bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cervical Cancer Screening via Visual Inspection With Acetic Acid and Lugol Iodine for Triage of HPV-Positive Women
Authors: Wang Sumeng , Dang Le , Liu Shujun , Rezhake Remila , Yan Huijiao , Duan Xianzhi , Zhang Le , Zhang Linlin , Zhang Lifeng , Su Meili , Guo Fumei , Yan Cailing , Liu Meili , Cao Xiaoyan , Sun Min , Qiao Youlin , Zhao Fanghui
Published: March 2024

Importance

Limited evidence supports the performance of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing as a primary screening method, followed by triage with visual inspection with acetic acid, in areas with limited health care resources, as suggested by the 2021 World Health Organization guidelines.

Objective

To evaluate the performance of visual inspection with acetic acid and Lugol iodine as a triage method for detecting cervical precancerous lesions among HPV-positive women in 1 visit.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study examined the implementation of a government-led cervical cancer screening program conducted from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2020, in Ordos City, China. Female residents, aged 35 to 64 years, who understood the screening procedures and voluntarily participated were included in the study. Women were excluded if they reported never having had sexual intercourse, were pregnant, had a hysterectomy, or had ever undergone treatment for cervical lesions. Statistical analysis was conducted from December 2022 to December 2023.

Exposures

The program used the careHPV DNA assay as the primary screening method, and immediate triage was performed by visual inspection if HPV screening results were positive, with a 5-year screening interval. A colposcopy was performed for the women who had suspected cancer on visual inspection results or who were HPV positive and had abnormal visual inspection results, all in 1 visit.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The rate of compliance with colposcopy and the detection rate of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or higher (CIN2+).

Results

The study included 187 863 women (median age, 46 years [IQR, 40-52 years]) who participated in the program and had valid HPV test results. The overall prevalence of HPV positivity was 12.8% (24 070 of 187 863), and the adherence to triage with visual inspection among HPV-positive women was 93.9% (22 592 of 24 070). Among HPV-positive women, the rate of compliance with colposcopy was 65.6% (2714 of 4137), and the CIN2+ detection rate was 2.8% (643 of 22 592).

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this cohort study suggest that the implementation of HPV testing, visual inspection, and colposcopy within 1 visit may mitigate losses to follow-up, detect precancerous lesions, and hold significant implications for screening in comparable areas with limited health care resources.
Infectious Disease Physician Availability and Postgraduate Antimicrobial Stewardship Education in Japan
Authors: Miwa Toshiki , Okamoto Koh , Nishizaki Yuji , Tokuda Yasuharu
Published: March 2024

This cross-sectional study evaluates resident physician perceptions of antimicrobial stewardship education in Japan in the presense of infectious disease physicians educators.
Plastics, Analysis
Authors: Ginzburg Anton , Brüll Robert , Elgert Karl‐Friedrich
Published: March 2024

The article contains sections titled:

1
Introduction

2
Polymer Solubility

3
Isolation of Macromolecular Components

4
Preliminary Tests for Polymer Identification

4.1
Density

4.2
Thermal Behavior

4.3
Combustion Characteristics

4.4
Thermal Degradation

4.5
Contact Angles

5
Average Chemical Analysis

5.1
Probing for Heteroelements and Functional Groups

5.1.1
Heteroelements

5.1.2
Functional Groups

5.2
Separation and Identification Schemes

5.3
Spectroscopic Methods

5.3.1
Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy

5.3.2
Quantitative IR Spectroscopy

5.3.3
Attenuated Total Reflection IR

5.3.4
Online IR Detectors

5.3.5
Other Spectroscopic Methods

6
Molecular Weight Analysis

6.1
Absolute Methods

6.1.1
Membrane Osmometry

6.1.2
Vapor Pressure Osmometry, Freezing Point Depression, Boiling Point Elevation

6.1.3
Ultracentrifugation

6.1.4
Light Scattering

6.1.5
Polymer Rheology

6.1.6
Analysis of End Groups

6.2
Relative Methods

6.2.1
Intrinsic Viscosity

6.2.2
Diffusion‐Based Methods

6.2.3
Molecular Weight Fractionation via Stepwise Precipitation

6.2.4
Determination of Molecular Weight Distribution via Gel Permeation Chromatography

6.2.5
Field‐Flow Fractionation (FFF)

7
Determination of Sequential Structure

7.1
Molecular Heterogeneity of Copolymers

7.2
NMR Spectroscopy

7.2.1
Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)

7.2.2
Polybutadiene

7.2.3
Polypropylene (PP)

7.2.4
Ethylene‐α‐olefins

7.2.5
Other NMR Methods

7.3
Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography

8
Determination of Chemical Heterogeneity

8.1
CCD Theoretical Framework

8.2
Analysis of CCD via Crystallization‐Based Techniques

8.3
Analysis of CCD via High‐Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

8.4
Hyphenated Multi‐Dimensional Separation Techniques

References
Environmental Management in the Chemical Industry
Authors: Cespi Daniele , Jourdan Louis , Jonckheere Filip , Geffarth Ulrich , Busson Jaques
Published: March 2024

The article contains sections titled:

