bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decoupling Aromatic Yield and Coke Formation in Methanol‐to‐Aromatic Reaction on Zn(II) Exchanged H‐ZSM‐5 Zeolite
Authors: Shang Yihao , Gao Zhiwen , Zhang Min , Shi Xinrui , Fang Shuhui , Yuan Lei , Zhang Wei , Liu Yue
Published: June 2024

Methanol to aromatic reaction is an alternative pathway to produce aromatics from non‐petroleum resources. Zn‐modified ZSM‐5 zeolite is the widespread catalyst for MTA due to its high activity and selectivity to aromatics. However, a desired high yield of aromatics is usually accompanied with undesired coke formation and fast deactivation of catalyst, because aromatic molecules also serve as the precursor for coke formation. To decouple the aromatic yield and coke formation rate, in this work we use Zn‐ZSM‐5 to investigate coke formation and catalyst deactivation. The coke distribution along the catalyst bed was analyzed and its correlation with the concentration gradient of methanol, olefins and aromatics along the bed was deciphered. Coke was found to form very fast at catalyst bed in the copresence of methanol and aromatics. On the contrary, much less coke was observed at the later layers of the catalyst bed where methanol had been fully converted and aromatics were present in the highest concentration. Based on this finding, we adjusted the reaction conditions to successfully improve the yield of aromatics without reducing catalyst lifetime in compromise, by applying a higher methanol partial pressure that enables a faster consumption of methanol and reduces the period of copresence of methanol and aromatics.
A Two‐Dimensional Cu‐Based Nanosheet Producing Formic Acid Via Glycerol Electro‐Oxidation in Alkaline Water
Authors: Das Srewashi , Jain Siddarth , Banerjee Anwesha , Dutta Arnab
Published: June 2024

The sluggishness of the complementary oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is reckoned as one of the major drawbacks in developing an energy‐efficient green hydrogen‐producing electrolyzer. An array of organic molecule oxidation reactions, operational at a relatively low potential, have been explored as a substitute for the OER. Glycerol oxidation reaction (GOR) has emerged as a leading alternative in this context because glycerol, a waste of biodiesel manufacturing, has become ubiquitous and accessible due to the significant growth in the biodiesel sector in recent decades. Additionally, the GOR generates several value‐added organic compounds following oxidation that enhance the cost viability of the overall electrolysis reaction. In this study, a low‐cost, room temperature operable, and energy‐efficient synthetic methodology has been developed to generate unique two‐dimensional CuO nanosheets (CuO NS). This CuO NS material was embedded on a carbon paper electrode, which showcased excellent glycerol electro‐oxidation performance operational at a moderately low applied potential. Formic acid is the major product of this CuO NS‐driven GOR (Faradaic efficiency ~80 %), as it is formed primarily via the glyceraldehyde oxidation pathway. This CuO NS material was also active for oxidizing other abundant alcohols like ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol, albeit at a relatively poor efficiency. Therefore, this robust CuO NS material has displayed the potential to be used in large‐scale electrolyzers functioning with HER/GOR reactions.
Monomeric and Dimeric Boron (III) Subphthalocyanines Functionalized with 4‐Hydroxy‐Benzoic Acid as Potential Photosensitizers and Photocatalysts in Sulfoxidation
Authors: Skvortsov Ivan A. , Filatova Elizaveta O. , Birin Kirill P. , Kalyagin Aleksandr A. , Chufarin Alexey E. , Lapshina Daria A. , Shagalov Evgeny V. , Stuzhin Pavel A.
Published: June 2024

Axial modification of boron (III) subphthalocyanine bromides with 4‐hydroxy‐benzoic acid successfully led to the formation of the macrocycles with anchored 4‐carboxyphenoxy group [RsPcPHBA] (R=tBu, H) in the axial position and to a new dimer [sPcPHBAsPc] as minor product. Tri‐tert‐butyl and unsubstituted subphthalocyanines bearing benzoate ([tBusPcBA], [sPcBA]), phenoxy‐group ([tBusPcOPh], [sPcOPh])) in the axial position, have been also investigated as well as control sPcs. All compounds were characterized by NMR, IR, UV‐Vis and mass spectrometry. The electrochemical properties were studied using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and square wave voltammetry (SWV). Singlet oxygen generation was systematically measured for all synthesized [RsPcX] by kinetic method of chemical trap decomposition (DPBF) and by determination of phosphorescence of singlet oxygen (at 1270 nm). Axially modified subphthalocyanines exhibit high quantum yields of singlet oxygen (1O2) generation (0.47–0.62). The observed exceptional photostability in oxygen‐saturated ethanol or toluene solutions and high 1O2 quantum yields allows to use [tBusPcPHBA] as photocatalysts of selective oxidative transformations of organic sulfides to sulfoxides. Loading the catalyst to 9.7 ⋅ 10−2 mol % made it possible to achieve complete conversion of the substrate (TON up to 1700).
Serotonin signalling in cancer: Emerging mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities
Authors: Chen Lulu , Huang Shuting , Wu Xiaoxue , He Weiling , Song Mei
Published: June 2024

Background

Serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine) is a multifunctional bioamine serving as a neurotransmitter, peripheral hormone and mitogen in the vertebrate system. It has pleiotropic activities in central nervous system and gastrointestinal function via an orchestrated action of serotonergic elements, particularly serotonin receptor‐mediated signalling cascades. The mitogenic properties of serotonin have garnered recognition for years and have been exploited for repurposing serotonergic‐targeted drugs in cancer therapy. However, emerging conflicting findings necessitate a more comprehensive elucidation of serotonin's role in cancer pathogenesis.

