bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the utility of effective breeding size estimates for monitoring sea lamprey spawning abundance
Authors: Weise Ellen M. , Scribner Kim T. , Boeberitz Olivia , Bravener Gale , Johnson Nicholas S. , Robinson John D.
Published: September 2023

Sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) is an invasive species that is a significant source of mortality for populations of valued fish species across the North American Great Lakes. Large annual control programs are needed to reduce the species' impacts; however, the number of successfully spawning adults cannot currently be accurately assessed. In this study, effective breeding size (Nb) and the minimum number of spawning adults (Ns) were estimated for larval cohorts from 17 tributaries across all five Great Lakes using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) genotyped via RAD‐capture sequencing. Reconstructed larval pedigrees showed substantial variability in the size and number of full‐ and half‐sibling groups, Nb (<1–367), and Ns (5–545) among streams. Generalized linear models examining the effects of stream environmental characteristics and aspects of sampling regimes on Nb and Ns estimates identified sample size, the number of sampling sites, and drainage area as important factors predicting Nb and Ns. Correlations between Nb, Ns, and capture–mark–recapture estimates of adult census size (Nc) increased when streams with small sample sizes (n < 50) were removed. Results collectively indicate that parameters estimated from genetic data can provide valuable information on spawning adults in a river system, especially if sampling regimes are standardized and physical stream covariates are included.
Forest resilience and regeneration dynamics following wildfire disturbance
Authors: Bushey Devan , Osmer Mikayla , Green Harleigh , Garneau Danielle , Lesser Mark
Published: September 2023

Species that are adapted to specific disturbance regimes may be sensitive to changes such as severity, frequency, and extent of ecosystem perturbation. Along range margins, these sensitivities may be exacerbated by concurrent changes in climate resulting in loss of resilience and shifts to alternative ecosystem states. Pinus banksiana (jack pine) is a serotinous species dependent on fire disturbance to open cones, release seed, reduce understory competition, and expose mineral soil. The Altona Flat Rock in northern New York is a globally rare sandstone pine barrens, at the southern edge of jack pine's range. In the summer of 2018, a wildfire burned approximately 200 ha of the Flat Rock barrens, providing the opportunity to study post‐disturbance jack pine and understory resilience. We aimed to establish if jack pine regeneration would occur, and if so, would it be influenced by fire severity, pre‐fire stand characteristics, and competition. We predicted that higher seedling densities would be associated with higher burn severity, higher pre‐fire jack pine stand density, and lesser understory competition. We collected seedling density and understory composition data annually from 2019 to 2022 across 45 plots spanning the disturbed and adjacent undisturbed barrens. In 2021 and 2022, seedling heights were also collected. Seedling densities following the disturbance ranged from 275,385 to 390,513 ha−1; = 357,821 ha−1. Jack pine seedling density was positively associated with fire severity and moss abundance for all years. Pre‐fire stand density along with ericaceous shrub, grass, and duff abundance were also positively associated with seedling density in some years. Seedling height was positively associated with fire severity along with grass and blueberry abundance. These factors, for both establishment/survival and growth, point to the importance of seed supply, microsite conditions, and facilitation in jack pine regeneration success. At this point, it does not appear that the interaction of disturbance with changing climate has shifted enough to prevent the recovery of this ecosystem to its pre‐disturbance jack pine‐dominated state. However, ongoing climate change may still have an impact on seedlings/saplings as this forest continues to mature.
Immunomodulatory activity of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors in immune‐related diseases
Authors: Drakul Marija , Čolić Miodrag
Published: September 2023

Dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4), also known as CD26, is a 110‐kDa cell surface glycoprotein with enzymatic and signal transducing activity. DPP‐4/CD26 is expressed by various cells, including CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, B cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, and NK cells. DPP‐4 inhibitors (DPP‐4i) were introduced to clinics in 2006 as new oral antihyperglycemic drugs approved for type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment. In addition to glucose‐lowering effects, emerging data, from clinical studies and their animal models, suggest that DPP‐4i could display anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects as well, but the molecular and immunological mechanisms of these actions are insufficiently investigated. This review focuses on the modulatory activity of DPP‐4i in the immune system and the possible application of DPP‐4i in other immune‐related diseases in patients with or without diabetes.
Aldol/Brook/Carbon Skeletal Rearrangement Cascade Reactions of β‐Silyl Ketones with Aldehydes
Authors: Nowaki Aya , Kawano Mizuki , Hori Fuka , Fuse Yurika , Yoshimura Tomoyuki , Matsuo Jun‐ichi
Published: September 2023

β‐Silyl ketones reacted with aldehydes by treatment with KMMDS in the presence of 18‐crown‐6 to give β,γ‐unsaturated ketones accompanied with a skeletal rearrangement. The reactions proceeded by aldol reaction of β‐silyl ketones with aldehydes followed by [1,4]‐Brook rearrangement and intramolecular 1,2‐addition to form cyclopropanol derivatives, in which carbon‐carbon bond cleavage took place to afford β,γ‐unsaturated ketones. The β,γ‐unsaturated ketones were prepared in a one‐pot manner by conjugate addition of silyl anions to α,β‐unsaturated ketones followed by reactions with aldehydes. The Brook rearrangement proceeded with complete inversion of configuration at the carbon center.
Design of experiments for micellar electrokinetic chromatography method development for the monitoring of water‐soluble vitamins in cell culture medium
Authors: van der Burg Debbie , Wätzig Hermann , Sänger – van de Griend Cari E.
Published: September 2023

