bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probing actin‐activated ATP turnover kinetics of human cardiac myosin II by single molecule fluorescence
Authors: Berg Albin , Velayuthan Lok Priya , Tågerud Sven , Ušaj Marko , Månsson Alf
Published: April 2024

Mechanistic insights into myosin II energy transduction in striated muscle in health and disease would benefit from functional studies of a wide range of point‐mutants. This approach is, however, hampered by the slow turnaround of myosin II expression that usually relies on adenoviruses for gene transfer. A recently developed virus‐free method is more time effective but would yield too small amounts of myosin for standard biochemical analyses. However, if the fluorescent adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and single molecule (sm) total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy previously used to analyze basal ATP turnover by myosin alone, can be expanded to actin‐activated ATP turnover, it would appreciably reduce the required amount of myosin. To that end, we here describe zero‐length cross‐linking of human cardiac myosin II motor fragments (sub‐fragment 1 long [S1L]) to surface‐immobilized actin filaments in a configuration with maintained actin‐activated ATP turnover. After optimizing the analysis of sm fluorescence events, we show that the amount of myosin produced from C2C12 cells in one 60 mm cell culture plate is sufficient to obtain both the basal myosin ATP turnover rate and the maximum actin‐activated rate constant (k
cat). Our analysis of many single binding events of fluorescent ATP to many S1L motor fragments revealed processes reflecting basal and actin‐activated ATPase, but also a third exponential process consistent with non‐specific ATP‐binding outside the active site.
Improved Thermoelectric Properties of Selenium Functionalized Pedot
Authors: Maity Shilpa , Mondal Aniket , Das Sukhen , Chatterjee Krishanu
Published: April 2024

Polymer‐based chalcogenide composites are gaining attention for thermal energy storage thermoelectric (TE) applications due to their high Seebeck coefficient (S) and electrical conductivity (σ), compared to low thermal conductivity of polymers without electrical optimization. This combination can enhance power factor and ZT while suppressing drawbacks. The energy‐filtering effect of polymer/chalcogenide interfaces may also improve TE performance, further enhancing the potential for improved TE applications. In this work, Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) was functionalized with selenium (Se), and its structural and thermoelectric (TE) properties were studied. The variations of σ and S, with higher percent of Se content, displays a simultaneous rise in both σ and S values, which is noteworthy. The probable reason behind this increment of both σ and S values is due to the improvement in charge transport in the composites due to a percolating network formed between the Se nanoparticles and PEDOT along with the carrier energy filtering interaction between PEDOT and Se. The highest room temperature ZT value obtained is 0.027 for 82 % of Se content in PEDOT, which is comparable with bulk nanostructured organic‐inorganic hybrid composite materials. This work presents an efficient technique for enhancing the TE properties of polymers through inorganic functionalization.
Wireless Multimodal Light‐Emitting Arrays Operating on the Principles of LEDs and ECL
Authors: Liu Miaoxia , Arias‐Aranda Leslie R. , Li Haidong , Bouffier Laurent , Kuhn Alexander , Sojic Neso , Salinas Gerardo
Published: April 2024

Electrochemistry‐based light‐emitting devices have gained considerable attention in different applications such as sensing and optical imaging. In particular, such systems are an interesting alternative for the development of multimodal light‐emitting platforms. Herein we designed a multicolor light‐emitting array, based on the electrochemical switch‐on of light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) with a different intrinsic threshold voltage. Thermodynamically and kinetically favored coupled redox reactions, i. e. the oxidation of Mg and the reduction of protons on Pt, act as driving force to power the diodes. Moreover, this system enables to trigger an additional light emission based on the interfacial reductive‐oxidation electrochemiluminescence (ECL) mechanism of the Ru(bpy)32+/S2O82− system. The synergy between these light‐emission pathways offers a multimodal platform for the straightforward optical readout of physico‐chemical information based on composition changes of the solution.
Effect of Anchoring Dynamics on Proton‐Coupled Electron Transfer in the Ru(bda) Coordination Oligomer on a Graphitic Surface
Authors: Calvani Dario , Louwersheimer Rick , Buda Francesco
Published: April 2024

The oligomeric ruthenium‐based water oxidation catalyst, Ru(bda), is known to be experimentally anchored on graphitic surfaces through CH‐π stacking interactions between the auxiliary bda ([2,2′‐bipyridine]‐6,6′‐dicarboxylate) ligand bonded to ruthenium and the hexagonal rings of the surface. This anchoring provides control over their molecular coverage and enables efficient catalysis of water oxidation to dioxygen. The oligomeric nature of the molecule offers multiple anchoring sites at the surface, greatly enhancing the overall stability of the hybrid catalyst‐graphitic surface anode through dynamic bonding. However, the impact of this dynamic anchoring on the overall catalytic mechanism is still a topic of debate. In this study, a crucial proton‐coupled electron transfer event in the catalytic cycle is investigated using DFT‐based molecular dynamics simulations plus metadynamics. The CH‐π stacking anchoring plays a critical role not only in stabilizing this hybrid system but also in facilitating the proton‐coupled electron transfer event with possible vibronic couplings between the anchoring bonds motion and charge fluctuations at the catalyst – graphitic surface interface. Furthermore, this computational investigation displays the presence of a quartet spin state intermediate that can lead to the experimentally observed and thermodynamically more stable doublet spin state.
Performance evaluation of rock fragmentation prediction based on RF‐BOA, AdaBoost‐BOA, GBoost‐BOA, and ERT‐BOA hybrid models
Authors: Zhao Junjie , Li Diyuan , Zhou Jian , Armaghani Danial J. , Zhou Aohui
Published: April 2024

