bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The primate‐specific presence of interferon regulatory factor‐5 pseudogene 1
Authors: Marquis Avery , Hubing Vanessa , Ziemann Chanasei , Moriyama Etsuko N. , Zhang Luwen
Published: August 2024

Interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) is a key transcription factor in inflammatory and immune responses, with its dysregulation linked to autoimmune diseases. Using bioinformatic approaches, including Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) for sequence similarity searches, BLAST‐Like Alignment Tool (BLAT) for genome‐wide alignments, and several phylogenetics software, such as Multiple Alignment using Fast Fourier Transform (MAFFT), for phylogenetic analyses, we characterized the structure, origin, and evolutionary history of the human IRF5 pseudogene 1 (IRF5P1). Our analyses reveal that IRF5P1 is a chimeric processed pseudogene containing sequences derived from multiple sources, including IRF5‐like sequences from disparate organisms. We find that IRF5P1 is specific to higher primates, likely originating through an ancient retroviral integration event approximately 60 million years ago. Interestingly, IRF5P1 resides within the triple QxxK/R motif‐containing (TRIQK) gene, and its antisense strand is predominantly expressed as part of the TRIQK pre‐messenger RNA (mRNA). Analysis of publicly available RNA‐seq data suggests potential expression of antisense IRF5P1 RNA. We hypothesize that this antisense RNA may regulate IRF5 expression through complementary binding to IRF5 mRNA, with human genetic variants potentially modulating this interaction. The conservation of IRF5P1 in the primate lineage suggests its positive effects on primate evolution and innate immunity. This study highlights the importance of investigating pseudogenes and their potential regulatory roles in shaping lineage‐specific immune adaptations.
Prevalence of atrial fibrillation based on tertiary hospital survey in Indonesia: A smartphone‐based diagnosis
Authors: Yuniadi Yoga , Supit Alice I. , Hanafy Dicky A. , Raharjo Sunu B. , Hermanto Dony Y. , Basalamah Faris , Hartono Benny , Agustinus Reynold , Chandranegara Agung F. , Ahmad Chaerul , Iqbal Mohammad , Tondas Alexander E. , El‐Rasyid Hauda , Haryadi Haryadi , Lukito Antonia A. , Tanubudi Daniel , Yansen Ignatius , Maharani Erika , Julario Rerdin , Rizal Ardian , Antara Putra S. , Amir Muzakkir
Published: August 2024

Objective

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common arrhythmic disorders worldwide. This study aims to describe the prevalence of AF in various cities in Indonesia using single‐lead hand held electrocardiography linked to a smartphone‐based application.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional epidemiological study conducted at tertiary hospital of major cities in Indonesia, between January 2018 and July 2019. The AliveCor Kardia™ Mobile system device was used as a screening tool for AF and confirmed its finding with clinical diagnoses made by cardiologists.

Results

A total of 9773 subjects were enrolled in this study. The prevalence of AF reported by the device and cardiologist was 3.2% and 3.5%, respectively. AF prevalences are equal in men than women. The majority of subjects (56%) are having low risk for stroke or systemic thromboembolism. Prevalence of risk factors such as heart failure, hypertension, diabetes, and history of stroke among AF patients were 50%, 22.9%, 31.9%, 13.5%, and 5.8%, respectively.

Conclusion

The prevalence of AF at referral hospitals visitors based on smartphone diagnosis in Indonesia is 3.2%.
Feature‐based molecular networking with MS2LDA to profile compounds in Lanbuzheng based on ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole Exactive Orbitrap high‐resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Kong Xixian , Tian Guanghuan , Wu Tong , Hu Shaowei , Zhao Jie , Pan Fuzhu , Liu JingTong , OuYang Yi , Tang Liying , Wu Hongwei
Published: August 2024

Lanbuzheng (Geum japonicum Thunb. var. chinense Bolle), a plant found in Southwest China, is a traditional Chinese medicine that promotes hematopoiesis and antioxidant functions. Many of its chemical constituents remain unknown, posing challenges both to understanding its pharmacological mechanisms and to conducting quality control research. In this work, ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole Exactive Orbitrap high‐resolution mass spectroscopy was used for profiling the composition of Lanbuzheng. Using positive ion mass spectrometry data enriched from Lanbuzheng extract, feature‐based molecular networking (FBMN) was constructed and associated with Mass2Motifs substructures using MS2LDA. Prediction and validation of unknown constituents of Lanbuzheng using a custom‐built compound library, SIRIUS, and network annotation propagation, achieved a semi‐automated annotation of the molecular network. Based on the custom‐built library comprising 206 compounds and the FBMN clustering results, the constituents in Lanbuzheng primarily include tannins, triterpenes, flavonoids, and phenolics. Using only 65 pre‐identified compounds as references, 210 unknown compounds were annotated in various polarity regions of Lanbuzheng. Results of the current work indicate that molecular networks enable the efficient annotation of compounds in complex systems, laying the groundwork for the preliminary identification of pharmacologically active constituents of Lanbuzheng.
Hydrophilic materials based on hydrogel polymers for enrichment of glycopeptides from serum of colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Zhang Xiqian , Wang Danni , Shao Jiahui , Mao Haijiao , Ding Chuan‐Fan , Yan Yinghua
Published: August 2024

