bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prenatal tomography ultrasound imaging diagnosis of fetal pyriform sinus cysts (third or fourth branchial cleft cyst): A case report
Authors: Zhang Yujie , Pei Qiuyan
Published: April 2024

This case report describes a fetal piriform sinus cyst identified via tomographic ultrasound imaging and discusses its prenatal sonographic characteristics. We employed the tomographic ultrasound imaging function of the GE Voluson Ultrasound E10 to visualize multilevel transverse sections of the cyst. Specifically, we propose for the first time that the cross‐sectional shape of a piriform sinus cyst composed of aryepiglottic folds approximates a triangle. This special shape facilitates the precise localization of the piriform sinus, providing valuable insights for timely diagnosis and appropriate postnatal management.
Trends in preoperative carbohydrate load practice: A systematic review
Authors: Canelli Robert J. , Louca Joseph , Gonzalez Rafael M. , Rendon Luis F. , Hartman Ciana R. , Bilotta Federico
Published: April 2024

Background

The preoperative carbohydrate load (PCL) is intended to improve surgical outcomes by reducing the catabolic state induced by overnight fasting. However, there is disagreement on the optimal PCL prescription, leaving local institutions without a standardized PCL recommendation. Results from studies that do not prescribe PCL in identical ways cannot be pooled to draw larger conclusions on outcomes affected by the PCL. The aim of this systematic review is to catalog prescribed PCL characteristics, including timing of ingestion, percentage of carbohydrate contribution, and volume, to ultimately standardize PCL practice.

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines. Randomized controlled trials were included if they studied at least one group of patients who were prescribed a PCL and the PCL was described with respect to timing of ingestion, carbohydrate contribution, and total volume.

Results

A total of 67 studies with 6551 patients were included in this systematic review. Of the studies, 49.3% were prescribed PCL on the night before surgery and morning of surgery, whereas 47.8% were prescribed PCL on the morning of surgery alone. The mean prescribed carbohydrate concentration was 13.5% (±3.4). The total volume prescribed was 648.2 ml (±377).

Conclusion

Variation in PCL practices prevent meaningful data pooling and outcome analysis, highlighting the need for standardized PCL prescription. Efforts dedicated to the establishment of a gold standard PCL prescription are necessary so that studies can be pooled and analyzed with respect to meaningful clinical end points that impact surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Does the use of intraoperative frozen section of bone marrow from the cut end of the mandible help assess the adequacy of bone margins following mandibulectomy for oral cancer?
Authors: Polusany Kaushik , Karun Harsh , Rane Swapnil , Thiagarajan Shivakumar
Published: April 2024

Background

The adequacy of the cut end of the mandible following a segmental mandibulectomy done for oral cancer intraoperatively is at times assessed using a frozen section (FS) of the bone marrow (BM) at the cut ends. The study aimed to assess its utility to guide the intraoperative decision on the adequacy of bony margins.

Materials and Methods

All patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) who underwent segmental mandibulectomy from January 2012 to December 2021 at our institute and for whom intraoperative FS of BM was utilized were included. We analyzed the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value (PPV, NPV) of this in predicting positive bone margins.

Results

A total of 457 patients were included in the study. The majority of the cases were per premium cases (n = 372, 81.4%). The median age of the cohort was 52 years (range: 22–80 years). Most patients had T4 disease (n = 406, 88.8%). On FS, BM was positive in only 18 patients (3.9%) for whom the bone margin was revised. BM biopsy report in the final histopathology was positive in 12 patients (2.2%). The sensitivity, specificity PPV, and NPV were 52.3%, 98.65%, 64.7%, and 97.7% respectively. No factors predicting BM positivity on FS could be identified in this cohort.

Conclusions

The BM FS was positive in only a small percentage of patients, and it helped in reducing the bone margin positivity rate from 3.9% to 2.2% only. Hence the intraoperative BM FS seems to have limited utility as seen from our study.
Imaging the dense breast
Authors: Upadhyay Neil , Wolska Joanna
Published: April 2024

The sensitivity of mammography reduces as breast density increases, which impacts breast screening and locoregional staging in breast cancer. Supplementary imaging with other modalities can offer improved cancer detection, but this often comes at the cost of more false positives. Magnetic resonance imaging and contrast‐enhanced mammography, which assess tumour enhancement following contrast administration, are more sensitive than digital breast tomosynthesis and ultrasound, which predominantly rely on the assessment of tumour morphology.
‘Real world’ clinical implementation of blood flow restriction therapy does not increase quadriceps strength after quadriceps tendon autograft ACL reconstruction
Authors: Herman Zachary J. , Greiner Justin J. , Kaarre Janina , Drain Nicholas P. , Hughes Jonathan D. , Lesniak Bryson P. , Irrgang James J. , Musahl Volker
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To retrospectively compare strength outcomes of individuals undergoing postoperative rehabilitation following quadriceps tendon (QT) autograft anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with and without blood flow restriction therapy.

Methods

A retrospective review of consecutive patients undergoing ACLR with QT autograft with a minimum of two quantitative postoperative isometric strength assessments via an electromechanical dynamometer (Biodex) was included. Demographics, surgical variables and strength measurement outcomes were compared between patients undergoing blood flow restriction therapy as part of postoperative rehabilitation versus those who did not.

