bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study revealing mechanisms behind the stone cell of Yali pear degradation by mixed‐culture fermentation of lactic acid bacteria and yeast
Authors: Gao Jie , Xu Chao , Tian Guifang , Ji Yue Hong , Sadiq Faizan A. , Wang Ke , Sang Yaxin
Published: May 2024

The presence of stone cells in pears is recognized as a problem for the pear processing industry. Bacillus and mold can degrade stone cells because of their potential to digest cellulose and lignin, but they cannot be used for the degradation test of pear stone cells. In this study Lactoplantibacillus plantarum JYLP‐326 was used in single culture or in the mixed culture with Saccharomyces cerevisiae Y2 to study their potential to degrade stone cells during fermentation and the mechanism of degradation was further explored. Synergy in cellulase activity was observed in the mixed‐culture where the maximum activity was observed at 96th hour of fermentation. Activities of endoglucanase, exoglucanase and β‐glucosidase were 1.75, 4.58, and 2.31. The degradation rate of stone cells in the mixed‐culture was 37.67%, which was significantly higher than that the results obtained for single cultures. The results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the surface of the cultured stone cells became rough. Metabolomics studies confirmed the presence of specific metabolites related to the degradation of stone cells after the fermentation. It was concluded that the mixed‐culture fermentation using the above‐mentioned strains could be exploited by the pear processing industry to degrade stone cells.
Body shape rather than facial emotion of others alters interpersonal distance in patients with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Cartaud Alice , Duriez Philibert , Querenghi Johanna , Nandrino Jean‐Louis , Gorwood Philip , Viltart Odile , Coello Yann
Published: May 2024

Objective

The study investigated interpersonal distance in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), focussing on the role of other's facial expression and morphology, also assessing physiological and subjective responses.

Method

Twenty‐nine patients with AN and 30 controls (CTL) were exposed to virtual characters either with an angry, neutral, or happy facial expression or with an overweight, normal‐weight, or underweight morphology presented either in the near or far space while we recorded electrodermal activity. Participants had to judge their preferred interpersonal distance with the characters and rated them in terms of valence and arousal.

Results

Unlike CTL, patients with AN exhibited heightened electrodermal activity for morphological stimuli only, when presented in the near space. They also preferred larger and smaller interpersonal distances with overweight and underweight characters respectively, although rating both negatively. Finally, and similar to CTL, they preferred larger interpersonal distance with angry than neutral or happy characters.

Discussion

Although patients with AN exhibited behavioural response to emotional stimuli similar to CTL, they lacked corresponding physiological response, indicating emotional blunting towards emotional social stimuli. Moreover, they showed distinct behavioural and physiological adjustments in response to body shape, confirming the specific emotional significance attached to body shape.
A 2012–2021 high‐resolution glacier mass balance estimate for Icelandic ice caps based on ArcticDEM and ICESat‐2
Authors: Luo Lan Hua , Ke Chang‐Qing , Fan Yu Bin
Published: May 2024

Ice caps are important water resources for Iceland and are threatened by climate change. Despite their importance and vulnerability, the geodetic glacier mass balance estimate for the recent decade lacks a high‐resolution result. To address this gap, we first co‐registered the 2012–2021 ArcticDEM (v4) strips with ICESat‐2 points acquired over off‐ice areas and evaluated the accuracy of the co‐registered DEMs. We then applied a per‐pixel weighted liner regression to the multi‐temporal ArcticDEM strips and generated a high‐resolution (2 m) glacier surface elevation change rate for six major Icelandic ice caps. Based on these estimates we calculated the geodetic mass balance. Additionally, we estimated the seasonal relative surface elevation changes using ICESat‐2 ATL06 data for the 2019 to 2021 period. The results showed the co‐registered ArcticDEM strips exhibit good accuracy, with a standard deviation of 1.15 m across the Icelandic ice cap regions. Between 2012 and 2021, Icelandic ice caps experienced a state of mass loss, with a surface elevation change rate of −0.57 ± 0.21 m/a, corresponding to a mass loss of −0.51 ± 0.02 m w.e/a. Spatial variability in glacier surface elevation changes among different Icelandic ice caps ranges −0.19 m/a to −0.75 m/a. The Langjökull ice cap exhibited the most severe glacier mass loss at −0.68 ± 0.006 m w.e/a. Furthermore, our observations indicate a change in seasonal trends occurred across all six ice caps from 2019 to 2021. Specifically, the glacier surface thickening decreased during the accumulation period, while the thinning rate increased during the ablation period. These findings highlight that ArcticDEM v4 strips provide new insights into the mass balance of Icelandic glaciers and will aid in making future water management decisions. Moreover, the high‐resolution surface elevation topography and change rates provided in this study may contribute to an improved understanding of the influence of glacier dynamics on glacier change.
Exercise adherence for patients with trismus after head and neck cancer treatment
Authors: Charters Emma , Loy Jamie , Sharman Ashleigh R. , Cheng Kai , Dunn Masako , Clark Jonathan
Published: May 2024

Background

Head and neck cancer treatment often leads to trismus, a condition characterized by limited mouth opening. Exercise‐based therapy is the most common intervention but there are no clear guidelines as to the optimal exercise regimen. Restorabite™ is a portable and force‐regulated trismus device designed to enhance exercise adherence. This study explores the adherence to exercises using Restorabite™ in head and neck cancer patients with trismus and identifies facilitators and barriers to exercise therapy.