In this work, a composite hydrogel material consisting of chitosan‐based composite hydrogel was prepared by a simple and rapid synthetic method and will be named three‐dimensional (3D)‐IL‐COF‐1@CS hydrogel. Possessing a stable 3D network structure and outstanding hydrophilicity, the novel hydrogel is capable of capturing glycopeptides. The 3D‐IL‐COF‐1@CS hydrogel showed good sensitivity (0.1 fmol/µL) and selectivity (1:2000). In addition, 19 glycopeptides were captured in standard samples. In the analysis of human serum, 148 glycopeptides assigned to 72 glycoproteins were assayed in the serum of normal individuals, and 245 glycopeptides corresponding to 100 glycoproteins were found in the serum of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. More importantly, several functional programs based on Gene Ontology analysis supported molecular biological processes that may be relevant to the pathogenesis of CRC, including aging, fibrinogen complex, and arylesterase activity. The low cost, simplicity, rapid synthesis, and good enrichment performance have a great future in glycoproteomics analysis and related diseases.
Lateral extra‐articular tenodesis at primary ACL reconstruction increases career length in professional rugby players
Authors: Borque Kyle , Ngo Dylan , Laughlin Mitzi , Ronna Brenden , Balendra Ganesh , Pinheiro Vitor Hugo , Jones Mary , Williams Andy
Published: August 2024

Purpose

To assess the effect of preoperative and surgical factors on return to play (RTP) rates and career longevity of professional rugby athletes after primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACL‐R).

Methods

A retrospective review of a consecutive cohort of professional rugby players undergoing primary ACL‐R by the senior author between 2005 and 2019 was undertaken. Athletes were included if they were under contract with a professional rugby team at the time of injury and had a minimum of 2‐year follow‐up. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine significant predictors of RTP rate, time and career longevity.

Results

One hundred and eighteen rugby players with 125 ACL‐Rs were identified. Return to professional rugby was achieved in 115/125 (92%) of cases at an average of 9.6 months and those athletes participated at the professional level for 5.9 ± 3.4 years after ACL‐R. Younger age (p = 0.006) and ACL‐R with a concomitant lateral extra‐articular tenodesis (LET) (p = 0.013) were predictors of a longer career. A Cox proportional hazards model that controlled for age revealed that athletes who underwent ACL‐R with an LET had increased career longevity compared to those with an ACL‐R without LET (hazard ratio = 2.74, p = 0.021). No factors were significantly associated with RTP rate or RTP time.

Conclusion

In professional rugby players undergoing primary ACL‐R, those having ACL‐R with a concomitant LET and younger age predicted increased career longevity. Rugby players who underwent LET at the time of ACL‐R had an 18% greater chance of still playing professionally at 5 years compared to those who underwent ACL‐R alone.

Level of Evidence

Level III.
Drug‐Induced Sleep Endoscopy Predicts Subjective Outcomes of Adenotonsillectomy
Authors: Lam Derek J. , Hildebrand Andrea , Nguyen Thuan , Quintanilla‐Dieck Lourdes , Tan Grace X. , Hargunani Chris A. , Macarthur Carol J. , Milczuk Henry A.
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Persistent obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) after adenotonsillectomy (AT) has been reported in 20%–30% of children. The aim of this study was to determine the predictive value of drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) at the time of AT on subjective AT outcomes.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study of children aged 2–18 years being treated with AT for sleep disordered breathing (SDB) with one or more risk factors for AT failure: age >7 years, obesity, severe baseline OSA, Black race. All underwent DISE at the time of AT. Potential predictors of subjective AT outcome included age, sex, obesity, and DISE patterns. Multivariable linear regression was used to model predictors of post‐AT Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) and OSA‐18 outcomes.

Results

Pre‐ and post‐AT PSQ/OSA‐18 responses were available from 194 children. Mean age was 9.3 ± 3.5 years, with 59% obese, 50% female, and 67% White. After AT, mean PSQ score decreased from 0.60 ± 0.19 to 0.28 ± 0.22, p < 0.001 and mean OSA‐18 score decreased from 66 ± 21 to 37 ± 18, p < 0.001. The most frequent sites of obstruction were the tonsils (92%), nasal airway (77%), adenoids (64%), and velopharynx (65%). Multivariable regression modeling demonstrated worse outcomes with obesity, male gender, and multilevel obstruction that included the nasal airway and tongue base in addition to adenotonsillar obstruction.

Conclusions

Persistent OSA and symptom burden after AT was common in this population. Obesity, male gender, and multilevel obstruction during DISE were all associated with worse subjective outcomes.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 2024
Use of Ultra‐Short Echo Time MRI to Improve Temporal Bone Imaging
Authors: Kaufman A.C. , Fu F. , Martinez M.C. , Fischbein N. , Popelka G.R. , Butts Pauly K. , Blevins N.H.
Published: August 2024

Objective

The short T2 nature of cortical bone causes it to appear similar to air on MR, forcing clinicians to rely on computed tomography imaging, with its attendant ionizing radiation exposure, to define temporal bone structures. Through the use of novel MR sequences with ultra‐short echo times (UTE), short T2 structures are now able to be visualized, allowing for improved understanding of anatomical relationships.

