bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing differential personal information value with social discounting and hypothetical payment tasks with university students
Authors: Battaglia Jacob , Hayashi Yusuke , Romanowich Paul
Published: December 2024

Different personal information types are shared at different rates during a social‐discounting task. However, it is unclear whether differences in social‐discounting rates between different personal information types are related to differences in valuing personal information. To assess the value of personal information more directly, 160 university student participants completed four hypothetical purchase tasks (HPT) for protecting identification, health, security, and financial personal information at 17 ascending price points and a social‐discounting task for one of those four different personal information types. The results for social discounting partially replicated those of a previous study where discounting rates for health information were higher than those for financial information. The results for the HPT largely mirrored those for the social‐discounting task. The demand for protecting financial information was significantly higher relative to the that for the other three types of personal information for most demand indices such as the highest price participants were willing to pay for the protection of personal information (break point) and the price where consumption for personal information protection became elastic (Pmax). However, there were no significant relations between social‐discounting rate and HPT demand indices. These results show that value may play a role in the observed differences in social‐discounting rate for personal information, but additional factors likely contribute to these differences.
Effectiveness of a large language model for clinical information retrieval regarding shoulder arthroplasty
Authors: Oeding Jacob F. , Lu Amy Z. , Mazzucco Michael , Fu Michael C. , Dines David M. , Warren Russell F. , Gulotta Lawrence V. , Dines Joshua S. , Kunze Kyle N.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

To determine the scope and accuracy of medical information provided by ChatGPT‐4 in response to clinical queries concerning total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), and to compare these results to those of the Google search engine.

Methods

A patient‐replicated query for ‘total shoulder replacement’ was performed using both Google Web Search (the most frequently used search engine worldwide) and ChatGPT‐4. The top 10 frequently asked questions (FAQs), answers, and associated sources were extracted. This search was performed again independently to identify the top 10 FAQs necessitating numerical responses such that the concordance of answers could be compared between Google and ChatGPT‐4. The clinical relevance and accuracy of the provided information were graded by two blinded orthopaedic shoulder surgeons.

Results

Concerning FAQs with numeric responses, 8 out of 10 (80%) had identical answers or substantial overlap between ChatGPT‐4 and Google. Accuracy of information was not significantly different (p = 0.32). Google sources included 40% medical practices, 30% academic, 20% single‐surgeon practice, and 10% social media, while ChatGPT‐4 used 100% academic sources, representing a statistically significant difference (p = 0.001). Only 3 out of 10 (30%) FAQs with open‐ended answers were identical between ChatGPT‐4 and Google. The clinical relevance of FAQs was not significantly different (p = 0.18). Google sources for open‐ended questions included academic (60%), social media (20%), medical practice (10%) and single‐surgeon practice (10%), while 100% of sources for ChatGPT‐4 were academic, representing a statistically significant difference (p = 0.0025).

Conclusion

ChatGPT‐4 provided trustworthy academic sources for medical information retrieval concerning TSA, while sources used by Google were heterogeneous. Accuracy and clinical relevance of information were not significantly different between ChatGPT‐4 and Google.

Level of Evidence

Level IV cross‐sectional.
Myeloproliferative neoplasm harboring both monosomy 7 and an ALK/ROS1 fusion gene: Proposal for a new disease entity
Authors: Yoshida Hideki , Osone Shinya , Konishi Madoka , Tanaka Seiji , Inaba Tohru , Imamura Toshihiko , Iehara Tomoko
Published: December 2024

Introduction

We present a case of a 9‐year‐old girl diagnosed with a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) harboring both monosomy 7 and an ALK/ROS1 fusion gene.

Case presentation

The neoplasm was resistant to conventional AML chemotherapy and required hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) to achieve remission.

Discussion

MPNs with monosomy 7 and ALK/ROS1 fusions occur in a wide age range of children and adults, and require HCT for long‐term remission. Furthermore, these cases can be responsive to ALK inhibitors.

Conclusion

This report underscores the potential need to reclassify such MPNs as a distinct entity, which has unique therapeutic implications.
Social Network Competence for Peace Leadership
Authors: Weinberger Caton , Carter Dorothy R.
Published: December 2024

Social network approaches have been widely applied to understanding leadership, emphasizing the relational processes that influence group dynamics and effectiveness. Despite this extensive application, research integrating social network approaches with peace leadership remains limited. Social network approaches emphasize that individuals are embedded in webs of relationships that influence access to resources and shape individual and collective outcomes. The current article explores how social network concepts, theories, and methods can advance peace leadership by enabling a deeper understanding of conflict, informing targeted interventions, and promoting long‐term social stability. We discuss how network analysis can diagnose conflict patterns and identify leverage points for intervention. We conclude with practical recommendations and future research directions for integrating social network approaches and peace leadership.
Hunger and the transition from parenteral nutrition in hospitalized adults: A descriptive cohort study
Authors: Loss Sergio Henrique , Alves Klara Muller , Nunes Aline Camargo , Stefani Joel , Loureiro Giovanna Peres , Píscopo Adriana , Viana Luciana Verçoza
Published: December 2024

Background

Parenteral nutrition (PN) provides nutrition to patients who cannot use the digestive tract. Some patients experience delayed appetite recovery after PN, but the factors contributing to this remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether hospitalized patients receiving PN experience reduced hunger or appetite.

