bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electroactive Dyes Based on 1,8‐Naphthalimide with Acetylene Linkers as Promising OLED Materials – the Relationship Between Structure and Photophysical Properties
Authors: Matussek Marek , Kurpanik‐Wójcik Aneta , Gogoc Szymon , Fijołek Aleksandra , Filapek Michał , Naumczuk Beata , Data Przemysław
Published: August 2023

Four A‐π‐D‐π‐A type small organic molecules with 1,8‐naphthalimide motifs were successfully synthesised. The designed compounds are built of two 1,8‐naphthalimide units linked via ethynyl π‐linkages with selected functionalised donor motifs i. e. 2,2’‐bithiophene, fluorene, phenothiazine and carbazole derivative. The synthesis based on Sonogashira cross‐coupling allowed us to obtain the presented dyes with good yields. The resulting symmetrical small molecules’ optical, electrochemical and thermal properties were thoroughly investigated, and their potential applicability for the OLED devices was demonstrated. In addition, the relationship between molecular structure and properties was considered by employing experimental and theoretical studies. As a result of using various donor groups, it was possible to achieve efficient electroluminescence in the range from green (DEV4) to orange‐red light (DEV3) with a maximum luminance of 3 820 cd/m2 for DEV4. Upon the insertion of an acetylene linker to the designed molecules, the free rotation of D and A fragments, and hence the effective π‐electron communication within the entire molecule, is possible, which was confirmed by DFT studies. The obtained dyes are characterised by high thermal stability, reversible oxidation‐reduction process, satisfactory optoelectronic properties and good solubility in organic solvents, which is advisable for the application in small molecular organic light‐emitting diodes (SM‐OLEDs) technology.
The Different Types of Noise and How They Effect Data Analysis
Authors: Bunde Armin
Published: August 2023

Random (noisy) processes can be characterized by the way consecutive data are correlated. The data can be uncorrelated (white noise), short‐range correlated (often called red noise), or long‐range correlated (sometimes called pink noise). Here we describe the properties and applications of these different kinds of noise. We discuss, how they influence (i) the diffusion process, (ii) the occurrence of rare extreme events and (iii) the detection of an external trend that is superimposed on the noise; (ii) and (iii) are particularly relevant in the context of detecting anthropogenic global warming by data analysis.
Do Naturally Modified Nucleotides Contribute to Stabilizing Complexes between Ribosomes and Small Molecules? A Case Study with the Antitumor Drug Homoharringtonine
Authors: Pietra Francesco
Published: August 2023

Modified nucleotides are ubiquitous with RNAs, also in contact with drugs that target the ribosome. Whether this represents a stabilization of the drug‐ribosome complex, thus affecting the drug's affinity and possibly also intrinsic efficacy, remains an open question, however. The challenge of answering this question has been taken here with the only human‐ribosome‐targeting small‐molecule currently in clinical use, the antitumor plant alkaloid homoharringtonine (HHT). The approach consisted in dissecting HHT‐nucleotide interaction energies from QM‐MM simulations in explicit water. What emerged is a network of mostly weak interactions of the large, branched HHT with standard nucleotides and a single modified nucleotide, out of the four ones present at PCT's A site. This is unlike the case of the small, compact marine antitumor alkaloid agelastatin A, which displays only a few, albeit strong, interactions with site‐A ribosome nucleotides. This should aid tailoring drugs targeting the ribosome.
A Fault‐tolerant model for tuple space coordination in distributed environments
Authors: Kirti Medha , Maurya Ashish Kumar , Yadav Rama Shankar
Published: August 2023

In distributed systems, tuple space is one of the coordination models that significantly maximizes system performance against failure due to its space and time decoupling features. With the growing popularity of distributed computing and increasing complexity in the network, host and link failure occurs frequently, resulting in poor system performance. This article proposes a fault‐tolerant model named Tuple Space Replication (TSR) for tuple space coordination in distributed environments. The model introduces a multi‐agent system that consists of multiple hosts. Each host in a multi‐agent system comprises an agent space with a tuple space for coordination. In this model, we introduce three novel fault‐tolerant algorithms for tuple space primitives to provide coordination among hosts with tolerance to multiple links and hosts failure. The first algorithm is given for out() operation to insert tuples in the tuple space. The second algorithm is presented for rdp() operation to read any tuple from the tuple space. The third algorithm is given for inp() operation to delete or withdraw tuples from the tuple space. These algorithms use less number of messages to ensure consistency in the system. The message complexity of the proposed algorithms is analyzed and found O(n) for out(), O(1) for rdp(), and O(n) for inp() operations which is comparable and better than existing works, where n is the number of hosts. The testbed experiment reveals that the proposed TSR model gives performance improvement up to 88%, 70.94%, and 63.80% for out(), rdp(), and inp() operations compared to existing models such as FT‐SHE, LBTS, DEPSPACE, and E‐DEPSPACE.
Gel Polymer Electrolytes with Talc as a Natural Mineral Filler and a Biodegradable Polymer Matrix in Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Swiderska‐Mocek Agnieszka , Karczewska Izabela , Gabryelczyk Agnieszka , Popławski Mikołaj , Czarnecka‐Komorowska Dorota
Published: August 2023