Results

Eighty‐one (81) patients met the inclusion criteria. No differences were found in demographic and surgical characteristics between those who received blood flow restriction compared with those who did not. While both groups had improvements in quadriceps peak torque and limb symmetry index (LSI; defined as peak torque of the operative limb divided by the peak torque of the nonoperative limb) over the study period, the blood flow restriction group had significantly lower mean peak torque of the operative limb at first Biodex strength measurement (95.6 vs. 111.2 Nm; p = 0.03). Additionally, the blood flow restriction group had a significantly lower mean LSI than those with no blood flow restriction at the second Biodex measurement timepoint (81% vs. 90%; p = 0.02). No other significant differences were found between the strength outcomes measured.

Conclusions

Results of this study show that the ‘real world’ clinical implementation of blood flow restriction therapy to the postoperative rehabilitation protocol following QT autograft ACLR did not result in an increase in absolute or longitudinal changes in quadriceps strength measurements. A better understanding and standardisation of the use of blood flow restriction therapy in the rehabilitation setting is necessary to delineate the true effects of this modality on strength recovery after QT autograft ACLR.

Level of Evidence

Level III.
Biodiversity prospecting for phytoremediation programs intended for utilizing polluted lands and obtaining bioeconomy
Authors: Pandey Vimal Chandra , Malik Garima , Roy Madhumita , Srivastava Abhishek K. , Upadhyay Sudhir K.
Published: April 2024

Land degradation and soil contamination have become global problem due to irresponsible anthropogenic activities and the overutilization of natural resources by humans. Land degradation and contamination due to toxic heavy metals have adversely impacted not only crop productivity but also the overall environmental health of our planet. Mitigation and management of polluted land are urgently required to achieve the goal of sustainable development because of the continuous human population explosion. In recent years, the biodiversity under phytoremediation is gaining scientists' attention for utilizing polluted lands and obtaining a bio‐based economy aimed at economically valuable and nonedible native plants. In the present review, we have focused on the biodiversity prospecting and phytoremediation potentials of economically important native plants, which may open up new horizons for sustainable development and redevelopment of polluted land sites.
Amino acid carbon isotope profiles provide insight into lability and origins of particulate organic matter
Authors: Kang Peihong , Ma Lingyu , Zhang Han , Dai Xi , Liu Jie , Chen Weifang , Tang Tiantian
Published: April 2024

Identifying the phytoplankton origin of particulate organic matter (POM) in the deep ocean is challenging due to the changing phytoplankton composition and varied extent of decomposition by heterotrophic bacteria and zooplankton. Here, we report vertical distributions of amino acid stable carbon isotope values (δ13C) measured in particles in the South China Sea. Carbon‐weighted amino acid δ13C values generally parallel bulk POM δ13C profiles with a positive offset from 2.4‰ in the surface water to 6.0‰ in deep. Accordingly, a lability model is introduced to describe the relative distribution and isotopic linkage of labile and refractory particulate organic carbon. Temporal changes of amino acid δ13C were observed during the microbial decomposition of two phytoplankton strains, the prokaryote cyanobacterium Synechococcus and the eukaryote diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii. Principal component analysis of individual amino acid δ13C values from the decomposing cells separate samples into two components, reflecting the influence of microbial decomposition and taxonomic differences, respectively. These two components were further applied to particles. A major contribution from decomposing phytoplankton to particles below the euphotic zone was observed, with more prokaryote organic matter in the basin and a larger contribution from eukaryotes at stations near the productive northern shelf. Our findings show the applicability of amino acid δ13C values in tracing the lability and phytoplankton origins of POM in samples with varied extents of decomposition in marine environments.
Criticality of general two‐term even‐order linear difference equation via a chain of recessive solutions
Authors: Jekl Jan
Published: April 2024

In this paper, the author investigates particular disconjugate even‐order linear difference equations with two terms and classify them based on the properties of their recessive solutions at plus and minus infinity. The main theorem described states that the studied equation is ‐critical whenever a specific second‐order linear difference equation is ‐critical. In the proof, the author derived closed‐form solutions for the studied equation wherein the solutions of the said second‐order equation appear. Furthermore, the solutions were organized, in order to determine recessive solutions, into a linear chain by sequence ordering that compares the solutions at .
Differential Synaptic Loss in β‐Amyloid Positive Versus β‐Amyloid Negative Corticobasal Syndrome
Authors: Holland Negin , Savulich George , Jones P. Simon , Whiteside David J. , Street Duncan , Swann Peter , Naessens Michelle , Malpetti Maura , Hong Young T. , Fryer Tim D. , Rittman Timothy , Mulroy Eoin , Aigbirhio Franklin I. , Bhatia Kailash P. , O'Brien John T. , Rowe James B.
Published: April 2024

Background/Objective

The corticobasal syndrome (CBS) is a complex asymmetric movement disorder, with cognitive impairment. Although commonly associated with the primary 4‐repeat‐tauopathy of corticobasal degeneration, clinicopathological correlation is poor, and a significant proportion is due to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Synaptic loss is a pathological feature of many clinical and preclinical tauopathies. We therefore measured the degree of synaptic loss in patients with CBS and tested whether synaptic loss differed according to β‐amyloid status.

