bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An artificial intelligence based news feature mining system based on the Internet of Things and multi-sensor fusion
Authors: Xie Zhuozheng , Wang Junren
Published: June 2023

The application of Internet of Things (IoT) technology in news media communication has significantly enhanced the effectiveness and coverage of news data releases. However, as the scale of news data continues to grow, traditional IoT approaches face challenges such as slow data processing speed and low mining efficiency. To address these issues, a novel news feature mining system combining IoT and Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been developed. The hardware components of the system include a data collector, a data analyzer, a central controller, and sensors. The GJ-HD data collector is utilized to gather news data. Multiple network interfaces are designed at the device terminal to ensure data extraction from the internal disk in case of device failure. The central controller integrates the MP/MC and DCNF interfaces for seamless information interconnection. In the software aspect of the system, the network transmission protocol of the AI algorithm is embedded, and a communication feature model is constructed. This enables fast and accurate mining of news data communication features. Experimental results demonstrate that the system achieves a mining accuracy of over 98%, enabling efficient processing of news data. Overall, the proposed IoT and AI-based news feature mining system overcomes the limitations of traditional approaches, allowing for efficient and accurate processing of news data in a rapidly expanding digital landscape.
Concordance of microbial and visual health indicators of white-band disease in nursery reared Caribbean coral Acropora cervicornis
Authors: Schul Monica D. , Anastasious Dagny-Elise , Spiers Lindsay J. , Meyer Julie L. , Frazer Thomas K. , Brown Anya L.
Published: June 2023

Background

Coral diseases are one of the leading causes of declines in coral populations. In the Caribbean, white band disease (WBD) has led to a substantial loss of Acropora corals. Although the etiologies of this disease have not been well described, characterizing the coral microbiome during the transition from a healthy to diseased state is critical for understanding disease progression. Coral nurseries provide unique opportunities to further understand the microbial changes associated with diseased and healthy corals, because corals are monitored over time. We characterized the microbiomes before and during an outbreak of WBD in Acropora cervicornis reared in an ocean nursery in Little Cayman, CI. We asked (1) do healthy corals show the same microbiome over time (before and during a disease outbreak) and (2) are there disease signatures on both lesioned and apparently healthy tissues on diseased coral colonies?

Methods

Microbial mucus-tissue slurries were collected from healthy coral colonies in 2017 (before the disease) and 2019 (during the disease onset). Diseased colonies were sampled at two separate locations on an individual coral colony: at the interface of Disease and ∼10 cm away on Apparently Healthy coral tissue. We sequenced the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene to characterize bacterial and archaeal community composition in nursery-reared A. cervicornis. We assessed alpha diversity, beta diversity, and compositional differences to determine differences in microbial assemblages across health states (2019) and healthy corals between years (2017 and 2019).

Results

Microbial communities from healthy A. cervicornis from 2017 (before disease) and 2019 (after disease) did not differ significantly. Additionally, microbial communities from Apparently Healthy samples on an otherwise diseased coral colony were more similar to Healthy colonies than to the diseased portion on the same colony for both alpha diversity and community composition. Microbial communities from Diseased tissues had significantly higher alpha diversity than both Healthy and Apparently Healthy tissues but showed no significant difference in beta-diversity dispersion. Our results show that at the population scale, Healthy and Apparently Healthy coral tissues are distinct from microbial communities associated with Diseased tissues. Furthermore, our results suggest stability in Little Cayman nursery coral microbiomes over time. We show healthy Caymanian nursery corals had a stable microbiome over a two-year period, an important benchmark for evaluating coral health via their microbiome.
Genetic polymorphism of the Dab2 gene and its association with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the Chinese Uyghur population
Authors: Li Yan-Peng , Adi Dilare , Wang Ying-Hong , Wang Yong-Tao , Li Xiao-Lei , Fu Zhen-Yan , Liu Fen , Aizezi Aibibanmu , Abuzhalihan Jialin , Gai Min-Tao , Ma Xiang , Li Xiao-mei , Xie Xiang , Ma Yi-Tong
Published: June 2023

Objective

The human Disabled-2 (Dab2) protein is an endocytic adaptor protein, which plays an essential role in endocytosis of transmembrane cargo, including low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). As a candidate gene for dyslipidemia, Dab2 is also involved in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of genetic variants of the Dab2 gene on the related risk of T2DM in the Uygur and Han populations of Xinjiang, China.

Methods

A total of 2,157 age- and sex-matched individuals (528 T2DM patients and 1,629 controls) were included in this case-control study. Four high frequency SNPs (rs1050903, rs2255280, rs2855512 and rs11959928) of the Dab2 gene were genotyped using an improved multiplex ligation detection reaction (iMLDR) genotyping assay, and the forecast value of the SNP for T2DM was assessed by statistical analysis of clinical data profiles and gene frequencies.

