bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic value of water swallow test for dysphagia in patients with head and neck cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Yu , Wang Yiqiao , Zhu Yu , Wan Hongwei 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe diagnostic efficacy of the water swallow test (WST) is relatively robust for patients with neurogenic dysphagia; however, its diagnostic performance in identifying dysphagia among patients with HNC varies across studies. Our study aims to assess the diagnostic value of the WST for detecting dysphagia in patients with HNC. Systematic retrieval of studies on the use of WST for screening dysphagia in patients with HNC from databases up to August 1, 2023. Quality assessment of the included studies was performed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies‐2 (QUADAS‐2) tool. Calculate the pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (LR), negative LR, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) to evaluate the screening ability of WST for dysphagia. A total of seven articles, encompassing eight study groups, were included, involving the analysis of 691 patients. The meta‐analysis results demonstrate that the WST has a combined sensitivity, specificity, positive LR, negative LR, DOR, and AUC for diagnosing dysphagia in patients with HNC of 0.82 (95% CI [0.64, 0.92]), 0.79 (95% CI [0.70, 0.86]), 4.00 (95% CI [2.51, 6.36]), 0.22 (95% CI [0.10, 0.50]), 17.94 (95% CI [5.56, 57.92]), and 0.86 (95% CI [0.83, 0.89]), respectively. Significant heterogeneity was observed among the included studies. Meta‐regression analysis showed that the pooled sensitivity of tumor sites and treatment was closely related, while the pooled specificity of treatment and version was closely related. The subgroup analysis showed that the WST's pooled sensitivity for diagnosing dysphagia in patients with nasopharyngeal cancer was 0.40 (95% CI [0.26, 0.56]), with an AUC of 0.50, lower than in other HNC sites. The WST performed better in surgical patients than in those undergoing radiotherapy (RT) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT), with lower sensitivity, specificity, and AUC values of 0.49 (95% CI [0.36, 0.61]), 0.66 (95% CI [0.59, 0.72]), and 0.64, respectively, for RT or CRT patients. The modified WST version showed different specificity values of 0.82 (95% CI [0.75, 0.87]), compared to the regular version of 0.68 (95% CI [0.61, 0.74]). Additionally, Deek's test indicated the absence of publication bias in this study (p = 0.32). The WST demonstrates favorable sensitivity and specificity in detecting dysphagia among patients with HNC. However, the diagnostic value may vary depending on factors such as tumor sites, treatment, and the specific version of the WST used.
Characterization of the tumor microenvironment in the mouse oral cancer (MOC1) model after orthotopic implantation in the buccal mucosa
Authors: Kansal Vikash , Kinney Brendan L. C. , Schmitt Nicole C. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundPreclinical models are invaluable for studies of head and neck cancer. There is growing interest in the use of orthotopic syngeneic models, wherein cell lines are injected into the oral cavity of immunocompetent mice. In this brief report, we describe injection of mouse oral cancer 1 (MOC1) cells into the buccal mucosa and illustrate the tumor growth pattern, lymph node response, and changes in the tumor immune microenvironment over time.MethodsMOC1 cells were injected into the buccal mucosa of C57BL6 mice. Animals were sacrificed at 7, 14, 21, or 27 days. Tumors and lymph nodes were analyzed by flow cytometry.ResultsAll mice developed tumors by day 7 and required euthanasia for tumor burden and/or weight loss by day 27. Lymph node mapping showed that these tumors reliably drain to a submandibular lymph node. The proportion of intratumoral CD8+ T cells decreased over time, while neutrophilic myeloid cells increased dramatically. Growth of orthotopic MOC2 and MOC22 also showed similar growth patterns versus published data in flank tumors.ConclusionsWhen used orthotopically in the buccal mucosa, the MOC1 model induces a robust lymph node response and distinct pattern of immune cell infiltration, with peak immune infiltration by day 14.