Biopharmaceutical production takes place in complex processes which should be thoroughly understood. Therefore, the iConsensus project focuses on developing a monitoring platform integrating several process analytical technology tools for integrated, automated monitoring of the biopharmaceutical process. Water‐soluble vitamin monitoring using (microchip) capillary electrophoresis (CE) is part of this platform. This work comprises the development of conventional CE methods as the first part towards integrated vitamin monitoring. The vitamins were divided based on their physical–chemical properties to develop two robust methods. Previously, a method for the analysis of cationic vitamins (pyridoxine, pyridoxal, pyridoxamine, thiamine and nicotinamide) in cell culture medium was developed. This work focused on the development of a micellar electrokinetic chromatography method for anionic and neutral vitamins (riboflavin, d‐calcium pantothenate, biotin, folic acid, cyanocobalamin and ascorbic acid). By employing multivariate design of experiments, the background electrolyte (BGE) could be optimised within one experiment testing only 11 BGEs. The optimised BGE conditions were 200 mM borate with 77 mM sodium dodecyl sulphate at a pH of 8.6. Using this BGE, all above‐mentioned cationic, anionic and neutral vitamins could be separated in clean samples. In cell culture medium, most anionic and neutral vitamins could be separated. Combining the two methods allows for analysis of cationic, anionic and neutral vitamins in cell culture medium samples. The next step towards integrated vitamin monitoring includes transfer to microchip CE. Due to the lack of fast and reliable methods for vitamin monitoring, the developed capillary methods could be valuable as stand‐alone at‐line process analytical technology solutions as well.
Security analysis of fog computing environment for ensuring the security and privacy of information
Authors: Gola Kamal Kumar , Arya Shikha , Khan Gulista , Devkar Chetna , Chaurasia Nishant
Published: September 2023

In fog computing, the management, measurement, configuration, control, communication, and storage tasks are carried out collaboratively by one or more near‐user or end users. Fog computing is widely utilized in major application domains like centralized fog utilized in a shopping complex (UXFog), agriculture domain (FoAgro), health‐care domain (MediFog), vehicle parking system, and energy Lattices. The execution of fog computing at the system's edge provides the elevated quality of service (QoS), promotes area mindfulness, and minimal dormancy for the continuous and online streaming application areas. Fog networking is extremely concerned about wireless system security due to the prevalence of wireless communication in fog computing. Sniffer attacks, Jamming assaults, and several other intrusions are considered examples of security issues. While considering network storage issues, factors like interaction management, dynamic workload, and low dormancy are the most challenging aspects of designing the network model. Thus, privacy and security issues are crucial while designing the network model, accomplished through intrusion detection, access control and authentication methods. Therefore, the security analysis of fog computing based on authentication, access control and intrusion detection mechanisms are analyzed in this research to design a novel technique with enhanced security and privacy features for sharing and accessing information.
Health‐related quality of life and mild behavioral impairment in older adults without dementia
Authors: Tsai Chia‐Fen , Huang Mao‐Hsuan , Lin Yung‐Shuan , Chen Chun‐Yu , Fuh Jong‐Ling
Published: September 2023

Background

The Mild Behavioral Impairment Checklist (MBI‐C) was developed to assess neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) and to identify mild behavioral impairment (MBI). This study validated the Taiwanese version of the MBI‐C and examined its association of health‐related quality of life (HR‐QoL).

Methods

We recruited 242 older individuals without dementia (129 amnestic mild cognitive impairment, 113 cognitively normal). Their family completed the MBI‐C, the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI‐Q), and instrumental activities of daily living scale. Participants completed the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS‐15), the Mini‐Mental State Examination, the 12‐item word recall test, the category verbal fluency test and the EuroQol 5 dimensions questionnaire (EQ‐5D). Cronbach's α was used to evaluate the internal consistency of the MBI‐C. Linear regression models were used to examined the association between MBI‐C score and HR‐QoL assessed using ED‐5D.

Results

The prevalence of MBI was 12% of all participants. Cronbach's α of the MBI‐C was 0.893. The optimal cut‐off point of MBI‐C was 7.5 for identifying MBI, with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 85%. The MBI‐C total score (β = −0.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.02 to −0.01, p < 0.001), MBI‐C subdomain of decreased motivation (β = −0.04, 95% CI = −0.05 to −0.02, p < 0.001) and emotional dysregulation (β = −0.02, 95% CI = −0.04 to −0.004, p = 0.01) were factors related to EQ‐5D index scores.

Conclusion

Among older adults without dementia, the Taiwanese version of the MBI‐C has good reliability and validity for detecting MBI. The total and subdomains of MBI‐C were associated with decreased HR‐QoL among individuals without dementia.
An incidental finding of large cell calcifying Sertoli cell tumor in an orchidectomy specimen for a separate adenomatoid tumor
Authors: Crone Lauren , Prendergast Sophie C , Mayer Nick , O'Brien Frank
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Large cell calcifying Sertoli cell tumors are exceedingly rare. They are most commonly benign, but risks for malignancy include older age, larger size of tumor, and solitary tumors. To the author's knowledge, this is the first case reported of an incidental large cell calcifying Sertoli cell tumor when an orchidectomy was performed for a separate lesion.