Materials and methods

Mixed‐methods, prospective cohort study undertaken at a quaternary oncology hospital, in Sydney Australia involving participants diagnosed with head and neck cancer diagnosed with trismus (maximal incisal opening under 35 mm). Patients underwent a 10‐week individualized trismus program using Restorabite™ with weekly speech pathology reviews. Exercise adherence was tracked through categorized descriptors. Data were collected prospectively at baseline, during 10 weeks of therapy with Restorabite™, and at 6‐ and 12‐month post‐trismus exercise. Participants described facilitators of trismus therapy, and barriers to completing the prescribed exercises. Clinical documentation of these responses was then analyzed using content analysis.

Results

One‐hundred and thirty‐five participants were recruited. During the intervention 69% (n = 93) exercised as recommended, 24% (n = 32) exercised less, and 7% (n = 10) exercised more than recommended. At 6 months post‐intervention, 55.5% (n = 75) exercised as recommended, 38.5% (n = 52) exercised less, and 4% (n = 6) exercised more. At 12 months, 36% (n = 49) exercised as recommended, 48% (n = 62) exercised less, and 11% (n = 15) exercised more. MIO increased from a mean of 18.6 mm at baseline, to 30.1 mm at the end of the 10‐week intervention. This was maintained at 6 and 12 months (31.7 and 32.1 mm, respectively). Adherence to the exercise program was associated with greater improvement in maximum interincisal opening (p < 0.001). Facilitators of adherence included intrinsic motivation, device portability, perceived functional change, and external support tools. Barriers included cancer treatment toxicities, competing priorities, and health challenges. Positive outcomes included functional improvements, while negative outcomes included increased pain.

Conclusions

Seventy‐six percent of patients prescribed Restorabite™ performed trismus exercises at or more than the recommended frequency. Facilitators and barriers identified provide insights into factors influencing adherence. Future research should involve comparative studies that compare the adherence and effectiveness of different exercise programs.
The evolving pattern of the monoclonal protein improves the IMWG 2/20/20 classification for patients with smoldering multiple myeloma
Authors: de Daniel Anna , Rodríguez‐Lobato Luis Gerardo , Tovar Natalia , Cibeira M. Teresa , Moreno David F. , Oliver‐Caldés Aina , Isola Ignacio , Lozano Ester , Bladé Joan , Rosiñol Laura , Fernández de Larrea Carlos
Published: May 2024

The 2/20/20 International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) score is the most employed risk score in clinical practice to evaluate the risk of progression from smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) to symptomatic multiple myeloma. However, it faces a serious limitation: The risk score is applied at diagnosis and cannot be reapplied. Since a dynamic accurate patient risk assessment for progression is necessary, we aimed to investigate whether the detection of an evolving pattern in serum M‐protein (SMP) improves the identification of high‐risk patients. Eighty‐three patients diagnosed with SMM between 2011 and 2020 were included. Patients were initially classified applying the 2/20/20 IMWG score at baseline and later reclassified depending on the presence of an SMP evolving pattern into six groups. We regrouped the patients into three final risk groups: low‐risk, intermediate‐risk, and high‐risk. The risk of progression at two years for the high‐risk group was 88% and all patients had progressed at 4 years. The performance measurements were superior for the new 2/20/20‐Evolving score independently for the detection of high‐risk patients. We show that the sequential measurement of the SMP is a noninvasive and widely available test that improves the 2/20/20 IMWG risk score.
Determinants of severe acute malnutrition among children less than five years visiting health centers in Leqa Dulacha District, East Wallaga Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia: A case control study
Authors: Begna Garoma , Bikila Haile , Biru Bayise , Diriba Debelo , Tolera Chimdesa , Dessalegn Ra'el , Tafesse Temesgen , Amenu Dessalegn
Published: May 2024

Background

In underdeveloped nations like Ethiopia, severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is one of the most pressing public health issues. Despite efforts to pinpoint the causes of SAM, the impact of parents' drug usage on their children's nutritional status remains unclear and unresolved.

Objective

The purpose of this research was to determine the risk factors for SAM in children under five who were attending medical facilities in the Leqa Dulacha district.

Materials and Methods

A health facility‐based case‐control study was carried out from March 1 to July 30, 2022, with 256 children under the age of five. Random sampling was used to identify study participants in a methodical manner. Mothers and other child caretakers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire and anthropometric measurements were performed using standardized, calibrated equipment. Epi‐data version 3.1 was used to code and enter the data, and it was then exported to IBM SPSS for analysis. An analysis of multivariable binary logistic regression was conducted, and the measure of association employed was the adjusted odds ratio (AOR), with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

A total of 96.5% of respondents responded. SAM in children was significantly correlated with the following factors: parent alcohol consumption [AOR = 3.142; 95% CI = (1.104, 8.945)]; child illness in the previous 15 days [AOR = 4.122; 95% CI = (1.686, 10.07)]; poor dietary diversity [AOR = 3.044; 95% CI = (1.189, 7.788)]; household food insecurity [AOR = 4.024; 95% CI = (1.544, 10.490)]; and parent chewing chat [AOR = 3.484; 95% CI = (1.329, 9.134)].

