bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of adult pancreatoblastoma
Authors: Yuan Jiaqian , Guo Yong , Li Yan
Published: August 2024

Background

Pancreatoblastoma (PB) is one of the rare malignant tumors that typically occurs in children. Cases of PB in adults are highly unusual. This disease often presents with subtle symptoms and lacks characteristic clinical manifestations, leading to diagnostic challenges.

Objective

This study integrates the relevant literature on adult PB, conducting data analysis on clinical features, laboratory and imaging results, pathological characteristics, and treatments according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Kaplan–Meier univariate analysis and Log‐rank tests are employed to analyze survival data from adult PB follow‐up, exploring factors influencing prognosis.

Results

A total of 65 articles were included, encompassing 103 cases of adult PB. The average age of PB patients was 41.78 years (range 19–81 years), and the male‐to‐female ratio was 1.06:1. Patients frequently presented with abdominal pain as the initial symptom. Laboratory results lacked specificity and imaging findings often presented as large, well‐defined masses. PB exhibited distinctive pathological features, including squamous corpuscles (n = 76, 89.41%) and acinar differentiation (n = 34, 40%), with frequent positive expression of Trypsin, Chymotrypsin, and AACT (Alpha‐1‐Antichymotrypsin). APC (Adenomatous Polyposis Coli) gene mutation was the most common molecular alteration in adult PB. During the follow‐up period, 43.59% of patients died (range 3 days to 348 months). The primary factors affecting prognosis were the presence of metastasis (χ2 = 3.996, p = 0.046) and incomplete surgical resection (χ2 = 5.586, p = 0.018), with mean survival times of 48 months and 27 months, respectively.

Conclusions

PB in adults is an invasive tumor. The key to distinguishing PB from other pancreatic tumors lies in recognizing its unique pathological feature, the squamous corpuscles. Timely and complete surgical resection is the preferred treatment following diagnosis. Patients with incomplete resection or the presence of lymph nodes or (and) distant metastases have a poor prognosis.
Racial differences in treatment adherence and response to acupuncture and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia among Black and White cancer survivors
Authors: Liou Kevin T. , Garland Sheila N. , Meghani Salimah H. , Kaye Nadia M. , Thompson Embree , Li Q. Susan , Mao Jun J.
Published: August 2024

Background

Racial disparities in sleep are well‐documented. However, evidence‐based options for addressing these disparities are lacking in cancer populations. To inform future research on sleep interventions, this study aims to understand racial differences in treatment responses to acupuncture and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT‐I) among Black and White cancer survivors.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of a comparative effectiveness trial evaluating acupuncture versus CBT‐I for insomnia in cancer survivors. We compared insomnia severity, sleep characteristics, and co‐morbid symptoms, as well as treatment attitudes, adherence, and responses among Black and White participants.

Results

Among 156 cancer survivors (28% Black), Black survivors reported poorer sleep quality, longer sleep onset latency, and higher pain at baseline, compared to White survivors (all p < 0.05). Black survivors demonstrated lower adherence to CBT‐I than White survivors (61.5% vs. 88.5%, p = 0.006), but their treatment response to CBT‐I was similar to white survivors. Black survivors had similar adherence to acupuncture as white survivors (82.3% vs. 93.4%, p = 0.16), but they had greater reduction in insomnia severity with acupuncture (−3.0 points, 95% CI −5.4 to 0.4, p = 0.02).

Conclusion

This study identified racial differences in sleep characteristics, as well as treatment adherence and responses to CBT‐I and acupuncture. To address racial disparities in sleep health, future research should focus on improving CBT‐I adherence and confirming the effectiveness of acupuncture in Black cancer survivors.
DFT, Molecular Docking, ADME, and Cardiotoxicity Studies of Persuasive Thiazoles as Potential Inhibitors of the Main Protease of SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Khan Muhammad Asim , Mutahir Sadaf , Jabar Gauhar , Wenwei Zhao , Tariq Muhammad Atif , Almehizia Abdulrahman A. , Mustafa Muhammad
Published: August 2024

This study explores the capability of thiazoles as potent inhibitors of SARS‐CoV‐2 Mpro. Seventeen thiazoles (1–17) were screened for their linking affinity with the active site of SARS‐CoV‐2 Mpro and compared with the FDA‐recommended antiviral drugs, Remdesivir and Baricitinib. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations provided electronic and energetic properties of these ligands, shedding light on their stability and reactivity. Molecular docking analysis revealed that thiazole derivatives exhibited favorable linking affinities with various functional sites of SARS‐CoV‐2 proteins, including spike receptor‐linking zone, nucleocapsid protein N‐terminal RNA linking zone, and Mpro. Notably, compounds 3, 10, and 12 displayed the best interaction with 6LZG as compared to FDA‐approved antiviral drugs Remdesivir and Baricitinib, while compounds 1, 10, and 8 exhibited strong linking with 6 M3 M and also better than Remdesivir and Baricitinib. Additionally, compounds 3, 1, and 6 showed promising interactions with 6LU7 but only compound 3 performed better than Baricitinib. An ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion) study provided insights into the pharmacokinetics and drug‐likeness of these compounds, with all ligands demonstrating good physicochemical characteristics, lipophilicity, water solubility, pharmacokinetics, drug‐likeness, and medicinal chemistry attributes. The results suggest that these selected thiazole derivatives hold promise as potential candidates for further drug development.
A case report of tuberculous meningitis resulting in irreversible visual impairment due to delayed diagnosis
Authors: Lin Erika Lee‐Yu , Gulhane Sai Anil , Kumar Majety Sameer , Lakkamaneni Sai Teja , Lekkala Prudhvi
Published: August 2024