Methods

Eight patients (50% female) undergoing MR imaging of the skull base for diagnostic purposes (62.5% for vestibular schwannoma surveillance) at a tertiary care center were enrolled to evaluate the safety and efficacy of UTE imaging. CT scans were completed in 37.5% of the patients as part of their workup and used for comparison purposes. The repetition time, short echo time, and long echo time for the UTE sequence were 11, 0.032, and 2.2 msec, respectively.

Results

The protocol added 6 min to the total scanning time, and all patients tolerated the sequence without issue. The ossicles, mastoid air cells, antrum, and epitympanum were able to be seen and had a high Dice similarity coefficient when compared to CT (>0.5). UTE allowed for clear delineation of all segments of the facial nerve with a signal‐to‐noise ratio of 35 (although the BRAVO sequences had a superior ratio of 140). Vestibular schwannomas were able to be distinguished from normal brain parenchyma.

Conclusions

UTE is safe and effective for visualizing anatomic structures not normally seen on traditional MRI, potentially allowing for improved surgical planning in patients.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:4691–4696, 2024
Hearing, balance, and imaging assessment in adolescent Menière's disease: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Li Xiaofei , Li Xiaoyi , Lyu Yafeng , Jian Huirong , Li Yawei , Wang Jing , Li Wenjuan , Wang Ruyan , Hu Yinghui , Fan Zhaomin , Wang Haibo , Zhang Daogong
Published: August 2024

Objective

To retrospectively analyze clinical features in adolescent Menière's disease (MD).

Methods

The medical records of adolescents with MD (11–17 years old) from May 2014 to March 2023 in Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital were retrospectively analyzed, including clinical features, a battery of auditory and vestibular function tests, sensory organization test, and imaging assessments. Patients with recurrent vertigo of childhood (RVC) were as controls.

Results

Compared with RVC, adolescent MD showed higher pure tone average threshold (p < .001), lower speech discrimination score (p = .014), and lower otoacoustic emission pass rates (p = .005). Adolescents with MD exhibited significant reduction in equilibrium score (Conditions 1, 5, and 6; p1 = .035; p5 = .033; p6 = .003), composite sensory score (p = .014), and vestibular sensory score (p = .029). Adolescents with bilateral MD exhibited worse performance in equilibrium score and strategy score compared to adolescents with unilateral MD. For the affected ear, the more severe endolymphatic hydrops detected by gadolinium‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, the higher the auditory brainstem response threshold (r = .850, p = .007), and the lower the otoacoustic emission pass rate (r = −.976, p < .001).

Conclusion

Adolescent MD has similar vestibular information inputs with that of RVC, but the ability for the nerve center to use these clues to maintain balance is worse in adolescents with MD. There were potential differences in vestibular weights in adolescents with unilateral and bilateral MD, also potential effects on vision and proprioception.

Level of Evidence

Level 4.
Leveraging public health cancer surveillance capacity to develop and support a rural cancer network
Authors: Semprini Jason , Lizarraga Ingrid M. , Seaman Aaron T. , Johnson Erin C. , Wahlen Madison M. , Gorzelitz Jessica S. , Birken Sarah A. , Schroeder Mary C. , Paulus Tarah , Charlton Mary E.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

As the rural–urban cancer mortality gap widens, centering care around the needs of rural patients presents an opportunity to advance equity. One barrier to delivering patient‐centered care at rural hospitals stems from limited analytic capacity to leverage data and monitor patient outcomes. This case study describes the experience of a public health cancer surveillance system aiming to fill this gap within the context of a rural cancer network.

Methods

To support the implementation of a novel network model intervention in Iowa, the Iowa Cancer Registry began generating hospital‐specific and catchment area reports. Then, the Iowa Cancer Registry supported adapting the network model to fit the context of Iowa's cancer care delivery system by performing data monitoring and reporting functions. Informed by a gap analysis, the Iowa Cancer Registry then identified which quality accreditation standards could be achieved with public health surveillance data and analytic support.

Results

The network intervention in Iowa supported 5 rural cancer centers across the state, each concurrently pursuing quality accreditation standards. The Iowa Cancer Registry's hospital and catchment‐specific reports illuminated the cancer burden and needs of rural cancer centers within the network. Our team identified 19 (of the 36 total) quality standards that can be supported by public health surveillance functions typically performed by the registry. These standards encompassed data‐driven quality improvement, patient monitoring, and reporting guideline‐concordant care standards.