Conclusions

A number of factors have been linked to SAM in children, including the use of health services, the child's illness within the previous 15 days, food security, child feeding practices, and parent substance use. Therefore, it is important to emphasize the value of health education programs on child feeding habits, particularly the significance of dietary diversity, and to work together to modify the way that parents raise their children.
The efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors on low PD‐L1 cervical cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Wutao , Zhang Nan , He Zhihong , Li Qing , Wang You , Lou Weihua , Di Wen
Published: May 2024

Background and Aims

The effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in low programmed death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) expression in cervical cancer (CC) patients remains unknown. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ICIs in low PD‐L1 expression CC patients.

Methods

The study is an individual patient data (IPD)‐based meta‐analysis. IPD were compiled through KMSubtraction and IPDfromKM methodologies from high‐quality randomized clinical trials and single‐arm studies which reported overall survival (OS) or progression‐free survival (PFS) stratified by PD‐L1 expression. Kaplan−Meier curves and Cox regression analysis were employed to evaluate the survival benefits of ICIs.

Results

A total of eight studies and 1110 cases were included in the analysis. Within the low PD‐L1 expression subgroup, ICI combination therapy, but not ICI monotherapy, demonstrated significant OS benefits over non‐ICI treatment (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.36−1.04, p = 0.06). Concerning PFS, ICI monotherapy was associated with a negative effect compared to non‐ICI treatment (HR = 4.59, 95% CI: 2.32−9.07, p < 0.001). Notably, both OS and PFS outcomes were unfavorable for ICI monotherapy compared to both non‐ICI and ICI combination therapy in the combined positive score <1 subgroup (OS: HR = 2.60, 95% CI: 1.31−5.16, p = 0.008; PFS: HR = 7.59, 95% CI: 3.53−16.31, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

In patients with CC and low PD‐L1 expression, ICI monotherapy may not be considered as the optimal treatment strategy when compared to non‐ICI treatment or ICI combination therapy.

Registration

CRD42023395103.
Evapotranspiration variation of soil‐plant‐atmosphere continuum in subalpine scrubland of Qilian Mountains in China
Authors: Yu Zhijie , Jia Wenxiong , Zhang Miaomiao , Zhang Fuhua , Lan Xin , Zhang Yue , Luo Huifang
Published: May 2024

The water cycle in the soil‐plant‐atmosphere continuum is an important element of hydrological and ecological studies, and differences in the composition characteristics of hydrogen and oxygen stable isotopes in different water bodies can indicate water cycling processes. In this study, hydrogen and oxygen isotopes of precipitation, soil water and plant water samples had been collected in the subalpine scrubland of the Qilian Mountains from May to October 2019. The Craig‐Gordon model, the isotopic steady‐state (ISS) assumption, the Keeling Plot model and the two‐source mixing model were used to analyse the stable isotope compositions of different water bodies, the stable isotope characteristics of water vapour of soil evaporation and plant transpiration and the variation of evapotranspiration in the SPAC of the subalpine scrubland. The results showed that plant transpiration (FT) contributed 87.28% and 86.95% to evapotranspiration and soil evaporation (FE) contributed 12.72% and 13.05% to evapotranspiration in the growing season on semi‐sunny and semi‐shaded aspects, respectively, indicating that evapotranspiration in the subalpine scrubland mainly came from the transpiration of scrubland plants. In the early of the growing season (May–June), due to the rapid expansion of plant leaves, the contribution of transpiration to evapotranspiration was at a high level, which intensified transpiration and led to a gradual increase of the transpiration contribution. In the middle of the growing season (July–August), owing to better conditions of rain and heat that made plants grow vigorously, plant transpiration made the highest contribution to evapotranspiration more than 90%, which caused to an overwhelming contribution of plant transpiration to evapotranspiration. In the later of growing season (September to October), the contribution of plant transpiration to evapotranspiration decreased significantly while that of soil evaporation increased, which was because plant photosynthesis and respiration gradually declined for losing their leaves of scrub plants and the relative atmospheric humidity was lower.
Why do firms extend trade credit? The role of inventories
Authors: Fernandes Filipa Da Silva , Guariglia Alessandra , Kontonikas Alexandros , Tsoukas Serafeim
Published: May 2024

We are the first to explore the role of inventories as a trade credit driver in an economic/financial crisis setting. To this end, we make use of a panel of 198,024 manufacturing firms from eleven euro‐area countries over the period 2006–2022. We find an inverse relationship between the stock of inventories and trade credit extended, which is magnified during the recent sovereign debt crisis. These results are robust to using different definitions of trade credit extended and of the crisis. Furthermore, we find that the association between inventories and trade credit extended is driven by financially constrained firms and firms producing differentiated products.
pH‐responsive albumin‐mimetic synthetic nanoprobes for magnetic resonance/fluorescence imaging of thyroid cancer
Authors: Xie Zhengrong , Hao Liguo , Liu Jinren , Guo Changzhi , Jia Qiushi , Wu Shuang , Li Fulin , Li Chunxiang , Li Zhongyuan
Published: May 2024