Methods

Twenty‐five people with CBS, and 32 age‐/sex‐/education‐matched healthy controls participated. Regional synaptic density was estimated by [11C]UCB‐J non‐displaceable binding potential (BPND), AD‐tau pathology by [18F]AV‐1451 BPND, and gray matter volume by T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Participants with CBS had β‐amyloid imaging with 11C‐labeled Pittsburgh Compound‐B ([11C]PiB) positron emission tomography. Symptom severity was assessed with the progressive supranuclear palsy‐rating‐scale, the cortical basal ganglia functional scale, and the revised Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination. Regional differences in BPND and gray matter volume between groups were assessed by ANOVA.

Results

Compared to controls, patients with CBS had higher [18F]AV‐1451 uptake, gray matter volume loss, and reduced synaptic density. Synaptic loss was more severe and widespread in the β‐amyloid negative group. Asymmetry of synaptic loss was in line with the clinically most affected side.

Discussion

Distinct patterns of [11C]UCB‐J and [18F]AV‐1451 binding and gray matter volume loss, indicate differences in the pathogenic mechanisms of CBS according to whether it is associated with the presence of Alzheimer's disease or not. This highlights the potential for different therapeutic strategies in CBSs. © 2024 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
JED report: Decreased suicidal ideation among college students
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: April 2024

A 10‐year analysis of data from the JED Campus school program that provide colleges and universities with expert support, evidence‐based recommended practices and data‐driven guidance has found a significant decline in suicidal ideation and suicidal planning and attempts among student participants in the JED program.
Critical exponent and sharp lifespan estimates for semilinear third‐order evolution equations
Authors: Chen Wenhui
Published: April 2024

We study semilinear third‐order (in time) evolution equations with fractional Laplacian
and power nonlinearity
, which was proposed by Bezerra–Carvalho–Santos (J. Evol. Equ. 2022) recently. In this manuscript, we obtain a new critical exponent
for
. Precisely, the global (in time) existence of small data Sobolev solutions is proved for the supercritical case
, and energy solutions blow up in finite time even for small data if
. Furthermore, to more accurately describe the blow‐up time, we derive new and sharp upper bound and lower bound estimates for the lifespan in the subcritical case and the critical case.
Modified proximal gradient methods involving double inertial extrapolations for monotone inclusion
Authors: Inkrong Papatsara , Cholamjiak Prasit
Published: April 2024

In this work, we propose a novel class of forward‐backward‐forward algorithms for solving monotone inclusion problems. Our approach incorporates a self‐adaptive technique to eliminate the need for explicitly selecting Lipschitz assumptions and utilizes two‐step inertial extrapolations to enhance the convergence rate of the algorithm. We establish a weak convergence theorem under mild assumptions. Furthermore, we conduct numerical tests on image deblurring and data classification as practical applications. The experimental results demonstrate that our algorithm surpasses some existing methods in the literature which shows its superior performance and effectiveness.
Polyphenols and Lactation: Molecular Evidence to Support the Use of Botanical Galactagogues
Authors: Kelleher Shannon L. , Burkinshaw Serena , Kuyooro Seun Elizabeth
Published: April 2024

Botanicals and herbal supplements contain a diverse array of polyphenols that may affect mammary gland function and promote galactagogue activity. This scoping review is conducted to identify scientific literature elucidating how polyphenols affect mammary gland biology and cellular mechanisms critical for lactation. A literature search of PubMed and Medline reviews relevant studies in dairy animals, rodent models, and cultured mammary epithelial cells that are published from January 2010 until July 2023, to ascertain effects of polyphenols on mechanisms regulating milk production and composition. The PRISMA‐ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses for Scoping Review) strategy is applied and 80 studies on polyphenols and their implications on milk production and composition are included in this review. Limited information delineating effects of polyphenols on the molecular pathways that affect lactation are found, although available information suggests modulation of Stat5 signaling/differentiation, Stat3 signaling/remodeling, mTOR and insulin signaling/energy production, and nuclear factor kappa beta (NFκβ) signaling/oxidative stress and inflammation may play roles. A profound lack of mechanistic information underscores the critical need for further research to understand the impact of botanical supplements and polyphenols on milk production and composition in humans to establish maternal nutritional guidelines to support lactation and breastfeeding goals.
The Effect of Broccoli Glucoraphanin Supplementation on Ameliorating High‐Fat‐Diet‐Induced Obesity through the Gut Microbiome and Metabolome Interface
Authors: Bankole Taiwo , Ma Tianzhou , Arora Itika , Lei Zhentian , Raju Murugesan , Li Zhenhai , Li Yuanyuan
Published: April 2024

Scope

Obesity and its metabolic comorbidities pose a major global challenge for public health. Glucoraphanin (GRN) is a natural bioactive compound enriched in broccoli that is known to have potential health benefits against various human chronic diseases.