A gel polymer electrolyte based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is used in sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). The use of biodegradable and water‐soluble polymer potentially reduces the negative environmental impact. The other components include sodium salt (NaPF6), sulfolane (TMS) as a plasticizer and talc. For the first time, natural and abundant talc has been used as an inert filler in a gel polymer electrolyte. The best results were obtained for moderate amounts of filler (1 and 3 wt%). Then, an increase in the conductivity, transference numbers, and thermal stability of the membranes was observed. Moreover, the presence of talc had a positive effect on the cyclability of the hard carbon electrode. The discharge capacity after 50 cycles of HC|1 % T_TMS|Na and HC|3 % T_TMS|Na was 243 and 225 mAh g−1, respectively. The use of talc in gel polymer electrolytes containing sodium ions improves the safety and efficiency of SIBs.
Gold‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Transformation of Hydroxylated Propargylic Esters
Authors: Quintanilla Carlos D. , Zhao Ke , Zhang Liming
Published: August 2023

By combining tandem asymmetric gold catalysis and subsequent stereoconvergent hydrolysis of enol ester in a one‐pot process, hydroxylated propargylic esters are converted into chiral β‐oxygenated ketones with mostly good enantiomeric ratios and in largely good to excellent yields. The product chiral center is formed via stereoselective cyclization of a hydroxylated allenyl ester intermediate, which is enabled by asymmetric gold‐ligand cooperation.
Synthesis, Types, and Applications of Zeolite Capsule Catalysts
Authors: Zhang Zhuang , Sun Yuewen , Zhang Hongxiang , Wei Lihong
Published: August 2023

Capsule catalysts offer a unique spatial confinement effect, which effectively minimizes byproduct formation, enhances catalyst life, and promotes tandem reactions, thus reducing energy, time, and raw material consumption. This review presents an overview of recent advances and research progress in capsule catalysts, highlighting major breakthroughs in preparation strategies over the past decade. Innovative synthesis methods are discussed based on synthesis principles, difficulty, and effectiveness, along with an analysis of growth mechanisms and the advantages and disadvantages of zeolite shells. Application status of capsule catalysts in high‐value hydrocarbon synthesis from syngas, low‐carbon alkane dehydroaromatization, and CO2 hydrogenation reactions is explored. Finally, challenges and future prospects for scientific research and industrial applications of capsule catalysts are addressed.
Malignant pleural effusion and pericardial effusion, an unusual presentation of metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma of the floor of mouth: A case report with cyto‐histopathological correlation
Authors: Lin Chiao , Nandakumar Lakshmy
Published: August 2023

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is an uncommon tumour that represents 5%–10% of salivary gland tumours and 1% of all head and neck malignancies. It is characterised by a protracted clinical course with late metastasis and poor long‐term prognosis. We report the case of a 38‐year‐old woman presenting with pulmonary and pleural metastases, on the background of ACC of the floor of mouth, which had been treated 4 years ago with surgical excision and radiotherapy. Cytological evaluation of the pleural effusion showed exfoliated ACC tumour cells. Despite palliative chemotherapy, the patient developed disease progression including metastatic spread to the pericardium, and died of disease within a year. This case illustrates an unusual presentation of ACC and highlights the importance of considering this entity when encountering a basaloid neoplasm in extra‐salivary locations.
Diabetes and incidence of breast cancer and its molecular subtypes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Xiong Fanxiu , Dai Qichen , Zhang Sihan , Bent Stephen , Tahir Peggy , Van Blarigan Erin L. , Kenfield Stacey A. , Chan June M. , Schmajuk Gabriela , Graff Rebecca E.
Published: August 2023

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been proposed to be positively associated with breast cancer (BCa) risk due to shared risk factors, metabolic dysfunction, and the use of antidiabetic medications. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate the association between DM and BCa risk. We searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for cohort and case‐control studies assessing the association between DM and BCa published before 10 December 2021. Two reviewers independently screened the studies for inclusion, abstracted article data, and rated study quality. Random effects models were used to estimate summary risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). From 8396 articles identified in the initial search, 70 independent studies were included in the meta‐analysis. DM was associated with an overall increased risk of BCa (RR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.11–1.29). The 24 case‐control studies demonstrated a stronger association (RR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.13–1.40) than the 46 cohort studies (RR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.05–1.27). Studies reporting risk by menopausal status found that postmenopausal women had an elevated risk of developing BCa (RR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.07–1.17). No association between DM and BCa risk was observed among premenopausal women (RR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.85–1.05). In addition, DM was associated with significantly increased risks of oestrogen receptor (ER)+ (RR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.00–1.20), ER‐ (RR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.04–1.30), and triple negative BCa (RR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.01–1.96). The association estimate for human epidermal growth factor 2‐positive BCa was also positive (RR = 1.21, 95% CI: 0.52–2.82), but the CI was wide and crossed the null. Our meta‐analysis confirms a modest positive association between DM and BCa risk. In addition, our results suggest that the association between DM and BCa may be modified by menopausal status, and that DM may be differentially associated with BCa subtypes defined by receptor status. Additional studies are warranted to investigate the mechanisms underlying these associations and any influence of DM on BCa receptor expression.
Validation of the youth‐nine item avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder screen
Authors: Billman Miller Marley G. , Zickgraf Hana F. , Murray Helen Burton , Essayli Jamal H. , Lane‐Loney Susan E.
Published: August 2023

Objective

This study assessed the factorial, divergent, and criterion‐related validity of the Youth‐Nine Item Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) Screen (Y‐NIAS) in a paediatric clinical sample at initial evaluation for an eating disorder (ED).

