bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biophysical Investigation of RNA ⋅ DNA : DNA Triple Helix and RNA : DNA Heteroduplex Formation by the lncRNAs MEG3 and Fendrr
Authors: Krause Nina M. , Bains Jasleen K. , Blechar Julius , Richter Christian , Bessi Irene , Grote Phillip , Leisegang Matthias S. , Brandes Ralf P. , Schwalbe Harald
Published: March 2024

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are important regulators of gene expression and can associate with DNA as RNA : DNA heteroduplexes or RNA ⋅ DNA : DNA triple helix structures. Here, we review in vitro biochemical and biophysical experiments including electromobility shift assays (EMSA), circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, thermal melting analysis, microscale thermophoresis (MST), single‐molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (smFRET) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to investigate RNA ⋅ DNA : DNA triple helix and RNA : DNA heteroduplex formation. We present the investigations of the antiparallel triplex‐forming lncRNA MEG3 targeting the gene TGFB2 and the parallel triplex‐forming lncRNA Fendrr with its target gene Emp2. The thermodynamic properties of these oligonucleotides lead to concentration‐dependent heterogeneous mixtures, where a DNA duplex, an RNA : DNA heteroduplex and an RNA ⋅ DNA : DNA triplex coexist and their relative populations are modulated in a temperature‐dependent manner. The in vitro data provide a reliable readout of triplex structures, as RNA ⋅ DNA : DNA triplexes show distinct features compared to DNA duplexes and RNA : DNA heteroduplexes. Our experimental results can be used to validate computationally predicted triple helix formation between novel disease‐relevant lncRNAs and their DNA target genes.
Examining online education at tribal community colleges
Authors: Allchin Hope , Fernandez Frank
Published: March 2024

For students at tribal colleges, online courses provide access to college coursework, particularly for non‐traditional students and students who live in rural communities. In addition, online courses provide unique opportunities for Indigenous students to connect with their tribal communities and to participate in cultural revitalization and language acquisition efforts being led by tribal colleges, regardless of their proximity to a tribal college. This article analyzes descriptive data of two‐year tribal colleges that provide a snapshot of their presence and spending to support online education. We offer policy recommendations to support greater online education opportunities for Indigenous students and to expand Indigenous cultural revitalization and language acquisition through online courses.
Challenging in pulmonary thromboembolism diagnosis in patients with disproportionate pulmonary hypertension and severe mitral stenosis: Report of two cases
Authors: Khezerlouy‐Aghdam Naser , Toufan Tabrizi Mehrnoush , Seyed Toutounchi Kia , Jabbaripour Sarmadian Amirreza , Masoumi Shahab
Published: March 2024

Key Clinical Message

Before valvular interventions, echocardiography, especially the TEE or the ventilation/perfusion scan, should be performed to detect silent PTE and set a more accurate treatment and surgical plan.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive and critical disease that can be caused by mitral stenosis (MS). Some of these patients present with disproportionate PH, which is an uncommon phenomenon and is considered a challenging diagnostic and treatment process. In these patients, other causes may also play a role in developing PH. This report presented two cases with disproportionate PH and severe MS who were scheduled for percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty (PMV). The pre‐procedural echocardiography revealed systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) of 90 and 120 mmHg, mitral valve area of 0.80 and 0.55 cm2 by three‐dimensional (3D) planimetry, and diastolic pressure gradient (DPG) of 13 and 18.8 mmHg, respectively. Furthermore, in the first patient, 3D transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) revealed multiple saddle‐type organized thrombi in the proximal parts of the right and left pulmonary arteries, extending to the distal branches. In the second patient, 3D TEE revealed a large, relatively fresh, flow‐limiting thrombosis in the proximal part of the right pulmonary artery. The diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) in both patients was confirmed by CT angiography. In both patients, the valves were surgically repaired, while all thrombi were removed from the cardiac chambers and pulmonary vessels during surgery. In addition, patients underwent warfarin therapy orally. They were followed up 6 months after the intervention, and their clinical symptoms had improved significantly.
Simultaneous identification and enantioseparation of ofloxacin and duloxetine without the single standard and computational calculation of their inclusion complexes
Authors: Chen Lixia , Li Xiangjun
Published: March 2024

Given the markedly different pharmacological activities between enantiomeric isomers, it is crucial to encourage the stereoselective determination of chiral drugs in the biological and pharmaceutical fields, and the combination of drugs makes this analysis more complicated and challenging. Herein, a capillary electrophoresis (CE) method for the enantioseparation of ofloxacin and duloxetine was established, enabling the simultaneous identification of four isomers in nonracemic mixtures with enantiomeric excess (ee%) values exceeding 5%. This was achieved through the integration of theoretical simulation and electron circular dichroism (ECD), all without reliance on individual standards. Molecular modeling explained and verified the migration time differences of these isomers in electrophoretic separation. Moreover, the correlation coefficients (R2) between the enantiomeric peak area differentials and ee% were both above 0.99. Recovery rates were quantified using bovine serum as the matrix, with results ranging from 93.32% to 101.03% (RSD = 0.030) and 92.69% to 100.52% (RSD = 0.028) for these two chiral drugs at an ee value of 23.1%, respectively.
Beyond Electrons: Correlation and Self‐Energy in Multicomponent Density Functional Theory
Authors: Holzer Christof , Franzke Yannick J.
Published: March 2024

