bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brain Tumor Classification using Machine Learning
Authors: Pavitha N. , Bakde Atharva , Avhad Shantanu , Korate Isha , Mahajan Shaunak , Padole Rudraksha
Published: January 2022

This paper presents a technical analysis of tumor data with Machine Learning and Classification Approach. Feature parameters which are dependent for classification of tumor are used for analyzing and classifying the class of tumor. In the classification of tumor, KNN-Classifier is implemented with cross validating accuracy score and tuning hyper parameters. Experimental simulation for best average score for K makes it to the cross validation. Approaching the prediction with the best accuracy score, hyper parameters of KNN Classifier states the best score. Using Principal Component Analysis on the data, miss-classification of tumor class in data is visualized.

Aims: To declare and analyse tumor data from the source of MRI, CT scan, etc. for medication of tumor. To utilize smart predictions for the upcoming tumor patients using Machine Learning.

Study Design:  Tumor classification using K Nearest Neighbor algorithm and analysis of the miss-classification.

Methodology: We included 11 different studies and research papers which were relevant with tumor classification. Research papers include classification of tumors with different supervised learning approaches. Our proposed analysis and classification give visualization of two classes of tumor.

Results: The Project results in classification of tumor data using Machine Learning and analyzing the miss-classification of tumor. In implementation of KNN Algorithm, the accuracy score after cross validation and tuning K values is 0.97. The confusion matrix shows 4 false positives and 1 false negative value in testing.

Conclusion: Less miss-classification of tumor results best accuracy score and more efficient working on testing data. Visualizing the classification with 3-dimensional scatter plots made the analysis accurate.
Racial Disparities in Elective Total Joint Arthroplasty for Osteoarthritis
Authors: Usiskin Ilana , Misra Devyani
Published: January 2022

Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is an effective elective surgical procedure for knee and hip osteoarthritis (OA), yet racial disparities in the use of and outcomes from TJA have been recognized. Racial minority individuals are less willing to undergo TJA, demonstrate worse surgical and functional outcomes, and are more likely to undergo surgery at a low‐procedure‐volume center. In this systematic review, we summarize evidence to date on racial disparities in TJA and discuss potential factors that may underlie this gap in care for patients with OA.
Light‐Triggered Efficient Sequential Drug Delivery of Biomimetic Nanosystem for Multimodal Chemo‐, Antiangiogenic, and Anti‐MDSC Therapy in Melanoma
Authors: Lai Xing , Liu Xue‐Liang , Pan Hong , Zhu Mao‐Hua , Long Mei , Yuan Yihang , Zhang Zhong , Dong Xiao , Lu Qin , Sun Peng , Lovell Jonathan F. , Chen Hong‐Zhuan , Fang Chao
Published: January 2022

In view of the multiple pathological hallmarks of tumors, nanosystems for the sequential delivery of various drugs whose targets are separately located inside and outside tumor cells are desired for improved cancer therapy. However, current sequential delivery is mainly achieved through enzyme‐ or acid‐dependent degradation of the nanocarrier, which would be influenced by the heterogeneous tumor microenvironment, and unloading efficiency of the drug acting on the target outside tumor cells is usually unsatisfactory. Here, a light‐triggered sequential delivery strategy based on a liposomal formulation of doxorubicin (DOX)‐loaded small‐sized polymeric nanoparticles (DOX‐NP) and free sunitinib in the aqueous cavity, is developed. The liposomal membrane is doped with photosensitizer porphyrin–phospholipid (PoP) and hybridized with red blood cell membrane to confer biomimetic features. Near‐infrared light‐induced membrane permeabilization triggers the “ultrafast” and “thorough” release of sunitinib (100% release in 5 min) for antiangiogenic therapy and also myeloid‐derived suppressor cell (MDSC) inhibition to reverse the immunosuppressive tumor environment. Subsequently, the small‐sized DOX‐NP liberated from the liposomes is more easily uptaken by tumor cells for improved immunogenic chemotherapy. RNA sequencing and immune‐related assay indicates therapeutic immune enhancement. This light‐triggered sequential delivery strategy demonstrates the potency in cancer multimodal therapy against multiple targets in different spatial positions in tumor microenvironment.
Fabrication of Stretchable Superamphiphobic Surfaces with Deformation‐Induced Rearrangeable Structures
Authors: Zhou Xiaoteng , Liu Jie , Liu Wendong , Steffen Werner , Butt Hans‐Jürgen
Published: January 2022

Stretchable superamphiphobic surfaces with a high deformation resistance are in demand to achieve liquid‐repellent performance in flexible electronics, artificial skin, and textile dressings. However, it is challenging to make mechanically robust superamphiphobic coatings, which maintain their superliquid repellency in a highly stretched state. Here, a stretchable superamphiphobic surface is reported, on which the microstructures can rearrange during stretching to maintain a stable superamphiphobicity even under a high tensile strain. The surface is prepared by spray‐coating silicone nanofilaments onto a prestretched substrate (e.g., cis‐1,4‐polyisoprene) with poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) layer as a binder. After subsequent fluorination, this surface keeps its superamphiphobicity to both water and n‐hexadecane up to the tensile strain of at least 225%. The binding PDMS layer and rearrangeable structures maximize the deformation resistance of the surface during the stretching process. The superamphiphobicity and morphology of the surface are maintained even after 1000 stretch–release cycles. Taking advantage of the mentioned benefits, a liquid manipulation system is designed, which has the potential for fabricating reusable and low‐cost platforms for biochemical detection and lab‐on‐a‐chip systems.
Lymph‐Directed Self‐Immolative Nitric Oxide Prodrug for Inhibition of Intractable Metastatic Cancer
Authors: Kim Taejeong , Suh Jeeyeon , Kim Jihoon , Kim Won Jong
Published: January 2022