Results

We found that in the Uygur population studied, for both rs2255280 and rs2855512, there were significant differences in the distribution of genotypes (AA/CA/CC), and the recessive model (CC vs. CA + AA) between T2DM patients and the controls (P < 0.05). After adjusting for confounders, the recessive model (CC vs. CA + AA) of both rs2255280 and rs2855512 remained significantly associated with T2DM in this population (rs2255280: OR = 5.303, 95% CI [1.236 to −22.755], P = 0.025; rs2855512: OR = 4.892, 95% CI [1.136 to −21.013], P = 0.033). The genotypes (AA/CA/CC) and recessive models (CC vs. CA + AA) of rs2855512 and rs2255280 were also associated with the plasma glucose and HbA1c levels (all P < 0.05) in this population. There were no significant differences in genotypes, all genetic models, or allele frequencies between the T2DM and control group in the Han population group (all P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The present study suggests that the variation of the Dab2 gene loci rs2255280 and rs2855512 is related to the incidence of T2DM in the Uygur population, but not in the Han population. In this study, these variations in Dab2 were an independent predictor for T2DM in the Uygur population of Xinjiang, China.
Direct, indirect, and vicarious nature experiences collectively predict preadolescents’ self-reported nature connectedness and conservation behaviors
Authors: Yue Zhihui , Chen Jin
Published: June 2023

Background

The quantity and context of children’s nature experiences are undergoing significant changes, exacerbating a pervasive negative cycle that could impact future conservation efforts. Therefore, it is essential to conduct further studies on the potential impacts of these changes on children’s willingness to engage in conservation practices.

Methods

We surveyed 2,175 preadolescents (aged 9–12) from rural and city schools in Hangzhou, Kunming, and Xishuangbanna, China, regarding their nature experiences (direct, indirect, and vicarious) and self-reported nature connectedness and conservation behaviors.

Results

We found that children in urban areas have higher frequencies of indirect and vicarious experiences than those in rural areas, with some direct nature experiences seldom reported among city respondents. Direct, indirect, and vicarious nature experiences significantly predicted children’s conservation behavior and collectively provided the highest predictive power for conservation behavior. Direct and vicarious experiences were strongly correlated with pro-nature behavior, and the latter with pro-environmental behavior. Emotional and cognitive connection with nature positively predicted conservation behavior, influenced by location and residence type.

Discussion

This study reveals that different types of nature experiences shape children’s current conservation behaviors in China.
Response of in situ root phenotypes to potassium stress in cotton
Authors: Tian Heyang , Sun Hongchun , Zhu Lingxiao , Zhang Ke , Zhang Yongjiang , Zhang Haina , Zhu Jijie , Liu Xiaoqing , Bai Zhiying , Li Anchang , Tian Liwen , Liu Liantao , Li Cundong
Published: June 2023

Potassium plays a significant role in the basic functions of plant growth and development. Potassium uptake is closely associated with morphological characteristics of the roots. However, the dynamic characteristics of phenotype and lifespan of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) lateral roots and root hairs under low and high potassium stress remain unclear. In this study, potassium stress experiments (low and high potassium, medium potassium as control) were conducted using RhizoPot (an in situ root observation device) to determine the response characteristics of lateral roots and root hairs in cotton under potassium stress. The plant morphology, photosynthetic characteristics, root phenotypic changes, and lifespan of lateral roots and root hairs were measured. Potassium accumulation, aboveground phenotype, photosynthetic capacity, root length density, root dry weight, root diameter, lateral root lifespan, and root hair lifespan under low potassium stress were significantly decreased compared to medium potassium treatment. However, the root hair length of the former was significantly increased than that of the latter. Potassium accumulation and the lateral root lifespan were significantly increased under high potassium treatment, while root length density, root dry weight, root diameter, root hair length, and root hair lifespan were significantly decreased compared to the medium potassium treatment. Notably, there were no significant differences in aboveground morphology and photosynthetic characters. Principal component analysis revealed that lateral root lifespan, root hair lifespan of the first lateral root, and root hair length significantly correlated with potassium accumulation. The root had similar regularity responses to low and high potassium stress except for lifespan and root hair length. The findings of this study enhance the understanding of the phenotype and lifespan of cotton’s lateral roots and root hairs under low and high potassium stress.
Identification of iron metabolism-related genes as prognostic indicators for papillary thyroid carcinoma: a retrospective study
Authors: Jin Tiefeng , Ge Luqi , Chen Jianqiang , Wang Wei , Zhang Lizhuo , Ge Minghua
Published: June 2023

Background

The thyroid cancer subtype that occurs more frequently is papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Despite a good surgical outcome, treatment with traditional antitumor therapy does not offer ideal results for patients with radioiodine resistance, recurrence, and metastasis. The evidence for the connection between iron metabolism imbalance and cancer development and oncogenesis is growing. Nevertheless, the iron metabolism impact on PTC prognosis is still indefinite.

Methods

Herein, we acquired the medical data and gene expression of individuals with PTC from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Typically, three predictive iron metabolism-related genes (IMRGs) were examined and employed to build a risk score (RS) model via the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, univariate Cox, and differential gene expression analyses. Then we analyzed somatic mutation and immune cell infiltration among RS groups. We also validated the prognostic value of two IMRGs (SFXN3 and TFR2) by verifying their biological function through in vitro experiments.

