bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence and complications of hypothyroidism postlaryngectomy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Banyi Norbert , Kwon Jamie J. Y. , Turkdogan Sena , Milner Thomas D. , Prisman Eitan
Published: November 2023

Background

Hypothyroidism is common postlaryngectomy and is associated with laryngectomy‐specific complications. The objective of this study is to determine the incidence and predictors of hypothyroidism postlaryngectomy and its associated complications.

Methods

Systematic review, data extraction, and meta‐analyses were performed following the PRISMA protocol. Six databases were searched for studies reporting on postlaryngectomy thyroid status with incidence, risk factors, management, or complications.

Results

Fifty‐one studies with 6333 patients were included. The pooled incidence of postlaryngectomy hypothyroidism is 49% (CI 42%–57%). Subgroup analysis showed postlaryngectomy hypothyroidism rates significantly correlated with hemithyroidectomy and radiotherapy. Patients who underwent laryngectomy, hemithyroidectomy, and radiotherapy had a 65% (CI 59%–71%) rate of hypothyroidism; laryngectomy and hemithyroidectomy 46% (CI 33%–60%); laryngectomy and radiotherapy 26% (CI 19%–35%); and laryngectomy alone 11% (CI 4%–27%) (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Laryngectomized patients with partial thyroidectomy or radiation therapy are at significant risk of postoperative hypothyroidism. Evidence‐based protocols for early detection and (prophylactic) treatment should be established.
Cancer‐related fatigue: Towards a more targeted approach based on classification by biomarkers and psychological factors
Authors: Schmidt Martina E. , Maurer Tabea , Behrens Sabine , Seibold Petra , Obi Nadia , Chang‐Claude Jenny , Steindorf Karen
Published: November 2023

Cancer‐related fatigue is a frequent, burdensome and often insufficiently treated symptom. A more targeted treatment of fatigue is urgently needed. Therefore, we examined biomarkers and clinical factors to identify fatigue subtypes with potentially different pathophysiologies. The study population comprised disease‐free breast cancer survivors of a German population‐based case‐control study who were re‐assessed on average 6 (FU1, n = 1871) and 11 years (FU2, n = 1295) after diagnosis. At FU1 and FU2, we assessed fatigue with the 20‐item multidimensional Fatigue Assessment Questionnaire and further factors by structured telephone‐interviews. Serum samples collected at FU1 were analyzed for IL‐1ß, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐10, TNF‐a, GM‐CSF, IL‐5, VEGF‐A, SAA, CRP, VCAM‐1, ICAM‐1, leptin, adiponectin and resistin. Exploratory cluster analyses among survivors with fatigue at FU1 and no history of depression yielded three clusters (CL1, CL2 and CL3). CL1 (n = 195) on average had high levels of TNF‐α, IL1‐β, IL‐6, resistin, VEGF‐A and GM‐CSF, and showed high BMI and pain levels. Fatigue in CL1 manifested rather in physical dimensions. Contrarily, CL2 (n = 78) was characterized by high leptin level and had highest cognitive fatigue. CL3 (n = 318) did not show any prominent characteristics. Fatigued survivors with a history of depression (n = 214) had significantly higher physical, emotional and cognitive fatigue and showed significantly less amelioration of fatigue from FU1 to FU2 than survivors without depression. In conclusion, from the broad phenotype “cancer‐related fatigue” we were able to delineate subgroups characterized by biomarkers or history of depression. Future investigations may take these subtypes into account, ultimately enabling a better targeted therapy of fatigue.
Survival outcomes of 2018 FIGO stage IIIC versus stages IIIA and IIIB in cervical cancer: A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Ying , Wang Changhe , Zhao Zeyi , Cheng Lei , Xu Shuai , Xie Pengmu , Xie Lin , Zhang Shiqian
Published: November 2023

Objective

To assess the difference in survival outcomes between stage IIIC and stages IIIA and IIIB in the 2018 FIGO cervical cancer staging system.

Methods

The PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE and Web of Science were searched for articles published from November 1, 2018 to January 31, 2023. Articles published in English were considered. The included studies compared the survival outcomes of patients with cervical cancer in FIGO 2018 stage IIIC with those in stages IIIA and IIIB. Studies focused on rare histopathological types were excluded. The statistical analyses were performed using Stata 17 software. The endpoints were overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS).

Results

Ten retrospective cohort studies were eligible, involving 2113 (6.2%), 9812 (28.6%), 44 (0.1%), 10 171 (29.7%), 11 677 (34.1%) and 445 (1.3%) patients in stage IIIA, IIIB, IIIA&B, IIIC, IIIC1, and IIIC2, respectively. In the OS group, stage IIIC/C1 was significantly associated with superior survival compared with stage IIIA (hazard risk [HR] 0.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.41–0.93, P = 0.022; I2 = 92.9%) and stage IIIB(A&B) (HR 0.56, 95% CI 0.44–0.71, P < 0.001; I2 = 94.0%). The FIGO 2018 stage IIIC2 was not associated with an increased mortality risk compared with stage IIIA and stage IIIB(A&B). In the PFS group, the outcome of FIGO 2018 stage IIIC/C1 was similar to stage IIIA (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.27–1.64, P = 0.371; I2 = 65.6%), but better than stage IIIB(A&B) (HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.68–0.83, P < 0.001; I2 = 0.0%). The FIGO 2018 stage IIIC2 has similar PFS outcomes to stage IIIA and stage IIIB(A&B).

