bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is local review of positron emission tomography scans sufficient in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma clinical trials? A CALGB 50303 analysis
Authors: Torka Pallawi , Pederson Levi D. , Knopp Michael V. , Poon David , Zhang Jun , Kahl Brad S. , Higley Howard R. , Kelloff Gary , Friedberg Jonathan W. , Schwartz Lawrence H. , Wilson Wyndham H. , Leonard John P. , Bartlett Nancy L. , Schöder Heiko , Ruppert Amy S.
Published: February 2023

Background

Quantitative methods of Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography (FDG‐PET) interpretation, including the percent change in FDG uptake from baseline (ΔSUV), are under investigation in lymphoma to overcome challenges associated with visual scoring systems (VSS) such as the Deauville 5‐point scale (5‐PS).

Methods

In CALGB 50303, patients with DLBCL received frontline R‐CHOP or DA‐EPOCH‐R, and although there were no significant associations between interim PET responses assessed centrally after cycle 2 (iPET) using 5‐PS with progression‐free survival (PFS) or overall survival (OS), there were significant associations between central determinations of iPET ∆SUV with PFS/OS. In this patient cohort, we retrospectively compared local vs central iPET readings and evaluated associations between local imaging data and survival outcomes.

Results

Agreement between local and central review was moderate (kappa = 0.53) for VSS and high (kappa = 0.81) for ∆SUV categories (<66% vs. ≥66%). ∆SUV ≥66% at iPET was significantly associated with PFS (p = 0.03) and OS (p = 0.002), but VSS was not. Associations with PFS/OS when applying local review vs central review were comparable.

Conclusions

These data suggest that local PET interpretation for response determination may be acceptable in clinical trials. Our findings also highlight limitations of VSS and call for incorporation of more objective measures of response assessment in clinical trials.
Jiangchuanmycin, a New Pyrrolizidine Analog from Streptomyces sp. YIM S01863
Authors: Xu Yuan , Hu Bin‐Yuan , Qin Yan , Zhuang Lu , Yang Ya‐Bin , Zhao Li‐Xing
Published: February 2023

Jiangchuanmycin (1), a new indole containing pyrrolizidine, and six known peptides (2–7) were obtained from the fermentation broth of a Streptomyces isolate collected from a sediment sample of Xingyun Lake, Jiangchuan, China. Their structures were elucidated on the detailed analysis of the HR‐ESI‐MS, 1D and 2D NMR, ECD, and X‐ray crystallographic data. Jiangchuanmycin (1) presented weak inhibitory effects on cell lines of H1299, MHCC97H, HCT116 with the IC50 values of 97.6 μM, 98.6 μM and 40.6 μM, respectively.
Droplet Shape and Drag Coefficients in Non‐Newtonian Fluids: A Review
Authors: Li Shaobai , Sun Xuelin
Published: February 2023

The motion of droplets in non‐Newtonian fluids is widely present in ubiquitous industrial processes. Understanding the droplet motion characteristics is important for optimizing the design of related processes. Here the progress in the research on the droplet motion characteristics in non‐Newtonian fluids is reviewed. The mechanism of droplet deformation in non‐Newtonian fluids were elucidated, the influence of different rheological properties on droplet shape was discussed, and the empirical correlations of droplet aspect ratio were summarized. Moreover, the dimensionless correlations of drag coefficient were discussed. There are relatively few drag coefficient correlations of droplets in non‐Newtonian fluids, while the correlation of drag coefficients of bubbles in non‐Newtonian fluids can provide some reference. Finally, the possible prospects for future studies of the subject were proposed.
Synthesis, Characterization and Singlet Fission Behaviors of Heteroatom‐Doped Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons with (β, β) Connected Furan/Thiophene Ring
Authors: Huang Wenting , Qiu Meizhen , Yu Fei , Chen Jiawen , Li Xiaojun , Wei Qi , Xing Guichuan , Wu Bo , Chen Wangqiao , Zhang Qichun
Published: February 2023

Singlet fission (SF) has been proven to be an effective strategy to overcome the Shockley–Queisser limit of photovoltaics. However, the materials suitable for SF are relatively rare due to the strict requirements for the occurrence of this process. In the present study, we report the first preparation of two heteroatoms (O and S)‐doped polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) molecules with (β, β) connected furan/thiophene ring. The optical and physiochemical properties of both compounds are investigated by a variety of spectroscopies, including UV–vis absorption, photoluminescence and cyclic voltammetry. In addition, their ultrafast excited state dynamics are studied by femtosecond transient absorption. Experimental data showed that the singlet fission efficiency was improved by 2 times when replacing oxygen with sulfur atom, which could provide some guidelines in designing singlet fission materials with better efficiency.
Tuning Polymer Molecular Weight Distribution in Cationic RAFT Polymerization by Mixing Chain Transfer Agents†
Authors: Chen Miao , Li Jiajia , Xing Dong , Pan Xiangqiang , Zhu Jian
Published: February 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Polymer dispersity (Đ) or molecular weight distribution (MWD) is a basic but vital parameter for the properties of polymeric materials. Developing new methodologies for controlling polymer MWD is emerging as a research hotspot. However, the methods to tune polymer MWD in cationic polymerization are still not well explored. Herein, we present a simple method to control the dispersity of poly(isobutyl vinyl ether) (PIBVE) by mixing two different chain transfer agents in batch visible light induced cationic RAFT polymerization. A broad dispersity range (Đ ≈ 1.16—1.80) was successfully achieved while maintaining monomodal MWD. Moreover, chain extension of PIBVE through both cationic polymerization and radical polymerization has been studied, which also provides a method to tune polymer MWD in mechanism transformation polymerization.
Unraveling the Role of Nickel Nanoparticles Functionalization in the Electronic Properties and Structural Features of 2D Black Phosphorene Exposed to Ambient Conditions
Authors: Vanni Matteo , Serrano‐Ruiz Manuel , Filippi Jonathan , Salvatici Maria Cristina , Fonda Emiliano , Peruzzini Maurizio , Caporali Maria
Published: February 2023

