bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and evaluation of simulation‐based scenario education program for professional oral hygiene care in intubated patient
Authors: Choi Ma‐I , Noh Hie‐Jin , Han Sun‐Young , Bae Sung‐Suk , Kim GiYon , Mun So‐Jung
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study was conducted to develop a professional oral hygiene care (POHC) simulation education program for intubated patients and to evaluate the suitability of education by evaluating the performance confidence (PC), critical thinking disposition (CT), and learning satisfaction (LS) of dental hygiene students.

Methods

This study developed a POHC simulation education program (theory, skill training, scenario education, and debriefing) for intubated patients through expert validation and consisted of a single‐group pre‐ and postexperiment design. The subjects were 3rd and 4th year students at the Department of Dental Hygiene in Wonju City, and a total of 30 people were enrolled. The collected data were analyzed using the PASW Statistics version 23.0. The content validity test was measured by the CVI (Content validity index) value, and the PC, CT, and LS of the subjects before and after participating in the program were analyzed using a paired t‐test. The significance level (α) was based on .05.

Results

After the program, the PC improved from 4.29 ± 0.43 to 4.54 ± 0.44, and there was a significant difference (p = .004). CT improved from 3.73 ± 0.36 to 3.84 ± 0.36, but there was no significant difference (p = .062), and prudence improved from 4.21 ± 0.33 to 4.43 ± 0.27, and there was significant difference. (p = .001). LS increased from 4.66 ± 0.36 to 4.90 ± 0.16 after education, and there was a significant difference (p = .002).

Conclusion(s)

Simulation education program improved dental hygiene students' POHC performance confidence. Various scenarios will need to be developed in the future, and it is necessary to evaluate simulation education within the dental hygiene curriculum and identify areas for improvement.
Role of the testicular capsule in seasonal modulation of the testis
Authors: Pandey Surya Prakash , Mohanty Banalata
Published: August 2023

While the seasonal testicular cycle has been well studied regarding internal components, no attention has been given to the testicular capsule (tunica albuginea and tunica serosa). This study elucidated the structure‐function modulations of intra‐testicular functions by its capsule in the finch red munia (Amandava amandava) during the annual testicular cycle. The birds were studied during breeding (preparatory and breeding) and nonbreeding (regressive and quiescent) reproductive phases using hematoxylin‐eosin and acridine orange‐ethidium bromide capsule staining, hormonal ELISA (LH and testosterone) and immunohistochemical expression of neuropeptides (GnRH, GnIH) and androgen receptor (AR). The thickness of the tunica albuginea was significantly increased with multiple myoid layers during the nonbreeding phases (p < 0.05). The thickness of the tunica serosa was not altered, although characteristics and distribution of squamous cells showed significant seasonal alterations. Immunoreactive (‐ir) AR and GnIH cells were differentially localized on both layers of the capsule. Strong AR‐ir cells on tunica serosa during breeding phases showed increased expression of the receptor; a significant increase in plasma LH and testosterone was also observed during the breeding cycle (p < 0.01). Contrarily, intense GnIH‐ir cells on both the capsular layers peaked during testicular regression. Differential structural alterations of the testicular capsule provide mechanical support and help maintain internal homeostasis in tune with changing seasons. The seasonal expressions and alterations of reproduction‐related receptors, hormones, and neuropeptides provide evidence for the potential regulatory roles of the capsule in the peripheral modulation of intratesticular functions.
The development and preliminary evaluation of the Genetic Counseling Skills Checklist
Authors: Hehmeyer Katherine N. , Zierhut Heather , Dedrick Robert , Dean Marleah , Schwarting Kathryn , Bellia Katie Sullivan , Cragun Deborah
Published: August 2023

Genetic counseling (GC) relies on communication to help people understand and adapt to genetic contributions of disease, and there is need for a practical and reliable method of comprehensively documenting GC communication skills without intensive coding. To this end, we created a novel process measure called the Genetic Counseling Skills Checklist (GCSC), utilizing previously validated measures, communication/counseling frameworks, and prior research findings. A multistage iterative process was used to develop, evaluate, and modify the GCSC to improve its clarity, usability, and content validity. To assess interrater reliability, randomly assigned, untrained individuals (i.e., coders) used the GCSC version 3 to code multiple simulated GC sessions. Average measures intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated for each of the 8 GCSC process categories using one‐way, random effects models. After relatively minor modifications to the GCSC, two pairs of experienced coders used GCSC version 4 to independently code additional GC sessions and Cohen's Kappa coefficients (κ) were calculated to assess interrater reliability for each process category. The GCSC contains five to eight items within each category and demonstrates good content validity given its ability to capture nearly all GC skills that genetic counselors reported using in a prior qualitative study. Interrater reliability of GCSC version 3 among coders with limited experience was moderate or good for 6 out of the 8 process categories as evidenced by ICCs ranging from 0.55 to 0.86. Average interrater reliability of GCSC version 4 among one pair of experienced coders was strong for all eight process categories (κ ranging from 0.82 to 0.94); among the second pair of experienced coders scores were strong for six categories (κ ranging from 0.80 to 0.87) and moderate for two categories (κ of 0.77 and 0.78). The results suggest the need for training and experience to assure adequate interrater reliability across GCSC coders. Future work is needed to create a formalized training program for coders, complete a larger study to further validate the measure, and use the GCSC to document variability in skills used across providers and sessions.
Can we understand the simultaneous evolution between economic and informality growth in Africa? A preliminary explanation
Authors: Njoya Loudi , Ngouhouo Ibrahim , Njoupouognigni Moussa , Friederich Schneider , Tourere Zenabou
Published: August 2023

