bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why do men with prostate cancer discontinue active surveillance for definitive treatment? A mixed methods investigation
Authors: McIntosh Megan , Opozda Melissa J. , O’Callaghan Michael , Vincent Andrew D. , Galvão Daniel A. , Short Camille E.
Published: May 2022

Objectives

To explore the personal and/or medical reasons patients on active surveillance (AS) have, or consider having, further definitive treatment for their prostate cancer. Research suggests up to 50% of patients on AS will discontinue within 5 years, though reasons for discontinuation from the patient's perspective is under‐explored.

Methods

Prostate cancer patients who were or had been on AS for at least 6 months were recruited. A questionnaire assessed reasons for receiving/considering definitive treatment and the extent to which reasons were personal or medical. Clinical information was extracted from a state‐level population registry. A subset of participants were interviewed to further explore questionnaire responses.

Results

One‐hundred and‐three individuals completed the survey; 33 were also interviewed. Fifty‐four survey participants (52%) had discontinued AS for definitive treatment. Common reasons for discontinuation were evidence of disease progression, doctor recommendation, desire to act, and fear of progression. Many participants who considered or had treatment reported weighing medical and personal factors equally in their decision. Interview participants described strongly considering any amount of disease progression and personal factors such as fear of progression, family concerns, and adverse vicarious experiences when deciding whether to pursue treatment.

Conclusion

Both medical and personal factors are considered when deciding whether to discontinue AS. Identifying predictors of discontinuation is essential for informing supportive care services to improve AS management.
Optimized grade group for reporting prostate cancer grade in systematic and MRI‐targeted biopsies
Authors: He Yang , Shen Qi , Fu Weixiao , Wang He , Song Gang
Published: May 2022

Purpose

To explore an optimized grade group (oGG) criterion from systematic biopsies (SB) and targeted biopsies (TB) and offer a better prediction of radical prostatectomy (RP) grade group (GG).

Methods

Positive needles were collected from 146 patients who underwent SB + TB followed by RP. The grade was assigned for two different kinds of biopsies with five GG criteria: (1) global GG (gGG); (2) most common GG (most common GG from SB + TB, mGG); (3) highest GG (highest numerical GG from SB + TB, hGG); (4) largest volume/linear length cancer GG (defined as GG from the SB + TB with the largest length of cancer in a needle, lGG). These biopsy grades were compared (equivalence, upgrade, or downgrade) with the final grade of the RP lesion, using weighted κ coefficients; (5) Then the best agreement of the (2) (3) (4) grading scores from SB or TB was combined to introduce an oGG.

Results

In this study, gGG showed generally poor agreement (47.2%) with RP GG (weighted κ: 0.43). Using the three criteria (mGG, hGG, and lGG) of SB, mGG had the best agreement (55.5%, weighted κ: 0.46), while hGG and lGG had a lower agreement (48.6% and 48.6%, weighted κ: 0.42 and 0.38). Using the three criteria (mGG, hGG and lGG) of TB: lGG had the best agreement (56.8%, weighted κ: 0.43), while mGG and hGG had lower agreement (50.0% and 49.3%, weighted κ: 0.40 and 0.40); Then oGG was generated (higher GG between mGG of SB and lGG of TB) and the agreement of oGG increased to 59.6% and weighted κ was 0.49. Additionally, oGG had a lower upgrade rate than gGG, while the downgrade rate remained unchanged.

Conclusions

oGG showed better agreement with RP GG than gGG. oGG had a lower upgrade rate than gGG, while downgrade rate remained unchanged.
Alloying Driven Multifold Fermion‐to‐Weyl Semimetal Transition in CoSi1−xAx (A = Ge, Sn)
Authors: Dai TianAo , Li Yizhi , Zhao Lingling , Zhao Xiangmiao , Zhong Jianxin , Meng Lijun
Published: May 2022

Multifold chiral fermions with high‐fold degeneracy beyond the twofold Weyl fermions have recently been reported in the transition metal silicide CoSi (space group P213). Here, by alloying parent compound CoSi, an alloy engineering approach to realize different topological phases in CoSi1−x
A
x
(A = Ge, Sn) is demonstrated. By using first‐principles calculations and symmetry analysis, it is shown that the gradual decrease of crystal symmetry due to alloying makes Weyl‐type low‐energy excitation phases appear in CoSi1−x
A
x
. For the alloy structures considered, surface states (SS) and Fermi arcs (FAs) are investigated, and the dynamic stability of the alloy structures is also confirmed by the phonon spectrum. These findings provide a feasible method for customizing the fermion behavior of multifold fermions semimetal and expect future experimental verification.
Approaching sustainable development goals: Inspirations from the Arts and Crafts movement to reshape production and consumption patterns
Authors: Chen Chong‐Wen
Published: May 2022

