bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of a validated pre-discharge questionnaire to improve the quality of patient experience of orthopaedic care
Authors: Baker Paul , Tytler Beverley , Artley Angela , Hamid Khalid , Paul Rajat , Eardley William
Published: March 2024

Patient experience is central to the delivery of excellent healthcare. As such it is enshrined within the 2015 NHS outcomes framework, a set of indicators against which quality in healthcare is measured. A variety of tools are available to quantify patient experience across clinical settings. When combined with a framework for continued data collection and suitable mechanisms for analysis, feedback, and intervention, these tools allow improvements in patient care and clinical services to be realised. In response to an increasing number of patient complaints and friends and family scores below the trust average within our orthopaedic department we instituted an improvement programme in March 2015. The programme was based around the Picker Patient Experience 15 questionnaire and aimed to improve friends and family test scores, reduce complaints and improve patient experience scores over an 18-month period. An improvement model including baseline measurement and 2 improvement cycles over an 18-month period was used. Initial benchmarks for practice were created by referencing national data allowing problem areas of care to be identified and interventions to address these developed. This process identified areas for improvement including improving staff awareness and engagement with patient experience, improving staff and patient communication and ensuring patients were aware and involved in plans for their own care. Actions to address these issues resulted in a 38% decrease in patient complaints, a >10% increase in patient experience, and improvements in patient satisfaction and friends and family scores.
Socioecological and biological associations of lower levels of physical
activity in 8-year-old children: a 2-year prospective study
Authors: Lahti Amanda , Rosengren Björn E , Dencker Magnus , Nilsson Jan-Åke , Karlsson Magnus K
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Evaluate if socioecological and biological factors, at the age of
8 years, are associated with lower level of physical activity (PA)
2 years later.

Method

In a study cohort of 199 children aged 7.8±0.6 years, we used
questionnaires and physical measurements to evaluate biological (eg,
sex), social (eg, parental PA) and environmental (eg, school settings)
factors. Objective PA was measured 2 years later with accelerometers.
General PA (GPA) was defined as mean counts per minute (cpm) and
moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) as min/day >3500 cpm. We used analysis
of covariance to evaluate if socioecological factors at age 8 are
associated with level of PA 2 years later.

Results

Daily GPA was 690.5±216.6 cpm and the children spent 40.9±18.3 min
on MVPA. Female sex is associated with −131.1 (−183.4, –78.7) cpm GPA,
each 10 cm shorter body height with −48.7 (−94.8, –26.5), each unit
higher body mass index (BMI) with −26.0 (−37.5, –14.5) and allocation to
60 min school PA/week with −73.8 (−131.5, –16.2) compared with
allocation to 200 min school PA/week. Female sex is associated with
−10.3 (−14.8, –5.7) min of MVPA and each unit higher BMI with −1.9
(−2.9, –0.9) min.

Conclusion

Female sex, shorter body height and higher BMI are at age 8 years
associated with lower level of PA 2 years later. It appears possible to
increase PA by daily school PA.

Trial registration number

NCT00633828.
Foregrounding pain in self-managed early medication abortion: a qualitative study
Authors: Purcell Carrie , Newton Victoria Louise , Bloomer Fiona , Hoggart Lesley
Published: March 2024

Objective

To explore experiences of pain in the context of early medical abortion (EMA) in the UK and to guide best practice around anticipatory guidance on pain.

Methods

From late 2020 to early 2021, we recruited individuals from across the UK who had undergone abortion during the COVID-19 pandemic to participate in in-depth, semi-structured telephone interviews. A storytelling approach was used and data were analysed thematically using NVivo 12 software.

Results

Focused coding and thematic analysis addressed accounts of pain, which were prominent in many interviews. We constructed the following subthemes: expected pain is manageable for some; the problem with unexpected pain; pain (co)produces fear; and problematising ‘period-like pain’. The key issue which our analysis draws out is that while EMA pain experience might vary, for some it may be much worse than anticipated. Moreover, the common trope of likening it to ‘period pain’ can be misleading and a source of additional uncertainty at a potentially already challenging time.

Conclusions

For some individuals, pain experienced in EMA will be severe and/or worse than expected. Insufficient preparation for pain can result in extremely negative experiences of EMA. Alongside development of improved analgesia, improvements should be made to anticipatory guidance on pain, particularly for those self-manging EMA at home. Framings of ‘period-like pain’ do not clarify expectations and should be avoided.
Firearm access, carriage and use in an ethnically diverse sample of young adults in Texas, USA
Authors: Lu Yu , Baumler Elizabeth , DeMello Annalyn Saludares , Wood Leila , McGuire Hillary , Temple Jeff R.
Published: March 2024

BackgroundDespite the high rates of firearm ownership and firearm-related injuries and mortalities in Southern US states, understandings on the factors contributing to these are lacking.

MethodsUsing wave 10 (2021) data from a longitudinal study, we examined firearm-related experiences among 636 ethnically diverse young adults (mean age=26 years; 62% female) in Texas, USA.