Methods

A descriptive cohort study was conducted on adults who underwent PN between April 2022 and July 2023. Data on patient characteristics and nutritional support were collected from medical records. Hunger and satiety were assessed using a validated tool during three phases: clinical stability with calorie‐protein targets on PN, transition to oral/enteral feeding, and PN withdrawal. The primary outcome was the absence of hunger assessed by the tool.

Results

Of 231 screened patients, 102 were included. Among these, 62.7% reported hunger during PN. Lipid doses and energy reduction strategies did not affect hunger or satiety. Transition success to oral/enteral nutrition was 2.38 times higher in patients who experienced hunger compared to those who did not (95% CI: 1.59–3.54). Poisson regression identified higher age, inflammation, and metastatic cancer as independent factors associated with the absence of hunger.

Conclusion

This study suggests that PN does not suppress hunger and that factors other than nutritional therapy (age, inflammation, and cancer) could explain the absence of appetite. Considering individual conditions and needs, these findings could guide decision‐making strategies regarding the transition from PN to oral/enteral feeding.
Determination of 23 furocoumarins in 82 food samples and implications for risk assessment
Authors: Dussy Franz , Engeli Barbara , Ryser Nadja , McCombie Gregor
Published: December 2024

Background

Furocoumarins are a class of substances, which naturally occur in plants and may be present in certain foods. Roughly two dozen structurally different but related substances (congeners) have been described in plants to various degrees of depth. At sufficiently high concentrations furocoumarins pose a risk to consumers' health because of their phototoxic and photogenotoxic effects. Past studies on furocoumarin content in food usually focused on a limited number of congeners or specific food types. More information on occurrence in a broad range of foods was needed.

Results

In order to improve occurrence data, the content of 23 furocoumarin congeners in 82 food samples, known to contain furocoumarins, is presented in full. A method was developed using liquid chromatography coupled to a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Samples ranging from soft drinks to vegetables were extracted with a methanol/water mixture. Chromatography and transitions in the MS/MS detection were optimised and all parameters are given. The furocoumarin content quantified ranged from 29 μg/kg in ginger to 98 mg/kg in lime juice. A table showing all the results of each congener in each food sample is presented. As more congeners were covered in this study than in the past, previous risk assessments were revisited, in order to determine if the risk for consumers has changed.

Conclusion

The new occurrence data determined with the newly developed method makes a valuable contribution to the available data of furocoumarins in foods. The deducible exposure data enables a review of existing risk assessments on furocoumarins. Despite the higher number of analysed furocoumarins in this study compared to other studies, the total content for each food type was only slightly different to previously published data. Therefore, conclusions of previous risk assessments were found to be still valid: Normal dietary exposure should not lead to phototoxic effects in consumers. However, due to photogenotoxic properties of certain furocoumarins, their exposure should be reduced as much as possible and some foods should be consumed in moderation.
Multi‐Society Guideline on Cytoreductive Surgery and HIPEC: Methodology and Overview of the Results
Authors: Cinquini Michela , Kusamura Shigeki , Tralongo Antonino Carmelo , Fittipaldo Veronica Andrea , Deraco M. , Monteforte Marta
Published: December 2024

To provide evidence‐based guidelines about Peritoneal Surface Malignancy (PSM) treatment for the Peritoneal Surfaces Oncology Group International. The GRADE ADOLOPMENT method was used to adapt recommendations from the Italian Medical Oncology Association Guideline on PSM. Seven scientific society were involved to form five guideline panels composed of 28 medical professionals from 14 countries. Panelists prioritized 7 relevant questions. A knowledge synthesis team updated evidence and summarized information. The panel agreed on seven recommendations.
Research on the Selective Extraction of Oxibendazole Residues in Animal‐Derived Food Using Molecularly Imprinted Polymers
Authors: Qiu Yue , Wang Yue , Xie Chengli , Huang Yike , Li Genrong , Xia Zhining
Published: December 2024

To achieve specific adsorption‐based sample preparation for the poorly soluble veterinary drug oxibendazole, this study employed 4‐vinylpyridine as the functional monomer and conducted radical polymerization on the surface of functionalized silica nanoparticles to synthesize a surface molecularly imprinted polymer (OBZMIP). This OBZMIP exhibited good adsorption capacity for oxibendazole within 30 min, with its adsorption behavior conforming to the pseudo–second‐order kinetic and Langmuir models, predicting a maximum adsorption capacity of 4.93 mg/g. After five adsorption–desorption cycles, the adsorption capacity remained unchanged, demonstrating excellent reusability. In a mixed system containing eight similar compounds, the selectivity coefficients ranged from 1.3 to 16.9, indicating outstanding specific recognition ability. Utilized as an adsorbent packing material for solid‐phase extraction, the prepared OBZMIP demonstrated significantly high recovery rates in the extraction of oxibendazole from four distinct meat samples. Therefore, OBZMIP holds promising applications in the selective extraction of veterinary drug oxibendazole residues during the pretreatment of meat samples.
Differentiation of Tumors of the Upper Respiratory Tract Using Optical Metabolic Imaging
Authors: Eggert Dennis , Gaertner David , Rühm Adrian , Sroka Ronald , Arens Christoph , Davaris Nikolaos , Birkmeier Konrad , Brodschelm Andreas , Leisching Patrick , Studier Hauke , Becker Wolfgang , König Karsten , Betz Christan S.
Published: December 2024