Case presentation

A 31‐year‐old male presented with a painless testicular lump. Ultrasound demonstrated an exophytic lesion in the superolateral aspect and calcifications were noted inferomedially and inferolaterally in the right testis. On histology from radical orchidectomy, the superolateral lesion was found to be an adenomatoid tumor, and the calcifications inferiorly represented a large cell calcifying Sertoli cell tumor. The background showed foci of germ cell neoplasia in situ but no evidence of invasive malignancy.

Conclusion

Calcifications on ultrasound in isolation may represent large cell calcifying Sertoli Cell tumors.
Mitochondrial protein and organelle quality control—Lessons from budding yeast
Authors: Yang Emily Jie‐Ning , Liao Pin‐Chao , Pon Liza
Published: September 2023

Mitochondria are essential for normal cellular function and have emerged as key aging determinants. Indeed, defects in mitochondrial function have been linked to cardiovascular, skeletal muscle and neurodegenerative diseases, premature aging, and age‐linked diseases. Here, we describe mechanisms for mitochondrial protein and organelle quality control. These surveillance mechanisms mediate repair or degradation of damaged or mistargeted mitochondrial proteins, segregate mitochondria based on their functional state during asymmetric cell division, and modulate cellular fitness, the response to stress, and lifespan control in yeast and other eukaryotes.
Opportunistic Screening With CT: Comparison of Phantomless BMD Calibration Methods
Authors: Bartenschlager Stefan , Cavallaro Alexander , Pogarell Tobias , Chaudry Oliver , Uder Michael , Khosla Sundeep , Schett Georg , Engelke Klaus
Published: September 2023

Opportunistic screening is a new promising technique to identify individuals at high risk for osteoporotic fracture using computed tomography (CT) scans originally acquired for an clinical purpose unrelated to osteoporosis. In these CT scans, a calibration phantom traditionally required to convert measured CT values to bone mineral density (BMD) is missing. As an alternative, phantomless calibration has been developed. This study aimed to review the principles of four existing phantomless calibration methods and to compare their performance against the gold standard of simultaneous calibration (ΔBMD). All methods were applied to a dataset of 350 females scanned with a highly standardized CT protocol (DS1) and to a second dataset of 114 patients (38 female) from clinical routine covering a large range of CT acquisition and reconstruction parameters (DS2). Three of the phantomless calibration methods must be precalibrated with a reference dataset containing a calibration phantom. Sixty scans from DS1 and 57 from DS2 were randomly selected for this precalibration. For each phantomless calibration method first the best combination of internal reference materials (IMs) was selected. These were either air and blood or subcutaneous adipose tissue, blood, and cortical bone. In addition, for phantomless calibration a fifth method based on average calibration parameters derived from the reference dataset was applied. For DS1, ΔBMD results (mean ± standard deviation) for the phantomless calibration methods requiring a precalibration ranged from 0.1 ± 2.7 mg/cm3 to 2.4 ± 3.5 mg/cm3 with similar means but significantly higher standard deviations for DS2. Performance of the phantomless calibration method, which does not require a precalibration was worse (ΔBMD DS1: 12.6 ± 13.2 mg/cm3, DS2: 0.5 ± 8.8 mg/cm3). In conclusion, phantomless BMD calibration performs well if precalibrated with a reference dataset. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Exploring the research landscape of implied volatility index: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Jain Shubham , Mittal Suresh Kumar
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study is to present a comprehensive literature review on Implied Volatility (IV) and its significance for investment decisions. The study employs a combination of bibliometric information, qualitative synthesis, and citation analysis to provide an overview of the current research on IV. Additionally, the study maps the research field by identifying leading journals, authors, research centers, and publications. The findings of the study highlight the importance of IV both theoretically and practically, and the fragmented nature of existing knowledge. The comprehensive literature review conducted in this study contributes to the existing body of knowledge on IV. The research limitations of the study are due to the use of a single database for data extraction, which may have resulted in missing some relevant articles. It is suggested that future studies may use multiple databases to improve the comprehensiveness of the literature review.
Impact of rainwater intrusion on wastewater characterization and performance of nutrient removal activated sludge process
Authors: Orhon Derin , Hallaç Esra , Solmaz Bülent , Ubay‐Çokgör Emine , Sözen Seval
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

The paper investigated the negative impact of rainwater intrusion and mixing with sewage, on the operation of an existing nutrient removal activated sludge plant. It evaluated the magnitude of observed changes, both in terms of flow increase and modification of major parameters, together with the resulting impact on system performance. The study was carried out at a selected plant. The influent characteristics of the plant were reviewed for 2021 and 2022, both for the dry and rainy periods. Collected data were evaluated together with the experimental support derived from the selected plant.

RESULTS

Statistical assessment of the collected data revealed significant changes likely to affect the performance of the existing plant: Sewage flow was increased from 580 000 to 670 000 m3 day−1. Although chemical oxygen demand and total nitrogen were slightly reduced, a higher level of inorganic solids was observed. Assessment of nitrification–denitrification processes yielded an aerobic sludge age, θXA of 9 days and a total sludge age, θX of 15 days, with a VD:VT ratio of 0.4. Solids mass balance indicated a biomass level of 6100 mg L−1 with 47% of fixed solids, which was increased to 7300 mg L−1 with 52% fixed solids with the wet weather flow. These values denoted reactor volume limitation for sustainable/safe operation.

