bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconstruction of three‐dimensional models for complex female pelvic tumors
Authors: Liu Yingwei , Meng Shenglan , Wei Miao , Dai Fengqin , Xiao Lin , Mu Xiaoling , Tang Junying
Published: January 2022

3D reconstructed models appear to be a very reliable method for assessing complex female pelvic tumors prior to surgery.
Outcomes in emergency versus electively scheduled cases of placenta accreta spectrum disorder managed by cesarean‐hysterectomy within a multidisciplinary care team
Authors: Flores‐Mendoza Homero , Chandran Anjana Ravi , Hernandez‐Nieto Carlos , Murji Ally , Allen Lisa , Windrim Rory C. , Kingdom John C. , Hobson Sebastian R.
Published: January 2022

Objective

Compare maternal and perinatal outcomes between emergency and electively scheduled cesarean‐hysterectomy for placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders.

Method

Single‐center retrospective cohort study including 125 cases of antenatally suspected and pathologically confirmed PAS disorders. Maternal and perinatal outcomes were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression was used to test associations. Survival curves exploring risk factors for emergency birth were sought.

Results

25 (20%) and 100 (80%) patients had emergency and electively scheduled birth, respectively. Emergency birth had a higher estimated blood loss (2772 [2256.75] vs. 1561.19 [1152.95], P < 0.001), with a higher rate of coagulopathy (40% vs. 6%; P < 0.001) and bladder injury (44% vs. 13%; P < 0.001); and was associated with increased rates of blood transfusion (aOR 4.9, CI95% 1.3–17.5, P = 0.01), coagulopathy (aOR 16.4, CI95% 2.6–101.4, P = 0.002) and urinary tract injury (aOR 6.96, CI95% 1.5–30.7, P = 0.01). Gestational age at birth was lower in the emergency group (31.55 [4.75] vs. 35.19 [2.77], P = 0.001), no difference in perinatal mortality was found. A sonographically short cervix and/or history of APH had an increased cumulative risk of emergency birth with advancing gestational age.

Conclusion

Patients with PAS disorders managed in a tertiary center by a multidisciplinary team requiring emergency birth have increased maternal morbidity and poorer perinatal outcomes than those with electively scheduled birth.
The association between gestational weight gain and perinatal outcomes among underweight women with twin pregnancy in Japan
Authors: Maeda Yuto , Ogawa Kohei , Morisaki Naho , Sago Haruhiko
Published: January 2022

Objective

To clarify the association between gestational weight gain (GWG) and pregnancy outcomes in underweight women with twin pregnancies in Japan.

Methods

This retrospective study derived data from the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology perinatal database between 2007 and 2015. We included 5049 underweight (pre‐pregnancy body mass index [BMI] <18.5 kg/m2) and 20 812 (BMI ≥18.5 and <25 kg/m2) normal‐weight, twin‐pregnant women. Weekly GWG was stratified into 10 categories. Logistic regression was used to assess the effects of GWG on pregnancy. The primary outcomes evaluated were small‐for‐gestational age (SGA), preterm birth, preeclampsia, and cesarean delivery.

Results

In underweight group, high GWG was associated with significant risk reductions in both twins being SGA, at least one twin being SGA, very preterm birth, and extreme preterm birth, while a risk increase was observed in preeclampsia. Compared to women with GWG of 0.25–0.30 kg/week, the risk of preeclampsia was significantly higher in women with GWG >0.35 kg/week. No association was observed between GWG and cesarean delivery. These associations were similar in the normal‐weight group.

Conclusion

Underweight women with twin pregnancies showed an inverse association between GWG and SGA or preterm birth. The risk of preeclampsia was higher in women who gained >0.35 kg/week.
Intelligent camouflage pattern generating in internet of things
Authors: Cai Xiuxia , Li Haoyu , Guo Sandong
Published: January 2022

Artificial Internet of Things (AIoT) has facilitated many aspects of people's daily lives and greatly promoted the development of military technology. Due to the rapid development of multiple Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The application of AIoT to daily lives and military come true. In our AIoT system, the key part is artificial camouflage pattern generating. In this paper, a new method for generating the camouflage pattern is proposed. In our algorithm, the loss function is designed based on the statistic information of nearby surroundings and traditional camouflage pattern. The statistic information is extracted from the feature maps of convolution neural network. The new camouflage pattern is synthesized by minimize the loss function. A color mapping method is designed. This color mapping method is design for the color mapped from the background to the camouflage pattern. Our method is more flexible than traditional methods and can integrate better with the surrounding environment. Experiments show that this method can effectively generate camouflage patterns similar with background in textures and colors. Besides, our method can well save the texture of traditional artificial designed camouflage pattern.
Effects of polyethylene glycol on root and shoot production in zoysiagrasses
Authors: Cox Katherine D. , Kenworthy Kevin E. , Erickson John , Rios Esteban , Unruh Joseph B.
Published: February 2022