Contemporary profit‐oriented development and consumption cultures have led to unsustainable behaviours and lifestyles and prevented our achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs). This article explores how arts and aesthetics could form a trend of thought to reshape current production and consumption patterns. I argue that the Arts and Crafts movement of 19th‐century Britain provides many clues for today's industries and societies to create sustainable values, including its defence of labour value, promotion of arts education, and pursuit of nature and honest aesthetics. This article analyses the movement's historical contexts and vital propositions and associates them with the United Nations' SDGs. The implications are multidimensional and interconnected. Firstly, developing small‐scale and customised products or services that meet customers' cultural and life experiences might extend product longevity. In addition, such manufacturing transformation requires incorporating craft ideas into various industries and techniques and forging cross‐sector collaboration to enable open innovation and employment equity. Finally, enterprises could work with public sectors and cultural institutions to promote community empowerment and everyday aesthetics, cultivating public awareness of responsible production and ethical consumption. This paper provides interdisciplinary discourse to turn arts and crafts values into tangible schemes for sustainable development.
The Effects of Microstructure Refinement and Coincidence Site Lattice Boundaries on the Plasticity of FeCrAlY Alloys
Authors: Li Jian , Cao Guangming , Jiang Yuchen , Zhang Yuanxiang , Li Chenggang , Liu Zhenyu
Published: May 2022

FeCrAlY alloys are widely used as thin‐gauge catalyst carriers for automotive exhaust gas purification. However, they exhibit low ductility due to coarse Fe–Y phases in the alloys, which decreases the carrier yield. To improve the plasticity of the alloys, a novel method for fabricating FeCrAlY alloys using twin‐roll strip casting (TRSC) is proposed. It is found that the plasticity of the FeCrAlY alloy is significantly improved by TRSC compared to conventional ingot casting. Then, to understand the mechanism of plasticity improvement, the microstructures of the alloys are investigated. The Fe–Y phases and grains are significantly refined by TRSC due to its characteristics of subrapid solidification. In addition, the TRSC samples produce several low‐Σ coincidence site lattice (CSL) boundaries, and some of these CSL grain boundaries are inherited by the cold‐rolled sheets. The impact characteristic of steel liquid in the TRSC is the major reason for the formation of CSL grain boundaries. The finer microstructure and greater number of low‐Σ CSL boundaries in the TRSC samples result in strong resistance to fracture, which improves the plasticity of the FeCrAl alloys.
Geometric Average Weakening BufferGM(1,1) and its Application in Prediction of Employment Rate of College Graduates
Authors: Guo Aihua
Published: May 2022

Prediction of the employment rate of college graduates is very important not only for education department to make suitable decision but also for university to adjust its teaching plan. However, it is a difficult task to accurately predict the employment rate of college graduates because it is affected by many factors, making the original data fluctuant. In this paper, a simple and effective prediction approach is proposed to predict employment rate of college graduates using GM (1,1). To attenuate effect of data fluctuation and improve prediction accuracy of GM (1,1) model, the geometric average weakening buffer operator (GAWBO) is first applied to original employment rate data, and then GM (1,1) model is used to predict employment rate. The prediction experiment of Yanshan university employment rate from 2010 to 2019 is performed using the proposed method. Results show that the proposed method can obtain more accurate prediction result than GM (1,1). © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Ochratoxin a induces hepatic fibrosis through TGF‐β receptor I/Smad2/3 signaling pathway
Authors: Chae Seung A , Pyo Min Cheol , Yoo Hee Joon , Lee Kwang‐Won
Published: May 2022

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin generated by Penicillium and Aspergillus species. It is often found in cereals. We hypothesized that OTA exposure induces epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), leading to liver fibrosis. In this research, we explored whether the TGF‐β receptor I (TGF‐β RI)/Smad2/3 signaling pathway is related to EMT‐induced hepatic fibrosis. In vitro and in vivo experiments, mRNA and protein expression of liver fibrosis‐related markers such as fibronectin, α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and E‐cadherin were assessed. The levels of alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, and total bilirubin, which are used to assess damage, increased. We also confirmed the increase in mRNA and protein expression of TGF‐β RI, Smad2, and Smad3. The expression of liver fibrosis‐related markers was decreased by siRNA‐mediated silencing of Smad2/3, as well as TGF‐RI suppression. Liver cells exposed to OTA showed enhanced TGF‐β RI expression on the cell membrane. These results demonstrated that OTA induces hepatic fibrosis through TGF‐β RI and Smad2/3 pathways in vitro and in vivo.
Literacy Activities that Highlight Emergent and Beginning Literacy Development
Authors: Bear Donald R.
Published: May 2022

Activities that teach PreK–1 students the six components of emergent literacy and beginning reading and word study are presented for classroom settings. These activities are adaptable developmentally and they highlight four important aspects of teaching phonics, spelling and word knowledge that are often overlooked: the rhythm of literacy, Concept of Word in Text (COW‐T), articulation in word study, and the role of spelling in the reciprocal processes of reading and writing (decoding/encoding). Research underlying these activities suggests that rhythmic activities in early literacy instruction can be a precursor to explicit instruction for phonological awareness with young children and students who struggle to learn to read. The research also shows how articulation and other multisensory aspects of learning to read are parts of development and instruction for emergent and beginning readers. The role of spelling during these early periods is highlighted and discussed.
Impact of Genome Reduction in Microsporidia
Authors: Jespersen Nathan , Monrroy Leonardo , Barandun Jonas
Published: May 2022