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that survival outcomes of stage IIIC are no worse than those of stage IIIA and stage IIIB in the 2018 FIGO cervical cancer staging system. In cervical cancer, FIGO 2018 stage IIIC1 has significantly better OS outcomes than stage IIIA and stage IIIB.
GLRP: Global and local contrastive learning based on relative position for medical image segmentation on cardiac MRI
Authors: Zhao Xin , Wang Tongming , Chen Jingsong , Jiang Bingrun , Li Haotian , Zhang Nan , Yang Guang , Chai Senchun
Published: November 2023

Contrastive learning, as an unsupervised technique, is widely employed in image segmentation to enhance segmentation performance even when working with small labeled datasets. However, generating positive and negative data pairs for medical image segmentation poses a challenge due to the presence of similar tissues and organs across different slices in datasets. To tackle this issue, we propose a novel contrastive learning strategy that leverages the relative position differences between image slices. Additionally, we combine global and local features to address this problem effectively. In order to enhance segmentation accuracy and reduce isolated mis‐segmented regions, we employ a two‐dimensional fully connected conditional random field for iterative optimization of the segmentation results. With only 10 labeled samples, our proposed method is able to achieve average dice scores of 0.876 and 0.899 on the public and private dataset heart segmentation tasks, surpassing the PCL method's 0.801 and 0.852. Experimental results on both public and private MRI datasets demonstrate that our proposed method yields significant improvements in medical segmentation tasks with limited annotated samples, outperforming existing semi‐supervised and self‐supervised techniques.
Privacy preserved collaborative transfer learning model with heterogeneous distributed data for brain tumor classification
Authors: Aggarwal Meenakshi , Khullar Vikas , Goyal Nitin , Rastogi Rashi , Singh Aman , Torres Vanessa Yelamos , Albahar Marwan Ali
Published: November 2023

Correct identification of tumor in brain images is critical for treatment. In the medical domain, class distributions of recorded data could differ with locations and require high levels of privacy while collaboratively training the deep learning (DL) models for classifications. The main aim of this paper is to propose a privacy‐preserving collaborative model for the classification of brain tumor in heterogeneously distributed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images. In this paper, initially, an open‐source dataset has been acquired and analyzed as per the required competencies. The acquired dataset has four types of MRI images: pituitary tumor, meningioma tumor, glioma tumor, and no tumor. First, the acquired dataset was analyzed using DL and transfer learning algorithms. By applying implementations of basic algorithms, better algorithms were identified for further implementations in a federated learning ecosystem. DenseNet201‐based transfer learning was identified as a better neural network and further utilized for collaborative transfer learning implementations. Here, the paper also focused on developing a suitable system for a heterogeneous distributed tumor database. Heterogeneous data were converted from the available data by applying nonidentical data distribution. The study discovered that the federated DL models, involving multiple clients, exhibited superior performance compared to conventional pretrained models. The proposed framework possesses distinctive characteristics that distinguish it from existing classification methods for brain tumor identification, particularly in terms of ensuring data privacy for edge devices with limited resources. Due to these additional features, the framework stands as the optimal alternative solution for early diagnosis of brain tumor.
Assessment of student pharmacist‐led academic detailing on independent community pharmacy naloxone orders
Authors: Franko Thomas S. , Yencha Bryce , Sayre Jamie
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Academic detailing has been used as a preferential method to increase pharmacists' awareness of naloxone; however, its impact on actual dispensing rates is not well established.

Objective

The aim of this pilot study is to determine if a student‐led academic detailing on naloxone use and communication increased the amount of naloxone ordered from independent pharmacies in various geographic settings throughout Northeast Pennsylvania.

Methods

Thirty‐nine independent pharmacies which utilized a single wholesaler were randomized to receive an in‐person, student‐led training about naloxone use and communication. Students attended a train‐the‐trainer presentation to ensure a universal training was provided to all pharmacies. Students were provided with intranasal naloxone demonstration devices, handouts on effective communication, and talking points for each pharmacy visit. All academic detailing sessions were held live at each pharmacy during that pharmacy's regular business hours. Topics covered included appropriate naloxone use, what to expect after giving naloxone, and evidence‐based communication methods for engaging with patients about purchasing naloxone. Devices and handouts were left behind for pharmacists to use in daily practice. Naloxone and opioid shipping data for 3 months prior to and 3 months post‐intervention were compared.

Results

Naloxone ordered in the pre‐intervention period was 21 vs. 26 (intervention vs. control) (p = 0.59) and 31 vs. 29 post‐intervention (p = 0.25). There was no statistically significant difference in the number of pharmacies which ordered more naloxone pre vs. post‐intervention or in the total amount of opioids ordered pre vs. post‐intervention.

