bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of medical abortion assisted by traditional Chinese medicine: A network meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Li Fuxing , Han Mei , Zhang Jiayu , Ji Jingru , Wu Yanfei , Wei Junni
Published: December 2023

Background

To what extent traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) combined with mifepristone and misoprostol is beneficial for improving the complete abortion rate and duration of vaginal bleeding has been a subject of debate in the field of medical abortion.

Objective

To assess the evidence regarding the complete abortion rate and duration of vaginal bleeding of medical abortion assisted by different kinds of TCM.

Search Strategy

We searched electronic databases such as PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library database, China National Knowledge Internet, Wan fang Database, VIP Database, and China Biology Medicine disc from 2000 to February 15, 2023.

Selection Criteria

The control group was medical abortion with mifepristone and misoprostol, and the experimental group was medical abortion assisted by TCM.

Data Collection and Analysis

Major data extraction included sample size, age, medicine used for abortion, outcome measures. RevMan 5.3 and Stata 15.1 software were used to assess the literature quality and perform network meta‐analysis, respectively.

Main Results

A total of 73 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 11 683 patients and nine kinds of TCM were included in this study. Compared with mifepristone and misoprostol, eight kinds of TCM had statistical significance in improving the complete abortion rate. The effect value of Sancao decoction was 5.86 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.53–13.58). Seven kinds of TCM shortened the duration of vaginal bleeding. The effect value of comfrey and trichosanthin decoction was −8.75 (95% CI –10.86 to −6.64).

Conclusions

This network meta‐analysis showed that Lenge Zhumo decoction and Sancao decoction could have a large beneficial effect on complete abortion rate in medical abortion during early pregnancy, and comfrey and trichosanthin decoction could be the best TCM for shortening the duration of vaginal bleeding.
Reflective supervision and reflective practice in infant mental health: A scoping review of a diverse body of literature
Authors: Tobin Mary , Carney Síle , Rogers Elaine
Published: December 2023

Reflective practice is a core component of Infant Mental Health (IMH) training and work in the form of reflective supervision/consultation (RS/C). RS/C supports and facilitates relationship‐based practice, and is considered to help prevent burnout and promote work satisfaction. In response to an identified gap in empirical research on RS/C, this scoping review aimed to give an overview of the broad range of study designs and outcomes by systematically charting empirical studies on RS/C in IMH‐based work with children and families. Searches of Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, MEDLINE, APA PsychArticles, APA PsycInfo, and Web of Science were supplemented with a Google Scholar search and citation searching. Following title/abstract screening (n = 233) and full‐text review (n = 168), 35 reports met criteria for inclusion. Key findings were organized into four categories: Essential components and processes of RS/C; Experiences and outcomes of RS/C; Emerging issues in RS/C literature; and Measuring, researching, and reporting on RS/C. Results describe the components and experience of engaging in quality RS/C, and show that practitioners generally experience RS/C as supportive and beneficial. The existing literature has some methodological limitations and further empirical research is needed on outcomes of RS/C. Practice implications and potential future research directions are discussed.
Nurturing client relationships: using smart technology to personalise communications
Authors: Pritchard Claire
Published: December 2023

Connecting with clients is a vital part of veterinary businesses. When it's done right, you'll reap the return on your investments, as will your patients. This article explains the importance of ensuring practice communications are consistent, personalised and relevant to help foster and maintain these client relationships, and outlines how smart technology can help you achieve this in practice.
Cyclodextrin‐based nanosponges as promising carriers for active pharmaceutical ingredient
Authors: Jawaharlal Saranya , Subramanian Selvamuthukumar , Palanivel Venkatesan , Devarajan Geetha , Veerasamy Vinothkumar
Published: December 2023

Effective drug distribution at the intended or particular location is a critical issue that researchers are now dealing. Nanosponges have significantly increased in importance in medication delivery using nanotechnology in recent years. An important step toward solving these problems has been the development of nanosponges. Recently created and proposed for use in drug delivery, nanosponge is a unique type of hyper‐crosslinked polymer‐based colloidal structures made up of solid nanoparticles with colloidal carriers. Nanosponges are solid porous particles that may hold pharmaceuticals and other actives in their nanocavities. They can be made into dosage forms for oral, parenteral, topical, or inhalation use. The targeted distribution of drugs in a regulated manner is greatly aided by nanosponge. The utilization of nanosponges, their benefits, their production processes, the polymers they are made of, and their characterization have all been covered in this review article.
Naringin attenuates oxaliplatin‐induced nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity: A molecular, biochemical, and histopathological approach in a rat model
Authors: Ileriturk Mustafa , Ileriturk Duygu , Kandemir Ozge , Akaras Nurhan , Simsek Hasan , Erdogan Ender , Kandemir Fatih M.
Published: December 2023