Organocatalytic Enantioselective Synthesis of Chiral Spiro‐indoline‐pyrazolones through a formal [4+1] Annulation Reaction of 4‐Bromopyrazolones and aza‐ortho‐Quinone Methides
Authors: Carceller‐Ferrer Laura , Rodríguez‐Arias Carlos , Montesinos‐Magraner Marc , Sanz‐Marco Amparo , Hostalet‐Romero Judit , Blay Gonzalo , Pedro José R. , Vila Carlos 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn this communication, a straighforward asymmetric synthesis of spiro‐indoline‐pyrazolone compounds is described. This methodology consists in a formal [4+1] cycloaddition reaction of 4‐bromopyrazolones and aza‐ortho‐quinone methides generated in situ catalyzed by a bisquinine‐derived squaramide in CHCl3 under basic conditions. A variety of chiral spirocyclic compounds bearing a pyrazolone and an indoline moieties were obtained in moderate to good yields (up to 68 %) and moderate to excellent enantioselectivities (up to 93 % ee).
Small forested watershed weathers effects of climate change better than a nearby urban watershed in Northern Virginia, USA
Authors: Porter Aaron J. , Rice Karen C. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractSouth Fork Quantico Creek (SFQ; 19.8 square kilometre (km2), forested) and Fourmile Run (4MR; 32.4‐km2, urban) are small watersheds in northern Virginia, United States. Precipitation and streamflow data for both watersheds were examined from water year (WY) 1952 through 2022. Temporal changes in hydrologic metrics were identified by calculating trends in annual precipitation, annual peak flow, mean daily flow, minimum daily flow, stream flashiness, and the runoff ratio. The impact of climate and urbanization on watershed hydrology was assessed by computing trends on both raw and precipitation‐adjusted data. Despite increasing precipitation in both watersheds, increasing monotonic trends in most hydrologic metrics were observed only in 4MR. At 4MR, the long‐term trend in annual peak flow was non‐linear, thus trends were calculated on separate periods. Annual peak flow increased from WY 1952 through 1968, coinciding with a period of rapid urbanization. During WY 1969 through 1981, annual peak flows decreased, coinciding with construction of a flood channelization project. Trends for both periods were robust to precipitation adjustment. From WY 1982 through 2022, no change in the precipitation‐adjusted annual peak flows occurred, suggesting annual peak flows increased due to climate factors during this period. Comparison of area‐normalized hydrologic metrics between the two watersheds revealed higher flows in 4MR than SFQ across all flows, not just high flows. Runoff ratio and stream flashiness also were higher in 4MR. Differences in hydrologic metrics between the two watersheds were driven primarily by differences in land use, land cover, and modifications to the water balance related to urbanization. Climate change has altered watershed hydrology at both sites, but extensive urbanization in 4MR has altered the hydrology more than that of SFQ. We conclude that urban watersheds are likely at greater risk of increased flooding than less developed areas as the climate intensifies.
Germline variants of DNA repair and immune genes in lymphoma from lymphoma‐cancer families
Authors: Wang Xiaogan , Deng Lijuan , Ping Lingyan , Shi Yunfei , Wang Haojie , Feng Feier , Leng Xin , Tang Yahan , Xie Yan , Ying Zhitao , Liu Weiping , Zhu Jun , Song Yuqin 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe genetic predisposition to lymphoma is not fully understood. We identified 13 lymphoma‐cancer families (2011–2021), in which 27 individuals developed lymphomas and 26 individuals had cancers. Notably, male is the predominant gender in lymphoma patients, whereas female is the predominant gender in cancer patients (p = .019; OR = 4.72, 95% CI, 1.30–14.33). We collected samples from 18 lymphoma patients, and detected germline variants through exome sequencing. We found that germline protein truncating variants (PTVs) were enriched in DNA repair and immune genes. Totally, we identified 31 heterozygous germline mutations (including 12 PTVs) of 25 DNA repair genes and 19 heterozygous germline variants (including 7 PTVs) of 14 immune genes. PTVs of ATM and PNKP were found in two families, respectively. We performed whole genome sequencing of diffuse large B cell lymphomas (DLBCLs), translocations at IGH locus and activation of oncogenes (BCL6 and MYC) were verified, and homologous recombination deficiency was detected. In DLBCLs with germline PTVs of ATM, deletion and insertion in CD58 were further revealed. Thus, in lymphoma‐cancer families, we identified germline defects of both DNA repair and immune genes in lymphoma patients.