Methods and results

This study investigats the effects of broccoli GRN supplementation on body weight, metabolic parameters, gut microbiome and metabolome associated with obesity. The study is conducted on an obese‐related C57BL/6J mouse model through the treatment of normal control diet, high‐fat diet (HFD)and GRN‐supplemented HFD (HFD‐GRN) to determine the metabolic protection of GRN. The results shows that GRN treatment alleviates obesity‐related traits leading to improved glucose metabolism in HFD‐fed animals. Mechanically, the study noticed that GRN significantly shifts the gut microbial diversity and composition to an eubiosis status. GRN supplement also significantly alters plasma metabolite profiles. Further integrated analysis reveal a complex interaction between the gut microbes and host metabolism that may contribute to GRN‐induced beneficial effects against HFD.

Conclusion

These results indicate that beneficial effects of broccoli GRN on reversing HFD‐induced adverse metabolic parameters may be attributed to its impacts on reprogramming microbial community and metabolites. Identification of the mechanistic functions of GRN further warrants it as a dietary candidate for obesity prevention.
Upper motor neuron signs in primary lateral sclerosis and hereditary spastic paraplegia
Authors: Santos Silva Cláudia , Correia Rodrigues Catarina , Fortuna Baptista Maria , Oliveira Santos Miguel , Gromicho Marta , Carvalho Vanessa , Correia Guedes Leonor , de Carvalho Mamede
Published: April 2024

Introduction/Aims

The frequency and distribution of upper motor neuron (UMN) signs in primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) are unknown. We aimed to study the spectrum of UMN signs in PLS and compare it with hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the frequency of different UMN signs, including hyperreflexia (limbs and jaw), limb and tongue spasticity, Babinski, and Hoffman signs, in PLS patients at first observation and compared this respect to onset region and symptom duration. We also compared PLS versus HSP patients.

Results

We included 34 PLS and 20 HSP patients, with a median symptom duration at first visit of 3.0 (interquartile range, IQR = 4.0) and 19.0 (IQR = 22.0) years, respectively. In PLS patients, hyperreflexia of upper (UL) (88.2%) and lower (LL) (91.2%) limbs, and LL spasticity (79.4%) were the most common findings. Spasticity of LL was significantly (p = .012) more frequent in LL‐spinal onset subgroup, tongue spasticity in bulbar‐onset subgroup (p = .021), and Hoffman sign in UL‐spinal onset subgroup (p = .024). The PLS subgroup with shorter disease duration had a higher frequency of abnormal jaw jerk reflex (p = .037). Compared with HSP, PLS patients had a higher frequency of UL hyperreflexia (88.2% vs. 42.1%, p < .001) and UL spasticity (44.1% vs. 0.0%, p < .001). Asymmetric distribution of UMN signs was present in PLS and not in HSP.

Discussion

In PLS, UL UMN signs are nearly always present and UMN sign distribution appears to be associated with onset region. At first observation, bulbar involvement, asymmetrical distribution of UMN signs and UL spasticity may indicate PLS versus HSP.
Buntes Schreiben mit Strom
Authors: Ducci Matthias
Published: April 2024

Elektrolyseexperimente auf Filterpapier sind nicht nur schön anzusehen. Sie ermöglichen zudem, mit zwei Elektroden, Filterpapier, einer Elektrolytlösung und einer Spannungsquelle chemische Fachgebiete zu vernetzen.
Blickpunkt Synthese: Photochemical Synthesis in Water
Authors: Næsborg Line
Published: April 2024

Water as the medium for photochemical synthesis may, at present, be an unusual choice. This unique solvent offers more than being environmentally friendly: it can lead to increased or different reactivity and selectivity compared to organic solvents.
Von Muscheln lernen
Authors: Groß Michael
Published: April 2024

Muscheln gehören zu den weniger gut untersuchten Tierarten. Was wir bereits wissen: Es gibt vieles, was wir von ihnen und über sie lernen können, zum Beispiel zu Klebstoff, Optik und Lebenserwartung.
Zeitaufgelöste Spektroskopie molekularer Photochemie/Trendbericht Physikalische Chemie 2024 (1/3)
Authors: Keefer Daniel
Published: April 2024

Zeitversetzte Laserpulse auf Moleküle verraten, wie photochemische Prozesse ablaufen – dabei sind konische Durchschneidungen entscheidend. Die kolloidale Nanochemie hat neue Materialklassen erschlossen, wie Nickelboride und frühe Übergangsmetalloxid‐Katalysatoren, sowie Synthesen zu photolumineszenten III–V‐Halbleitern verbessert. Mit maschinellem Lernen lassen sich am Rechner Proteine nicht mehr nur falten, sondern solche entwerfen, die nicht mit natürlichen Proteinen verwandt sind.
Chemieparkemissionen
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: April 2024

Die Herstellung der chemischen Grundstoffe wie Ethylen, Ammoniak und Wasserstoff haben hohe direkte Emissionen zur Folge. Die Weiterverarbeitung verursacht vergleichsweise niedrige Emissionen.
Stress and academic engagement among Saudi undergraduate nursing students: The mediating role of emotion regulation and emotional intelligence
Authors: Alkharj Sarah , Alsalamah Yasir S. , Allari Rabia , Alharbi Maryam Saad , Alslamah Thamer , Babkair Lisa , Labani Safiah , Fawaz Mirna
Published: April 2024

Aim

To assess the mediating role of emotion regulation and emotional intelligence in the relationship between stress and academic engagement among Saudi undergraduate nursing students.