Oxaliplatin (OXL) is a significant therapy agent for the worldwide increase in cancer cases. Naringin (4′,5,7‐trihydroxy flavonon 7‐rhamnoglucoside, NRG) has a wide range of biological and pharmacological activities, including antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory potentials. This research aimed to investigate NRG activity in OXL‐induced hepatorenal toxicity. Accordingly, OXL (4 mg/kg b.w.) in 5% glucose was injected intraperitoneally on the first, second, fifth, and sixth days, and NRG (50 and 100 mg/kg b.w.) was given orally 30 min before to treatment. Biochemical, genetic, and histological methods were utilized to investigate the function tests, oxidant/antioxidant status, inflammation, apoptosis, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathways in kidney and liver tissues. Administration of NRG demonstrated an antioxidant effect by increasing the activities of OXL‐induced reduced antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) and decreasing the elevated lipid peroxidation parameter malondialdehyde levels. Nuclear factor‐κB, tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β, and inducible nitric oxide synthase levels increased in OXL administered groups but reduced in NRG‐treated groups. In the OXL‐administered groups, NRG reduced the apoptosis‐inducing factors Caspase‐3 and B‐cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‐2)‐associated X protein levels, while elevating the antiapoptotic factor Bcl‐2 levels. OXL triggered prolonged ER stress by increasing the levels of ER stress parameters activating transcription factor 6, protein kinase R‐like ER kinase, inositol‐requiring enzyme 1α, and glucose‐regulated protein 78. Therefore, with the NRG administration, this activity was reduced and the ER stress level decreased. Taken together, it was found that OXL induced toxicity by increasing the levels of urea and creatinine, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase activities, inflammation, apoptosis, ER stress, and oxidants in the liver and kidney tissue, and NRG had a protective effect by reversing the deterioration in these pathways.
Russula brunneoaurantiaca, a novel taxon of Russula subg. Crassotunicata from West Bengal, India, with morpho‐molecular analysis and scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Roy Niranjan , Beypih Jeswani , Tanti Bhaben , Dutta Arun Kumar
Published: December 2023

This paper describes a new Russula species, R. brunneoaurantiaca, from India with morphological and molecular sequence (nrITS) data, field pictures of basidiocarps, and comparisons with close relatives. Russula brunneoaurantiaca has a brownish orange pileus with a mucilaginous surface, sub‐decurrent lamellae that are white to pale orange, a white stipe that turns yellowish brown to brown when bruised, a strong, unpleasant smell, globose to subglobose basidiospores (5.0–9.0 5.0–7.8 m) with an inamyloid suprahilar spot and ornamentation of small isolated conical warts, fusiform hymenial cystidia on gill sides (62.5–82 × 7.5–12.5 μm) and lageniform to sub‐lageniform cystidia with filiform apex near the gill edge (80–113 × 7.5–10 μm), fusiform to spindle‐shaped pileocystidia, and habitat in association with Castanopsis sp. A complete morphological description, photographs, and molecular sequence‐based phylogenetic trees demarcating the position of the novel taxon are provided.

Research Highlights

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and subsequent DNA analysis revealed a new species of the genus Russula.

SEM analysis is an additional technique to describe the size and shape of its basidiospores as well as their ornamentation.

The diagnostic characteristics, habit, habitat, and similarities to related species are given.
Clinical and demographic comparison of celiac disease diagnosed during adulthood versus childhood and adolescence: A single‐center experience
Authors: Jain Ajay K , Chatterji Debi , Bhagat Priyanka , Jain Deepika , Sircar Shohini , Phatak Satish
Published: December 2023

Background and Aim

Celiac disease (CeD) is mainly reported from the northern and western parts of India. In central India, it is believed to be a disease of children, with limited data among adults diagnosed for the first time after the age of 18 years. Hence, we aimed to describe CeD's clinical and demographic features among adults and children/adolescents in central India.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of all patients diagnosed for CeD from 2010 to 2019. The disease in adults was confirmed when symptoms developed for the first time after 18 years and had positive anti‐transglutaminase antibodies with villous atrophy on duodenal biopsy. It was compared with pediatric patients with CeD diagnosed during the same time period.

Results

Of the 170 patients diagnosed with CeD, 118 were adults and 52 were children or adolescents. The mean age of presentation of adult CeD was 37.3 ± 11.93 years, while in the pediatric and adolescent group it was 9.19 ± 5.4 years. Classical presentation with chronic, painless, small‐bowel‐type diarrhea was seen in 44.1% of adults compared to 57.7% in the pediatric age group. Among the adult patients, 55.9% presented with nonclassical symptoms, which included abdominal pain (40.7%) and weight loss (36.4%). The common presenting symptom in children other than diarrhea was weight loss (50%) and abdominal pain (34.6%).

Conclusion

CeD is common in central India, with an increasing number of patients being diagnosed for the first time after 18 years of age and presenting more often with nonclassical symptoms.
Undergraduate Students as Both Mentors and Mentees
Authors: Hastings Lindsay J. , Odom Summer
Published: December 2023

Undergraduate students not only have the rare opportunity to experience mentoring from both the perspective of the mentor as well as the mentee, but also have the rare opportunity to experience the impact of mentoring on their leader and leadership development (LD) from both mentor and mentee perspectives. While mentoring is considered one of the most potent tools for LD, having a mentor or being a mentor does not automatically stimulate effective LD. This article will highlight cornerstones of effective mentoring practice when undergraduates are mentees versus mentors and will also offer new frontiers in undergraduate student mentoring research.
Right Ventricular Function in Takayasu's Arteritis Patients With Pulmonary Artery Involvement Using MRI Feature Tracking
Authors: Li Qing , Liao Hua , Ren Yue , Yang Dan , Yun Qingping , Wang Zhiyan , Zhou Zhen , Li Shuang , Lian Jianxiu , Wang Hui , Zhang Lijun , Sun Zhonghua , Pan Lili , Xu Lei
Published: December 2023

Background

Pulmonary artery involvement (PAI) is not rare in Takayasu arteritis (TA). Persistently elevated pulmonary arterial pressure in TA‐PAI patients leads to pulmonary hypertension (PH), and eventually cardiac death. Thus, the early detection of right ventricular dysfunction before the onset of PH is important.

