bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibiotic resistance in Helicobacter pylori: From potential biomolecular mechanisms to clinical practice
Authors: Lin Yifan , Shao Yongfu , Yan Jianing , Ye Guoliang
Published: April 2023

Increasing rates of Helicobacter pylori resistance are associated with multiple clinical challenges. Bacterial factors linked to H. pylori resistance are mutations, efflux pumps, and biofilms. Gene mutations such as nucleic acid synthesis‐related gene mutations, rRNA coding gene mutations, and cell wall synthesis‐related gene mutations are the most important mechanisms by which H. pylori evades bactericidal effects. These mechanisms are also closely related to the biological activity of the efflux pump systems and biofilms. Activation of the efflux pump system and biofilm formation both lead to the emergence of MDR strains, further increasing the difficulty of eradication therapy. In this review, the status of antibiotic resistance in H. pylori from different regions and countries is summarized and compared, and H. pylori resistance profiles and their changing trends in the clinic are described. Then, research progress on biomolecular mechanisms underlying antibiotic resistance, diagnostic methods, and treatment strategies are introduced and discussed. Challenges resulting from increasing resistance, potential solutions to combat increasing resistance, and future directions are discussed to help clinicians and researchers better address the emergence and spread of resistant H. pylori strains and optimize drug regimens. With the rate of H. pylori resistance to commonly used antibiotics increasing, more attention should be given to the selection of antibiotics and to monitoring resistance when antibiotics are used for clinical eradication treatment. Individualized precise eradication treatment under the guidance of drug susceptibility testing will become the mainstream method of treatment in the future.
Practicing dentistry in the age of COVID‐19: Perception changes due to the new PPE standards
Authors: Rodriguez‐Vamvas Sheila , Keohane Ana , Zweig Matthew , Smaellie Kendrick
Published: April 2023

Purpose/Objectives

This study aimed to determine how the COVID‐19 pandemic and extensive use of personal protective equipment (PPE) have affected the perception of the practice of dentistry in an urban dental school in the USA.

Methods

In 2021, an electronic cross‐sectional questionnaire was sent to school faculty via email, while predoctoral, clinical dental students were invited to participate during clinical group meetings. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results

Sixty‐six faculty and 209 students completed the questionnaire (n = 275, response rate = 39%). The faculty self‐identified into two groups: dentists who only teach (teaching faculty, n = 33) and dentists who teach and also work in outside clinics (practicing faculty, n = 33). Practicing faculty (45.5%) were significantly more pessimistic about the future of dentistry than the other two groups. Students were the least concerned with treating COVID‐19 patients compared to other groups and only 15.8% of students reported a change in enthusiasm toward dentistry. Practicing faculty did not feel that extra PPE presented a physical challenge. Teaching faculty were least alarmed by extra PPE and least concerned about PPE increasing patient stress. More faculty were in favor of vaccination requirements (90.9%) than students (73.7%).

Conclusions

Neither COVID‐19 nor the use of extensive PPE negatively affected the participants’ perception of the future of dentistry. Most participants felt safe wearing extra PPE during the pandemic but were concerned about the negative environmental effects. Students did not feel strongly that vaccination should be a requirement for clinical dentists and staff.
Gender survival differences in hepatocellular carcinoma: Is it all due to adherence to surveillance? A study of 1716 patients over three decades
Authors: Liou Wei‐Lun , Tan Terence J‐Y. , Chen Kaina , Goh George B‐B. , Chang Jason P‐E. , Tan Chee‐Kiat
Published: April 2023

Background and Aims

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the commonest causes of cancer‐related death worldwide. Whether gender is an independent factor for HCC survival is debatable. We studied the influence of gender on the clinical characteristics of HCC and on survival.

Methods

The study cohort comprised patients with HCC seen in our department from 1988 to 2021. Clinical data were prospectively collected. We studied and compared demography, HCC characteristics, and survival between females and males. Survival analysis was censored on October 31, 2015.

Results

There were 1716 HCC patients. 343 (20.0%) were females. Females were significantly older at diagnosis (median 69 vs 62 years, P < 0.001). More females were diagnosed via regular HCC surveillance (37.9% vs 29.6%, P = 0.003). Hence, as expected, females had less‐advanced HCC at diagnosis with smaller median tumor diameter (30 vs 39.5 mm, P = 0.038), lower frequency of portal vein tumor thrombus (19.4% vs 33.4%, P < 0.001), less distant metastases (7.7% vs 11%, P = 0.043), and earlier Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stages (0/A, 39.7% vs 28.4%, P < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, HCC diagnosis via surveillance but not female gender was an independent predictor of improved HCC survival.

