bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge, perception, and practical understanding of food labels: A cross‐sectional study among Bangladeshi consumers
Authors: Islam Md. Nazrul , Roy Nitai , Madilo Felix Kwashie , Akinsemolu Adenike , Arifuzzaman Md. , Shakil Md. Imran Hossain , Nishi Jannatul Ferdous , Akter Sharmin , Elius Md. , Islam Md. Shahidul
Published: July 2024

This research aimed to assess consumers' knowledge, perception, and practical understanding of food labels. A validated, structured questionnaire was employed for data collection. Data were collected from 1238 respondents covering all eight administrative divisions of Bangladesh using a nonrandomized convenience sampling method. Linear regression analyses were conducted to establish the relationship between demographic attributes and respondents' practical understanding of food labels. The majority of participants (52.5%) actively read food labels when purchasing a product for the first time. Food labels are regarded as “very important” by 56.2% of respondents and “important” by 35.7% of respondents. Label information is prioritized to highlight the importance of clear production and expiration dates (70%), followed by nutritional composition (56.7%) and source of raw material (52.5%). Despite this, over half of the participants demonstrated a limited practical understanding of the nutritional components on labels. The results of our linear regression analysis suggest that individuals within the age range of 18–28, belonging to Muslim communities, residing in the Dhaka and Khulna divisions, being higher educated, possessing a good understanding of nutrition, and being acquainted with the food safety agency of Bangladesh tend to exhibit a greater degree of practical knowledge regarding food labeling when compared to their counterparts. The study emphasizes the importance of clearer label information, particularly for nutritional value, and calls for targeted educational programs to improve consumer understanding of food labels, with a focus on older age groups and expanded educational efforts.
A prospective cohort study on stereotactic radiotherapy in the management of dural recurrence of olfactory neuroblastoma
Authors: Goodman Christopher D. , DeMonte Franco , Nguyen Theresa P. , Garden Adam S. , Wang Catherine He , Wang Xin A. , Diao Kevin , Lee Anna , Reddy Jay , Moreno Amy , Spiotto Michael , Fuller Clifton D. , Rosenthal David , Ferrarotto Renata , Raza Shaan M. , Su Shirley Y. , Warner Andrew , Hanna Ehab , Phan Jack
Published: July 2024

Background

Treatment for dural recurrence of olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) is not standardized. We assess the outcomes of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in this population.

Methods

ONB patients with dural recurrences treated between 2013 and 2022 on a prospective registry were included. Tumor control, survival, and patient‐reported quality of life were analyzed.

Results

Fourteen patients with 32 dural lesions were evaluated. Time to dural recurrence was 58.3 months. Thirty lesions (94%) were treated with SBRT to a median dose of 27 Gy in three fractions. Two patients (3 of 32 lesions; 9%) developed in‐field radiographic progression, five patients (38%) experienced progression in non‐contiguous dura. Two‐year local control was 85% (95% CI: 51–96%). There were no >grade 3 acute toxicities and 1 case of late grade 3 brain radionecrosis.

Conclusion

In this largest study of SBRT reirradiation for ONB dural recurrence to date, high local control rates with minimal toxicity were attainable.
The impact of an enhanced recovery after surgery protocol for major head and neck oncologic surgery on postoperative complications and adjuvant treatment delivery
Authors: Frenkel Catherine H. , Donahue Erin E. , Cochran Allyson , Brickman Daniel , Hong Steven , Ward Matthew C. , Moeller Benjamin J. , Carrizosa Daniel R. , Milas Zvonimir L.
Published: July 2024

Objective

The Commission on Cancer (CoC) recently introduced a quality metric to optimize time between major head and neck surgery and adjuvant treatment (TAT) ≤6 weeks, as TAT delay adversely impacts patient survival. This study evaluates whether enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) for this population reduces the rate of postoperative complications, length of stay (LOS), and TAT.

Methods

Patients undergoing larynx or oral cavity resection with free flap reconstruction, ERAS, and adjuvant treatment after 2018 were compared to a historical pre‐ERAS cohort. Patients underwent surgery at a single‐institution tertiary referral center for complex head and neck oncology. Differences between groups were compared by chi‐square, Fisher's exact, or Wilcoxon rank‐sum test. TAT >6 weeks was evaluated with univariate and multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Thirty‐nine pre‐ERAS patients were compared to 39 ERAS patients. No demographic differences existed between groups. LOS was improved with ERAS (p = 0.005). ERAS patients were discharged to home and returned to their activities of daily living (ADL) earlier (p = 0.004, 0.001). ADL recovery was associated with on‐time TAT ≤42 days on univariate analysis (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.13–1.63, p = 0.001). TAT delay was less frequent with ERAS (51.3% vs. 69.2%), but this was not significant after multivariable logistic regression (p = 0.11).

Conclusion

ERAS decreases LOS and returns advanced head and neck cancer patients to their ADL sooner. Postoperative ADL recovery independently predicts on‐time adjuvant treatment. Still, compliance beyond 50% with the TAT ≤6 weeks CoC quality metric remains a major treatment barrier.
Evaluation of dental students and alumni's confidence level in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment‐planning: A qualitative study
Authors: Ismail Hadi Mohmmad , Abdulrahman Adham Ameen , Ibrahim Ali Ismail
Published: July 2024

Background

Orthodontic education, besides some other factors, influences the confidence level of recently graduated dentists to diagnose subjects seeking orthodontic treatment and provide treatment plans. This study aims to explore the factors that influence the confidence level of undergraduate dental students to diagnose subjects seeking orthodontic treatment and provide treatment plans after graduation.

