bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing mobile data security using red panda optimized approach with chaotic fuzzy encryption in mobile cloud computing
Authors: Garg Vishal , Kaur Bikrampal , Jangra Surender
Published: July 2024

Smartphone devices have occupied an indispensable place in human life. These devices have some restrictions, like short lifetime of battery, imperfect computation power, less memory size and unpredictable network connectivity. Hence, a number of methods previously presented to decrease these restrictions as well as increase the battery lifespan with the help of offloading strategy. This manuscript proposes a new enhancing mobile data security using red panda optimized approach with chaotic fuzzy encryption in mobile cloud computing (RPO‐CFE‐SMC) to offload intensive computation tasks from mobile device to the cloud. The proposed model utilizes a red panda optimization algorithm (RPOA) to scale dynamically the offloading decision under energy consumption, CPU utilization, execution time, memory usage parameters. Before the work is transferred to the cloud, an innovative security layer is applied for encrypting the data using AES chaotic fuzzy encryption (CFE) technology. The proposed RPO‐CFE‐SMC method provides 20.63%, 25.25%, 25.28%, and 32.47% lower encryption time and 23.66%, 24.25%, and 26.47% lower energy consumption compared with existing EFFORT‐SMC, EESH‐SMC, and CP‐ABE‐SMC models respectively. In conclusion, the simulation results prove that the improved efficiency of proposed model in offloading computation to the cloud with enhanced data protection using chaotic fuzzy encryption.
Recent advances of PIWI‐interacting RNA in cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Li Bo , Wang Kai , Cheng Wei , Fang Bo , Li Ying Hui , Yang Su Min , Zhang Mei Hua , Wang Yun Hong , Wang Kun
Published: July 2024

Background

The relationship between noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) and human diseases has been a hot topic of research, but the study of ncRNAs in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is still in its infancy. PIWI‐interacting RNA (piRNA), a small ncRNA that binds to the PIWI protein to maintain genome stability by silencing transposons, was widely studied in germ lines and stem cells. In recent years, piRNA has been shown to be involved in key events of multiple CVDs through various epigenetic modifications, revealing the potential value of piRNA as a new biomarker or therapeutic target.

Conclusion

This review explores origin, degradation, function, mechanism and important role of piRNA in CVDs, and the promising therapeutic targets of piRNA were summarized. This review provide a new strategy for the treatment of CVDs and lay a theoretical foundation for future research.

Key points

piRNA can be used as a potential therapeutic target and biomaker in CVDs.

piRNA influences apoptosis, inflammation and angiogenesis by regulating epigenetic modificaions.

Critical knowledge gaps remain in the unifying piRNA nomenclature and PIWI‐independent function.
Integrated multi‐omics profiling landscape of organising pneumonia
Authors: Tang Ying , Chu Cuilin , Bu Siyuan , Sun Qin , Liu Airan , Xie Jianfeng , Qiao Sen , Huang Lingyan , Wang Hongmei
Published: July 2024

Background

Organising pneumonia (OP) is one of the most common and lethal diseases in the category of interstitial pneumonia, along with lung cancer. Reprogramming of lipid metabolism is a newly recognized hallmark of many diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disorders, as well as liver fibrosis and sclerosis. Increased levels of ceramides composed of sphingosine and fatty acid, are implicated in the development of both acute and chronic lung diseases. However, their pathophysiological significance in OP is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of lipid metabolism reprogramming in OP, focusing on inflammation and fibrosis.

Methods

Comprehensive multi‐omics profiling approaches, including single‐cell RNA sequencing, Visium CytAssist spatial transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and mass spectrometry, were employed to analyze the tissues. OP mice model was utilized and molecular mechanisms were investigated in macrophages.

Results

The results revealed a significant association between OP and lipid metabolism reprogramming, characterized by an abnormal expression of several genes related to lipid metabolism, including CD36, SCD1, and CES1 mainly in macrophages. CD36 deficiency in alveolar macrophages, led to an increased expression of C16/24 ceramides that accumulated in mitochondria, resulting in mitophagy or mitochondrial dysfunction. The number of alveolar macrophages in OP was significantly reduced, which was probably due to the ferroptosis signaling pathway involving GSH/SLC3A2/GPX4 through CD36 downregulation in OP. Furthermore, macrophage secretion of DPP7 and FABP4 influenced epithelial cell fibrosis.

Conclusions

CD36 inhibited the ferroptosis pathway involving SLC3A2/GPX4 in alveolar macrophages of OP tissue by regulating lipid metabolism, thus representing a new anti‐ferroptosis and anti‐fibrosis effect of CD36 mediated, at least in part, by ceramides.