Conclusions

As rural hospitals continue to face resource constraints, multisectoral efforts informed by data from centralized public health surveillance systems can promote quality improvement initiatives across rural communities. While our work remains preliminary, we predict that analytic support provided by the Iowa Cancer Registry will enable the rural network hospitals to focus their capacity toward developing the infrastructure necessary to deliver high‐quality care and serve the unique needs of rural cancer patients.
Assessing Extraction Methods and Mechanical and Physicochemical Properties of Algerian Yucca Fibers for Sustainable Composite Reinforcement
Authors: Kacem Mohamed Amine , Guebailia Moussa , Sabba Nassila , Abdi Said , Bodaghi Mahdi
Published: August 2024

The utilization of biofiber in recent years has significantly increased due to its advantages like being environmentally friendly, availability, and low costs. This paper investigates the physicochemical, mechanical, and morphological properties of the yucca fiber extracted by three methods such as water‐retting, traditional, and chemical methods. These analyses are designed to evaluate the extraction methodology and the hypothesis of the influence of harvesting location and growth conditions of the fiber. Various technologies are used, such as SEM, FTIR, XRD, and tensile tests. The fiber extracted by water retting is the strongest in the mechanical analysis with a strength of 690.48 MPa, followed by fiber extracted with the traditional method with 685.48 MPa, also 673.06, 657.94, 373.68 MPa for the fiber extracted by the chemical method using 3%, 5%, 10%NaOH respectively. The fiber obtained by the water retting method also has a higher chemical composition with 80.25% cellulose, 10.45% lignin, and 13.75% hemicellulose. The morphological characteristics are examined using Scanning Electron Microscopy. The crystallinity index ranged from 61.75% to 70.77%, and crystallite size from 1.73 to 2.04 nm is calculated from the XRD analysis. All these results confirm that yucca fiber can be a good sustainable choice for composite reinforcement.
Synthetic Protein Nanoparticles via Photoreactive Electrohydrodynamic Jetting
Authors: Berardi Anthony J. , Francisco Sonja D. , Chang Albert , Zelaya Julio C. , Raymond Jeffery E. , Lahann Joerg
Published: August 2024

Protein nanoparticles are an attractive class of materials for nanomedicine applications due to the intrinsic biocompatibility, biodegradability, and intrinsic functionality of their constituent proteins. Despite the clinical success of select protein nanoparticles, this class of nanocarriers remains understudied and underdeveloped compared to lipid and polymer nanoparticles due to challenges related to formulation optimization, large design space, and their structural complexity. In this work, a modular strategy for protein nanoparticle preparation based on the concept of photoreactive jetting is introduced. The process relies on continuous ultraviolet irradiation during electrohydrodynamic (EHD) jetting of protein solutions that contain a homobifunctional photocrosslinker. Protein nanoparticles exhibit nanogel‐like architectures comprised of proteins that are linked via synthetic moieties. Compared to conventional protein nanoparticles, this method reduces nanoparticle processing times to minutes, rather than hours to days. The inclusion of an emissive structural motif as the molecular scaffold of the photocrosslinker is used to study the supramolecular architecture of the stable nanoparticles via time‐resolved fluorescence spectroscopy.
Origin and characterization of cyclodepsipeptides: Comprehensive structural approaches with focus on mass spectrometry analysis of alkali‐cationized molecular species
Authors: Liuu Sophie , Damont Annelaure , Perret Alain , Firmesse Olivier , Becher François , Lavison‐Bompard Gwenaëlle , Hueber Amandine , Woods Amina S. , Darii Ekaterina , Fenaille François , Tabet Jean‐Claude
Published: August 2024

Cyclodepsipeptides (CDPs) represent a huge family of chemically and structurally diverse molecules with a wide ability for molecular interactions. CDPs are cyclic peptide‐related natural products made up of both proteinogenic and nonproteinogenic amino acids linked by amide and ester bonds. The combined use of different analytical methods is required to accurately determine their integral structures including stereochemistry, thus allowing deeper insights into their often‐intriguing bioactivities and their possible usefulness. Our goal is to present the various methods developed to accurately characterize CDPs. Presently, Marfey's method and NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) are still considered the best for characterizing CDP configuration. Nevertheless, electrospray‐high resolution tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐HRMS/MS) is of great value for efficiently resolving CDP's composition and sequences. For instance, recent data shows that the fragmentation of cationized CDPs (e.g., [M + Li]+ and [M + Na]+) leads to selective cleavage of ester bonds and specific cationized product ions (b series) useful to get unprecedented sequence information. Thus, after a brief presentation of their structure, biological functions, and biosynthesis, we also provide a historic overview of these various analytical approaches as well as their advantages and limitations with a special emphasis on the emergence of methods based on HRMS/MS through recent fundamental works and applications.
A systematic review of cognitive behavioral and mindfulness‐based interventions for white‐collar worker mental well‐being in business environments
Authors: Young Paul , Elgee Amber , Chow Vivien , Haslam Cheryl O. , Barker Jamie B.
Published: August 2024