Conclusions

In this large cohort of multi‐ethnic Asian patients, females with HCC were significantly more adherent to surveillance and hence presented with less advanced HCC with correspondingly better overall survival than males. The gender difference in survival is likely due to females having better adherence to HCC surveillance. Surveillance to diagnose early‐stage HCC remains crucial in improving outcomes.
Rainbow structures in a collection of graphs with degree conditions
Authors: Li Luyi , Li Ping , Li Xueliang
Published: April 2023

Let be a collection of not necessarily distinct ‐vertex graphs with the same vertex set . We use to denote an edge‐colored multigraph of with and a multiset consisting of , and the edge of is colored by if . A graph is rainbow in if any two edges of belong to different graphs of . We say that is rainbow vertex‐pancyclic if each vertex of is contained in a rainbow cycle of with length for every integer , and that is rainbow panconnected if for any pair of vertices and of there exists a rainbow path of with length joining and for every integer . In this paper, we study the existences of rainbow spanning trees and rainbow Hamiltonian paths in under the Ore‐type conditions. Moreover, we study the rainbow vertex‐pancyclicity and rainbow panconnectedness, as well as the existence of rainbow cliques in under the Dirac‐type conditions. We also give some examples to show the sharpness of our results.
On the number of maximal independent sets: From Moon–Moser to Hujter–Tuza
Authors: Palmer Cory , Patkós Balázs
Published: April 2023

We connect two classical results in extremal graph theory concerning the number of maximal independent sets. The maximum number of maximal independent sets in an ‐vertex graph was determined by Miller and Muller and independently by Moon and Moser. The maximum number of maximal independent sets in an ‐vertex triangle‐free graph was determined by Hujter and Tuza. We give a common generalization of these results by determining the maximum number of maximal independent sets in an ‐vertex graph containing no induced triangle matching of size . This also improves a stability result of Kahn and Park on . Our second result is a new (short) proof of a second stability result of Kahn and Park on the maximum number of maximal independent sets in ‐vertex triangle‐free graphs containing no induced matching of size .
Role of cyanuric chloride in organic synthesis: A concise overview
Authors: Sethiya Ayushi , Jangid Dinesh K. , Pradhan Joohee , Agarwal Shikha
Published: April 2023

Cyanuric chloride, a chlorinated analog of 1,3,5‐triazine, is used as a catalyst, promoter, and activator to catalyze and initiate several reactions like Beckmann rearrangement, Lossen rearrangement, Biginelli reaction, Suzuki coupling reaction, Pictet Spengler reaction, Mannich reaction, etc. It is employed in several reactions due to its several properties like stable, non‐volatile, cost‐efficient, easy to handle, and easy commercial availability. Moreover, it is a very renowned precursor for the synthesis of triazine‐class pesticide atrazine, dyes, and crosslinking agents. Herein in this review article, the reactions initiated, catalyzed, and promoted by cyanuric chloride from 2010 to 2022 have been elaborated.
Vaccine mistrust among Black individuals in Canada: The major role of health literacy, conspiracy theories, and racial discrimination in the healthcare system
Authors: Cénat Jude Mary , Moshirian Farahi Seyed Mohammad Mahdi , Bakombo Schwab Mulopo , Dalexis Rose Darly , Pongou Roland , Caulley Lisa , Yaya Sanni , Etowa Josephine , Venkatesh Vivek
Published: April 2023

The COVID‐19 pandemic disproportionately affected Black communities in Canada in terms of infection and mortality rates compared to the general population. Despite these facts, Black communities are among those with the highest level of COVID‐19 vaccine mistrust (COVID‐19 VM). We collected novel data to analyze the sociodemographic characteristics and factors associated with COVID‐19 VM among Black communities in Canada. A survey was conducted among a representative sample of 2002 Black individuals (51.66% women) aged 14−94 years (M = 29.34; SD = 10.13) across Canada. Vaccine mistrust was assessed as the dependent variable and conspiracy theories, health literacy, major racial discrimination in healthcare settings, and sociodemographic characteristics of participants were assessed as independent variables. Those with a history of COVID‐19 infection had higher COVID‐19 VM score (M = 11.92, SD = 3.88) compared to those with no history of infection (M = 11.25, SD = 3.83), t (1999) = −3.85, p < 0.001. Participants who reported having experienced major racial discrimination in healthcare settings were more likely to report COVID‐19 VM (M = 11.92, SD = 4.03) than those who were not (M = 11.36, SD = 3.77), t (1999) = −3.05, p = 0.002. Results also showed significant differences for age, education level, income, marital status, provinces, language, employment status, and religion. The final hierarchical linear regression showed that conspiracy beliefs (B = 0.69, p < 0.001) were positively associated with COVID‐19 VM, while health literacy (B = −0.05, p = 0.002) was negatively associated with it. The mediated moderation model showed that conspiracy theories completely mediated the association between racial discrimination and vaccine mistrust (B = 1.71, p < 0.001). This association was also completely moderated by the interaction between racial discrimination and health literacy (B = 0.42, p = 0.008), indicating that despite having a high level of health literacy, those who experienced major racial discrimination in health services developed vaccine mistrust. This first study on COVID‐19 VM exclusively among Black individuals in Canada provides data that can significantly impact the development of tools, trainings, strategies, and programs to make the health systems free of racism and increase their confidence in vaccination for COVID‐19 and other infectious diseases.
Mitochondrial HIGD1A inhibits hepatitis B virus transcription and replication through the cellular PNKD‐NF‐κB‐NR2F1 nexus
Authors: Xie Zhanglian , Shen Sheng , Huang Kuiyuan , Wang Weibin , Liu Ziying , Zhang Haixing , Lu Mengji , Sun Jian , Hou Jinlin , Liu Hongyan , Guo Haitao , Zhang Xiaoyong
Published: April 2023