Highlights

Our findings reveal a significant association between organising pneumonia and lipid metabolism reprogramming and will make a substantial contribution to the understanding of the mechanism of organising pneumonia in patients.
Metaheuristic optimization‐based clustering with routing protocol in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Kurangi Chinnarao , Paidipati Kiran Kumar , Reddy A. Siva Krishna , Uthayakumar Jayasankar , Kadiravan Ganesan , Parveen Shabana
Published: July 2024

In recent years, the use of wireless sensor devices in several applications, for example, monitoring in dangerous geographical spaces and the Internet of Things, has dramatically increased. Though sensor nodes (SNs) have limited power, battery replacement is not feasible in most cases. Therefore, energy saving in wireless sensor networks (WSN) is the major concern in the design of effective transmission protocol. Clustering might lower energy usage and increase network lifetime. Routing protocol for WSN represents an engineering area that has gained considerable interest among researchers due to its rapid evolution and development. Among them, the clustering routing protocol corresponds to the most effective technique to manage the energy consumption of each SN. In this manuscript, we focus on the design of a new metaheuristic optimization‐based energy‐aware clustering with routing protocol for lifetime maximization (MOEACR‐LM) method in WSN. The purpose of the MOEACR‐LM method is to improve network efficiency via proper selection of cluster heads (CHs) and effective data transmission. Initially, a hunter–prey optimization (HPO) method‐based clustering technique is used for cluster construction and the CH selection process. Next, the clouded leopard optimization (CLO) model is used for the route selection process in WSN. The HPO and CLO models derive a fitness function involving multiple parameters for clustering and routing processes. A comprehensive experimental analysis is carried out to demonstrate the enhanced performance of the MOEACR‐LM technique. The overall comparison study pointed out the improved energy efficiency results of the MOEACR‐LM technique over other existing approaches.
Machine Learning‐Assisted Analysis of Sublingual Microcirculatory Dysfunction for Early Cardiovascular Risk Evaluation and Cardiovascular‐Kidney‐Metabolic Syndrome Stage in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Liu Wei , Wang Wuhao , Sun Fang , Jiang Nan , Yuan Liyuan , Bu Xiaona , Shu Wentao , Li Qiang , Zhu Zhiming
Published: July 2024

Aims

To examine whether sublingual microcirculation can be used as an effective and noninvasive method for assessing cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic risks in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Materials and Methods

This cross‐sectional observational study enrolled 186 patients with T2DM. All patients were evaluated using the Framingham General Cardiovascular Risk Score (FGCRS) and cardiovascular‐kidney‐metabolic (CKM) syndrome stage. Side‐stream dark‐field microscopy was used for sublingual microcirculation, including total and perfused vessel density (TVD and PVD). Multiple machine‐learning prediction models have been developed for CKM risk and stage assessment in T2DM patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to determine cutoff points.

Results

Compared to patients with T2DM, diabetic patients with subclinical atherosclerosis (SA) had a greater CV risk, as measured by the FGCRS, accompanied by markedly decreased microcirculation perfusion. Microcirculatory parameters (TVD and PVD), including carotid intima–media thickness (IMT), brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (ba‐PWV), and FGCRS, were closely associated with SA incidence. Microcirculatory parameters, Index (DMSA screen), and cut‐off points were used to screen for SA in patients with T2DM. Furthermore, a new set of four factors identified through machine learning showed optimal sensitivity and specificity for detecting CKM risk in patients with T2DM. Decreased microcirculatory perfusion served as a useful early marker for CKM syndrome risk stratification in patients with T2DM without SA.

Conclusions

Sublingual microcirculatory dysfunction is closely correlated with the risk of SA and CKM risk in T2DM patients. Sublingual microcirculation could be a novel tool for assessing the CKM syndrome stage in patients with T2DM.
Reversing the decline of threatened koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) populations in New South Wales: Using genomics to enhance conservation outcomes
Authors: Lott Matthew J. , Frankham Greta J. , Eldridge Mark D. B. , Alquezar‐Planas David E. , Donnelly Lily , Zenger Kyall R. , Leigh Kellie A. , Kjeldsen Shannon R. , Field Matt A. , Lemon John , Lunney Daniel , Crowther Mathew S. , Krockenberger Mark B. , Fisher Mark , Neaves Linda E.
Published: July 2024

Genetic management is a critical component of threatened species conservation. Understanding spatial patterns of genetic diversity is essential for evaluating the resilience of fragmented populations to accelerating anthropogenic threats. Nowhere is this more relevant than on the Australian continent, which is experiencing an ongoing loss of biodiversity that exceeds any other developed nation. Using a proprietary genome complexity reduction‐based method (DArTSeq), we generated a data set of 3239 high quality Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) to investigate spatial patterns and indices of genetic diversity in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus), a highly specialised folivorous marsupial that is experiencing rapid and widespread population declines across much of its former range. Our findings demonstrate that current management divisions across the state of New South Wales (NSW) do not fully represent the distribution of genetic diversity among extant koala populations, and that care must be taken to ensure that translocation paradigms based on these frameworks do not inadvertently restrict gene flow between populations and regions that were historically interconnected. We also recommend that koala populations should be prioritised for conservation action based on the scale and severity of the threatening processes that they are currently faced with, rather than placing too much emphasis on their perceived value (e.g., as reservoirs of potentially adaptive alleles), as our data indicate that existing genetic variation in koalas is primarily partitioned among individual animals. As such, the extirpation of koalas from any part of their range represents a potentially critical reduction of genetic diversity for this iconic Australian species.
Rare Earth Metal Reagents in Organic Synthesis: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Sun Dandan , Xu Jiaxin , Liu Gaojie , Chen Yi‐Hung
Published: July 2024

