bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Task‐induced deactivation dysfunction during reward processing is associated with low self‐esteem in a possible subtype of major depression
Authors: Jüllig Antonia K. , Hebib Sandi , Metzker Helena , Gruber Eva , Gruber Oliver
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Low self‐esteem is a frequent symptom in major depressive disorder (MDD). This functional magnetic resonance imaging study investigated whether MDD patients with low self‐esteem show a distinct neural pathophysiology. Previous studies linked low self‐esteem to reduced task‐induced deactivation of the pregenual anterior cingulate cortex (pgACC) as a part of the default mode network, and to reduced connectivity between pgACC and reward system. Goya‐Maldonado et al. identified an MDD subtype with pgACC and ventral striatal overactivations during reward processing. We hypothesized that this subtype might be characterized by low self‐esteem.

Methods

Eighty‐three MDD patients performed the desire–reason dilemma task and completed the Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale (RSES). Brain activity during bottom‐up reward processing was regressed upon the RSES scores, controlling for depression severity measured by the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale. To corroborate the findings, we compared self‐esteem scores between patient subgroups with impaired task‐induced deactivation (n = 31) and with preserved task‐induced deactivation (n = 31) of the pgACC.

Results

Consistent with our a priori hypothesis, activity in a bilateral fronto‐striatal network including pgACC and ventral striatum correlated negatively with RSES scores, also when controlling for depression severity. In the additional analysis, patients with impaired task‐induced pgACC deactivation showed lower self‐esteem (t (52.82) = −2.27; p = .027, d = 0.58) compared to those with preserved task‐induced pgACC deactivation.

Conclusions

We conclude that low self‐esteem in MDD patients is linked to a task‐induced deactivation dysfunction of the pgACC. Our findings suggest that a previously described possible subtype of MDD with pgACC and ventral striatal overactivations during reward processing is clinically characterized by low self‐esteem.
Corrupt practice and sustainability reporting: Lifecycle perspective
Authors: Khatib Saleh F. A.
Published: June 2024

The study employs a lifecycle perspective to investigate the relationship between corrupt practices and sustainability reporting. The final sample is composed of 1388 firms from four European countries, namely France, Germany, UK, and Sweden. Data were retrieved from the Thomson Reuters database from 2015 to 2022. The findings revealed that corruption significantly reduces sustainability disclosure across different life cycle stages, albeit with varying magnitudes, perhaps due to the misallocation of resources and lack of incentives. The findings also showed that the detrimental effects of corruption on sustainability reporting is most profound during the “Shake‐Out” stage of a company life cycle. By adopting a lifecycle perspective, the research offers a new and in‐depth understanding of corruption's impact on environmental disclosure, offering policymakers and regulators valuable insights into enhancing environmental and sustainability practices.
Cross‐sectional study of therapy‐related expectations/concerns of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma and physicians in Japan
Authors: Kimura Go , Fujii Yasuhisa , Osawa Takahiro , Uchitomi Yosuke , Honda Kazunori , Kondo Miki , Otani Ariko , Wako Tetsuya , Kawai Daisuke , Mitsuda Yoshihide , Sakashita Naotaka , Shinohara Nobuo
Published: June 2024

Objective

To achieve patient‐centricity in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) treatment, it is essential to clarify the differences in perspectives between patients and physicians. This cross‐sectional analysis of a web survey aimed to clarify the differences in expectations and concerns between mRCC patients and physicians regarding systemic mRCC therapy in Japan.

Methods

Surveys from 83 patients and 165 physicians were analyzed.

Results

The top three most significant differences in expectations of systemic therapy between patients and physicians (patient‐based physician value) were “Chance of achieving treatment‐free status” (−30.1%, p < 0.001), “Longer survival” (+25.8%, p < 0.001), and “Chance of eliminating all evidence of disease” (−25.6%, p < 0.001). The top three most significant differences in concerns for systemic therapy between patients and physicians (patient‐based physician value) were “Lack of efficacy” (+36.1%, p < 0.001), “Lack of knowledge of treatment” (−28.2%, p < 0.001), and “Daily activities affected by side effects” (+22.3%, p < 0.001). Diarrhea, fatigue/malaise, and nausea/vomiting were patients' most distressing adverse events; 50.6% of patients had difficulty telling their physicians about adverse events such as fatigue, anxiety, and depression.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated a gap between patients with mRCC and physicians in their expectations and concerns for systemic therapy. Japanese patients with mRCC suffer from a number of adverse events, some of which are not shared with physicians. This study highlights the importance of communicating well with patients in clinical practice to achieve patient‐centricity in systemic treatment for mRCC.
More competent informal caregivers reduce advanced cancer patients' unplanned healthcare use and costs
Authors: Poco Louisa Camille , Malhotra Chetna
Published: June 2024

Background

Patients with metastatic cancer experience high healthcare use and costs, most of which are unplanned. We aimed to assess whether patients with more competent informal caregivers have lower unplanned healthcare use and costs.