Microsporidia represent an evolutionary outlier in the tree of life and occupy the extreme edge of the eukaryotic domain with some of their biological features. Many of these unicellular fungi-like organisms have reduced their genomic content to potentially the lowest limit. With some of the most compacted eukaryotic genomes, microsporidia are excellent model organisms to study reductive evolution and its functional consequences. While the growing number of sequenced microsporidian genomes have elucidated genome composition and organization, a recent increase in complementary post-genomic studies has started to shed light on the impacts of genome reduction in these unique pathogens. This chapter will discuss the biological framework enabling genome minimization and will use one of the most ancient and essential macromolecular complexes, the ribosome, to illustrate the effects of extreme genome reduction on a structural, molecular, and cellular level. We outline how reductive evolution in microsporidia has shaped DNA organization, the composition and function of the ribosome, and the complexity of the ribosome biogenesis process. Studying compacted mechanisms, processes, or macromolecular machines in microsporidia illuminates their unique lifestyle and provides valuable insights for comparative eukaryotic structural biology.
Growing Resilient in Irish Magdalene Laundries: An Analysis of the Justice for Magdalenes’ Oral History Project (2013) and Kathy O’Beirne’s Autobiography Kathy’s Story: A Childhood Hell Inside the Magdalen Laundries (2005)
Authors: Cantueso-Urbano Elena
Published: May 2022

In this chapter, I analyse the testimonies of some survivors gathered in Justice for Magdalenes’ Oral History Project (2013) and Kathy O’Beirne’s autobiography Kathy’s Story. A Childhood Hell inside the Magdalen Laundries (2005). The narrative focuses on the life of one Magdalene survivor during her confinement and after her release, where the concepts of vulnerability, resistance and resilience gain strength. As an international political forum, the Project allows us to see how Magdalene Laundries, employed as instruments of power, rendered thousands of women in a vulnerable and precarious condition which they are still fighting to overcome. Following Judith Butler, vulnerability is part of resistance, and it is through our speech and bodily acts that we can resist social norms and precarity. Considering resilience and resistance as complementary concepts, this chapter explores how these women resisted vulnerability and if they were offered help in the aftermath of their release.
Trans-National Neo-Victorianism, Gender and Vulnerability in Kate Grenville’s The Secret River (2005)
Authors: Romero-Ruiz Maria Isabel
Published: May 2022

The British Empire has become a new trope in neo-Victorian studies, incorporating a postcolonial trans-national approach to the re-writing of the Victorian past. Kate Grenville’s novel The Secret River is set in Australia in the early nineteenth century when issues of transportation and colonisation coalesce with the fight for survival under precarious conditions. The Secret River is the story of the confrontation between colonisers and colonised people in terms of gender and vulnerability. This chapter analyses the role of Empire in the construction of a British identity associated with civilisation and that of the native population. Following Judith Butler’s theories, my discussion is organised around two main topics: Australian history and narratives of recollection, and gender identity and vulnerability both in white settlers and indigenous communities. My contention is that both sides became involved in a relationship of mutual vulnerability.
Feedback and Discourse as a Critical Skill for the Development of Experimentation Competencies
Authors: Batzli Janet M. , Harris Michelle A. , Lee Dennis , Horn Heidi A.
Published: May 2022

Developing experimentation competencies is enhanced through scientific discourse and feedback. Students who are able to give and receive feedback through authentic scientific discourse are better able to reason about their science, identify questions, to value collaboration, construct knowledge, and to gain intellectual confidence as practicing scientists. Although the ACE-Bio Competencies were not the driver for our work, they were an important lens and affirmation of our curriculum where students learn to reason scientifically and do biological experimentation through scientific discourse and feedback. In this chapter we discuss the value of feedback, how we scaffold opportunities to practice giving and receiving feedback into a multi-week experimentation curriculum, and some practical implementation strategies with particular focus on the influence of a feedback-rich curriculum for students’ achievement of experimentation competencies. We provide examples, evidence, and instructional materials that support student learning through feedback and discourse. We articulate implications that would be relevant to junior faculty new to teaching experimentation as well as long-time practitioners. Finally, we outline affordances and persistent challenges to this type of teaching and learning, especially important when making decisions with limited resources.
Comparison of Published Assessments of Biological Experimentation as Mapped to the ACE-Bio Competence Areas
Authors: Zelaya Anna J. , Blumer Lawrence S. , Beck Christopher W.
Published: May 2022

One of the main challenges in teaching of experimentation is effective assessment, specifically, identifying appropriate assessment instruments and identifying aspects being assessed. In an effort to facilitate appropriate use of assessment tools and to identify gaps in our arsenal of assessments related to experimentation, we conducted a survey of assessments of different aspects of experimentation currently used in undergraduate biology courses and categorized the assessment items using the framework of the Basic Competencies of Biological Experimentation. We limited our review to assessments that are freely available, documented in the biology education literature, and focus on undergraduate biology. The assessments we reviewed varied in the number of Basic Competencies they covered, ranging from a minimum of two and to as many as all seven Competence Areas. Among the Competence Areas, Plan and Conclude have the greatest coverage, with 27 and 24 of the 30 assessments containing related items, respectively. Conversely, Identify and Conduct are poorly covered by existing assessments. We identified gaps within existing instruments as they relate to assessing experimentation and within the Basic Competencies of Biological Experimentation framework itself. We offer recommendations to biology instructors and researchers on the use of existing assessments and on ways to improve assessment of biological experimentation.
Transverse spin in the light-ray OPE
Authors: Chang Cyuan-Han , Koloğlu Murat , Kravchuk Petr , Simmons-Duffin David , Zhiboedov Alexander
Published: May 2022