Metal‐mediated organic synthesis has significantly advanced the field of synthetic chemistry over the decades. While transition metal‐catalyzed reactions have become foundational, characterized by well‐understood mechanisms like oxidative addition and reductive elimination, rare earth metals have not received as much attention. This review aims to highlight the synthetic applications of rare earth metals, fostering increased interest in their exploration. We discuss various reactions facilitated by these metals, including substitution, addition, insertion into unsaturated bonds, and coupling reactions, showcasing their unique capabilities and potential in modern synthetic chemistry.
A Formal General Method for the Synthesis of Spiroacetals: Easy Access to Oleocaran/Elmonin Core
Authors: Boulogeorgou Maria A. , Stathakis Christos I. , Gallos John K.
Published: July 2024

A general method for the synthesis of spiroacetals was investigated. Simple symmetrical [n,n]‐spiroacetals (n=5,6) can be prepared from α,ω‐alkanediols by their conversion to the respective ω‐benzyloxyalkyl bromides, addition of their Grignard reagents to ethyl formate, further oxidation of the resulting secondary alcohols and finally deprotection with spontaneous intramolecular acetalization. Access to the respective unsymmetrical [m,n]‐spiroacetals (m,n=5,6,7) was similarly achieved by addition of the above Grignard reagent to a ω‐benzyloxyalkanal, followed by the same reaction sequence. This method was further adapted for the synthesis of the unsubstituted structural core of natural spiroacetals oleocaran and elmonin, thus demonstrating its potential.
Collection of serum albumin aggregate nanoparticles from human plasma by dielectrophoresis
Authors: Ware Jason , Shea Delaney , Lim Jeong Youn , Malakian Anna , Armstrong Randall , Pethig Ronald , Ibsen Stuart
Published: July 2024

Dielectrophoresis (DEP) is a fast and reliable nanoparticle recovery method that utilizes nonuniform electric fields to manipulate particles based on their material composition and size, enabling recovery of biologically‐derived nanoparticles from plasma for diagnostic applications. When applying DEP to undiluted human plasma, collection of endogenous albumin proteins was observed at electric field gradients much lower than predicted by theory to collect molecular proteins. To understand this collection, nanoparticle tracking analysis of bovine serum albumin (BSA) dissolved in 0.5× phosphate‐buffered saline was performed and showed that albumin spontaneously formed aggregate nanoparticles with a mean diameter of 237 nm. These aggregates experienced a dielectrophoretic force as a function of aggregate radius rather than the diameter of individual protein molecules which contributed to their collection. In high conductance buffer (6.8 mS/cm), DEP was able to move these aggregates into regions of high electric field gradient, and in lower conductance buffer (0.68 mS/cm), these aggregates could be moved into high or low gradient regions depending on the applied frequency. Disruption of BSA aggregates using a nonionic detergent significantly decreased the particle diameter, resulting in decreased dielectrophoretic collection of albumin which increased the collection consistency of particles of interest. These results provide techniques to manipulate albumin aggregates via DEP, which impacts collection of diagnostic biomarkers.
Secure and efficient device‐to‐device communication in IoT: The DMBSOA‐enhanced MQTT protocol
Authors: Loganathan Bharathi Shantha , Jaganathan Sathya Priya
Published: July 2024

The Internet of Things (IoT) plays a crucial role in enhancing technology by facilitating data transfer, storage, control, and management across networks. Secure communication within IoT environments remains a significant challenge. This research aims to enhance IoT security by integrating Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) and MQTT‐Sensor Network (MQTT‐SN) protocols with the Dual Mutation‐Based Seagull Optimization Algorithm (DMBSOA). MQTT, known for its lightweight and dependable messaging, is widely used in the IoT community but is vulnerable to cyber‐attacks, particularly concerning privacy and authentication. DMBSOA, inspired by seagulls' foraging behavior, optimizes MQTT settings to enhance security, reliability, and performance. The proposed model dynamically adjusts key parameters such as transmission frequency, Quality of service (QoS) levels, and message size to improve energy consumption, throughput, end‐to‐end delay, and packet delivery ratio. A comprehensive system model is presented, comprising publisher, subscriber, and broker nodes, with security mechanisms integrated into the broker to ensure data integrity, authentication, and encryption. MQTT operates over Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), while MQTT‐SN uses User Datagram Protocol (UDP), catering to resource‐constrained devices and low‐power modes. The proposed technique attained throughput (68 kB), energy consumption (120 mJ), security level (96%), energy efficiency (98.80%), path loss (22 dB), end‐to‐end delay (35 ms), processing time (230 s) and packet delivery ratio (0.98). The DMBSOA‐optimized MQTT protocol demonstrates superior performance compared to these models, highlighting its potential to meet the evolving demands of IoT security. This research underscores the effectiveness of DMBSOA in enhancing MQTT protocol security and efficiency, providing a promising solution for secure IoT communication.
Texture‐based morphometry in relation to apolipoprotein ε4 genotype, ageing and sex in a midlife population
Authors: Dounavi Maria‐Eleni , Mak Elijah , Operto Gregory , Muniz‐Terrera Graciela , Bridgeman Katie , Koychev Ivan , Malhotra Paresh , Naci Lorina , Lawlor Brian , Su Li , Falcon Carles , Ritchie Karen , Ritchie Craig W. , Gispert Juan Domingo , O'Brien John T.
Published: July 2024

