bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
APLICATIONS OF GPS AND GNSS IN GEOLOGICAL MAPPING AND DEVELOPMENT OF ENGINEERING GEOLOGICAL MAPS AT EXAMPLE OF LANDSLIDE “JUNUZOVIĆI” SREBRENIK
Authors: Taletović Nermin , Osmanović Dean , Isabegović Jasmin
Published: November 2013

The use of modern global navigation system (GPS-GNSS) is massively being used in the modern research. Therefore, the use of these methods in science can do much to facilitate scientific research work. In this scientific work we analyzed the database obtained by the GPS device and field testing engineers, and the data is used to produce maps of the field, engineering geological map and we recorded elements of landslide that were used for mapping (cracks, landslide mass, water sources, forehead scar and glide plane). Based on the results obtained, we made morphology of landslide and landslide engineering geological map in scale 1:500.
Déterminants sociaux de la santé et symptômes dépressifs chez les mères de jeunes enfants ayant un trouble du spectre de l'autisme (TSA)
Authors: Courcy Isabelle , des Rivières-Pigeon Catherine
Published: November 2013

Les études montrent avec constance que les mères d'enfants ayant un trouble du spectre de l'autisme (TSA) présentent des niveaux particulièrement élevés de détresse. Cette étude vise à identifier les déterminants sociaux de la santé pouvant contribuer au développement des symptômes dépressifs de ces mères. Les analyses statistiques effectuées sur un échantillon de convenance de 112 mères de jeunes enfants ayant un TSA conduisent vers un modèle composé de 5 variables permettant conjointement d'expliquer 41 % de la symptomatologie dépressive des mères. Les implications de ces résultats sur les services offerts aux familles d'enfants ayant un TSA seront plus amplement discutées.
Unheard Voices: Mothers of Adult Children With Schizophrenia Speak Up
Authors: White Catherine , Unruh Anita
Published: November 2013

The occupations of a mother are significantly disturbed or restricted when her child is diagnosed with schizophrenia. Emerging family-centred practice models consider the role of mothers as caregivers, but do not adequately address their personal needs. This qualitative study explores the occupational challenges faced by mothers as they navigate the experience, highlighting the impact of the devastating experience of having a child diagnosed with schizophrenia, and draws attention to the need for improved methods of knowledge translation if research findings are to better guide services for them.
L'expérience de mères étudiantes monoparentales de minorités visibles fréquentant l'université: facteurs liés à l'adaptation psychosociale et à la persistance académique
Authors: Valiquette-Tessier Sophie-Claire , Gosselin Julie
Published: November 2013

La recherche psychologique sur l'expérience universitaire des mères monoparentales de minorités visibles s'avère presque inexistante. C'est pourquoi la présente étude explore les facteurs de risque et de résilience associés à leur adaptation et leur succès scolaire, à l'aide d'une recherche participative favorisant l'utilisation de méthodes mixtes (2 questionnaires, soit la Mesure de stress psychologique et l’Échelle de satisfaction de vie, et des entrevues de groupe). Huit mères étudiantes ont participé à un premier groupe focalisé. Ces séances de discussion ont ensuite été analysées qualitativement selon l'approche phénoménologique interprétative (API). Une fois les résultats préliminaires obtenus, les participantes ont été convoquées à un second groupe focalisé pour valider ces derniers. À la lumière de ce processus de recherche participative, 2 thèmes émergent de leur discours: (a) l'expérience maternelle et (b) l'acculturation, soit l'adaptation et l'intégration à la société d'accueil et au milieu universitaire. Ces résultats ont été mis en commun avec ceux des questionnaires, révélant un faible niveau de stress psychologique et un niveau moyen de satisfaction de vie. La théorie du cours de la vie et le modèle écosystémique nous servent de cadre de référence dans l'interprétation des résultats.
Preventing Psychiatric Discharge to Homelessness
Authors: Forchuk Cheryl , Godin Mike , Hoch Jeffrey S. , Kingston-MacClure Shani , Jeng (Mo) Momodou S. , Puddy Liz , Vann Rebecca , Jensen Elsabeth
Published: November 2013

The present study assessed the effects of an intervention that was designed to provide on-site, predischarge housing assistance for psychiatric clients. Participants included clients from acute (n = 219) and tertiary (n = 32) care hospital sites. Data were collected from hospital and shelter databases. Results revealed that in the majority of cases, the intervention reduced the number of individuals discharged to homelessness or no fixed address. In addition, the costs of implementing and maintaining the intervention were less than the increased medical costs associated with homelessness and housing individuals in shelters.
Quality, Spending, Utilization, and Outcomes Among Dual-Eligible Medicare-Medicaid Beneficiaries in Integrated Care Programs
Authors: Roberts Eric T. , Duggan Ciara , Stein Rebekah , Jonnadula Sriya , Johnston Kenton J. , Figueroa José F.
Published: July 2024

Importance

Most dual-eligible Medicare-Medicaid beneficiaries are enrolled in bifurcated insurance programs that pay for different components of care. Therefore, policymakers are prioritizing expansion of integrated care plans (ICPs) that manage both Medicare and Medicaid benefits and spending.