Method

Participants included 310 patients (82.9% female, 77.4% White, Age M = 14.65) from a tertiary ED clinic. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) evaluated the three‐factor of the Y‐NIAS. One‐way analysis of variance compared Y‐NIAS scores across diagnoses. A receiver operating curve analysis assessed the ability of each subscale to identify ARFID presentations from the full sample. Two logistic regressions assessed the criterion‐related validity of the obtained Y‐NIAS cut‐scores.

Results

CFA supported the original three‐factor structure of the Y‐NIAS. Clinically‐elevated scores were observed in all diagnostic groups except for binge‐eating disorder. Subscales were unable to discriminate ARFID cases from other ED diagnoses. Cut scores were identified for picky eating subscale (10) and Fear subscale (9), but not for Appetite subscale. In combination with the ED Examination Questionnaire (EDE‐Q), classification accuracy was moderate for ARFID (62.7%) and other EDs (89.4%).

Discussion

The Y‐NIAS demonstrated excellent factorial validity and internal consistency. Findings were mixed regarding the utility of the Y‐NIAS for identifying clinically‐significant ARFID presentations from other ED diagnoses.
Aeolian dust accretion outpaces erosion in the formation of Mediterranean alpine soils. New evidence from the periglacial zone of Mount Olympus, Greece
Authors: Styllas Michael , Pennos Christos , Persoiu Aurel , Godelitsas Athanasios , Papadopoulou Lambrini , Aidona Elina , Kantiranis Nikolaos , Ducea Mihai N. , Ghilardi Matthieu , Demory Francois
Published: August 2023

Soil formation in Mediterranean periglacial karst landscapes remains poorly understood as the interplay between local and allochthonous sources of parent materials, and mineral alteration and pedogenesis, as dominant post‐depositional processes, depends on a variety of climatic and environmental factors. Herein, we investigate the balance between erosion and aeolian dust accretion in the formation of an alpine soil profile in the periglacial zone of Mount Olympus in Greece. We applied a wide range of analytical methods to 23 samples, from a soil profile developed in a glaciokarstic plateau, from colluvial sediment horizons interbedded in postglacial scree slopes of different maturity and formation age and from modern Sahara dust samples deposited on the snowpack. Colluvial sediment horizons exhibit high concentrations of carbonate gravel and calcite‐rich sand and represent the local erosion products. The soil B horizon developed on the glaciokarstic plateau, contains high amounts of fine earth and is rich in quartz, mica, plagioclase, clays and Fe–Ti oxides. Based on physical and textural characteristics, the soil profile is partitioned in a surficial weathered Bw and an illuvial Bt horizon that overlies the local regolith composed of fragmented glacial till and slope wash deposits. Radiogenic isotope systematics, textural and mineralogical analysis show that the contribution of aeolian (Sahara and locally sourced) dust to the development of the soil B horizon ranges between 50% and 65%. Cryoturbation results in fine earth translocation from Bw to the Bt horizon, whereas weak pedogenetic modifications of detrital (aeolian and bedrock‐derived) minerals result in magnetic mineral weathering and secondary clay formation. Our findings reveal that aeolian dust accretion from Saharan and lcal sources is the dominant process in providing alpine soil parent material and that cryoturbation, weak pedogenesis and clay mineral alteration occur within the Mediterranean periglacial zone of Mount Olympus.
Culturally Responsive Personalized Learning: Recommendations for a Working Definition and Framework
Authors: Ober Teresa M. , Lehman Blair A. , Gooch Reginald , Oluwalana Olasumbo , Solyst Jaemarie , Phelps Geoffrey , Hamilton Laura S.
Published: August 2023

Culturally responsive personalized learning (CRPL) emphasizes the importance of aligning personalized learning approaches with previous research on culturally responsive practices to consider social, cultural, and linguistic contexts for learning. In the present discussion, we briefly summarize two bodies of literature considered in defining and developing a framework for CRPL: technology‐enabled personalized learning and culturally relevant, responsive, and sustaining pedagogy. We then provide a definition and framework consisting of six key principles of CRPL, along with a brief discussion of theories and empirical evidence to support these principles. These six principles include agency, dynamic adaptation, connection to lived experiences, consideration of social movements, opportunities for collaboration, and shared power. These principles fall into three domains: fostering flexible student‐centered learning experiences, leveraging relevant content and practices, and supporting meaningful interactions within a community. Finally, we conclude with some implications of this framework for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners working to ensure that all students receive high‐quality learning opportunities that are both personalized and culturally responsive.
Recent advances on the effect of nut consumption on cognitive improvement
Authors: Wu Weijie , Niu Ben , Peng Liang , Chen Qi , Chen Huizhi , Chen Hangjun , Xia Wei , Jin Long , Simal‐Gandara Jesus , Gao Haiyan
Published: August 2023

