bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testing associations between assessments of cognitive flexibility and eating disorder symptoms in adolescent bulimia nervosa
Authors: Singh Simar , Gorrell Sasha , Matheson Brittany E. , Reilly Erin E. , Lock James D. , Le Grange Daniel
Published: June 2024

Objective

Cognitive rigidity, or difficulty adapting to changing demands, is commonly observed in anorexia nervosa. Less is known, however, about cognitive flexibility (CF) in bulimia nervosa (BN) and, particularly, adolescence. Clarifying this relation and best assessment practices may guide informed clinical decision‐making. The current study compared how two measures of CF (i.e., Wisconsin Card Sort Task [WCST] and Trail Making Task [TMT]) relate to BN symptoms among adolescents.

Methods

Data from a subsample (n = 78) of adolescents with BN were analyzed. Linear and hurdle regressions were used to compare the effects of WCST perseverative errors and TMT performance on Eating Disorder Examination Global Scores, objective binge episodes, and self‐induced vomiting episodes (SVEs) at baseline and end‐of‐treatment (EOT).

Results

Neither CF measure associated with baseline BN symptoms. TMT performance positively associated with the likelihood of engaging in SVEs at EOT (𝛽 = 0.47, p = 0.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.11–0.84]) and, among adolescents who endorsed ≥1 SVE at EOT, WCST perseverative errors (𝛽 = 0.05, p = 0.005, 95% CI = [0.01–0.08]) positively associated with SVE frequency at EOT.

Discussion

The overall lack of associations between CF and outcomes suggests that cognitive rigidity may not be as relevant to the clinical profile of adolescent BN as for anorexia nervosa. In the few significant associations that emerged, the WCST and TMT uniquely predicted the severity of vomiting at EOT in this sample. Given the lack of CF deficits, future work should aim to test the role of other executive functions (e.g., impulsivity), in addition to CF, to determine which deficits are present in adolescent BN and may predict outcomes.

Public Significance

Patients with eating disorders often have difficulties thinking flexibly, which may interfere with their recovery. We tested two ways of measuring flexible thinking in adolescents with BN. Overall, flexible thinking was not associated with symptom‐level outcomes. However, less flexible thinking at the start of treatment predicted self‐induced vomiting at EOT. If findings are replicable, then assessing and addressing flexible thinking could improve outcomes for adolescents with BN.
Differences in inhibitory control in two species of Tanganyikan bower‐building cichlids contrasting in building flexibility
Authors: Tomasek Maëlan , Soller Katinka , Dufour Valérie , Jordan Alex
Published: June 2024

A central challenge in understanding the evolution of cognition is the ability to compare a set of species differing in a trait of interest while being ecologically and phylogenetically close. Here, we examine whether differences in bower‐building flexibility are related to differences in cognitive flexibility between two Tanganyikan cichlids. Cognitive flexibility enables animals to modify their decision rules when faced with new situations, and inhibitory control, the ability to inhibit a normally favoured response, is an essential component of this capacity. We tested male Aulonocranus dewindti and Cyathopharynx furcifer in a choice‐against‐preference paradigm. Both species clean their bowers of foreign objects and we found that both preferred to remove a snail shell over a stone. We tested their ability to modify this preference and learned to preferably select the stone instead of the shell. Although neither species showed clear learning of the new preference rule, both demonstrated inhibitory control through increased decision times and manipulations of the objects when selecting the stone. Specifically, A. dewindti, the species exhibiting greater behavioural flexibility in the construction of their bowers, selected the stone in fewer trials than C. furcifer, providing support for a link between behavioural flexibility in bower construction and cognitive flexibility.
Patterns and processes underlying understory songbird communities in southern China
Authors: Liu Fangyuan , Yu Xiaoping , Che Xianli , Zhang Qiang , Grossi Alexandra Ashley , Zhang Min , Wang Zhengzhen , Zou Fasheng
Published: June 2024

Understory bird communities, especially those comprising insectivores, are highly sensitive to forest loss and fragmentation. Currently, there is little knowledge regarding the large‐scale diversity patterns of understory bird communities, particularly in Eastern Asia. Consequently, we aimed to identify the distribution patterns of understory birds in southern China and the factors underlying these patterns. We analysed the diversity distribution patterns of taxonomic and functional α and β diversity for understory Passeriformes birds in southern China utilising cluster and ordination analyses. Subsequently, we analysed the effects of geographic distance, annual mean temperature, annual temperature range, annual mean precipitation, and annual precipitation range on diversity distribution patterns. In total, 9282 individuals belonging to 11 orders, 48 families, and 297 species were captured over 98,544 net hours, with Alcippeidae being the most abundant family in southern China. The understory bird communities of the 25 sites were categorised into six sub‐regions of the Oriental Realm (Indo‐Malayan Realm). The pattern in the distribution of taxonomic and functional β‐diversity of understory birds in southern China was consistent with zoogeographical regionalisation. Three distinct geographical groups were identified: Group 1 was located in the Min‐Guang Coast and Hainan sub‐regions; Group 2 was located in the East Hilly Plain, Southwest Mountains, and Western Mountains and Plateaus sub‐regions; and Group 3 was located in the Southern Yunnan Mountain subregion. The most critical factors related to the distribution patterns of β‐diversity were geographical distance, annual mean temperature, and annual temperature range. Our results showed that the understory bird communities of the Southwest Mountain, East Hilly Plain, and Western Mountains, and Plateaus sub‐regions were similar, as were those of the Min‐Guang Coast and Hainan sub‐regions. Our results underscore the joint roles of distance, temperature, and historical evolution in understory bird communities.
Contrasting population genetic structure of three semi‐terrestrial brachyuran crabs on the coast of the Japanese archipelago
Authors: Yuhara Takeshi , Ohtsuki Hajime , Hirota Shun K. , Suyama Yoshihisa , Urabe Jotaro
Published: June 2024

