bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of HOTAIR rs2366152 and rs1899663 polymorphisms with colorectal cancer susceptibility in Iranian population: A case–control study
Authors: Eivazi Nasim , Mirfakhraie Reza , Nazemalhosseini Mojarad Ehsan , Behroozi Javad , Yassaee Vahid Reza , Tahmaseb Mohammad , Sadeghi Hossein
Published: June 2023

Background

Despite the fact that numerous studies have investigated the association between genetic polymorphisms and colorectal cancer (CRC), more research is required to comprehend the molecular mechanisms of CRC. In the present study, we investigated the association between lncRNA HOTAIR rs2366152 and rs1899663 polymorphisms with CRC susceptibility in the Iranian population.

Methods

This case–control study consisting of 187 CRC patients and 200 healthy samples. The tetra‐amplification refractory mutation system‐polymerase chain reaction (Tetra‐ARMS‐PCR) technique was used for the genotyping of rs2366152 and rs1899663 polymorphisms.

Results

The findings showed that the AG genotype of the rs2366152 polymorphism has a protective effect on CRC susceptibility (OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.38–0.94, p‐value = 0.023). Furthermore, rs2366152 polymorphism associated with CRC risk in an over dominant inheritance model (p‐value = 0.0089). According to the outcomes of the rs1899663 polymorphism, the GT genotype had protective effects on CRC risk (OR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.35–0.86, p‐value = 0.008). Moreover, statistical analysis has shown that the rs1899663 polymorphism was associated with CRC risk in dominant (p‐value = 0.013) and overdominant (p‐value = 0.0086) inheritance models in the Iranian population.

Conclusion

This study confirmed that HOTAIR rs2366152 and rs1899663 polymorphisms associated with CRC risk in different inheritance models. It is indeed necessary to do additional research to verify our findings.
Delayed in sensorimotor reflex ontogeny, slow physical growth, and impairments in behaviour as well as dopaminergic neuronal death in mice offspring following prenatally rotenone administration
Authors: Jain Juli , Hasan Whidul , Jat Deepali , Biswas Pronit , Yadav Rajesh Singh
Published: June 2023

The environment is varying day by day with the introduction of chemicals such as pesticides, most of which have not been effectively studied for their influence on a susceptible group of population involving infants and pregnant females. Rotenone is an organic pesticide used to prepare Parkinson's disease models. A lot of literature is available on the toxicity of rotenone on the adult brain, but to the best of our knowledge, effect of rotenone on prenatally exposed mice has never been investigated yet. Therefore, the recent work aims to evaluate the toxic effect of rotenone on mice, exposed prenatally. We exposed female mice to rotenone at the dose of 5 mg/Kg b.w. throughout the gestational period with oral gavage. We then investigated the effects of rotenone on neonate's central nervous systems as well as on postnatal day (PD) 35 offspring. In the rotenone group, we observed slow physical growth, delays in physical milestones and sensorimotor reflex in neonates and induction of anxiety and impairment in cognitive performances of offspring at PD‐35. Additionally, immunohistochemical analysis revealed a marked reduction in TH‐positive neurons in substantia nigra. Histological examination of the cerebellum revealed a decrease in Purkinje neurons in the rotenone exposed group as compared to the control. The data from the study showed that prenatally exposure to rotenone affects growth, physical milestones, neuronal population and behaviour of mice when indirectly exposed to the offspring through their mother. This study could provide a great contribution to researchers to find out the molecular mechanism and participating signalling pathway behind these outcomes.
Compassion and engineering students' moral reasoning: The emotional experience of engineering ethics cases
Authors: Kotluk Nihat , Tormey Roland
Published: June 2023

Background

There has been an increase in interest in emotion in engineering and science ethics education. There is also evidence that emotional content in case studies may improve students' learning and enhance awareness, understanding, and motivation concerning ethical issues. Despite these potential benefits, however, emotions' relationship to moral reasoning remains controversial, with ongoing debate as to how much and in what way emotional content impacts on moral reasoning. Furthermore, only limited empirical research has explored how emotions affect students' moral reasoning in educational settings.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine whether mild to moderate compassion‐induced engineering ethics case contents affected the moral reasoning schemas activated in students.

Design/Method

We conducted experimental research using the Engineering and Science Issues Test (ESIT). First, we modified the six case studies of the ESIT, to increase the compassion associated with the cases' protagonists to a mild to moderate level. We tested this instrument with 207 participants to ensure the changes did affect compassion without impacting on other potential emotions. Then, in a second study with 305 participants, we investigated whether the changed compassion intensity of the protagonists in the case studies affected the moral reasoning schemas activated in participants.

Results

The induction of mild to moderate compassion did not impact the moral reasoning schemas activated. Findings also show that we managed to affect compassion intensity in the case studies without changing other emotions.

