bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Mira discovery problem—Observations by David Fabricius in 1596 and 1609 (and by others before?): Positional accuracy, brightness, color index, and period
Authors: Neuhäuser R. , Neuhäuser D. L. , Mugrauer M. , Luge D. , Chapman J.
Published: July 2024

The pulsating variable star Mira (o Ceti) was observed by David Fabricius (Frisia) in 1596 and 1609. We review suggested previous detections (e.g., China, Hipparchos). We analyze all Mira records from Fabricius in their historical context. Fabricius measured the separation of Mira to other stars to ±1.6−1.7′. From his texts, we derive a brightness (slightly brighter than Hamal) of ca. 1.9±0.1 mag and a color index B‐V1.3−1.4 mag (‘like Mars’) for 1596 Aug 3 (Jul.). Mira started to fainten 19 days later and was observed until mid/late Oct. We show why such a red star cannot be followed by the naked eye until ca. 6 mag: For Mira's color at disappearance and altitude from Frisia, the limit is reduced by ca. 1.0 mag. Since Fabricius connected the Mira brightening with the close‐by prograde Jupiter, he re‐detected it only 12 years later, probably shortly before a relatively bright maximum—discoveries are strongly affected by biases. A Mira period of 330.2 days is consistent with both the oldest data (from Fabricius 1596 to Hevelius 1660) and the most current data (VSX 2004–2023), so that we see no evidence for secular period or phase shifts. (We also present Fabricius' observations of P Cygni in 1602.)
Transitions from primary to secondary school in Greater Manchester: A qualitative exploration of the perspectives of Year 6 children who receive pupil premium funding
Authors: Garner Elizabeth , Bagnall Charlotte Louise
Published: July 2024

Primary–secondary school transitions are widely recognised as pivotal developmental periods, which can have positive and negative longitudinal implications on the education, wellbeing and mental health of children. Yet few studies have sought the voice of children through interviews, and especially children in receipt of pupil premium funding (PPF) (a government grant given to schools in England to support disadvantaged pupils from low socio‐economic status [SES] backgrounds). This is concerning, given that children who receive PPF are at greater risk of poorer academic, social and emotional outcomes and exclusion during this time. Our study aims to explore the perspectives of such children to better understand their lived experience of primary–secondary school transitions. The sample consisted of nine Year 6 (last year of primary school in England) children who received PPF, recruited from two schools in Greater Manchester. The children participated in semi‐structured Zoom interviews. Transcribed audio‐recordings were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. The children discussed a mixture of contrasting feelings towards the emotional, social, academic and practical aspects of primary–secondary school transitions. In addition, children highlighted the supportive value of having older siblings, cousins and friends already at secondary school and discussed the range of support that had been offered by their schools and how this could be improved. The study makes a unique empirical contribution to understanding the lived experiences of children in receipt of PPF leading up to primary–secondary school transitions. In doing so, we make a unique theoretical contribution to multiple and multi‐dimensional transitions theory in exploring the impact of wider social factors, such as SES, on primary–secondary school transitions experiences. This understanding has important implications for educational policy and practice, in addition to further research, especially given the methodological, theoretical and conceptual considerations discussed.
A simple and sensitive LC–MS/MS method for the determination of loganic acid in rat plasma and its pharmacokinetic analysis
Authors: Wang Panpan , Zou Lu , Han Han , Zhang Tong
Published: July 2024

Loganic acid is an iridoid compound extracted from Gentianaceae plant Gentiana macrophylla Pall. It can effectively inhibit inflammation and tumor migration and has antioxidant activity. In this paper, we establish a simple, fast, sensitive and validated LC–MS method with the purpose of quantification of loganic acid in rat plasma with gliclazide as an internal standard (IS). Methanol was used to precipitate the protein in the plasma sample, and a C18 column (2.1 × 50 mm, 1.7 μm) was used for the separation of the target compound. Meanwhile, 0.1% formic acid water–methanol was employed as the mobile phase. Multiple reaction monitoring detection mode was adopted in detection with m/z 375.1 > 213.2 for loganic acid and m/z 322.1 > 169.9 for the IS, respectively, in negative ion scan mode. The linear range of calibration curve was 5.77–11,540.00 ng/ml, and the lower limit of detedtion was 2.89 ng/ml. The inter‐day and intra‐day precision and accuracy were <15% for lower limit of quantitation, low, middle and high quality control samples. This method was successfully used for the pharmacokinetic study of loganic acid in rat plasma at a dose range of 50–150 mg/kg for oral administration and 2 mg/kg for intravenous administration. The pharmacokinetic results showed that the oral bioavailability of loganic acid was low (2.71–5.58%).
Pd(II)‐Catalyzed Site‐Selective Cross Coupling Reaction: Synthesis of Highly Fluorescent Aryl−Formyl−Chromenes and its Iminoantipyrine Analogues as Selective AChE Inhibitors
Authors: Govada Grace Victoria , Pal Sanjivani , Panjacharam Paranimuthu , Bhatt Harshil Samir , Kumar Sanjit , Lin Chun‐Cheng , Wang Sheng‐kai , Reddy Sabbasani Rajasekhara
Published: July 2024