Anthropogenic activities have reduced ecotones between the ocean and land, which is likely to threaten the population of brackish‐water brachyuran crabs. To assess the current status of these crabs, we examine the population genetic structures of three semi‐terrestrial brachyuran crabs widely distributed along the coast of the Japan and to clarify factors determining their genetic structures. We collected 184 Orisarma dehaani, 252 Chiromantes haematocheir, and 151 Helice tridens crabs from 36 localities of the Japanese archipelago. Genome‐wide SNP data from these crabs were analyzed using MIG‐seq. Bayesian clustering of STRUCTURE and DAPC analysis were used to identify genetically disturbed populations and to visualize genetic differentiation between local populations. Genetic population structure showed clear differentiation between populations on the Pacific coast of the Tohoku region and on other Japanese coasts in O. dehaani, but not in C. haematocheir or H. tridens. The inbreeding coefficient of O. dehaani was significantly higher on the Pacific coast of the Tohoku region compared to other Japanese coasts. C. haematocheir and H. tridens had homogeneous genetic structures along the Japanese coast, but showed genetic differentiation of a local population at their range limits. Thus, O. dehaani showed little gene flow and clear genetic differentiation between populations in the Tohoku Pacific region and those on other Japanese coasts due to ocean currents. Although such a regional differentiation was not found in C. haematocheir and H. tridens, one population of C. haematocheir was genetically isolated at the edge of its distribution range and likely vulnerable to environmental changes.
Pd nanoparticles supported on Fe3O4 particles grafted with poly(acrylamide) gel brush for simultaneous electrochemical‐sensing of dopamine and paracetamol
Authors: Güler Muhammet , Zengin Adem
Published: June 2024

In the present study, a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with Pd nanoparticles deposited on poly(acrylamide) gel brush‐grafted magnetic particles (Pd/PAAmGB@Fe3O4) with core‐shell structure was fabricated for simultaneous electrochemical detection of dopamine (DA) and paracetamol (PA). Electrochemical performance of Pd/PAAmGB@Fe3O4/GCE was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The fabricated sensor exhibited voltammetric sensing with a satisfactory linear determination range from 0.4–41 μM for DA and from 0.5–95 μM for PA. The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.1 μM for DA and 0.17 μM for PA based on signal to noise ratio of 3. The proposed sensor also had excellent reusability and selectivity, good reproducibility and stability, and satisfactory recovery in biomedical examples. It is believed that metal nanoparticles deposited on polymer gel brush composites may offer promising new horizons for sensor growth.
Policy, Politics, and Impact
Authors: Gilbert Susan
Published: June 2024

The work of bioethicists often involves identifying an ethical problem in health or medicine and proposing a policy to address it. But the path to policy is full of twists and turns, bumps and detours. Effecting policy may be the goal, but it is far from assured. One success story is discussed here. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued a ruling in April 2024 that requires all teaching hospitals in the country to get written consent from patients before they undergo intimate medical exams. The ruling was informed by an essay in the Hastings Center Report two years ago that revealed that millions of U.S. residents have received unconsented intimate exams and that this unethical practice occurs nearly four times as often in Black patients as White patients.
Better Conversations for Better Informed Consent: Talking with Surgical Patients
Authors: Schwarze Margaret L. , Arnold Robert M. , Clapp Justin T. , Kruser Jacqueline M.
Published: June 2024

For more than sixty years, surgeons have used bioethical strategies to promote patient self‐determination, many of these now collectively described as “informed consent.” Yet the core framework—understanding, risks, benefits, and alternatives—fails to support patients in deliberation about treatment. We find that surgeons translate this framework into an overly complicated technical explanation of disease and treatment and an overly simplified narrative that surgery will “fix” the problem. They omit critical information about the goals and downsides of surgery and present untenable options as a matter of patient choice. We propose a novel framework called “better conversations.” Herein, surgeons provide context about clinical norms, establish the goals of surgery, and comprehensively delineate the downsides of surgery to generate a deliberative space for patients to consider whether surgery is right for them. This paradigm shift meets the standards for informed consent, supports deliberation, and allows patients to anticipate and prepare for the experience of treatment.
Anti‐obesity Medications: Ethical, Policy, and Public Health Concerns
Authors: Klitzman Robert , Greenberg Henry
Published: June 2024