Abstract

We study a product of null-integrated local operators $$ {\mathcal{O}}_1 $$

O
1

and $$ {\mathcal{O}}_2 $$

O
2

on the same null plane in a CFT. Such null-integrated operators transform like primaries in a fictitious d − 2 dimensional CFT in the directions transverse to the null integrals. We give a complete description of the OPE in these transverse directions. The terms with low transverse spin are light-ray operators with spin J1 + J2− 1. The terms with higher transverse spin are primary descendants of light-ray operators with higher spins J1 + J2− 1 + n, constructed using special conformally-invariant differential operators that appear precisely in the kinematics of the light-ray OPE. As an example, the OPE between average null energy operators contains light-ray operators with spin 3 (as described by Hofman and Maldacena), but also novel terms with spin 5, 7, 9, etc. These new terms are important for describing energy two-point correlators in non-rotationally-symmetric states, and for computing multi-point energy correlators. We check our formulas in a non-rotationally-symmetric energy correlator in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 SYM, finding perfect agreement.
On acceleration in three dimensions
Authors: Arenas-Henriquez Gabriel , Gregory Ruth , Scoins Andrew
Published: May 2022

Abstract

We go “back to basics”, studying accelerating systems in 2 + 1 AdS gravity ab initio. We find three classes of geometry, which we interpret by studying holographically their physical parameters. From these, we construct stationary, accelerating point particles; one-parameter extensions of the BTZ family resembling an accelerating black hole; and find new solutions including a novel accelerating “BTZ geometry” not continuously connected to the BTZ black hole as well as some black funnel solutions.
Renormalization in String-Localized Field Theories: A Microlocal Analysis
Authors: Gaß Christian
Published: May 2022

Using methods of microlocal analysis, we prove that the regularization of divergent amplitudes stays a pure ultraviolet problem in string-localized field theories, despite the weaker localization. Thus, power counting does not lose its significance as an indicator for renormalizability. It also follows that standard techniques can be used to regularize divergent amplitudes in string-localized field theories.
“Please understand we cannot provide further information”: evaluating content and transparency of GDPR-mandated AI disclosures
Authors: Wulf Alexander J. , Seizov Ognyan
Published: May 2022

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of the EU confirms the protection of personal data as a fundamental human right and affords data subjects more control over the way their personal information is processed, shared, and analyzed. However, where data are processed by artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, asserting control and providing adequate explanations is a challenge. Due to massive increases in computing power and big data processing, modern AI algorithms are too complex and opaque to be understood by most data subjects. Articles 15 and 22 of the GDPR provide a modest regulatory framework for automated data processing by, among other things, mandating that data controllers inform data subjects about when it is being used, and its logic and ramifications. Nevertheless, due to the phrasing of the articles and the numerous exceptions they allow, doubts have arisen about their effectiveness. In this paper, we empirically evaluate the quality and effectiveness of AI disclosures as mandated by the GDPR. By means of an online survey (N = 835), we investigated how data subjects expect to be informed about the automated processing of their data. We then conducted a content analysis of the AI disclosures of N = 100 companies and organizations. The combined findings reveal that current GDPR-mandated disclosures do not meet the expectations and needs of data subjects. Explanations drawn up following the guidelines of the generic formulations of the GDPR differ widely and are often vague, incomplete and lack transparency. In our conclusions we identify a path towards standardizing and optimizing AI information notices.
Ex situ analysis of high-strength quenched and micro-alloyed steel during austenitising bending process: numerical simulation and experimental investigation
Authors: Lu Yao , Xie Haibo , Wang Jun , Jia Fanghui , Lin Fei , Zhou Cunlong , Xu Jianzhong , Han Jingtao , Jiang Zhengyi
Published: May 2022

This paper compares the microstructure and mechanical evolution in a high-strength quenched and micro-alloyed steel during the austenitising bending process. Simulation results indicated a new finding that the stress neutral layer (SNL) tends to move to the tension zone during straining. The hardness gradient detected from the centre to compression/tension zones was resulted from comprehensive factors: First of all, the location of SNL revealed a prominent impact on strength. Second, the dislocation accumulation would be responsible for the hardness gradient on the surfaces. In addition, the overall strength decrease during straining was mainly ascribed to integrated effects of dynamic recovery (DRV) and dynamic recrystallisation (DRX). Apart from that, overall smaller martensite packet size and coarser prior austenite grains resulted in the increased hardness value at a lower bending degree. Also, the high consistency between experimental and simulation results is instructive for the practical forming process of railway spring fasteners.
Histopathological Characteristics of N1b Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma are Associated with Risk of Recurrence
Authors: Carmel Neiderman Narin N. , Duek Irit , Kuzmenko Boris , Ringel Barak , Warshavsky Anton , Muhanna Nidal , Horowitz Gilad , Fliss Dan M.
Published: May 2022

Background

The presence of cervical lymph node (LN) metastasis at the initial presentation of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) constitutes an independent risk factor for disease recurrence, increases the risk for mortality, and impacts overall outcome. The 2016 American Joint Committee on Cancer raised the age cutoff for PTC staging from 45 to 55 years for better prediction of overall survival. Age > 55 years is considered a significant risk factor for a more aggressive and advanced disease with worse outcomes. We identified histopathological factors for disease recurrence in PTC patients younger and older than 55 years of age.