This paper is interested in explaining the causes of the simultaneous evolution between economic and informality growth. Using a large annual panel of African countries with a time series of 25 years, our results are paradoxical: the effect of growth on the informal sector becomes contradictory in the presence of high corruption rates. When the corruption rate is low (>1.3577), growth is indirectly related to the informal sector and vice versa when it is high (<1.3577). The results, which highlight a previously unknown paradox, contribute significantly to the existing literature on the subject and are robust to alternative specifications. It is therefore desirable for policymakers to improve the transparency of interactions between firms, public and private agents to fight corruption.
The cost of keeping‐up with the Joneses: Relative deprivation and food spending in Cameroon
Authors: Wirba Ebenezer Lemven , Tingum Ernest Ngeh , Baye Francis Menjo
Published: August 2023

This paper examines the implications of keeping‐up with the Joneses for household food spending using a nationally representative data for Cameroon. Specifically, it employs the heteroskedasticity‐based identification strategy to address the endogeneity of relative deprivation and the recentred influence function (RIF) regression to account for heterogeneity in the effect of relative deprivation across percentiles. Mean regression results show that relative deprivation has a negative effect on food spending overall and the effect is stronger among rural households compared with urban households. The RIF regression results reveal that relative deprivation correlates negatively with food spending from the lower percentile up to 70th percentile, meanwhile, at the upper tail of the distribution, it has no significant effect. These findings have public policy implications for the taxation of luxury goods.
Cardiac MRI at Low Field Strengths
Authors: Campbell‐Washburn Adrienne E. , Varghese Juliet , Nayak Krishna S. , Ramasawmy Rajiv , Simonetti Orlando P.
Published: August 2023

Cardiac MR imaging is well established for assessment of cardiovascular structure and function, myocardial scar, quantitative flow, parametric mapping, and myocardial perfusion. Despite the clear evidence supporting the use of cardiac MRI for a wide range of indications, it is underutilized clinically. Recent developments in low‐field MRI technology, including modern data acquisition and image reconstruction methods, are enabling high‐quality low‐field imaging that may improve the cost–benefit ratio for cardiac MRI. Studies to‐date confirm that low‐field MRI offers high measurement concordance and consistent interpretation with clinical imaging for several routine sequences. Moreover, low‐field MRI may enable specific new clinical opportunities for cardiac imaging such as imaging near metal implants, MRI‐guided interventions, combined cardiopulmonary assessment, and imaging of patients with severe obesity. In this review, we discuss the recent progress in low‐field cardiac MRI with a focus on technical developments and early clinical validation studies.

Evidence Level

5

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Plant growth promotingBacillusspecies elicit defense againstMeloidogyne incognitainfecting tomato in polyhouse
Authors: M Devindrappa , Kamra Anju , Singh Dinesh , Gawade Bharat , Sirohi Anil
Published: August 2023

The effects of four nematicidal rhizobacterial isolates;Bacillus subtilis,Bacillus pumilus,Bacillus megaterium, andBacillus cereuson infection and multiplication of root‐knot nematode,Meloidogyne incognitaon tomato were compared with the application of a chemical nematicide, fluopyram 34.48% SC (Velum Prime). The bio‐efficacy trial conducted in pots preinoculated with the above isolates followed byM. incognitainoculation resulted in a significant reduction in percent root galling viz. 91.95 inB. subtilis, 84.21 inB. pumilus, 83.70 inB. megaterium, and 81.8 inB. cereus, at 75 days after inoculation (DAI). The reproduction factor of the nematode was the lowest (15.83) inB. subtilis, followed byB. pumilus(21.00), compared with 48.16 in control, with enhanced photosynthetic and transpiration rates. The mechanism of induced resistance was assessed using quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) for quantification of three key defense genes (PR‐1b, JERF3, and CAT) at 0,2,4,8 and16 days DAI. The defence genes, PR‐1b, JERF3, and CAT were expressed at 2.5–7.5‐folds in rhizobacterialtreated plants, but not in nematicide treatment. The defense enzymes viz., super oxide dismutase (SOD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (PO), and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) when quantified (μmol/mg protein) showed an increase from 1.5 to 17.5 for SOD, 2.1 to 7.8 in PPO, 1.8 to 10.2 in PO, and 1.8 to 8.7 in PAL during 0 to 16 DAI, in rhizobacteria‐treated plants.
The separation of the enantiomers of diquats by capillary electrophoresis using randomly sulfated cyclodextrins as chiral selectors
Authors: Bílek Jan , Koval Dušan , Sázelová Petra , Šolínová Veronika , Severa Lukáš , Gutiérrez Paul E. Reyes , Teplý Filip , Kašička Václav
Published: August 2023