Methods

This study used data from a prospective cohort of patients with solid metastatic cancer. Patients and their informal family caregivers were surveyed every 3 months until patients' death. Patients' unplanned healthcare use/costs were examined through hospital records. Caregivers responded to the 4‐item Caregiver Competence Scale. First, in a deceased subsample of patients and their caregivers, we used patients' last 2 years of data (226 dyads) to assess the association between caregivers' competency (independent variable) and patients' unplanned healthcare use/costs (outcomes). Next, in a prospective sample of patient‐caregiver dyads (up to 15 surveys), we assessed whether patients' functional well‐being and psychological distress moderated the association between caregivers' competency and unplanned healthcare use/costs (311 dyads).

Results

In the deceased subsample, during last 2 years of patients' life, caregivers' higher competency lowered the odds of patients' unplanned healthcare use [OR (CI) = 0.86 (0.75, 0.98), p = 0.03], and was associated with a significant reduction in unplanned healthcare costs [Coeff (CI) = −0.19 (−0.36, −0.01), p = 0.03]. In the prospective sample, patients' functional well‐being and psychological distress moderated the association between caregivers' competency and patients' unplanned healthcare use/costs.

Conclusion

With deterioration in patients' condition and an increase in caregiving demands, improving caregivers' competency can reduce patients' unplanned healthcare use and costs. This should be further tested in future trials.
Recent Progress and Future Prospects of Metal‐Organic Frameworks for Adsorption, Separation and Catalytic Removal of NOx and N2O
Authors: Liu Ming‐Wu , Zhang Hao , Li Jing , Qi Xiao‐Chen , Wang Yu‐Fen , Pang Jiandong
Published: June 2024

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are produced during the high‐temperature combustion process of fossil fuels, which are considered as an atmospheric pollutant that can lead to significant environmental issues such as acid rain and photochemical smog. Therefore, it is essential to minimize the concentration of NOx in the atmosphere in order to protect the ecological environment upon which human beings depends. The integrated utilization of NOx removal technology results in environmentally harmless compounds, such as N2 and H2O, through the processes like adsorption, separation, catalytic reduction and other methods. Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) are seen as ideal candidates for addressing NOx pollution issues in the atmosphere due to their high specific surface area, ultrahigh porosity and unlimited modifiability. Herein, the latest research progress in MOFs and MOFs‐derived materials related to NOx adsorption, separation and catalytic reduction is presented and summarized. Besides, some opportunities and problems need to be solved in this field are proposed and discussed.
An integrated graph data privacy attack framework based on graph neural networks in IoT
Authors: Zhao Xiaoran , Peng Changgen , Ding Hongfa , Tan Weijie
Published: June 2024

Knowledge graphs contain a large amount of entity and relational data, and graph neural networks, as a class of efficient graph representation techniques based on deep learning, excel in knowledge graph modeling. However, previous neural network architectures for the most part only learn node representations and do not fully consider the heterogeneity of data. In this article, we innovatively propose a privacy attack framework based on IoT, PAFI, which is able to classify entities and relations, learn embedding representations in multi‐relational graphs, and can be applied to some existing neural network algorithms. Based on this, a fine‐grained privacy attack model, FPM, is proposed, which can perform attack operations on multiple targets, achieve selectivity of target tasks, and greatly improve the generalization ability of the attack model. In this article, the effectiveness of PAFI and FPM is demonstrated by real network datasets, and compared with previous attack methods, both of which achieve good results.
Battery‐less RF‐powered circuits for non‐contact voltage monitoring of electric systems: Circuit modeling and SPICE analysis
Authors: Colella Riccardo , Catarinucci Luca , Grassi Giuseppe
Published: June 2024

Monitoring electric power systems is essential for avoiding disruptions, improving efficiency, and detecting faults. Traditional methods involve interrupting the power lines and pose safety risks. On the contrary, non‐contact power meters allow for safe power measurement without touching the wires but designing them presents challenges related to battery life and sustainability. This paper introduces a novel battery‐less RF‐powered wireless circuit that overcomes these limitations and optimizes the performance of the sensing of the voltage. This circuit includes an efficient RF‐DC converter, a designed non‐contact flexible and curved AC voltage sensor, a signal conditioning circuit, a digital processing unit, and a passive UHF Radio‐Frequency Identification interface for wireless communication. It harnesses electromagnetic energy from the radio front end to power the entire system. The circuit has been properly conceptualized, developed, and analyzed through electrical modeling and SPICE simulations. Transient and steady‐state analyses have been carefully conducted on individual circuit blocks to analyze their electric characteristics. Finally, a proof‐of‐concept circuit has been realized and experimentally verified to validate the simulation outcomes. With a bandwidth of 3 kHz, an RF‐DC conversion sensitivity of −16 dBm, a current consumption of only 2.2 mA, and an efficient power management procedure, this energy‐autonomous, non‐contact metering circuit offers very high RF and sensing sensitivities and ultra‐low power consumption, making it ideal for monitoring AC electric systems, particularly in inaccessible environments where battery‐based solutions are impractical.
The long‐term effect of bariatric/metabolic surgery versus pharmacologic therapy in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yang Yumeng , Miao Chuhan , Wang Yingli , He Jianxun
Published: June 2024

