bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Capturing Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy Dose Among Breast Cancer Patients With the Utah All‐Payer Claims Database Compared With Gold‐Standard Abstraction
Authors: Koric Alzina , Chang Chun‐Pin Esther , Lloyd Shane , Dodson Mark , Deshmukh Vikrant G. , Newman Michael G. , Date Ankita P. , Doherty Jen A. , Gren Lisa H. , Porucznik Christina A. , Haaland Benjamin A. , Henry N. Lynn , Hashibe Mia
Published: November 2024

Objective

To evaluate the validity of the Utah statewide All‐Payer Claims Database (APCD), we compared breast cancer‐specific treatments and dosages with gold‐standard abstraction of medical records.

Study Design

In this pilot study, breast cancer treatments were abstracted by a certified tumor registrar at the Utah Cancer Registry (UCR) for patients diagnosed in 2013 with breast cancer. The abstraction of medical records was the gold standard for comparison with treatments identified in the APCD. The reliability and agreement between the treatment identified in the APCD and abstraction data were measured with sensitivity and specificity. Dose consistency was measured with the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC).

Results

Compared with the 186 abstractions, the sensitivity of the APCD to identify chemotherapy agents was high: 89% for any agent, 91% for carboplatin, 83% for docetaxel, 82% for doxorubicin, or 94.7% for biologic therapy. The consistency between the chemotherapy dosage identified in the claims and the abstraction varied from 63% to 76%. For radiotherapy, the sensitivity of the claims to identify the completed radiotherapy regimen was 66%. The ICC between radiotherapy doses identified in the claims and the abstraction was 54% (95% confidence interval [CI], 48%, 67%).

Conclusions

Employing these novel methods, the claims were highly reliable in identifying cancer treatment agents overall, namely carboplatin, docetaxel, and trastuzumab. The claims were of moderate utility in capturing the treatment dose information. In addition to the APCD, the use of multiple data sources improved the completeness of cancer treatment information.
Exploring Secondary Transfer Generalisation Effects From Black and Gay Contact: The Role of Humanisation
Authors: Puffer Hanna , Hodson Gordon
Published: November 2024

Intergroup contact is considered one of the most effective ways to reduce prejudice. An extension of contact theory, the secondary transfer effect (STE), stipulates that contact with a primary outgroup can impact attitudes toward a second, uninvolved outgroup. Here, we test the direct and indirect effects of contact with the primary outgroup on attitudes toward the secondary outgroup through outgroup humanisation, assessing White, heterosexual Americans' contact with both Black and gay people (N = 471; 52.7% men; Mage = 44.90, SD = 14.75). Path analyses were conducted on four fully saturated models that included intergroup contact (quantity, quality), humanisation of each group, and intergroup outcomes (attitudes, collective action intentions). Direct generalisation consistently occurred from gay contact (quantity or quality) to Black attitudes or Black collective action. Only one indirect generalisation pathway consistently occurred: a greater quantity of gay contact humanised Black people, which itself was associated with more positive attitudes and stronger collective action intentions toward Black people. However, the converse generalisation was not found: Black contact was rarely associated with direct or indirect intergroup outcomes toward gay people. The present study is the first to find indirect humanisation pathways for the STE, but from gay‐to‐Black contact only. Implications for future research are discussed. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.
Validation of Nonviolent Work Behavior (NVWB) Scale and Its Relation With Workplace Conflict
Authors: Bansal Suhans , Kumari Sarika , Garg Naval
Published: November 2024

The current study assessed the reliability and validity of the nonviolent work behavior (NVWB) scale with the help of three studies. Study 1 examined the factor structure of the scale using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Study 2 explored the internal consistency reliability, convergent, divergent, and predictive validity using different statistical estimates. It also examined the measurement invariance of the scale. Similar to the original scale, the EFA and CFA also yielded four factors: “NVT‐Stress,” “NVT‐Ability,” “NVT‐Constructive,” and “NVT‐Ignore.” The results also revealed adequate Cronbach's alpha, composite reliability, and McDonald's omega, which established the reliability of the scale. The positive correlation between NVWB and attitude to nonviolence scores confirmed the scale's convergent validity. It was also revealed that four dimensions of NVWB significantly predict relationship and task conflict. The validation of the scale was based on three independent studies conducted on three different samples.
Leveling up on labels? Consumer preferences for firm‐level eco‐labels as substitutes for or complements to product‐level eco‐labels
Authors: Boe‐Lillegraven Siri , Demmers Joris
Published: November 2024

Eco‐labels can inform consumers about the environmental impact of their purchase decisions, but preferences for different types and combinations of labels—especially the under‐researched concept of firm‐level eco‐labels—are poorly understood. Furthermore, the effectiveness of displaying one versus more labels on products remains unclear, as does the impact of consumers' specific shopping goals and the availability of information about the labels' meaning. Relying on discrete choice experiments and with theory on consumers' attributions and goal pursuit as its starting point, this paper tackles the questions, “How do consumers respond to different types and combinations of eco‐labels, and how does information about the labels' meaning and specific shopping goals impact revealed label preferences?”. The results establish firm‐level eco‐labels as important supplements to or replacements for (some) product‐level eco‐labels and have implications for firms' decisions on which labels to feature on products as well as legislators' efforts to stimulate responsible consumption.
Photocatalytic Upcycling of Plastic Waste into Syngas by ZnS/Ga2O3 Z‐Scheme Heterojunction
Authors: Xu Tong , Shan Tao , Jiang Yuting , Xu Lian‐hua , Zhang Huiyan , Chu Sheng
Published: November 2024