Diquats, derivatives of the widely used herbicide diquat, represent a new class of functional organic molecules. A combination of their special electrochemical properties and axial chirality could potentially result in their important applications in supramolecular chemistry, chiral catalysis, and chiral analysis. However, prior to their practical applications, the diquats have to be prepared in enantiomerically pure forms and the enantiomeric purity of their P‐ and M‐isomers has to be checked. Hence, a chiral capillary electrophoresis (CE) method has been developed and applied for separation of P‐ and M‐enantiomers of 11 new diquats. Fast and better than baseline CE separations of enantiomers of all 11 diquats within a short time 5–7 min were achieved using acidic buffer, 22 mM NaOH, 35 mM H3PO4, pH 2.5, as a background electrolyte, and 6 mM randomly sulfated α‐, β‐, and γ‐cyclodextrins as chiral selectors. The most successful selector was sulfated γ‐cyclodextrin, which baseline separated the enantiomers of all 11 diquats, followed by sulfated β‐cyclodextrin and sulfated α‐cyclodextrin, which baseline separated enantiomers of 10 and nine diquats, respectively. Using this method, a high enantiopurity degree of the isolated P‐ and M‐enantiomers of three diquats with a defined absolute configuration was confirmed and their migration order was identified.
Klf6 aggravates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury by activating Acsl4‐mediated ferroptosis
Authors: Qiu Ma‐Li , Yan Wei , Liu Mo‐Mu
Published: August 2023

Ferroptosis is closely related to myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) damage. Kruppel‐like factor 6 (Klf6) can aggravate renal I/R injury. We aimed to elucidate the role of Klf6 in myocardial I/R damage as well as its potential mechanism. Myocardial I/R mice model and hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)‐treated HL‐1 cells were established. The levels of Fe2+, MDA, lipid ROS, and ferroptosis‐related proteins were measured for assessing ferroptosis. Infarct area, H&E staining, cardiac function, and cell viability were detected for evaluating myocardial injury. Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, western blot, and RT‐qPCR were applied for detecting the levels of related genes. The m6A modification of Klf6, as well as the relationships between Klf6 and Mettl3, Igf2bp2, or Acsl4 promoter, was evaluated using MeRIP, RNA immunoprecipitation, RNA pull‐down, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and luciferase reporter assay accordingly.Klf6 protein and mRNA levels, as well as Klf6 m6A modification, were elevated in HL‐1 cells subjected to H/R and in the heart tissues from I/R mice. In H/R‐challenged HL‐1 cells, the binding relationships between Klf6 mRNA and Igf2bp2 or Mettl3 were confirmed; moreover, Igf2bp2 or Mettl3 knockdown decreased the Klf6 level and inhibited Klf6 mRNA stability. Klf6 knockdown restrained H/R‐triggered cell viability loss, improved I/R‐induced myocardial injury, and inhibited ferroptosis in myocardial I/R damage models. Klf6 directly bound to the Acsl4 promoter and positively regulated its expression. Acsl4 overexpression compromised the Klf6 knockdown‐generated protective effect in HL‐1 cells.m6A modification‐regulated Klf6 aggravated myocardial I/R damage through activating Acsl4‐mediated ferroptosis, thereby providing one potential target for the treatment of myocardial I/R.
Circ_0001666 upregulation promotes intestinal epithelial cell fibrosis in pediatric Crohn's disease via the SRSF1/BMP7 axis
Authors: Li Jun , Xu Ji‐Zhi , Dou Bo , Huang Teng‐Fei , Chen Jie , Wang Tuan‐Mei , Ouyang Hong‐Juan
Published: August 2023

The epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is closely associated with Crohn's disease (CD) related intestinal fibrosis, a condition whose prevalence is increasing annually among children. Recently, the CD marker gene microarray screening revealed an upregulation of circ_0001666 in the colon tissues of CD patients, but its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we explored the molecular mechanism of circ_0001666 in regulating EMT‐mediated fibrosis in CD in vitro. The levels of circ_0001666 and EMT‐associated proteins were assessed in CD clinical samples, and a CD cell model was established using TGF‐β1 to induce human intestinal epithelial cells (HIECs). Additionally, the expression levels of genes and proteins related to EMT and fibrosis were analyzed by quantitative real‐time PCR and western blot, cell migration, and invasion were assessed via wound healing assay and transwell, respectively, and RNA pull‐down and RNA immunoprecipitation assays were performed to verify the relationship between SRSF1 and BMP7 or circ_0001666. Circ_0001666 was overexpressed in the intestinal mucosal tissues of CD patients and was positively correlated with EMT. Silencing circ_0001666 inhibited the migration, invasion, EMT, and fibrosis of HIECs induced by TGF‐β1. Mechanistically, circ_0001666 regulated BMP7 expression by interacting with SRSF1. Furthermore, the effects of inhibiting circ_0001666 on HIECs could be partially reversed by overexpressing SRSF1 or silencing BMP7. Collectively, circ_0001666 regulates TGF‐β1‐induced HIEC migration, invasion, EMT, and fibrosis. Circ_0001666 also promoted EMT‐mediated fibrosis by interacting with SRSF1 to accelerate BMP7 mRNA decay. These findings provide new insights into the pathogenesis of CD and suggest that circ_0001666 might be a potential therapeutic target for CD.
Prevalence of Voice Disorders in the United States: A National Survey
Authors: Huston Molly N. , Puka Ira , Naunheim Matthew R.
Published: August 2023

Objectives

The prevalence of voice disorders has not been explored in the context of recent trends in voice use, including voice assistant technology and increased use of teleconferencing for remote work. The objective of this research is (1) to determine the prevalence of voice disorders in the adult population of the United States, and (2) to understand the association of voice disorders with demographic and voice use factors, including vocal demands, and use of teleconferencing and voice assistant technology.