Revealing genes associated with cervical cancer in distinct immune cells: A comprehensive Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Li Ning , Yi Huan , Sun Wen , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina , Zhang Xiaoyu , Zheng Deqiang , Ji Jianguang 
Published: March 2024

AbstractHuman papillomavirus can be contracted by sexually active women. However, only a small proportion of these infections persist and have the potential to progress into cervical cancers, indicating a significant involvement of the immune system in cervical cancer development. Despite this, our understanding of the precise contributions of genes from different immune cell types in cervical cancers remains limited. Therefore, the primary objective of our study was to investigate the potential causal relationships between specific immune cell genes and the development of cervical cancers. By accessing expression quantitative trait loci datasets of 14 distinct immune cell types and genome wide association study of cervical cancers, we employed the summary data‐based Mendelian randomization (SMR) along with multi‐single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)‐based SMR to identify significant genes associated with cervical cancers. Colocalization analysis was further conducted to explore the shared genetic causality. A total of 10 genes across 11 immune cell types (26 significant gene‐trait associations) were found to be associated with cervical cancers after false discovery rate correction. Notably, the ORMDL3, BRK1 and HMGN1 gene expression levels showed significant association with cervical cancer in specific immune cell types, respectively. These associations were supported by strong evidence of colocalization analyses. Our study has identified several genes in different immune cells that were associated with cervical cancer. However, further research is necessary to confirm these findings and provide more comprehensive insights into the association between these gene expressions and cervical cancer risk.
Improved senescent cell segmentation on bright‐field microscopy images exploiting representation level contrastive learning
Authors: Çelebi Fatma , Boyvat Dudu , Ayaz‐Guner Serife , Tasdemir Kasim , Icoz Kutay 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are stromal cells which have multi‐lineage differentiation and self‐renewal potentials. Accurate estimation of total number of senescent cells in MSCs is crucial for clinical applications. Traditional manual cell counting using an optical bright‐field microscope is time‐consuming and needs an expert operator. In this study, the senescence cells were segmented and counted automatically by deep learning algorithms. However, well‐performing deep learning algorithms require large numbers of labeled datasets. The manual labeling is time consuming and needs an expert. This makes deep learning‐based automated counting process impractically expensive. To address this challenge, self‐supervised learning based approach was implemented. The approach incorporates representation level contrastive learning component into the instance segmentation algorithm for efficient senescent cell segmentation with limited labeled data. Test results showed that the proposed model improves mean average precision and mean average recall of downstream segmentation task by 8.3% and 3.4% compared to original segmentation model.
PAPR reduction using model‐driven hybrid algorithms in the 6G NOMA waveform
Authors: Kumar Arun , Gaur Nishant , Nanthaamornphong Aziz 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn the evolving landscape of sixth‐generation (6G) network technologies, Non‐Orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA) systems are pivotal for achieving enhanced spectral efficiency and network capacity. However, a significant challenge in NOMA systems is the high Peak‐to‐Average Power Ratio (PAPR), which undermines system efficiency by necessitating high‐power amplifiers (HPAs) to operate in their less efficient, non‐linear range. Addressing this, we introduce a novel hybrid approach, the Selective Mapping‐Circular Transformation Method (SLM‐CTM), which ingeniously amalgamates the strengths of Selective Mapping (SLM) and the Circular Transformation Method (CTM) to mitigate PAPR issues. SLM is renowned for its peak power reduction capabilities without adding to system complexity, whereas CTM is valued for its simplicity and controlled signal distortion. The proposed SLM‐CTM strategy employs a blend of linear and nonlinear techniques to effectively lower PAPR in non‐orthogonal NOMA configurations, thereby reducing high‐power peaks while simultaneously enhancing signal quality. This paper delineates the application of the SLM‐CTM algorithm to evaluate critical NOMA parameters such as Power Spectral Density (PSD), Bit Error Rate (BER), and PAPR. Simulation results highlight the efficacy of SLM‐CTM over conventional SLM, demonstrating a significant throughput improvement of 3.2 dB and a PAPR reduction of 4.6 dB, underscoring the potential of SLM‐CTM in elevating the performance of NOMA systems within 6G network.