Metabolic/bariatric surgery as a treatment for obesity and related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), has been increasingly recognised in recent years. However, compared with conventional pharmacologic therapy, the long‐term effect (≥ 5 years) of metabolic surgery in T2DM patients is still unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the diabetes remission rate, incidence of diabetic microvascular complications, incidence of macrovascular complications, and mortality in T2DM patients who received metabolic surgery versus pharmacologic therapy more than 5 years after the surgery. Searching the database, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from the inception to recent (2024), for randomised clinical trials (RCTs) or cohort studies comparing T2DM patients treated with metabolic surgery versus pharmacologic therapy reporting on the outcomes of the diabetes remission rate, diabetic microvascular complications, macrovascular complications, or mortality over 5 years or more. A total of 15 articles with a total of 85,473 patients with T2DM were eligible for review and meta‐analysis in this study. There is a significant long‐term increase in diabetes remission for metabolic surgery compared with conventional medical therapy in the overall pooled estimation and RCT studies or cohort studies separately (overall: OR = 4.58, 95% CI: 1.89–11.07, P < 0.001). Significant long‐term decreases were found in the pooled results of microvascular complications incidence (HR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.41–0.78, P < 0.001), macrovascular complications incidence (HR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.50–0.70, P < 0.001) and mortality (HR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.53–0.79, P = 0.0018). Metabolic surgery showed more significant long‐term effects than pharmacologic therapy on diabetes remission, macrovascular complications, microvascular complications incidence, and all‐cause mortality in patients with T2DM using currently available evidence. More high‐quality evidence is needed to validate the long‐term effects of metabolic surgery versus conventional treatment in diabetes management.
Extracting secondary data from citizen science images reveals host flower preferences of the Mexican grass‐carrying wasp Isodontia mexicana in its native and introduced ranges
Authors: Pernat Nadja , Memedemin Daniyar , August Tom , Preda Cristina , Reyserhove Lien , Schirmel Jens , Groom Quentin
Published: June 2024

We investigated the plant‐pollinator interactions of the Mexican grass‐carrying wasp Isodontia mexicana—native to North America and introduced in Europe in the 1960s—through the use of secondary data from citizen science observations. We applied a novel data exchange workflow from two global citizen science platforms, iNaturalist and Pl@ntNet. Images from iNaturalist of the wasp were used to query the Pl@ntNet application to identify possible plant species present in the pictures. Simultaneously, botanists manually identified the plants at family, genus and species levels and additionally documented flower color and biotic interactions. The goals were to calibrate Pl@ntNet's accuracy in relation to this workflow, update the list of plant species that I. mexicana visits as well as its flower color preferences in its native and introduced ranges. In addition, we investigated the types and corresponding frequencies of other biotic interactions incidentally captured on the citizen scientists' images. Although the list of known host plants could be expanded, identifying the flora from images that predominantly show an insect proved difficult for both experts and the Pl@ntNet app. The workflow performs with a 75% probability of correct identification of the plant at the species level from a score of 0.8, and with over 90% chance of correct family and genus identification from a score of 0.5. Although the number of images above these scores may be limited due to the flower parts present on the pictures, our approach can help to get an overview into species interactions and generate more specific research questions. It could be used as a triaging method to select images for further investigation. Additionally, the manual analysis of the images has shown that the information they contain offers great potential for learning more about the ecology of an introduced species in its new range.
A trusted mechanism against device reputation attacks in Web‐of‐Things applications
Authors: Rathee Geetanjali , Kerrache Chaker Abdelaziz , Calafate Carlos T. , Song Houbing
Published: June 2024

The Web‐of‐Things (WoT) seeks to simplify IoT management by providing an interface for controlling and monitoring the devices. To this end, it can provide several web‐based applications focused on home automation, smart cities, smart agriculture and so forth. In particular, preventing device reputation attacks, which is one of the most significant threats to the WoT, is critical when considering the huge amount of information that is generated, processed and analyzed by the network. There may be situations where intruders deploy fake devices to introduce false information, downgrading the information from valid devices for their own benefits. Different authors have proposed various security methods and algorithms using machine learning, cryptographic or semantics‐based methods. However, the existing mechanisms have various limitations in terms of accuracy, storage overhead, and computational/communication overheads, that still need to be addressed. The trusted mechanism can be considered as another way of ensuring security while transmitting the information through the Internet by identifying their legitimacy. Hence, the aim of this article is to propose a secure and trusted WoT framework using similarity index and community of interest similarity score schemes. The proposed mechanism is evaluated against existing schemes that consider both cryptographic and semantic parameters to ensure the security in the network by using metrics such as recommendations, decay time factor, and packet loss recovery rate.
Visko‐hypoplastisches Materialmodell für tertiäre Böden in Frankfurt am Main
Authors: Ganal Aljoscha , Reul Oliver , Tafili Merita
Published: June 2024

Die Baugrundsituation im Innenstadtbereich von Frankfurt am Main ist durch überkonsolidierte Tone und Tonmergel des Tertiärs gekennzeichnet, in die Kalksteinbänke und Sandlagen eingeschaltet sind, deren Mächtigkeit standortabhängig starken Schwankungen unterliegt. In einem Forschungsvorhaben wurde das zeitabhängige Materialverhalten dieser tertiären Tone, die die Verformungen von Bauwerken maßgeblich prägen, in einem umfassenden Laborversuchsprogramm untersucht und ein Parametersatz für das visko‐hypoplastische AVISA‐Modell bestimmt. In diesem Beitrag werden die dabei für die tertiären Frankfurter Tone gewonnenen Erkenntnisse zusammengefasst. Zudem wird ein Konzept vorgeschlagen, mit dem die Systemdurchlässigkeit und die Systemsteifigkeit der heterogenen tertiären Schichten unter Berücksichtigung eingelagerter Kalksteinbänke und Sandlagen realitätsnah in 3D‐gekoppelten Strömungs‐Verformungs‐Berechnungen mit der Finite‐Elemente‐Methode abgebildet werden kann.
Effect of ergonomic aspects on single‐ and multiproduct assembly‐line balancing problems
Authors: Giridhar Mena Puthiyaveedu , Panicker Vinay V.
Published: June 2024