Post‐Kohn‐Sham methods are used to evaluate the ground‐state correlation energy and the orbital self‐energy of systems consisting of multiple flavors of different fermions. Starting from multicomponent density functional theory, suitable ways to arrive at the corresponding multicomponent random‐phase approximation and the multicomponent Green's function
approximation, including relativistic effects, are outlined. Given the importance of both of this methods in the development of modern Kohn–Sham density functional approximations, this work will provide a foundation to design advanced multicomponent density functional approximations. Additionally, the
quasiparticle energies are needed to study light‐matter interactions with the Bethe‐Salpeter equation.
Unremitting pro‐inflammatory T‐cell phenotypes, and macrophage activity, following paediatric burn injury
Authors: Langley Donna , Zimmermann Kate , Krenske Emma , Stefanutti Giorgio , Kimble Roy M , Holland Andrew JA , Fear Mark W , Wood Fiona M , Kenna Tony , Cuttle Leila
Published: March 2024

Objectives

The aim of this study was to characterise the dynamic immune profile of paediatric burn patients for up to 18 months post‐burn.

Methods

Flow cytometry was used to measure 25 cell markers, chemokines and cytokines which reflected both pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory immune profiles. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 6 paediatric burn patients who had returned for repeated burn and scar treatments for > 4 timepoints within 12 months post‐burn were compared to four age‐matched healthy controls.

Results

While overall proportions of T cells, NK cells and macrophages remained relatively constant, over time percentages of these immune cells differentiated into effector and proinflammatory cell phenotypes including Th17 and activated γδ T cells. Circulating proportions of γδ T cells increased their expression of pro‐inflammatory mediators throughout the burn recovery, with a 3–6 fold increase of IL‐17 at 1–3 weeks, and NFκβ 9–18 months post‐burn. T‐regulatory cell plasticity was also observed, and Treg phenotype proportions changed from systemically reduced skin‐homing T‐regs (CCR4+) and increased inflammatory (CCR6+) at 1‐month post‐burn, to double‐positive cell types (CCR4+CCR6+) elevated in circulation for 18 months post‐burn. Furthermore, Tregs were observed to proportionally express less IL‐10 but increased TNF‐α over 18 months.

Conclusion

Overall, these results indicate the circulating percentages of immune cells do not increase or decrease over time post‐burn, instead they become highly specialised, inflammatory and skin‐homing. In this patient population, these changes persisted for at least 18 months post‐burn, this ‘immune distraction’ may limit the ability of immune cells to prioritise other threats post‐burn, such as respiratory infections.
Endometrial cytological findings for a mesonephric‐like endometrial adenocarcinoma: A case report
Authors: Omine Hirotaka , Ishida Kazuyuki , Sasaki Natsuki , Kato Hikaru , Nagai Tamiko , Ishikawa Mihoko , Takaoka Mina , Noda Shuhei , Matsuda Hadzki , Mitsuhashi Akira
Published: March 2024

A mesonephric‐like endometrial adenocarcinoma (ML‐EAC) is very rare and has a worse prognosis than other endometrial carcinomas. We describe an ML‐EAC and report our endometrial cytological findings. A 76‐year‐old woman presented with irregular genital bleeding and a uterine mass. Endometrial cytology revealed atypical cylindrical or spindle‐shaped cells in the form of small aggregates or solitary cells. The cell aggregates exhibited irregularly stacked papillary structures, small glandular structures, and fenestrated structures. The atypical cells had a nucleus with fine‐granular chromatin and a granular cytoplasm, and nuclear grooves and intranuclear pseudo‐inclusions were present. Hyaline globules were observed in the glandular lumens and in the background. The presumptive histological type was an adenocarcinoma, but the cytological features were different from those of an endometrioid carcinoma. A histological examination of the endometrial biopsy revealed an adenocarcinoma, and a simple hysterectomy was performed. A grayish‐white elevated mass measuring 90 mm × 70 mm × 40 mm was observed on the uterine corpus in the hysterectomy specimen. Histologically, the tumor proliferated as complex tubular structures containing eosinophilic colloid‐like materials and trabecular structures. The tumor cells were diffuse and positive for GATA‐3 and partially positive for thyroid transcription factor‐1. Estrogen and progesterone receptors were negative. An ML‐EAC was diagnosed. The tumor was invasive and extended beyond one‐half of the muscle layer with a high degree of vascular invasion. In conclusion, we need to focus on the various shapes of the cell aggregate, nuclear grooves, and intranuclear pseudo‐inclusions of tumor cells to distinguish an ML‐EAC from other endometrial carcinomas in endometrial cytology.
Consumer insights into the at‐home liking of commercial beers: Integrating nonvolatile and volatile flavor chemometrics
Authors: Ramos‐Parra Perla A. , De Anda‐Lobo Irma C. , Viejo Claudia Gonzalez , Villarreal‐Lara Raúl , Clorio‐Carillo Jorge Abraham , Marín‐Obispo Luis Martín , Obispo‐Fortunato Diana Jessica , Escobedo‐Avellaneda Zamantha , Fuentes Sigfredo , Pérez‐Carillo Esther , Hernandez‐Brenes Carmen
Published: March 2024