Methods

A qualitative study was undertaken using focus groups and interviews. Purposive sampling was used, focus groups and face to face semi‐structured interviews were adopted as the method of data collection. Three focus groups were evaluated including fifth‐year undergraduate, postgraduate orthodontic students, and recently graduated general dentists. In addition, eleven interviews were performed with the fifth‐year undergraduate students. Data collection ceased upon reaching data saturation, with thematic analysis employed for qualitative data analysis.

Results

Six themes and two sub‐themes were extracted from the data. More focus on the theory was highly noticed, and most of the participants exhibited a low level of self confidence in extrapolating orthodontic diagnosis and establishing treatment plans after graduation. In addition, they believed that practical teaching sessions mostly deal with wire bending and demanded to expand the clinical orthodontic knowledge to be able to indicate the right diagnosis and initiate proper treatment plans.

Conclusions

Clinical and practical training alongside theoretical foundation represent key factors in orthodontic education required to obtain confidence in orthodontic practice among dental undergraduate students and alumni. The findings help in enhancing undergraduate programs via providing a clinically oriented orthodontic education from student perceptions.
Defining the minimal clinically important difference for IKDC and KOOS scores for patients undergoing tibial tubercle osteotomy for patellofemoral pain or instability
Authors: Retzky Julia S. , Shah Aakash K. , Neijna Ava G. , Rizy Morgan E. , Gomoll Andreas H. , Strickland Sabrina M.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The aim of the present study is to define the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) for patients undergoing tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) for either (1) patellofemoral pain or (2) patellar instability.

Methods

Patients undergoing TTO for either patellofemoral pain or patellar instability by one of two sports medicine fellowship‐trained surgeons at a single institution between September 2014 and May 2023 were included in the study. IKDC and KOOS scores were collected preoperatively and minimum 1 year postoperatively. Distribution‐based methods were used to calculate the MCID.

Results

Seventy‐seven patients (82 knees) were included, with a median age of 29.3 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 22.2−36.3 years) and a median BMI of 24.5 kg/m2 [IQR: 22.3−28.3 kg/m2]. Fifty‐seven patients (74%) were female, and there were 40 right knees (49%). The median time to IKDC and KOOS score was 1.8 and 1.7 years, respectively. Forty‐five patients (46 knees) underwent TTO for patellofemoral instability, and 32 patients (36 knees) underwent TTO for patellofemoral pain. The MCID was 11.5 for IKDC, 10.2 for KOOS pain, 10.1 for KOOS symptoms, 9.9 for KOOS ADL, 14.2 for KOOS sport and 14.2 for KOOS QoL for patients undergoing TTO for patellofemoral pain. The MCID was 11.2 for IKDC, 10.1 for KOOS pain, 10.6 for KOOS symptoms, 10.2 for KOOS ADL, 16.0 for KOOS sport and 13.2 for KOOS QoL for patients undergoing TTO for patellar instability.

Conclusion

We define the MCIDs for commonly used patient‐reported outcome measures for patients undergoing TTO for either patellofemoral pain or patellar instability.

Level of Evidence

Level II.
An intranasal attenuated Coxsackievirus B3 vaccine induces strong systemic and mucosal immunity against CVB3 lethal challenge
Authors: Deng Huixiong , Li Yanlei , He Xuanting , Wang Haoyang , Wang Shenmiao , Zhang Hengyao , Zhu Jiacheng , Gu Liming , Li Rui , Wang Gefei
Published: July 2024

Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) triggers viral myocarditis, with no effective vaccine yet. This fecal‐oral transmitted pathogen has prompted interest in mucosal immunization strategies to impede CVB3 spread. We developed a new attenuated vaccine strain, named CVB3(mu). The potential of CVB3(mu) to stimulate mucosal immune protection remains to be elucidated. This study evaluates the attenuation characteristics of CVB3(mu) via a rapid evolution cellular model and RNA sequencing. Its temperature sensitivity and safety were evaluated through in vitro and in vivo experiments. The mucosal immunity protection of CVB3(mu) was assessed via intranasal immunization in Balb/c mice. The results indicate that CVB3(mu) exhibits temperature sensitivity and forms smaller plaques. It sustains fewer genetic mutations and still possesses certain attenuated traits up to the 25th passage, in comparison to CVB3(WT). Intranasal immunization elicited a significant serum neutralizing antibodies, and a substantial sIgA response in nasal washes. In vivo trials revealed CVB3(mu) protection in adult mice and passive protection in suckling mice against lethal CVB3(WT) challenges. In conclusion, CVB3(mu), a live attenuated intranasal vaccine, provides protection involving humoral and mucosal immunity, making it a promising candidate to control CVB3 spread and infection.
Comparison of predictive accuracy of knee height equations in children
Authors: Edwards Matthew , Feuling Mary B. , Silverman Alan , Hettich Kyndal , Jacobs Caitlin , Kopesky Jessica , Bashir Anam , Hessenthaler Caitlin , Martin Nicole , Thiem Danielle , Davis Kendall , Noe Joshua , Goday Praveen S.
Published: July 2024