The combination of magnetic resonance and fluorescence imaging in dual‐modality imaging not only resolves the limitations of conventional single molecular imaging techniques in terms of specificity, sensitivity, and resolution but also expands the possibilities of molecular imaging techniques in diagnostics and therapeutic monitoring. Herein, a novel pH‐responsive magnetic resonance/near‐infrared fluorescence (MR/NIRF) nanoprobe (MnO2@BSA‐Cy5.5) was successfully prepared by biomineralizing manganese dioxide (MnO2) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) while coupling fluorescent dye Cy5.5 for precise tumor detection and visualization. The synthesized MnO2@BSA‐Cy5.5 nanoprobes were spherical particles of approximately 22.62 ± 3.31 nm in size, and their relaxation rates and T1 imaging signals were activated‐enhanced in an acidic environment. Cytotoxicity assay and hematoxylin and eosin staining demonstrated that MnO2@BSA‐Cy5.5 had low cytotoxicity and good biocompatibility. More importantly, active targeting via solid tumor albumin‐binding protein receptor and enhanced permeability and retention effect, the probe can be specifically aggregated to the tumor site of the 8305C tumor model and exhibit excellent MR/NIRF imaging properties. Our results show that MnO2@BSA‐Cy5.5 has high resolution and sensitivity in tumor imaging and is expected to be applied as an MR/NIRF contrast agent for accurate diagnosis of thyroid cancer.
Perovskite materials advance the potent sensor exploration
Authors: Ouyang Ruizhuo , Shen Hongyu , Feng Meina , Huang Ying , Ma Yuanhui , Zhao Yuefeng , Liu Xi , Miao Yuqing
Published: May 2024

Perovskite materials with unique crystal structure have developed rapidly in recent years owing to their special physical and chemical properties, such as high light absorption and extraordinary electrocatalytic properties. Metal halide perovskites are quite attractive in various fields because of their simple manufacturing process, adjustable band gap, good charge transfer performance, and high theoretical photoelectric conversion efficiency. Therefore, perovskite oxides mixed with metal elements become ideal samples for studying the surface and catalytic performance of catalysts. In this review, various metal perovskites are clearly classified and introduced according to the corresponding synthesis methods, including hydrothermal method, sol–gel method, and high‐temperature solid phase, as well as coprecipitation. The excellent properties of perovskite make it extensively used in nanotechnology, chemistry, environmental protection, and material science, especially in solar cells and sensors. In particular, the nanosized perovskite materials are becoming more and more popular in sensors, which was reviewed in detail here. Most importantly, the design of electrochemical sensors using perovskite nanomaterials with low detection limit and high sensitivity will bring new insight into the detection of biomolecules. Both challenges and prospects of metal perovskites were discussed for promoting the development of biosensors in the end.
Morin‐enabled ratiometric dopamine detection by forming azamonardine product
Authors: Fan Xinyu , Yu Jingxin , Gao Xingzhong , Lu Fengniu , Yuan Zhiqin
Published: May 2024

The important role to neuron communication and brain functions makes the selective and accurate detection of dopamine (DA, a typical neurotransmitter) significant. In this study, a morin‐based probe has been reported for the ratiometric DA detection. The mechanism study discloses that the inside resorcinol motif can specifically react with DA and form fluorescent azamonardine‐like product. In addition, the intrinsic emission from the internal chromophore endows ratiometric variation. With these features, selective DA sensing is realized using morin probe with a limit of detection of 2.2 nM (S/N = 3). Moreover, the practical application of the proposed method is further validated by the accurate DA determination in urine samples. This work demonstrates the possible exploration of novel small molecule‐based ratiometric‐sensing systems toward various analytes with the combination of proper reaction motif and chromophore. It is expected that the development of versatile probes for the ratiometric and accurate recognition of environmental and biological markers can refer such a design strategy.
Phytochemical screening, antibacterial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities of Geranium pusillum leaves
Authors: Mehmood Faisal , Hassan Faiza , Sarfraz Rafaqat , Khadim Zeeshan , Alamer Khalid H. , Attia Houneida , Saleh Muneera A. , Al‐Robai Sami Asir , Zaman Qamar uz , Iftikhar Zohaib
Published: May 2024

Traditional medicinal plants play an important role in primary health care worldwide. The phytochemical screening and activities of Geranium pusillum were investigated in this research. The dried plant leaves were extracted with ethanol, n‐hexane, chloroform, dichloromethane, methanol, acetone, and aqueous solvents. These extracts were qualitatively analyzed, GC–MS, antimicrobial activities by using the disc diffusion method, antioxidant activity was determined by 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picryl‐hydrazyl‐hydrate (DPPH) radical scavenging, and cytotoxic activity was analyzed by the hemolytic activity of human red blood cells. The results showed phytochemicals such as flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, phenols, saponins, tannins, and cardiac glycosides were detected in plant leaves. The ethanol extract at a concentration of 10 mg/mL showed a maximum inhibition zone 17.5 ± 0.09, 15.6 ± 0.11, 14.2 ± 0.17, 18.4 ± 0.11, 16.6 ± 0.15, 12.5 ± 0.13, 15.9 ± 0.10, and 13.1 ± 0.11 mm, and at 15 mg/mL showed 24.5 ± 0.09, 27.2 ± 0.12, 26.3 ± 0.17, 28.4 ± 0.10, 27.9 ± 0.16, 22.5 ± 0.13, 27.1 ± 0.10, and 24.1 ± 0.16 mm against Escherichia coli, Pasturella multocida (gram‐negative), Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilus (gram‐positive), Rhizopus solani, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, and Alternaria alternate (fungal strain), respectively, and dichloromethane showed a minimum inhibition zone as compared to other extracts against bacterial as well as fungal strains. Chloroform extract had maximum antioxidant activity (45.00 ± 0.08%) and minimum in dichloromethane (12.20 ± 0.04%). Cytotoxic activity was found maximum in acetone extract (19.83 ± 0.07%) and minimum in ethanol extract (4.72 ± 0.04%). It is concluded that phytochemicals like phenols, flavonoids, and others may be responsible for these activities, which is why this plant is used for traditional medicine.