Incorporating ergonomic considerations into an assembly‐line balancing problem (ALBP) enhances productivity and minimizes ergonomic concerns. The assembly process, characterized by repetitive motions and handling numerous components, can lead to worker overload. Consequently, the inclusion of ergonomic aspects results in an appropriate distribution of assembly operations and relative workloads. This study investigates a multi‐objective ALBP aimed at minimizing the number of workstations, overall skill level required, and variance in workers' energy expenditure across workstations. To address the ALBP while considering the ergonomic aspects, this study proposes an approach based on the non‐dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA‐II) and multi‐objective simulated annealing (MOSA) using Pareto optimality. A comparative analysis of the NSGA‐II and MOSA is conducted in single‐ and multiproduct production scenarios, and a computational study involving various factors is performed to identify the dominant algorithm. The computational analysis indicates that the runtime performance of MOSA is 73.287% better than that of NSGA‐II; therefore, MOSA outperforms NSGA‐II. This study aims at applying scientific knowledge concerning manufacturing ergonomics to assist manufacturing industries in enhancing their productivity.
Single‐cell transcriptomics reveals antigen‐presenting capacity and therapeutic resistance potential of immunomodulatory endothelial cells in colorectal cancer
Authors: Wen Jingyi
Published: June 2024

Background

The heterogeneity of tumor endothelial cells (TECs) hinders the efficacy of antiangiogenic therapies (AATs). Only a small percentage of angiogenic TECs are considered effective targets for AATs. Immunomodulatory ECs (IMECs), as a newly focused functional subgroup of endothelial cells (ECs), are being evaluated for their ability to regulate tumor immune balance and influence existing AATs.

Methods

Based on single‐cell transcriptome data from colorectal cancer in a publicly available database, we conducted a wide array of bioinformatic approaches to study EC subsets that meet the IMECs definition. Our investigation encompassed the gene expression signatures of these subsets, cellular composition differences, cell–cell interactions.

Results

Two subsets that meet the IMECs definition were found in tumors and para‐cancerous tissues. Combined with the results of gene ontological analysis and interaction with CD4+ T cells, we found that IMECs can present MHC‐II antigens to mature CD4+ T cells. There were differences in the level of interaction between IMECs and different types of mature CD4+ T cell subsets. In addition, IMEC subsets had different expression levels of angiogenesis related genes. The angiogenesis score of IMECs decreased after patients received immunotherapy. IMEC subsets do not depend on a single proangiogenic receptor and are involved in regulating angiogenesis, which may reduce the efficacy of AATs. The adverse effects of specific IMEC subsets on AATs were validated in the RNA‐seq dataset of the bevacizumab treatment group.

Conclusion

Our study suggests the potential MHC‐II antigen presentation capacity of IMECs and the enhanced angiogenesis characteristics within tumors. The function of IMECs in the vascular network may have a potentially adverse effect on AATs. Controlling the functional properties of IMECs may be a new angle for tumor therapy.
Randomized effectiveness‐implementation trial of dialectical behavior therapy interventions for young people with borderline personality disorder symptoms
Authors: de Andrade Dominique , Davidson Lily , Robertson Carlie , Williams Philip , Leung Janni , Walter Zoe , Allan Julaine , Hides Leanne
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is an evidence‐based treatment for people with emerging borderline personality disorder (BPD). In “real world” clinical settings, standard DBT is resource intensive. Emerging evidence suggests that group‐based DBT skills training alone can lead to promising outcomes. This hybrid type 1 effectiveness‐implementation trial directly compared the effectiveness of an 8‐week group DBT‐skills training program and a 16‐week DBT‐informed program including individual treatment and group‐based skills training.

Methods

This pragmatic trial employed a staggered, parallel‐groups design. We recruited 104 participants, aged 16–25 years, with emotion dysregulation or emerging BPD symptoms. Participants were randomized to receive either program at a youth mental health service located in the Gold Coast, Australia. Data was collected via online surveys at baseline, 8‐week, 16‐week, and 24‐week follow‐up. Mixed effect linear models compared groups on the primary outcomes of emotion dysregulation and BPD symptoms, and secondary outcomes of suicidal ideation, coping skills, depression, anxiety, and stress.

Results

Across groups there were significant and sustained improvements relating to emotion dysregulation, BPD symptoms, stress, depression, and emotion‐focused coping; but not suicide risk, anxiety, or task‐focused coping. There was no significant time by group differences between the 8‐week and 16‐week interventions on any primary or secondary outcome.