New anti‐obesity medications (AOMs) have received widespread acclaim in medical journals and the media, but they also raise critical ethical, public health, and public policy concerns that have largely been ignored. AOMs are very costly, need to be taken by a patient in perpetuity (since significant rebound weight gain otherwise occurs), and threaten to shift resources and focus away from other crucial efforts at obesity treatment and prevention. Many people may feel less motivated to exercise or reduce their caloric consumption, if they assume that obesity is now medically treatable. Policy‐makers may similarly come to feel that the solution to the obesity pandemic is simply to prescribe medications and that prevention efforts are far less necessary. These drugs raise concerns about justice (since AOMs will disproportionately benefit the wealthy), medicalization, and marketing. Policy‐makers, clinicians, and others need to engage in multipronged educational and policy efforts to address these challenges.
Abigail Levin replies
Authors: Levin Abigail
Published: June 2024

This letter responds to the letter “The Open Donor View and Procreative Beneficence,” by Daniel Groll, in the same, May‐June 2024, issue of the Hastings Center Report.
Arthroscopy or arthrotomy for native knee septic arthritis: A systematic review
Authors: McKenna Daniel P. , Miller Peggy , McAleese Timothy , Cleary May
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Septic arthritis of any joint is an orthopaedic emergency which requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. The knee is the commonest joint afflicted, and the primary objective of any treatment is complete source control. This commonly takes the form of antibiotic therapy and a washout of the infected joint by means of arthroscopy or arthrotomy. The primary aim of this review is to investigate if arthroscopic washout for native knee septic arthritis confers a lower risk of repeat procedure than arthrotomy.

Methods

A systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted of the MEDLINE, SCOPUS and the Cochrane Library data bases. The primary outcome of interest was requirement for repeat washout with all‐cause complications, length of inpatient stay and mortality secondary outcomes.

Results

A total of 17,140 subjects were included for analysis of the primary outcome, and the overall rate of repeat procedure was 14.6%. No statistical difference was found between arthroscopy and arthrotomy for repeat washout (risk ratio 0.86 [95% confidence interval, CI: 0.72–1.02], I2 = 36%). Eligible studies found in favour of arthroscopy for all‐cause complication rate (risk ratio 0.75 [95% CI: 0.6–0.93], I2 = 84%) and length of stay in hospital (mean difference −1.98 days [95% CI: −3.43 to −0.53], I2 = 84%). No statistical difference was found for the mortality rate (risk ratio 1.17 [95% CI: 0.52–2.63], I2 = 57%).

Conclusion

Our analysis found arthroscopy and open arthrotomy to be equivocal for repeat surgical washout in native knee septic arthritis. All‐cause complication rate and length of inpatient stay were favourable for arthroscopy with no difference noted between mortality rates.

Level of Evidence

Level III.
Investigation of long channel bulkMOSFETsthreshold voltage model down to 10mKand key analog parameters at 4 K
Authors: Su Hao , Cai Yiyuan , Lin Yuhuan , Xie Yunfeng , Mai Yongfeng , Zhou Shenghua , Hu Guangchong , He Yu , Zhou Feichi , Liu Xiaoguang , Lin Longyang , Li Yida , Yu Hongyu , Chen Kai
Published: June 2024

Threshold voltage behavior at cryogenic temperatures is dominated by interface traps. This mechanism leads to different trends of the threshold voltage for NMOS and PMOS toward deep cryogenic temperature. This study investigates threshold voltage (Vth) at cryogenic temperatures down to 10 mK for the first time, based on the recently developed physical charge‐based analytical threshold voltage model. To investigate the impact of devices on circuits at low temperatures, crucial MOSFET and analog design parameters, including transconductance (gm), subthreshold swing (SS), linear region current (Ilin) andgm/IDSrelated parameters are characterized and compared from 300 to 4 K. A Discussion on circuit performance and power consumption has been conducted to provide useful insights for low‐temperature CMOS circuit design.
Effects of short‐term supplementation with DHA‐enriched phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylserine on lipid profiles in the brain and liver of n‐3 PUFA‐deficient mice in early life after weaning
Authors: Zuo Wei‐Ya , Wen Min , Zhao Ying‐Cai , Li Xiao‐Yue , Xue Chang‐Hu , Yanagita Teruyoshi , Wang Yu‐Ming , Zhang Tian‐Tian
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Lack of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids during the period of maternity drastically lowers the docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) level in the brain of offspring and studies have demonstrated that different molecular forms of DHA are beneficial to brain development. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of short‐term supplementation with DHA‐enriched phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) on DHA levels in the liver and brain of congenital n‐3‐deficient mice.

RESULTS

Dietary supplementation with DHA significantly changed the fatty acid composition of various phospholipid molecules in the cerebral cortex and liver while DHA‐enriched phospholipid was more effective than DHA triglyceride (TG) in increasing brain and liver DHA. Both DHA‐PS and DHA‐PC could effectively increase the DHA levels, but DHA in the PS form was superior to PC in the contribution of DHA content in the brain ether‐linked PC (ePC) and liver lyso‐phosphatidylcholine molecular species. DHA‐PC showed more significant effects on the increase of DHA in liver TG, PC, ePC, phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and PE plasmalogen (pPE) molecular species and decreasing the arachidonic acid level in liver PC plasmalogen, ePC, PE and pPE molecular species compared with DHA‐PS.