Key Clinical Message

Prompt diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is crucial to prevent severe complications like cranial nerve involvement and irreversible visual impairment. Early suspicion and intervention are essential, especially in tuberculosis‐endemic regions. Rapid initiation of anti‐tuberculosis therapy and vigilant monitoring for complications, such as hydrocephalus, improve patient outcomes and prevent long‐term disabilities.

This case study provides a comprehensive overview of the difficulties associated with predicting and managing tuberculous meningitis (TBM). The predictive aspect is hindered by the subacute nature of TBM, featuring a prodromal phase lasting 7–10 days, followed by manifestations like severe headaches, altered mental status, stroke, hydrocephalus, and cranial neuropathies. Additionally, vision loss is a disabling complication. All components of the visual pathway, especially the optic nerve and optic chiasma, are frequently and dominantly affected. While antibiotics can promptly resolve meningitis in most cases, approximately 10% of infections progress to chronic meningitis, with tuberculosis meningitis being the most common form. Our patient initially presented with nonspecific symptoms, which later evolved into symptoms that indicate viral meningitis and was started on empirical therapy. Subsequently, due to clinical suspicion of tuberculosis meningitis and persistent symptoms despite treatment, she was placed in anti‐tuberculosis therapy (ATT) but unfortunately developed complications such as hydrocephalus and blindness. To address the hydrocephalus, a Ventriculo‐Peritoneal shunt was implanted. Despite delayed treatment and diagnosis, most of her symptoms resolved except for blindness, for which there was only partial recovery.
Gas Characterization‐ and Mass Spectrometry‐Tools for the Analysis of Aging in Electrical Double Layer Capacitors: State‐of‐the‐Art and Future Challenges
Authors: Kost Rebecka , Balducci Andrea
Published: August 2024

Aging processes occurring in electrical double layer capacitors greatly influence the lifetime of these energy storage devices and an increasing attention has been directed toward their understanding. While most studies approach this topic based on the overall electrochemical performance of the cell (such as enhanced resistance) or the materials degradation, addressing its failure causes at the electrolyte level is of great importance. Doing so, more precise strategies to improve the lifetime and performance can be developed for a wide range of applications. This article provides an overview of the current state of separation tools regarding gas chromatography and detection tools in various combinations with mass spectrometry. The aim of this work is to present the present state of the current knowledge on aging processes, with a focus on gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Then, an outlook onto the challenges as well as ideas of combining methods is given. Here, the work offers a judgement into future challenges.
A Novel Automated System for Early Diabetic Retinopathy Detection and Severity Classification
Authors: Ainapur Santoshkumar S , Patil Virupakshappa
Published: August 2024

Diabetes is a common and serious global disease that damages blood vessels in the eye, leading to vision loss. Early and accurate diagnosis of this issue is crucial to reduce the risk of visual impairment. The typical deep learning (DL) methods for diabetic retinopathy (DR) grading are often time‐consuming, resulting in unsatisfactory detection performance due to inadequate representation of lesion features. To overcome these challenges, this research proposes a new automated mechanism for detecting and classifying DR, aiming to identify DR severities and different stages. To figure out and capture feature characteristics from DR samples, a conjugated attention mechanism and vision transformer are utilized within a collective net model, which automatically generates feature maps for diagnosing DR. These extracted feature maps are then fused through the feature fusion function in a fused attention net model, calculating attention weights to produce the most powerful feature map. Finally, the DR cases are identified and discriminated using the kernel extreme learning machine (KELM) model. For evaluating DR severity, our work utilizes four different benchmark datasets: APTOS 2019, MESSIDOR‐2 dataset, DiaRetDB1 V2.1, and DIARETDB0 datasets. To illuminate data noise and unwanted variations, two preprocessing steps are carried out, which include contrast enhancement and illumination correction. The experimental results evaluated using well‐known indicators demonstrate that the suggested method achieves a higher accuracy of 99.63% compared to other baseline methods. This research contributes to the development of powerful DR screening techniques that are less time‐consuming and capable of automatically identifying DR severity levels at a premature level.
Substrate‐Based Ligand Design for Phenazine Biosynthesis Enzyme PhzF
Authors: Baumgarten Janosch , Schneider Philipp , Thiemann Marie , Zimmermann Moritz , Diederich Christina , Blankenfeldt Wulf , Kunick Conrad
Published: August 2024

