bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Less is more – an efficient photoreactor on the nanoscale
Authors: Petersen Malte , Nau Roland E. P. , Pannwitz Andrea , Wilke Timm
Published: June 2023

Photochemische Prozesse sind die Grundlage des Lebens auf der Erde. In der aktuellen Forschung wird Sonnenlicht verstärkt genutzt, um “grünen” Wasserstoff zu erzeugen. Hierfür werden Photosysteme entwickelt, die möglichst effizient und langlebig arbeiten sollen. Eine innovative Methode zur Leistungssteigerung ist der Einschluss solcher Photosysteme in sogenannte Liposom‐Nanoreaktoren. Durch die räumliche Nähe können lokal hohe Konzentrationen der Reaktanden gebildet und Leistungsfähigkeit, Lebensdauer sowie Effizienz deutlich gesteigert werden. Die vorgestellte Experimentalreihe knüpft an aktuellen wissenschaftlichen Forschungen im Bereich der Photochemie an und erschließt das zentrale Prinzip für die Schulen und Schülerlabore. Hierfür wird ein photochemisches System aus Eosin Y und NADH in Liposom‐Nanoreaktoren bestehend aus Lecithin eingeschlossen und die Leistung mit einem System ohne Nanoreaktoren verglichen. Bereits nach 5 Minuten Belichtungszeit zeigt das System eine signifikant bessere Leistung, die sogar mit dem Vorbild aus der Forschung vergleichbar ist.
Spatial Patterning of Micromotor Aggregation and Flux
Authors: Rivas David P. , Sokolich Max , Das Sambeeta
Published: June 2023

Using a spatially varying light pattern with light activated semi‐conductor based magnetic micromotors, we study the difference in micromotor flux between illuminated and non‐illuminated regions in the presence and absence of an applied magnetic field. We find that the magnetic field enhances the flux of the motors which we attribute to a straightening of the micromotor trajectories which decreases the time they spend in the illuminated region. We also demonstrate spatially patterned light‐induced aggregation of the micromotors and study its time evolution at various micromotor concentrations. Although light induced aggregation has been observed previously, spatial patterning of aggregation demonstrates a further means of control which could be relevant to swarm control or self‐assembly applications. Overall, these results draw attention to the effect of trajectory shape on the flux of active colloids as well as the concentration dependence of aggregation and its time dependence within a spatially patterned region, which is not only pertinent to self‐assembly and swarm control, but also provides insight into the behavior of active matter systems with spatially varying activity levels.
In vitro comparison of the physical and mechanical properties of an ormocer with an ormocer‐based composite and a nanocomposite restorative material
Authors: Jansen van Rensburg Karien , Kritzinger Dorette , Arnold Samantha , Buchanan Glynn D.
Published: June 2023

Objectives

To compare an ormocer with a first generation ormocer‐based composite and a nanocomposite in terms of surface roughness, surface hardness, and microleakage.

Materials and Methods

An ormocer (Admira Fusion), a first generation ormocer‐based composite (Admira) and a nanocomposite (Filtek Z350 XT) were prepared strictly in accordance with the manufacturer's instruction and recommendation to provide optimal material properties. Twelve disk samples of each material were evaluated to assess both surface roughness and surface hardness. For surface roughness, all samples were finished, polished, and Ra values measured with a profilometer. For surface hardness, samples were stored in an incubator, polished and a Vickers diamond indenter was used to record values. For microleakage, 36 standardized, Class V cavities were prepared and randomly divided into three groups. Restored teeth were thermally fatigued, immersed in 2% methylene blue solution for 48 h, sectioned, and scored for occlusal and gingival microleakage.

Results

Statistical significance was set at p < .05. The one‐way analysis of variance identified no significant difference in terms of surface roughness between the three material groups (p > .05). A significantly higher surface hardness was identified for the nanocomposite compared to both the ormocer (p < .001) and ormocer‐based composite (p < .001). Fisher's exact test identified no significant difference in terms of occlusal microleakage (p = .534) and gingival microleakage (p = .093) between the three material groups.

Conclusions

No significant differences in terms of surface roughness or microleakage were noted. The nanocomposite was significantly harder than the ormocer materials.
Peer influence, market power, and enterprises' green innovation: Evidence from Chinese listed firms
Authors: Gu Jiafeng
Published: June 2023

In the era of a green economy, green innovation has become a way for enterprises to gain competitive advantage, and it is of great theoretical and practical significance to explore the driving force of enterprises' green innovation. This study explores the peer effect of an enterprise's green innovation and conducts an empirical test using data from 3338 Chinese listed companies in 2020. The results show a significant positive peer effect of enterprises' green innovation, and the green innovation of individual enterprises increases by 0.869 for each unit increase in industry‐average green innovation. Further research shows that market power is the channel by which peer influence affects an enterprise's green innovation. Moreover, regional heterogeneity exists in the strength of the peer effect, which varies according to firm maturity and board size. These findings provide a reference for enterprises and governments to promote green transformation.
Distribution changes of non‐self‐test cells and self‐tunic cells surrounding the outer body during Ciona metamorphosis
Authors: Totsuka Nozomu M. , Kuwana Satoshi , Sawai Satoshi , Oka Kotaro , Sasakura Yasunori , Hotta Kohji
Published: June 2023

Background: Ascidians significantly change their body structure through metamorphosis, but the spatio‐temporal cell dynamics in the early metamorphosis stage has not been clarified. A natural Ciona embryo is surrounded by maternally derived non‐self‐test cells before metamorphosis. However, after metamorphosis, the juvenile is surrounded by self‐tunic cells derived from mesenchymal cell lineages. Both test cells and tunic cells are thought to be changed their distributions during metamorphosis, but the precise timing is unknown.