A versatile and efficient chemo selective synthesis of 4‐aryl‐3‐formyl‐2H‐chromenes (AFC) was undertaken using Pd‐catalyzed cross‐coupling conditions. The key oxidative transmetalation was successfully applied to a significant range of substitutions on the chromene moiety and aryl ring in Ar(BOH)3, accommodating both electron‐rich and electron‐deficient groups. These π‐extended scaffolds exhibited green‐yellow fluorescence with a large Stokes shift and high quantum yield. Measurement of photophysical properties revealed that the compound with methoxy substitution in the chromene ring, 3t, caused a significant bathochromic shift. The AFCs obtained from this method can be transformed into biologically active 4‐aryl‐3‐iminoantipyrine‐2H‐chromenes (AAC) through functionalization of the formyl chromenes. The AFCs and AACs with methoxy substitutions (3t and 4e) were docked against AChE inhibition, and compound 4e had the lowest binding energy of −11.20 kcal/mol. DFT calculations performed on representative compounds revealed that compound 4e is more reactive than 3t, which is in accordance with the docking studies.
Fluorinated Linkers Enable High‐Voltage Pyrrolidinium‐based Dicationic Ionic Liquid Electrolytes
Authors: Katcharava Zviadi , Navazandeh‐Tirkalaee Farahnaz , Orlamünde Torje E. , Busse Karsten , Kinkelin Simon‐Johannes , Beiner Mario , Marinow Anja , Binder Wolfgang H.
Published: July 2024

Novel fluorinated, pyrrolidinium‐based dicationic ionic liquids (FDILs) as high‐performance electrolytes in energy storage devices have been prepared, displaying unprecedented electrochemical stabilities (up to 7 V); thermal stability (up to 370 °C) and ion transport (up to 1.45 mS cm−1). FDILs were designed with a fluorinated ether linker and paired with TFSI/FSI counterions. To comprehensively assess the impact of the fluorinated spacer on their electrochemical, thermal, and physico‐chemical properties, a comparison with their non‐fluorinated counterparts was conducted. With a specific focus on their application as electrolytes in next‐generation high‐voltage lithium‐ion batteries, the impact of the Li‐salt on the characteristics of dicationic ILs was systematically evaluated. The incorporation of a fluorinated linker demonstrates significantly superior properties compared to their non‐fluorinated counterparts, presenting a promising alternative towards next‐generation high‐voltage energy storage systems.
Preliminary strategy and product analysis of microwave pyrolysis of waste printed circuit board
Authors: Liu Chengfei , Li Chunyu , Shu Bo , Xia Hongying , Liu Dafang
Published: July 2024

In this study, microwave pyrolysis of waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs) was carried out in an inert atmosphere, and the effects of pyrolysis temperature and nitrogen flow rate on the yield and composition of pyrolysis products were investigated. With the increase of pyrolysis temperature, the yield of liquid product increases gradually, and the yield of solid product decreases gradually. At 600°C, the yield of each phase tends to be stable. When the temperature continues to rise, the content of H2 and CO decreases, and the content of C6 ~ C9 in the liquid product decreases. Microwave heating promotes the pyrolysis of brominated epoxy resin, which helps to improve the recovery rate of valuable substances and reduce the environmental impact of waste treatment. This study demonstrates that the microwave pyrolysis of WPCBs in nitrogen atmosphere has great potential in the green recovery process.
Emergence of the ZNF675 Gene During Primate Evolution–Influenced Human Neurodevelopment Through Changing HES1 Autoregulation
Authors: Lodewijk Gerrald A. , de Geus Matthijs , Guimarães Rita L. F. P. , Jacobs Frank M. J.
Published: July 2024

In this study, we investigated recurrent copy number variations (CNVs) in the 19p12 locus, which are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. The two genes in this locus, ZNF675 and ZNF681, arose via gene duplication in primates, and their presence in several pathological CNVs in the human population suggests that either or both of these genes are required for normal human brain development. ZNF675 and ZNF681 are members of the Krüppel‐associated box zinc finger (KZNF) protein family, a class of transcriptional repressors important for epigenetic silencing of specific genomic regions. About 170 primate‐specific KZNFs are present in the human genome. Although KZNFs are primarily associated with repressing retrotransposon‐derived DNA, evidence is emerging that they can be co‐opted for other gene regulatory processes. We show that genetic deletion of ZNF675 causes developmental defects in cortical organoids, and our data suggest that part of the observed neurodevelopmental phenotype is mediated by a gene regulatory role of ZNF675 on the promoter of the neurodevelopmental gene Hes family BHLH transcription factor 1 (HES1). We also find evidence for the recently evolved regulation of genes involved in neurological disorders, microcephalin 1 and sestrin 3. We show that ZNF675 interferes with HES1 auto‐inhibition, a process essential for the maintenance of neural progenitors. As a striking example of how some KZNFs have integrated into preexisting gene expression networks, these findings suggest the emergence of ZNF675 has caused a change in the balance of HES1 autoregulation. The association of ZNF675 CNV with human developmental disorders and ZNF675‐mediated regulation of neurodevelopmental genes suggests that it evolved into an important factor for human brain development.
Established a therapeutic response prediction model in metastatic gastric cancer by liquid biopsy
Authors: Liu Sheng , Zhu Huacong , Yu Shi‐Tong , Shi Jiaolong
Published: July 2024