1
Introduction

1.1
Historical Development

1.2
Factors Influencing Companies to Improve Their Environmental Performance

1.2.1
Legal Requirements and Regulations

1.2.2
Environmental Liability

1.2.3
Image

1.2.4
Employees

1.2.5
Finance

1.2.6
Professional Associations

1.2.7
Ethical Considerations

1.3
Scope of this Contribution

2
Environmental Management in Chemical Companies

2.1
Background

2.2
Environmental Management Systems

2.3
Environmental Policy

2.4
Organization and Structure

2.4.1
Typical Organization

2.4.2
Staffing of HSE Functions

2.4.3
Employee Motivation and Training

2.5
Standards, Regulations, Monitoring, and Environmental Programs

2.5.1
Register of Standards

2.5.2
Measuring Environmental Performance

2.5.3
Environmental Programs

2.6
Environmental Audits

2.6.1
Definition

2.6.2
The Audit Plan

2.6.3
Environmental Auditors

2.6.4
Audit Methodology and Process

2.6.5
Audit Report and Action Program

2.7
Environmental Management Reviews

3
Environmental Communication

3.1
Environmental Communication: A New Aspect of Management

3.2
Audiences and Vehicles

3.3
The Environmental Report

3.3.1
Audiences

3.3.2
Corporate or Site Reports

3.3.3
Contents of the Report

3.3.4
Links to Environmental Management Systems

3.3.5
Trends

3.4
Stakeholder's Reactions

3.5
Who Communicates?

4
The Impact of Legislation on Environmental Management

4.1
Operating Permits

4.2
Process Safety Legislation

4.3
The EC Eco‐Management and Audit Regulation

4.4
Mandatory Environmental Communication

5
Voluntary Action by Industry

5.1
Internal Statements

5.2
Voluntary Agreements

6
Standardization and Certification of Environmental Management Systems

6.1
Standards for Environmental Management Systems

6.1.1
Generic or Specific Standards

6.1.2
EMS Standards

6.1.3
Structure of the ISO 14001

6.2
Certification of Environmental Management Standards

6.2.1
Certification of an EMS

6.2.2
Certification Against the EC Regulation

7
Methodologies for Environmental Impact Assessment in Chemical Companies

7.1
Life Cycle Assessment in Chemical Companies

8
Communication and Stakeholder Engagement

8.1
Labels and Environmental Report

8.2
Public Commitments

8.3
Responsible Care

8.3.1
Responsible Care; What Is It?

8.3.2
The Guiding Principles

8.3.3
National Programs

8.3.4
The Scope of Responsible Care; Product Stewardship

8.3.5
The Challenges of Responsible Care

9
International Aspects of Environmental Management

9.1
Environmental Requirements in Different Countries

9.2
Technological Cooperation

List of Abbreviations

References
State saturated recursive filtering for nonlinear complex networks with energy harvesting sensors and false data injection attacks
Authors: Xu Long , Bian Xueer , Yu Hui , Hou Ling
Published: March 2024

The state saturated recursive filtering issue is researched in this article for nonlinear complex networks with energy harvesting sensors and false data injection (FDI) attacks. In communication networks, the energy of the sensors is used to transmit data from sensors to remote filters. Due to ample energy being a prerequisite for the transmission of data, the energy harvesting technology is provided. During the process of data transmission, the measurement signals may be attacked by the false data. Thereinto, the Bernoulli random variables are used to depict FDI attacks. The primary goal is to devise a filter that minimizes the upper bound for the filtering error covariance. Subsequently, a discussion is shown for the proposed filtering bounded analysis for the filtering error. Finally, a numerical simulation experiment is carried out to demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness for the proposed novel filtering algorithm.
Divergent Gut Microbiota: Archaeal and Bacterial Signatures Unveil Unique Patterns in Colombian Cyclists Compared to Weightlifters and Non‐Athletes
Authors: Aya J. V. , Vega L. C. , Muñoz E. , Muñoz M. , López D. F. , Guzmán M. P. , Martínez D. F. , Cruz‐Saavedra L. B. , Castillo A. K. , Quintero K. J. , Gónzalez Soltero R. , Cala M. P. , Ramírez J. D.
Published: March 2024

Engagement in physical activity, across various sports, promotes a diverse microbiota in active individuals. This study examines the gut microbiota of Colombian athletes, specifically weightlifters (n = 16) and road cyclists (n = 13), compared to non‐athletes (n = 15). Using Kruskal–Wallis tests, the physical activity level of a group of non‐athletic individuals and the sports experience of a group of professional athletes is analyzed. The median age of participants is 24 years, comprising 25 men and 19 women. The microbiota is collected using fecal samples. Participants provided these samples during their pre‐competitive stage, specifically during the concentration phase occurring two weeks prior to national competitions. This timing is chosen to capture the microbial composition during a period of heightened physical preparation. Questionnaire responses and microbial composition assessments identify disparities among groups. Microbial composition analysis explores core microbiome, abundance, and taxonomy using Pavian, MicrobiomeAnalyst 2.0, and GraPhlAn. ANCOM‐BC2 reveals differentially abundant species. Road cyclists exhibit decreased Bacteria and increased Archaea abundance. Phylum‐level variations included Planctomycetes, Acidobacteria, and Proteobacteria, while Bacteroidetes prevailed. Key families influencing gut microbiota are Bacteroidaceae, Muribaculaceae, and Selenomonadaceae. Weightlifters exhibit unique viral and archaeal community connections, while cyclists showed specialized microbial interplay influenced by endurance exercise. Correlation network analysis emphasizes distinctive microbial interactions within athlete groups, shedding light on the impact of physical activities on gut microbiota and athlete health.
On the Post‐Processing of Complex Additive Manufactured Metallic Parts: A Review
Authors: Pourrahimi Shamim , Hof Lucas A.
Published: March 2024

