bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Poor oral health and the risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in Malawi
Authors: Kaimila Bongani , Yano Yukiko , Mulima Gift , Chen Yingxi , Kajombo Chifundo , Salima Ande , Khan Shiraz , Gopal Satish , Dawsey Sanford M. , Abnet Christian C.
Published: January 2024

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the second most common cancer in Malawi. Risk factors for this cancer in Malawi are poorly understood. Poor oral health has previously been linked to increased ESCC risk in other high‐incidence regions, including parts of Eastern and Southern Africa. We assessed the relationship between oral health and ESCC risk in a sex, age and location frequency‐matched case–control study based at two hospitals in Lilongwe, Malawi from 2017 to 2020. Trained interviewers used a structured questionnaire and direct observation to collect data on demographics; behaviors; oral hygiene habits; the sum of decayed, missing or filled teeth (DMFT score); oral mucosa status; lip depigmentation and dental fluorosis via a visual scale. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), adjusted for known and suspected ESCC risk factors. During the study period, 300 cases and 300 controls were enrolled. Subjects in the highest tertile of DMFT score (≥7) had an increased risk of ESCC with an adjusted OR of 1.96 (95% CI: 1.16–3.36) compared to those with a DMFT score of 0. Severe dental fluorosis was associated with a statistically nonsignificant increased risk of ESCC (adjusted OR = 2.24, 95% CI: 0.97–5.49) compared to individuals with no fluorosis. Associations with oral mucosa status, lip depigmentation and toothbrushing method and frequency were mostly null or uncertain. Poor oral health, indicated by a higher DMFT score, was associated with increased ESCC risk in Malawi. Dental fluorosis is another possible risk factor in this population, but further evaluation is necessary to clarify any effects of fluorosis on ESCC risk.
Sur les phénomènes critiques de dissolution dans les systèmes ternaires
Authors: Prigogine I.
Published: January 2024

En introduisant la loi des coëfficients d'activité des solutions strictement régulières dans les équations générales de Gibbs relatives aux phénomènes critiques des systèmes ternaires, l'auteur obtient une expression remarquable permettant de calculer la variation de la température critique de dissolution d'un système binaire lorsqu'on ajoute des petites quantités d'un troisième constituant. La formule obtenue met clairement en évidence le rôle essentiel joué par le rapport des solubilités du troisième constituant dans les deux premiers et interprète ainsi les résultats expérimentaux obtenus précédemment en particulier par Timmermans.
Drawing your way out: Imagery rehearsal based art therapy (IR‐AT) for post‐traumatic nightmares in borderline personality disorder
Authors: Kehr Timea , Haeyen Suzanne
Published: January 2024

Posttraumatic nightmares (PTN) are a frequent symptom after a traumatic event and often play part in the psychopathology of patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT) currently offers the best evidence for an effective treatment to reduce PTNs, although high drop‐out rates are common. Art therapy in IRT may counteract this, by its indirect, nonverbal, and often playful approach that helps to break through avoidance. This case study focusses on the perception of a patient with BPD in an art therapy based IRT treatment for patients with PTNs. It tells the story of Aurelia, a 40‐year‐old woman who, within this treatment, processes traumatic contents of her childhood like physical and sexual violence, but also current interactional problems that manifest themselves in her nightmares. Following the IR‐AT treatment for PTNs Aurelia noticed a reduction in her nightmares, was less afraid of them and felt calmer towards her trauma. She expressed herself in the art medium and by this developed more self‐efficacy. Her process resulted in an integration of the trauma and a perceived decrease in borderline symptoms. Future research can build on this basis to further explore the mechanisms and effects of IR‐AT for PTNs.
Evaluation of student readiness for clinical dental education at the end of preclinical education
Authors: Oh Se‐Lim , Mishler Oksana , Jones Deborah
Published: January 2024

Objectives

This study examined results of a summative objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) at the end of preclinical periodontal education to identify deficient areas for dental students in patient care and to explore factors affecting the probability of passing the OSCE.

Methods

The summative OSCE was administered to two consecutive cohorts, Classes A (class of 2024; n1 = 134) and B (class of 2025; n2 = 129). The questions for each station in the OSCEs were available to both classes 1 week before the OSCEs. Descriptive statistics were used to identify deficient areas. The multiple logistic regression model was built to predict the probability of passing the OSCE based on the cohort, gender, and the practical and written examination scores.

Results

Fifty‐one (38%) students in Class A and 66 (51%) students in Class B completed the OSCE by passing all stations. Students undergoing remediation showed deficiencies in demonstrating how to detect tooth mobility, performing periodontal probing, drawing the healthy positive bony architecture and the mucogingival junction, and using a universal and a Gracey 13/14 curette. The probability of passing the OSCE was significantly correlated with Class B (p = 0.035) and the practical examination score (p = 0.03) while not associated with gender (p = 0.53) and the written examination score (p = 0.11).

