bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The efficacy and safety of Nigella sativa in the management of osteoarthritis: A systematic review
Authors: Mousavi Seyed Ehsan , Noori Maryam , Marandi Hanieh , Fazlollahi Asra , Nejadghaderi Seyed Aria , Rahmani Shayan , Noordoost Mahdi , Karamzad Nahid , Sullman Mark J. M. , Kolahi Ali‐Asghar , Safiri Saeid
Published: April 2024

Background and Aims

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common debilitating diseases among the aging population. Nigella sativa is one potential treatment for OA. Here, we sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Nigella sativa for treating patients with OA.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science were searched up to October 20, 2022. The primary outcome was changes in the pain score after receiving Nigella sativa or control agents based on the results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The secondary outcome was set as the frequency of adverse events reported during the follow‐up period.

Results

Six RCTs involving a total of 370 patients with knee OA were included in the present systematic review. Among the four screened studies, the topical administration of Nigella sativa oil was found to be more effective than the placebo in relieving pain in three trials. Additionally, the oral use of Nigella sativa oil was assessed in two trials, and an improvement in pain score relative to placebo was documented in only one of the studies. Also, the trial that evaluated the effectiveness of Nigella sativa oral capsules did not demonstrate any difference in pain reduction between the intervention and placebo groups. Overall, either topical or oral administration of Nigella sativa was well tolerated, and no serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusion

Nigella sativa is generally safe, but conflicting findings from low‐quality studies hinder the ability to make clinical recommendations for or against treating OA. Robust trials are needed for informed decisions.
Investigation of Epstein–Barr virus, Cytomegalovirus, Human herpesvirus 6, and Polyoma viruses (JC virus, BK virus) among Gastric cancer patients: A cross sectional study
Authors: Soltani Saber , Farahani Abbas , Shahbahrami Ramin , Shateri Zainab , Emadi Mohammad Saeid , Pakzad Reza , Lotfi Maryam , Asanjarani Behzad , Rasti Arezoo , Erfani Yousef , Siri Goli
Published: April 2024

Background and Aims

Gastric cancer is a significant global issue with a high death rate. This malignancy could be associated with several viral agents such as EBV, CMV, HHV‐6, JCV, and BKV.

Objective

Evaluation of EBV, CMV, HHV‐6 ,and JCV, BKV frequency among gastric cancer patients.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, a total number of 60 gastric cancer specimens (32 male, 28 female) were retrieved from the pathology lab. Formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue was used for molecular testing. DNA was extracted from samples, according to protocol, and used for PCR reaction. Polymerase chain reactions were used to assess CMV, EBV, HHV‐6, JCV, and BKV frequency.

Results and Conclusion

The mean age of the participants was 61 years and 53.3% (32) of the participants were Male. A total number of 5 samples (8.34%) were infected with viral agents. Four male gastric samples were infected with EBV (6.67%) and only one female sample contained the BKV genome (1.67%). Totally 8.34% of the samples were infected with EBV and BKV. The CMV, HHV‐6, and JCV genome was not detected in the samples. In conclusion, the presence of two viral agents including EBV and BKV among male and female samples respectively, and the genome of other viruses were not detected.
Prevalence and predictors of workplace violence against nurses in Africa: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ekpor Emmanuel , Kobiah Emmanuel , Akyirem Samuel
Published: April 2024

Background and Aims

Workplace violence (WPV) against nurses is a pervasive global issue, yet the extent of this phenomenon in the African context remains insufficiently explored. This review aimed to synthesize the available literature to identify the prevalence and predictors of WPV against nurses in Africa.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted across MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Scopus, to identify studies published from 2000 to October 2023. The pooled prevalence of WPV and it subtypes were estimated using random‐effect meta‐analysis. Heterogeneity between studies was quantified with I2 statistics. Subgroup analysis and meta‐regression were performed to identify sources of heterogeneity.

Results

This review included 27 studies, involving 9831 nurses. The pooled prevalence of WPV was 62.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 51.6–72.0). Verbal abuse emerged as the most common form of WPV, with a prevalence rate of 51.2% (95% CI: 41.3–61.1), followed by threat 23.3% (95% CI: 6.5–57.2), bullying 22.9% (95% CI: 14.0–35.2), physical abuse 15.1% (95% CI: 11.0–20.4), and sexual harassment 10.3% (95% CI: 5.9–17. 5). The proportion of WPV varied across geographical areas in Africa; however, the differences were not significant. The predictors of WPV encompassed demographic factors, personal habits, workplace characteristics, and nurses’ past experience.