Additive manufacturing (AM) is gaining more attention due to its capability to produce customized and complex geometries. However, one significant drawback of AM is the rough surface finish of the as‐built parts, necessitating post‐processing for achieving the desired surface quality that meets application requirements. Post‐processing of complex geometries, such as parts with internal holes, lattice structures, and free‐form surfaces, poses unique challenges compared to other components. This review classifies various post‐processing methods employed for complex AM parts, presenting the experimental conditions for each treatment alongside the resulting improvement in surface roughness as a success criterion. The post‐processing methods are categorized into four groups: electrochemical polishing (ECP), chemical polishing (CP), mechanical polishing, and hybrid methods. Notably, mechanical methods exhibit the highest roughness improvement at 69.9%, followed by ECP (59.9%), hybrid methods (47.4%), and CP (49.5%). Nevertheless, mechanical post‐processing techniques are less frequently utilized for lattice parts, making chemical or electrochemical methods more promising alternatives. In summary, all four categories of post‐processing methods can improve the internal surfaces quality of AM holes. While mechanical methods offer the most substantial roughness improvement overall, chemical and electrochemical methods show particular potential for addressing the challenges associated with complex geometries.
Deformation Responses and Fracture Behaviors of AA6061 under Different Stress Triaxialities
Authors: Liu Haowei , Jin Tao , Su Buyun , Qiu Ji , Shu Xuefeng
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the deformation responses and fracture behaviors of AA6061 under different stress triaxiality. Specimens of specific shapes and sizes are designed to achieve different stress triaxialities. Mechanical experiments and scanning electron microscopy analyses are performed to capture the mechanical behaviors and failure features of each specimen. Results show that thicker specimens deform more evenly in thickness than thinner specimens but exhibit slightly more brittleness, while the opposite is true for the notch radius of the specimens. Therefore, these two factors can be applied to the design of specimens for specific testing requirements. The failure mechanism is sensitive to the geometrical factors of the specimen. In addition, the distribution of failure features on the fracture surface is found to play a dominant role in the change in mechanism.
Rational Design of Dynamic Interface Water Evolution on Turing Electrocatalyst toward the Industrial Hydrogen Production
Authors: Chen Xinyu , Chen Lizhen , Chen Chuntao , Shi Diwei , Song Jiexi , Qin Yanqing , Wang Xiangmei , Amjad Majeed Muhammad , Sun Dongping , Sun Bianjing , Zhang Kai
Published: March 2024

Manipulating the structural and kinetic dissociation processes of water at the catalyst–electrolyte interface is vital for alkaline hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) at industrial current density. This is seldom actualized due to the intricacies of the electrochemical reaction interface. Herein, this work introduces a rapid, nonequilibrium cooling technique for synthesizing ternary Turing catalysts with short‐range ordered structures (denoted as FeNiRu/C). These advanced structures empower the FeNiRu/C to exhibit excellent HER performance in 1 m KOH with an ultralow overpotential of 6.5 and 166.2 mV at 10 and 1000 mA cm−2, respectively, and a specific activity 7.3 times higher than that of Pt/C. Comprehensive mechanistic analyses reveal that abundant atomic species form asymmetric atomic electric fields on the catalyst surface inducing a directed evolution and the dissociation process of interfacial H2O molecules. In addition, the locally topologized structure effectively mitigates the high hydrogen coverage of the active site induced by the high current density. The establishment of the relationship between free water population and HER activity provides a new paradigm for the design of industrially relevant high performance alkaline HER catalysts.
Design of castor oil‐based polyurethane thermal conductive structural adhesive for new energy batteries
Authors: Ding Ao , Liu Guang , Xu Pingfan , Wang Yixin , Zheng Yuying , Luo Yaofa , Zhang Li , Zhang Peikun , Chen Aizheng , Liu Yuan , He Chao
Published: March 2024

A thermal conductive structural adhesive (TCSA) plays a crucial role in battery performance and safety. TCSA made of polyurethane (PU) has not only a good thermal conductivity but also good mechanical strength and substrate bonding strength. However, it has to be cost‐effective and easy to be prepared. This work aims to synthesize a series of castor oil‐based PU TCSAs with different amounts of thermal conductive powder using commercially available castor oil polyols, isocyanates, Al2O3, and additives. The shear strength of the TCSA containing 88% thermally conductivity powder reached 5.6 MPa, which was similar to that without the thermal conductivity fillers, but its toughness significantly decreased. Its thermal conductivity was as high as 1.8 W/mK, and it was thermally stable below 270°C.
Water‐soluble astaxanthin and silver enriched poly(vinyl alcohol)/silk fibroin crosslinking electrospun nanofiber for wound dressing
Authors: Mai Zhuoxian , Wang Peng , Gong Chenhao , Wen Jingyi , Zheng Wenxu , Xia Yuanjun , Ko Frank , Zhao Hui , Zhou Wuyi
Published: March 2024