There has been a significant clinical demand for lymph‐directed anti‐metastatic therapy as tumor‐draining lymph nodes play pivotal roles in cancer metastasis which accounts for more than 90% of tumor‐related deaths. Despite the high potential of nitric oxide (NO) in anti‐cancer therapy owing to its biocompatibility and tumor cell‐specific cytotoxicity, the poor stability and lack of target specificity of present NO donors and delivery systems have limited its clinical applications. Herein, a redox‐triggered self‐immolative NO prodrug that can be readily conjugated to various materials containing free thiol groups such as albumin, is reported. The prodrug and its conjugates demonstrate smart release of NO donor via intramolecular cyclization under reductive conditions, followed by spontaneously generating NO in physiological conditions. The albumin‐prodrug conjugate inhibits tumor metastasis by inducing cytotoxicity preferentially on tumor cells after efficiently draining into lymph nodes. This novel prodrug can contribute to the development of on‐demand NO delivery systems for anti‐metastatic therapy and other treatments.
Light‐Triggered In Situ Biosynthesis of Artificial Melanin for Skin Protection
Authors: Lee Uk‐Jae , Ko Junghyeon , Kim Su‐Hwan , Lee Pyung‐Gang , An Young‐Hyeon , Yun Hyungdon , Flood Dillon T. , Dawson Philip E. , Hwang Nathaniel S. , Kim Byung‐Gee
Published: January 2022

Tyrosinase‐mediated melanin synthesis is an essential biological process that can protect skin from UV radiation and radical species. This work reports on in situ biosynthesis of artificial melanin in native skin using photoactivatable tyrosinase (PaTy). The I41Y mutant of Streptomyces avermitilis tyrosinase (SaTy) shows enzymatic activity comparable to that of wild‐type SaTy. This Y41 is replaced with photocleavable o‐nitrobenzyl tyrosine (ONBY) using the introduction of amber codon and ONBY‐tRNA synthetase/tRNA pairs. The ONBY efficiently blocks the active site and tyrosinase activity is rapidly recovered by the photo‐cleavage of ONBY. The activated PaTy successfully oxidizes L‐tyrosine and tyramine‐conjugated hyaluronic acid (HA_T) to synthesize melanin particles and hydrogel, respectively. To produce artificial melanin in living tissues, PaTy is encapsulated into lipid nanoparticles as an artificial melanosome. Using liposomes containing PaTy (PaTy_Lip), PaTy is transdermally delivered into ex vivo porcine skin and in vivo mouse skin tissues, thus achieving the in situ biosynthesis of artificial melanin for skin tissue protection under UV irradiation. The results of this study demonstrate that this biomimetic system can recapitulate the biosynthetic analogs of naturally occurring melanin. It should therefore be considered to be a promising strategy for producing protective biological molecules within living systems for tissue protection.
A Weavable and Scalable Cotton‐Yarn‐Based Battery Activated by Human Sweat for Textile Electronics
Authors: Xiao Gang , Ju Jun , Lu Hao , Shi Xuemei , Wang Xin , Wang Wei , Xia Qingyou , Zhou Guangdong , Sun Wei , Li Chang Ming , Qiao Yan , Lu Zhisong
Published: January 2022

Sweat‐activated batteries (SABs) are lightweight, biocompatible energy generators that produce sufficient power for skin‐interface electronic devices. However, the fabrication of 1D SABs that are compatible with conventional textile techniques for self‐powered wearable electronics remains challenging. In this study, a cotton‐yarn‐based SAB (CYSAB) with a segmental structure is developed, in which carbon‐black‐modified, pristine yarn and Zn foil‐wrapped segments are prepared to serve as the cathode, salt bridge, and anode, respectively. Upon electrolyte absorption, the CYSAB can be rapidly activated. Its performance is closely related to the ion concentration, infiltrated electrolyte volume, and evaporation rate. The CYSAB can tolerate repeated bending and washing without any significant influence on its power output. Moreover, the CYSABs can be woven into fabrics and connected in series and parallel configurations to produce an energy supplying headband, which can be activated by the sweat secreted from a volunteer during a cycling exercise to power light‐emitting diode headlights. The developed CYSAB can also be integrated with yarn‐based strain sensors to achieve a smart textile for the self‐powered sensing of human motion and breathing. This weavable, washable, and scalable CYSAB is expected to contribute to the manufacturing of self‐powered smart textiles for future applications in wearable healthcare monitoring.
Time‐Resolved Encryption via a Kinetics‐Tunable Supramolecular Photochromic System
Authors: Li Dong , Feng Zefen , Han Yujie , Chen Chen , Zhang Qi‐Wei , Tian Yang
Published: January 2022