Cognitive disorders, including dementia, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, pose significant public health issues. Preventing/delaying their onset is essential as effective medical treatments are unavailable. Nuts contain bioactive compounds, including fatty acids, macronutrients such as proteins and dietary fibers, micronutrients, and polyphenols; these act synergistically preventing age‐related diseases. Epidemiological investigations have established that high nut consumption reduces cognitive impairment risk, suggesting it is useful for cognitively impaired individuals; however, clinical data on the effects of nut consumption on cognitive function are lacking. This review summarized nut consumption effects on oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and gut microbiota. Nuts reduce oxidative stress; their active substances, including glansreginin A, proanthocyanidins, quercetin, and nut oil, have significant anti‐inflammatory effects. Furthermore, they comprise complex mixtures, which synergistically induce beneficial changes in the intestinal microbial community.
Evaluating the effect of food components on the digestion of dietary nucleic acids in human gastric juice in vitro
Authors: Zhang Yanfang , Dong Jingyi , Chen Jingxian , Pan Xiaoming
Published: August 2023

Nucleic acids (NAs) were recently shown to be digested by pepsin in vitro; however, NAs digestion in human gastric juice in vivo is more complicated because of the complex gastric environment and ingestion of other food components. The purpose of this study was to investigate the digestibility of NAs in real human gastric juices after ingestion of other food components. As a result, DNA digestion was not affected when carbohydrates, proteins, and metal elements were ingested within the recommended dietary intake levels. Separately, protein exerted an inhibitory effect on DNA digestion when the mass ratio of protein:DNA was greater than 40:1. DNA exists in the nucleoprotein, which is closer to the state of DNA in real food, and was digested efficiently in human gastric juice. Meanwhile, DNA digestion was rarely affected even when the concentrations of monovalent ion (Na+) and divalent ions (Mg2+) were as high as 500 and 100 mM, respectively, and high concentration of Mg2+ ranged from 20 to 100 mM accelerated the digestion. In particular, short‐stranded DNA (<100 nt) and miRNAs (19 ~ 25 nt) were not obviously degraded in human gastric juice. In conclusion, dietary NAs were digested efficiently and were not affected by other food components in human gastric juice, which may facilitate further digestion and utilization of DNA in the intestinal tract.
Sequential Itô–Taylor expansions and characteristic functions of stochastic volatility models
Authors: Ding Kailin , Cui Zhenyu , Liu Yanchu
Published: August 2023

This study proposes a new approach to derive the characteristic function of a general stochastic volatility model by sequentially utilizing the Itô–Taylor expansions. In particular, our method applies to non‐affine stochastic volatility models with jumps, for which the corresponding characteristic functions do not have closed‐form expressions. Numerically inverting these characteristic functions can yield accurate probability density functions of stochastic volatility models to serve for various pricing and hedging purposes in quantitative finance. The proposed sequential Itô–Taylor expansion allows us to handle derivatives with medium to long maturities. Numerical experiments illustrate the accuracy and effectiveness of our approach.
Constitutional balanced translocations involving SMARCB1: A rare cause of rhabdoid tumor predisposition syndrome
Authors: Blackburn Patrick R. , McGee Rose B. , Mostafavi Roya , Carroll Andrew J. , Mikhail Fady M. , Armstrong Gregory T. , Furtado Larissa V. , Chiang Jason , Wheeler David A. , Carey Steven S. , Nichols Kim E. , Upadhyaya Santhosh A.
Published: August 2023

Rhabdoid Tumor Predisposition Syndrome 1 (RTPS1) confers an increased risk of developing rhabdoid tumors and is caused by germline mutations in SMARCB1. RTPS1 should be evaluated in all individuals with rhabdoid tumor and is more likely in those with a young age at presentation (occasionally congenital presentation), multiple primary tumors, or a family history of rhabdoid tumor or RTPS1. Proband genetic testing is the standard method for diagnosing RTPS1. Most known RTPS1‐related SMARCB1 gene mutations are copy number variants (CNVs) or single nucleotide variants/indels, but structural variant analysis (SVA) is not usually included in the molecular evaluation. Here, we report two children with RTPS1 presenting with atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (ATRT) who had constitutional testing showing balanced chromosome translocations involving SMARCB1. Patient 1 is a 23‐year‐old female diagnosed with pineal region ATRT at 7 months who was found to have a de novo, constitutional t(16;22)(p13.3;q11.2). Patient 2 is a 24‐month‐old male diagnosed with a posterior fossa ATRT at 14 months, with subsequent testing showing a constitutional t(5;22)(q14.1;q11.23). These structural rearrangements have not been previously reported in RTPS1. While rare, these cases suggest that structural variants should be considered in the evaluation of children with rhabdoid tumors to provide more accurate genetic counseling on the risks of developing tumors, the need for surveillance, and the risks of passing the disorder on to future children. Further research is needed to understand the prevalence, clinical features, and tumor risks associated with RTPS1‐related constitutional balanced translocations.
Exploring the relationship between bird diversity and anxiety and mood disorder hospitalisation rates
Authors: Buxton Rachel T. , Pearson Amber L. , Lin Hsien‐Yung , Sanciangco Jonnell C. , Bennett Joseph R.
Published: August 2023