Conclusion

The more intensive mode of delivering DBT was not more effective than the brief group‐based skills training. Both interventions resulted in significant improvements across both primary and most secondary outcomes. These results have implications for clinical practice regarding length and intensity of DBT treatment in young people.
N‐Acetyl cysteine‐loaded liposomes to reduce iron overload‐induced toxicity in human kidney cells
Authors: Lee Doohee , Bae Chaewon , Ryu Suhyun , Lee Kangwon
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Iron overload in the body generates free radicals through the Fenton reaction, leading to adverse effects on various organs. Several antioxidants have been recommended to treat iron‐related diseases effectively. N‐Acetyl cysteine (NAC), a potent antioxidant, was investigated in this study for its potential to mitigate iron overload‐induced cell death. A liposomal formulation was developed to encapsulate NAC, employing the reverse phase evaporation method, to enhance its delivery and effectiveness. The liposomal NAC was characterized by evaluating its size, zeta potential, morphology and release profiles.

RESULTS

The protective effect of liposomal NAC against iron overload‐induced toxicity was assessed in human kidney 2 (HK‐2) cells. Cell viability assays (Cell Counting Kit 8) and reactive oxygen species assays (DCFDA assay) confirmed the effectiveness of liposomal NAC in inhibiting ferroptosis induced by slow iron uptake (1 mmol L−1 ferric ammonium citrate). Additionally, liposomal NAC protected cells from toxicity resulting from rapid iron uptake (50 μmol L−1 ferric ammonium citrate, 20 μmol L−1 8‐hydroxyquinoline). The liposomal formulation demonstrated an enhanced protective effect compared to free NAC.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that liposomal NAC more effectively protects human kidney cells from toxicity caused by different iron uptake models than free NAC, highlighting its potential as a superior treatment option for iron overload‐induced cellular damage. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Spatiotemporal dynamic of rice production and its carbon footprint in Hainan, China: Implications for food security and environmental sustainability
Authors: Wen Shu , Yao Wei , Tian Butao , Xu Ling , Liu Qi , Xu Yi , Qi Zhiqiang , Yang Yadong , Zeng Zhaohai , Zang Huadong
Published: June 2024

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) feeds more than half of the global population and faces the critical issues related to food security and environmental sustainability. This study analyzed double rice production data from 2010 to 2020 to assess its spatiotemporal dynamic in food production and carbon (C) footprint in Hainan province, China. The results revealed a 29.5% reduction in rice planting area, leading to a significantly decreased rice self‐sufficiency rate from 38% to 33% from 2010 to 2020. During this period, the carbon footprint per unit area (CFa) for early, late, and double rice showed a fluctuating upward trend ranging from 8.1 to 8.4, 8.9 to 9.2, and 17.0 to 17.4 t CO2‐eq ha−1, respectively. The total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of rice production decreased to around 2 million t CO2‐eq, primarily due to reduced planting area. The C sequestration initially increased before decreasing to 1.2 million t C in 2020 at a temporal scale. Spatially, the northeast and southwest regions exhibited ∼70% of the total GHG emissions and ∼80% of C sequestration. The regional C footprint per unit yield displayed less favorable outcomes, with some areas (e.g., Wenchang and Haikou) experiencing emission hotspots in recent years. Higher yield and smaller CFa for Lingao and Tunchang were observed compared to the average between 2010 and 2020. This study provides insights into the spatiotemporal dynamics of double rice production and GHG emissions in Hainan, offering a scientific reference for regional food security and environmental sustainability.
Clinical value of the Systemic Inflammatory Response Index for predicting acute pancreatitis severity in Vietnamese setting
Authors: Dao Yen H T , Huynh Tien M , Tran Duy T , Ho Phat T , Vo Thong D
Published: June 2024

Background and Aim

Accurate prediction of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is crucial for timely intervention. This study focuses on the Systemic Inflammatory Response Index (SIRI) to assess its clinical value in predicting the severity of AP in the Vietnamese context.

Methods

A cross‐sectional prospective study was conducted with acute pancreatitis patients at a national hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. The patients were classified into nonsevere and severe groups, and the clinical characteristics were analyzed. The predictive abilities of SIRI, calculated using neutrophil × monocyte/lymphocyte, was assessed for predictive abilities. Multivariate regression and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves evaluated the prognostic factors and predictive accuracy.

Results

Among 207 patients, 78.7% had nonsevere AP, and 21.3% had SAP. The severe group exhibited a significantly higher median SIRI (12.0) than the nonsevere group (4.9) (P < 0.001). Multivariate regression identified SIRI (odds ratio [OR] = 1.623) as an independent predictor of SAP. The ROC curve determined a SIRI cutoff of 7.82 with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.737. Combining the SIRI and Bedside Index for Severity in Acute Pancreatitis (BISAP) score improved the predictive ability (AUC = 0.820) with increased sensitivity (90.91%) (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

SIRI, particularly when combined with the BISAP score, shows significant potential to predict SAP severity in the Vietnamese clinical setting, providing valuable information for effective patient management.
Nutritional attributes and microbial metagenomic profile during solid‐state fermentation of soybean meal inoculated with Lactobacillus acidophilus under non‐sterile conditions
Authors: Pérez–Velasco Ricardo , Gómez‐Gil Bruno , Martínez‐Montaño Emmanuel , González‐Córdova Aarón Fernando , Hernández Crisantema
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Soybean meal (SBM) is used widely in animal feed but it contains anti‐nutritional factors (ANFs) such as protease inhibitors – immunogenic proteins that limit its utilization. Fermentative processes could help to reduce these ANFs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional attributes, bacterial community dynamics, and microbial metagenomic profile during the solid‐state fermentation of SBM using a strain of the bacterium Lactobacillus acidophilus with or without pre‐autoclaving treatment.