Methods

Data on all patients who underwent thyroid surgery due to PTC between 2006 and 2018 in the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center were retrieved for this retrospective cohort study. Patients with lymph node (LN) metastases were further investigated for preoperative presentation, pathological characteristics, and recurrence. A multivariate analysis was used to detect predictors for recurrence and patient outcome for each age‐group.

Results

Twenty‐two of the 183 patients (12%) with PTC who met the inclusion criteria and had sufficient follow‐up period sustained recurrence. The predictors of recurrence varied between the two age‐groups. The size of thyroid lesions (p = 0.003) was identified as a risk factor in the older group, while the number of metastatic cervical LNs (p = 0.001) and the ratio of metastatic‐to‐total dissected cervical LNs (p = 0.027) were the main predictors of recurrence for the younger group.

Conclusion

The histopathological factors predictive for disease recurrence differed among PTC patients younger and older than 55 years of age.
The effects of two gold-N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes in ovarian cancer cells: a redox proteomic study
Authors: Massai Lara , Messori Luigi , Carpentieri Andrea , Amoresano Angela , Melchiorre Chiara , Fiaschi Tania , Modesti Alessandra , Gamberi Tania , Magherini Francesca
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women. Standard treatment consists of tumor debulking surgery followed by platinum and paclitaxel chemotherapy; yet, despite the initial response, about 70–75% of patients develop resistance to chemotherapy. Gold compounds represent a family of very promising anticancer drugs. Among them, we previously investigated the cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic properties of Au(NHC) and Au(NHC)2PF6, i.e., a monocarbene gold(I) complex and the corresponding bis(carbene) complex. Gold compounds are known to alter the redox state of cells interacting with free cysteine and selenocysteine residues of several proteins. Herein, a redox proteomic study has been carried out to elucidate the mechanisms of cytotoxicity in A2780 human ovarian cancer cells.

Methods

A biotinylated iodoacetamide labeling method coupled with mass spectrometry was used to identify oxidation-sensitive protein cysteines.

Results

Gold carbene complexes cause extensive oxidation of several cellular proteins; many affected proteins belong to two major functional classes: carbohydrate metabolism, and cytoskeleton organization/cell adhesion. Among the affected proteins, Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase inhibition was proved by enzymatic assays and by ESI–MS studies. We also found that Au(NHC)2PF6 inhibits mitochondrial respiration impairing complex I function. Concerning the oxidized cytoskeletal proteins, gold binding to the free cysteines of actin was demonstrated by ESI–MS analysis. Notably, both gold compounds affected cell migration and invasion.

Conclusions

In this study, we deepened the mode of action of Au(NHC) and Au(NHC)2PF6, identifying common cellular targets but confirming their different influence on the mitochondrial function.
The formation of three-grain junctions during solidification. Part I: observations
Authors: Holness Marian B. , Fowler A. C.
Published: May 2022

The thermodynamic equilibrium dihedral angle at grain junctions in crystalline rocks is set by the grain boundary interfacial surface energies, but the long times required to attain equilibrium mean that the observed dihedral angles in igneous rocks are generally set by the kinetics of crystallisation. We distinguish three types of augite–plagioclase–plagioclase dihedral angle in mafic igneous rocks. In the first, augite grows in the pores of a pre-existing plagioclase framework accompanied by little to no inwards-growth of the plagioclase pore walls. In the second, the plagioclase pore walls grow inwards simultaneously with the augite, and the dihedral angle is generally larger than the original angle at which the two plagioclase grains impinged except when the impingement angle itself is large. The first type is seen in rapidly crystallised rocks, whereas the second is observed in slowly cooled rocks. The third type is highly asymmetric and resembles (and so we call) an eagle’s beak: it is only seen in slowly cooled rocks. It is common in gabbroic cumulates, and is also present in strongly orthocumulate troctolites. Using the mode of interstitial phases to calculate the amount of interstitial liquid present in a series of mafic cumulates from the Rum and Skaergaard layered intrusions, we show that the asymmetry of three-grain junctions in troctolites increases as the rocks progress from adcumulate to orthocumulate (i.e. as the olivine–plagioclase crystal mush becomes more liquid-rich), with eagles’ beaks becoming the dominant three-grain junction geometry for troctolitic mushes containing ∼ 12 vol.% interstitial material (corresponding to ∼ 30 vol.% liquid in the mush). The geometry of three-grain junctions in mafic rocks is thus a function not only of cooling rate, but also of the progression along the liquid line of descent during fractionation. The first two types of junction are formed in relatively primitive liquids, during which the crystal mushes on the margins of the solidifying magma body are formed predominantly of plagioclase and olivine, whereas the eagle’s beak geometry occurs once augite forms an important component of the crystal framework in the accumulating mush, either because it is a framework-forming primocryst phase or because it grows from highly abundant interstitial liquid.
Technical note: A comparison between rehydrating solutions in the pretreatment of mummified and corified skin for forensic microscopic examination
Authors: Tambuzzi Stefano , Gentile Guendalina , Bilardo Gianluigi , Boracchi Michele , Bailo Paolo , Casalino Teresa , Andreola Salvatore , Zoja Riccardo
Published: May 2022