Knee height can be a proxy for height when standing height cannot be reliably measured. We compared two commonly used equations (Chumlea and Rumapea) that estimate standing height from knee height. We prospectively enrolled 210 children without scoliosis or kyphosis aged 7–12 years (mean age: 10.2 years, 47.6% males) and measured their knee heights and standing heights. A two‐tailed T‐test was used to compare predicted heights from each of the equations to actual standing height. Chumlea equation was found to be unreliable (p = 0.0376) while Rumapea equation was found to be reliable in estimating standing height (p = 0.878). Additionally, Rumapea equation was also found to be more accurate than Chumlea equation when results were segregated based on gender and race. In conclusion, the Rumapea equation yields more accurate estimates of standing heights than the Chumlea equation in US children aged 7–12 years.
Investigation of rainfall‐runoff and sediment yield dynamics under varying slope land use patterns in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area of China
Authors: Meng Xianmeng , Zhu Yan , Shi Ruohui , Yin Maosheng , Liu Dengfeng
Published: July 2024

Field experiments were conducted on various runoff plots within the Zhangjiachong watershed, located in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area, to study rainfall‐runoff processes and sediment yields under different slope land use patterns. A hillslope run‐on model considering vegetation interception was used to simulate runoff generation and concentration. A slope erosion model including raindrop erosion, sheet erosion, and rill erosion was developed to estimate sediment yield and concentration. The parameters of both models were calibrated and validated using observed runoff and sediment yield data. The results show that the runoff simulations in the validation have relative errors below 20% for all runoff plots, except those planted with crops. The saturated hydraulic conductivity of soil was found to be ca. 10% higher on slope lands with hedgerows than those without. In addition, it was about 15% higher on slope lands with crops than on slope lands with tea plants and citrus. The sediment yield was shown to be influenced by both precipitation characteristics and antecedent sediment conditions. There was a significant relationship between sheet erosion, rill erosion, and vegetation coverage, while the amount of raindrop erosion was similar across different runoff plots. The proportions of sheet and rill erosion on slope land with crops were minimal whether hedgerows existed or not. The proportions of the three main forms of soil erosion on slope lands with tea plants and citrus were more or less the same under concentrated rainfall. For more evenly distributed rainfall, raindrop erosion was the primary form on slope lands with hedgerows‐tea plants and citrus. The proportions of sheet and rill erosion significantly increased on slope lands without hedgerows.
Optimizing Active Layer Morphology of Organic Solar Cells by Constructing Random Copolymers with Simple Third Units
Authors: Xie Qian , Qiao Chunyu , Fang Jie , Xia Dongdong , Ding Feng , Wang Qian , Xu Guodong , Shan Siyu , Liao Xunfan , Chen Yiwang
Published: July 2024

The molecular structure of the polymer PM6 is elaborately modified through random copolymerization by incorporating simple units of either difluoro‐substituted thiophene (2FT) or dicyano‐substituted thiophene (2CNT). The incorporation of the 2FT unit significantly enhanced the coplanarity of the random copolymers, leading to improved molecular crystallinity, whereas the introduction of the 2CNT unit featured the opposite effect. Thanks to the optimized morphology resembling a fiber‐like interpenetrating network structure, the organic solar cells based on PM6‐10%2FT:IT4F showed higher and more balanced charge mobilities, achieving a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 12.65%, which is comparable to that of PM6‐based devices. For comparison, the 2CN‐series random copolymers‐based devices exhibited lower PCEs of ˂12%. Interestingly, a superior PCE close to 19.0% is achieved in PM6:L8‐BO:PM6‐20%2CN based ternary device due to the significant improvement in open‐circuit voltage. This work demonstrates that the crystallinity of donor polymers can be enhanced by introducing simple structural units to strengthen the coplanarity of the backbone, thereby achieving an optimized morphology that promotes favorable charge transport.
Solvability of a fractional differential equation multipoint boundary value problem at resonance in ℝn
Authors: Sun Rongpu , Bai Zhanbing
Published: July 2024

In this paper, the solvability of a fractional differential equation multipoint boundary value problem at resonance in
is investigated by utilizing the Mawhin's continuation theorem. In order to relax the assumptions of matrices in the boundary conditions, the Moore–Penrose pseudoinverse matrix is introduced to construct projectors. Furthermore, a ternary Carathéodory function that is nondecreasing in the last two variables and exhibits at most linear growth after integrating with respect to the first variable is used as a control function to constrain the nonlinear term.
Puerarin Attenuates Insulin Resistance by Inhibiting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Suppresses Inflammation by Modulating the JNK and IKKβ/NF‐κB Pathways in Epididymal White Adipose Tissue of Mice on a High‐Fat Diet
Authors: Sun Jie , Liu Yan , Zhang Jinjin , Shi Huilin , Jiang Rujiao , Guo Meihua , Liu Yilin , Liu Bo , Wang Ning , Ma Rui , Zhang Danna , Zhang Fang , Wang Shujing , Wu Yingjie
Published: July 2024

Scope

Obesity is associated with insulin resistance (IR), which is characterized by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in multiple organs. ER stress in adipose tissue causes metabolic disturbances and activates inflammatory signaling pathways. Puerarin, an isoflavone extracted from Pueraria lobata, exhibits antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antidiabetic effects. This study explores the potential mechanisms underlying puerarin's role in mitigating insulin resistance in high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced obese mice.