Objective

To review evidence of the association between ICPs and health care spending, quality, utilization, and patient outcomes among dual-eligible beneficiaries.

Evidence Review

A search was conducted of PubMed/MEDLINE (January 1, 2010, through November 1, 2023) and Google Scholar (January 1, 2010, through October 1, 2023) and augmented with reports from US federal and state government websites. Three categories of ICPs were evaluated: Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), Medicare-Medicaid Plans (MMPs), and Fully Integrated Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (FIDE-SNPs) and related models aligning Medicare and Medicaid coverage. The review included studies that evaluated beneficiaries dually eligible for and enrolled in full Medicaid; compared an ICP to a nonintegrated arrangement; and evaluated utilization, spending, care coordination, patient experience, or health for 100 or more beneficiaries.

Findings

In all, 26 ICP evaluations met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis: 5 of PACE, 13 of MMPs, and 8 of FIDE-SNPs and other aligned models. Evidence generally showed associated reductions in long-term nursing home stays in PACE (3 of 4 studies) and FIDE-SNPs and related aligned models (3 of 5 studies) but was mixed in evaluations of MMPs. Four of 9 studies of MMPs and 2 of 3 studies of FIDE-SNPs found higher outpatient use, although other studies showed no difference. Evidence on Medicaid spending was limited, whereas 8 of 10 studies of MMPs showed an association between these plans and higher Medicare spending. Evidence was mixed or inconclusive regarding care coordination and hospitalizations, and it was insufficient to evaluate patient satisfaction, health, and outcomes in beneficiary subgroups (eg, those with serious mental illness). Furthermore, studies had limited ability to control for bias from unmeasured differences between enrollees of ICPs compared with nonintegrated models.

Conclusions and Relevance

This systematic review found variability and gaps in evidence regarding ICPs and spending, quality, utilization, and outcomes. Studies found some ICPs were associated with reductions in long-term nursing home admissions, and several identified increases in outpatient care. However, MMPs were primarily associated with higher Medicare spending. Evidence for other outcomes was limited or inconclusive. Research addressing these evidence gaps is needed to guide ongoing efforts to integrate coverage and care for dual-eligible beneficiaries.
Diagnosing Solid Lesions in the Pancreas With Multimodal Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Cui Haochen , Zhao Yuchong , Xiong Si , Feng Yunlu , Li Peng , Lv Ying , Chen Qian , Wang Ronghua , Xie Pengtao , Luo Zhenlong , Cheng Sideng , Wang Wujun , Li Xing , Xiong Dingkun , Cao Xinyuan , Bai Shuya , Yang Aiming , Cheng Bin
Published: July 2024

Importance

Diagnosing solid lesions in the pancreas via endoscopic ultrasonographic (EUS) images is challenging. Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to help with such diagnosis, but existing AI models focus solely on a single modality.

Objective

To advance the clinical diagnosis of solid lesions in the pancreas through developing a multimodal AI model integrating both clinical information and EUS images.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this randomized crossover trial conducted from January 1 to June 30, 2023, from 4 centers across China, 12 endoscopists of varying levels of expertise were randomly assigned to diagnose solid lesions in the pancreas with or without AI assistance. Endoscopic ultrasonographic images and clinical information of 439 patients from 1 institution who had solid lesions in the pancreas between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2022, were collected to train and validate the joint-AI model, while 189 patients from 3 external institutions were used to evaluate the robustness and generalizability of the model.

Intervention

Conventional or AI-assisted diagnosis of solid lesions in the pancreas.

Main Outcomes and Measures

In the retrospective dataset, the performance of the joint-AI model was evaluated internally and externally. In the prospective dataset, diagnostic performance of the endoscopists with or without the AI assistance was compared.

Results

The retrospective dataset included 628 patients (400 men [63.7%]; mean [SD] age, 57.7 [27.4] years) who underwent EUS procedures. A total of 130 patients (81 men [62.3%]; mean [SD] age, 58.4 [11.7] years) were prospectively recruited for the crossover trial. The area under the curve of the joint-AI model ranged from 0.996 (95% CI, 0.993-0.998) in the internal test dataset to 0.955 (95% CI, 0.940-0.968), 0.924 (95% CI, 0.888-0.955), and 0.976 (95% CI, 0.942-0.995) in the 3 external test datasets, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of novice endoscopists was significantly enhanced with AI assistance (0.69 [95% CI, 0.61-0.76] vs 0.90 [95% CI, 0.83-0.94]; P < .001), and the supplementary interpretability information alleviated the skepticism of the experienced endoscopists.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this randomized crossover trial of diagnosing solid lesions in the pancreas with or without AI assistance, the joint-AI model demonstrated positive human-AI interaction, which suggested its potential to facilitate a clinical diagnosis. Nevertheless, future randomized clinical trials are warranted.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05476978
Utilizing thalamic deep brain stimulation for an electronic seizure diary in a definite sudden unexpected death in epilepsy case
Authors: Suresh Surya , Vakilna Yash , Vashin Vladimir , Lhatoo Samden , Pati Sandipan
Published: July 2024

Objective

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a serious threat to individuals with intractable epilepsies, contributing to premature mortality. Understanding the elusive pathophysiological mechanisms of SUDEP, especially in cases without observable terminal events, remains a crucial area for investigation. This study aimed to shed light on the burden of epileptiform activity preceding SUDEP by utilizing an automated electronic seizure diary derived from a sensing‐enabled thalamic deep brain stimulator (DBS).