ResultsJust over half of participants had ready access to firearms, with 22.3% having carried a firearm outside of their home, 4.9% having been threatened with a firearm by a romantic partner and 4.4% by a non-romantic partner. More firearm access and carriage were reported in males, white participants and those with >US$50 000 income. More females than males had been threatened with a firearm by a romantic partner, but more males than females had been threatened by a non-partner. Participants with recent financial difficulties were proportionally more likely to be threatened with a firearm than those without difficulties.

ConclusionFindings emphasise the alarming rate of firearm access and carriage in Texas and highlight the disparities in firearms experiences by sociodemographic characteristics.
Rapid microdissection of tissue sections via laser ablation
Authors: Coope Robin JN , Pleasance Stephen , Pandoh Pawan , Schlosser Colin , Corbett Richard D , Marra Marco A
Published: March 2024

We demonstrate a method for tissue microdissection using scanning laser ablation that is approximately two orders of magnitude faster than conventional laser capture microdissection. Our novel approach uses scanning laser optics and a slide coating under the tissue that can be excited by the laser to selectively eject regions of tissue for further processing. Tissue was dissected at 0.117 s/mm2without reduction in yield, sequencing insert size or base quality compared with undissected tissue. From eight cases, 58–416 mm2of tissue was obtained from one to four slides in 7–48 seconds total dissection time per case. These samples underwent exome sequencing and we found the variant allelic fraction increased in regions enriched for tumour as expected. This suggests that our ablation technique may be useful as a tool in both clinical and research labs.
Impact of screening participation on modelled mortality benefits of a multi-cancer early detection test by socioeconomic group in England
Authors: Smittenaar Rebecca , Quaife Samantha L , von Wagner Christian , Higgins Thomas , Hubbell Earl , Lee Lennard
Published: March 2024

Background

Cancer burden is higher and cancer screening participation is lower among individuals living in more socioeconomically deprived areas of England, contributing to worse health outcomes and shorter life expectancy. Owing to higher multi-cancer early detection (MCED) test sensitivity for poor-prognosis cancers and greater cancer burden in groups experiencing greater deprivation, MCED screening programmes may have greater relative benefits in these groups. We modelled potential differential benefits of MCED screening between deprivation groups in England at different levels of screening participation.

Methods

We applied the interception multi-cancer screening model to cancer incidence and survival data made available by the National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service in England to estimate reductions in late-stage diagnoses and cancer mortality from an MCED screening programme by deprivation group across 24 cancer types. We assessed the impact of varying the proportion of people who participated in annual screening in each deprivation group on these estimates.

Results

The modelled benefits of an MCED screening programme were substantial: reductions in late-stage diagnoses were 160 and 274 per 100 000 persons in the least and most deprived groups, respectively. Reductions in cancer mortality were 60 and 99 per 100 000 persons in the least and most deprived groups, respectively. Benefits were greatest in the most deprived group at every participation level and were attenuated with lower screening participation.

Conclusions

For the greatest possible population benefit and to decrease health inequalities, an MCED implementation strategy should focus on enhancing equitable, informed participation, enabling equal participation across all socioeconomic deprivation groups.

Trial registration number

NCT05611632.
Mitochondria-targeted photodynamic therapy triggers GSDME-mediated pyroptosis and sensitizes anti-PD-1 therapy in colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhou Yun , Zhang Wenyao , Wang Boda , Wang Pei , Li Danxiu , Cao Tianyu , Zhang Dawei , Han Hua , Bai Mingfeng , Wang Xin , Zhao Xiaodi , Lu Yuanyuan
Published: March 2024

Background

The effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors in colorectal cancer (CRC) is limited due to the low tumor neoantigen load and low immune infiltration in most microsatellite-stable (MSS) tumors. This study aimed to develop a mitochondria-targeted photodynamic therapy (PDT) approach to provoke host antitumor immunity of MSS-CRC and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methods

The role and mechanism of mitochondria-targeted PDT in inhibiting CRC progression and inducing pyroptosis were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. The immune effects of PDT sensitization on PD-1 blockade were also assessed in CT26 and 4T1 tumor-bearing mouse models.

Results

Here, we report that PDT using IR700DX-6T, a photosensitizer targeting the mitochondrial translocation protein, may trigger an antitumor immune response initiated by pyroptosis in CRC. Mechanistically, IR700DX-6T-PDT produced reactive oxygen species on light irradiation and promoted downstream p38 phosphorylation and active caspase3 (CASP3)-mediated cleavage of gasdermin E (GSDME), subsequently inducing pyroptosis. Furthermore, IR700DX-6T-PDT enhanced the sensitivity of MSS-CRC cells to PD-1 blockade. Decitabine, a demethylation drug used to treat hematologic neoplasms, disrupted the abnormal methylation pattern of GSDME in tumor cells, enhanced the efficacy of IR700DX-6T-PDT, and elicited a potent antitumor immune response in combination with PD-1 blockade and IR700DX-6T-PDT.