Conclusion

Students showed deficiencies in assessment skills at the end of preclinical education. The study findings suggest that the implementation of the OSCE at the conclusion of preclinical education would be beneficial since the written examination score might not accurately reflect student readiness for clinical patient care.
Light and electron microscopic observations on retinal neurons of red‐tail shark (Epalzeorhynchos bicolor H. M. Smith, 1931)
Authors: Mokhtar Doaa M. , Alesci Alessio , Pergolizzi Simona , Zaccone Giacomo
Published: January 2024

The structure of photoreceptors (PR) and the arrangement of neurons in the retina of red‐tail shark were investigated using light and electron microscopy. The PR showed a mosaic arrangement and included double cones, single cones (SC), and single rods. Most cones occur as SC. The ratio between the number of cones and rods was 3:1.39 (±0.29). The rods were tall that reached the pigmented epithelium. The outer plexiform layer (OPL) showed a complex synaptic connection between the horizontal and photoreceptor terminals that were surrounded by Müller cell processes. Electron microscopy showed that the OPL possessed both cone pedicles and rod spherules. Each rod spherule consisted of a single synaptic ribbon within the invaginating terminal endings of the horizontal cell (hc) processes. In contrast, the cone pedicles possessed many synaptic ribbons within their junctional complexes. The inner nuclear layer consisted of bipolar, amacrine, Müller cells, and hc. Müller cells possessed intermediate filaments and cell processes that can reach the outer limiting membrane and form connections with each other by desmosomes. The ganglion cells were large multipolar cells with a spherical nucleus and Nissl’ bodies in their cytoplasm. The presence of different types of cones arranged in a mosaic pattern in the retina of this species favors the spatial resolution of visual objects.

Research Highlights

This is the first study demonstrating the structure and arrangement of retinal neurons of red‐tail shark using light and electron microscopy.

The current study showed the presence of different types of cones arranged in a mosaic pattern that may favor the spatial resolution of visual objects in this species.

The bipolar, amacrine, Müller, and horizontal cells could be demonstrated.
Exploring gut–lung axis crosstalk in SARS‐CoV‐2 infection: Insights from a hACE2 mouse model
Authors: Zhang Yu , Ma Yifang , Sun Weiyang , Zhou Xiaoyang , Wang Ruixuan , Xie Peng , Dai Lu , Gao Yuwei , Li Jintao
Published: January 2024

Based on the forefront of clinical research, there is a growing recognition that the gut microbiota, which plays a pivotal role in shaping both the innate and adaptive immune systems, may significantly contribute to the pathogenesis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Although an association between altered gut microbiota and COVID‐19 pathogenesis has been established, the causative mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Additionally, the validation of the precise functional alterations within the gut microbiota relevant to COVID‐19 pathogenesis has been limited by a scarcity of suitable animal experimental models. In the present investigation, we employed a newly developed humanized ACE2 knock‐in (hACE2‐KI) mouse model, capable of recapitulating critical aspects of pulmonary and intestinal infection, to explore the modifications in the gut microbiota following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection. Examination of fecal samples using 16S rRNA gene profiling unveiled a notable reduction in species richness and conspicuous alterations in microbiota composition at 6 days postinfection (dpi). These alterations were primarily characterized by a decline in beneficial bacterial species and an escalation in certain opportunistic pathogens. Moreover, our analysis entailed a correlation study between the gut microbiota and plasma cytokine concentrations, revealing the potential involvement of the Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae genera in attenuating hyperinflammatory responses triggered by the infection. Furthermore, integration of gut microbiota data with RNA‐seq analysis results suggested that the increased presence of Staphylococcus in fecal samples may signify the potential for bacterial coinfection in lung tissues via gut translocation. In summary, our hACE2‐KI mouse model effectively recapitulated the observed alterations in the gut microbiota during SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. This model presents a valuable tool for elucidating gut microbiota‐targeted strategies aimed at mitigating COVID‐19.
Impacts of climate and land coverage changes on potential evapotranspiration and its sensitivity on drought phenomena over South Asia
Authors: Ali Shahzad , Basit Abdul , Umair Muhammad , Ni Jian
Published: January 2024

Understanding the spatiotemporal historical drought pattern and their sensitivity effect on potential evapotranspiration (PET) and vegetation coverage changes is essential for efficient drought mitigation policies under climate change. In this study, we used the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) at multiple timescales, such as SPEI‐01, SPEI‐03, SPEI‐06, SPEI‐09 and SPEI‐12; we explored their regional‐scale dry and wet annual changes across seven sub‐regions of South Asia from 1902 to 2018. Results suggest that from 1981 to 2018, the extreme drought of SPEI has increased in South Asia, which mostly affects the summer and winter growing seasons, that is, SPEI‐06 to SPEI‐12 across seven sub‐regions of South Asia. The frequency of drought events during dry and wet annual changes of SPEI had an extremely dry year starting from 1998 to 2018, which mostly affected the South Asia region. Data from the past 18 years showed that the land changing detection has increased in the forests, cultivated land, arid land, savanna and farmland; by contrast, there has been significantly reduced permanent ice and snow, mixed forests, open shrub, grasslands, permanent wetlands, water bodies and evergreen broadleaf forests. Seasonal SPEI presented diverse characteristics such as showing a dry trend in Afghanistan, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka during autumn and winter. Afghanistan and Bhutan are wet during the summer compared with other sub‐regions of South Asia, with drought frequency occurring at 45.3% and 44.4%. Sri Lanka, Pakistan and India are the driest regions in South Asia due to their high drought frequency, duration and intensity. The correlation between PET and crop water stress index (CWSI), PET and regional ETp reduction (Er) indicated a considerably negative correlation, while a significantly positive correlation was found between CWSI and Er, NDVI and Er. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of climate and vegetation coverage changes on PET, ET and SPEI, and can help in formulating long‐term adaptive strategies to reduce the cumulative impacts of droughts.
Allergic Diseases and Chronic Adenotonsillar Diseases: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Chen Huihong , Zhu Gangcai , Liu Yong , Huang Donghai , Zhang Xin , She Li
Published: January 2024

Objective

The existing epidemiological evidence regarding the intricate relationship between allergic diseases and chronic adenotonsillar diseases (CATD) remains inconclusive. Herein, the objective of our study is to explore the causal association using Mendelian randomization (MR).