Design

This study employed a quantitative cross‐sectional research design.

Methods

The study recruited 367 Saudi undergraduate nursing students at a major Saudi university. Structural equation modelling was used to explore the mediational model.

Results

The results of the ANOVA and Welch F‐test demonstrated that the emotional intelligence, emotional regulation and academic engagement scores were statistically significantly different according to stress levels (p‐values <0.01). Perceived stress has a statistically significant moderate negative correlation with academic engagement and emotional intelligence and a strong negative correlation with emotional regulation. The results also showed that academic engagement had a statistically significant moderate positive association with emotional intelligence and emotional regulation. Results indicate that stress and academic engagement are negatively correlated among Saudi undergraduate nursing students. It focuses on the balancing functions of emotional regulation and emotional intelligence, highlighting their ability to lower stress levels and improve academic engagement.

No Patient or Public Contribution.
Unlocking the Fluorine‐Free Buoy Effect: Surface‐Enriched Ruthenium Polypyridine Complexes in Ionic Liquids
Authors: Sanchez Merlinsky Luciano , Hemmeter Daniel , Baraldo Luis M. , Maier Florian , Steinrück Hans‐Peter , Williams Federico J.
Published: April 2024

Controlling the local concentration of metal complexes at the surface of ionic liquids (ILs) is a highly sought‐after objective due to its pivotal implications in supported ionic liquid phase (SILP) catalysis. Equally important is to avoid per‐ and polyfluorinated substances due to environmental concerns. Herein, we investigate the surface enrichment of Ru polypyridyl complexes with fluorine‐free alkylic side groups of varying lengths and shapes, using the hydrophilic IL [C2C1Im][OAc] as solvent. Additional charged carboxylate groups are included into the polypyridyl ligands to increase the solubility of the complex in the IL. When the ligand system is functionalized with long and hydrophobic alkyl side chains, the complex predominantly localizes at the IL/vacuum interface, as deduced from angle‐resolved X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Conversely, in the presence of short or more bulky substituents, no surface enrichment is observed. This buoy‐like behaviour with fluorine‐free side groups is explored for 0.05 %mol to 1 %mol solutions. Intriguingly, surface saturation occurs at approximately 0.5 %mol, which is beneficial to the efficient operation of catalytic systems featuring high surface areas, such as SILP catalysts.
Food insecurity and quality of life in patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: Darlington Wendy S. , Syed Sharjeel , Wroblewski Kristen , Lapping‐Carr Gabrielle , Lindau Stacy Tessler , Peddinti Radhika
Published: April 2024

Little is known about the relationship between quality of life (QOL) and food insecurity (FI) among patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). We hypothesized FI is associated with lower QOL in children and young adults with SCD. Overall (N = 99), 22% screened positive for FI. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) enrollment was 50 and 71% among people from food secure and FI households, respectively. A higher FI score was correlated with lower overall QOL (r = −0.22, p = .03), specifically lower QOL in worry and communication domains. Interventions for FI beyond SNAP may be important for QOL among people living with SCD.
Machine learning‐enhanced noninvasive prenatal testing of monogenic disorders
Authors: Liscovitch‐Brauer Noa , Mesika Ravit , Rabinowitz Tom , Volkov Hadas , Grad Meitar , Matar Reut Tomashov , Basel‐Salmon Lina , Tadmor Oren , Beker Amir , Shomron Noam
Published: April 2024

Objective

Single‐nucleotide variants (SNVs) are of great significance in prenatal diagnosis as they are the leading cause of inherited single‐gene disorders (SGDs). Identifying SNVs in a non‐invasive prenatal screening (NIPS) scenario is particularly challenging for maternally inherited SNVs. We present an improved method to predict inherited SNVs from maternal or paternal origin in a genome‐wide manner.

Methods

We performed SNV‐NIPS based on the combination of fragments of cell free DNA (cfDNA) features, Bayesian inference and a machine‐learning (ML) prediction refinement step using random forest (RF) classifiers trained on millions of non‐pathogenic variants. We next evaluate the real‐world performance of our refined method in a clinical setting by testing our models on 16 families with singleton pregnancies and varying fetal fraction (FF) levels, and validate the results over millions of inherited variants in each fetus.

Results

The average area under the ROC curve (AUC) values are 0.996 over all families for paternally inherited variants, 0.81 for the challenging maternally inherited variants, 0.86 for homozygous biallelic variants and 0.95 for compound heterozygous variants. Discriminative AUCs were achieved even in families with a low FF. We further investigate the performance of our method in correctly predicting SNVs in coding regions of clinically relevant genes and demonstrate significantly improved AUCs in these regions. Finally, we focus on the pathogenic variants in our cohort and show that our method correctly predicts if the fetus is unaffected or affected in all (10/10, 100%) of the families containing a pathogenic SNV.

