bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nurses under fire: Insights from testimonies of community nurses and midwives in nonhospital settings in the southern Israel conflict zone
Authors: Segev Ronen , Videl Hila , Spitz Ahuva
Published: June 2024

Nurses—with or without prehospital care training—may find themselves delivering immediate care to injured individuals outside a healthcare facility, sometimes even in situations where their own life is at risk. This study explores the experiences of community nurses and midwives who provided immediate care during the Hamas militant movement's attack in southern Israel. The researchers collected and analyzed eight nurse and midwife survivors' testimonies published in digital media to gain a deeper understanding of their perspectives. Through qualitative content analysis, common themes, patterns, and insights were identified. The study aimed to contribute valuable knowledge in this field and followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist for methodological rigor. Two themes emerged from the testimonies, focusing on the nurses' swift realization of necessary action under fire and resilience and ingenuity in practice. Despite lacking training and resources, the nurses professionally assessed the situation and improvised creative solutions to care for the wounded. Although they had no prehospital emergency care background, community nurses and midwives were able to respond effectively, providing lifesaving care. The findings highlight the nurses' resilience, adaptability, and dedication in unprecedented situations. However, the study also emphasizes the importance of providing all nurses with baseline prehospital care training and structured planning of this care to empower them to deliver optimal patient care in uncertain and dangerous conditions, especially in and around conflict and disaster zones.
The nature gaze: Eye‐tracking experiment reveals well‐being benefits derived from directing visual attention towards elements of nature
Authors: Fleming Whitney , Rizowy Brian , Shwartz Assaf
Published: June 2024

The urban lifestyle has a profound effect on mental health, contributing significantly to the challenges faced by people who reside in urban areas. Growing empirical evidence underscores the potential of nature to alleviate these mental health burdens. However, we still lack understanding of which specific natural elements provide these benefits.

Using eye‐tracking technology, we experimentally explored the relationships between intentional visual attention to natural (green) and human‐made (grey) elements in urban areas and their association with well‐being measures. Participants took a 45‐min outdoor walk that simulates a walk to and from work, in which we examined pre‐ and post‐measures of cognition, affect, anxiety and perceived restorativeness. Participants were prompted to direct their attention to green, grey or a mixture of both elements. By analysing participants' eye movements and patterns, we determined adherence to experimental conditions and related visual attention to natural elements.

The experimental groups instructed to direct their visual attention to green, grey or a mix of both infrastructures exhibited differences in negative and positive affect, anxiety and perceived restorativeness, but not in cognition after a walk in an urban environment.

The percentage of time spent viewing natural elements showed that people who focused more on green features reported a decrease in anxiety and higher perceived restorativeness. In contrast, those who spent more time viewing grey elements reported increased anxiety and lowered perceived restorativeness. The percentage of time viewing natural elements was not linked to affect or cognition. Viewing trees showed the strongest association with well‐being measures compared to other natural elements.

Together, our results indicate that a simple behaviour change (directing visual attention to elements of nature instead of grey elements) can produce mental health benefits in the form of reducing anxiety and perceived restoration for people in urban areas. Thus, efforts to integrate nature, especially trees, in urban areas and promote city dwellers to visually interact with it during their daily routine can improve mental issues associated with urban lifestyle.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Amino polysaccharide quaternary ammonium salt grafted to PET‐Cuff by ultraviolet irradiation for improving the sustained antibacterial property of semi‐permanent central vein tunneled cuffed catheter
Authors: Liu Jianyong , Li Hongxia , Shi Chenhao , Liu Yi , Shi Changcan , Sun Xuedong , Li Xujian , Chen Xumin
Published: June 2024

In hemodialysis, tunneled cuffed catheter (TCC) is commonly used as a medical device for establishing vascular access. To address the current problem that the skin tunnel of TCC is susceptible to bacterial infection, this work proposes quaternized modification of the cuff of TCC to comprehensively enhance the long‐lasting antimicrobial performance of TCC. The morphology of the cuff basically resembles the polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Via ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, acrylic acid (AA) was grafted onto PET. Then, amino polysaccharide quaternary ammonium salt (As) replaced H+ of the carboxyl groups on the macromolecular chain of PET through solution post‐treatment method. Through the single factor experiment, the degree of grafting reached 159.8% under the optimum preparation conditions (AA concentration of 25 vol%, H+ concentration of 0.2 mol/L, photosensitizer capacity of 15 wt%, and photo‐irradiation time of 30 min). By the above method, we successfully synthesized a highly hydrophilic, well biocompatible, and highly efficient antimicrobial PET‐g‐PAA@As. Animal experiments and histological analyses showed that PET‐g‐PAA@As was superior to PET control and blank control groups in controlling infection and promoting wound healing. This catheter material with excellent biocompatibility, sustained antimicrobial activity, and wound healing ability will have great potential for use in hemodialysis.
Research of electret air filter: A review
Authors: Li Kexin , Feng Guangna , Chen Tao , Zhao Haili
Published: June 2024