Objectives

With over 184,000 new cases and more than 99,000 deaths per year, malignancies of the larynx are a global health problem. Currently, a dedicated screening method enabling a direct onsite diagnosis is missing. This can lead to delayed diagnosis and worse outcomes of the patients. An endoscopic optical method enabling a direct distinction between healthy tissue, dysplastic tissue and cancerous tissue would be an ideal tool for the detection of tumors of the upper aerodigestive tract (UADT). Healthy and tumor cells differ significantly in their metabolic state due to the different metabolic pathways they use (more oxidative phosphorylation in healthy cells, more glycolysis in tumor cells). Optical metabolic imaging (OMI) measuring relative intracellular concentration of NAD(P)H and FAD redox pairs could be a promising approach for early tumor detection and differentiation of suspicious mucosal lesions.

Methods

In this study, a specially designed endoscopic two‐beam two‐photon fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) system was used to perform two‐photon two‐beam FLIM of NAD(P)H and FAD to image the metabolic state in different tissue samples of the UADT. FLIM data sets of 27 tissue samples from 16 patients were recorded directly after surgery ex vivo in a special tissue culture medium at 37°C on a dedicated microscope using multiphoton excitation.

Results

Based on the FLIM measurements of NAD(P)H and FAD, six of the most common indices for the characterization of the cells' metabolism were calculated. Three of them, the ratio of the exponential coefficients (amplitudes) of the short and long lifetime components both for NAD(P)H and FAD (NAD(P)H a1/a2 ratio and FAD a1/a2 ratio) and the fluorescence lifetime redox ratio (FLIRR) enabled differentiation between healthy tissue, benign lesions, dysplastic tissue, and cancer tissue with statistical significance.

Conclusions

We showed by measurements on freshly collected tissue samples that mucosal lesions of the UADT can be differentiated using our newly designed endoscopic FLIM device. In vivo measurements in healthy volunteers were also possible. By means of this technology, differentiation of cancerous, pre‐cancerous, and healthy tissue in the UADT by OMI could be possible. Of six indices used to characterize cell metabolism we calculated, the FLIRR showed the most significant differences between tissue types.
Electrokinetic Manipulations Combined With Direct and Ambient Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Manicke Nicholas E. , Wedasingha Lahiru , Rydberg Magnus
Published: December 2024

Mass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful analytical technique that typically involves sample preparation and online analytical separation before MS detection. Traditional methods often face bottlenecks in sample preparation and analytical separation, despite the rapid detection capabilities of MS. This review explores the integration of electrokinetic manipulations directly with the ionization step to enhance MS performance, focusing on methods that eliminate or simplify sample preparation and separation processes. Techniques such as paper spray, electrophoresis in nanoelectrospray ionization (nESI) emitters, induced nESI, counterflow gradient electrofocusing, and in‐syringe electrokinetics are highlighted for their ability to combine extraction and ionization in a single step, significantly improving throughput. The review delves into the use of electric fields during sample preparation and separations for these methods, demonstrating the efficiency of electrophoretic methods in driving extractions, crude separations, desalting, and enhanced sensitivity. The integration of these methods directly with MS ionization aims to enhance the analytical capabilities of mass spectrometry, while reducing costs and increasing throughput relative to traditional approaches.
Changes in Action Tremor in Parkinson's Disease over Time: Clinical and Neuroimaging Correlates
Authors: van den Berg Kevin R.E. , Johansson Martin E. , Dirkx Michiel F. , Bloem Bastiaan R. , Helmich Rick C.
Published: December 2024

Background

The various symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) may change differently over time as the disease progresses. Tremor usually manifests early in the disease, but unlike other motor symptoms, its severity may diminish over time. The cerebral mechanisms underlying these symptom‐specific longitudinal trajectories are unclear. Previous magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies have shown structural changes in brain regions associated with PD tremor, suggesting that structural changes over time may define clinical trajectories.

Objectives

The aims were to investigate the longitudinal trajectory of PD tremor in relation to bradykinesia and rigidity, and assess whether tremor progression is related to structural changes in tremor‐related areas.

Methods

We used data from the Personalized Parkinson Project: a two‐year longitudinal study involving 520 PD patients and 60 healthy controls, who were measured twice clinically and with MRI. Mixed‐effects models were used to compare tremor, bradykinesia, and rigidity progression; investigate gray matter changes in tremor‐related regions (cerebello‐thalamo‐cortical circuit and pallidum); and calculate associations between symptom severity and brain structure. Associations across the whole brain were included to assess anatomical specificity.