CONCLUSION

The effect of dietary interventions with different molecular forms of DHA for brain and liver lipid profiles is different, which may provide theoretical guidance for dietary supplementation of DHA for people. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Low‐density cultured cartilage cells expanded in platelet lysate present distinct features to develop an innovative clinical treatment for diffuse cartilage lesions
Authors: Colombini Alessandra , Lopa Silvia , Libonati Francesca , Talò Giuseppe , Mareschi Katia , Marini Elena , Mangiavini Laura , Raffo Vincenzo , Moretti Matteo , de Girolamo Laura
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Chondrocyte‐based cell therapies are effective for the treatment of chondral lesions, but remain poorly indicated for diffuse lesions in the context of early osteoarthritis (OA). The aim of this study was to develop a protocol to obtain chondroprogenitor cells suitable for the treatment of diffuse chondral lesions within early OA.

Methods

Cartilage cells were expanded at low density in human platelet lysate (hPL). A test was performed to exclude senescence. The expression of surface cluster of differentiation 146, cluster of differentiation 166, major histocompatibility complex (MHC)‐I and MHC‐II and of genes of interest were evaluated, as well as the trophic potential of these cells, by the assessment of lubricin and matrix production. The immunomodulatory potential was assessed through their co‐culture with macrophages.

Results

Cartilage cells expanded at low density in hPL showed higher proliferation rate than standard‐density cells, no replicative senescence, low immunogenicity and expression of lubricin. Moreover, they presented an increased expression of chondrogenic and antihypertrophic markers, as well as a superior matrix deposition if compared to cells cultured at standard density. Cartilage cells induced on macrophages an upregulation of CD206, although a higher increase of CD163 expression was observed in the presence of low‐density cells.

Conclusions

These findings lay the grounds to explore the clinical usefulness of low‐density cultured cartilage cells to treat diffuse lesions in early OA joints for both autologous and allogenic use.

Level of Evidence

Not applicable.
Regulating Bacterial Culture through Tailored Silk Inverse Opal Scaffolds
Authors: Qi Bei , Li Yitan , Zhao Junyan , Zhang Jiapeng , Zhang Xiaohua , Chen Gaojian , Yang Zhaohui
Published: June 2024

Controlling the growth of microbial consortia is of great significance in the biomedical field. Selective bacterial growth is achieved by fabricating silk inverse opal (SIO) scaffolds with varying pore sizes ranging from 0.3 to 4.5 µm. Pore size significantly influences the growth dynamics of bacteria in both single and mixed‐strain cultures. Specially, the SIO‐4.5 µm scaffold is observed to be more favorable for cultivating S. aureus, whereas the SIO‐0.3 µm scaffold is more suitable for cultivating E. coli and P. aeruginosa. By adjusting the secondary conformation of silk fibroin, the stiffness of the SIO substrate will be altered, which results in the increase of bacteria on the SIO by 16 times compared with that on the silk fibroin film. Manipulating the pore size allows for the adjustment of the S. aureus to P. aeruginosa ratio from 0.8 to 9.3, highlighting the potential of this approach in regulating bacterial culture.
Exploring the relationship between chatbots, service failure recovery and customer loyalty: A frustration–aggression perspective
Authors: Ozuem Wilson , Ranfagni Silvia , Willis Michelle , Salvietti Giada , Howell Kerry
Published: June 2024

An increasing number of companies are introducing chatbot‐led contexts in service failure recovery. Existing studies are inconclusive on whether humanlike chatbot‐driven service failure recovery enhances customer loyalty. Grounding our work in phenomenological hermeneutics and utilizing frustration–aggression theory, we concentrate on the historical circumstance and the participatory nature of understanding customers' chatbot‐driven interactions and loyalty. We conducted 47 in‐depth interviews with millennials from four countries (United States, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom). By analyzing interview data through thematic analysis, our study offers two significant contributions. First, through thematic analysis, we define the dynamics occurring between customers and chatbots in a service recovery journey, such as customers' priorities and expectations. Second, we present a chatbot‐led service failure recovery typology framework that identifies four types of customers based on their interactions with a chatbot and their emotions, specifically frustration and aggression, and the effects of the interactions on their brand loyalty and intention to use chatbots. The identification of four customer types can help managers shape strategies to effectively turn negative customer experiences into opportunities to strengthen their loyalty, such as making more than one touchpoint available (human and chatbot). Our study shows that customers' emotions, specifically frustration and aggression, affect not only customer loyalty but also technology adoption. The concluding section suggests future avenues for research in the service recovery literature.
A Computational Strategy for the Rapid Identification and Ranking of Patient‐Specific T Cell Receptors Bound to Neoantigens
Authors: Rollins Zachary A. , Curtis Matthew B. , George Steven C. , Faller Roland
Published: June 2024