Purpose

To explore the potential of right ventricular global peak longitudinal and circumferential strain (RVGLS and RVGCS, respectively) in detecting right ventricular myocardial damage in TA‐PAI patients without PH.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

One hundred and six TA patients (39.6 ± 13.9 years), of whom 52 were non‐PAI and 54 were PAI patients (36 without PH and 18 with PH), along with 58 sex‐ and age‐matched healthy volunteers (HVs) (36.7 ± 13.2 years). The involved arteries were validated by aorta magnetic resonance (MR) angiography and pulmonary artery computed tomography angiography.

Field Strength/Sequence

3 T/Cine imaging sequence with a steady‐state free precession readout.

Assessment

Cardiac MRI‐derived parameters measured by two radiologists independently were compared among HVs, and TA patients with and without PAI. In addition, these indices were further compared among HVs, and TA‐PAI patients with and without PH.

Statistical Tests

Student's t test, one‐way ANOVA analysis, Pearson and Spearman correlation analysis, and reproducibility analysis. A P‐value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Although the TA‐PAI patients without PH had a similar RV ejection fraction (RVEF) with HV (P = 0.348), RVGLS (non‐PH 20.6 ± 3.7% vs. HV 24.0 ± 3.1%) was significantly lower and RVGCS (non‐PH 14.8 ± 3.9% vs. HV 13.0 ± 2.7%) higher. The TA‐PAI patients with PH had significantly poorer RVGLS (PH 13.5 ± 3.8% vs. non‐PH 20.6 ± 3.7%) and RVGCS (PH 10.9 ± 3.2% vs. non‐PH 14.8 ± 3.9%) than those without PH.

Data Conclusion

Right ventricular dysfunction was detected in the TA‐PAI patients without PH. MR‐feature tracking may be an effective method for detecting early cardiac damage in the TA‐PAI patients without PH.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3
Comparative Performance of 2018 LI‐RADS versus Modified LIRADS (mLI‐RADS): An Individual Participant Data Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Goins Stacy M. , Jiang Hanyu , van der Pol Christian B. , Salameh Jean‐Paul , Lam Eric , Adamo Robert G. , McInnes Matthew D.F. , Costa Andreu F. , Clarke Christopher , Choi Sang Hyun , Fraum Tyler J. , Ludwig Daniel R. , Song Bin , Joo Ijin , Kierans Andrea S. , Kim So Yeon , Kwon Heejin , Podgórska Joanna , Rosiak Grzegorz , Bashir Mustafa R.
Published: December 2023

Background

LI‐RADS version 2018 (v2018) is used for non‐invasive diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A recently proposed modification (known as mLI‐RADS) demonstrated improved sensitivity while maintaining specificity and positive predictive value (PPV) of LI‐RADS category 5 (definite HCC) for HCC. However, mLI‐RADS requires multicenter validation.

Purpose

To evaluate the performance of v2018 and mLI‐RADS for liver lesions in a large, heterogeneous, multi‐national cohort of patients at risk for HCC.

Study Type

Systematic review and meta‐analysis using individual participant data (IPD) [Study Protocol: https://osf.io/duys4].

Population

2223 observations from 1817 patients (includes all LI‐RADS categories; females = 448, males = 1361, not reported = 8) at elevated risk for developing HCC (based on LI‐RADS population criteria) from 12 retrospective studies.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5T and 3T; complete liver MRI with gadoxetate disodium, including axial T2w images and dynamic axial fat‐suppressed T1w images precontrast and in the arterial, portal venous, transitional, and hepatobiliary phases. Diffusion‐weighted imaging was used when available.

Assessment

Liver observations were categorized using v2018 and mLI‐RADS. The diagnostic performance of each system's category 5 (LR‐5 and mLR‐5) for HCC were compared.

Statistical Tests

The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies version 2 (QUADAS‐2 was applied to determine risk of bias and applicability. Diagnostic performances were assessed using the likelihood ratio test for sensitivity and specificity and the Wald test for PPV. The significance level was P < 0.05.

Results

17% (2/12) of the studies were considered low risk of bias (244 liver observations; 164 patients). When compared to v2018, mLR‐5 demonstrated higher sensitivity (61.3% vs. 46.5%, P < 0.001), similar PPV (85.3% vs. 86.3%, P = 0.89), and similar specificity (85.8% vs. 90.8%, P = 0.16) for HCC.