Main body and conclusion

Here, we provide an overview of the biosynthesis, metabolism and action modes of serotonin. We summarise our current knowledge regarding the effects of the peripheral serotonergic system on tumourigenesis, with a specific emphasis on its immunomodulatory activities in human cancers. We also discuss the dual roles of serotonin in tumour pathogenesis and elucidate the potential of serotonergic drugs, some of which display favourable safety profiles and impressive efficacy in clinical trials, as a promising avenue in cancer treatment.

Key points

Primary synthesis and metabolic routes of peripheral 5‐hydroxytryptamine in the gastrointestinal tract.

Advanced research has established a strong association between the serotonergic components and carcinogenic mechanisms.

The interplay between serotonergic signalling and the immune system within the tumour microenvironment orchestrates antitumour immune responses.

Serotonergic‐targeted drugs offer valuable clinical options for cancer therapy.
Otolith radiocarbon signatures provide distinct migration history of walleye pollock around Hokkaido, Japan in the North‐Western Pacific
Authors: Ando Kozue , Yokoyama Yusuke , Miyairi Yosuke , Sakai Osamu , Hamatsu Tomonori , Yamashita Yuuho , Chimura Masayuki , Nagata Toshi
Published: June 2024

Trace elements and stable isotope ratios in otoliths have been used as proxies for the migration history of teleosts; however, their application in oceanic fishes remains limited. This study reports the first use of radiocarbons in otoliths to evaluate the horizontal migration histories of an oceanic fish species, the walleye pollock Gadus chalcogrammus. We conducted radiocarbon analyses of three stocks sourced from Hokkaido, Japan. The radiocarbon concentrations from the outermost portion of the otoliths from the Japanese Pacific, Northern Japan Sea (JS), and Southern Okhotsk Sea (OS) stocks were in general agreement with the seawater radiocarbon concentration of the sampling region, suggesting that pollock of all three stocks generally inhabited the within the sea region where each pollocks were sampled throughout their life cycle. However, the radiocarbon signals also provided some indications that some JS and OS stocks may be migrating between different sea regions. The proposed novel approach of reconstructing the individual migration history of marine fish using radiocarbon in otoliths may help examine fish migration with a higher temporal and spatial resolution that could not be achieved by trace elements and stable isotope ratios.
Melanin‐based color variation in response to changing climates in snakes
Authors: Goldenberg J. , Bisschop K. , Bruni G. , Di Nicola M. R. , Banfi F. , Faraone F. P.
Published: June 2024

Melanism, the process of heavier melanin deposition, can interact with climate variation at both micro and macro scales, ultimately influencing color evolution in organisms. While the ecological processes regulating melanin production in relation to climate have been extensively studied, intraspecific variations of melanism are seldom considered. Such scientific gap hampers our understanding of how species adapt to rapidly changing climates. For example, dark coloration may lead to higher heat absorption and be advantageous in cool climates, but also in hot environments as a UV or antimicrobial protection mechanism. To disentangle such opposing predictions, here we examined the effect of climate on shaping melanism variation in 150 barred grass snakes (Natrix helvetica) and 383 green whip snakes (Hierophis viridiflavus) across Italy. By utilizing melanistic morphs (charcoal and picturata in N. helvetica, charcoal and abundistic in H. viridiflavus) and compiling observations from 2002 to 2021, we predicted that charcoal morphs in H. viridiflavus would optimize heat absorption in cold environments, while offering protection from excessive UV radiation in N. helvetica within warm habitats; whereas picturata and abundistic morphs would thrive in humid environments, which naturally have a denser vegetation and wetter substrates producing darker ambient light, thus providing concealment advantages. While picturata and abundistic morphs did not align with our initial humidity expectations, the charcoal morph in N. helvetica is associated with UV environments, suggesting protection mechanisms against damaging solar radiation. H. viridiflavus is associated with high precipitations, which might offer antimicrobial protection. Overall, our results provide insights into the correlations between melanin‐based color morphs and climate variables in snake populations. While suggestive of potential adaptive responses, future research should delve deeper into the underlying mechanisms regulating this relationship.
Successful treatment of fulminant and recurrent lymphocytic myocarditis with calcineurin inhibitors
Authors: Hiruma Takashi , Amiya Eisuke , Ueda Tomomi , Bujo Chie , Isotani Yoshitaka , Tsuji Masaki , Ito Masamichi , Minatsuki Shun , Ishida Junichi , Takeda Norifumi , Hatano Masaru , Abe Hiroyuki , Nakagama Yu , Komuro Issei
Published: June 2024