Conclusion

This study reveals how to include a targeted emotion in engineering case studies in order to improve students' learning without affecting the moral reasoning schemas activated.
Laccaria murina and L. pumila from Pakistan, a study based on SEM and nrITS molecular marker
Authors: Razzaq Fauzia , Razaq Abdul , Izhar Aiman , Zahid Omema , Rani Afifa Kainat , Khalid Abdul Nasir
Published: June 2023

Two species of the genus Laccaria, are described as new reports for Pakistan. Laccaria murina has been collected from a Himalayan moist temperate forest in Khanspur, KP, while L. pumila was found in the moist temperate forests of Kumrat Valley in Dir Upper, KP, and at higher altitudes of the Deosai plains of Gilgit‐Baltistan, Pakistan. Phylogenetic analysis based on the nrITS region clustered the Pakistani species with L. murina sequences with other Asian collections and L. pumila from USA and Netherlands. SEM of basidiospores along with detailed micro‐morphological data are provided. General distribution, habitat, ecology, and diagnostic features are also discussed.

Research Highlights

It has new reports from Pakistan, studies based on light, scanning electron microscopy, and nrITS molecular markers.

These species have been described with detailed micro‐morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses.

General distribution, ecology, diagnostic features, and comparisons with closely related specimens have been provided.

Graphical representation of DNA extraction and geographical locations of sampling sites are also illustrated (Figures 1 and 2).

Very few members of this genus are already described from Pakistan.
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex cell‐derived EVs have an altered protein cargo capable of regulating their microenvironment and have potential as disease biomarkers
Authors: Ní Bhaoighill Muireann , Falcón‐Pérez Juan M. , Royo Félix , Tee Andrew R. , Webber Jason P. , Dunlop Elaine A.
Published: June 2023

Hyperactivation of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is a feature of many solid tumours and is a key pathogenic driver in the inherited condition Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC). Modulation of the tumour microenvironment by extracellular vesicles (EVs) is known to facilitate the development of various cancers. The role of EVs in modulating the tumour microenvironment and their impact on the development of TSC tumours, however, remains unclear. This study, therefore, focuses on the poorly defined contribution of EVs to tumour growth in TSC. We characterised EVs secreted from TSC2‐deficient and TSC2‐expressing cells and identified a distinct protein cargo in TSC2‐deficient EVs, containing an enrichment of proteins thought to be involved in tumour‐supporting signalling pathways. We show EVs from TSC2‐deficient cells promote cell viability, proliferation and growth factor secretion from recipient fibroblasts within the tumour microenvironment. Rapalogs (mTORC1 inhibitors) are the current therapy for TSC tumours. Here, we demonstrate a previously unknown intercellular therapeutic effect of rapamycin in altering EV cargo and reducing capacity to promote cell proliferation in the tumour microenvironment. Furthermore, EV cargo proteins have the potential for clinical applications as TSC biomarkers, and we reveal three EV‐associated proteins that are elevated in plasma from TSC patients compared to healthy donor plasma.
Efficacy of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided abscess drainage for non‐pancreatic abscesses: A retrospective study
Authors: Tanikawa Tomohiro , Kawada Mayuko , Ishii Katsunori , Urata Noriyo , Nishino Ken , Suehiro Mitsuhiko , Kawanaka Miwa , Haruma Ken , Kawamoto Hirofumi
Published: June 2023

Background and Aim

Percutaneous drainage of intra‐abdominal abscesses is often uncomfortable for the patient and may result in prolonged hospital stays. Recent studies have shown that endoscopic ultrasound‐guided abscess drainage (EUS‐AD) could effectively treat various abscesses and fluid collections. However, no indications or procedures have been established for EUS‐AD treatments, and studies on its usefulness and safety are insufficient. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EUS‐AD for treating non‐pancreatic abscesses.

Methods

This retrospective study included 20 patients, aged ≥20 years, who underwent EUS‐AD for an abscess or fluid accumulation in the abdomen or mediastinum, but not the pancreas. Patients were treated at the Kawasaki University General Medical Center between March 2013 and June 2021. All EUS‐AD procedures were performed prior to a percutaneous drainage or surgical drainage.

Results

Among the 20 patients who underwent an EUS‐AD for abscess, 8 (40%) had liver abscesses, 6 (30%) had intraperitoneal abscesses, 3 had (15%) splenic abscesses, 1 (5%) had a mediastinal abscess, 1 (5%) had an iliopsoas abscess (n = 1, 5%), and 1 (5%) had an abdominal wall abscess. The technical success rate was 95% (n = 19/20). We inserted nasobiliary catheters in 4/20 patients (20%). The clinical success rate was 90% (n = 18/20). Two clinical failures required reintervention, and both were treated with percutaneous drainage. Adverse events were observed in 2/20 patients (10%). One patient experienced fever after the procedure, and the other experienced localized peritonitis.

Conclusion

EUS‐AD was effective and safe for abscess removal, particularly when approached from the upper gastrointestinal tract.
Integrating 3HP‐based tuberculosis preventive treatment into Zimbabwe's Fast Track HIV treatment model: experiences from a pilot study
Authors: Mapingure Munyaradzi P. , Zech Jennifer M. , Hirsch‐Moverman Yael , Msukwa Martin , Howard Andrea A. , Makoni Tatenda , Gwanzura Clorata , Apollo Tsitsi , Sandy Charles , Musuka Godfrey N. , Rabkin Miriam
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Tuberculosis (TB) causes one‐third of HIV‐related deaths worldwide, making TB preventive treatment (TPT) a critical element of HIV programmes. Approximately 16% of people living with HIV (PLHIV) on antiretrovirals in Zimbabwe are enrolled in the Fast Track (FT) differentiated service delivery model, which includes multi‐month dispensing of antiretrovirals and quarterly health facility (HF) visits. We assessed the feasibility and acceptability of utilizing FT to deliver 3HP (3 months of once‐weekly rifapentine and isoniazid) for TPT by aligning TPT and HIV visits, providing multi‐month dispensing of 3HP, and using phone‐based monitoring and adherence support.