Layered black phosphorus (BP) is endowed with peculiar chemico‐physical properties that make it a highly promising candidate in the field of electronics. Nevertheless, as other 2D materials with atomic scale thickness, it suffers from easy degradation under ambient conditions. Herein, it is shown that the functionalization of BP with preformed and in situ grown Ni NPs, affects the electronic properties of the material. In particular, Ni functionalization performed in situ leads to a narrowing of the average BP band gap from 1.15 to 0.95 eV and to a marked shift in the conduction band maximum from −0.33 V to −0.07 V, which, in turn, improve the ambient stability. Structural studies carried out by XAS can well distinguish the two nanohybrids and reveal that once Ni NPs are grown on BP nanosheets, a Ni‐P coordinative bond is formed, featuring a short Ni‐P distance of 2.27 Å, which is not observed when preformed Ni NPs are immobilized on BP. Comparing the XANES and EXAFS spectra of fresh and aged samples of both nanohybrids, suggests that the interaction between Ni and P atoms results in a stabilization effect exerted via a dual electronic and redox mechanism, that infers a much superior ambient stability to BP, even if the surface functionalization is far to achieve a full coverage.
Mono‐ and Dinuclear Gold(I) Coumarin Complexes: Luminescence Studies and Singlet Oxygen Production
Authors: Sobrerroca Carlota , Angurell Inmaculada , de Aquino Araceli , Romo Guillermo , Jubert Camille , Rodríguez Laura
Published: February 2023

The 4‐(thiolmethyl)‐7‐(diethylamino)‐2H‐chromen‐2‐one ligand has been synthesized and used as chromophore in several mono‐ and dinuclear gold(I) compounds that contain a phosphane at the second coordination position. Four final products were able to obtain in pure form containing one coumarin and one phosphane ligand in the case of PTA (1,3,5‐triaza‐7‐phosphatricyclo[3.3.1.13.7]decane) and PPh3 (triphenylphosphine); one coumarin and two gold(I)‐phosphane groups in the case of phosphane=DAPTA (3,7‐diacetyl‐1,3,7‐triaza‐5‐phosphabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane) and two coumarin and two gold(I) atoms in the case of phosphane=DPEphos (bis[(2‐diphenylphosphino)phenyl]ether), when it was used a diphosphane. Other diphosphane ligands used were not able to give the desired products in pure form. The luminescent properties of the compounds are governed by the fluorescence of the coumarin moiety in all compounds both for measurements carried out in solution and also immobilized in PMMA organic matrix. Phosphorescence emission can be detected in all cases at 77 K both for the uncoordinated coumarin ligand and the gold(I) derivatives, being more favoured in the presence of the gold(I) heavy atom. The compounds have been used as photosensitizers to generate 1O2 with moderate quantum yields values.
Tissue‐Specific Isolation of Tagged Arabidopsis Plastids
Authors: Boussardon Clément , Keech Olivier
Published: February 2023

Plastids are found in all plant cell types. However, most extraction methods to study these organelles are performed at the organ level (e.g., leaf, root, fruit) and do not allow for tissue‐specific resolution, which hinders our understanding of their physiology. Therefore, IPTACT (Isolation of Plastids TAgged in specific Cell Types) was developed to isolate plastids in a tissue‐specific manner in Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis). Plastids are biotinylated using one‐shot transgenic lines, and tissue specificity is achieved with a suitable promoter as long as such a promoter exists. Cell‐specific biotinylated plastids are then isolated with 2.8‐µm streptavidin beads. Plastids extracted by IPTACT are suitable for RNA or protein isolation and subsequent tissue‐specific OMICs analyses. This method provides the user with a powerful tool to investigate plastidial functions at cell‐type resolution. Furthermore, it can easily be combined with studies using diverse genetic backgrounds and/or different developmental or stress conditions. © 2022 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Promoter cloning and plant selection

Basic Protocol 2: Isolation of biotinylated plastids

Basic Protocol 3: Quality control of isolated plastids
Flow Cytometric Identification and Enumeration of Monocyte Subsets in Bovine and Water Buffalo Peripheral Blood
Authors: Grandoni Francesco , Fraboni Daniela , Canonico Barbara , Papa Stefano , Buccisano Francesco , Schuberth Hans‐Joachim , Hussen Jamal
Published: February 2023

Monocytes are innate immune system key players with pivotal roles during infection and inflammation. They migrate into tissues and differentiate into myeloid effect cells (macrophages, dendritic cells) which orchestrate inflammatory processes and are interfaces between the innate and adaptive immune responses. Their clinical relevance to health and disease of cattle (Bos taurus) and water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), two of the most important livestock species, has been highlighted in physiologic (pregnancy) and pathologic (mastitis, metritis, and viral infections) conditions.