With the advancement of forgery and decryption methods, conventional static encryption technology is becoming more and more powerless, which strongly demands the development of multistate anticounterfeiting materials as well as advanced multidimensional encryption strategies and technologies. Here a new strategy to realize time‐resolved encryption based on a self‐assembled supramolecular ternary complex is presented, which exhibits tunable dynamic photochromic features caused by the reversible photodimerization/cleavage reactions of the guest chromophores inside the cavity of cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]). This supramolecular system shows excellent photochromic properties, including extremely rapid response time, high conversion rate, and product‐stereoselectivity, etc. More importantly, the kinetics of the photoreaction can be modulated by simply varying the host–guest ratios in aqueous or quasi‐solid phase, providing the material with finely tunable time‐dependent features, which cannot only be employed in data processing with more extended information, but also construct confidential materials by time‐resolved multidimensional encryption and dynamic anticounterfeiting. The strategic design of kinetics‐tunable supramolecular photochromic materials may provide valuable guidance for the development of more advanced materials for information security.
Subthreshold Swing of 59 mV decade−1 in Nanoscale Flexible Ultralow‐Voltage Organic Transistors
Authors: Geiger Michael , Lingstädt Robin , Wollandt Tobias , Deuschle Julia , Zschieschang Ute , Letzkus Florian , Burghartz Joachim N. , van Aken Peter A. , Weitz R. Thomas , Klauk Hagen
Published: January 2022

Organic thin‐film transistors (TFTs) that provide subthreshold swings near the theoretical limit together with large on/off current ratios at very low operating voltages require high‐capacitance gate dielectrics with a vanishingly small defect density. A promising approach to the fabrication of such dielectrics at temperatures sufficiently low to allow TFT fabrication on polymeric substrates are hybrid dielectrics consisting of a thin metal oxide layer in combination with a molecular self‐assembled monolayer (SAM). Here, the electrical and surface properties of titanium oxide produced by the plasma‐assisted oxidation of the surface of vacuum‐deposited titanium gate electrodes and its use as the first component of a hybrid TiOx/SAM gate dielectric in flexible organic TFTs are investigated. These transistors have a gate‐dielectric capacitance of about 1 µF cm−2, a subthreshold swing of 59 mV decade−1 (within measurement error of the physical limit at room temperature) for a wide range of channel lengths as small as 0.7 µm, and an on/off current ratio of 107 for a gate‐source‐voltage range of 1 V.
Comparing the agronomic effectiveness of fertilizers on the basis of the rate of application: An interpretation
Authors: Chien Sen H.
Published: January 2022

Several recently developed and marketed fertilizers containing S and/or Zn that have been evaluated for their agronomic effectiveness are often compared with the traditional standard fertilizers on the basis of a single high fertilizer rate of the tested nutrient in terms of crop yield. This approach can provide an inaccurate or misleading conclusion that they are as good as or even better than the standard fertilizer sources. A better and more accurate method is to compare the different fertilizer sources on the basis of multiple rates. In addition, measurements of the nutrient taken up by a crop can provide useful information to help achieve the objectives of a study.
Deep learning classification of inverted papilloma malignant transformation using 3D convolutional neural networks and magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Liu George S. , Yang Angela , Kim Dayoung , Hojel Andrew , Voevodsky Diana , Wang Julia , Tong Charles C.L. , Ungerer Heather , Palmer James N. , Kohanski Michael A. , Nayak Jayakar V. , Hwang Peter H. , Adappa Nithin D. , Patel Zara M.
Published: January 2022

Background

Distinguishing benign inverted papilloma (IP) tumors from those that have undergone malignant transformation to squamous cell carcinoma (IP‐SCC) is important but challenging to do preoperatively. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help differentiate these 2 entities, but no established method exists that can automatically synthesize all potentially relevant MRI image features to distinguish IP and IP‐SCC. We explored a deep learning approach, using 3‐dimensional convolutional neural networks (CNNs), to address this challenge.

Methods

Retrospective chart reviews were performed at 2 institutions to create a data set of preoperative MRIs with corresponding surgical pathology reports. The MRI data set included all available MRI sequences in the axial plane, which were used to train, validate, and test 3 CNN models. Saliency maps were generated to visualize areas of MRIs with greatest influence on predictions.

Results

A total of 90 patients with IP (n = 64) or IP‐SCC (n = 26) tumors were identified, with a total of 446 images of distinct MRI sequences for IP (n = 329) or IP‐SCC (n = 117). The best CNN model, All‐Net, demonstrated a sensitivity of 66.7%, specificity of 81.5%, overall accuracy of 77.9%, and receiver‐operating characteristic area under the curve of 0.80 (95% confidence interval, 0.682‐0.898) for test classification performance. The other 2 models, Small‐All‐Net and Elastic‐All‐Net, showed similar performance levels.