Research Highlights

Geranium pusillum has therapeutic properties that exhibit various biological activities beneficial for human health.

G. pusillum has significant inhibitory effects against bacterial and fungal strains.

Chloroform solvent extract indicates potential free radical scavenging abilities.

Acetone extract exhibits notable effects on human red blood cells and demonstrates significant cytotoxic activity.
Denitrifying bioreactors and dissolved phosphorus: Net source or sink?
Authors: Bailon A. P. Sanchez‐Bustamante , Margenot A. , Cooke R. A. C. , Christianson L. E.
Published: May 2024

Understanding the world through a lens of phosphorus (P), as Dr. Andrew Sharpley aimed to do, adds a deeper dimension for water quality work in the heavily tile‐drained US Midwest where nitrate is often the nutrient of biggest concern. Denitrifying woodchip bioreactors reduce nitrate pollution in drainage water, but dissolved phosphorus leached from the organic fill is a possible pollution tradeoff. Recent work by Dr. Sharpley and others defined such tradeoffs as strategic decisions in which a negative outcome is accepted with prior knowledge of the risk. In this vein, we assessed 23 site‐years from full‐size bioreactors in Illinois to determine if bioreactors were a net dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) source and, if so, to determine flow‐related correlation agents (1904 sample events; 10 bioreactors). DRP was removed across the bioreactors in 15 of 23 site‐years. The 23 site‐years provided a median annual DRP removal efficiency of 12% and a median annual DRP removal rate of 7.1 mg DRP/m3 bioreactor per day, but the ranges of all removal metrics overlapped zero. The highest daily bioreactor DRP removal rates occurred with high inflow concentrations and under low hydraulic retention times (i.e., under higher loading). Dr. Sharpley was one of the first to explore losses of DRP in subsurface drainage and performed decades of useful applied studies that inspired approaches to management of P loss on both drained and undrained land. We seek to honor this legacy with this practical study of the DRP benefits and tradeoffs of denitrifying bioreactors.
Changes in intrahost genetic diversity according to lesion severity in longitudinal HPV16 samples
Authors: Costanzi Jean‐Marc , Stosic Milan S. , Løvestad Alexander H. , Ambur Ole H. , Rounge Trine B. , Christiansen Irene K.
Published: May 2024

Human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) is the most common cause of cervical cancer, but most infections are transient with lesions not progressing to cancer. There is a lack of specific biomarkers for early cancer risk stratification. This study aimed to explore the intrahost HPV16 genomic variation in longitudinal samples from HPV16‐infected women with different cervical lesion severity (normal, low‐grade, and high‐grade). The TaME‐seq deep sequencing protocol was used to generate whole genome HPV16 sequences of 102 samples collected over time from 40 individuals. Single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and intrahost SNVs (iSNVs) were identified in the viral genomes. A majority of individuals had a unique set of SNVs and these SNVs were stable over time. Overall, the number of iSNVs and APOBEC3‐induced iSNVs were significantly lower in high‐grade relative to normal and low‐grade samples. A significant increase in the number of APOBEC3‐induced iSNVs over time was observed for normal samples when compared to high‐grade. Our results indicates that the lower incidence of iSNVs and APOBEC3‐induced iSNVs in high‐grade lesions may have implications for novel biomarkers discoveries, potentially aiding early stratification of HPV‐induced cervical precancerous lesions.
Influencing factors on regeneration and seedling survival prediction in Larix principis‐rupprechtii plantations in northern China
Authors: Wei Xi , Liang Wenjun
Published: May 2024

The natural regeneration of forest ecosystems is crucial for their sustainability, but uncertainties have impeded the regeneration of some tree species. Identifying influencing factors and effective strategies to enhance seedling survival and growth is essential. We investigated factors affecting the natural regeneration of Larix principis‐rupprechtii and provided insights into seedling survival and growth. Eighteen artificial L. principis‐rupprechtii forest plots were established and monitored for 3 years. A logistic regression analysis and generalized linear models were used to investigate the influence of stand age, diameter at ground level, height, and other microhabitat factors on seedling regeneration. The microhabitat factors significantly influenced the overall L. principis‐rupprechtii regeneration density, as well as the density and growth of regenerated trees in different height classes. The area under the curve values for total nitrogen (0.796), total phosphorus (0.726), soil moisture (0.759), and litter thickness (0.633) were the highest, indicating a significant impact on the survival rate and mortality of the seedlings. Among these values, total nitrogen sensitivity (0.857) and specificity (0.810) were the highest, and the optimal threshold was 0.940. The survival rate decreased with increasing forest age, and the stands aged 4–7 years with a height of 1–2.5 m and a diameter at the ground level of approximately 2 cm constituted a relatively vulnerable and critical set of conditions for the survival of L. principis‐rupprechtii seedlings. The model showed that at 12 years old, L. principis‐rupprechtii trees were no longer vulnerable to mortality. The Kaplan–Meier model predicted future seedling survival through the construction of the comprehensive influence value and the measured seedling survival number. The model can be used to evaluate the survival rate for the final regeneration of a species, and targeted artificial seeding or replanting can improve the proportion of seedlings that survive. Our findings contribute to elucidating the factors affecting the natural regeneration of forest species and provide valuable insights for the development of effective regeneration strategies.
COMPUTATIONAL LEADERSHIP: REMAINING INNOVATIVE AND PEOPLE‐CENTERED IN THE AGE OF AI
Authors: Spisak Brian R.
Published: May 2024