Microscopic examination of mummified or corified skin may be of extreme importance for forensic purposes. However, standard histological samples in these cases are low-end, and preparation is burdened by several problems and so are diagnostic results: an improvement of these types of specimens is therefore advantageous. This study aims to identify the best performing rehydration solution among a fabric softener, a body lotion, and Sandison’s rehydrating solution. Samples of skin undergoing mummification or corification were collected from 25 corpses and each sample was divided into 4 fragments: one of these fragments was directly fixated in 4% formalin, one was previously treated with a tissue softener, another one was previously treated with a body lotion, and the last one was treated with Sandison’s solution. After 72 h, the pretreated samples were post-fixated in 4% formalin and then prepared for standard histological examination staining the histological slides with hematoxylin-eosin and Masson’s trichrome. At the microscopic examination, samples directly fixated in formalin were characterized by usual marked structural alterations and altered stainability, typical of such dry tissues. Vice versa, those previously treated appeared to be better-preserved even though with different improvement levels: body lotion made a medium–low-grade restoration of the tissues, and fabric softener a high-grade restoration, while Sandison’s rehydrating solution produced an optimal grade restoration. Sandison’s rehydrating solution was confirmed to be the best rehydrating substance for mummified and corified skin. Fabric softener could be, however, considered a valid substitute, being productive of high-grade microscopic yield.
Inflammatory cytokine profile and T cell responses in African tick bite fever patients
Authors: Rauch Jessica , Jochum Johannes , Eisermann Philip , Gisbrecht Jana , Völker Katrin , Hunstig Friederike , Mehlhoop Ute , Muntau Birgit , Tappe Dennis
Published: May 2022

African tick bite fever, an acute febrile illness, is caused by the obligate intracellular bacteriumRickettsia africae. Immune responses to rickettsial infections have so far mainly been investigated in vitro with infected endothelial cells as the main target cells, and in mouse models. Patient studies are rare and little is known about the immunology of human infections. In this study, inflammatory mediators and T cell responses were examined in samples from 13 patients with polymerase chain reaction-confirmedR. africaeinfections at different time points of illness. The Th1-associated cytokines IFNγ and IL-12 were increased in the acute phase of illness, as were levels of the T cell chemoattractant cytokine CXCL-10. In addition, the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and also IL-22 were elevated. IL-22 but not IFNγ was increasingly produced by CD4+and CD8+T cells during illness. Besides IFNγ, IL-22 appears to play a protective role in rickettsial infections.
Video: Clinical evaluation of a laparoscopic hyperspectral imaging system
Authors: Pfahl Annekatrin , Köhler Hannes , Thomaßen Madeleine T. , Maktabi Marianne , Bloße Albrecht M. , Mehdorn Matthias , Lyros Orestis , Moulla Yusef , Niebisch Stefan , Jansen-Winkeln Boris , Chalopin Claire , Gockel Ines
Published: May 2022

Background

Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) during surgical procedures is a new method for perfusion quantification and tissue discrimination. Its use has been limited to open surgery due to large camera sizes, missing color video, or long acquisition times. A hand-held, laparoscopic hyperspectral camera has been developed now to overcome those disadvantages and evaluated clinically for the first time.

Methods

In a clinical evaluation study, gastrointestinal resectates of ten cancer patients were investigated using the laparoscopic hyperspectral camera. Reference data from corresponding anatomical regions were acquired with a clinically approved HSI system. An image registration process was executed that allowed for pixel-wise comparisons of spectral data and parameter images (StO2: oxygen saturation of tissue, NIR PI: near-infrared perfusion index, OHI: organ hemoglobin index, TWI: tissue water index) provided by both camera systems. The mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean square error (RMSE) served for the quantitative evaluations. Spearman’s rank correlation between factors related to the study design like the time of spectral white balancing and MAE, respectively RMSE, was calculated.

Results

The obtained mean MAEs between the TIVITA® Tissue and the laparoscopic hyperspectral system resulted in StO2: 11% ± 7%, NIR PI: 14±3, OHI: 14± 5, and TWI: 10 ± 2. The mean RMSE between both systems was 0.1±0.03 from 500 to 750 nm and 0.15 ±0.06 from 750 to 1000 nm. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients showed no significant correlation between MAE or RMSE and influencing factors related to the study design.

Conclusion

Qualitatively, parameter images of the laparoscopic system corresponded to those of the system for open surgery. Quantitative deviations were attributed to technical differences rather than the study design. Limitations of the presented study are addressed in current large-scale in vivo trials.
Deconstructing mastery in colorectal fluorescence angiography interpretation
Authors: Dalli Jeffrey , Shanahan Sarah , Hardy Niall P. , Chand Manish , Hompes Roel , Jayne David , Ris Frederic , Spinelli Antonino , Wexner Steven , Cahill Ronan A.
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Indocyanine green fluorescence angiography (ICGFA) is commonly used in colorectal anastomotic practice with limited pre-training. Recent work has shown that there is considerable inconsistency in signal interpretation between surgeons with minimal or no experience versus those consciously invested in mastery of the technique. Here, we deconstruct the fluorescence signal patterns of expert-annotated surgical ICGFA videos to understand better their correlation and combine this with structured interviews to ascertain whether such interpretative capability is conscious or unconscious.