The phenazine pyocyanin is an important virulence factor of the pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is on the WHO list of antibiotic resistant “priority pathogens”. In this study the isomerase PhzF, a key bacterial enzyme of the pyocyanin biosynthetic pathway, was investigated as a pathoblocker target. The aim of the pathoblocker strategy is to reduce the virulence of the pathogen without killing it, thus preventing the rapid development of resistance. Based on crystal structures of PhzF, derivatives of the inhibitor 3–hydroxyanthranilic acid were designed. Co‐crystal structures of the synthesized derivatives with PhzF revealed spacial limitations of the binding pocket of PhzF in the closed conformation. In contrast, ligands aligned to the open conformation of PhzF provided more room for structural modifications. The intrinsic fluorescence of small 3–hydroxyanthranilic acid derivatives enabled direct affinity determinations using FRET assays. The analysis of structure‐activity relationships showed that the carboxylic acid moiety is essential for binding to the target enzyme. The results of this study provide fundamental structural insights that will be useful for the design of PhzF‐inhibitors.
Multi‐stimuli‐responsive chromic switching self‐assembled with polyoxometalate and copper‐viologen frameworks
Authors: Chang Shen‐Zhen , Zhong Hong‐Xiao , Chen Yan‐Hong , Lin Yong‐Hui , Wang Fu‐Xiang , Fu Ya‐Min , Pan Qin‐He
Published: August 2024

Chromic materials with multi‐stimuli responses have received tremendous attention from industry and academia for their potential applications in smart windows, data storage, military camouflage, molecular switches, modulators, etc. To develop multi‐stimuli‐responsive color‐changing materials with high sensitivity and high stability, a polyoxometalate‐based copper‐viologen framework, formulated as Cu2(H2O)2(L)2[PW12O40][OH−]·2H2O (HNU‐97, H2L2+ = 1,1′‐(1,4‐phenylenebis(methylene))bis(4‐carboxypyridinium)), was prepared by a mild one‐step self‐assembly strategy. Structural analysis shows that HNU‐97 presents a supramolecular structure formed by a one‐dimensional copper‐viologen framework and polyoxometalates through rich hydrogen bonds, anion‐π interactions, etc. Discoloration studies show that HNU‐97 exhibits reversible and rapid response characteristics to various external stimuli, such as 10 s to UV radiation, 5 min to heating, and 5 min to ammonium/amine vapors. This mechanism reveals that different external excitation sources lead to different preferential transfer directions of electrons, resulting in different discoloration phenomena. To construct stimuli‐chromic materials with good mechanical properties, we successfully introduced HNU‐97 into the poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/glycerol (Gly) hydrogel to obtain a composite HNU‐97@PVA/Gly. Remarkably, HNU‐97@PVA/Gly combines the merits of each component and can achieve significant response discoloration behavior under both UV irradiation and ammonia atmosphere. This work will provide an idea for the construction of multiple stimuli‐responsive materials.
Layered oxide cathodes: A comprehensive review of characteristics, research, and development in lithium and sodium ion batteries
Authors: Xu Zhengwei , Song Kangwei , Chang Xinyue , Li Li , Zhang Weicheng , Xue Yixun , Zhang Jiahui , Lin Dewu , Liu Zheyuan , Wang Qian , Yu Yan , Yang Chengkai
Published: August 2024

Layered oxide materials are widely used in the field of energy storage and conversion due to their high specific energy, high efficiency, long cycle life, and high safety. Herein, We summarize the latest research progress in the field of layered metal oxide cathode materials from three aspects: challenges faced, failure mechanisms, and modification methods. We also compare the characteristics of lithium‐based layered oxides and sodium‐based layered oxides, and predict future development directions. The layered oxide cathode materials for sodium‐ion batteries and lithium‐ion batteries exhibit overall structural and operational similarities. There are also some differences, such as lattice parameters and application extent. Sodium‐ion battery cathode materials need to explore new materials and address structural instability issues, while lithium‐ion batteries require finding alternative materials and improving production efficiency. Future challenges for both types of materials include enhancing capacity and cycle performance, elucidating deep mechanisms, reducing costs, and improving resource sustainability. Future development should focus on balancing cycle stability and charge cut‐off voltage to meet the growing demand for battery applications.
Proactive self‐healing techniques for cloud computing: A systematic review
Authors: Rouholamini Seyed Reza , Mirabi Meghdad , Farazkish Razieh , Sahafi Amir
Published: August 2024

Ensuring the seamless operation of cloud computing services is paramount for meeting user demands and ensuring business continuity. Fault‐tolerant self‐healing techniques play a crucial role in enhancing the reliability and availability of cloud platforms, minimizing downtime and ensuring uninterrupted service delivery. This article systematically categorizes and analyzes existing research on fault‐tolerant self‐healing techniques published between 2005 and 2024. We provide a comprehensive technical taxonomy organizing self‐healing techniques based on fault tolerance processes, encompassing considerations for both reliability and availability. Additionally, we evaluate applications of proactive self‐healing techniques, highlighting their achievements, and limitations in enhancing service continuity. Strategies to address identified weaknesses are discussed, alongside future research challenges and open issues in the domain of cloud resilience. Through this analysis, the article contributes to understanding self‐healing techniques in cloud computing, offering insights into their effectiveness in ensuring service continuity. The findings aim to guide future research efforts in developing more robust and resilient cloud infrastructures, ultimately enhancing overall service reliability and availability. By emphasizing the importance of fault tolerance and self‐healing techniques, this article lays the foundation for advancing the state‐of‐the‐art in cloud computing.
Performance of Single Nanopore and Multi‐Pore Membranes for Blue Energy
Authors: Baldelli Matteo , Di Muccio Giovanni , Viola Francesco , Giacomello Alberto , Cecconi Fabio , Balme Sébastien , Chinappi Mauro
Published: August 2024