Rock fragmentation is an important indicator for assessing the quality of blasting operations. However, accurate prediction of rock fragmentation after blasting is challenging due to the complicated blasting parameters and rock properties. For this reason, optimized by the Bayesian optimization algorithm (BOA), four hybrid machine learning models, including random forest, adaptive boosting, gradient boosting, and extremely randomized trees, were developed in this study. A total of 102 data sets with seven input parameters (spacing‐to‐burden ratio, hole depth‐to‐burden ratio, burden‐to‐hole diameter ratio, stemming length‐to‐burden ratio, powder factor, in situ block size, and elastic modulus) and one output parameter (rock fragment mean size, X50) were adopted to train and validate the predictive models. The root mean square error (RMSE), the mean absolute error (MAE), and the coefficient of determination () were used as the evaluation metrics. The evaluation results demonstrated that the hybrid models showed superior performance than the standalone models. The hybrid model consisting of gradient boosting and BOA (GBoost‐BOA) achieved the best prediction results compared with the other hybrid models, with the highest R2 value of 0.96 and the smallest values of RMSE and MAE of 0.03 and 0.02, respectively. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis was carried out to study the effects of input variables on rock fragmentation. In situ block size (XB), elastic modulus (E), and stemming length‐to‐burden ratio (T/B) were set as the main influencing factors. The proposed hybrid model provided a reliable prediction result and thus could be considered an alternative approach for rock fragment prediction in mining engineering.
It's about time: Feeding competition costs of sociality are affected more by temporal characteristics than spatial distribution
Authors: Ekanayake‐Weber Marcy , Mathew Namita , Cunha Deanna , Payen Nathanael , Grimm Volker , Koenig Andreas
Published: April 2024

For most herbivorous animals, group‐living appears to incur a high cost by intensifying feeding competition. These costs raise the question of how gregariousness (i.e., the tendency to aggregate) could have evolved to such an extent in taxa such as anthropoid primates and ungulates. When attempting to test the potential benefits and costs, previous foraging models demonstrated that group‐living might be beneficial by lowering variance in intake, but that it reduces overall foraging success. However, these models did not fully account for the fact that gregariousness has multiple experiences and can vary in relation to ecological variables and foraging competition. Here, we present an agent‐based model for testing how ecological variables impact the costs and benefits of gregariousness. In our simulations, primate‐like agents forage on a variable resource landscape while maintaining spatial cohesion with conspecifics to varying degrees. The agents' energy intake rate, daily distance traveled, and variance in energy intake were recorded. Using Morris Elementary Effects sensitivity analysis, we tested the sensitivity of 10 model parameters, of which 2 controlled gregarious behavior and 8 controlled food resources, including multiple aspects of temporal and spatial heterogeneity. We found that, while gregariousness generally increased feeding competition, the costs of gregariousness were much lower when resources were less variable over time (i.e., when calorie extraction was slow and resource renewal was frequent). We also found that maintaining proximity to other agents resulted in lower variance in energy intake when resources were more variable over time. Thus, it appears that the costs and benefits of gregariousness are strongly influenced by the temporal characteristics of food resources, giving insight into the pressures that shaped the evolution of sociality and group living, including in our own lineage.
High‐throughput sequencing and fatty acid profile analyses of the Black Amur bream (Megalobrama terminalis) reveal variation in dietary niche associated with geographic segregation
Authors: Liu Yaqiu , Li Xinhui , Chen Weitao , Feng Guangpeng , Chen Fangchan , Li Jie , Zhou Qiong
Published: April 2024

Fish dietary niche is a core focus, and it reflects the diversity of resources, habitats, or environments occupied by a species. However, whether geographic segregation among different populations triggers dietary diversification and concomitant fish niche shift remains unknown. In the present study, we selected the Black Amur bream (Megalobrama terminalis) is a migratory fish species that plays an important role in the material transfer and energy cycling of river ecosystems, inhabiting southern China drainage with multiple geographic populations. Here, we utilized the combined analyses of 18S rDNA high‐throughput sequencing in fish gut contents and fatty acid (FA) in muscle tissues to evaluate potential spatial patterns of habitat and resource use forM. terminalisin three rivers of southern China. Our results showed that prey items of the Xijiang (XR) population (Pearl River) exhibited the highest species diversity and richness among the three geographic populations. Moreover, diet composition ofM. terminaliswas affected by spatial differences associated with geographic segregation. Analyses of FA biomarkers indicated that the highest levels of C16:0, C18:3n‐3, and C18:2n‐6c were found in Wanquan (WS) population (Wanquan River). The XR population exhibited a distinct FA profile characterized by higher amounts of arachidonic acid (ARA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The Moyang (MY) population (Moyang River) acted as the linkage between WS and XR populations and consisted of middle levels of saturated FAs (SFAs) and polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs). The XR population displayed a greater FA niche width compared with WS population. Furthermore, we observed a close positive relationship between the niche width and α‐diversity indices of dietary resources for FA proflies. Our study provides valued information to develop different conservation strategies among different populations and improve fisheries management forM. terminalisand other endemic species in local rivers.
The high cost of movement in an arid working landscape for an endangered amphibian
Authors: Brocka Colin W. , Mazzamuto Maria Vittoria , Koprowski John L.
Published: April 2024