There is a need to better understand what works, for whom, and in what circumstances, in the context of workplace mental well‐being. Among the various interventions used within business settings for employee mental well‐being, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness are two of the most studied empirically. To‐date, there have been no systematic reviews of this specific literature, meaning we presently lack clarity with regard to overall findings and reliability. The purpose of this paper is to provide a refined summary of the interventions, measures, and outcomes, to inform future research and support decision making within corporate organizations. A search of APAPsycArticles, APAPsycINFO, MEDLINE, and Scopus databases from the start of records to June 2024, supplemented by reference list reviews and Google Scholar searches, retrieved 16,018 papers. English language experimental studies of CBT and/or mindfulness interventions for white‐collar private sector employees were eligible. Following duplicate removal and title and abstract reviews, 99 manuscripts were read in full, with 37 papers selected. Seventeen studies delivered CBT and 20 delivered mindfulness. There were 19 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 8 controlled clinical trials, and 7 single cohort trials. Interventions were delivered in‐person, online and via telephone. Both CBT and mindfulness were associated with improvements in employee mental well‐being, with the evidence for mindfulness more robust. Online interventions typically saw higher rates of participant attrition. We conclude that both CBT and mindfulness can improve mental well‐being among private sector white‐collar employees. However, this finding is not unequivocal. More RCTs would enhance the literature.
Prognosis of lower urinary tract symptoms and function after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy in patients with preoperative low bladder contractility: A prospective, observational study
Authors: Hata Junya , Matsuoka Kanako , Akaihata Hidenori , Yaginuma Kei , Meguro Satoru , Hoshi Seiji , Koguchi Tomoyuki , Sato Yuichi , Kataoka Masao , Ogawa Soichiro , Uemura Motohide , Kojima Yoshiyuki
Published: August 2024

Objectives

To examine the prognosis of lower urinary tract symptoms and function after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in patients with low preoperative bladder contractility.

Methods

A total of 115 patients who underwent RARP were enrolled and divided into two groups by preoperative urodynamic findings: normal (patients with bladder contractility index [BCI] ≥ 100; n = 70) and low contractility (patients with BCI < 100; n = 45) groups. Lower urinary tract symptoms and function parameters were prospectively evaluated at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after RARP in both groups.

Results

International Prostatic Symptom Score voiding scores 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after RARP were significantly higher (p < 0.05), and the maximum flow rate (Qmax) values before and 1, 3, 9, and 12 months after RARP were significantly lower in the low contractility group (p < 0.05). Comparing preoperative and postoperative parameters, IPSS voiding scores in the normal contractility group were significantly improved from 6 months after RARP, whereas those in the low contractility group were almost unchanged. Qmax and the 1‐h pad test in both groups temporarily deteriorated 1 month after RARP, whereas voided volume and postvoiding residual volume significantly decreased from 1 to 12 months after RARP.

Conclusions

This observational study showed that patients with low preoperative bladder contractility might have a weak improvement in voiding symptoms and function after RARP.
A qualitative exploration to inform an oral health training for disability care workers in Burkina Faso
Authors: Põld Ave , Kientega Dan Filwendé , Garé Jocelyne Valérie , Lorenz Michael
Published: August 2024

Aim

To explore enablers and barriers to the creation of an oral health training for care workers at specialized centres for children with disabilities in Ouagadougou.

Design

This was a formative study informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework using qualitative methods.

Methods

Qualitative observations and 14 semi‐structured interviews were conducted with care workers from six specialized centres for disability.

Results

Carer workers emphasized that a successful oral health training must account for available resources and competencies in each specific centre. Part of the training must be dedicated to oral hygiene targeted for people with disabilities and provide knowledge about risk factor management. Care workers must be empowered through the training with practical skills and tools to manage regular toothbrushing and identify oral health needs of their dependents.

Conclusion

This study gathered valuable and unique perspectives about the roles of care workers of children with disabilities in Ouagadougou and underscores the need for improving access to oral health and care services for children with disabilities in low‐resourced settings.

Implications for Patient Care

Teams planning oral health promotion activities in low resourced settings for vulnerable population groups can benefit from the methodology and results of this research for ensuring their interventions are appropriate and relevant.

Impact

This is a unique field study conducted in a scarcely researched area of caregiving practices for children with disabilities in a low‐income country, Burkina Faso. Results from the disability centre observations and interviews with local caregivers are of great value to any team planning health projects in similar low‐resourced settings. Psychiatric and mental health nursing practices are highly context‐dependent, thus using proposed qualitative methods can help to ensure that planned interventions are appropriate and relevant.

Patient or Public Contribution

There was no patient contribution in this study.
Explain the professional identity of nursing during COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Hoseini Azizi Tooba , Varasteh Saideh , Esmaeili Maryam
Published: August 2024

Aim

To explore the professional identity of nursing during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Iran. Professional identity guides nurses' interaction with patients. In the COVID‐19 pandemic, recent developments in society's view of the nursing profession are expected to change the perception of nurses' professional identities.

Design

The qualitative study used a conventional content analysis approach.

Methods

Data were collected using in‐depth semi‐structured interviews from June 2020 to January 2021. Data analysis was performed using Landman and Granheim's analysis and Lincoln and Guba's criteria to ensure the data's rigour.