Methods

Herein, we present the case of a 57‐year‐old man afflicted with intractable multifocal epilepsy secondary to cortical dysplasia and encephalomalacia resulting from severe traumatic brain injury. Despite an initial successful resection and subsequent resurgence of seizures necessitating DBS treatment, the patient tragically succumbed to SUDEP.

Results

In‐depth analysis of the patient's electronic seizure diary, complemented by data from the sensing‐enabled DBS, unveiled a terminal electrographic seizure. Notably, we observed a significant increase in power within specific frequency bands recorded from the thalamus preceding the terminal event. Furthermore, these heightened band power events displayed a discernible temporal clustering pattern, primarily manifesting during specific morning and evening hours. An autopsy conclusively confirmed the diagnosis of definite SUDEP.

Interpretation

This unique case report underscores the feasibility of harnessing thalamic DBS sensing capabilities to monitor seizure burden and, potentially, to tailor interventions aimed at reducing seizure frequency and associated mortality risks.
A Guide to Understanding Mendelian Randomization Studies
Authors: Nguyen Kevin , Mitchell Braxton D.
Published: July 2024

Epidemiology provides a powerful framework for characterizing exposure–disease relationships, but its utility for making causal inferences is limited because epidemiologic data are observational in nature and subject to biases stemming from undetected confounding variables and reverse causation. Mendelian randomization (MR) is an increasingly popular method used to circumvent these limitations. MR uses genetic variants, or instruments, as a natural experiment to proxy an exposure, thus allowing estimation of causal effects upon an outcome that are minimally affected by the usual biases present in epidemiologic studies. Notably, MR relies on three core assumptions related to the selection of the genetic instruments, and adherence to these assumptions must be carefully evaluated to assess the validity of the causal estimates. The goal of this review is to provide readers with a basic understanding of MR studies and how to read and evaluate them. Specifically, we outline the basics of how MR analysis is conducted, the assumptions underlying instrument selection, and how to assess the quality of MR studies.
Machine‐Learning Aided First‐Principles Prediction of Earth‐Abundant Pnictogen Chalcohalide Solid Solutions for Solar‐Cell Devices
Authors: López Cibrán , Caño Ivan , Rovira David , Benítez Pol , Asensi José Miguel , Jehl Zacharie , Tamarit Josep‐Lluís , Saucedo Edgardo , Cazorla Claudio
Published: July 2024

Discovering novel families of materials composed of earth‐abundant elements and characterized by non‐toxicity, high thermodynamic stability, and simple low‐temperature synthesis processes, is paramount for the advancement of urgently needed energy storage and conversion technologies. Pnictogen chalcohalides, represented by the general formula ABC (A = Bi, Sb; B = S, Se; C = I, Br), emerge as a promising class of energy materials particularly well‐suited for photovoltaic applications. However, the compositional landscape of BixSb1 − xSySe1 − yIzBr1 − z is vast and remains largely unexplored, with traditional experimental and theoretical exploration techniques facing limitations in covering the entire solid‐solution range due to their labor‐intensive and time‐consuming nature. Here, an integrated bottom‐up approach that combines first‐principles calculations, machine learning models, experiments, and device optimizations is introduced to provide a comprehensive fundamental understanding of pnictogen chalcohalides with arbitrary composition and to expedite the design of high‐performance multi‐junction solar cells. The synergistic investigations unveil a broad and continuous spectrum of bandgaps and optical absorption coefficients ranging from 1.2 to 2.1 eV and from 2.5 · 105 to 6.6 · 105 cm−1, respectively, across a wide variety of thermodynamically stable compounds. Additionally, a tandem BiSBr–BiSeI device is identified as an optimal multi‐junction solar cell, exhibiting a maximum short‐circuit current density of 18.65 mA cm−2 under intensity‐matching conditions. The introduced bottom‐up materials design approach may facilitate an unprecedented and rapid translation of basic knowledge into the most demanded solar cell applications.
Dual‐Functional Nanodroplet for Tumor Vasculature Ultrasound Imaging and Tumor Immunosuppressive Microenvironment Remodeling
Authors: Liang Yuan , Zhang Siyan , Wang Dingyi , Ji Panpan , Zhang Bin , Wu Pengying , Wang Lantian , Liu Zhaoyou , Wang Jia , Duan Yunyou , Yuan Lijun
Published: July 2024