Methods

Employing data from large genome‐wide association studies, a comprehensive two‐sample bidirectional MR study was conducted. The studied traits encompassed allergic rhinitis (cases n = 9707, controls n = 331173), allergic asthma (cases n = 8525, controls n = 193857), allergic conjunctivitis (cases n = 18321, controls n = 324178), atopic dermatitis (cases n = 11964, controls n = 306909), and CATD (cases n = 38983, controls n = 258553). All the patients were of European descent and participants in cohort studies. The primary analysis was executed using inverse‐variance‐weighted MR. Furthermore, six additional MR methods (MR‐Egger, weighted median, simple mode, weighted mode, MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier, MR robust adjusted profile score) were employed to ensure the reliability and detect potential horizontal pleiotropy within the results. The estimates obtained from the MR analysis were factored into the overall effect calculation.

Results

Genetically anticipated outcomes demonstrated a significant association between CATD risk and allergic rhinitis (OR = 1.141, p = 6.30E−06), allergic asthma (OR = 1.115, p = 8.31E−05), allergic conjunctivitis (OR = 1.197, p = 8.69E−07), and a suggestive association with atopic dermatitis (OR = 1.053, p = 0.040). However, no substantial correlation was observed in the reverse direction.

Conclusions

Findings of our study provide evidence supporting a causal role of allergic diseases in the development of CATD, whereas the converse relationship does not appear to hold true.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:2653–2658, 2024
Ultrahigh Endurance and Extinction Ratio in Programmable Silicon Photonics Based on a Phase Change Material with ITO Heater
Authors: Xia Jian , Wang Zixuan , Yang Rui , Wang Tianci , Gong Junjie , Dong Yunxiao , Li Zhiyuan , Yao Jiaping , He Qiang , Cheng Xiaomin , Cheng Zengguang , Zhou Peng , Miao Xiangshui
Published: January 2024

Phase‐change‐materials (PCMs) integrated photonics have attracted extensive attention in the field of optical neural networks. However, present PCMs‐integrated photonics are still far from meeting the requirements in real‐world applications due to its unsatisfactory endurance (<3000 cycles) and extinction ratio (ER<20 dB). Here, ultrahigh endurance (>30 000 cycles) and large ER (≥50 dB) are achieved in the photonic device by introducing a trench structure to the indium tin oxide (ITO) heater and utilizing tin‐doped Ge2Sb2Te5 (Sn‐GST) as PCMs. This performance represents a landmark in the PCMs‐integrated photonics, since it solves the problem of poor endurance of ITO heaters and can be comparable to the state‐of the‐art devices in terms of endurance and ER. This excellent endurance and ER stem from the trench structure and high optical contrast PCM of Sn‐GST. Trench structure improves the heating efficiency of the ITO heater and effectively alleviates the thermal stress imposed on the ITO heater, resulting in ultrahigh endurance of the device. Sn‐doping is also beneficial to the endurance and ER improvement, because it can effectively reduce the crystallization temperature and increase the absorption coefficient of the PCM layer. This work provides a new technology for the development of programmable photonics with ultrahigh endurance.
Bayesian optimization of gradient trajectory for parallel‐transmit pulse design
Authors: Zhang Minghao , Rodgers Christopher T.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Spoke pulses improve excitation homogeneity in parallel‐transmit MRI. We propose an efficient global optimization algorithm, Bayesian optimization of gradient trajectory (BOGAT), for single‐slice and simultaneous multislice imaging.

Theory and Methods

BOGAT adds an outer loop to optimize kT‐space positions. For each position, the RF coefficients are optimized (e.g., with magnitude least squares) and the cost function evaluated. Bayesian optimization progressively estimates the cost function. It automatically chooses the kT‐space positions to sample, to achieve fast convergence, often coming close to the globally optimal spoke positions.

We investigated the typical features of spokes cost functions by a grid search with field maps comprising 85 slabs from 14 volunteers.

We tested BOGAT in this database, and prospectively in a phantom and in vivo. We compared the vendor‐provided Fourier transform approach with the same magnitude least squares RF optimizer.

Results

The cost function is nonconvex and seen empirically to be piecewise smooth with discontinuities where the underlying RF optimum changes sharply. BOGAT converged to within 10% of the global minimum cost within 30 iterations in 93% of slices in our database.

BOGAT achieved up to 56% lower flip angle RMS error (RMSE) or 55% lower pulse energy in phantoms versus the Fourier transform approach, and up to 30% lower RMSE and 29% lower energy in vivo with 7.8 s extra computation.