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) replication has been reported to be restricted by the intrahepatic host restriction factors and antiviral signaling pathways. The intracellular mechanisms underlying the significant viremia difference among different phases of the natural history chronic HBV infection remain elusive. We herein report that the hypoxia‐induced gene domain protein‐1a (HIGD1A) was highly expressed in the liver of inactive HBV carriers with low viremia. Ectopic expression of HIGD1A in hepatocyte‐derived cells significantly inhibited HBV transcription and replication in a dose‐dependent manner, while silence of HIGD1A promoted HBV gene expression and replication. Similar results were also observed in both de novo HBV‐infected cell culture model and HBV persistence mouse model. Mechanistically, HIGD1A is located on the mitochondrial inner membrane and activates nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) signaling pathway through binding to paroxysmal nonkinesigenic dyskinesia (PNKD), which further enhances the expression of a transcription factor NR2F1 to inhibit HBV transcription and replication. Consistently, knockdown of PNKD or NR2F1 and blockage of NF‐κB signaling pathway abrogated the inhibitory effect of HIGD1A on HBV replication. Mitochondrial HIGD1A exploits the PNKD‐NF‐κB‐NR2F1 nexus to act as a host restriction factor of HBV infection. Our study thus shed new lights on the regulation of HBV by hypoxia‐related genes and related antiviral strategies.
Functional properties and formation mechanisms of dialdehyde polysaccharides crosslinked gliadin‐films enforced by alkaline condition
Authors: Jia Feng , Huang Yanbo , Hou Yi , Hu Song‐Qing
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

The usage of natural polysaccharides is attractive to researchers around the world. At the same time, non‐/low‐toxic crosslinkers prepared by polysaccharides are expected to fabricate protein‐based films in many fields. Herein, different dialdehyde polysaccharides (DPs) were successfully synthesized and applied to prepare gliadin‐films under alkaline conditions. The functional properties and formation mechanisms of the films were fully investigated.

RESULTS

The results showed that the mechanical properties, water‐resistant properties, thermal stability, and antibacterial properties of the gliadin‐films were improved by DPs and alkali treatment. Particularly dialdehyde dextrin (DAD) crosslinked gliadin‐films showed the highest tensile strength, but no additional effect on their elongation, or advancement on the other functional properties. The film‐forming mechanisms indicated that Schiff base bonds, hydrophobic interactions, electrostatic interactions, and hydrogen bonds were the main forces in the films, supporting their improvement in functional properties.

CONCLUSION

DPs, especially DAD, can be a promising crosslinker in fabricating gliadin‐films. These findings have shown great promise to seek an effective crosslinker for fabricating gliadin/protein‐based packaging. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Development of a Predictive Model for Persistent Dizziness Following Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery
Authors: Suresh Krish , Elkahwagi Mohamed A. , Garcia Alejandro , Naples James G. , Corrales C. Eduardo , Crowson Matthew G.
Published: April 2023

Objective

In an era of vestibular schwannoma (VS) surgery where functional preservation is increasingly emphasized, persistent postoperative dizziness is a relatively understudied functional outcome. The primary objective was to develop a predictive model to identify patients at risk for developing persistent postoperative dizziness after VS resection.

Methods

Retrospective review of patients who underwent VS surgery at our institution with a minimum of 12 months of postoperative follow‐up. Demographic, tumor‐specific, preoperative, and immediate postoperative features were collected as predictors. The primary outcome was self‐reported dizziness at 3‐, 6‐, and 12‐month follow‐up. Binary and multiclass machine learning classification models were developed using these features.

Results

A total of 1,137 cases were used for modeling. The median age was 67 years, and 54% were female. Median tumor size was 2 cm, and the most common approach was suboccipital (85%). Overall, 63% of patients did not report postoperative dizziness at any timepoint; 11% at 3‐month follow‐up; 9% at 6‐months; and 17% at 12‐months. Both binary and multiclass models achieved high performance with AUCs of 0.89 and 0.86 respectively. Features important to model predictions were preoperative headache, need for physical therapy on discharge, vitamin D deficiency, and systemic comorbidities.

Conclusion

We demonstrate the feasibility of a machine learning approach to predict persistent dizziness following vestibular schwannoma surgery with high accuracy. These models could be used to provide quantitative estimates of risk, helping counsel patients on what to expect after surgery and manage patients proactively in the postoperative setting.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 133:3534–3539, 2023
Development of a diagnostic framework and its application to open access journal publishing in Korea
Authors: Kim Nayon , Yoon JungWon , Lee Jae Yun , Joung Kyoung Hee , Hwang Hyekyong , Bai Seo Young , Chung EunKyung
Published: April 2023