Lymphocytic myocarditis (LM) is primarily triggered by various factors including viral infections and subsequent immune responses. While rare, some patients with LM experience recurrence with a life‐threatening fulminant form. Although combining steroids and immunosuppressants, such as azathioprine and mycophenolate mofetil, has demonstrated favourable outcomes in patients with LM, their efficacy is limited to the chronic phase. Indeed, various immunosuppressants have been used for LM with fulminant manifestation; however, their evidence remains lacking. In our case series, two patients with LM experienced fulminant relapses during steroid tapering, and another presented persistent cardiac enzymes elevation despite steroid therapies. Consequently, we initiated calcineurin inhibitors alongside steroids, resulting in well‐controlled clinical courses without further recurrence of LM and significant adverse effects. Our cases suggest calcineurin inhibitors as therapeutic options for managing steroid‐resistant LM with fulminant relapse.
Corticosteroid burst therapy in patients with acute heart failure: Design of the CORTAHF pilot study
Authors: Cotter Gad , Davison Beth , Freund Yonathan , Mebazaa Alexandre , Voors Adriaan , Edwards Christopher , Novosadova Maria , Takagi Koji , Hayrapetyan Hamlet , Mshetsyan Andranik , Mayranush Drambyan , Cohen‐Solal Alain , ter Maaten Jozine M. , Biegus Jan , Ponikowski Piotr , Filippatos Gerasimos , Chioncel Ovidiu , Pagnesi Matteo , Simon Tabassome , Metra Marco , Mann Douglas L.
Published: June 2024

Aims

Inflammation has emerged as a potential key pathophysiological mechanism in heart failure (HF) in general and acute HF (AHF) specifically, with inflammatory biomarkers shown to be highly predictive of adverse outcomes in these patients. The CORTAHF study builds on both these data and the fact that steroid burst therapy has been shown to be effective in the treatment of respiratory diseases and COVID‐19. Our hypothesis is that in patients with AHF and elevated C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels without symptoms or signs of infection, a 7‐day course of steroid therapy will lead to reduced inflammation and short‐term improvement in quality of life and a reduced risk of worsening HF (WHF) events.

Methods and results

The study, which is currently ongoing, will include 100 patients with AHF ages 18–85, regardless of ejection fraction, screened within 12 h of presentation. Patients will be included who have NT‐proBNP > 1500 pg/mL and CRP > 20 mg/L at screening. Exclusion criteria include haemodynamic instability and symptoms and signs of infection. After signed consent, eligible patients will be randomized according to a central randomization scheme stratified by centre 1:1 to either treatment once daily for 7 days with 40 mg prednisone orally or to standard care. Patients will be assessed at study day 2, day 4 or at discharge if earlier, and at days 7 and 31 at the hospital; and at day 91 through a telephone follow‐up. The primary endpoint is the change in CRP level from baseline to day 7, estimated from a mixed model for repeated measures (MMRM) including all measured timepoints, in patients without a major protocol violation. Secondary endpoints include the time to the first event of WHF adverse event, readmission for HF, or death through day 91; and changes to day 7 in EQ‐5D visual analogue scale score and utility index. Additional clinical and laboratory measures will be assessed.

Conclusions

The results of the study will add to the knowledge of the role of inflammation in AHF and potentially inform the design of larger studies with possibly longer duration of anti‐inflammatory therapies in AHF.
Synthetic Strategies to Prepare Bioactive Lysine and Peptide Conjugates With Triazolium Derivatives
Authors: Ledwoń Patrycja , Jewginski Michał , Bello Claudia , Nuti Francesca , Rovero Paolo , Latajka Rafal , Papini Anna Maria
Published: June 2024

Peptides conjugated with organic molecules can be useful tools for the development of novel bioactive compounds. The lysine side‐chain is an interesting functional group to act as a linker to connect small molecules in peptide conjugates. Herein we present the design and synthesis of four Safirinium derivatives, their facile conjugation to lysine in solid phase, and incorporation in peptides. The compounds differing in the functionalization of nitrogen N2 of the condensed triazolyl moiety are novel building blocks to design conjugates to perform structure‐activity relationship studies of elastase inhibitors. Consequently, structural investigations of the lysine building blocks and of the corresponding peptide conjugates were performed. We present herein the potential of the Safirinium analogs to act as elastase inhibitors in assays performed on porcine pancreas elastase.
Reduction and Hydrocyanation of Aziridines with C−C Bond Cleavage
Authors: Kawamoto Yuki , Yoshimura Tomoyuki , Matsuo Jun‐ichi
Published: June 2024

The carbon‐carbon bond in three‐membered ring of 2,3‐diaryl aziridines was reductively cleaved to give the corresponding dibenzylamine derivatives by electrocyclic ring opening of N‐Li or N‐Na aziridines followed by reduction of the 2‐azaallyl anion formed with sodium borohydride in ethanol. Hydrocyanation of the 2‐azaallyl anion with trimethylsilyl cyanide gave a secondary amine bearing a cyano group at the benzylic position. The effects of substituents on the electrocyclic ring opening of N‐Li aziridines were also clarified.
Performance analysis and mechanical determinants of the opening lap of the team sprint in elite‐level track cycling
Authors: Kordi Mehdi , van Rijswijk Isa
Published: June 2024