Conclusion

BOGAT efficiently estimated near‐global optimum spoke positions for the two‐spoke tests, reducing flip‐angle RMSE and/or pulse energy in a computation time (˜10 s), which is suitable for online optimization.
Limitations of BMI z scores for assessing weight change: A clinical tool versus individual risk
Authors: Adise Shana , Rhee Kyung E. , Laurent Jennifer , Holzhausen Elizabeth A. , Hayati Rezvan Panteha , Alderete Tanya L. , Vidmar Alaina P.
Published: January 2024

Although pediatric growth curves provide clinical utility, using these metrics for within‐person change over time can be misleading. As research is focused on understanding cardiometabolic consequences of weight gain, it is important to use precise metrics to analyze these longitudinal research questions. Despite several foundational recommendations to limit the use of reference pediatric growth curves (e.g., BMI z scores) for within‐person longitudinal research, it has evolved into the “gold standard” for using growth curves for pediatric weight gain analyses. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to discuss (A) the methodology used to create reference growth curves; (B) the appropriate use of reference pediatric BMI growth curves within the context of cross‐sectional and longitudinal analyses in research; and (C) how to select metrics based on desired evaluations. Careful consideration using standardized references scores is essential when assessing obesity‐related questions and comorbid risk over time in pediatric populations.
Exploring Mental Health in a Pediatric Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion Sample Using Patient‐Reported Outcomes
Authors: Andrew Lilia Mucka , Sandler Claire B. , Long Courtney A. , Bauman Nancy M. , Mudd Pamela A.
Published: January 2024

Objective

Paradoxical vocal fold motion (PVFM) is characterized by inappropriate adduction of vocal folds during inspiration causing dyspnea. While anxiety is suspected to be a predisposing factor, incidence has been understudied.

Study Designs

Retrospective review.

Setting

Multidisciplinary PVFM hospital clinic.

Methods

We used patient‐reported outcome measures to examine anxiety and depression in consecutive patients aged 10 to 17 years using Pediatric SFv1.1 Anxiety 8b and Level 2‐Depression inventories (parents completed proxy forms). T‐scores were classified as normal (none to slight <55) or elevated (mild 55‐59.9, moderate 60‐69.9, severe >70).

Results

Twenty‐three pediatric patients and 20 parents completed surveys. Mean age was 13.74 years. For anxiety, 69.6% of patients and 40% of parents identified elevated levels. For depression, 30.4% of patients and 15% of parents identified elevated levels. Therapy need for the sample was 65.2% (34.8% active in services and 30.4% referred). Child anxiety scores were significantly higher in the therapy need group, U = 17, P = .004.

Conclusion

This study of adolescents with PVFM confirmed elevated anxiety and depression scores in 2/3 of the participants. Anxiety likely precedes diagnosis and is a predisposing factor. Referral for individualized intervention targeting anxiety and depression is indicated.
Wafer‐bonded two‐terminal III‐V//Si triple‐junction solar cell with power conversion efficiency of 36.1% at AM1.5g
Authors: Schygulla Patrick , Müller Ralph , Höhn Oliver , Schachtner Michael , Chojniak David , Cordaro Andrea , Tabernig Stefan , Bläsi Benedikt , Polman Albert , Siefer Gerald , Lackner David , Dimroth Frank
Published: January 2024

In this work, we present the fabrication and analysis of a wafer‐bonded GaInP/GaInAsP//Si triple‐junction solar cell with 36.1% conversion efficiency under AM1.5g spectral illumination. The new cell design presents an improvement over previous III‐V//Si triple‐junction cells by the implementation of a rear‐heterojunction for the middle cell. Furthermore, an advanced metallodielectric rear‐side grating was used for light trapping enhancement in the silicon bottom cell that increased the silicon subcell current by 1.4 mA/cm2. The external radiative efficiency was quantified to be 1.5 times higher compared to a reference device with a GaInAsP homojunction middle cell. A luminescent coupling factor of 0.46 between the middle and bottom subcell was determined. The share of recombination in the space‐charge region was experimentally shown to be insignificant as intended by the rear‐heterojunction design. Overall, the open‐circuit voltage of the middle cell increased by 61 mV compared to the previous generation. Given the established long‐term stability of III‐V and silicon‐based solar cells, these results are promising steps towards the future employment of III‐V/Si tandem solar cells.
Comparison of screening methods for computer adaptive tests to predict reading and math performance
Authors: Forcht Emily R. , Van Norman Ethan R.
Published: January 2024

The present study compared the diagnostic accuracy of a single computer adaptive test (CAT), Star Reading or Star Math, and a combination of the two in a gated screening framework to predict end‐of‐year proficiency in reading and math. Participants included 13,009 students in Grades 3–8 who had at least one fall screening score and end‐of‐year state test score in reading and math. First, diagnostic accuracy statistics were evaluated for a single screening measure to predict proficiency on end‐of‐year tests. Second, a gated screening framework was simulated to examine the diagnostic accuracy of a combination of screening measures (i.e., scores from the CATs and the end‐of‐year test). The diagnostic accuracy of each screening method was compared. Results suggest that diagnostic accuracy did not improve for the gated screening method when compared to the single screening method. The gated screening method tended to yield low sensitivity values (M = 0.42, range = 0.35–0.48) and high specificity values (M = 0.97, range = 0.95–0.99). The only condition to reach acceptable sensitivity and specificity (>0.70) was a single reading screener predicting reading outcomes. Sample specific cut‐scores from receiver operating curve (ROC) analyses led to improved diagnostic accuracy outcomes relative to all other methods.
Polymer electrolyte membrane based on PVA/LiClO4 nanocomposite reinforced cellulose nanocrystalline from corncob for lithium‐ion battery
Authors: Purwanti Endah , Wahyuningrum Deana , Rochliadi Achmad , Arcana I Made
Published: January 2024