The photocatalytic conversion of plastic waste into value‐added products using solar energy presents a promising approach for promoting environmental sustainability. Nonetheless, the emission of CO2 during the conventional photocatalytic degradation process remains a major hurdle that impedes its further development. In this study, we propose an efficient photocatalytic conversion of polyethylene plastic into syngas (CO+H2 mixtures) by using a ZnS/Ga2O3 Z‐scheme heterojunction photocatalyst. It is found that the strong redox capability of photogenerated holes and electrons in the Z‐scheme heterojunction photocatalyst can promote the oxidative depolymerization of PE plastic, concurrently enabling the efficient reduction of the intermediate product CO2 into syngas. Furthermore, this system also demonstrates applicability in the conversion and upcycling of other polyolefin plastics including polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride. Our findings highlight the potential of polyolefin plastics photoreforming for the production of syngas under environmentally benign conditions.
Memristive Neural Network Circuit of Negative Emotion Inhibition With Self‐Repair and Memory
Authors: Wan Qiuzhen , Sun Kunliang , Liu Tieqiao , Qin Peng
Published: November 2024

The generated mechanism of negative emotion involves the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala in the brain. Based on the biological mechanism, this paper proposes a memristive neural network circuit of negative emotion inhibition with self‐repair and memory. The proposed memristive neural network circuit consists of five modules: memory (hippocampus) module, inhibition (prefrontal cortex) module, damage detection module, repair module, and output (amygdala) module. The memory module does not respond to a small negative signal, but a large negative signal will cause the memory module to form memories. If the large negative signal repeats, the memory module will output a memory signal to the inhibition module. The inhibition module receives the negative signal and the memory signal and then generates an inhibition signal. When the negative signal is small, the inhibition module outputs normally. When the large negative signal is applied for the first time, the inhibition module becomes damaged and the output is abnormal. As the memristor in the inhibition module has exceeded its damaged threshold, the damage detection module will generate a damaged signal to the repair module. The repair module will restore the memristance of the memristor in the inhibition module after receiving the damaged signal. If the large negative signal is applied again, the memory signal from the memory module will help the inhibition module to output normally. The output module receives the negative signal and the inhibition signal and then generates the negative emotion signal appropriately. The PSPICE simulation results show that the hippocampus generates memories after learning and transmits them to the prefrontal cortex, and then the prefrontal cortex inhibits the amygdala to generate the negative emotion appropriately. The proposed memristive neural network circuit can be applied to the robots, which can flexibly alter the intensity of the negative emotion expressed by the robots.
Pressure and Isothermal Compressibility of Asymmetric Complex Plasmas in the Poisson–Boltzmann Plus Hole Approximation
Authors: Martynova Inna , Iosilevky Igor
Published: November 2024

We consider a two‐component asymmetric complex plasma of finite‐size macroions with charges () and point oppositely charged microions with unit charges. System pressure is calculated within the framework of the Poisson–Boltzmann plus hole approximation by obtaining the Coulomb nonideal parts of interaction energy and Helmholtz free energy. It is shown that both the pressure and plasma isothermal compressibility are positive over the entire range of macroion concentrations. We compared pressure and isothermal compressibility in linearized approximations and in the Poisson–Boltzmann plus hole approximation where the nonlinear screening effect is taken into account and showed a significant difference for some macroions concentrations.
Ketogenic Food Ameliorates Activity‐Based Anorexia of Adult Female Mice
Authors: Dong Yiru , Lin Yuki , Khatri Latika , Chao Moses , Aoki Chiye
Published: November 2024

Objective

Genome‐wide association studies implicate metabo‐psychiatric origins for anorexia nervosa (AN). There are two case reports totaling six adult females who experienced complete remission of AN following a treatment comprised of ketogenic diet (targeting metabolism) with ketamine infusions (targeting psychiatric origins), but no study has determined the efficacy of ketogenic diet, alone. We addressed this gap in knowledge, with exploration of potential molecular mechanisms, using an animal model.

Method

Adult C57BL6 female mice underwent 2 or 3 cycles of activity‐based anorexia (ABA1, ABA2, ABA3), an animal model of AN relapse, in which AN‐like maladaptive behaviors of hyperactivity and voluntary food restriction are elicited when wheel access is combined with food restriction. ABA was categorized as severe, based on weight loss ≥ 20%, food restriction‐evoked increase in wheel counts > 10,000/6 h, and crouching/grimace, and compared across two groups: (1) KG, fed ketogenic food continuously (N = 25); and (2) CON, fed standard diet (N = 28).

Results

86% of CON versus none of the KG were crouching with grimace during ABA1. 93% of CON versus 11% of KG lost weight severely during ABA2 (p < 0.001, 8% difference of group mean weights). Severe hyperactivity was prevalent among CON (86%) and rare for KG (4%) during ABA2 (p < 0.001 on all food‐restricted days). ABA up‐regulated BDNF (brain‐derived neurotrophic factor) in the hippocampus of both groups but ketone body, β‐hydroxybutyrate, in urine was increased only among KG.