Consumer acceptability of beers is influenced by product formulation and processing conditions, which impart unique sensory profiles. This study used multivariate techniques to evaluate at‐home consumer sensory acceptability of six commercial beers considering their style, fermentation type, and chemical composition. Samples included top‐fermented beers (American India Pale Ale and Stout) and bottom‐fermented beers (Pilsner, zero‐alcohol Pilsner, Vienna Lager, and Munich Dunkel). Beer consumers (n = 50) conducted sensory hedonic, check‐all‐that‐apply (CATA) and just‐about‐right (JAR) tests. Chemometric variables included iso‐alpha‐acids, hordenine, and volatile aromatic compounds, quantified by chromatographic methods, whereas bitterness units (IBU) were determined spectrophotometrically. Lager beers had higher acceptability than top‐fermented beer (p < .05) for all attributes. Light‐colored beers and medium‐height foams had the highest liking scores for visual sensory attributes. Higher concentrations of bitter‐tasting molecules, hordenine, and acidity decreased the liking scores of top‐fermented (Ale) beers, as a sensory penalty analysis suggested. In contrast, the most favored beers (Pilsners and Munich Dunkel) contained higher fusel alcohol esters linked to fruity aromatic notes. Although a low conversion rate of fatty acids into fruity esters was noted in nonalcoholic Pilsner, its overall liking score was not statistically different from the alcoholic version. However, consumers perceived the nonalcoholic Pilsner as less bitter than its alcoholic counterpart even when IBUs were nonsignificantly different. This study emphasized the significance of understanding beer chemometrics to comprehend consumer acceptability, highlighting the crucial role of bitter molecules. Hence, hordenine, acidity, and volatile contents provided additional and valuable insights into consumer preferences.
Landslide susceptibility prediction modelling based on semi‐supervised XGBoost model
Authors: Shua Qiangqiang , Peng Hongbin , Li Jingkai
Published: March 2024

In the process of landslide susceptibility prediction (LSP) modelling, there are some problems in the model dataset relating to landslide and non‐landslide samples, such as landslide sample errors, subjective randomness and low accuracy of non‐landslide sample selection. In order to solve the above problems, a semi‐supervised machine learning model for LSP is innovatively proposed. Firstly, Yanchang County of Shanxi Province, China, is taken as the study area. Secondly, the frequency ratio values of 12 environmental factors (elevation, slope, aspect, etc.) and the randomly selected twice non‐landslides are used to form the initial model datasets. Thirdly, an extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) model is adopted for training and testing the initial datasets, so as to produce initial landslide susceptibility maps (LSMs) which are divided into very low, low, moderate, high and very high susceptibility levels. Next, the landslide samples in initial LSMs with very low and low susceptibility levels are excluded to improve the accuracy of landslide samples, and the unlabelled twice non‐landslide samples in initial LSMs with low and very low susceptibility levels are randomly selected to ensure the accuracy of non‐landslide samples. These new obtained landslide and non‐landslide samples are reimported into XGBoost model to construct the semi‐supervised XGBoost (SSXGBoost) model. Finally, accuracy, kappa coefficient and statistical indexes of susceptibility indexes are adopted to assess the LSP performance of XGBoost and SSXGBoost models. Results show that SSXGBoost model has remarkably better LSP performance than that of XGBoost model. Conclusively, the proposed SSXGBoost model effectively overcomes the problems that the accuracy of landslide samples needs to be further improved and that non‐landslide samples are difficult to select accurately.
Assessment of mental wellbeing of university students in Bangladesh using Goldberg's GHQ‐12: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ovi Musaddiqur R. , Siddique Md A. B. , Ahammed Tanvir , Chowdhury Muhammad A. B. , Uddin Md J.
Published: March 2024

Background and Aims

The mental well‐being of university students is a primary public health concern worldwide, including in Bangladesh. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of the overall mental health status among Bangladeshi university students. The study used larger and more diverse sample compared to previous studies, and also explored factors associated with the mental health well‐being of those students.

Methods

Data were collected through an online questionnaire, utilizing the proportional allocation method, from students in various universities across Bangladesh. The sample included 2036 participants. The study applied Goldberg's General Health Questionnaire (GHQ‐12) using the GHQ2+ threshold (i.e., having more than two symptoms). A binary outcome variable was created with two levels: “good mental health” and “poor mental health,” to assess the mental health status of the university students. The explanatory variables were age, gender, academic year, type of university, and sources of personal expenses. Exploratory data analysis, association tests, and binary logistic regression models were used to identify factors influencing the outcome variable.

Results

A total of 55.9% of students (male: 52.6% and female: 62.8%) exhibited poor mental health status. Female students' mental health was found to be worse (odds ratio [OR]: 1.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.23–1.81) compared to that of males. Similarly, public university students displayed a worse mental health condition than their counterparts in private universities (OR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.03–1.61).