In the field of high‐energy‐density lithium‐ion battery applications, Polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) have garnered significant attention due to their favorable mechanical properties and compatibility with lithium metal anodes. However, their relatively lower ionic conductivity compared to liquid electrolytes, making this problem a challenge for further research. In this study, we present a new approach to overcome these limitations, resulting in PEMs that exhibit exceptional ionic conductivity, flexibility, and interface stability. This achievement was realized by blending polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/LiClO4 composite reinforced cellulose nanocrystalline (CNC), which is sourced from well and carefully isolated corncob cellulose. PEMs show remarkable improvements regarding ionic conductivity and mechanical strength. Membrane transparency decreased with increasing CNC addition. The maximum improvement mechanical strength was observed with the addition of 5% CNC, namely elongation at break (strain) increased by 15%. At the same composition shows an increase in ionic conductivity to 1.31 × 10−4 S/cm. This study provides the potential of precise material design and composition optimization in overcoming drawbacks associated with conventional PEMs. The findings not only advance the current understanding but also provide a promising avenue for the development of high‐performance PEMs, which are critical for the evolution of future energy storage technologies.
Associations between age and patient‐reported outcomes, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations among lung cancer patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Fleszar‐Pavlovic Sara E. , Natori Akina , Moreno Patricia I. , Medina Heidy N. , Sookdeo Vandana , MacIntyre Jessica , Penedo Frank J.
Published: January 2024

Objective

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for lung cancer (LC) treatment have a more favorable safety profile and improved patient reported outcomes (PROs) compared to chemotherapy, suggesting that ICIs are advantageous for older populations. The impact of ICIs on PROs, clinical outcomes, and age in LC patients remains to be established. We examined associations between age and PROs, emergency department (ED) visits, and hospitalizations in LC patients receiving ICIs.

Methods

We performed retrospective analyses via My Wellness Check (MWC), an assessment and triage electronic medical record (EMR) integrated platform in LC patients receiving ICIs. Demographics, clinical characteristics, ED visits, and hospitalizations were extracted via EMR. Patient reported outcomes (PROMIS® anxiety, depression, fatigue, pain, physical function), and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL; FACT‐G7), were collected via MWC. We classified age into three categories (<65, 65–74, ≥75). Multiple regressions examined associations between PROs and age. Cox proportional hazards regressions assessed cumulative ED visits and hospitalizations.

Results

Among LC patients (N = 190) receiving ICIs, patients ≥75 had lower depression (β = −5.80, p = 0.01) and higher HRQOL (β = 2.47, p = 0.05) compared with patients <65. Relative to patients <65, patients 65–74 had lower anxiety (β = −3.31, p = 0.05) and pain (β = −4.18, p = 0.03). Patients 65–74 and ≥ 75 had lower risk of an ED visit (adjusted hazards ratio [aHR] = 0.45, p = 0.05 and aHR = 0.21, p = 0.05, respectively) and patients 65–74 had lower risk of hospitalization (aHR = 0.36, p = 0.02) relative to patients <65.

Conclusions

Older LC patients (65–74; ≥75) have more favorable PROs and lower risk for negative clinical outcomes than younger (<65) patients.
All‐Optical Thermometry Monitoring Biochemical Kinetics with NV Centers in Diamond
Authors: Li Min , Zhang Qi , Kong Xi , Li Zhijie , Yang Zhiping , Zhao Sheng , Qin Zhuoyang , Kong Fei , Chen Sanyou , Su Jia , Ruan Ke , Shi Fazhan , Du Jiangfeng
Published: January 2024

Nanothermometers enable label‐free measurement of biochemical processes with extremely small sample consumption, which is essential to high‐throughput assays for enzyme searching and drug screening. However, high sensitivity and long‐term chemical stability are still crucial challenges for current nanothermometers. Here, the nitrogen‐vacancy centers in diamond are chosen as atomic thermometers and apply the diamond thermometry to kinetic monitoring of biochemical reactions. The performance of all‐optical diamond thermometry are tested under severe chemical conditions with strong acids and bases. Diamond thermometry demonstrates a sensitivity of 80 mK and chemical stability of 62 mK even in the presence of a drastic pH change during neutralization reactions. The thermodynamics of two enzyme‐catalyzed processes: adenosine triphosphate hydrolysis and urea hydrolysis, are further analyzed. The enthalpy changes obtained at the submicron scale by diamond thermometry are in good agreement with commercial macroscopic isothermal titration calorimetry. This method could offer a universal characterization technique for biochemical studies at the femtoliter scale.
Parental involvement in shared book reading for preschoolers in China: Patterns and risks
Authors: Tian Xingjiang , Cui Shujing , Greger David
Published: January 2024