Conclusion

A deep learning approach with 3‐dimensional CNNs can distinguish IP and IP‐SCC with moderate test classification performance. Although CNNs demonstrate promise to enhance the prediction of IP‐SCC using MRIs, more data are needed before they can reach the predictive value already established by human MRI evaluation.
Multichannel Fluorescence Microscopy: Advantages of Going beyond a Single Emission
Authors: Rodríguez-Sevilla Paloma , Thompson Sebastian A. , Jaque Daniel
Published: January 2022

Fluorescent microscopy has enabled the study of intracellular processes and revealed the most intricate details of the subcellular structure. This has benefitted not only the basic biological science, but also has had an impact in numerous biomedical applications. Basic fluorescent sensing techniques use the change in the absolute emission of a fluorescent sensor. This entails some disadvantages as the signal might be influenced by factors not directly related to the process under study (e.g., fluctuations in the excitation source). To overcome these drawbacks, one can use multiple emissions of a single or various fluorophores. There are numerous examples of multichannel fluorescence microscopy techniques that have given rise to numerous ratiometric methods and multiplexing assays. Herein, how the use of multiple emission channels has impacted fluorescence microscopy in terms of speed, sensitivity, and resolution is reviewed. Using recent examples, how the easy implementation of multichannel detection can overcome current limitations of the main used fluorescence techniques and promote the development of novel microscopy methods is shown.
Polyelectrolyte complex nanofiltration membranes by surface deposition of polyethylenimine on polyanion supports
Authors: Li Chenwei , Hu Dujuan , Liu Ling , Zhu Li , Xu Man , Wang Cunwen , Li Yanbo
Published: January 2022

Polyethylenimine (PEI) is a water‐soluble polymer with higher density of cations and strong adsorbability. In the present work, loose nanofiltration membranes based on PEI were prepared by surface deposition of PEI on hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile (PANH) supports through a surface crosslink method without using extra crosslinkers. The thinner selective layer (around 50 nm) of polyelectrolyte complex was formed through the crosslinks (ionic and co‐valent) between amine groups in PEI and carboxyl groups in PANH. The PEI/PAN membranes were characterized by SEM, ATR‐IR, and XPS. Nanofiltration of PEGs and salt solutions were performed to evaluate the membrane performance. Loose nanofiltration membranes, with molecular weight cut‐off from 500 to 950 Da, permeances form 7 to 16 L m−2 h−1 bar−1, were obtained by the simple surface crosslink method. The membrane performance can be facile tailored by controlling the deposition parameters, including deposition time and post‐treatments.
Robust Anion‐Shielding Metal‐Organic Frameworks Based Composite Interlayers To Achieve Uniform Li Deposition for Stable Li‐Metal Anode
Authors: Li Chuanfu , Lu Ruichao , Amin Kamran , Zhang Binbin , Liu Hao , Zheng Wei , Guo Jinze , Du Peiyao , Mao Lijuan , Lu Xiaoquan , Wei Zhixiang
Published: January 2022

Lithium (Li) metal is one of the most promising anode candidates for next‐generation rechargeable batteries with a high energy density because of its high theoretical specific capacity and low reduction potential. However, the growth of lithium dendrites causes intolerable safety risks and poor electrochemical performances. Limiting the migration of anions near the Li‐metal anode is regarded as an effective strategy to achieve uniform Li deposition and thus suppress the dendritic growth. Here, a metal‐organic frameworks based polyvinylidene fluoride‐hexafluoropropylene copolymer composite interlayer is designed and prepared through an in situ heat‐assisted method. Being guided and assisted by the anion‐shielded composite interlayer, a homogenous Li‐ion flux as well as a high Li‐ion transference number are achieved, which promotes the uniform and stable lithium deposition. At the same time, the robust composite interlayer is expected to suppress the growth of Li dendrites by its intrinsically high modulus (≈2.49 GPa). As a result, symmetrical batteries exhibit excellent cyclic stability for over 1600 h with functional composite interlayer. Furthermore, full cells with a commercial lithium iron phosphate cathode demonstrate remarkably enhanced cycling performance with a satisfying capacity retention of 96 % after 500 cycles. This work provides an effective strategy for the design and fabrication of functional composite interlayers to realize stable lithium metal anodes.
Simultaneous Analysis of Ascorbic Acid, Uric Acid, and Dopamine at Bare Polystyrene Thermoplastic Electrodes
Authors: McCord Cynthia P. , Summers Bali , Henry Charles S.
Published: January 2022

Simultaneous analysis of ascorbic acid (AA), uric acid (UA), and dopamine (DA) is desirable as they are important biomarkers that coexist in biological fluids. Electrochemical detection of these molecules can be challenging as their oxidation peaks are poorly resolved at most unmodified electrodes. Modifications are typically necessary for analysis which increase cost and complicate fabrication. Herein, inexpensive and moldable polystyrene thermoplastic electrodes (PS TPEs), that can be used for simultaneous analysis of AA, DA, and UA, without surface modification, were presented. Electrode composition was optimized for conductivity, capacitance, and electrochemistry. Detection limits were 4, 0.9, and 4 μm for AA, DA and UA respectively. PS TPEs were also challenged in urine; excellent recoveries (90–110 %) were seen for AA and UA. DA showed lower recoveries (82 % for 10 μm and 47 % for 5 μm), but in the future, higher recoveries can be achieved through design considerations and further material optimization.
Performance enhancement‐based active learning sample selection method
Authors: He Zhonghai , Song Shijie , Shen Kun , Zhang Xiaofang
Published: January 2022

Representative samples are important for multivariate calibration. The highly efficient selection of representative samples to be labelled can save money and time. Existing methods, such as Kennard‐Stone and net analyte signal selection, are usually based on the distance between candidate samples and labelled calibration sets in feature space. However, these distances are influenced by the feature space, which is spanned by an information vector extracted from labelled samples. To overcome the negative effects of the distance‐based selection method, a model performance enhancement‐based sample selection method is proposed to select calibration samples efficiently. Based on loss function optimization, the samples that can improve model performance the most, as estimated by bootstrap, are sequentially selected and added to the calibration set. Due to the high representation of each sample, a few samples can build a model that has no significant loss of prediction ability when compared with a model built with the large number set of calibration samples. The performance enhancement‐based active learning (PEAL) sample selection method is both effective and efficient.
Gender and risk‐taking behaviors influence the clinical presentation of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wolfer Susanne , Kunzler Annika , Foos Tatjana , Ernst Cornelia , Leha Andreas , Schultze‐Mosgau Stefan
Published: January 2022

Objective

The common risk factors for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) are smoking and alcohol abuse. A small percentage of patients, mostly women, are demonstrating oral cancer without the common risk behavior. This study investigates how gender and different patterns of lifestyle factors influence the clinical presentation of OSCC.