The existence of three different monocyte subsets in cattle was established by flow cytometry (FC), as follows: classical (cM; CD14++CD16–/low), intermediate (intM; CD14++/+CD16+), and non‐classical (ncM; CD14–/lowCD16++) monocytes. FC applications for studying the immune system of cattle and water buffalo still have significant limitations. In this article, we describe some practical approaches to overcome these limitations and, in particular, allow the identification and enumeration of cM, intM, and ncM subpopulations in cattle and buffalo peripheral blood. Indeed, we propose the new procedure lyse/wash/no‐centrifugation (L/W/NC) that can be combined with the FC absolute counting procedures and can overcome specific issues of the lyse/no‐wash protocols (L/NW). Finally, for the first time, we demonstrated the existence of cM, intM, and ncM monocyte subsets also in the water buffalo, showing some interesting differences with cattle, such as the bubaline cM are mainly CD14+/++/CD16+. These subtle differences may influence inflammatory disease regulation in, for example, mastitis and metritis. The upregulation of CD16 expression on cM may reveal different monocyte priming, leading to different functional features of macrophages/dendritic cells in tissues after infection. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol: Absolute count of cM, intM, and ncM without compensation

Alternate Protocol: Absolute count of cM, intM, and ncM for single laser platform

Support Protocol 1: In‐house monoclonal antibody labeling using a Pacific Blue™ kit

Support Protocol 2: In‐house monoclonal antibody labeling using an Alexa Fluor® 647 kit

Support Protocol 3: Titration of fluorochrome‐conjugated antibodies
Accumulation of gene copy number variations during the early phase of free‐spawning abalone speciation
Authors: Hirase Shotaro , Sekino Masashi , Hara Motoyuki , Kikuchi Kiyoshi
Published: February 2023

The genetic basis of speciation in free‐spawning marine invertebrates is poorly understood. Although gene copy number variations (GCNVs) and nucleotide variations possibly trigger the speciation of these organisms, empirical evidence for such a hypothesis is limited. In this study, we searched for genomic signatures of GCNVs that may contribute to the speciation of Western Pacific abalone species. Whole‐genome sequencing data suggested the existence of significant amounts of GCNVs in closely related abalones, Haliotis discus and H. madaka, in the early phase of speciation. In addition, the degree of interspecies genetic differentiation in the genes where GCNVs were estimated was higher than that in other genes, suggesting that nucleotide divergence also accumulates in the genes with GCNVs. GCNVs in some genes were also detected in other related abalone species, suggesting that these GCNVs are derived from both ancestral and de novo mutations. Our findings suggest that GCNVs have been accumulated in the early phase of free‐spawning abalone speciation.
Geographical shifts in the successional dynamics of inland dune shrub communities
Authors: Chozas Sergio , Chefaoui Rosa M. , Correia Otília , Santos Ana M. C. , Hortal Joaquín
Published: February 2023

Species' environmental requirements and large‐scale spatial and evolutionary processes determine the structure and composition of local communities. However, ecological interactions also have major effects on community assembly at landscape and local scales. We evaluate whether two xerophytic shrub communities occurring in SW Portugal follow constrained ecological assembly dynamics throughout large geographical extents, or their composition is rather driven by species’ individualistic responses to environmental and macroecological constraints. Inland dune xerophytic shrub communities were characterized in 95 plots. Then, we described the main gradients of vegetation composition and assessed the relevance of biotic interactions. We also characterized the habitat suitability of the dominant species, Stauracanthus genistoides, and Ulex australis, to map the potential distribution of the xerophytic shrub communities. Finally, we examined the relationships between the vegetation gradients and a broad set of explanatory variables to identify the relative importance of each factor driving changes in community composition. We found that xerophytic shrubs follow uniform successional patterns throughout the whole geographical area studied, but each community responds differently to the main environmental gradients in each region. Soil organic matter is the main determinant of community variations in the northern region, Setúbal Peninsula, whereas aridity is so in the South/South‐Western region. In contrast, in the central region, Comporta, the variation between S. genistoides and U. australis communities is explained mainly by aridity and temperature seasonality, followed by the individualistic responses of the dominant species and soil organic matter. Overall, these results indicate that, the relative importance of the main factors causing community‐level responses varies according to regional processes and the suitability of the environmental conditions for the dominant species in these communities. These responses are also determined by intrinsic community mechanisms that result in a high degree of similarity in the gradient‐driven community stages in different regions.
Foundation species canopies affect understory beta diversity differently depending on species mobility
Authors: Catalán Alexis M. , López Daniela N. , Fica‐Rojas Eliseo , Broitman Bernardo R. , Valdivia Nelson , Scrosati Ricardo A.
Published: February 2023

Beta diversity measures the spatial variation in species composition. Because it influences several community attributes, studies are increasingly investigating its drivers. Spatial environmental heterogeneity is a major determinant of beta diversity, but canopy‐forming foundation species can locally modify environmental properties. We used intertidal communities dominated by the canopy‐forming alga Mazzaella laminarioides as a model system to examine how a foundation species affects spatial environmental heterogeneity and the resulting beta diversity. Since canopies were found to reduce the spatial variation of temperature and desiccation during low tides, we hypothesized that canopies would decrease understory beta diversity, which we tested through a field experiment that contrasted canopy removal with presence treatments over 32 months. The beta diversity of sessile species was always lower under canopies, but canopies never affected the beta diversity of mobile species. The observed responses for sessile species may result from their abundance being more dependent on spatial abiotic variation than for mobile species, which can occur in stressful areas while temporarily foraging or in transit to other areas. These responses may likely apply to other systems exhibiting canopy‐forming foundation species hosting sessile and mobile species assemblages.
Differential pulsed voltammetry of Δ9‐Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on disposable screen‐printed carbon electrodes: A potential in‐field method to detect Δ9‐THC in saliva
Authors: Williams Kevin J. , White Corey J. , Hunt Andrew P. , Meyerhoff Mark E.
Published: February 2023