The harmful effects of air pollution on humans are multifaceted and are closely linked to outbreaks of various infectious viruses. Thus, design of high‐performance air filters that are lightweight, flexible, and easy to prepare is urgent. The electret air filter can utilize the electrostatic force of charge to capture dust particles, making it efficient and convenient, which is highly favored by people. In this study, a summary of the research on electret filters for highly efficient air purification is presented. First, this study outlines the mechanisms of air filtration methods and discusses three factors that evaluate filter performance. The methods of manufacturing electret air filters are then presented, and the advantages and limitations of different methods are discussed. Then, electrification, including corona discharge, friction electrification, electrospinning, thermal electrification, and water electrification as methods, enhances the physical charge adsorption performance of materials, while the use of fluorinate polymer, non‐fluorinate polymer, and biobased polymer as functional substrates exhibits varying degrees of electrification effects. Different materials and manufacturing techniques give the filters additional advantages, such as being self‐degradable and antibacterial. Finally, the challenges that remain in the development of electret filters for use in air purification are also discussed in terms of material type and fabrication technology. It is expected that highly efficient air purification with low energy consumption can be achieved by electret filters with multifunctional capabilities.
Synthesized and characterized high‐performance and low‐cost zirconium phosphate‐additive sulfonated polyethersulfone membranes for PEMFC
Authors: Yağızatlı Yavuz , Sahin Alpay , Ar İrfan
Published: June 2024

In this study, the preparation, characterization, and fuel cell performance tests of high‐performance and low‐cost zirconium phosphate (ZrP)‐additive sulfonated polyethersulfone (sPES) membranes, which may serve as a substitute for the commercial membrane used in proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), were carried out. ZrP‐additive sPES membranes were prepared by solution casting method with different weight ratios (2.5%, 5%, and 9%). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), water uptake capacity (WUc), dynamic mechanical analysis, ion exchange capacity (IEx), degree of hydration, impedance analysis, and oxidative stability were used to characterize the created membranes. Ultimately, single‐cell performance experiments were used to evaluate the membranes' performance in real fuel cell environments. ZrP additive improved the WUc, mechanical properties, IEx, and proton conductivity properties of the membrane. WUc of the membranes enhanced by approximately 94% at 80°C, while the proton conductivity augment by approximately 47% with 9% ZrP by weight. 0.97 meq g−1 IEx was obtained for the sPES, whereas it was obtained as 1.41 meq g−1 for sPES‐9ZrP. Oxidative stability experiments for 120‐h determined that all synthesized membranes had a stable structure, and their weight losses varied between 68% and 85%. The sPES‐9ZrP exhibited very high values at 0.6 V, resulting in a power density of 680 mW cm−2 and a current density of 1100 mA cm−2. The results obtained are quite promising, and sPES and ZrP in composite membrane structures have high synergy.
Modeling and prediction of flame retardant performance of alkyl phosphinate using artificial neural network and adaptive neural fuzzy inference system
Authors: Wang Liangmin , Lang Jinyan , Xia Zi'ang , Xu Baoming , Wang Xinhui , Zhang Heng
Published: June 2024

The flame retardancy of polymer materials is closely linked to the types and compositions of flame retardants used. However, due to the complex relationships involved, it is difficult to quantify and predict flame retardancy using linear equations and models. Alkyl phosphinate flame retardants have emerged as promising candidates for their environmentally friendly, low toxicity, and excellent flame retardant properties. In this study, we aimed to develop a novel, low‐cost alkyl phosphinate flame retardant by predicting the quantitative impact of flame retardant composition on flame retardancy. To establish prediction models for the limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of alkyl phosphinate flame retardants, we utilized artificial neural network (ANN) and adaptive neural fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) programs, namely ANN, ANFIS‐grid partition (GP), and ANFIS‐subtractive clustering (SC). The prediction models were trained and validated, and their reliability was assessed based on the root mean square error (RMSE), coefficient of determination (R2), and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) criteria. Our results indicate that the ANFIS‐SC prediction model exhibits the highest reliability, with high accuracy and ideal prediction results.
Growing teratoma syndrome in children and adolescents: Prevalence and surgical outcome
Authors: Beati Federico , Persano Giorgio , De Pasquale Maria Debora , Martucci Cristina , Madafferi Silvia , Miele Evelina , Stracuzzi Alessandra , Di Paolo Pier Luigi , Natali Gian Luigi , Alaggio Rita , Crocoli Alessandro , Inserra Alessandro
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Patients affected by metastatic germ cell tumors may occasionally experience enlargement of masses with concurrent normalization of tumor markers during or after chemotherapy. This phenomenon is described as growing teratoma syndrome (GTS). The aim of the pre sent study is to assess the prevalence of GTS in the pediatric population and its implications in terms of surgical outcome.

Patients and methods

The clinical notes of patients diagnosed with stage III and IV malignant germ cell tumors from January 2010 until December 2020 at our Institution were retrospectively reviewed. The prevalence of GTS, treatment strategies, survival, and outcome were analyzed.

Results

Thirty‐three patients with high‐stage malignant germ cell tumors were diagnosed in our institution in the analyzed period. Nine patients (28%) had radiologic evidence of enlargement of persistent masses with normal markers after chemotherapy; these patients were classified as GTS patients. All nine patients underwent resection of metastatic lymph nodes, and six had surgery on visceral metastases. In six patients, radical excision of all metastatic sites was achieved; five patients are alive and in complete remission, while one died because of peri‐operative complications. Out of the three patients who could not achieve radical excision of the metastases, two died of progressive disease, and one is alive with progressive disease.