Connectivity is essential for the maintenance of genetic diversity and stability of wildlife populations. Drought and changing precipitation regimes have caused natural aquatic amphibian breeding habitats to disappear or become isolated and have led to the replacement of natural surface water with artificial livestock water tanks. Terrestrial movement is the only means of responding to aquatic threats in arid landscapes and to allow population connectivity. Aridity may present an impenetrable barrier in hydrologically fragmented environments. We used a facultatively paedomorphic and federally endangered salamander to assess the challenges of movement across arid working lands. Sonoran tiger salamanders (Ambystoma mavortium stebbinsi) are endemic to the San Rafael Valley of southeastern Arizona, United States of America, where they depend on livestock water tanks as breeding habitat. The ecology of this species' metamorphs outside of stock tanks is virtually unknown. To assess survival on the landscape during terrestrial movement we used radio‐transmitters to track 78 adult metamorphosed salamanders over 2 years. Sonoran tiger salamanders moved up to 1 km from the tank edge, and average distances moved of over 400 m were higher than most Ambystoma species. However, during the study period, none reached neighboring stock tanks. We found high mortality due to predation and desiccation. Individuals that dispersed to terrestrial habitat in summer survived longer than individuals that dispersed in spring. High mortality suggests terrestrial movement is exceptionally risky and may contribute to isolated subpopulations and elevated levels of inbreeding. Conservation actions that improve and maintain artificial aquatic habitats as well as increase connectivity may improve long‐term management for pond‐breeding amphibians in arid regions.
Seasonal activity patterns of a Kalahari mammal community: Trade‐offs between environmental heat load and predation pressure
Authors: Vermeulen Mika M. , Fritz Hervé , Strauss W. Maartin , Hetem Robyn S. , Venter Jan A.
Published: April 2024

Mammals in arid zones have to trade off thermal stress, predation pressure, and time spent foraging in a complex thermal landscape. We quantified the relationship between the environmental heat load and activity of a mammal community in the hot, arid Kalahari Desert. We deployed miniature black globe thermometers within the existing Snapshot Safari camera trap grid on Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, South Africa. Using the camera traps to record species' activity throughout the 24‐h cycle, we quantified changes in the activity patterns of mammal species in relation to heat loads in their local environment. We compared the heat load during which species were active between two sites with differing predator guilds, one where lion (Panthera leo) biomass dominated the carnivore guild and the other where lions were absent. In the presence of lion, prey species were generally active under significantly higher heat loads, especially during the hot and dry spring. We suggest that increased foraging under high heat loads highlights the need to meet nutritional requirements while avoiding nocturnal activity when predatory pressures are high. Such a trade‐off may become increasingly costly under the hotter and drier conditions predicted to become more prevalent as a result of climate change within the arid and semi‐arid regions of southern Africa.
New Avenues for the Synthesis of Oxa‐Cycles Using Lewis/Brønsted Acid Mediated Carboxygenation and Carboalkoxylation of Alkynes
Authors: Nanda Santosh Kumar , Nanda Laxmi Narayan , Pal Juhi , Gharpure Santosh J.
Published: April 2024

The cascade functionalizations of alkynes have provided many elegant methods for the synthesis of useful scaffolds. Amongst these functionalizations, the ones comprising C−C and C−O bond formation have been utilized extensively due to the abundant presence of oxygenated motifs in various bio‐active natural as well as unnatural products. Transition‐metal catalysis is a mainstay for these tandem functionalizations as they are very efficient. However, their utilization does typically involve stoichiometric additives like other metal salts and/or Lewis acids/Brønsted acids (LA/BA). Thus, approaches that rely solely on using LA/BA, make these vital transformations not only eco‐friendly and atom economical but also cost beneficial are fast emerging as complementary alternatives. The present review addresses the gap in the literature by summarizing recent developments in LA/BA mediated 1,1/1,2‐carboxygenation and carboalkoxylation of alkynes for the synthesis of oxa‐cycles. The reaction mechanisms are particularly emphasized to bring out understanding needed from the point of future developments in this domain.
Systematic reviews and quality assessment of patient‐reported outcome measures for physical function in comparative effectiveness studies regarding acute postoperative pain after total knee arthroplasty—Do we need to start all over again?
Authors: Heitkamp H. , Heußner D. , Rosenberger D. C. , Schnabel K. , Rosenthal D. , Bigalke S. , Maeßen T. V. , Hohenschurz‐Schmidt D. , Liedgens H. , Kaiser U. , Pogatzki‐Zahn E. M.
Published: April 2024

Background and Objective

Recently, a consensus process specified a core outcome set (COS) of domains to be assessed in each comparative effectiveness research and clinical practice related to acute postoperative pain. Physical function (PF) was one of these domains. The aim of this review was to investigate which patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) are used to assess PF after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in clinical trials and if they fulfil basic requirements for a COS of PROMs based on their psychometric properties.