Brain atrophy and cortical thinning are typically observed in people with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and, to a lesser extent, in those with mild cognitive impairment. In asymptomatic middle‐aged apolipoprotein ε4 (ΑPOE4) carriers, who are at higher risk of future AD, study reports are discordant with limited evidence of brain structural differences between carriers and non‐carriers of the ε4 allele. Alternative imaging markers with higher sensitivity at the presymptomatic stage, ideally quantified using typically acquired structural MRI scans, would thus be of great benefit for the detection of early disease, disease monitoring and subject stratification. In the present cross‐sectional study, we investigated textural properties of T1‐weighted 3T MRI scans in relation to APOE4 genotype, age and sex. We pooled together data from the PREVENT‐Dementia and ALFA studies focused on midlife healthy populations with dementia risk factors (analysable cohort: 1585 participants; mean age 56.2 ± 7.4 years). Voxel‐based and texture (examined features: contrast, entropy, energy, homogeneity) based morphometry was used to identify areas of volumetric and textural differences between APOE4 carriers and non‐carriers. Textural maps were generated and were subsequently harmonised using voxel‐wise COMBAT. For all analyses, APOE4, sex, age and years of education were used as model predictors. Interactions between APOE4 and age were further examined. There were no group differences in regional brain volume or texture based on APOE4 carriership or when age × APOE4 interactions were examined. Older people tended to have a less homogeneous textural profile in grey and white matter and a more homogeneous profile in the ventricles. A more heterogeneous textural profile was observed for females in areas such as the ventricles, frontal and parietal lobes and for males in the brainstem, cerebellum, precuneus and cingulate. Overall, we have shown the absence of volumetric and textural differences between APOE4 carriers and non‐carriers at midlife and have established associations of textural features with ageing and sex.
Surgical outcomes of profunda artery perforator flap in head and neck reconstruction: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Marchi Filippo , Iandelli Andrea , Pace Gian Marco , Bellini Elisa , Tirrito Alessandro , Costantino Andrea , Cerri Luca , Greco Antonio , Polimeni Antonella , Parrinello Giampiero , Peretti Giorgio , De Virgilio Armando
Published: July 2024

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of the profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap in head and neck reconstruction.

Methods

A single arm meta‐analysis was performed for flap survival rate (primary outcome), reoperation for major complication, and overall complication rates (secondary outcomes).

Results

The search strategy yielded a total of 295 potentially relevant publications, of which 13 were included. A total of 305 patients (males: 80.8%, n = 232/281), with a median age of 56.1 years (n = 305/305; 95% CI 53.9–63), who underwent a total of 307 PAP flap reconstructions for head and neck defects were included. Flap survival rate was 100% (n = 306/307; 95% CI 99.6%–100%), with a reoperation rate for major complications of 3.7% (n = 15/307; 95% CI 1.85%–6.1%) and an overall complication rate of 26.5% (n = 92/307; 95% CI 15.7%–38.9%). Notable postoperative complications included wound dehiscence (n = 15/307, 4.9%), delayed healing (n = 14/307, 4.6%), and wound infection (n = 12/307, 3.9%). Partial flap necrosis and hematoma occurred in 2.6% of cases (n = 8/307), while arterial and venous thrombosis were documented in 0.7% (n = 2/307) and 1.3%, respectively (n = 4/307).

Conclusion

The application of the PAP flap in head and neck reconstructions showed several favorable aspects, such as an exceptionally low flap failure rate, versatility in achieving variable dimensions, and a relatively low incidence of complications. PAP flap might be considered as a compelling alternative to the traditionally employed soft tissue free flaps in head and neck reconstruction.
Epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance of toxin‐producing Klebsiella oxytoca clinical isolates from children admitted to the oncology chemotherapy center in Mofid Children's Hospital in Tehran, Iran: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Sabzivand Nasim , Nazari Shiva , Shirvani Fariba , Azimi Leila , Salmanzadeh Ahrabi Siavash , Mohammadi Estiri Maedeh
Published: July 2024

Background and Aims

Klebsiella oxytoca (K. oxytoca) is the second bacterial cause of nosocomial infections in the general population after K. pneumoniae. This study surveyed the frequency of cytotoxin‐producing strains of K. oxytoca and their antibiotic susceptibility profile in a cohort of children admitted to a referral hospital with different malignancies.

Methods

The Stool samples of children admitted to the Cancer Chemotherapy Unit of the Mofid Children's Hospital, Tehran, Iran were analyzed using conventional biochemical tests and polymerase chain reaction targeting the pehX gene to identify K. oxytoca. The antibiotic susceptibility profile of isolated K. oxytoca against commonly prescribed antibiotics used in treating infection at the facility was determined using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion technique. Also, the prevalence of genes encoding toxins among K. oxytoca was identified by PCR assay.

Results

The Stool samples of 280 participants were taken for the study of which 38 samples [(55.3% (21/38) 42 males and 44.7% (17/38) females)] tested positive for various Klebsiella spp. Out of this, K. oxytoca was identified in 2.5% (7/280) stools using cultures and conventional biochemical tests. Also, the stools of 2.9% (8/280) of the participants tested positive for K. oxytoca using PCR assay. Using PCR, (2/7) of the K. oxytoca isolates tested positive for the npsA and npsB genes and were identified as toxigenic K. oxytoca strains.