Results

Bradykinesia and rigidity worsened over 2 years, whereas tremor behaved differently: resting tremor severity remained stable, whereas postural and kinetic tremor severity decreased. Attenuation of postural and kinetic tremor was associated with, but not restricted to, atrophy in tremor‐related areas. Opposite relationships were observed for bradykinesia and rigidity.

Conclusions

Action tremor (postural and kinetic) is an early symptom of PD, which reduces with disease progression. Longitudinal brain atrophy correlates with tremor and other motor symptoms in opposite ways. © 2024 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
A single‐cell transcriptomic atlas of severe intrauterine adhesion
Authors: Xia Siyu , Ye Wenting , Zeng Jiajun , Song Ge , Sun Yan , Zhang Yongmei , Luo Xiaoqing , Cai Jing , Yu Hongjin , Pan Wenwei , Chen Jiayun , Yang Chuanbin , Luo Qingming , Wang Jigang , Song Yali
Published: December 2024

Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) is a common endometrial disease caused by injury, leading to reproductive health issues. Current treatments have limited effectiveness, side effects, and high recurrence rates, especially, in severe cases. However, the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms are largely unknown. Here we performed a comprehensive analysis by profiling integrated single‐cell transcriptomes of over 72,000 individual endometrial cells, encompassing samples from both patients with IUA and those with normal endometrium. We identified changes in cell type‐specific molecular signatures, including the inflammatory activation in immune cells, extensive damage in epithelial subpopulations, and the deposition of collagen secreted by fibroblasts subpopulations. Our results demonstrated activation of the TREM2+ macrophages, which displayed properties of inflammatory regulation. Annexin A1+ NK subpopulations exhibited the highest susceptibility among NK subtypes, displaying decreased cellular density and the most pronounced differential gene expression. Furthermore, we identified the matrix metallopeptidase 7 (MMP7+) and C‐C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5+) unciliated epithelial subtype originated from pituitary tumor‐transforming gene 1 (PTTG1+) unciliated epithelium as the most vulnerable subpopulations to epithelial injury. Collectively, our study offers integrated resources of the cellular microenvironment of IUA, serving as a comprehensive cellular map of the disease in affected individuals. The insights gained from this study are expected to provide valuable resources for future diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Long‐Term Follow‐Up of Single‐Step Free Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer for the Management of Combined Genital and Lower Extremity Lymphedema: A Case Report
Authors: Janarthanan Ramu , Rai Shravan , Reddy G. Srilekha , Iyer Subramania
Published: December 2024

The occurrence of genital lymphedema with lower extremity involvement is rare. There is no standard approach in the management of combined genital and lower extremity lymphedema (CGLL). The limited literature available on the management of CGLL reveals the use of multiple procedures, including vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT), lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA), and debulking. These approaches individually target the lower extremity or genital region. There is no single‐step procedure for managing the CGLL, which involves two different anatomical regions. In this case report, we describe a single‐step surgical approach for managing CGLL using a single free VLNT. A fifty‐four‐year‐old male presented with CGLL due to filariasis, affecting the quality of life (QOL) predominantly due to genital involvement. He underwent supraclavicular lymph node transfer with an elliptical skin flap of size 5 × 3 cm, placed onto the inguinal region to target the primary lymphatic drainage of both genital and lower extremities. Venous congestion during the initial postoperative period was managed by anastomosing additional veins. The patient developed donor‐site lymphorrhea, which was managed conservatively. At 5 years follow‐up, the patient showed clinical improvement of both genital and lower extremity lymphedema with enhanced QOL. The functional status of the VLNT was confirmed by lower extremity lymphoscintigraphy with single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and scrotal lymphangiogram with indocyanine green (ICG). This case report shows the placement of a single VLNT in the inguinal region as a useful single‐step approach to improve functional outcomes in the management of CGLL.
Wideband High Gain and Low RCS Fabry–Perot Antenna Using the Single Layer Partially Reflective Surface
Authors: Ding Haoyong , Liu Ning , Jiang Tao , Sheng Xianjun , Liu Xiangyan
Published: December 2024

This letter presents a novel wideband high gain and low radar cross section reduction (RCS) Fabry–Perot (FP) antenna using a single layer partially reflective surface (PRS). Different from the traditional PRS unit, the proposed PRS unit can broaden the gain bandwidth and reduce the in‐band RCS. The designed PRS distributes the radiated waves in‐phase through the positive phase gradient compensation and weakens the reflection of the incident waves through the phase cancellation. Compared to the previous wideband low RCS FP antennas, we first achieved the 3 dB gain bandwidth covering the 10 dB impedance bandwidth. Both the simulation and measured results verify the performance of the proposed FP antenna. The results show that the proposed FP antenna has a 10 dB impedance bandwidth of 8.6–11.8 GHz (31.4%) and an RCS reduction bandwidth of 7.9–14.0 GHz (55.7%) under the normal incidence. The 3 dB gain bandwidth and the maximum realized gain are 8.3–12.0 GHz (36.5%) and 16.3 dBi.
Food habits of nonnative Walleyes in Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho
Authors: Frawley Susan E. , Corsi Matthew P. , Dux Andrew M. , Hardy Ryan S. , Quist Michael C.
Published: December 2024

Objective

Walleye Sander vitreus is an important species that has been widely introduced outside of its native distribution. The goal of this study was to assess the effects of an established Walleye population in the Lake Pend Oreille (LPO) system, Idaho.