Conclusion

WPV against nurses is prevalent in Africa and transcends geographical boundaries in this region. This underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions and policy changes to address this issue in Africa.
Stable sodium metal anode enabled by interfacial room‐temperature liquid metal engineering for high‐performance sodium–sulfur batteries with carbonate‐based electrolyte
Authors: Tian Kangdong , Wei Chuanliang , Wang Zhengran , Li Yuan , Xi Baojuan , Xiong Shenglin , Feng Jinkui
Published: April 2024

Sodium (Na) metal is a competitive anode for next‐generation energy storage applications in view of its low cost and high‐energy density. However, the uncontrolled side reactions, unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and dendrite growth at the electrode/electrolyte interfaces impede the practical application of Na metal as anode. Herein, a heterogeneous Na‐based alloys interfacial protective layer is constructed in situ on the surface of Na foil by self‐diffusion of liquid metal at room temperature, named “HAIP Na.” The interfacial Na‐based alloys layer with good electrolyte wettability and strong sodiophilicity, and assisted in the construction of NaF‐rich SEI. By means of direct visualization and theoretical simulation, we verify that the interfacial Na‐based alloys layer enabling uniform Na+ flux deposition and suppressing the dendrite growth. As a result, in the carbonate‐based electrolyte, the HAIP Na||HAIP Na symmetric cells exhibit a remarkably enhanced cycling life for more than 650 h with a capacity of 1 mAh cm−2 at a current density of 1 mA cm−2. When the HAIP Na anode is paired with sulfurized polyacrylonitrile (SPAN) cathode, the SPAN||HAIP Na full cells demonstrate excellent rate performance and cycling stability.
Metabolic characterization of sphere‐derived prostate cancer stem cells reveals aberrant urea cycle in stemness maintenance
Authors: Luo Yuanyuan , Yu Jiachuan , Lin Zhikun , Wang Xiaolin , Zhao Jinhui , Liu Xinyu , Qin Wangshu , Xu Guowang
Published: April 2024

Alteration of cell metabolism is one of the essential characteristics of tumor growth. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are the initiating cells of tumorigenesis, proliferation, recurrence, and other processes, and play an important role in therapeutic resistance and metastasis. Thus, identification of the metabolic profiles in prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs) is critical to understanding prostate cancer progression. Using untargeted metabolomics and lipidomics methods, we show distinct metabolic differences between prostate cancer cells and PCSCs. Urea cycle is the most significantly altered metabolic pathway in PCSCs, the key metabolites arginine and proline are evidently elevated. Proline promotes cancer stem‐like characteristics via the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Meanwhile, the enzyme pyrroline‐5‐carboxylate reductase 1 (PYCR1), which catalyzes the conversion of pyrroline‐5‐carboxylic acid to proline, is highly expressed in PCSCs, and the inhibition of PYCR1 suppresses the stem‐like characteristics of prostate cancer cells and tumor growth. In addition, carnitine and free fatty acid levels are significantly increased, indicating reprogramming of fatty acid metabolism in PCSCs. Reduced sphingolipid levels and increased triglyceride levels are also observed. Collectively, our data illustrate the comprehensive landscape of the metabolic reprogramming of PCSCs and provide potential therapeutic strategies for prostate cancer.
25 Years of Quasiperiodic Crystallography in Physical Space using the Average Unit Cell Approach
Authors: Wolny J. , Bugański I. , Strzałka R. , Śmietańska‐Nowak J. , Wnęk A.
Published: April 2024

Since the discovery of quasicrystals 40 years ago, many new paradigms and methods have been introduced to crystallography. 25 years ago, a statistical method of structure and diffraction analysis of aperiodic materials was proposed and, over these years, developed to describe model and real systems. This short review paper briefly invokes the basic concepts of the method: a reference lattice and an average unit cell, but also gives an overview of its application to atomic structure and diffraction analysis of various systems. Results are briefly discussed for mathematical sequences (Fibonacci and Thue‐Morse), model quasilattices in 2D and 3D (Penrose and Ammann tiling), refinements of real decagonal and icosahedral quasicrystals, analysis of structure disorder in quasicrystals, description of modulated systems, including macromolecular biological systems, and beyond usual application in crystallography.
Is environmental consciousness associated with organic food consumption?: A revealed preference approach
Authors: Yoon Sungeun , House Lisa , Gao Zhifeng , Grogan Kelly , Mullally Conner
Published: April 2024

This study analyzes NielsenIQ household scanner data, exploring the environmental motivation behind organic food consumption using single‐use plastics spending as a proxy for environmental concern. To investigate the relationship between the two environmental behaviors, organic food and single‐use plastic, the study utilizes the instrumental variable approach to account for the potential endogeneity in revealed preference data. Results show a significant negative association between single‐use plastic and organic food purchases, underscoring environmental concern as one of the motives for choosing organic foods. The findings indicate that organic food marketing should emphasize environmental benefits to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
Tests for equal forecast accuracy under heteroskedasticity
Authors: Harvey David I. , Leybourne Stephen J. , Zu Yang
Published: April 2024

Heteroskedasticity is a common feature in empirical time series analysis, and in this paper, we consider the effects of heteroskedasticity on statistical tests for equal forecast accuracy. In such a context, we propose two new Diebold–Mariano‐type tests for equal accuracy that employ nonparametric estimation of the loss differential variance function. We demonstrate that these tests have the potential to achieve power improvements relative to the original Diebold–Mariano test in the presence of heteroskedasticity, for a quite general class of loss differential series. The size validity and potential power superiority of our new tests are studied theoretically and in Monte Carlo simulations. We apply our new tests to competing forecasts of changes in the dollar/sterling exchange rate and find the new tests provide greater evidence of differences in forecast accuracy than the original Diebold–Mariano test, illustrating the value of these new procedures for practitioners.
Systematic druggable genome‐wide Mendelian randomization identifies therapeutic targets for sarcopenia
Authors: Yin Kang‐Fu , Chen Ting , Gu Xiao‐Jing , Su Wei‐Ming , Jiang Zheng , Lu Si‐Jia , Cao Bei , Chi Li‐Yi , Gao Xia , Chen Yong‐Ping
Published: April 2024

Background

There are no effective pharmacological treatments for sarcopenia. We aim to identify potential therapeutic targets for sarcopenia by integrating various publicly available datasets.