Conclusion

Our work provides clear a understanding of immunogenic cell death triggered by mitochondria-targeted PDT, offering a new approach for enhancing the efficacy of PD-1 blockade in CRC.
OPTIMA-BP: empOwering PaTients in MAnaging Blood Pressure – protocol for a randomised parallel group study comparing use of Kvatchii web-based patient education portal as an addition to home blood pressure monitoring
Authors: McCallum Linsay , Lip Stefanie , Rostron Maggie , Hanna Rebecca , Bin Pg Md Salimin Nukman , Nichol Sarah , Padmanabhan Sandosh
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Hypertension is the leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is implicated in half of all strokes and myocardial infarctions. One-third of the adults in Scotland have hypertension yet only a quarter of them have their blood pressure (BP) controlled to target (<140/90 mm Hg). Empowering patients to have a better understanding of their condition and becoming actively involved in the monitoring and management of hypertension may lead to improved patient satisfaction, improved BP control and health outcomes and reduction in the use of primary/secondary care hypertension clinics.

Methods and analysis

OPTIMA-BP is a randomised parallel group pilot study comparing the use of home BP monitoring accompanied by access to the web-based cardiovascular educational portal (Kvatchii) and home BP monitoring (HBPM) alone in 200 patients with hypertension attending the Glasgow Blood Pressure Clinic, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow. Consented participants will be asked to complete surveys on lifestyle factors, medication adherence, quality of life and hypertension knowledge, understanding and home monitoring. The intervention group will be asked to complete a survey to help evaluate the Kvatchii portal. At 6 and 12 months, the surveys will be repeated via the CASTOR EDC. Both groups will input their HBPM results at 2-month intervals into a CASTOR-EDC survey. OPTIMA-BP will follow-up with participants over 12 months with the study running over 24 months. The primary outcome is HBPM systolic BP area under the curve between baseline and 6 months

Ethics and dissemination

OPTIMA-BP was approved by the North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2 (22/NS/0095). Current protocol version 1.2 date 6 June 2023. Written informed consent will be provided by all study participants. Study findings will be submitted to international peer-reviewed journals and will be presented at national and international scientific meetings.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT05575453. Registered 12 October 2022.https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05575453
Characterisation of airway disease associated with Sjögren disease
Authors: Meudec Loïc , Debray Marie-Pierre , Beurnier Antoine , Marques Cindy , Juge Pierre-Antoine , Dhote Robin , Larroche Claire , Fauchais Anne Laure , Dernis Emanuelle , Vittecoq Olivier , Saraux Alain , Gottenberg Jacques-Eric , Hachulla Eric , Le Guern Véronique , Dieudé Philippe , Seror Raphaele , Mariette Xavier , Nocturne Gaétane
Published: March 2024

Objective

Although airway disease associated with Sjögren’s disease (Sjo-AD) is common, it is poorly studied compared with interstitial lung disease (ILD). In this study, we aimed to assess factors associated with Sjo-AD, the characteristics and prognosis of this manifestation.

Methods

We performed a retrospective multicentric study involving nine centres. We included Sjo-AD patients confirmed by at least one clinician and one CT scan report. Clinical and biological data, pulmonary function test (PFT), and CT scans were collected. A single radiologist specialist in thoracic diseases reviewed CT scans. Sjo-AD patients were compared with Sjo controls without pulmonary involvement, randomly selected after matching for age and disease duration.

Results

We included 31 Sjo-AD and 62 Sjo controls without pulmonary history. Sjo-AD had a higher disease activity (ESSDAI) compared with controls, even when excluding the pulmonary domain of the score (7 vs 3.8, p<0.05), mainly due to the biological activity. Sjo-AD was multilobar (72%) and associated with signs of both bronchiectasis and bronchiolitis (60%). Obstructive lung disease occurred in 32% at the time of Sjo-AD diagnosis. Overall, PFT was stable after 8.7±7 years follow-up but repeated CT scans showed extended lesions in 41% of cases within 6±3.2 years. No patient developed Sjo-ILD. Sjo-AD progression was independent of the global disease activity.

Conclusions

Sjo-AD preferentially affects Sjo patients with higher biological activity. It is often characterised as a diffuse disease, affecting both proximal and distal airways, with a slow evolution over time and no progression to Sjo-ILD.
Re-evaluating the mythical divide between traditional and novel cardiovascular risk factors in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Ikdahl Eirik , Stensrud Mats Julius
Published: March 2024

Cardiovascular (CV) risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are conventionally classified as ‘traditional‘ and ‘novel‘. We argue that this classification is obsolete and potentially counterproductive. Further, we discuss problems with the common practice of adjusting for traditional CV risk factors in statistical analyses. These analyses do not target well-defined effects of RA on CV risk. Ultimately, we propose a future direction for cardiorheumatology research that prioritises optimising current treatments and identifying novel therapeutic targets over further categorisation of well-known risk factors.
Validity of an ultrasonographic joint-specific scoring system in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a cross-sectional study comparing ultrasound findings of synovitis with whole-body magnetic resonance imaging and clinical assessment
Authors: Sande Nina Krafft , Kirkhus Eva , Lilleby Vibke , Tomterstad Anders Høye , Aga Anna-Birgitte , Flatø Berit , Bøyesen Pernille
Published: March 2024