Previous studies have elucidated the positive effect of the quantity and onset age of shared book reading on children's language development. Few studies have addressed the profiles of parental involvement in terms of different key aspects of shared book reading. This study adopted a latent profile analysis to examine the patterns of parental involvement in shared book reading and associated factors; 980 Chinese parents of kindergarten children were investigated. Three profiles were identified: (1) late start and infrequent reading; (2) early start and frequent reading; (3) medium start and intensive reading. Higher socioeconomic status, more literacy resources, and older age of the children were all found to be more likely to be associated with identification with Profile 2 than Profile 1. Implications for more targeted parental intervention programmes to broaden access to home literacy resources are highlighted.
Efficient off‐policy Q‐learning for multi‐agent systems by solving dual games
Authors: Wang Yan , Xue Huiwen , Wen Jiwei , Liu Jinfeng , Luan Xiaoli
Published: January 2024

This article develops distributed optimal control policies via Q‐learning for multi‐agent systems (MASs) by solving dual games. According to game theory, first, the distributed consensus problem is formulated as a multi‐player non‐zero‐sum game, where each agent is viewed as a player focusing only on its local performance and the whole MAS achieves Nash equilibrium. Second, for each agent, the anti‐disturbance problem is formulated as a two‐player zero‐sum game, in which the control input and external disturbance are a pair of opponents. Specifically, (1) an offline data‐driven off‐policy for distributed tracking algorithm based on momentum policy gradient (MPG) is developed, which can effectively achieve consensus of MASs with guaranteed ‐bounded synchronization error. (2) An actor‐critic‐disturbance neural network is employed to implement the MPG algorithm and obtain optimal policies. Finally, numerical and practical simulation results are conducted to verify the effectiveness of the developed tracking policies via MPG algorithm.
Nonsingular predefined‐time dynamic surface control of a flexible‐joint space robot with actuator constraints
Authors: Liu Liaoxue , Gu Xiutao , Wang Lu , Guo Jian , Guo Yu
Published: January 2024

To achieve predefined‐time trajectory tracking control of a flexible‐joint space robot(FJSR) with actuator constraints, a nonsingular predefined‐time dynamic surface control scheme is developed. The input saturation caused by actuator constraints is addressed via the designed predefined‐time anti‐saturation compensator. On this basis, two different control laws are designed for such high‐order nonlinear systems by utilizing the backstepping technique, and a novel nonlinear filter is constructed to filter the virtual control signals, thus avoiding the “differential expansion” phenomenon. Moreover, a singularity‐free auxiliary function is designed to solve the singularity issue generated by the derivative of fractional power terms in the predefined‐time control algorithm framework. The closed‐loop system is proven to be semi‐globally predefined‐timely uniformly ultimately bounded (SGPTUUB) via constructing the suitable Lyapunov function. The difference and effectiveness of the two designed control laws are illustrated by the conducted simulations. Both of them allow the FJSR system to track the desired trajectory in a reasonably predefined time.
Mapping the literature on decent work: A bibliometric analysis of sustainable development goal 8
Authors: Ralph Alisha , Arora Akarsh
Published: January 2024

The bibliometric study based on the Scopus database aims to investigate the global literary development of “decent work” over a span exceeding two decades. The noticeable surge in publications since 2015 underscores the growing significance of the concept. Limited representation of lower‐middle and lower‐income countries, except India, among the top 10 contributors is observed, revealing a considerable research gap in the study of decent work. The research highlights five principal themes: the labor market's impact on economic development, corporate social responsibility and sustainable development, gender equality, governance, and social justice, as well as decent work, job quality, education, well‐being, and job satisfaction. The study also shows the importance of the topic in different fields. Future researchers may consider the variables or indicators identified for surveys and questionnaire construction.
Media framing of sustainability: The case of British pharmaceutical companies (2000–2020)
Authors: Zec Dejan N.
Published: January 2024

Corporate sustainability is a complex concept, creating ambiguity regarding what it means and entails in a given context. Especially in sectors such as the pharmaceutical industry, where there is little direct interaction between the company and its stakeholders, infomediaries such as the mass media play a pivotal role in framing corporate sustainability and providing social evaluations to the general public. This paper reports on a longitudinal frame analysis of the newspaper reporting on corporate sustainability related to two British pharmaceutical companies, AstraZeneca and GlaxoSmithKline, in the period between 2000 and 2020. It explores and explains dominant sustainability frames related to pharmaceutical industry. The findings suggest that newspaper frames prioritize social and economic sustainability dimensions, related to companies' core business activities and relationships with stakeholders, and neglect the environmental dimension. The paper contributes to the existing literature by exploring contextual media framing, sustainability complexity and, empirically, sustainability in the pharmaceutical industry.
Mixed‐Tetravalent Cs2RumPt1−mX6 (X = Cl−, Br−)‐Based Vacancy‐Ordered Halide Double Perovskites for Enhanced Solar Water Oxidation
Authors: Halpati Jigar Shaileshkumar , Shanmugam Nandhini , Manoj Manasa , Hamdan Muhammed , Chandiran Aravind Kumar
Published: January 2024