Conclusion

While pharmacies which received academic detailing did order more naloxone than pharmacies which did not, the difference did not rise to a level of statistical significance. As the population of this pilot study was small, expanding this approach to academic detailing to a larger population is warranted to possibly see more robust results.
Cell adhesion molecule immobilized gold surfaces for enhanced neuron‐electrode interfaces
Authors: Aktas Bengu , Ozgun Alp , Kilickap Begum Devlet , Garipcan Bora
Published: November 2023

To provide a long‐term solution for increasing the biocompatibility of neuroprosthetics, approaches to reduce the side effects of invasive neuro‐implantable devices are still in need of improvement. Physical, chemical, and bioactive design aspects of the biomaterials are proven to be important for providing proper cell‐to‐cell, cell‐to‐material interactions. Particularly, modification of implant surfaces with bioactive cues, especially cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) that capitalize on native neural adhesion mechanisms, are promising candidates in favor of providing efficient interfaces. Within this concept, this study utilized specific CAMs, namely N‐Cadherin (Neural cadherin, N‐Cad) and neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), to enhance neuron‐electrode contact by mimicking the cell‐to‐ECM interactions for improving the survival of cells and promoting neurite outgrowth. For this purpose, representative gold electrode surfaces were modified with N‐Cadherin, NCAM, and the mixture (1:1) of these molecules. Modifications were characterized, and the effect of surface modification on both differentiated and undifferentiated neuroblastoma SH‐SY5Y cell lines were compared. The findings demonstrated the successful modification of these molecules which subsequently exhibited biocompatible properties as evidenced by the cell viability results. In cell culture experiments, the CAMs displayed promising results in promoting neurite outgrowth compared to conventional poly‐l‐lysine coated surfaces, especially NCAM and N‐Cad/NCAM modified surfaces clearly showed significant improvement. Overall, this optimized approach is expected to provide an insight into the action mechanisms of cells against the local environment and advance processes for the fabrication of alternative neural interfaces.
The Impact of Whole Egg Consumption on Bone Accrual in Healthy Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Coheley Lauren M. , Yu Mengyun , Chen Xianyan , O'Connor Patrick J. , Kealey Kirk S. , Laing Emma M. , Oshri Assaf , Marand Alicia K. , Lance Julia M. , Kindler Joseph M. , Lewis Richard D.
Published: November 2023

Dietary interventions designed to examine the role of nutrition on childhood bone accrual have often focused on the role of individual micronutrients (eg, calcium, vitamin D, and zinc) and macronutrients (eg, protein). The osteogenic benefits of whole foods, such as eggs, are not well understood despite eggs being a source of high-quality nutrients and bioactive compounds known to positively influence bone. A significant positive cross-sectional association between whole egg consumption and tibia cortical bone mass has recently been shown in young children; however, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have not been conducted. This study is a double-blind RCT in male and female children ages 9–13 years of different ancestries, designed to determine if consuming food products with whole eggs (equivalent to 8–10 eggs/wk) versus foods with milk or gelatin (placebo) over a 9-month period will improve measures of bone strength. Total body less head (TBLH) and lumbar spine bone mineral content (BMC) and areal bone mineral density (aBMD) were assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). DXA Z-scores were computed using published pediatric growth charts and were adjusted for height-for-age Z-score (HAZ). Mid-tibia cortical volumetric BMD, BMC, cortical area, total bone area, cortical thickness, and strength strain index were measured using peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Overall, there were no significant intervention effects for any bone outcomes. The increase in spine BMCHAZ Z-score in the egg group versus the gelatin group approached significance (p = 0.07). Significant time effects in TBLH aBMDHAZ Z-score occurred as all groups decreased over 9 months (p < 0.03). Most tibia cortical bone outcomes increased over time (all p < 0.02), but changes did not differ across intervention groups. Whole eggs provide important nutritional benefits for children, but the bone responses to consumption of 8–10 eggs/wk over a period of 9 months in children entering the early stages of puberty were small. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Unraveling pnicogen bonding cooperativity: Insights from molecular electrostatic potential analysis
Authors: Krishnapriya Vilakkathala U. , Suresh Cherumuttathu H.
Published: November 2023

A theoretical investigation on the cooperativity of a series of binary, ternary, and quaternary complexes interconnected by pnicogen bonds has been conducted using calculations at the M06‐2X/aug‐cc‐pVTZ level of density functional theory. By measuring changes in the molecular electrostatic potential (MESP) at the nucleus of interacting atoms in all of the complexes, it is possible to quantify the substantial reorganization of the electron density triggered by the formation of pnicogen bonds. The positive change in MESP, indicating a loss of electron density from the donor molecule in a dimer, facilitates the acceptance of electron density from a third molecule, resulting in the formation of a ternary complex with a stronger pnicogen bond compared to the one present in the binary complex. Similarly, the acceptor molecule in a dimer with a negative change in MESP showed an enhanced tendency to donate electron density to an electron‐deficient third molecule. The MESP analysis provided valuable insights into the donor/acceptor characteristics of pnicogen bonds within the quaternary complexes. The proposed MESP hypotheses are consistent with the positive cooperativity observed in the pnicogen‐bonded clusters. To quantify the changes in MESP, both at the donor atom (ΔVdonor) and the acceptor atom (ΔVacceptor), for all pnicogen bonds in the cluster, the total change in MESP (ΔΔVn) was measured as ΔΔVn = ∑(ΔVdonor)−∑(ΔVacceptor). Remarkably, ΔΔVn exhibited a strong linear relationship with the sum of the bond energies of the pnicogen bonds in the cluster. This establishes the MESP analysis as a robust approach for understanding the strength and cooperative behavior of pnicogen‐bonded clusters. Additionally, the MESP features provided clear evidence of pnicogen bond formation, further supporting the reliability of this approach.
Intracholecystic papillary neoplasm acquiring malignant characteristics and leading to multiple liver metastases: A case report
Authors: Suda Tsuyoshi , Sato Yasunori , Ito Yusuke , Kaji Kiichiro , Terasaki Shuichi , Nakanuma Yasuni
Published: November 2023