Objective

To assess the validity of an ultrasonographic scoring system in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) by comparing ultrasound detected synovitis with whole-body MRI and clinical assessment of disease activity.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study, 27 patients with active JIA underwent clinical 71-joints examination, non-contrast enhanced whole-body MRI and ultrasound evaluation of 28 joints (elbow, radiocarpal, midcarpal, metacarpophalangeal 2–3, proximal interphalangeal 2–3, hip, knee, tibiotalar, talonavicular, subtalar and metatarsophalangeal 2–3). One rheumatologist, blinded to clinical findings, performed ultrasound and scored synovitis (B-mode and power Doppler) findings using a semiquantitative joint-specific scoring system for synovitis in JIA. A radiologist scored effusion/synovial thickening on whole-body MRI using a scoring system for whole-body MRI in JIA. At patient level, associations between ultrasound synovitis sum scores, whole-body MRI effusion/synovial thickening sum scores, clinical arthritis sum scores, and the 71-joints Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score (JADAS71) were calculated using Spearman’s correlation coefficients (rs). To explore associations at joint level, sensitivity and specificity were calculated for ultrasound using whole-body MRI or clinical joint examination as reference.

Results

Ultrasound synovitis sum scores strongly correlated with whole-body MRI effusion/synovial thickening sum scores (rs=0.74,p<0.01) and the JADAS71 (rs=0.71,p<0.01), and moderately with clinical arthritis sum scores (rs=0.57,p<0.01). Sensitivity/specificity of ultrasound in detecting synovitis were 0.57/0.96 and 0.55/0.96 using whole-body MRI or clinical joint examination as reference, respectively.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that ultrasound is a valid instrument to detect synovitis, and that ultrasound synovitis sum scores can reflect disease activity and may be an outcome measure in JIA.
Association between person-centred care quality and advance care planning participation in haemodialysis
Authors: Kanakubo Yusuke , Kurita Noriaki , Ukai Mamiko , Aita Tetsuro , Inanaga Ryohei , Kawaji Atsuro , Toishi Takumi , Matsunami Masatoshi , Munakata Yu , Suzuki Tomo , Okada Tadao
Published: March 2024

Objective

Person-centred care (PCC), which incorporates patients’ preferences and values for medical care and their life, has been proposed in decision-making for promoting advance care planning (ACP) among patients with kidney failure. Therefore, we aimed to examine variations in PCC across facilities and the association between PCC and ACP participation.

Methods

This multicentre cross-sectional study included Japanese adults undergoing outpatient haemodialysis at six dialysis centres. The main exposure was PCC, measured using the 13-item Japanese version of the Primary Care Assessment Tool-short form. The main outcome was ACP participation as defined by discussion with the attending physician or written documentation or notes regarding treatment preferences. A general linear model was used to examine the covariates of the quality of PCC. Modified Poisson regression models were used to examine the associations of ACP participation.

Results

A total of 453 individuals were analysed; 26.3% of them participated in ACP. Higher PCC was associated with greater ACP participation in a dose–response manner (adjusted prevalence ratios for the first to fourth quartiles: 1.36, 2.31, 2.64 and 3.10, respectively) in respondents with usual source of care (USC) than in those without USC. Among the PCC subdomains, first contact, longitudinality, comprehensiveness (services provided) and community orientation were particularly associated with ACP participation. A maximum of 12.0 points of facility variation was noted in the quality of PCC.

Conclusions

High quality of PCC was associated with ACP participation. The substantial disparity in PCC between facilities provides an opportunity to revisit the quality improvement in PCC.
The equivalence principle for a plane gravitational wave in torsion-based and non-metricity-based teleparallel equivalents of general relativity
Authors: Emtsova E. D. , Petrov A. N. , Toporensky A. V.
Published: March 2024

We study the energy–momentum characteristics of the plane “+”-polarized gravitational wave solution of general relativity in the teleparallel equivalent of general relativity (TEGR) and the symmetric teleparallel equivalent of general relativity (STEGR) using the previously constructed Noether currents. The current components describe energy–momentum locally measured by an observer if the displacement vector $$\xi $$
ξ
is equal to the observer’s 4-velocity. To determine the non-dynamical connection in these theories, we use the unified “turning off” gravity principle. For a constructive analysis of the values of Noether currents and superpotentials in TEGR and STEGR, we use the concept of “gauges”. The gauge changing can affect the Noether current values. We study under what conditions the Noether current for the freely falling observer is zero. When they are established, the zero result can be interpreted as a correspondence to the equivalence principle, and it is a novelty for gravitational waves in the TEGR and STEGR. We highlight two important cases with positive and zero energy, which reproduce the results of previous works with a different approach for determining gravitational energy–momentum in the TEGR, and give their interpretation.
VIP-2 with modulated current: pathfinder for enhanced Pauli exclusion principle violation studies
Authors: Porcelli Alessio , Bazzi Massimiliano , Bortolotti Nicola , Bragadireanu Mario , Cargnelli Michael , Clozza Alberto , De Paolis Luca , Del Grande Raffaele , Guaraldo Carlo , Iliescu Mihail , Laubenstein Matthias , Manti Simone , Marton Johann , Miliucci Marco , Napolitano Fabrizio , Piscicchia Kristian , Scordo Alessandro , Sgaramella Francesco , Sirghi Diana Laura , Sirghi Florin , Doce Oton Vazquez , Zmeskal Johann , Curceanu Catalina
Published: March 2024