Methods

Food habits of Walleyes were described using stomach contents and stable isotopes (δ15N, δ13C). Trophic structure of the LPO system's food web was identified using stable isotopes. Annual consumption by Walleyes of important prey items was estimated using a bioenergetics model.

Result

Walleyes consumed a diversity of prey items, including macroinvertebrates and fishes. Kokanee Oncorhynchus nerka, the most frequently consumed prey item, occurred in 23% of all Walleye diets. Combined, native cyprinids and catostomids occurred in 31% of all Walleye stomachs. Select taxa (e.g., native cyprinids, kokanee) were consistently consumed by Walleyes across seasons, regions, and cohorts, whereas other taxa (e.g., Westslope Cutthroat Trout O. lewisi, Smallmouth Bass Micropterus dolomieu) were consumed inconsistently. Stable isotope analysis suggested that Walleyes occupied similar trophic positions as other top-level piscivores in the system. As Walleye age increased, δ15N increased and δ13C decreased, indicating increased consumption of pelagic prey resources and prey at higher trophic positions. The estimated biomass of kokanee consumed annually by Walleyes was 27,121 kg (95% confidence interval = 9178–61,603). Comparatively, native cyprinids represented about 46% of the total biomass of kokanee consumed by Walleyes, whereas native catostomids represented about 11% and native salmonids represented about 15% of the total biomass of kokanee consumed by Walleyes.

Conclusion

This study revealed that Walleyes consumed various fishes across the LPO system. Although kokanee were the most frequently consumed prey item, native cyprinids and catostomids (combined) occurred at similar proportions. This study contributes to our growing knowledge of the effects of nonnative Walleyes on important salmonids and native fishes in western systems.
AI‐Driven Approach for Sustainable Extraction of Earth's Subsurface Renewable Energy While Minimizing Seismic Activity
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Oribio Diego , Stathas Alexandros , Stefanou Ioannis
Published: December 2024

Deep geothermal energy, carbon capture and storage, and hydrogen storage hold considerable promise for meeting the energy sector's large‐scale requirements and reducing emissions. However, the injection of fluids into the Earth's crust, essential for these activities, can induce or trigger earthquakes. In this paper, we highlight a new approach based on reinforcement learning (RL) for the control of human‐induced seismicity in the highly complex environment of an underground reservoir. This complex system poses significant challenges in the control design due to parameter uncertainties and unmodeled dynamics. We show that the RL algorithm can interact efficiently with a robust controller, by choosing the controller parameters in real time, reducing human‐induced seismicity, and allowing the consideration of further production objectives, for example, minimal control power. Simulations are presented for a simplified underground reservoir under various energy demand scenarios, demonstrating the reliability and effectiveness of the proposed control–RL approach.
Validity of a nutrition screening tool for childhood cancer
Authors: Kangalgil Melda , Meral Buket , Murphy Alford Alexia J. , Erduran Erol
Published: December 2024

Background

Malnutrition in pediatric oncology patients is a serious clinical condition. There is a need for standardized nutrition screening in pediatric oncology patients, as nutrition screening can offer a simple method to identify children with cancer at risk of malnutrition. This study aimed to determine the validity of a Turkish version of nutrition screening tool for childhood cancer (SCAN) in identifying the risk of malnutrition among children with cancer.

Materials and Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted with 78 children with cancer admitted to the pediatric hematology‐oncology unit of a university hospital. In the first stage of this study, SCAN was translated into Turkish, and in the second stage, the validity of SCAN against pediatric Subjective Global Nutritional Assessment (SGNA) and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics/American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (AND/ASPEN) malnutrition criteria were evaluated.

Results

Patients had a median age of 8.0 years (range, 2–18 years; IQR, 5–14 years), 61.5% were male, and 60.3% were diagnosed with leukemia. According to SCAN, 53.8% had high risk of malnutrition. Validation of SCAN against pediatric SGNA showed that SCAN has a sensitivity of 97.5%, specificity of 94.5%, and accuracy of 96.1%.