CONCLUSION

Aside from the impact of substantial treatment cost increase resulting from the incremental flow of 13.7 million m3 year−1 during wet weather periods, control and decrease of inorganic solids emerged as the key issue to safeguard system operation. The study also indicated clues for diverting runoff mixing as a tangible remedial action. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Measurement bias in caregiver‐report of early childhood behavior problems across demographic factors in an ECHO‐wide diverse sample
Authors: Zheng Shuting , Mansolf Maxwell , McGrath Monica , Churchill Marie L. , Bekelman Traci A. , Brennan Patricia A. , Margolis Amy E. , Nozadi Sara S. , Bastain Theresa M. , Elliott Amy J. , LeWinn Kaja Z. , Hofheimer Julie A. , Leve Leslie D. , Rennie Brandon , Zimmerman Emily , Marable Carmen A. , McEvoy Cindy T. , Liu Chang , Sullivan Alexis , Woodruff Tracey J. , Ghosh Samiran , Leventhal Bennett , Ferrara Assiamira , Lewis Johnnye , Bishop Somer ,   Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes
Published: September 2023

Background

Research and clinical practice rely heavily on caregiver‐report measures, such as the Child Behavior Checklist 1.5–5 (CBCL/1.5‐5), to gather information about early childhood behavior problems and to screen for child psychopathology. While studies have shown that demographic variables influence caregiver ratings of behavior problems, the extent to which the CBCL/1.5‐5 functions equivalently at the item level across diverse samples is unknown.

Methods

Item‐level data of CBCL/1.5‐5 from a large sample of young children (N = 9087) were drawn from 26 cohorts in the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes program. Factor analyses and the alignment method were applied to examine measurement invariance (MI) and differential item functioning (DIF) across child (age, sex, bilingual status, and neurodevelopmental disorders), and caregiver (sex, education level, household income level, depression, and language version administered) characteristics. Child race was examined in sensitivity analyses.

Results

Items with the most impactful DIF across child and caregiver groupings were identified for Internalizing, Externalizing, and Total Problems. The robust item sets, excluding the high DIF items, showed good reliability and high correlation with the original Internalizing and Total Problems scales, with lower reliability for Externalizing. Language version of CBCL administration, education level and sex of the caregiver respondent showed the most significant impact on MI, followed by child age. Sensitivity analyses revealed that child race has a unique impact on DIF over and above socioeconomic status.

Conclusions

The CBCL/1.5‐5, a caregiver‐report measure of early childhood behavior problems, showed bias across demographic groups. Robust item sets with less DIF can measure Internalizing and Total Problems equally as well as the full item sets, with slightly lower reliability for Externalizing, and can be crosswalked to the metric of the full item set, enabling calculation of normed T scores based on more robust item sets.
Multicenter Standardization of Phase‐Resolved Functional Lung MRI in Patients With Suspected Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Moher Alsady Tawfik , Voskrebenzev Andreas , Behrendt Lea , Olsson Karen , Heußel Claus Peter , Gruenig Ekkehard , Gall Henning , Ghofrani Ardeschir , Roller Fritz , Harth Sebastian , Marshall Helen , Hughes Paul J.C. , Wild Jim , Swift Andrew J. , Kiely David G. , Behr Jürgen , Dinkel Julien , Beitzke Dietrich , Lang Irene M. , Schmidt Kai Helge , Kreitner Karl Friedrich , Frauenfelder Thomas , Ulrich Silvia , Hamer Okka W. , Vogel‐Claussen Jens
Published: September 2023

Background

Detection of pulmonary perfusion defects is the recommended approach for diagnosing chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). This is currently achieved in a clinical setting using scintigraphy. Phase‐resolved functional lung (PREFUL) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an alternative technique for evaluating regional ventilation and perfusion without the use of ionizing radiation or contrast media.

Purpose

To assess the feasibility and image quality of PREFUL‐MRI in a multicenter setting in suspected CTEPH.

Study Type

This is a prospective cohort sub‐study.

Population

Forty‐five patients (64 ± 16 years old) with suspected CTEPH from nine study centers.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5 T and 3 T/2D spoiled gradient echo/bSSFP/T2 HASTE/3D MR angiography (TWIST).

Assessment

Lung signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) were compared between study centers with different MRI machines. The contrast between normally and poorly perfused lung areas was examined on PREFUL images. The perfusion defect percentage calculated using PREFUL‐MRI (QDPPREFUL) was compared to QDP from the established dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI technique (QDPDCE). Furthermore, QDPPREFUL was compared between a patient subgroup with confirmed CTEPH or chronic thromboembolic disease (CTED) to other clinical subgroups.

Statistical Tests

t‐Test, one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson's correlation. Significance level was 5%.

Results

Significant differences in lung SNR and CNR were present between study centers. However, PREFUL perfusion images showed a significant contrast between normally and poorly perfused lung areas (mean delta of normalized perfusion −4.2% SD 3.3) with no differences between study sites (ANOVA: P = 0.065). QDPPREFUL was significantly correlated with QDPDCE (r = 0.66), and was significantly higher in 18 patients with confirmed CTEPH or CTED (57.9 ± 12.2%) compared to subgroups with other causes of PH or with excluded PH (in total 27 patients with mean ± SD QDPPREFUL = 33.9 ± 17.2%).