Patients and Methods

From this retrospective study, demographical and tumor‐specific data and lifestyle factors were analyzed. Statistical analyses were performed using the χ2 test or Fisher's exact test for categorical analysis and the t test, ANOVA test, or Kruskal–Wallis test for continuous variables. The influence of the respective lifestyle factors together with their interactions with the gender on tumor characteristics has been tested using logistic and ordinal cumulative link regression models.

Results

Among a total of 308 patients, men represented the majority of smokers (87.2%) and the female cohort were largely non‐smokers and non‐drinkers (64.9%). For age, tumor site and N‐stage it looks like that differences of men and women are driven by the different risk behavior. But if the lifestyle factors are taken into account, we observe contrary effects between men and women for T‐, N‐, and UICC‐stage. For different cancer locations we saw opposite effects with gender and risk profile. These effects are not dose‐dependent explainable for gender.

Conclusion

Some but not all differences in the development of OSCC for men and women are explainable by the respective difference in lifestyle behavior. Some further investigations are necessary to find explanations for the obvious differences between men and women in developing OSCC.
Design of efficient location‐based multipath self‐adaptive balancer router using particle swarm optimization in wireless sensor network
Authors: Sakthivel Subramaniam , Manikandan Muthaiyan , Vivekanandhan VijayaRangan
Published: January 2022

The power sensor terminals control in wireless sensor network (WSN) communicate within a small number of its radio range. As a branch operating based on the cluster routing protocol, it has proven to be effective in network topology management, energy reduction, and path connection link quality of the path. Location‐based clusters are categorized into member nodes and group/cluster heads (CHs). The CH election process increases the overhead of the network. The processing and energy limitations of the nodes are considered for the CH election process. The allocation of system resources is the major issue in the area of networks. In this work, the proposed multipath self‐adaptive balancer routing‐based particle swarm optimization (MLBAR‐PSO) achieves load balancing by means of the link quality of the route and the calculated average latency and reliability of the path. In this way, different trust values are set in each category. The forwarding node value is the value of each node based on the weight value, which is calculated based on the energy ratio of the node and the distance between the hiding node and the target node. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) selects the head cluster from a specific location within the cluster to enable other nodes to interact with the CH without spending energy. Also, the algorithm is used to find the optimal path for the base station and significantly increases the energy to reduce the distance and delay over the lifetime of the network.
Efficacy of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in familial adenomatous polyposis patients after duodenectomy
Authors: Shah Ravi S. , Mehta Neal , Burke Carol A. , Mankaney Gautam , Stevens Tyler , Augustin Toms , Walsh Matthew R. , Bhatt Amit
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) patients with Spigelman stage IV polyposis should be considered for prophylactic duodenectomy. Post‐surgical pancreaticobiliary complications occur and may require management via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). We aimed to assess the success and adverse events of ERCP in FAP patients after pancreas‐sparing duodenectomy (PSD) and pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).

Methods

A retrospective review of FAP patients who underwent ERCP after PSD or PD from 1992 to 2020 at a quaternary referral center was completed. The technical success of ERCP was defined as the ability to identify the anastomosis and cannulate the duct. Post‐procedural adverse events were defined by bleeding, perforation, pancreatitis, or cholangitis. Clinical outcomes included the need for surgical intervention and recurrent pancreatitis after ERCP were assessed.

Results

Of 84 FAP patients with duodenectomy, 12 patients with PSD and two patients with PD underwent 17 ERCPs for pancreatic indications and five for biliary indications. The technical success of ERCP in patients with PSD and a single neoampullary complex for pancreatic (n = 6) and biliary (n = 5) indications was 100% but for those with PD (n = 2) or PSD reconstruction with pancreatic divisum or separate anastomoses (n = 3), it was 0%. Surgical intervention was required in 50% of patients with technically failed ERCP after PSD (2/4) and PD (1/2). There were no adverse events.