Conclusions

Patients affected by GTS have a risk of progression of chemotherapy‐resistant disease and death. Radical surgical excision is essential to achieve disease control and long‐term survival.
Comparison of high flow nasal cannula therapy to nasal oxygen as a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea in infants
Authors: Gurbani Neepa , Ehsan Zarmina , Boh Melodie , Schuler Christine L. , Simakajornboon Narong
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in infants is treated with low flow oxygen via nasal cannula (NC), CPAP (continous positive airway pressure), or surgery. Literature supports the use of high flow NC (HFNC) in children in the outpatient setting, however there is limited data on the use of HFNC in infants.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to compare HFNC and low‐flow oxygen as treatments for OSA in infants.

Methods

A prospective pilot study was performed at two institutions. Infants with primarily OSA underwent a 3–4 h sleep study with HFNC titration at 6−14 lpm for OSA, followed by clinical polysomnography (PSG) for oxygen titration (1/8−1 lpm). Infants with primarily central apnea were excluded.

Results

Nine infants were enrolled, with a mean age of 1.3 ± 1.7 months. Average apnea hypopnea index (AHI), average obstructive apnea hypopnea index (OAHI) and average central apnea index during the diagnostic PSG was 17.2 ± 7/h, 13.4 ± 5.4/h and 3.7 ± 4.8/h respectively. OSA improved in 44.4% of subjects with HFNC; the mean AHI and OAHI decreased from 15.6 ± 5.65/h and 12.8 ± 4.4/h on diagnostic PSG to 5.12 ± 2.5/h and 4.25 ± 2.5/h on titration PSG. OSA improved universally with low flow oxygen; the mean AHI decreased from 17.2 ± 7/h on diagnostic PSG to 4.44 ± 3.6/h on titration PSG.

Conclusion

HFNC reduced OSA in some infants, though low flow oxygen reduced OSA in all subjects. Respiratory instability (high loop gain) in infants may explain why infants responded to low flow oxygen. More studies are needed to determine if HFNC is beneficial in selected groups of infants with OSA.
Ventilator‐associated respiratory infections in children on home invasive mechanical ventilation
Authors: Tomatis‐Souverbielle Cristina , Lyman Elizabeth , Thomas Terace , May Anne , Erdem Guliz
Published: June 2024

Ventilator‐associated respiratory tract infections (VARTI) are among the most common indications for hospitalization among children with chronic respiratory failure requiring at‐home ventilation. This review aims to provide an overview of the key clinical features, diagnostic approaches, and management strategies for home VARTIs while highlighting the challenges in diagnosis and management.
The perspective of the logarithmic field sprayer technology
Authors: Streibig Jens C , Gejl Martin , Ritz Christian
Published: June 2024

A logarithmic sprayer was suggested about 70 years ago, but it has not yet been seriously used in research and development, and subsequent registration of plant protection products. Logarithmic sprayers have resorted to mere demonstration experiments to show end users and others how plant protection products work. Fitting dose–response curves in field experiments, however, generates much essential information, e.g., extraction of various effective field rate levels (e.g., ED20, ED50, and ED80). One of the reasons for it rarely being used in the registration of plant protection products is that the dose–response curve regression was hitherto difficult to fit; the registration requirement solely focuses on analyses of variance. Another alleged obstacle is that the logarithmic plots have systematically, not randomly distributed field rates. This paper goes through some of the problems of how to non‐randomly analyze field rates by taking autocorrelation into account to make the logarithmic sprayer palatable as registration documentation by assessing efficacy, selectivity, environmental side effects, general toxicity of plant protection products, and cost‐effectiveness. The development in precision agriculture, drone technology, and automation of data capture and subsequent analysis could make the logarithmic sprayer a cost‐effective alternative to numerous ANOVA experiments with very few fixed field rates to aid the precision spraying of pesticides and thus reduce unnecessary environmental side effects. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
The health benefits of dietary polyphenols on pediatric intestinal diseases: Mechanism of action, clinical evidence and future research progress
Authors: Jiang Yu‐Rou , Liu Ren‐Jie , Tang Jun , Li Meng‐Qi , Zhang Ding‐Kun , Pei Zhao‐Qing , Fan San‐Hu , Xu Run‐Chun , Huang Hao‐Zhou , Lin Jun‐Zhi
Published: June 2024

Pediatric intestinal development is immature, vulnerable to external influences and produce a variety of intestinal diseases. At present, breakthroughs have been made in the treatment of pediatric intestinal diseases, but there are still many challenges, such as toxic side effects, drug resistance, and the lack of more effective treatments and specific drugs. In recent years, dietary polyphenols derived from plants have become a research hotspot in the treatment of pediatric intestinal diseases due to their outstanding pharmacological activities such, as anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant and regulation of intestinal flora. This article reviewed the mechanism of action and clinical evidence of dietary polyphenols in the treatment of pediatric intestinal diseases, and discussed the influence of physiological characteristics of children on the efficacy of polyphenols, and finally prospected the new dosage forms of polyphenols in pediatrics.
Black pigment on EBUS‐TBNA sampling: A case of malignant melanoma
Authors: Roostaei Ghazal , Asgari Alireza , Kazemizadeh Hossein , Abtahi Hamidreza , Fakhri B Maryam S. , Khoshnam Rad Niloofar
Published: June 2024