Methods

A survey pertaining to voice disorders and voice use was developed and administered to a representative sample of US population. Demographics and information related to risk factors for voice disturbance, including high vocal demands, teleconferencing, and voice‐assistant use were also analyzed.

Results

A total of 1522 responses were included. Of these, 20.6% reported having had a voice disorder at some point in their life. This rate was higher in employed respondents, singers, and teachers (all p < 0.0001) and was notably higher in those who used teleconferencing technology and voice assistant technology (both p < 0.0001). Approximately 60% of this subset reported seeking medical care for their voice, 12.6% reported a current voice disorder, and 9.5% reported a voice problem that had recurred multiple times.

Conclusions

Approximately 1 in 5 Americans surveyed has had a voice disorder. Risk factors for voice disorders include use of teleconferencing technology, voice assistant use, and occupational factors.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:347–352, 2024
Developing a Novel Platelet‐Rich Plasma‐Laden Bioadhesive Hydrogel Contact Lens for the Treatment of Ocular Surface Chemical Injuries
Authors: Soykan Merve Nur , Altug Burcugul , Bas Harun , Ghorbanpoor Hamed , Avci Huseyin , Eroglu Sertac , Butun Sengel Sultan , Eker Sariboyaci Ayla , Gunes Bagis Sibel , Uysal Onur , Atalay Eray
Published: August 2023

Permanent injury to corneal limbal stem cells after ocular surface chemical and thermal injuries is a major cause of corneal blindness. In this study, a PRP‐laden GelMA hydrogel contact lens is manufactured which is aimed to support the limbal niche after ocular surface insults thereby preventing limbal stem cell failure. GelMA with varying platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) concentrations (5%, 10%, and 20%) is photopolymerized using a visible light crosslinking system followed by characterizations of mechanical properties, growth factor release, enzymatic degradation, and in vitro cytotoxicity. The addition of 10% PRP into 10% GelMA hydrogel precursor solution results in the highest tensile and compressive modulus (38 and 110 kPa, respectively) and burst pressure (251±37.66 mmHg). Degradation time varies according to the concentration of the collagenase enzyme tested (0, 2.5, 5, and 40 µg/mL) and is most prolonged with 20% PRP. EGF and TGF‐β release profiles suggest an initial burst release followed by sustained release, most consistent in the 10% PRP sample. Although cell viability decreases on day 1, rapid recovery is observed and is approximately 120% after day 21. PRP‐laden GelMA in the form of a contact lens may be a promising biomaterial‐based treatment approach for the maintenance of limbal epithelial stem cells after ocular surface insults.
High Thermal Conductivity and Low Dielectric Constant of Polyesters Based on Fluorine and Mesogenic Unit
Authors: Wu Yifei , Wu Kun , Xiao Fei , Diao Wenjie , He Daguang , Yang Hui , Shi Jun
Published: August 2023

High thermal conductivity polymeric dielectrics with advanced dielectric properties are urgently demanded in various applications. In this study, a series of thermoplastic polyesters containing different content of fluorine and mesogenic unit in main chains are synthesized utilizing polycondensation. The preferred orientation of liquid crystal can effectively inhibit phonon scattering, and the introduction of fluorine can reduce the polarizability of the polymer and increase the free volume. By introducing the biphenyl mesogenic unit and fluorine into the main chain, its thermal conductivity has been increased to 0.425 Wm−1k−1 from 0.183 Wm−1k−1(the polymer without liquid crystal element), which is 132% higher than that of the liquid crystal polymer without fluorine. In addition, the dielectric constant of polyester decreased to 2.97, and the dielectric loss drops to 8.74 × 10−4. The influence mechanism of two ways on its thermal and dielectric properties is explored. Good thermal conductivity and excellent dielectric properties make potential in the thermal management system and flexible electronics.
Borel complexity and Ramsey largeness of sets of oracles separating complexity classes
Authors: Creiner Alex , Jackson Stephen
Published: August 2023

We prove two sets of results concerning computational complexity classes. First, we propose a new variation of the random oracle hypothesis, originally posed by Bennett and Gill after they showed that relative to a randomly chosen oracle, with probability 1. Their original hypothesis was quickly disproven in several ways, most famously in 1992 with the result that , in spite of the classes being shown unequal with probability 1. Here we propose a variation of what it means to be “large” using the Ellentuck topology. In this new context, we demonstrate that the set of oracles separating and is not small, and obtain similar results for the separation of from along with the separation of from . We also show that the set of oraclesequatingwith is large in this new sense. We demonstrate that this version of the hypothesis provides a sufficient condition for unrelativized relationships, at least in the cases considered here. Second, we examine the descriptive complexity of the classes of oracles providing the separations for these various classes, and determine their exact placement in the Borel hierarchy.
On self‐distributive weak Heyting algebras
Authors: Nourany Mohsen , Ghorbani Shokoofeh , Saeid Arsham Borumand
Published: August 2023