Due to recent legalization of marijuana across many states in the U.S., there is an increased concern of users driving while impaired/intoxicated with Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9‐THC), the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis/marijuana. Hence, there is a need for a rapid roadside detection of this drug that can be used to accurately screen drivers. Current field sobriety tests rely on a series of physical and mental exercises administered during DUI investigations to help determine a driver's level of impairment. Due to their portability and effectiveness, screen printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) are ideal to work with when it comes to devising a low‐cost screening device for roadside testing. SPCE's can potentially detect low levels of Δ9‐THC in an individual's saliva via electrochemical oxidation of Δ9‐THC. Herein we report a fast, cheap, and accurate approach to electrochemically detect 1–20 μM Δ9‐THC in a 1 mL sample of artificial oral fluid (AF‐OF) diluted to 50 % with a buffer/electrolyte solution using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) at the surface of a small SPCE. Implications for the use of this method to screen intoxicated drivers are discussed.
Analysis of five rare alleles at the STR loci D1S1656, D12S391, D13S317, Penta D, and D2S441
Authors: Wang Yequan , Gao Ao , Dong Zhenzhen , Wang Dan
Published: February 2023

Short tandem repeat (STR) automatic typing technology is extensively used in forensic laboratories with commercial kits, in rare cases genotyping misinterpretations or mislabeling may occur due to unexpected rare alleles. This study refers to the investigation of several rare alleles observed from routine cases. Besides cross‐kit verification with Goldeneye 25A (Beijing PeopleSpot Inc, China) and Huaxia platinum (Thermo Fisher Scientific, USA) kits, the next‐generation sequencing technology by MiSeq FGx System (Illumina, USA) was applied to further validation. To solve the inconsistent outcomes reached by the above mentioned approaches at D2S441 locus, single gene amplification, gene cloning, and genetic sequencing was also performed. As a result, five rare alleles were detected. Two novel alleles of allele 3 at the D13S317 locus and allele 5 at the D2S441 locus were found; three previously reported alleles of allele 9 at D1S1656 locus, allele 19 at Penta D locus, and allele 28 at D12S391 locus in STRBase were initially supplemented with sequence information. We, therefore, propose that such uncommon observations with rare events should be carefully investigated and interpreted.
Hardware acceleration of number theoretic transform for zk‐SNARK
Authors: Zhao Haixu , Ding Dong , Wang Feng , Hua Pengcheng , Wang Ning , Wu Qin , Chai Zhilei
Published: February 2023

Zk‐SNARK unleashes the great potential of ZKP (zero‐knowledge proof) in the blockchain, distributed storage, and so forth. However, the proof‐generation of zk‐SNARK is excessively time intensive, making it a challenge to deploy a high‐performance zk‐SNARK in most real applications. As a result, NTT (Number Theoretic Transform), one of the most time‐consuming parts in proof‐generation, needs to be accelerated significantly. To address this issue, we propose a novel and efficient “data reordering" technique to enable a highly pipelined architecture, on which an FPGA‐based hardware accelerator is designed to support the large‐bitwidth and large‐scale NTT tasks in zk‐SNARK. This two‐level pipelined architecture can effectively reduce the data dependency and memory access requirements, meanwhile, can be flexibly scaled to different scales of FPGAs. To balance computing efficiency and flexibility, the OpenCL equipped with HLS is used to implement the heterogeneous acceleration system. We prototype the accelerator on the AMD‐Xilinx Alveo U50 card (UltraScale+ XCU50 FPGA). The evaluation results show that (1) our accelerator shows high scalability for different scales of FPGAs with a stable performance improvement; (2) it performs 1.95 faster than the one in PipeZK; (3) and it achieves 27.98 , 1.74 speedup and 6.9 , 6 energy efficiency improvement than AMD Ryzen 9 5900X single core and 12 cores respectively when integrated into the well‐known ZKP open‐source project, Bellman.
A comparative analysis of carbon reduction potential for directly driven permanent magnet and doubly fed asynchronous wind turbines
Authors: Zhuo Zhi‐Yu , Chen Meng‐Jie , Li Xiu‐Yu
Published: February 2023

Wind power generation does not emit greenhouse gases or pollutants, but there are some carbon emissions from the manufacturing, transportation, operation, and waste disposal of wind turbines. Directly driven permanent magnet and doubly fed asynchronous wind turbines currently have the largest market share in China, but few Chinese studies have compared their differences in carbon reduction potential. This paper uses life cycle assessment (LCA) to quantitatively analyze the full life cycle carbon emissions of the two wind turbines to determine which type of wind turbine has greater carbon reduction potential, obtaining the following results. (1) The full life cycle greenhouse gas emissions of 2.5 MW directly driven permanent magnet and doubly fed asynchronous wind turbines are 8.48 and 10.43 g CO2/kWh, respectively. The direct‐driven permanent magnet wind turbine is superior in terms of carbon reduction. (2) The stage with the greatest impact and the greatest difference between the two wind turbines in the full life cycle is the production stage, during which the carbon emissions of the directly driven permanent magnet and doubly fed asynchronous wind turbines are 1.045 × 106 and 1.210 × 106 kg, respectively. (3) According to sensitivity analysis, proper waste disposal and transportation can reduce carbon emissions from wind turbines. These research findings can be used to help achieve carbon peaking and neutrality goals, as well as the technological development of wind power enterprises.
Nexus of economic policy uncertainty, economic expansion and clean energy consumption and their role in carbon neutrality of emerging economies
Authors: Wei Fang , Sial Muhammad Safdar , Haider Syed Nabeel , Matac Liviu Marian
Published: February 2023