The salinity gradient power extracted from the mixing of electrolyte solutions at different concentrations through selective nanoporous membranes is a promising route to renewable energy. However, several challenges need to be addressed to make this technology profitable, one of the most relevant being the increase of the extractable power per membrane area. Here, the performance of asymmetric conical and bullet‐shaped nanopores in a 50 nm thick membrane are studied via electrohydrodynamic simulations, varying the pore radius, curvature, and surface charge. The output power reaches ~60 pW per pore for positively charged membranes (surface charge σw=160 mC/m2) and ~30 pW for negatively charges ones, σw=−160 mC/m2 and it is robust to minor variations of nanopore shape and radius. A theoretical argument that takes into account the interaction among neighbour pores allows to extrapolate the single‐pore performance to multi‐pore membranes showing that power densities from tens to hundreds of W/m2 can be reached by proper tuning of the nanopore number density and the boundary layer thickness. Our model for scaling single‐pore performance to multi‐pore membrane can be applied also to experimental data providing a simple tool to effectively compare different nanopore membranes in blue energy applications.
Choosing Suitable Color Palettes for Accessible and Accurate Science Figures
Authors: Crameri Fabio , Shephard Grace E. , Heron Philip J.
Published: August 2024

In a scientific context, a suitable color choice is more than simple decoration. Color handling, as part of scientific visualization, is a scientific methodology that is one of the most widely used, given the importance of figures and images in conveying results. Yet, an expert‐level understanding and application of proper scientific coloring is rare. Here, a concise overview of important color tools is provided and complemented by ready‐to‐apply resources for using color in science research, publishing, communication, tool development, editing, and teaching. This overview offers a guide to spot problems, master the methodology, and support accessible and accurate use of color for science figures in both short and long terms. © 2024 The Author(s). Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Interactive effects of water deficit and nitrogen deficiency on photosynthesis, its underlying component processes, and carbon loss processes in cotton
Authors: Parkash Ved , Snider John L. , Virk Gurpreet
Published: August 2024

Drought stress and nitrogen (N) deficiency are important abiotic stresses that severely limit net photosynthetic rate (AN). A number of studies have investigated the underlying physiological limitations to AN in response to water deficit or N deficiency; however, the relative sensitivities of photosynthetic component processes and carbon loss processes to combined drought and N deficiency in field‐grown cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) have not been explored. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to determine the effects of combined water deficit and nitrogen deficiency on the underlying physiological processes driving AN in field‐grown cotton. Water‐deficit stress caused substantial reductions in AN, but reductions in AN were greater under optimum N conditions (74%) than under N deficiency (22%). Decreased CO2 diffusion, RuBP regeneration, and Rubisco carboxylation were major contributors to a decline in AN due to water‐deficit stress. Reductions in Rubisco carboxylation and RuBP regeneration were the greatest drivers of N deficiency‐induced decline in AN. Lower CO2 diffusion and Rubisco carboxylation were main constraints to AN due to combined water deficit and N deficiency. Regarding carbon loss processes, both dark respiration and photorespiration under water‐deficit stress or N deficiency, and only photorespiration under combined water deficit and N deficiency, contributed to declines in AN. Increased non‐photochemical quenching and/or photorespiration prevented photoinhibition of photosystem II under stress conditions. Overall, response of photosynthesis to water‐deficit stress was dependent on N availability, and rate‐limiting physiological processes contributing to declines in AN were dependent on the type of prevailing stress.
Wireless sensor network coverage of improved sea lion algorithm
Authors: Kagi Swati Shivakumar , Mallapur Sujata Veeresh
Published: August 2024

The base station receives the environmental data from a predetermined field that is collected and transferred by the sensors for processing and analysis. However, coverage maximization is the major issue that requires the deployment of varied sensor nodes (SNs), in such a way that optimizes network coverage while enduring practical limitations. This is pointed out to be a significant challenge in constructing WSNs. Since this is considered to be a well‐known NP‐hard issue, metaheuristic methods must be used for solving the realistic problem sizes. Hence, our work considers the problem of finding the best placement to ensure good network coverage in WSN. Accordingly, the solution to the above‐mentioned problem is modeled by covering a new 2‐D distance evaluation based on weighted Minkowski. Further, we deploy the Self Improved Sealion with Opposition Behavior (SI‐SLOB) algorithm for determining the optimal placement of given sensor nodes. In the end, we perform varied evaluations on distance and coverage area to ensure the enhancement of the SI‐SLOB scheme over the other state‐of‐the‐art algorithms. The proposed method achieves minimum distance mean value in target node 25, which is 4.1%, 4.0%, 2.3%, 5.1%, 3.5%, 3.0%, and 4.1% better than the other methods such as SLO, GWO, PSO, BMO, BOA, RHSO, and WOA, respectively. Thus the proposed WSN node coverage models have diverse applications across various domains, contributing to improved efficiency, safety, and resource management.
Combined high rates of alternative breeding strategies unexpectedly found among populations of a solitary nesting raptor
Authors: Rosenfield Robert N. , Sonsthagen Sarah A. , Stout William E. , Driscoll Timothy G. , Stewart Andrew C. , Frater Paul N. , Talbot Sandra L.
Published: August 2024