Discussion

Ketogenic diet may reduce severity of AN relapse through reduction of compulsive exercise, via mechanisms that are in addition to BDNF up‐regulation and involve β‐hydroxybutyrate.
Exploring Reciprocal Associations Between Self‐Reported Anxiety and Eating Disorder Symptoms Longitudinally: A Bivariate Latent Change Score Approach
Authors: Reilly Erin E. , Brown Tiffany A. , DeJesus Christopher R. , Kaye Walter H. , Wierenga Christina E.
Published: November 2024

Objective

Consistent data support an association between anxiety and eating disorders (EDs), and theoretical models of EDs suggest that anxiety may be involved in the etiology and maintenance of ED symptoms over time. However, the directionality of relations between these variables remains under‐characterized, particularly within treatment settings.

Method

We used bivariate latent change score models to explore longitudinal associations between anxiety and ED symptoms in a sample of ED patients (N = 548, 93.2% female, Mage = 21.16, 78.8% White, 79.6% Non‐Hispanic/Latinx) throughout intensive treatment and at 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐up.

Results

Best‐fitting models exploring change in each variable independently (i.e., univariate models) suggested that changes in ED and anxiety symptoms decreased over time, but that change was influenced by an individual's symptom severity at the previous timepoint. Models exploring associations between changes in both variables over time (i.e., bivariate latent change score models) suggested the best fit for a model where both anxiety and ED symptoms at one timepoint were associated with later change in the other. Specifically, parameters within these models suggested that higher levels of anxiety were associated with increased subsequent reductions in ED symptoms, whereas elevations in ED symptoms were associated with decreased later reductions in anxiety.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that anxiety and ED symptoms are intricately related both within and outside of intensive treatment. Future multi‐modal research exploring real‐time links between anxiety and ED symptoms throughout treatment is critical to extend this work and inform improvements in targeted, mechanistic interventions for this population.
Application and prospects of interface engineering in energy storage and conversion of graphdiyne‐based materials
Authors: An Juan , Zhang Haohao , Wang Yijie , Kong Zhen , Li Wensi , Gao Xing , Song Jibin , Yao Yancai
Published: November 2024

A new carbon allotrope, graphdiyne (GDY) has great promise for future use. Much interest was piqued when it was initially prepared in 2010. GDY is made up of sp‐ and sp2‐hybridized carbon atoms. It has a one‐atom thick two‐dimensional structure and many interesting and useful qualities, such as strong chemical bonds, super‐large π structures, the ability to change from an alkyne to an alkene, and can be grown on any surface. GDY has become one of the frontier hotspots in chemistry and materials science, with original research achievements in energy conversion and storage, catalysis, intelligent information, life sciences constantly emerging and so on, showing revolutionary performance. In electrochemical cells, the electrode interface content not only accounts for a small proportion in the entire electrode system but it also plays a crucial role, affecting the efficiency, lifespan, power performance, and safety performance of the battery. In view of this, the intrinsic properties of GDY have been thoroughly analyzed, and a new GDY‐based electrochemical interface has been proposed by combining the key problems of electrochemical interfaces in electrochemical energy storage and conversion. This has led to new understanding and insights to address many critical scientific issues. In this review, the structure, characteristics, and applications of GDY in interface engineering are presented. In particular, recent advances in GDY and its aggregates in energy storage and conversion are summarized and discussed.
Exploring the Influence of Age at Menarche on Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components Across Different Women's Birth Cohorts
Authors: Farahmand Maryam , Mousavi Maryam , Azizi Fereidoun , Ramezani Tehrani Fahimeh
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is the primary cardiovascular risk factor, making it a global issue. Our objective was to assess the association between the age at menarche (AAM) and MetS and its components in different generations of women.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, 5500 eligible women aged ≥ 20 who participated in the Tehran lipid and glucose study in 2015–2017 were selected. Participants were divided into groups by birth cohorts (BC) (born ≤ 1959, 1960–1979, and ≥ 1980) and AAM (≤ 11, 12–15, and ≥ 16 years, early, normal, and late, respectively). The status of MetS and its components were compared amongst participants using logistic regression.

Results

Normal AAM (12–15 years) was considered the reference group. The adjusted model revealed that AAM ≤ 11 is associated with a higher risk of 34% (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04, 1.71) in MetS, and the prevalence of MetS in the early menarche group was higher in BCI, and BCII (odds ratio (OR): 1.87; 95% CI: 1.04, 3.36 and OR: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.89, respectively). Those with late menarche demonstrated a lower risk (OR:0.72; 95% CI: 0.57, 0.91) of abdominal obesity, and early menarche showed a higher risk (OR: 1.45; CI: 1.14, 1.86). This higher risk in early menarche was observed in BCI and BCII (OR: 1.76; 95% CI: 1.16, 2.66 and OR: 1.80; 95% CI: 1.23, 2.64, respectively). However, the protective effect of late menarche was observed in BC II and BC III (OR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.54, 1.00 and OR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.44, 0.96, respectively).