Accurately evaluating tumor neoangiogenesis and conducting precise interventions toward an immune‐favorable microenvironment are of significant clinical importance. In this study, a novel nanodroplet termed as the nanodroplet‐based ultrasound contrast agent and therapeutic (NDsUCA/Tx) is designed for ultrasound imaging and precise interventions of tumor neoangiogenesis. Briefly, the NDsUCA/Tx shell is constructed from an engineered CMs containing the tumor antigen, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1) extracellular domain 2–3, and CD93 ligand multimerin 2. The core is composed of perfluorohexane and the immune adjuvant R848. After injection, NDsUCA/Tx is found to be enriched in the tumor vasculature with high expression of CD93. When triggered by ultrasound, the perfluorohexane in NDsUCA/Tx underwent acoustic droplet vaporization and generated an enhanced ultrasound signal. Some microbubbles exploded and the resultant debris (with tumor antigen and R848) together with the adsorbed VEGF are taken up by nearby cells. This cleared the local VEGF for vascular normalization, and also served as a vaccine to activate the immune response. Using a syngeneic mouse model, the satisfactory performance of NDsUCA/Tx in tumor vasculature imaging and immune activation is confirmed. Thus, a multifunctional NDsUCA/Tx is successfully developed for molecular imaging of tumor neoangiogenesis and precise remodeling of the tumor microenvironment.
1H pulsed NMR measurement of reactivity of silane coupling agents for conservation of cultural heritage sites
Authors: Nakamura Yoshinobu , Takenaka Ayuna , Sakai Hinari , Ikeda Asuha , Tsuruta Hiroaki , Yasumuro Yoshihiro , Suemori Kaoru , Suita Hiroshi , Uetsuji Yasutomo , Moriuchi‐Kawakami Takayo , Hirai Tomoyasu , Fujii Syuji
Published: July 2024

The network structure and reactivity of suitable restoration agent consisting of silane coupling agents (SCAs) of the brittle walls of a cultural heritage site located underground in a desert area in Egypt were investigated using 1H pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance (pulse NMR). It should possess both high coagulation strength and ductility to ensure that it can withstand an earthquake; it should also contain ethoxy rather than methoxy groups, which generate toxic methanol. The solidification rate for the SCA or oligomer with ethoxy groups was lower than those with methoxy groups; however, the final polycondensates showed the same relaxation time (hardness). The difference spectrum was developed newly to analyze the network structure combined higher strength and ductility. The distribution of crosslinking degree of such polycondensates was narrow, and the amount of lower crosslinking degree was small. On the other hand, the distribution was wide in the polycondensates with ductility but lower strength. From the compression tests of model sand solidified with the restoration agent for both methoxy and ethoxy types showed the superior properties combined higher strength and ductility. The pulse NMR experiment was useful for estimating the solidification rate and the network structure.
Waste nylon fishing net fiber incorporated natural rubber composites as a remedy for waste reusing into a value‐added material
Authors: Thilakarathne K. N. D. , Premachandra J. K. , Mudiyanselage T. Kuruwita
Published: July 2024

This study focuses on reusing the waste fishing nets with natural rubber (NR) to create a value‐added composite material. WNF fibers at different loadings (2, 4, and 6 phr) and lengths (2, 3, 5, and 7 mm) were investigated for a general tire formulation. The anisotropic nature of WNF was evident in tear strength, with optimal results for 2 mm, 2 phr fiber loading. It displayed 15.87% improvement longitudinally compared with the control. Further, it displayed improved 5.55% hardness, whereas resilience, abrasion volume loss, and tensile strength were decreased. In the second stage, these fibers treated with KOH (2%, 6%, and 10%) with the expectation of enhancing the mechanical properties. The 2% KOH‐treated sample presented a significant escalation in hardness (+12.50%), resilience (+6.25%), abrasion volume loss (+3.63%), tear strength (+17.23%), and tensile strength (+8.20%) as of the control. Partial replacement of carbon black (CB) with 2% KOH treated 2 mm 2 phr WNF was evaluated. A 9% of CB in rubber compound was easily supersede by WNF. Our findings indicated that WNF fibers could be reuse as a filler in rubber composite where special property enhancements are advantageous in tire technology.
Model‐based interspecies interpretation of botulinum neurotoxin type A on muscle‐contraction inhibition
Authors: Ryu Hyo‐jeong , Kwak Seongsung , Park Misun , Yun Hwi‐yeol
Published: July 2024

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are commonly used in therapeutic and cosmetic applications. One such neurotoxin, BoNT type A (BoNT/A), has been studied widely for its effects on muscle function and contraction. Despite the importance of BoNT/A products, determining the blood concentrations of these toxins can be challenging. To address this, researchers have focused on pharmacodynamic (PD) markers, including compound muscle action potential (CMAP) and digit abduction scoring (DAS). In this study, we aimed to develop a probabilistic kinetic‐pharmacodynamic (K‐PD) model to interpret CMAP and DAS data obtained from mice and rats during the development of BoNT/A products. The researchers also wanted to gain a better understanding of how the estimated parameters from the model relate to the bridging of animal models to human responses. We used female Institute of Cancer Research mice and Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats to measure CMAP and DAS levels over 32 weeks after administering BoNT/A. We developed a muscle‐contraction inhibition model using a virtual pharmacokinetic (PK) compartment combined with an indirect response model and performed model diagnostics using goodness‐of‐fit analysis, visual predictive checks (VPC), and bootstrap analysis. The CMAP and DAS profiles were dose‐dependent, with recovery times varying depending on the administered dose. The final K‐PD model effectively characterized the data and provided insights into species‐specific differences in the PK and PD parameters. Overall, this study demonstrated the utility of PK‐PD modeling in understanding the effects of BoNT/A and provides a foundation for future research on other BoNT/A products.
Estimates and measurements of radiofrequency exposures in smart‐connected homes
Authors: Joyner Kenneth , Milligan Michael , Knipe Phillip
Published: July 2024