Social monogamy is the prevalent mating system in birds, but alternative strategies of extra‐pair paternity (EPP) and conspecific brood parasitism (CBP) occur in many species. Raptors are virtually absent in discussions of broad taxonomic reviews regarding EPP and CBP likely because these strategies are mostly absent or at low frequency; CBP is unreported in solitary nesting raptors. In contrast, we found high frequencies of EPP (16%–31%) and CBP (15%–26%) nests among three populations of Cooper's Hawks (Accipiter cooperii) across the northern breeding range of this solitary nesting, socially monogamous species. EPP and CBP combined occurred in 42%–46% of all nests among populations and hence unexpectedly were nearly equivalent to proportions of genetically monogamous nests. Select covariates failed to predict presence of EPP and CBP in part because virtually all extra‐pair adults were uncaught and likely were floaters. We found no support for the hypothesis that territorial females traded copulations for food to maximize energy intake for increased production. Our unique discoveries enhance knowledge of the extent and diversity of alternative breeding strategies among groups of avian and other animal species.
Evolution and driving mechanism of runoff in the Han River basin from 1980 to 2020 under changing environments
Authors: Luo Yulan , Liu Yuxin , Wang Yusheng , Lv Xin , Zang Chuanfu
Published: August 2024

Recent studies in ecohydrology have focussed on the impact of climate and vegetation changes on runoff. To reveal the hydrological response mechanism under changing environments, this investigation explored the evolution and driving mechanism of Q (the mean annual runoff) in the Han River basin from 1980 to 2020 by combining the Budyko–Porporato–Guswa coupling model and the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model, with scenario analysis and statistical analysis. The results showed that (1) Q was 719.38 mm and showed a fluctuating trend from 1980 to 2020. The spatial distribution was characterised by the largest in the upper Mei River, the second in the Ting River, and the smallest in the lower Mei River and the upper‐middle Han River. (2) Q increased with obvious spatial heterogeneity under the impact of climate change and the integrated impact of climate and vegetation changes. (3) Q had the strongest sensitivity to the change in E0, followed by P, and the weakest was vegetation. Q and E0 showed a strong correlation. (4) The principal driver for the change in Q was climate change, and the impact of P was greater than E0. The impact of vegetation variability was the smallest. This paper can serve as a reference for the research of hydrological response to changing environments and an academic foundation for the scheduling of water resources.
Variation in the role of the flag‐leaf in reproductive effort of semiarid rangeland bunchgrasses
Authors: Hamerlynck Erik P. , Quigley Kathleen M. , O'Connor Rory C.
Published: August 2024

Understanding the mechanisms underlying viable seed production of perennial bunchgrasses is critical to improving restoration and conservation success in Great Basin sagebrush steppe rangelands. We studied the effects of pre‐ and post‐anthesis flag‐leaf removal and post‐anthesis seed‐head shading on reproductive effort in two important rangeland restoration species, the exotic crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum) and native squirreltail (Elymus elymoides). Flag‐leaf removal had distinct, species‐specific effects on seed filling. Pre‐anthesis flag‐leaf removal in crested wheatgrass reduced the proportion of filled seeds, while post‐anthesis removal did not. In contrast, squirreltail increased filled seed proportions regardless of flag‐leaf removal timing. Neither flag‐leaf removal treatment affected seed quality, as quantified by seed‐specific mass (in grams per square meter), which significantly reduced with seed‐head shading in both species. Seed‐head shading reduced total propagule production (unfilled + filled seeds) in crested wheatgrass but increased it in squirreltail, possibly due to our shading method protecting from seed‐head herbivory or high‐light stress. Flag‐leaf removal in the squirreltail also induced a negative shading effect on filled seed area, mass, and specific mass. These findings suggest flag leaves can modulate reproductive effort outside of seed provisioning, either by maintaining pre‐fertilized seed viability, as in crested wheatgrass, or acting as a competitive sink to the fully emerged seed‐head, as in squirreltail. Moreover, this study demonstrates photosynthetic activity by the seed‐head itself is critical to the expression of seed quality traits important to seedling establishment success of semiarid perennial bunchgrasses.
Comparison of Seven DNA Metabarcoding Sampling Methods to Assess Diet in a Large Avian Predator
Authors: Paprocki Neil , Blair Shannon , Conway Courtney J. , Adams Jennifer , Nerkowski Stacey , Kidd Jeff , Waits Lisette
Published: August 2024