Increasing urban growth has placed a strain on limited potable water resources. Therefore, improved drought tolerance in turfgrass is important to reduce the need for supplemental irrigation to maintain the aesthetic value and functionality of turfgrass areas. Field evaluations are subject to variability in irrigation patterns, wind, soil, and drainage patterns within an experimental area. The objectives were to evaluate the effect of polyethylene glycol (PEG) on root and shoot production in species of Zoysia and determine if PEG is suitable for screening genotypes for drought responses. Two experiments were conducted, each arranged as a randomized complete block design. Experiments used plants grown in conetainers with and without PEG in hydroponic culture. Plants were evaluated for root length density, root surface area, root diameter, leaf mass, leaf wilting, and turfgrass quality. The PEG treatment produced minimal differences. The results indicated that higher PEG concentrations are needed to elucidate drought responses and observe differential drought responses among zoysiagrasses.
Four models of pharmacist‐integrated office‐based opioid treatment
Authors: Caron Olivia , Fay Allison E. , Pressley Haley , Seamon Gwen , Taylor Shawn Riser , Wilson Courtenay Gilmore
Published: January 2022

Purpose

In 2019, one point six million Americans had opioid use disorder (OUD), yet only 18% of those patients received treatment with evidence‐based medications. Office‐based opioid treatment (OBOT) is the provision of care for OUD with buprenorphine, in various formulations including combination with naloxone, and naltrexone. Currently, there are few reports of physician‐pharmacist collaborative practice models for OBOT. The purpose of this study was to identify common roles, clinical backgrounds, and barriers of pharmacists within four pharmacist‐integrated OBOT services in one community.

Methods

Four pharmacists implemented OBOT services in a family medicine (FM) residency, obstetrics‐gynecology residency, a physician‐owned FM practice, and a Federally Qualified Health Center. Each pharmacist detailed the evolution of OBOT models at their respective sites. Using a 21‐item questionnaire comprised of closed and open‐ended questions, the four pharmacists describe: the setting's OBOT; the pharmacist's OUD‐related training; pharmacist‐related OBOT activities; and barriers to implementation.

Results

One pharmacist spends 10 to 20 h/wk on OBOT, while the others spend less than 10 h. In terms of patient care, two pharmacists conducted intake, group visits, collected vitals, and ensured naloxone access. All pharmacists counseled patients and conducted follow‐up visits. For nonpatient care activities, three pharmacists developed OBOT policies/procedures, and four coordinated care and consulted on OBOT cases. To prepare for this, two pharmacists learned about OUD in pharmacy school, two pharmacists completed the buprenorphine waiver‐training course, two pharmacists learned about OUD in residency, and three pharmacists attended continuing education. Barriers identified were lack of designated time, funding, and ability to prescribe buprenorphine.

Conclusion

Pharmacists can effectively integrate into many OBOT settings. Future work should standardize the optimal role of the pharmacist, expand OUD pharmacy education, and advocate for pharmacists as waivered providers.
Clinical features and outcomes of duodenal‐type follicular lymphoma: A single‐center retrospective study
Authors: Kamijo Kimimori , Shimomura Yoshimitsu , Yoshioka Satoshi , Yamashita Daisuke , Hara Shigeo , Ishikawa Takayuki
Published: February 2022

Duodenal‐type follicular lymphoma (FL) is a rare and newly recognized disease. Few data are available on the outcomes and treatment strategies for patients with duodenal‐type FL. We aimed to investigate the clinical features and outcomes of duodenal‐type FL. We defined duodenal‐type FL as involvement of the duodenum, without nodal or extranodal lesions other than intestinal lesions, pathologically diagnosed as FL. We reviewed 26 patients with duodenal‐type FL between January 2011 and December 2020 at Kobe City Hospital Organization, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital. In particular, patients were selected for the watch and wait (WW) strategy and followed up with regular esophagogastroduodenoscopy about once a year at our institution. The patient characteristics were as follows: median age 63.5 years (range: 42–78), sex (male, 15; female, 11), stage (I, 26), and grade (I, 26). Regarding treatment strategies, 23 patients were selected for the WW strategy, and three patients received initial rituximab therapy. The median follow‐up period was 65.5 months (range: 0.2–109). Five‐year progression‐free survival and 5‐year overall survival rates were 86.3% and 100%, respectively. Among the 23 patients selected for the WW strategy, six had spontaneous complete regression, and 14 had stable disease, and three had progressive disease, including one with histologic transformation. The WW strategy for patients with duodenal‐type FL could be an appropriate and safe treatment option. However, in several cases, disease progression was documented, and regular follow‐up is important.
Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided hepaticogastrostomy versus hepaticogastrostomy with antegrade stenting for malignant distal biliary obstruction
Authors: Ishiwatari Hirotoshi , Ishikawa Kazuma , Niiya Fumitaka , Matsubayashi Hiroyuki , Kishida Yoshihiro , Yoshida Masao , Kawata Noboru , Imai Kenichiro , Hotta Kinichi , Ono Hiroyuki
Published: January 2022

Background

Recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO) is a possible complication of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS‐HGS) in patients with malignant distal biliary obstruction (MDBO). Therefore, adding antegrade stenting across MDBO, followed by EUS‐HGS (EUS‐HGAS), may prolong the time to RBO (TRBO). We aimed to compare the outcomes of EUS‐HGS and HGAS.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated consecutive patients who underwent EUS‐HGS or HGAS between July 2016 and November 2020. The TRBO, overall survival (OS), and adverse event (AE) rate were compared between the groups. The risk factors for RBO were determined using a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

This study included 96 patients (EUS‐HGS, n = 58; HGAS, n = 38). There was a significant difference in the cause of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography failure and the HGS stent type between the groups. A significant difference was found in TRBO (234 days vs not reached, P = .036), whereas no significant difference was found in the OS (123 vs 126 days, P = .76). The AE rate was not significantly different. Multivariable analysis revealed that EUS‐HGS was an independent risk factor for RBO (hazard ratio: 4.01, 95% confidence interval: 1.16‐13.9).