Results: Using a metamorphosis induction by mechanical stimulation, we investigated the dynamics of mesenchymal cells during metamorphosis in a precise time course. After the stimulation, two‐round Ca2+ transients were observed. Migrating mesenchymal cells came out through the epidermis within 10 min after the second phase. We named this event “cell extravasation.” The cell extravasation occurred at the same time as the backward movement of posterior trunk epidermal cells. Timelapse imaging of transgenic‐line larva revealed that non‐self‐test cells and self‐tunic cells temporarily coexist outside the body until the test cells are eliminated. At the juvenile stage, only extravasated self‐tunic cells remained outside the body.

Conclusions: We found that mesenchymal cells extravasated following two‐round Ca2+ transients, and distributions of test cells and tunic cells changed in the outer body after tail regression.
Evolutionary history shapes grassland productivity through opposing effects on complementarity and selection
Authors: Larkin Daniel J. , Glasenhardt Mary‐Claire , Williams Evelyn W. , Karimi Nisa , Barak Rebecca S. , Leavens Emma , Hipp Andrew L.
Published: June 2023

Phylogenetic diversity (PD), the evolutionary history of the organisms comprising a community, is increasingly recognized as an important driver of ecosystem function. However, biodiversity–ecosystem function experiments have rarely included PD as an a priori treatment. Thus, PD's effects in existing experiments are often confounded by covarying differences in species richness and functional trait diversity (FD). Here we report an experimental demonstration of strong PD effects on grassland primary productivity that are independent of FD, which was separately manipulated, and species richness, which was planted uniformly high to mimic diverse natural grasslands. Partitioning diversity effects demonstrated that higher PD increased complementarity (niche partitioning and/or facilitation) but lowered selection effects (probability of sampling highly productive species). Specifically, for every 5% increase in PD, complementarity increased by 26% on average (±8% SE), while selection effects decreased more modestly (8 ± 16%). PD also shaped productivity through clade‐level effects on functional traits, that is, trait values associated with particular plant families. This clade effect was most pronounced in the Asteraceae (sunflower family), which, in tallgrass prairies, generally comprises tall, high‐biomass species with low phylogenetic distinctiveness. FD also reduced selection effects but did not alter complementarity. Our results show that PD, independent of richness and FD, mediates ecosystem function through contrasting effects on complementarity and selection. This adds to growing evidence that consideration of phylogenetic dimensions of biodiversity can advance ecological understanding and inform conservation and restoration.
ILAE Genetic Literacy Series: Postmortem Genetic Testing in Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy
Authors: Bagnall Richard D. , Perucca Piero ,   for the ILAE Genetics Commission
Published: June 2023

A 24‐year‐old man with non‐lesional bitemporal lobe epilepsy since age 16 years was found dead in bed around midday. He was last seen the previous night when he was witnessed to have a tonic–clonic seizure. Before his death, he was experiencing weekly focal impaired awareness seizures and up to two focal‐to‐bilateral tonic–clonic seizures each year. He had trialed several antiseizure medications and was on levetiracetam 1500 mg/day, lamotrigine 400 mg/day, and clobazam 10 mg/day at the time of death. Other than epilepsy, his medical history was unremarkable. Of note, he had an older brother with a history of febrile seizures and a paternal first cousin with epilepsy. No cause of death was identified following a comprehensive postmortem investigation. The coroner classified the death as “sudden unexpected death in epilepsy” (SUDEP), and it would qualify as “definite SUDEP” using the current definitions.1 This left the family with many questions unanswered; in particular, they wish to know what caused the death and whether it could happen to other family members. Could postmortem genetic testing identify a cause of death, provide closure to the family, and facilitate cascade genetic testing of first‐degree family members who may be at risk of sudden death? While grieving family members struggle with uncertainty about the cause of death, we as clinicians also face similar uncertainties about genetic contributions to SUDEP, especially when the literature is sparse, and the utility of genetic testing is still being worked out. We aim to shed some light on this topic, highlighting areas where data is emerging but also areas where uncertainty remains, keeping our case in mind as we examine this clinically important area.
Study on destabilization failure characteristics and energy evolution law of drilling holes
Authors: Wang Yang , Xu Mengtang , Kong Dezhong , Wu Guiyi , Shang Yuqi , Chen Long , Liu Yuhao
Published: June 2023