Methods

A systematic review of randomized controlled trials and observational studies based on a search in MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL was undertaken. PROMs and performance measures were extracted and investigated, including evaluation of psychometric properties of PROMs based on COSMIN recommendations.

Results

From initially 2896 identified records, 479 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Only 87 of these trials (18%) assessed PF using PROMs, whereas especially performance outcome measures were used in 470 studies (98%). Application of the ‘COSMIN Risk‐of‐Bias‐Box 1’ to 13 of the 14 identified PROMs resulted in insufficient content validity of the included PROMs regarding the target population based on the inauguration or development articles.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that a patient‐centred postoperative assessment of PF in pain‐related clinical trials early after TKA is not common, even though patient‐reported assessment is widely recommended. In addition, none of the applied PROMs shows content validity based on their inauguration or development articles for the assessment of postoperative pain‐related PF after TKA.

Significance

A systematic search for patient‐reported outcome measures assessing postoperative, pain‐related physical function after total knee arthroplasty in clinical trials and assessment of their content validity revealed none that fulfilled requirements based on COSMIN recommendations.
Dark Triad and the attitude toward military violence against civilians: The role of moral disengagement
Authors: Gulevich Olga , Osin Evgeny , Chernov Daniil
Published: April 2024

Scholars pay great attention to sociopsychological factors that predict attitudes toward military action, but they rarely address personality variables. The purpose of this study was to analyse the relationship between the Dark Triad traits, general moral disengagement, and military attitudes. We conducted three surveys between May and November 2022 in three samples of Russian residents (N = 736, 795, and 752). The results showed that the Dark Triad was only marginally related to attitudes toward military action abroad, but emerged as a consistent positive predictor of support for violence against civilians with psychopathy showing the strongest effect. Moreover, this relationship was mediated by moral disengagement. At the same time, Big Five traits and sociopsychological variables predicted the attitudes toward military action, but were generally unrelated to the attitudes toward violence against civilians. The findings suggest the existence of distinct pathways underlying the support of general military action and unethical military action.
Anticipatory anxiety of seizures in epilepsy: A common, complex, and underrecognized phenomenon?
Authors: Kanner Andres M. , Carrazana Enrique , Munger Clary Heidi M. , Rabinowicz Adrian L. , Faught Edward
Published: April 2024

The diagnosis of epilepsy is associated with loss of predictability, which invariably results in the fear of when and if future seizures will occur. For a subset of patients with epilepsy (PWE), there may be a pathological persistent fear of seizure occurrence, resulting in limitations to daily activities through avoidant behaviors. Paradoxically, the research of anticipatory anxiety of seizures (AAS; also referred to as seizure phobia) has been practically nonexistent and, not surprisingly, this condition remains underrecognized by clinicians. The available data are derived from three small case series of patients followed in tertiary epilepsy centers. In this study, we review the available data on the reported clinical manifestations of AAS in PWE, and of the potential role of variables associated with it, such as personal and family psychosocial and psychiatric history and epilepsy‐related variables. In addition, we review the need for the creation of screening tools to identify patients at risk of AAS and discuss potential treatment strategies, which could be considered as part of the comprehensive management for PWE.
Janus faced: The co‐evolution of war and peace in the human species
Authors: Meijer Hugo
Published: April 2024

The human species presents a paradox. No other species possesses the propensity to carry out coalitionary lethal attacks on adult conspecifics coupled with the inclination to establish peaceful relations with genetically unrelated groups. What explains this seemingly contradictory feature? Existing perspectives, the “deep roots” and “shallow roots” of war theses, fail to capture the plasticity of human intergroup behaviors, spanning from peaceful cooperation to warfare. By contrast, this article argues that peace and war have both deep roots, and they co‐evolved through an incremental process over several million years. On the one hand, humans inherited the propensity for coalitionary lethal violence from their chimpanzee‐like ancestor. Specifically, having first inherited the skills to engage in cooperative hunting, they gradually repurposed such capacity to execute coalitionary killings of adult conspecifics and subsequently enhanced it through tech`nological innovations like the use of weapons. On the other hand, they underwent a process of cumulative cultural evolution and, subsequently, of self‐domestication which led to heightened cooperative communication and increased prosocial behavior within and between groups. The combination of these two biocultural evolutionary processes—coupled with feedback loop effects between self‐domestication and Pleistocene environmental variability—considerably broadened the human intergroup behavioral repertoire, thereby producing the distinctive combination of conflictual and peaceful intergroup relations that characterizes our species. To substantiate this argument, the article synthesizes and integrates the findings from a variety of disciplines, leveraging evidence from evolutionary anthropology, primatology, archeology, paleo‐genetics, and paleo‐climatology.
Corporate credit default swap systematic factors
Authors: Chan Ka Kei , Lin Ming‐Tsung , Lu Qinye
Published: April 2024