Energy is unquestionably necessary for economic progress, but it also results in carbon emissions, which are the leading cause of environmental deterioration and climate change. From this perspective, clean energy can contribute to both sustainable development and ecological sustainability, as it consists of non‐carbohydrate energy sources that do not or rarely emit greenhouse gases. In this context, this paper investigates economic policy uncertainty (EPU), economic expansion (EE) and clean energy consumption (EC) on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in Russia from 1995 to 2021. The autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model was used to illustrate the interdependence of factors. The error correction model (ECM) is also used to check the relationship among the study's desired factors. The long‐term investigation found that EPU harms the environment by increasing emission levels. The economic expansion increases CO2 emissions and reduces the environmental quality, supporting the ecological modernization argument. The consumption of clean energy negatively impacts CO2 emission; hence its higher amount reduces the carbon. Thus, the study found a causal relationship between EPU, EC, EE and CO2 emissions. Based on the study's findings, a policy framework is proposed to address the sustainable development goals and environmental quality. Adding the other variables like environmental regulations can be taken as future direction.
Classify patients with Moyamoya disease according to their cognitive performance might be helpful in clinical and practical with support vector machine based on hypergraph
Authors: Wang Ying , Zhang Nan , Qian Sheng , Liu Jian , Yu Shaojie , Li Nan , Xia Chengyu
Published: February 2023

Moyamoya disease (MMD) patients were now classified according to their cerebrovascular manifestations, with cognition and emotion ignored, which attenuated the therapy. The present study tried to classify them based on their cognitive and emotional performance and explored the neural basis underlying this classification using resting‐state fMRI (rs‐fMRI). Thirty‐nine MMD patients were recruited, assessed mental function and MRI scanned. We adopted hierarchical analysis of their mental performance for new subtypes. Next, a three‐step analysis, with each step consisting of 10 random cross validation, was conducted for robust brain regions in classifying the three subtypes of patients in a support vector machine (SVM) model with hypergraph of rs‐fMRI. We found three new subtypes including high depression‐high anxiety‐low cognition (HE‐LC, 50%), low depression‐low anxiety‐high cognition (LE‐HC, 14%), and low depression‐low anxiety‐low cognition (LE‐LC, 36%), and no hemorrhagic MMD patients fell into the LE‐HC group. The temporal and the bilateral superior frontal cortex, and so forth were included in all 10 randomized SVM modeling. The classification accuracy of the final three‐way classification model was 67.5% in average of 10 random cross validation. In addition, the S value between the frontal cortex and the angular cortex was positively correlated with the anxiety score and backward digit span (p < .05). Our results might provide a new perspective for MMD classification concerning patients' mental status, guide timely surgery and suggest angular cortex, and so forth should be protected in surgery for cognitive consideration.
Validation of indications for enucleation for benign parotid gland tumors
Authors: Taguchi Atsushi , Kojima Tsuyoshi , Okanoue Yusuke , Kagoshima Hiroki , Hasebe Koki , Yamamoto Hirotaka , Hori Ryusuke
Published: February 2023

Background

Enucleation has been reported as a minimally invasive surgery for Warthin's tumor (WT). However, the definite indications for enucleation have not been clarified.

Methods

Enucleation was indicated by the following findings: findings of WT, cystic fluid, or benign leukocytes by fine‐needle aspiration cytology; a well‐margined and homogeneous pattern on imaging; and a tumor location in the tail or preauricular area of the parotid gland. We reviewed 552 cases treated with parotid gland surgery in our hospital.

Results

A total of 108 tumors were treated with enucleation and included no malignant solid tumors or pleomorphic adenoma. Enucleation demonstrated low invasiveness and complication rates. Revision surgery for WT reappearance after enucleation was rare and showed minimal scarring, with a lower risk of facial weakness.

Conclusions

The indication criteria for enucleation were validated. Such enucleation is useful, as it is associated with minimal invasiveness, low complication rates, and safety in revision surgery.
Execution of new trajectories toward a stable goal without a functional hippocampus
Authors: Duszkiewicz Adrian J. , Rossato Janine I. , Moreno Andrea , Takeuchi Tomonori , Yamasaki Miwako , Genzel Lisa , Spooner Patrick , Canals Santiago , Morris Richard G. M.
Published: February 2023

The hippocampus is a critical component of a mammalian spatial navigation system, with the firing sequences of hippocampal place cells during sleep or immobility constituting a “replay” of an animal's past trajectories. A novel spatial navigation task recently revealed that such “replay” sequences of place fields can also prospectively map onto imminent new paths to a goal that occupies a stable location during each session. It was hypothesized that such “prospective replay” sequences may play a causal role in goal‐directed navigation. In the present study, we query this putative causal role in finding only minimal effects of muscimol‐induced inactivation of the dorsal and intermediate hippocampus on the same spatial navigation task. The concentration of muscimol used demonstrably inhibited hippocampal cell firing in vivo and caused a severe deficit in a hippocampal‐dependent “episodic‐like” spatial memory task in a watermaze. These findings call into question whether “prospective replay” of an imminent and direct path is actually necessary for its execution in certain navigational tasks.
Activity‐based Tools for Interrogating Host Biology During Infection
Authors: Ramanathan Renuka , Hatzios Stavroula K.
Published: February 2023