Key message

The visualization of black pigment during EBUS‐TBNA suggests a relapse of melanoma. This case highlights the value of EBUS‐TBNA in diagnosing metastatic melanoma, particularly when the macroscopic appearance of the aspirate suggests the diagnosis.
Robust analysis of stepped wedge trials using composite likelihood models
Authors: Voldal Emily C. , Kenny Avi , Xia Fan , Heagerty Patrick , Hughes James P.
Published: June 2024

Stepped wedge trials (SWTs) are a type of cluster randomized trial that involve repeated measures on clusters and design‐induced confounding between time and treatment. Although mixed models are commonly used to analyze SWTs, they are susceptible to misspecification particularly for cluster‐longitudinal designs such as SWTs. Mixed model estimation leverages both “horizontal” or within‐cluster information and “vertical” or between‐cluster information. To use horizontal information in a mixed model, both the mean model and correlation structure must be correctly specified or accounted for, since time is confounded with treatment and measurements are likely correlated within clusters. Alternative non‐parametric methods have been proposed that use only vertical information; these are more robust because between‐cluster comparisons in a SWT preserve randomization, but these non‐parametric methods are not very efficient. We propose a composite likelihood method that focuses on vertical information, but has the flexibility to recover efficiency by using additional horizontal information. We compare the properties and performance of various methods, using simulations based on COVID‐19 data and a demonstration of application to the LIRE trial. We found that a vertical composite likelihood model that leverages baseline data is more robust than traditional methods, and more efficient than methods that use only vertical information. We hope that these results demonstrate the potential value of model‐based vertical methods for SWTs with a large number of clusters, and that these new tools are useful to researchers who are concerned about misspecification of traditional models.
Tadpole‐Like Carbon Nanotube with Fe Nanoparticle Encapsulated at the Head and Zn Single‐Atom Anchored on the Body: One‐Pot Carbonization for Tetramodal Synergistic Cancer Therapy
Authors: Zhang Mengmeng , Lu Mingzhu , Gong Yimin , Yang Yannan , Song Junfei , Li Jianing , Chen Zhenxia , Ling Yun , Zhou Yaming
Published: June 2024

Precise integration of diverse therapeutic approaches into nanomaterials is the key to the development of multimodal synergistic cancer therapy. In this work, tadpole‐like carbon nanotubes with Fe nanoparticle encapsulated at the head and Zn single‐atom anchored on the body (Fe@CNT‐Zn) is precisely designed and facilely prepared via one‐pot carbonization. In vitro studies revealed the integration of chemotherapy (CT), chemodynamic therapy (CDT), photothermal therapy (PTT), and photodynamic therapy (PDT) in Fe@CNT‐Zn as well as the near‐infrared light (NIR)‐responsive cascade therapeutic efficacy. Furthermore, in vivo studies demonstrated the NIR‐triggered cascade‐amplifying synergistic cancer therapy in a B16 tumor‐bearing mouse model. The results not only showcased the Fe@CNT‐Zn as a potential tetramodal therapeutic platform, but also demonstrated a proof‐of‐concept on metal–organic framework‐based “one stone for multiple birds” strategy for in situ functionalization of carbon materials.
Dynamic Interchain Motion in 1D Tetrathiafulvalene‐Based Coordination Polymers for Highly Sensitive Molecular Recognition
Authors: Yang Zhi‐Mei , Han Xiao , Zhang Meng‐Hang , Liu Cheng , Liu Qing‐Long , Tang Lingyu , Gao Fei , Su Jian , Ding Mengning , Zuo Jing‐Lin
Published: June 2024

The application of electrically conductive 1D coordination polymers (1D CPs) in nanoelectronic molecular recognition is theoretically promising yet rarely explored due to the challenges in their synthesis and optimization of electrical properties. In this regard, two tetrathiafulvalene‐based 1D CPs, namely [Co(m‐H2TTFTB)(DMF)2(H2O)]n (Co‐m‐TTFTB), and {[Ni(m‐H2TTFTB)(CH3CH2OH)1.5(H2O)1.5]·(H2O)0.5}n (Ni‐m‐TTFTB) are successfully constructed. The shorter S···S contacts between the [M(solvent)3(m‐H2TTFTB)]n chains contribute to a significant improvement in their electrical conductivities. The powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD) under different organic solvents reveals the flexible and dynamic structural characteristic of M‐m‐TTFTB, which, combined with the 1D morphology, lead to their excellent performance for sensitive detection of volatile organic compounds. Co‐m‐TTFTB achieves a limit of detection for ethanol vapor down to 0.5 ppm, which is superior to the state‐of‐the‐art chemiresistive sensors based on metal‐organic frameworks or organic polymers at room temperature. In situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy, PXRD measurements and density functional theory calculations reveal the molecular insertion sensing mechanism and the corresponding structure–function relationship. This work expands the applicable scenario of 1D CPs and opens a new realm of 1D CP‐based nanoelectronic sensors for highly sensitive room temperature gas detection.
High‐Throughput Screening of Low‐Bandgap Organic Semiconductors for Photovoltaic Applications: In the Search of Correlations
Authors: Torimtubun Alfonsina Abat Amelenan , Alonso‐Navarro Matías J. , Quesada‐Ramírez Arianna , Rodríguez‐Martínez Xabier , Segura José L. , Goñi Alejandro R. , Campoy‐Quiles Mariano
Published: June 2024