Results

After analysing the 20 interviews with 17 participants, including 11 nurses with an average age of 32.63 ± 6.71 years and six varius community members with an average age of 38.66 ± 5.85 years, three main categories were formed: (1) The dual role of the media in the two subcategories (the positive role and the negative role of the media), (2) Changes in public view of nursing during the COVID‐19 pandemic (respect for avoidance and understanding the value of nursing practice) and (3) Change of professional identity by showing self‐sacrifice (dealing with adversity and commitment to professional obligations).

Conclusion

The image in the public view of the nursing profession during the COVID‐19 pandemic media differs from before and shows self‐sacrifice, professional commitment and humanity in nursing. Nurses' experience of caring during the COVID‐19 pandemic has positively affected their professional identity; however, they are concerned about the instability of improving the nursing image in society.

Impact

Nursing leaders and policymakers can utilize media platforms to portray the nursing profession in a positive light and emphasize the scientific capabilities of nurses. This approach goes beyond highlighting sacrifice and compassion, aiming to shift societal perceptions of nursing and bolster the professional identity of nurses.

Reporting Method

We used the COREQ (COnsolidated criteria for REporting Qualitative research) checklist as a reporting method.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
The effects of profession‐related films on the professional pride of nursing students: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Ozdemir Cevriye , Kabuk Ayşe
Published: August 2024

Aim

This study aimed to determine the effects of profession‐related films on the professional pride of nursing students.

Designs

The study was conducted with a randomised controlled experimental design.

Methods

The sample of the study consisted of 102 students enrolled in the first year of the School of Nursing, Zonguldak Bulent Ecevit University in Türkiye in the 2022–2023 academic year. These students were randomly assigned to the experimental (n = 57) and control (n = 45) groups. The experimental group watched two documentaries and a film on YouTube with a one‐week break. Self‐administered online questionnaires were distributed via WhatsApp groups for pretests and posttests. Data were collected with a “Sociodemographic Data Form” and the “Nursing Professional Pride Scale (NPPS)” included in the questionnaire forms prepared on the Google Forms platform. Data were analysed using Spearman's rho, the Mann–Whitney U Test, and the Wilcoxon Signed‐Rank Test.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 18.80 ± 0.99 years, 80% of the participants were female, the place where 79.4% had lived for the longest duration in their lives was the city, 85.3% had information about the profession of nursing before they started university (36.8% from the internet, 34.6% from people around them). The experimental group had significantly higher NPPS scores than the control group after the intervention (p = 0.017). There was also a significant increase in the dimensions of professional feeling (p = 0.012) and desire to continue the profession in the experimental group (p = 0.002).

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients and public were not involved in this research.
Prevalence of polypharmacy and factors impacting psychotropic prescribing patterns in women of childbearing potential at inpatient mental health services in Qatar
Authors: Elbakary Nervana , Abdallah Oraib , Ouanes Sami , Hasanoglu Ahmad , Abedlfattah‐Arafa Eiman , Al‐Shaikhly Maha , Alqam Shatha , Alshakhs Sulaiman , Hijawi Zainab , Al‐Abdulla Majid , Al‐Khuzaei Noriya , Hamad Sazgar
Published: August 2024

Aims

Women may experience unique mental disorders due to hormone shifts. Rates of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are similar between genders, but onset and symptoms may differ. Women tend to use more psychotropic drugs due to limited therapeutic options. This study was aimed to estimate the prevalence of psychotropic polypharmacy among females of childbearing potential and factors impacting prescribing patterns.

Methods

This was a quantitative retrospective chart review for patients admitted to inpatient units at the Mental Health Hospital in Qatar. SPSS® Statistics was used for data analysis. In addition to descriptive statistics applied, linear regression and binary logistic regression models were used to examine the clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with polypharmacy and full therapeutic response upon discharge, respectively. An alpha value of 0.05 was used.

Results

Of the 347 patients, 52.7% of the patients received a prescription of at least two psychotropic drugs upon discharge. Around two‐thirds (63.1%) were prescribed at least one antipsychotic. Potential predictors of polypharmacy were age (p = 0.027), longer hospital stay (p = 0.003), family history (p < 0.001), absence of suicidal history (p = 0.005), and a diagnosis of a mood disorder (p = 0.009), or a diagnosis of a psychotic disorder (p = 0.015). A full response upon discharge was less likely to occur in patients with a longer stay (OR = 0.940; p = 0.029) and in those with a substance use disorder (OR = 0.166; p = 0.035).

Conclusion

There is a notably high prevalence of total polypharmacy upon discharge. Some identified factors are modifiable. Evidence‐based prescription practices through hospital guidelines and education should be emphasized to avoid unreasonable polypharmacy.
Rare earth doped strontium aluminate/poly(methyl methacrylate) composites for lighting with long persistent luminescence and high tensile performance
Authors: Ding Yinghui , Wu Qiang , Wang Zhijian , Zhang Boming , Yang Jiping
Published: August 2024

SrAl2O4 co‐doped with Eu2+ and Dy3+ ions (SAOED) have great potential in lighting field due to the unique light energy absorption‐storage‐released properties. In this work, a series of SAOED/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) luminescent composites were prepared and investigated. The maximum afterglow intensity of SAOED/PMMA composites was reached when the SAOED particle size was 26 μm, the mass ratio of SAOED to PMMA was 0.6 and the thickness of composites was 4.3 mm. Meanwhile, the tensile strength and modulus of the SAOED/PMMA composites were 22.06 MPa and 3.92 GPa, respectively. After being reexcited by a 3.5 W white diode used as normal functional lighting, SAOED/PMMA composites were able to achieve the requirement on landscape lighting (>2 lx), which showed promising engineering prospects in alternative lighting.