Host cells sense and respond to pathogens by dynamically regulating cell signaling. The rapid modulation of signaling pathways is achieved by post‐translational modifications (PTMs) that can alter protein structure, function, and/or binding interactions. By using chemical probes to broadly profile changes in enzyme function or side‐chain reactivity, activity‐based protein profiling (ABPP) can reveal PTMs that regulate host–microbe interactions. While ABPP has been widely utilized to uncover microbial mechanisms of pathogenesis, in this review, we focus on more recent applications of this technique to the discovery of host PTMs and enzymes that modulate signaling within infected cells. Collectively, these advances underscore the importance of ABPP as a tool for interrogating the host response to infection and identifying potential targets for host‐directed therapies.
The Therapy Process Observational Coding System: Group cohesion scale in youth anxiety treatment: Psychometric properties
Authors: Fjermestad Krister W. , McLeod Bryce D. , Silverman Wendy K. , Bjaastad Jon F. , Lerner Matthew D. , Wergeland Gro Janne H.
Published: February 2023

Background

There are no well‐established measures of group cohesion, defined as the collaborative bond between group members, in group cognitive behavioral therapy (GCBT) with youth. We therefore examined the Therapy Process Observational Coding System for Child Psychotherapy—Group Cohesion Scale (TPOCS‐GC), which has previously only been used with adult samples, in a youth sample.

Methods

Observers coded 32 sessions from 16 groups with 83 youth aged 8 to 15 years (90.7% European White). Youth had anxiety disorders and received manualized GCBT in community clinics. We examined psychometric properties of the TPOCS‐GC and its' construct validity in terms of relations with pretreatment variables, alliance and fidelity during treatment, and post‐treatment variables. Group cohesion was measured twice during treatment (early and late).

Results

The TPOCS‐GC was internally consistent (α = 0.72) and was reliably coded (M ICC = 0.61). Higher clinical severity at pretreatment predicted lower early group cohesion. Higher youth age, higher clinical severity at pretreatment, and higher youth‐rated early alliance predicted lower late group cohesion. Higher therapist‐rated early alliance predicted higher early group cohesion. Higher therapist‐rated late alliance predicted higher late group cohesion. Higher late group cohesion predicted lower clinical severity and higher client treatment satisfaction at post‐treatment. Early group cohesion did not predict any post‐treatment variables.

Conclusions

A four‐item version of the TPOCS‐GC can be reliably used in youth GCBT. The TPOCS‐GC is distinct from, but associated with, multiple clinical variables.
Resistance and endurance exercise training improves muscle mass and the inflammatory/fibrotic transcriptome in a rhabdomyosarcoma model
Authors: Collao Nicolas , Sanders Olivia , Caminiti Taylor , Messeiller Laura , De Lisio Michael
Published: February 2023

Background

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is an aggressive soft tissue sarcoma that most often develops in children. Chemoradiation therapy is a standard treatment modality; however, the detrimental long‐term skeletal muscle consequences of this therapy in juvenile cancer survivors include muscle atrophy and fibrosis resulting in decreased physical performance. Using a novel model of murine resistance and endurance exercise training, we investigate its role in preventing the long‐term effects of juvenile RMS plus therapy.

Methods

Four‐week‐old male (n = 10) and female (n = 10) C57Bl/6J mice were injected with M3‐9‐M RMS cell into the left gastrocnemius with the right limb serving as an internal control (CON). Mice received a systemic vincristine injection and then five doses of 4.8 Gy of gamma radiation localized to the left hindlimb (RMS + Tx). Mice were then randomly divided into either sedentary (SED) or resistance and endurance exercise training (RET) groups. Changes in exercise performance, body composition, myocellular adaptations and the inflammatory/fibrotic transcriptome were assessed.

Results

RET improved endurance performance (P < 0.0001) and body composition (P = 0.0004) compared to SED. RMS + Tx resulted in significantly lower muscle weight (P = 0.015) and significantly smaller myofibre cross‐sectional area (CSA) (P = 0.014). Conversely, RET resulted in significantly higher muscle weight (P = 0.030) and significantly larger Type IIA (P = 0.014) and IIB (P = 0.015) fibre CSA. RMS + Tx resulted in significantly more muscle fibrosis (P = 0.028), which was not prevented by RET. RMS + Tx resulted in significantly fewer mononuclear cells (P < 0.05) and muscle satellite (stem) cells (MuSCs) (P < 0.05) and significantly more immune cells (P < 0.05) than CON. RET resulted in significantly more fibro‐adipogenic progenitors (P < 0.05), a trend for more MuSCs (P = 0.076) than SED and significantly more endothelial cells specifically in the RMS + Tx limb. Transcriptomic changes revealed significantly higher expression of inflammatory and fibrotic genes in RMS + Tx, which was prevented by RET. In the RMS + Tx model, RET also significantly altered expression of genes involved in extracellular matrix turnover.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that RET preserves muscle mass and performance in a model of juvenile RMS survivorship while partially restoring cellular dynamics and the inflammatory and fibrotic transcriptome.
Monitoring of SARS‐CoV‐2 concentration and circulation of variants of concern in wastewater of Leuven, Belgium
Authors: Rector Annabel , Bloemen Mandy , Thijssen Marijn , Delang Leen , Raymenants Joren , Thibaut Jonathan , Pussig Bram , Fondu Lore , Aertgeerts Bert , Van Ranst Marc , Van Geet Chris , Arnout Jef , Wollants Elke
Published: February 2023