We use the left self‐distributive axiom to introduce and study a special class of weak Heyting algebras, called self‐distributive weak Heyting algebras (SDWH‐algebras). We present some useful properties of SDWH‐algebras and obtain some equivalent conditions of them. A characteristic of SDWH‐algebras of orders 3 and 4 is given. Finally, we study the relation between the variety of SDWH‐algebras and some of the known subvarieties of weak Heyting algebras such as the variety of Heyting algebras, the variety of basic algebras, the variety of subresiduated lattices, the variety of reflexive WH‐algebras (RWH‐algebras), and the variety of transitive WH‐algebras (TWH‐algebras).
A note on commutators of singular integrals with BMO and VMO functions in the Dunkl setting
Authors: Dziubański Jacek , Hejna Agnieszka
Published: August 2023

On equipped with a root system R, multiplicity function , and the associated measure , we consider a (nonradial) kernel , which has properties similar to those from the classical theory of singular integrals and the Dunkl convolution operator associated with K. Assuming that b belongs to the BMO space on the space of homogeneous type , we prove that the commutator is a bounded operator on for all . Moreover, is compact on , provided . The paper extends results of Han, Lee, Li, and Wick.
Unfolding the Correlation between Solution Aggregation and Solid‐State Crystal Orientation in Donor–Acceptor Copolymers via Solvent Additive Processing
Authors: Li Dingke , Zhao Qingqing , Zheng Hao , Peng Juan
Published: August 2023

Tailoring the crystal orientation of donor–acceptor (D–A) copolymers is vital for boosting the performance of optoelectronic devices. Despite recent advances in controlling the crystal orientation of D–A copolymers in films, the investigation into their aggregates in solution and the correlation between the solution aggregates and solid‐state crystal orientation has been limited. Herein, an effective solvent additive strategy is reported for tuning solution aggregates and the consequent solid‐state structures of poly{[N,N'‐bis(2‐octyldodecyl)‐naphthalene‐1,4,5,8‐bis(dicarboximide)‐2,6‐diyl]‐alt‐5,5′‐(2,2′‐bithiophene)} (P(NDI2OD‐T2)). Specifically, the addition of 1‐decanethiol (10‐thiol) to the P(NDI2OD‐T2) chloroform solution promoted the aggregation of P(NDI2OD‐T2) chains because of the improved planarization of the backbones, which changed their crystal orientation in the film from coexisting edge‐on and face‐on to dominant edge‐on when produced by drop‐casting. The mechanism of this crystal orientation transformation is elucidated based on the interaction between 10‐thiol and the side chains of P(NDI2OD‐T2). The optical properties of P(NDI2OD‐T2) films with different crystalline structures are closely correlated. Notably, the 10‐thiol‐enabled facile tailoring of the crystal orientation in P(NDI2OD‐T2) can be readily applied to other D–A copolymers of interest. The findings of this study highlight a robust solvent additive strategy for regulating solution aggregates and crystal orientation in D–A copolymer films, which have applications in many optoelectronic devices.
Molecular subtypes identified by multiomics analysis based on cuproptosis‑related genes precisely predict response to immunotherapy and chemotherapy in colorectal cancer
Authors: Li Dingling , Gao Wenxing , Zhao Wen , Zhao Yingjie , Zhang Yanfei , Liu Ying , Li Yuying , Ji Shuaifei , Chen Peng , Li Dingchang
Published: August 2023

Cuproptosis is a newly reported type of programmed cell death that is involved in the progression of various diseases. Some studies have reported its potential significance in multiple tumors. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the malignant tumors with high incidence and mortality. The purpose of this study was to further explore the importance of cuproptosis in the CRC development and treatment. We analyzed the expression, alterations, and promoter methylation of cuproptosis‑related genes (CRGs) in patients with CRC. Three machine learning methods was used to determine cuproptosis‐related feature genes and a diagnostic model was built based on them. Using the unsupervised clustering, patients with CRC were classified into distinct clusters. Then, the LASSO method was used to establish a cuproptosis risk model. We analyzed the association of risk scores with outcomes, immune microenvironment, response to immunotherapy, and sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs. The results showed that the expression of CRGs was dysregulated in CRC. The diagnostic model based on cuproptosis‐related feature genes showed great clinical value. The patients in two clusters displayed different prognosis and microenvironment. Furthermore, the risk score was correlated with clinical characteristics, immune infiltration and response to immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Above all, the present findings revealed the involvement of cuproptosis in CRC development and provided a diagnostic tool to evaluate CRC occurrence risk. The immune infiltration and drug sensitivity analysis results helped to predict the response of patients in different subtypes of CRC to immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
Identifying blocking behaviors in small‐scale group decision‐making and their impact on consensus outcomes: A case study on forest management
Authors: Enjolras Manon , Arnould Maxence , Camargo Mauricio
Published: August 2023