Methods

We integrated druggable genome data, cis‐eQTL/cis‐pQTL from human blood and skeletal muscle tissue, and GWAS summary data of sarcopenia‐related traits to analyse the potential causal relationships between drug target genes and sarcopenia using the Mendelian Randomization (MR) method. Sensitivity analyses and Bayesian colocalization were employed to validate the causal relationships. We also assessed the side effects or additional indications of the identified drug targets using a phenome‐wide MR (Phe‐MR) approach and investigated actionable drugs for target genes using available databases.

Results

MR analysis identified 17 druggable genes with potential causation to sarcopenia in human blood or skeletal muscle tissue. Six of them (HP, HLA‐DRA, MAP 3K3, MFGE8, COL15A1, and AURKA) were further confirmed by Bayesian colocalization (PPH4 > 90%). The up‐regulation of HP [higher ALM (beta: 0.012, 95% CI: 0.007–0.018, P = 1.2*10−5) and higher grip strength (OR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.94–0.98, P = 4.2*10−5)], MAP 3K3 [higher ALM (beta: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.21–0.26, P = 1.8*10−94), higher grip strength (OR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.75–0.90, P = 2.1*10−5), and faster walking pace (beta: 0.03, 95% CI: 0.02–0.05, P = 8.5*10−6)], and MFGE8 [higher ALM (muscle eQTL, beta: 0.09, 95% CI: 0.06–0.11, P = 6.1*10−13; blood pQTL, beta: 0.05, 95% CI: 0.03–0.07, P = 3.8*10−09)], as well as the down‐regulation of HLA‐DRA [lower ALM (beta: ‐0.09, 95% CI: −0.11 to −0.08, P = 5.4*10−36) and lower grip strength (OR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.07–1.20, P = 1.8*10−5)] and COL15A1 [higher ALM (muscle eQTL, beta: ‐0.07, 95% CI: −0.10 to −0.04, P = 3.4*10−07; blood pQTL, beta: ‐0.05, 95% CI: −0.06 to −0.03, P = 1.6*10−07)], decreased the risk of sarcopenia. AURKA in blood (beta: ‐0.16, 95% CI: −0.22 to −0.09, P = 2.1*10−06) and skeletal muscle (beta: 0.03, 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.05, P = 5.3*10−05) tissues showed an inverse relationship with sarcopenia risk. The Phe‐MR indicated that the six potential therapeutic targets for sarcopenia had no significant adverse effects. Drug repurposing analysis supported zinc supplementation and collagenase clostridium histolyticum might be potential therapeutics for sarcopenia by activating HP and inhibiting COL15A1, respectively.

Conclusions

Our research indicated MAP 3K3, MFGE8, COL15A1, HP, and HLA‐DRA may serve as promising targets for sarcopenia, while the effectiveness of zinc supplementation and collagenase clostridium histolyticum for sarcopenia requires further validation.
The prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection among voluntary blood donors in mainland China: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Yuhui , Zhang Xinhui , Huang Yang , Gao Lei , Gao Zhan , He Miao
Published: April 2024

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection through transfusion has been an imperative challenge for blood safety. Despite the implementation of screening strategies, there was still the residual risk of transfusion‐transmitted HIV. Considering that the prevalence of HIV infection in blood donors is significant for evaluating blood safety and potential risks to the population, meta‐analysis was applied to investigate the HIV prevalence among voluntary blood donors during the past 27 years to characterize the epidemiology and related risk factors of HIV in blood donors. The literature concerning the HIV screening reactive rate and prevalence in Chinese voluntary blood donors was collected through the systematic searching of four electronic databases. After integrating data, following the Preferred Reporting of Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines, data manipulation and statistical analyses were conducted by Stata 12.0. The results indicated that overall HIV prevalence was 0.0178% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.0169%−0.0187%) with a remarkable rise, which varied from 2000 (0.0034%) to 2015 (0.027%). The HIV window period infection rate was 0.0475‱ (95% CI, 0.0304‱−0.0646‱). Importantly, subgroup analysis revealed the heterogeneity in gender, occupations, education and donation frequency. With the effective control of HIV transmission through blood, HIV prevalence declined in China to some extent in recent years, and the characteristics of HIV epidemic in some provinces have drastically changed. However, remaining relatively high HIV prevalence and overall increased trend of HIV prevalence since the 21th century demonstrates the potential residual risk of blood transfusion, and the whole society is supposed to pay close attention to HIV infection.
Multi‐omics panoramic analysis of HBV integration, transcriptional regulation, and epigenetic modifications in PLC/PRF/5 cell line
Authors: Guan Guiwen , Abulaiti Abudurexiti , Qu Chenxiao , Chen Chia‐Chen , Gu Zhiqiang , Yang Jing , Zhang Ting , Chen Xiaojie , Zhou Zhao , Lu Fengmin , Chen Xiangmei
Published: April 2024