This study by Okuno et al. successfully identified eight exo‐miRNAs through exosome‐based discovery and established an exo‐miRNA‐based liquid biopsy assay for predicting therapeutic response in metastatic gastric cancer (mGC). Exosomes, a subpopulation of extracellular vesicles originating from endosomes, play a crucial role in this context. Liquid biopsy, analyzing blood for circulating tumor cells, extracellular vesicles, or cell‐free nucleic acid, has revolutionized cancer diagnosis and monitoring. It significantly contributes to early detection, staging, and relapse detection in various cancers. Numerous studies have highlighted the clinical significance of miRNA and lncRNA within extracellular vesicles. The authors developed a response‐prediction model for chemo‐responsiveness in mGC patients. This study's model predicts responses robustly, demonstrating its potential efficacy in clinical practice. It offers a non‐invasive and accessible method for therapeutic response prediction, crucial for precision medicine in mGC. Successful translation of these findings into clinical applications promises substantial benefits for patient care.
Drivers of wood‐inhabiting fungal diversity in European and Oriental beech forests
Authors: Mamadashvili Giorgi , Brin Antoine , Chumak Maksym , Diedus Valeriia , Drössler Lars , Förster Bernhard , Georgiev Kostadin B. , Ghrejyan Tigran , Hleb Ruslan , Kalashian Mark , Kamburov Ivan , Karagyan Gayane , Kevlishvili Joni , Khutsishvili Zviad , Larrieu Laurent , Mazmanyan Meri , Petrov Peter I. , Tabunidze Levan , Bässler Claus , Müller Jörg
Published: July 2024

The hyperdiverse wood‐inhabiting fungi play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle, but often are threatened by deadwood removal, particularly in temperate forests dominated by European beech (Fagus sylvatica) and Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis). To study the impact of abiotic drivers, deadwood factors, forest management and biogeographical patterns in forests of both beech species on fungal composition and diversity, we collected 215 deadwood‐drilling samples in 18 forests from France to Armenia and identified fungi by meta‐barcoding. In our analyses, we distinguished the patterns driven by rare, common, and dominant species using Hill numbers. Despite a broad overlap in species, the fungal composition with focus on rare species was determined by Fagus species, deadwood type, deadwood diameter, precipitation, temperature, and management status in decreasing order. Shifting the focus on common and dominant species, only Fagus species, both climate variables and deadwood type remained. The richness of species within the deadwood objects increased significantly only with decay stage. Gamma diversity in European beech forests was higher than in Oriental beech forests. We revealed the highest gamma diversity for old‐growth forests of European beech when focusing on dominant species. Our results implicate that deadwood retention efforts, focusing on dominant fungi species, critical for the decay process, should be distributed across precipitation and temperature gradients and both Fagus species. Strategies focusing on rare species should additionally focus on different diameters and on the conservation of old‐growth forests.
Green Light Triggered Radical Annulation for the Synthesis of Indenone by Metal‐Free Photocatalysis
Authors: He Xing , Ji Jia‐Qi , Zhao Meng‐Yan , Ma Chun‐Hua , Zhang Dan‐Dan , Xu Gui‐Qing , Ding Qing‐Jie , Cui Zhen‐Wei , Jiang Yu‐Qin
Published: July 2024

Low‐energy light, endowing with excellent characteristics of lower energy, fewer side reactions, more abundance in solar light. The scenario has been developed for the fabrication of indenone through a low‐energy green light driven radical annulation reaction between α‐keto acids and internal alkynes using Rhodamine 6G as photocatalyst. Various kinds of substrates are suitable for this methodology, affording the corresponding indenones in a greener and efficient manner.
Permeability of large‐scale fractures with ununiform proppant distributions in coalbed methane development
Authors: Xu Jiaxiang , Zhao Yang , Wang Meizhu , Dong Dandan , Liu Zhe , Yang Jiaosheng , Tian Fenghua
Published: July 2024

The coalbed methane (CBM) productivity is directly determined by the fracture permeability during hydraulic fracturing, which is regulated by the distribution of proppants. The proppant may be unevenly distributed in the fracture because of variables like the architecture of the fracture and the characteristics of the sand‐carrying fluid. This study used two types of random functions to produce different ununiform distributions of proppant clusters in large‐scale fractures, with the aim of investigating the effect of these distributions on the overall permeability of the fracture. A model of fluid‐structure coupling is proposed. The closure of large‐scale fractures under in‐situ stress is analyzed using solid mechanics and the penalty function; the CBM flowing in proppant clusters and the high‐speed channel between them is simulated using Darcy's law and the Navier–Stokes equation, respectively; and the overall permeability of fractures is computed using the fluid pressure drop throughout the fracture and the fluid flowing velocity in the fracture's outlet. Since most CBM flows along high‐speed channels between the proppant clusters, the simulated findings show that the overall permeability of fractures with an uneven distribution of proppant clusters is significantly higher than that of the proppant cluster itself. As CBM becomes more discretely distributed, the proportion of CBM flowing within the proppant cluster continuously drops. As the permeability of the proppant cluster increases, the volume ratio of proppant clusters decreases, and the distribution of proppant clusters becomes more discrete, the overall permeability of the fracture continuously increases.
Endoscopic‐assisted transorbital extended orbital exenteration: A multi‐institutional preclinical study
Authors: Roccuzzo Giuseppe , Vyskocil Erich , Hirtler Lena , Kandathil Sam Augustine , Peris‐Celda Maria , Agosti Edoardo , Kuan Edward C. , Wang Eric W. , Leong Samuel , Sharma Rishi , Borsetto Daniele , Herman Philippe , Vinciguerra Alessandro , Verillaud Benjamin , Bresson Damien , Taboni Stefano , Erovic Boban M. , Vural Alperen , Dallan Iacopo , Doglietto Francesco , Schreiber Alberto , Mattavelli Davide , Rampinelli Vittorio , Arosio Alberto Daniele , Battaglia Paolo , Valentini Marco , Turri‐Zanoni Mario , Pozzi Fabio , Volpi Luca , Bignami Maurizio , Castelnuovo Paolo , Nicolai Piero , Ferrari Marco
Published: July 2024