Conclusions

ERCP is expected to be therapeutically successful for biliary complications following PSD. Assessment and potential therapy for pancreatitis post‐PSD are best in the setting of a single neo‐ampullary complex rather than in PD or PSD with pancreatic divisum.
Modernizing the U.S. electric grid: A proposal to update transmission infrastructure for the future of electricity
Authors: Murphy Sara
Published: January 2022

Electric transmission infrastructure is often undervalued in the United States. However, a recent surge of electrical blackouts due to extreme weather conditions and natural disasters has brought the United States' aging transmission infrastructure to the spotlight. Recent cyberattacks on critical energy infrastructure have also brought attention to the vulnerabilities in the U.S. electric infrastructure. Advancements such as the growth of electrification in the transportation sector and the integration of variable renewable energy critical to the decarbonization of the energy sector, further challenge the capacity of current electrical infrastructure. Addressing deficiencies within U.S. electric infrastructure requires the collaboration of many stakeholders including federal agencies, state governments, local communities, and electricity generation and distribution entities. To properly undertake the challenges to the United States transmission infrastructure, it is recommended that potential solutions are accurately modeled, that the FERC uses its rulemaking capacity to foster collaboration, and that the federal government creates a national transmission loan program to specifically fund nationally significant transmission projects.
Genetic diversity reveals synergistic interaction between yield components could improve the sink size and yield in rice
Authors: Anwar Khalid , Joshi Rohit , Morales Alejandro , Das Gourab , Yin Xinyou , Anten Niels P. R. , Raghuvanshi Saurabh , Bahuguna Rajeev N. , Singh Madan Pal , Singh Rakesh K. , van Zanten Martijn , Sasidharan Rashmi , Singla‐Pareek Sneh L. , Pareek Ashwani
Published: January 2022

Intensive breeding programs have increased rice yields, strongly contributing to increasing global food security during the post‐green revolution period. However, rice productivity has reached a yield barrier where further yield improvement is restricted by inadequate information on the association of yield components, and morphological and physiological traits with yield. We conducted a field experiment to evaluate (i) the contribution of morphological and physiological traits to yield and (ii) quantify the trade‐off effect between the yield components in rice, using a mini‐core collection of 362 rice genotypes comprising geographically distinct landraces and breeding lines. Our data point towards multiscale coordination of physiological and morphological traits associated with yield and biomass. Considerable trait variations across the genotypes in yield ranging from 0.5 to 78.5 g hill−1and harvest index ranging from 0.7% to 60.7% highlight enormous diversity in rice across the globe. The natural elimination of trade‐off between yield components revealed the possibility to enhance rice yield in modern cultivars. Furthermore, our study demonstrated that genotypes with larger sink sizes could fix more carbon to achieve a higher yield. We propose that the knowledge thus generated in this study can be helpful for (a) trait‐based modeling and pyramiding alleles in rice‐breeding programs and (b) assisting breeders and physiologists in their efforts to improve crop productivity under a changing climate, thus harnessing the potential for sustainable productivity gains.
Immunomodulatory activity of aqueous extract from Crassostrea sikamea in the splenocytes of Sprague‐Dawley rats
Authors: Guo Guannan , Kong Ying , Su Jie , Wang Geng , Zhang Muqing , Wang Shuyue , Song Zhenbo
Published: January 2022

Crassostrea sikamea (C. sikamea) is used as an important edible and medicinal seafood in China. In the present study, an aqueous extract of C. sikamea (AECs) was prepared, and its immunomodulatory effects on rat splenocytes were studied. 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐5‐(3‐carboxymethoxyphenyl)‐2‐(4‐sulfophenyl)‐2H‐tetrazolium (MTS) assay revealed that AECs was able to promote splenocyte proliferation. Moreover, flow cytometry revealed that AECs treatment markedly altered the populations of splenic lymphocyte subtypes. Data from real‐time quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR) and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) showed that AECs promoted the mRNA expression and secretion of TNF‐α, IL‐2, IL‐6, IL‐12, and IFN‐γ. Mechanistically, p38 MAPK phosphorylation in splenocytes was significantly upregulated under AECs treatment and p38 MAPK inhibitor reversed the promoting effect of AECs on the expression of inflammatory cytokines. Collectively, our novel evidence suggests that AECs exhibits immunomodulatory activity in vitro, supporting the further application of C. sikamea as a potential functional food.
Novel Insight into the Concept of Favorable Combination of Electrodes in High Voltage Supercapacitors: Toward Ultrahigh Volumetric Energy Density and Outstanding Rate Capability
Authors: Elsa George , Vijayakumar Manavalan , Navaneethan Rajendran , Karthik Mani
Published: January 2022

Most of the biomass‐derived carbon‐based supercapacitors using organic electrolytes exhibit very low energy density due to their low operating potential range between 2.7 and 3.0 V. A novel insight into the concept of the different porous architecture of electrode materials that is employed to extend a device's operating potential up to 3.4 V using TEABF4 in acetonitrile, is reported. The combination of two high surface area activated carbons derived from abundant natural resources such as industrial waste cotton and wheat flour as sustainable and green carbon precursors is explored as an economical and efficient supercapacitor carbon electrode. Benefitting from the simultaneous achievement of the higher potential window (3.4 V) with higher volumetric capacitance (101 F cm–3), the supercapacitor electrodes exhibit higher volumetric energy density (42.85 Wh L–1). Bimodal pore size distribution of carbon with a tuned pore size and high specific surface area of the electrode can promote the fast transport of cations and anions. Hence, it exhibits a high rate capability even at 30 A g–1. In addition, the electrodes remain stable during operation cell voltage at 3.4 V upon 15 000 charging–discharging cycles with 90% capacitance retention.
Obsidian source classification and defining “local” in early Holocene Southeast Alaska
Authors: Schmuck Nicholas , Carlson Risa J. , Reuther Joshua , Baichtal James F. , Butler Don H. , Carlson Eric , Rasic Jeffrey T.
Published: January 2022