To enhance open access (OA) journal publishing environments, this study proposed and applied a diagnostic framework for OA journal publishing. The framework includes three dimensions: OA policy establishment and disclosure, OA sustainability and journal openness quality. By applying this framework to nine OA journals in the field of science and technology in Korea, challenges faced by OA publishing were uncovered. For the dimension of OA policy establishment and disclosure, it was found that participants had lower perceptions of the importance of OA‐related financial disclosure and archiving policies compared with copyright policies. The dimension of OA sustainability was recognized as critical among participants. Finance was recognized as the most critical component of OA sustainability. Financial sources were mostly internal funding and article processing charges (APC), and participants perceived the current financial status of their journal positively. However, they were concerned about long‐term financial security. For the journal openness quality dimension, the participants were hesitant in disclosing reviews and reviewers, which can facilitate the prevention of fake peer review of predatory journals. Based on the findings, the article discusses how the challenging issues identified could be addressed. The results of this study may provide a guide for OA policy and OA system development.
Toward Ultra‐Broadband Absorption and High Quantum Efficiency Red Emission via Fluoride Single Crystals with Heavy Mn4+ Doping
Authors: Wang Yuanjing , Zhou Yayun , Ming Hong , Song Enhai , Zhang Chuang , Tang Wenyu , Zhang Qinyuan
Published: April 2023

Owing to the avoidance of device reabsorption and improvement in the color rendering index (CRI), Mn4+‐activated fluorides have potential applications in full‐spectrum lighting. However, it is still challenging to improve the external quantum efficiency (EQE) and adapt it to the excitation of violet‐light chips used for increasing the CRI and reducing the blue‐light hazard. Here, red‐light single crystals Rb2Si1−xMnxF6 (RSMF) with an ultrahigh optimal Mn4+ content of 32.4 mol% are obtained through structural and morphological design. Breaking through the limitation of low quenching concentration (<10 mol%) of Mn4+‐activated fluorides, the as‐grown heavy Mn4+‐doped RSMF crystal not only exhibits a record EQE of 80.2% but also has a broad excitation band of full width at half maxima = 86 nm, which can be efficiently excited by both blue (460 nm) and violet (437 nm) light. The white light‐emitting diodes fabricated by violet/blue dual‐chips, commercial green phosphor, and the optimized RSMF crystal can realize a high luminous efficacy of 161.8 lm W−1 and high CRI of Ra = 95.5. Additionally, laser diode devices with high luminous flux of 198.2 lm are also presented. This study provides new insights into heavy Mn4+‐doped materials and promotes the application of full‐spectrum lighting.
Pressurized Gyration: Fundamentals, Advancements, and Future
Authors: Dai Yanqi , Ahmed Jubair , Edirisinghe Mohan
Published: April 2023

As a facile, efficient, and low‐cost fiber manufacturing strategy, pressurized gyration/rotation (PG) is attracting tremendous attention. This review provides a comprehensive introduction to the working setups, fundamental principles, processing parameters, and material feed properties of this technology. The characterizations of products prepared by this technology and their wide application fields are summarized. The development potentials and broader application prospects of PG are discussed. PG holds significant promise for the scale‐up of ultrafine fiber manufacturing.
Embodiment, immersion, and enjoyment in virtual reality marketing experiences
Authors: Leveau Pierre‐Henry , Camus et Sandra
Published: April 2023

This experiential marketing study examines the effects of body position and embodiment in shaping consumer intentions mediated by immersion and enjoyment during a virtual reality experience. After a qualitative study (n = 13) aimed at understanding what, in a virtual reality experience, motivates individuals to want to consume the promoted offer, we conducted a quantitative study (n = 300), using a partial least squares structural equation model. Our experimental context placed the users in the role of a kayaker discovering Antarctica via a virtual reality head‐mounted device. The results confirm the positive relationships implied by the conceptual model underpinning the research. The embodiment felt by the users has positive effects on immersion and enjoyment, which in turn positively shape the user‐consumer's intention to discover the destination for real. This study brings theoretical contributions that provide a clearer definition of embodiment in an experiential context. This study also provides professionals with guidance on the choice of virtual reality system contexts and experiential factors to stimulate positive behavioral intentions, in this case to discover a place for real.
A low‐dimensional realization algorithm for periodic input/output behavioral systems
Authors: Aleixo José C. , Rocha Paula
Published: April 2023

The state‐space realization of linear systems is of utmost importance in linear systems theory. After the realization problem for the time‐invariant case was solved, particular attention was paid to the case of linear periodic systems. Recently, such systems have regained importance, for instance, in the context of coding theory where periodic convolutional encoders play an important role. The majority of the contributions within this area only concern the realization of transfer functions (or impulse responses), thus excluding the case of input/output linear systems without coprime representations. By the end of the eighties of the last century, Jan C. Willems suggested an approach (nowadays known as the behavioral approach) that considers a wider class of systems and allows to overcome this drawback. According to this approach, the central object in a system is its behavior which consists of all the signals that satisfy the system laws (also called system trajectories). Consequently, the behavior of a system with an input/output representation that is not coprime contains more trajectories than the set of input/output signals defined by the system transfer function. Our work takes this fact into account. In previous research conducted by the authors, some results on the realization of periodic behavioral systems were obtained, which, despite their importance, are conservative with respect to the dimension of the obtained realizations. In this paper, we revisit the behavioral periodic realization problem and give further insight into this question. This allows to derive new results and set up an algorithm to compute low‐dimensional state‐space realizations.
Design and characterization of an aperture system and spot configuration for ocular treatments with a gantry‐based spot scanning proton beam
Authors: Hickling Susannah V. , Corner Stephen , Kruse Jon J. , Deisher Amanda J.
Published: April 2023

Background and purpose

Proton therapy is a key modality used in the treatment of ocular melanoma. Traditionally ocular sites are treated using a dedicated eyeline with a passively scattered proton beam and a brass aperture. This work aims to design and characterize a beam‐collimating aperture to treat ocular targets with a gantry‐based spot scanning proton beam.