Spisak conducts a variety of activities and areas of research, including being a research associate at the National Preparedness Leadership Initiative (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University). His major concept, computational leadership, is described as a “leadership process that seamlessly integrates high‐quality data and state‐of‐the‐art technology with practical insights and validated social science.” In discussion of his creation of the concept, he writes that “science provides a clear plan of action, data informs this plan, tech scales it, and experience makes it human,” and in the intersection of artificial intelligence/AI and leadership, he notes his personal principle and motto: “Leadership First, Tech Last.” He writes of the dangers and potential pitfalls of organizational use of chatbots, and of the dangers of “blind adoption of technology without a robust plan in place.” For the application of computational leadership, five steps are outlined, which in his words are (1) Define Ambitious Goals Guided by Science (2) Leverage Data for Strategic Decision‐Making (3) Embrace Technology with Purpose (4) Combine Experience with Innovation (5) Communicate Your Vision Clearly. Responsible AI is outlined in his words in four imperatives: Informed participation; transparent objectives; Employee and Stakeholder Well‐Being; and Data Management.
LEADING STRATEGY EXECUTION
Authors: Edinger Scott K.
Published: May 2024

The author, who is recognized as an expert in the intersection of leadership, strategy, and sales, contends that “if leaders are going to successfully drive the execution of their organization’s strategy, they need to strike the right balance of defining the work to be done and providing the boundaries for how it will be done.” He notes that for “leading strategy execution, I employ a model called magnets and milestones, a simple metaphorical model that offers a bridge from the strategy developed by leaders over to the execution required to realize the plan.” He explains that “the first level of magnets is what many of my clients call strategic initiatives, a kind of super project that is designed to address the needs identified in their organization’s strategy.” And within milestones, “too often, metrics become a substitute for strategy. But metrics are not milestones. They don’t help to make course corrections, allocate resources, or support decision‐making. Milestones do.” He concludes that the framework “allows you to rapidly spot issues with implementation that you need to be aware of and address. More importantly, magnets and milestones are not a substitute for strategy. They are an extension of it.”
Does the digital economy development improve or exacerbate income inequality? International evidence
Authors: Wang Feng , Shen Shaoxin
Published: May 2024

With the fast development of the digital economy, this study concentrates on the influence of digital economy development on income inequality in 97 countries. Three results are discovered. Firstly, the digital economy development contributes to improving income inequality, but this effect is weakened by the moderating effect of globalization globally. Secondly, digital economic development improves income inequality in lower‐middle‐income and low‐income countries; while the high‐income countries and upper‐middle‐income are not significant. Thirdly, the mechanisms reducing inequality are explored in terms of generating industries with low barriers to new entrants, reducing labor market information asymmetries, and promoting human capital equalization.
Digital ecosystem, entrepreneurial ecosystem and economic development as enablers of digital technology entrepreneurship
Authors: Ali Jabir , Jabeen Zakia
Published: May 2024

This paper analyses the digital ecosystem (DES), entrepreneurial ecosystem (EES) and economic development (ED) indicators as key determinants of digital technology entrepreneurship (DTE) across the globe. The correlation matrix depicts an important relationship between DTE, DES, EES and ED. Further, the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS‐SEM) results show that DES and EES have a favourable and significant influence on the establishment of digital technology entrepreneurship (DTE) globally. However, the ED, though, has a positive and significant impact on EES and DES, not directly impacting DTE. The study is useful to various stakeholders such as entrepreneurs, funding agencies, policymakers and researchers in their decision‐making process.
Federal report reveals lack of BH providers in Medicare, Medicaid programs
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: May 2024

Few behavioral health providers in selected counties are actively serving Medicare and Medicaid enrollees, causing enrollees who experience difficulty accessing providers delays in care and the potential to forgo treatment altogether, according to a new report released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Inspector General (OIG).
Metabolism of 11′‐α‐ and 11′‐γ‐Tocomonoenols in HepG2 Cells Favors the γ‐Congener and Results Predominantly in Carboxymethylbutyl‐Hydroxychromans
Authors: Montoya‐Arroyo Alexander , Brand Viola , Kröpfl Alexander , Vetter Walter , Frank Jan
Published: May 2024

Scope

Tocomonoenols (T1) are little‐known vitamin E derivatives naturally occurring in foods. Limited knowledge exists regarding the cellular uptake and metabolism of α‐tocomonoenol (αT1) and none about that of γ‐tocomonoenol (γT1).