Conclusions

Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided hepaticogastrostomy prolonged the TRBO compared with EUS‐HGS for biliary drainage in patients with MDBO.
The male reproductive system in whip spiders (Arachnida: Amblypygi)
Authors: Löscher Andreas , Krenn Harald W. , Schwaha Thomas , Seiter Michael
Published: January 2022

Whip spiders (Arachnida, Amblypygi), like many other soil arthropods, transfer their spermatozoa indirectly via a stalked spermatophore. While the complex courtship behavior as well as the morphological differences of spermatophores and corresponding female genitalia between taxa have received great attention in the past, comparative research on the internal reproductive system is lacking so far. In this study, the morphology of the male whip spiders of four neoamblypygid taxa has been comparatively studied via computer tomography and subsequent 3D reconstruction. We investigated four species belonging to the Neoamblypygi, that is, the phrynichid species Damon medius (Damoninae), and Euphrynichus bacillifer (Phrynichidae), the phrynid species Phrynus hispaniolae (Phrynidae), and the charontid species Charon grayi (Charontidae). The male reproductive organs consist of paired testes and two pairs of accessory glands, the ventral and lateral glands, which project their ducts anteriorly into the ventrally located unpaired spermatophore producing organ where the respective seminal and secretory reservoirs are located. While this general organization of the male reproductive system is similar among all investigated taxa, there are some notable differences in some structures. The most surprising findings include the complete absence of ventral glands in D. medius, the presence of unique spherical ventral gland reservoirs in C. grayi as well as differences in the organization of the seminal and secretory reservoirs and their connections to the inner genital slit. In addition, the secretory products of both, ventral and lateral glands, are stored in combined secretory reservoirs in E. bacillifer and P. hispaniolae. This study is the first to show that there is some morphological variation in the male reproductive system in Neoamblypygi. These results are the basis for the reconstruction of the Bauplan for the reproductive organs of the whip spiders.
Improving Nasopharyngeal Swab Technique via Simulation for Frontline Workers
Authors: Instrum Ryan S. , Koch Robert W. , Rocha Taciano , Rohani Seyed Alizera , Ladak Hanif , Agrawal Sumit K. , Sowerby Leigh J
Published: February 2022

Objectives/Hypothesis

Nasopharyngeal swabs currently remain the gold standard for COVID‐19 sample collection. A surge in testing volume has resulted in a large number of health care workers who are unfamiliar with nasal anatomy performing this test, which can lead to improper collection practices culminating in false‐negative results and complications. Therefore, we aimed to assess the accuracy and educational potential of a realistic 3D‐printed nasal swab simulator to expedite health care workers' skill acquisition.

Study Design

Prospective pre‐post interventional study.

Methods

A nasal swab task trainer (NSTT) was developed to scale from computed tomography data with a deviated septum. Frontline workers at COVID‐19 testing sites in Ontario, Canada, were recruited to use the NSTT for nasopharyngeal swab training. Integrated video recording capability allowed participants to self‐evaluate procedure accuracy. A five‐point Likert scale was collected regarding the NSTT's educational value and procedural fidelity.

Results

Sixty‐two frontline workers included in the study were primarily registered nurses (52%) or paramedics (16%). Following simulator use, self‐assessed accuracy improved in 77% of all participants and 100% of participants who expressed low confidence before training. Ninety‐four percent reported that the NSTT provided a complete educational experience, and 82% regarded the system as a more effective training approach than what is currently available. Eighty‐one indicated that the simulator should be used at all COVID‐19 testing sites, with 77% stating province‐wide implementation was warranted.

Conclusions

The nasal swab task trainer is an effective educational tool that appears well‐suited for improved skill acquisition in COVID‐19 testing and may be useful for training other nasal swab applications.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 133:38–42, 2023
Excellent dispersion stability and enhanced tribological properties of biocarbon‐based magnesium silicate hydroxide modified with oleylamine
Authors: Gao Rongqin , Chang Qiuying , Wang Kai
Published: January 2022

Biocarbon‐based magnesium silicate hydroxide (M@C‐ON) was synthesised by hydrothermal method with synthesised magnesium silicate hydroxide (MSH) as the template, glucose as carbon source and oleylamine (ON) as the modified agent. The outstanding dispersion stability of M@C‐ON as lubricant additives in PAO10 with ON as dispersant was proved by accelerated centrifugation and static sedimentation tests. The tribological properties of M@C‐ON as lubricant additive were tested under different concentrations and working conditions, and it was found that oil samples containing M@C‐ON as additive showed enhanced tribological properties than that containing MSH under 600 N, 600 RPM. At the same time, the anti‐wear performance was thought to be affected by the external energy acted on nano‐additives. When M@C‐ON as additive fully functioned, a continuous carbon layer formed on the contact area and the repairing effect of inner MSH of M@C‐ON were considered as the factors to play an anti‐wear role.
An investigation into the tribological behaviour of cutting fluid additives on Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy
Authors: Ma Junhui , Gali Olufisayo A. , Riahi Reza A.
Published: January 2022