Group decision‐making (GDM) problems usually include stakeholders with different views and opinions. In order to find a collective solution, it is necessary to achieve a consensus reaching process (CRP) that may lead to the emergence of non‐cooperative behaviors within the group. This article proposes to study how these non‐cooperative behaviors appear in a group of decision‐makers and what their level of impact is on the evolution of consensus and on the final decision. To provide some answers to this research problem, we propose a multi‐criteria decision‐making (MCDM) methodology implementing analytic hierarchy process (AHP) in order to provide a visualization of the CRP evolution and observe four non‐cooperative behaviors within small‐scale GDM: (1) collective agreement, (2) blocking behavior, (3) leadership demonstration, and (4) experts' coalition. We implement our methodology within a pedagogical framework, in 29 small‐scale groups of masters and engineering students, through a case study related to the implementation of forest management scenarios in France. Our results show the evolution of the four non‐cooperative behaviors within the groups, as well as their impact on the CRP outcomes.
Bifurcation analysis and simulations of a modified Leslie–Gower predator–prey model with constant‐type prey harvesting
Authors: Jia Xintian , Zhao Ming , Huang Kunlun
Published: August 2023

The paper discusses the effects of constant prey harvesting on the dynamics of a modified Leslie–Gower predator–prey model. Prey harvesting will lead to enriched dynamics to help us realize ecological phenomena such as the extinction of some species with a positive initial density when the harvesting rate is larger than a critical level. All these may be very useful for biological management. Based on these reasons, firstly, we analyze the existence conditions and stability of different equilibrium points to predict the eventual state of the given system. In particular, the existence of cusps of Codimensions 2 and 3 is proved. Secondly, we successfully demonstrate the presence of Hopf bifurcation and saddle‐node bifurcation for specified parameter values. To prove the limit cycle stability of Hopf bifurcation, we use the first Lyapunov coefficient
for illustration. As well as calculating the universal expansion near the cusp, the Bogdanov–Takens bifurcations of Codimensions 2 and 3 are investigated. If the parameters are chosen fittingly, there will be a stable or an unstable limit cycle, a homoclinic loop, two limit cycles, or both a limit cycle and a homoclinic loop simultaneously in the system. Finally, numerical simulations are performed using MATLAB to illustrate the theoretical results.
MultiIB‐TransUNet: Transformer with multiple information bottleneck blocks for CT and ultrasound image segmentation
Authors: Li Guangju , Jin Dehu , Yu Qi , Zheng Yuanjie , Qi Meng
Published: August 2023

Background

Accurate medical image segmentation is crucial for disease diagnosis and surgical planning. Transformer networks offer a promising alternative for medical image segmentation as they can learn global features through self‐attention mechanisms. To further enhance performance, many researchers have incorporated more Transformer layers into their models. However, this approach often results in the model parameters increasing significantly, causing a potential rise in complexity. Moreover, the datasets of medical image segmentation usually have fewer samples, which leads to the risk of overfitting of the model.

Purpose

This paper aims to design a medical image segmentation model that has fewer parameters and can effectively alleviate overfitting.

Methods

We design a MultiIB‐Transformer structure consisting of a single Transformer layer and multiple information bottleneck (IB) blocks. The Transformer layer is used to capture long‐distance spatial relationships to extract global feature information. The IB block is used to compress noise and improve model robustness. The advantage of this structure is that it only needs one Transformer layer to achieve the state‐of‐the‐art (SOTA) performance, significantly reducing the number of model parameters. In addition, we designed a new skip connection structure. It only needs two 1× 1 convolutions, the high‐resolution feature map can effectively have both semantic and spatial information, thereby alleviating the semantic gap.

Results

The proposed model is on the Breast UltraSound Images (BUSI) dataset, and the IoU and F1 evaluation indicators are 67.75 and 87.78. On the Synapse multi‐organ segmentation dataset, the Param, Hausdorff Distance (HD) and Dice Similarity Cofficient (DSC) evaluation indicators are 22.30, 20.04 and 81.83.

Conclusions

Our proposed model (MultiIB‐TransUNet) achieved superior results with fewer parameters compared to other models.
A temperature‐controlled cooling system for accurate quantitative post‐mortem MRI
Authors: Rieger Sebastian W. , Hess Aaron , Ji Yang , Rodgers Christopher T. , Jezzard Peter , Miller Karla L. , Wu Wenchuan
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To develop a temperature‐controlled cooling system to facilitate accurate quantitative post‐mortem MRI and enable scanning of unfixed tissue.

Methods

A water cooling system was built and integrated with a 7T scanner to minimize temperature drift during MRI scans. The system was optimized for operational convenience and rapid deployment to ensure efficient workflow, which is critical for scanning unfixed post‐mortem samples. The performance of the system was evaluated using a 7‐h diffusion MRI protocol at 7T with a porcine tissue sample. Quantitative T1, T2, and ADC maps were interspersed with the diffusion scans at seven different time points to investigate the temperature dependence of MRI tissue parameters. The impact of temperature changes on biophysical model fitting of diffusion MRI data was investigated using simulation.

Results

Tissue T1, T2, and ADC values remained stable throughout the diffusion MRI scan using the developed cooling system, but varied substantially using a conventional scan setup without temperature control. The cooling system enabled accurate estimation of biophysical model parameters by stabilizing the tissue temperature throughout the diffusion scan, while the conventional setup showed evidence of significantly biased estimation.