Methods

We recruited a purposive sample of 50 PLHIV enrolled in FT at a high‐volume HF in urban Zimbabwe. At enrolment, participants provided written informed consent, completed a baseline survey, and received counselling, education and a 3‐month supply of 3HP. A study nurse mentor called participants at weeks 2, 4 and 8 to monitor and support adherence and side effects. When participants returned for their routine 3‐month FT visit, they completed another survey, and study staff conducted a structured medical record review. In‐depth interviews were conducted with providers who participated in the pilot.

Results

Participants were enrolled between April and June 2021 and followed through September 2021. Median age = 32 years (IQR 24,41), 50% female, median time in FT 1.8 years (IQR 0.8,2.7). Forty‐eight participants (96%) completed 3HP in 13 weeks; one completed in 16 weeks, and one stopped due to jaundice. Most participants (94%) reported “always” or “almost always” taking 3HP correctly. All reported they were very satisfied with the counselling, education, support and quality of care they received from providers and FT service efficiency. Almost all (98%) said they would recommend it to other PLHIV. Challenges reported included pill burden (12%) and tolerability (24%), but none had difficulty with phone‐based counselling or wished for additional HF‐based visits.

Discussion

Using FT to deliver 3HP was feasible and acceptable. Some reported tolerability challenges but 98% completed 3HP, and all appreciated the efficiency of aligning TPT and HIV HF visits, multi‐month dispensing and phone‐based counselling.

Conclusions

Scaling up this approach could expand TPT coverage in Zimbabwe.
Quantitative Assessment of Myocardial Edema by MR T2 Mapping in Children With Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Hu Lei , A‐zhe Shi‐gan‐mo , Zhou Zhong‐qin , Zhang Nan‐jun , Peng Sheng‐kun , Wang Chuan , Guo Ying‐kun , Wen Ling‐yi
Published: June 2023

Background

Few studies assessed myocardial inflammation using Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Kawasaki disease (KD) patients.

Purpose

To quantify myocardial edema in KD patients using T2 mapping and explore the independent predictors of T2 values.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Ninety KD patients including 40 in acute phase (26 males, 65.0%) and 50 in chronic phase (34 males, 68.0%). Thirty‐one healthy volunteers (21 males, 70.0%).

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0 T T2‐weighted Turbo Spin Echo‐Short Time of Inversion Recovery sequence, True fast imaging with steady precession flash sequence and fast low‐angle shot 3D spoiled gradient echo sequence.

Assessment

T2 values were compared among KD groups and controls.

Statistical Test

Student's t test and Fisher's exact test; One‐way analysis of variance; Pearson correlation analysis; Receiver operating curve analysis; Multivariable linear regression.

Results

Global T2 value of KD patients in acute phase was the highest, followed by those of chronic‐phase patients and controls (38.83 ± 2.41 msec vs. 37.55 ± 2.28 msec vs. 36.05 ± 1.64 msec). Regional T2 values showed a same trend. There were no significant differences in global and regional T2 values between KD patients with and without coronary artery (CA) dilation, no matter in acute or chronic phase (all KD patients: P = 0.51, 0.51, 0.53, 0.72; acute KD: P = 0.61, 0.37, 0.33, 0.83; chronic KD: P = 0.65, 0.79, 0.62, 0.79). No significant difference was observed in global T2 values between KD patients with Z score > 5.0 and 2.0 < Z score ≤ 5.0 (P = 0.65). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that stage of disease (β = −0.123) and heart rate (β = 0.280) were independently associated with global T2 values.

Data Conclusion

The degree of myocardial edema was more severe in acute‐phase than in chronic‐phase KD patients. Myocardial edema persists in patients regardless of the existence or degree of CA dilation.

Evidence Level

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Deconstructing SARS‐CoV‐2 neutralization: A modular molecular framework for computational design and comparison of antibodies and nanobodies targeting the spike RBD
Authors: Tragni Vincenzo , Mercurio Ivan , Paoletti Diletta Pia , Onofrio Angelo , Laera Luna , Cafferati Beltrame Lucas , Sgobba Maria Noemi , Guerra Lorenzo , Volpicella Mariateresa , De Grassi Anna , Elia Gabriella , Pierri Ciro Leonardo
Published: June 2023