Conclusions

The influential effect of AAM on metabolic disturbances varies amongst different generations.
Incident heart failure: comparing management and outcome in primary and hospital settings in Western Sweden 2008–2017
Authors: Chen Xiaojing , Pivodic Aldina , Schaufelberger Maria , Rosengren Annika , Fu Michael
Published: November 2024

Aim

Heart failure (HF) is a highly prevalent condition managed in both primary care (PC) and hospital care (HC)‐based settings. HF patients managed in these two settings may differ in their demography, comorbidities and outcomes, so we aimed to compare the patient management in PC and HC in the Västra Götaland Region (VGR) in Sweden.

Methods

The VEGA database is an administrative database that includes all patients living in VGR. Patients with a first principal or contributory diagnosis of HF (I50) ≥18 years old between 2008 and 2017 were included. One‐year mortality was used as the outcome.

Results

In total, 35 375 new‐onset HF cases were included with 18 722 identified only in PC and 16 651 in HC. HF patients in PC were older (80.7 ± 10.9 vs. 76.1 ± 13.6), more women (57.1% vs. 44.9%), with more hypertension, musculoskeletal and mental disorders, but less myocardial infarction. Patients in HC had almost 4 times higher all‐cause 1 year mortality [3.92 (3.77–4.08), P < 0.0001] compared with PC after adjustment for age and sex. Over a 10 year period, despite decreasing mortality in both settings, hazard ratios for HC versus PC were significantly increased for all patients (P for interaction 0.0004), which was more marked in female and for 70–80 years old patients.

Conclusion

Over a 10 year period, we demonstrated the differences in demography, comorbidities and outcomes between heart failure patients managed in hospital care versus primary care.
Bagliettoa A. Massal. (Verrucariaceae): A New Generic Record of Lichenized Fungi for India
Authors: Kumar Vishal , Upreti Dalip Kumar , Nayaka Sanjeeva , Sharma Yash Pal
Published: November 2024

The lichen genus Bagliettoa A. Massal. is being reported for the first time from India, represented by B. baldensis (A. Massal.) Vězda, B. calciseda (DC.) Gueidan & Cl. Roux, and B. limborioides A. Massal. Previously, specimens belonging to this genus were erroneously identified as species of Awasthiella and Verrucaria at herbarium LWG. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, notes on distribution and ecology, and a comparison with related species are provided along with a key to facilitate their identification.
Association of Psychotropic Prescriptions With Non‐Registered Indications and the Risk of Mortality in Older Adults: A Danish Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Ishtiak‐Ahmed Kazi , Jensen‐Dahm Christina , Christensen Kaj Sparle , Waldemar Gunhild , Gasse Christiane
Published: November 2024

Background and Objective

Psychotropic drug use is common in older adults, with off‐label use reported despite limited understanding of the safety outcomes compared to on‐label use. Incomplete recordings of treatment indications in the Danish National Prescription Register (DNPR) raise concerns about potential off‐label medication use, particularly among older adults. We, therefore, investigated the association between psychotropic prescriptions with non‐registered indications in DNPR and the 1‐year all‐cause mortality in older adults, including subgroups with any psychiatric disorders, depression, or dementia.

Methods

Register‐based cohort study following all older adults (≥ 65) who redeemed a first‐time (since 1995) prescription of either antidepressants, antipsychotics, or benzodiazepine during 2006–2017. Redemption of a prescription with non‐registered indications in the DNPR was the exposure. The outcome, 1‐year all‐cause mortality was analyzed using Poisson regression, estimating incidence rate ratios with 95% confidence intervals, adjusting for socio‐demographics and clinical factors.

Results

32% of prescriptions filled by 202,067 individuals for antidepressants, 37% of 97,387 for antipsychotics, and 22% of 130,471 for benzodiazepines had non‐registered indications. No significant differences in mortality rates were found for antidepressants and antipsychotics with non‐registered indications, while higher mortality rates were associated with benzodiazepines, mitigated when excluding individuals receiving intravenous administrations representing end‐of‐life treatment. The results remained consistent in subgroup analyses in patients with any psychiatric disorders, depression, or dementia and further stratified analyses by sex and age.

Conclusions

We found that while psychotropic prescriptions with non‐registered indications in DNPR were prevalent in older adults, they were not associated with excess mortality.
Prevalence of infertility and its association with intimate partner violence in Tanzania: Findings from the 2022 Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Balandya Belinda , Beňová Lenka , Kikula Amani , Pembe Andrea B. , Riese Sara , Asefa Anteneh
Published: November 2024

Objective

We first estimated the prevalence of primary and secondary infertility in Tanzania and then examined its association with recent experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV).

Methods

We used cross‐sectional data from the Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey 2022 and included 6894 women aged 20–49 years to estimate the prevalence of primary and secondary infertility. In a subset of 2802 partnered women who were surveyed about physical, emotional, and sexual IPV, we also examined the association of any form of IPV in the 12 months prior to the survey with both primary and secondary infertility using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

The prevalence of primary infertility was 1.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0, 3.1) and secondary infertility was 15.4% (95% CI: 2.1, 61.0). Primary infertility was higher in urban areas (1.9%) compared to rural areas (1.7%) (P < 0.001). Over one‐third (37.9%) of the women who were surveyed concerning IPV reported experiencing at least one form of IPV in the 12 months prior to the survey. Almost one‐fifth (18.3%) of women with secondary infertility had experienced at least one form of violence in the past 12 months prior to the survey, compared to 1.5% with primary infertility (P = 0.656). Women with secondary infertility were 1.58 times more likely to have experienced any form of IPV (aOR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.08, 2.33).