Conclusions

Overall, we demonstrate our ability to perform genome‐wide NIPS for maternal and homozygous biallelic variants and showcase the utility of our method in a clinical setting.
Interdependence of placenta and fetal cardiac development
Authors: Leon Rachel L. , Bitar Lynn , Rajagopalan Vidya , Spong Catherine Y.
Published: April 2024

The placenta and fetal heart undergo development concurrently during early pregnancy, and, while human studies have reported associations between placental abnormalities and congenital heart disease (CHD), the nature of this relationship remains incompletely understood. Evidence from animal studies suggests a plausible cause and effect connection between placental abnormalities and fetal CHD. Biomechanical models demonstrate the influence of mechanical forces on cardiac development, whereas genetic models highlight the role of confined placental mutations that can cause some forms of CHD. Similar definitive studies in humans are lacking; however, placental pathologies such as maternal and fetal vascular malperfusion and chronic deciduitis are frequently observed in pregnancies complicated by CHD. Moreover, maternal conditions such as diabetes and pre‐eclampsia, which affect placental function, are associated with increased risk of CHD in offspring. Bridging the gap between animal models and human studies is crucial to understanding how placental abnormalities may contribute to human fetal CHD. The next steps will require new methodologies and multidisciplinary approaches combining innovative imaging modalities, comprehensive genomic testing, and histopathology. These studies may eventually lead to preventative strategies for some forms of CHD by targeting placental influences on fetal heart development.
The cuticle proteome of a planktonic crustacean
Authors: Otte Kathrin A. , Fredericksen Maridel , Fields Peter , Fröhlich Thomas , Laforsch Christian , Ebert Dieter
Published: April 2024

The cuticles of arthropods provide an interface between the organism and its environment. Thus, the cuticle's structure influences how the organism responds to and interacts with its surroundings. Here, we used label‐free quantification proteomics to provide a proteome of the moulted cuticle of the aquatic crustacean Daphnia magna, which has long been a prominent subject of studies on ecology, evolution, and developmental biology. We detected a total of 278 high‐confidence proteins. Using protein sequence domain and functional enrichment analyses, we identified chitin‐binding structural proteins and chitin‐modifying enzymes as the most abundant protein groups in the cuticle proteome. Structural cuticular protein families showed a similar distribution to those found in other arthropods and indicated proteins responsible for the soft and flexible structure of the Daphnia cuticle. Finally, cuticle protein genes were also clustered as tandem gene arrays in the D. magna genome. The cuticle proteome presented here will be a valuable resource to the Daphnia research community, informing genome annotations and investigations on diverse topics such as the genetic basis of interactions with predators and parasites.
Pharmacist intervention to improve adherence to medication among heart failure patients at North East Ethiopia hospital
Authors: Tsige Abate Wondesen , Kotiso Tsegaye Ababiya , Ayenew Kassahun Dires , Ayele Siraye Genzeb
Published: April 2024

Heart failure (HF) is a major and growing medical problem and its management is still challenging due to the coexistence of complications, co‐morbidity, and medication non‐adherence. HF patients who are adherent to their medication have fewer HF exacerbations, improved survival, and lower healthcare expenditure. Adherence to HF medication plays a pivotal role in attaining maximal therapeutic outcomes. The aim was to assess the medication adherence of heart failure patients at Debre Berhan Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (DBCSH). A pre‐post interventional study was undertaken from July 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022, at the medical referral clinic of DBCSH. The educational interventions were provided for 6 months. Medication adherence was determined using the Morisky Green Levin Medication Adherence Scale (MGLS). The data was entered into Epidata version 4.2.0 and analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 statistical software. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analysis were performed. The strength of the association between predictor variables and outcome variables was determined using a 95% confidence interval and adjusted odd ratio. In the pre‐intervention phase, 54.6% of patients had medium medication adherence, while in the post‐intervention phase, 36.4% of patients had high medication adherence and 61.9% of patients had medium medication adherence. Following the intervention, medication cost (120, 50%), inadequate availability of drugs (75, 31%), and forgetfulness (30, 13%) were the main reasons for medication non‐adherence. The presence of co‐morbidity and the number of co‐morbidity (p < .05) were significantly associated with the occurrence of decreased medication adherence in the pre‐intervention phase. Interventions by pharmacists to educate HF patients about the nature of their disease and providing brochures to increase awareness of their medications have been shown to improve medication adherence.
The miR184‐3p targets neuron‐specific ecdysone inducible protein 78 to promote rice black streaked dwarf virus propagation in its planthopper vector
Authors: Wang Haitao , Dong Yan , Wang Man , Li Shuo , Zhou Yijun , Ji Yinghua
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non‐coding RNAs that play a pivotal role in antiviral infection. The miR184‐3p has been identified to promote rice black streaked dwarf virus (RBSDV) infection in vector Laodelphax striatellus, whether it targets other genes of L. striatellus to modulate RBSDV propagation remains unknown.