Highlights

The particle size, mass ratio and thickness effected the afterglow intensity.

The optimal composites presented promising long persistent luminescence.

Resulting SrAl2O4 co‐doped with Eu2+ and Dy3+ ions (SAOED)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) composites possessed high tensile performance.

The SAOED/PMMA composites showed great potential in alternative lighting.
Machine learning to optimize nonlinear conductive performance of composites for self‐adaptive electromagnetic shielding
Authors: Li Hongfei , Chen Yazhou , Zhou Linsen , Wang Yan , Cao Wei , Qu Zhaoming
Published: August 2024

Polymer‐based composites that exhibit a unique nonlinear response to high‐power electric fields have the potential to serve as intelligent electromagnetic shielding materials. The optimization of switching fields (Eb) and nonlinear coefficient (α) of polymer‐based composites is of great interests for nonlinear conductive performance. Based on literature data, the prediction models for Eb and α are first successfully established using machine learning (ML) methods. A stacking ensemble learning (SEL) strategy was used to combine five base machine learning models, showing superior predictive performance. The research focuses on the effect of key process parameters on nonlinear conducting composites. The feature importance analysis shows that the nonlinear properties of the composites are considerably impacted by the mass fraction, filler size, and sample thickness. The parameter optimization method to improve the performance of the composites was explored by using partial dependence plots analysis. By measuring the nonlinear response of CNT/ZnO composites under high electric fields, the effectiveness of the optimization strategy is experimentally verified. This work establishes the intrinsic relationship between composition and performance, which is helpful in designing intelligent self‐adaptive electromagnetic shielding for switchable electronic devices.

Highlights

Prediction models for Eb and α using machine learning.

Stacking ensemble learning for superior predictive performance

Focuses on the effect of key process parameters on performance.

Optimization strategy validated through experimental testing.
Enhancing tribological performance of high‐density polyethylene polymer with diamond‐like carbon coating and mollusk shells filler
Authors: Sidia Besma , Bensalah Walid
Published: August 2024

This study explores the tribological properties of mollusk‐shell‐high‐density polyethylene (MS‐HDPE) biocomposites and diamond‐like carbon (DLC)‐coated metal beads as potential substitutes for hip joint prostheses. HDPE biocomposites with 0, 5, and 10 wt% of MS were developed using hot compression molding. Coatings included pure DLC, DLC‐Si, and DLC W:H. Wear tests on a ball‐on‐disk tribometer examined friction and wear rates against coated and uncoated balls, along with wear morphology. MS‐HDPE demonstrated superior tribological performance against DLC, achieving a 67% reduction in specific wear rate compared to pure HDPE. The study suggests that 5 wt% MS‐HDPE coupled with a DLC‐coated counterpart coating could be a promising combination for orthopedic applications, presenting a potential solution to metal corrosion and wear debris issues in orthopedic implants.

Highlights

Tested coatings: DLC, DLC‐Si, and DLC W:H.

Biocomposite wear versus coated balls.

DLC coating improves wear with shell fillers.

Mollusk shell strengthens biocomposites.

Reduced wear rate by 63% and friction by 77%.
A high‐resolution model of the grapevine leaf morphospace predicts synthetic leaves
Authors: Chitwood Daniel H. , Torres‐Lomas Efrain , Hadi Ebi S. , Peterson Wolfgang L. G. , Fischer Mirjam F. , Rogers Sydney E. , He Chuan , Acierno Michael G. F. , Azumaya Shintaro , Benjamin Seth Wayne , Chalise Devendra Prasad , Chess Ellice E. , Engelsma Alex J. , Fu Qiuyi , Jaikham Jirapa , Knight Bridget M. , Kodjak Nikita S. , Lengyel Adazsofia , Muñoz Brenda L. , Patterson Justin T. , Rincon Sundara I. , Schumann Francis L. , Shi Yujie , Smith Charlie C. , St. Clair Mallory K. , Sweeney Carly S. , Whitaker Patrick , Wu James , Diaz‐Garcia Luis
Published: August 2024

Societal Impact Statement

Grapevine leaves are emblematic of the strong visual associations people make with plants. Leaf shape is immediately recognizable at a glance, and therefore, this is used to distinguish grape varieties. In an era of computationally enabled machine learning‐derived representations of reality, we can revisit how we view and use the shapes and forms that plants display to understand our relationship with them. Using computational approaches combined with time‐honored methods, we can predict theoretical leaves that are possible, enabling us to understand the genetics, development, and environmental responses of plants in new ways.