Conclusion

The prevalence of toxin‐producing K. oxytoca strains in stool samples of children diagnosed with cancer in Iran is relatively low. Most of the K. oxytoca isolates were susceptible to tested antibiotics. Globally, active surveillance of toxigenic K. oxytoca strains in patients with different malignancies or immunocompromised patients is recommended in healthcare settings.
Safety and efficacy of Withania somnifera for anxiety and insomnia: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Fatima Kaneez , Malik Javeria , Muskan Fariha , Raza Ghana , Waseem Areesha , Shahid Hiba , Jaffery Syeda Fatima , Khan Umeed , Zaheer Muhammad Kashan , Shaikh Yasmeen , Rashid Ahmed Mustafa
Published: July 2024

Objective

Despite the historical neurological use of Withania somnifera, limited evidence supports its efficacy for conditions like anxiety and insomnia. Given its known anti‐stress properties, this review evaluated its safety and efficacy for anxiety and insomnia.

Methods

We searched Medline, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar until August 2023 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing W. somnifera to placebo in patients with anxiety and/or insomnia. Outcome measures included changes in anxiety levels via the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM‐A), Sleep Onset Latency (SOL), Total Sleep Time (TST), Wake After Sleep Onset (WASO), Total Time in Bed (TIB), Sleep Efficiency (SE), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score. We utilized a random‐effect model for pooling Mean Differences (MD) with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI). Heterogeneity was assessed through sensitivity and subgroup analysis, and the quality of RCTs was evaluated using the Cochrane revised risk of bias tool.

Results

Pooled results from five RCTs (n = 254) demonstrated that W. somnifera significantly reduced HAM‐A scores (MD = −5.96; [95% CI −10.34, −1.59]; P = 0.008; I2 = 98%), as well as sleep parameters such as SOL, TST, PSQI, and SE, but not WASO and TIB.

Conclusion

While W. somnifera extracts yielded promising results, further research with larger sample sizes is needed to confirm its effects on anxiety and insomnia.
Remote assessment of the association between early executive function and mathematics skills
Authors: Ernst Jasmine R. , Pan Sarah E. , Carlson Stephanie M.
Published: July 2024

Executive function (EF) skills are consistently associated with global mathematics assessments. However, less is known about which specific mathematics skills invoke EF in early childhood. We adapted batteries of EF, numerical, and patterning tasks to be conducted via synchronous video conferencing with typically developing 4‐year‐old children (N = 115, 56.6% female, 85.2% White, non‐Hispanic, 7.8% Multiracial, 0.9% Hispanic, 0.9% Black, 1.7% American Indian/Alaska Native, 2.6% Asian and 0.9% missing) from primarily upper middle class households (maternal education range: some college to graduate or professional degree, mode = graduate or professional degree) in the United States. We found feasibility of remote adaptation varied greatly by task. Just over half of enrolled children (57.02%) completed all tasks and there were higher rates of missingness compared to an in‐person sample with a similar age range collected in schools. Nonetheless, working memory predicted various mathematics skills, including patterning, verbal counting, and number comparison, controlling for age and maternal education. Relations between cognitive flexibility and patterning varied across model specifications. Overall, these findings provide insight into the costs and benefits of remotely administered direct assessments of EF and mathematics in early childhood and add to the growing body of literature suggesting working memory plays an important role in several foundational early mathematics skills. Suggestions are offered for remote assessment with preschoolers.

Highlights

Executive function and mathematics tasks were adapted for remote use and associations among skill sets were examined.

Remotely administered data collection sessions had higher rates of missingness than comparable in‐person studies.

Findings replicate and extend prior work on the associations between working memory and patterning, verbal counting, and number comparison in a remote setting.
Evolution of genome and immunogenome in esophageal squamous cell carcinomas driven by neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Weng Zelin , Mai Zihang , Yuan Jianye , Liu Qianwen , Deng Fangqi , Yang Hong , Ling Yihong , Xie Xiuying , Lin Xiaodan , Lin Ting , Chen Jiyang , Wei Xiaoli , Luo Kongjia , Fu Jianhua , Wen Jing
Published: July 2024

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) followed by surgery is a standard treatment for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCCs). However, the evolution of genome and immunogenome in ESCCs driven by NCRT remains incompletely elucidated. We performed whole‐exome sequencing of 51 ESCC tumors collected before and after NCRT, 36 of which were subjected to transcriptome sequencing. Clonal analysis identified clonal extinction in 13 ESCC patients wherein all pre‐NCRT clones disappeared after NCRT, and clonal persistence in 9 patients wherein clones endured following NCRT. The clone‐persistent patients showed higher pre‐NCRT genomic intratumoral heterogeneity and worse prognosis than the clone‐extinct ones. In contrast to the clone‐extinct patients, the clone‐persistent patients demonstrated a high proportion of subclonal neoantigens within pre‐treatment specimens. Transcriptome analysis revealed increased immune infiltrations and up‐regulated immune‐related pathways after NCRT, especially in the clone‐extinct patients. The number of T cell receptor–neoantigen interactions was higher in the clone‐extinct patients than in the clone‐persistent ones. The decrease in T cell repertoire evenness positively correlated to the decreased number of clonal neoantigens after NCRT, especially in the clone‐extinct patients. In conclusion, we identified two prognosis‐related clonal dynamic modes driven by NCRT in ESCCs. This study extended our knowledge of the ESCC genome and immunogenome evolutions driven by NCRT.
Value of serum muscular creatinine phosphokinase levels in patients with adenomyosis as a non‐invasive diagnostic marker
Authors: Bulut Aydemir Hilal Mürüvvet , Kahyaoğlu Serkan , Halilzade İnci , Moraloğlu‐Tekin Özlem
Published: July 2024

Objective

In the present study, we aimed to compare serum CK‐MM levels in patients with and without adenomyosis and to investigate whether CK‐MM level can be a non‐invasive marker for myometrial damage due to adenomyosis.