Methods

A plastic aperture system that slides into the gantry nozzle of a spot scanning proton beam was designed and constructed. It consists of an intermediate scraper layer to attenuate stray protons and a 3D‐printed patient‐specific aperture positioned 5.7 cm from the surface of the eye. The aperture system was modeled in TOPAS and Monte Carlo simulations were validated with film measurements. Two different spot configurations were investigated for treatment planning and characterized based on lateral penumbra, central axis (CAX) dose and relative efficiency. Alignment and leakage were investigated through experimental film measurements. Range was verified using a multi‐layer ionization chamber. Reference dose measurements were made with a PinPoint 3D ion chamber. Neutron dose was evaluated through Monte Carlo simulations.

Results

Aperture alignment with radiation isocenter was determined to be within 0.31 mm at a gantry angle of 0°. A single‐spot configuration with a 10 mm diameter aperture yielded film‐measured lateral penumbras of 1 mm to 1.25 mm, depending on depth in the spread‐out Bragg peak. TOPAS simulations found that a single spot configuration results in a flat dose distribution for a 10 mm diameter aperture and provides a CAX dose of less than 106% for apertures less than 14 mm in diameter. For larger targets, adding four corner spots to fill in the dose distribution is beneficial. Trade‐offs between lateral penumbra, CAX dose and relative efficiency were characterized for different spot configurations and can be used for future clinical decision‐making. The aperture was experimentally determined to not affect proton beam range, and no concerning leakage radiation or neutron dose was identified. Reference dose measurements with a PinPoint ion chamber were within 2.1% of Monte Carlo calculated doses.

Conclusion

The aperture system developed in this work provides a method of treating ocular sites on a gantry‐based spot scanning proton system. Additional work to develop compatible gaze tracking and gating infrastructure is ongoing.
Latent signal models: Learning compact representations of signal evolution for improved time‐resolved, multi‐contrast MRI
Authors: Arefeen Yamin , Xu Junshen , Zhang Molin , Dong Zijing , Wang Fuyixue , White Jacob , Bilgic Berkin , Adalsteinsson Elfar
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To improve time‐resolved reconstructions by training auto‐encoders to learn compact representations of Bloch‐simulated signal evolution and inserting the decoder into the forward model.

Methods

Building on model‐based nonlinear and linear subspace techniques, we train auto‐encoders on dictionaries of simulated signal evolution to learn compact, nonlinear, latent representations. The proposed latent signal model framework inserts the decoder portion of the auto‐encoder into the forward model and directly reconstructs the latent representation. Latent signal models essentially serve as a proxy for fast and feasible differentiation through the Bloch equations used to simulate signal. This work performs experiments in the context of T2‐shuffling, gradient echo EPTI, and MPRAGE‐shuffling. We compare how efficiently auto‐encoders represent signal evolution in comparison to linear subspaces. Simulation and in vivo experiments then evaluate if reducing degrees of freedom by incorporating our proxy for the Bloch equations, the decoder portion of the auto‐encoder, into the forward model improves reconstructions in comparison to subspace constraints.

Results

An auto‐encoder with 1 real latent variable represents single‐tissue fast spin echo, EPTI, and MPRAGE signal evolution to within 0.15% normalized RMS error, enabling reconstruction problems with 3 degrees of freedom per voxel (real latent variable + complex scaling) in comparison to linear models with 4–8 degrees of freedom per voxel. In simulated/in vivo T2‐shuffling and in vivo EPTI experiments, the proposed framework achieves consistent quantitative normalized RMS error improvement over linear approaches. From qualitative evaluation, the proposed approach yields images with reduced blurring and noise amplification in MPRAGE‐shuffling experiments.

Conclusion

Directly solving for nonlinear latent representations of signal evolution improves time‐resolved MRI reconstructions.
Quantitative MRI by nonlinear inversion of the Bloch equations
Authors: Scholand Nick , Wang Xiaoqing , Roeloffs Volkert , Rosenzweig Sebastian , Uecker Martin
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Development of a generic model‐based reconstruction framework for multiparametric quantitative MRI that can be used with data from different pulse sequences.

Methods

Generic nonlinear model‐based reconstruction for quantitative MRI estimates parametric maps directly from the acquired k‐space by numerical optimization. This requires numerically accurate and efficient methods to solve the Bloch equations and their partial derivatives. In this work, we combine direct sensitivity analysis and pre‐computed state‐transition matrices into a generic framework for calibrationless model‐based reconstruction that can be applied to different pulse sequences. As a proof‐of‐concept, the method is implemented and validated for quantitative and mapping with single‐shot inversion‐recovery (IR) FLASH and IR bSSFP sequences in simulations, phantoms, and the human brain.