Methods and results

In this study, insulin resistant in mice is induced by a high‐fat diet, followed by treatment with puerarin. The results demonstrate that puerarin effectively attenuates insulin resistance, including weight loss, improvement of glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, and activation of insulin signaling pathway. Additionally, puerarin administration suppresses ER stress by down‐regulation of ATF6, ATF4, CHOP, GRP78 expressions in epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT), along with decreased phosphorylation IRE1α, PERK, and eIF2α. Furthermore, puerarin exerts anti‐inflammatory effects by inhibiting JNK and IKKβ/NF‐κB pathways, leading to reduction of TNF‐α and IL‐6.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that puerarin mitigates insulin resistance by inhibiting ER stress and suppressing inflammation through the JNK and IKKβ/NF‐κB pathways. This highlights the promising clinical application of puerarin in the treatment of insulin resistance.
AAPM Task Group Report 299: Quality control in multi‐energy computed tomography
Authors: Layman Rick R. , Leng Shuai , Boedeker Kirsten L. , Burk Laurel M. , Dang Hao , Duan Xinhui , Jacobsen Megan C. , Li Baojun , Li Ke , Little Kevin , Madhav Priti , Miller Jessica , Nute Jessica L. , Giraldo Juan Carlos Ramirez , Ruchala Kenneth J. , Tao Shengzhen , Varchena Vladimir , Vedantham Srinivasan , Zeng Rongping , Zhang Da
Published: July 2024

Multi‐energy computed tomography (MECT) offers the opportunity for advanced visualization, detection, and quantification of select elements (e.g., iodine) or materials (e.g., fat) beyond the capability of standard single‐energy computed tomography (CT). However, the use of MECT requires careful consideration as substantially different hardware and software approaches have been used by manufacturers, including different sets of user‐selected or hidden parameters that affect the performance and radiation dose of MECT. Another important consideration when designing MECT protocols is appreciation of the specific tasks being performed; for instance, differentiating between two different materials or quantifying a specific element. For a given task, it is imperative to consider both the radiation dose and task‐specific image quality requirements. Development of a quality control (QC) program is essential to ensure the accuracy and reproducibility of these MECT applications. Although standard QC procedures have been well established for conventional single‐energy CT, the substantial differences between single‐energy CT and MECT in terms of system implementations, imaging protocols, and clinical tasks warrant QC tests specific to MECT. This task group was therefore charged with developing a systematic QC program designed to meet the needs of MECT applications. In this report, we review the various MECT approaches that are commercially available, including information about hardware implementation, MECT image types, image reconstruction, and postprocessing techniques that are unique to MECT. We address the requirements for MECT phantoms, review representative commercial MECT phantoms, and offer guidance regarding homemade MECT phantoms. We discuss the development of MECT protocols, which must be designed carefully with proper consideration of MECT technology, imaging task, and radiation dose. We then outline specific recommended QC tests in terms of general image quality, radiation dose, differentiation and quantification tasks, and diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
Dominant stop‐loss HNRNPA1 variants in juvenile‐onset myopathy
Authors: Turner Johnnie , Bruels Christine C. , Daugherty Audrey L. , Estrella Elicia A. , Stafki Seth , Syeda Safoora B. , Littel Hannah R. , Pais Lynn , Ganesh Vijay S. , Lidov Hart G. W. , Paine Simon M. L. , Maddison Paul , Harrison Rachel E. , Straub Volker , Ghosh Partha S. , Pacak Christina A. , Kunkel Louis M. , Draper Isabelle , Topf Ana , Kang Peter B.
Published: July 2024

Introduction/Aims

Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 is involved in nucleic acid homeostatic functions. The encoding gene HNRNPA1 has been associated with several neuromuscular disorders including an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis‐like phenotype, distal hereditary motor neuropathy, multisystem proteinopathy, and various myopathies. We report two unrelated individuals with monoallelic stop loss variants affecting the same codon of HNRNPA1.

Methods

Two individuals with unsolved juvenile‐onset myopathy were enrolled under approved institutional protocols. Phenotype data were collected and genetic analyses were performed, including whole‐exome sequencing (WES).

Results

The two probands (MNOT002‐01 and K1440‐01) showed a similar onset of slowly progressive extremity and facial weakness in early adolescence. K1440‐01 presented with facial weakness, winged scapula, elevated serum creatine kinase (CK) levels, and mild neck weakness. MNOT002‐01 also exhibited elevated CK levels along with facial weakness, cardiomyopathy, respiratory dysfunction, pectus excavatum, a mildly rigid spine, and loss of ambulation. On quadriceps muscle biopsy, K1440‐01 displayed rounded myofibers, mild variation in fiber diameter, and type 2 fiber hypertrophy, while MNOT002‐01 displayed rimmed vacuoles. Monoallelic stop‐loss variants in HNRNPA1 were identified for both probands: c.1119A>C p.*373Tyrext*6 (K1440‐01) and c.1118A>C p.*373Serext*6 (MNOT002‐01) affect the same codon and are both predicted to lead to the addition of six amino acids before termination at an alternative stop codon.