Natural environments provide a myriad of health benefits, yet the role of species diversity within these spaces remains underexplored. Bird diversity may yield mental health benefits for humans, through birdsong or feelings of connection to nature. In an initial effort to establish whether bird diversity may be linked with human health in a US context and to test the consistency in such trends from year to year, we combine widely available community (aka citizen) science data (eBird) estimating bird diversity across the state of Michigan with anxiety/mood disorder hospitalisation records (2008–18). We found a negative, significant association between bird species diversity and anxiety/mood disorder hospitalisations (β = −0.36, 95% CI = −0.69 to −0.04). The relationship between bird diversity and hospitalisations found at this scale is significant, given the potential for biodiversity to affect severe mental health outcomes. Thus, these initial findings should be further explored in studies with finer resolution of exposure to bird species and longitudinal or experimental designs that account for other demographic characteristics, risk factors and other neighbourhood features. If future studies confirm these findings, there are important implications for urban greening efforts, some of which are explicitly focused on increasing bird habitat.
Telemedicine and Healing Relationships
Authors: Haupt Laura
Published: August 2023

In the July‐August 2023 issue of the Hastings Center Report, the lead article and two responding commentaries concern how telemedicine affects the relationships that physicians have with patients or their family members. Relationships are also at the heart of a case‐study essay that brings together family ethics and clinical ethics to argue that the types of food provided to a patient and by whom the patient is fed should be a topic for shared decision‐making. The second article in the issue focuses on why and how the assessment of an individual's decision‐making capacity should take into consideration the risk‐benefit profile of the given decision.
Smuggled Doughnuts and Forbidden Fried Chicken: Addressing Tensions around Family and Food Restrictions in Hospitals
Authors: Dean Megan A. , Guidry‐Grimes Laura
Published: August 2023

It is a common practice for family members to bring food to hospitalized loved ones. However, in some cases, this food contravenes a patient's dietary plan. Such situations can create significant tension and distrust between health care professionals and families and may lead the former to doubt a family's willingness or ability to support patient recovery. This case‐study essay offers an ethical analysis of these situations. We draw on Hilde Lindemann's work to argue that providing food to family members is an important way that families discharge their moral functions of caring for their members and holding them in their identities. When family members are hospitalized, other means of performing these functions are limited. Acknowledging the ethical importance of feeding family members alongside the medical need for dietary restrictions, we offer strategies for creative problem‐solving that center diet as a subject for shared decision‐making and regular, ongoing communication among health care professionals, patients, and families.
Why the Gene Was (Mis)Placed at the Center of American Health Policy
Authors: Owens Kellie , Caplan Arthur L.
Published: August 2023

In Tyranny of the Gene: Personalized Medicine and Its Threat to Public Health (Knopf, 2023), James Tabery traces the ascendance of personalized or precision medicine in America, arguing that America's emphasis on genetics offers more hype than transformational power. In his examination of the power struggles, social relationships, and technological advances that centered the gene in American health policy, Tabery demonstrates how an intensive focus on genetics draws attention away from both the fundamental causes of health disparities and more‐effective changes that could be made to developmental, physical, and social environments. American policy‐makers, health care institutions, funders, and bioethicists should not let the technological shine and attractive politics of personalized medicine continue to replace the hard but necessary work of addressing sociopolitical causes of disease and illness.
Tyler Tate replies
Authors: Tate Tyler
Published: August 2023

The author responds to a letter by D. Brendan Johnson in the July‐August 2023 issue of the Hastings Center Report concerning his and Joseph Clair's article “Love Your Patient as Yourself: On Reviving the Broken Heart of American Medical Ethics.”
It is time to update sun safety campaigns to recognise population diversity: Findings from two citizens' juries in Australia
Authors: Gregory Judy , Neale Rachel E. , Frank Oliver , Gordon Louisa G.
Published: August 2023

Issue Addressed

While the links between sun exposure and skin cancer are well known, the benefits of sun exposure, particularly as a source of vitamin D, are less well known. This paper reports on a deliberative study exploring public perspectives about sun exposure harms and benefits.

Methods

Two citizens' juries were conducted in Brisbane and Adelaide to consider questions about sun exposure, vitamin D and health promotion. Members of the general population (jurors) listened to evidence from expert witnesses about the harms and benefits of sun exposure. Most witness sessions extended for 60 min, with 6 sessions over 2 days. At each citizens' jury, jurors were asked to listen to expert testimony, consider the evidence and make policy recommendations. The planning and design of the citizens' juries were informed by well‐established citizens' jury methods.