Borehole destabilization damage is an important factors affecting gas extraction efficiency. To derive the fracture development law, strain, and energy evolution characteristics of different borehole diameters, uniaxial compression experiments were conducted on prefabricated rock specimens with different borehole diameters. The results showed that the elastic energy and dissipation energy of the specimens with different pore diameters changed with the compression process, and the energy distribution inside the specimens. The results show that as the pore size of the specimen increases, the strain area damaged by tensile fracture gradually decreases and the strain area damaged by shear fracture gradually increases, and the damage of the dominant specimen gradually evolves from tensile fracture as the dominant factor to tensile fracture and shear fracture together as the dominant factor and finally to shear fracture as the dominant factor. For the whole compression process of pore size rock specimens, the total energy curve shows a nonlinear growth trend, and the elastic energy curve shows a nonlinear growth trend before the specimen damage and a cliff‐type decrease after the specimen damage. From the perspective of energy distribution, the elastic energy storage limit of the specimen decreases with the increase of the specimen pore size, the energy distribution law inside the rock specimen with pores changes, and the total energy absorbed from the outside gradually changes to the dissipated energy, resulting in an increasing proportion of dissipated energy, indicating that the larger the pore size, the larger the plastic deformation, and the more obvious ductile damage characteristics of the specimen with pores will be shown. The research analyzes the causes of destabilization of rock samples with different hole diameters and provides some theoretical guidance for the study of gas extraction drilling stability.
An Assessment of the Toxicity of Pesticide Mixtures in Periphyton from Agricultural Streams to the Mayfly Neocloeon triangulifer
Authors: Ijzerman Moira M. , Raby Melanie , Izma Gab B. , Kudla Yaryna M. , Letwin Nicholas V. , Gallant Melanie J. , Schiffer Stephanie R. , Atkinson Brian J. , Rooney Rebecca C. , Sibley Paul K. , Prosser Ryan S.
Published: June 2023

Residual concentrations of pesticides are commonly found outside the intended area of application in Ontario's surface waters. Periphyton are a vital dietary component for grazing organisms in aquatic ecosystems but can also accumulate substantial levels of pesticides from the surrounding water. Consequently, grazing aquatic organisms are likely subjected to pesticide exposure through the consumption of pesticide-contaminated periphyton. The objectives of the present study were to determine if pesticides partition into periphyton in riverine environments across southern Ontario and, if so, to determine the toxicity of pesticides in periphyton when fed to the grazing mayfly Neocloeon triangulifer. Sites with low, medium, and high pesticide exposure based on historic water quality monitoring data were selected to incorporate a pesticide exposure gradient into the study design. Artificial substrate samplers were utilized to colonize periphyton in situ, which were then analyzed for the presence of approximately 500 pesticides. The results demonstrate that periphyton are capable of accumulating pesticides in agricultural streams. A novel 7-day toxicity test method was created to investigate the effects of pesticides partitioned into periphyton when fed to N. triangulifer. Periphyton collected from the field sites were fed to N. triangulifer and survival and biomass production recorded. Survival and biomass production significantly decreased when fed periphyton colonized in streams with catchments dominated by agricultural land use (p < 0.05). However, the relationship between pesticide concentration and survival or biomass production was not consistent. Using field-colonized periphyton allowed us to assess the dietary toxicity of environmentally relevant concentrations of pesticide mixtures; however, nutrition and taxonomic composition of the periphyton may vary between sites. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:2143–2157. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Predicting Environmental Risks of Pharmaceuticals from Wholesale Data: An Example from Norway
Authors: Welch Samuel A. , Moe S. Jannicke , Sharikabad Mohammad N. , Tollefsen Knut Erik , Olsen Kristine , Grung Merete
Published: June 2023

Environmental risk assessment (ERA) of pharmaceuticals relies on available measured environmental concentrations, but often such data are sparse. Predicted environmental concentrations (PECs), calculated from sales weights, are an attractive alternative but often cover only prescription sales. We aimed to rank, by environmental risk in Norway, approximately 200 active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) over 2016–2019, based on sales PECs. To assess the added value of wholesale and veterinary data, we compared exposure and risk predictions with and without these additional sources. Finally, we aimed to characterize the persistence, mobility, and bioaccumulation of these APIs. We compared our PECs to available Norwegian measurements, then, using public predicted-no-effect concentrations, we calculated risk quotients (RQs) and appended experimental and predicted persistence and bioaccumulation. Our approach overestimated environmental concentrations compared with measurements for 18 of 20 APIs with comparable predictions and measurements. Seventeen APIs had mean RQs >1, indicating potential risk, while the mean RQ was 2.05 and the median 0.001, driven by sex hormones, antibiotics, the antineoplastic abiraterone, and common painkillers. Some high-risk APIs were also potentially persistent or bioaccumulative (e.g., levonorgestrel [RQ = 220] and ciprofloxacin [RQ = 56]), raising the possibility of impacts beyond their RQs. Exposure and risk were also calculated with and without over-the-counter sales, showing that prescriptions explained 70% of PEC magnitude. Likewise, human sales, compared with veterinary, explained 85%. Sales PECs provide an efficient option for ERA, designed to overestimate compared with analytical techniques and potentially held back by limited data availability and an inability to quantify uncertainty but, nevertheless, an ideal initial approach for identification and ranking of risks. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:2253–2270. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Energy efficiency augmentation inUWA‐OFDMtransducer by peak to average power ratio alleviation through hybrid companding approach
Authors: Banoori Farhad , Shi Jinglun , Khan Khalid , Arshad Jehangir , Liu Xiongying , Muhammad Noman Sohail , Irshad Muhammad
Published: June 2023

Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is a compelling contender for next‐generation fixed and wireless standards to realize high data transmission rates in underwater acoustic (UWA) systems. A specific challenge before transmission over the transducers of the UWA system within an OFDM signal is the high peak to average power ratio (PAPR), which severely affects the energy efficiency of the UWA system. This work aims to enhance the energy efficiency of the UWA system by alleviating the stumbling block mentioned earlier within the OFDM. Moreover, we recommend and design a methodology that incorporates modified repeated frequency‐domain filtering and clipping (RFC) and companding techniques to restrain the PAPR obstacle. Additionally, the modified RFC utilizes various companding techniques (including linear and nonlinear techniques) to achieve the desired objectives without complexity augmentation of the system. We simulate and test our proposed approach against four major parameters: PAPR, bit error rate, energy efficiency, and system performance gain. Statistical results show that our technique offers .36 high‐power amplifier power efficiency (), which is comparatively better than OFDM with selective mapping, OFDM with partial transmit sequences, and OFDM with other hybrid approaches.
Methodological innovations within the RAWES framework for use in development scenarios
Authors: Cianchi Ben , Everard Mark , McInnes Rob , Cooke Rob
Published: June 2023

Built development changes the nature of land and its ecosystems, with diverse ramifications for human well-being and the resilience of the socioecological system. Robust and replicable approaches are required to assess ecosystem services generated by sites both predevelopment and for evaluation of postdevelopment options, to assess change and to support a paradigm shift from a “do less harm” to a “regenerative” approach. The Rapid Assessment of Wetland Ecosystem Services (RAWES) approach provides an internationally recognized methodology for systemic assessment of the ecosystem services generated by a site, taking account of all ecosystem services and service categories across multiple spatial scales. The RAWES assessments of constituent ecosystem services can be combined into Ecosystem Service Index scores. This article outlines innovations in RAWES methods to assess changes in ecosystem services likely to result from differing development scenarios in the context of a case study site in eastern England. These adaptations of the RAWES approach include revised methods for the analysis of ecosystem service beneficiaries across multiple spatial scales, the establishment of a common baseline against which to compare likely ecosystem service outcomes under a range of development scenarios, and a standardized method for accounting for supporting services through their contributions to other more directly exploited services. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:189–200. © 2023 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
Dexmedetomidine attenuates inflammation and organ injury partially by upregulating Nur77 in sepsis
Authors: Zhang Qian , Huang Yun , Gong Chenchen , Tang Yan , Xiong Jie , Wang Difen , Liu Xu
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine (Dex) on inflammation and organ injury in sepsis, as well as the potential relationship between Dex and nuclear receptor 77 (Nur77).

Methods

We investigated the effects of dexmedetomidine on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced inflammation in RAW264.7 cells and organ injury in the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) mouse model. Additionally, we examined the relationship between dexmedetomidine and Nur77. The expression levels of Nur77 in RAW264.7 cells were analyzed under various types of stimulation using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. Inflammatory cytokine levels in the cells were evaluated using enzyme‐linked immunoassay. Organ injuries were assessed by examining tissue histology and pathology of the lung, liver, and kidney.

Results

Dexmedetomidine increased the expression of Nur77 and IL‐10, and downregulated inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β and TNF‐α) in LPS‐treated RAW264.7 cells. The effect of dexmedetomidine on inhibiting inflammation in LPS‐treated RAW264.7 cells was promoted by overexpressing Nur77, while it was reversed by downregulating Nur77. Additionally, dexmedetomidine promoted the expression of Nur77 in the lung and CLP‐induced pathological changes in the lung, liver, and kidney. Activation of Nur77 with the agonist Cytosporone B (CsnB) significantly suppressed the production of IL‐1β and TNF‐α in LPS‐treated RAW264.7 cells. In contrast, knockdown of Nur77 augmented IL‐1β and TNF‐α production in LPS‐treated RAW264.7 cells.

Conclusion

Dexmedetomidine can attenuate inflammation and organ injury, at least partially, via upregulating Nur77 in sepsis.
Pregnancy outcomes following radical trachelectomy for early‐stage cervical cancer: A retrospective observational study in the Kanto area, Japan
Authors: Kasuga Yoshifumi , Hasegawa Keita , Hamuro Asuka , Fukuma Yuka , Tamai Junko , Tanaka Yuya , Ikenoue Satoru , Tanaka Mamoru
Published: June 2023

Objective

The authors aimed to investigate the prevalence of pregnancy and obstetric outcomes in patients who underwent radical trachelectomy (RT) for early‐stage cervical cancer in the Kanto area, Japan.

Method

A survey among 113 perinatal centers affiliated with the Kanto Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology was conducted to investigate their experience in managing pregnancies following RT, between 2010 and 2020. The association between preterm delivery (before 34 gestational weeks) and a midtrimester short cervix (<13 mm) was evaluated.

Results

The authors retrospectively collected maternal and perinatal data from 13 hospitals. There were 135 pregnancies among 115 women following RT. Of the 135 pregnancies, 32 were miscarriages (<12 gestational weeks: n = 22; >12 gestational weeks: n = 10), and 103 were delivered after 22 gestational weeks. The incidences of preterm delivery before 28 and 34 gestational weeks were 8.7% and 30.1%, respectively. A midtrimester short residual cervix was associated with preterm delivery (P = 0.046).