Discussion

Both stop‐loss variants in our probands are likely pathogenic. Our findings contribute to the disease characterization of pathogenic variants in HNRNPA1. This gene should be screened in clinical diagnostic testing of unsolved cases of sporadic or dominant juvenile‐onset myopathy.
Role of artificial intelligence in critical care nutrition support and research
Authors: Kittrell Hannah D. , Shaikh Ahmed , Adintori Peter A. , McCarthy Paul , Kohli‐Seth Roopa , Nadkarni Girish N. , Sakhuja Ankit
Published: July 2024

Nutrition plays a key role in the comprehensive care of critically ill patients. Determining optimal nutrition strategy, however, remains a subject of intense debate. Artificial intelligence (AI) applications are becoming increasingly common in medicine, and specifically in critical care, driven by the data‐rich environment of intensive care units. In this review, we will examine the evidence regarding the application of AI in critical care nutrition. As of now, the use of AI in critical care nutrition is relatively limited, with its primary emphasis on malnutrition screening and tolerance of enteral nutrition. Despite the current scarcity of evidence, the potential for AI for more personalized nutrition management for critically ill patients is substantial. This stems from the ability of AI to integrate multiple data streams reflecting patients' changing needs while addressing inherent heterogeneity. The application of AI in critical care nutrition holds promise for optimizing patient outcomes through tailored and adaptive nutrition interventions. A successful implementation of AI, however, necessitates a multidisciplinary approach, coupled with careful consideration of challenges related to data management, financial aspects, and patient privacy.
A novel phase‐field monolithic scheme for brittle crack propagation based on the limited‐memory BFGS method with adaptive mesh refinement
Authors: Jin Tao , Li Zhao , Chen Kuiying
Published: July 2024

The phase‐field formulation for fracture propagation is widely adopted due to its capability of naturally treating complex crack geometries. The challenges of the phase‐field crack simulation include the non‐convexity of the underlying energy functional and the expensive computational cost associated with the fine mesh required to resolve the phase‐field length‐scale around the crack region. We present a novel phase‐field monolithic scheme based on the limited‐memory Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno (BFGS) method, or the L‐BFGS method, to address the convergence difficulties usually encountered by a Newton‐based approach because of the non‐convex energy functional. Comparing with the conventional BFGS method, the L‐BFGS monolithic scheme avoids to store the fully dense Hessian approximation matrix. This feature is critical in the context of finite element simulations. To alleviate the expensive computational cost, we integrate the proposed L‐BFGS monolithic scheme with an adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) technique. We provide the algorithmic details about the proposed L‐BFGS monolithic scheme, especially about how to handle the hanging‐node constraints generated during the AMR process as extra linear constraints. Several two‐dimensional (2D) and three‐dimensional (3D) numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the capabilities of the proposed monolithic scheme, including the accuracy, the robustness, and the computational efficiency regarding the memory consumption and the wall‐clock time. Particularly, we emphasize the importance of the appropriately chosen convergence criteria for brute crack propagation. The proposed L‐BFGS phase‐field monolithic scheme combined with the AMR technique offers an accurate, robust, and efficient approach to model brittle crack propagation in both 2D and 3D problems.
The potentiality of telepsychiatry using a teleoperated robot for a patient with alcohol abuse on an isolated island
Authors: Kanchi Nobukazu , Kawata Megumi , Yoshikawa Yuichiro , Baba Jun , Miyashita Takahiro , Ishiguro Hiroshi , Kumazaki Hirokazu
Published: July 2024

Background

Providing medical care on isolated islands can be challenging in several ways. Telepsychiatry can potentially offer a solution for accessible psychiatric services on isolated islands. When video conferencing is used in telepsychiatry, the psychiatry specialist, who is remotely located, may find it difficult to establish trust. To address this, we developed a teleoperated robot system termed “Sota 100,” which is equipped to convey various elements of nonverbal communication, such as eye contact, in remote settings.

Case Presentation

In this report, we introduce the case of a patient with alcohol use disorder who lived on an isolated island and received medical care from a primary care physician at the island's medical clinic and from Sota 100 teleoperated by a psychiatry specialist. Using this system, the patient admitted that he had developed a physical illness and had damaged his relationships partly because of alcohol abuse. At the conclusion of the three‐way conversation, the patient understood that stopping drinking alcohol was the only way to prevent worsening his physical condition and damaging his relationships further. Concurrently, the primary care physician gained a deeper understanding of the etiology of alcohol use disorder and of how to support patients with alcohol dependency.

Conclusion

These case findings suggest that our system is helpful for patients with alcohol use disorder who need to receive telepsychiatry services. Future studies should include single‐case experimental designs with regular measurements of key outcome variables and other relevant variables over time.
Shape‐memory thermosets: Tailoring the structure for toughness improvement and scratch healability
Authors: Nguyen Ly Mai Thi , Truong Thuy Thu , Nguyen Ha Tran , Tran Chau Duc , Le Diep Ngoc , Doan Tin Chanh Duc , Nguyen Thu
Published: July 2024

A straightforward but effective approach to fabricate shape‐memory polyurethane thermosets by tailoring the soft phase composition of two‐ and four‐armed polycaprolactone (PCL) polyols is described. As the crystallization of the PCL soft phase has an effect on driving the self‐assembly of H‐bonds, a good balance of tensile performance and thermo‐healability can be achieved by regulating the ratio between PCL‐diol and PCL‐tetrol in the soft phase. The inferior ability of crystallization of the segments near the branching point gives rise to enhancement of the both overall healability and toughness of the network. Healings of punctured holes and cuts are assessed using optical microscopy (OM), field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), tensile analysis, and two‐electrode impedence characterization. The obtained network with the best healing behavior has a soft phase composition with the PCL‐diol/PCL‐tetrol molar ratio of 2/1, a tensile toughness of 64 MPa J−1 and a healing efficiency (estimated by recovery of tensile strength) of nearly 80%.