Low‐bandgap nonfullerene acceptors (NFAs) offer a unique potential for photovoltaic (PV) applications, such as transparent PV and agrivoltaics. Evaluating each new PV system to achieve the optimum thickness, microstructure, and device performance is, however, a complex multiparametric challenge with large time and resource requirements. Herein, the PV potential of low‐bandgap donor and NFA materials by combining high‐throughput screening and statistical methods is evaluated. The use of thickness gradients (20–600 nm) facilitates the fabrication of more than 2000 doctor‐bladed devices from 24 different low‐bandgap blend combinations. The corresponding power conversion efficiencies varies significantly, from 0.06% to 10.45% across materials and thicknesses. The self‐consistency of the large dataset allows to perform a parameter sensitivity study as well as parameter correlation analysis. These reveal that the choice of materials and energy alignment‐related features (i.e., electron affinity offset, ionization energy offset, bandgap, and energy loss) has the largest influence on final device performance, while processing conditions appear less important for the final efficiencies. Our study demonstrates that high‐throughput experimentation is a perfect match for correlation analyses in order to gain a statistically meaningful understanding of these systems, potentially accelerating the discovery of new materials.
Investigation of the Ag–Si Contact Characteristics of Boron Emitters for n‐Tunnel Oxide‐Passivated Contact Solar Cells Metallized by Laser‐Assisted Current Injection Treatment
Authors: Fan Yuan , Zou Shuai , Zeng Yulian , Dai Longfei , Wang Zipeng , Lu Zheng , Sun Hua , Zhou Xinshan , Liao Baochen , Su Xiaodong
Published: June 2024

Laser‐assisted current injection treatment, also known as laser‐enhanced contact optimization (LECO), has great potential to reduce front contact resistance and metal‐induced recombination of n‐type tunnel oxide‐passivated contact (n‐TOPCon) solar cells, thereby improving the cell efficiency. Herein, the interfacial Ag–Si contact characteristics on boron‐doped p+ emitters and the electrical properties of industrial n‐TOPCon solar cells that feature a LECO treatment and a specific Ag paste are investigated and compared with those of n‐TOPCon solar cells with a standard Ag/Al paste process. LECO causes some current‐fired contacts that, when removed by sequential selective etching, leave bowl‐shaped imprints on the emitter, indicating that isotropic alloying behavior occurs between Ag and Si at these local positions during LECO. Unlike the standard Ag/Al metallization process, the LECO process does not significantly damage the passivation layer or emitter. More interestingly, the n‐TOPCon solar cells prepared with the specific Ag paste do not initially form an effective metal–semiconductor contact, with an average efficiency of only 0.14%, which increases to 25.65% after LECO treatment, even 0.2%abs higher than that of the reference counterparts with standard Ag/Al electrodes. Ultimately, a physical model of LECO‐induced Ag–Si contact formation on boron emitters is proposed.
A secure authentication protocol for remote patient monitoring in an internet‐of‐medical‐things environment
Authors: Mookherji Srijanee , Vanga Odelu , Prasath Rajendra , Das Ashok Kumar
Published: June 2024

Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) enable users to avail healthcare services remotely. In IoMT, sensor nodes (SNs), like blood pressure sensors and temperature sensors, collect health data from patients and communicate it to Health Workers (HWs) such as doctors, nurses, and so on. The HWs cater to the patients remotely, known as remote patient monitoring (RPM), by using data obtained from SNs. The communicated health data between SNs and HWs are sensitive in nature. Leakage and modification of such data leads to huge consequences, particularly patient death during medical emergencies. Hence, ensuring mutual authentication along with data integrity and privacy is of utmost important in the healthcare domain. In the literature, many authentication protocols are presented for healthcare applications specific to IoMT‐RPM. But, most of the existing approaches fail to provide adequate security against well‐known attacks includes impersonation and man‐in‐the‐middle attacks. In this paper, we propose a privacy preserving authentication protocol for IoMT‐RPM which is secure against various known attacks. We present a rigorous formal security analysis of our protocol under the extended Canetti‐Krawczyk (eCK) adversary model. In addition, we also perform formal verification using Tamarin Prover, a symbolic formal analysis tool. The results show that the proposed protocol is secure under eCK‐adversary model. We then present the comparative performance analysis to show the efficiency of the proposed protocol over the existing protocols. As a result, the proposed protocol provides high security without compromising the performance over the existing protocols, and therefore, our protocol is very much suitable for real‐time applications.
Insight into the diffusion behaviors of SBS‐compatibilizer‐coupled modified asphalt: Molecular dynamics simulation and experimental validation
Authors: Dong Fuqiang , Lu Jinli , Yu Xin , Yang Peixing , Jin Yong , Wan Lei , Ding Yongling , Chen Haonan
Published: June 2024