Adoption determinants of improved cassava varieties and intercropping among East and Central African smallholder farmers
Authors: Mwebaze Paul , Macfadyen Sarina , De Barro Paul , Bua Anton , Kalyebi Andrew , Bayiyana Irene , Tairo Fred , Colvin John 
Published: March 2024

AbstractA key constraint to cassava productivity in Africa is the lack of adoption of improved cassava varieties tolerant to pests and diseases. To understand the drivers of adoption behavior, we examine the simultaneous adoption of improved cassava varieties and intercropping by 1200 smallholder farmers in Malawi, Tanzania, and Uganda. Using a linear model, we find that varietal characteristics, such as yield and early maturity, are critical drivers of adoption. Access to extension and credit is associated with an increase in the attractiveness of yield‐improving characteristics. We conclude that a more targeted extension approach would increase technology adoption in these countries.
US fiscal policy shocks: Proxy‐SVAR overidentification via GMM
Authors: Gregory Allan W. , McNeil James , Smith Gregor W. 
Published: March 2024

SummaryUsing external instruments, one can recover the effects of individual shocks without fully identifying a vector autoregression (VAR). We show that fully or almost fully instrumenting a VAR—that is, using an instrument for each shock—allows one to overidentify the model by incorporating the condition that the structural shocks are uncorrelated, via the generalized method of moments (GMM). We apply our approach to a fiscal VAR for the United States over 1948–2019, where the overidentifying restrictions are not rejected. The overidentified structural vector autoregression (SVAR) yields (a) greater precision in estimating impulse response functions and multipliers and (b) measures of the effects of nonfiscal shocks even when there is no instrument for them.
Competency in evidence‐based medicine and associated factors among medical radiology technologists in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Melesse Girma Tufa , Amde Tewodros , Tezera Robel 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroductionEvidence‐based medicine integrates clinical expertise, patient values and best research evidence in clinical decision‐making. This study aimed to assess evidence‐based medicine knowledge, attitudes, practices and associated factors among medical radiology technologists in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted among 392 medical radiology technologists from May to August 2022 using a self‐administered questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression identified factors associated with evidence‐based medicine practice.ResultsMost medical radiology technologists (57.7%) had moderate evidence‐based medicine knowledge and 94.9% had favourable attitudes. However, 64.8% demonstrated poor evidence‐based medicine practice. Factors significantly associated with better evidence‐based medicine practice were moderate knowledge (AOR 1.949, 95% CI 1.155–3.291), good statistical understanding (AOR 1.824, 95% CI 1.135–2.930), sufficient time for evidence‐based medicine (AOR 1.892, 95% CI 1.140–3.141), institutional support (AOR 2.093, 95% CI 1.271–3.440) and evidence‐based medicine resource access (AOR 1.653, 95% CI 1.028–2.656).ConclusionDespite moderate knowledge and positive attitudes towards evidence‐based medicine, most medical radiology technologists had suboptimal utilisation. Strategies to improve knowledge, ensure dedicated time, provide institutional support and resources could enhance evidence‐based radiology practice.