Results

Jurors proposed that Australia needs improved public information about the harms and benefits of sun exposure. They argued for information that supports personal decision‐making that accounts for differences in skin tone and geographical region. Jurors agreed that Australia needs an updated sun safety campaign that reflects new research and addresses diversity. A one‐size‐fits‐all approach to sun protection may no longer be appropriate.

Conclusions

While a new campaign should address both harms and benefits, jurors felt the need for skin cancer prevention outweighs the desirability of generating vitamin D through sun exposure. More nuanced public health messages are needed, which balance the need for skin protection and vitamin D, and acknowledge the diversity of Australia's population.

So What?

Previous research studies are typically siloed into the separate areas of vitamin D or skin cancer research. This study incorporated both topics and pooled the views of participants in two citizens' juries who agreed on the need for improved information about the harms and benefits of sun exposure to reflect a modern Australian population.
Increased vigorous exercise and decreased sedentary activities are associated with decreased depressive symptoms in United States adults: Analysis of The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2020
Authors: Huang Alexander A. , Huang Samuel Y.
Published: August 2023

Background and aims

Depression is a major public health concern that affects over 4% of the global population. Identification of new nonpharmacologic recommendations will help decrease the burden of disease. The overarching of this study was to examine the association between physical activity and depressive symptoms in a large sample of adults in the United States.

Methods

Presently, researchers utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES 2017–2020), which is a retrospective, complex, multistage, representative, and modern cohort of the United States. Adult patients ( > 18 years; N = 8091) with complete 9‐item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9) information were included in the study. The PHQ‐9 is a well‐validated survey, per literature, scores ≥10 are considered to have clinically relevant depression. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was fit for active and sedentary activities on clinical depression (PHQ‐9 ≥ 10). The acquisition and analysis of the data within this study were approved by the National Center for Health Statistics Ethics Review Board.

Results

After adjusting for potential confounders like age, race, sex, and income, we found that increased vigorous exercise was associated with lower rates of depressive symptoms. Each extra day of vigorous exercise was associated with 11% decreased odds of depression (odd ratio [OR]: 0.89, confidence interval [CI]: 0.83–0.96, p < 0.01). Increased sedentary activity was associated with increased depression. Each extra hour per day of sedentary activity was associated with a 6% increase in odds of depression (OR: 1.06, (1.02–1.10, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

To conclude, exercise appears to be protective against depressive symptoms; however, further prospective studies are required to ascertain whether exercise causes decreased depressive symptoms.
Forced convective heat transfer for Stokes flow including viscous dissipation in arbitrary corrugated channels
Authors: Shaimi Mohamed , Khatyr Rabha , Naciri Jaafar Khalid
Published: August 2023

The forced convective heat transfer for Stokes flow, including viscous dissipation in arbitrary corrugated channels, is studied using both an asymptotic method and a numerical solution. The aim is to specify the range of shape parameters for which the validity of the asymptotic approach is ensured, particularly regarding the characteristics of heat transfer. The axial velocity, transversal velocity, pressure, and temperature, for small corrugation's slope compared with unity, are sought as an asymptotic expansion in terms of a parameter that represents the corrugation's slope. The numerical solution is obtained by using ANSYS Fluent solver. Additionally, Python scripting is integrated to automate several parts of the simulations, including the creation of the geometry and a parametric study. Three different types of corrugations are investigated including zigzag, sinusoidal, and arbitrary corrugations defined using a function given by a particular case of the Fourier series. The Nusselt number is calculated to evaluate convective heat transfer. It is found that the asymptotic and numerical solutions for small corrugation's slope, are in good agreement with negligible quantitative differences. However, as the corrugation's slope increases (approaches unity), these quantitative differences increase up to cases where a change in the behavior of the local Nusselt number is observed. The results show that the local Nusselt number decreases in the channel's region with divergent walls due to the decrease in the average velocity. In contrast, it increases in the channel's region with convergent walls due to the increase in the average velocity.
Scarless preventive surgery
Authors: Rathat Gauthier , Blay Lydia , Bakenga Julien , Roggen Nele , Peralta Guillermo , Baekelandt Jan
Published: August 2023

Synopsis

Oncogenetic risk‐reduction surgeries could be better accepted if innovation allowed the scars to be hidden. Adnexectomies, vNotes, and endoscopic mastectomies presented here are examples.
In hospitalized patients undergoing therapeutic plasma exchange, major bleeding prevalence depends on the bleeding definition: An analysis of The Recipient Epidemiology and Donor Evaluation Study‐III
Authors: Soares Ferreira Junior Alexandre , Lessa Morgana Pinheiro Maux , Sanborn Kate , Kuchibhatla Maragatha , Karafin Matthew S , Onwuemene Oluwatoyosi A.
Published: August 2023

Background

Major bleeding in patients undergoing therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) has been studied in large databases; but without standardizing bleeding definitions. Therefore, we used standardized definitions to evaluate major bleeding in hospitalized patients undergoing TPE using public use data files from the Recipient Epidemiology and Donor Evaluation Study‐III (REDS‐III).