T cell receptor (TCR) recognition of a peptide–major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) is crucial for adaptive immune response. The identification of therapeutically relevant TCR‐pMHC protein pairs is a bottleneck in the implementation of TCR‐based immunotherapies. The ability to computationally design TCRs to target a specific pMHC requires automated integration of next‐generation sequencing, protein–protein structure prediction, molecular dynamics, and TCR ranking. A pipeline to evaluate patient‐specific, sequence‐based TCRs to a target pMHC is presented. Using the three most frequently expressed TCRs from 16 colorectal cancer patients, the protein–protein structure of the TCRs to the target CEA peptide–MHC is predicted using Modeller and ColabFold. TCR‐pMHC structures are compared using automated equilibration and successive analysis. ColabFold generated configurations require an ≈2.5× reduction in equilibration time of TCR‐pMHC structures compared to Modeller. The structural differences between Modeller and ColabFold are demonstrated by root mean square deviation (≈0.20 nm) between clusters of equilibrated configurations, which impact the number of hydrogen bonds and Lennard‐Jones contacts between the TCR and pMHC. TCR ranking criteria that may prioritize TCRs for evaluation of in vitro immunogenicity are identified, and this ranking is validated by comparing to state‐of‐the‐art machine learning‐based methods trained to predict the probability of TCR‐pMHC binding.
Effects of brief dialectical behavior therapy skills training on Malay‐speaking school teachers: A controlled study
Authors: Keng Shian‐Ling , Pang Nicholas Tze Ping , Tanin Clarissa , Cheng Yee Hsuen , Wong Andrea , Hadi Noor Melissa Binti Nor
Published: June 2024

School teachers are susceptible to mental health issues due to the challenging responsibilities the teaching profession entails. While several interventions have demonstrated effectiveness in improving teachers' social emotional competencies and mental health outcomes, little work has examined the potential of dialectical behavior therapy–skills training (DBT‐ST) in improving teacher outcomes. This study aimed to assess the effects of a five‐session, Malay‐translated DBT‐ST on psychological symptoms (anxiety, depression, stress, burnout), social‐emotional competencies, DBT skills use, and dysfunctional coping in a sample of school teachers in East Malaysia. Fifty‐three participants were recruited and assigned into DBT‐ST or a control group, consisting of attending a mental health talk. Analyses showed that DBT‐ST participants reported greater decreases in student‐related burnout and dysfunctional coping, and greater increases in DBT skills use compared to the control group from pre‐ to post‐intervention. There were no between‐condition differences on changes in other mental health outcomes, though session attendance was linked positively to improvements in several outcomes in the DBT‐ST condition. Analyses of post‐intervention feedback indicated that brief DBT‐ST was deemed acceptable and feasible among the research participants. In conclusion, DBT‐ST holds promise as an intervention to lower student‐related burnout and facilitate adaptive coping among school teachers.
Scoping literature review of well‐being of students at school: Implications for designing evidence‐based interventions
Authors: Alexandra Strukova
Published: June 2024

This paper reviews the literature to clarify the image of a student with a high level of well‐being (WB) for a future systematic literature review and evidence‐based interventions to promote student WB. It presents a holistic approach to the analysis of definitions, operationalisation and indicators with interpretative phenomenological analyses (IPA). The main question of the paper is what image of student WB can be constructed from the components and indicators of WB that have been highlighted in the literature. Overall, 50 publications were coded before the subjectively evaluated saturation was reached and 641 mentions of the different components of WB were coded that were distributed among seven categories: ‘individual psychological indicators’ (319 units), ‘social contacts, relationships’ (136 units), ‘health’ (78 units), ‘school life’ (63 units), ‘standard of living’ (26 units), ‘spirituality, moral competence, values’ (12 units) and ‘general mentions’ of WB (7 units). It is argued that individual psychological state, quality of relationships, health, school‐related features, objective indicators, and moral and spiritual aspects are features of students with a high level of WB. The implications for further research, practical usage and the limitations of the study are offered in the Discussion section.

Context and implications

Rationale for this study

Developing high levels of student WB is an important aim of schools, but for it to be something more than just a declaration, some measures should be taken. To be effective, such measures should be based on scientific knowledge. This paper reviews the literature for future practical application.

Why the new findings matter

The research field of WB is diverse. Mostly, for evidence‐based measures, one specific approach to WB is used. This paper argues that it is important to look holistically at all theories of WB as they present different facets of one holistic construct.

Implications for practitioners and policy makers

This paper will be useful for practitioners and policy makers as it provides both a scientific section where data, methods and results are presented, and an interpretation of the information for practical usage. It provides a wide range of data and covers several theories of WB and the operationalisation of WB and shows from which indexes these theories and operationalisations originate and why.
Advances in 4D printing of biodegradable photopolymers
Authors: Ma Yue , Shih Chih‐Jen , Bao Yinyin
Published: June 2024