The team sprint (TS) is a three‐lap pursuit and the most revered event in track sprint cycling. The opening lap of the TS is an important determinant to the overall performance. But despite it being the most controlled and repeatable task in track sprint cycling, very little data are available to better understand the performance of the opening lap. The aim of this study was split into three‐parts: part one, to better understand the profile and the indices thought to be determinants of the opening lap of the TS in elite sprint track cyclists. Part two of the study examined all available timing splits (15, 65, 125 and 250 m) from 36 standing‐start laps. Part three of the study examined the peak torque outputs and peak power outputs of different various starts performed over a 3‐month period. The results showed time to 125 m exhibited a near perfect relationship with starter lap performance. Very strong relationships were seen with 15 and 65 m split times and final lap performance. Peak torque of the lead starting leg and peak power output were shown to be highly predictive 15 m, 65 and 125 m performance in training. These data suggested the first 15 m is highly important and predicts a disproportionately high level of final opening lap time performance. Therefore, it is likely that peak power output normalised to system mass and peak torque of lead leg is a strong determinant of overall performance in the TS.
Fast Bayesian modal identification with known seismic excitations
Authors: Wang Peixiang , Li Binbin , Zhang Fengliang , Chen Xiaoyu , Ni Yanchun
Published: June 2024

Fast and accurate identification of structural modal parameters after an earthquake is crucial for assessing structural conditions and facilitating repair. With the development of modern earthquake observation techniques, the recorded ground motion can be leveraged as extra input information for modal identification, enabling the experimental modal analysis applicable. This study develops a Bayesian modal identification algorithm that aims at estimating the most probable value (MPV) of modal parameters and their identification uncertainty. Incorporating the recorded seismic input, the algorithm utilizes with the structural equation of motion in the frequency domain to formulate the likelihood function and adopts a constrained Laplace method for Bayesian posterior approximation of modal parameters. With the aid of complex matrix calculus, an iterative scheme is developed, allowing a fast search of the MPV of modal parameters and an analytical evaluation of the posterior covariance matrix. The performance of the proposed algorithm is validated by examples with synthetic, laboratory and field data, respectively. In addition, its effectiveness on predicting structural responses under a future earthquake is illustrated, showing its potential for various downstream applications in seismic structural health monitoring.
Swallowing rehabilitation of patients undergoing T‐tube implantation for the treatment of laryngotracheal stenosis
Authors: Wang Lu , Ren Pan , Cui Peng‐Cheng , Liang Le‐Ping , Zhao Qian‐Qian , Zhao Da‐Qing
Published: June 2024

Objective

Patients with laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) often have dysphagia after laryngotracheal reconstruction with T‐tube insertion, which affects the quality of life. The purpose of this study is to observe the effect of swallowing rehabilitation therapy on the improvement of quality of life in patients of otolaryngology‐head and neck surgery with dysphagia undergoing T‐tube implantation treatment through longitudinal study.

Methods

Thirty‐eight patients with LTS who experienced dysphagia after laryngotracheal reconstruction and T‐tube implantation were recruited. All patients received swallowing rehabilitation therapy. The assessment of swallowing function was performed using the 10‐item Eating Assessment Tool (EAT‐10), the 30 mL water swallow test (WST), and flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallow (FEES).

Results

After swallowing rehabilitation therapy, timing of swallowing, grade of dysphagia, performance on FEES and 30 mL WST, and EAT‐10 score all improved. Thirty‐eight patients successfully transitioned to oral feeding and were able to remove their nasogastric tubes without experiencing any complications, including aspiration pneumonia.

Conclusion

For patients with LTS who experienced dysphagia after laryngotracheal reconstruction and T‐tube implantation, swallowing rehabilitation therapy could improve swallowing function of the patients, so as to reduce the potential harm caused by the pain and complications of surgery experienced by patients.
Flexible perovskite photodetector with room‐temperature self‐healing capability without external trigger
Authors: Li Guoyi , Li Shenghong , Ahmed Jahangeer , Tian Wei , Li Liang
Published: June 2024

Flexible perovskite photodetectors (FPDs) are promising for novel wearable devices in bionics, robotics and health care. However, their performance degradation and instability during operations remain a grand challenge. Superior flexibility and spontaneous functional repair of devices without the need for any external drive or intervention are ideal goals for FPDs. Herein, by using phenyl disulfide instead of alkyl disulfide as a crosslinking agent, disulfide bonds with lower bond energy are introduced, thus endowing the polyurethane network (SCPU) with the ability of self‐healing at room temperature. SCPU is filled to the grain boundary of perovskite film, which not only improves the crystal quality of perovskite and mechanical stability of FPD but also enables FPD to self‐heal at room temperature. As a result, the as‐prepared FPD exhibits a superior responsivity of 0.4 A W−1, a high specific detectivity of 2.5 × 1011 Jones and 2 μs fast response time in a self‐powered mode. More importantly, the FPD still retained 91% of the initial photo responsivity after 9000 times of bending upon cyclic healing. This polymer doping strategy provides an effective solution for stable operation and room‐temperature self‐healing for FPDs.

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An analysis of the impact on total cost of care within a pharmacist‐led comprehensive medication management program
Authors: Earby Julie Anne , Jenkins Tiffany Nicole , Johnson Abigail Marie , Marchwinski Victoria Dianne , Schmidt Devin Marie
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The rise in health care expenditures continues to pose a significant concern regarding the longevity of the current health care system design. The literature has demonstrated a positive return on investment (ROI) when pharmacists perform medication management services. Building upon positive ROI literature, a clinically integrated network (CIN) in Michigan developed an approach to patient targeting for comprehensive medication management (CMM) services in existing alternative payment model (APM) Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and Commercial contracts.