Results

Based on RS, all patients with PTC were stratified into low- and high-risk groups, where Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that disease-free survival (DFS) in the high-risk group was much lower than in the low-risk group (P < 0.0001). According to ROC analysis, the RS model successfully predicted the 1-, 3-, and 5-year DFS of individuals with PTC. Additionally, in the TCGA cohort, a nomogram model with RS was developed and exhibited a strong capability to anticipate PTC patients’ DFS. In the high-risk group, the enriched pathological processes and signaling mechanisms were detected utilizing the gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Moreover, the high-risk group had a significantly higher level of BRAF mutation frequency, tumor mutation burden, and immune cell infiltration than the low-risk group. In vitro experiments found that silencing SFXN3 or TFR2 significantly reduced cell viability.

Conclusion

Collectively, our predictive model depended on IMRGs in PTC, which could be potentially utilized to predict the PTC patients’ prognosis, schedule follow-up plans, and provide potential targets against PTC.
Validation of the Sinhala Version of Tinnitus Handicap Inventory
Authors: Rodrigo Asiri , Abayabandara-Herath Thilini
Published: June 2023

Background and Objectives: Tinnitus is a common and disabling condition that largely remains undertreated in Sri Lanka. Currently, standardized tools that assess and monitor the treatment of tinnitus or the distress it causes are unavailable in either of the two main vernacular languages prevalent in Sri Lanka. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) is used internationally to measure tinnitus-induced distress and to monitor treatment efficacy. In this study, we validated the Sinhala version of the THI (THI-Sin).Subjects and Methods: The THI was translated into Sinhala and back translated into English and finalized by independent translators. The THI-Sin questionnaire and the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and Visual Analog Scale of tinnitus annoyance (VAS) were administered to 122 adults who visited the otolaryngology clinic of Colombo North Teaching Hospital, Ragama, Sri LankaResults: THI-Sin scores showed satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach’s α=0.902) and were significantly correlated with the GHQ-12 and VAS scores. Factor analysis of the THI-Sin confirmed a three-factorial structure, which did not correspond to the original THI subscales.Conclusions: We observed significant reliability and validity of the THI-Sin tool for evaluation of tinnitus-induced handicaps among the Sinhalese-speaking population of Sri Lanka.
Leveraging Deep Learning Algorithms for Predicting Power Outages and Detecting Faults: A Review
Authors: Rizvi Mohammed
Published: June 2023

Power outage prediction and fault detection play crucial roles in ensuring the reliability and stability of electrical power systems. Traditional methods for predicting power outages and detecting faults rely on rule-based approaches and statistical analysis, which often fall short of accurately capturing the complex patterns and dynamics of power systems. Deep learning algorithms, with their ability to learn automatically representations from large amounts of data, have emerged as promising solutions for addressing these challenges. In this literature review, we present an overview of deep learning algorithms applied to power outage prediction and fault detection. The purpose of this literature review is to explore the uses, effectiveness and advantages and disadvantages of utilizing deep learning algorithms in this domain. Various deep-learning models were explored in the context of power outage prediction and fault detection. Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) are effective in analyzing spatial dependencies and patterns in power system data, such as voltage levels and load distributions. Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs), particularly Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) networks, excel in capturing temporal dependencies and patterns in time series data such as power demand and line currents. Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) offer a unique approach by generating synthetic power system data for training purposes. This literature review involve collecting historical power system data from various sites. Deep-learning algorithms demonstrated promising results in power outage prediction and fault detection. It achieved a high accuracy rate of 95% in predicting power outages and accurately classified various fault types with an average precision of 92%. The findings highlight the advantages of deep learning algorithms in power outage prediction and fault detection. This literature review provides a comprehensive review of deep learning algorithms in the context of power outage prediction and fault detection.
Analyzing the School Principal’s Role in Teacher Professional Development
Authors: Choeda Ugyen
Published: June 2023

This article determined and analyzed the school principal’s roles in teacher professional development.  This short research study was conducted to investigate the way in which principal’s coach and mentor teachers’ professional learning at the school level of primary schools in Bhutan.

Using the narrative-survey method, the finding reveals that, in general, a teacher should provide constant and timely coaching and monitoring, grant autonomy to make decisions, need to meet local needs and promote teamwork. Moreover, the principal should play a major role in involving teachers in leading, planning, encouraging, implementing, and evaluating.
Concentration and Diversification of Crops in Ambedkar Nagar District of Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Sharma Sheetla Prasad , Yadav Arvind Singh , Pandey D. C.
Published: June 2023

People have relied on agriculture as their primary source of income all over the world. More than half of the population of India depends on agriculture for employment and livelihood. Uttar Pradesh is the largest producer of food grains because of its fertile Gangetic plains, canal irrigation, and government and private tube wells. Social, economic, political, and technological factors also decide crop production in different parts of the state. In this study, calculation and analysis of crop concentration and crop diversification in Ambedkar Nagar district have been done for 2000 and 2018 to investigate the changing relations between land, humans, and the environment. Crop concentration is calculated using Jasbir Singh's method, whereas crop diversification is calculated using the Gibbs and Martin method. Crop concentrations of crops like rice, wheat, and pulses are increasing, while crop concentrations of sugarcane are decreasing. Crop concentration in Ambedkar Nagar district shows changing trends from 2000 to 2018, crop diversification also follows the same pattern. The high crop concentration of food crops and the high crop diversification index show that agriculture is still the primary occupation and source of income and livelihood in the district.
Effect of Sulphur and Foliar Application of Iron on Yield and Economics of Lentil (Lens culinaris L.)
Authors: Pragna Doney , Singh Rajesh , Indu Thakur
Published: June 2023