Since 2020 the COVID‐19 pandemic has led scientists to search for strategies to predict the transmissibility and virulence of new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 variants based on the estimation of the affinity of the spike receptor binding domain (RBD) for the human angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor and/or neutralizing antibodies. In this context, our lab developed a computational pipeline to quickly quantify the free energy of interaction at the spike RBD/ACE2 protein–protein interface, reflecting the incidence trend observed in the transmissibility/virulence of the investigated variants. In this new study, we used our pipeline to estimate the free energy of interaction between the RBD from 10 variants, and 14 antibodies (ab), or 5 nanobodies (nb), highlighting the RBD regions preferentially targeted by the investigated ab/nb. Our structural comparative analysis and interaction energy calculations allowed us to propose the most promising RBD regions to be targeted by future ab/nb to be designed by site‐directed mutagenesis of existing high‐affinity ab/nb, to increase their affinity for the target RBD region, for preventing spike‐RBD/ACE2 interactions and virus entry in host cells. Furthermore, we evaluated the ability of the investigated ab/nb to simultaneously interact with the three RBD located on the surface of the trimeric spike protein, which can alternatively be in up‐ or down‐ (all‐3‐up‐, all‐3‐down‐, 1‐up‐/2‐down‐, 2‐up‐/1‐down‐) conformations.
Development of antioxidant and smart NH3‐sensing packaging film by incorporating bilirubin into κ‐carrageenan matrix
Authors: Liu Yingnan , Tong Fei , Xu Yingran , Hu Yunyun , Liu Wenya , Yang Zan , Yu Zhenyu , Xiong Guoyuan , Zhou Yibin , Xiao Yaqing
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND

Active and smart food packaging based on natural polymers and pH‐sensitive dyes as indicators has attracted widespread attention. In the present study, an antioxidant and amine‐response color indicator film was developed by incorporating bilirubin (BIL) into the κ‐carrageenan (Carr) matrix.

RESULTS

It was found that the introduction of BIL had no effect on the crystal/chemical structure, water sensitivity and mechanical performance of the Carr‐based films. However, the barrier properties to light and the thermal stability were significantly improved after the addition BIL. The Carr/BIL composite films exhibited excellent 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl‐hydrazyl (i.e. DPPH)/2,2′‐azino‐bis‐(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (i.e. ABTS) free radical scavenging abilities and color responsiveness to different concentrations of ammonia. The application assay reflected that the Carr/BIL0.0075 film was effective in delaying the oxidative deterioration of shrimp during storage and realizing the color response of its freshness through the change of b* value.

CONCLUSION

Active and smart packaging films were successfully prepared by incorporating different contents of BIL into the Carr matrix. The present study helps to further encourage the design and development of a multi‐functional packaging material. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Associations among posttraumatic growth, demographic characteristics, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and trauma type, with a focus on sexual violence
Authors: Jónsdóttir Erla Katrín , Sigurvinsdottir Rannveig S. , Ásgeirsdóttir Bryndís Björk
Published: June 2023

This study assessed posttraumatic growth (PTG) across multiple trauma types and by demographic characteristics (i.e., sex, age, education). Moreover, we examined the association between PTG and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms as well as the characteristics and predictors of PTG after sexual violence. A phone survey was conducted in a nationally representative sample of 1,766 Icelandic adults. In total, 1,528 individuals reported having experienced some form of trauma and were included in the analysis, and 563 reported experiencing sexual violence. Interpersonal trauma (e.g., sexual violence, emotional abuse, and domestic violence) was associated with the highest levels of PTG. Moderate levels of PTSD symptoms were associated with the highest levels of PTG, whereas high‐ or low‐level PTSD symptoms were related to less PTG. Women reported significantly more PTG than men, d = 0.16 and survivors of sexual violence reported significantly more PTG than individuals who reported other forms of trauma exposure, d = 0.28. Among sexual violence survivors, no demographic factors were associated with PTG, but cumulative trauma and positive social reactions were significantly related to higher levels of PTG. This study highlights that personal growth can result from aversive experiences and suggests a curvilinear association between PTG and PTSD symptoms.
New capacities and enhanced research agenda for science: Exploring relational cooperation with industry
Authors: Verre Vladimiro , Milesi Darío , Petelski Natalia
Published: June 2023

The effects that cooperation with industry generates in public research depend on the specific collaboration scheme. Joint research and research service share some features, such as the frequency and intensity of interactions and knowledge based exchanges, which allow them to be considered as relational schemes. This work investigates the effects that such schemes generate in public research, based on the contributions that industry makes and the way in which they are linked to public learning and the direction of research agenda. A case study is carried out in three sectors, agrobiotechnology, biopharmaceutical and nanotechnology, from a developing country like Argentina, which covers R&D projects included in both schemes. Among the main findings, it is highlighted that, regardless of the intensity of knowledge of the industrial contribution, it can induce in public researchers both learning dynamics and feedback on more basic aspects of their activity. Likewise, industrial contributions in the conception stage of the project make the public applied research agenda expand toward more relevant topics from the economic and social point of view. Finally, industry's knowledge contributions in the laboratory phase, scale change and regulatory aspects, allow public researchers to absorb new for them capacities.
Engineering Quantum Nanophotonic Components from Hexagonal Boron Nitride
Authors: Nonahal Milad , Li Chi , Ren Haoran , Spencer Lesley , Kianinia Mehran , Toth Milos , Aharonovich Igor
Published: June 2023