Study Design and Methods

In a retrospective cross‐sectional analysis, we identified TPE‐treated adults in a first inpatient encounter. We evaluated major bleeding prevalence using (1) International Classification of Diseases (ICD) or Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes, (2) packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion, or (3) hemoglobin (Hgb) decline. Patients with major bleeding prior to their first TPE were excluded from the analysis.

Results

Among 779 patients undergoing TPE, major bleeding by at least one of the three bleeding definitions occurred in 135 patients (17.3%). For each of the ICD/CPT, PRBC, and Hgb definitions, the prevalence of major bleeding was 2.8% (n = 31), 7.4% (n = 81), and 5.4% (n = 59), respectively. Only 3.7% of bleeds (5/135) were captured by all three definitions and 19.3% (26/135) exclusively by any two pairwise definitions. The addition of PRBC transfusion and Hgb decline to ICD/CPT code definitions increased bleeding prevalence threefold.

Conclusion

Among hospitalized adults undergoing TPE in the REDS‐III study, the prevalence of major bleeding was 17.3%. The addition of PRBC and Hgb decline to ICD codes increased bleeding prevalence threefold. Future studies are needed to develop validated models that identify patients at risk for major bleeding during TPE.
COL3A1‐positive endothelial cells influence LUAD prognosis and regulate LUAD carcinogenesis by NCL–PI3K–AKT axis
Authors: Zhang Moyan , Liang Yicheng , Song Peng
Published: August 2023

Background

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), as the most common type of lung cancer, poses a significant threat to public health. Tumor heterogeneity plays a crucial role in carcinogenesis, which could be largely deciphered by next‐generation sequencing (NGS).

Methods

We obtained and screened single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) data from 16 LUAD samples, and endothelial cells (ECs) were grouped into three clusters. The origin of EC differentiation was explored by pseudo‐time analysis. CellChat analysis was used to detect potential communication between ECs and malignant cells, and gene regulatory network analysis was used to identify changes in transcription factor activity. We explored the prognosis of specific ECs clusters and their effects on the tumor microenvironment (TME) at the bulk transcriptome level. 5‐Ethynyl‐2′‐ deoxyuridine (EdU) and Ki‐67 staining were conducted to study the proliferative phenotype of LUAD cell lines. Western blotting targeting the phosphorylation of PI3K–AKT proteins was utilized for determination of the downstream pathway of NCL.

Results

COL3A1‐positive ECs showed the highest crosstalk interaction with malignant cells, indicating that they have important effects on driving LUAD carcinogenesis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway was identified as the main signaling pathway, mediating signal transduction from malignant cells. The TME‐related genes of COL3A1‐positive ECs were significantly more highly expressed. COL3A1‐positive ECs showed unique metabolic and immune characteristics, as well as highly activated metabolic signaling pathways and inflammatory responses. Importantly, LUAD patients with low COL3A1‐positive ECs scores displayed an inferior prognosis outcome and a higher risk of metastasis. The key target gene NCL, which is involved in the interaction between epithelial cells and cancer cells, has been identified through screening. Flow cytometry showed that knockdown of NCL prompted the apoptosis of A549 and NCI‐H1299. Western blotting showed that knockdown of NCL decreased the phosphorylation of AKT and PI3K, which identified the downstream pathway of NCL.

Conclusions

COL3A1‐positive ECs have important effects on the development of LUAD and the formation of an immune microenvironment. Furthermore, we identified a key target gene, NCL, which is involved in the interaction between endothelial cells and cancer cells. NCL also affected the apoptosis and proliferation in LUAD through the PI3K–AKT pathway.
Ovarian cancer classification and prognosis assessment model based on prognostic target genes in key microRNA‐target gene networks
Authors: Chen Xuelian , Li Yibing , He Junjian
Published: August 2023

Background

The present study was designed to screen key microRNA (miRNA)‐target gene networks for ovarian cancer (OC) and to classify and construct a risk assessment system for OC based on the target genes.

Methods

OC sample data of The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset and GSE26193, GSE30161, GSE63885 and GSE9891 datasets were retrospectively collected. Pearson correlation analysis and targeted analysis of miRNA and target gene were performed to screen key miRNA‐target gene networks. Target genes associated with the prognosis of OC were screened from key miRNA‐target gene networks for consensus clustering and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator‐based regression machine learning analysis of OC samples.

Results

Twenty target genes of 2651 key miRNA‐target gene pairs had significant prognostic correlation in each OC cohort, and OC was divided into three clusters. There were differences in prognostic outcome, biological pathways, immune cell abundance and susceptibility to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy and anti‐tumor drugs among the three molecular clusters. S2 exhibited the least advantage in prognosis and immunotherapy response rate in the three molecular clusters, and the pathways regulating immunity, hypoxia, metabolism and promoting malignant progression of cancer, as well as infiltrating immune and stromal cell population abundance, were the highest in this cluster. An eight‐target gene prognostic model was created, and the risk index obtained by using this model not only significantly distinguished the immune characteristics of the sample, but also predicted the response of the sample to ICB treatment, and helped to screen 36 potential anti‐OC drugs.