Discerning the stability behaviour of mavacamten availing liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy: In silico toxicity and mutagenicity prediction of degradation products
Authors: Golla Vijaya Madhyanapu , Kalyan Mallika , Gholap Upasana , Padhy Hara Prasad , Ramachandran Roshitha K. , Samanthula Gananadhamu 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe present study aimed to separate, identify, and characterise the degradation products formed when mavacamten is exposed to stress degradation as well as the stability of the drug in various environments and also to understand its degradation chemistry. Prediction of in silico toxicity and mutagenicity was aimed at the observed degradation products. Stress degradation along with stability studies and degradation kinetics were performed on mavacamten, and separation of degradation products was carried out by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Tandem mass spectrometry studies were executed to characterise the structures of degradation products using product ion fragments. Orthogonally, nuclear magnetic resonance experiments were conducted to elucidate the structures having ambiguity in characterising them. Deductive Estimation of Risk from Existing Knowledge and Structure Activity Relationship Analysis using Hypotheses software were used to establish in silico toxicity and mutagenic profiles of mavacamten and its degradation products. Two degradation products of mavacamten found in acidic hydrolytic stress conditions were separated, identified, characterised, and proposed as 1‐isopropylpyrimidine‐2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)‐trione and 1‐phenylethanamine. Mavacamten was found to be stable under different pH and gastrointestinal conditions. The degradation kinetics of mavacamten under 1 N acidic condition followed zero‐order kinetics, and it was degraded completely within 6 h. In silico toxicity and mutagenicity studies revealed that 1‐phenylethanamine can be a skin sensitiser. A high‐performance liquid chromatography method was developed for the separation of degradation products of mavacamten and characterised by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance. During the manufacturing and storage of drug product, precautions need to be taken when dealing with acidic solutions as the drug is prone to hydrolysis in acidic conditions. The formation of 1‐phenylethanamine under these conditions is to be monitored as it is a skin sensitiser.
Duration of the preemptive analgesic effects of low‐ and high‐frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in rats with acute inflammatory pain
Authors: Ikemoto Hideshi , Adachi Naoki , Okumo Takayuki , Chuluunbat Oyunchimeg , Hisamitsu Tadashi , Sunagawa Masataka 
Published: March 2024

AbstractTranscutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) activates various pathways to induce antinociceptive effects, based on the frequencies used. This study evaluates the preemptive analgesic effects and their duration of low‐ (LT: 4 Hz) and high‐frequency TENS (HT: 100 Hz) using a rat model of acute inflammatory pain. Acute inflammation was induced by injecting 1% formalin into the hind paws of rats. LT or HT was applied for 30 min before formalin injection. Pain‐related behaviors, such as licking, flinching, and lifting, were recorded for 60 min postinjection. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess the number of phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (pERK)‐ and c‐fos‐positive cells in the spinal cord. Naloxone, a μ‐opioid receptors (MORs) antagonist, and naltrindole, a δ‐opioid receptors (DORs) antagonist, were administered before TENS application. Pain behavior duration and pERK‐ and c‐fos‐positive cell expression were then measured. LT and HT pretreatment significantly reduced both pain behaviors and the number of pERK‐ and c‐fos‐positive cells postformalin injection. Naloxone and naltrindole partially reversed the effects of LT and HT, respectively. Notably, HT's analgesic effect lasted up to 120 min whereas that of LT persisted for 90 min. LT and HT effectively exerted their preemptive analgesic effects on acute inflammatory pain by inhibiting pERK and c‐fos expression in the spinal cord. HT presented a longer‐lasting effect compared to LT. MOR and DOR activation may contribute to LT and HT's analgesic mechanisms, respectively.
A laboratory study of the failure analysis of copper tube used in the air conditioning heat exchanger
Authors: Wang Zhongqi , Li Haihong , Cheng Dayong , Qin Shiteng , Li Deshan , Zhang Xintao 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe failure behavior and the failure mechanisms of the copper tube used in the air conditioning heat exchanger were analyzed using macrostructure and microstructure examination and the chemical composition analysis of the corrosion products. Results showed that the corrosion of the exterior surface of the copper tube should be responsible for the failure of the air conditioning heat exchanger. The chemical compositions of the corrosion products mainly included Cu, O, C, P, S, Cl, and so forth. The corrosion mechanisms were electrochemical corrosion under the circumstances of a humid environment, oxygen, and some corrosive medium. The corrosive media were organic carboxylic acids, Cl−, H2S, and SO2, which came from air pollutants, the combustion of fuels, the automobile exhaust, and the industrial waste gas. One or more electrochemical corrosion destroyed the integrity of the copper tube and led to the failure of the air conditioning heat exchanger in advance.