Background

Sinonasal malignancies with orbital invasion have dismal prognosis even when treated with orbital exenteration (OE). Sugawara et al. developed a surgical strategy called “extended‐OE (EOE),” showing encouraging outcomes. We hypothesized that a similar resection is achievable under endoscopic guidance through the exenterated orbit (endoscopic‐EOE).

Methods

The study was conducted in three institutions: University of Vienna; Mayo Clinic; University of Insubria; 48 orbital dissections were performed. A questionnaire was developed to evaluate feasibility and safety of each step, scoring from 1 to 10, (“impossible” to “easy,” and “high risk” to “low risk,” respectively), most likely complication(s) were hypothesized.

Results

The step‐by‐step technique is thoroughly described. The questionnaire was answered by 25 anterior skull base surgeons from six countries. Mean, median, range, and interquartile range of both feasibility and safety scores are reported.

Conclusions

Endoscopic‐EOE is a challenging but feasible procedure. Clinical validation is required to assess real‐life outcomes.
ESG peer effects and corporate financial distress: An executive social network perspective
Authors: Ding Qian , Huang Jianbai , Chen Jinyu , Wang Ding
Published: July 2024

Based on the data of listed firms in China from 2009 to 2020, this study investigates whether environmental, society and governance (ESG) peer effects reduce the risk of corporate financial distress from an executive social network perspective. Using two‐stage least squares method, our empirical results suggest that the ESG peer effects exist in executive social networks, and the ESG peer effects can alleviate corporate financial distress. ESG subcategory analysis shows that the governance peer effect has the most obvious alleviating effect on financial distress. The negative impact of ESG peer effects on corporate financial distress is stronger when firms have high network power, network cohesion and network control in executive social networks. Our conclusions still hold after a series of robustness tests. Our research expands the literature on peer effects from the perspective of social relations, and sheds additional light on the critical role of ESG peer effects in financial risk management.
Celiac disease with neurological manifestations mimicking stiff‐person syndrome
Authors: Niu Jie , Zhao Huiying , Qin Xuzhen , Li Ji , Li Jingnan
Published: July 2024

Celiac disease (CD), a gluten‐related disease, is a multi‐system rare disorder mainly involving the gastrointestinal tract. The clinical signs of CD are exceedingly heterogeneous, which increases the difficulty of clinical differential diagnosis. Neurological manifestations are one of the non‐classical CD symptoms. As some patients present only neurological symptoms at early stages, the diagnosis of CD is always delayed. Correct diagnosis and management could decrease patient morbidity and deaths. A 32‐year‐old male was admitted to the hospital due to progressive muscle atrophy of both lower limbs and lumbar stiffness. Based on positive gluten‐sensitive enteropathy autoantibody profiles and gastroscopy foundation, the diagnosis of CD was established. The patient was instructed to gluten‐free diet. The antibody titer of gluten‐sensitive enteropathy autoantibodies decreased, and the patient's symptoms alleviated. We emphasize the importance of CD screening in patients with neurological disorders of unknown aetiology.
Amorphization and Ablation of Crystalline Silicon Using Ultrafast Lasers: Dependencies on the Pulse Duration and Irradiation Wavelength
Authors: Garcia‐Lechuga Mario , Casquero Noemi , Siegel Jan , Solis Javier , Clady Raphael , Wang Andong , Utéza Olivier , Grojo David
Published: July 2024

Using lasers to achieve controlled crystallographic phase changes in silicon with high spatial precision promises new manufacturing solutions in semiconductor technologies, including silicon photonics. Recent demonstrations of improved amorphization thicknesses position ultrafast lasers as an optimum tool to meet current challenges. Here, the literature on silicon transformations is reviewed and complemented with new experimental data. This includes amorphization and ablation response as a function of pulse duration (τ = 13.9 to 134 fs at λ = 800 nm) and laser wavelength (λ = 258 to 4000 nm with τ = 200 fs pulses). For pulse duration‐dependent studies on Si(111), the amorphization fluence threshold decreases with shorter durations, emphasizing the significance of non‐linear absorption in the range of considered conditions. For wavelength‐dependent studies, the amorphization threshold increases sharply from λ = 258 to 1030 nm, followed by near‐constant behavior up to λ = 3000 nm. Conversely, the ablation threshold fluence increases in these specified ranges. Differences in the obtained amorphization thicknesses on Si(111) and Si(100) are also discussed, identifying an anomalously large fluence range for amorphization at λ = 258 nm. Finally, the question of the lateral resolution, shown as independent of the interaction nonlinearity is addressed.
Some new (p,q)‐Hadamard‐type integral inequalities for the generalized m‐preinvex functions
Authors: Kalsoom Humaira , Khan Zareen A. , Agarwal Praveen
Published: July 2024