The mechanisms underlying the progression of intracholecystic papillary neoplasms (ICPNs) to gallbladder cancer and invasive cancer remain relatively unclear. In the present case, metastatic liver tumors were suspected in an 83‐year‐old man at presentation; however, the primary tumor was unknown. The patient died shortly thereafter as a result of rapid tumor progression. An autopsy revealed multiple liver, lung, and lymph node metastases. Additionally, a fragile papillary tumor with a high‐grade dysplastic epithelium with tubulopapillary morphology and admixed foci of a low‐grade dysplastic epithelium were detected at the fundus of the gallbladder. The well‐differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma had extensively invaded the wall's granular mucosal surface along with the solitary papillary tumor. Based on pathological findings, a diagnosis of an ICPN with an associated invasive carcinoma was established. This case is novel because it showed that an ICPN can progress aggressively.
Dark Blood Contrast‐Enhanced Brain MRI Using Echo‐uT1RESS
Authors: Edelman Robert R. , Leloudas Nondas , Ankenbrandt William J. , Walker Matthew T. , Bobustuc George C. , Bailes Julian E. , Pruitt Aaron A. , Koktzoglou Ioannis
Published: November 2023

Background

The widely used magnetization‐prepared rapid gradient‐echo (MPRAGE) sequence makes enhancing lesions and blood vessels appear bright after gadolinium administration. However, dark blood imaging using T1‐weighted Sampling Perfection with Application optimized Contrast using different flip angle Evolution (T1 SPACE) can be advantageous since it improves the conspicuity of small metastases and leptomeningeal disease. As a potential alternative to T1 SPACE, we evaluated a new dark blood sequence called echo‐uT1RESS (unbalanced T1 Relaxation‐Enhanced Steady‐State).

Purpose

We compared the performance of echo‐uT1RESS with Dixon fid‐uT1RESS, MPRAGE, and T1 SPACE.

Study Type

Retrospective, IRB approved.

Subjects/Phantom

Phantom to assess flow properties of echo‐uT1RESS. Twenty‐one patients (14 female, age range 35–82 years) with primary and secondary brain tumors.

Field Strength/Sequences

3 Tesla/MPRAGE, T1 SPACE, Dixon fid‐uT1RESS, echo‐uT1RESS.

Assessment

Flow phantom signal vs. velocity as a function of flip angle and sequence. Qualitative image assessment on 4‐point scale. Quantitative evaluation of tumor‐to‐brain contrast, apparent contrast‐to‐noise ratio (aCNR), and vessel‐to‐brain aCNR.

Statistical Tests

Friedman and Mann–Whitney U tests. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

In the phantom, echo‐uT1RESS showed greater flow‐dependent signal loss than fid‐uT1RESS. In patients, blood vessels appeared bright with MPRAGE, gray with fid‐uT1RESS, and dark with T1 SPACE and echo‐uT1RESS. For MPRAGE, Dixon fid‐uT1RESS, echo‐uT1RESS, and T1 SPACE, respective tumor‐to‐brain contrast values were 0.6 ± 0.3, 1.3 ± 0.5, 1.0 ± 0.4, and 0.6 ± 0.4, while normalized aCNR values were 68.9 ± 50.9, 128.4 ± 59.2, 74.2 ± 42.1, and 99.4 ± 73.9.

Data Conclusion

Volumetric dark blood contrast‐enhanced brain MRI is feasible using echo‐uT1RESS. The dark blood effect was improved vs. fid‐uT1RESS, while both uT1RESS versions provided better tumor‐to‐brain contrast than MPRAGE. Whereas T1 SPACE provided better tumor aSNR, echo‐uT1RESS provided better Weber contrast, lesion sharpness and a more consistent dark blood effect.

Evidence Level

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
A case of extrapyramidal side effects due to possible paliperidone: voriconazole interaction
Authors: Beilby Louise , Arno Lucy
Published: November 2023

Background

It is thought that paliperidone, an active metabolite of risperidone, has limited potential for pharmacokinetic drug–drug interactions (DDIs) due to minimal metabolism by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) and cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6). However, DDIs have been reported and include a theoretical interaction between paliperidone and voriconazole based on interactions between risperidone and strong CYP3A4 inhibitor azoles.

Aim

To describe the first recorded DDI between paliperidone and voriconazole leading to extrapyramidal side effects (EPSEs).

Clinical details

A 34‐year‐old male presented with febrile neutropenia presumed due to clozapine. Clozapine was ceased and paliperidone commenced with voriconazole added to the patient's empiric piperacillin/tazobactam therapy due to a suspected fungal infection. Two days after starting voriconazole, the patient developed hypertonia and hyperreflexia in all limbs, thought most likely to be antipsychotic induced EPSEs. Paliperidone was withheld and EPSEs resolved.

Outcomes

The patient had previously tolerated long‐term paliperidone at higher doses, prior to transitioning to clozapine. The development of EPSEs occurred two days post azole initiation, indicating a probable paliperidone adverse drug reaction (ADR) due to strong CYP3A4 inhibition by voriconazole. This case appears to be the first documented report of this previous theoretical DDI in practice. Further studies, including therapeutic drug monitoring, are required to confirm findings.