The performance of polymer‐based and phosphorus‐based cutting fluid additives have been shown to depend on the machining conditions employed. This study investigated the tribological behaviour behind the previously reported machining performance of polymer‐based and phosphorus‐based additives on Ti‐6Al‐4V using ball‐on‐disc tests. The coefficient of friction (COF) was evaluated using ball‐on‐disc tests, surface characterisation was performed on the Ti‐6Al‐4V and steel ball counterfaces to investigate the wear and friction reduction mechanisms. The tribological performance of the phosphorus‐based additive was observed to be influenced by the applied load and temperature. The activation of this additive resulted in a reduction in COF at elevated temperatures. However, the activation temperature was observed to be influenced by the applied load. The COF associated with the polymer‐based additive was noted to increase as the temperature increased, regardless of the applied load. The formation of tribolayers from the additives was related to the COF behaviour as well as the surface damage on Ti‐6Al‐4V and lower material transfer to the steel counterfaces.
Criticality of Schrödinger forms and Liouville‐type property
Authors: Takeda Masayoshi
Published: February 2022

Pinchover [23] proved Liouville‐type property for Schrödinger operators by applying the criticality theory. We extend in [28] the criticality theory to Schrödinger forms. Employing this result, we show Liouville‐type property for Schrödinger forms with non‐local part.
A novel iterative scheme for solving delay differential equations and nonlinear integral equations in Banach spaces
Authors: Okeke Godwin Amechi , Efut Ofem Austine
Published: January 2022

We propose a three‐step iteration process for finding the common fixed points of nonexpansive mapping and strongly pseudocontractive mapping in a real Banach space. We weaken the necessity of condition (C) imposed by a previous study on the mappings by using a quite simple and different method to obtain strong convergence of our proposed iterative scheme to the common fixed point of nonexpansive mapping and strongly pseudocontractive mapping. Numerically, we also show that our proposed iterative scheme converges faster than some existing iterative schemes. Furthermore, we apply our proposed iterative process in solving mixed type Volterra‐Fredholm functional nonlinear integral equations and delay differential equations.
Flavanol Consumption in Healthy Men Preserves Integrity of Immunological‐Endothelial Barrier Cell Functions: Nutri(epi)genomic Analysis
Authors: Milenkovic Dragan , Rodriguez‐Mateos Ana , Lucosz Margarete , Istas Geoffrey , Declerck Ken , Sansone Roberto , Deenen René , Köhrer Karl , Corral‐Jara Karla Fabiola , Altschmied Joachim , Haendeler Judith , Kelm Malte , Berghe Wim Vanden , Heiss Christian
Published: January 2022

Scope

While cocoa flavanol (CF) consumption improves cardiovascular risk biomarkers, molecular mechanisms underlying their protective effects are not understood.

Objective

To investigate nutri(epi)genomic effects of CF and identify regulatory networks potential mediating vascular health benefits.

Methods and Results

Twenty healthy middle‐aged men consume CF (bi‐daily 450 mg) or control drinks for 1 month. Microarray analysis identifies 2235 differentially expressed genes (DEG) involved in processes regulating immune response, cell adhesion, or cytoskeleton organization. Distinct patterns of DEG correlate with CF‐related changes in endothelial function, arterial stiffness, and blood pressure. DEG profile negatively correlates with expression profiles of cardiovascular disease patients. CF modulated DNA methylation profile of genes implicates in cell adhesion, actin cytoskeleton organization, or cell signaling. In silico docking analyses indicate that CF metabolites have the potential of binding to cell signaling proteins and transcription factors. Incubation of plasma obtained after CF consumption decrease monocyte to endothelial adhesion and dose‐dependently increase nitric oxide‐dependent chemotaxis of circulating angiogenic cells further validating the biological functions of CF metabolites.

Conclusion

In healthy humans, CF consumption may mediate vascular protective effects by modulating gene expression and DNA methylation towards a cardiovascular protective effect, in agreement with clinical results, by preserving integrity of immunological‐endothelial barrier functions.
A reconstruction approach for proton computed tomography by modeling the integral depth dose of the scanning proton pencil beam
Authors: Chen Xinyuan , Medrano Maria , Sun Baozhou , Hao Yao , Reynoso Francisco J. , Darafsheh Arash , Yang Deshan , Zhang Tiezhi , Zhao Tianyu
Published: February 2022

Purpose

To present a proton computed tomography (pCT) reconstruction approach that models the integral depth dose (IDD) of the clinical scanning proton beam into beamlets. Using a multilayer ionization chamber (MLIC) as the imager, the proposed pCT system and the reconstruction approach can minimize extra ambient neutron dose and simplify the beamline design by eliminating an additional collimator to confine the proton beam.

Methods

Monte Carlo simulation was applied to digitally simulate the IDDs of the exiting proton beams detected by the MLIC. A forward model was developed to model each IDD into a weighted sum of percentage depth doses of the constituent beamlets separated laterally by 1 mm. The water equivalent path lengths (WEPLs) of the beamlets were determined by iteratively minimizing the squared L2‐norm between the forward projected and simulated IDDs. The final WEPL values were reconstructed to pCT images, that is, proton stopping power ratio (SPR) maps, through simultaneous algebraic reconstruction technique with total variation regularization. The reconstruction process was tested with a digital cylindrical water‐based phantom and an ICRP adult reference computational phantom. The mean of SPR within regions of interest (ROIs) and the WEPL along a 4 mm‐wide beam () were compared with the reference values. The spatial resolution was analyzed at the edge of a cortical insert of the cylindrical phantom.