This paper introduces and establishes new Hermite‐Hadamard type inequalities specifically tailored for
‐preinvex functions within the
‐calculus framework. These newly developed inequalities come with accompanying left‐right estimates, which enhance their practical utility. The primary objective of this research is to investigate the properties of
‐differentiable
‐preinvex functions and derive inequalities that extend and generalize existing results in the domain of integral inequalities. The techniques employed in this study hold broader implications, finding relevance in various fields where symmetry is paramount. The findings presented in this paper make a significant contribution to the field of analytic inequalities, offering valuable insights into the behavior and characteristics of
‐preinvex functions. Moreover, the established results demonstrate the wider applicability and generalization of analogous findings from prior literature. The techniques and inequalities introduced herein pave the way for further exploration and research in the realm of integral inequalities.
In Vitro Protective Effect of Pea‐Derived Peptides (PPs) via the Keap1/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway on Alpha‐Gliadin‐Sensitizing Peptide Induced Cacao‐2 Cells
Authors: Gao Bing , Cui Chenxu , Yan Fang , Li Ning , Sun Xuefeng , Wang Fangyu , Wang Chunfeng
Published: July 2024

Scope

Celiac disease (CD) is an allergic intestinal disease caused mainly by gliadin in wheat, which is widespread in the population and currently lacks effective treatment. α‐Gliadin peptides cause cellular damage by substantially increasing cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels.

Methods and results

This study investigates the protective effect of 11 pea‐derived peptides (PPs) on ɑ‐gliadin peptide (P31‐43) treated Caco‐2 cells. Results show that cells treated with PP2, PP5, and PP6 peptides significantly reduce the cell mortality caused by P31‐43. Three PPs significantly reduce the P31‐43‐induced decrease in ROS levels to control levels, and there is no difference between them and the vitamin C (Vc) group. The results in terms of antioxidant‐related enzymes show that PPs significantly decrease superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), glutathione reductases (GR), and glutathione (GSH)/oxidized glutathione (GSSG) levels, thus significantly enhancing the antioxidant level of cells. By studying the key proteins of the Kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1 (Keap1)/NF‐E2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, it is found that PPs activate the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Conclusion

The study finds that peptides from peas can effectively alleviate ɑ‐gliadin peptide‐induced cell damage. The discovery of these food‐derived peptides provides novel potential solutions for the prevention and treatment of CD.
YouTube as a possible learning platform for patients and their family caregivers for gastrostomy tube feeding: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Chu Hyeon Sik , Lee Hanyi
Published: July 2024

Background

Many patients and family caregivers have informational needs, especially regarding gastrostomy care and home gastrostomy tube feeding. YouTube is a potential accessible option for educational resources concerning these topics.

Methods

This study aimed to explore the educational quality and content of informational YouTube videos. We used “gastrostomy,” “G‐tube,” “enteral feeding,” and “enteral nutrition,” as search keywords on YouTube on October 3, 2021. A total of 229 videos were evaluated using the global quality scale (GQS) and modified DISCERN scoring system. Variables extracted from the videos included general features, video parameters, and content themes.

Results

The GQS and modified DISCERN scores were 3.31 ± 0.90 and 2.63 ± 1.23, respectively. There were educational quality and differences among videos uploaded by various agencies. Frequent video content themes included “cleaning and dressing a gastrostomy tube,” “bolus method,” and “replacing a balloon‐type of gastrostomy tube.”

Conclusion

Results showed that YouTube can be a supplemental educational resource for people requiring gastrostomy care and for their caregivers. However, given the open‐access nature of YouTube, healthcare professionals' guidance is needed for video selection. Healthcare professionals should know and use specific, reliable resources to effectively guide and educate patients with gastrostomy and their caregivers, enhancing their self‐management skills and knowledge.
Factors influencing nurses' compliance related to the use of personal protective equipment during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A descriptive cross‐sectional study
Authors: Kim Eun‐Jin , Park Yeon‐Hwan , Choi Hye‐Ran
Published: July 2024

Aim

To determine how nurses' experiences with the coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic affected their knowledge, awareness, and compliance related to the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID‐19 pandemic in South Korea.

Design

A descriptive cross‐sectional study.

Methods

A total of 247 nurses in South Korea participated in this study between May 10 and 19, 2023. An online self‐report questionnaire was used to collect data on demographic and occupational characteristics, COVID‐19 experience, knowledge, awareness, and compliance related to the use of PPE. Factors affecting compliance were analysed using hierarchical multiple linear regression.

Results

Mean age of the nurses was 31.92, and 94.3% were women. Most had a bachelor's degree or higher and the mean clinical experience as a nurse was 6.45 years. Knowledge of the use of PPE was 8.45 out of 10, awareness was 3.52 out of 5, and compliance was 4.28 out of 5. Knowledge and awareness were correlated with compliance related to PPE use. Awareness (β = 0.234, p < 0.001), knowledge (β = 0.218, p < 0.001), experience caring for COVID‐19 patients (β = 0.234, p = 0.004), optional fourth dose vaccine (β = 0.150, p = 0.017), clinical experience (β = 0.140, p = 0.022), and COVID‐19 infection control education (β = 0.115, p = 0.037) were found to have a significant impact on compliance.