Vacancy‐ordered halide double perovskites (VOPs) are reported to be suitable for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting, due to their panchromatic visible absorption and stability in electrolyte. In this work, ruthenium‐based VOP, Cs2RuX6 (X = Cl−, Br−), is reported for PEC water splitting, and the material is found to be extremely stable in harsh pH media, between pH1 and pH11. The PEC devices made with these materials show good photogenerated hole transport to electrolyte; however, the photovoltage remains low due to high recombination. To enhance the performance, Ru4+ is partially substituted with Pt4+ tetravalent cation, where the latter is shown to possess better photovoltage. The mixed‐tetravalent compound, Cs2RumPt1−mX6, leads to high PEC water oxidation current at m = 0.5, compared to their end members. The mixed‐tetravalent compounds show a synergic effect of reduced charge‐transfer resistance from the material to the electrolyte and increased photovoltage leading to increased PEC performance.
Long‐term survival of a cat diagnosed with primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma treated with surgical resection and several adjuvant chemotherapies
Authors: Ruffin Christine J. , Burge Rhonda , Jennings Ryan N. , Hostnik Eric T. , Selmic Laura E.
Published: January 2024

Primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma, previously referred to as carcinoid, is a malignant tumour arising from neuroendocrine cells and is a rare form of hepatic neoplasia in cats. This case report describes primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma in a cat, with weight loss and vomiting as its primary clinical signs. Definitive diagnosis was made following surgical excision and histopathology of the affected liver lobes in addition to immunohistochemistry staining. Following surgery, the cat received different chemotherapy agents due to observation of progressive disease at restaging visits. The cat is currently receiving metronomic chemotherapy of cyclophosphamide and has no evidence of metastatic disease present 1009 days after initial presentation. Primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma can occur in cats and should be a differential diagnosis for a hepatic mass in this species. Primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinomas are rare in cats, and there is no standard of care for treatment in companion animals.
Verification of nucleotide sequence reagent identities in original publications in high impact factor cancer research journals
Authors: Pathmendra Pranujan , Park Yasunori , Enguita Francisco J. , Byrne Jennifer A.
Published: January 2024

Human gene research studies that describe wrongly identified nucleotide sequence reagents have been mostly identified in journals of low to moderate impact factor, where unreliable findings could be considered to have limited influence on future research. This study examined whether papers describing wrongly identified nucleotide sequences are also published in high-impact-factor cancer research journals. We manually verified nucleotide sequence identities in original Molecular Cancer articles published in 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020, including nucleotide sequence reagents that were claimed to target circRNAs. Using keywords identified in some 2018 and 2020 Molecular Cancer papers, we also verified nucleotide sequence identities in 2020 Oncogene papers that studied miRNA(s) and/or circRNA(s). Overall, 3.8% (251/6647) and 4.0% (47/1165) nucleotide sequences that were verified in Molecular Cancer and Oncogene papers, respectively, were found to be wrongly identified. Wrongly identified nucleotide sequences were distributed across 18% (91/500) original Molecular Cancer papers, including 38% (31/82) Molecular Cancer papers from 2020, and 40% (21/52) selected Oncogene papers from 2020. Original papers with wrongly identified nucleotide sequences were therefore unexpectedly frequent in two high-impact-factor cancer research journals, highlighting the risks of employing journal impact factors or citations as proxies for research quality.
High risk of early recurrent stroke in patients with near-occlusion with full collapse of the internal carotid artery
Authors: Henze Alexander , Fox Allan J. , Johansson Elias
Published: January 2024

We aimed to validate the prognostic ability and assess interrater reliability of a recently suggested measurement-based definition of near-occlusion with full collapse (distal ICA diameter ≤ 2.0 mm and/or ICA ratio ≤ 0.42). 118 consecutive patients with symptomatic near-occlusion were prospectively included and assessed on computed tomography angiography by 2 blinded observers, 26 (22%) had full collapse. At 2 days after presenting event, the risk of preoperative stroke was 3% for without full collapse and 16% for with full collapse (p = 0.01). At 28 days, this risk was 16% for without full collapse and 22% for with full collapse (p = 0.22). Interrater reliability was perfect (kappa 1.0). Thus, near-occlusion with full collapse should be defined as distal ICA ≤ 2.0 mm and/or ICA ratio ≤ 0.42 in order to detect cases with very high risk of early stroke recurrence.
Sharp-Interface Limit of a Multi-phase Spectral Shape Optimization Problem for Elastic Structures
Authors: Garcke Harald , Hüttl Paul , Kahle Christian , Knopf Patrik
Published: January 2024

We consider an optimization problem for the eigenvalues of a multi-material elastic structure that was previously introduced by Garcke et al. (Adv. Nonlinear Anal. 11:159–197, 2022). There, the elastic structure is represented by a vector-valued phase-field variable, and a corresponding optimality system consisting of a state equation and a gradient inequality was derived. In the present paper, we pass to the sharp-interface limit in this optimality system by the technique of formally matched asymptotics. Therefore, we derive suitable Lagrange multipliers to formulate the gradient inequality as a pointwise equality. Afterwards, we introduce inner and outer expansions, relate them by suitable matching conditions and formally pass to the sharp-interface limit by comparing the leading order terms in the state equation and in the gradient equality. Furthermore, the relation between these formally derived first-order conditions and results of Allaire and Jouve (Comput. Methods Appl. Mech. Eng. 194:3269–3290, 2005) obtained in the framework of classical shape calculus is discussed. Eventually, we provide numerical simulations for a variety of examples. In particular, we illustrate the sharp-interface limit and also consider a joint optimization problem of simultaneous compliance and eigenvalue optimization.
Expression of virus-like particles (VLPs) of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) using Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Le Ngoc My Tieu , So Kum-Kang , Chun Jeesun , Kim Dae-Hyuk
Published: January 2024

We engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae to express structural proteins of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) and produce virus-like particles (VLPs). The gene, which encodes four structural capsid proteins (VP0 (VP4 and VP2), VP3, and VP1), followed by a translational “ribosomal skipping” sequence consisting of 2A and protease 3C, was codon-optimized and chemically synthesized. The cloned gene was used to transform S. cerevisiae 2805 strain. Western blot analysis revealed that the polyprotein consisting of VP0, VP3, and VP1 was processed into the discrete capsid proteins. Western blot analysis of 3C confirmed the presence of discrete 3C protein, suggesting that the 2A sequence functioned as a “ribosomal skipping” signal in the yeast for an internal re-initiation of 3C translation from a monocistronic transcript, thereby indicating polyprotein processing by the discrete 3C protease. Moreover, a band corresponding to only VP2, which was known to be non-enzymatically processed from VP0 to both VP4 and VP2 during viral assembly, further validated the assembly of processed capsid proteins into VLPs. Electron microscopy showed the presence of the characteristic icosahedral VLPs. Our results clearly demonstrate that S. cerevisiae processes the viral structural polyprotein using a viral 3C protease and the resulting viral capsid subunits are assembled into virion particles.

Key points

• Ribosomal skipping by self-cleaving FMDV peptide in S. cerevisiae.

• Proteolytic processing of a structural polyprotein from a monocistronic transcript.

• Assembly of the processed viral capsid proteins into a virus-like particle.
A novel conserved B-cell epitope in pB602L of African swine fever virus
Authors: Song Jinxing , Wang Mengxiang , Zhou Lei , Tian Panpan , Sun Junru , Sun Zhuoya , Guo Chenyun , Wu Yanan , Zhang Gaiping
Published: January 2024

African swine fever virus (ASFV) is a complex DNA virus and the only member of the Asfarviridae family. It causes high mortality and severe economic losses in pigs. The ASFV pB602L protein plays a key role in virus assembly and functions as a molecular chaperone of the major capsid protein p72. In addition, pB602L is an important target for the development of diagnostic tools for African swine fever (ASF) because it is a highly immunogenic antigen against ASFV. In this study, we expressed and purified ASFV pB602L and validated its immunogenicity in serum from naturally infected pigs with ASFV. Furthermore, we successfully generated an IgG2a κ subclass monoclonal antibody (mAb 7E7) against pB602L using hybridoma technology. Using western blot and immunofluorescence assays, mAb 7E7 specifically recognized the ASFV Pig/HLJ/2018/strain and eukaryotic recombinant ASFV pB602L protein in vitro. The 474SKENLTPDE482 epitope in the ASFV pB602L C-terminus was identified as the minimal linear epitope for mAb 7E7 binding, with dozens of truncated pB602l fragments characterized by western blot assay. We also showed that this antigenic epitope sequence has a high conservation and antigenic index. Our study contributes to improved vaccine and antiviral development and provides new insights into the serologic diagnosis of ASF.

Key points

• We developed a monoclonal antibody against ASFV pB602L, which can specifically recognize the ASFV Pig/HLJ/2018/ strain.

• This study found one novel conserved B-cell epitope474SKENLTPDE482.

• In the 3D structure,474SKENLTPDE482is exposed on the surface of ASFV pB602L, forming a curved linear structure.
Evaluation of selected tropical marine microalgal cultures for use in biophotovoltaic platforms
Authors: Tay Zoe Hui-Yee , Ng Fong-Lee , Thong Cheng-Han , Lee Choon-Weng , Gnana kumar G. , Al-Sehemi Abdullah G. , Phang Siew-Moi
Published: January 2024

In this study, the bioelectrical power generation potential of four tropical marine microalgal strains native to Malaysia was investigated using BPV platforms. Chlorella UMACC 258 produced the highest power density (0.108 mW m−2), followed by Halamphora subtropica UMACC 370 (0.090 mW m−2), Synechococcus UMACC 371 (0.065 mW m−2) and Parachlorella UMACC 245 (0.017 mW m−2). The chlorophyll-a (chl-a) content was examined to have a linear positive relationship with the power density (p < 0.05). The photosynthetic performance of strains was studied using the pulse-amplitude modulation (PAM) fluorometer; parameters measured include the following: maximum quantum efficiency (Fv/Fm), alpha (α), maximum relative electron transport rate (rETRmax), photo-adaptive index (Ek) and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ). The Fv/Fm values of all strains, except Synechococcus UMACC 371, ranged between 0.37 and 0.50 during exponential and stationary growth phases, suggesting their general health during those periods. The low Fv/Fm value of Synechococcus UMACC 371 was possibly caused by the presence of background fluorescence from phycobilisomes or phycobiliproteins. Electrochemical studies via cyclic voltammetry (CV) suggest the presence of electrochemically active proteins on the cellular surface of strains on the carbon anode of the BPV platform, while morphological studies via field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) imaging verify the biocompatibility of the biofilms on the carbon anode.

Key points

• Maximum power output of 0.108 mW m−2 is recorded by Chlorella UMACC 258

• There is a positive correlation between chl-a content and power output

• Proven biocompatibility between biofilms and carbon anode sans exogenous mediators