Results

The direct sensitivity analysis enables a highly accurate and numerically stable calculation of the derivatives. The state‐transition matrices efficiently exploit repeating patterns in pulse sequences, speeding up the calculation by a factor of 10 for the examples considered in this work, while preserving the accuracy of native ordinary differential equations solvers. The generic model‐based method reproduces quantitative results of previous model‐based reconstructions based on the known analytical solutions for radial IR FLASH. For IR bSFFP it produces accurate and maps for the National Insitute of Standards and Technology (NIST) phantom in numerical simulations and experiments. Feasibility is also shown for human brain, although results are affected by magnetization transfer effects.

Conclusion

By developing efficient tools for numerical optimizations using the Bloch equations as forward model, this work enables generic model‐based reconstruction for quantitative MRI.
Spectrally selective bSSFP using off‐resonant RF excitations permits high spatiotemporal resolution 3D metabolic imaging of hyperpolarized [1‐13C]Pyruvate‐to‐[1‐13C]lactate conversion
Authors: Skinner Jason G. , Topping Geoffrey J. , Nagel Luca , Heid Irina , Hundshammer Christian , Grashei Martin , van Heijster Frits H. A. , Braren Rickmer , Schilling Franz
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To develop a high spatiotemporal resolution 3D dynamic pulse sequence for preclinical imaging of hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate‐to‐[1‐13C]lactate metabolism at 7T.

Methods

A standard 3D balanced SSFP (bSSFP) sequence was modified to enable alternating‐frequency excitations. RF pulses with 2.33 ms duration and 900 Hz FWHM were placed off‐resonance of the target metabolites, [1‐13C]pyruvate (by approximately −245 Hz) and [1‐13C]lactate (by approximately 735 Hz), to selectively excite those resonances. Relatively broad bandwidth (compared to those metabolites' chemical shift offset) permits a short TR of 6.29 ms, enabling higher spatiotemporal resolution. Bloch equation simulations of the bSSFP response profile guided the sequence parameter selection to minimize spectral contamination between metabolites and preserve magnetization over time.

Results

Bloch equation simulations, phantom studies, and in vivo studies demonstrated that the two target resonances could be cleanly imaged without substantial bSSFP banding artifacts and with little spectral contamination between lactate and pyruvate and from pyruvate hydrate. High spatiotemporal resolution 3D images were acquired of in vivo pyruvate‐lactate metabolism in healthy wild‐type and endogenous pancreatic tumor‐bearing mice, with 1.212 s acquisition time per single‐metabolite image and (1.75 mm)3 isotropic voxels with full mouse abdomen 56 × 28 × 21 mm3 FOV and fully‐sampled k‐space. Kidney and tumor lactate/pyruvate ratios of two consecutive measurements in one animal, 1 h apart, were consistent.

Conclusion

Spectrally selective bSSFP using off‐resonant RF excitations can provide high spatio‐temporal resolution 3D dynamic images of pyruvate‐lactate metabolic conversion.
Vancouver Symptom Score for Dysfunctional Elimination Syndrome: Hindi translation and validation
Authors: Madaan Aishwarya , Chhapola Viswas , Tiwari Soumya
Published: April 2023

Background

Bladder and bowel dysfunction (BBD) is a common problem in school‐aged children and is evaluated using questionnaires. Among available questionnaires, “Vancouver Symptom Score for Dysfunctional Elimination Syndrome” (VSSDES) is considered superior in validity and reliability. We translated VSSDES into Hindi and performed validity and reliability testing of Hindi‐VSSDES in children aged 4–16 years with lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD).

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, we followed Consensus‐based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments recommendation to develop Hindi‐VSSDES. Forward‐translation–harmonization–back‐translation–expert committee review–prefinal version sequence of translation was followed by cognitive debriefing. One hundred and sixteen children with symptoms suggestive of LUTD and 106 healthy controls were recruited. Construct validity of Hindi‐VSSDES was assessed via structural validity (factor analysis) and hypotheses testing. In addition, test–retest reliability and internal‐consistency reliability were assessed.

Results

Hindi‐VSSDES had acceptable face validity. Factor analysis identified four factors representing three domains. All a priori hypotheses were met. The questionnaire displayed excellent convergent validity and discriminative ability (area under receiver operating characteristic curve 0.83). The cutoff scores for screening and diagnosis were 7 and 11, respectively. Scores were comparable whether children self‐filled the questionnaire or parents were proxy. Scores in girls were significantly higher. It had an excellent test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.96) and Cronbach's ɑ was 0.62. The smallest detectable change was 4.1 points. Median time to complete the questionnaire was 7 min and majority (91%) rated it as easy.