Integrated quantum photonics (IQP) provides a path to practical, scalable quantum computation, communications and information processing. Realization of an IQP platform requires controlled engineering of many nanophotonic components. However, the range of materials for monolithic platforms is limited by the simultaneous need for high‐quality quantum light sources, high optical performance, and availability of scalable nanofabrication techniques. Here, the fabrication of IQP components from the recently emerged material hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), including tapered waveguides, microdisks, and 1D and 2D photonic crystal cavities, is demonstrated. Resonators with quality factors greater than 4000 are achieved, and proof‐of‐principle complex, free‐standing IQP circuitry fabricated from single‐crystal hBN is engineered. The results show the potential of hBN for scalable integrated quantum technologies.
Carbon steel corrosion in a bentonite buffer: A comparison between in situ exposure and lab based experiments
Authors: Hesketh James , Haynes Haydn , Reddy Bharti , Rance Andy , Bevas Clayton , Padovani Cristiano , Diomidis Nikitas
Published: June 2023

In this paper, carbon steel corrosion rates from experiments performed in situ (performed in an underground rock laboratory) and ex situ (performed in a conventional laboratory) test methods in anaerobic saturated bentonite are compared. The results indicate that the long‐term corrosion rate follows a power law decay curve, with a higher initial rate and greater rate of decay at higher temperature. In compacted bentonite blocks, varying the density has no significant effect on the corrosion rate measured during in situ testing, whereas granular bentonite of an equal dry density leads to a higher corrosion rate. Precorrosion of test specimens in an aerated solution at room temperature has a negligible effect on the subsequent anaerobic corrosion rate when tested ex situ for durations up to 11.8 years. The main difference between in situ and ex situ tests is the formation of silicon‐rich corrosion products in the ex situ tests but not in the in situ tests. Despite these differences, the corrosion rates in both tests exhibit the same general temporal evolution and similar magnitudes, suggesting that the main steel degradation processes are maintained in both configurations.
3D‐Printed Inherently Porous Structures with Tetrahedral Lattice Architecture: Experimental and Computational Study of Their Mechanical Behavior
Authors: Kuzina Maria A. , Kurpiers Chantal M. , Tsai Ya‐Yun , Schwaiger Ruth , Chang Shu‐Wei , Levkin Pavel
Published: June 2023

Increasing demand in automotive, construction, and medical industries for materials with reduced weight and high mechanical durability has given rise to porous materials and composites. Materials combining nano‐ and microporosity and a well‐defined cellular macroporous architecture offer great potential weight reduction while maintaining mechanical durability. To achieve predictable mechanical performance, it is essential to apply experimental and computational efforts to precisely describe material structure–properties relationships. This study explores polymer structures with polymerization‐inherited porosity and well‐defined macroporous geometry, fabricated via digital light processing (DLP) 3Dprinting. Pore size and relative density are varied by ink composition and printing parameters to track their influence on the structure stiffness. Simulated stiffness values for the base polymer correspond to the experimentally determined elastic properties, showing Young's moduli of 554–722 MPa depending on the cosolvent ratio, which confirms the structure–properties relationship. Macroporosity is introduced in the form of a 3D tetrahedral bending‐dominated architecture with the resulting specific Young's moduli of 79.5 MPa cm3 g−1, comparable to foams. To merge the gap in stiffnesses, further investigation of structure–property relationships of various 3D–printed lattice architectures, as well as its application to other stereolithography methods to eliminate the negative effects from printing artifacts and resolution limit of the DLP 3D‐printing, are envisioned.
On the split reliability of graphs
Authors: Brown Jason I. , McMullin Isaac
Published: June 2023

A common model of robustness of a graph against random failures has all vertices operational, but the edges independently operational with probability . One can ask for the probability that all vertices can communicate (all‐terminal reliability) or that two specific vertices (or terminals) can communicate with each other (two‐terminal reliability). A relatively new measure is split reliability, where for two fixed vertices and , we consider the probability that every vertex communicates with one of or , but not both. In this article, we explore the existence for fixed numbers and of an optimal
connected ‐graph for split reliability, that is, a connected graph with vertices and edges for which for any other such graph , the split reliability of is at least as large as that of , for all values of . Unlike the similar problems for all‐terminal and two‐terminal reliability, where only partial results are known, we completely solve the issue for split reliability, where we show that there is an optimal ‐graph for split reliability if and only if , , or .
Reporting of adverse events and the fundamental tasks of managers—A qualitative interview study
Authors: Birk Tot Karin , Markič Mirko , Pađen Ljubiša
Published: June 2023

Aim

To describe healthcare professionals' experiences of adverse event reporting in relation to the fundamental tasks of managers.

Design

Qualitative interview study.

Method

Twenty‐four semi‐structured interviews including six managers, six medical doctors, six Registered Nurses and six Enrolled Nurses were carried out in Slovenia from January to May 2019. The data were analysed using a multi‐stage qualitative content analysis procedure. The COREQ checklist guided the reporting in this study.

Results

The researchers found that all four fundamental tasks of managers, namely planning, organising, leading and controlling, influence the safety culture and thus adverse events reporting by employees. For each function, the researchers have identified the key factors that either promote or inhibit adverse events reporting in a healthcare institution. The results have implications for all those involved in adverse event reporting from the perspective of the fundamental tasks of managers and can contribute to the improvement of the reporting system and subsequently safer treatment.
Variations in Payer‐Negotiated Prices for Head and Neck Reconstructive Surgery
Authors: Wu Shannon S. , Rathi Vinay K. , Byrne Patrick J. , Fritz Michael A. , Shaye David A. , Lee Linda N. , Sethi Rosh K.V. , Lindsay Robin W. , Xiao Roy
Published: June 2023

Objective

Little is known about pricing for reconstructive procedures of the head and neck. As of January 2021, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services requires hospitals to disclose payer‐negotiated prices for services, offering new insight into prices for privately insured patients.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional analysis.