Data Conclusion

This study confirms mLR‐5 has higher sensitivity than LR‐5 for HCC identification, while maintaining similar PPV and specificity, validating the mLI‐RADS proposal in a heterogeneous, international cohort.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Mpox DNA clearance in semen over 6‐month follow‐up
Authors: Candela Caterina , Galli Laura , Rizzo Alberto , Mileto Davide , Canetti Diana , Gianotti Nicola , Raccagni Angelo Roberto , Bertoni Costanza , Lucente Maria Francesca , Gismondo Maria Rita , Castagna Antonella , Nozza Silvia
Published: December 2023

Sexual intercourse is a well‐established way of transmission of mpox infection. However, it is still uncertain whether semen may represent a viral reservoir. The aim of the study was to evaluate the clearance of viral DNA in semen samples from individuals diagnosed with mpox infection over 6‐month follow‐up. This prospective, observational, single‐center study was conducted at IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy, between May and October 2022 in 140 individuals who attended Sexual Health Clinic and diagnosed with mpox infection. Semen samples were collected and analyzed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction assays. The baseline collection was performed in 64 (46%) of 140 men diagnosed with mpox infection. The viral DNA was detected in 43 (67%) with median cycle threshold (Ct) 34 (interquartile range [IQR] 31–36). The research was repeated in 32 (74%) and viral DNA clearance was observed in all within 6 months in a median time of 10.5 days (IQR 7–33). Viral clearance occurred in all tested individuals, mostly within 2 weeks since the first positive test. These findings suggest a transient presence of viral DNA in semen and do not support the hypothesis of reservoir. More studies on mpox DNA detection in semen with viral culture and extended follow‐up are needed.
Genetic variability analysis of human papillomavirus 58: Novel sublineage identification and persistent infection association
Authors: Wang Yan , Gong Yingxin , Zhou Qi , Qu Wenjie , Chen Fang , Wang Yaping , Mo Jiayin , Zhang Hongwei , Lin Lin , Bi Tianyi , Wang Xujie , Gu Jiashi , Xu Congjian , Li Yanyun
Published: December 2023

This study aims to characterize the genetic variability of HPV58, identify novel lineages and sublineages, and explore the association between persistent/multiple HPV58 infections and genetic variation. In this study, samples from 124 women with HPV58 infection in Eastern China were collected and 81 isolates of E6 and L1 full‐length genes were successfully amplified from 55 samples. We evaluated the diversity of genetic variants and performed correlation analyses between genetic variability and pathology, vaccination, multiple infections, and persistent infections. Among the E6 and L1 gene sequences collected, the dominant prevailing sublineages were A1 (46.2%) and A2 (23.1%). In addition, we found two potential novel sublineages denoted as the A4 and A5 sublineage. A total of 50 nucleotide substitutions, including 28 synonymous substitutions and 22 nonsynonymous substitutions, were observed in the E6 and L1 genes. Among them, variants with A388C/K93N substitutions in the E6 gene correlated with persistent infection (≥1 and ≥2 years) (p < 0.005), and C307T/C66C was associated with persistent infection (≥2 years) (p < 0.005). Notably, two mutations above were detected in the isolate from the patient with breakthrough vaccine infection. Our study found two novel sublineages and sites of genetic variability in multiple and persistent infection variants. In addition, we identified two mutational sites associated with persistent infection. This study provides new insight into the clinical characteristics of HPV 58 genetic variations and offers new ideas for research on next‐generation vaccines in Eastern China.
Soil erosion control in a pasture‐dominated Mediterranean mountain environment under global change
Authors: Marien Laurène , Ciampalini Rossano , Licciardello Feliciana , Giuffrida Emanuela Rita , Pastor Amandine Valérie , Huard Frederic , Raclot Damien
Published: December 2023

Soil erosion control is critical to global food production and ecosystem health worldwide, and particularly in the Mediterranean region, which is prone to erosion and is expected to be strongly affected by climatic and anthropogenic changes. In this paper, we explore how land use and management (LUM) can mitigate climate change impacts and increase agricultural attractiveness in pasture‐dominated Mediterranean mountain environments. One originality of the proposed research is to combine LUM scenarios incorporating environmental and socio‐economic behaviour with distributed process‐based modelling to simulate the impacts of global change. Specifically, soil erosion for different combinations of current and plausible future climate and LUM conditions were simulated on a small watershed located in eastern Sicily (Italy) using the LandSoil model. LUM scenarios were established as a modulation of environmental protection and agricultural production/diversification. The main management distinctions tested in this paper included intensive versus extensive practices for pasture, and conventional versus conservative practices for cereals and orchards. Simulations showed that the impact of climate change was very low and not significant in the studied watershed (i.e., −1.78% of erosion on average). Under current climate and compared to the baseline, LUM scenarios reported an increase in erosion for the business‐as‐usual (S1, +6.0%), market‐oriented (S2, +57.2%) and sustainability‐oriented (S4, +0.9) scenarios, respectively, whereas the nature‐oriented scenario led to a slight reduction in erosion (S3, −11.3%). Our results also emphasised that agricultural diversification coupled with adaptations in practices and management can improve the attractiveness of agriculture in pasture‐dominated environments while maintaining soil protection at an acceptable level.
Characterizing the Backscattered Spectrum of Mie Spheres
Authors: Molezuelas‐Ferreras Martín , Nodar Álvaro , Barra‐Burillo María , Olmos‐Trigo Jorge , Lasa‐Alonso Jon , Gómez‐Viloria Iker , Posada Elena , Varga J. J. Miguel , Esteban Rubén , Aizpurua Javier , Hueso Luis E. , Lopez Cefe , Molina‐Terriza Gabriel
Published: December 2023

This study describes both experimentally and theoretically an important hitherto undiscovered feature of the scattering of micron‐sized spherical objects when illuminated with highly focused circularly polarized light. This is a regime of high experimental relevance which has not been described in full detail. The experiments are complemented with the analytical formulas explaining the field scattered directed toward the backward hemispace. In particular, it is proven that this field shows a very regular oscillatory dependency with the optical size. This phenomenon is typically hidden in the total scattered field, as the field is scattered much less toward the backward hemisphere than toward the forward one. These regular oscillations are measured experimentally. It is proven that, by analyzing them, it is possible to determine the index of refraction of isolated micron‐sized particles, opening new paths for applications in sensing and metrology.
In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of 3D Printed Poly(Ethylene Glycol) Dimethacrylate‐Based Photocurable Hydrogel Platform for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Unagolla Janitha M. , Gaihre Bipin , Jayasuriya Ambalangodage C.
Published: December 2023