Conclusion

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, nurses' knowledge and awareness of PPE use was a crucial factor in compliance. factors such as clinical experience, experience in caring for COVID‐19 patients, optional vaccination, and completion of COVID‐19 education also influenced compliance. We hope that these factors can provide a basis for developing training programs for nurses to respond to future emerging infectious diseases.
Constipation‐associated factors in outpatients with schizophrenia: A multicenter questionnaire survey
Authors: Tazaki Taro , Yamada Hiroki , Sato Ryotaro , Ishii Hiroki , Sugita Shutaro , Yanagihara Haruka , Nakamura Dan , Takashio Osamu , Inamoto Atsuko , Iwanami Akira
Published: July 2024

Constipation is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder that affects people globally, decreasing their quality of life and life expectancy. Individuals with schizophrenia often suffer from constipation, which could be a result of the illness itself or the side effects of psychotropic medications. However, little research has been conducted on factors contributing to constipation in individuals with schizophrenia. To address this issue, we conducted a survey using self‐administered questionnaires and medical records to identify factors associated with constipation in psychiatric outpatients. This study included 399 patients with schizophrenia, resulting in a high prevalence of constipation (43.4%). The analysis suggested that female gender, the doses of antiparkinsonian medications, and benzodiazepine sleeping pills may be associated with constipation.
Recent advances in scaffold based electrospun for breast cancer research
Authors: Ebrahimbaygi Parya , Khazaei Mohammad Rasool , Valadbeigi Parham , Rostaminasab Gelavizh , Mikaeili Abdolhamid , Jouybari Touraj Ahmadi , Rezakhani Leila
Published: July 2024

One of the biggest challenges facing public health in the modern era is the management of cancer, a global health issue. Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy among women worldwide. Among the most popular cancer treatment modalities are radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery. Chemotherapy, however, is regarded as the primary treatment option for cancer that has progressed to the final and metastatic stages. However, because of things like toxicity to healthy cells, poor drug absorption, trouble getting drugs to target tumor sites, and low therapeutic efficacy, traditional chemotherapy approaches are frequently insufficient. Nanotechnology offers the potential to overcome some of these limitations by creating new materials with unique properties through electrospinning. A straightforward and reasonably priced technique for creating biomaterials that can replicate the topography and structure of the cellular matrix is electrospinning. These materials have a large surface area, can be mechanically controlled, and have a level of fibers that can be adjusted from micrometers to nanometers. This review article emphasizes the potential of electrospun scaffolds for the treatment of BC while also offering a basic understanding of the procedure and nanostructured fibrous materials. This article reviews the most recent emerging electrospinning techniques in BC therapy. First, it briefly introduces the progress made in electrospinning in BC research over the past few years. Next, it investigates electrospinning by summarizing the techniques and materials used in the process. In addition, it demonstrates how crucial electrospinning three‐dimensional (3D) models are for the diagnosis and treatment of BC. This article also clarifies numerous electrospinning uses in several fields, such as cell culture, drug delivery, drug loading, and gene therapy. The final section discusses the advantages, limitations, and challenges electrospinning is willing to encounter in BC research.
Overexpression of CsBRC, an F‐box gene from Camellia sinensis, increased the plant branching in tobacco and rice
Authors: Zhou Bokun , Sheng Qi , Yao Xinzhuan , Li Tong , Lu Litang
Published: July 2024

Tea plant (Camellia sinensis [L.]) is one of the most important crops in China, and tea branch is an important agronomic trait that determines the yield of tea plant. In previous work focused on GWAS that detecting GWAS signals related to plant architecture through whole genome re‐sequencing of ancient tea plants, a gene locus TEA 029928 significantly related to plant type was found. Sequence alignment results showed that this gene belonged to the F‐box family. We named it CsBRC. CsBRC‐GFP fusion proteins were mainly localized in the plasma membrane. By comparing the phenotypes of CsBRC transgenic tobacco and WT tobacco, it was found that the number of branches of transgenic tobacco was significantly higher than that of wild‐type tobacco. Through RNA‐seq analysis, it was found that CsBRC affects the branching development of plants by regulating the expression of genes related to brassinosteroid synthesis pathway in plants. In addition, overexpression of CsBRC in rice could increase tiller number, grain length and width, and 1,000‐grain weight.
Exploring the diversity of galls on Artemisia indica induced by Rhopalomyia species through morphological and transcriptome analyses
Authors: Takeda Seiji , Yoza Makiko , Ueda Sawako , Takeuchi Sakura , Maeno Akiteru , Sakamoto Tomoaki , Kimura Seisuke
Published: July 2024

Plant galls generated by insects have highly organized structures, providing nutrients and shelter to the insects living within them. Most research on the physiological and molecular mechanisms of gall development has focused on single galls. To understand the diversity of gall development, we examined five galls with different morphologies generated by distinct species of Rhopalomyia (gall midge; Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) on a single host plant of Artemisia indica var. maximowiczii (Asteraceae). Vasculature developed de novo within the galls, indicating active transport of nutrients between galls and the host plant. Each gall had a different pattern of vasculature and lignification, probably due to differences in the site of gall generation and the gall midge species. Transcriptome analysis indicated that photosynthetic and cell wall–related genes were down‐regulated in leaf and stem galls, respectively, compared with control leaf and stem tissues, whereas genes involved in floral organ development were up‐regulated in all types of galls, indicating that transformation from source to sink organs occurs during gall development. Our results help to understand the diversity of galls on a single herbaceous host plant.
A scoping review to explore the use of the Health Care Providers’ Pain and Impairment Relationship Scale
Authors: Muller Ryan D. , Schielke Alec , Gliedt Jordan A. , Cooper Jesse , Martinez Shae , Eklund Andreas , Pohlman Katherine A.
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Patients’ interactions with health care providers influence back pain–related outcomes. The Health Care Providers’ Pain and Impairment Relationship Scale (HC‐PAIRS) is an instrument that assesses providers’ attitudes and beliefs about patients with persistent back pain, with lower scores implying that persistent pain does not indicate disability or limitation of activities. This scoping review aims to explore the extent of research involving the HC‐PAIRS.