The aim of this work is to fabricate a novel electrospun poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/silk fibroin (SF) nanofibrous membrane containing astaxanthin (ASTA) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles as potential wound dressing. Since ASTA is typically liposoluble, the bioavailability could be greatly enhanced by improving its hydrophilicity. The antioxidant performance of eletrospun membrane is verified by ABTS radical scavenging assays. The beadless fibers could be fabricated at 16 kV when PVA (12, wt%) is blended with SF (6, wt%). In addition, the membrane is carefully chemically crosslinked by comparing the efforts (i.e., mechanical strength and water resistance) of glutaraldehyde dipping and vapor treatment. The morphology of the electrospun membrane is observed by scanning electron microscopy and optical microscope. The formation of Ag nanoparticles, which provides the membranes antibacterial properties, is also confirmed by energy dispersive spectroscopy and inhibition zone test. Meanwhile, the PVA/SF/ASTA/Ag compound membrane is characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x‐ray diffraction, thermo gravimetric analysis, differential thermal analysis, and water contact angle. The releasing of ASTA is also measured, and kinetic data are adjusted by Higuchi models. Finally, the biocompatibility is confirmed by in vitro cell staining experiments and in vivo rat models.
SUMO‐specific proteases: SENPs in oxidative stress‐related signaling and diseases
Authors: Jiao Yaqi , Zhang Xiaojuan , Yang Zhenshan
Published: March 2024

Oxidative stress is employed to depict a series of responses detrimental to normal cellular functions resulting from an imbalance between intracellular oxidants, mainly reactive oxygen species and antioxidant defenses. Oxidative stress often contributes to the development of various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. In this process, the relationship between small ubiquitin‐like modifier (SUMO) and oxidative stress has garnered significant attention, with its posttranslational modification (PTM) frequently serving as a marker of oxidative stress status. Sentrin/SUMO‐specific proteases (SENPs), affected by alternative splicing, PTMs such as phosphorylation and ubiquitination, and various protein interactions, are crucial molecules in the SUMO process. The human SENP family has six members (SENP1–3, SENP5–7), which are classified into two categories based on sequence similarity, substrate specificity, and subcellular location. They have two core functions in the human body: first, by cleaving the precursor SUMO and exposing the C‐terminal glycine, they initiate the SUMO process; second, they can specifically recognize and dissociate SUMO proteins bound to substrates, a process known as deSUMOylation. However, the connection between deSUMOylation and oxidative stress remains a relatively unexplored area despite their strong association with oxidative diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. This article aims to illustrate the significant contribution of SENPs to the oxidative stress pathway through deSUMOylation by reviewing their structure and classification, their roles in oxidative stress, and the changes in their expression and activity in several typical oxidative stress‐related diseases.
Curing pediatric cancer: A global view. Examples from acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Duffy Caitlyn , Hunger Stephen P. , Bhakta Nickhill , Denburg Avram E. , Antillon Federico , Barr Ronald D.
Published: March 2024

There is a substantial difference in observed survival among children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in high‐income countries versus those in low‐ and middle‐income countries. This gap can be reduced considerably by multilevel investing in health systems and services with innovative frameworks such as implementation science.
Continuous blood flow restriction during repeated‐sprint exercise increases peripheral but not systemic physiological and perceptual demands
Authors: Mckee James R. , Girard Olivier , Peiffer Jeremiah J. , Dempsey Alasdair R. , Smedley Kirsten , Scott Brendan R.
Published: March 2024

This study examined the impact of continuous blood flow restriction (BFR) during repeated‐sprint exercise (RSE) on acute performance, peripheral, systemic physiological, and perceptual responses. In a randomized crossover design, 26 adult male semi‐professional and amateur team‐sport players completed two RSE sessions (3 sets of 5 × 5‐s sprints with 25 s of passive recovery and 3 min of rest) with continuous BFR (45% arterial occlusion; excluding during between‐set rest periods) or without (non‐BFR). Mean and peak power output were significantly lower (p < 0.001) during BFR compared to non‐BFR (dz = 0.85 and 0.77, respectively). Minimum tissue saturation index during the sprints and rest periods was significantly reduced (p < 0.001) for BFR (dz = 1.26 and 1.21, respectively). Electromyography root mean square was significantly decreased (p < 0.01) for biceps femoris and lateral gastrocnemius muscles during BFR (dz = 0.35 and 0.79, respectively), but remained unchanged for the vastus lateralis muscle in both conditions. Oxygen consumption and minute ventilation were significantly reduced (both p < 0.01) for BFR (dz = 1.46 and 0.43, respectively). Perceived limb discomfort was significantly higher (p < 0.001) for BFR (dz = 0.78). No differences (p > 0.05) in blood lactate concentration or rating of perceived exertion were observed between conditions. Blood flow‐restricted RSE reduced performance and likely increased the physiological and perceptual stimulus for the periphery with greater reliance on anaerobic glycolysis, despite comparable or decreased systemic demands.
STYGOTOX: A Quality-Assessed Database of (Eco)Toxicological Data on Stygofauna and Other Aquatic Subterranean Organisms
Authors: Groote-Woortmann Wietse , Korbel Kathryn , Hose Grant C.
Published: March 2024