The aim of this research was to quantify the levels of radiofrequency electromagnetic energy (RF‐EME) in a residential home/apartment equipped with a range of wireless devices, often referred to as internet of things (IoT) devices or smart devices and subsequently develop a tool that could be useful for estimating the levels of RF‐EME in a domestic environment. Over the course of 3 years measurements were performed in peoples' homes on a total of 43 devices across 16 device categories. Another 12 devices were measured in detail in a laboratory setup. In all a total of 55 individual devices across 23 device categories were measured. Based on this measurement data we developed predictive software that showed that even with a single device in 23 device categories operating near maximum they would, in total, produce exposures at a distance of 1 m of 0.17% of the ICNIRP (2020) public exposure limits. Measurements were also made in two separate smart apartments—one contained over 50 IoT devices and a second with over 100 IoT devices with the devices driven as hard as could reasonably be achieved. The respective 6‐min average exposure level recorded were 0.0077% and 0.44% of the ICNIRP (2020) 30‐min average public exposure limit.
Genotoxic stress impacts pre‐mRNA 3′‐end processing
Authors: Biswas Biswendu , Vagner Stéphan
Published: July 2024

Genotoxic stress, arising from various environmental sources and endogenous cellular processes, pose a constant threat to genomic stability. Cells have evolved intricate mechanisms to detect and repair DNA damage, orchestrating a robust genotoxic stress response to safeguard the integrity of the genome. Recent research has shed light on the crucial role of co‐ and post‐transcriptional regulatory mechanisms in modulating the cellular response to genotoxic stress. Here we highlight recent advances illustrating the intricate interplay between pre‐mRNA processing, with a focus on 3′‐end processing, and genotoxic stress response.
Quality of care for dual eligible beneficiaries in the oncology care model
Authors: Liang Xinyu , Zhu Ziwei , Faraj Kassem , Shahinian Vahakn B. , Hollenbeck Brent K. , Herrel Lindsey A.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Dual eligible beneficiaries are a vulnerable population who often experience inferior access to care and outcomes compared to non‐dual eligible beneficiaries. The Oncology Care Model (OCM) is an alternative payment model that aims to improve coordination and quality of care in beneficiaries receiving chemotherapy and thus may improve care for dual eligible beneficiaries with cancer.

Methods

We used 100% Medicare claims data from 2014 through 2019 and included beneficiaries with bladder, breast, esophageal, colorectal, kidney, lung, pancreatic, or prostate cancer receiving chemotherapy. We constructed multivariable difference‐in‐differences regression models to evaluate the effect of OCM participation on healthcare utilization and quality of care at the end‐of‐life among dual eligible beneficiaries. We also compared healthcare utilization and quality of care outcomes to non‐dual eligible beneficiaries.

Results

We identified 3,043,944 episodes of care among 1,260,892 unique Medicare beneficiaries. Ten percent of all beneficiaries (n = 126,758) were dual eligible and 64,087 (22%) of episodes among dual eligible patients were in an OCM participating practice. We noted no effect of OCM participation on healthcare utilization or end‐of‐life quality of care for dual eligible beneficiaries. However, we observed higher rates of hospitalization, emergency department visits, intensive care unit stays, and a lower number of office visits among dual eligible beneficiaries compared to non‐dual eligible beneficiaries.

Conclusions

Participation in OCM was not associated with improvements in quality of care or healthcare utilization for dual eligible beneficiaries. Dual eligible beneficiaries experience lower quality of care across several measures compared to non‐dual eligible beneficiaries. Focused policies and incentives may be necessary to address disparities within emerging health reforms.
Noninvasive prediction of CCL2 expression level in high‐grade glioma patients
Authors: Zhou Qingqing , Wang Yamei , Zhang Qing , Wei XiaoMing , Yao Yuan , Xia Liang
Published: July 2024

Background

Gliomas are recognized as the most frequent type of malignancies in the central nervous system, and efficacious prognostic indicators are essential to treat patients with gliomas and improve their clinical outcomes. The chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) is a promising predictor for glioma malignancy and progression. However, at present, the methods to evaluate CCL2 expression level are invasive and operator‐dependent.

Objective

It was expected to noninvasively predict CCL2 expression levels in malignant glioma tissues by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐based radiomics and assess the association between the developed radiomics model and prognostic indicators and related genes.

Methods

MRI‐based radiomics was used to predict CCL2 expression level using data obtained from The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. A support vector machine (SVM)‐based radiomics model and a logistic regression (LR)‐based radiomics model were used to predict the radiomics score, and its correlation with CCL2 expression level was analyzed.

Results

The results revealed that there was an association between CCL2 expression level and the overall survival of cases with gliomas, and bioinformatics correlation analysis showed that CCL2 expression level was highly correlated with disease‐related pathways, such as mTOR signaling pathway, cGMP‐PKG signaling pathway, and MAPK signaling pathway. Both SVM‐ and LR‐based radiomics data robustly predicted CCL2 expression level, and radiomics scores could also be used to predict the overall survival of patients. Moreover, the high/low radiomics scores were highly correlated with the known glioma‐related genes, including CD70, CD27, and PDCD1.