Fermions are subject to the Pauli Exclusion Principle (PEP), which is grounded on the spin-statistics theorem and, hence, related to the very same structure of the underlying symmetries. The VIP-2 (VIolation of Pauli exclusion principle - 2) experiment has been performing extreme sensitivity tests of the PEP, up to its current and final configuration, exploiting several experimental setups designed to study different theoretical models of PEP violation, looking for a faint signal of physics Beyond the Standard Model.A current is introduced in the copper target to bring new electrons into the system and, hence, fulfill the requirements of the Messiah-Greenberg Super-Selection rule. The searched spin-statistics violating signal corresponds to X-rays emitted when the new electrons perform atomic transitions to the already filled fundamental level of copper. This work analyzes the set of the VIP-2 data corresponding to a test run of 68 days in a current modulated regime alternating no current with current data-taking in short periods (50 s each), instead the usual alternating months-long data-taking of each of these two phases. We propose an analysis method to improve the experiment’s sensitivity: a spectral analysis constraint with the Discrete Fourier Transformation of the data. Compared to the spectrum-only analysis, about a factor of 1.5 of improvement to the limit for the probability of PEP violation for electrons was obtained.
AI and Blockchain Enabled Future Wireless Networks: A Survey And Outlook
Authors: Zhou Ziyi , Onireti Oluwakayode , Xu Hao , Zhang Lei , Imran Muhammad
Published: March 2024

Due to the explosion of mobile users and the ever-increasing heterogeneity and scale of wireless networks, traditional communication protocols and optimizing methods can not satisfy future wireless network (FWN) requirements. As promising technologies, artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain are deemed as the solution for the FWN. AI, famous for its big data processing ability, will enable the FWN to self-update itself to better adapt to the dynamic network condition. Blockchain, as a distributed ledger, can guarantee data integrity, security, and privacy. In this survey, we overview the concept of AI and blockchain and present their state-of-the-art applications in wireless networks. The potential of AI and blockchain is still huge and waiting to be fully explored in wireless networks. Therefore, we introduce how AI and blockchain can assist each other in FWNs. Furthermore, we explore the current constraints of applying both technologies in the FWNs. In the final part, we discuss the future direction of the deployment of AI and blockchain in FWNs.
A Deep Dive into Robot Vision - An Integrative Systematic Literature Review Methodologies and Research Endeavor Practices
Authors: Sultana Saima , Alam Muhammad Mansoor , Su’ud Mazliham Mohd , Mustapha Jawahir Che , Prasad Mukesh
Published: March 2024

Novel technological swarm and industry 4.0 mold the recent Robot vision research into innovative discovery. To enhance technological paradigm Deep Learning offers remarkable pace to move towards diversified advancement. This research considers the most topical, recent, related and state-of-the-art research reviews that revolve around Robot vision, and shapes the research into Systematic Literature Survey SLR. The SLR considers a combination of more than 100 reviews and empirical studies to perform a critical categorical study and shapes findings against research questions. The research study contribution spans over multiple categories of Robot vision and is tinted along with technical limitations and future research endeavors. Previously multiple research studies have been observed to leverage Robotic vision techniques. Yet, there is none like SLR summarizing recent vision techniques for all targeted Robotic fields. This research SLR could be a precious milestone in Robot vision for each glimpse of Robotics.
A Survey on Dialogue Management in Human-robot Interaction
Authors: Reimann Merle M. , Kunneman Florian A. , Oertel Catharine , Hindriks Koen V.
Published: March 2024

As social robots see increasing deployment within the general public, improving the interaction with those robots is essential. Spoken language offers an intuitive interface for the human–robot interaction (HRI), with dialogue management (DM) being a key component in those interactive systems. Yet, to overcome current challenges and manage smooth, informative, and engaging interaction, a more structural approach to combining HRI and DM is needed. In this systematic review, we analyze the current use of DM in HRI and focus on the type of dialogue manager used, its capabilities, evaluation methods, and the challenges specific to DM in HRI. We identify the challenges and current scientific frontier related to the DM approach, interaction domain, robot appearance, physical situatedness, and multimodality.
Greentooth: Robust and Energy Efficient Wireless Networking for Batteryless Devices
Authors: Babatunde Simeon , Alsubhi Arwa , Hester Josiah , Sorber Jacob
Published: March 2024

Communication presents a critical challenge for emerging intermittently powered batteryless sensors. Batteryless devices that operate entirely on harvested energy often experience frequent, unpredictable power outages and have trouble keeping time accurately. Consequently, effective communication using today’s low-power wireless network standards and protocols becomes difficult, particularly because existing standards are usually designed to support reliably powered devices with predictable node availability and accurate timekeeping capabilities for connection and congestion management.