We have compiled the toxicity data on stygofauna and other aquatic subterranean organisms in one (eco)toxicological database. A total of 46 studies were found, containing 472 toxic endpoints covering 43 different stressors. These compounds were tested on subterranean organisms from four phyla, 12 orders, 24 genera, and 55 species. The studies included were published between 1976 and December 2023 using fauna collected in 13 different countries. The suitability of the studies was assessed to indicate the completeness of reporting and their suitability for use in hazard and risk assessment. This compilation provides a valuable source of data for future development of toxicity testing protocols for groundwater organisms, and to support decision-making, ecological risk assessments and the derivation of water quality criteria for the protection of groundwater ecosystems. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:2492–2500. © 2024 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Revisiting the association between grandparenting and mental health in China: New evidence from the harmonized CHARLS
Authors: Wang Youhua , Xiao Chunhong , Wu Di , Li Yue
Published: March 2024

Background

In the context of the global aging challenge, an increasing number of middle‐aged and older adults (MAOAs) are engaging in grandparenting. However, the effect of grandparenting on the mental health of caregivers has shown inconsistent findings. To effectively promote healthy aging, it is imperative to adopt a comprehensive perspective and employ a rigorous approach to further investigate the relationship between these two social phenomena.

Methods

The data from the Harmonized China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study were analyzed, focusing on MAOAs with at least one grandchild. Mental health assessments used the center for epidemiologic studies depression scale scale. The study employed a series of difference‐in‐differences (DID) models, especially complemented by propensity score matching, to evaluate the average treatment effect for the treated (ATT) on mental health of caregivers, considering covariates like personal and family characteristics. The intervention perspective includes both the provision and cessation of grandparenting.

Results

The study found that providing grandchildren care does not have a significant effect on the mental health of grandparents, in comparison to those who have never engaged in such care (ATT = −0.172, T = 0.65, p = 0.517 in the PSM‐DID model). Furthermore, ceasing this care also appears to have no substantial effect on the mental health of the caregivers, relative to individuals who have consistently offered grandchildren care (ATT = 0.060, T = 0.26, p = 0.795 in the PSM‐DID model). Furthermore, subsequent robustness analyses consistently supported these findings, even when considering data from different survey waves.

Conclusions

In contrast to many prior studies that have reported either positive or negative effects, our research reveals that grandparenting exerts no significant effect on the mental health of MAOAs. Consequently, health practitioners and policymakers should carefully consider the diverse cultural context when tailoring interventions and support strategies.
Interbrain substrates of role switching during mother–child interaction
Authors: Li Yamin , Wu Saishuang , Xu Jiayang , Wang Haiwa , Zhu Qi , Shi Wen , Fang Yue , Jiang Fan , Tong Shanbao , Zhang Yunting , Guo Xiaoli
Published: March 2024

Mother–child interaction is highly dynamic and reciprocal. Switching roles in these back‐and‐forth interactions serves as a crucial feature of reciprocal behaviors while the underlying neural entrainment is still not well‐studied. Here, we designed a role‐controlled cooperative task with dual EEG recording to explore how differently two brains interact when mothers and children hold different roles. When children were actors and mothers were observers, mother–child interbrain synchrony emerged primarily within the theta oscillations and the frontal lobe, which highly correlated with children's attachment to their mothers (self‐reported by mothers). When their roles were reversed, this synchrony was shifted to the alpha oscillations and the central area and associated with mothers' perception of their relationship with their children. The results suggested an observer‐actor neural alignment within the actor's oscillations, which was related to the actor‐toward‐observer emotional bonding. Our findings contribute to the understanding of how interbrain synchrony is established and dynamically changed during mother–child reciprocal interaction.
Efficient breast cancer diagnosis using multi‐level progressive feature aggregation based deep transfer learning system
Authors: Patel Vivek , Chaurasia Vijayshri
Published: March 2024

Breast cancer is a worldwide fatal disease that exists mostly among women. The deep learning technique has proven its effectiveness, but the performance of the existing deep learning systems is quite compromising. In this work, a deep transfer learning system is suggested for efficient breast cancer classification from histopathology images. This system is based on a novel multi‐level progressive feature aggregation (MPFA) and a spatial domain learning approach. The combination of a pretrained Resnet101 backbone network with MPFA is implemented to extract more significant features. In addition, a mixed‐dilated spatial domain learning network (MSLN) is further incorporated to enhance the receptive field and increase discrimination between features. The proposed method achieved superior performance as compared to the existing state‐of‐the‐art methods, offering 99.24% accuracy, a 98.79% F‐1 score, 98.59% precision, and 98.99% recall values over BreaKHis dataset. An ablation study is carried out over the ICIAR2018 dataset to verify the generalizability and effectiveness of the system.
Simplifying vein detection for intravenous procedures: A comparative assessment through near‐infrared imaging system
Authors: Saeed Atiqa , Chaudhry Muhammad Rehan , Khan Muhammad Umair Ahmad , Saeed Muhammad Ahsan , Ghfar Ayman A. , Yasir Muhammad Naveed , Ajmal Hafiz Muhammad Salman
Published: March 2024