Conclusion

The overall mental health of university students in Bangladesh is concerning. There is a pressing need for effective mental health policies and interventions to bolster the mental well‐being of university students, with a specific focus on students from public universities and females.
Experiences in the use of multiple doses of convalescent plasma in critically ill patients with COVID‐19: An early phase 1 descriptive study
Authors: Aguilar Ricardo , López‐Vergès Sandra , Quintana Anarellys , Morris Johanna , Lopez Lineth , Cooke Ana , Quiel Dimas , Buitron Natalie , Pérez Yaseikiry , Lobo Lesbia , Ballesteros Maura , Pitti Yaneth , Diaz Yamilka , Saenz Lisseth , Franco Danilo , Castillo Daniel , Valdespino Elimelec , Blanco Isabel , Romero Emilio , Villarreal Alcibiades , Cubilla‐Batista Idalina
Published: March 2024

Background

At the beginning of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) pandemic, transfusion of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) convalescent plasma (CCP) emerged as a potential therapeutic strategy to help patients severely afflicted by COVID‐19. The efficacy of CCP has been controversial as it depends on many variables pertaining to the plasma donor and the patient with COVID‐19, for example, time of convalescence or symptoms onset. This feasibility and descriptive study aimed to assess the safety of multiple doses of CCP in mechanically ventilated, intubated patients with respiratory failure due to COVID‐19.

Methods

A cohort of 30 patients all experiencing severe respiratory failure and undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation in an intensive care unit, received up to five doses of 300–600 mL of CCP on alternate days (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8) until extubation, futility, or death.

Results

Nineteen patients received five doses, seven received four, and four received two or three doses. At 28‐day follow‐up mark, 57% of patients recovered and were sent home, and the long‐term mortality rate was 27%. Ten severe adverse events reported in the study were unrelated to CCP transfusion. Independent of the number of transfused doses, most patients had detectable levels of total and neutralizing antibodies in plasma.

Conclusion

This study suggests that transfusion of multiple doses of CCP is safe. This strategy may represent a viable option for future studies, given the potential benefit of CCP transfusions during the early stages of infection in unvaccinated populations and in settings where monoclonal antibodies or antivirals are contraindicated or unavailable.
Reimagining bioRxiv and preprint servers as platforms for academic learning
Authors: Benjamin Jazmine , Wanjalla Celestine N. , Gaddy Jennifer A. , Kirabo Annet , Williams Edith M. , Hinton Antentor
Published: March 2024

A popular preprint server, bioRxiv, is important as a tool for increased visibility for life science research. If used properly, however, bioRxiv can also be an important tool for training, as it may expose trainees (degree‐seeking students undertaking research or internships directly related to their field of study) to the peer review process. Here, we offer a comprehensive guide to using bioRxiv as a training tool, as well as offer suggestions for improvements in bioRxiv, including confusion that may be caused by bioRxiv articles appearing on PubMed.
Friendship fallout and bailout backlash: The psychology of borrowing and lending
Authors: Angulo Ashley N. , Goldstein Noah J. , Norton Michael I.
Published: March 2024

Six studies explore the psychology of borrowing and lending. Across two different contexts—friends lending to friends and taxpayers bailing out businesses—lenders are angrier with borrowers who specifically make hedonic (as opposed to utilitarian) purchases with loaned money. This anger is pronounced enough that lenders' negative feelings toward borrowers who made past hedonic (vs. utilitarian) purchases remains even after they have been fully repaid. Undergirding lender anger is deserved oversight—a novel construct capturing people's belief that they deserve control and say over another's decision‐making. Borrowers and lenders do not agree on who deserves oversight over how the loaned funds are spent in large part because they differ in how much perceived ownership they each feel over the money. When lenders are yet to be repaid, their desire for oversight extends even to purchases made separately from the loaned amount. Finally, these processes and consequences are most powerful when money is lent compared with other forms of exchange, such as gifting money or being paid for work.
Playing At Being Human: Finding Leadership and Empathy Through Digital Games
Authors: Bezio Kristin M. S.
Published: March 2024

The current article presents examples of video games that specifically seek to enable their players to rethink their ideological assumptions and to develop empathy, critical components of both understanding and practicing leadership. Through these examples, the article suggests that video games are uniquely effective in this capacity because of their emphasis on interactivity and imaginative identification, as well as the wide distribution of games as a medium. Taken together, games' effectiveness at persuasion, ability to develop empathy, and popularity make them particularly well‐suited to prepare players for engagement with leadership as both leaders and (critical) followers.
The molecular and metabolic events behind different germination stages of rice seeds: A metabolomics perspective
Authors: Hazra Anindita , Das Susmita
Published: March 2024

Seed germination is a crucial stage for the completion of plants' life cycle. The process of seed germination is a very important phenomenon for agricultural food and crop production and to understand the underlying food chemistry. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) being easy to grow and cheap source of phytonutrients is a fundamental food crop across the world. Several researches are going on for years to improve the production of rice, ameliorate the deadly bacterial or fungal diseases utilizing genetics, transcriptomics, and proteomics aspects. Metabolomics is a very new arena of research in this field. With the help of modern‐day metabolomic tools and technologies, researchers are incessantly trying to unveil the metabolic construction of rice seeds, and new to this topic is seed germination. The principal aim of this review on metabolomics of germinating rice seeds is to have a big picture on the key molecular, cellular, and metabolic events of germination. This review tries to summarize all the available data to fulfill the aforesaid aim.
Determination, distribution, and health risk assessment of 12 heavy metals in various edible oils in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Shu‐Ting , Liao Kai‐Wei , Xuan Tan‐Chui , Chiou Tai‐Ying , Lin Zih‐Ee , Lee Wei‐Ju
Published: March 2024

Background

Minimizing the risk of heavy metal pollution is of utmost importance to ensure consumer safety. In this research, we utilized inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry to determine the presence of 12 heavy metals in Taiwanese commercial edible oils, both refined and unrefined.