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2022 at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, (U.P) India to study the Effect of Sulphur and foliar application of Iron on Yield and Economics of Lentil. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design comprising of two factors viz., Sulphur (20, 30, 40 kg/ha), Iron (control, 0.3%, 0.5%) and a Control (20-40-20 NPK kg/ha). There were 10 treatments each replicated thrice. The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 6.9), Organic carbon (0.112%), available N (278.93 kg/ha), available P (10.8 kg/ha), and available K (206.4 kg/ha). Application of Sulphur and foliar application of Iron significantly influenced the yield and economics over control. Results revealed that yield attributes like more number of pods per plant (162.40), more number of seeds per pod (2.53), higher seed yield (1556.19 kg/ha) and higher stover yield (2868.3 kg/ha) were recorded with application of Sulphur 40 kg/ha + Iron 0.5%. Maximum gross returns (85590.45 INR/ha), net returns (57460.45 INR/ha) and benefit cost ratio (2.04) were also recorded in same treatment T9 (Sulphur 40 kg/ha + Iron 0.5%).
Ultimate Fate and Determination of Pyriproxyfen and Fenpropathrin in the Environment: A Critical Review
Authors: Pooja  , Ahlawat Sushil , Ashu  , Goyal Sakshi
Published: June 2023

Since the 1990s, the insect growth regulator pyriproxyfen and pyrethroids such as fenpropathrin have been widely used to reduce pest populations in agriculture. The widespread use of these insecticides makes it essential for researchers to understand how they behave in terrestrial ecosystems and how they can be detected. This work reviewed the most effective analytical techniques used to detect pyriproxyfen and fenpropathrin in various samples. The degradation of pyriproxyfen and fenpropathrin in soil takes time, but in aerobic environments, pyriproxyfen and fenpropathrin are degraded rapidly following first-order kinetics or pseudo-first-order kinetics. Both insecticides tend to adsorb on soils and are not susceptible to leaching into groundwater. Based on greenhouse or field conditions, both insecticides degrade differently by following first-order kinetics, and their half-lives in plants range from one to three weeks. Since both insecticide residues are soluble in acetone, hexane, ethyl acetate, and acetonitrile, they can be extracted in those solvents. They can also be processed in a variety of ways discussed in this paper. Ultimately, the review explains how fate profiles of pyriproxyfen and fenpropathrin in soil and plants affect these molecules' adverse effects on non-target organisms.
Logistic Regression Based Cyber Harassment Identification
Authors: Pranathi P. , Revathi V. , Varshitha P. , Shaik Subhani , Bhutada Sunil
Published: June 2023

Increased online use and allowing users to engage with groups such as digital networking have contributed to the growth of hacking. Online abuse is a new type of harassment that has lately become more prevalent as online communities have grown in popularity. It tends to send messages which included defamatory claims or vocally harassing someone while in the internet group. Only if modern civilization recognizes harassment as it truly is, countless of hidden sufferers may continue to suffer. There have been several studies on cyber bullying, but none of them have been able to offer a solid remedy. By creating a model that can recognize and block bullying-related incoming and outgoing communications, we address this issue in our project. By employing supervised classification techniques on an open source dataset that has been carefully annotated, we hope to provide lexical baselines for this job. We have employed a logistic regression classifier for training and identifying instances of bullying behaviors. The dataset we used is a twitter dataset collected from kaggle. Our model classifies a message whether it’s bullying or not.
Professor e gay:
Authors: Gonçalves Marllon Caceres , Gonçalves Josiane Peres
Published: June 2023

A ótica de uma sexualidade vista socialmente como “normal” carrega processos históricos e sociais que formam uma marca estigmatizante sobre a homossexualidade. Neste sentido, o objetivo deste estudo é refletir sobre as questões que permeiam a homossexualidade masculina e a presença de professores gays no espaço escolar, destacando como são suas vivências neste local. Para esta investigação qualitativa em educação, foi utilizada a análise de entrevistas realizadas com sete professores homossexuais. Por meio dos dados obtidos, foi possível constatar a declaração, ou não, da sexualidade no espaço escolar e como se desdobram as vivências a partir da presença de um professor homossexual em espaço escolar, as relações com outros professores, assim como as relações com alunos e alunas. Os resultados apresentam a possibilidade de a presença de um professor homossexual no espaço escolar como uma forma de visibilidade desta sexualidade, para além das construções discriminatórias e estigmatizadas da sociedade, a qual pode corroborar com a compreensão da construção da pluralidade dos conceitos de gênero e sexualidade.
“Branca é lésbica e preta é sapatona oh o erro?!":
Authors: Sousa Elaine Borges , Figueiredo Angela
Published: June 2023