This study focuses to develop a unique hybrid hydrogel bioink formulation that incorporates poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDMA), gelatin (Gel), and methylcellulose (MC). This formulation achieves the necessary viscosity for extrusion‐based three‐dimensional (3D) printing of scaffolds intended for bone regeneration. After thorough optimization of the hybrid bioink system with Gel, three distinct scaffold groups are investigated in vitro: 0%, 3%, and 6% (w/v) Gel. These scaffold groups are examined for their morphology, mechanical strength, biodegradation, in vitro cell proliferation and differentiation, and in vivo bone formation using a rat cranial defect model. Among these scaffold compositions, the 3% Gel scaffold exhibits the most favorable characteristics, prompting further evaluation as a rat mesenchymal stem cell (rMSC) carrier in a critical‐size cranial defect within a Lewis rat model. The compressive strength of all three scaffold groups range between 1 and 2 MPa. Notably, the inclusion of Gel in the scaffolds leads to enhanced bioactivity and cell adhesion. The Gel‐containing scaffolds notably amplify osteogenic differentiation, as evidenced by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Western blot analyses. The in vivo results, as depicted by microcomputed tomography, showcase augmented osteogenesis within cell‐seeded scaffolds, thus validating this innovative PEGDMA‐based scaffold system as a promising candidate for cranial bone defect healing.
Evaluation of Doped Polyaniline as Potential Sensing Materials and/or Absorbents For Styrene and Phthalates in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Tourne D. Reese , Jones Jordan J. , Atwater Alex J. , Stewart Katherine M. E.
Published: December 2023

The removal and detection of toxic analytes, including monomers and plasticizers, is important for both health and the environment. Potential absorbents and/or sensing materials are successfully made from polyaniline (PANI) and PANI doped with 10 wt.% of aluminum oxide (PANI‐Al2O3) and titanium dioxide (PANI‐TiO2). The amount of metal oxide incorporated into the surface layers of the polymer and the total amount incorporated are confirmed by energy dispersive X‐rays (EDX) and microwave plasma‐ atomic emission spectroscopy (MP‐AES), respectively. All three materials are evaluated as potential sensing materials and/or absorbents for styrene, monobutyl phthalate (MBP), and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) at 100 ppm in aqueous solutions. It is found that incorporating TiO2 into PANI improved both the sensitivity and selectivity to styrene, making PANI‐TiO2 a good absorbent and potential sensing material for styrene. Additionally, incorporating Al2O3 into PANI improved the sorption to MBP, but reduced the selectivity. As a proof‐of‐concept, the responses of the polymeric nanocomposites are combined and analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA) as such an algorithm. The output reveals good separation of the responses to each analyte, thereby demonstrating how sensing materials with poorer selectivity can be used together to overcome limitations in selectivity.
SPI1‐mediated CXCL12 expression in bladder cancer affects the recruitment of tumor‐associated macrophages
Authors: Lu Guimei , Qiu Yue
Published: December 2023

Bladder cancer (BC) originates principally from the epithelial compartment of the bladder. The immune system and its diverse players, chemokines, in particular, have been related to the responses against BC. The goal of the study here was to examine if C‐X‐C motif chemokine 12 (CXCL12) in BC cells could manipulate protumorigenic properties of tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) which affects anticancer immunity supporting tumor development in the tumor microenvironment. CXCL12 was found to be overexpressed in BC and predicted poor survival. CXCL12 in BC was associated with multiple immune cell infiltrations, with TAM infiltration playing a key role. CXCL12 elevated chemotaxis of TAMs. CXCL12 downregulation inhibited cellular activity and TAM and suppressed the ability of TAMs to secrete inflammatory factors and MMP9. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis revealed that SPI1 was localized to the CXCL12 promoter in BC cells, suggesting that CXCL12 serves a direct target of SPI1, which was consistent with the fact that SPI1 reversed the repressive effects of si‐CXCL12 on BC cell activity and TAM recruitment in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, these findings suggest that SPI1 is involved in modulating TAM recruitment, representing a new mechanism through which it may influence tumor growth. This may be partly mediated by regulating CXCL12 expression.
Genetic analysis and literature review of a Poirier–Bienvenu neurodevelopmental syndrome family line caused by a de novo frameshift variant in CSNK2B
Authors: Li Danyang , Zhou Bingbo , Tian Xinyuan , Chen Xue , Wang Yupei , Hao Shengju , Zhang Chuan , Hui Ling
Published: December 2023

Background

Poirier–Bienvenu neurodevelopmental syndrome (POBINDS) is a rare autosomal dominant neurologic disorder caused by a heterozygous variant of CSNK2B, which is characterized by early onset epilepsy, hypotonia, varying degrees of intellectual disability (ID), developmental delay (DD), and facial dysmorphism. This study clarifies the molecular diagnosis and causative factors of a Chinese boy with POBINDS.