Methods

For fluorescence signal analysis, expert-annotated ICGFA videos (n = 24) were quantitatively interrogated using a boutique intensity tracker (IBM Research) to generate signal time plots. Such fluorescence intensity data were examined for inter-observer correlation (Intraclass Correlation Coefficients, ICC) at specific curve milestones: the maximum fluorescence signal (Fmax), the times to both achieve this maximum (Tmax), as well as half this maximum (T1/2max) and the ratio between these (T1/2/Tmax). Formal tele-interview with contributing experts (n = 6) was conducted with the narrative transcripts being thematically mapped, plotted, and qualitatively analyzed.

Results

Correlation by mathematical measures was excellent (ICC0.9–1.0) for Fmax, Tmax, and T1/2max (0.95, 0.938, and 0.925, respectively) and moderate (0.5–0.75) for T1/2/Tmax (0.729). While all experts narrated a deliberate viewing strategy, their specific dynamic signal appreciation differed in the manner of description.

Conclusion

Expert ICGFA users demonstrate high correlation in mathematical measures of their signal interpretation although do so tacitly. Computational quantification of expert behavior can help develop the necessary lexicon and training sets as well as computer vision methodology to better exploit ICGFA technology.
Long-term pathological consequences of resin tapping wounds on stems of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.)
Authors: Zaluma Astra , Strike Zane , Rieksts-Riekstiņš Raitis , Gaitnieks Talis , Vasaitis Rimvydas
Published: May 2022

Key message

After 5–6 decades since inflicting resin tapping wounds, overmature (> 120 years old) Pinus sylvestris stems remain undecayed and vigorous.

Overmature trees of Pinus sylvestris bearing large wounds made by resin tapping decades ago are still present in woodlands of south-eastern Baltic Sea region. The aim of the present study was to investigate health condition of those trees focusing on fungal infections and to estimate impact of the injury on radial stem growth. The study was conducted in Latvia in three overmature stands of P. sylvestris, resin-tapped in 1950–1970 s. On the studied ninety 120–167-year-old trees, exposed sapwood constituted from 1140 to 7755 cm2 per individual stem. Of the 127 wounds sampled, 52 (41%) showed wood discoloration. The discoloration in its extent was limited, expanding beyond wound margins approx. 1 (max 3) cm in radial, and 6–7 cm in longitudinal directions. Of the 127 wood samples/wounds subjected to fungal isolations, 96% resulted in fungal growth, yielding 236 fungal isolates that represented 47 fungal taxa. The most common among macro-fungi was basidiomycete Porodaedalea pini, which was isolated from 9% of stems. The fungus is currently classed not as a tree pathogen, but instead as an indicator species for woodland sites to be considered for nature conservation. Data from tree ring widths have revealed that tree reacted to the resin tapping injury by increasing radial increment of the un-affected part of the circumference of the stem. Current study demonstrated that even on the long term, resin tapping has little influence on health condition and vitality of P. sylvestris, even at the very old age. This should be considered as a supporting message in case resin taping practices in the region are to be revived.
Symptoms of anxiety but not depression before start of taxane-based chemotherapy are associated with peripheral neuropathy: a multicenter study in women with breast cancer
Authors: Verhoeff-Jahja Rita , ter Kuile Moniek M. , Weijl Nir I. , Oosterkamp Rianne , Cloos Marissa , Portielje Johanneke E. A. , Kroep Judith R. , Hinnen Chris
Published: May 2022

Background

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common side effect of chemotherapy, especially after taxane-based therapy. This study aimed to examine the relationship between symptoms of anxiety and depression before the start of taxane-based chemotherapy and the development of CIPN in women with breast cancer.

Methods

In this prospective study, women with breast cancer receiving taxane-based (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy were recruited from four hospitals in the Netherlands. Patients completed questionnaires assessing anxiety and depressive symptoms before treatment and CIPN before treatment (T0), 6 weeks after start of treatment (T1), after the last cycle of chemotherapy (T2), and 6 months after the end of treatment (T3). Mixed model analyses were used to investigate whether medium/high levels of anxiety or depression at baseline are associated with the level of CIPN during and after treatment.

Results

Among the 61 participating women, 14 (23%) reported medium/high levels of anxiety and 29 (47.5%) reported medium/high levels of depressive symptoms at baseline. The group of women with medium/high baseline levels of anxiety showed a significantly higher increase in CIPN during and after chemotherapy than women with low baseline levels of anxiety (p < .001). No relationship between depressive symptoms at baseline and the development of CIPN was found.