Highlights

The composition of the soft phase of polyurethane networks was tailored.

Two‐ and four‐armed polycaprolactones were used for the network structure.

A good balance between mechanical and healing performance was obtained.

Healing of complete cuts showed tensile strength recovery of nearly 80%.
The male germ unit association is independently regulated of GUM in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Rauf Abdur , Wang Anbang , Li Yujia , Lian Zhihao , Wei Shouxing , Jabbar Kashmala , Wisal Muhammad , Khan Ikramullah , Khalid Muhammad , Li Jingyang
Published: July 2024

Cytoplasmic projections (CPs) formed by the generative and sperm cells link the male gametes with the vegetative cell (VC) nucleus, which are required to build the male germ unit (MGU) assemblage in the angiosperm pollen grain. As molecular and genetic controls underlying CP development and formation of the MGU are unknown, it was hypothesized that physical association between germ cells and the VC nucleus might be lost in germ unit malformed (gum) mutants or in those which either block generative cell (GC) division or that additionally prevent gamete differentiation. In vivo, analysis of marked cellular components demonstrated a linkage of sperm cells (SCs) and the VC nucleus in gum mutant alleles despite their increased physical separation. Similarly, for several independent classes of bicellular pollen mutants, undivided GCs were associated with the VC nucleus like GCs in wild‐type pollen. We conclude that the early formation of GC CPs to establish the MGU is regulated independently of DUO1‐DAZ1 and DUO3 transcription factors as well as cyclin‐dependent kinase function (CDKA;1). As the absence of cytoplasmic protrusion was expected in the gum mutants in Arabidopsis, early histological studies reported temporal disappearance of cytoplasmic protrusion in several organisms. Our findings demonstrated the striking importance of live imaging to verify the broad conservation of the persistent MGU contact in all the angiosperms and its important role in successful double fertilization.
High temporal resolution unoccupied aerial systems phenotyping provides unique information between flight dates
Authors: Washburn Jacob D. , Adak Alper , DeSalvio Aaron J. , Arik Mustafa A. , Murray Seth C.
Published: July 2024

Unoccupied aerial systems (UAS, unoccupied aerial vehicle, and drone) are high‐throughput phenotyping tools that can provide transformational insights into biological and agricultural research, but practical and scientific questions remain. The utility of dense versus sparse temporal collections (e.g., daily, weekly, and monthly flights) has important implications for experimental design, resource allocation, and the scope of scientific questions investigated through UAS. UAS‐derived image data were collected on over 1500 maize hybrid yield trial plots with a temporal (longitudinal, 4D) sampling density of 2.8 days on average between 43 flights throughout the growing season. Correlations of vegetation index (VI) phenomic features between flight dates were generally high between flights separated by only 1 or 2 days but dropped when 3, 4, or more days separated the flights. These varied depending on specific dates and the VI used. Correlations between flights were lower around flowering time than during other parts of the season indicating the phenotypic uniqueness of this developmental period. The cross‐validation accuracy of end of season yields prediction models on untested genotypes from the UAS data (0.59 and 0.62) far exceeded genomic prediction accuracy (0.24) for the same test set hybrids regardless of whether all flight dates were used for prediction or only dates before flowering. Phenomic prediction accuracy marginally increased as additional flight dates were added throughout the season.
Disparities in adolescent controller medication adherence, treatment barriers, and asthma control
Authors: Sweenie Rachel , Crosby Lori E. , Guilbert Theresa W. , Plevinsky Jill M. , Noser Amy E. , Ramsey Rachelle R.
Published: July 2024

Background

Disparities in asthma persist despite advances in interventions. Adherence and self‐management behaviors are critical yet challenging during adolescence. Treatment barriers include individual factors as well as structural and social determinants of health.

Objective

To determine differences in controller medication adherence, asthma control, and treatment barriers by race, income, and insurance and whether racial disparities persist when controlling for income and insurance. Associations between adherence, barriers, and control were also examined.

Methods

Adolescents completed measures of treatment barriers and asthma control. Controller medication adherence was measured electronically. Descriptive statistics, means comparisons, and analyses of covariance were conducted.

Results

One hundred twenty‐five adolescents participated (Mage = 14.55, SD = 2.01, 37.6% Black or African American, 55.2% White). Black or African American adolescents had significantly lower adherence than White adolescents, t(105) = 2.79, p = .006, Cohen's d = .55. This difference was not significant when controlling for income and insurance (p > .05). There was a significant difference in asthma control, F(1,86) = 4.07, p = .047, ηp2 = .045, where Black or African American adolescents had better asthma control scores than White adolescents. Feeling tired of living with asthma was the most common barrier among all adolescents (62.4%). More Black or African American adolescents endorsed difficulty getting to the pharmacy than White adolescents, X2 (1, N = 116) = 4.86, p = .027.

Conclusions

Racial disparities in asthma may be partially driven by income, insurance, and pharmacy access. Asthma burnout may be important to address for all adolescents with asthma.
Liver Tissue Proteins Improve the Accuracy of Plasma Proteins as Biomarkers in Diagnosing Metabolic Dysfunction‐Associated Steatohepatitis
Authors: Sourianarayanane Achuthan , Salemi Michelle R. , Phinney Brett S. , McCullough Arthur J.
Published: July 2024

Background

Biomarkers for metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis (MASH) have been considered based on proteomic and lipidomic data from plasma and liver tissue without clinical benefits. This study evaluated proteomics‐based plasma and liver tissue biomarkers collected simultaneously from patients with metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

Methods

Liver tissue and plasma samples were collected during liver biopsy to diagnose MASLD. Untargeted proteomics was performed on 64 patients.