RESULTS

Following fermentation, there was a reduction in the pH and a concurrent increase in the population of lactic acid bacteria. Fermentation also resulted in an increase in both crude and soluble protein levels. Trypsin inhibitor levels decreased after fermentation, particularly in fermented SBM that had not been pre‐autoclaved, with an inactivation rate higher than 90%. Moreover, high‐molecular‐weight peptides (44–158 kDa), specifically some polypeptides from the soybean immunogen glycinin and β‐conglycinin, underwent degradation during the fermentation process. Bacterial community analysis revealed the dominance of the Lactobacillus genus in all samples, regardless of the treatments applied. Metagenomic profiling identified L. acidophilus as the dominant species in inoculated SBM, irrespective of whether pre‐autoclaving was conducted or not.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the feasibility of solid‐state fermentation with L. acidophilus under non‐sterile conditions to inactivate trypsin inhibitor and increase protein concentration and hydrolysate immunogen proteins into low‐molecular‐weight peptides in SBM. Lactobacillus acidophilus inoculum also inhibited the growth of undesirable bacteria. This knowledge contributes to our understanding of the potential applications of solid‐state fermentation with L. acidophilus in improving the nutritional quality of SBM. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Reorganization of Poly(Butylene Succinate) Containing Crystals of Low Stability
Authors: Jariyavidyanont Katalee , Schick Christoph , Androsch René
Published: June 2024

Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) forms small and imperfect crystals of low melting temperature at high supercooling of the melt. Slow heating allows reorganization of the obtained semicrystalline structure with the changes of the crystallinity and of the size and perfection of crystals analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and temperature‐resolved X‐ray scattering techniques. Crystals generated at 20 °C begin to melt and reorganize at a few K higher temperature with their initial imperfection and thickness unchanged upon heating to 70–80 °C. Slow heating to temperatures higher than 70–80 °C yields a distinct exothermic peak in the DSC scan, paralleled by detection of crystals of larger size/higher perfection, beginning to melt at ≈100 °C. These observations suggest that below 70–80 °C, reorganization of the semicrystalline morphology is constrained such that only minor and local improvement of the structure of crystals are possible. The formation of both perfect and thicker crystal lamellae at higher temperature proceeds via melting of imperfect crystals followed by melt‐recrystallization as for PBS solid‐state thickening is impossible. The study shows the limit of low‐temperature reorganization processes when not involving both complete melting of crystals and rearrangement of the lamellar‐stack structure.
Improved Mobility–Stretchability Properties of Diketopyrrolopyrrole‐Based Conjugated Polymers with Diastereomeric Conjugation Break Spacers
Authors: Chen Pin‐Hong , Shimizu Hiroya , Matsuda Megumi , Higashihara Tomoya , Lin Yan‐Cheng
Published: June 2024

Stretchable conjugated polymers with conjugation break spacers (CBSs) synthesized via random terpolymerization have gained considerable attention because of their efficacy in modulating mobility and stretchability. This study incorporates a series of dianhydrohexitol diastereomers of isosorbide (ISB) and isomannide (IMN) units into the diketopyrrolopyrrole‐based backbone as CBSs. It is found that the distorted CBS (IMN) improves the mobility–stretchability properties of the polymer with a highly coplanar backbone, whereas the extended CBS (ISB) enhances those of the polymer with a noncoplanar backbone. Additionally, the different configurations of ISB and IMN sufficiently affect the solid‐state packing, aggregation capabilities, crystallographic parameters, and mobility–stretchability properties of the polymer. The IMN‐based polymers exhibit the highest mobility of 1.69 cm2 V−1 s−1 and crystallinity retentions of (85.7, 78.6)% under 20% and 60% strains, outperforming their ISB‐based or unmodified counterparts. The improvement is correlated with a robust aggregation capability. Furthermore, the CBS content affects aggregation behavior, notably affecting mobility. This result indicates that incorporating CBSs into the polymer can enhance backbone flexibility via movement and rotation of the CBS without affecting the crystalline regions.
Optimization and validation of a virus‐like particle pseudotyped virus neutralization assay for SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Liu Shuo , Zhang Li , Fu Wangjun , Liang Ziteng , Yu Yuanling , Li Tao , Tong Jincheng , Liu Fan , Nie Jianhui , Lu Qiong , Lu Shuaiyao , Huang Weijin , Wang Youchun
Published: June 2024