Conclusions

In Tanzania, the high prevalences of both infertility and IPV and the link between the two warrants the need for strengthening infertility care and treatment and support for women experiencing IPV.
The effects of an educational intervention on women's contraceptive preferences in the immediate postpartum period: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Maia Elaine Meireles Castro , Peixoto Raquel Autran Coelho , Guazzelli Cristina Aparecida Falbo
Published: November 2024

Objectives

To assess postpartum women's contraceptive preferences and the impact of an educational intervention on these preferences, identifying factors motivating method choices.

Method

This cross‐sectional quantitative study included women within 48 h after delivery in a public Brazilian hospital. Participants were asked about their contraceptive preferences before and after an educational intervention, which aimed to inform women about the importance of early postpartum contraception, available methods, mechanisms of action, effectiveness, proper use, and side effects. A nursing professional explained contraceptives to postpartum women in individual sessions, demonstrating their use on simulators interactively for about 15 min. Statistical analyses were performed using JAMOVI version 2.3.28 and Microsoft Excel 2016.

Results

A total of 402 women (226 adolescents and 176 adults) were included. After the intervention, preference for long‐acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) increased significantly from 157 (39.1%) to 279 (68.7%) (P < 0.001). At the initial assessment, contraceptive preferences were injectable hormonal contraceptives (159 [39.6%]), intrauterine devices (IUDs) (109 [27.1%]), and implants (48 [11.9%]). After the educational intervention, IUDs became the most popular method, at 143 (35.6%), followed by implants (133 [33.1%]) and injectables (81 [20.1%]). Among adolescents, there was a significant increase in implant choice (P < 0.001) and a decrease in injectables and pills (P < 0.001; P = 0.006). Adults showed increased preference for implants (P < 0.001) and IUDs (P < 0.001), with a reduction in injectable hormonal contraceptives (P = 0.005) and tubal ligation (P = 0.006).

Conclusion

An educational intervention during postpartum period can influence women's contraceptive choices. Timely education was associated with a significant increase in LARC preference.
CATNet: A Cross Attention and Texture‐Aware Network for Polyp Segmentation
Authors: Deng Zhifang , Wu Yangdong
Published: November 2024

Polyp segmentation is a challenging task, as some polyps exhibit similar textures to surrounding tissues, making them difficult to distinguish. Therefore, we present a parallel cross‐attention and texture‐aware network to address this challenging task. CATNet incorporates the parallel cross‐attention mechanism, Residual Feature Fusion Module, and texture‐aware module. Initially, polyp images undergo processing in our backbone network to extract multi‐level polyp features. Subsequently, the parallel cross‐attention mechanism sequentially captures channel and spatial dependencies across multi‐scale polyp features, thereby yielding enhanced representations. These enhanced representations are then input into multiple texture‐aware modules, which facilitate polyp segmentation by accentuating subtle textural disparities between polyps and the background. Finally, the Residual Feature Fusion module integrates the segmentation results with the previous layer of enhanced representations. This process serves to eliminate background noise and enhance intricate details. We assess the efficacy of our proposed method across five distinct polyp datasets. On three unseen datasets, CVC‐300, CVC‐ColonDB, and ETIS. We achieve mDice scores of 0.916, 0.817, and 0.777, respectively. Experimental results unequivocally demonstrate the superior performance of our approach over current models. The proposed CATNet addresses the challenges posed by textural similarities, setting a benchmark for future advancements in automated polyp detection and segmentation.
PLLA Porous Scaffold as a 3D Breast Cancer Model to Investigate Drug Resistance
Authors: Carbone Camilla , Rigogliuso Salvatrice , Brucato Valerio Maria Bartolo , Cusimano Alessandra , Labbozzetta Manuela , La Carrubba Vincenzo , Poma Paola , Notarbartolo Monica , Carfì Pavia Francesco
Published: November 2024

Multidrug resistance remains one of the major challenges in breast cancer research, often leading to treatment failure. To better understand this mechanism, sophisticated three‐dimensional (3D) tumor models are necessary, as they offer several advantages over traditional bidimensional (2D) cultures. In this study, poly‐l‐lactic‐acid porous scaffolds were produced using a thermally induced phase separation technique and employed as 3D models for breast cancer cell lines: MDA‐MB‐231, MCF‐7, and its multidrug‐resistant variant, MCF‐7R. The MTS assay was used to compare growth inhibition following doxorubicin treatment in 2D and 3D. Remarkably, the IC50 values increased in 3D cultures compared to 2D: MDA‐MB‐231 (445 vs. 54.5 ng/mL), MCF‐7 (7.45 vs. 0.75 μg/mL), and MCF‐7R (165 vs. 39 μg/mL). MCF‐7R, which usually shows greater resistance in 2D, demonstrated even higher resistance in 3D. In fact, IC50 was not reached within 3 days as with the other models, but only after 6 days. Cellular morphology also played a crucial role. When treated with concentrations higher than the IC50, MDA‐MB‐231 cells lost their physiological 3D clustered structure, while MCF‐7 and its resistant variant exhibited disrupted layers. All cell lines in 3D showed higher chemoresistance, suggesting a more biomimetic spatial architecture. Our work bridges the gap between monolayer and animal models, highlighting the potential of polymeric 3D scaffolds in breast cancer research.
Educational effectiveness of remote training with smart glasses for impression‐taking
Authors: Sekiguchi Ayako , Cao Ridan , Umemori Sachi , Noritake Kanako , Sunaga Masayo , Kinoshita Atsuhiro , Tonami Ken‐ichi , Nitta Hiroshi
Published: November 2024