Wastewater surveillance plays an important role in the management of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic all over the world. Using different wastewater collection points in Leuven, we wanted to investigate the use of wastewater surveillance as an early warning system for an uprise of infections and as a tool to follow the circulation of specific variants of concern (VOCs) in particular geographic areas. Wastewater samples were collected from local neighborhood sewers and from a large regional wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in the area of Leuven, Belgium. After virus concentration, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) RNA was quantified by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) and normalized with the human fecal indicator pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV). A combination of multiplex RT‐qPCR assays was used to detect signature mutations of circulating VOCs. Fecal virus shedding of SARS‐CoV‐2 variants was measured in feces samples of hospitalized patients. In two residential sampling sites, a rise in wastewater SARS‐CoV‐2 concentration preceded peaks in positive cases. In the WWTP, viral load peaks were seen concomitant with the consecutive waves of positive cases caused by the original Wuhan SARS‐CoV‐2 strain and subsequent VOCs. During the Omicron BA.1 wave, the wastewater viral load increased to a lesser degree, even after normalization of SARS‐CoV‐2 concentration using PMMoV. This might be attributable to a lower level of fecal excretion of this variant. Circulation of SARS‐CoV‐2 VOCs Alpha, Delta, Omicron BA1/BA.2, and BA.4/BA.5 could be detected based on the presence of specific key mutations. The shift in variants was noticeable in the wastewater, with key mutations of two different variants being present simultaneously during the transition period. Wastewater‐based surveillance is a sensitive tool to monitor SARS‐CoV‐2 circulation levels and VOCs in larger regions. In times of reduced test capacity, this can prove to be highly valuable. Differences in excretion levels of various SARS‐CoV‐2 variants should however be taken into account when using wastewater surveillance to monitor SARS‐CoV‐2 circulation levels in the population.
Reconstruction of daily global solar radiation under all‐sky and cloud‐free conditions in Badajoz (Spain) since 1929
Authors: Montero‐Martín Javier , Antón Manuel , Vaquero José Manuel , Román Roberto , Vaquero‐Martinez Javier , Aparicio Alejandro J. P. , Sanchez‐Lorenzo Arturo
Published: February 2023

This work analyses the long‐term temporal variability of the annual and seasonal series of reconstructed global solar radiation for both all‐sky and cloud‐free conditions in Badajoz (Spain) over the 1929–2015 period. Specifically, daily values of global horizontal irradiation (GHI) for all‐sky cases are derived from a semiempirical method based on the relationship between the cloud modification factor and sunshine duration records. Additionally, cloud‐free situations are selected using cloud cover (CC) information recorded by surface observations. Regarding GHI linear trends for all‐sky conditions, three periods are clearly identified: during the 1929–1950 period, there is a positive and statistically significant trend of +4.18 W·m−2·decade−1. It is followed by a significant dimming with a trend of −3.72 W·m−2·decade−1 between 1951 and 1984. GHI levels increase again from 1985 to 2015 with a statistically significant trend of +2.04 W·m−2·decade−1. The seasonal trends are found to be statistically significant only in summer for all the three subperiods. With the goal to find out the possible causes of the reconstructed GHI trends, the temporal variability of the CC was also analysed. It was observed that CC has a statistically significant negative trend between 1985 and 2015 which may partially explain the GHI increase shown for this period. In contrast, not statistically significant trends were found in the annual and seasonal CC series before 1985. The long‐term evolution of the GHI under cloud‐free conditions exhibits the same pattern as all‐sky conditions: an increase during 1929–1950, followed by a decrease in 1951–1984 and then a new increase from 1985 to 2015. Therefore, the positive (negative) linear trends in GHI reported in this study could be partially related to a decrease (increase) in the aerosol load during the analysed three subperiods.
Effect of interproximal home oral hygiene on clinical parameters and inflammatory biomarkers in patients receiving periodontal maintenance
Authors: Moore Grace C. , Smith Kevin T. , Christiansen Mary M. , Anderson Laura , Moravec Lisa J. , Okano David K. , Samson Kaeli K. , Ramer‐Tait Amanda , Beede Kristin , Reinhardt Richard A. , Killeen Amy C.
Published: February 2023

Background

The purpose of this 6‐week, single‐blinded, randomized clinical trial was to determine if the use of an interproximal brush, with or without a tracking device, is more effective than an oral irrigator in improving interproximal probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), and inflammatory markers.

Methods

Seventy‐six patients with Stages III–IV, Grade B periodontitis and a 5–7 mm posterior interproximal PD with BOP were randomized: (1) interproximal brush alone (IB; n = 26), (2) interproximal brush with tracking device (TD; n = 23), (3) oral irrigator (OI; n = 27). Participants used devices once daily for 6 weeks. Clinical measurements (PD, CAL, PI, BOP, GI) and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were collected at baseline and 6 weeks.

Results

All groups showed a significant reduction in PD and CAL (≥1.1 mm, p < 0.0001) and improvement in BOP (≥56%, p < 0.0001) and GI (≥82%, p < 0.001) at the experimental site with no differences among groups. The IB and IB+TD groups showed a significant reduction in PI (≥0.9, p ≤ 0.01). Interleukin (IL)‐1β was reduced in all groups (p = 0.006), but IB+TB more than OI (p ≤ 0.05). IL‐10 was reduced among all groups (p = 0.01), while interferon‐gamma significantly increased (p = 0.01) in all groups.