Data Conclusion

PREFUL‐MRI could be considered as a non‐invasive method for imaging regional lung perfusion in multicenter studies.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
The interplay between chronic hepatitis B and diabetes mellitus: A narrative and concise review
Authors: Huang Shang‐Chin , Kao Jia‐Horng
Published: September 2023

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent metabolic disorder among individuals with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), contributing to additional adverse impacts on both hepatic and extrahepatic systems. Existing evidence suggests a potential positive association between CHB and the development of insulin resistance and T2DM. The presence of T2DM in CHB patients is associated with an increased risk of liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, decompensation, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurrence. Moreover, it elevates the risk of non‐liver cancers and all‐cause mortality in this population. T2DM also serves as the key element in metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease, which is prevalent in the CHB population. Although specific guidelines for managing T2DM in CHB patients have not been proposed, some studies indicated that intensive glycemic control may benefit the prognosis of these patients. Additionally, specific antidiabetic agents, such as metformin and thiazolidinediones, promise to reduce HCC risk. However, unresolved questions, including the optimal glycemic control target and the selection of antidiabetic agents for CHB patients, remain and thus warrant further investigations through well‐designed prospective trials. Implementing a standardized protocol encompassing regular monitoring, risk stratification, and early intervention using a multidisciplinary framework may improve the outcomes of diabetic CHB patients.
Arachidonic acid metabolism in health and disease
Authors: Zhang Yiran , Liu Yingxiang , Sun Jin , Zhang Wei , Guo Zheng , Ma Qiong
Published: September 2023

Arachidonic acid (AA), an n‐6 essential fatty acid, is a major component of mammalian cells and can be released by phospholipase A2. Accumulating evidence indicates that AA plays essential biochemical roles, as it is the direct precursor of bioactive lipid metabolites of eicosanoids such as prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and epoxyeicosatrienoic acid obtained from three distinct enzymatic metabolic pathways: the cyclooxygenase pathway, lipoxygenase pathway, and cytochrome P450 pathway. AA metabolism is involved not only in cell differentiation, tissue development, and organ function but also in the progression of diseases, such as hepatic fibrosis, neurodegeneration, obesity, diabetes, and cancers. These eicosanoids are generally considered proinflammatory molecules, as they can trigger oxidative stress and stimulate the immune response. Therefore, interventions in AA metabolic pathways are effective ways to manage inflammatory‐related diseases in the clinic. Currently, inhibitors targeting enzymes related to AA metabolic pathways are an important area of drug discovery. Moreover, many advances have also been made in clinical studies of AA metabolic inhibitors in combination with chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Herein, we review the discovery of AA and focus on AA metabolism in relation to health and diseases. Furthermore, inhibitors targeting AA metabolism are summarized, and potential clinical applications are discussed.
A new sonoablation using acoustic droplet vaporization and focused ultrasound: A feasibility study
Authors: Li Hui , He Huan , Tang Jiawei , Luo Tingting , Yang Guoliang , Huang Leidan , Dong Xiaoxiao , Liu Zheng
Published: September 2023

Background

Histotripsy and boiling histotripsy are two methods of mechanical ablation that use high‐pressure focused ultrasound (FUS).

Purpose

Here, a new bubble sonoablation technique was investigated using low‐pressure FUS in combination with local injection of perfluoropentane (PFP) in rabbit liver.

Methods

Fifteen healthy New Zealand white rabbits were treated with FUS alone, FUS + PFP or PFP alone. FUS was performed using a single‐element focused transducer (frequency 596 kHz, 0.27 ms pulses, 0.54% duty cycle, and peak negative pressure 2.0 MPa). Ten minutes before FUS treatment, the PFP droplet was locally injected into the rabbit liver, where the ultrasound was focused. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) of the liver was performed, and the temperature at the liver surface in the targeted liver region was recorded during treatment. The livers were collected for pathological examination. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Paired t‐tests were used to compare the pre‐ and post‐treatment values. One‐way analysis of variance was performed to compare multiple groups, and the least significant difference method was used for further comparisons between the two groups.

Results

Analysis of CEUS data showed that the values of area under the curve (AUC) were significantly different in the PFP + FUS group pre‐ (10453.644 ± 1182.93) and post‐treatment (4058.098 ± 2720.41), and the AUC values of PFP + FUS post‐treatment (4058.098 ± 2720.41) were also significantly lower than those of the FUS (9946.694 ± 1071.54) and the PFP (10364.794 ± 2181.53) groups. The peak intensity values also showed the same results, the value of peak intensity of PFP+FUS post‐treatment was 82.958 ± 13.99, whereas there was no difference between FUS (106.61 ± 7.61) and PFP (104.136 ± 10.55). Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining revealed that the pathological damage ratings of the PFP + FUS, PFP, and FUS groups were grade 3, grade 1, and grade 0, respectively. Specifically, the area of liver necrosis in the PFP + FUS group (0.99 ± 0.29 cm2) was 198 times higher than that in the PFP group (0.005 ± 0.008 cm2), whereas no necrosis was observed in the livers treated with FUS alone. Simultaneously, the number of vacuoles in the liver of the PFP + FUS group (35.50 ± 23.31) was approximately five times that of the PFP group (7.00 ± 12.88), whereas no vacuoles were found in the liver treated with FUS alone.