We examine a comprehensive set of systematic and firm‐specific determinants of the credit default swap (CDS), using a two‐step approach to explore the factor's effect on CDS spread changes. We show that systematic factors are important and account for the most changes in the CDS spreads (with average of 35%), while firm‐specific factors are limited (with of 5% in panel regression) with only 4 out of 28 firm‐specific factors being significant. It implies that the systematic factors are overlooked in the literature, and they can provide many implications for practitioners in CDS pricing and the firm's credit risk management.
Innovative surgical approach for trigeminal trophic syndrome: Successful healing of facial ulcers through cross‐face nerve grafts
Authors: Sun Qing , Li Xing , Zhu Zhihui , Xiang Xiting , Zhang Shu , Liu Xiaowei , Long Xiao , Zhang Tao
Published: April 2024

Background

Trigeminal trophic syndrome (TTS) is a rare condition caused by damage to the trigeminal nervous system, resulting in sensory disturbances and ulcers on the face. Treating TTS is complex and often requires medical or surgical intervention like flap reconstruction. However, there is limited research on surgical treatments for TTS ulcers.

Methods

We report the case of a 19‐year‐old man with TTS. We employed an innovative surgical technique involving dual cross‐face nerve grafts. In the initial procedure, corneal neuralization was accomplished using supraorbital and cross‐face infraorbital nerve graft. The subsequent operation utilized auricular composite tissue flap transplantation repair and cross‐face mental nerve graft.

Results

This procedure led to rapid and sustained healing, as well as aesthetic improvement.

Conclusion

Cross‐face nerve grafts is a promising tool in the treatment of refractory ulcers caused by diseases such as TTS.
A prospective health economic evaluation to determine the productivity loss due to premature mortality from oral cancer in India
Authors: Singh Arjun , Sullivan Richard , Bavaskar Manasi , Shetty Rathan , Joshi Poonam , Nair Sudhir , Gupta Sudeep , Chaturvedi Pankaj , Badwe Rajendra
Published: April 2024

Introduction

India contributes two‐thirds of the global mortality due to oral cancer and has a younger population at risk. The societal costs of this premature mortality are barely discussed.

Methods

Using the human capital approach, we aimed to estimate the productivity lost due to premature mortality, valued using individual socioeconomic data, related to oral cancer in India. A bottom‐up approach was used to prospectively collect data of 100 consecutive patients with oral cancer treated between 2019 and 2020, with a follow‐up of 36 months.

Results

The disease‐specific survival for early and advanced stage was 85% and 70%, with a median age of 47 years. With 671 years lost prematurely, the loss of productivity was $41 900/early and $96 044/advanced stage. Based on population level rates, the total cost of premature mortality was $5.6 billion, representing 0.18% of GDP.

Conclusion

India needs to implement tailored strategies to reduce the economic burden from premature mortality.
The 10‐year cardiovascular risk of physicians estimated by the Thai CV risk score and its association with current coronary artery disease: A retrospective study
Authors: Tangjitgamol Siriwan , Udayachalerm Wasan , Panyarachun Sureerat , Wanishsawad Chad , Kaewwanna Watcharagan , Manusirivithaya Sumonmal
Published: April 2024

Background and Aims

To assess the 10‐year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among Thai physicians. The risk compared to the general population and their relationship with the current coronary artery disease (CAD) were also examined.

Methods

This retrospective study collected data of Thai physicians who underwent cardiovascular assessments between February 14, 2022, and October 31, 2022. The CVD risk was calculated using the Thai CVD risk (TCVR) score, which incorporated variables of age, gender, smoking, diabetes mellitus, blood pressure, and total cholesterol. Additional collected data included family history of CAD, weekly work hours, fiber diet, exercise, body mass index, coronary artery calcium (CAC) score, and presence of CAD. The association between the risk levels with presence of CAD and clinical features including CAC score were analyzed.

Results

Of 1225 physicians, the risk for CVD development was categorized as low in 80.0%, moderate in 11.2%, high in 4.9%, and very high in 3.9%. Among these, 33.6% were found to have higher relative risk compared to the general population of the same age and gender. The overall prevalence of CAD was 11.2%. This prevalence was escalated by risk or relative risk groups: 4.9% in low‐, 33.8% in moderate‐, 35.1% in high‐, and 46.8% in very high‐risk groups or 7.2% in lower risk, 8.0% the same risk, and 18.4% higher relative risk groups.