Setting

Turquoise database.

Methods

Payer‐negotiated facility fees for 41 reconstructive surgeries were grouped by procedure type: primary closure, skin grafts, tissue rearrangement, locoregional flaps, or free flaps. Prices were normalized to account for local labor costs, then calculated as percent markup in excess of Medicare reimbursement. The mean percent markup between procedure groups was compared by the Kruskal‐Wallis test. Subset analyses were performed to compare mean percent markup using a Student's t test. We also assessed price variation by calculating the ratio of 90th/10th percentile mean prices both across and within hospitals.

Results

In total, 1324 hospitals (85% urban, 81% nonprofit, 49% teaching) were included. Median payer‐negotiated fees showed an increasing trend with more complex procedures, ranging from $379.54 (interquartile range [IQR], $230.87‐$656.96) for Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code 12001 (“simple repair of superficial wounds ≤2.5 cm”) to $5422.60 ($3983.55‐$8169.41) for CPT code 20969 (“free osteocutaneous flap with microvascular anastomosis”). Median percent markup was highest for primary closure procedures (576.17% [IQR, 326.28%‐1089.34%]) and lowest for free flaps (99.56% [37.86%‐194.02%]). Higher mean percent markups were observed for rural, for‐profit, non‐Northeast, nonteaching, and smaller hospitals.

Conclusion

Wide variation in private payer‐negotiated facility fees exists for head/neck reconstruction surgeries. Further research is necessary to better understand how pricing variation may correlate with out‐of‐pocket costs and quality of care.
Can virtual care reduce treatment burden in pediatric leukemia? A retrospective cost analysis
Authors: Dreher Jonas , Meryk Andreas , Riedl David , Kropshofer Gabriele , Hetzer Benjamin , Neururer Sabrina , Pfeifer Bernhard , Schneeberger‐Carta Verena , Holzner Bernhard , Crazzolara Roman
Published: June 2023

We conducted a retrospective analysis to determine the potential reduction in treatment burden through the expansion of virtual care among children with leukemia (n = 152). Patients living in urban areas traveled median distances of 1555 km compared with 7536 km for patients living in rural areas (p < .05). For the latter group, a median reduction in travel distance of 3560 km (interquartile range [IQR], 2136–5787 km), travel time of 51 h (IQR, 26–78 h), and CO2 emissions of 623 kg (IQR, 374–1013 kg) was estimated, if every second visit was replaced by video consultations.
Efficiency Optimization of Ge‐V Quantum Emitters in Single‐Crystal Diamond upon Ion Implantation and HPHT Annealing
Authors: Nieto Hernández Elena , Redolfi Elisa , Stella Claudia , Andrini Greta , Corte Emilio , Sachero Selene , Ditalia Tchernij Sviatoslav , Picariello Fabio , Herzig Tobias , Borzdov Yuri M. , Kupriyanov Igor N. , Kubanek Alexander , Olivero Paolo , Meijer Jan , Traina Paolo , Palyanov Yuri N. , Forneris Jacopo
Published: June 2023

The authors report on the characterization at the single‐defect level of germanium‐vacancy (GeV) centers in diamond produced upon Ge− ion implantation and different subsequent annealing processes, with a specific focus on the effect of high‐pressure‐high‐temperature (HPHT) processing on their quantum‐optical properties. Different post‐implantation annealing conditions are explored for the optimal activation of GeV centers, namely, 900 °C 2 h, 1000 °C 10 h, 1500 °C 1 h under high vacuum, and 2000 °C 15 min at 6 GPa pressure. A systematic analysis of the relevant emission properties, including the emission intensity in saturation regime and the excited state radiative lifetime, is performed on the basis of a set of ion‐implanted samples, with the scope of identifying the most suitable conditions for the creation of GeV centers with optimal quantum‐optical emission properties. The main performance parameter adopted here to describe the excitation efficiency of GeV centers as single‐photon emitters is the ratio between the saturation optical excitation power and the emission intensity at saturation. The results show an up to eightfold emission efficiency increase in HPHT‐treated samples with respect to conventional annealing in vacuum conditions, suggesting a suitable thermodynamic pathway toward the repeatable fabrication of ultra‐bright GeV centers for single‐photon generation purposes.
Cycle lengths in randomly perturbed graphs
Authors: Aigner‐Horev Elad , Hefetz Dan , Krivelevich Michael
Published: June 2023

Let be an ‐vertex graph, where for some . A result of Bohman, Frieze and Martin from 2003 asserts that if , then perturbing via the addition of random edges, a.a.s. yields a Hamiltonian graph. We prove several improvements and extensions of the aforementioned result. In particular, keeping the bound on as above and allowing for , we determine the correct order of magnitude of the number of random edges whose addition to a.a.s. yields a pancyclic graph. Moreover, we prove similar results for sparser graphs, and assuming the correctness of Chvátal's toughness conjecture, we handle graphs having larger independent sets. Finally, under milder conditions, we determine the correct order of magnitude of the number of random edges whose addition to a.a.s. yields a graph containing an almost spanning cycle.
Social exclusion and green consumption: The multi‐motive theory approach
Authors: Menebo Mesay Moges , Kvale Heidi Elise Heitun , Bajracharya Monish , Burrill Julianna
Published: June 2023