Methods and results

The study investigates the cytotoxicity, uptake, and metabolism of αT1 and γT1 in HepG2 cells compared to the α‐ and γ‐tocopherols (T) and ‐tocotrienols (T3). None of the studied tocochromanols are cytotoxic up to 100 µmol L−1. The uptake of the γ‐congeners is significantly higher than that of the corresponding α‐forms, whereas no significant differences are observed based on the degree of saturation of the sidechain. Carboxymethylbutyl‐hydroxychromans (CMBHC) are the predominant short‐chain metabolites of all tocochromanols and conversion is higher for γT1 than αT1 as well as for the γ‐congeners of T and T3. The rate of metabolism increases with the number of double bonds in the sidechain. The rate of metabolic conversion of the T1 is more similar to tocopherols than to that of the tocotrienols.

Conclusion

This is the first evidence that both αT1 and γT1 follow the same sidechain degradation pathway and exert similar rates of metabolism than tocopherols. Therefore, investigation into the biological activities of tocomonoenols is warranted.
Noise power spectrum (NPS) in computed tomography: Enabling local NPS measurement without stationarity and ergodicity assumptions
Authors: Zhang Chengzhu , Li Ke , Zhang Ran , Chen Guang‐Hong
Published: May 2024

Background

Conventional methods for estimating the noise power spectrum (NPS) often necessitate multiple computed tomography (CT) data acquisitions and are required to satisfy stringent stationarity and ergodicity conditions, which prove challenging in CT imaging systems.

Purpose

The aim was to revisit the conventional NPS estimation method, leading to a new framework that estimates local NPS without relying on stationarity or ergodicity, thus facilitating experimental NPS estimations.

Methods

The scientific foundation of the conventional CT NPS measurement method, based on the Wiener‐Khintchine theorem, was reexamined, emphasizing the critical conditions of stationarity and ergodicity. This work proposes an alternative framework, characterized by its independence from stationarity and ergodicity, and its ability to facilitate local NPS estimations. A spatial average of local NPS over a Region of Interest (ROI) yields the conventional NPS for that ROI. The connections and differences between the proposed alternative method and the conventional method are discussed. Experimental studies were conducted to validate the new method.

Results

(1) The NPS estimated using the conventional method was demonstrated to correspond to the spatial average of pointwise NPS from the proposed NPS estimation framework. (2) The NPS estimated over an ROI with the conventional method was shown to be the sum of the NPS estimated from the proposed method and a contribution from measurement uncertainty. (3) Local NPS estimations from the proposed method in this work elucidate the impact of surrounding image content on local NPS variations.

Conclusion

The NPS estimation method proposed in this work allows for the estimation of local NPS without relying on stationarity and ergodicity conditions, offering local NPS estimations with significantly improved precision.
Numerical algorithm for estimating a conditioned symmetric positive definite matrix under constraints
Authors: Livne Oren E. , Castellano Katherine E. , McCaffrey Dan F.
Published: May 2024

We present RCO (regularized Cholesky optimization): a numerical algorithm for finding a symmetric positive definite (PD) matrix with a bounded condition number that minimizes an objective function. This task arises when estimating a covariance matrix from noisy data or due to model constraints, which can cause spurious small negative eigenvalues. A special case is the problem of finding the nearest well‐conditioned PD matrix to a given matrix. RCO explicitly optimizes the entries of the Cholesky factor. This requires solving a regularized non‐linear, non‐convex optimization problem, for which we apply Newton‐CG and exploit the Hessian's sparsity. The regularization parameter is determined via numerical continuation with an accuracy‐conditioning trade‐off criterion. We apply RCO to our motivating educational measurement application of estimating the covariance matrix of an empirical best linear prediction (EBLP) of school growth scores. We present numerical results for two empirical datasets, state and urban. RCO outperforms general‐purpose near‐PD algorithms, obtaining ‐smaller matrix reconstruction bias and smaller EBLP estimator mean‐squared error. It is in fact the only algorithm that solves the right minimization problem, which strikes a balance between the objective function and the condition number. RCO can be similarly applied to the stable estimation of other posterior means. For the task of finding the nearest PD matrix, RCO yields similar condition numbers to near‐PD methods, but provides a better overall near‐null space.
Assessments of Subjective Visual Gravity and Spontaneous Nystagmus in Patients With Vestibular Neuritis
Authors: Xia Shan , Lai Yajing , Dong Lingkang , Yu Dongzhen , Li Zhuangzhuang , Xing Yazhi
Published: May 2024

Objective

This study aimed to assess the correlation between the spontaneous nystagmus (SN) and the subjective visual vertical/horizontal (SVV/SVH) among patients with vestibular neuritis (VN) at the different head positions.

Study Design

Case‐control study.

Setting

Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine.

Methods

This study evaluated the SVV/SVH in both healthy subjects and patients with VN. These evaluations were performed in 5 different head positions: upright, 45° tilt to the left, 90° tilt to the left, 45° tilt to the right, and 90° tilt to the right. Additionally, the intensity of SN, as measured by slow‐phase velocity, was recorded.