In this article, we present Greentooth, a robust and energy-efficient wireless communication protocol for intermittently powered sensor networks. It enables reliable communication between a receiver and multiple batteryless sensors using Time Division Multiple Access–style scheduling and low-power wake-up radios for synchronization. Greentooth employs lightweight and energy-efficient connections that are resilient to transient power outages, while significantly improving network reliability, throughput, and energy efficiency of both the battery-free sensor nodes and the receiver—which could be untethered and energy constrained. We evaluate Greentooth using a custom-built batteryless sensor prototype on synthetic and real-world energy traces recorded from different locations in a garden across different times of the day. Results show that Greentooth achieves 73% and 283% more throughput compared to Asynchronous Wake-up on Demand MAC and Receiver-Initiated Consecutive Packet Transmission Wake-up Radios, respectively, under intermittent ambient solar energy and over 2× longer receiver lifetime.
Maximizing Analytical Performance in Biomolecular Discovery with LC-MS: Focus on Psychiatric Disorders
Authors: Smith Bradley J. , Guest Paul C. , Martins-de-Souza Daniel
Published: March 2024

In this review, we discuss the cutting-edge developments in mass spectrometry proteomics and metabolomics that have brought improvements for the identification of new disease-based biomarkers. A special focus is placed on psychiatric disorders, for example, schizophrenia, because they are considered to be not a single disease entity but rather a spectrum of disorders with many overlapping symptoms. This review includes descriptions of various types of commonly used mass spectrometry platforms for biomarker research, as well as complementary techniques to maximize data coverage, reduce sample heterogeneity, and work around potentially confounding factors. Finally, we summarize the different statistical methods that can be used for improving data quality to aid in reliability and interpretation of proteomics findings, as well as to enhance their translatability into clinical use and generalizability to new data sets.
The Birth and Death of Floral Organs in Cereal Crops
Authors: Huang Yongyu , Schnurbusch Thorsten
Published: March 2024

Florets of cereal crops are the basic reproductive organs that produce grains for food or feed. The birth of a floret progresses through meristem initiation and floral organ identity specification and maintenance. During these processes, both endogenous and external cues can trigger a premature floral organ death, leading to reproductive failure. Recent advances in different cereal crops have identified both conserved and distinct regulators governing the birth of a floret. However, the molecular underpinnings of floral death are just beginning to be understood. In this review, we first provide a general overview of the current findings in the field of floral development in major cereals and outline different forms of floral deaths, particularly in the Triticeae crops. We then highlight the importance of vascular patterning and photosynthesis in floral development and reproductive success and argue for an expanded knowledge of floral birth–death balance in the context of agroecology.
Diving into the Water: Amphibious Plants as a Model for Investigating Plant Adaptations to Aquatic Environments
Authors: Koga Hiroyuki , Ikematsu Shuka , Kimura Seisuke
Published: March 2024

Amphibious plants can grow and survive in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. This review explores the diverse adaptations that enable them to thrive in such contrasting habitats. Plants with amphibious lifestyles possess fascinating traits, and their phenotypic plasticity plays an important role in adaptations. Heterophylly, the ability to produce different leaf forms, is one such trait, with submerged leaves generally being longer, narrower, and thinner than aerial leaves. In addition to drastic changes in leaf contours, amphibious plants display significant anatomical and physiological changes, including a reduction in stomatal number and cuticle thickness and changes in photosynthesis mode. This review summarizes and compares the regulatory mechanisms and evolutionary origins of amphibious plants based on molecular biology studies actively conducted in recent years using novel model amphibious plant species. Studying amphibious plants will enhance our understanding of plant adaptations to aquatic environments.
Direct Electron Transfer–Type Oxidoreductases for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Sowa Keisei , Okuda-Shimazaki Junko , Fukawa Eole , Sode Koji
Published: March 2024

Among the various types of enzyme-based biosensors, sensors utilizing enzymes capable of direct electron transfer (DET) are recognized as the most ideal. However, only a limited number of redox enzymes are capable of DET with electrodes, that is, dehydrogenases harboring a subunit or domain that functions specifically to accept electrons from the redox cofactor of the catalytic site and transfer the electrons to the external electron acceptor. Such subunits or domains act as built-in mediators for electron transfer between enzymes and electrodes; consequently, such enzymes enable direct electron transfer to electrodes and are designated as DET-type enzymes. DET-type enzymes fall into several categories, including redox cofactors of catalytic reactions, built-in mediators for DET with electrodes and by their protein hierarchic structures, DET-type oxidoreductases with oligomeric structures harboring electron transfer subunits, and monomeric DET-type oxidoreductases harboring electron transfer domains. In this review, we cover the science of DET-type oxidoreductases and their biomedical applications. First, we introduce the structural biology and current understanding of DET-type enzyme reactions. Next, we describe recent technological developments based on DET-type enzymes for biomedical applications, such as biosensors and biochemical energy harvesting for self-powered medical devices. Finally, after discussing how to further engineer and create DET-type enzymes, we address the future prospects for DET-type enzymes in biomedical engineering.
Unveiling the Intricate Connection: Cell Volume as a Key Regulator of Mechanotransduction
Authors: Xie Jing , Huck Wilhelm T.S. , Bao Min
Published: March 2024