The clearance or transcriptional silencing of integrated HBV DNA is crucial for achieving a functional cure in patients with chronic hepatitis B and reducing the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma development. The PLC/PRF/5 cell line is commonly used as an in vitro model for studying HBV integration. In this study, we employed a range of multi‐omics techniques to gain a panoramic understanding of the characteristics of HBV integration in PLC/PRF/5 cells and to reveal the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of integrated HBV DNA. Transcriptome long‐read sequencing (ONT) was conducted to analyze and characterize the transcriptional activity of different HBV DNA integration sites in PLC/PRF/5 cells. Additionally, we collected data related to epigenetic regulation, including whole‐genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS), histone chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP‐seq), and assays for transposase‐accessible chromatin using sequencing (ATAC‐seq), to explore the potential mechanisms involved in the transcriptional regulation of integrated HBV DNA. Long‐read RNA sequencing analysis revealed significant transcriptional differences at various integration sites in the PLC/PRF/5 cell line, with higher HBV DNA transcription levels at integration sites on chr11, chr13, and the chr13/chr5 fusion chromosome t (13:5). Combining long‐read DNA and RNA sequencing results, we found that transcription of integrated HBV DNA generally starts downstream of the SP1, SP2, or XP promoters. ATAC‐seq data confirmed that chromatin accessibility has limited influence on the transcription of integrated HBV DNA in the PLC/PRF/5 cell line. Analysis of WGBS data showed that the methylation intensity of integrated HBV DNA was highly negatively correlated with its transcription level (r = −0.8929, p = 0.0123). After AzaD treatment, the transcription level of integrated HBV DNA significantly increased, especially for the integration chr17, which had the highest level of methylation. Through ChIP‐seq data, we observed the association between histone modification of H3K4me3 and H3K9me3 with the transcription of integrated HBV DNA. Our findings suggest that the SP1, SP2 and XP in integrated HBV DNA, methylation level of surrounding host chromosome, and histone modifications affect the transcription of integrated HBV DNA in PLC/PRF/5 cells. This provides important clues for future studies on the expression and regulatory mechanisms of integrated HBV.
The critical role of residues Phe120 and Val161 of (2 R,3 R)‑2,3‑butanediol dehydrogenase from Neisseria gonorrhoeae as probed by molecular docking and site‐directed mutagenesis
Authors: Dong Xue , Zhang Tingting , Gui Chuanyue , Fei Shuping , Xu Haonan , Chang Jianrong , Lian Chaoqun , Tang Wanggang
Published: April 2024

NAD+‐dependent (2 R,3 R)‑2,3‑butanediol dehydrogenase (BDH) from Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NgBDH) is a representative member of the medium‐chain dehydrogenase/reductase (MDR) superfamily. To date, little information is available on the substrate binding sites and catalytic residues of BDHs from this superfamily. In this work, according to molecular docking studies, we found that conserved residues Phe120 and Val161 form strong hydrophobic interactions with both (2 R,3 R)‑2,3‑butanediol (RR‐BD) and meso‐2,3‑butanediol (meso‐BD) and that mutations of these residues to alanine or threonine impair substrate binding. To further evaluate the roles of these two residues, Phe120 and Val161 were mutated to alanine or threonine. Kinetic analysis revealed that, relative to those of wild type, the apparent KM values of the Phe120Ala mutant for RR‐BD and meso‐BD increased 36‐ and 369‐fold, respectively; the catalytic efficiencies of this mutant with RR‐BD and meso‐BD decreased approximately 586‐ and 3528‐fold, respectively; and the apparent KM values of the Val161Ala mutant for RR‐BD and meso‐BD increased 4‐ and 37‐fold, respectively, the catalytic efficiencies of this mutant with RR‐BD and meso‐BD decreased approximately 3‐ and 28‐fold, respectively. Additionally, the Val161Thr mutant slightly decreased catalytic efficiencies (twofold with RR‐BD; 7.3‐fold with meso‐BD) due to an increase in KM (sixfold for RR‐BD; 24‐fold for meso‐BD) and a slight increase (2.8‐fold with RR‐BD; 3.3‐fold with meso‐BD) in kcat. These findings validate the critical roles of Phe120 and Val161 of NgBDH in substrate binding and catalysis. Overall, the current study provides a better understanding of the substrate binding and catalysis of BDHs within the MDR superfamily.
Mineral magnetism and palaeoenvironment recorded in loess in southern England
Authors: Niezabitowska Dominika , Stevens Thomas , Bradák Balázs , Chadima Martin , Baykal Yunus , Sechi Daniele , Schneider Ramona
Published: April 2024

Extensive research has focused on the loess deposits in southern England, aiming to unravel their stratigraphic and palaeoenvironmental significance. However, no systematic mineral magnetic study on these deposits has yet been undertaken. Here we address this by investigating the magnetic mineral composition and alignment of loess at two sites in southern England, Lowland Point (LP) on the Lizard Peninsula of Cornwall, and Pegwell Bay (PB) in eastern Kent on the Isle of Thanet. A set of rock magnetic analyses was conducted to understand mineral magnetism within the studied sections. In addition, the primary depositional origin of the magnetic fabrics as well as their overprinting caused by various possible post‐depositional processes were examined through anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS). The magnetic mineral composition is similar at both sites, derived from both sedimentary (aeolian) and post‐depositional processes. The AMS results show magnetic foliation that varies between the two sites, aligning with the bedding plane, indicating deposition from gravitational dust fall at the PB site, and a stronger wind transport energy at the LP site. Although the magnetic lineation of bulk AMS is relatively weak, there is a noticeable tendency towards alignment in most samples, with flow directions from the SE indicated at both sections if a strong wind is assumed at LP, although with a possible SW direction if a weaker wind is assumed. These observations may imply the preservation of palaeowind directions during dust transport, with a substantial southerly component, which contradicts previous assertions of dominant northerly or northeasterly winds. Indeed, a possible dominant southeasterly wind direction between 25 and 18 ka would suggest a limited influence of katabatic, westerly or polar northeasterly winds during dust transport, and rather may imply the effect of low‐pressure systems passing through the English Channel during that period.
Understanding trauma as contextualized adverse life events that threaten the individual: Commentary in response to Marx et al. (2024)
Authors: Herzog Philipp
Published: April 2024