The intravenous (IV) injection procedure can be a challenging task, especially for individuals with thin veins, obesity, or patients with damaged and pigmented skin. Therefore, the IV procedure necessitates a portable medical device that can be used for academic demonstrations to train medical students or by health care professionals to perform venipuncture. Vein visualization with a vein detector is principally based on the interaction of blood components with wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS). In this paper, we first present the process of image formation in the spectral band of the near‐infrared region (NIR) of EMS. Then, we introduce the image acquisition system with image processing to extract the veins as a noninvasive vein detection method. A Raspberry Pi (Model 4B), along with a night vision camera, serves as an image acquisition tool to capture skin area illuminated by NIR. Following this, the data is transferred to the laptop where it can be filtered and processed using Python image processing tools before being viewed on the monitor. The results achieved through the device are quite encouraging, as the image recognition between veins and adjacent tissues from the skin sample can be clearly marked. The functionality, accuracy, and simplicity associated with this vein detection system make it a potential device for IV placement and the morphological study of disease detection.
Dichroism of plasmonic chiral nanoalloys by rational design
Authors: D'Antoni Pierpaolo , Toffoli Daniele , Fronzoni Giovanna , Stener Mauro , Sementa Luca , Fortunelli Alessandro
Published: March 2024

Time‐dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) simulations are conducted on a series of chiral gold/silver alloy nanowires to explore whether silver doping can produce an enhancement of circular dichroism at the plasmon resonance in these systems, and to identify the quantum‐mechanical origin of the observed effects. We find a strong plasmonic dichroism when one or two helixes of gold atoms are substituted by silver in a linear chiral nanotube, whose pure gold counterpart does not display any plasmonic dichroism, and we rationalize this finding in terms of “decoupling” the destructive interference of excitations in the pure gold nanotube via alloying. However, further attempts to increase the plasmonic dichroism by considering multi‐shell gold nanowires in which one entire shell is doped with silver did not produce the desired effect, but rather a decrease in circular dichroism. We show that this latter result is due to a more severe destructive interference in the dipole excitation contributions, and suggest that further amplification should be possible in principle by properly tuning simultaneously the nanowire structure and chemical ordering.
Dental students’ reflective learning from a geriatric interview assignment
Authors: Salehi Mohammad Mahdi , Donnelly Leeann , Krekoski Carrie , Soheilipour Shimae , Brondani Mario
Published: March 2024

Objectives

As part of geriatric education at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Dentistry, undergraduate students are required to interview an older adult over 65 years old and critically reflect in writing on the meaning of this interview to themselves and their professional lives in not more than 2000 words. They are also encouraged to use a life grid. This study explored the impact of this assignment on the students as learners and on their views about their profession.

Methods

Interview assignments were collected from the entire cohort of 54 third‐year students in 2021 and analyzed in 5 stages, using an exploratory thematic analysis, including an interactive coding process to identify patterns (themes) within the assignments using NVivo R1 software. Two researchers coded assignments individually and met to reach a consensus about the codes, to mitigate potential biases.

Results

Five main themes were identified, including communication, life course journey, person‐centered care, social determinants of health, and access to care. A wide range of ideas emerged under each theme, including several practical suggestions to improve future practice as an oral health professional. A little over 40% of the students used the life grid in their interviews. Modifications on the interview assignment are suggested.

Conclusion

Students’ reflections highlighted their observations on a wide range of ideas within each theme, many pertaining to their future profession. They also discussed how this knowledge would inform their future practice in terms of their interactions with, and providing care to, patients with similar situations.
First‐generation college students' funds of knowledge support the development of an engineering role identity
Authors: Verdín Dina , Smith Jessica M. , Lucena Juan C.
Published: March 2024

Background

Identifying as an engineer is essential for belonging and student success, yet the social context and professional norms make it more difficult for some students to establish an identity as an engineer.

Purpose/Hypothesis

This study investigated whether first‐generation college students' funds of knowledge supported their engineering role identity.

Design/Methods

Data came from a survey administered across the United States western, southern, and mountain regions in the fall semester of 2018. Only the sample of students who indicated they were the first in their families to attend college was used in the analysis (n = 378). Structural equation modeling was used to understand how first‐generation college students' funds of knowledge supported their engineering role identity; measurement invariance was examined to ensure that the model was valid for women and men alike.

Results

First‐generation college students' funds of knowledge individually supported the components of the engineering role identity development process. Tinkering knowledge from home and perspective‐taking helped inform interest and performance/competence beliefs. First‐generation college students' bids for external recognition were supported through their mediational skills, their connecting experiences, and their local network of college friends. The bundle of advice, resources, and emotional support from family members was the only fund of knowledge that directly supported students' perceptions of themselves as engineers.