Objectives

The primary objective of this study was to examine the real‐world impact of an advanced ambulatory care pharmacy model, inclusive of embedded clinic‐based ambulatory pharmacists, centralized ambulatory pharmacists, centralized population health pharmacists, and specially trained pharmacy technicians, on the total cost of care (TCOC) within a large integrated health system.

Methods

For CMM dates of service occurring in calendar year 2022, pharmacy and medical claims were evaluated during the 6‐month period prior to and following the initial CMM patient encounter. Upon completion of the study period, data were evaluated to assess TCOC and utilization trends for the study population.

Results

Statistically significant differences in median TCOC ($1427.84, p < 0.001), prescription drug costs ($222.82, p < 0.001), and medical costs ($462.26, p < 0.001) were observed between the pre‐CMM and post‐CMM timeframes for the study population. A 16% reduction in hospital admissions was observed between the pre‐CMM and post‐CMM timeframes.

Discussion

This study further supports that pharmacist intervention as part of a CMM program can favorably affect health care costs. Criteria such as a population's benchmark costs and utilization, insurance product types, and core conditions present can help determine whether expanding or initiating CMM services could be beneficial in improving care and health care costs.
Possible pathogenic mechanisms for doxorubicin‐induced splenic atrophy in a human breast cancer xenograft mouse model
Authors: Xue Jianjie , Ye Bing , Sun Mengqi
Published: June 2024

Doxorubicin‐based chemotherapy is a widely used first‐line treatment for breast cancer, yet it is associated with various side effects, including splenic atrophy. However, the pathogenic mechanisms underlying doxorubicin‐induced atrophy of the spleen remain unclear. This study investigates that doxorubicin treatment leads to splenic atrophy through several interconnected pathways involving histological changes, an inflammatory response, and apoptosis. Immunohistochemical and western blot analyses revealed reduced size of white and red pulp, decreased cellularity, amyloidosis, and fibrotic remodeling in the spleen following doxorubicin treatment. Additionally, increased secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines was detected using an antibody array and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), which triggers inflammation through the regulation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) signaling pathways. Further analysis revealed that the loss of regulators and effectors of the oxidative defense system, including sirtuin (Sirt)3, Sirt5, superoxide dismutase (SOD)1, and SOD2, was implicated in the upstream regulation of caspase‐dependent cellular apoptosis. These findings provide insights on the pathogenic mechanisms underlying doxorubicin‐induced splenic atrophy and suggest that further investigation may be warranted to explore strategies for managing potential side effects in breast cancer patients treated with doxorubicin.
Examining missingness at the momentary level in clinical research using ecological momentary assessment: Implications for suicide research
Authors: Jacobucci Ross , Ammerman Brooke A. , McClure Kenneth
Published: June 2024

The use of intensive time sampling methods, such as ecological momentary assessment (EMA), has increased in clinical, and specifically suicide, research during the past decade. While EMA can capture dynamic intraindividual processes, repeated assessments increase participant burden, potentially resulting in low compliance. This study aimed to shed light on study‐level and psychological variables, including suicidal ideation (SI), that may predict momentary prompt (i.e., prompt‐to‐prompt) completion. We combined data from three EMA studies examining mental health difficulties (N = 103; 10,656 prompts; 7144 completed), using multilevel models and machine learning to determine how well we can predict prompt‐to‐prompt completion and which variables are most important. The two most important variables in prompt‐to‐prompt completion were hours since the last prompt and time in study. Psychological variables added little predictive validity; similarly, trait‐level SI demonstrated a small effect on prompt‐to‐prompt completion. Our study showed how study‐level characteristics can be used to explain prompt‐to‐prompt compliance rates in EMA research, highlighting the potential for developing adaptive assessment schedules to improve compliance.
Genetic counselors outside of the genetics clinic: Roles, practices, and ethico‐legal implications in light of lagging legal recognition across Canada
Authors: Rojas Samantha K. , Adam Shelin , Elliott Alison M. , Zawati Ma'n H. ,   GenCOUNSEL Study
Published: July 2024

Advances in medical genetics have led to a significant increase in demand for genetic services and expertise across almost all medical specialties. Genetic counselors (GCs) in Canada play key roles in genetic services both within and outside of the Genetics Clinic, while not being regulated or legally recognized as healthcare professionals (HCPs) in most provinces. Understanding whether GCs outside of the “traditional” Genetics Clinic influence patient care, their level of professional autonomy and supervisory structure is, therefore, important. In this study, we explore the current landscape of GC practice outside of the Genetics Clinic by describing positions, determining the professional scope of practice, as defined by the Canadian Association of Genetic Counselors (CAGC) and Canadian Board of Genetic Counseling (CBGC) core competencies, and by elucidating associated ethico‐legal implications. An online survey was developed and distributed to GCs working with patient‐related data in Canada in positions outside of the Genetics Clinic through the CAGC ListServ and accessed between March 5 and April 9, 2021. Thirty GCs were included in the study, with 16/30 in public healthcare system positions. Most respondents held roles with direct (11/30) and indirect (14/30) impact on patient care and management, and the majority reported performing their primary roles with minimal supervision (56%) or complete independence (36%). Most roles (22/25) elicited by respondents were considered to be within the GC scope of practice, except for administrative tasks and special projects. GCs were the only genetics‐trained professional(s) in 8/30 of respondents' workplaces. The results of the current study support the value of GCs translatable skillset in positions beyond the Genetics Clinic, and outline ethico‐legal implications for GCs, regulated HCPs, patients, and health institutions in the absence of legal recognition, including medical‐legal liability and title protection. This study provides evidence in support of regulation of GCs as HCPs.
Effects of erosion‐induced degradation on subsequent soil erosion and sediment sorting of a cultivated black soil under simulated heavy rainstorm
Authors: Yang Yang , Wang Ying , Chen Xinyi , Liu Yingna
Published: June 2024