Results

Twenty plasma proteins were up‐ or downregulated in patients with MASH compared with those without MASH. The potential biomarkers utilizing the best combinations of these plasma proteins had an area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) of 0.671 for detecting those with MASH compared with those without it. However, none of the 20 plasma proteins were represented among the significantly regulated liver tissue proteins in patients with MASH. Ten of them displayed a trend and relevance in liver tissue with MASLD progression. These 10 plasma proteins had an AUROC of 0.793 for MASH identification and higher positive and negative predictive values.

Conclusion

The plasma and liver protein expressions of patients with MASH were not directly comparable. Plasma protein biomarkers that are also expressed in liver tissue can help improve MASH detection.
Stable and reusable calcium‐responsive biopolymer for affinity precipitation of therapeutic antibodies
Authors: Park Heesun , Oh Jeong‐Seok , Lee Jonghwan , Bang Jinho , Park Keunwan , Jeong Suhyeon , Park Seho , Woo Jae‐Sung , Kim Sunghyun
Published: July 2024

Affinity precipitation is an attractive method for protein purification due to its many advantages, including the rapid capture of target proteins, simple processing, high specificity, and ease of scale‐up. We previously reported a robust antibody purification method using Ca2+‐dependent precipitation of ZZ‐hCSQ2, a fusion protein of human calsequestrin 2, and the antibody‐binding protein ZZ. However, the stability of this fusion protein was not sufficiently high for industrial use because the antibody recovery yield decreased to 60% after being reused 10 times. To identify a more stable calsequestrin (CSQ), we calculated Rosetta energy values for the folding stabilities of various CSQ homologs and selected human CSQ1 (hCSQ1) with lowest energy value (−992.6) as the new CSQ platform. We also identified that the linker sequence between ZZ and CSQ was vulnerable to proteases and alkaline pH by N‐terminal protein sequencing. Therefore, we changed the linker to four asparagine (4N) sequences, which were shorter and less flexible than the previous glycine‐rich linker. The new version of ZZ‐CSQ, ZZ‐4N‐hCSQ1, was stable in a protease‐containing conditioned medium obtained from the cultured Chinese hamster ovary cell or high pH condition (0.1M sodium hydroxide) for more than 5 days and could be reused at least 25 times for antibody purification without loss of recovery yield. The antibodies purified by ZZ‐4N‐hCSQ1 precipitation also showed greater purity (~33.6‐fold lower host cell DNA and ~6.4‐fold lower host cell protein) than those purified by protein A chromatography. These data suggest that ZZ‐4N‐hCSQ1 precipitation is more efficient and can achieve cost‐effectiveness of up to 12.5‐fold cheaper than previous antibody purification methods and can lower the production costs of therapeutic antibodies.
Synonymous and non‐synonymous codon substitutions can alleviate dependence on GroEL for folding
Authors: Reingewertz Tali Haviv , Ben‐Maimon Miki , Zafrir Zohar , Tuller Tamir , Horovitz Amnon
Published: July 2024

The Escherichia coli GroEL/ES chaperonin system facilitates protein folding in an ATP‐driven manner. There are <100 obligate clients of this system in E. coli although GroEL can interact and assist the folding of a multitude of proteins in vitro. It has remained unclear, however, which features distinguish obligate clients from all the other proteins in an E. coli cell. To address this question, we established a system for selecting mutations in mouse dihydrofolate reductase (mDHFR), a GroEL interactor, that diminish its dependence on GroEL for folding. Strikingly, both synonymous and non‐synonymous codon substitutions were found to reduce mDHFR's dependence on GroEL. The non‐synonymous substitutions increase the rate of spontaneous folding whereas computational analysis indicates that the synonymous substitutions appear to affect translation rates at specific sites.
Haspin mediates H3.3S31 phosphorylation downstream of Aurora B in mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Wu Meixian , Liu Yang , Sun Lihua , Mu Peiqiang , Ma Binbin , Xie Jing
Published: July 2024

Histone phosphorylation is instrumental in regulating diverse cellular processes across eukaryotes. Unraveling the kinases that target specific histone sites is key to deciphering the underlying mechanisms. Among the various sites on histone tails that can undergo phosphorylation, the kinase responsible for H3.3S31 phosphorylation remained elusive. Since both H3.3S31ph and H3T3ph occur specifically during mitosis, and Haspin is the known kinase for H3T3 phosphorylation, we investigated its potential role in H3.3S31 phosphorylation. We employed CRISPR/Cas9, RNA interference, and specific small molecule inhibitors to eliminate Haspin function in various cell types. Our data consistently revealed a link between Haspin and H3.3S31ph. Furthermore, in vitro kinase assays provided evidence supporting Haspin's contribution to H3.3S31ph. Loss‐ and gain‐of‐function experiments targeting Haspin and Aurora B further suggested a hierarchical relationship. Haspin acts as a downstream kinase of Aurora B, specifically orchestrating H3.3S31 phosphorylation in mESCs. This study unveils a novel role for Haspin as a kinase in regulating H3.3S31 phosphorylation during mitosis. This discovery holds promise for expanding our understanding of the functional significance of Haspin and H3.3S31ph in mammals.
First‐Principles Study on the Effects of Different Valence Hi and VO on the Mobility, Conductivity, and Carrier Lifetime of β‐Ga2O3: Mo5+/6+
Authors: Liu Xia , Wen Shumin , Chen Dingdu , Wang Wei , Feng Xiurong , Zhao Erjun
Published: July 2024