Results

Our analytical findings revealed significantly lower levels of heavy metals in refined oils compared with unrefined oils. Through principal component analysis and cluster analysis of 19 types of edible oils, we identified Cd, Ba, Fe, Pb, and Co as the primary variables influencing heavy metal levels in edible oils. Notably, the heavy metal contents in the edible oils did not surpass international standards. Risk assessment results indicated that unrefined oils carried higher risk levels than refined oils. The incremental lifetime cancer risk values calculated for unrefined oils exceeded 10−6 in all age groups except for the 19 ~ 65 years category, while the noncarcinogenic risks remained well below 1, regardless of refined or unrefined oils.

Conclusions

Our study sheds light on the distribution characteristics of heavy metal contents in edible oils, highlighting higher levels of heavy metals and associated risks in non‐refined oils compared with refined oils. Ultimately, the presence of heavy metals in edible oils poses low health risks to the human body.
Tri‐frequency simultaneous ultrasound pickling for the acceleration of the NaCl content and quality improvement of pork (longissimus dorsi)
Authors: Zhang Xinyan , Guo Lina , Chen Zhongyuan , Ma Haile
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

The pickling process with NaCl is an essential step for pork preservation. This study aimed to investigate the effect of different ultrasonic intensities of tri‐frequency simultaneous ultrasound (TSIU) pickling on the NaCl content and quality of pork (longissimus dorsi). After 30 min pickling, the NaCl content, moisture content, pickling yield, cooking loss, textural properties, color, pH, moisture migration and distribution as well as microstructure of pork were assessed.

RESULTS

Results showed that among all the ultrasonic treatment intensities (85–150 W L−1), the NaCl content of the sample pickled by an intensity of 101.3 W L−1 was higher than that of other intensities. TSIU 101.3 W L−1 showed 59.95% higher NaCl content than the control sample. In addition, the sample treated with TSIU of 101.3 W L−1 had higher pickling yield and moisture content, better textural properties of pork (including hardness and chewiness), and less cooking loss. The results of the low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance showed that, compared with the control group, the relaxation time T21 of the ultrasound‐assisted pickling samples increased, while the proportion of T22 (A22) reduction ranged from 175.0% to 379.9%. The microstructure designated that the ultrasonic treatment could facilitate changes in meat texture.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound marination of different intensities promoted the diffusion of NaCl and affected the quality of pork tenderloins. The TSIU at 101.3 W L−1 could better accelerate NaCl transport and homogeneous distribution on meat, thereby improving the sample quality. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Movement Disorder Perspectives on Monocarboxylate 8 Deficiency: A Case Series of 3 Colombian Patients with Allan–Herndon–Dudley Syndrome
Authors: Ramon‐Gomez Jorge Luis , Cortés‐Rojas Maria Camila , Polania‐Puentes Maria Jose , Guerrero‐Ruiz Graciela Del Pilar
Published: March 2024

Background

Deficiencies in the thyroid hormone transporter monocarboxylate 8 (MCT8) due to pathogenic variants in the SLC16A2 gene (OMIM 300095) result in a complex phenotype with main endocrine and neurologic symptoms. This rare disorder, named Allan–Herndon–Dudley syndrome (AHDS) (OMIM 300523), is inherited in an X‐linked trait. One of the prominent features of AHDS is the presence of movement disorders (MD), which are complex and carry a significant burden of the disease.

Cases

Patient 1: male with hypotonia since birth, developmental delay, dystonic posturing at 4 months and at 15 months, and startle reaction developed with sensory stimuli. Patient 2: male, at 2 months, shows hypotonia and developmental delay, paroxysmal episodes triggered by a stimulus with sudden blush, tonic asymmetric posture, and no epileptiform activity. At 10 months, generalized dystonic posturing. Patient 3: typical neurodevelopmental milestones until 6 months; at 24 months, dystonia, startle reaction, and upper motoneuron signs.

Conclusions

We aim to describe our patients diagnosed with AHDS, focusing on MD phenomenology and strengthening the phenotype–genotype correlations for this rare condition.
Maryland MH community divided over legislation to establish AOT program
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: March 2024

Editor's note: Part 2 of this story will publish in the March 18 issue of Mental Health Weekly. MHW will have more comments from the field, and we'll take a look at what some opponents suggest are better alternatives to AOT.
The factors influencing patient safety management as perceived by emergency department nurses: A qualitative study
Authors: Mohammadi Fateme , Rustaee Sanaz , Bijani Mostafa
Published: March 2024

Aim

One of the most important, unpredictable and stressful areas in hospitals is the emergency department (ED) where seconds are crucial for providing immediate care and saving the patients' lives. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify the factors which impact the patient safety management as perceived by the ED nurses in Southern Iran.

Design

This is a qualitative, descriptive study.

Methods

The participants were 23 ED nurses selected via purposeful sampling who were asked to take part in an interview. Data were collected using semi‐structured, individual, in‐depth interviews and analysed via content analysis.