Soil erosion is a major cause of soil degradation, leading to soil quality deterioration. The resulting alternation of soil properties would in turn change the soil's responses in subsequent soil erosion events later, which, however, has rarely been studied. The objective was to examine the effects of such erosion‐induced degradation on subsequent soil erosion and sediment size distribution of a cultivated black soil under heavy rainstorms. The plough layers of the black soil that had suffered from 0, 10, 30, 50, and 70 years of soil erosion in northeast China were artificially constructed, corresponding to five erosional degradation levels of none, slight, moderate, severe, and very severe degradations, successively. A simulated heavy rainfall at the 75 mm h−1 intensity was performed, and runoff and sediment samples were collected every 6 min and analyzed for particle size distribution. Owing to the increasingly coarse source soil and thereby enhanced hydraulic conductivity, the steady‐state runoff rate decreased from 1.06 to 0.77 mm min−1, as the degradation level increased from none to very severe degradation. However, the fine‐textured noneroded soil had a better water retention capacity, which decreased runoff, especially at the beginning of the rainfall. The maximum runoff in total, that is, 103.61 mm, was consequently observed in the slightly degraded soil. The sediment concentrations and yields here were also significantly greater than those of the other treatments (p <0.01), suggesting a relatively higher soil erodibility. Sediment sorting was observed at each treatment especially during the first half of the rainfall, except for the slightly eroded soil where the elevated runoff was believed sufficient to equally transport different‐sized particles. The clay particles were enriched in the sediments eroded from the non‐ and moderately degraded soils, as the corresponding enrichment ratios (ERs) were typically above 1. Whereas for the severely and very severely degraded soils, ERs were around 0.5, indicating considerable depletion of these fine particles. These results demonstrate the diverse erosional responses of the soils exhibiting varying erosion‐induced degradation levels and hold important implications for agricultural management and soil and water conservation in the black soil region of northeast China as well as other similar regions.
A Thermal–EM Concentrator for Enhancing EM Signals and Focusing Heat Fluxes Simultaneously
Authors: Chen Hanchuan , Liu Yichao , Sun Fei , Sun Qianhan , Wu Xiaoxiao , Sun Ran
Published: June 2024

The simultaneous concentration of electromagnetic (EM) waves and heat fluxes in the same target region within an on‐chip system has substantial academic research importance and practical application value. However, the existing research is primarily aimed at the design and experimentation of concentrators for individual EM waves or temperature fields. In this study, a thermal‐EM concentrator capable of simultaneously concentrating EM waves and heat fluxes is designed using transformation optics and thermodynamics and fabricated using engineered thermal‐EM metamaterials. Both the numerically simulated and experimentally measured results demonstrate the concentrating capability of the proposed thermal‐EM concentrator, which can concentrate broadband transverse magnetic (TM)‐polarized EM waves ranging from 8 to 12 GHz and heat flux to the same target region within an on‐chip operating environment. The proposed thermal‐EM concentrator can be utilized for the efficient cooling of the specified component and for simultaneously enhancing the radiation and reception efficiency of the EM antenna within an on‐chip system.
Three‐dimensional printed X‐band waveguide variable bends with integrated filters
Authors: Zhang Yi , Zhang Yaru , Xu Jun , Shang Xiaobang
Published: June 2024

This letter presents compact waveguide variable bends incorporating integrated bandpass filters. Two designs have been demonstrated within X‐band (8.2–12.4 GHz) range, using three‐dimensional stereolithography printing and copper plating. The first design utilizes coupled elliptical resonators, while the second employs coupled deformed ellipsoidal resonators. These designs provide both filtering functionality and complex waveguide routing simultaneously, thereby leading to a reduction of total size and loss. This facilitates the design of compact, low‐loss, and multifunctional integrated subsystems. The measured responses (without any tuning) of both waveguide variable bends exhibit excellent performance, with averaged insertion loss of 0.59 and 0.57 dB, and return loss better than 11.9 and 19.8 dB throughout the passband, respectively. Good agreements between the simulated and measured results of the prototype devices successfully validate the feasibility and practicality of the proposed concept.
Application of cell‐free DNA fungal polymerase chain reaction for invasive fungal disease evaluation in pediatric oncology and stem cell transplant patients
Authors: Kushner Lauren E. , Schwenk Hayden T. , Qin FeiFei , Boothroyd Derek , Aftandilian Catherine
Published: June 2024

Background

Molecular diagnostics may enable early, noninvasive detection of invasive fungal disease (IFD) in immunocompromised patients. Cell‐free deoxyribonucleic acid (cfDNA) fungal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were recently incorporated into institutional prolonged febrile neutropenia pathways. We aimed to evaluate the performance of plasma cfDNA PCR panels (mold and Candida panels) in pediatric oncology and hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients with clinical concern for IFD.