Compatibilizers play a crucial role in enhancing the compatibility between styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) polymer and asphalt, and the coupling of compatibilizers with SBS affects the motion behavior of asphalt molecules, which influences the performance of SBS modified asphalt. In this investigation, molecular dynamics simulation is employed to evaluate the impact of SBS coupling with compatibilizers on alterations in the self‐motion behavior of asphalt molecules, changes in relative free volume, and modifications in system energy. The findings reveal that with the introduction of a compatibilizer, the combined effect of the compatibilizer and SBS coupling amplifies the mobility of the constituents within the modified asphalt. This amplification manifests as increased relative free volume within the system, heightened activation of modified asphalt molecules, and a simultaneous reduction in the interaction energy among these molecules. Following that, the high‐temperature rheological properties of SBS modified asphalt were verified with the simulation results, coupled with temperature scanning experiments. This study describes the intrinsic mechanism of interaction of compatibilizers in SBS modified asphalt at the molecular scale.

Highlights

Molecular dynamics simulations and experimental validation were implemented for styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS)‐modified asphalt.

Compatibilizers can activate the activity of SBS modified asphalt.

Compatibilizers allow a better release of the properties of the bitumen and SBS.

Compatibilizers can replace bitumen and act with SBS to improve its modification efficiency.

The optimum dosage of compatibilizer is 3%.
Unraveling the intriguing interplay: Exploring the role of lncRNAs in caspase‐independent cell death
Authors: Ciftci Yusuf Cem , Vatansever İpek Erdoğan , Akgül Bünyamin
Published: June 2024

Cell death plays a crucial role in various physiological and pathological processes. Until recently, programmed cell death was mainly attributed to caspase‐dependent apoptosis. However, emerging evidence suggests that caspase‐independent cell death (CICD) mechanisms also contribute significantly to cellular demise. We and others have reported and functionally characterized numerous long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) that modulate caspase‐dependent apoptotic pathways potentially in a pathway‐dependent manner. However, the interplay between lncRNAs and CICD pathways has not been comprehensively documented. One major reason for this is that most CICD pathways have been recently discovered with some being partially characterized at the molecular level. In this review, we discuss the emerging evidence that implicates specific lncRNAs in the regulation and execution of CICD. We summarize the diverse mechanisms through which lncRNAs modulate different forms of CICD, including ferroptosis, necroptosis, cuproptosis, and others. Furthermore, we highlight the intricate regulatory networks involving lncRNAs, protein‐coding genes, and signaling pathways that orchestrate CICD in health and disease. Understanding the molecular mechanisms and functional implications of lncRNAs in CICD may unravel novel therapeutic targets and diagnostic tools for various diseases, paving the way for innovative strategies in disease management and personalized medicine.

This article is categorized under:

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
Thirty years of conservation breeding: Assessing the genetic diversity of captive Livingstone's fruit bats
Authors: Richdon Sarah , Menchaca Rodriguez Angelica , Price Eluned , Wormell Dominic , McCabe Grainne , Jones Gareth
Published: June 2024

Fruit bats (genus Pteropus) are typically island‐endemic species important in seed dispersal and reforestation that are vulnerable to increased extinction risk. An effective method of reducing extinction risk in vulnerable species that cannot be conserved in their native habitat is establishing an ex‐situ captive breeding programme. Due to anthropogenic threats and low population numbers, in the early 1990s, a captive breeding programme was established at Jersey Zoo, British Isles, for Critically Endangered Livingstone's fruit bats (Pteropus livingstonii). Here we use six polymorphic microsatellite loci to assess genetic diversity in the captive breeding population of Livingstone's fruit bats (P. livingstonii), 30 years after the programme's establishment, investigating change over generations and comparing our findings with published data from the wild population. We found no significant difference between the genetic diversity in the captive and wild populations of Livingstone's fruit bats (P. livingstonii), in both expected heterozygosity and allelic richness. The captive population has retained a comparable level of genetic diversity to that documented in the wild, and there has been no significant decline in genetic diversity over the last 30 years. We advise that a full pedigree of the paternal lineage is created to improve the management of the captive breeding programme and further reduce the possibility of inbreeding. However, it appears that the captive breeding programme is currently effective at maintaining genetic diversity at levels comparable to those seen in the wild population, which suggests reintroductions could be viable if genetic diversity remains stable in captivity.
Safety and effectiveness of SGLT2 inhibitors in a UK population with type 2 diabetes and aged over 70 years: an instrumental variable approach
Authors: Güdemann Laura M. , Young Katie G. , Thomas Nicholas J. M. , Hopkins Rhian , Challen Robert , Jones Angus G. , Hattersley Andrew T. , Pearson Ewan R. , Shields Beverley M. , Bowden Jack , Dennis John M. , McGovern Andrew P. ,   on behalf of the MASTERMIND consortium
Published: June 2024

Aims/hypothesis

Older adults are under-represented in trials, meaning the benefits and risks of glucose-lowering agents in this age group are unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and effectiveness of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in people with type 2 diabetes aged over 70 years using causal analysis.

Methods

Hospital-linked UK primary care data (Clinical Practice Research Datalink, 2013–2020) were used to compare adverse events and effectiveness in individuals initiating SGLT2i compared with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4i). Analysis was age-stratified: <70 years (SGLT2i n=66,810, DPP4i n=76,172), ≥70 years (SGLT2i n=10,419, DPP4i n=33,434). Outcomes were assessed using the instrumental variable causal inference method and prescriber preference as the instrument.