Conclusion

The risk of malnutrition is common in children with cancer. The Turkish version of the SCAN is a simple, quick, and valid tool to determine the risk of malnutrition in children with cancer. Further research is needed to understand the impact of nutrition interventions on clinical outcomes in children at risk for malnutrition based on SCAN.
Convergence of Damped Polarization Schemes for the FFT‐Based Computational Homogenization of Inelastic Media With Pores
Authors: Donval Elodie , Schneider Matti
Published: December 2024

Porous microstructures represent a challenge for the convergence of FFT‐based computational homogenization methods. In this contribution, we show that the damped Eyre–Milton iteration is linearly convergent for a class of nonlinear composites with a regular set of pores, provided the damping factor is chosen between zero and unity. First, we show that an abstract fixed‐point method with non‐expansive fixed‐point operator and non‐trivial damping converges linearly, provided the associated residual mapping satisfies a monotonicity condition on a closed subspace. Then, we transfer this result to the framework of polarization schemes and conclude the linear convergence of the damped Eyre–Milton scheme for porous materials. We present general arguments which apply to a class of nonlinear composites and mixed stress‐strain loadings, as well. We show that the best contraction estimate is reached for a damping factor of , that is, for the polarization scheme of Michel–Moulinec–Suquet, and derive the corresponding optimal reference material. Our results generalize the recent work of Sab and co‐workers who showed that an adaptively damped Eyre–Milton scheme leads to linear convergence for a class of linear composites with pores. Finally, we report on computational experiments which support our findings.
The various associations between whole /regional fat mass and trajectory of cardiometabolic diseases: a nonlinear multistate model
Authors: Xu Xinming , Guo Yi , Huang Lili , Song Berty Ruping , Chen Dan , Weng Fangfang , Zheng Xueying , Wen Yu , Wu Zhenyu , Gao Xiang , Sun Liang
Published: December 2024

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the association of whole body/regional fat mass (FM) with cardiometabolic disease (CMD) trajectory.

Methods

We conducted a prospective analysis using the UK Biobank. The FM index (FMI), a surrogate for whole body FM, and regional FM (i.e., arm, leg, and trunk) were examined as exposures. A nonlinear multistate framework was used to evaluate the association  between whole/regional FM and CMD trajectory.

Results

Among the 423,966 participants (mean age 56.1 [SD 8.10] years, 43.9% men) with a median follow‐up of 13.5 years, varied associations were identified between whole/regional FM and transitions in the CMD trajectory. Upper body FM (i.e., arm and trunk) exhibited significant positive J‐shaped associations in the transitions from first CMD (FCMD) or cardiometabolic multimorbidity to death; however, FMI and leg FM demonstrated L‐shaped associations. Leg FM played a beneficial role in the transition from FCMD to death, with a hazard ratio of 0.950 (95% CI: 0.931–0.968) per 1 kg.

Conclusions

Body fat composition and distribution revealed various associations with CMD trajectory, highlighting their clinical importance. Upper body FM among those participants with FCMD or cardiometabolic multimorbidity demonstrated positive J‐shaped associations toward death, providing no evidence of the “obesity paradox.”
Smart Microneedles in Biomedical Engineering: Harnessing Stimuli‐Responsive Polymers for Novel Applications
Authors: Shahi Farangis , Afshar Hana , Dawi Elmuez A. , Khonakdar Hossein Ali
Published: December 2024

This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of recent advancements in smart microneedles (MNs) within the biomedical field, focusing on the integration of stimuli‐responsive polymers for enhanced therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Conventional drug delivery and diagnostic methods are known to face limitations in precision, safety, and patient compliance, which can be addressed by the innovative features of smart MNs. Through the use of various stimuli‐responsive polymers, these MNs have been designed to react to environmental or physiological cues, allowing for on‐demand drug release, biomarker sensing, and localized therapeutic interventions. Fundamental materials used in the fabrication of these MNs, including metals, polymers, and composite hydrogels, are reviewed, and different categories of stimuli‐responsiveness, such as photo, electro, thermal, mechanical, and biochemical, are explored. Application‐specific designs of MNs in areas such as drug delivery, cancer therapy, diabetes management, and skin disease treatments are also examined. Through this discussion, it is highlighted that smart MNs are poised to play a significant role in advancing personalized and noninvasive medical treatments.
Eisige Talfahrt
Authors: Thaller Sigrid , Mathelitsch Leopold
Published: December 2024

Die drei olympischen Sportarten Bob, Skeleton und Rodeln nutzen die Schwerkraft und eine ausgefeilte Technik, um auf der Eisbahn Höchstgeschwindigkeiten zu erzielen. Der Bob wird mit bis zu 150 km/h am schnellsten. Die Sportarten unterscheiden sich aber grundsätzlich in der Startphase, der Körperhaltung beim Fahren und der eingesetzten Technik. Neben der Startphase sind eine optimal aerodynamische Haltung und das Vermeiden von Fahrfehlern entscheidend.
Effects of Web‐Based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Health‐Related Outcomes Among Patients With Lung Cancer: A Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Zhang Yalin , Liu Chunhua , Chen Xiaoli , Zhang Yun , Li Yunhuan , Hu Xiaolin
Published: December 2024

Objective

To identify the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of web‐based acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on health‐related outcomes in patients with lung cancer.

Methods

A feasibility, prospective, parallel, individual‐based, assessor‐blinded randomized controlled trial was designed. This study was conducted at a third‐level hospital in Sichuan Province, China. A total of 101 participants were enrolled and randomly assigned to usual care group or 7‐weekly web‐based acceptance and commitment therapy group. The primary outcome was feasibility and acceptability of the intervention, and the secondary outcomes including quality of life, psychological flexibility, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and sleep disturbance. Generalized estimating equations were used to evaluate the group differences. All analyses followed the principle of intention‐to‐treat.