Results

The percentage deviations from reference SPR were within ±1% in all selected ROIs. The mean absolute error of the reconstructed SPR was 0.33%, 0.19%, and 0.27% for the cylindrical phantom, the adult phantom at the head and lung region, respectively. The corresponding percentage deviations from reference were 0.48 ± 0.64%, 0.28 ± 0.48%, and 0.22 ± 0.49%. The full width at half maximum of the line spread function (LSF) derived from the radial edge spread function (ESF) of a cortical insert was 0.13 cm. The frequency at 10% of the modulation transfer function (MTF) was 6.38 cm–1. The mean signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of all the inserts was 2.45. The mean imaging dose was 0.29 and 0.25 cGy at the head and lung region of the adult phantom, respectively.

Conclusion

A new pCT reconstruction approach was developed by modeling the IDDs of the uncollimated scanning proton beams in the pencil beam geometry. SPR accuracy within ±1%, spatial resolution of better than 2 mm at 10% MTF, and imaging dose at the magnitude of mGy were achieved. Potential side effects caused by neutron dose were eliminated by removing the extra beam collimator.
General and custom deep learning autosegmentation models for organs in head and neck, abdomen, and male pelvis
Authors: Amjad Asma , Xu Jiaofeng , Thill Dan , Lawton Colleen , Hall William , Awan Musaddiq J. , Shukla Monica , Erickson Beth A. , Li X. Allen
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To reduce workload and inconsistencies in organ segmentation for radiation treatment planning, we developed and evaluated general and custom autosegmentation models on computed tomography (CT) for three major tumor sites using a well‐established deep convolutional neural network (DCNN).

Methods

Five CT‐based autosegmentation models for 42 organs at risk (OARs) in head and neck (HN), abdomen (ABD), and male pelvis (MP) were developed using a full three‐dimensional (3D) DCNN architecture. Two types of deep learning (DL) models were separately trained using either general diversified multi‐institutional datasets or custom well‐controlled single‐institution datasets. To improve segmentation accuracy, an adaptive spatial resolution approach for small and/or narrow OARs and a pseudo scan extension approach, when CT scan length is too short to cover entire organs, were implemented. The performance of the obtained models was evaluated based on accuracy and clinical applicability of the autosegmented contours using qualitative visual inspection and quantitative calculation of dice similarity coefficient (DSC), mean distance to agreement (MDA), and time efficiency.

Results

The five DL autosegmentation models developed for the three anatomical sites were found to have high accuracy (DSC ranging from 0.8 to 0.98) for 74% OARs and marginally acceptable for 26% OARs. The custom models performed slightly better than the general models, even with smaller custom datasets used for the custom model training. The organ‐based approaches improved autosegmentation accuracy for small or complex organs (e.g., eye lens, optic nerves, inner ears, and bowels). Compared with traditional manual contouring times, the autosegmentation times, including subsequent manual editing, if necessary, were substantially reduced by 88% for MP, 80% for HN, and 65% for ABD models.

Conclusions

The obtained autosegmentation models, incorporating organ‐based approaches, were found to be effective and accurate for most OARs in the male pelvis, head and neck, and abdomen. We have demonstrated that our multianatomical DL autosegmentation models are clinically useful for radiation treatment planning.
Chyme reinfusion improved outcomes after definitive surgery for small‐intestinal enteroatmospheric fistula in patients with enteral nutrition
Authors: Liao Yannian , Tao Shen , Yao Zheng , Tian Weiliang , Xu Xin , Zhao Risheng , Zhao Yunzhao , Huang Qian
Published: January 2022

Purpose

In patients suffering from small‐intestinal enteroatmospheric fistula who are receiving enteral nutrition (EN), although the function of the small intestine is sufficient, without chyme reinfusion (CR), disuse of the distal intestine of enteroatmospheric fistula may occur. However, CR reverses such pathological changes and have an influence on improving outcomes following definitive surgery (DS) for small‐intestinal enteroatmospheric fistula. This study attempted to investigate the effect of preoperative CR in patients with EN on the outcomes after DS for small‐intestinal enteroatmospheric fistula.

Methods

According to whether CR was performed between January 2012 and December 2019, patients receiving DS for small intestinal enteroatmospheric fistula were divided into the CR group and non‐CR group. The effect of preoperative CR was then investigated.

Results

A total of 159 patients were finally enrolled, of which 72 patients were in the CR group and 87 patients were in the non‐CR group. A total of 47 (29.56%) patients were found to have recurrent fistula after DS, the recurrent fistula rate in the CR group (multivariate odds ratio = 0.557; 95% CI, 0.351–0.842; P = 0.019) was lower. CR was also shown to promote postoperative recovery of bowel function (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.982; 95% CI, 1.199–3.275; P = 0.008), and shorten postoperative length of stay (LOS) (HR = 1.739; 95% CI, 1.233–2.453; P = 0.002).