Conclusions

The present study provides a classification strategy for OC based on prognostic target genes in key miRNA‐target gene networks, and creates a risk assessment system for predicting prognosis and response to ICB therapy in OC patients, providing molecular basis for prognosis and precise treatment of OC.
Impact of portal‐phase signal intensity of dynamic gadoxetic acid‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Tomino Takahiro , Itoh Shinji , Okamoto Daisuke , Yoshiya Shohei , Nagao Yoshihiro , Harada Noboru , Fujita Nobuhiro , Ushijima Yasuhiro , Ishigami Kousei , Yoshizumi Tomoharu
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the prognostic impact of dynamic gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Gd‐EOB‐DTPA)‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the data of 206 patients with HCC who underwent preoperative Gd‐EOB‐DTPA‐enhanced MRI and hepatectomy and quantitatively evaluated the signal intensity ratio of the tumor to the surrounding liver tissue in the portal phase (SIRPP). We verified the survival rates and assessed the prognostic factors associated with overall survival (OS) and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) using SIRPP.

Results

Multivariate analysis revealed that the independent predictive factors for poorly‐differentiated HCC were α‐fetoprotein > 20 ng/mL (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.1909, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3464–7.5622, p = .0084) and SIRPP ≤ 0.85 (HR: 3.7155, 95% CI: 1.521–9.076, p = .004). The 5‐year OS and RFS rates in the high and low SIRPP groups were 83.2 and 52.1%, respectively (p < .0001) and 49.7 and 18.5%, respectively (p = .0003). Multivariate analysis revealed that SIRPP ≤ 0.68 was an independent prognostic factor related to OS (HR: 4.4537, 95% CI: 1.6581–11.9626, p = .003).

Conclusion

The SIRPP of preoperative Gd‐EOB‐DTPA‐enhanced MRI might predict the histological differentiation and prognosis of HCC.
LC‐1000 flow cytometry system complements intraoperative peritoneal cytology for pancreatic and biliary tract cancer
Authors: Asakura Riki , Ajiki Tetsuo , Abe Shigeki , Yanagimoto Hiroaki , Tsugawa Daisuke , Komatsu Shohei , Goto Tadahiro , Asari Sadaki , Toyama Hirochika , Fukumoto Takumi
Published: August 2023

Background

The exfoliative cell analyzer, LC‐1000, is medical device that utilizes the principles of flow cytometry, and might provide digital diagnostic information for cytology using a different approach from conventional cytomorphology. In this study, wae examined the usefulness of the LC‐1000 as a diagnostic support system for intraoperative peritoneal lavage cytology and its prognostic impact for pancreatic (PC) and biliary tract cancer (BTC).

Methods

Patients with PC and BTC who underwent surgical treatment were included. First, we identified useful indicators of LC‐1000 and established cutoff values to discriminate positive cytology. Next, we verified the validity of these cutoff values.

Results

In the test set (n = 48), of the LC‐1000 indicators examined, only MR‐CPIx was significantly different between the negative and positive cytology groups, yielding a cutoff value of 0.86. In the validation set (n = 52), the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of the LC‐1000 for cytology results was 1.0, 0.49, 0.11 and 1.0, respectively. In patients who had undergone radical resection, recurrence‐free survival rate was significantly higher in the LC‐1000 negative group than in the positive group in PC, but not in BTC.

Conclusion

The LC‐1000 was useful as digital support system for peritoneal cytology, and it might have potential as a prognostic factor for PC.
Describing whisker morphology of the Carnivora
Authors: Dougill Gary , Brassey Charlotte A. , Starostin Eugene L. , Andrews Hayley , Kitchener Andrew , van der Heijden Gert H. M. , Goss Victor G. A. , Grant Robyn A.
Published: August 2023

One of the largest ecological transitions in carnivoran evolution was the shift from terrestrial to aquatic lifestyles, which has driven morphological diversity in skulls and other skeletal structures. In this paper, we investigate the association between those lifestyles and whisker morphology. However, comparing whisker morphology over a range of species is challenging since the number of whiskers and their positions on the mystacial pads vary between species. Also, each whisker will be at a different stage of growth and may have incurred damage due to wear and tear. Identifying a way to easily capture whisker morphology in a small number of whisker samples would be beneficial. Here, we describe individual and species variation in whisker morphology from two‐dimensional scans in red fox, European otter and grey seal. A comparison of long, caudal whiskers shows inter‐species differences most clearly. We go on to describe global whisker shape in 24 species of carnivorans, using linear approximations of curvature and taper, as well as traditional morphometric methods. We also qualitatively examine surface texture, or the presence of scales, using scanning electron micrographs. We show that gross whisker shape is highly conserved, with whisker curvature and taper obeying simple linear relationships with length. However, measures of whisker base radius, length, and maybe even curvature, can vary between species and substrate preferences. Specifically, the aquatic species in our sample have thicker, shorter whiskers that are smoother, with less scales present than those of terrestrial species. We suggest that these thicker whiskers may be stiffer and able to maintain their shape and position during underwater sensing, but being stiffer may also increase wear.