Methods

This single‐center, observational study assessed plasma cfDNA fungal PCR performance for noninvasive IFD detection in hospitalized pediatric oncology and HSCT patients. The primary outcome was IFD diagnosis per published consensus definitions within 1 month. Positive and negative agreement between plasma cfDNA fungal PCR and consensus definitions were calculated. We also described test turnaround time and patient survival.

Results

From October 2021 to 2022, 54 patients underwent 60 evaluations with 11 proven/probable IFD cases. Comparing plasma cfDNA fungal PCRs to consensus definitions for proven/probable IFD, there was 73% positive agreement and 96% negative agreement. Two proven/probable cases with negative PCRs were caused by organisms not included on either panel. Median time to cfDNA fungal PCR result was 35 hours (interquartile range: 19–69) in eight proven/probable cases detected by cfDNA fungal PCR. There were 17 deaths among 54 patients, and IFD contributed to 45% of deaths in patients with proven/probable IFD.

Conclusions

Plasma cfDNA fungal PCRs detected relevant molds or yeast in most cases classified as proven/probable IFD. However, this targeted approach missed some cases. More studies are required to determine optimal utilization of molecular diagnostics in pediatric patients.
Proteoglycans of basement membranes: Crucial controllers of angiogenesis, neurogenesis, and autophagy
Authors: Mongiat Maurizio , Pascal Gabriel , Poletto Evelina , Williams Davion M. , Iozzo Renato V.
Published: June 2024

Antiangiogenic therapy is an established method for the treatment of several cancers and vascular‐related diseases. Most of the agents employed target the vascular endothelial growth factor A, the major cytokine stimulating angiogenesis. However, the efficacy of these treatments is limited by the onset of drug resistance. Therefore, it is of fundamental importance to better understand the mechanisms that regulate angiogenesis and the microenvironmental cues that play significant role and influence patient treatment and outcome. In this context, here we review the importance of the three basement membrane (BM) heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs), namely perlecan, agrin, and collagen XVIII. These HSPGs are abundantly expressed in the vasculature and, due to their complex molecular architecture, they interact with multiple endothelial cell receptors, deeply affecting their function. Under normal conditions, these proteoglycans exert proangiogenic functions. However, in pathological conditions such as cancer and inflammation, extracellular matrix remodeling leads to the degradation of these large precursor molecules and the liberation of bioactive processed fragments displaying potent angiostatic activity. These unexpected functions have been demonstrated for the C‐terminal fragments of perlecan and collagen XVIII, endorepellin, and endostatin. These bioactive fragments can also induce autophagy in vascular endothelial cells which contributes to angiostasis. Overall, BM proteoglycans deeply affect angiogenesis counterbalancing proangiogenic signals during tumor progression and represent possible means to develop new prognostic biomarkers and novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of solid tumors.
The relationships between teacher self‐efficacy, optimism, perceived social support, and burnout: A moderated mediation analysis using the revised job demands–resources model
Authors: Uslukaya Alper
Published: June 2024

Using the revised job demands–resources model, this study aimed to analyze the direct relationship of teacher self‐efficacy with burnout and its indirect relationship through perceived social support as well as the moderating roles of teacher optimism in these relationships. The study used a Bayesian estimator with structural equation modeling to examine the structural relationships among self‐efficacy, optimism, perceived social support, and burnout, using data collected from a sample of 288 teachers in Elâzığ, a city in the eastern region of Turkey. The results demonstrated the negative relationships between teacher self‐efficacy and optimism with burnout, and the indirect negative relationship between teacher self‐efficacy and burnout through perceived social support. In addition, the present study revealed that the direct relationship between teacher self‐efficacy and perceived social support and the indirect relationship between teacher self‐efficacy and burnout through perceived social support can be strengthened depending on the level of optimism. Recommendations for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers are presented.
Confirmatory validation of the Mesothelioma Psychological Distress Tool—Patients: A brief patient‐reported outcome measure assessing psychological distress in malignant mesothelioma patients
Authors: Bonafede Michela , Franzoi Isabella Giulia , Sauta Maria Domenica , Marinaccio Alessandro , Mensi Carolina , Rugarli Sabrina , Migliore Enrica , Cozzi Ilaria , Cavone Domenica , Vimercati Luigi , Grosso Federica , Bertolotti Marinella , Raimondi Giulia , Innamorati Marco , Granieri Antonella
Published: June 2024

Objective

Psychological suffering in patients with Malignant Mesothelioma (MM) is different from the one experienced by patients with other cancers due to its occupational or environmental etiology and its peculiar symptomatology and prognosis (i.e., poor prognosis, reduced effectiveness of the therapies, poor quality of residual life, and advanced age at the time of diagnosis). Therefore, the Mesothelioma Psychological Distress Tool‐Patients (MPDT‐P) has been developed to evaluate the specific profile of psychological suffering in this population. This paper describes the item selection, factor analysis, and psychometric evaluation of the revised MPDT‐P.