Este artigo é resultado de uma pesquisa monografia em Ciências Sociais, onde o tema identidade surgiu, a partir da fala de uma das interlocutoras,  como um dos debates centrais para compreendermos as vivências de lésbicas e sapatonas negras periféricas. Desse modo, o presente trabalho se dedica em analisar a construção de identidades e autoafirmação de mulheres negras sapatonas e lésbicas, a partir de suas experiências no bairro de Pernambués, localizado na cidade de Salvador - Bahia. Através de uma abordagem qualitativa, a pesquisa buscou compreender como a intersecção dos vários marcadores sociais, como o gênero, raça, classe, sexualidade e território, criam lugares sociais, classificações, hierarquias e vulnerabilidades específicas para mulheres negras lésbicas e/ou sapatonas. Nesse processo foi possível identificar narrativas relacionadas a experiência de violências interseccionais, mas também sobre processos de construção de uma identidade referida ao resgate da autoestima e a ressignificação.
Woman in Her 50s With Pulmonary Hypertension Associated With Takayasu Arteritis
Authors: Ejiri Kentaro , Akagi Satoshi , Ito Hiroshi
Published: June 2023

This case report describes a woman diagnosed with Takayasu arteritis after presenting with a 2-month history of dyspnea and pulmonary artery hypertension.
Hyperactivation of the JAK2/STAT5 Signaling Pathway and Evaluation of Baricitinib Treatment Among Patients With Eosinophilic Cellulitis
Authors: Morot Johanna , Del Duca Ester , Chastagner Marine , Fernandes Marie , Estrada Yeriel , Lefevre Marine-Alexia , Kanitakis Jean , Harou Olivier , Jullien Denis , Nicolas Jean-Francois , Krueger James G. , Vocanson Marc , Guttman-Yassky Emma , Villani Axel P.
Published: June 2023

Importance

The pathogenesis of eosinophilic cellulitis (EC) is poorly understood, limiting available treatment options. The current treatment paradigm focuses on delayed type 2 hypersensitivity reaction to various triggers.

Objective

To gain further insight into the nature of EC inflammation and into the cellular signal transduction pathways that are activated in the context of EC.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This case series was conducted in Lyon, France, from January 2018 to December 2021. Analysis of archival skin biopsy samples from patients with EC and from healthy control participants was performed using histology, Janus kinase (JAK)–signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) immunohistochemistry, and gene profiling. Data analysis was conducted between January 2020 and January 2022.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Pruritus (visual analog score), percentage of body surface area with lesional skin, and RNA transcripts of inflammatory biomarkers from the skin (threshold cycle) were assessed in 1 index patient with refractory EC who received oral JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor baricitinib (4 mg/d).

Results

This study included samples from 14 patients with EC (7 men and 7 women) and 8 healthy control participants (4 men and 4 women). The mean (SD) age of patients was 52 (20) years. Marked type 2 inflammation (chemokines CCL17, CCL18, and CCL26 and interleukin 13) with preferential activation of the JAK1/JAK2–STAT5 pathways in EC lesions was observed. In the 1 index patient with refractory EC, complete clinical remission of skin lesions was observed after 1 month of treatment with baricitinib.

Conclusions and Relevance

These findings suggest that EC is a type 2 inflammatory disease with preferential activation of the JAK1/JAK2-STAT5 pathways. In addition, these results suggest the potential of treatment approaches targeting JAK1/JAK2 for patients with EC.
Research Fever in Dermatology—A Symptom of a Larger Problem
Authors: Gandelman Jocelyn , Mathes Erin F. , Butler Daniel C.
Published: June 2023

This Viewpoint offers potential solutions to research “fever,” which is characterized as a symptom of larger problems in our health care and educational systems rather than the fault of residency applicants.
Prevalence of Lung Cancer Screening Among Eligible Adults in 4 US States in 2021
Authors: Maki Kristin G. , Tan Naomi Q. P. , Toumazis Iakovos , Volk Robert J.
Published: June 2023

This cross-sectional study estimates the prevalence of lung cancer screening among eligible adults in 2021 and examines factors associated with screening.
Addressing the Mental Health Crisis in Youth—Sick Individuals or Sick Societies?
Authors: Aftab Awais , Druss Benjamin G.
Published: June 2023

This Viewpoint examines whether increased anxiety and depression among youth is a true epidemic of psychiatric disorders or a reflection of sociopolitical adversity and disorganization.
Transfascial Fixation vs No Fixation for Open Retromuscular Ventral Hernia Repairs
Authors: Ellis Ryan C. , Petro Clayton C. , Krpata David M. , Beffa Lucas R. A. , Miller Benjamin T. , Montelione Katie C. , Maskal Sara M. , Tu Chao , Huang Li-Ching , Lau Braden , Fafaj Aldo , Rosenblatt Steven , Rosen Michael J. , Prabhu Ajita S.
Published: June 2023

Importance

Transfascial (TF) mesh fixation in open retromuscular ventral hernia repair (RVHR) has been advocated to reduce hernia recurrence. However, TF sutures may cause increased pain, and, to date, the purported advantages have never been objectively measured.

Objective

To determine whether abandonment of TF mesh fixation would result in a noninferior hernia recurrence rate at 1 year compared with TF mesh fixation in open RVHR.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this prospective, registry-based, double-blinded, noninferiority, parallel-group, randomized clinical trial, a total of 325 patients with a ventral hernia defect width of 20 cm or less with fascial closure were enrolled at a single center from November 29, 2019, to September 24, 2021. Follow-up was completed December 18, 2022.

Interventions

Eligible patients were randomized to mesh fixation with percutaneous TF sutures or no mesh fixation with sham incisions.