Conclusion

An MRI‐based radiomics model was successfully developed, and its clinical benefits were confirmed, including the prediction of CCL2 expression level and patients' prognosis.
Select gene mutations associated with survival outcomes in ER‐positive ERBB2‐negative early‐stage invasive breast cancer: A single‐institutional tissue bank study
Authors: Kok Victor C. , Huang To‐Yu , Hsu Yi‐Chiung , Chang Yuan‐Ching , Yang Po‐Sheng
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The prognostic capability of targeted sequencing of primary tumors in patients with estrogen receptor‐positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor‐2‐negative early‐stage invasive breast cancer (EBC) in a real‐world setting is uncertain. Therefore, we aimed to determine the correlation between a 22‐gene mutational profile and long‐term survival outcomes in patients with ER+/ERBB2‐ EBC.

Patients and Methods

A total of 73 women diagnosed with ER+/ERBB2‐ EBC between January 10, 2004, and June 2, 2008, were followed up until December 31, 2022. Univariate and multivariate Cox models were constructed to plot the relapse‐free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). The log‐rank test derived p‐value was obtained. For external validation, we performed a survival analysis of 1163 comparable patients retrieved from the Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC) dataset.

Results

At follow‐up, 16 (21.9%) patients had relapsed, while 21 (nearly 29%) harbored mutant genes. Thirty‐three missense mutations were detected in 14 genes. The median ages were 51 and 46 years in patients with and without mutations, respectively. Patients with any mutation had a 1.85‐fold higher risk of relapse (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.85, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.60–5.69) compared to those without any mutation. Patients who harbored any of the six genes (MAP2K4, FGFR3, APC, KIT, RB1, and PTEN) had a nearly 6‐fold increase in the risk of relapse (HR: 5.82, 95% CI: 1.31–18.56; p = 0.0069). Multivariate Cox models revealed that the adjusted HR for RFS and OS were 6.67 (95% CI: 1.32–27.57) and 8.31 (p = 0.0443), respectively. METABRIC analysis also demonstrated a trend to significantly worse RFS (p = 0.0576) in the subcohort grouped by having a mutation in any of the six genes.

Conclusions

Our single‐institution tissue bank study of Taiwanese women with ER+/ERBB2‐ EBC suggests that a novel combination of six gene mutations might have prognostic capability for survival outcomes.
Students create prize‐winning app to improve campus safety
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: July 2024

Four students from the University of Nevada, Reno, created, for their senior project, programmed an app designed to help women feel safer on campus. Kathleen Scafidi, Anna Desorcy, Michael Munakash, and Kurtis Bertouche were all computer science majors when they created the app Ur Next Route.
Solvent Effect on Dative and Ionic Bond Strengths: A Unified Theory from Potential Analysis and Valence‐Bond Computations
Authors: Peng Xinru , Li Jiayao , Fan Yakun , Wang Xubin , Yin Shiwei , Wang Changwei , Mo Yirong
Published: July 2024

Solvent molecules interact with a solute through various intermolecular forces. Here we employed a potential energy surface (PES) analysis to interpret the solvent‐induced variations in the strengths of dative (Me3NBH3) and ionic (LiCl) bonds, which possess both ionic and covalent (neutral) characteristics. The change of a bond is driven by the gradient (force) of the solvent‐solute interaction energy with respect to the focused bond length. Positive force shortens the bond length and increases the bond force constant, leading to a blue‐shift of the bond stretching vibrational frequency upon solvation. Conversely, negative force elongates the bond, resulting in a reduced bond force constant and red‐shift of the stretching vibrational frequency. The different responses of Me3NBH3 and LiCl to solvation are studied with valence bond (VB) theory, as Me3NBH3 and LiCl are dominated by the neutral covalent VB structure and the ionic VB structure, respectively. The dipole moment of an ionic VB structure increases along the increasing bond distance, while the dipole moment of a neutral covalent VB structure increases with the decreasing bond distance. The roles of the dominating VB structures are further examined by the geometry optimizations and frequency calculations with the block‐localized wavefunction (BLW) method.
Neutral and Anion Species of Quinoidal Thienothiophene Diketopyrrolopyrroles Display a Common Aggregation Mode
Authors: Quintero Sergio Moles , Álvaro-Martins Maria João , Aranda Daniel , Zheng Yonghao , Aragó Juan , Ortí Enrique , Sastre Angela , Casado Juan
Published: July 2024

A comprehensive investigation of two new molecular triads incorporating the diketopyrrolopyrrole unit into a quinoidized thienothiophene skeleton, which is further end‐capped with dicyanomethylene (DPP‐TT‐CN) or phenoxyl groups (DPP‐TT‐PhO), has been carried out. A combination of UV‐Vis‐NIR and infrared spectroelectrochemical techniques and cryogenic UV‐Vis‐NIR absorption spectroscopy supported by theoretical calculations has been used. The main result is the formation of similar H‐aggregates in the dimerization process of the neutral molecules and of the charged anionic species. The experimental absorption spectra of the aggregated species are accurately reproduced by quantum chemical calculations using the Spano’s model, including excitonic coupling for the dimeric forms and full vibronic resolution of the absorption bands. The strong excitonic coupling taking place is key to understand the electronic structure of the dimeric aggregates and has been instrumental to disentangle the type of H‐aggregation. This study is of relevance to get a better understanding of the molecular aggregation of organic p‐conjugated chromophores and is useful as a guideline for the refinement of the engineering of molecular materials for which supramolecular design is required.
Spatial–temporal patterns of fish trophic guilds in a freshwater river wetland ecosystem of northeastern China
Authors: Sun Xu , Wang Kai , Zhang Ge , Ren Han , Yu Hongxian
Published: July 2024