Results

Analysis of the qualitative data yielded 4 themes and 12 subthemes. The four main themes were: negligence of safety standards and standard precautions, disregard of ethical principles, professional challenges and inefficient organizational management.
Small airway function in predicting asthma control in preschool children
Authors: Yi Liangqin , Zhao Yan , Guo Ziyao , Li Qinyuan , Qiu Chunlan , Yang Jingyi , Liu Sha , Liu Fangjun , Xu Ximing , Luo Zhengxiu
Published: March 2024

Asthma control in children is often challenging. This retrospective cohort study aimed to investigate the potential contribution of small airway function in predicting asthma control within a 2‐ to 3‐month period following the initial diagnosis in preschool children with asthma. A total of 219 preschool children diagnosed with asthma were enrolled, and their follow‐up was conducted by pediatric pulmonary physicians. Clinical history and lung function results were collected for analysis. To identify risk factors associated with poor asthma control, a multivariable regression model was employed. Sixty‐nine of the patients (31.5%) exhibited poor asthma control. Poor adherence to therapy (14.5% vs. 6.0%, p = 0.038) and the presence of severe airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) (20.6% vs. 1.6%, p < 0.001) were more prevalent in the group with poor control. Additionally, baseline forced expiratory volume in 1 s in predicting (94.5% vs. 101.4%, p = 0.001), forced expiratory flows (FEF)50% (66.1% vs. 86.0%, p < 0.001), FEF75% (60.9% vs. 75.3%, p = 0.001), and FEF25–75% (70.9% vs. 86.0%, p < 0.001) were significantly lower in the poorly‐controlled group than those of well‐controlled group. There was no significant difference in forced vital capacity in predicting (FVC%) between the two groups (92.4% vs. 96.7%, p = 0.093). Multivariable regression model unveiled initial severe AHR (OR 8.595, 95%CI 1.241–59.537, p = 0.021) and decreased FEF50% (OR 0.971, 95%CI 0.949–0.994, p = 0.012) were significantly associated with short‐term poor asthma control. Preschool children with asthma who exhibites initial severe AHR and/or decreased FEF50% faces an elevated risk of encountering poor asthma control during the subsequent 2–3 months.
IGMH‐based research on the intramolecular weak interaction of TKX‐50
Authors: Yang Chunhai , Dong Huilong , Li Xue , Zhou Ning , Liu Yi , Hu Xiuli , Wang Yinjun
Published: March 2024

To further comprehensively study the intramolecular weak interaction of the gaseous TKX‐50 molecule, the two conformations of the TKX‐50 molecule were analyzed via the Independent Gradient Model based on the Hirshfeld Partition (IGMH) method based on the B3LYP/6‐311 g (d,p) level for geometry optimization and for single point energy. The conclusions manifest that the weak interactions between these fragments are mainly composed of hydrogen bonds and van der Waals interactions. From the strength of inter‐fragment interactions formed by contributing atomic pairs and their percentage contributions, these H bonds, together with dispersion‐dominated weak interactions provided by non‐direct facing atomic pairs near these H bonds, dominate the inter‐fragment interaction resulting in the stability of the molecular structure. Meanwhile, the weak interactions enclosed by end‐atoms of two fragments not only include the contributions provided by inter‐fragment atomic pairs of two fragments but also include the contributions provided by intra‐fragment atomic pairs of fragment 1. For conformation II, due to the H transfer between fragments, a pair of symmetric H bonds at the corresponding regions are extremely strong to reach the level of covalent bond while the two groups −OH at the other end become looser, resulting in conformation II own lower energy. Differences in inter‐fragment interactions between two conformations were essentially brought by the stronger electron‐withdrawing ability of atom O than that of atom N.
Electrosynthesis of H2O2 Promoted by π–π Interaction on a Metal‐Free Carbon Catalyst
Authors: Qu Jiating , Long Guifa , Luo Lin , Yang Yang , Fan Wenjun , Zhang Fuxiang
Published: March 2024

The synthesis of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) through electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction is an ideal alternative to the current energy‐intensive anthraquinone process, but developing cost‐effective and high‐efficiency electrocatalysts is still challenging. Herein, a metal‐free graphitic carbon nitride/carbon nanotube (g‐C3N4/CNT) hybrid catalyst can enhance H2O2 production via π–π interaction is reported, achieving almost unity (97%) H2O2 production at 0.57 V with high selectivity of over 92% across the wide potential range from 0.6 to 0 V. Other carbon materials with weak interaction with g‐C3N4, such as acetylene black and super P, show markedly weakened H2O2 production, indicating the importance of π–π interaction. Electron transfer kinetic analysis combined with density functional theory calculations indicates that the synergistic effect between g‐C3N4 and CNT enhances electron transfer and O2 activation between g‐C3N4 and CNT, leading to enhanced H2O2 production performance. This work provides a complementary approach for H2O2 production from oxygen reduction besides introducing oxygenated groups or heteroatom doping into carbon materials.
Highly Doped Conjugated Polyelectrolytes with Large Work Function for Efficient Hole Injection/Collection in Organic Photoelectric Devices
Authors: Li Qingyang , Liu Shuyan , Wang He , Li Zhe , Zhang Yuzhuo , Xu Bowei
Published: March 2024