Despite the ubiquity of obsidian in early Holocene archaeological assemblages across Southeast Alaska, artifact sourcing using bi‐plots and Principal Component Analysis has been hampered by the highly correlated geochemistry of two major sources: local Aguada Cove on Suemez Island, and distant Mount Edziza, in the Coast Mountain range. Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS‐DA) models constructed with device‐specific portable X‐ray fluorescence (pXRF) source catalogs benefit from the precision of individual pXRF machines and the ability of PLS‐DA to handle highly correlated data sets to provide a source classification system that complements existing methods. Of the known obsidian sources in or near Southeast Alaska, four are identified in early Holocene archaeological assemblages: Obsidian Cove and Aguada Cove on Suemez Island, Mount Edziza in the Coast Mountain Range, and a newly identified source on Zim Creek, Kupreanof Island. A comprehensive reanalysis of early Holocene microblade cores (101 cores from 13 archaeological sites) across Southeast Alaska confirms the presence of exotic obsidian from Mount Edziza in one of the oldest sites, alongside possible evidence of landscape learning: testing of the obsidian source on Kupreanof Island. The dominance of the Obsidian Cove source for microblade core production supports hypotheses framing Northwest Coast microblade core morphology as an adaptation to the small nodules of raw material available at the source. A simple distance‐decay model indicates no relationship between core reduction intensity and distance from the source, suggesting high forager mobility characterized by regular trips to Suemez Island (a voyage of up to 380 km) throughout the early Holocene.
Anterior vaginal wall detachment caused by vacuum extraction
Authors: Srisukho Sasivimol , Chiewhatpong Phasawee , Tongsong Theera
Published: January 2022

The combination of high level vacuum application and cup entrapment of anterior vaginal wall contributed to the unique injury, separation of full flap of the intact vaginal wall from the bladder/urethral wall without direct vaginal laceration.
A Novel EphA4 Signaling-Based Therapeutic Strategy for Osteoarthritis in Mice
Authors: Stiffel Virginia M , Rundle Charles H , Sheng Matilda H-C , Das Subhashri , Lau Kin-Hing William
Published: January 2022

This study took advantage of the recent discovery that the EphA4 signaling has anti-catabolic effects on osteoclasts/macrophages/synoviocytes but pro-anabolic effects on articular chondrocytes and sought to develop an EphA4 signaling-based therapeutic strategy for osteoarthritis (OA) using a mouse model of OA/posttraumatic OA (PTOA). The injured joint of C57BL/6J mice received biweekly intraarticular injections of a soluble EphA4-binding ligand (EfnA4-fc) at 1 day after the tibial plateau injury or at 5 weeks post-injury. The animals were euthanized 5 weeks later. The injured right and contralateral uninjured left joints were analyzed for hallmarks of OA by histology. Relative severity was determined by a modified Mankin OA scoring system and serum COMP and CTX-II levels. Tibial plateau injury caused more severe OA in Epha4 null mice than in wild-type (WT) littermates, suggesting a protective role of EphA4 signaling in OA. A prototype strategy of an EphA4 signaling-based strategy involving biweekly injections of EfnA4-fc into injured joints was developed and was shown to be highly effective in preventing OA/PTOA when it was administered at 1 day post-injury and in treating OA/PTOA when it was applied after OA has been established. The efficacy of this prototype was dose- and time-dependent. The effects were not caused by the Fc moiety of EfnA4-fc. Other soluble EfnA ligands of EphA4, ie, EfnA1-fc and EfnA2-fc, were also effective. A prototype of a novel EphA4 signaling-based therapy was developed for OA/PTOA that not only reduces the progressive destruction of articular cartilage but may also promote regeneration of the damaged cartilage. © 2022 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR). This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
FBI‐1 inhibits epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition, migration, and invasion in lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells by downregulating transforming growth factor‐β1 signaling pathway
Authors: Lim Wonchul , Jeon Bu‐Nam , Kim Young‐Joo , Kim Ki‐Hwan , Ko Hyeonseok
Published: January 2022

The factor binding inducer of short transcripts‐1 (FBI‐1) is a POZ‐domain Kruppel‐like (POK) family of transcription factors and is known as a proto‐oncogene or tumor suppressor in various carcinomas. However, the role of FBI‐1 on epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and invasiveness in lung cancer remains unknown. Preliminarily, clinical data such as tissue microarray, Kaplan−Meier, and Oncomine were analyzed to confirm the correlation between lung cancer metastasis and FBI‐1. To investigate the function of FBI‐1 in EMT in lung cancer, EMT was measured in FBI‐1‐deficient or FBI‐1‐overexpressing cells. FBI‐1 showed decreased expression in tumors metastasized to lymph nodes than in the primary tumor. In addition, it was also associated with improved survival rates of lung cancer patients. FBI‐1 knockdown improved E‐to‐N‐cadherin switching, migration, and invasion in A549 cells, similar to the initiation of EMT stimulated by transforming growth factor‐ β1 (TGF‐β1). In contrast, overexpression of FBI‐1 inhibited the transcription and activation of Smad2, thereby interfering with EMT, despite stimulation by TGF‐β1. These results suggest that FBI‐1 plays a negative role in EMT in lung cancer via the TGF‐β1 signaling pathway, implying its use as a new potential therapeutic target and diagnostic indicator for early stage of lung cancer metastasis.
Capturing lifestyle changes and emotional experiences while having a compromised immune system during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A photo‐elicitation study
Authors: Sinko Laura , Rajabi Samira , Sinko Alyssa , Merchant Raina
Published: January 2022