Conclusion

Since more than 100 pregnancies were recorded after RT in the Kanto area, many physicians had more opportunities to manage pregnancy after RT. Pregnancy following RT is associated with increased risk of preterm delivery, and midtrimester short residual cervix is a good predictor of preterm delivery.
Evaluation of multigenerational effects of 2‐ethylhexyl 4‐hydroxybenzoate in Japanese medaka
Authors: Matten Sharlene , Fallacara Dawn , Kamel Alaa , Lynn Scott G. , Fort Douglas J. , Wolf Jeffrey C. , Leak Tom , von Holst Haley , Bever Ronnie Joe , Thomas Amy , Brown Vincent J.
Published: June 2023

The Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) extended one‐generation reproduction test (MEOGRT) (Test Guideline 890.2200) is a Tier 2 test within the Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program of the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). A modified MEOGRT was used to evaluate multigenerational effects of 2‐ethylhexyl 4‐hydroxybenzoate (2‐EHHB) under flow‐through conditions starting with adults (parent generation, F0) through a 3‐week reproductive phase of the second generation (F2). Fish were exposed to one of five 2‐EHHB test concentrations or a dechlorinated tap water control. Fecundity was affected at the lowest exposure (5.32 μg/L) and greater sensitivity occurred in the F1 and F2 generations. Percent fertility was also diminished from no effect level observed in the F0 generation to 101 and 48.8 μg/L in the F1 and F2 generations, respectively. Growth indices were decreased for F0 adult females and F1 subadults and adults at 48.8 μg/L 2‐EHHB. Histopathologic examination of gonads, liver, kidney, and thyroid yielded possible delayed reproductive tract development in F1 subadult males, masculinization of the renal phenotype in F1 adult females (renal tubular eosinophilia) and reduced hepatic energy storage (liver glycogen vacuoles) in F1 (11.3 and 48.8 μg/L) and F2 (48.8 and 101 μg/L) males and females, respectively. Endocrine‐related findings included a decrease in anal fin papillae in F2 adult males at 101 μg/L. Results of this study demonstrate effects on growth, development, and reproduction that may be mediated by endocrine (weak estrogenic) and nonendocrine mechanisms. Duration of the MEOGRT should not be routinely extended beyond the OCSPP 890 guideline study design.
Identification and interpretation of TET2 noncanonical splicing site intronic variants in myeloid neoplasm patients
Authors: Das Riku , Tu Zheng Jin , Bosler David S. , Cheng Yu‐Wei
Published: June 2023

Background: DNA hypermethylation and instability due to inactivation mutations in Ten–eleven translocation 2 (TET2) is a key biomarker of hematological malignancies. This study aims at characterizing two intronic noncanonical splice‐site variants, c.3954+5_3954+8delGTTT and c.3954+5G>A.

Methods: We used in silico prediction tools, reverse transcription (RT)‐PCR, and Sanger sequencing on blood/bone marrow‐derived RNA specimens to determine the aberrant splicing.

Results: In silico prediction of both variants exhibited reduced splicing strength at the TET2 intron 7 splicing donor site. RT‐PCR and Sanger sequencing identified a 62‐bp deletion at the exon 7, producing a frameshift mutation, p.Cys1298*.

Conclusion: This study provides functional evidence for two intronic TET2 variants that cause alternative splicing and frameshift mutation.
Editorial for “Use of Real‐Time CineMRIto Assess the Respirophasic Variation of the Inferior Vena Cava—Proof‐of‐Concept and Validation Against Transthoracic Echocardiography”
Authors: Lamb Hildo J.
Published: June 2023

Level of Evidence

5

Technical Efficacy Stage

1
Characterization of chrysoberyl and its gemmological varieties by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Rybnikova Olena , Bačík Peter , Uher Pavel , Fridrichová Jana , Lalinská‐Voleková Bronislava , Kubernátová Monika , Hanus Radek
Published: June 2023

Various chrysoberyl varieties (non‐phenomenal chrysoberyl, alexandrite and cymophane) are gemstones of high demand; therefore, they are subjected to numerous substitutions by other materials and synthetic analogues. To address this issue, non‐destructive methods for studying gemstones are highly sought after. Raman spectroscopy is one of the most suitable non‐destructive methods for studying gemstones as it requires no sample preparation and does not leave any price‐reducing signs on the gemstone surface. The research is focused on Raman spectroscopy application on chrysoberyl identification, differentiation between its varieties, inclusion analysis, and detection of synthetic analogues and imitations. The alexandrite variety can be identified by its broad luminescence band that ranges from 640 to 790 nm (15 625–12 658 cm−1). Synthetic alexandrite has sharper and more intensive bands on the luminescence spectrum, especially 690 and 696 nm (14 492–14 367 cm−1). Rutile inclusions can be distinguished by a broad band 580–640 cm−1 in the Raman spectrum. Imitations of chrysoberyl represented by corundum and colour‐changing spessartine was also identified. The orientation of faceted stones can also be determined by specific bands present in the Raman spectrum.
The colonic metabolism differences of main alkaloids in normal and colitis mice treated with Coptis chinensis Franch. and Sophora flavescens Ait. herbal pair using liquid chromatography‐high resolution mass spectrometry method combined with chemometrics
Authors: Li Qin , Chen Zihan , Zhang Jianrong , Yan Qiuying , Liu Li , Tang Dongxin , Li Liu , Zhang Jinge , Hu Cheng , Ma Jiayi , Cheng Haibo , Kang An , Sun Dongdong
Published: June 2023