Conclusion

PFP droplets combined with FUS can destroy liver tissue and cause tissue necrosis in the droplet injection area, without affecting the structure of surrounding tissue.
The feasibility of implementing Toronto childhood cancer stage guidelines and estimating the impact on outcome for childhood cancers in seven pediatric oncology units in sub‐Saharan Africa. A study from the Franco‐African Pediatric Oncology Group
Authors: Mallon Brenda , Kaboré Rolande , Couitchere Line , Akonde Fatou Binetou , Narison Mbolanirina Lala Rakotomahefa , Budiongo Aléine , Dackono Tankélé Arsène , Pondy Angel , Diedhiou Francis , Patte Catherine , Steliarova‐Foucher Eva , Clavel Jacqueline
Published: September 2023

Background

The improvement of childhood cancer outcome is determined by early diagnosis, effective treatment, supportive care, and adequate medical follow‐up. Stage at diagnosis may reflect timeliness of diagnosis, therefore standardized registration of stage is essential for interpretation of regional differences and time trends in survival. Here, we describe the feasibility of implementing the Toronto Childhood Cancer Stage Guidelines (hereafter Toronto Guidelines [TG]) in the hospital‐based cancer registry of the Franco‐African Pediatric Oncology Group (GFAOP), and assess the impact of TG stage on outcome in pediatric oncology units (POUs) in seven low‐ and middle‐income countries in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA).

Methods

All cancer patients diagnosed before 15 years of age with one of the 15 cancer types defined in TG, resident in one of the participating countries, and attending one of the selected POUs in 2017–2019 were included. Stage was assigned according to TG. Patients were followed‐up for vital status for at least 12 months post diagnosis. Survival at 3, 6, and 12 months was calculated using Kaplan–Meier method and compared between POUs and tumor groups using log‐rank test.

Results

TG stage was assigned to 1772 of 2446 (89%) cases diagnosed with one of 11 cancer types. It was not possible to assign TG stage to acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and the three types of the central nervous system tumors included in the TG. One‐year overall survival (OS) was 58% [95% confidence interval: 55–60] and varied between POUs. Survival declined with increasing stage for four tumor types and was statistically significant for two.

Conclusion

Except for ALL and brain tumors, we demonstrated feasibility of TG implementation for childhood solid cancers in participating POUs in SSA, and provided a baseline assessment of childhood cancer outcomes against which future stage distribution and survival can be measured as timelines of diagnosis improve over time within the GFAOP network.
Sports participation in chronic immune thrombocytopenia: Safer than you thought?
Authors: Witmer Char M. , Lambert Michele P.
Published: September 2023

Background/objectives

Pediatric patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) commonly have activity limitations placed to prevent injury without data guiding clinical decision‐making. The objective of this study was to determine risk factors associated with injury in children with chronic ITP.

Design/methods

Retrospective single‐center cohort study from January 1, 2008 to March 31, 2019 in subjects age 5–21 years with chronic ITP (platelet count < 100,000/µL for >1 year).

Results

One‐hundred‐two subjects were included, with a mean diagnosis age of 9.3 ± 4.6 years. Mean follow‐up 3.8 ± 2.3 years; 61% (62) of subjects were female; 60% (61) participated in organized sports, mean 2 ± 1 sports/subject; 8.8% (9) received ITP therapy for sports participation. Common sports: basketball (28%) and soccer (28%). There were 31 injuries in 26 subjects, and 68% (21) occurred while at play. Most common injuries: 68% (21/31) soft tissue and 23% (7/31) head trauma. Fifteen (48%) injuries were severe enough for medical evaluation at the time of injury. Only one patient received acute ITP treatment for their injury. Injury was associated with participation in high‐risk sports (p < .001), male sex (p = .007), and participation in multiple organized sports (p = .008).

Conclusion

In this study of 102 pediatric subjects with chronic ITP, injury was mild and infrequent predominantly occurring while at play. The majority participated in organized sports safely. Risk of injury was associated with high‐risk sport participation (p < .001). Only one injury necessitated ITP treatment, suggesting that participation in most sports is likely safe in children with chronic ITP.
High thermal conductivity electrical insulation composite EP/h‐BN obtained by DC electric field induction
Authors: Liang Liang , Feng Yu , Yang Kailun , Wang Zhanyi , Zhang Zhonghua , Chen Xuesong , Chen Qingguo
Published: September 2023

Epoxy resin, as an adhesive for the main insulation system of large generators, has excellent insulation properties. But its poor thermal conductivity limits the capacity enhancement of large generators. Forming thermally conductive pathways by using electric field to induce high thermal conductivity fillers in the polymer can effectively improve the thermal conductivity of the composite at low loading condition. In this article, a DC electric field is used in epoxy resin (EP) to induce two‐dimensional inorganic fillers h‐BN deflection and head‐to‐tail lap, which can make the heat flow transfer along the in‐plane of the particles and contribute to the more efficient thermal conductivity network. A high thermal conductivity of 0.544 W/(m K) was achieved at a low load of 10 wt%, which has an improvement of 289% compared to pure EP (0.14 W/[m K]) and 130% compared to the randomly dispersed composite with the same load. The composites have excellent thermal conductivity as well as insulating properties, among which volume resistivity is 1.46 × 1012 Ω/cm, increasing by 61.4% compared to pure EP. This method is easy to be carried out in engineering and has great possibilities for the main insulation of large generators and even for other applications with high thermal conductivity electrical insulation.

Highlights

The structure of composites was adjusted by direct current electric field.

The high in‐plane thermal conductivity of h‐BN is fully exploited.