Conclusions

Hindi‐VSSDES is the first validated and reliable Hindi questionnaire for children with BBD. Clinimetric properties of responsiveness and interpretability are yet to be tested.
Measurement of neuro‐energetics and neurotransmission in the rat olfactory bulb using 1H and 1H–[13C] NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Chowdhury Golam M. I. , Behar Kevin L. , Mason Graeme F. , Rothman Douglas L. , de Graaf Robin A.
Published: April 2023

The olfactory bulb (OB) plays a fundamental role in the sense of smell and has been implicated in several pathologies, including Alzheimer's disease. Despite its importance, high metabolic activity and unique laminar architecture, the OB is not frequently studied using MRS methods, likely due to the small size and challenging location. Here we present a detailed metabolic characterization of OB metabolism, in terms of both static metabolite concentrations using 1H MRS and metabolic fluxes associated with neuro‐energetics and neurotransmission by tracing the dynamic 13C flow from intravenously administered [1,6‐13C2]‐glucose, [2‐13C]‐glucose and [2‐13C]‐acetate to downstream metabolites, including [4‐13C]‐glutamate, [4‐13C]‐glutamine and [2‐13C]‐GABA. The unique laminar architecture and associated metabolism of the OB, distinctly different from that of the cerebral cortex, is characterized by elevated GABA and glutamine levels, as well as increased GABAergic and astroglial energy metabolism and neurotransmission. The results show that, despite the technical challenges, high‐quality 1H and 1H–[13C] MR spectra can be obtained from the rat OB in vivo. The derived metabolite concentrations and metabolic rates demonstrate a unique metabolic profile for the OB. The metabolic model provides a solid basis for future OB studies on functional activation or pathological conditions.
Registration of ‘ND Victory’ green field pea
Authors: Bandillo Nonoy , Worral Hannah , Forster Shana M. , Stefaniak Thomas , Piche Lisa , Ross Andrew , Jain Shalu , Pasche Julie S. , Kalil Audrey , Wunsch Michael , Ebert Malaika , Rao Jiajia , Ostlie Michael H. , Schatz Blaine G. , Rickertsen John R. , Wahlstrom Cameron , Miller Meridith , Jacobs Justin , Hanson Bryan K. , Martin Glenn B. , Franck William , Chen Chengci , McPhee Kevin
Published: April 2023

‘ND Victory’ (Reg. no. CV‐31, PI 701908) is the first semi‐leafless, green cotyledon field pea cultivar (Pisum sativum L.) developed by the North Dakota State University Pulse Crops Breeding Program and approved for release by the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station. It has white flowers, opaque seed coat, and smooth, round seed. It is semi‐dwarf, with lodging score of 3.3/9 and canopy height of 57 cm. Based on 30 environments (location‐year) of replicated yield trials in North Dakota, seed yield of ND Victory (2847 kg ha−1) was similar to commercial cultivar ‘CDC Striker’ (2819 kg ha−1) but significantly greater than ‘Cruiser’ (2653 kg ha−1) and ‘Aragorn’ (2639 kg ha−1) by 7.3 and 7.9%, respectively. ND Victory was also tested across 14 environments in Montana, where it had an average seed yield of 3264 kg ha−1, which was similar to ‘Hampton’ (3355 kg ha−1) but significantly greater than Aragorn (3110 kg ha−1) by 4.9%. ND Victory matures in approximately 90 days. ND Victory is a high protein cultivar, with protein content of 25.2%, exceeding the premium protein threshold of 24%. ND Victory (20%) is resistant to powdery mildew and performed similarly with resistant check ‘Spider’ (15%) and had significantly lower disease severity than ‘Salamanca’ (97%, susceptible check) and CDC Striker (82%). In irrigated field trials conducted under high Ascochyta blight pressure, ND Victory (5%) had lower disease severity than ‘AC Agassiz’ (10%) and CDC Striker (14%). ND Victory and CDC Striker exhibited similar response but significantly lower severity than AC Agassiz to Fusarium root rot inoculated with multiple Fusarium species pathogenic to pea.
Access to psychosocial support for people with brain tumor and family members: Healthcare professional perspectives
Authors: Lion Katarzyna M. , Pike Kerryn E. , Dhillon Haryana M. , Koh Eng‐Siew , Pinkham Mark B. , Shaw Joanne , Halkett Georgia K. B. , Ownsworth Tamara
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Ongoing access to psychosocial support is important to maintain the well‐being of people with brain tumor (PwBT) and their families; yet, there is limited knowledge of psychosocial care access. This qualitative study aimed to develop an understanding of psychosocial support pathways specific to PwBT from the perspectives of Australian healthcare professionals.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 21 healthcare professionals working in hospital and community services supporting PwBT and their family members. Transcribed interviews were coded and analyzed thematically.

Results

The three major themes identified were: (1) Challenges in fitting people into the care system within existing pathways; (2) Benefits of longer‐term care coordination and interdisciplinary connections; and (3) Brain tumor affects the whole family. Despite established psychosocial care pathways, service access varied and lacked continuity for individuals with lower‐grade glioma and benign tumors across the illness trajectory.