Results

Risk of diabetic ketoacidosis was increased with SGLT2i in those aged ≥70 (incidence rate ratio compared with DPP4i: 3.82 [95% CI 1.12, 13.03]), but not in those aged <70 (1.12 [0.41, 3.04]). However, incidence rates with SGLT2i in those ≥70 was low (29.6 [29.5, 29.7]) per 10,000 person-years. SGLT2i were associated with similarly increased risk of genital infection in both age groups (incidence rate ratio in those <70: 2.27 [2.03, 2.53]; ≥70: 2.16 [1.77, 2.63]). There was no evidence of an increased risk of volume depletion, poor micturition control, urinary frequency, falls or amputation with SGLT2i in either age group. In those ≥70, HbA1c reduction was similar between SGLT2i and DPP4i (−0.3 mmol/mol [−1.6, 1.1], −0.02% [0.1, 0.1]), but in those <70, SGLT2i were more effective (−4 mmol/mol [4.8, −3.1], −0.4% [−0.4, −0.3]).

Conclusions/interpretation

Causal analysis suggests SGLT2i are effective in adults aged ≥70 years, but increase risk for genital infections and diabetic ketoacidosis. Our study extends RCT evidence to older adults with type 2 diabetes.

Graphical Abstract
What Goes Around Comes Around: Covering Tours and Cycle Covers with Turn Costs
Authors: Fekete Sándor P. , Krupke Dominik
Published: June 2024

We investigate several geometric problems of finding tours and cycle covers with minimum turn cost, which have been studied in the past, with complexity, approximation results, and open problems dating back to work by Arkin et al. in 2001. Many new practical applications have spawned variants: For full coverage, all points have to be covered, for subset coverage, specific points have to be covered, and for penalty coverage, points may be left uncovered by incurring a penalty. We show that finding a minimum-turn (full) cycle cover is NP-hard even in 2-dimensional grid graphs, solving the long-standing open Problem 53 in The Open Problems Project edited by Demaine, Mitchell and O’Rourke. We also prove NP-hardness of finding a subset cycle cover of minimum turn cost in thin grid graphs, for which Arkin et al. gave a polynomial-time algorithm for full coverage; this shows that their boundary techniques cannot be applied to compute exact solutions for subset and penalty variants. We also provide a number of positive results. In particular, we establish the first constant-factor approximation algorithms for all considered subset and penalty problem variants for grid-based instances, based on LP/IP techniques. These geometric versions allow many possible edge directions (and thus, turn angles, such as in hexagonal grids or higher-dimensional variants); our approximation factors improve the combinatorial ones of Arkin et al.
DSC-PWI presurgical differentiation of grade 4 astrocytoma and glioblastoma in young adults: rCBV percentile analysis across enhancing and non-enhancing regions
Authors: Pons-Escoda Albert , Naval-Baudin Pablo , Viveros Mildred , Flores-Casaperalta Susanie , Martinez-Zalacaín Ignacio , Plans Gerard , Vidal Noemi , Cos Monica , Majos Carles
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The presurgical discrimination of IDH-mutant astrocytoma grade 4 from IDH-wildtype glioblastoma is crucial for patient management, especially in younger adults, aiding in prognostic assessment, guiding molecular diagnostics and surgical planning, and identifying candidates for IDH-targeted trials. Despite its potential, the full capabilities of DSC-PWI remain underexplored. This research evaluates the differentiation ability of relative-cerebral-blood-volume (rCBV) percentile values for the enhancing and non-enhancing tumor regions compared to the more commonly used mean or maximum preselected rCBV values.

Methods

This retrospective study, spanning 2016–2023, included patients under 55 years (age threshold based on World Health Organization recommendations) with grade 4 astrocytic tumors and known IDH status, who underwent presurgical MR with DSC-PWI. Enhancing and non-enhancing regions were 3D-segmented to calculate voxel-level rCBV, deriving mean, maximum, and percentile values. Statistical analyses were conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test and AUC-ROC.

Results

The cohort consisted of 59 patients (mean age 46; 34 male): 11 astrocytoma-4 and 48 glioblastoma. While glioblastoma showed higher rCBV in enhancing regions, the differences were not significant. However, non-enhancing astrocytoma-4 regions displayed notably higher rCBV, particularly in lower percentiles. The 30th rCBV percentile for non-enhancing regions was 0.705 in astrocytoma-4, compared to 0.458 in glioblastoma (p = 0.001, AUC-ROC = 0.811), outperforming standard mean and maximum values.