Conclusion

Preoperative CR may reduce the incidence of recurrent fistula, time to return of bowel function and postoperative LOS following DS for small‐intestinal enteroatmospheric fistula.
Fabrication and investigation potential effect of lentinan and docetaxel nanofibers for synergistic treatment of breast cancer in vitro
Authors: Ataollahi Hanieh , Larypoor Mohaddeseh
Published: February 2022

Breast cancer has a high prevalence among women which has high recurrences even after common therapies, so using nanofibers that contain natural compounds along with antineoplastic drugs locoregionally can be a novel supportive strategy. In this study, hot water extracted lentinan from Lentinula edodes (TMU340) was purified by ion‐exchange chromatography. The effects of electrospun PVA/lentinan/docetaxel nanofibers were determined on HER3 expression in MCF‐7 cell line. Lentinan concentration was determined at 0.243 mg/ml. The optimal electrospinning conditions were 15 kV, 15 cm, and 1 ml/h. The HER3 expression of cells treated with PVA/lentinan/docetaxel nanofibers obtained 0.52 in the most effective concentration at 72 h. Based on the results, PVA/lentinan/docetaxel nanofibers have shown appropriate synergistic effects on breast cancer. Therefore, the utilization of lentinan as a natural compound with a common chemical anticancer drug and nano‐drug delivery system can be considered as a promising suggestion within the treatment of cancer.
Phosphorylation of hTERT at threonine 249 is a novel tumor biomarker of aggressive cancer with poor prognosis in multiple organs
Authors: Matsuda Yoko , Yamashita Taro , Ye Juanjuan , Yasukawa Mami , Yamakawa Keiko , Mukai Yuri , Machitani Mitsuhiro , Daigo Yataro , Miyagi Yohei , Yokose Tomoyuki , Oshima Takashi , Ito Hiroyuki , Morinaga Soichiro , Kishida Takeshi , Minamoto Toshinari , Yamada Shinji , Takei Junko , Kaneko Mika K , Kojima Motohiro , Kaneko Shuichi , Masaki Tsutomu , Hirata Masahiro , Haba Reiji , Kontani Keiichi , Kanaji Nobuhiro , Miyatake Nobuyuki , Okano Keiichi , Kato Yukinari , Masutomi Kenkichi
Published: January 2022

Recent evidence indicates that RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) activity of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) regulates expression of target genes and is directly involved in tumor formation in a telomere‐independent manner. Non‐canonical function of hTERT has been considered as a therapeutic target for cancer therapy. We have previously shown that hTERT phosphorylation at threonine 249 (p‐hTERT), which promotes RdRP activity, is an indicator of an aggressive phenotype and poor prognosis in liver and pancreatic cancers, using two cohorts with small sample sizes with polyclonal p‐hTERT antibody. To clarify the clinical relevance of p‐hTERT, we developed a specific monoclonal antibody and determined the diagnostic and prognostic value of p‐hTERT in cancer specimens using a large cohort. A monoclonal antibody for phosphorylated hTERT (p‐hTERT) at threonine 249 was developed and validated. The antibody was used for the immunohistochemical staining of formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded specimens from 1523 cases of lung, colon, stomach, pancreatic, liver, breast, and kidney cancers. We detected elevated p‐hTERT expression levels in cases with a high mitotic activity, high pathological grade, and high nuclear pleomorphism. Elevated p‐hTERT expression was an independent prognostic factor for lung, pancreatic, and liver cancers. Furthermore, p‐hTERT expression was associated with immature and aggressive features, such as adenosquamous carcinoma (lung and pancreas), invasive type of cancer (lung), high serum alpha‐fetoprotein level (liver), and triple‐negative status (breast). In conclusion, RdRP activity indicated by p‐hTERT expression predicts aggressive cancer phenotypes in various types of cancer. Thus, p‐hTERT is a novel biomarker for the diagnosis of aggressive cancers with a poor prognosis. © 2022 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
On the necessity of importing neurobiology into mathematics
Authors: Filippov Mikhail , Zeki Semir
Published: January 2022

In Gödel's Incompleteness Theorems, for every mathematical system there are correct statements that cannot be proven to be correct within that system. We here extend this to address the question of axiomatic statements that are perceived (or known) to be correct but which mathematics, as presently constituted, cannot prove. We refer to these as perceptual axioms.
In‐depth analysis of proteomic and genomic fluctuations during the time course of human embryonic stem cells directed differentiation into beta cells
Authors: Budnik Bogdan , Straubhaar Juerg , Neveu John , Shvartsman Dmitry
Published: January 2022

Pluripotent stem cells (PSC) endocrine differentiation at a large scale allows sampling of transcriptome and proteome with phosphoproteome (proteoform) at specific time points. We describe the dynamic time course of changes in cells undergoing directed beta‐cell differentiation and show target proteins or previously unknown phosphorylation of critical proteins in pancreas development, NKX6‐1, and Chromogranin A (CHGA). We describe fluctuations in the correlation between gene expression, protein abundance, and phosphorylation, following differentiation protocol perturbations at all stages to identify proteoform profiles. Our modeling recognizes outliers on a phenomic landscape of endocrine differentiation, and we describe new biological pathways involved. We have validated our proteomic data by analyzing independent single‐cell RNAseq datasets for in‐vitro pancreatic islet production and corroborated our findings for several proteins suggestive as targets for future research. The single‐cell analysis combined with proteoform data places new protein targets within the specific time point and at the specific pancreatic lineage of differentiating stem cells. We suggest that non‐correlating proteins abundances or new phosphorylation motifs of NKX6.1 and CHGA point to new signaling pathways that may play an essential role in beta‐cell development. We present our findings for the research community's use to improve endocrine differentiation protocols and developmental studies.
Spatial variability of forward modelled attenuated backscatter in clear‐sky conditions over a megacity: Implications for observation network design
Authors: Warren Elliott , Charlton‐Perez Cristina , Lean Humphrey , Kotthaus Simone , Grimmond Sue
Published: February 2022