Household consumption accounting to more than 70% of global GHG emissions is an indication to where sustainable policies should focus their efforts toward a sustainable world. Indeed, one of the tools suggested by governments in their “policies to encourage sustainable consumption” is behavioral approaches. Within this regard, how psychological consequences of social exclusion relate with green consumption is much studied. For example, recent studies adopted costly signaling theory and social belongingness hypothesis to predict green consumption after events of social exclusion/inclusion. Such studies rely heavily on the default view of “humans as social animals” without adequately accounting for the role of motives. Using multi‐motive theory, we show how construals like “perceived importance of a relationship” and traits like “fear of negative evaluation” play a role in the relationship between social exclusion and green consumption. In addition, we develop and report a 20 items reliable and valid multidimensional measure for green consumption.
Deep causal feature extraction and inference with neuroimaging genetic data
Authors: Yao Yuchen , Charkraborty Dipnil , Zhang Lin , Shen Xiaotong ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, Pan Wei
Published: June 2023

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a severe public health issue in the world. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) offers a way to study brain differences between AD patients and healthy individuals through feature extraction and comparison. However, in most previous works, the extracted features were not aimed to be causal, hindering biological understanding and interpretation. In order to extract causal features, we propose using instrumental variable (IV) regression with genetic variants as IVs. Specifically, we propose Deep Feature Extraction via Instrumental Variable Regression (DeepFEIVR), which uses a nonlinear neural network to extract causal features from three‐dimensional neuroimages to predict an outcome (eg, AD status in our application) while maintaining a linear relationship between the extracted features and IVs. DeepFEIVR not only can handle high dimensional individual‐level data for model building, but also is applicable to GWAS summary data to test associations of the extracted features with the outcome in subsequent analysis. In addition, we propose an extension of DeepFEIVR, called DeepFEIVR‐CA, for covariate adjustment (CA). We apply DeepFEIVR and DeepFEIVR‐CA to the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) individual‐level data as training data for model building, then apply to the UK Biobank neuroimaging and the International Genomics of Alzheimer's Project (IGAP) AD GWAS summary data, showcasing how the extracted causal features are related to AD and various brain endophenotypes.
Making Hidden Cell Particle Interactions Visible by Thermal Noise Frequency Decomposition
Authors: Jünger Felix , Rohrbach Alexander
Published: June 2023

Thermal noise drives cellular structures, bacteria, and viruses on different temporal and spatial scales. Their weak interactions with their environment can change on subsecond scales. However, particle interactions can be hidden or invisible—even when measured with thermal noise sensitivity, leading to misconceptions about their binding behavior. Here, it is demonstrated how invisible particle interactions at the cell periphery become visible by MHz interferometric thermal noise tracking and frequency decomposition at a spectral update rate of only 0.5 s. The particle fluctuations are analyzed in radial and lateral directions by a viscoelastic modulus G(ω,tex) over the experiment time tex, revealing a surprisingly similar, frequency dependent response for different cell types. This response behavior can be explained by a mathematical model for molecular scale elasticity and damping. The method to reveal hidden interactions is tested at two examples: the stiffening of macrophage filopodia tips within 2 s with particle contact invisible by the fluctuation width. Second, the extent and stiffness of the soft cell glycocalyx is measured, which can be sensed by a particle only on microsecond‐timescales, but which remains invisible on time‐average. This concept study shows how to uncover hidden cellular interactions, if particle motions are measured at high‐speed.
Application of Oxygen‐Group‐Based Amorphous Nanomaterials in Electrocatalytic Water Splitting
Authors: Ye Kang , Zhang Yuqi , Mourdikoudis Stefanos , Zuo Yunpeng , Liang Jiangong , Wang Mengye
Published: June 2023

Environmentally friendly energy sources (e.g., hydrogen) require an urgent development targeting to address the problem of energy scarcity. Electrocatalytic water splitting is being explored as a convenient catalytic reaction in this context, and promising amorphous nanomaterials (ANMs) are receiving increasing attention due to their excellent catalytic properties.Oxygen group‐based amorphous nanomaterials (O‐ANMs) are an important component of the broad family of ANMs due to their unique amorphous structure, large number of defects, and abundant randomly oriented bonds, O‐ANMs induce the generation of a larger number of active sites, which favors a better catalytic activity. Meanwhile, amorphous materials can disrupt the inherent features of conventional crystalline materials regarding electron transfer paths, resulting in higher flexibility. O‐ANMs mainly include VIA elements such as oxygen, sulfur, selenium, tellurium, and other transition metals, most of which are reported to be free of noble metals and have comparable performance to commercial catalysts Pt/C or IrO2 and RuO2 in electrocatalysis. This review covers the features and reaction mechanism of O‐ANMs, the synthesis strategies to prepare O‐ANMs, as well as the application of O‐ANMs in electrocatalytic water splitting. Last, the challenges and prospective remarks for future development in O‐ANMs for electrocatalytic water splitting are concluded.
Identifying, developing, and assessing instructor competencies in outcomes‐based military education
Authors: Hennessey Megan J.
Published: June 2023