Conclusion

A temperature‐controlled cooling system was developed to tackle the challenge of heating in post‐mortem imaging, which shows potential to improve the accuracy and reliability of quantitative post‐mortem imaging and enables long scans of unfixed tissue.
Head‐to‐Head Comparison of ChatGPT Versus Google Search for Medical Knowledge Acquisition
Authors: Ayoub Noel F. , Lee Yu‐Jin , Grimm David , Divi Vasu
Published: August 2023

Objective

Chat Generative Pretrained Transformer (ChatGPT) is the newest iteration of OpenAI's generative artificial intelligence (AI) with the potential to influence many facets of life, including health care. This study sought to assess ChatGPT's capabilities as a source of medical knowledge, using Google Search as a comparison.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional analysis.

Setting

Online using ChatGPT, Google Seach, and Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG).

Methods

CPG Plain Language Summaries for 6 conditions were obtained. Questions relevant to specific conditions were developed and input into ChatGPT and Google Search. All questions were written from the patient perspective and sought (1) general medical knowledge or (2) medical recommendations, with varying levels of acuity (urgent or emergent vs routine clinical scenarios). Two blinded reviewers scored all passages and compared results from ChatGPT and Google Search, using the Patient Education Material Assessment Tool (PEMAT‐P) as the primary outcome. Additional customized questions were developed that assessed the medical content of the passages.

Results

The overall average PEMAT‐P score for medical advice was 68.2% (standard deviation [SD]: 4.4) for ChatGPT and 89.4% (SD: 5.9) for Google Search (p < .001). There was a statistically significant difference in the PEMAT‐P score by source (p < .001) but not by urgency of the clinical situation (p = .613). ChatGPT scored significantly higher than Google Search (87% vs 78%, p = .012) for patient education questions.

Conclusion

ChatGPT fared better than Google Search when offering general medical knowledge, but it scored worse when providing medical recommendations. Health care providers should strive to understand the potential benefits and ramifications of generative AI to guide patients appropriately.
Preparation and properties of silane coupling agent modified vermiculite and its composite films
Authors: Pei Meng , Shang Xiaoyu , Xu Yuhuan , Zhang Daohai
Published: August 2023

Vermiculite (VMT) was used as a filler and it was modified with silane coupling agent KH570 to produce OVMT. VMT/PBAT and OVMT/PBAT composite films were prepared using the solution method using polybutylene terephthalate (PBAT) as a matrix. The structure, thermal properties, crystalline properties, rheological properties, cross‐sectional microstructure, and tensile properties and antibacterial properties of the pure PBAT film, VMT/PBAT, and OVMT/PBAT composite films were tested, including comparative analysis. The results showed that VMT was successfully modified with silane coupling agent to produce OVMT. Furthermore, the thermal stability of VMT/PBAT and OVMT/PBAT composite films decreased compared with pure PBAT film. As the content of VMT and OVMT increases, the energy storage modulus and loss modulus of VMT/PBAT and OVMT/PBAT composite films increase, while the loss factor, complex viscosity and crystallinity gradually decrease. Additionally, the tensile strength and elongation at break of VMT/PBAT and OVMT/PBAT composite films decrease. All three films had no effect on Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli. The modification of VMT with the silane coupling agent KH570 improved the compatibility of OVMT with PBAT, resulting in improved mechanical properties of the OVMT/PBAT composite film compared with the VMT/PBAT composite film. The mechanical properties of the OVMT/PBAT‐20% composite film increased by 35.9% in tensile strength and 10.8% in elongation at break compared with the VMT/PBAT‐20% composite film.

Highlights

VMT successfully modified with silane coupling agent to produce OVMT.

The modification promotes the compatibility of the filler with PBAT.

VMT modification helps to improve the mechanical properties of composite materials.

Vermiculite modification helps to improve the toughness of composite materials.
Prenatal diagnosis of bilateral anophthalmia: Identifying de novo SOX2 variant
Authors: Kidd Jennifer , Patberg Elizabeth , McGath Meghan , Monteleone Berrin , Chavez Martin
Published: August 2023

A 26 year old nulligravida presented at 24 weeks gestation for the second opinion of abnormal fetal profile and mid‐face views on ultrasound at another institution. A detailed fetal anatomic ultrasound at our facility revealed the absence of fetal lens and globes bilaterally consistent with bilateral anophthalmia (HP: 0000528) without other anomalies. Karyotype and chromosomal microarray analysis were completed from amniocentesis sample. After these results, duo exome testing with paternal sequencing was completed from proband amniotic fluid sample and parental blood samples. A pathogenic variant in SOX2 (NM_003106.3: c.513C>G p.(Tyr171*Ter)) with heterozygous autosomal dominant inheritance resulted. On duo exome testing with paternal segregation analysis, the variant was found to be consistent with likely sporadic de novo inheritance. The SOX2 variant reported is consistent with the fetal phenotype in this case. While germline mosaicism could exist, this identified variant provided the family with a likely explanation for this proband's finding. This ultrasound and genetic testing allowed the family to make decisions related to planning in current and future pregnancies.
Identifying developmental QTL alleles with favorable effect on grain yield components under late‐terminal drought in spring barley MAGIC population
Authors: Afsharyan Nazanin P. , Sannemann Wiebke , Ballvora Agim , Léon Jens
Published: August 2023