Coptis chinensis Franch. and Sophora flavescens Ait. is a herbal pair frequently used in treating ulcerative colitis. However, the bio‐disposition profile of the major components in the inflamed gut remains unclear, which is essential to understand the pharmacological material basis of this herb pair. Here we established an integral quantitative and chemometric method to deduce the colonic metabolism differences of this herbal pair in normal and colitis mice. With this LC‐MS method, a total of 41 components have been found in the Coptis chinensis Franch. and Sophora flavescens Ait. extract, and 28 metabolites were found in the colon after oral administration. Alkaloid and its phase I metabolites were the main components in the colon of normal and colitis mice. The results of principal component analysis at 6 h after oral administration showed significant colonic metabolism differences between normal and colitis mice. Heamap results showed that colitis induced significant changes in the colonic bio‐disposition of this herbal pair extract. In particular, in the context of colitis, the phase I metabolism of berberine, coptisine, jatrorrhizine, palmatine,and epiberberine has been inhibited. These results may provide a basis for understanding the pharmacological material basis of Coptis chinensis Franch. and Sophora flavescens Ait. in treating ulcerative colitis.
Efforts to improve the surgical outcome for exotropia and investigation of the insertion locations of the extraocular muscles
Authors: Lai Yu‐Hung , Chang Shun‐Jen
Published: June 2023

In our previous retrospective study, we found that using the strabismus surgery dosages established by western strabismus mentors tends to result in undercorrection of Taiwanese exotropia (XT) patients compared with those in western populations. We also discovered that the location of extraocular muscle (EOM) insertion could vary by ethnicity. In this study, using a generalized estimation equation model, we compared the XT surgery outcome between augmented and original strabismus surgery dosages in Taiwanese patients. We also conducted an observational study to investigate the horizontal EOM insertion location in a Taiwanese population and compared the data with Dr. Apt L.'s study. For Taiwanese XT patients, augmented surgical dosages resulted in significantly better outcome at 6 months and 1 year postoperatively compared with original surgical dosages (p = 0.003 and p < 0.001, respectively). The distance from the lateral recuts muscle (LR) insertion location to the limbus was significantly shorter in Taiwanese than in white Americans (6.5 vs. 6.9 mm, respectively, p = 0.0001). Furthermore, the medial rectus muscle and LR insertion locations differed significantly between males and females (p < 0.001 and p = 0.023, respectively). The patients' sex did not affect the surgery outcome. Augmented surgery doses modified from western strabismus mentors produce better surgery outcome for Taiwanese XT patients. Surgeons may require country‐specific guidelines for strabismus surgery dosage. We also demonstrated a simple method for young ophthalmologists to establish their own normograms to improve their surgical success rate. Our study confirms that LR insertion locations differ between Taiwanese and White Americans.
Analyzing County‐level Social Vulnerabilities of Head and Neck Melanomas in the United States
Authors: McCampbell Lillian , Fei‐Zhang David Jun , Chelius Daniel , Rastatter Jeff , Sheyn Anthony
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Studies addressing social determinants of health (SDH) in head–neck melanomas (HNM) have only assessed incidence with increasing socioeconomic status. None have investigated a wider scope of SDH or their summed influence on affecting HNM prognosis and follow‐up care.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study analyzed 374,138 HNM in adults from 1975 to 2017 from the NCI‐Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (NCI‐SEER) database. Utilizing the NCI‐SEER database, Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) scores were matched to county of residence upon diagnosis. Univariate linear regressions were performed on length of care (months of follow‐up/surveyed) and prognosis (months survival) across various SDH/SVI scores of socioeconomic status, minority and language status, household composition, housing and transportation, and their total composite.

Results

With increasing overall SVI score, which indicates increasing social vulnerability, months of follow‐up showed significant decreases ranging from 0.04% to 27.63% compared with the lowest vulnerability groups, with the highest differences in nodular melanomas and the lowest with malignant melanomas in giant pigmented nevi. Similarly, months survival significant decreases ranged from 0.19% to 39.84% compared with the lowest SVI scores, with the highest difference in epithelioid cell melanomas and the lowest in amelanotic melanoma. Comprising this overall score trend, decreases with socioeconomic status, minority‐language status, household composition, and housing‐transportation contributed differentially per histology subtype.

Conclusions

Our data highlight significant negative trends in HNM prognosis and care with higher total social vulnerability while showing which SDH‐themes quantifiably contribute more to these differences.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:185–190, 2024
Regional distribution in female representation in US otolaryngology faculty
Authors: Wang Esther , Diaz Ashley , Khan Maha L. , Blair Elizabeth A. , Shogan Andrea N.
Published: June 2023

Objectives

To quantify the current proportion of women in otolaryngology at different levels of professorship and determine whether these proportions differ by US region.