Results

In patients with VN, a significant correlation was observed between SN and SVV/SVH in an upright position. The intensity of SN was higher when the head was tilted 90° toward the affected side compared to other positions. The SVV/SVH displayed an ipsiversive shift, when the head was tilted toward both the lesion and unaffected sides, exhibiting a contraversive direction. Furthermore, the changes in position‐induced SN were consistent with the displacements of SVV and SVH caused by head tilt.

Conclusion

The presence of SN in patients with VN was observed to vary across different head position. These variations could potentially be attributed to the diverse activation patterns of the mechanical properties of otolith organs that are induced by head tilts.
The development of fatigue after treatment for pediatric brain tumors does not differ between tumor locations
Authors: Irestorm Elin , Schouten‐van Meeteren Antoinette Y. N. , van Gorp Marloes , Twisk Jos W. R. , van Santen Hanneke M. , Partanen Marita , Grootenhuis Martha A. , van Litsenburg Raphaele R. L.
Published: May 2024

Background

Children and adolescents treated for a brain tumor suffer from more fatigue than survivors of other types of childhood cancer. As tumor location might be predictive of fatigue, our aim was to investigate the longitudinal development of fatigue in children with brain tumors and risk factors for fatigue separately for different tumor locations.

Methods

Fatigue was assessed 1235 times for 425 participants. Self‐report versions of PedsQL Multidimensional Fatigue Scale were used to repeatedly assess fatigue from the end of treatment up to 8 years later. Mixed models were used to analyze fatigue over time and determinants separately for infratentorial (N = 205), supratentorial hemispheric (N = 91), and supratentorial midline tumors (N = 129).

Results

Cognitive fatigue worsened with time, while sleep‐rest and general fatigue first decreased and then increased. There was no difference in fatigue between the tumor locations, but the risk factors differed when stratified by location. Radiotherapy was associated with more fatigue for infratentorial tumors, and centralization of care was associated with less fatigue for the supratentorial midline tumors. For supratentorial hemispheric tumors, female sex was associated with more fatigue. Higher parental education was associated with less fatigue regardless of tumor location.

Conclusions

The development of fatigue seems to be more related to sociodemographic and treatment variables than to tumor location. Healthcare providers need to be aware that fatigue may develop in the years following end of treatment, and that patients with a low/middle educational family background might be more vulnerable and in need of targeted support.
The efficacy of curcumin supplementation on serum total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, and disease activity in women with rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Pourhabibi‐Zarandi Fatemeh , Rafraf Maryam , Zayeni Habib , Asghari‐Jafarabadi Mohammad , Ebrahimi Ali‐Asghar
Published: May 2024

Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the physiopathology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which is associated with impaired antioxidant defenses. This study aimed to investigate the effects of curcumin supplementation on serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and disease activity in women with RA. In this clinical trial, 48 women with RA were treated with one capsule of curcumin (500 mg daily) or placebo for 8 weeks. Anthropometric measurements and fasting blood samples were collected at baseline and end of the study. Finally, we assessed the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS‐28), dietary intake, and physical activity levels. While curcumin supplementation for 8 weeks significantly increased the serum levels of TAC (p < 0.05), it decreased tender joint counts, swollen joint counts, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and DAS‐28 compared to the placebo at the end of the study (p < 0.001 for all). MDA levels significantly decreased in the curcumin group (p < 0.05). However, changes in MDA concentration were not significant between groups at the end of the trial (p = 0.145). Curcumin supplementation had a beneficial effect on increasing the serum levels of TAC and decreased DAS‐28 in women with RA.
Generation of Multiparticle Knill‐Laflamme‐Milburn States in Circuit QED via Counter‐Rotating Interactions
Authors: Liu Yang , Shi Zhi‐Cheng , Song Jie , Chen Ye‐Hong , Xia Yan
Published: May 2024

A protocol is proposed for generating three‐particle Knill‐Laflamme‐Milburn (KLM) states in a system composed of two frequency‐tunable flux qubits and a coplanar waveguide resonator. With the help of the counter‐rotating interaction, the protocol for generating three‐particle KLM states can be realized. The numerical results reveal that the protocol is robust against the effects induced by decoherence and frequency‐tuning operations. It is hope that the protocol provides an alternative method to generate entangled states.
Recent Advances in Catalyst Design and Performance Optimization of Nanostructured Cathode Materials in Zinc–Air Batteries
Authors: Shi Haiyang , Gao Sanshuang , Liu Xijun , Wang Yin , Zhou Shuxing , Liu Qian , Zhang Lei , Hu Guangzhi
Published: May 2024

This review focuses on the advanced design and optimization of nanostructured zinc–air batteries (ZABs), with the aim of boosting their energy storage and conversion capabilities. The findings show that ZABs favor porous nanostructures owing to their large surface area, and this enhances the battery capacity, catalytic activity, and life cycle. In addition, the nanomaterials improve the electrical conductivity, ion transport, and overall battery stability, which crucially reduces dendrite growth on the zinc anodes and improves cycle life and energy efficiency. To obtain a superior performance, the importance of controlling the operational conditions and using custom nanostructural designs, optimal electrode materials, and carefully adjusted electrolytes is highlighted. In conclusion, porous nanostructures and nanoscale materials significantly boost the energy density, longevity, and efficiency of Zn–air batteries. It is suggested that future research should focus on the fundamental design principles of these materials to further enhance the battery performance and drive sustainable energy solutions.