Barley is the fourth most cultivated cereal worldwide, and drought is a major cause of its yield loss by negatively affecting its development. Hence, better understanding developmental mechanisms that control complex polygenic yield‐related traits under drought is essential to uncover favorable yield regulators. This study evaluated seven above‐ground yield‐related traits under well‐watered (WW) and late‐terminal drought (TD) treatment using 534 spring barley multiparent advanced generation intercross double haploid (DH) lines. The analysis of quantitative trait loci (QTL) for WW, TD, marker by treatment interaction, and drought stress tolerance identified 69, 64, 25, and 25 loci, respectively, for seven traits from which 15 loci were common for at least three traits and 17 were shared by TD and drought stress tolerance. Evaluation of allelic effects for a QTL revealed varying effect of parental alleles. Results showed prominent QTL located on major flowering time gene Ppd‐H1 with favorable effects for grain weight under TD when flowering time was not significantly affected, suggesting that this gene might be linked with increasing grain weight by ways other than timing of flowering under late‐terminal drought stress. Furthermore, a desirable novel QTL allele was identified on chromosome 5H for grain number under TD nearby sucrose transporter gene HvSUT2. The findings indicated that spring barley multiparent advanced generation intercross population can provide insights to improve yield under complex condition of drought.
A review of electromyography techniques of the cervical paraspinal muscles
Authors: McGuire Tyler , Haig Andrew J.
Published: August 2023

Electrodiagnosis for cervical radiculopathy often involves exploration of the cervical paraspinal muscles. Accurate and reproducible results require a technique with specific anatomic localization, direction of insertion, extent of insertion, scoring system for insertion, and criteria for determining abnormality. We sought to understand if a published technique met these criteria. A Medline search found 39 articles with original research and 10 review articles involving the cervical paraspinals. A library search found 19 textbooks since 2000, but 9 were not available. Only two studies were specific to the question. Neither had reproducible techniques and they contradicted each other. Studies in which the paraspinals were used for comparison or inclusion did not provide any specific technique. The review articles and textbooks typically met none of our criteria and the few that discussed technique at all provided no reproducible methods. Despite 80 years of electrodiagnostic testing, there is no useful, reproducible technique for exploring the cervical paraspinal muscles. Yet such a paraspinal mapping technique has proven invaluable in the lumbar region. For cervical electromyography to be of value, the next step is to understand the anatomy and propose a reproducible technique. Subsequent research will determine whether the neck muscles are helpful in the diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy. The absence of a valid reproducible cervical paraspinal technique impedes clinical and scientific understanding of cervical radiculopathy.
Diisocyanate‐based chain extension via Mg(II) catalyzed amide formation to high‐molecular‐weight poly(lactic acid)
Authors: Kawashima Nobuyuki , Usugi Shin‐ichi , Ogawa Ryohei
Published: August 2023

A simple chain‐extension reaction using diisocyanate as a chain extender was adopted to increase the molecular weight of low‐molecular‐weight (LMW) poly(lactic acid) (PLA) synthesized via direct polycondensation and to recover the molecular weight of commercial PLA after service life. The slow reaction between diisocyanate and the carboxylic acid terminus of PLA was successfully accelerated using a Mg(II) catalyst, affording a linear chain‐extended PLA (cePLA) connected through amide bonds. To increase the number of amide bonds, which exhibit higher thermal stability than the urethane bonds that are formed in the more common chain‐extension reactions between isocyanates and the hydroxy terminus of PLA, a telechelic LMW‐PLA having carboxylic acid groups at both termini was prepared. Subsequent reaction of this LMW‐PLA with diisocyanate in the presence of a Mg(II) catalyst afforded a cePLA with high molecular weight (Mw > 180 × 103 g/mol) and enhanced stability against thermal degradation, while showing identical mechanical properties and biodegradability as commercial PLA.
Universal assessment and tiered intervention: A model of care to meet the pediatric oncology psychosocial standard of care for school support
Authors: Kirkpatrick Kathryn , Irwin Mary Kay , Young‐Saleme Tammi , Brown Najah N. , Vannatta Kathryn
Published: August 2023

Objective

The feasibility and acceptability of a tiered intervention model of school intervention services was investigated in response to the publication of evidence‐based Psychosocial Standards of Care for Children with Cancer and their Families.

Method

Children with newly diagnosed malignancy or transitioning to long‐term survivorship care were eligible. Families received universal school needs assessment and intervention targeted at the level of risk identified. Academic risk and resource utilization data collected over 1 year were used to evaluate model feasibility and surveys evaluated family and medical provider satisfaction with the model.

Results

One hundred and eight children were enrolled and had academic risk assessed at enrollment as high (25%), moderate (44.4%) or low (30.6%) risk. School liaison staff time spent providing intervention was related to the level of risk. 54.6% of patients reported a decrease in risk status at the end of 1 year of intervention. Parents (94%) and medical providers (100%) chose responses of “agree” or “strongly agree” when asked if they were satisfied with the intervention received over the year.

Conclusions

The tiered model of care identifies the students with the highest need for intervention, allows for more targeted use of resources, and successfully meets the Psychosocial Standard of Care for academic needs.