Purpose

To compare the educational outcomes of remote instruction (RI) in impression‐taking using smart glasses with those of face‐to‐face instruction (FI) and paper‐based self‐learning (SL) and analyze the educational effects, aiming to develop a remote clinical training strategy.

Methods

Participants were recruited from among the dental residents who were trained in the first‐year clinical program at the university hospital in 2023. The participants were divided into three groups as the original skill level was equal, and the groups were assigned RI, FI, printed guidance, and SL. All the participants took impressions of the jaw models attached to the mannequin using alginate impression material. Next, assigned instructions were provided. Then again, the trainees took impressions of the jaw models. The pre‐ and postinstruction impressions of each participant were evaluated, and the change in the impression score was statistically analyzed.

Results

The pre‐ and postinstruction scores of the trainees in the RI and FI groups showed a significant increase (p < 0.05), whereas no significant difference was observed in the score changes in the SL group. In the intergroup comparisons, the score changes of the RI and FI groups were greater than those of the SL group, although no significant difference was found between the score changes of the RI and FI groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

RI in impression‐taking using smart glasses has a greater educational effectiveness than paper‐based SL. It has also been suggested that RI can have educational efficacy similar to FI.
Deficits in or Preservation of Basic Number Processing in Parkinson's Disease? A Registered Report
Authors: Loenneker Hannah D. , Artemenko Christina , Willmes Klaus , Liepelt‐Scarfone Inga , Nuerk Hans‐Christoph
Published: November 2024

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD) have a huge impact on patients, caregivers, and the health care system. Until now, diagnosis of mild cognitive impairments in PD has been established based on domain‐general functions such as executive functions, attention, or working memory. However, specific numerical deficits observed in clinical practice have not yet been systematically investigated. PD‐immanent deterioration of domain‐general functions and domain‐specific numerical areas suggests mechanisms of both primary and secondary dyscalculia. The current study systematically investigated basic number processing performance in PD patients for the first time, targeting domain‐specific cognitive representations of numerosity and the influence of domain‐general factors. The overall sample consisted of patients with a diagnosis of PD, according to consensus guidelines, and healthy controls. PD patients were stratified into patients with normal cognition (PD‐NC) or mild cognitive impairment (level I‐PD‐MCI based on cognitive screening). Basic number processing was assessed using transcoding, number line estimation, and (non‐) symbolic number magnitude comparison tasks. Discriminant analysis was employed to assess whether basic number processing tasks can differentiate between a healthy control group and both PD groups. All participants were subjected to a comprehensive numerical and a neuropsychological test battery, as well as sociodemographic and clinical measures. Results indicate a profile of preserved (verbal representation) and impaired (magnitude representation, place × value activation) function in PD‐MCI, hinting at basal ganglia dysfunction affecting numerical cognition in PD. Numerical deficits could not be explained by domain‐general cognitive impairments, so that future research needs to incorporate domain‐specific tasks of sufficient difficulty.
Double‐crosslinked hydrogels and hydrogel beads formed by garlic protein hydrolysates for bioactive encapsulation and gastrointestinal delivery
Authors: Li Shuqin , Zhang Xiaoyu , Wang Jia , Lu Jingyang , Li Mingyue , Zhang Min , Panichayupakaranant Pharkphoom , Chen Haixia
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Garlic protein is one of the main components of garlic. It has several beneficial characteristics. This study aimed to characterize a double crosslinked hydrogel formed with alginate, calcium ions (Ca2+), and garlic protein hydrolysates (GPH), and to develop hydrogel beads for targeted delivery of bioactive constituents to the gastrointestinal tract.

RESULTS

The results indicated that the degree of GPH hydrolysis was approximately 3% following trypsin treatment. The inner structure of the double crosslinked hydrogel showed a honeycomb pattern, with solid‐like gel rheology and improved texture properties at a 4% (w/v) GPH concentration. The GPH‐based hydrogel beads demonstrated pH sensitivity, swelling in near‐neutral and alkaline environments, and the encapsulated paclitaxel (PTX) exhibited an amorphous phase with preferential release in intestinal conditions. The GPH group also achieved greater drug encapsulation efficiency than a soy protein hydrolysate (SPH) group, and proteomic analysis suggested that lower molecular weight and peptide charge favored the formation of peptide‐integrated double crosslinking hydrogels.