Over the past decade, 4D printing has revolutionized the field of advanced manufacturing by fabricating structures that dynamically respond to environmental stimuli. During this process, shape‐memory polymers (SMPs) stand out, enabling transformations triggered by temperature, light, or other environmental factors, and show great potential for applications in biomedicine and beyond. Notably, biodegradable SMPs offer a compelling advantage in medical devices due to their ability to adapt within the body's temperature range and to be absorbed by tissues, reducing the risks associated with permanent implants. While extrusion techniques have laid the groundwork for 4D printing in biomedicine, vat photopolymerization methods like stereolithography and digital light processing are now at the forefront, favored for their high printing resolution and flexibility in material design. However, the search for suitable biodegradable materials for these advanced techniques continues, with current research focusing on developing systems that meet both the mechanical demands and degradation profiles required for medical applications. This review aims to critically analyze the advancements in biodegradable 4D photopolymers, particularly biodegradable elastomers, and discuss the challenges that lie ahead for their clinical translation.
Non-universal Milan factors for QCD jets
Authors: Hounat Farid
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Using the dispersive method we perform a two-loop analysis of the leading non-perturbative power correction to the change in jet transverse momentum pT, in the small R limit of a Cambridge-Aachen jet clustering algorithm. We frame the calculation in such a way so as to maintain connection with the universal “Milan factor” that corrects for the naive inclusive treatment of the leading hadronization corrections. We derive an enhancement factor that differs from the universal Milan factor computed for event-shape variables as well as the corresponding enhancement factor previously derived for the kt algorithm. Our calculation directly exploits the soft and triple-collinear limit of the QCD matrix element and phase space, which is relevant for capturing the coefficient of the leading 1/R power correction. As an additional check on our approach, we also independently confirm the known result for the kt algorithm.
Unruh-De Witt detectors, Bell-CHSH inequality and Tomita-Takesaki theory
Authors: Guedes F. M. , Guimaraes M. S. , Roditi I. , Sorella S. P.
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The interaction between Unruh-De Witt spin 1/2 detectors and a real scalar field is scrutinized by making use of the Tomita-Takesaki modular theory as applied to the Von Neumann algebra of the Weyl operators. The use of the modular theory enables to evaluate in an exact way the trace over the quantum field degrees of freedom. The resulting density matrix is employed to the study of the Bell-CHSH correlator. It turns out that, as a consequence of the interaction with the quantum field, the violation of the Bell-CHSH inequality exhibits a decreasing as compared to the case in which the scalar field is absent.
Cosmology and the classical limit of the S-matrix
Authors: Aoki Katsuki , Cristofoli Andrea
Published: June 2024

Abstract

We investigate the relationships between classical observables in cosmology and the classical limit of quantum scattering amplitudes. We first look at the relation between Bogoliubov transformations and the notion of classical limit. Then, we compute the cosmological redshift for a particle in a cosmological background and the emitted gravitational waveform from a quantum field theory basis and its classical limit. We observe that there is no interpretation for the geodesic redshift purely in terms of on-shell amplitudes in flat space, given that the classical limit of a scalar 2-point vanishes when considering an FRW background with two asymptotically flat in and out regions. We resolve this apparent conundrum and recover the correct observable by showing that the action of Hermitian operators differs between the in and out regions, unlike standard approaches in flat spacetime. We then show that radiation reaction corrections to the redshift enter already at order G. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the emitted waveform can be represented solely in terms of an on-shell 3-point amplitude in flat space without energy conservation, providing a closed formula for the waveform in an impulsive FRW.
Effect of low-level laser therapy on en masse retraction in females with bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion
Authors: Dehis Heba Mohamed , El Sharaby Fouad Aly , Eid Faten Husain , Mostafa Yehya Ahmed
Published: June 2024

Background

Acceleration of tooth movement has gained remarkable attention during the last decade. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on en masse retraction of upper anterior teeth in adult women with bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion.

Materials and methods

In this two-arm parallel trial, 36 women with bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion were randomly divided into two equal groups. Eligibility criteria included class I Angle molar relationship, good general and oral health as well as no systemic disease or syndrome. Four temporary anchorage devices (TADs) were used in the upper and lower arches for anchorage purposes. A 0.019×0.025-inch stainless steel wire with crimped hooks just distal to the maxillary canines was inserted. Nickle titanium (NiTi) closed coil springs (200 g/side) were employed for en masse retraction following extraction of the first premolars. In the laser group (LG), retraction of the upper anterior teeth was done along with the application of LLLT on days 0, 3, 7, and 14 after extraction and then repeated biweekly until the end of retraction. Retraction was completed without LLLT application in the nonlaser group (NLG). Data concerning the rate of retraction as well as first molars and anterior positional changes were gained from digitized models and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans taken just before extraction and at the end of retraction. Treatment-associated pain and root resorption were evaluated using visual analogue scale (VAS) and CBCT scans, respectively.

Results

Four patients dropped out prior to follow-up. The duration of retraction was 10.125 ± 2.876 and 13.643 ± 3.455 months in the LG and NLG, respectively. The LG showed a statistically significant faster rate of en masse retraction (0.833 ± 0.371 mm/month) compared to the NLG (0.526 ± 0.268 mm/month;P ≤ 0.035). The observed root resorption was significantly less in the LG (P ≤ 0.05) with comparable pain scores in both groups.

Conclusions

Within the constraints of the parameters of the LLLT used in the current study and despite the statistically significant results on the rate of en masse retraction and the associated root resorption, LLLT did not demonstrate a clinically relevant effect that justifies its use to enhance en masse retraction.