Methods

The clinical phenotypes and ancillary laboratory tests were collected and analyzed by trio whole exome sequencing (WES) and copy number variant sequencing (CNV‐seq) in the follow‐up proband's families. The candidate variant was validated by Sanger sequencing and bioinformatics software was used to further explore the effect of the de novo frameshift variant on the protein structure.

Results

The proband carries a de novo frameshift variant c.453_c.454insAC (p.H152fs*76) in CSNK2B. According to the ACMG genetic variant classification criteria and guidelines, the locus is a pathogenic variant (PVS1+PS2+PM2) and the associated disease was POBINDS. Protein structure prediction suggests significant differences in amino acid sequences before and after mutation.

Conclusion

A rare case of POBINDS caused by a novel frameshift variant in CSNK2B was diagnosed. The novel variant extends the variation spectrum of CSNK2B, which provides guidance for early clinical diagnosis, genetic counseling and treatment of this family. A review of the currently reported cases of POBINDS further enriches and summarizes the relationship between genotype and phenotype of POBINDS.
Luteolin Attenuates Oxidative Stress and Colonic Hypermobility in Water Avoidance Stress Rats by Activating the Nrf2 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Xia Yuan , Tan Wei , Yuan Fangting , Lin Mengjuan , Luo Hesheng
Published: December 2023

Scope

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is an intestinal disorder, whose symptoms can be alleviated by certain dietary phytochemicals. This study explores the role and potential mechanisms of a natural flavonoid luteolin (LUT) in alleviating the excessive motility of colonic smooth muscles and reducing oxidative stress in IBS with diarrhea (IBS‐D) rats.

Methods and results

LUT reduces excessive intestinal motility and lowers reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in a water avoidance stress (WAS) rat model. Moreover, LUT increases the protein expression levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), activates the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, and greatly reduces the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)‐induced oxidative damage in intestinal epithelial cells.

Conclusions

LUT, a phyto‐active component, protects against excessive intestinal motility and diarrhea by regulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway and effectively reduces oxidative stress damage in the colon.
Design of miniaturized and high gain dielectric lens antenna
Authors: Liang Jia‐Jun , Wu Zhao , Huang Yan Hu , Li Long , Wang Qiang
Published: December 2023

A miniaturized and high‐gain dielectric lens antenna is presented and demonstrated. The dielectric lens antenna is mainly composed of a spherical dielectric lens, a pedestal, and a radiating element. The spherical dielectric lens is made of a special material called cross‐linked styrene co‐polymer showing an ultra‐low dielectric loss and a stable permittivity. The pedestal is made by the 3D printing technique and used for supporting the dielectric lens. The radiating element is embedded in the bottom of the pedestal, a proper spacing between the dielectric lens and the radiating element is maintained. The proposed dielectric lens antenna shows impedance bandwidth ranging from 24.4 to 25.8 GHz and an excellent directional radiation characteristic is obtained.
Towards a circular economy with waste‐to‐resource system optimization
Authors: Ng Tsan Sheng Adam , Mah Angel Xin Yee , Zhao Kena
Published: December 2023

Motivated by mounting pressures to achieve environmental sustainability, and the emergence of online waste exchange platforms, in this work we propose an optimization‐based framework for studying waste‐to‐resource formation in the industry. We first develop a linear programming market clearing model comprising self‐interested agents participating in waste‐to‐resource trading. We then embed this in a bi‐level capacity optimization problem under uncertainties in the agents' reserve prices, the goal of which is to maximize the economic savings achieved by waste‐to‐resource. We show that the resulting robust optimization models admit linear mixed integer programming formulations that can be readily computed using available solvers. Furthermore, we provide the formulas for applying an equitable levy and incentive scheme, to enable capacity cost‐sharing among the agents. Numerical studies based on a case of organic waste streams demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed models in generating valuable insights for decision support in the design of waste‐to‐resource markets.
Blockage‐free storage assignment and storage/retrieval scheduling in autonomous vehicle storage and retrieval systems
Authors: Chen Ran , De Koster René , Yu Yugang , Guo Xiaolong , Yu Hu
Published: December 2023

Autonomous vehicle storage and retrieval systems have greatly increased in popularity in the last decade. In such a system, at each tier multiple roaming vehicles transport totes between the storage locations and the lifts. However, this may lead to vehicle interference. We study in which order and by which vehicle the storage and retrieval requests should be executed to minimize the makespan, without vehicle interference. The optimal storage locations for incoming totes are also determined. A blocking mitigation protocol is proposed to address vehicle interference. We propose a two‐phase matheuristic, where in the first phase, the tier is divided into zones, with each zone assigned its own vehicle. The second phase focuses on reassigning requests between adjacent vehicles to obtain improved solutions. The models proposed in both phases are solved to optimality in polynomial time and pseudo‐polynomial time, respectively. Computational experiments show that the matheuristic produces high‐quality solutions within a few seconds, even for large‐sized instances, making it suitable for real‐time decisions. Compared to methods commonly used in practice, our matheuristic can reduce the makespan by up to 15%. Our results show that making integrated decisions that combine storage assignment and request scheduling, is more beneficial than sequential optimization in terms of throughput performance, space utilization and overall system cost. We also find that increasing the number of vehicles has a diminishing return effect on the makespan. Another finding is that the system with a large number of short storage aisles leads to higher throughput capacity than that with a small number of long storage aisles.
Association Between Hearing Difficulty and Mobility in Adults of All Ages: National Health Interview Survey
Authors: Joo Henry H. , Huang Emily Y. , Schoo Desi , Ward Bryan , Chen Jenny X.
Published: December 2023

Objective

To investigate the relationship between hearing difficulty and measures of mobility for US adults.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

2021 National Health Interview Survey.

Methods

The survey asked US adults about hearing difficulty and mobility measures, including difficulty walking 100 yards, difficulty climbing 12 steps, and injury from falling within the past 3 months. Multivariable logistic regressions examined the associations between hearing and mobility outcomes, controlling for visual difficulty, medical comorbidities, and various demographic characteristics (age [18‐39, 40‐64, 65+], race/ethnicity, sex, socioeconomic status).