Muling River, situated amidst cultivated lands in Heilongjiang Province, northeastern China, has long been subjected to sand‐digging activities, resulting in severe damage to its riverbed. However, little research has been conducted on the impact of this disturbance on the status of fish community structure and trophic guilds in this river. In this study, environmental factors, fish community structure, and fish trophic guild biomass distribution patterns from the Muling River basin were investigated among seasons (spring, summer, and autumn) and sections (upper, middle, and lower stream) in 2015 and 2017. During the six sampling times periods, 46 species of five orders and 12 families of fish were classified into seven trophic guilds. Fish species number and biomass were higher upper reaches of the watershed. The insectivores (16.26%), phytoplanktivores (10.09%), benthivores (40.17%), and omnivores (11.86%) were the dominant trophic guilds. We found that fish trophic guilds biomass and environmental factors such as transparency, water depth, pH value, total phosphorus, and chemical oxygen demand were highest in the upper section compared to other sections. Variation partitioning revealed that fish trophic guilds biomass was influenced more by environmental factors (61.2%), followed by section (0.7%) and season (0.1%). Partial RDA ordination showed that fish trophic guilds were positively correlated with water depth and transparency, while negative with turbidity. This study underscores the importance of considering trophic guilds of freshwater fishes to inform management strategies in regions experiencing significant environmental change.
Comparative life‐history responses of lacewings to changes in temperature
Authors: Serediuk Hanna , Jackson John , Evers Sanne Maria , Paniw Maria
Published: July 2024

Insects play a crucial role in all ecosystems, and are increasingly exposed to higher in temperature extremes under climate change, which can have substantial effects on their abundances. However, the effects of temperature on changes in abundances or population fitness are filtered through differential responses of life‐history components, such as survival, reproduction, and development, to their environment. Such differential responses, or trade‐offs, have been widely studied in birds and mammals, but comparative studies on insects are largely lacking, limiting our understanding of key mechanisms that may buffer or exacerbate climate‐change effects across insect species. Here, we performed a systematic literature review of the ecological studies of lacewings (Neuroptera), predatory insects that play a crucial role in ecosystem pest regulation, to investigate the impact of temperature on life cycle dynamics across species. We found quantitative information, linking stage‐specific survival, development, and reproduction to temperature variation, for 62 species from 39 locations. We then performed a metanalysis calculating sensitives to temperature across life‐history processes for all publications. We found that developmental times consistently decreased with temperature for all species. Survival and reproduction however showed a weaker response to temperature, and temperature sensitivities varied substantially among species. After controlling for the effect of temperature on life‐history processes, the latter covaried consistently across two main axes of variation related to instar and pupae development, suggesting the presence of life‐history trade‐offs. Our work provides new information that can help generalize life‐history responses of insects to temperature, which can then expand comparative demographic and climate‐change research. We also discuss important remaining knowledge gaps, such as a better assessment of adult survival and diapause.
Influence of tree size on the scaling relationships of lamina and petiole traits: A case study using Camptotheca acuminata Decne
Authors: Chen Long , He Ke , Shi Peijian , Lian Meng , Yao Weihao , Niklas Karl J.
Published: July 2024

There is a lack of research on whether tree size affects lamina and petiole biomass allocation patterns, whereas the trade‐off between leaf biomass allocated to the lamina and the petiole is of significance when considering the hydraulic and mechanical function of the leaf as a whole. Here, Camptotheca acuminata Decne was selected for study because of the availability of trees differing in size growing under the same conditions. A total of 600 leaves for two tree size groups and 300 leaves per group differing in height and trunk diameter were collected. The lamina fresh mass (LFM), lamina dry mass (LDM), lamina area (LA), petiole fresh mass (PFM), and petiole length (PL) of each leaf was measured, and reduced major axis regression protocols were used to determine the scaling relationships among the five functional traits. The bootstrap percentile method was used to determine if the scaling exponents of the traits differed significantly between the two tree size groups. The results indicated that (i) there was a significant difference in the LFM, LDM, PFM, PL, LMA, LFMA and PFM/LFM between large and small trees, but no significant difference in LA; (ii) the LA versus LFM, LA versus LDM, LFM versus PFM, LA versus PFM, and PL versus PFM scaling relationships of the two groups were allometric (i.e., not isometric); (iii) there were significant differences in the scaling exponents of LA versus LFM, LA versus PFM, PL versus PFM between the two groups, but there was no significant difference in the LFM versus PFM scaling relationship between the two groups of trees. The data were also consistent with the phenomenon known as “diminishing returns”. These data indicate that tree size influences leaf biomass allocation patterns in ways that can potentially influence overall plant growth, and therefore have an important bearing on life‐history strategies.
Reverse aging to treat lupus
Authors: Pan Wenliang , Tsokos George C.
Published: July 2024