Results

Web‐based ACT presented good feasibility and acceptability in this study, with an attrition rate of 13.86%, a median compliance rate of 71.43%, and a satisfaction rate of 65.9%. Compared with control group, participants in intervention group reported statistically significant increases in quality of life (MD = 15.10, 95% CI: [10.09, 20.11], d = 0.37), psychological flexibility (MD = −8.42, 95% CI: [−10.81, −6.03], d = −1.47), anxiety (MD = −1.27, 95% CI: [−2.50, −0.05], d = −0.44), depression (MD = −2.11, 95% CI: [−3.28, −0.95], d = −0.76), and sleep disturbance (MD = −1.85, 95% CI: [−3.10, −0.59], d = 0.13) at postintervention, however, the improvement in fatigue was not statistically significant (MD = −2.02, 95% CI: [−9.02, 4.98], d = −0.12).

Conclusions

Web‐based ACT was an approach with good feasibility and acceptability, and it could effectively improve quality of life, psychological flexibility, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance in patients with lung cancer. In order to achieve better results, there is a need to design a more tailored intervention plan and a more operational platform.
Applicability of AlphaFold2 in the modeling of dimeric, trimeric, and tetrameric coiled‐coil domains
Authors: Madaj Rafal , Martinez‐Goikoetxea Mikel , Kaminski Kamil , Ludwiczak Jan , Dunin‐Horkawicz Stanislaw
Published: December 2024

Coiled coils are a common protein structural motif involved in cellular functions ranging from mediating protein–protein interactions to facilitating processes such as signal transduction or regulation of gene expression. They are formed by two or more alpha helices that wind around a central axis to form a buried hydrophobic core. Various forms of coiled‐coil bundles have been reported, each characterized by the number, orientation, and degree of winding of the constituent helices. This variability is underpinned by short sequence repeats that form coiled coils and whose properties determine both their overall topology and the local geometry of the hydrophobic core. The strikingly repetitive sequence has enabled the development of accurate sequence‐based coiled‐coil prediction methods; however, the modeling of coiled‐coil domains remains a challenging task. In this work, we evaluated the accuracy of AlphaFold2 in modeling coiled‐coil domains, both in modeling local geometry and in predicting global topological properties. Furthermore, we show that the prediction of the oligomeric state of coiled‐coil bundles can be achieved by using the internal representations of AlphaFold2, with a performance better than any previous state‐of‐the‐art method (code available at https://github.com/labstructbioinf/dc2_oligo).
Screening microorganisms with robust and stable protein expression and secretion capacity
Authors: Liu Li‐Hua , Guo Yu , Yang Min , Zhang Yang , Wu Yi‐Rui , Jiang Ao , Zhang Zhiqian
Published: December 2024

Robust and stable protein secretion is crucial for efficient recombinant protein production. Here, a novel and powerful platform using split GFP activated droplet sorting (SGADS) has been developed to significantly boost the yields of the protein of interest (POI). The SGADS platform leverages solubilizing peptide P17 and secretory expression in Bacillus subtilis to optimize two split GFP sensors: the P17‐GFP1‐9/GFP10‐POI‐GFP11 sensor for assessing protease activity and the P17‐GFP1‐10/GFP11‐POI sensor for measuring secretion capacity. This innovative platform has demonstrated its effectiveness by successfully screening high‐performance mutant strains capable of producing collagen, amylase, and protein glutaminase across a range of host organisms, including Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Pichia pastoris. The substantial increases in production achieved with the SGADS platform highlight its broad applicability and potential in enhancing recombinant protein production.
High‐quality reference genome of predatory mite Neoseiulus californicusMcGregor (Acari: Phytoseiidae) provides insights into its biological traits and potential RNAi off‐target effects
Authors: Liu Rundong , Zhu Rui , Guo Jianjun , Yi Tianci , Jin Daochao
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND

Neoseiulus californicus is a predatory mite that can control various spider mites and other small arthropods. Despite its acknowledged effectiveness in the natural enemy market, a crucial knowledge gap exists in understanding the genomic features related to its predatory traits and adaptation. With the increasing emphasis on modern pest management strategies and dynamic environmental changes in plant production trends, constructing a reliable genomic resource for N. californicus becomes imperative.

RESULTS

In this study, we provided a high‐quality genome assembly and annotation of N. californicus, with a size of 188.43 Mb and 12 946 predicted genes. We identified genomic features and traits related to its detoxification, stress response, sensory system, mobility, secretory toxins, digestive enzymes and horizontally transferred genes (HGTs) by comparative genomics. We also predicted the potential off‐target effects of double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) that could be used to control spider mites, based on public data and the N. californicus genome.