RESULTS

We first analyzed the expression profiles of miR184‐3p and its role in regulating RBSDV infection in L. striatellus. Then the candidate genes expression of miR184‐3p were systemically analyzed with gain and loss function of miR184‐3p, and the interaction of candidate gene, ecdysone inducible protein 78 (Eip78) with miR184‐3p was verified by dual luciferase reporter assay. We found Eip78 is evolutionary conserved among agricultural pests and predominantly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) of L. striatellus. Knockdown of Eip78 effectively increased RBSDV propagation and transmission. Blockade with Eip78 antibody or injection with Eip78 protein could significantly regulate RBSDV infection. Further analysis revealed that knockdown of Eip78 specifically suppresses RBSDV infection in the head part but not in the body part of L. striatellus. Besides, knockdown of ecdysone receptor (EcR) notably restricted Eip78 expression and increased RBSDV accumulation in L. striatellus.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, we identified a novel target gene of miR184‐3p, Eip78, a member of the ecdysone signaling pathway, and revealed the anti‐RBSDV role of Eip78 in the CNS of L. striatellus. These results shed light on the interaction mechanisms of miRNAs, virus and ecdysone signaling pathway in insect vector. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Do typologies of pesticide risk knowledge influence the adoption of IPM strategies? Evidence from rice farmers' behavior in northern Iran
Authors: Sharifzadeh Mohammad Sharif , Abdollahzadeh Gholamhossein
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

The active participation of farmers in adopting eco‐friendly practices is vital to mitigate the environmental and health risks linked to pesticide usage. Farmers' awareness of these risks significantly influences their adoption of integrated pest management (IPM) methods over traditional pesticide applications. This study sought to explore the range of understanding on pesticide effects, categorize IPM strategies employed in pest management, and examine the correlation between knowledge levels and IPM strategy choices. Data was gathered through structured questionnaires from 391 rice farmers in Sari County, Mazandaran province, Northern Iran.

RESULTS

Exploratory factor analysis revealed three distinct dimensions of pesticide risk knowledge: personal risk of pesticide, environmental risk of pesticide, and community risk of pesticide. Furthermore, the study identified three primary categories of IPM strategies: high familiarity, intermediate familiarity, and low familiarity. The results of the regression analysis indicated that the personal risk of pesticides (β = 0.556; P < 0.01) and the environmental risk of pesticides (β = 0.262; P < 0.01) are significantly correlated with the adoption of high familiarity IPM strategies. Furthermore, the study revealed that there was no significant statistical evidence to support the notion that different types of pesticide risk knowledge had any influence on the adoption of intermediate and low familiarity strategies.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study imply the critical importance for agricultural extension programs to focus on enhancing farmers' knowledge of pesticide risks and various IPM strategies. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Well Number Dependence of Internal Quantum Efficiency in AlGaN Quantum Wells on Low‐Dislocation Sputtered AlN Templates
Authors: Inai Kosuke , Oshimura Ryota , Himeno Kunio , Fujii Megumi , Onishi Yuta , Kurai Satoshi , Okada Narihito , Uesugi Kenjiro , Miyake Hideto , Yamada Yoichi
Published: April 2024

The internal quantum efficiency (IQE) and cathodoluminescence intensity line profile of AlGaN multiple quantum well (MQW) structures on low‐dislocation face‐to‐face annealed sputtered AlN (FFA Sp‐AlN) and on conventional metalorganic vapor‐phase epitaxy‐grown AlN (MOVPE‐AlN) templates are evaluated and the effect of the number of quantum wells (QWs) on the IQE is discussed. The higher IQE in the FFA samples is probably due to the lower threading dislocation (TD) density; however, the IQE also increases with the number of QWs although the TD density remains constant. Effective diffusion length increases with the number of QWs, indicating that the AlGaN MQW layer helps to suppress point defect diffusion, resulting in IQE increase. Furthermore, the segregation of point defects into the TDs and point defect diffusion via the TDs may explain the difference in the IQE improvement rate between the MQWs on the FFA Sp‐AlN and MOVPE‐AlN templates.
Inclined‐Strut Optimized Mechanical Metamaterials with Enhanced Compression–Torsion Conversion Efficiencies
Authors: Liu Haitao , Wang Yanbin , Wu Wenjuan
Published: April 2024

Herein, two improved compression–torsion conversion (CTC) mechanical metamaterials are proposed with arrayed‐type and cylindrical shell‐type based on the optimization design of an inclined strut. Compared with the original design, improvements in CTC performance can be achieved by optimization of the strut shape in the feasible region. The CTC properties of the optimized metamaterials are studied by theoretical calculations, finite‐element simulations, and experiments. The effects of the shape coefficients of the S‐strut on the optimization efficiencies are discussed. The optimized structures significantly improve the mechanical properties of the CTC mechanical metamaterials. The optimized S‐strut metamaterials are increased by more than 25% higher CTC efficiencies than the original structures. The structures have improved CTC properties and are closer to the application. In addition, the proposed S‐strut mechanical metamaterials have a promising application in the aerospace field.
Optimal sample size division in two‐stage seamless designs
Authors: Berry Lindsay R. , Marion Joe , Berry Scott M. , Viele Kert
Published: April 2024