Methods

Academic rank and gender at all ACGME‐accredited otolaryngology programs in the United States were determined from departmental websites, Doximity, and LinkedIn from November 2021 to March 2022. Individuals were then further organized using US Census Bureau‐designated regions.

Results

Among the 2682 faculty positions at 124 ACGME‐accredited programs, women held 706 (26.3%) of these positions. Female representation was highest at the assistant professorship level, with women holding 286 (37.2%) positions out of a total 769. At the associate professorship level, women held 141 (27.6%) of the 511 total positions. The largest gender disparity is seen at the full professorship level; only 69 (13.6%) positions out of 508 were held by women. Out of every region and rank, only assistant professorship in the West had no significant difference in percentages of men and women (p = .710). Female representation of professors in the Northeast was significantly lower than that of our reference group (the South; β = −10.9, p = .020).

Conclusions

Otolaryngology has exhibited great progress in increasing female representation, with assistant professorship in the West reaching gender parity. However, the gender gap at other faculty levels still leaves much to be desired, particularly in senior ranks. The lack of otolaryngologists at senior ranks is detrimental to mentorship of junior faculty, residents, and medical students. Renewed efforts should be made to decrease the gender disparity in the South, Northeast, and particularly at the professorship level.
Conceptualizing and redefining successful patient engagement in patient advisory councils in learning health networks
Authors: Huwe Madeleine , Woolf Becky , David Jennie , Seid Michael , Saeed Shehzad , Margolis Peter ,   ImproveCareNow Pediatric IBD Learning Health System
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Patient engagement has historically referenced engagement in one's healthcare, with more recent definitions expanding patient engagement to encompass patient advocacy work in Learning Health Networks (LHNs). Efforts to conceptualize and define what patient engagement means—and what successful patient engagement means—are, however, lacking and a barrier to meaningful and sustainable patient engagement via patient advisory councils (PACs) across LHNs.

Methods

Several co‐authors (Madeleine Huwe, Becky Woolf, Jennie David) are former ImproveCareNow (ICN) PAC members, and we integrate a narrative review of the extant literature and a case study of our lived experiences as former ICN PAC members. We present nuanced themes of successful patient engagement from our lived experiences on ICN's PAC, with illustrative quotes from other PAC members, and then propose themes and metrics to consider in patient engagement across LHNs.

Results

Successful patient engagement in our experiences with ICN's PAC reaches beyond the “levels of engagement” previously described in the literature. We posit that our successful patient/PAC engagement experiences with ICN represent key mechanisms that could be applied across LHNs, including (1) personal growth for PAC members, (2) PAC internal engagement/community, (3) PAC engagement and presence within the LHN, (4) local institutional engagement for those who participate in the LHN, and (5) tangible resources/products from PAC members.

Conclusion

Patient engagement in LHNs, like ICN, holds significant power to meaningfully shape and co‐produce healthcare systems, and engagement is undervalued and conceptualized dichotomously (eg, engaged or not engaged). Reconceptualizing successful patient/PAC engagement is critical in ongoing efforts to study, support, and understand mechanisms of sustainable and successful patient engagement. Having a modern, multidimensional definition for successful patient engagement in LHNs can support efforts to increase underrepresented voices in PACs, measure and track successful multidimensional patient engagement, and study how successful patient engagement may impact outcomes for patients and LHNs.
Manufacturer encroachment strategies and decision timing considering the product traceability preferences under e‐commerce
Authors: Li Zengxian , Liu Aijun , Li Jiaxin , Xiong Jiamin , Lu Hui
Published: June 2023

Blockchain technology is applied for product traceability in e‐commerce supply chains. In this context, the paper investigates the channel problem and decision timing problem considering product traceability. Using game‐theoretic framework, the manufacturer encroachment strategies, order quantities and profits under different channel structure, and traceability level are characterized. Research shows that selling traceability products can expand potential market demand and increase the sales volume of products and the profits of manufacturers and retailers. Under encroachment, members with information advantage can maximize their own profits. Additionally, manufacturers can regain the high ground by adjusting traceability levels to influence wholesale prices.
Heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia in lower extremity free tissue transfers
Authors: McMains Conner J. , Mather Tara L. , Adamson Karri A. , Whitfield Robert , Doren Erin L. , Hettinger Patrick C. , LoGiudice John A.
Published: June 2023

Background

Heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) an immunologically mediated reaction to heparin products, can lead to severe thrombocytopenia and potentially life‐threatening thrombotic events. In microsurgery, a missed or delayed diagnosis of HIT can cause complications requiring revision operations, flap loss, or limb loss. Surgeons must remain vigilant for this uncommon yet potentially devastating condition and keep abreast of management strategies.

Methods

CPT and ICD‐10 codes in electronic medical records were used to collect demographic information, clinical courses, and outcomes for patients with a HIT diagnosis who underwent lower extremity free tissue transfer in one institution.

Results

The authors' institution performed 415 lower extremity free flaps in 411 patients during the 10‐year study period. Flap salvage rate was 71% for compromised lower extremity flaps without HIT, and 25% in those with HIT. Four patients (four flaps) met study inclusion criteria during the study period. Three of the four flaps failed and were later debrided; one was rescued after a takeback for anastomosis revision. Two patients successfully underwent a delayed second free flap procedure after recovery, and one was salvaged with a pedicled muscle flap.