Conclusions

Healthcare professionals recognize the need for improved access to care coordination and multidisciplinary psychosocial care tailored to the varying needs of PwBT and their families.
Calculation of Intradonor Normalized Transition Energy in Spherical Quantum Dots Made of Different Materials
Authors: Mese Ali Ihsan , Cicek Engin , Ozkapi Sena Guler , Ozkapi Baris , Erdogan Ilhan
Published: April 2023

Under the effective mass approximation, the binding energies, transition energies between 1sand 1pstates, and normalized transition energies of spherical quantum dots made of different materials are calculated using the variational method. In particular, binding, transition, and normalized transition energies are examined depending on the radius of the quantum dot and the position of the hydrogenic impurity. It is observed that the binding energy and transition energy decrease as the radius of the quantum dot increases, whereas the normalized transition energy increases. In all four different structures, it is seen that the binding energy first reaches a maximum and then starts to decrease according to the position of the hydrogenic impurity. In contrast, the transition energy behaves almost the opposite. Additionally, when the change of the normalized transition energy is examined according to the impurity position, it is determined that it decreases up to the value ofri/R = 0.6 and then remains almost constant. According to our literature review, the normalized transition energy for the four different quantum dots is calculated for the first time in this study.
Pomegranate polyphenol punicalagin improves learning memory deficits, redox homeostasis, and neuroinflammation in aging mice
Authors: Chen Peng , Chen Fuchao , Lei Jiexin , Zhou Benhong
Published: April 2023

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder characterized by loss of memory and cognitive dysfunction in the aged. Despite remarkable advances in drug therapy, effective pharmacological interventions are rare. Punicalagin (PU) is an active antioxidant polyphenol found in pomegranates, raspberries, blueberries, and chestnuts that has attracted considerable attention owing to its strong antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties. The current study focused on the neuroprotective effect of PU on aging mice and its potential mechanisms. In this study, we first evaluated the protective effect of PU on neuro‐2a (N2a) cell damage mediated by BV2 microglia‐induced neuroinflammation. The in vivo D‐galactose (D‐gal)‐induced brain aging model demonstrated that PU ameliorated deficits in learning and memory and prevented neuroinflammation, which was evident from the decrease in microglial activation and astrocytosis. Furthermore, PU reduced the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation, reducing the levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), tumor necrosis factor‐a (TNF‐a), interleukin‐18 (IL‐18), and interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β) in both accelerated aging and naturally senescent mouse models. PU effectively improved neuroinflammation, learning and memory deficits, and redox homeostasis in aging mice, and it could be a potential therapeutic agent for AD.
Quantitative description and characteristics of submeso motion and turbulence intermittency
Authors: Ren Yan , Zhang Hongsheng , Zhang Lei , Liang Jiening
Published: April 2023

Turbulence intermittency driven by submeso motions limits the progress of turbulence theory. Field observations from the Horqin Atmospheric Boundary‐Layer and Environment Experimental Station, China were used to investigate turbulence intermittency. An automated algorithm to Separate and reconstruct Submeso and Turbulent motions (SST) was improved for more accurately extraction and quantitative characterization of submeso motions. The existing intermittency intensity indexes, the local intermittency strength of turbulence (LIST) and intermittency strength (IS), which are based on kinetic energy only, are revised by considering the potential energy of submeso and turbulent motions to quantify intermittency intensity more comprehensively. The analysis of eight cases revealed that turbulent intermittency events are characterized by quiescent (pulsation, material, and energy transportation are weak) and burst (pulsation, material, and energy transportation fluctuate violently) periods. The conversion of both the kinetic and potential energy of submeso to turbulent motion contributes to the transition from quiescent to burst periods. The transition always occurs after <0 (the total energy difference between the submeso motion and turbulence), followed by a significant increase in . Atmospheric stability decreases during the transition from quiescent to burst periods in most cases. In a totally intermittent night, the burst periods take up most of the material and energy transport, and the amount transported is not smaller than that during a totally turbulent night. The weaker the intermittency at night, the greater the capacity of turbulent transport. A comparison of five types of turbulence intermittency intensity indexes highlights the consistency and advantages between LIST (IS) and indexes in the literature. Finally, we found that turbulent intermittency events tended to occur more easily in the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) with small winds (U < 2 m s−1) or stable stratification (Rib > 1), although they can also occur in ABL with unstable stratification and in the non‐stationary state of the day–night transition.
Recent Progress and Challenges in Faradic Capacitive Desalination: From Mechanism to Performance
Authors: Hao Zewei , Sun Xiaoqi , Chen Jiabin , Zhou Xuefei , Zhang Yalei
Published: April 2023

Due to substantial consumption and widespread contamination of the available freshwater resources, green, economical, and sustainable water recycling technologies are urgently needed. Recently, Faradic capacitive deionization (CDI), an emerging desalination technology, has shown great desalination potential due to its high salt removal ability, low consumption, and hardly any co‐ion exclusion effect. However, the ion removal mechanisms and structure–property relationships of Faradic CDI are still unclear. Therefore, it is necessary to summarize the current research progress and challenges of Faradic CDI. In this review, the recent progress of Faradic CDI from five aspects is systematically reviewed: cell architectures, desalination mechanisms, evaluation indicators, operation modes, and electrode materials. The working mechanisms of Faradic CDI are classified as insertion reaction, conversion reaction, ion‐redox species interaction, and ion‐redox couple interaction in the electrolytes. The intrinsic and desalination properties of a series of Na+ and Cl− capturing materials are described in detail in terms of design concepts, structural analysis, and synthesis modulation. In addition, the effects of different cell architectures, operation modes, and electrode materials on the desalination performance of Faradic CDI are also investigated. Finally, the work summarizes the challenges remaining in Faradic CDI and provides the prospects and directions for future development.