Spike‐protein‐based pseudotyped viruses were used to evaluate vaccines during the COVID‐19 pandemic. However, they cannot be used to evaluate the envelope (E), membrane (M), and nucleocapsid (N) proteins. The first generation of virus‐like particle (VLP) pseudotyped viruses contains these four structural proteins, but their titers for wild‐type severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) are relatively low, even lower for the omicron variant, rendering them unsuitable for neutralizing antibody detection. By optimizing the spike glycoprotein signal peptide, substituting the complexed M and E proteins with SARS‐COV‐1, optimizing the N protein with specific mutations (P199L, S202R, and R203M), and truncating the packaging signal, PS9, we increased the titer of the wild‐type VLP pseudotyped virus over 100‐fold, and successfully packaged the omicron VLP pseudotyped virus. The SARS‐CoV‐2 VLP pseudotyped viruses maintained stable titers, even through 10 freeze–thaw cycles. The key neutralization assay parameters were optimized, including cell type, cell number, and viral inoculum. The assay demonstrated minimal variation in both intra‐ and interassay results, at 11.5% and 11.1%, respectively. The correlation between the VLP pseudotyped virus and the authentic virus was strong (r = 0.9). Suitable for high‐throughput detection of various mutant strains in clinical serum. In summary, we have developed a reliable neutralization assay for SARS‐CoV‐2 based on VLP pseudotyped virus.
Financial services in China: Why not choose joint‐stock commercial banks?
Authors: You Shanshan , Li Jialong
Published: June 2024

This paper examines the influence of households' choice of banks on financial service usage in China. Our results show that choosing joint‐stock commercial banks could significantly increase household usage of financial services. Moreover, the positive effect of choosing joint‐stock commercial banks on household usage of financial services is more pronounced for rural and high‐income households. In addition, we find that the financial literacy and risk tolerance of the household head can expand the positive effect of choosing joint‐stock commercial banks on household financial service usage.
An SPH framework for drained and undrained loading over large deformations
Authors: del Castillo Enrique M. , Fávero Neto Alomir H. , Geng Jun , Borja Ronaldo I.
Published: June 2024

We propose a new approach for performing drained and undrained loading of elastoplastic geomaterials over large deformations using smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH), a meshfree continuum particle method, combined with the modified Cam Clay (MCC) model of critical state soil mechanics. The numerical approach draws upon a novel one‐particle two‐phase penalty‐method based formulation for handling undrained loading in saturated soils, which allows tracking of the buildup of pore‐water pressures under combined shearing and compression. Large‐scale parallelized simulations are employed to accommodate a significant number of degrees of freedom in a three‐dimensional setting. After verification and benchmark testing, the SPH based formulation is used to analyze the propagation of reverse faults through fluid‐saturated clay deposits and the rupture of strike‐slip faults across earthen embankments. The computational methodology tests the robustness of the meshfree approach in situations where the soil tends to dilate on the ‘dry’ side of the critical state line and to compact on the ‘wet’ side, but cannot, because of the incompressibility constraint imposed by undrained loading. Our results extend the current understanding of fault rupture modeling and further demonstrate the potential of our framework together with the SPH method for large deformation analyses of complex problems in geotechnics.
High‐strength, recyclable and healable polyurea/aramid fiber elastomeric composites
Authors: Wang YingBo , Liu YiHong , Zhao ChangBao , Xu ZhaoYang , Gu GeGe , Meng QingShi
Published: June 2024

The demanding and rigorous modern work environments present significant challenges to the protective capabilities of engineering materials. Polyurea elastomers often face limitations in terms of inadequate strength and a lack of weather resistance, however, polyurea composites holds great promise in addressing these issues. This study prepared modified ultrafine aramid short fibers using a mechanochemical method. Subsequently, in‐situ polymerization was utilized to combine the modified ultrafine aramid short fibers (M‐AF) with polyurea, resulting in the synthesis of a composite material characterized by recyclability, robust weather resistance, and favorable mechanical properties. Subsequently, intensive researches were conducted on the mechanical properties, recyclability, self‐healing performance, weather resistance, and chemical medium resistance of the composites. The composite at 0.1 wt% of M‐AF exhibited improvements in tensile strength (27.2 ± 0.8 MPa) as well as obviously enhanced impact performance (428.8 ± 6 kJ/m2), and recovered most of its mechanical properties after recycling and self‐healing. Moreover, the composite exhibits excellent weather resistance and chemical resistance, enabling it to uphold its exceptional protective performance even in the face of challenging environments.

Highlights

Ultrafine aramid fibers were prepared using a simple mechanochemical method.

Mechanochemical methods were employed to surface modify aramid fibers.

The composites have good strength, recyclability, weather resistance.
Fully 3D printed dielectric elastomer actuators based on silicone and its composites
Authors: Zhang Ercong , Pang Tianqi , Zhang Yaxin , Huang Fang , Gong Min , Lin Xiang , Wang Dongrui , Zhang Liang
Published: June 2024

Dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) is one of the most promising types of soft actuation technology, which has great potential in the fields of wearable devices and soft robotics. It consists of a dielectric elastomer layer, which is an electroactive polymer that can produce large deformation, and compliant electrodes to bring charges to certain locations. In this article, direct ink writing (DIW) technology, an emerging 3D printing method, was used to realize the preparation of the electrode‐elastomer‐electrode stack of the DEA. The dielectric and electrode materials were designed with suitable rheological properties to fulfill the need for the extrusion process. The formulated silicone material not only presented excellent dielectric and mechanical properties, but also good printability. Extrudable electrodes were prepared based on silicone composites with the characteristics of mechanical compliance and high conductivity. The fully printed DEA achieved a maximum actuation strain of 11.11%, a fast response time of 0.76 s and excellent electromechanical repeatability. DEA arrays were also achieved, possessing the ability to carry out on‐demand actuation, allowing each actuator to be activated singly or work in groups. Thanks to the design freedom of the DIW technology, this strategy is able to manufacture fine and complex structures with precise active zones, paving a way for the fabrication of next‐generation smart devices.