Conclusion

This study showed that baseline medium to high levels of anxiety but not depressive symptoms impacted the development of CIPN during and in the 6 months after treatment.
Evolution of Bordetella pertussis in the acellular vaccine era in Norway, 1996 to 2019
Authors: Brandal Lin T. , Vestrheim Didrik F. , Bruvik Torbjørn , Roness Ragnhild B. , Bjørnstad Martha L. , Greve-Isdahl Margrethe , Steens Anneke , Brynildsrud Ola B.
Published: May 2022

We described the population structure of Bordetella pertussis (B. pertussis) in Norway from 1996 to 2019 and determined if there were evolutionary shifts and whether these correlated with changes in the childhood immunization program. We selected 180 B. pertussis isolates, 22 from the whole cell vaccine (WCV) era (1996–1997) and 158 from the acellular vaccine (ACV) era (1998–2019). We conducted whole genome sequencing and determined the distribution and frequency of allelic variants and temporal changes of ACV genes. Norwegian B. pertussis isolates were evenly distributed across a phylogenetic tree that included global strains. We identified seven different allelic profiles of ACV genes (A–F), in which profiles A1, A2, and B dominated (89%), all having pertussis toxin (ptxA) allele 1, pertussis toxin promoter (ptxP) allele 3, and pertactin (prn) allele 2 present. Isolates with ptxP1 and prn1 were not detected after 2007, whereas the prn2 allele likely emerged prior to 1972, and ptxP3 before the early 1980s. Allele conversions of ACV genes all occurred prior to the introduction of ACV. Sixteen percent of our isolates showed mutations within the prn gene. ACV and its booster doses (implemented for children in 2007 and adolescents in 2013) might have contributed to evolvement of a more uniform B. pertussis population, with recent circulating strains having ptxA1, ptxP3, and prn2 present, and an increasing number of prn mutations. These strains clearly deviate from ACV strains (ptxA1, ptxP1, prn1), and this could have implications for vaccine efficiency and, therefore, prevention and control of pertussis.
MicroRNA Signature and Cellular Characterization of Undifferentiated and Differentiated House Ear Institute-Organ of Corti 1 (HEI-OC1) Cells
Authors: Wijesinghe Printha , Nunez Desmond A. , Garnis Cathie
Published: May 2022

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expressions and control a wide variety of cellular functions. House Ear Institute-Organ of Corti 1 (HEI-OC1) cells are widely used to screen ototoxic drugs and to investigate cellular and genetic alterations in response to various conditions. HEI-OC1 cells are almost exclusively studied under permissive conditions that promote cell replication at the expense of differentiation. Many researchers suggest that permissive culture condition findings are relevant to understanding human hearing disorders. The mature human cochlea however consists of differentiated cells and lacks proliferative capacity. This study therefore aimed to compare the miRNA profiles and cellular characteristics of HEI-OC1 cells cultured under permissive (P-HEI-OC1) and non-permissive (NP-HEI-OC1) conditions. A significant increase in the level of expression of tubulin β1 class VI(Tubb1), e-cadherin(Cdh1),espin(Espn),and SRY (sex determining region Y)-box2(Sox2)mRNAs was identified in non-permissive cells compared with permissive cells (P < 0.05, Kruskal–Wallis H test, 2-sided). miR-200 family, miR-34b/c, and miR-449a/b functionally related cluster miRNAs, rodent-specific maternally imprinted geneSfmbt2intron 10thcluster miRNAs (-466a/ -467a), and miR-17 family were significantly (P < 0.05, Welch’st-test, 2-tailed) differentially expressed in non-permissive cells when compared with permissive cells. Putative target genes were significantly predominantly enriched in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), epidermal growth factor family of receptor tyrosine kinases (ErbB), and Ras signaling pathways in non-permissive cells compared with permissive cells. This distinct miRNA signature of differentiated HEI-OC1 cells could help in understanding miRNA-mediated cellular responses in the adult cochlea.
Identification of the fibroin of Stigmaeopsis nanjingensis by a nanocarrier-based transdermal dsRNA delivery system
Authors: Li Xia , Liu Rundong , Li Gang , Jin Daochao , Guo Jianjun , Ochoa Ronald , Yi Tianci
Published: May 2022

Stigmaeopsis nanjingensis (Ma and Yuan) (Acari: Tetranychidae) is an important pest of bamboo—feeding behavior and silk production by the female adult mites is seriously harmful to bamboo leaves. Due to its small size, silking and cocooning, its management is difficult. This study discusses a fast and easy method for management of the pest by disturbing the spinning behavior. Stigmaeopsis nanjingensis is host specific and feeds only on bamboo leaves. Leaf margins of bamboo are highly hydrophobic, which makes dsRNA difficult to immerse. Hence, it is a challenge to apply the commonly used feeding method to inhibit gene expression in mites. In this study, we deliver dsRNA to interfere with the expression of fibroin by body wall permeation with a nanocarrier-based delivery system. The dsRNA/nanocarrier formulation droplets could enter the body cavity within 2 min after falling on the mite. The fibroin silencing efficiency was 75.4%, and the results of electron microscopy showed that dsRNA/nanocarrier damage the morphological structure of the silk thread. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of a nanocarrier-based percutaneous dsRNA delivery system in S. nanjingensis and its effect on the fibroin gene that influences the spinning behavior of S. nanjingensis. These findings may provide a new delivery system for RNAi-based control of spider mites that utilize protective webbing in the field.