The relationship between deflection angle of BN and thermal conductivity of composites was built.
Quality markers of Dajianzhong decoction based on multicomponent qualitative and quantitative analysis combined with network pharmacology and chemometric analysis
Authors: Xu Yang , Liu Run‐run , Yu Xiao‐jun , Liu Xiao‐nan , Zhang Xin , Jiang Zhi‐hui , Cong Zhu‐feng , Li Qin‐qing , Gao Peng
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Dajianzhong decoction (DJZD), a classic famous prescription, has a long history of medicinal application. Modern studies have demonstrated its clinical utility in the treatment of postoperative ileus (POI). But none of the current quality evaluation methods for this compound is associated with efficacy.

Objectives

This study aimed to identify the quality markers (Q‐Markers) connected to the treatment of POI in DJZD.

Methodology

Ultra‐performance liquid chromatography quadrupole Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC‐Q‐Exactive Orbitrap‐MS) was used to identify the main constituents in DJZD. Based on the qualitative results obtained by fingerprinting, chemical pattern recognition (CPR) was used to analyse the key components affecting the quality and finally to establish the network of the active ingredients in DJZD with POI.

Results

A total of 64 chemical components were detected. After fingerprint analysis, 13 common peaks were identified. The fingerprint similarity of 15 batches of samples ranged from 0.860 to 1.000. CPR analysis was able to categorically classify 15 batches of DJZD into two groups. And gingerenone A, methyl‐6‐gingerdiol, 6‐gingerol, and hydroxy‐β‐sanshool contributed to their grouping. Twelve common components interact with the therapeutic targets for treating POI. In addition, the mechanism of this prescription for treating POI may be related to the jurisdiction of the neurological system, the immunological system, and the inflammatory response.

Conclusions

This integrated approach can accurately assess and forecast the quality of DJZD, presume the Q‐Markers of DJZD for POI, and lay the foundation for studying the theoretical underpinnings and exploring the mechanism of DJZD in the treatment of POI.
Preparation and characterization of deacetylated cellulose acetate/thermoplastic polyurethane nanofiber membranes modified with graphene oxide for methylene blue and Cr (VI) adsorption
Authors: Si Junhui , Deng Yuanchang , Gong Changxiong , Cui Zhixiang , Wang Qianting
Published: September 2023

Deacetylated cellulose acetate/thermoplastic polyurethane@graphene oxide (DA/TPU@GO) nanofibrous membranes were prepared through the combination of electrospinning, deacetylation, and ultrasound‐assisted surface treatment techniques. The morphology, wettability, and mechanical properties of composite nanofiber membranes were studied via SEM, TEM, water contact angle measurements, and mechanical tests. Moreover, the adsorption capacity and mechanism of DA/TPU@GO nanofiber membranes for methylene blue and chromium (Cr (VI)) were analyzed. The introduction of active sites from GO led to a significant increase in the adsorption capacity of the DA/TPU@GO composite membranes compared with the DA/TPU composite nanofiber. The composite membrane featured adsorption capacities of 152.7 mg/g (25°C, pH 3) and 122.1 mg/g (25°C, pH 7) for Cr (VI) and methylene blue, respectively, which are higher than most other composite GO‐based adsorbents. The adsorption mechanism of the DA/TPU@GO composite membrane was consistent with the Langmuir isotherm and second‐order kinetic models. Therefore, the DA/TPU@GO composite nanofiber membrane served as an effective adsorbent with broad application prospects in the sewage treatment field owing to its excellent adsorption capacity.

Highlights

Nanofibers were prepared for the absorption of methylene blue (MB) and Cr (VI).

Nanofibers exhibited adsorption capacities of 152.7 and 122.1 mg/g for Cr (VI) and MB.

Adsorption mechanism follows Langmuir isotherm and second‐order kinetic models.

Nanofibers have wide potential applications in sewage treatment.
Fabrication of biodegradable kraft paper from buffing dust and jute fiber: Green solutions for packaging
Authors: Noyon Ashikur Rahaman , Karim Suzaul , Rouf Abdur , Jamal Mamun , Layek Rama Kanta , Sivanantham Gokulkumar , Uddin Elias
Published: September 2023

Addressing solid waste recycling, this study aims to develop biodegradable kraft paper from buffing dust (BD) and post‐consumed jute fiber (JF). Employing a simple solution casting method with a polyurethane binder, the kraft paper was fabricated and characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, SEM, TGA, OTR, biodegradability, and tensile tests. The findings revealed covalent and hydrogen bonding between BD and JF, forming a uniform surface. Notably, the composite exhibited improved thermal stability, enhanced gas barrier properties, and biodegradability compared to individual components. Furthermore, the composite also showed 57% higher tensile strength, 38% greater elongation, 20% increased hardness, and 9% higher density compared to buffing dust. Compared to jute fiber, the increases were 125%, 91%, 30%, and 19% respectively. Moreover, the composite excelled in gas barrier performance, surpassing BD and JF by a remarkable 61% and 73% increase respectively. These significant findings underscore the vast potential of the composite kraft paper as a versatile material suitable for various applications, including packaging, interior furnishing industries, and reinforcing elements in the footwear industry. By addressing waste management and promoting sustainability, this research contributes to the development of eco‐friendly materials that align with contemporary environmental concerns.

Highlights

Covalent and hydrogen bonding enhance uniformity.

Biodegradable kraft paper with improved properties.