Highlights

Printable silicone ink was formulated with good dielectric property and softness.

Carbon black/silicone composites were obtained with high conductivity and compliant nature.

The silicone composites were printed into thin films to act as electrodes.

Fully 3D printed dielectric elastomer actuators (DEA) were achieved by direct ink writing.

DEA arrays with on‐demand actuation were realized by well‐defined printing.
Excellent thermal conductivity and electrical insulation in polyimide/graphene oxide/carbon nanotubes composites
Authors: Fu Shiyun , Ma Haihong , Ren Fengmei , Zhou Zhengfa , Fang Liguang , Xu Weibing
Published: June 2024

Polymer composites with heat resistance, good thermal conductivity, and insulation properties can meet the special needs of electronics and electrical appliances. In this work, graphene oxide (GO) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are coated by polydopamine (PDA). 4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl ether (ODA), pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA), and 4,4′‐oxydiphthalic anhydride (ODPA) in‐situ polymerize to prepare poly(amide acid) (PAA) containing thermally conductive yet insulating fillers (PDA@GO, PDA@CNTs). As the concentration of fillers in PI composites increases, the thermal conductivity rises, but the insulation property decreases. Keeping the filler content constant and varying the ratio of PDA@GO and PDA@CNTs, the thermal conductivity increases and then decreases. When PDA@GO and PDA@CNTs have a mass ratio of 10:1, the significant synergistic effect affects the thermal conductivity. The PI/PG10C1–25 sample has a thermal conductivity of 1.46 W/(m·K), which is 6.9 times greater than the pure PI. Additionally, the volume resistivity, dielectric permittivity, and dielectric loss (100 kHz) of PI/PG10C1–25 are 2.8 × 1013 Ω cm, 5.4 and 0.28, respectively. The heat resistance of PI composites is almost the same as that of pure PI. Given these outstanding attributes, the developed PI composites offer vast applications in many fields.

Highlights

Synergistic PDA@GO and PDA@CNTs (10:1) optimize thermal conductivity.

PI/PG10C1–25 achieves 6.9 times higher thermal conductivity than pure PI.

Volume resistivity of PI/PG10C1–25 reaches 2.8 × 1013 Ω·cm.

Dielectric permittivity of PI/PG10C1–25 reaches 5.4 at 100 kHz.

Developed PI composites maintain excellent heat resistance.
Feasibility of continued treatment with dupilumab in patients with type 2 inflammatory disease who developed eosinophilic pneumonia: 3 case reports
Authors: Hamakawa Masamitsu , Tanaka Ayaka , Tokioka Fumiaki , Ishida Tadashi
Published: June 2024

Several reports have described dupilumab‐induced eosinophilic pneumonia (EP) after treatment with dupilumab in patients with type 2 inflammatory disease. Other reports have suggested the efficacy of dupilumab for chronic EP (CEP). Whether dupilumab can be continued in patients with type 2 inflammatory disease who develop EP during dupilumab treatment remains unclear. We present herein three cases with different clinical presentations involving dupilumab and EP. In Case 1, dupilumab was discontinued because of dupilumab‐induced EP during the treatment of asthma. In Case 2, although pre‐existing idiopathic EP worsened during the treatment of eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS), dupilumab was continued. In Case 3, CEP and ECRS were successfully treated with dupilumab and corticosteroids were discontinued. In conclusion, treatment with dupilumab in patients with type 2 inflammatory disease and idiopathic EP is worth considering if the benefits are deemed to outweigh the risks and careful attention is given to the clinical course.
3D evaluation model of facial aesthetics based on multi‐input 3D convolution neural networks for orthognathic surgery
Authors: Ma Qingchuan , Kobayashi Etsuko , Jin Siao , Masamune Ken , Suenaga Hideyuki
Published: June 2024

Background

Quantitative evaluation of facial aesthetics is an important but also time‐consuming procedure in orthognathic surgery, while existing 2D beauty‐scoring models are mainly used for entertainment with less clinical impact.

Methods

A deep‐learning‐based 3D evaluation model DeepBeauty3D was designed and trained using 133 patients' CT images. The customised image preprocessing module extracted the skeleton, soft tissue, and personal physical information from raw DICOM data, and the predicting network module employed 3‐input‐2‐output convolution neural networks (CNN) to receive the aforementioned data and output aesthetic scores automatically.

Results

Experiment results showed that this model predicted the skeleton and soft tissue score with 0.231 ± 0.218 (4.62%) and 0.100 ± 0.344 (2.00%) accuracy in 11.203 ± 2.824 s from raw CT images.

Conclusion

This study provided an end‐to‐end solution using real clinical data based on 3D CNN to quantitatively evaluate facial aesthetics by considering three anatomical factors simultaneously, showing promising potential in reducing workload and bridging the surgeon‐patient aesthetics perspective gap.
Understand professional versus personal authenticity
Authors: Freebairn‐Smith Laura
Published: June 2024

Authenticity is a concept that's gained traction in recent years as people work to fully express who they are and what their values are. I think of authenticity as a spectrum, ranging from an almost prisoner‐like constrained existence to a free‐love anything‐goes existence. In relation to the workplace, I have concerns about the extremes of this spectrum.