Materials and Methods

Our study was a prospective case‐control study in a tertiary center and consisted of 40 patients with a clinical/ultrasonographic diagnosis of adenomyosis and 40 patients without a clinical/ultrasonographic diagnosis of adenomyosis as the control group based on recently published morphological uterus sonographic assessment (MUSA) criteria. Individuals of similar age who signed a voluntary consent form were included in our study. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory findings of the patients in both groups were recorded. Blood serum samples were used for the determination of serum CK‐MM levels of the participants in our study. The samples were analyzed by using the human CK‐MM enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit.

Results

In our study, the mean serum CK‐MM level was 16.2 ± 21.7 (ng/dL) in patients with adenomyosis and 2.6 ± 2.2 (ng/dL) in patients without adenomyosis. Serum CK‐MM level was statistically significantly higher in the patient group with adenomyosis than in the control group (p < 0.001). The CK‐MM threshold value of 3.43 ng/mL, with a sensitivity of 82.5% and specificity of 85%, has been found to be a valuable distinguishing level in patients with and without adenomyosis.

Conclusion

In this study, we demonstrated that serum CK‐MM can be used as a non‐invasive diagnostic method in patients with adenomyosis. As the number of studies around this subject in the literature is insufficient, larger studies are needed to use CK‐MM as a diagnostic marker in adenomyosis.
Comparing letters written by humans and ChatGPT: A preliminary study
Authors: Matsubara Shigeki
Published: July 2024

Objective

There are no criteria for what type of manuscript and to what extent ChatGPT use is permissible in writing manuscripts. I aimed to determine which, human or ChatGPT, writes more readable letters to the editor and whether ChatGPT writes letters mimicking a certain person. I aimed to provide hints as to what makes the difference between humans and ChatGPT.

Methods

This is a descriptive pilot study. I tasked ChatGPT (version 3.5) with generating a disagreement letter to my previous article (Letter 0). I wrote a letter involving three weaknesses of the addressed article (Letter 1). I provided ChatGPT with these three weaknesses and tasked it with generating a letter (Letter 2). Then, I supplied my authored letters and tasked ChatGPT with emulating my writing style (Letter 3). Eight professors evaluated the letters' readability and ChatGPT assessed which letter was more likely to be accepted.

Results

ChatGPT produced coherent letters (Letters 0 and 2). Professors rated the readability of Letters 1 and 2 similarly, finding Letter 3 less readable. ChatGPT determined that the human‐authored Letter 1 had a slightly higher acceptance likelihood than the ChatGPT‐generated Letter 2. Although ChatGPT identified personal writing styles, its mimicry did not enhance the letter's quality.

Conclusion

This preliminary experiment indicates that human‐written letters are perceived to be as readable as, or no less readable than, ChatGPT‐generated ones. It suggests that human touch, with its inherent enthusiasm, is essential for effective letter writing. Further comprehensive investigations are warranted to ascertain the extent to which ChatGPT can be used in this domain.
Composite electrolyte with self‐inserted structure and all‐trans F conformation provides fast Li+ transport for solid‐state Li metal batteries
Authors: Liang Ziyang , Liu Chang , Bai Xiang , Zhang Jiahui , Chang Xinyue , Guan Lixiang , Lu Tiantian , Du Huayun , Wei Yinghui , Wang Qian , Wei Tao , Liu Wen , Zhou Henghui
Published: July 2024

Solid‐state Li metal battery has attracted increasing interests for its potentially high energy density and excellent safety assurance, which is a promising candidate for next generation battery system. However, the low ionic conductivity and Li+ transport number of solid‐state polymer electrolytes limit their practical application. Herein, a composite polymer electrolyte with self‐inserted structure is proposed using the layered double hydroxides (LDHs) as dopant to achieve a fast Li+ transport channel in poly(vinylidene‐co‐trifluoroethylene) [P(VDF‐TrFE)] based polymer electrolyte. In such a composite electrolyte, P(VDF‐TrFE) polymer has an all‐trans conformation, in which all fluorine atoms locate on one side of the polymer chain, providing fast Li+ transport highways. Meanwhile, the LDH can immobilize the anions of Li salts based on the electrostatic interactions, promoting the dissociation of Li salts, thereby enhancing the ionic conductivity (6.4 × 10−4 S cm−1) and Li+ transference number (0.76). The anion immobilization effect can realize uniform electric field distribution at the anode surface and suppress the dendritic Li growth. Moreover, the hydrogen bonding interaction between LDH and polymer chains also endows the composite electrolyte with strong mechanical properties. Thus, at room temperature, the Li || Li symmetric cells can be stably cycled over 1000 h at a current density of 0.2 mA cm−2, and the full cells with LiFePO4 cathode deliver a high capacity retention (>95%) after 200 cycles. This work offers a promising route to construct solid‐state polymer electrolytes with fast Li+ transport.