Methods

The analyses of the current work aimed to confirm the factorial structure found in the first version of the MPDT‐P. In the case of nonfit, it aimed to find an alternative structure and causes of nonfit in the model. The search for the fit of the factorial model was conducted using a Bayesian approach.

Results

The two‐factor model reported in the first version of the instrument did not fit the data. Confirmatory Bayesian analyses showed adequate fit for the three‐factor solution. Based on the content of the items, we labeled the factors as dysfunctional emotions, claims for justice, and anxieties about the future.

Conclusions

Integrating the MPDT‐P into clinical practice could help clinicians gain insight into the specific suffering related to MM and investigate potential differences related to different occupational and environmental exposure contexts.
Reliability analysis of multiple repairable systems under imperfect repair and unobserved heterogeneity
Authors: Brito Éder S. , Tomazella Vera L. D. , Ferreira Paulo H. , Louzada Neto Francisco , Gonzatto Junior Oilson A.
Published: June 2024

Imperfect repairs (IRs) are widely applicable in reliability engineering since most equipment is not completely replaced after failure. In this sense, it is necessary to develop methodologies that can describe failure processes and predict the reliability of systems under this type of repair. One of the challenges in this context is to establish reliability models for multiple repairable systems considering unobserved heterogeneity associated with systems failure times and their failure intensity after performing IRs. Thus, in this work, frailty models are proposed to identify unobserved heterogeneity in these failure processes. In this context, we consider the arithmetic reduction of age (ARA) and arithmetic reduction of intensity (ARI) classes of IR models, with constant repair efficiency and a power‐law process distribution to model failure times and a univariate Gamma distributed frailty by all systems failure times. Classical inferential methods are used to estimate the parameters and reliability predictors of systems under IRs. An extensive simulation study is carried out under different scenarios to investigate the suitability of the models and the asymptotic consistency and efficiency properties of the maximum likelihood estimators. Finally, we illustrate the practical relevance of the proposed models on two real data sets.
Enhancing mechanical and radiation shielding properties of concrete with lead monoxide and granodiorite: Individual and synergistic effects at micro and nano particle scales
Authors: Fathy Islam N. , El‐Sayed Alaa A. , Tayeh Bassam A. , Mahmoud Alaa A. , Abouelnour Mohamed A. , Elfakharany Maged E.
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the individual and combined effects of micro and nano lead monoxide (PbO) and granodiorite (GD) on concrete's mechanical and radiation shielding properties. Both materials were partially substituted for cement at varying ratios. Additionally, mixtures with optimal radiation shielding performance were prepared to explore the synergy of combining them. The mentioned materials are used for the first time in an extensive study at the nano scale to investigate their impact on concrete's mechanical properties, microstructure, and gamma radiation attenuation. Two gamma ray sources of uranium (U238) and cesium (Cs137) were used measure the radiation attenuation coefficients for all designed concrete mixes. A simple methodology was followed to assess the concrete shields efficiency via utilizing portable handheld gamma‐ray spectrometer that offers two reading modes. Results indicated that increasing the ratio of PbO is directly proportional to the concrete ability to attenuate radiation, where the optimal individual replacement ratios were recorded at 5% for micro and nano particle sizes. At this ratio, the linear attenuation coefficient (μ) values were improved by 39.57% and 24.78% for the nano and micro PbO, respectively. Additionally, the optimal ratio for improving mechanical properties was at 3% and 2% for nano and micro PbO, while the higher ratios showed a decline in mechanical properties especially at 5% micro PbO with 7.02% reduction in the compressive strength value. Regarding GD powder, the optimal replacement ratios for improving concrete radiation shielding were consistent with those enhancing its mechanical properties at 4% and 7% in both nano and micro scales, respectively. The combined mixes further enhanced the overall concrete performance, especially its radiation shielding ability. Compared to the control mix, the compressive strength, tensile strength, and μ were increased by 25.7%, 16.2%, and 44.7% at the optimal mixture of 5% nano PbO + 4% nano GD.
Patterns of belief and trust in climate change information
Authors: Johnson Victoria , Butterfuss Reese , Harsch Rina , Kendeou Panayiota
Published: June 2024

A crucial hurdle to addressing climate change is science denial. While research suggests that science denial is related to judgments individuals make about the credibility of information sources, less is known about how source credibility and characteristics of the individual interact to affect science denial. In the present study, we examined the extent to which individuals' belief in climate change claims and trust in the sources of these claims were influenced by the interaction between the political leaning of information sources (i.e., conservative media vs. liberal media vs. scientific institutions), individuals' political ideologies, and individuals' epistemic beliefs (beliefs about the nature of knowledge and knowing). We found that both individuals' belief in climate change information and trust in sources were predicted by interactions between these variables. For example, participants who believed that facts are not politically constructed were more likely to believe in climate information and trust scientific sources, regardless of the participant's partisanship. These findings suggest that epistemic profiles associated with deference to scientific sources might protect against climate change denial. Therefore, cultivating such epistemic beliefs and the skills to critically evaluate sources could be instrumental to combating climate change denial.