In this commentary, I propose that a person‐oriented and research‐focused approach can stimulate the discussion on the definition of a traumatic stressor and help to refine Criterion A in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Particularly, I suggest that a contextual perspective focusing on the interaction between event features and person‐related factors captures more adequately the individual perception of and cognitions related to extremely threatening adverse life events for a diversity of individuals exposed to trauma. In future debate, I encourage the involvement of patients and the public and urge consideration of all potential consequences for practice and research that can directly result from changes to Criterion A (e.g., the heterogenization of posttraumatic stress disorder).
It pays to diversify: Effect of bullet‐screen comment diversity on payment
Authors: Zhang Mingyue , Ma Xuejing , Chen Haipeng (Allan)
Published: April 2024

Bullet‐screen comments (BSCs), a type of novel user‐generated content for online videos, have been rapidly adopted in recent years. Previous research has focused on consumers' responses to the presence and quantity of BSCs but overlooked their contents. We examine how one characteristic feature of BSCs' content—lexical diversity—affects users' payments. A large‐scale real‐world behavioral data set analysis and three lab studies show that high (vs. low) lexical diversity of BSCs increases viewers' payments in online video streaming contexts (e.g., online videos and live streaming). We further reveal that the positive effect of BSC diversity on payment is mediated by perceived social presence and information richness. We also demonstrate the moderating role of viewers' BSC usage level (heavy vs. light), such that the effect of BSC diversity on payment is significant for heavy BSC users, but diminishes for light users.
Forecasting using reference prices with exposure effect
Authors: Baron Opher , Deng Chang , He Simai , Yuan Hongsong
Published: April 2024

Reference prices (RPs) are consumers' subjective perceptions of prices that have important influences on purchase decisions. The standard RP formulation, which defines RP as an exponentially weighted average of past prices, ignores a certain asymmetry in weights between the regime of a price decrease and that of a price increase, which can be observed by the demand trend during the few days after a price decrease or increase. Such oversight usually leads to overestimation in demand as we illustrate by empirical evidence. We introduce the novel concept of RP with exposure effect (RPEE) that captures such asymmetry in RP formulation by imposing a weight proportional to how much the price is exposed to consumers. The exposure effect can be measured by clickstream data that are available for most e‐retailing platforms. We develop a customer behavioral model that can explain the formation of standard RP, and extend it in a natural way to provide foundation to the use of RPEE, especially for products with few repeat purchases. We then establish empirically the extensive benefit of forecasting from RPEE for e‐retailers that sell thousands of products. We demonstrate that RPEE exhibits significant and consistent improvement over standard RP for products, with around
reduced weighted mean absolute percentage error.
Differentiation and characterization of healthy versus pathological tau using chemical exchange saturation transfer
Authors: Yu Fang Frank , Rathnakar James , Ryder Bryan , Hitt Brian , Kashmer Omar M. , Sherry A. Dean , Vinogradov Elena
Published: April 2024

Neurofibrillary tangles of tau constitute one of the key biological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. Currently, the assessment of regional tau accumulation requires intravenous administration of radioactive tracers for PET imaging. A noninvasive MRI‐based solution would have significant clinical implications. Herein, we utilized an MRI technique known as chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) to determine the imaging signature of tau in both its monomeric and pathologic fibrillated conformations. Three sets of purified recombinant full‐length (4R) tau protein were prepared for collection of CEST spectra using a 9.4 T NMR spectrometer at varying temperatures (25, 37, and 42 °C) and RF intensities (0.7, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.2 μT). Monomeric and fibrillated tau were readily distinguished based on their Z‐spectrum profiles. Fibrillated tau demonstrated a less prominent peak at 3.5 ppm with additional peaks near 0.5 and 1.5 ppm. No significant differences were identified between fibrillated tau prepared using heparin versus seed‐competent tau. In conclusion, monomeric and fibrillated tau can be readily detected and distinguished based on their CEST‐derived Z‐spectra, pointing to the potential utility of CEST‐MRI as a noninvasive biomarker of regional pathologic tau accumulation in the brain. Further testing and validation in vitro and in vivo will be necessary before this can be applied clinically.
Early outcomes of referrals to the English National Health Service Digital Weight Management Programme
Authors: Taylor Katharine , Indulkar Tejal , Thompson Bethany , Pinkard Christine , Barron Emma , Frost Tom , Jayawardane Priyantha , Davies Neil , Bakhai Chirag , Forouhi Nita Gandhi , Aveyard Paul , Jebb Susan , Valabhji Jonathan
Published: April 2024

Objective

The study objective was to assess participant weight change for the English National Health Service (NHS) Digital Weight Management Programme, the first such digital intervention to achieve population coverage.