Conclusion

Paliperidone may be affected by pharmacokinetic drug–drug interactions and patients should be monitored for ADRs when CYP3A4 inhibitors are concomitantly administered.
Study on the interaction and gel properties of pork myofibrillar protein with konjac polysaccharides
Authors: Liu Jingyang , Yang Kun , Wu Di , Gong Honghong , Guo Linxiao , Ma Jing , Sun Weiqing
Published: November 2023

Background

Natural myofibrillar protein (MP) is sensitive to changes in the microenvironment, such as pH and ionic strength, and therefore can adversely affect the final quality of meat products. The aim of this study was to modify natural MP as well as to improve its functional properties. Therefore, the quality improvement effect of konjac polysaccharides with different concentrations (0, 1.5, 3, 4.5 and 6 g kg−1 protein) on MP gels was investigated.

Results

With a concentration of konjac polysaccharides of 6 g kg−1 protein, the composite gel obtained exhibited a significant improvement of water binding (water holding capacity increased by 7.71%) and textural performance (strength increased from 29.12 to 37.55 N mm, an increase of 8.43 N mm). Meanwhile, konjac polysaccharides could help to form more disulfide bonds and non‐disulfide covalent bonds, which enhanced the crosslinking of MP and maintained the MP gel network structure. Then, with the preservation of α‐helix structure (a significant increase of 8.11%), slower protein aggregation and formation of small aggregates, this supported the formation of a fine and homogeneous network structure and allowed a reduction in water mobility.

Conclusion

During the heating process, konjac polysaccharides could absorb the surrounding water and fill the gel system, which resulted in an increase in the water content of the gel network and enhanced the gel‐forming ability of the gel. Meanwhile, konjac polysaccharides might inhibit irregular aggregation of proteins and promote the formation of small aggregates, which in turn form a homogeneous and continuous gel matrix by orderly arrangement. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Destructive and non‐destructive early detection of postharvest noble rot (Botrytis cinerea) in wine grapes aimed at producing high‐quality wines
Authors: Modesti Margherita , Alfieri Gianmarco , Chieffo Chiara , Mencarelli Fabio , Vannini Andrea , Catalani Alessia , Chilosi Gabriele , Bellincontro Andrea
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Botrytis cinerea (Bc) is the causative agent of gray mold disease in wine grape bunches. Under particular climatic and edaphic conditions, typical of some wine regions, the grapes infected by this fungus can develop noble rot, the basic phenomenon for the production of sweet botrytized wines or some high‐quality dry wines, such as Amarone. The possibility of early detection of noble rot on plants and at postharvest is an interesting option for managing botrytized wines.

RESULTS

The present work aimed at early detection of noble rot and monitoring its development, at postharvest, on Trebbiano wine grapes by means of destructive and non‐destructive analytical approaches (e.g., electronic nose and near‐infrared spectroscopy). The development of Bc led to substantial modifications in grape composition, including dehydration, biosynthesis, and accumulation of different compounds due to Bc metabolism, grape stress responses, or both. However, these modifications are appreciable, notably at advanced stages of infection. Consequently, a specific focus was to monitor the infection in the first 72 h post inoculation for testing, potentially through non‐destructive technologies, and to identify the real early stages of Bc development.

CONCLUSION

The destructive chemical analyses performed over the 16 monitored days confirmed what is widely reported in the literature regarding the metabolic/compositional changes that occur following the development of Bc. Moreover, non‐destructive technologies allowed us to identify the evolution of Bc, even at early stages of its presence. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
The promising stability of carboxylpyranocyanidin‐3‐O‐glucoside during food processing and simulated digestion and its bioavailability research
Authors: Li Xusheng , Yuan Kailan , Zhang Yulin , Liu Chuqi , Cai Dongbao , Sun Jianxia , Lai Caiyong , Bai Weibin
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Pyranoanthocyanins are stable anthocyanin derivatives. Carboxylpyranoanthocyanin is one of the simplest pyranoanthocyanin, among which the production of carboxylpyranocyanidin‐3‐O‐glucoside (crboxyl‐pycy‐3‐gluc) is most feasible as a result of the abundance of its reactant, cyanidin‐3‐O‐glucoside (Cy‐3‐gluc).

RESULTS

In the present study, carboxyl‐pycy‐3‐gluc was synthesized and its stability during processing and after ingestion as well as its bioavailability in vivo were comprehensively evaluated. Our results indicated that the color of carboxyl‐pycy‐3‐gluc remained more stable compared to Cy‐3‐gluc when facing the large‐span pH variation. The high retention of anthocyanin symbolized the superb stability under thermal processing, sulfur dioxide bleaching and ultrasonic treatment of carboxyl‐pycy‐3‐gluc. Because of the stability under the alkaline condition, carboxyl‐pycy‐3‐gluc is more stable after oral‐gastrointestinal digestion. After in vitro gut microbiota fermentation, the retention of carboxyl‐pycy‐3‐gluc was significantly higher than that of Cy‐3‐gluc. The larger molecular size made absorption of carboxyl‐pycy‐3‐gluc into blood more difficult than its precursor.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrated the promising stability of carboxyl‐pycy‐3‐gluc during food processing and after digestion, confirming the potential of carboxyl‐pycy‐3‐gluc as a colorant. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Antireflective Multi‐Dielectric Metasurfaces Operating in the Visible
Authors: Koksal Okan , Song Junyeob , Wang Zi , Chen Lu , Zhu Wenqi , Agrawal Amit
Published: November 2023