DNA metabarcoding is a rapidly advancing tool for diet assessment in wildlife ecology. Studies have used a variety of field collection methods to evaluate diet; however, there is a pressing need to understand the differences among sampling methods and the downstream inferential consequences they may have on our ability to document diet accurately and efficiently. We evaluated seven DNA metabarcoding sampling methods to assess the diet of a large avian predator: Buteo lagopus (rough‐legged hawk). We collected beak swabs, talon swabs, cheek (buccal) swabs, cloacal swabs, and cloacal loops from captured birds, and collected fecal samples from both captured and uncaptured birds. We described and compared variation in prey recovery within and among the seven sampling methods and identified appropriate analytical methods to compare diet among individuals sampled via different methods. Beak and talon swabs produced the highest prey detection rates, yielded the greatest prey richness per sample, and contributed the most to an individual's total prey richness per sampling occasion compared to other sampling methods. Within individuals sampled using five methods during a single capture occasion, cloacal swabs and cheek swabs positively predicted prey richness and average prey mass, respectively, from fecal samples. While all methods identified similar dominant prey taxa that were consistent with prior diet studies, beak and talon swabs detected greater prey richness at both the individual and population levels. We propose a food residue duration hypothesis whereby methods which sample areas containing food DNA consumed from longer and more continuous pre‐sampling time intervals explain variation among sampling methods in observed prey richness. Choice of sampling method can influence predator diet characterization and is particularly important if researchers wish to quantify uncommon diet items or compare diet metrics using samples collected via different methods.
Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses provide evidence on the biocontrol mechanism responsible for the inhibition of Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria alternata by Bacillus velezensis in kiwifruit
Authors: Zeng Shixian , Li Xiaojiao , Leng Jinsong , Wisniewski Michael , Chen Mingrong , Wang Yong , Liu Jia
Published: August 2024

Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria alternata are major pre‐ and postharvest plant pathogens of kiwifruit and responsible for significant economic losses. Although synthetic fungicides are the main source of controlling these pathogens, their use can lead to pathogen resistance, pollution of the environment, and their residues on agricultural produce can represent a health risk to humans. Bacillus velezensis is an ecofriendly bacterium with biocontrol potential. The objectives of the present study were to determine the efficacy of B. velezensis against B. cinerea and A. alternata, both of which are pre‐ and postharvest pathogens of kiwifruit, and investigate the mechanisms responsible for its biocontrol activity using transcriptomic and metabolomic methodology. Dual cultures of B. velezensis and either B. cinerea or A. alternata versus single cultures were used to conduct a transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses to provide insight into the mechanism by which B. velezensis inhibits B. cinerea and A. alternata. A total of 2499 and 3248 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the B. velezensis/B. cinerea and B. velezensis/A. alternata comparisons, respectively. Genes related to sporulation, virulence, and hydrolase activity were downregulated in B. cinerea and A. alternata. Genes associated with MAPK signaling and the TCA cycle were also downregulated. Our study provides new insights into mechanism underlying the inhibition of B. cinerea and A. alternata by B. velezensis. Our results also demonstrate the potential of B. velezensis as a biocontrol agent against these two major pathogens of kiwifruit.
An implicit DG solver for incompressible two‐phase flows with an artificial compressibility formulation
Authors: Orlando Giuseppe
Published: August 2024

We propose an implicit discontinuous Galerkin (DG) discretization for incompressible two‐phase flows using an artificial compressibility formulation. The conservative level set (CLS) method is employed in combination with a reinitialization procedure to capture the moving interface. A projection method based on the L‐stable TR‐BDF2 method is adopted for the time discretization of the Navier‐Stokes equations and of the level set method. Adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) is employed to enhance the resolution in correspondence of the interface between the two fluids. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is shown in a number of classical benchmarks. A specific analysis on the influence of different choices of the mixture viscosity is also carried out.
Contemporary treatment and outcome of sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Burggraf Manuela , Schiele Stefan , Thölken Rubens , López Francisco José Farfán , Elawany Noran , Zenk Johannes , Doescher Johannes
Published: August 2024

Induction chemotherapy (IC) recently gained importance for treatment of sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC). We analyzed our SNUC cases and performed a meta‐analysis with focus on survival‐rates stratified by treatment. SNUC cases at our institution were retrospectively evaluated. A systematic literature review was conducted to analyze treatment and outcome of SNUC. To calculate 5‐year and 2‐year overall survival (OS), individual patient data (IPD) were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier estimators and Cox proportional hazard regression to identify associations between types of therapy and survival. A random effects model for pooled estimates of 5‐year survival was applied to studies without IPD data. Five‐year OS of our SNUC cases (n = 9) was 44.4%. The IPD analysis (n = 192) showed a significantly better 5‐year OS for patients who received induction chemotherapy (72.6% vs. 44.5%). The pooled 5‐year OS of 13 studies identified in the literature search was 43.8%. IC should be considered in every patient diagnosed with SNUC.
A study of the documentation of withholding and withdrawing life‐sustaining therapies in a tertiary intensive care unit in Hong Kong
Authors: Ka‐Hin Lam Duncan , Wong Wai‐Tat , Joynt Gavin Matthew
Published: August 2024

Background

In the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), recommended end‐of‐life (EOL) care practice encompasses do‐not‐attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DNACPR), withholding (WH), and withdrawing (WD) life‐sustaining treatment (LST).