Results

The 2021 NHIS surveyed 29,467 adults, representing 253 million people in weighted responses (52% female; mean age 48.3, standard deviation = 18.6). Controlling for covariates, hearing difficulty was associated with increased odds of difficulty walking 100 yards (odds ratio, OR = 1.47, P < .001), difficulty climbing stairs (OR = 1.62, P < .001), and injury from falling in the past 3 months (OR = 1.51, P < .001). There was a significant interaction between age and hearing difficulty for injurious falls; stratifying by age revealed that younger adults (ages 18‐39) with hearing difficulty were more likely to report recent harmful falls than their normal hearing peers; this increased risk was greater in magnitude than that observed comparing older adults with and without hearing difficulty.

Conclusion

The hearing difficulty is associated with worsened mobility for US adults and may be a stronger independent predictor of injury from falls for younger adults as compared to older adults. These findings can inform interventions to reduce the burden of declining mobility in adults with hearing difficulty.
Multi‐dimensional stimulus response organic silicone polymer elastomer and its application
Authors: Lu Jun‐jian , Yang Zheng‐peng , Liu Xin , Lu Guang‐zhao
Published: December 2023

This work investigated the influence of melamine up to 15 wt% on the stimulation response properties of organic silicone polymer elastomer. The opacity of organic silicone film was attributed to the addition of melamine. For silicone and melamine composite thin films, deformation was increased from 152 to 172%, because the density of NH···O type hydrogen bond decreased the thermal motion of the polymer chain. The thin film of fluorescence and phosphorescence spectra indicated that the maximum luminescence wavelength red‐shifted about 14 nm. The Elastomer with melamine exhibited two‐dimensional stimulus response performance with the change of scale shape‐time‐afterglow emission properties. The phosphorescence of the silicone composite film was derived from the energy donor of melamine. In summary, the study provides detailed guidelines for the preparation of multi‐dimensional organic room temperature phosphorescent elastic materials.
Prediction of family‐centered care on the unmet care needs of parents of pediatric oncology patients and their psychosocial problems
Authors: Ay Ayşe , Semerci Remziye , Erkul Münevver
Published: December 2023

Background/objectives

It was aimed to determine the predictive power of family‐centered care of parents of children with cancer on their unmet care needs and psychosocial problems (anxiety, depression, stress). This study was conducted as a descriptive, correlational, and cross‐sectional study.

Design/methods

The study was conducted on 136 parents at a university hospital between January and September 2023, involving parents of children receiving care at the pediatric oncology clinic. Data collection instruments included an Information Form, Family Inventory of Needs Pediatric II (FINPED‐II), Family‐Centered Care Scale (FCCS), and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS‐21). Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS 28, employing Pearson correlation analysis and linear regression to assess the relationships between variables.

Results

The study revealed significant positive correlations between Family‐Centered Care and Met Needs (r = .676, p < .001) and significant negative correlations between Met Needs and Stress scores (r = −.256, p < .001). Additionally, there were positive correlations between Anxiety and Depression scores (r = .700, p < .001), Anxiety and Stress scores (r = .768, p < .001), and Depression and Stress scores (r = .835, p < .001). Family‐centered care significantly predicted Met Needs (p < .001) and accounted for 47% of the variation in Anxiety, Depression, Stress, and Family Inventory of Needs scores.

Conclusion

The findings highlight that family‐centered care significantly predicts Met Needs, emphasizing its pivotal role in supporting parents of children with cancer. These findings underscore the importance of family‐centered care in pediatric oncology, but also point to the need for further studies to address identified limitations and provide a comprehensive understanding of this complex healthcare dynamic.
Boron nitride nanosheet @ quantum‐sized diamond nanocrystal complex/epoxy nanocomposites with enhancing thermal conductivity and sufficient dielectric breakdown strength
Authors: Wang Zhengdong , Zhou Yuanhang , Zhang Tong , Luo Meng , Cao Xiaolong , Yang Ganqiu , Sun Wei
Published: December 2023

With the development of high‐voltage and high‐power devices in the direction of compactness, lightness and extreme working environments, the contradiction between thermal conductivity and dielectric breakdown strength is becoming more and more obvious. In this work, a novel boron nitride nanosheet with uniformly dispersed diamond nanocrystalline (abbreviated as BA@DN) was prepared via facile acidizing hydroxylation, in situ copolymerization self‐assembly of dopamine and blending process. The obtained hybrid filler was employed to embed into epoxy matrix, showing enhanced thermal conductivity and sufficient dielectric breakdown strength. For example, the through‐plane and in‐plane thermal conductivity of epoxy composite with 5% BA@DN‐2 reaches to 0.56 and 3.824 W/m K, respectively. The study proposes a modified plane thermal conductivity model. Based on calculations, it was found that the modified thermal conductivity of 5% BA@DN‐2 is 3.47 W/m K, which is significantly higher than that of pure EP, specifically 17.35 times higher. These findings are significant in terms of materials science. while its alternating current and direct current dielectric breakdown strength are 48.84 and 136.31 kV/mm, about 85.68% and 99.1% of pure epoxy, respectively. The mechanism of outstanding dielectric breakdown strength was analyzed via dielectric characteristic, partial discharge performance and the theory of quantum size effect. In addition, a modified multi‐core model with a multilevel overlapping interface is presented.

