.93, p‐value < 0.05).

Conclusions

We demonstrated that fat quantification utilizing a combination of multiple US parameters achieved higher performance than MRI‐PDFF; therefore, our multiparametric analysis successfully combined selected features for hepatic steatosis characterization. We anticipate clinical use of our proposed multiparametric US analysis, which could be beneficial in assessing steatosis in humans.
Clinical efficacy of JAK inhibitors on enthesitis in spondyloarthropathy: A scoping literature review
Authors: Jubber Ameen , Tahir Hasan , Moorthy Arumugam
Published: July 2023

Background

Enthesitis is a key feature of spondyloarthropathy (SpA). In recent years, JAK inhibitors have emerged as efficacious drugs in the landscape of advanced therapies for patients with SpA.

Method

The aim of this scoping literature review was to search the published literature for studies on JAK inhibitors and their effects on enthesitis in patients with SpA and evaluate the data and summarise the findings. The clinical trials reviewed used the Leeds Enthesitis Index, Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada Enthesitis Index, and Maastrich Ankylosing Spondylitis Enthesitis Score as outcome measures.

Results

Tofacitinib, upadacitinib, and filgotinib had numerically greater reductions in the enthesitis scores when compared with placebo.

Conclusion

While the JAK inhibitors are therapeutic options for enthesitis in SpA, head‐to‐head studies are needed to compare the JAK inhibitors against the biological drugs (targeting TNF, IL‐17, and IL‐12/23) as well as studies showing the effects of JAK inhibitors on enthesitis imaging.
Enhanced elasticity in magnesium nanoparticle reinforced acrylic elastomer
Authors: Saedi Soheil , Blissett Stephen , Raji Hatim , Hesabizadeh Tina , Osterlin Ben , Guisbiers Grégory
Published: July 2023

Elastomers are highly potential materials for shock absorption, cushioning, and similar applications. However, for most elastomers, poor strength limits their application. Compounding nanoparticles in the polymer matrix have been vastly explored to improve mechanical strength or introduce electrical, thermal, optical, and magnetic properties to the polymer. However, poor dispersion of nanoparticles in polymer mixture has remained a challenge in nanocomposite production. This study presents a unique approach to improving particle dispersion as well as designing ultra‐soft, light, cost‐effective, and highly compressible nanocomposite elastomers. To this end, magnesium nanoparticles were fabricated by pulsed laser ablation in a non‐ionic surfactant (Triton X‐100) and the mixture was added to an acrylic base polymer chain to design the nanocomposite elastomer. Various nanocomposites were manufactured using different ratios of surfactant and nanoparticle mixtures. The mechanical and optical properties of the composites were investigated. The nanocomposite containing the largest amount of Triton X‐100 and magnesium nanoparticles displayed beyond 50% compressive deformation under only 0.4 MPa load and light absorbance was enhanced in the UV–visible region of the spectra.

Highlights

Pure Mg nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by PLAL in undiluted Triton X‐100.

Nanocomposites displayed very high deformation capacity under small loading.

Nanoparticles dispersed in surfactant led to a uniform particle distribution.

Absorbance enhanced by surfactant and Mg nanoparticle in UV–visible region.

Elasticity modulus tailored up to 60% by surfactant and nanoparticle addition.
Insecticidal efficacy and possibility of Combretum trifoliatum Vent. (Myrtales: Combretaceae) extracts in controlling Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Changkeb Veeravat , Nobsathian Saksit , Le Goff Gaelle , Coustau Christine , Bullangpoti Vasakorn
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND

The fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), is an important pest of agronomical crops. It is interesting to discover secondary metabolites in plants that are environmentally safer than synthetic pesticides. For this purpose, Combretum trifoliatum crude extract and its isolated compounds were investigated for their insecticidal activities against S. frugiperda.

RESULTS

The median lethal dose (LD50) was evaluated in the second‐instar larvae using the topical application method. The isolated compounds, apigenin and camphor, demonstrated a highly toxic effect on larvae at a lower LD50 dose than crude extract. Moreover, when the larvae were exposed to crude extract concentrations, the development to pupa and adult stages was reduced by more than 50%. The ovicidal toxicity was examined using a hand sprayer. The extract concentration 5, 10, and 20 μg/egg significantly decreased the egg hatchability. In addition, crude extract showed a significant difference in inhibiting acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity while crude extract and camphor showed significant inhibitory effects on carboxylesterase (CE) and glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) activities.

CONCLUSION

The crude ethanol extract of Combretum trifoliatum was toxic to S. frugiperda in terms of larval mortality, negatively affecting biological parameters, and decreasing egg hatchability. Additionally, the activities of cholinergic and detoxifying enzymes were affected by crude extract and its isolated compounds. These results highlight that Combretum trifoliatum might be efficient as a bioinsecticide to control S. frugiperda. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.