Conclusions

Approximately, 20% of Thai physicians in the study exhibited a moderate to very high 10‐year risk of CVD. Furthermore, 33.6% of the physicians had higher risk than individuals of the same age and gender in the general population. The prevalence of CAD increased with higher CVD risk and higher relative risk.
Comparing long‐term outcomes of septal myectomy and mitral valve replacement in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients: A retrospective cohort study in Iran
Authors: Ayati Aryan , Khoshfetrat Mehran , Davoodi Saeed , Ahmadi Tafti Seyed Hossein , Arefizadeh Reza
Published: April 2024

Background

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) affects millions of individuals worldwide. In severe cases, it can cause life‐threatening conditions such as left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction, mitral regurgitation (MR), and sudden cardiac death, making surgical treatment necessary. This study aimed to report the long‐term outcomes of HCM patients undergoing septal myectomy or mitral valve replacement (MVR) and compare the results between different types of surgeries.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study on HCM patients who underwent surgical treatment in an Iranian referral center between 2005 and 2021. Patients were divided into three groups according to the type of surgery received: septal myectomy, MVR, or a combination of both surgeries. Patient characteristics, surgical and echocardiographic features, and in‐hospital and long‐term outcomes were reported and compared between the three groups.

Results

A total of 102 patients with an average age of 53.3 ± 16.9 were included. Twenty‐six patients had septal myectomy, 23 had MVR, and 53 had combined septal myectomy and MVR surgery. All surgeries were associated with a significant reduction in interventricular septum thickness and LVOT gradients. After a median of 6.8‐year follow‐up time, patients with an isolated septal myectomy had significantly lower mortality and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events rates than the other groups.

Conclusion

Isolated septal myectomy showed better long‐term survival rates and can correct HCM‐related MR, while MVR should be preserved only for intrinsic valve defects. More extensive studies are needed to confirm these findings and achieve a comprehensive guideline on surgical treatment of HCM.
Disparities in the prevalence of suicidal ideation according to oral contraceptive pill use among US women: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Gawronska Julia , Cao Chao , Wang Ruixuan , Keon Yon Dong , Rahmati Masoud , Jewiss Matthew , Smith Lee
Published: April 2024

Background and Aims

The relationship between oral contraceptive pill (OCP) and suicidal ideation remains unclear. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of suicidal ideation among US women and evaluate their associates overall and according to OCP use status.

Methods

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005−2012 were used to calculate the prevalence and associates of suicidal ideation in women using OCP. Suicidal ideation was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9. Overall and OCP‐specific weighted prevalence of suicidal ideation were estimated. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to investigate overall and OCP‐specific associates.

Results

The prevalence of suicidal ideation was 3.6% with no evident disparity between OCP groups, suggesting that OCP use is not associated with increased prevalence of suicidal ideation. Smoking was inversely associated with suicidal ideation in the former users of OCP. In the overall population, the prevalence of suicidal ideation was greater in those who were: Black or Hispanic, smoking, taking antidepressants, those with lower educational attainment, and women with low and middle income.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that OCP use was not associated with increased prevalence of suicidal ideation. Unique associates were identified among different OCP groups.
U‐Net enhanced real‐time LED‐based photoacoustic imaging
Authors: Paul Avijit , Mallidi Srivalleesha
Published: April 2024

Photoacoustic (PA) imaging is hybrid imaging modality with good optical contrast and spatial resolution. Portable, cost‐effective, smaller footprint light emitting diodes (LEDs) are rapidly becoming important PA optical sources. However, the key challenge faced by the LED‐based systems is the low light fluence that is generally compensated by high frame averaging, consequently reducing acquisition frame‐rate. In this study, we present a simple deep learning U‐Net framework that enhances the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and contrast of PA image obtained by averaging low number of frames. The SNR increased by approximately four‐fold for both in‐class in vitro phantoms (4.39 ± 2.55) and out‐of‐class in vivo models (4.27 ± 0.87). We also demonstrate the noise invariancy of the network and discuss the downsides (blurry outcome and failure to reduce the salt & pepper noise). Overall, the developed U‐Net framework can provide a real‐time image enhancement platform for clinically translatable low‐cost and low‐energy light source‐based PA imaging systems.
A comparative in vitro and in vivo analysis of the impact of copper substitution on the cytocompatibility, osteogenic, and angiogenic properties of a borosilicate bioactive glass
Authors: Fiehn Linn Anna , Kunisch Elke , Saur Merve , Arango‐Ospina Marcela , Merle Christian , Hagmann Sébastien , Stiller Adrian , Hupa Leena , Kaňková Hana , Galusková Dagmar , Renkawitz Tobias , Boccaccini Aldo. R. , Westhauser Fabian
Published: April 2024