Impressive tensile strength, elongation, and hardness.

Versatile material for eco‐friendly applications.

Promotes sustainability and waste management.
Impact of amiodarone use on metoprolol concentrations, α‐OH‐metoprolol concentrations, metoprolol dosing and heart rate: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Robert Sabrina , Pilon Marc‐Olivier , Oussaïd Essaïd , Meloche Maxime , Leclair Grégoire , Jutras Martin , Gaulin Marie‐Josée , Mongrain Ian , Busseuil David , Tardif Jean‐Claude , Dubé Marie‐Pierre , de Denus Simon
Published: September 2023

Small studies suggest that amiodarone is a weak inhibitor of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6. Inhibition of CYP2D6 leads to increases in concentrations of drugs metabolized by the enzyme, such as metoprolol. Considering that both metoprolol and amiodarone have β‐adrenergic blocking properties and that the modest interaction between the two drugs would result in increased metoprolol concentrations, this could lead to a higher risk of bradycardia and atrioventricular block. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate whether metoprolol plasma concentrations collected at random timepoints from patients enrolled in the Montreal Heart Institute Hospital Cohort could be useful in identifying the modest pharmacokinetic interaction between amiodarone and metoprolol. We performed an analysis of a cross‐sectional study, conducted as part of the Montreal Heart Institute Hospital Cohort. All participants were self‐described “White” adults with metoprolol being a part of their daily pharmacotherapy regimen. Of the 999 patients being treated with metoprolol, 36 were also taking amiodarone. Amiodarone use was associated with higher metoprolol concentrations following adjustment for different covariates (p = .0132). Consistently, the association between amiodarone use and lower heart rate was apparent and significant after adjustment for all covariates under study (p = .0001). Our results highlight that single randomly collected blood samples can be leveraged to detect modest pharmacokinetic interactions.
Nano‐selenium foliar intervention‐induced resistance of cucumber to Botrytis cinerea by activating jasmonic acid biosynthesis and regulating phenolic acid and cucurbitacin
Authors: Jia Yujiao , Kang Lu , Wu Yangliu , Zhou Chunran , Cai Runze , Zhang Hui , Li Jiaqi , Chen Zhendong , Kang Dexian , Zhang Li , Pan Canping
Published: September 2023

PURPOSE AND METHODS

Botrytis cinerea is the primary disease affecting cucumber production. It can be managed by applying pesticides and cultivating disease‐resistant cucumber strains. However, challenges, such as drug resistance in pathogenic bacteria and changes in physiological strains, are obstacles in the effective management of B. cinerea. Nano‐selenium (Nano‐Se) has potential in enhancing crop resistance to biological stress, but the exact mechanism for boosting disease resistance remains unclear. Here, we used metabolomics and transcriptomics to examine how Nano‐Se, as an immune activator, induces plant resistance.

RESULT

Compared with the control group, the application of 10.0 mg/L Nano‐Se on the cucumber plant's leaf surface resulted in increased levels of chlorophyll, catalase (10.2%), glutathione (326.6%), glutathione peroxidase (52.2%), cucurbitacin (41.40%), and metabolites associated with the phenylpropane synthesis pathway, as well as the total antioxidant capacity (21.3%). Additionally, the expression levels of jasmonic acid (14.8 times) and related synthetic genes, namely LOX (264.1%), LOX4 (224.1%), and AOC2 (309.2%), were up‐regulated. A transcription analysis revealed that the CsaV3_4G002860 gene was up‐regulated in the KEGG enrichment pathway in response to B. cinerea infection following the 10.0 mg/L Nano‐Se treatment.

DISCUSSION

In conclusion, the activation of the phenylpropane biosynthesis and branched‐chain fatty acid pathways by Nano‐Se promotes the accumulation of jasmonic acid and cucurbitacin in cucumber plants. This enhancement enables the plants to exhibit resistance against B. cinerea infections. Additionally, this study identified a potential candidate gene for cucumber resistance to B. cinerea induced by Nano‐Se, thereby laying a theoretical foundation for further research in this area. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Near‐Video Frame Rate Quantum Sensing Using Hong–Ou–Mandel Interferometry
Authors: Singh Sandeep , Kumar Vimlesh , Sharma Varun , Faccio Daniele , Samanta G. K.
Published: September 2023

Hong–Ou–Mandel (HOM) interference, bunching of two indistinguishable photons on a balanced beam‐splitter, has emerged as a promising tool for quantum sensing. There is a need for wide spectral‐bandwidth photon pairs (for high‐resolution sensing) with high brightness (for fast sensing). Here, the generation of photon‐pairs with flexible spectral‐bandwidth even using single‐frequency, continuous‐wave diode laser enabling high‐precision, real‐time sensing is showed. Using 1‐mm‐long periodically‐poled KTP crystal, degenerate, photon‐pairs with spectral‐bandwidth of 163.42±1.68 nm are produced resulting in a HOM‐dip width of 4.01±0.04 m to measure a displacement of 60 nm, and sufficiently high brightness to enable the measurement of vibrations with amplitude of 205 ± 0.75 nm and frequency of 8 Hz. Fisher‐information (FI) and maximum likelihood estimation enables optical delay measurements as small as 4.97 nm with precision (Cramér–Rao bound) and accuracy of 0.89 and 0.54 nm, respectively, therefore showing HOM sensing capability for real‐time, precision‐augmented, in‐field quantum sensing applications.