Conclusions

IB and OI improved clinical parameters of PD and CAL and reduced inflammatory markers (BOP, GI, GCF IL‐1β). IB had better interproximal plaque reduction. Tracking did not significantly improve clinical parameters compared with the IB and OI groups, suggesting future modifications are needed.
Nutritional value and health benefits of cashew apple
Authors: Akyereko Yaw Gyau , Yeboah Georgina Benewaa , Wireko‐Manu Faustina Dufie , Alemawor Francis , Mills‐Robertson F. C. , Odoom William
Published: February 2023

Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) has received both local and international recognition due to its expanding production capacity, trading, and nut utilization. The cashew apple, which forms about 90% of the total fruit weight, is left on the farmers' fields as agricultural waste owing to limited knowledge of its health benefits, a lack of technical know‐how and processing equipment, and its high perishability and astringent taste. Numerous studies have been conducted exploring the nutrients and contribution of the apple to human nutrition. This paper reviewed recent articles on the nutritional composition and health benefits of cashew apples for easy accessibility and readership. Cashew apple contains good amounts of vitamin C, sugars (fructose and sucrose), fibers, flavonoids, carotenoids, total polyphenols, volatile components, flavanols, amino acids, and minerals, such as potassium, magnesium, sodium, and iron, which are good for maintaining strong immunity, scavenging free radicals, neuropathic functioning, cardiac functioning, and maintenance of body and skin integrity. Cashew apple is associated with weight loss, and is good for diabetic patients due to its high content of flavonoids (myricetin and quercetin). Consumption of cashew apple and its value‐added products confer good health, therapeutic effects in the management of diabetics and cardiovascular diseases, and also ensure food and nutrition security. It is hoped that this review will contribute significantly to the expanding body of knowledge aimed at promoting cashew apple utilization globally.
Blooms also like it cold
Authors: Reinl Kaitlin L. , Harris Ted D. , North Rebecca L. , Almela Pablo , Berger Stella A. , Bizic Mina , Burnet Sarah H. , Grossart Hans‐Peter , Ibelings Bastiaan W , Jakobsson Ellinor , Knoll Lesley B. , Lafrancois Brenda M. , McElarney Yvonne , Morales‐Williams Ana M. , Obertegger Ulrike , Ogashawara Igor , Paule‐Mercado Ma Cristina , Peierls Benjamin L. , Rusak James A. , Sarkar Siddhartha , Sharma Sapna , Trout‐Haney Jessica V. , Urrutia‐Cordero Pablo , Venkiteswaran Jason J. , Wain Danielle J. , Warner Katelynn , Weyhenmeyer Gesa A. , Yokota Kiyoko
Published: February 2023

Cyanobacterial blooms have substantial direct and indirect negative impacts on freshwater ecosystems including releasing toxins, blocking light needed by other organisms, and depleting oxygen. There is growing concern over the potential for climate change to promote cyanobacterial blooms, as the positive effects of increasing lake surface temperature on cyanobacterial growth are well documented in the literature; however, there is increasing evidence that cyanobacterial blooms are also being initiated and persisting in relatively cold‐water temperatures (< 15°C), including ice‐covered conditions. In this work, we provide evidence of freshwater cold‐water cyanobacterial blooms, review abiotic drivers and physiological adaptations leading to these blooms, offer a typology of these lesser‐studied cold‐water cyanobacterial blooms, and discuss their occurrence under changing climate conditions.
NACo launches new commission of leaders to address MH crisis
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: February 2023

Observing the need to bring county leaders from around the country to take action to address the growing mental health crisis from the county government perspective, the National Association of Counties (NACo) this month established the NACo Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing.
Diagnosing Midline Neck Masses: Comparing Clinical Exam, the SIST Score, and the 4S Algorithm
Authors: Bertoni Dylan G. , Kim Sooji , May Lauren , Saul David , Zhang Ran , Aaronson Nicole L.
Published: February 2023

Objective

To validate and compare novel ultrasound scoring systems for dermoid cysts and thyroglossal duct cysts among pediatric patients.

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

Tertiary care children's hospital.

Methods

An electronic medical record query of patients younger than 18 years old who underwent primary excision of a neck mass between January 2005 and February 2022, who underwent preoperative ultrasound, and had final histopathologic diagnosis of either thyroglossal duct cysts or dermoid cysts. This generated 260 results, of which 134 patients met the inclusion criteria. Charts were reviewed for demographic data, clinical impressions, and radiographic studies. Radiologists blindly reviewed ultrasound for SIST score (septae + irregular walls + solid components = thyroglossal), and 4S algorithm (Septations, depth relative to Strap muscles, Shape, Solid parts). Statistical analyses were performed to determine the accuracy of each diagnostic modality.

Results

Of 134 patients, 90 (67%) had a final histopathologic diagnosis of thyroglossal duct cysts, and 44 (33%) were dermoid cysts. The accuracy of clinical diagnosis was 52%, and preoperative ultrasound report accuracy was 31%. The 4S and SIST accuracies were each 84%.

Conclusion

Both the 4S algorithm and SIST score provide increased accuracy of diagnosis relative to standard preoperative ultrasound assessment. Neither scoring modality was determined to be superior. Further research is warranted in improving the accuracy of preoperative assessments for pediatric congenital neck masses.