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Mapping collective consciousness to consumer research: In‐person to virtual social presence
Authors: Lee Hyunjung Crystal , Broniarczyk Susan M. , Zheng Jianqing (Frank)
Published: July 2024

Shteynberg's (Journal of Consumer Psychology, 2024) work on collective consciousness offers unique and meaningful insights into consumer behavior by emphasizing a “we‐representation” that is comprised not of a self‐aware “I” and an external “you” but rather complete immersion as a unified “we”. In this commentary, we situate collective consciousness within existing social presence research in consumer behavior and discuss its potential to expand the scope of social presence research. Specifically, we utilize a social presence framework that highlights the type of co‐presence (in‐person vs. virtual) and the extent of interactivity (interactive vs. passive) discussing the psychological mechanisms and linkage to collective consciousness. In addition to discussing shared consumption and shared decision‐making, we assess the implications of collective consciousness for consumer contexts facilitated by virtual technologies: fake news, live streaming, virtual reality, cryptocurrencies, and crowdfunding. We conclude by highlighting future avenues for integrating collective consciousness into consumer psychology research.
Occult femoral fracture: Be aware of dual energy computed tomography
Authors: Ruggiero Sergio , Bellini Davide , Rengo Marco , Vicini Simone , Carbone Iacopo
Published: July 2024

A 74‐year‐old man was admitted to our emergency department following minor trauma. Plain radiographs and standard computed tomography (CT) scans revealed no signs of fractures. Subsequently, virtual noncalcium (VNCa) images were reconstructed, showing a linear area of bone marrow edema (BME) resembling a femoral neck fracture. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed to confirm the presence of BME and an associated intraspongious fracture. In an emergency setting, dual‐energy CT (DECT) and VNCa images can successfully identify occult femoral fractures, especially in patients with mild symptoms and minor trauma, thereby preventing misdiagnosis.
Enterovirus A71 2A‐S125A acts as an attenuated vaccine candidate, indicating a universal approach in developing enterovirus vaccines
Authors: Zhang Peng , Zou Wenjia , Xiong Rui , Wu Yong , Fan Changfa , Peng Yihong
Published: July 2024

Enteroviruses are important human pathogens with diverse serotypes, posing a major challenge to develop vaccines for individual serotypes, the success of polio vaccines in controlling and eradicating polio, along with the recent emergence and high prevalence of enterovirus‐caused infectious diseases, highlights the importance of enterovirus vaccine development. Given our previous report on enteroviruses weakened by the 2 A S/T125A mutation, we assessed the potential of the EV‐A71 2A‐125A mutant as a vaccine candidate to address this challenge. We found that the 2A‐125A mutant caused transient mild symptoms, low viral loads, and no significant pathological changes mild pathological changes in hSCARB2‐KI mice, producing long‐lasting cross‐neutralizing antibodies against two EV‐A71 wild strains. Pre‐exposure to the 2A‐125A mutant substantially protected against the EV‐A71 Isehara wild‐type strain, causing minor pathologies, significantly reducing muscle and lung inflammation, and preventing neurological damage, with reduced viral loads in vivo. Pre‐exposure also distinctly suppressed the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, correlating to the severity of clinical symptoms. Collectively, the EV‐A71 2A‐125A mutant was attenuated and could generate a robust and protective immune response, suggesting its potential as a vaccine candidate and global solution for specific enterovirus vaccine development.
Increased interleukin‐6 levels are associated with atrioventricular conduction delay in severe COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Accioli Riccardo , Lazzerini Pietro Enea , Salvini Viola , Cartocci Alessandra , Verrengia Decoroso , Marzotti Tommaso , Salvadori Fabio , Bisogno Stefania , Cevenini Gabriele , Voglino Michele , Gallo Severino , Pacini Sabrina , Pazzaglia Martina , Tansini Angelica , Otranto Ambra , Laghi‐Pasini Franco , Acampa Maurizio , Boutjdir Mohamed , Capecchi Pier Leopoldo
Published: July 2024

Background

Severely ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) show an increased risk of new‐onset atrioventricular blocks (AVBs), associated with high rates of short‐term mortality. Recent data suggest that the uncontrolled inflammatory activation observed in these patients, specifically interleukin (IL)‐6 elevation, may play an important pathogenic role by directly affecting cardiac electrophysiology. The aim of our study was to assess the acute impact of IL‐6 changes on electrocardiographic indices of atrioventricular conduction in severe COVID‐19.

Methods

We investigated (1) the behavior of PR‐interval and PR‐segment in patients with severe COVID‐19 during active phase and recovery, and (2) their association with circulating IL‐6 levels over time.

Results

During active disease, COVID‐19 patients showed a significant increase of PR‐interval and PR‐segment. Such atrioventricular delay was transient as these parameters rapidly normalized during recovery. PR‐indices significantly correlated with circulating IL‐6 levels over time. All these changes and correlations persisted also in the absence of laboratory signs of cardiac strain/injury or concomitant treatment with PR‐prolonging drugs, repurposed or not.