Conclusions

The relationships we established between first‐generation college students' funds of knowledge and emerging engineering role identities call for engineering educators to integrate students' funds of knowledge into engineering learning and to broaden disciplinary norms of what counts as engineering‐relevant knowledge.
Quantifying causal teleconnections to drought and fire risks in Indonesian Borneo
Authors: Lam Timothy , Catto Jennifer L. , Barciela Rosa , Harper Anna B. , Challenor Peter , Arribas Alberto
Published: March 2024

Fires occurring over the peatlands in Indonesian Borneo accompanied by droughts have posed devastating impacts on human health, livelihoods, economy and the natural environment, and their prevention requires comprehensive understanding of climate‐associated risk. Although it is widely known that the droughts are associated with El Niño events, the onset process of El Niño and thus the drought precursors and their possible changes under the future climate are not clearly understood. Here, we use a causal network approach to quantify the strength of teleconnections to droughts at a seasonal timescale shown in observations and climate models. We portray two drivers of June‐July‐August (JJA) droughts identified through literature review and causal analysis, namely Niño 3.4 sea surface temperature (SST) in JJA (El Niño Southern Oscillation [abbreviated as ENSO]) and SST anomaly over the eastern North Pacific to the east of the Hawaiian Islands (abbreviated as Pacific SST) in March‐April‐May (MAM) period. We argue that the droughts are strongly linked to ENSO variability, with drier years corresponding to El Niño conditions. The droughts can be predicted with a lead time of 3 months based on their associations with Pacific SST, with higher SST preceding drier conditions. We find that under the SSP585 scenario, the Coupled Model Intercomparison Phase 6 (CMIP6) multi‐model ensembles show significant increase in both the maximum number of consecutive dry days in the Indonesian Borneo region in JJA (p = 0.006) and its linear association with Pacific SST in MAM (p = 0.001) from year 2061 to 2100 compared with the historical baseline. Some models are showing unrealistic amounts of JJA rainfall and underestimate drought risks in Indonesian Borneo and their teleconnections, owing to the underestimation of ENSO amplitude and overestimation of local convections. Our study strengthens the possibility of early warning triggers of fires and stresses the need for taking enhanced climate risk into consideration when formulating long‐term policies to eliminate fires.
Transverse division of the rectus abdominis muscle in deep inferior epigastric perforator flap elevation: A rescue technique to include more than one perforator
Authors: Choi Jong Yun , Kim Jun Nyeon , Lee Chae Rim , Choi Jangyoun , Moon Suk‐Ho , Jun Young Joon , Oh Deuk Young
Published: March 2024

Background

It is important to include as many perforators as possible in order to enhance the vascularity of a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap. However, the rectus muscle must be transected transversely, which prevents suturing and can cause a defect along the same line as the muscle‐sparing procedure. When harvesting the DIEP flap, no specific method was suggested to solve these muscle defects. We found that by transecting the rectus muscle transversely, the muscle could be sutured in the tendinous area more easily while maintaining muscle function. The purpose of this study is to confirm the long‐term recovery of the rectus abdominis muscle through the volume change after DIEP flap using this tendinous transection and suture method.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective review of 28 patients who underwent unilateral breast reconstruction using a DIEP flap and the tendinous transection method for multiple perforators between May 2018 and April 2020 was conducted. The preoperative and postoperative volumes of the rectus abdominis muscle were estimated both the harvest and opposite sides.

Results

The preoperative and postoperative muscle volumes from the harvest side were 50.08 ± 8.71 cm3 and 48.56 ± 8.61 cm3, respectively. The volume difference was 1.522 cm3 decrease, which was not statistically significant (p = .070). The preoperative and postoperative muscle volumes from the opposite side were 50.50 ± 8.15 cm3 and 50.08 ± 8.18 cm3, respectively. The volume difference was 0.434 cm3 increase and was not statistically significant (p = .064). Postoperative volume changes in the rectus muscle were not statistically significant on either side.

Conclusion

The tendinous transection method in the DIEP flap procedure did not significantly affect postoperative rectus muscle volume. Therefore, we expect this harvest method to allow DIEP flap reconstruction that includes multiple perforators and complete donor muscle recovery.
High‐frequency ultrasound‐assisted perforator mapping enhances efficiency in microsurgical reconstruction using thin ALT and SCIP flaps
Authors: Lee Sang‐Hun , Lee Kyeong‐Tae
Published: March 2024

Background

With the growing demand for the use of thin perforator flaps, obtaining knowledge on the superficial anatomy of perforators is imperative for stable flap elevation. Conventional modalities for perforator mapping fall short in providing such information. High‐frequency ultrasound (HFUS), known for visualizing the superficially located anatomic structures, may potentially fill this void. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of HFUS in the outcome of anterolateral thigh (ALT) and superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap‐based reconstructions.

Methods

Consecutive patients who underwent free ALT or SCIP flap‐based reconstruction from January 2021 to November 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Perforator mapping was conducted using a handheld Doppler during the first year, while HFUS was used in the latter part. The two techniques were compared in terms of flap harvesting time and perfusion‐related complication rates while considering the flap elevation plane.

Results

In total, 123 cases were analyzed, including 82 ALT flaps (41 in each group) and 41 SCIP flaps (16 in the Doppler and 25 in the HFUS group). The time required for flap elevation exhibited a tendency to decrease in the HFUS group, with a significant difference observed in cases involving thin flap elevation (super‐thin ALT flaps and pure‐skin‐perforator SCIP flaps). Compared with the Doppler group, the HFUS group demonstrated significantly lower rates of PRCs, particularly partial flap necrosis. This difference remained significant in multivariable analyses.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that HFUS might be an appealing modality for perforator mapping in cases requiring thin ALT and SCIP flap.
Taurine Activates SIRT1/AMPK/FOXO1 Signaling Pathways to Favorably Regulate Lipid Metabolism in C57BL6 Obese Mice
Authors: Karikkakkavil Prakashan Arya Devi , Muthukumar Serva Peddha , Martin Asha
Published: March 2024

Scope

The identification of novel therapeutic agents capable of modulating lipid metabolism holds a promising potential in combating obesity and its associated complications. This study is conducted to evaluate the lipid lowering effect of dietary taurine administration on high‐fat fed C57BL6 mice and to study the mechanism by which taurine impacts lipid metabolism.