Conclusions

Surgeons should monitor for HIT by establishing coagulation panel and platelet count baselines and trending these values in the early post‐operative period for patients treated with heparin products. The 4T score can be used to screen for HIT with high clinical suspicion. Arterial thrombosis or poor flap perfusion despite sound microvascular technique could suggest HIT. Surgical and medical management including strict heparin avoidance can prevent adverse events for these patients.
Technical note: Multi‐MATE, a high‐throughput platform for automated image‐guided small‐animal irradiation
Authors: Jiang Lu , Ramesh Pavitra , Neph Ryan , Sheng Ke
Published: June 2023

Background

Small animal irradiation is essential to study the radiation response of new interventions before or parallel to human therapy. Image‐guided radiotherapy (IGRT) and intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) are recently adopted in small animal irradiation to more closely mimic human treatments. However, sophisticated techniques require exceedingly high time, resources, and expertize that are often impractical.

Purpose

We propose a high throughput and high precision platform named Multiple Mouse Automated Treatment Environment (Multi‐MATE) to streamline image‐guided small animal irradiation.

Methods

Multi‐MATE consists of six parallel and hexagonally arranged channels, each equipped with a transfer railing, a 3D‐printed immobilization pod, and an electromagnetic control unit, computer‐controlled via an Arduino interface. The mouse immobilization pods are transferred along the railings between the home position outside the radiation field and the imaging/irradiation position at the irradiator isocenter. All six immobilization pods are transferred to the isocenter in the proposed workflow for parallel CBCT scans and treatment planning. The immobilization pods are then sequentially transported to the imaging/therapy position for dose delivery. The positioning reproducibility of Multi‐MATE are evaluated using CBCT and radiochromic films.

Results

While parallelizing and automating the image‐guided small animal radiation delivery, Multi‐MATE achieved the average pod position reproducibility of 0.17 ± 0.04 mm in the superior–inferior direction, 0.20 ± 0.04 mm in the left–right direction, and 0.12 ± 0.02mm in the anterior–posterior direction in repeated CBCT tests. Additionally, in image‐guided dose delivery tasks, Multi‐MATE demonstrated the positioning reproducibility of 0.17 ± 0.06 mm in the superior–inferior direction, 0.19 ± 0.06 mm in the left–right direction.

Conclusions

We designed, fabricated, and tested a novel automated irradiation platform, Multi‐MATE to accelerate and automate image‐guided small animal irradiation. The automated platform minimizes human operation and achieves high setup reproducibility and image‐guided dose delivery accuracy. Multi‐MATE thus removes a major barrier to implementing high‐precision preclinical radiation research.
PIK3CA mutation subtype delineates distinct immune profiles in gastric carcinoma
Authors: Choi Sangjoon , Kim Hyunjin , Heo You Jeoung , Kang So Young , Ahn Soomin , Lee Jeeyun , Kim Kyoung‐Mee
Published: June 2023

PIK3CA mutations in cancer regulate tumour immunogenicity. Given that PIK3CA mutation subtypes influence therapeutic responses to AKT inhibitor and that H1047R mutation confers selective growth advantages after immunotherapy, we hypothesised that immune phenotypes may depend on PIK3CA mutation subtypes. We investigated 133 gastric cancers (GCs) harbouring PIK3CA mutation [21 E542K (15.8%), 36 E545X (27.1%), 26 H1047X (19.5%), and 46 others (34.6%)]. Four patients (3.0%) had a combination of mutations (E542K + E545K in 3 patients and E545K + H1047R in 1 patient). Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and microsatellite instability (MSI) status, PD‐L1 (programmed death‐ligand 1) combined positive score (CPS), and stromal tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) were assessed. Concurrent genomic alterations, GeoMx digital spatial profiling (DSP), and OPAL multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) were analysed, and correlation between the two assays was investigated. Of the 133 PIK3CA‐mutant (PIK3CAm) GCs, MSI‐high GC was significantly frequent in the H1047X mutation subtype (p = 0.005), while EBV positivity did not affect the mutation subtypes. There was no significant survival difference between the E542K, E545X, and H1047X subgroups. However, in the subgroup analysis for EBV‐positive GC, H1047Xm GC showed a trend towards shorter survival than E542K and E545Xm GC (p = 0.090 and 0.062). With DSP analysis, H1047Xm GC showed elevated VISTA (p = 0.0003), granzyme B (p < 0.0001), CD4 (p = 0.0001), and CD45 (p < 0.0001) expression compared with the E542Km or E545Xm GC subgroups, and only VISTA expression remained significant (p < 0.0001) using OPAL mIHC. DSP and OPAL analyses showed a moderate correlation of CD4 (ρ = 0.42, p = 0.004) and CD8 (ρ = 0.62, p < 0.001) expression levels in a comparison of six antibodies. Immune‐related protein expression levels were evident when classified by the three PIK3CA hotspot mutations, and H1047Xm GC showed the highest immune‐related protein expression compared with E542Km or E545Xm GC. Our results demonstrated distinct immune profiles in GC with PIK3CA hotspot mutations using GeoMx DSP and OPAL mIHC, and there was a correlation between the two multiplex platforms. © 2023 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.