This chapter continues the argument that quality teaching requires a set of defined competencies. It also presents a roadmap to identifying, developing, and assessing teaching competencies for on‐the‐ground instructors in outcomes‐based military education, using the process developed by Air University as an example.
Using lessons learned during covid to improve on‐ground academic service‐learning curriculum
Authors: Chudzik Lindsay A. , Byrd Kristy L.
Published: June 2023

This chapter discusses the impact of COVID on academic service‐learning curriculum and how online course quality assessment can inform improvements to face‐to‐face courses with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The authors share their perspectives on applying assessment techniques developed during the pandemic to promote equity in on‐ground courses.
Improving introductory science courses using comparative assessment across multiple modalities
Authors: Schweitzer Jill Kuglin , Tobin Wes , Krerowicz Sam , Blakefield Mary , Olson Brian , Law Yu Kay
Published: June 2023

Exploring the value of course assessment across multiple teaching modalities, this chapter provides a framework for improving introductory science courses by evaluating the impact of pedagogical modality on student learning.
Emerging single‐atom catalysts in electrochemical biosensing
Authors: Huang Zhuoru , Sun Xianyou , Wang Ping , Wan Hao
Published: June 2023

Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) have attracted extensive interest owing to their maximized atomic utilization, low cost as well as outstanding catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability for diverse applications. Due to their excellent performance in electrocatalysis, SACs can be applied to electrochemical sensors, which have been a predominant tool employed in biosensing. In very recent studies, SAC‐based electrochemical biosensors have demonstrated enhanced sensing performances in biomarker detection and in vivo analysis. However, a comprehensive review of SAC‐based electrochemical biosensors has not been reported yet. Herein, we present a summary of the synthesis methods of SACs with their application in electrochemical sensor establishment and electrochemical characterization methods in electrochemical sensing. Biomedical applications utilizing SAC‐based electrochemical biosensors are introduced. Finally, the existing challenges and future prospects of SACs in the field of electrochemical biosensing are discussed.
Keeping pace with the explosive growth of chemical libraries with structure‐based virtual screening
Authors: Kuan Jacqueline , Radaeva Mariia , Avenido Adeline , Cherkasov Artem , Gentile Francesco
Published: June 2023

Recent efforts to synthetically expand drug‐like chemical libraries have led to the emergence of unprecedently large virtual databases. This surge of make‐on‐demand molecular datasets has been received enthusiastically across the drug discovery community as a new paradigm. In several recent studies, virtual screening (VS) of larger make‐on‐demand collections resulted in the identification of novel molecules with higher potency and specificity compared to more conventional VS campaigns relying on smaller in‐stock libraries. These results inspired ultra‐large VS against various clinically relevant targets, including key proteins of the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus. As library sizes rapidly surpassed the billion compounds mark, new computational screening strategies emerged, shifting from conventional docking to fragment‐based and machine learning‐accelerated methods. These approaches significantly reduce computational demands of ultra‐large screenings by lowering the number of molecules explicitly docked onto a target. Such strategies already demonstrated promise in evaluating libraries of tens of billions of molecules at relatively low computational cost. Herein, we review recent advancements in structure‐based methods for ultra‐large virtual screening that drug discovery practitioners have adopted to explore the ever‐expanding chemical universe.

This article is categorized under:

Data Science > Databases and Expert Systems

Data Science > Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning

Molecular and Statistical Mechanics > Molecular Mechanics
Development of genetic markers for reproductive management of toucans
Authors: Coleman Jeffrey L. , Wyffels Jennifer T. , Penfold Linda M. , Richardson Daryl , Maddox J. Dylan
Published: June 2023

Retention of genetic diversity in successive generations is key to successful ex situ programs and will become increasingly important to restore wild populations of threatened animals. When animal genealogy is partly unknown or gaps exist in studbook records, the application of molecular resources facilitates informed breeding. Here, we apply molecular resources to an ex situ breeding population of toucans (Ramphastidae), a bird family zoos commonly maintain. Toucans face population declines from illegal poaching and habitat degradation. We developed novel microsatellite markers using blood samples from 15 Keel‐billed Toucans (Ramphastos sulfuratus Lesson 1830). Parentage of two individuals was known a priori, but possible sibship among 13 putative founders—including the parents—was unknown. We compared available avian heterologous and novel microsatellite markers to recover known relationships and reconstruct sibship. Eight of 61 heterologous markers amplified consistently and were polymorphic, but less so than the 18 novel markers. Known sibship (and three sibling pairs whose relatedness was unknown a priori) and paternity—though not maternity except in one case—were well‐recovered using both likelihood and pairwise relatedness methods, when incorporating novel but not heterologous markers. Zoo researchers seeking microsatellite primer sets for their breeding toucan populations will likely benefit from our heterologous markers, which can be leveraged both to assess relatedness and select breeding pairs. We recommend that zoo biologists rely on species‐specific primers and not optimize heterologous primers for toucan species without molecular resources. We conclude with a brief discussion of modern genotyping methods of interest to zoo researchers.