As increasingly more demanding photonics applications are brought on‐chip, more complex design solutions are employed to deliver enhanced performance: e.g., meta‐molecules, inverse‐designed freeform structures, and multilayer metasurfaces. Instead, this study introduces anti‐reflective metasurfaces fabricated in a single nanolithography step that follows deposition of multiple dielectrics onto a substrate. Anti‐reflective metasurfaces offer fundamentally better transmission efficiencies compared to conventional equivalents. Conventional and anti‐reflective metalenses, both fabricated in the Ta2O5/SiO2 material platform for 461 nm operation, show an improvement in focusing efficiencies from ≈ 55% to ≈ 90% at low numerical apertures and from ≈ 35% to ≈ 65% at high numerical apertures. Simulations of ideal and imperfect metalenses indicate that anti‐reflective metasurfaces not only improve transmission at the design library level, but also reduce spurious diffraction and protect against higher‐order scattering.
Hyperbranched Poly‐L‐Lysine‐Based Water‐Insoluble Complexes as Antibacterial Agents with Efficient Antibacterial Activity And Cytocompatibility
Authors: Chen Qi , Xu Yuanjing , Feng Jingyi , Lv Xingshuang , Fu Xiaohui , Yuan Shuaishuai , Li Zhibo
Published: November 2023

Despite the advances in technology, bacterial infection associated with biomedical devices is still one of the most challenging issues in clinical practice. Incorporation of antimicrobial agents is regarded as an efficient way to combat medical device associated infectious. However, most of antimicrobial agents have high toxicity to host cells. Thus, fabrication of novel antimicrobial agents that simultaneously fulfill the requirements of antibacterial activity as well as biocompatibility is urgently needed. Herein, a series of water‐insoluble antibacterial complexes based on hyperbranched poly‐L‐lysine (HBPL) and four different surfactants through non‐covalent interactions are developed. Such kinds of surfactants have great effects on the antibacterial property of poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) (PCL) films that incorporate with the HBPL‐based complexes. The results reveal that the PCL films that doped with HBPL/phosphate ester surfactant complexes showed the highest bacterial killing efficiency. Moreover, the cytocompatibility of the composite films is also investigated. Hemolysis experiments indicate that all the films  had low hemolytic activities. Considering the excellent antimicrobial and cytocompatibility properties, this work believes that the optimized complexes have great potential to be used as antimicrobial agents in biomedical field.
Distributed adaptive control for multiple unmanned aerial vehicles with state constraints and input quantization
Authors: Qian Moshu , Le Tian , Wang Cunsong , Wang Ronghao , Bo Cuimei
Published: November 2023

This paper investigates the distributed fault‐tolerant tracking control (FTTC) problem for multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the presence of state constraints, input quantization and actuator failures. The unified barrier function (UBF) is first developed to convert the original constrained system model into an unconstrained one, which accomplishes the dynamic constraints of all states. Moreover, a cerebellar model neural network (CMNN) is introduced to estimate the lumped effect of unknown disturbances and actuator failures. Then, a distributed formation flight fault‐tolerant controller (FTC) is designed to guide the UAVs along the desired trajectories based on sliding mode manifold and dynamic surface control technique. Meanwhile, the unknown input chattering and hysteresis quantizer errors in the UAVs system are simultaneously handled by adding the compensation term of FTC. Furthermore, the finite time stability analysis is implemented for all tracking errors and synchronization errors of the cooperative flight control system (CFCS). Finally, a comparative simulation is conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the FTTC scheme proposed in this study.
Social participation of school‐aged survivors of pediatric brain tumors: A daily diary report
Authors: Tamboli Mollie , Means Bethany , Jurbergs Niki , Conklin Heather M. , Gajjar Amar , Willard Victoria W.
Published: November 2023

Background

Difficulties with social functioning are common among survivors of pediatric brain tumors. Social participation is an understudied measure of social functioning that is associated with emotional health across the lifespan. This paper uses a diary method to assess the social participation of survivors of pediatric brain tumors in middle childhood.

Procedure

Survivors of pediatric brain tumors (N = 47; age 10.6 ± 1.4 years; 51.1% male, 89.4% White) who were 5.3 (SD = 2.4, range: 2–9.9) years post therapy completed a daily diary assessment of social interaction (5–7 days) and an objective measure of facial affect recognition. The participant's caregiver completed the NIH Toolbox Emotion Measures and a background information questionnaire.

Results

Overall, frequency and quality of reported social interactions were low for survivors, with a large subset of survivors (n = 16, 34%) endorsing fewer than 10 social interactions over the course of a typical school week, and almost half of parents (48.9%) reporting that their child participates in zero social activities outside of school during a typical week. Participants engaged in more positive social participation exhibited stronger social skills (facial affect recognition (F(2,44) = 4.85, p < .05).