Methods and results

C57BL6 mice are grouped into four (n = 6): i) normal diet (ND), ii) a high‐fat diet (HFD), iii) HFD + orlistat (STD), iv) HFD + taurine (TAU) group for 12 weeks. The results show that taurine administration for 12 weeks reduces high fat‐induced weight gain, and liver weight when compared with HFD fed mice. It also improves serum biochemical parameters like total cholesterol and triglycerides. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) activity, Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels, SIRT1 mRNA, and protein expression are increased in HFD + TAU diet group as compared to HFD group. Taurine treatment suppresses the expression of lipogenic genes (sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c [SREBP1c], fatty acid synthase [FAS], Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma [PPARγ]) and increases the expression of β‐oxidation (peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha [PPARα], liver x receptor beta [LXRβ], peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma coactivator 1‐alpha [PGC1α], AMP‐activated protein kinase [AMPK]) and lipolytic (forkhead box protein O1 [FOXO1]) genes. Further, taurine mitigates hepatic inflammation by suppressing nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) gene expression and pro‐inflammatory cytokine markers (IL‐6, IL‐1β, and TNFα).

Conclusion

Taurine exerts lipid lowering effects through activating SIRT1/AMPK/FOXO1 signaling pathways and regulating their downstream targets.
l‐Theanine Prevents Colonic Damage via NF‐κB/MAPK Signaling Pathways Induced by a High‐Fat Diet in Rats
Authors: Fang Chunyan , Shen Yifeng , Ma Ziyang , Li Yuchen , Zhang Jingyi , Liu Chen , Ye Yulong
Published: March 2024

Scope

l‐Theanine (l‐Thea) is an amino acid which is naturally present in tea leaves. It has been associated with possible health advantages, including obesity prevention, but the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been elucidated.

Methods and results

A multiomics approach is utilized to examine the mechanism by which l‐Thea exerts its antiobesity effects. This study reveals that l‐Thea administration significantly ameliorates high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced obesity in rats by improving body weight and hyperlipidemia. l‐Thea mitigates HFD‐induced inflammation and reverses hepatic and colonic damage, and intestinal barrier. This research verifies that the preventive effect of l‐Thea on obesity in rats induced by an HFD with colitis is accomplished by suppressing the phosphorylation of important proteins in the NF‐κB/mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. Metabolome analysis reveals that l‐Thea regulates HFD‐induced metabolic disorders, specifically through modulation of steroid hormone biosynthesis. Microbiome analysis reveals that l‐Thea mitigates HFD‐induced dysbiosis by increasing the relative abundance of obesity‐associated probiotic bacteria, including Blautia coccoides and Lactobacillus murinus, while simultaneously suppressing the abundance of pathogenic bacteria.

Conclusions

l‐Thea alleviates colitis generated by an HFD by restoring the integrity of the intestinal barrier, suppressing inflammation through regulation of MAPK/NF‐κB signaling pathways, and enhancing microbial metabolism in colon.
Fern mycorrhizae do not respond to fertilization in a tropical montane forest
Authors: Guillen Thais , Kessler Michael , Homeier Jürgen
Published: March 2024

Ferns are known to have a lower incidence of mycorrhization than angiosperms. It has been suggested that this results from carbon being more limiting to fern growth than nutrient availability, but this assertion has not been tested yet. In the present study, we took advantage of a fertilization experiment with nitrogen and phosphorus on cloud forest plots of the Ecuadorean Andes for 15 years. A previous analysis revealed changes in the abundances of fern species in the fertilized plots compared to the control plots and hypothesized that this might be related to the responses of the mycorrhizal relationships to nutrient availability. We revisited the plots to assess the root‐associated fungal communities of two epiphytic and two terrestrial fern species that showed shifts in abundance. We sampled and analyzed the roots of 125 individuals following a metabarcoding approach. We recovered 1382 fungal ASVs, with a dominance of members of Tremellales (Basidiomycota) and Heliotales (Ascomycota). The fungal diversity was highly partitioned with little overlap between individuals. We found marked differences between terrestrial and epiphytic species, with the latter fundamentally missing arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). We found no effect of fertilization on the diversity or relative abundance of the fungal assemblages. Still, we observed a direct impact of phosphorus fertilization on its concentration in the fern leaves. We conclude that fern–fungi relationships in the study site are not restricted by nutrient availability and suggest the existence of little specificity on the fungal partners relative to the host fern species.
Abnormal bronchial origin in the right middle and lower lung
Authors: Chen Hao‐bo , Xie An
Published: March 2024

Congenital anatomical abnormalities of the pediatric bronchus is a rare and easily overlooked condition. In this study, we identified an 8‐year‐old patient with congenital anomalies of bronchial origin that caused his clinical manifestations of cough and shortness of breath. This diagnosis needs to be taken into possible consideration when similar clinical manifestations occur in a pediatric patient without a cause.