Objectives

Our study aims to evaluate the adequacy of physicians' documentation of EOL care practices.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study, which evaluated the documentation of 18 pre‐identified critical components related to decision‐making, implementation, and communication of WD and WH of LST in a general medical‐surgical ICU of a tertiary hospital in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People's Republic of China. One hundred twenty‐nine patients with EOL care before death were enrolled from 1 January 2013 to 31 March 2015. For documentation to be considered clear, the responsible ICU physician had to record notes in written form on the medical record.

Results

In documenting the decision‐making process, the indication of patients' decision‐making capacity was present in 6.2% of the reviewed records. DNACPR orders were documented substantially poorer (51.6%) than WH/WD other LSTs (71.4%–96.9%) in documenting the implementation process. Reviewing the communication documentation showed that 15.5% detailed the process of determining the patient's previously expressed wishes, 16.3% included explanations of shared decisions and 5.4% covered substituted decisions. None of the patient records met the complete documentation criteria while 17% met the minimal compliance level, defined as records missing 30% or fewer items.

Conclusions

Despite following international standards for EOL care, documentation by ICU physicians for key aspects of decision‐making, implementation, and communication for LST limitations was inadequate. Strategies to improve documentation should be encouraged.
Assessing the feasibility of cardiopulmonary resuscitation over bulletproof vests: Implications for rapid response by police officers
Authors: Barcala‐Furelos Roberto , Aranda‐García Silvia , Díaz‐Sobral Miguel , Gómez‐Silva Adrián , Vázquez‐Álvarez Sheila , Fernández‐Méndez María , Otero‐Agra Martín
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The aim was to evaluate the feasibility and quality of chest compressions (CCs) performed by police officers on a victim wearing a bulletproof vest as well as analyze the time taken to remove the vest.

Methods

Ten officers conducted two 5‐min cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) trials. Trial 1: on a dummy wearing bulletproof vest (CPR‐VEST)/Trial 2: bare‐torso dummy (CPR‐NO).

Results

CC's quality and the timed vest removal. Results show that CC's quality was a median of 90% in CPR‐VEST and 99% in CPR‐NO (p = 0.08). There were significantly poorer results in CPR‐VEST in CC with correct recoil (CPR‐VEST: 12%, CPR‐NO: 10%, and p = 0.04) and rate (CPR‐VEST: 82%, CPR‐NO: 97%, and p = 0.01). The bulletproof vest removal time was 9.45 ± 1.33 s.

Conclusion

The removal of the vest is prioritized to facilitate CPR. CC over the vest is performed with similar quality levels to standard CPR, supporting the immediate initiation of CPR in special circumstances where the vest cannot be removed.
Clues to revising the conventional diagnostic algorithm for endometriosis
Authors: Spiers Andrew , Roman Horace , Wasson Megan , Chapron Charles , Rousset Pascal , Golfier François , Fauvet Raffaele , Delbos Léa , Poilblanc Mathieu , Lavoué Vincent , Petit Erick , Perotte Frédérique , Benjoar Mikhael , Akladios Cherif , Merlot Benjamin , Dennis Thomas , Boudy Anne Sophie , Fedida Benjamin , Leguevaque Pierre , Genre Ludivine , Hennetier Clothilde , Perrin Morgane , Crochet Patrice , Lucas Nicolas , Roger Claire‐Marie , Chantalat Elodie , Collinet Pierre , Fernandez Hervé , Descamps Philippe , Bendifallah Sofiane
Published: August 2024

Endometriosis is a complex gynecologic disorder characterized primarily by symptoms of pelvic pain, infertility, and altered quality of life. National and international guidelines highlight the diagnostic difficulties and lack of conclusive diagnostic tools for endometriosis. Furthermore, guidelines are becoming questionable at an increasingly rapid rate as new diagnostic techniques emerge. This work aims to provide a knowledge synthesis of the relevance of various diagnostic tools and to assess areas of improvement of conventional algorithms. MEDLINE and Cochrane Library databases were searched from January 2021 to December 2023 using relevant key words. Articles evaluating the diagnostic relevance and performance of various tools were included and independently reviewed by the authors for eligibility. Included studies were assessed using the GRADE and QUADAS‐2 tools. Of the 4204 retrieved articles, 26 were included. While anamnesis and clinical examination do contribute to diagnostic accuracy, their level of evidence and impact on the diagnostic process remains limited. Although imaging techniques are recommended to investigate endometriosis, ultrasonography remains highly operator dependent. Magnetic resonance imaging appears to exhibit higher sensitivities than ultrasound. However, concerns persist with regards to the terminology, anatomical definition of lesions, and accuracies of both ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. Recently, several biological markers have been studied and cumulative evidence supports the contribution of noncoding RNAs to the diagnosis of endometriosis. Marginal improvements have been suggested for anamnesis, clinical examination, and imaging examinations. Conversely, some biomarkers, including the saliva microRNA signature for endometriosis, have emerged as diagnostic tools which inspire reflection on the revision of conventional diagnostic algorithms.
Utilizing biochars to stabilize mercury in contaminated floodplain sediment: Implications on mercury remediation
Authors: Jensen Brittany E. , Spencer Breann , Xu Xiaoyu
Published: August 2024