CONCLUSION

This work indicated that GPH was helpful and could inspire the development of drug delivery systems involving GPH with the required mechanical strength and target‐release properties. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
An OLED display fabricated through side‐by‐side pixel patterning via photolithography
Authors: Eguchi Shingo , Kato Sho , Oide Takayuki , Chida Akihiro , Kusunoki Koji , Yamane Yasumasa , Idojiri Satoru , Nakazawa Yasutaka , Okazaki Kenichi , Yamazaki Shunpei
Published: November 2024

We developed a patterning technology using photolithography that eliminates the need for a fine metal mask, thereby achieving high resolution across all red‐blue‐green pixels of an organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) display. Traditional methods using fine metal masks typically restrict the resolution and size of a display. However, the proposed technology largely bypasses these constraints. Suitable for OLED applications ranging from microdisplays in augmented reality and virtual reality to large TVs exceeding 80 in., our technology overcomes limitations on alignment accuracy, fine metal mask washing, and running costs and paves the way for mass production in OLED manufacturing.
Mixed Grass Species Enhances Root Production and Plant–Soil Reinforcement
Authors: Wang Yuan , Gu Hao , Liu Sheng
Published: November 2024

Vegetation is a widely used eco‐friendly approach for slope reinforcement and ecological restoration. As a potential planting strategy, mixed planting of plants is often recommended to improve biodiversity, but the effects of mixed planting on soil reinforcement and slope stability are not yet clear. To address this issue, a study on two typical herbaceous slope protection plants,
Chrysopogon zizanioides
and
Cynodon dactylon
, were conducted. The biomechanical characteristics of different herbaceous plants were analyzed, and their root distribution and soil reinforcement performance under single and mixed planting were explored. Results show that mixed planting could significantly increase the number and root area ratio of root systems. At 0.1 cm depth after 42 days, the root number under mixed planting increased by 111.42% compared to vetiver grass monoculture and by 19.57% compared to bermuda grass monoculture. Mixed planting can provide stronger soil reinforcement by increasing apparent cohesion, with a maximum increase in apparent cohesion of 47.9%. The results of slope stability analysis showed that vegetation mainly relied on mechanical reinforcement in the root zone and hydrological reinforcement outside the root zone. After 42 days of growth, mixed planting at 0.1 m depth increased slope stability by 11.94% compared to vetiver grass monoculture and by 27.12% compared to bermuda grass monoculture, with both mechanical and hydrological effects of vegetation significantly enhanced. These findings suggest that mixed planting can promote plant development and growth, improve root production, and enhance plant–soil reinforcement and slope stability during the early establishment of vegetation. Therefore, in formulating slope reinforcement and ecological restoration strategies, more consideration can be given to mixed planting of plants, maximizing the utilization of competition characteristics between plants, and reducing the risk of shallow landslides while improving biodiversity.
Approximations of random periodic solutions for path‐dependent stochastic differential equations with finite/infinite delay
Authors: Zhu Min , Hu Yanyan
Published: November 2024

The aim of this work is to show the numerical approximation of random periodic solutions for path‐dependent stochastic differential equations with a finite and an infinite delay, in which the drifts are only dissipative on average with respect to the time parameter. The key findings are as follows: (i) by using a combination of synchronous coupling approaches and continuous‐time Euler–Maruyama schemes, we study the existence and uniqueness of numerical random periodic solutions to path‐dependent stochastic differential equations on an infinite time horizon; (ii) by introducing a new technical method, we investigate the strong convergence in the mean‐square sense of a numerical approximation to path‐dependent stochastic differential equations in the case of an infinite time horizon; (iii) to the best of our knowledge, our result is the first one upon numerical approximations of random periodic solutions for path‐dependent stochastic differential equations (SDEs) with infinite delay. We expect that our approximated method can be extended to a more general structure.
Overweight Leads to an Increase in Vitamin E Absorption and Status in Mice
Authors: Alvarado‐Ramos Katherine , Bravo‐Núñez Ángela , Vairo Donato , Sabran Charlotte , Landrier Jean‐François , Reboul Emmanuelle
Published: November 2024

Scope

This study investigates whether vitamin E (VE) deficiency in subjects with obesity could, at least partly, be due to a defect in VE intestinal absorption.

Methods and results

Mice follow either a high‐fat (HF) or a control (CTL) diet for 12 weeks. The study evaluates their VE status, the expression of genes encoding proteins involved in lipid and fat‐soluble vitamin intestinal absorption, and VE absorption using a γ‐tocopherol‐rich emulsion. HF mice have a weight (+23.0%) and an adiposity index (AI, +157.0) superior to CTL mice (p < 0.05). α‐Tocopherol concentrations are higher in both plasma (+45.0%) and liver (+116.9%) of HF mice compared to CTL mice (p < 0.05). α‐Tocopherol concentration in the adipose tissue of HF mice is higher than that of CTL mice after correction by the AI (+72.4%, p < 0.05). No difference is found in the expression of genes coding for proteins involved in intestinal lipid metabolism in fasting mice. After force‐feeding, γ‐tocopherol plasma concentration is higher in HF mice compared to CTL mice (+181.5% at 1.5 h after force‐feeding, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