Main Outcome and Measures

The primary outcome was to determine whether no TF suture fixation was noninferior to TF suture fixation for open RVHR with regard to recurrence at 1 year. A 10% noninferior margin was set. The secondary outcomes were postoperative pain and quality of life.

Results

A total of 325 adults (185 women [56.9%]; median age, 59 [IQR, 50-67] years) with similar baseline characteristics were randomized; 269 patients (82.8%) were followed up at 1 year. Median hernia width was similar in the TF fixation and no fixation groups (15.0 [IQR, 12.0-17.0] cm for both). Hernia recurrence rates at 1 year were similar between the groups (TF fixation, 12 of 162 [7.4%]; no fixation, 15 of 163 [9.2%]; P = .70). Recurrence-adjusted risk difference was found to be −0.02 (95% CI, −0.07 to 0.04). There were no differences in immediate postoperative pain or quality of life.

Conclusions and Relevance

The absence of TF suture fixation was noninferior to TF suture fixation for open RVHR with synthetic mesh. Transfascial fixation for open RVRH can be safely abandoned in this population.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03938688
The secret life of chromatin tethers
Authors: Kiseleva Anna A. , Poleshko Andrey
Published: June 2023

The nuclear envelope plays an essential role in organizing the genome inside of the nucleus. The inner nuclear membrane is coated with a meshwork of filamentous lamin proteins that provide a surface to organize a variety of cellular processes. A subset of nuclear lamina‐ and membrane‐associated proteins functions as anchors to hold transcriptionally silent heterochromatin at the nuclear periphery. While most chromatin tethers are integral membrane proteins, a limited number are lamina‐bound. One example is the mammalian proline‐rich 14 (PRR14) protein. PRR14 is a recently characterized protein with unique function that is different from other known chromatin tethers. Here, we review our current understanding of PRR14 structure and function in organizing heterochromatin at the nuclear periphery.
Nuclear envelope‐remodeling events as models to assess the potential role of membranes on genome stability
Authors: Bâcle Janélie , Groizard Léa , Kumanski Sylvain , Moriel‐Carretero María
Published: June 2023

The nuclear envelope (NE) encloses the genetic material and functions in chromatin organization and stability. InSaccharomyces cerevisiae, the NE is bound to the ribosomal DNA (rDNA), highly repeated and transcribed, thus prone to genetic instability. While tethering limits instability, it simultaneously triggers notable NE remodeling. We posit here that NE remodeling may contribute to genome integrity maintenance. The NE importance in genome expression, structure, and integrity is well recognized, yet studies mostly focus on peripheral proteins and nuclear pores, not on the membrane itself. We recently characterized a NE invagination drastically obliterating the rDNA, which we propose here as a model to probe if and how membranes play an active role in genome stability preservation.
Monitoring of circulating tumour DNA in advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma predicts clinical outcome and reveals disease progression earlier than radiological imaging
Authors: Edland Karin Hestnes , Tjensvoll Kjersti , Oltedal Satu , Dalen Ingvild , Lapin Morten , Garresori Herish , Glenjen Nils , Gilje Bjørnar , Nordgård Oddmund
Published: June 2023

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal disease with a need for better tools to guide treatment selection and follow‐up. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the prognostic value and treatment monitoring potential of longitudinal circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) measurements in patients with advanced PDAC undergoing palliative chemotherapy. Using KRAS peptide nucleic acid clamp‐PCR, we measured ctDNA levels in plasma samples obtained at baseline and every 4 weeks during chemotherapy from 81 patients with locally advanced and metastatic PDAC. Cox proportional hazard regression showed that ctDNA detection at baseline was an independent predictor of progression‐free and overall survival. Joint modelling demonstrated that the dynamic ctDNA level was a strong predictor of time to first disease progression. Longitudinal ctDNA measurements during chemotherapy successfully revealed disease progression in 20 (67%) of 30 patients with ctDNA detected at baseline, with a median lead time of 23 days (P = 0.01) over radiological imaging. Here, we confirmed the clinical relevance of ctDNA in advanced PDAC with regard to both the prediction of clinical outcome and disease monitoring during treatment.
CSF neopterin and quinolinic acid are biomarkers of neuroinflammation and neurotoxicity in FIRES and other infection‐triggered encephalopathy syndromes
Authors: Dale Russell C. , Thomas Terrence , Patel Shrujna , Han Velda X. , Kothur Kavitha , Troedson Christopher , Gupta Sachin , Gill Deepak , Malone Stephen , Waak Michaela , Calvert Sophie , Subramanian Gopinath , Andrews P. Ian , Kandula Tejaswi , Menezes Manoj P. , Ardern‐Holmes Simone , Mohammad Shekeeb , Bandodkar Sushil , Yan Jingya
Published: June 2023

Objective

Infection‐triggered encephalopathy syndromes (ITES) are potentially devastating neuroinflammatory conditions. Although some ITES syndromes have recognisable MRI neuroimaging phenotypes, there are otherwise few biomarkers of disease. Early detection to enable immune modulatory treatments could improve outcomes.

Methods

We measured CSF neopterin, quinolinic acid, kynurenine and kynurenine/tryptophan ratio using a liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) system. The CSF of 18 children with ITES were compared with acute encephalitis (n = 20), and three control groups, namely epilepsy (n = 20), status epilepticus (n = 18) and neurogenetic controls (n = 20).