The volumes of living cells undergo dynamic changes to maintain the cells’ structural and functional integrity in many physiological processes. Minor fluctuations in cell volume can serve as intrinsic signals that play a crucial role in cell fate determination during mechanotransduction. In this review, we discuss the variability of cell volume and its role in vivo, along with an overview of the mechanisms governing cell volume regulation. Additionally, we provide insights into the current approaches used to control cell volume in vitro. Furthermore, we summarize the biological implications of cell volume regulation and discuss recent advances in understanding the fundamental relationship between cell volume and mechanotransduction. Finally, we delve into the potential underlying mechanisms, including intracellular macromolecular crowding and cellular mechanics, that govern the global regulation of cell fate in response to changes in cell volume. By exploring the intricate interplay between cell volume and mechanotransduction, we underscore the importance of considering cell volume as a fundamental signaling cue to unravel the basic principles of mechanotransduction. Additionally, we propose future research directions that can extend our current understanding of cell volume in mechanotransduction. Overall, this review highlights the significance of considering cell volume as a fundamental signal in understanding the basic principles in mechanotransduction and points out the possibility of controlling cell volume to control cell fate, mitigate disease-related damage, and facilitate the healing of damaged tissues.
Immune Activation in Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Mary Arnaud , Mancuso Renzo , Heneka Michael T.
Published: March 2024

Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease, and with no efficient curative treatment available, its medical, social, and economic burdens are expected to dramatically increase. AD is historically characterized by amyloid β (Aβ) plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles, but over the last 25 years chronic immune activation has been identified as an important factor contributing to AD pathogenesis. In this article, we review recent and important advances in our understanding of the significance of immune activation in the development of AD. We describe how brain-resident macrophages, the microglia, are able to detect Aβ species and be activated, as well as the consequences of activated microglia in AD pathogenesis. We discuss transcriptional changes of microglia in AD, their unique heterogeneity in humans, and emerging strategies to study human microglia. Finally, we expose, beyond Aβ and microglia, the role of peripheral signals and different cell types in immune activation.
Short-term vascular responses to spring and fall daylight savings time shifts
Authors: Al-Bakry Dara , Athaide Chloe E. , Pathmarajan Rishiga , Kuhn Tara , Middleton Laura E. , Au Jason S.
Published: March 2024

The debate of whether to abolish daylight savings time (DST) is, in part, motivated by the population-level increase in all-cause mortality and incidence of cardiovascular events following DST; however, there is an absence of data to support a physiological basis for risk. We found no changes in pulse wave velocity or augmentation index during the subacute window of DST. Large multisite trials are necessary to address the small, but meaningful, effects brought on by a societal event.
Research on Flexural Properties and Flexural Toughness Evaluation Method of Steel Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Composites under Polar Low Temperatures
Authors: Shui Farun , Su Jun , Huang Junjie , Li Yang , Qian Weimin
Published: March 2024

In this research, five groups of steel fiber reinforced cementitious composite (SFRCC) with different fiber volume content (0%, 0.5%, 1.0% 1.5%, and 2.0%) were designed to perform four‐point flexural tests on beam specimens to study the effects of polar temperature (20, 0, −25, −50, −75, and −100°C) and fiber volume content on the flexural properties. The flexural toughness index and load holding capacity index were calculated based on the load–displacement curve, and the enhancement and toughening mechanisms of SFRCC by low temperature and steel fibers were analyzed in conjunction with experimental observations. The results of the proposed flexural toughness evaluation method show that the flexural toughness of SFRCC can significantly improve than that of ambient temperature when the temperature is lower than 0°C. With the decrease in temperature, the flexural property of SFRCC increases first and then decreases, and the temperature point of this transition is around −50–−75°C. The flexural property enhancement effect of 1.0% fiber volume content SFRCC is more significant in low temperatures according to the flexural toughness index and load holding capacity index. The conclusion can provide a reference for the application of SFRCC in cryogenic engineering, as well as a simple and quantifier evaluation method for flexural toughness is proposed.
Dietary Supplementation of Astragalus membranaceus Extract Affects Growth Performance, Antioxidant Capacity, Immune Response, and Energy Metabolism of Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides)
Authors: He Xuanshu , Chen Anqi , Liao Zhihong , Zhong Jian , Cheng Anda , Xue Xinghua , Li Fuyuan , Chen Mengdie , Yao Rong , Zhao Wei , Niu Jin
Published: March 2024