Conclusions

Our study provides evidence that in patients with severe COVID‐19 and high‐grade systemic inflammation, IL‐6 elevation is associated with a significant delay of atrioventricular conduction, independent of concomitant confounding factors. While transient, such alterations may enhance the risk of severe AVB and associated short‐term mortality. Our data provide further support to current anti‐inflammatory strategies for severe COVID‐19, including IL‐6 antagonists.
Combination of fermentation and enzymolysis enhances bioactive components and function of de‐oiled rice bran
Authors: Hou Meixin , Wu Jianmin , Miao Jingna , Zeng Hui , Liao Jinghong , Hang Suqin
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

De‐oiled rice bran (DORB), a substantial yet underutilized byproduct of rice processing, boasts a rich composition of active ingredients but suffers from limited application. Previous studies have indicated that enzymatic or fermentation treatments enhanced these active components. In this study, lactobacilli and complex enzymes were employed to co‐treat DORB, involving the determination of the changes in active components and functionalities of DORB extract (DORBE) before and after this treatment.

RESULTS

Following fermentation–enzymolysis, the total phenol and total flavonoid contents in DORBE were significantly increased by 43.59% and 55.10%, reaching 19.66 and 34.34 g kg−1, respectively. Antioxidant tests in vitro demonstrated that the co‐treatment enhanced the scavenging activities of DPPH, hydroxyl and ABTS radicals. Porcine intestinal epithelial cell experiments revealed that, compared to DORBE, the fermentation and enzymolysis DORBE (FDORBE) exhibited significantly improved cell viability and catalase activity as well as scavenging capacity for reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde after induction by H2O2. Furthermore, FDORBE restored the decreased mRNA expression levels of Nrf2, HO‐1 and NQO1 in the nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway stimulated by H2O2.

CONCLUSION

Fermentation–enzymolysis co‐treatment increases the contents of bioactive components of DORBE and enhances its antioxidant capacity, leading to a better protection against intestinal disorders induced by oxidative stress, suggesting that this co‐treatment is a rational and effective strategy to increase the value of grains and promotes the use of DORB as a functional feed in animal production. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
The utility of intraoperative marrow margin frozen section in extremity bone sarcoma resection
Authors: Gazendam Aaron , Clever David , Zhang Liuzhe , Griffin Anthony , Tsoi Kim , Wunder Jay , Ferguson Peter
Published: July 2024

Background and Objectives

Intraoperative frozen section analysis is commonly used to evaluate marrow margins during extremity bone sarcoma resections, but its efficacy in the era of magnetic resonance imaging is debated. This study aimed to compare the accuracy of intraoperative frozen section assessment with final pathology, assess its correlation with gross intraoperative margin assessment, and evaluate its impact on surgical decision making.

Methods

Consecutive patients undergoing extremity bone sarcoma resections from 2010 to 2022 at a single sarcoma center were included. Intraoperative frozen section and gross margin assessments were compared to final pathology using positive predictive values (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV). Changes in surgical decisions due to positive intraoperative margins were recorded.

Results

Of 166 intraoperative frozen section marrow margins, four were indeterminant/positive, with two false positive/indeterminant findings and two false negatives compared to final pathology. Gross intraoperative assessment had no false positives and two false negatives. Frozen section analysis yielded a PPV of 50% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 16%–84%) and NPV of 98.8% (95% CI: 97%–100%), while gross assessment had a PPV of 100% (95% CI: 16%–100%) and NPV of 98.8% (95% CI: 97%–100%). Positive frozen section margins led to additional resections in three of four cases.

Conclusions

Intraoperative frozen section analysis did not offer added clinical value beyond gross margin assessment in extremity bone sarcoma resections. It exhibited a low PPV and led to unnecessary additional resections. Gross intraoperative assessment proved adequate for margin evaluation, potentially saving time and resources.
The influence of social media on tourist behavior
Authors: Chen Wuxiang , Zhu Yahui , Wang Jiajia , Liu Shanshan , Li Xiubai
Published: July 2024

This study explores the influence of the technology acceptance model (TAM) to identify the impact of social media use on the behavior of potential travelers. Data derived from 586 respondents to a recent survey carried out in Southern China suggest that: (a) tourists' perceptions of ease of use and their perceived interest in social media have a significant positive effect on attitudes toward using it; (b) the perceived usefulness of social media has a significant positive effect on attitudes toward using it; and (c) the positive effects of external factors such as subjective norms and interactivity on tourists' perceptions of its usefulness, ease of use and interest in social media have been verified. This study puts forward suggestions on the use of social media promotion and marketing in tourism destinations resulting from the survey.
Folic acid as a green inhibitor for corrosion protection of Q235 carbon steel in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution
Authors: Han Peng , Liu Zebang , Ren Zhichao , Li Yue , Sun Zhenwei , Xu Chenyang
Published: July 2024

This study combines experimental and theoretical explorations. The corrosion inhibition performance of different concentrations (50, 100, 250, and 500 ppm) of folic acid in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution on Q235 steel was tested by weight loss and electrochemical test. The corrosion inhibition efficiency increased with the gradual increase of folic acid concentration and reached a maximum of 87% at 500 ppm folic acid. The experimental results for electrochemistry and weight loss are in good agreement with the simulation calculations. The adsorption of folic acid on the steel surface obeyed the Langmuir isotherm, and the adsorption process was a combination of chemisorption and physisorption. The contact angle test also yielded the maximum increase in hydrophobicity of the specimen surface at the added folic acid concentration of 500 ppm. The corrosion morphology after the addition of corrosion inhibitor was relatively flat. The adsorption orientation of folic acid molecules on the steel surface in an aqueous environment was investigated using density functional theory (DFT)/molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The microscopic mechanism of action of folic acid corrosion inhibitors is clarified.