Inferentially seamless 2/3 designs are increasingly popular in clinical trials. It is important to understand their relative advantages compared with separate phase 2 and phase 3 trials, and to understand the consequences of design choices such as the proportion of patients included in the phase 2 portion of the design. Extending previous work in this area, we perform a simulation study across multiple numbers of arms and efficacy response curves. We consider a design space crossing the choice of a separate versus seamless design with the choice of allocating 0%–100% of available patients in phase 2, with the remainder in phase 3. The seamless designs achieve greater power than their separate trial counterparts. Importantly, the optimal seamless design is more robust than the optimal separate program, meaning that one range of values for the proportion of patients used in phase 2 (30%–50% of the total phase 2/3 sample size) is nearly optimal for a wide range of response scenarios. In contrast, a percentage of patients used in phase 2 for separate trials may be optimal for some alternative scenarios but decidedly inferior for other alternative scenarios. When operationally and scientifically viable, seamless trials provide superior performance compared with separate phase 2 and phase 3 trials. The results also provide guidance for the implementation of these trials in practice.
Theoretical insight into electrochemical nitrate reduction on transition metal iron doped graphdiyne
Authors: Xie Shuyi , Ruan Wenqi , Liu Qianqian , Zhang Yongfan , Guo Xiangyu , Ding Kaining
Published: April 2024

Production of ammonia (NH3) by electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate (NO3RR) not only eliminates harmful pollution, but also provides a way to reduce the energy consumption associated with predominated Haber‐Bosch process. However, realization of this process still faces many challenges because of the complexity of the reaction mechanism. Here we investigated the catalytic activity and selectivity of a series of graphdiyne supported single atom catalysts (SACs), namely TM/GDY, for the reduction of N to NH3 by first‐principles calculations. Among the 10 SACs studied, Fe/GDY was found to have good catalytic performance, consistent with the fact that the Fe‐doped GDY molecular layer was located near the top of the volcano plot, with a reaction limit potential of −0.44 V and showed excellent selectivity in inhibiting the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The formation of the by‐products NO2, NO, N2O and N2 on Fe/GDY requires a considerable energy barrier, which ensures high selectivity. Furthermore, detailed electronic property analyses indicate that the GDY can work as an electron repository to effectively balance the charge transfers during the reaction process. This study not only offers an eligible NO3RR electrocatalyst but also provides an atomic understanding of the mechanisms of the NO3RR process behind.
Effectiveness of fishways on the Pinka Stream and the Rába River, Central Europe: An evaluation with species from the order Cypriniformes
Authors: Sály Péter , Sallai Márton , Sallai Zoltán
Published: April 2024

This study assessed the functional effectiveness in terms of passage proportion of three fishways, one nature‐like bypass, one partly nature‐like bypass and partly technical pool‐type and one completely technical, on the Pinka Stream and Rába River in Western Hungary. Radio frequency identification with passive integrated transponder tagging was used to collect data on the upstream passage. A total of 2976 tagged individuals were included in the study; 2863 individuals were either barbel (Barbus barbus), nase (Chondrostoma nasus) or chub (Squalius cephalus), which were chosen as model species, and 113 individuals belonged to four other species. There were 540 individuals of the model species and 18 individuals of the other species detected while successfully ascending one of the fishways. The time‐to‐event (survival) analysis of the data of the model species revealed significant species‐specific differences in passage probability between the fishways. The passage probabilities of the barbel were the highest, and those of the nase were the lowest at all three fishways. The findings demonstrate that single‐species evaluations can lead to incorrect conclusions on fishway effectiveness. Technical fishways can be as effective as nature‐like ones, and hybrid solutions (technical fishways combined with nature‐like bypasses) can function as well. The limitations of the study and recommendations for further evaluations are also discussed.
Suspended‐sediment response to wildfire and a major post‐fire flood on the Colorado Front Range
Authors: Ryan Sandra E. , Shobe Charles M. , Rathburn Sara L. , Dixon Mark K.
Published: April 2024

Wildfires, and the sediment‐rich floods that commonly follow, increasingly threaten riverine ecosystems and water infrastructure. Suspended sediment exported throughout fire–flood sequences poses particular risks due to rapid transit times and direct impacts on water quality. However, opportunities to measure suspended‐sediment transport during and after post‐fire floods, and therefore to illuminate what controls the magnitude and timing of suspended‐sediment export from burned, flooded watersheds, are rare. A ~ 100‐year flood that occurred one year into a three‐year study monitoring suspended‐sediment response to wildfire in the Colorado Front Range provides a unique opportunity to (1) quantify how suspended‐sediment concentrations and loads change throughout a fire–flood sequence, and (2) infer what controls the timescale over which suspended‐sediment dynamics recover toward pre‐fire conditions. We find that suspended‐sediment concentrations (SSCs) during summer storms declined monotonically to background conditions over 3 years. Snowmelt SSCs peaked in the second year before declining to background levels. Sediment load calculations reveal that the flood exported ~35 years' worth of suspended sediment and triggered ~1.5 years of elevated SSCs and sediment loads. SSCs and sediment loads indicate a fairly short post‐fire recovery timescale of about 3 years. We suggest that the flood accelerated recovery by (1) exporting much of the available suspended sediment from this supply‐limited landscape and (2) facilitating the export of remaining sediment by making it more accessible to subsequent flows. Our results indicate that large post‐wildfire floods, though representing major geomorphic disturbances, may hasten post‐fire suspended‐sediment recovery to background conditions, at least in supply‐limited regions.