Methods

A service evaluation was used to assess intervention effectiveness for adults with obesity and a diagnosis of hypertension and/or diabetes, between April 2021 and March 2022, using prospectively collected, national service–level data in England.

Results

Of the 63,937 referrals made from general practices, within the time period, 31,861 (50%) chose to take up the 12‐week Programme. There were 31,718 participants who had time to finish the Programme; of those, 14,268 completed the Programme (defined as attending ≥60%), a 45% completion rate. The mean weight change for those who had time to finish the Programme was −2.2 kg (95% CI: −2.25 to −2.16), for those who completed it was −3.9 kg (95% CI: −3.99 to −3.84), and for those who had time to finish the Programme but did not complete it was −0.74 kg (95% CI: −0.79 to −0.70).

Conclusions

The NHS Digital Weight Management Programme is effective at achieving clinically meaningful weight loss. The outcomes compare favorably to web‐based weight management interventions tested in randomized trials and those delivered as face‐to‐face interventions, and results suggest that the approach may, with increased participation, bring population‐level benefits.
Structural relaxation in a Schiff base‐crosslinked aldehyde modified xanthan gum/gelatin hydrogel: Experimental and numerical validation using linear poroelasticity model
Authors: Seresht Hassan Beheshti , Aghajanzadeh Mohamad Sadegh , Imani Rana , Haghbin Nazarpak Masoumeh
Published: April 2024

Hydrogels hold immense promise in biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility, high water content, and versatile fabrication. This study focuses on the mechanical behavior of a novel polysaccharide/protein hybrid hydrogel, GEL‐AXG, synthesized via a Schiff base reaction between aldehyde‐modified xanthan gum (AXG) and gelatin (Gel). Hydrogel samples with varying AXG‐to‐Gel ratios were subjected to unconfined compression tests to assess their mechanical properties. The observed stress‐relaxation mechanism in deformed hydrogels primarily involves water migration. To quantify these mechanical properties, we applied the linear poroelasticity theory. Our results highlight that Gel‐AXG hydrogels with a 2:1 AXG‐to‐Gel ratio exhibit significantly higher peak and equilibrium stresses. This enhancement can be attributed to increased crosslink density and reduced dangling chain presence. Moreover, the linear poroelasticity formulation yielded a shear modulus of G = 44.91 ± 0.25 kPa for Gel‐AXG hydrogels with a 1:2 AXG‐to‐Gel volume ratio, which we identified as our optimized hydrogel.
Two siblings with Fanconi anemia (FANCQ, ERCC4/XPF) presenting with tumor‐mimicking lesions in the brain and acute neurological deterioration
Authors: Özdemir Zeynep Canan , Yarar Coşkun , Öztunalı Çiğdem , Töret Ersin , Çarman Kürşat Bora , Bör Özcan
Published: April 2024

The complementation Q group (FANCQ) subtype of Fanconi anemia (FA) caused by the ERCC4/XPF mutation is very rare. Two siblings, aged 13 and 10 with Fanconi phenotypic features, presented with right hemiparesis and focal‐onset seizures. In both cases, cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed mass‐like lesions accompanied by peripheral edema and calcification. In one case, oral steroid treatment and surgical excision were performed, while in the other case, the cranial lesion regressed just with steroid treatment and without surgery. Both siblings remained wheelchair‐bound due to neurological dysfunction. One case died due to hepatocellular carcinoma. ERCC4/XPF gene mutation was detected in both siblings.
Impact of sociodemographic factors, stress, and communication on health‐related quality of life in survivors of pediatric cancer
Authors: Patterson Valdeoso , Olsavsky Anna , Garcia Dana , Sutherland‐Foggio Malcolm , Vannatta Kathryn , Prussien Kemar V. , Bemis Heather , Compas Bruce E. , Gerhardt Cynthia A.
Published: April 2024

Background

While most research has largely focused on medical risks associated with reduced health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in survivors, sociodemographic and family factors may also play a role. Thus, we longitudinally examined sociodemographic factors and family factors associated with survivor HRQOL, including adolescent's cancer‐specific stress, mother's general stress, and mother–adolescent communication.

Methods

Mothers (N = 80) and survivors (ages 10–23, N = 50) were assessed 5 years following initial diagnosis. Mothers completed measures regarding sociodemographic background adolescent's cancer‐specific stress, mother's general stress, mother–adolescent communication, and adolescent HRQOL. Survivors also reported on their own HRQOL. Two hierarchical multiple regressions examined predictors of (a) mother's report of adolescent HRQOL, and (b) survivor's self‐report of HRQOL.

Results

The final model predicting mother‐reported adolescent HRQOL was significant, F(5,74) = 21.18, p < .001, and explained 59% of the variance in HRQoL. Significant predictors included adolescent stress (β = −.37, p < .001), mothers’ stress (β = −.42, p < .001), and communication (β = .19, p = .03). The final model predicting survivor‐reported HRQOL was also significant, F(5,44) = 5.16, p < .01 and explained 24% of the variance in HRQOL. Significant predictors included adolescent stress (β = −.37, p = .01) and communication (β = −.31, p = .04). Sociodemographic factors were not a significant predictor of HRQOL in any model.