Literature Survey

PubMed, Embase, and PEDro databases were searched from inception to April 2022.

Methods

Extracted HC‐PAIRS scores were standardized to 15‐item scores and categorized by profession, student or professional status, and pre/post‐educational intervention to evaluate scores. Psychometric properties and educational interventions of the HC‐PAIRS were described.

Results

After screening, 51 studies representing 10,416 participants were included. Student and professional scores were investigated in 24 and 29 studies, respectively. Twenty‐one studies included educational interventions, with heterogenous follow‐up. Psychometric properties of the HC‐PAIRS were assessed in 10 studies and demonstrated acceptable reliability and validity. The overall baseline mean score among all participants was 55.34 (95% CI: 53.54–57.14) (students: 56.54 [56.54–60.87]; professionals: 51.67 [49.08–54.27]). Nurses (61.99 [55.66–68.31]) and non–health care professionals (65.30 [57.33–73.28]) had the highest overall baseline mean scores, whereas chiropractors (51.69 [33.73–69.66]), MDs/PAs (52.64 [47.27–58.00]), physical therapists (53.42 [50.67–56.17]), and exercise professionals (57.36 [49.39–65.33]) had lower scores.

Conclusions

The HC‐PAIRS has been used across many disciplines in both students and professionals and demonstrated acceptable reliability and validity. Professionals commonly treating back pain had lower HC‐PAIRS scores. Future research could benefit from standardization of interventions and timing of follow‐up assessments.
Cold plasma treatment of patient‐derived chronic lymphocytic B‐cell leukemia enhances cytotoxic T‐cell proliferation
Authors: Golpour Monireh , Asgarian‐Omran Hossein , Akhavan‐Niaki Haleh , Alimohammadi Mina , Alizadeh‐Forutan Maryam , Sohbatzadeh Farshad , Bekeschus Sander , Rafiei Alireza
Published: July 2024

Cold physical plasma, a partially ionized gas, has been shown to be effective in treating chronic wounds and cancer. However, there is limited research on plasma exposure of leukemia cell lines, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. To investigate the potential proimmunogenic effects of plasma‐derived reactive oxygen species, cytotoxic T cells were isolated from CLL patients and healthy volunteers. Extensive cold plasma treatment reduced T‐cell metabolic activity and viability in both diseased and healthy groups. Plasma treatment of cocultures, but not CD8+ T‐cell monocultures, spurred cytotoxic T‐cell proliferation, possibly due to plasma‐enhanced CLL antigen display and plasma‐mediated modulation of immunoregulatory surface molecules. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms and clinical relevance of these findings.
Adaptive command filter control for switched time‐delay systems with dead‐zone based on an exact disturbance observer
Authors: Zhu Jingyang , Li Shurong , Liu Zhe
Published: July 2024

The focus of this article lies in the adaptive command filter tracking control problems for a class of switched time‐delay systems with an asymmetric dead‐zone and external disturbance under arbitrary switching. First, the external disturbance is estimated via an exact disturbance observer. Then, an echo state network (ESN) was adopted to approximate unknown function in system without tuning the weights between a reservoir and an input layer. Second, the time‐varying input of the dead‐zone model is considered as uncertain physical quantity of the system based on the dead‐zone slope boundary information. Third, an adaptive command filtered controller is employed to conquer the matter of “explosion of complexity” encountered in the traditional backstepping method. The filtering errors present in a dynamic surface control (DSC) approach are effectively eliminated by means of error compensation signals. A prescribed performance control (PPC) is resorted to confine the system output to meet prescribed steady‐state and transient tracking performances. The time delay terms are compensated by a Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional. The semi‐globally ultimately uniformly boundedness of all states in the closed‐loop system is ensured by the Liapunov's stability criterion. Finally, the validity of the developed control scheme is further verified through a simulation example.
“Nepantla is a Place Just Like the Ocean”: Bilingual Teachers Explore their Identities through Multimodal and Artifactual Testimonio
Authors: Barriot Cristina Sofía , Gonzales Grace Cornell
Published: July 2024

Bilingual teachers of Color navigate many in‐between spaces as they forge hybrid teacher identities; Chicana feminist scholars have referred to these crossroads between cultural ideologies, values, and beliefs as spaces of nepantla. In this qualitative case study, we analyzed the work of 31 teachers from two cohorts of multilingual educators who participated in a summer bilingual endorsement course and subsequent bilingual teacher induction meetings. These teachers identified as Latine, Asian/Asian American, Native American, or multiracial, and taught in Spanish, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Japanese, and English‐medium settings. As course instructors and induction facilitators, we engaged participants in a series of multimodal and artifactual testimonio sessions and collected data in the form of multimodal and artifactual testimonios, coursework, interviews, and video recordings of testimonio sessions. Framed by bringing Chicana feminist conceptualizations of testimonio and nepantla into conversation with theories of multimodal and artifactual literacies, we analyzed participants' testimonios and found they used images, voice, video, and artifacts to unearth their histories; to forge resilient identidades nepantleras; and to express connection and solidarity with students that informed their present and future pedagogical practices. This study suggests the potential for researchers and teacher educators to leverage hybrid literacy practices, like multimodal and artifactual testimonio, while creating spaces that facilitate identity exploration and development for multilingual teachers of Color. Significantly, this multilingual teacher identity development allows for articulation of connection and solidarity with multilingual students, which teachers perceive as consequential in shaping their pedagogical and advocacy commitments.
Leveraging on the fourth industrial revolution by African accountants in the sustenance of SDGs and AU Agenda 2063
Authors: Makurumidze Shepard , Sifile Obert , Twesige Daniel , Gasheja Faustin , Gwangwava Edson , Matowanyika Kudzanai , Chinofunga Shakemore , Mbizi Ranga , Sunday Kalisa
Published: July 2024