Results

The main ITES phenotypes in 18 patients were acute encephalopathy with biphasic seizures and late restricted diffusion (AESD, n = 4), febrile infection‐related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES n = 4) and other ITES phenotypes. Influenza A was the most common infectious trigger (n = 5), and 50% of patients had a preceding notable neurodevelopmental or family history. CSF neopterin, quinolinic acid and kynurenine were elevated in ITES group compared to the three control groups (all p < 0.0002). The ROC (area under curve) for CSF neopterin (99.3%, CI 98.1–100) was significantly better than CSF pleocytosis (87.3% CI 76.4–98.2) (p = 0.028). Elevated CSF neopterin could discriminate ITES from other causes of seizures, status epilepticus and febrile status epilepticus (all p < 0.0002). The elevated CSF metabolites normalised during longitudinal testing in two patients with FIRES.

Interpretation

CSF neopterin and quinolinic acid are neuroinflammatory and excitotoxic metabolites. This CSF metabolomic inflammatory panel can discriminate ITES from other causes of new onset seizures or status epilepticus, and rapid results (4 h) may facilitate early immune modulatory therapy.
Metal‐Organic Framework Thin Films Grown on Functionalized Graphene as Solid‐State Ion‐Gated FETs
Authors: Chandresh Abhinav , Wöll Christof , Heinke Lars
Published: June 2023

The unique properties of 2D‐materials like graphene are exploited in various electronic devices. In sensor applications, graphene shows a very high sensitivity, but only a low specificity. This shortcoming can be mastered by using heterostructures, where graphene is combined with materials exhibiting high analyte selectivities. Herein, this study demonstrates the precise deposition of nanoporous metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) on graphene, yielding bilayers with excellent specificity while the sensitivity remains large. The key for the successful layer‐by‐layer deposition of the MOF films (SURMOFs) is the use of planar polyaromatic anchors. Then, the MOF pores are loaded with ionic liquid (IL). For functioning sensor devices, the IL@MOF films are grown on graphene field‐effect transistors (GFETs). Adding a top‐gate electrode yields an ion‐gated GFET. Analysis of the transistor characteristics reveals a clear Dirac point at low gate voltages, good on‐off ratios, and decent charge mobilities and densities in the graphene channel. The GFET‐sensor reveals a strong and selective response. Compared to other ion‐gated‐FET devices, the IL@MOF material is relatively hard, allowing the manufacturing of ultrathin devices. The new MOF‐anchoring strategy offers a novel approach generally applicable for the functionalization of 2D‐materials, where MOF/2D‐material hetero‐bilayers carry a huge potential for a wide variety of applications.
Piezoionic SnSe Nanosheets‐Double Network Hydrogel for Self‐Powered Strain Sensing and Energy Harvesting
Authors: Li Feng , Cai Xiaoqing , Liu Guokeng , Xu Haihua , Chen Wenwen
Published: June 2023

Flexible strain sensors have enormous potential in wearable devices, robots, and health monitoring equipment. However, the poor stretchability of strain sensors based on semiconductors and the low sensitivity of resistance change‐based hydrogel strain sensors hinders the comprehensive application. Herein, a flexible piezoionic SnSe‐hydrogel composite with an optimized structure and improved performance is designed. The piezoionic output rises nonlinearly as the applied force increases, with the piezoionic coefficient up to 1780 nV Pa−1 and −7.21 nA Pa−1. The composite can realize the continuous positioning in 1D space based on the piezoionic effect. It also demonstrates self‐powered characteristics, an ultrafast response speed of 6–8 ms, and a high gauge factor of 95.89. The sensor is exemplified to monitor fist clenching and finger bending, which has the potential to discriminate different joint movements. Meanwhile, the device can light up a light–emitting diode under pressure and bending. The as‐prepared piezoionic SnSe‐hydrogel device, having both high stretchability and sensitivity, may shed light on developing high‐performance flexible strain sensors and generators.
Boosting Piezoelectricity by 3D Printing PVDF‐MoS2 Composite as a Conformal and High‐Sensitivity Piezoelectric Sensor
Authors: Islam Md. Nurul , Rupom Rifat Hasan , Adhikari Pashupati R. , Demchuk Zoriana , Popov Ivan , Sokolov Alexei P. , Wu H. Felix , Advincula Rigoberto C. , Dahotre Narendra , Jiang Yijie , Choi Wonbong
Published: June 2023