The present study investigated the effects of Astragalus membranaceus extract (AME) on growth performance, immune response, and energy metabolism of juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Seven diets containing 0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, and 0.6% AME (Con, AME0.1, AME0.2, AME0.3, AME0.4, AME0.5, and AME0.6 groups) were formulated and fed to M. salmoides for 8 weeks. Final body weight (FBW), feed intake (FI), weight gain (WG), and specific growth rate (SGR) were all significantly higher in AME0.4 group than in Con group (P < 0.05). Feed conversion rate (FCR) was significantly improved in AME0.5 group compared with Con group (P < 0.05). Whole‐body crude protein contents were significantly increased in AME0.2 group (P < 0.05). Whole‐body crude lipid contents were significantly lower in AME0.2 and AME0.3 groups, while muscle lipid was upregulated by dietary AME (P < 0.05). Hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were significantly lowered in AME0.3 and AME0.4 groups, and catalase (CAT) activities were significantly increased in AME0.1 and AME0.2 groups (P < 0.05). Plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level was significantly lowered in AME0.5, and AME0.6 groups, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level was lowered in AME0.5 groups (P < 0.05). Plasma triglyceride was declined in AME0.6 group, and glucose was decreased by 0.3%−0.5% AME (P < 0.05). Significantly higher hepatocyte diameter, lamina propria width, and submucosal layer thickness were recorded in AME0.6 groups, while the longest villi height was obtained in AME0.2 and AME0.3 groups (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression levels of insulin‐like growth factor 1 (igf1) revealed the growth‐promoting effect of AME. The anti‐inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects of AME were demonstrated by transcription levels of interleukin 8 (il-8), tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (tnf-a), caspase, B‐cell lymphoma‐xl (Bcl-xl), bcl‐2 associated x (Bax), and bcl‐2‐associated death protein (Bad). The transcription levels of lipid metabolism and gluconeogenesis related genes, including acetyl‐CoA carboxylase alpha (acc1), fatty acid synthase (fasn), fatty acid binding protein 1 (fabp1), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 2 (pepck2), and glucose‐6‐phosphatase catalytic subunit 1a (g6pc), were reduced by AME treatment, while the levels of glycolysis‐related genes, including glucokinase (gck) and pyruvate kinase (pk), were the highest in AME0.2 and AME0.3 groups (P < 0.05). According to polynomial regression analysis of SGR, WG, FCR, whole‐body crude lipid, MDA, and ALT, the optimal AME supplementation level was estimated to be 0.320%−0.429% of the diet. These results provided insights into the roles of AME in regulating immunity and metabolism, which highly indicated its potential as immunostimulants and metabolic regulators in diverse aquatic animals.
Onion (Allium cepa L.) and Drought: Current Situation and Perspectives
Authors: Sansan Oladé Charles , Ezin Vincent , Ayenan Mathieu Anatole Tele , Chabi Ifagbémi Bienvenue , Adoukonou-Sagbadja Hubert , Saïdou Aliou , Ahanchede Adam
Published: March 2024

Onions (Allium cepa L.) are the second most commonly produced and consumed vegetable worldwide due to their economic, nutritional, and medicinal benefits. However, drought hinders vegetative growth, lowers yields and bulb quality, reduces photosynthetic activity, and alters the onion plant’s metabolism. This review provides a summary of global research on the impact of drought on onions. It specifically seeks to shed light on aspects that remain unclear and generate research avenues. Relevant scientific articles were sourced from the AGORA database, Web of Science (WoS), and search engines such as Google Scholar, Scopus, MEDLINE/PubMed, and SCImago to achieve this objective. A total of 117 scientific articles and documents related to onion and drought were critically examined. The review revealed agromorphological, physiological, biochemical, and genomic studies depicting factors that contribute to drought tolerance in onion genotypes. However, there was little research on the physiological, biochemical, and genetic characteristics of drought tolerance in onions, which need to be deepened to establish its adaptation mechanisms. Understanding the mechanisms of onion response to water stress will contribute to fast-tracking the development of drought-tolerant genotypes and optimize onion production. Future research should be more focused on investigating onion drought tolerance mechanisms and structural and functional genomics and identifying genes responsible for onion drought tolerance.
Machine Learning Modeling Integrating Experimental Analysis for Predicting Compressive Strength of Concrete Containing Different Industrial Byproducts
Authors: Kalabarige Lakshmana Rao , Sridhar Jayaprakash , Subbaram Sivaramakrishnan , Prasath Palaniappan , Gobinath Ravindran
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to develop accurate models for estimating the compressive strength (CS) of concrete using a combination of experimental testing and different machine learning (ML) approaches: baseline regression models, boosting model, bagging model, tree‐based ensemble models, and average voting regression (VR). The research utilized an extensive experimental dataset with 14 input variables, including cement, limestone powder, fly ash, granulated glass blast furnace slag, silica fume, rice husk ash, marble powder, brick powder, coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, recycled coarse aggregate, water, superplasticizer, and voids in mineral aggregate. To evaluate the performance of each ML model, five metrics were used: mean absolute error (MAE), mean squared error (MSE), root mean squared error (RMSE), coefficient of determination (R2‐score), and relative root mean squared error (RRMSE). The comparative analysis revealed that the VR model exhibited the highest effectiveness, displaying a strong correlation between actual and estimated outcomes. The boosting, bagging, and VR models achieved impressive R2‐scores in the range of 86.69%–92.43%, with MAE ranging from 3.87 to 4.87, MSE from 21.74 to 38.37, RMSE from 4.66 to 4.87, and RRMSE between 8% and 11%. Particularly, the VR model outperformed all other models with the highest R2‐score (92.43%) and the lowest error rate. The developed models demonstrated excellent generalization and prediction capabilities, providing valuable tools for practitioners, researchers, and designers to efficiently evaluate the CS of concrete. By mitigating environmental vulnerabilities and associated impacts, this research can significantly contribute to enhancing the quality and sustainability of concrete construction practices.