Sensors that measure the attenuated backscatter coefficient (e.g., automatic lidars and ceilometers [ALCs]) provide information on aerosols that can impact urban climate and human health. To design an observational network of ALC sensors for supporting data assimilation and to improve prediction of urban weather and air quality, a methodology is needed. In this study, spatio‐temporal patterns of aerosol‐attenuated backscatter coefficient are modelled using Met Office numerical weather prediction (NWP) models at two resolutions, 1.5 km (UKV) and 300 m (London Model [LM]), for 28 clear‐sky days and nights. Initially, attenuated backscatter coefficient data are analysed using S‐mode principal component analysis (PCA) with varimax rotation. Four to seven empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs) are produced for each model level, with common EOFs found across different heights (day and night) for both NWP models. EOFs relate strongly to orography, wind, and emissions source location, highlighting these as critical controls of attenuated backscatter coefficient spatial variability across the megacity. Urban–rural differences are largest when wind speeds are low and vertical boundary‐layer dynamics can more effectively distribute near‐surface aerosol emissions vertically. In several night‐time EOFs, gravity‐wave features are found for both NWP models. Increasing the horizontal resolution of native ancillaries (model input parameters) and improving the urban surface scheme in the LM may enhance the urban signal in the EOFs. PCA output, with agglomerative Ward cluster analysis (CA), minimises intra‐group variance. The UKV and LM CA shape and size results are similar and strongly related to orography. PCA‐CA is a simple, but adaptable methodology, allowing close alignment with observation network design goals. Here, CA is used with wind roses to suggest the optimised ALC deployment is one in the city to observe the urban plume and others surrounding the city, with priority given to cluster size and frequency of upwind advection.
Probing for factors influencing exhaled breath drug testing in sports— Pilot studies focusing on the tested individual's tobacco smoking habit and sex
Authors: Garzinsky Ann‐Marie , Thomas Andreas , Thevis Mario
Published: January 2022

Rationale

Exhaled breath (EB) was found to be a promising matrix in the field of sports drug testing due to the non‐invasive and non‐intrusive sampling procedure, but significant inter‐individual variations regarding detected drug concentrations have been observed in previous studies. To investigate whether the detectability of doping agents in EB is affected by sex or tobacco smoking, two administration studies were conducted with male and female smokers and nonsmokers concerning the elimination of the beta blocker propranolol and the stimulant pseudoephedrine into EB.

Methods

Following the administration of 40 mg propranolol or 30 mg pseudoephedrine, a total of 19 participants, including female and male nonsmokers as well as female and male smokers, collected EB and dried blood spot (DBS) samples over a period of 24 h. Respective analyte concentrations were determined using liquid chromatography and high‐resolution tandem mass spectrometry, and semi‐quantitative assays were characterized with regard to selectivity, limit of detection and identification, precision, linearity, and carryover.

Results

Both propranolol and pseudoephedrine were identified in post‐administration EB samples from female and male nonsmokers as well as female and male smokers, and the maximum detected drug levels ranged from 9 to 2847 pg/cartridge for propranolol and from 26 to 4805 pg/cartridge for pseudoephedrine. The corresponding DBS levels were in a range of 4–30 ng/mL for propranolol and 55–186 ng/mL for pseudoephedrine.

Conclusions

Neither the consumption of cigarettes nor the sex appears to represent a decisive criterion as to the detectability of propranolol or pseudoephedrine in EB, but inter‐individual variations regarding the detected drug levels were observed among all studied population groups.
MnOx Catalyst with High‐Efficiency Degradation Behavior of Toluene: Effect of Cryptomelane
Authors: Zhang Xuejun , Wu Yinghan , Qin Chenghua , Zhang Zhuofu , Liu Wei , Liu Zepeng , Liu Chunyu , Zhu Xinfeng , Song Zhongxian
Published: February 2022

A series of MnOx catalysts were prepared by hydrothermal reaction of different pH values, which proved the important influence of preparation conditions on the structure and performance of the catalysts. The results proved that the cryptomelane MnOx catalyst with a pH of 10 (Cat‐2) exhibited the most outstanding performance in catalyzing toluene. The appearance of cryptomelane on Cat‐2 would reduce the chemical valence of Mn, which could increase the content of Mn3+ and the amount of oxygen vacancies. With the increase of Mn3+, the Mn−O bond was broken more easily, and then facilitated the mobility oxygen species, causing the promotion of the catalytic activity. Low‐valence manganese, high‐capacity oxygen vacancies and maximum concentration of lattice oxygen were the most important reasons for the best catalytic activity of Cat‐2. According to the results of in‐situ DRIFT, benzyl, benzaldehyde, benzoic acid were the main intermediate products, which followed the Mars‐van Krevelen mechanism.
Synthesis, Anticancer Activity and Mechanism of Phenformin Derivatives
Authors: Cao Yufang , Xu Simeng , Xu Cangcang , Xiao Di , Chen Zhuliang , Wang Wei , Wang Zhiren , Yang Xiaoping
Published: February 2022