Highlights

The acidified diamond nanocrystals (DNs) were attached to dopamine‐coated boron nitride nanocrystals by a blending process.

The small size effect of DNs allows the epoxy film to have both high thermal conductivity and high insulation properties.

A thermal conductivity correction model is proposed to eliminate the effect of graphite layer on the film.
Synthesis, kinetic study and characterization of C5‐dienes/styrene copolymers via living anionic polymerization in cyclopentyl methyl ether solvent
Authors: Fu Yawen , Yang Shuai , Xiong Qiaoqiao , Gu Zhuowei , Dai Qiqi , Tan Haoyun , Zhou Le , Geng Menghan , Xie Fengli , Yi Wen‐jun , Li Lijun , Liu Kun
Published: December 2023

1,3‐Dienes/styrene sequence‐controlled copolymers are widely used as thermoplastic elastomers, transparent impact resin and synthetic rubber and other materials. In this work, the binary anionic copolymerization of styrene (S) and C5‐dienes including 1,3‐pentadiene (P, E/Z = 65/35) and isoprene (I) were studied in cyclopentyl methyl ether (CPME) ‘green’ solvent using n‐BuLi as initiator, and the effects of copolymerization monomer ratio and polar additive (PA) on the copolymerization kinetics and monomer sequence distributions were investigated. The kinetic analysis results showed that all copolymerization systems were the first‐order reaction and the C5‐dienes/S could be quantitatively consumed. The addition of S or I was conducive to the efficient conversion of P. Although the addition of PAs had little effect on the polymerization rate, it had a great influence on the microstructure and sequence distribution of the copolymer. 1H NMR tracking analysis showed that, for S/P copolymerization with different feeding ratios 1/3 < fP < 2/3, the instant composition FP in the copolymer remained relatively constant at 15% < FP < 35% when the monomer conversion rate was below 60%, and thus the inevitable formation of P microblocks in subsequent polymerization sequences was observed. Additionally, similar sequence distributions were obtained in the case of I/P copolymerization systems. By contrast, S/I copolymerization conformed to the typical random copolymerization pattern, and the copolymerization activity of S was slightly higher than that of the I in CPME. The use of strong PAs such as 2,2‐di(2‐tetrahydrofuran)propane directly resulted in a change of monomer sequence from a random pattern to a gradual block pattern. Moreover, the 3,4‐isoprene branch units were much more sensitive to solvent and PA than 1,2‐pentadiene units for C5‐dienes; also Fourier transform infrared and DSC analysis verified the microstructure and sequence analysis results mentioned above. In addition, the results of gel permeation chromatography showed that the copolymerization process in CPME had excellent controllable characteristics. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Photosynthetically active radiation is required for seedling growth promotion by volcanic dacitic tuff breccia (Azomite)
Authors: McCue Kent F. , Mehlferber Elijah , Reed Robert , Ortiz Alexis , Ferrel Jon , Khanna Rajnish
Published: December 2023

A plant's growth and development are shaped by its genome and the capacity to negotiate its environment for access to light, water, and nutrients. There is a vital need to understand the interactions between the plant, its physical environment, and the fertilizers used in agriculture. In this study, a commercially available volcanic ash fertilizer, Azomite®, characterized as dacitic (rhyolitic) tuff breccia, was tested for its effect on promoting early seedling vigor. Early growth and photomorphogenesis processes are well studied in Arabidopsis. Seedling assays under different light conditions were used to dissect the underlying mechanisms involved. These assays are well established and can be translated to agriculturally important crop plants. The volcanic ash fertilizer was tested at different concentrations on seedlings grown on basic media lacking sucrose either in continuous darkness (Dc), continuous Red (Rc), Far‐Red (FRc), or White Light (WLc). Micronutrients in the volcanic ash significantly increased seedling growth under Rc and WLc, but not under Dc and FRc, indicating that photosynthetically active radiation was required for the observed growth increase. Furthermore, red‐light photoreceptor mutant, phyB‐9, lacked the growth response, and higher amount of fertilizer reduced growth in all conditions tested. These data suggest that light triggers the ability of the seedling to utilize micronutrients in volcanic ash in a dose‐dependent manner. The methods described here can be used to establish mechanisms of activity of various nutrient inputs and, coupled with whole‐genome expression profiling, can lead to better insights into optimizing nutrient field applications to improve crop production.
Factors associated with self‐perceived burden among terminally ill cancer patients
Authors: Kim Sun Hyun , Seo Min Seok , Hwang In Cheol , Ahn Hong Yup
Published: December 2023

Key points

There is a lack of data on the self‐perceived burden (SPB) of terminal cancer patients at their very end of life.

In this multicenter Korean study, terminal cancer patients perceived their burdensomeness from their family caregiver perspective.

To relieve patients' SPB, physicians should pay attention to dyads with the features identified in this study.