HF mice display higher status and more efficient absorption of VE than CTL mice. VE absorption is thus likely not impaired in the early stages of obesity.
Liquid‐Phase NMR of Humic and Fulvic Acids
Authors: Krivdin Leonid B.
Published: November 2024

Present review focuses on the most recent advances in the NMR of the coal‐derived humic and fulvic acids, covering exclusively the results of the liquid‐phase NMR and leaving apart an overwhelming amount of publications dealing with the solid‐state NMR investigations in this field (the latter are comprehensively reviewed elsewhere). Owing to the complexity of humic and fulvic acids together with other coal‐derived products, their 1H and 13C NMR spectra consist of a number of overlapping signals belonging to different hydrocarbon types. Comprehensive studies of humic and fulvic acids by means of NMR revealed characteristic functional groups of their composition together with spectral regions in which they resonate. Quantitative 1H and 13C NMR spectra characterize aromatic and saturated carbons spread over many structural moieties, which provides a solid guideline into molecular structure of humic and fulvic acids together with parent coal‐derived products. Nowadays, quantitative 13C NMR measurements yield information about a variety of structural parameters such as functional group distribution, aromaticity, degree of condensation of aromatic rings, and medium chain lengths together with many other more specific parameters. The structural NMR studies of the coal‐derived products are developing on a background of a marked progress in experimental and computational NMR. Discussed in the present review are the most recent advances in the liquid‐state NMR studies of the coal‐derived humic and fulvic acids together with their processing products.
Analysis of Fracturing Above Block Caving Back: A Spherical Shell Theory Approach and BEM Numerical Simulation
Authors: Shi Jingyu , Shen Baotang
Published: November 2024

Experiments and field monitoring have revealed that in block caving, fractures over the cave crown tend to form in narrow curved bands that are parallel or subparallel to the cave back surface. These fractures delineate curved shells of orebody between the bands and the cave back. The effectiveness of block caving hinges on the subsequent fracturing and fragmentation of these orebody shells. This study adopts a dual approach, combining thin spherical shell theory and full 3D numerical simulations along with principles of linear elastic fracture mechanics, to investigate the fracturing behaviour of these shells. Analytical analysis indicates that under axisymmetric loading, latitudinal tensile fractures predominantly initiate across the most part of the shell, occurring on both the upper and lower surfaces, except at a localised area. Additionally, longitudinal tensile fractures may initiate at the central area of the upper surface, while shear fractures tend to occur around the edge of the shell. Consequently, the shells become susceptible to fracturing, leading to the collapse or cave‐in of the orebody. Numerical simulations agree with these findings, illustrating that fracturing points within the shell region are longitudinally dispersed throughout the entire shell. Most of these fracturing points satisfy the criteria for tensile fracturing, particularly within the middle portion of the shell, aligning with the analytical results. Furthermore, simulations considering nonaxisymmetric loading patterns demonstrate that regions surrounding the caving cavity, aligned with the minimum principal in situ stress, exhibit heightened susceptibility to fracture initiation. This insight holds potential significance for optimising the design of the caving process.
Faunal Exploitation Strategies, Dietary Habits, and Social Status in Tang Dynasty Chang'an: Zooarchaeological Insights From Xiajiazhuang
Authors: Festa Marcella , Guo Yanli , Wu Miao , Zhang Quanmin , Li Suyuan
Published: November 2024

Zooarchaeology in China has consistently enhanced our understanding of past environments and human–animal interactions. However, this research has predominantly focused on prehistoric contexts. Our knowledge of animal exploitation strategies in historical periods remains largely reliant on written and iconographic sources, lacking direct and quantifiable faunal evidence. This paper examines the animal remains found in the residential district of Xiajiazhuang to better understand faunal exploitation strategies, dietary habits, and meat procurement patterns in Chang'an (Xi'an, China) during the Tang dynasty period (618–907 ce). Zooarchaeological evidence identifies caprines as the primary meat source, supplemented by cattle, dogs, pigs, and poultry. Our findings indicate a targeted meat procurement strategy, with animals selected based on their age to secure high‐quality meat, thereby hinting at the potential high status of Xiajiazhuang's residents. Along with other lines of evidence, our results suggest that interactions within the city and between the capital and its surrounding areas could have played a significant role in shaping faunal resource management strategies in Xiajiazhuang during the Tang dynasty.
Exploring the Impact of Environmental Degradation, Income Inequality, Technological Development and Food Availability on Quality of Life: Recent Evidence From South Asia
Authors: Chandio Abbas Ali , Amin Asad , Sethi Narayan , Haouas Ilham , Ahmad Fayyaz
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the determinants of quality of life in South Asian countries, focusing on Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Pakistan from 2000 to 2018. Life expectancy is used as the dependent variable, representing life quality. The independent variables include carbon emissions, remittances, information and communication technology, income inequality, government health expenditure, economic development, and food security. Cross‐sectional time series FGLS is the main analytical method, supplemented by Pedroni and Kao cointegration tests and the Drisc/Kraay method. The findings indicate that information and communication technology, remittances, economic progress, and food security positively impact life expectancy, while CO2 emissions, income inequality, and government health expenditures negatively affect it. The study proposes several policy recommendations to improve the quality of life in the South Asian region.