Additively manufactured flexible and high‐performance piezoelectric devices are highly desirable for sensing and energy harvesting of 3D conformal structures. Herein, the study reports a significantly enhanced piezoelectricity in polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) achieved through the in situ dipole alignment of PVDF within PVDF‐2D molybdenum disulfide (2D MoS2) composite by 3D printing. The shear stress‐induced dipole poling of PVDF and 2D MoS2 alignment are harnessed during 3D printing to boost piezoelectricity without requiring a post‐poling process. The results show a remarkable, more than the eight‐fold increment in the piezoelectric coefficient (d33) for 3D printed PVDF‐8wt.% MoS2 composite over cast neat PVDF. The underlying mechanism of piezoelectric property enhancement is attributed to the increased volume fraction of β phase in PVDF, filler fraction, heterogeneous strain distribution around PVDF‐MoS2 interfaces, and strain transfer to the nanofillers as confirmed by microstructural analysis and finite element simulation. These results provide a promising route to design and fabricate high‐performance 3D piezoelectric devices via 3D printing for next‐generation sensors and mechanical–electronic conformal devices.
A Laser Synthesis Route to Boron‐Doped Gold Nanoparticles Designed for X‐Ray Radiotherapy and Boron Neutron Capture Therapy Assisted by CT Imaging
Authors: Scaramuzza Stefano , de Faria Clara M.G. , Coviello Vito , Forrer Daniel , Artiglia Luca , Badocco Denis , Pastore Paolo , Ghigna Paolo , Postuma Ian , Cansolino Laura , Ferrari Cinzia , Bortolussi Silva , Vago Riccardo , Spinelli Antonello E. , Bekić Marina , Čolić Miodrag , Amendola Vincenzo
Published: June 2023

New multifunctional theranostic vectors allow the expansion of cancer therapeutic approaches toward scarcely investigated fields. One example is the combination of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) and X‐ray radiotherapy (XRT) for treating normal and XRT‐resistant hypoxic tumor regions and reduce recurrence. Of great relevance for BNCT is also the support of viable, rapid, safe, and reliable techniques for the localization and quantification of the radiosensitizers in the tissues. To address these challenges, polymer‐coated Au‐B nanoparticles (NPs) are obtained starting from a laser ablation in liquid process. Despite thermodynamic constraints, the two elements coexist by short‐range boron segregation in the gold lattice, as demonstrated experimentally and explained with the support of density functional theory calculations. Thus, the Au‐B NPs maintain a marked gold character such as biocompatibility, stability, and straightforward surface chemistry with thiolated compounds, desirable for the integration with agents capable of cell targeting and internalization. Overall, the Au‐B NPs exhibit the appropriate features for the investigation of combined BNCT and XRT, supported by the localization and quantification with X‐ray computed tomography imaging. Besides, the Au‐B nanotechnology tool is achievable without renouncing to reproducibility, environmental sustainability, and cost affordability thanks to the laser‐assisted synthetic pathway.
Rational Design and Synthesis of Lignin‐Derived Smart Sunscreens
Authors: Wu Ying , Wu Xuwen , Zhang Aicheng , Ouyang Xinping , Lou Hongming , Yang Dongjie , Qian Yong , Qiu Xueqing
Published: June 2023

Lignin exhibits a long‐active UV‐blocking property due to its macromolecular aromatic structure and unique semiquione‐quione‐hydroquione transition. However, its poor absorbance in UVA region (320–400 nm) and irregular aggregation are still the obstacles. Herein, active spirapyrane (SP‐Br) is synthesized and covalently introduced into alkali lignin (AL) to construct photo‐stimulated UV‐absorbing enhancement sunscreen actives (AL‐SPn). The introduction of SP significantly improved the absorbance of AL in UVA region and its aggregation is effectively eased. When the optimal AL‐SP3 solution is exposed to UV irradiation, the color turned purple, and the absorbance in UVA region further improved as the unconjugated SP transformed into conjugated merocyanine (MC) structure. When the light is removed, the solution recovered light yellow. The antioxidant property of AL endow the reversible SP‐MC transformation with good cyclic stability. As‐prepared AL‐SP3 based sunscreen exhibit obvious photo‐stimulated enhancement effect. The sun protection factor (SPF) improved from 23 to 89 after 4 h irradiation, and can maintain the high performance for another 8 h. In addition, it exhibit low permeation and good biocompatibily in vitro and vivo, demonstrating its good potential in practical use.
Unveiled Ferroelectricity in Well‐Known Non‐Ferroelectric Materials and Their Semiconductor Applications
Authors: Lee Dong Hyun , Lee Younghwan , Cho Yong Hyeon , Choi Hyojun , Kim Se Hyun , Park Min Hyuk
Published: June 2023

Ferroelectric materials are considered ideal for emerging memory devices owing to their characteristic remanent polarization, which can be switched by applying a sufficient electric field. However, even several decades after the initial conceptualization of ferroelectric memory, its applications are limited to a niche market. The slow advancement of ferroelectric memories can be attributed to several extant issues, such as the absence of ferroelectric materials with complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) compatibility and scalability. Since the 2010s, ferroelectric memories have attracted increasing interest because of newly discovered ferroelectricity in well‐established CMOS‐compatible materials, which are previously known to be non‐ferroelectric, such as fluorite‐structured (Hf,Zr)O2and wurtzite‐structured (Al,Sc)N. With advancing material fabrication technologies, for example, accurate chemical doping and atomic‐level thickness control, a metastable polar phase, and switchable polarization with a reasonable electric field can be induced in (Hf,Zr)O2and (Al,Sc)N. Nonetheless, various issues still exist that urgently require solutions to facilitate the use of the ferroelectric (Hf,Zr)O2and (Al,Sc)N in emerging memory devices. Thus, ferroelectric (Hf,Zr)O2and (Al,Sc)N are comprehensively reviewed herein, including their fundamental science and practical applications.