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease with multifaceted pathogenetic processes, including abnormalities of T‐cell subset distribution and function. Accumulation of senescent CD4+ T cells has been found to contribute to the development of the disease. In this issue, Jiang et al. provide compelling evidence that links an expanded pool of CD4+CD57+ senescent T cells in patients with SLE to disease activity favored by interleukin‐15. Importantly, treatment of lupus‐prone mice with a senolytic drug resulted in decreased autoimmune pathology. The findings of this study suggest possible novel therapeutics to treat patients with SLE.
Asymmetric Synthesis of Helicenes from Centrally Chiral Precursors
Authors: Yang Hui , Feng Hong‐Xia , Zhou Ling
Published: July 2024

Chiral helicenes are widely used in fields related to organic materials and molecular machines relevant molecules, as well as serving as privileged frameworks for chiral ligands and catalysts. Therefore, the research into asymmetric routes for the synthesis of chiral helical compounds has garnered significant interest in recent years. In this regard, chirality conversion/transfer from chiral precursors has emerged as a powerful strategy for the construction of chiral helicenes, allowing the synthesis of various types of chiral helical compounds. This strategy has become and will remain a prominent research topic in the field of asymmetric synthesis. In this review article, described between 2012 and 2024, the approaches for the synthesis of chiral helicenes by chirality conversion or transfer from centrally chiral precursors are summarized.
Rosemary‐Mediated Green Synthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles and their Integration into Hydrogel Matrices: Evaluating Effects on Wheat Growth and Antibacterial Properties
Authors: Uysal Yağmur , Görkem Doğaroğlu Zeynep , Çaylali Zehranur , Karakulak Delil Sefkan
Published: July 2024

In this study, the impact of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO‐NPs) generated using rosemary extract, synthesized using environmentally friendly processes and integrated into a cross‐linked polymer matrix, on growth performance of wheat is evaluated. Rosemary extract used as coating, stabilizing, and reducing agents in this green synthesis method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses demonstrated the presence of phytochemical constituents of the plant extract that served as capping agents during the synthesis process. The nanoparticles are sprayed to the plant leaves. The effects of nanoparticles within the hydrogel on plant development are compared with the effects of nanoparticles in suspension. The percentage of seed germination is unaffected by either rosemary‐ or raw‐ZnO‐NPs; however, the root and shoot elongation are considerably impacted by the nanoparticle treatments. The threshold concentrations are determined as 3000 mg L−1 for rosemary‐ZnO‐NPs and 2000 mg L−1 for raw‐ZnO‐NPs. Additionally, antibacterial test results showed that the activity level on Escherichia coli is higher for rosemary‐ZnO‐NPs compared to raw‐ZnO‐NPs. The results of this research may provide guidance on how green synthesis methods and the use of nanoparticle‐hydrogel composites in plant breeding can be used in future agricultural applications. This can be considered an important step in terms of agricultural innovations and sustainability.
“Will you need this health at all? Will you be alive?”: using the bioecological model of mass trauma to understand HIV care experiences during the war in Ukraine
Authors: Owczarzak Jill , Monton Olivia , Fuller Shannon , Burlaka Julia , Kiriazova Tetiana , Morozova Olga , Dumchev Kostyantyn
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has severely impacted the healthcare system, including the provision of HIV care. The ongoing war is a human‐caused mass trauma, a severe ecological and psychosocial disruption that greatly exceeds the coping capacity of the community. The bioecological model of mass trauma builds on Bronfenbrenner's concept of interaction between nested systems to argue that social context determines the impact of life events on the individual and how an individual responds. This paper uses the bioecological model of mass trauma to explore the impact of Russia's aggression against Ukraine and the ongoing war on HIV‐positive people who use drugs in Ukraine, a particularly vulnerable population that may be negatively affected by disruptions to social networks, healthcare infrastructure and economic conditions caused by mass trauma.

Methods

Data were collected between September and November 2022. A convenience sample of 18 HIV‐positive people who use drugs were recruited from community organizations that work with people living with HIV, drug treatment programmes, and HIV clinics through direct recruitment and participant referral. A total of nine men and nine women were recruited; the age ranged from 33 to 62 years old (mean = 46.44). Participants completed a single interview that explored how the war had affected their daily lives and access to HIV care and other medical services; their relationships with healthcare providers and social workers; and medication access, supply and adherence. Data were analysed using the Framework Method for thematic analysis.

Results

The war had a profound impact on the social, emotional and financial support networks of participants. Changes in social networks, coupled with limited job opportunities and rising prices, intensified financial difficulties for participants. Relocating to different regions of Ukraine, staying at somebody else's home, and losing connections with social workers impacted medication adherence and created lengthy treatment gaps. Participants also experienced a decreased supply of antiretroviral therapy, concerns about accessing medication for opioid use disorder, and overwhelming fears associated with the war, which overshadowed their HIV‐related health concerns and negatively impacted medication adherence.

Conclusions

Our analysis reveals the complex impact of war on social networks and healthcare access. Maintaining support networks and competent healthcare providers will be essential amid the ongoing war.