Name of the registry

Clinicaltrials.gov

Trial registration number

NCT05183451

Date of registration

January 10, 2022, “Retrospectively registered”

URL of trial registry record

https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05183451
Genomic Gigantism is not Associated with Reduced Selection Efficiency in Neotropical Salamanders
Authors: Rios-Carlos Hairo , Segovia-Ramírez María Guadalupe , Fujita Matthew K. , Rovito Sean M.
Published: June 2024

Genome size variation in eukaryotes has myriad effects on organismal biology from the genomic to whole-organism level. Large genome size may be associated with lower selection efficiency because lower effective population sizes allow fixation of deleterious mutations via genetic drift, increasing genome size and decreasing selection efficiency. Because of a hypothesized negative relationship between genome size and recombination rate per base pair, increased genome size could also increase the effect of linked selection in the genome, decreasing the efficiency with which natural selection can fix or remove mutations. We used a transcriptomic dataset of 15 and a subset of six Neotropical salamander species ranging in genome size from 12 to 87 pg to study the relationship between genome size and efficiency of selection. We estimated dN/dS of salamanders with small and large genomes and tested for relaxation of selection in the larger genomes. Contrary to our expectations, we did not find a significant relationship between genome size and selection efficiency or strong evidence for higher dN/dS values in species with larger genomes for either species set. We also found little evidence for relaxation of selection in species with larger genomes. A positive correlation between genome size and range size (a proxy of population size) in this group disagrees with predictions of stronger drift in species with larger genomes. Our results highlight the complex interactions between the many forces shaping genomic variation in organisms with genomic gigantism.
Impact of a 6–12-h delay between ileocolic intussusception diagnostic US and fluoroscopic reduction on patients’ outcomes
Authors: Lopez-Rippe Julian , Davis J. Christopher , Dennis Rebecca A. , Kaplan Summer L. , Delgado Jorge
Published: June 2024

Background

Image-guided reduction of intussusception is considered a radiologic urgency requiring 24-h radiologist and technologist availability.

Objective

To assess whether a delay of 6–12 h between US diagnosis and fluoroscopic reduction of ileocolic intussusception affects the success frequency of fluoroscopic reduction.

Materials and methods

Retrospective review of 0–5-year-olds undergoing fluoroscopic reduction for ileocolic intussusception from 2013 to 2023. Exclusions were small bowel intussusception, self-reduced intussusception, first fluoroscopic reduction attempt>12 h after US, prior bowel surgery, inpatient status, and patient transferred for recurrent intussusception. Data collected included demographics, symptoms, air/contrast enema selection, radiation dose, reduction failure, 48-h recurrence, surgery, length of stay, and complications. Comparisons between<6-h and 6–12-h delays after ultrasound diagnosis were made using chi-square, Fisher’s exact test, and Mann–Whitney U tests (P< 0.05 considered significant).

Results

Of 438 included patients, 387 (88.4%) were reduced in <6 h (median age 1.4 years) and 51 (11.7%) were reduced between 6 and 12 h (median age 2.05 years), with median reduction times of 1:42 and 7:07 h, respectively. There were no significant differences between the groups for reduction success (<6 h 87.3% vs. 6–12 h 94.1%; P-value = 0.16), need for surgery (<6 h 11.1% vs. 6–12 h 3.9%; P-value=0.112), recurrence of intussusception within 48 h after reduction (<6 h 9.3% vs. 6–12 h 15.7%; P-value=0.154), or length of hospitalization (<6 h 21:07 h vs. 6–12 h 20:03 h; P-value=0.662).

Conclusion

A delay of 6–12 h between diagnosis and fluoroscopic reduction of ileocolic intussusception is not associated with reduced fluoroscopic reduction success, need for surgical intervention after attempted reduction, recurrence of intussusception following successful reduction, or hospitalization duration after reduction.

Graphical Abstract
Mechanical models and measurement methods of solid stress in tumors
Authors: Bi Yingwei , Jin Jiacheng , Wang Rui , Liu Yuxin , Zhu Liang , Wang Jianbo
Published: June 2024

In addition to genetic mutations, biomechanical factors also affect the structures and functions of the tumors during tumor growth, including solid stress, interstitial fluid pressure, stiffness, and microarchitecture. Solid stress affects tumors by compressing cancer and stromal cells and deforming blood and lymphatic vessels which reduce supply of oxygen, nutrients and drug delivery, making resistant to treatment. Researchers simulate the stress by creating mechanical models both in vitro and in vivo. Cell models in vitro are divided into two dimensions (2D) and three dimensions (3D). 2D models are simple to operate but exert pressure on apical surface of the cells. 3D models, the multicellular tumor spheres, are more consistent with the actual pathological state in human body. However, the models are more difficult to establish compared with the 2D models. Besides, the procedure of the animal models in vivo is even more complex and tougher to operate. Then, researchers challenged to quantify the solid stress through some measurement methods. We compared the advantages and limitations of these models and methods, which may help to explore new therapeutic targets for normalizing the tumor’s physical microenvironment.

Key points

•This is the first review to conclude the mechanical models and measurement methods in tumors.

•The merit and demerit of these models and methods are compared.