The poor conductivity of β‐Ga2O3 limits its application in optoelectronic devices. Currently, there have been advancements in investigating the impact of Mo doping on the photoelectric characteristics of β‐Ga2O3. However, there are few studies on the impact of different valence states of Mo doping and the coexistence of O vacancy and interstitial H on the electrical properties of β‐Ga2O3. In the process of preparing β‐Ga2O3, O vacancy and interstitial H inevitably exist. In response to these problems, the first‐principles GGA + U method is used to study the impact of different valence states of Mo doping and the coexistence of interstitial H and O vacancy on the electrical properties of β‐Ga2O3. The electronic structure, mobility, conductivity, and carrier lifetime of the system are calculated and analyzed. The results show that all doping systems are more stable under Ga‐rich conditions. The band gap of the Mo‐doped β‐Ga2O3 system gradually narrows, which is mainly attributed to the Burstein–Moss effect and the multiplicity reintegration effect. Mo doping effectively improves the electrical conductivity of the system. Ga47O72Mo16+H11+ system has the longest carrier lifetime; Ga47O72Mo16+H10 has the largest mobility; Ga47O72Mo15+H10 system has the highest conductivity. Therefore, Mo‐doped β‐Ga2O3 materials help to prepare new electrical performance devices.
Disease Burden, Risk Factors, and Temporal Trends in Breast Cancer in Low‐ and Middle‐Income Countries: A Global Study
Authors: Gao Mingjun , Wik Sofia Laila , Yu QinYao , Xue FanYu , Chan Sze Chai , Chow Shui Hang , Adebisi Yusuff Adebayo , Zhong Claire Chenwen , Lucero‐Prisno Don Eliseo , Wong Martin CS , Huang Junjie ,   Global Health Focus Epidemiology Group (GHFEG)
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Breast cancer poses significant health risks to women and strains healthcare systems extensively. In low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs), limited resources and inadequate healthcare infrastructures further exacerbate the challenges of breast cancer prevention, treatment, and awareness.

Methods

We examined the prevalence, risk factors, and trends of breast cancer in LMICs. Data on disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) and breast cancer risk factors were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) databases for 203 countries or territories from 1990 to 2019. LMIC DALY rates were examined using joinpoint regression analysis.

Results

Among the income groups, the lower middle‐income category had the highest DALYs value, with 1787 years per 100,000 people. LMICs collectively accounted for 74% of the global burden of DALYs lost due to breast cancer in 2019. However, it remained relatively consistent in lower middle income countries (LMCs). In LMCs, the risk associated with metabolic syndromes was higher compared to that with behavioral factors alone. For the past three decades, breast cancer incidences increased significantly in LMCs (average annual percent change [AAPC]: 1.212, confidence intervals [CI]: 1.51–1.87, p < 0.001), upper middle income countries (AAPC: 1.701, CI: 1.12–1.48, p < 0.001), and low‐income countries (AAPC: 1.002, CI: 1.57–1.68, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This research shows how breast cancer in LMICs is aggravated by low resources and healthcare infrastructure. To effectively combat breast cancer in these areas, future strategies must prioritize improvements in healthcare infrastructure, awareness campaigns, and early detection mechanisms.
Theoretical study on the effect of shear deformation on WSe2 as a cathode material for calcium ion batteries
Authors: Chen Kuiyuan , Feng Yanyan
Published: July 2024

In this paper, the first‐principles method is used to calculate the electronic structure of the intrinsic WSe2 system and the Ca adsorbed WSe2 system under shear deformation, and the diffusion barrier of Ca on WSe2 is studied in depth. The results show that shear deformation can effectively reduce the band gap of WSe2 system, and shear deformation can easily lead to the transition from semiconductor properties to metal properties. The adsorption of Ca leads to the change of the band structure of WSe2. The contribution of Ca‐d electrons leads to an increase in the peak in the range of 3–6 eV. The shear deformation reduces the diffusion barrier of Ca on the WSe2 surface. This paper provides an improvement method for the application of WSe2 in the field of battery.
Synthesis of Nitro Derivatives of Pyrocatechin as Potential Biologically Active Precursors
Authors: Bai Xiumei , Chertkov Vyacheslav A. , Tarasevich Boris N. , Tafeenko Victor A. , Timchenko Yury V. , Rodin Igor A. , Bian Jinlei , Beloglazkina Elena K. , Finko Alexander V.
Published: July 2024

Aromatic nitro compounds are important intermediates in synthetic organic chemistry. In this work, catechol was used as raw materials, and nitro‐catechol derivatives with different alkylation substitutions were synthesized using two different synthetic routes. More than 15 new previously undescribed compounds were obtained. Each compound was meticulously characterized using a suite of physicochemical techniques, with selective compounds further analyzed via X‐Ray diffraction to ascertain their structure. These newly synthesized compounds hold significant promise as candidates for further chemical modification, which underlines their potential usefulness in the field of the fine synthesis of organic compounds.