CONCLUSION

Our study provided a valuable genomic resource for a commercialized predatory mite, offering useful insights for the design of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies in the new era. Further studies are needed to explore the functional roles of key gene families in predatory mites, as well as their interactions with their prey and IPM strategies. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Unlocking Natural Potential: Antibody‐Drug Conjugates With Naturally Derived Payloads for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Jiang Xue , Nik Nabil Wan Najbah , Ze Yufei , Dai Rongchen , Xi Zhichao , Xu Hongxi
Published: December 2024

Natural compound‐derived chemotherapies remain central to cancer treatment, however, they often cause off‐target side effects that negatively impact patients' quality of life. In contrast, antibody‐drug conjugates (ADCs) combine cytotoxic payloads with antibodies to specifically target cancer cells. Most approved and clinically investigated ADCs utilize naturally derived payloads, while those with conventional synthetic molecular payloads remain limited. This review focuses on approved ADCs that enhance the efficacy of naturally derived payloads by linking them with antibodies. We provide an overview of the core components of ADCs, their working mechanisms, and FDA‐approved ADCs featuring naturally derived payloads, such as calicheamicin, camptothecin, dolastatin 10, maytansine, pyrrolbenzodiazepine (PBD), and the immunotoxin Pseudomonas exotoxin A. This review also explores recent clinical advancements aimed at broadening the therapeutic potential of ADCs, their applicability in treating heterogeneously composed tumors and their potential use beyond oncology. Additionally, this review highlights naturally derived payloads that are currently being clinically investigated but have not yet received approval. By summarizing the current landscape, this review provides insights into promising avenues for exploration and contributes to the refinement of treatment protocols for improved patient outcomes.
Development of Eco‐Friendly Food Packaging Films Using Bio‐Based Polyethylene and Natural Pigments
Authors: Yücetürk Mert , Aksoy Ecenur , Seydibeyoğlu Mehmet Özgür
Published: December 2024

In this study, sustainable and environmentally friendly packaging films were developed using bio‐based polyethylene (BIO‐PE) and natural plant pigments. The pigments were obtained from Rubia tinctorum (madder), Punica granatum (pomegranate), Juglans regia (walnut), Reseda lutea (yellow mignonette) and Quercus infectoria (Aleppo oak), which are known for their strong colouring properties and are widely available in the rich flora of Turkey. These pigments were blended with BIO‐PE at a ratio of 10% in the form of composites. The packaging films were produced via blown film extrusion, and their optical, mechanical, frictional and blocking properties were systematically characterized. The results showed that natural pigments significantly improved the optical properties, especially the opacity, with films containing Reseda lutea reaching the highest value of 99.77%. In addition, Punica granatum–based films exhibited a tensile modulus of 246 MPa, which improved structural integrity. The addition of natural pigments reduced the blocking force to 440 gf/100 cm2, allowing the layers to separate more easily, while the coefficients of friction ranged from 0.15 to 0.27, improving the sliding properties. These results demonstrate the potential of BIO‐PE and natural pigments to create effective and sustainable packaging solutions.
Convolutional Sparse Coding for Time Series Via a ℓ0 Penalty: An Efficient Algorithm With Statistical Guarantees
Authors: Truong Charles , Moreau Thomas
Published: December 2024

Identifying characteristic patterns in time series, such as heartbeats or brain responses to a stimulus, is critical to understanding the physical or physiological phenomena monitored with sensors. Convolutional sparse coding (CSC) methods, which aim to approximate signals by a sparse combination of short signal templates (also called atoms), are well‐suited for this task. However, enforcing sparsity leads to non‐convex and untractable optimization problems. This article proposes finding the optimal solution to the original and non‐convex CSC problem when the atoms do not overlap. Specifically, we show that the reconstruction error satisfies a simple recursive relationship in this setting, which leads to an efficient detection algorithm. We prove that our method correctly estimates the number of patterns and their localization, up to a detection margin that depends on a certain measure of the signal‐to‐noise ratio. In a thorough empirical study, with simulated and real‐world physiological data sets, our method is shown to be more accurate than existing algorithms at detecting the patterns' onsets.
Low Pass Filter Based Lithium‐ion Battery Equivalent Circuit Model With High Accuracy
Authors: Fan Shaogui , Shao Zelu , Wen Ding , Zhang Yuxin , Wang Wencong , Yu Congcong , Wang Yaning
Published: December 2024

The equivalent circuit model (ECM) of lithium batteries provides a simplified way to describe their output behaviors. In this paper, a low pass filter‐based ECM of lithium battery is proposed with high accuracy. A voltage source is employed to represent the capability of the lithium battery to store energy chemically, a RC branch paralleled with the voltage source represents the charge transfer process. This RC branch acts as a low pass filter, and the capacitance buffers the charges during charging or discharging process, and this explains the dynamic voltage recovery process. However, with the traditional RC branches‐based ECM, the dynamic voltage is realized by the resistance in parallel with the capacitor, which discharges the capacitor and the RC branch is series‐connected with the voltage source. The proposed ECM is compared with the 1‐RC Thevenin model, which has the same number of model parameters with the proposed model. The parameters are obtained by the hybrid pulse power characterization (HPPC) test. The output voltage accuracy of the 1‐RC Thevenin model and the proposed model with LFP battery and NCM battery is verified with different test conditions. The experimental results show that the proposed ECM has higher accuracy, this validates the correctness of the proposed model.