This study aimed to describe lifestyle and emotional changes individuals with compromised immune systems experienced during the early months of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. A survey was distributed to online support organizations for those with chronic illness and a national research volunteer registry from April to June 2020. Participants were asked to document their experiences via three photo‐elicitation prompts, followed by reflection and Likert scale questions. Forty‐seven individuals responded with 282 photos submitted. Lifestyle changes noted include shifts in wellness strategies, health management, routine, stressors, and time perception. Participants described significant distress stemming from deteriorating mental health, safety fears, isolation, health management, and longing. Wellness strategies documented included finding comfort, connection, and escape, managing uncertainty, maintaining physical health, and building resilience. These findings can increase a sense of community for immunocompromised individuals who are struggling in isolation and enhance knowledge of their day‐to‐day health needs during times of increased stress and health risk.
Diagnosis, prevalence, and mortality of sarcopenia in dialysis patients: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Shu Xiaoyu , Lin Taiping , Wang Hui , Zhao Yanli , Jiang Tingting , Peng Xuchao , Yue Jirong
Published: January 2022

There is no consensus on the prevalence of sarcopenia or its impact on mortality in end‐stage renal disease patients undergoing dialysis. This review aimed to summarize the diagnostic criteria of sarcopenia and its prevalence and impact on the mortality of end‐stage renal disease patients undergoing dialysis. Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to 8 May 2021 to retrieve eligible studies that assessed muscle mass by commonly used instruments, such as dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry, bioelectrical impedance analysis, magnetic resonance imaging, and body composition monitor. Two assessment tools matched to study designs were employed to evaluate study quality. Pooled sarcopenia prevalence was calculated with 95% confidence interval (CI), and heterogeneity was estimated using the I2 test. Associations of sarcopenia with mortality were expressed as hazard ratio (HR) and 95% CI. The search identified 3272 studies, and 30 studies (6162 participants, mean age from 47.5 to 77.5 years) were analysed in this review. The risk of bias in the included studies was low to moderate. Twenty‐two studies defined sarcopenia based on low muscle mass (LMM) plus low muscle strength and/or low physical performance, while eight studies used LMM alone. Muscle mass was assessed by different instruments, and a wide range of cut‐off points were used to define LMM. Overall, sarcopenia prevalence was 28.5% (95% CI 22.9–34.1%) and varied from 25.9% (I2 = 94.9%, 95% CI 20.4–31.3%; combined criteria) to 34.6% (I2 = 98.1%, 95% CI 20.9–48.2%; LMM alone) (P = 0.247 between subgroups). The statistically significant differences were not found in the subgroups of diagnostic criteria (P > 0.05) and dialysis modality (P > 0.05). Additionally, the sarcopenia prevalence could not be affected by average age [regression coefficient 0.004 (95% CI: −0.005 to 0.012), P = 0.406] and dialysis duration [regression coefficient 0.002 (95% CI −0.002 to 0.005), P = 0.327] in the meta‐regression. The pooled analyses showed that combined criteria of sarcopenia were related to a higher mortality risk [HR 1.82 (I2 = 26.3%, 95% CI 1.38–2.39)], as was LMM [HR 1.61 (I2 = 26.0%, 95% CI 1.31–1.99)] and low muscle strength [HR 2.04 (I2 = 80.4%, 95% CI 1.19–3.5)]. Although there are substantial differences in diagnostic criteria, sarcopenia is highly prevalent in dialysis patients and is linked to increased mortality. The standardization of sarcopenia diagnostic criteria would be beneficial, and future longitudinal studies are needed to investigate the prevalence and prognostic value of sarcopenia in dialysis patients.
Glutaminase 2 knockdown reduces hyperammonemia and associated lethality of urea cycle disorder mouse model
Authors: Mao Xia , Chen Helen , Lin Allen Z. , Kim Sun , Burczynski Michael E. , Na Erqian , Halasz Gabor , Sleeman Mark W. , Murphy Andrew J. , Okamoto Haruka , Cheng Xiping
Published: January 2022

Amino acids, the building blocks of proteins in the cells and tissues, are of fundamental importance for cell survival, maintenance, and proliferation. The liver plays a critical role in amino acid metabolism and detoxication of byproducts such as ammonia. Urea cycle disorders with hyperammonemia remain difficult to treat and eventually necessitate liver transplantation. In this study, ornithine transcarbamylase deficient (Otcspf‐ash) mouse model was used to test whether knockdown of a key glutamine metabolism enzyme glutaminase 2 (GLS2, gene name: Gls2) or glutamate dehydrogenase 1 (GLUD1, gene name: Glud1) could rescue the hyperammonemia and associated lethality induced by a high protein diet. We found that reduced hepatic expression of Gls2 but not Glud1 by AAV8‐mediated delivery of a short hairpin RNA in Otcspf‐ash mice diminished hyperammonemia and reduced lethality. Knockdown of Gls2 but not Glud1 in Otcspf‐ash mice exhibited reduced body weight loss and increased plasma glutamine concentration. These data suggest that Gls2 hepatic knockdown could potentially help alleviate risk for hyperammonemia and other clinical manifestations of patients suffering from defects in the urea cycle.