The 0106‐B1‐bioactive glass (BG) composition (in wt %: 37.5 SiO2, 22.6 CaO, 5.9 Na2O, 4.0 P2O5, 12.0 K2O, 5.5 MgO, and 12.5 B2O3) has demonstrated favorable processing properties and promising bone regeneration potential. The present study aimed to evaluate the biological effects of the incorporation of highly pro‐angiogenic copper (Cu) in 0106‐B1‐BG in vitro using human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) as well as its in vivo potential for bone regeneration. CuO was added to 0106‐B1‐BG in exchange for CaO, resulting in Cu‐doped BG compositions containing 1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 wt % CuO (composition in wt %: 37.5 SiO2, 21.6/ 20.1/17.6 CaO, 5.9 Na2O, 4.0 P2O5, 12.0 K2O, 5.5 MgO, 12.5 B2O3, and 1.0/ 2.5/ 5.0 CuO). In vitro, the BGs' impact on the viability, proliferation, and growth patterns of BMSCs was evaluated. Analyses of protein secretion, matrix formation, and gene expression were used for the assessment of the BGs' influence on BMSCs regarding osteogenic differentiation and angiogenic stimulation. The presence of Cu improved cytocompatibility, osteogenic differentiation, and angiogenic response when compared with unmodified 0106‐B1‐BG in vitro. In vivo, a critical‐size femoral defect in rats was filled with scaffolds made from BGs. Bone regeneration was evaluated by micro‐computed tomography. Histological analysis was performed to assess bone maturation and angiogenesis. In vivo effects regarding defect closure, presence of osteoclastic cells or vascular structures in the defect were not significantly changed by the addition of Cu compared with undoped 0106‐B1‐BG scaffolds. Hence, while the in vitro properties of the 0106‐B1‐BG were significantly improved by the incorporation of Cu, further evaluation of the BG composition is necessary to transfer these effects to an in vivo setting.
IGSF10 inhibits the metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma via the Spi‐B/Integrin‐β1 signaling pathway
Authors: Ling Bo , Ye Guangbin , Qin Chunyan , Liao Xianjiu , Yang Ruirui , Su Lili , Qi Guangzi
Published: April 2024

IGSF10, a protein that belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily, is involved in regulating the early migration of neurons that produce gonadotropin‐releasing hormone and performs a fundamental function in development. Our previous study confirmed that the mRNA expression level of IGSF10 may be a protective prognosis factor for lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients. However, the specific mechanisms of IGSF10 are still unclear. In this research, it was shown that the protein level of IGSF10 was down‐modulated in LUAD tissues and had a link to the clinical and pathological characteristics as well as the patient's prognosis in LUAD. Importantly, IGSF10 regulates the metastatic ability of LUAD cells in vitro and in vivo. It was proven in a mechanistic sense that IGSF10 inhibits the capacity of LUAD cells to metastasize through the Spi‐B/Integrin‐β1 signaling pathway. These findings gave credence to the premise that IGSF10 performed a crucial function in LUAD.
M2 macrophage‐derived paracrine factor TNFSF13 affects the fibrogenic alterations in endothelial cells and cardiac fibroblasts by mediating the NF‐κB and Akt pathway
Authors: Tan Xiaoli , Wang Jintang , Liu Xiangyang , Xie Genyuan , Ouyang Fan
Published: April 2024

Heart failure remains a global threaten to public health, cardiac fibrosis being a crucial event during the development and progression of heart failure. Reportedly, M2 macrophages might affect endothelial cell (ECs) and fibroblast proliferation and functions through paracrine signaling, participating in myocardial fibrosis. In this study, differentially expressed paracrine factors between M0/1 and M2 macrophages were analyzed and the expression of TNFSF13 was most significant in M2 macrophages. Culture medium (CM) of M2 (M2 CM) coculture to ECs and cardiac fibroblasts (CFbs) significantly promoted the cell proliferation of ECs and CFbs, respectively, and elevated α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), collagen I, and vimentin levels within both cell lines; moreover, M2 CM‐induced changes in ECs and CFbs were partially abolished by TNFSF13 knockdown in M2 macrophages. Lastly, the NF‐κB and Akt signaling pathways were proved to participate in TNFSF13‐mediated M2 CM effects on ECs and CFbs. In conclusion, TNFSF13, a paracrine factor upregulated in M2 macrophages, could mediate the promotive effects of M2 CM on EC and CFb proliferation and fibrogenic alterations.
Theoretical study of PdNi and PdCu clusters embedded on graphene modified by monovacancy and nitrogen doping
Authors: Ortiz‐Vázquez E. A. , Montejo‐Alvaro F. , Cruz‐Martínez H. , Calaminici P.
Published: April 2024

The stability and reactivity of Pd4Ni4 and Pd4Cu4 clusters embedded on graphene modified by monovacancy and nitrogen doping were investigated using auxiliary density functional theory (ADFT) calculations. The most stable structure of the Pd4Ni4 cluster is found in high spin multiplicity, whereas the lowest stable energy structure of the Pd4Cu4 cluster is a close shell system. The interaction energies between the bimetallic clusters and the defective graphene systems are significantly higher than those reported in the literature for the Pd‐based clusters deposited on pristine graphene. It is observed that the composites studied present a HOMO‐LUMO gap less than 1 eV, which suggests that they may present a good chemical reactivity. Therefore, from the results obtained in this work it can be inferred that the single vacancy graphene and pyridinic N‐doped graphene are potentially good support materials for Pd‐based clusters.
Maximal cocliques and the chromatic number of the Kneser graph on chambers of PG(3,q) $(3,q)$
Authors: Heering Philipp , Metsch Klaus
Published: April 2024

Let be the graph whose vertices are the chambers of the finite projective 3‐space , with two vertices being adjacent if and only if the corresponding chambers are in general position. We show that a maximal independent set of vertices of contains , or , or at most elements. For the structure of the largest maximal independent sets is described. For the structure of the maximal independent sets of the three largest cardinalities is described. Using the cardinality of the second largest maximal independent sets, we show that the chromatic number of is .
Negative religious coping versus spiritual struggles: Moderator or main effect?
Authors: Pirutinsky Steven
Published: April 2024

Objective

While previous research indicates that negative religious coping relates with distress, it is unclear if this represents generalized spiritual struggles or a specific vulnerability activated by negative events. Moreover, past research treats coping as a stable phenomenon, although it likely fluctuates. This research simultaneously tested both models longitudinally and examined the relationship between coping and distress.