Conclusion

Family stress and communication offer potential points of intervention to improve HRQOL of pediatric cancer survivors from mother and survivor perspectives. While additional research is needed, healthcare professionals should encourage stress management and strong mother–child communication to enhance survivors’ long‐term HRQOL. Such interventions may be complimentary to efforts targeting the known sociodemographic factors that often affect health.
Early diagnosis of sickle cell retinopathy by using ocular coherence tomography in pediatric population (7–18 years) in central India
Authors: Soni Pooja , Dhingra Bhavna , Karkhur Samendra , Chaudhary Narendra K. , Pakhare Abhijit P.
Published: April 2024

Background

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the commonest inherited blood disorder leading to complications occurring due to vaso‐occlusion including sight‐threatening retinopathy. Retinopathy can be managed if diagnosed early and vision loss can be prevented. Since, very less data are available from India, hence, this study was conducted in children (7–18 years) with SCD to diagnose retinopathy by using ocular coherence tomography (OCT) in subclinical stages.

Methods

This cross sectional single‐center study was performed in 7–18 years age group children with SCD without any visual symptoms. Enrolled participants underwent complete ophthalmological examination including macula and optic disc thickness measurements using Cirrus HD‐OCT and results were analyzed.

Results

Among 55 participants, none had visual impairment. Significant fundoscopy finding (nonproliferative sickle cell retinopathy/NPSR) was found in three patients (5.4%), thinning of central macula in four patients (7.27%), inner macula thinning in eight patients (14.5%), outer macula thinning in one patient (1.81%), retinal nerve fiber layer thinning in five patients (9%), ganglion cell layer to inner plexiform layer thinning in eight patients (14.54%). Overall NPSR was found in 5.4% patients detected with fundoscopy, whereas retinal layer thinning was found in 14 patients (25.4%) using OCT.

Conclusion

Despite of the significant prevalence of SCR, it is still underdiagnosed complication, leading to thinning of the retina from early ages; thus, its early diagnosis by regular screening using newer diagnostic methods can prevent progression to sight‐threatening complications and provide better quality of life for these patients.
Classroom mathematics learning: Association of joy of learning and school connectedness among high school students in India
Authors: Sasidharan Syama , Kareem Jacqueline
Published: April 2024

Mathematics learning experiences can influence the overall academic and socio‐emotional development of a child. The present study investigates the mediating effect of mathematics anxiety and emotional engagement on the relationships between teacher–student interaction, the joy of learning, and school connectedness. Two mediation models were tested for the dependent variables: the joy of learning and school connectedness, using Hayes' process macro in SPSS on a sample of 774 eighth‐standard students from Indian schools. The study's results indicate the presence of a serial mediation effect on the relationship between teacher–student interaction and joy of learning, teacher–student interaction, and school connectedness through mathematics anxiety and emotional engagement. The study emphasized the role of mathematics learning within the overall framework of “joy of learning” and “school connectedness.”
Understanding the relations between parental conditional regard, teacher autonomy support, and adolescent well‐being: A self‐determination theory perspective
Authors: Koçak Aylin , Alp Christ Ayşenur
Published: April 2024

Based on the self‐determination theory, many studies have attempted to uncover the contextual features that satisfy adolescents' basic psychological needs. Most of these, however, have focused on one aspect of the social context, either the school or the family environment, and focused on either the issue of need frustration or need satisfaction and their implications on well‐being. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate whether adolescents' perceptions of parental conditional regard (both positive and negative regards) and teacher autonomy support were associated with need frustration and need satisfaction, which in turn, would be related to adolescents' well‐being (both subjective stress and life satisfaction). To test our hypotheses, we recruited 340 Turkish adolescents (Mage = 16.88 years, SD = 0.86). Results of structural equation modeling showed that parental conditional negative regard was positively related to need frustration, which in turn, was associated positively with adolescents' subjective stress, and negatively with life satisfaction. However, parental conditional positive regard was related to neither need satisfaction nor need frustration. Moreover, teacher autonomy support was positively related to need satisfaction, which in turn, was positively associated with life satisfaction. The results indicate that future research should consider both parent‐ and teacher‐related contexts together in relation to adolescents' basic needs and their well‐being.
Adolescents' loneliness and problematic smartphone use: The mediating role of upward social comparison and the moderating role of self‐identity
Authors: Shao Siyang , Mao Ningning , Zhang Zhengtian , Yang Mo , He Siyu , Yue Xiaodong , Li Chieh , Cui Lixia
Published: April 2024

Loneliness is an important risk factor for problematic smartphone use (PSU) among adolescents and the mechanisms underlying this correlation remain unclear. In this study, a moderated serial mediation model was tested by administering the Problematic Smartphone Use Scale for Chinese Adolescents, the Loneliness Scale (LS), the Upward Social Comparison Scale, the Fear of Missing Out Scale, and the Self‐Identity Scale to 466 Chinese adolescents. The results showed that: (1) loneliness was positively correlated with PSU, (2) upward social comparison (USC) and fear of missing out served as sequential mediating factors in the correlation between loneliness and PSU, and (3) self‐identity played a moderating role between USC and fear of missing out. These findings shed new light on developing strategies to prevent and intervene in adolescents' PSU by revealing the underlying mechanisms between loneliness and PSU.
Ultrasound versus palpation‐guided corticosteroid injection for de Quervain disease: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kuo Ying‐Chen , Hsieh Lin‐Fen , Liu Ya‐Fang , Chang Chia‐Sung
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Corticosteroid injection effectively treats de Quervain disease, and due to the high prevalence of the intracompartmental septum in the first extensor compartment, ultrasound guidance improves injection accuracy.