Grapevine leaves are a model morphometric system. Sampling over 10,000 leaves using dozens of landmarks, the genetic, developmental, and environmental basis of leaf shape has been studied and a morphospace for the genus Vitis predicted. Yet, these representations of leaf shape fail to capture the exquisite features of leaves at high resolution.

We measure the shapes of 139 grapevine leaves using 1672 pseudo‐landmarks derived from 90 homologous landmarks with Procrustean approaches. From hand traces of the vasculature and blade, we have derived a method to automatically detect landmarks and place pseudo‐landmarks that results in a high‐resolution representation of grapevine leaf shape. Using polynomial models, we create continuous representations of leaf development in 10 Vitis spp.

We visualize a high‐resolution morphospace in which genetic and developmental sources of leaf shape variance are orthogonal to each other. Using classifiers, Vitis vinifera, Vitis spp., rootstock and dissected leaf varieties as well as developmental stages are accurately predicted. Theoretical eigenleaf representations sampled from across the morphospace that we call synthetic leaves can be classified using models.

By predicting a high‐resolution morphospace and delimiting the boundaries of leaf shapes that can plausibly be produced within the genus Vitis, we can sample synthetic leaves with realistic qualities. From an ampelographic perspective, larger numbers of leaves sampled at lower resolution can be projected onto this high‐resolution space, or, synthetic leaves can be used to increase the robustness and accuracy of machine learning classifiers.
Bounded real lemma and H∞ control for BAM neural networks with unbounded time‐varying delays
Authors: Ren Zhuo , Xue Yu , Yu Tingting
Published: August 2024

This article investigates the exponential control issue of bidirectional associative memory neural network (BAMNN) with unbounded time‐varying delays. A bounded real lemma (BRL) is first established via a direct method, which is on the basis of the solutions of BAMNN. Second, based on the obtained BRL, the state feedback controller is designed to guarantee the global exponential stability of the resulting closed‐loop BAMNN with an performance index. Since no Lyapunov–Krasovskii functionals is constructed in the proposed method, the computation burden and complexity are reduced. Lastly, the effectiveness of the theoretical results is illustrated through two numerical examples.
Assessing the practical applicability of neural‐based point clouds registration algorithms: A comparative analysis
Authors: Fontana Simone , Di Lauro Federica , Sorrenti Domenico G.
Published: August 2024

Point cloud registration is a vital task in three‐dimensional (3D) perception, with several different applications in robotics. Recent advancements have introduced neural‐based techniques that promise enhanced accuracy and robustness. In this paper, we thoroughly evaluate well‐known neural‐based point cloud registration methods using the Point Clouds Registration Benchmark, which was developed to cover a large variety of use cases. Our evaluation focuses on the performance of these techniques when applied to real‐complex data, which presents a more challenging and realistic scenario than the simpler experiments typically conducted by the original authors. The results reveal considerable variability in performance across different techniques, highlighting the importance of assessing algorithms in realistic settings. Notably, 3DSmoothNet emerges as a standout solution, demonstrating good and consistent results across various data sets. Its efficacy, coupled with a relatively low graphics processing unit (GPU) memory footprint, makes it a promising choice for robotics applications, even if it is not yet suitable for real‐time applications due to its execution time. Fully Convolutional Geometric Features also performs well, albeit with greater variability among data sets. PREDATOR and GeoTransformer are promising, but demand substantial GPU memory, when handling large point clouds from the Point Clouds Registration Benchmark. A notable finding concerns the performance of Fast Point Feature Histograms, which exhibit results comparable to the best approaches while demanding minimal computational resources. Overall, this comparative analysis provides valuable insights into the strengths and limitations of neural‐based registration techniques, both in terms of the quality of the results and the computational resources required. This helps researchers to make informed decisions for robotics applications.
Recent Advances in Main Group Coordination Driven Porphyrins: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Dar Umar Ali , Shahnawaz Mohd , Taneja Parul , Dar Mohd Arif
Published: August 2024

The novel and exciting class of porphyrin‐based compounds are the main group coordination‐driven porphyrins (MGCPs) with a central main group element into the porphyrin macrocycle. MGCPs have unique properties, reactivity, and potential applications in catalysis, sensing, biomedicine etc. This comprehensive review article discusses recent advances in the field of main group coordination driven porphyrins and explores some of its potential uses in solar cells, catalysis, antimicrobial, optoelectronic devices, sensing, and catalysis. The addition of main group elements to porphyrin systems has resulted in the production of entirely novel compounds that have intriguing qualities including increased stability and catalytic activity. Significant modifications in these unique compounds features are apparent through the analysis of their structural properties. It encompasses FTIR, proton NMR, electrical and optical characterisation in addition to an electrochemical analysis of those parameters. They serve as significant building blocks for the creation of cutting‐edge materials and technologies in a variety of scientific and technical disciplines because to their special qualities and adaptability. Researchers working in the domains of coordination chemistry, catalysis, and materials science will find this study to be of interest since it offers a thorough examination of current developments in main group coordination driven porphyrins and their prospective applications. Overall, main group porphyrins are used in many different fields, such as sensing, catalysis, and optoelectronic devices.