The existing deficiencies in traditional hole‐transporting layer (HTL) materials poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) and molybdenum oxide restrict the further advance in the photoelectric conversion efficiency of organic photoelectric devices. Although conjugated polyelectrolytes (CPEs) display great advantage in serving as HTLs, the low work function (WF) and poor conductivity lead to the inferior performances of CPE‐modified devices. Herein, the important influence of electrostatic potential on p‐doping property of CPEs is revealed, and hence a series of CPEs with obvious p‐type self‐doping property based on simple chemical structures of benzene and thiophene derivatives are designed and synthesized. With a higher electron density of conjugated backbone, the CPE PB3T shows an improved doping effect. Moreover, a simultaneous enhancement of WF and conductivity can be achieved by doping the CPE with polyoxometalate (POM). The resulting CPE composite PB3T:POM exhibits good hole injection/collection ability and is compatible with large‐area production technique. The organic solar cells with active areas of 0.04 and 1.00 cm2 exhibit power conversion efficiency values of 18.1% and 15.6%, respectively. PB3T:POM is also used as HTL to fabricate organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) device, and the OLED exhibits a superior luminous efficiency to the PEDOT:PSS device but with a significantly reduced turn‐on voltage from 4.2 to 3.4 V.
Interspecific competition impacts the occupancy and range limits of two ptarmigan species along the elevation gradient in Norway
Authors: Mandeville Caitlin P. , Finstad Anders G. , Kålås John A. , Stokke Bård G. , Øien Ingar J. , Nilsen Erlend B.
Published: March 2024

Many mountain species are expected to respond to climate change through upslope shifts of their range limits, but competition may restrict or alter this response. Under traditional range‐limit theory, it is expected that lower‐elevation species are better competitors than closely related higher‐elevation species. However, recent work finds that this prediction is often unmet. We investigated evidence for the impact of competition during breeding season on the elevational range limits of a pair of closely related bird species, willow ptarmigan Lagopus lagopus and rock ptarmigan L. muta, in mainland Norway. The species share overlapping ranges that loosely divide slightly upslope from the treeline ecotone, with willow ptarmigan generally occupying lower sites and rock ptarmigan occupying higher sites. We used multi‐species occupancy models to test four competing hypotheses for how competition may affect the range limit between willow ptarmigan and rock ptarmigan: 1) asymmetric competition that restricts the lower range limit of rock ptarmigan; 2) asymmetric competition that restricts the upper range limit of willow ptarmigan; 3) condition‐specific competition that restricts both species' range limits; and 4) range limits unaffected by competition. We found evidence for a negative pairwise interaction between the two species. Changes in interaction strength along the elevation gradient suggested evidence for condition‐specific competition. However, a strong positive correlation between rock ptarmigan and higher‐elevation habitat resulted in a highly asymmetric outcome, where the upper range limit of willow ptarmigan was restricted but rock ptarmigan occupancy was fairly independent of willow ptarmigan. This outcome is opposite to the prediction of traditional range‐limit theory and may suggest a greater climate threat to willow ptarmigan than has been previously projected. Thus, our results demonstrate the importance of considering biotic interactions at both the higher and lower ends of species' range limits along elevation gradients.
The role of fatty acid metabolism in acute lung injury: a special focus on immunometabolism
Authors: Lu Xiao , Li Guorui , Liu Yi , Luo Guoqing , Ding Song , Zhang Tianyu , Li Ning , Geng Qing
Published: March 2024

Reputable evidence from multiple studies suggests that excessive and uncontrolled inflammation plays an indispensable role in mediating, amplifying, and protracting acute lung injury (ALI). Traditionally, immunity and energy metabolism are regarded as separate functions regulated by distinct mechanisms, but recently, more and more evidence show that immunity and energy metabolism exhibit a strong interaction which has given rise to an emerging field of immunometabolism. Mammalian lungs are organs with active fatty acid metabolism, however, during ALI, inflammation and oxidative stress lead to a series metabolic reprogramming such as impaired fatty acid oxidation, increased expression of proteins involved in fatty acid uptake and transport, enhanced synthesis of fatty acids, and accumulation of lipid droplets. In addition, obesity represents a significant risk factor for ALI/ARDS. Thus, we have further elucidated the mechanisms of obesity exacerbating ALI from the perspective of fatty acid metabolism. To sum up, this paper presents a systematical review of the relationship between extensive fatty acid metabolic pathways and acute lung injury and summarizes recent advances in understanding the involvement of fatty acid metabolism-related pathways in ALI. We hold an optimistic believe that targeting fatty acid metabolism pathway is a promising lung protection strategy, but the specific regulatory mechanisms are way too complex, necessitating further extensive and in-depth investigations in future studies.
Neutrophil extracellular traps mediate cardiomyocyte ferroptosis via the Hippo–Yap pathway to exacerbate doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity
Authors: Zhao Peng , Li You , Xu Xiangli , Yang Haobo , Li Xintong , Fu Shuai , Guo Zihong , Zhang Jianing , Li Hairu , Tian Jiawei
Published: March 2024

Doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC), which is a cardiovascular complication, has become the foremost determinant of decreased quality of life and mortality among survivors of malignant tumors, in addition to recurrence and metastasis. The limited ability to accurately predict the occurrence and severity of doxorubicin-induced injury has greatly hindered the prevention of DIC, but reducing the dose to mitigate side effects may compromise the effective treatment of primary malignancies. This has posed a longstanding clinical challenge for oncologists and cardiologists. Ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes has been shown to be a pivotal mechanism underlying cardiac dysfunction in DIC. Ferroptosis is influenced by multiple factors. The innate immune response, as exemplified by neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), may play a significant role in the regulation of ferroptosis. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the involvement of NETs in doxorubicin-induced cardiomyocyte ferroptosis and elucidate their regulatory role. This study confirmed the presence of NETs in DIC in vivo. Furthermore, we demonstrated that depleting neutrophils effectively reduced the occurrence of doxorubicin-induced ferroptosis and myocardial injury in DIC. Additionally, our findings showed the pivotal role of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) as a critical molecule implicated in DIC and emphasized its involvement in the modulation of ferroptosis subsequent to NETs inhibition. Mechanistically, we obtained preliminary evidence suggesting that doxorubicin-induced NETs could modulate yes-associated protein (YAP) activity by releasing HMGB1, which subsequently bound to toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) on the cardiomyocyte membrane, thereby influencing cardiomyocyte ferroptosis in vitro. Our findings suggest that doxorubicin-induced NETs modulate cardiomyocyte ferroptosis via the HMGB1/TLR4/YAP axis, thereby contributing to myocardial injury. This study offers a novel approach for preventing and alleviating DIC by targeting alterations in the immune microenvironment.
Lehren der COVID-19-Pandemie
Authors: Camenzind Elena , Vetter Luzia , Exl Matthias Thomas , Jeitziner Marie-Madlen
Published: March 2024

Hintergrund

Wenn die Belastung für Intensivpflegefachpersonen zu hoch wird, kann dies Folgen auf die persönliche Gesundheit und auf die Versorgung der Patient*innen haben. Während der Coronavirus Krankheit 2019(Coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19])-Pandemie waren Intensivpflegefachpersonen mit neuen und dynamischen Veränderungen konfrontiert.

Ziel der Arbeit

Ziel war es, Erfahrungen der Intensivpflegefachpersonen bez. der getroffenen Ad-hoc-Maßnahmen und der empfundenen physischen und psychischen Belastung während der COVID-19-Pandemie zu beschreiben.

Methode

Es wurde eine Querschnittserhebung mittels Onlinebefragung in 2 Krankenhäusern durchgeführt. Die offen formulierten Fragen zu den Herausforderungen während der COVID-19-Pandemie wurden inhaltsanalytisch nach Mayring analysiert.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt haben 179 Intensivpflegefachpersonen teilgenommen. Die 4 gebildeten Kategorien umfassen: „den eigenen Ansprüchen an die Pflegequalität nicht gerecht werden“, „Unsicherheiten im beruflichen sowie privaten Alltag“, „erhöhte Verantwortung bei fehlender Entlastung“ und „insuffiziente Bewältigungsstrategien für physische und psychische Belastungen“.

Diskussion

Intensivpflegefachpersonen benötigen Strukturen und Prozesse, die sie in Situationen hoher Arbeitsbelastung unterstützen. Der Schwerpunkt sollte dabei auf den Umgang mit den eigenen Ansprüchen an die Pflegequalität sowie den Einsatz von potenziell entlastenden Maßnahmen liegen.
Impacts of physical parameterization scheme of snow and soil properties over the Tibetan Plateau on the simulation of summer rainfall in China
Authors: An Yingying , Meng Xianhong , Zhao Lin , Li Zhaoguo , Wang Chan , Chen Hao , Shang Lunyu , Wang Shaoying , Wang Shiwen , Liu Yumeng
Published: March 2024

Accurate representation of soil and snow state variables in the land surface model is crucial for good simulation results. In order to investigate the potential impacts of the overestimated snow cover over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) on precipitation over China, we designed comparative experiments over TP with and without updated soil texture data, soil hydrological parameters, and the fresh snow density scheme to address this issue with the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF). The results show that snow cover fraction (SCF) and surface albedo in winter on the TP were overestimated in the WRF control experiment (CTL), with albedo bias exceeding 0.4 in the western TP. The SCF in the WRF improved experiment (WRFIM) is about 8% lower than that of the CTL, and the bias is decreased to 0.2–0.3 in the interior of the TP. The thermal and dynamic effects of the TP in winter have a significant impact on the weather and climate of East Asia during summer. Thus, the simulated summer rainfall bias is significantly reduced by WRFIM in North China, and the mid-lower reaches of the Yangtze River, along with the spatial correlation coefficient between the observed-based and WRF-simulated rainfall increased from 0.76 in CTL to 0.88 in WRFIM. The WRFIM-simulated reductions in snow cover and albedo cause a decrease in upward shortwave radiation and eventually increase net surface radiation. The horizontal temperature gradient of the atmosphere is increased in the WRFIM compared to the CTL, and the increased temperature in the lower and middle layers accommodates more water vapor, which is not conducive to precipitation formation. Correspondingly, the Western Pacific Subtropical High at 500 hPa in the middle troposphere weakened. The low-level anticyclonic circulation at 850 hPa also weakened to the east, affecting water vapor transport in eastern China. It leads to a decrease in the water vapor transported northward by southeasterly from the western Pacific Ocean and a decrease in the water vapor flux reaching North China. This work indicates that accurate characterization of soil properties and snow cover on the TP is crucial for improving the simulation bias of summer rainfall in China.