•Insights into further models are discussed.
Association of routine hematological parameters with the development of monoclonal gammopathies: a case-control study of 134,740 patients
Authors: Røllum-Larsen Jakob , Engell Anna Elise , Diaz-delCastillo Marta , Heegaard Anne-Marie , Jørgensen Henrik Løvendahl
Published: June 2024

The diagnosis of multiple myeloma requires detection of paraproteinemia and confirmation of monoclonal bone marrow infiltration, along with signs of end-organ damage. Despite the increasing prevalence, serum paraproteinemia is not routinely measured. We examined the relationship between alterations in routine hematological parameters and the development of paraproteinemia in a case-control study. Data was retrieved from a laboratory database in the capital region of Denmark between 01/01/2012 and 31/12/2022. Patients were included if they had a test for paraproteinemia (n = 134,740) and at least one prior hematological parameter (white blood cells, hemoglobin and platelet count) with a minimum follow-up of 1 year.

Between 96,999 and 103,590 patients were included in each of the three hematological groups. We found white blood cell count and the presence of paraproteinemia followed an inverse J-shaped curve, with the highest presence below 3 × 109/L and above > 9 × 109/L. The adjusted OR below and above the nadir of 4 × 109/L was 1.61 (95% CI 1.25; 2.08, p < 0.0001) and 1.03 (95% CI 1.03; 1.04, p < 0.0001). Hemoglobin levels were inversely associated the presence of paraproteinemia, with the highest association below 6 mmol/L with an OR of 1.30 (95% CI 1.28; 1.32, p < 0.0001) adjusted for age and gender. Platelet count followed a U-shaped curve with the highest association at < 100 × 109/L. The adjusted OR below and above the nadir of 250 × 109/L was 1.13 (95% CI 1.10; 1.17, p < 0.0001) and 1.10 (95% CI 1.08; 1.12, p < 0.0001) respectively. In conclusion, all three parameters showed significant association with later paraproteinemia.
Production and characterization of novel biodegradable films using fruit industrial waste and aloe vera gel
Authors: Soydal U. , Ahmetli G. , Yıldırım M. , Işık M. , Okcuoglu M. C. , Bul M. M.
Published: June 2024

One of the huge volumes of fruit waste that is a concern for waste management challenges today is the fruit juice industry sour cherry kernel (SCK) waste. The gel obtained by processing the leaf extract of aloe vera (AVG) is the most commercial aloe species and has become a major industry worldwide. This study used AVG and SCK as an additive in acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (AESO) to prepare biobased film materials. Two types of processes were used in curing the films: UV curing from acrylate groups and thermal curing from epoxide groups of AESO. The effect of additive type and amount on antibacterial activity, mechanical, swelling, mass loss, and water vapor permeability properties of the films were investigated. The produced films were characterized using FTIR spectra. Thermal properties were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The biodegradability of AESO was determined as 7.095%. In comparison, the highest biodegradation was observed in films with 50% additive content and this value was measured as 8.89% and 39.95% for AVG- and SCK-containing films, respectively. In addition, the corrosion tests of the films were also carried out and the films with SCK additives were more resistant to corrosive environments. Data were analyzed using an ANOVA test.

Graphical abstract
The effects of sodium hydrogen carbonate ingestion during the recovery period between two 200-m front-crawl time trials
Authors: Ušaj Anton , Marčun Robert , Štrumbelj Boro
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine how sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO3) ingestion during a 1-h recovery period after a 200-m front-crawl swim affects blood–gas levels, acid–base balance, and performance during a successive trial.

Methods

Fourteen national-level male swimmers (age: 21 ± 3 years, body mass (BM):77 ± 10 kg, stature: 181 ± 7 cm) performed four maximal 200-m front-crawl tests. On one of the two days, the swimmers swam two 200-m tests with a 1-h recovery break, during which they drank water (WATER); on the other day, they performed the same protocol but consumed 0.3 g min−1 NaHCO3 solution during the recovery break (NaHCO3).

Results

The ingestion of NaHCO3 before the second test had no effect on swim time despite a greater [$${HCO}_{3}^{-}$$

HCO

3

-

] (19.2 ± 2.3 mmol L−1) than that measured during the first test (NaHCO3) (14.5 ± 1.1 mmol L−1) and the other two tests (WATER) (12.7 ± 2.4 and 14.8 ± 1.5 mmol L−1; F = 18.554; p = 0.000) and a higher blood pH (7.46 ± 0.03) than that measured during the first test (NaHCO3) (7.39 ± 0.02) and the other two tests (WATER) (7.16 ± 0.04 and 7.20 ± 0.05); (F = 5.255; p = 0.004). An increase in blood pCO2 (0.2 ± 0.3 kPa) between both tests (NaHCO3) compared to unchanged pCO2 values (− 0.1 ± 0.3 kPa) between the other two tests (WATER) (t = − 2.984; p = 0.011; power = 0.741) was confirmed.

Conclusions

NaHCO3 ingestion during the recovery period between two 200-m front-crawl time trials had a strong buffering effect that did not positively affect performance. An increase in pCO2 may have counterbalanced this impact.