Conclusion

Employing an automated percentile-based approach for rCBV selection enhances differentiation capabilities, with non-enhancing regions providing more insightful data. Elevated rCBV in lower percentiles of non-enhancing astrocytoma-4 is the most distinguishable characteristic and may indicate lowly vascularized infiltrated edema, contrasting with glioblastoma’s pure edema.
Congenital Heart Defects in Patients with Anorectal Malformations: A Retrospective Cohort Study of 281 Patients
Authors: de Beaufort Cunera M. C. , Mackay Tara M. , Stevens Markus F. , Polderman Jorinde A. W. , de Jong Justin R. , van der Hulst Annelies E. , Straver Bart , Gorter Ramon R.
Published: June 2024

In patients born with anorectal malformations (ARM), additional congenital heart defects (CHD) can occur. We aimed to provide an overview on disease and treatment details of CHD identified in patients born with ARM, from a unique large cohort of a very rare disease. We performed a retrospective single-center cohort study between January 2000 and July 2023. All consecutive patients with ARM were included. Outcomes were the number of patients with CHD, and screening percentage and percentage of patients diagnosed with CHD over 3 time periods (2000–2006, 2007–2014, 2015–2023). We used uni- and multi-variable logistic regression analyses to search for associations between CHD present and baseline characteristics. In total, 281 patients were included. Some 241 (85.8%) underwent echocardiography, of whom 80 (33.2%) had CHD. Screening percentage with echocardiography increased (74.1% vs. 85.7% vs. 95.9%, p < 0.001) and percentage of patients diagnosed with CHD remained similar over time (30.2% vs. 34.5% vs. 34.0%, p = 0.836). Atrial and ventricular septal defects (n = 36, n = 29), and persistent left superior vena cava (n = 17) were most identified. The presence of VACTERL-association or a genetic syndrome was independently associated with the presence of CHD. CHD were present in 33% of patients with ARM that underwent echocardiography. Over time, the number of CHD identified through screening remained similar. Patients with the presence of VACTERL-association or a genetic syndrome had a higher risk of having CHD. Therefore, acknowledging the potential presence of CHD in patients with ARM remains important.
Mechanistic study of the differences in lactic acid bacteria resistance to freeze- or spray-drying and storage
Authors: Gagneten Maite , Passot Stéphanie , Cenard Stéphanie , Ghorbal Sarrah , Schebor Carolina , Fonseca Fernanda
Published: June 2024

Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum are two lactic acid bacteria (LAB) widely used in the food industry. The objective of this work was to assess the resistance of these bacteria to freeze- and spray-drying and study the mechanisms involved in their loss of activity. The culturability and acidifying activity were measured to determine the specific acidifying activity, while membrane integrity was studied by flow cytometry. The glass transitions temperature and the water activity of the dried bacterial suspensions were also determined. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) micro-spectroscopy was used to study the biochemical composition of cells in an aqueous environment. All experiments were performed after freezing, drying and storage at 4, 23 and 37 °C. The results showed that Lb. bulgaricus CFL1 was sensitive to osmotic, mechanical, and thermal stresses, while Lpb. plantarum WCFS1 tolerated better the first two types of stress but was more sensitive to thermal stress. Moreover, FTIR results suggested that the sensitivity of Lb. bulgaricus CFL1 to freeze-drying could be attributed to membrane and cell wall degradation, whereas changes in nucleic acids and proteins would be responsible of heat inactivation of both strains associated with spray-drying. According to the activation energy values (47–85 kJ/mol), the functionality loss during storage is a chemically limited reaction. Still, the physical properties of the glassy matrix played a fundamental role in the rates of loss of activity and showed that a glass transition temperature 40 °C above the storage temperature is needed to reach good preservation during storage.

Key points

• Specific FTIR bands are proposed as markers of osmotic, mechanic and thermal stress

• Lb. bulgaricus CFL1 was sensitive to all three stresses, Lpb. plantarum WCFS1 to thermal stress only

• Activation energy revealed chemically limited reactions ruled the activity loss in storage

Graphical abstract
Unraveling the efficacy of verbascoside in thwarting MRSA pathogenicity by targeting sortase A
Authors: Li Xingchen , Hou Yingying , Zou Haoyan , Wang Yueying , Xu Yueshan , Wang Li , Wang Bingmei , Yan Ming , Leng Xiangyang
Published: June 2024

In the fight against hospital-acquired infections, the challenge posed by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) necessitates the development of novel treatment methods. This study focused on undermining the virulence of S. aureus, especially by targeting surface proteins crucial for bacterial adherence and evasion of the immune system. A primary aspect of our approach involves inhibiting sortase A (SrtA), a vital enzyme for attaching microbial surface components recognizing adhesive matrix molecules (MSCRAMMs) to the bacterial cell wall, thereby reducing the pathogenicity of S. aureus. Verbascoside, a phenylethanoid glycoside, was found to be an effective SrtA inhibitor in our research. Advanced fluorescence quenching and molecular docking studies revealed a specific interaction between verbascoside and SrtA, pinpointing the critical active sites involved in this interaction. This molecular interaction significantly impedes the SrtA-mediated attachment of MSCRAMMs, resulting in a substantial reduction in bacterial adhesion, invasion, and biofilm formation. The effectiveness of verbascoside has also been demonstrated in vivo, as shown by its considerable protective effects on pneumonia and Galleria mellonella (wax moth) infection models. These findings underscore the potential of verbascoside as a promising component in new antivirulence therapies for S. aureus infections. By targeting crucial virulence factors such as SrtA, agents such as verbascoside constitute a strategic and potent approach for tackling antibiotic resistance worldwide.

Key points

• Verbascoside inhibits SrtA, reducing S. aureus adhesion and biofilm formation.

• In vivo studies demonstrated the efficacy of verbascoside against S. aureus infections.

• Targeting virulence factors such as SrtA offers new avenues against antibiotic resistance.

Graphical abstract