Phenformin has been recognized as a drug with anti‐ proliferative potential. Due to its excellent pharmaceutical parameters, its structure was modified based on the principle of intermediate derivatization, and the influence of different substituents of phenformin and its position on the benzene ring on its antiproliferative activity was discussed. In this study, 15 phenformin derivatives with different substituents were synthesized by inserting electron‐withdrawing or electron‐donating groups on the different positions of phenyl side of phenformin, and screened for their antiproliferative activities. It was found that the introduction of electron‐donating substituents slightly improves the antiproliferative activity of phenformin, however, the introduction of −Cl and −OCF3substituents significantly increased the antiproliferative activity of phenformin with N‐l‐(2‐chloro) phenethylbiguanide (2B), the best antiproliferative activity compound. Western blot assay and the molecular docking studies demonstrated that2Bactivates AMPK.
Ultrasound‐Activated Modified Starch Microgranules for Removal of Ibuprofen from Aqueous Media
Authors: Navikaite‐Snipaitiene Vesta , Rosliuk Deimante , Almonaityte Karolina , Rutkaite Ramune , Vaskeliene Vaida , Raisutis Renaldas
Published: January 2022

Ultrasound activated (U‐CCS) and non‐activated microgranular cross‐linked cationic starch sorbents (CCS) of different degree of substitution (DS) of quaternary ammonium groups are developed and used for binding of ibuprofen (IB) via adsorption and removal from aqueous solution. Ultrasonic treatment results in the formation of some fissures and cracks on the exterior of the modified starch granules as observed by a scanning electron microscopy studies. The equilibrium adsorption of IB onto both types of granules is investigated. The parameters of the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin‐Radushkevich adsorption models are calculated and showed that driving forces of adsorption are electrostatic interaction between quaternary ammonium groups of modified starches and carboxylic groups of IB. The sorption capacities of CCS with DS of quaternary ammonium groups equal to 0.21 and 0.42 are 232 and 345 mg g−1, respectively. The ultrasound activation increases the sorption capacities of U‐CCS to 574 and 579 mg g−1, accordingly. Therefore, the ultrasound activation allows to achieve high‐level binding of IB by using low amounts of chemical agent to modify starch granules. The ultrasound activation method presents a great potential to improve the CCS sorption properties and generating a promising sorbent for the removal of IB from aqueous media.
Themes, Trends, and Knowledge Structure in 30 Years of Starch Research in Food Science and Technology: a Visualization Review
Authors: Wang Xu , Hong Yan , Gu Zhengbiao , Cheng Li , Li Zhaofeng , Li Caiming , Ban Xiaofeng
Published: January 2022

Starch research comprises several aspects covering a multitude of domains. It is essential to elucidate the themes, trends, and knowledge structure of starch research on a holistic basis to understand its historical evolution and research hotspots, and to promote the development of starch research. In this review, the direction and discipline of starch research are analyzed based on 84 853 Web of Science (WoS) core collection documents over three decades. Co‐citation network maps, influential authors, collaborative patterns, changing paradigms, and research hotspots of starch research in food science and technology are identified using CiteSpace software. Starch research in food science and technology is becoming increasingly popular and is undergoing rapid development. Collaborative networks of countries, institutions, and study authors have been formed to study the functional properties of starch and their effects on human health; the effects of polyphenols and polysaccharides on starch structure, physicochemical properties, and digestibility; and Pickering emulsions, which are hotspots of starch research in food science and technology. These three research hotspots have their research emphases. In this review, a broad perspective is provided to facilitate the understanding of starch research and its various aspects.
Application of Exogenous 6‐benzyladenine at the Silking‐Stage Improves the Starch Quality of Waxy Maize Suffering from Post‐Silking Drought Stress
Authors: Huo Zhenggang , Yang Huan
Published: January 2022

The application of exogenous 6‐benzyladenine (6‐BA) can mitigate plant responses to drought stress. The effects of spraying exogenous 6‐BA at the silking‐stage on the waxy maize starch physicochemical properties under post‐silking well‐watered and drought conditions are studied using Jingkenuo2000 (JKN2000) and Yunuo7 (YN7) as materials. The starch granule size in response to drought is enlarged in JKN2000 but reduced in YN7. However, 6‐BA application enlarges the starch granule size of both hybrids under drought conditions. Under both water conditions, 6‐BA application increases the proportion of high‒molecular weight amylopectin branch chains in both hybrids. The amylopectin chain‐length and relative crystallinity in response to 6‐BA application are dependent on hybrid and water condition. The pasting viscosities of both hybrids are improved by 6‐BA application under well‐watered conditions. However, the peak viscosity under drought is improved in JKN2000 and unaffected in YN7 by 6‐BA application. Under drought, 6‐BA application does notaffect the gelatinization characteristics but decreases the retrogradation enthalpy and percentage of both hybrids. In conclusion, exogenous 6‐BA application at the silking‐stage can improve the pasting viscosities under well‐watered conditions and reduce the retrogradation percentage under drought conditions, thereby alleviating the negative influence of post‐silking drought in waxy maize production.