Major weather events contribute to the mobility and remobilization of legacy mercury (Hg) contamination and sequestration within sediments. Remediation using biochar as a soil amendment is a useful technique to immobilize and decrease Hg toxicity. This study explored whether biochar application is effective at stabilizing labile mercury (LaHg) from floodplain sediment. Controlled mesocosms simulating contamination events and flooding conditions were conducted. Floodplain sediment, which experiences annual periodic flooding, was collected. Sediment was spiked with inorganic Hg, applied with different types of biochar, and experienced simulated flooding events. Four types of biochar, pure rice husk (RH), pure peanut hull (PH), sulfur‐modified rice husk (SMRH), and sulfur‐modified peanut hull (SMPH), were applied at 10 and 40 g/kg rates (i.e., RH 10, RH 40; PH 10, PH 40, SMRH 10, SMRH 40, SMPH 10, SMPH 40). Total Hg, methylmercury, and LaHg concentrations were analyzed by coupling with redox potential measurements. Results indicate that SMRH 10, PH 10, PH 40, SMPH 10, and SMPH 40 successfully remediate Hg by stabilizing and reducing LaHg species from floodplain sediment. However, a high Hg methylation potential was observed with unsulfated and sulfated peanut hulls (PH 10, PH 40, SMPH 10, and SMPH 40), as they tend to create a reducing microenvironment that favors sulfate reduction reactions. Additionally, sulfur‐modified biochar tends to promote Hg methylation potential at high application rates (i.e., 40 g/kg). We thus recommend using SMRH at a relatively low application rate (SMRH 10) for the remediation of Hg from floodplain sediment.
Nonisomorphic two‐dimensional algebraically defined graphs over R R
Authors: Kronenthal Brian G. , Miller Joe , Nash Alex , Roeder Jacob , Samamah Hani , Wong Tony W. H.
Published: August 2024

For , let be a two‐dimensional algebraically defined graph, that is, a bipartite graph where each partite set is a copy of and two vertices and are adjacent if and only if . It is known that has girth 6 and can be extended to the point‐line incidence graph of the classical real projective plane. However, it was unknown whether there exists such that has girth 6 and is nonisomorphic to . This paper answers this question affirmatively and thus provides a construction of a nonclassical real projective plane. This paper also studies the diameter and girth of for families of bivariate functions .
Transitions of care for adolescents with disorders of gut–brain interaction
Authors: Atkins Micaela , Huynh Daniel , Madva Elizabeth N. , Kuo Braden , Zar‐Kessler Claire , Burton‐Murray Helen , Vélez Christopher
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Little is known about the experience of adolescents and young adults (AYA) with disorders of gut–brain interaction (DGBI) who transition from pediatric to adult gastroenterology care. In this two‐part study, we used quantitative and qualitative methods to: (1) assess incidence of optimal versus suboptimal transitions of care for AYA with DGBI, (2) characterize health and quality of life effects of the transition, and (3) identify barriers and facilitators for optimal transition of care.

Methods

In Part 1, we conducted a retrospective review of AYA referrals to our adult neurogastroenterology clinic who had transitioned from pediatric gastroenterology care (N = 109, 17–23 years, 72% female). We collected demographic, psychosocial, and healthcare utilization data to determine rate and risk factors for suboptimal transitions. In Part 2, we recruited 24 AYA and parents (n = 19 AYA, n = 5 parents) for completion of a survey and semistructured interview, which was analyzed using validated rapid qualitative analysis method.

Results

In Part 1, 20% (22/109) of AYA met the criteria for suboptimal transition of care, which was associated with treatment adherence concern and functional impairment. In Part 2, we identified two principal themes: (1) AYA's health and quality of life are impacted during the transition, and (2) parental involvement and collaboration with pediatric gastrointestinal are facilitators to successful transitions, whereas access to care and practice style change are barriers.

Conclusion

AYA with DGBI have high rates of suboptimal care transitions, affecting their health and quality of life. Our study highlights the need for a comprehensive approach that incorporates parents and pediatric providers.
TG Vascutrack: A User‐Friendly and Open‐Source Software for Automated Extraction of Arterial Diameter and Velocity Profile Data From Vascular Ultrasound Videos
Authors: Tecchio Paolo , Gentilin Alessandro
Published: August 2024

Existing automated software for vascular ultrasound data extraction lacks free, open‐source options suitable for professionals without coding experience. These programs typically include signal‐cleaning algorithms, resulting in processed output without access to raw data. To address these needs, we developed TG Vascutrack, an open‐source and user‐friendly software tailored for non‐coder professionals. It features a graphical interface, multiple functionalities, and provides access to raw data. Comparative analysis against validated software and manual extraction revealed minimal biases and standard deviations in diameter and velocity measurements. TG Vascutrack offers a free, promising solution for non‐coders needing automated vascular ultrasound data extraction.