The research sought to assess the use of 4IR technologies by the accountancy profession in Africa in the sustenance of SDGs and AU Agenda 2063. The investigation adopted a pragmatic approach, associated with mixed‐methodological approach. The target population for the study was 114,800 Professional Accountancy Organisations (PAOs) members from all 44 countries in Africa who were members of the Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA). Online questionnaires and telephone interviews were administered to gather data. A total of 267 responses were received out of 114,800 members representing 0.23% of the population. Forty‐eight accountants were interviewed by telephone using the snowball sampling technique. Quantitative data gathered from online questionnaires was analysed using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 and ATLAS.ti 9 was used to analyse responses from interviews. The study showed that accountants in Africa had heard about 4IR technologies, with the Internet of Things (IoT) mostly used and known by accountants. The study established that 4IR technologies improved the standard of living, reduced social marginalisation, eased manual work, improved agricultural productivity, reduced environmental pollution, improved health services, financial inclusion and knowledge sharing. These benefits are critical for achieving SDGs and the African Agenda 2063. Accountants are recommended to continuously train and retrain on new and trending technologies like computerised audits, big data analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, robotics, bitcoin and its risks in the monetary systems, cyber security in the 4IR era, cloud computing and information management systems to sustain SDGs and AU Agenda 2063.
Circulating B Cell‐Derived Small RNA Delivered by Extracellular Vesicles: A Dialogue Mechanism for Long‐Range Targeted Renal Mitochondrial Injury in Obesity
Authors: Li Xiaqing , Yang Wah , Ma Ke , Zheng Zirun , Liu Xiayun , Hu Bo , Liu Huanhuan , Zhao Qian , Han Yi , Xiao Zhangzhang , Chen Ruichang , Li Hongyue , Huang Sibo , Liu Jinfeng , Wang Cunchuan , Yin Lianghong , Meng Yu
Published: July 2024

The intricate processes that govern the interactions between peripatetic immune cells and distal renal injury in obesity are not fully understood. Employing transcriptomic analysis of circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs), a marked amplification of small RNA (miR‐3960) is discerned within CD3−CD19+ B cells. This RNA is found to be preferentially augmented in kidney tissues, contrasting with its subdued expression in other organs. By synthesizing dual‐luciferase reporter assay with co‐immunoprecipitation analysis, it is pinpointed that miR‐3960 specifically targets the nuclear gene TRMT5, a pivotal actor in the methylation of mitochondrial tRNA. This liaison instigates aberrations in the post‐transcriptional modifications of mitochondrial tRNA, engendering deficiencies within the electron respiratory chain, primarily attributable to the diminution of the mitochondrial bioenergetic compound (NDUFA7) complex I. Such perturbations lead to a compromised mitochondrial respiratory capacity in renal tubular cells, thereby exacerbating tubular injury. In contrast, EV blockade or miR‐3960 depletion markedly alleviates renal tubular injury in obesity. This investigation unveils a hitherto unexplored pathway by which obesity‐induced circulating immune cells remotely manipulate mitochondrial metabolism in target organs. The strategic targeting of obese EVs or infiltrative immune cells and their specifically secreted RNAs emerges as a promising therapeutic avenue to forestall obesity‐related renal afflictions.
Unraveling Lattice‐Distortion Hardening Mechanisms in High‐Entropy Carbides
Authors: Liu Yiwen , Zhu Zijie , Tang Zhongyu , Yu Hulei , Zhuang Lei , Chu Yanhui
Published: July 2024

Uncovering the hardening mechanisms is of great importance to accelerate the design of superhard high‐entropy carbides (HECs). Herein, the hardening mechanisms of HECs by a combination of experiments and first‐principles calculations are systematically explored. The equiatomic single‐phase 4‐ to 8‐cation HECs (4‐8HECs) are successfully fabricated by the two‐step approach involving ultrafast high‐temperature synthesis and hot‐press sintering techniques. The as‐fabricated 4‐8HEC samples possess fully dense microstructures (relative densities of up to ≈99%), similar grain sizes, clean grain boundaries, and uniform compositions. With the elimination of these morphological properties, the monotonic enhancement of Vickers hardness and nanohardness of the as‐fabricated 4‐8HEC samples is found to be driven by the aggravation of lattice distortion. Further studies show no evident association between the enhanced hardness of the as‐fabricated 4‐8HEC samples and other potential indicators, including bond strength, valence electron concentration, electronegativity mismatch, and metallic states. The work unveils the underlying hardening mechanisms of HECs and offers an effective strategy for designing superhard HECs.