Objective

To compare the effectiveness, adverse events, and the recurrence rate between ultrasound‐guided and palpation‐guided injection in patients with de Quervain disease.

Design

Prospective, single‐blind, randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Rehabilitation department of a private teaching hospital.

Participants

We enrolled 49 patients, ≥20 years of age, clinically diagnosed with de Quervain disease based on their medical history and physical examination.

Interventions

Patients were randomized into two groups: ultrasound‐guided and palpation‐guided injection. Both groups received a mixture of 10 mg triamcinolone acetonide (10 mg/1 mL) and 0.3 mL 1% lidocaine.

Main Outcome Measures

The primary outcome measure was the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) score at 1 week. The secondary outcome measures were visual analog scale for pain (pain VAS) score, patient satisfaction, and adverse events or complications from the interventions at 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months.

Results

Both groups showed improvement over time in QuickDASH scores and pain VAS (p < .001); however, no statistically significant differences were noted between the groups for either QuickDASH scores (p = .22) or pain VAS (p = .30). In addition, no statistically significant differences were found between the groups in terms of patient satisfaction (p = .76) and adverse events (p = .47, .33, .58) at the 1‐week, 3‐month, and 6‐month follow‐ups.

Conclusions

Both ultrasound‐guided and palpation‐guided injections effectively treated de Quervain disease. During a 6‐month follow‐up, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups in pain relief, upper limb function, or patient satisfaction. However, the palpation‐guided group showed a tendency for more recurrence and skin side effects.
Numerical simulation of multi‐layer flyer impact initiation of a certain PBX explosive
Authors: Yuan Jingyao , Duan Yingliang , Han Yong
Published: April 2024

This paper addresses the problem of multi‐layer flyer impact‐induced initiation of a high‐energy explosive PBX‐1(based on 95 % TATB). The CREST reaction combustion model based on the time‐step difference method is embedded in LS‐DYNA, and the pressure history of PBX‐1 in multiple impact initiation is numerically simulated. The strengths and weaknesses of the two models are analyzed by comparing the simulation results of the pressure‐based IG model and the entropy‐based CREST model in multiple impact initiation. The results show that the CREST model is significantly better than the IG model in the problem of multiple impact initiation of PBX‐1, and it matches the experimental results better.
Numerical simulation on the bomb case effects of non‐ideal aluminized explosive
Authors: Li Yin , Deng Guoqiang
Published: April 2024

The detonation process of non‐ideal explosives is influenced by the casing of the bomb. Non‐ideal charges in the process of the explosion of live ammunition energy output mechanism and distribution ratio, the impact of the case on the explosion flow field, and other issues cannot be obtained through the existing theoretical analysis and testing techniques to obtain specific values. This paper establishes a “detonation+afterburning” energy output model to characterize the energy release characteristics of non‐ideal charges, using step‐by‐step numerical simulation of the near and middle, and far fields of the explosion, and verify simulation results through experiments, quantitative analysis the case of a type of earth penetrator on the normal particle size (4 μm) and two times the normal particle size (8 μm) of non‐ideal charges of aluminum powder explosion process. The results indicate that the presence of the casing enhances the energy output of aluminum powder with 4 μm by ≈5 %. When the particle size of aluminum powder is doubled, the maximum reaction rate and the peak of the shock wave are merely around 35 % and 75 %, respectively, compared to those of normal particle size. The detonation products, case fragments, and air constitute 49 %, 48 %, and 3 % of the overall explosion energy, respectively. The proportional equation of the conversion between the chemical energy of the explosion and the kinetic energy of the case fragments is obtained. These conclusions can provide data support for the design of non‐ideal charge warheads, lethality assessment, and establishment of engineering protection standards.
Thermal structural damage and thermal decomposition characterization of GAP propellants with nitrate ester plasticizers
Authors: Jin Fengkai , Wu Yi , Wu Haibo , Yang Junsen , Li Haitao , Liu Xiangyang , Hou Xiao
Published: April 2024

GAP and nitrate ester compounds are introduced into the solid propellant formulation as energetic binders and energetic plasticizing agents, respectively, to further enhance the energy level of solid propellants. However, under abnormal thermal conditions, various components within GAP propellants, especially nitrate ester plasticizers, can collectively result in the generation of a large number of voids within the propellant due to factors such as thermal stress and slow component decomposition. This phenomenon can impact the safety of solid rocket engines, necessitating research into their thermal decomposition processes and thermal damage structures. In this study, the thermal decomposition characteristics and gas products of GAP propellants with different nitrate ester plasticizer formulations were investigated using DSC‐TG and FT‐IR. The damage structure of GAP propellants heated under unignited conditions was studied through Micro‐CT, examining the influence of heating conditions and nitrate ester plasticizers on the thermal damage structure of GAP propellants. During heating, the thermal damage structure of GAP propellants was found to include voids generated within the GAP binder and cracks at the interface between the GAP binder and particles, with nitroglycerin as a plasticizer exacerbating the thermal damage of GAP propellants (about 2.2–2.9 times).