Conclusions

School‐aged survivors of pediatric brain tumors seemed to be infrequently engaged in social participation and quality interaction with peers. More specifically, the interactions most commonly reported on the diary assessment are not indicative of friendship development and maintenance. Survivors of pediatric brain tumors would likely benefit from interventions designed to increase quality time spent with peers.
MPA‐Pred: A machine learning approach for predicting the binding affinity of membrane protein–protein complexes
Authors: Ridha Fathima , Gromiha M. Michael
Published: November 2023

Membrane protein–protein interactions are essential for several functions including cell signaling, ion transport, and enzymatic activity. These interactions are mainly dictated by their binding affinities. Although several methods are available for predicting the binding affinity of protein–protein complexes, there exists no specific method for membrane protein–protein complexes. In this work, we collected the experimental binding affinity data for a set of 114 membrane protein–protein complexes and derived several structure and sequence‐based features. Our analysis on the relationship between binding affinity and the features revealed that the important factors mainly depend on the type of membrane protein and the functional class of the protein. Specifically, aromatic and charged residues at the interface, and aromatic‐aromatic and electrostatic interactions are found to be important to understand the binding affinity. Further, we developed a method, MPA‐Pred, for predicting the binding affinity of membrane protein–protein complexes using a machine learning approach. It showed an average correlation and mean absolute error of 0.83 and 0.91 kcal/mol, respectively, using the jack‐knife test on a set of 114 complexes. We have also developed a web server and it is available at https://web.iitm.ac.in/bioinfo2/MPA-Pred/. This method can be used for predicting the affinity of membrane protein–protein complexes at a large scale and aid to improve drug design strategies.
Microstructure and Properties of AlCoCrFeNi2.1Nbx High‐Entropy Alloys Prepared by Selective Laser Melting
Authors: Cui Chengyun , Sun Panjie , Ye Fuyu , Xu Haihan , Cui Xigui
Published: November 2023

Herein, Nb element is introduced into the AlCoCrFeNi2.1 eutectic high‐entropy alloy to create a heterogeneous structure. AlCoCrFeNi2.1Nbx (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5) eutectic high‐entropy alloys (HEAs) are fabricated using selective laser melting technology. The forming characteristics, microstructure, and mechanical properties of the AlCoCrFeNi2.1Nbx eutectic HEAs are investigated. The results show that the relative density of the samples increase and then decrease. The optimal process parameters are determined as laser power of 50 W, scanning speed of 400 mm s−1, scanning spacing of 70 μm, and layer thickness of 30 μm. The primary microstructure of AlCoCrFeNi2.1Nbx alloys (x > 0) consists of a hypoeutectic structure comprising body‐centered cubic, face‐centered cubic, and Fe2Nb‐type Laves phases. With the addition of Nb element, the hardness of the high‐entropy alloy increases from 600.6 to 774 HV, the yield strength increases from 664.1 to 1091.9 MPa, while the ductility slightly decreases. Furthermore, the strengthening mechanisms of the alloy are attributed to the precipitation strengthening and solid solution strengthening of the Laves phase, as well as the grain refinement effect. The wear resistance of the alloy improves gradually with the increasing Nb content, and AlCoCrFeNi2.1Nb0.5 exhibits the best wear resistance, primarily through adhesive wear.
Non‐medical oocyte cryopreservation at a single center in Japan: 8 years of experience
Authors: Yoshinaga Koki , Hashimoto Tomoko , Fukuoka Yuriko , Okuyama Noriyuki , Kyono Koichi
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Increasing numbers of women are opting to undergo non‐medical oocyte cryopreservation (NMOC). In this report, we present experience at our clinic and discuss NMOC in Japan.

Methods

We followed the progress of 403 women who underwent NMOC at our clinic between 2014 and 2021, totaling 592 reproductive cycles.

Results

In total, 61 women underwent oocyte warming and fertility treatment. Of these, 13 women gave birth to 14 children. The median age at first oocyte cryopreservation was 38.3 years, and the oldest pregnant woman was 42 years. Most clients (60%) were in their late 30s. The median time between first oocyte cryopreservation and warming was 3.0 years. One woman was able to achieve a live birth with four vitrified oocytes.

Conclusions

This is the first report in Japan documenting pregnancies and childbirths resulting from NMOC. Ideally, women hope to achieve natural pregnancy between 20 and 32 years of age. NMOC is an option for individuals who are unable to pursue pregnancy during optimal reproductive years and wish to preserve their fertility for future attempts. NMOC is recommended in cases with few indications, and it is necessary to continue accumulating data on its long‐term safety and effectiveness.
Tributary mitigates river discontinuity by dam depending on the distance from dam to the tributary confluence
Authors: Katano Izumi , Doi Hideyuki , Negishi Junjiro N. , Minagawa Tomoko , Kayaba Yuichi
Published: November 2023

River ecosystems host a continuum of various discontinuities, such as dams and tributary inflows, which shape the habitats of aquatic organisms; this makes it important to evaluate the interactions among discontinuities and effects of a single discontinuity point. Herein, we focused on tributaries in dammed rivers to elucidate a manner to mediate discontinuities and hypothesized that the effects of the tributary inflow on the downstream river were mediated by the (1) distance between the dam and tributary inflow, (2) size ratio between the dam and tributary, and (3) ability of the tributary to transport fine sediments, such as sand and gravel. We conducted field investigations to measure 24 environmental factors, including the water column, riverbed, and river topography, along eight dammed rivers to test the three hypotheses. Only five factors differed significantly between the upstream and downstream sites of the tributary confluence, whereas 12 factors differed significantly between the tributary and mainstem. We also classified the variation pattern using principal component analysis (PCA). The correlation between each PCA axis and environmental factors suggests that the modifications of the water quality factors by tributary inflow were significantly correlated with the distance between the dam and the tributary inflow, and that the flux of various riverbed factors, that is, was significantly correlated with the ability to resupply of fine riverbed sediments by the tributary. Overall, tributary‐inflow downstream of a dam has the potential to be applicable in environmental restoration, especially in terms of resupplying fine sediment.
Forest restoration decouple soil C:N:P stoichiometry but has little effects on microbial biodiversity globally
Authors: Han Ximei , Zhai Kaiyan , Liu Shengen , Chen Hongyang , He Yanghui , Du Zhenggang , Liu Ruiqiang , Liu Dingqin , Zhou Lingyan , Zhou Xuhui , Zhou Guiyao
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Forest restoration is an effective way to promote ecosystem functions and mitigate climate change. However, how forest restoration affect soil C:N:P stoichiometry and microbial biodiversity, as well as their linkage across contrasting forest types globally remains largely illusive.