Methods

The current study is a secondary analysis of longitudinal data collected online over 3 years from 397 participants. Life events, negative religious coping, and depressive symptoms were assessed on six occasions, and linear mixed‐effect models were used to analyze data.

Results

Negative religious coping was largely stable with increases at times of stress. Participants with higher mean negative coping reported more depressive symptoms regardless of life circumstances (i.e., main effect), likely reflecting generalized spiritual struggles. In addition, those with higher mean coping or with particularly high levels at a given time reported even higher levels of symptoms when they experienced more negative life events (i.e., moderation effect).

Conclusion

Results suggest that previous research merges two distinct phenomena—spiritual struggles and negative coping. This has important theoretical and research implications and suggests that integrating spirituality and religion into treatment can be warranted.
Performance of ChatGPT on Factual Knowledge Questions Regarding Clinical Pharmacy
Authors: van Nuland Merel , Erdogan Abdullah , Aςar Cenkay , Contrucci Ramon , Hilbrants Sven , Maanach Lamyae , Egberts Toine , van der Linden Paul D.
Published: April 2024

ChatGPT is a language model that was trained on a large dataset including medical literature. Several studies have described the performance of ChatGPT on medical exams. In this study, we examine its performance in answering factual knowledge questions regarding clinical pharmacy. Questions were obtained from a Dutch application that features multiple‐choice questions to maintain a basic knowledge level for clinical pharmacists. In total, 264 clinical pharmacy‐related questions were presented to ChatGPT and responses were evaluated for accuracy, concordance, quality of the substantiation, and reproducibility. Accuracy was defined as the correctness of the answer, and results were compared to the overall score by pharmacists over 2022. Responses were marked concordant if no contradictions were present. The quality of the substantiation was graded by two independent pharmacists using a 4‐point scale. Reproducibility was established by presenting questions multiple times and on various days. ChatGPT yielded accurate responses for 79% of the questions, surpassing pharmacists' accuracy of 66%. Concordance was 95%, and the quality of the substantiation was deemed good or excellent for 73% of the questions. Reproducibility was consistently high, both within day and between days (>92%), as well as across different users. ChatGPT demonstrated a higher accuracy and reproducibility to factual knowledge questions related to clinical pharmacy practice than pharmacists. Consequently, we posit that ChatGPT could serve as a valuable resource to pharmacists. We hope the technology will further improve, which may lead to enhanced future performance.
Macromorphological and foliar epidermal anatomical characteristics of Lilium rosthornii (Liliaceae): Implications for morphological adaptations and taxonomic significance
Authors: Ayaz Asma , Gu Yaodong
Published: April 2024

This research is to examine the macromorphological and foliar epidermal anatomical features of Lilium rosthornii Diels and its ability to plastically adapt to environmental forces, which is crucial for its taxonomic classification. L. rosthornii has macromorphological characteristics such as linear to lanceolate leaves of up to 20 cm in length and 2–3 cm in breadth, grouped in a whorled pattern. The blooms are voluminous and conspicuous, measuring up to 15 cm in diameter and are supported by a towering stalk that grows up to 1 m in height. The foliar epidermal structure of L. rosthornii exhibits a stomatal length of 82.02 ± 5.77 μm and a width of 29.19 ± 1.39 μm. These measurements suggest that the plant's stomata are influenced by its ploidy levels and may serve as adaptive mechanisms to enhance water consumption efficiency. The leaf structure shows a significant thickness of 398.74 ± 97.96 μm, which might potentially contribute to its ability to withstand environmental challenges. Additionally, the presence of defensive adaptations in the top and lower epidermal layers further supports this observation. The palisade tissue measurement (58.87 ± 9.56 m) and spongy tissue measurement (32.42 ± 12.72 μm) indicate a potential for photosynthetic optimization. Furthermore, there is a possible correlation between the vascular bundle width (28.15 ± 6.52 °m) and the efficiency of nutrition delivery. The results of this study emphasize the notable diversity in the foliar structures of L. rosthornii, offering valuable understanding of its morphological adaptations that have ecological and taxonomic significance. The findings provide a deeper comprehension of the potential impact of anatomical characteristics on plant function and categorization, hence providing significant insights to the domain of plant morphology and systematics.

Research Highlights

Examines Lilium rosthornii's anatomical features and environmental adaptability for taxonomic relevance.

Leaf thickness and epidermal defenses indicate resilience to environmental stress.

Highlights the diversity in L. rosthornii's foliar structures, with implications for ecological and taxonomic significance

Offers insights into the impact of anatomical characteristics on plant function and classification.