Materials and Methods

Here we conducted a global meta‐analysis by synthesizing 121 published papers with 1649 observations to explore how forest restoration affect soil C:N:P stoichiometry and microbial biodiversity globally.

Results

Forest restoration significantly increased soil total carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) content, whereas having no significant impact on most microbial diversity indicator, except for an enhancement in bacterial operational taxonomic unit and fungal Simpson. Meanwhile, forest restoration effects on soil C:N:P stoichiometry varied with different forest types, with promoting more soil C and P in ectomycorrhizal than those in arbuscular mycorrhizal forests. Meanwhile, forest restoration induced changes in soil N and P were positively correlated with microbial Shannon index. More importantly, forest restoration effects on soil C:N:P stoichiometry and microbial biodiversity were regulated by climate factors such as mean annual temperature and mean annual precipitation.

Conclusion

Our results highlight the crucial role of forest restoration in decoupling the biogeochemical cycles of C, N and P through changes in microbial biodiversity. Therefore, incorporating the decouple effects of forest restoration on soil C:N:P stoichiometry into Earth system models may improve predictions of climate–forest feedbacks in the Anthropocene.
Discovery of Small‐Molecule Inhibitors Targeting Progranulin‐Sortilin: An in‐silico Approach Using Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamics Simulations, and DFT Studies
Authors: Anand Aishwarya , Shah Ashish , Perumal Sathiaseelan , Jain Manav
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Reduction in progranulin (PGRN) have been associated with various neurodegenerative diseases. PGRN binds with high affinity to sortilin (SORT), a membrane transporter, resulting in its cellular uptake and eventual degradation in the lysosome. Inhibition of the SORT‐PGRN interaction has the potential to increase PGRN levels up to 2.5‐fold. Methodology: A virtual screening of curated CNS library of >47 K ligands was done with sortilin receptor (6X3L) through virtual screening workflow in Schrodinger suite. Co‐crystallised ligand was used as a positive control. Docking was done through HTVS, then SP and finally XP model followed by binding free energy calculations (MMGBSA). Based on the result analysis of molecular docking, binding free energy and interactions, docked complexes were chosen for molecular dynamics (MD) studies. DFT studies and MEP plotting were carried out for the screened ligands. Drug likeliness and ADMET studies were also carried out. Results: The virtual screening workflow yielded 139 ligands. Two test ligands and a control were selected and further evaluated through molecular dynamics studies. Both the test ligands (1625 & 127) had comparative docking score (−5.96 & −6.46 kcal/mol) as that of control ligand (−6.21 kcal/mol respectively) and but better binding free energy (−54.66, −53.12 & −43.21 kcal/mol respectively). MD simulations confirmed the docking results for all the three ligands where our test ligand 1625 reached equilibrium quickly as compared to the rest. Our test compounds also showed favourable characteristics of a CNS acting drug and favourable ADMET properties. According to DFT studies, the test ligands 127 and 1625 had FMO (HOMO‐LUMO) energy gaps of 8.86 eV and 9.83 eV, respectively, that were lesser than the control ligand (9.89 eV). Additionally, FMO energy gap of the test ligands and the control ligand were in agreement with the results of docking. MEP diagram provided the picture of electron rich, neutral and electron deficient surface of the test ligands and that of the control with respective color code red, green and blue. Conclusion: Our study results showed a promising CNS specific ligand as an inhibitor of PRGN‐SORT interactions and has a potential to be developed as a drug through in‐vitro and in‐vivo studies.
Mapping Capillary Infiltration‐Induced Potential in Water‐Triggered Electric Generator Using an Electrical Probe Integrated Microscope
Authors: Yuan Xianrong , Bai Guilin , Wang Yanan , Zeng Xuelian , Shao Beibei , Wang Yusheng , Sun Baoquan
Published: November 2023

Power generation from water‐triggered capillary action in porous structures has recently geared extensive attention, offering the potential for generating electricity from ubiquitous water evaporation. However, conclusively establishing the nature of electrical generation and charge transfer is extremely challenging arising from the complicated aqueous solid–liquid interfacial phenomenon. Here, an electric probe‐integrated microscope is developed to on‐line monitor the correlation between water capillary action and potential values at any desired position of an active layer. With a probe spatial resolution reaching up to fifty micrometers, the internal factors prevailing over the potential distribution across the whole wet and dry regions are comprehensively identified. Further, the self‐powered sensing capabilities of this integrated system are also demonstrated, including real‐time monitoring of wind speed, environmental humidity, ionic strength, and inclination angle of generators. The combination of electric potential and chemical color indicator suggests that charge generation is likely correlated with ion‐selective transport in the nanoporous channel during the water infiltration process. And unipolar ions (for instance protons) should be the dominant charge‐transfer species. The work reveals the fundamental principles regulating charge generation/transfer during the water‐triggered electric generation process.