bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved dynamic distortion correction for fMRI using single‐echo EPI and a readout‐reversed first image (REFILL)
Authors: Robinson Simon Daniel , Bachrata Beata , Eckstein Korbinian , Bollmann Saskia , Bollmann Steffen , Dymerska Barbara , Hodono Shota , Cloos Martijn , Tourell Monique , Jin Jin , O'Brien Kieran , Reutens David C. , Trattnig Siegfried , Enzinger Christian , Barth Markus
Published: August 2023

The boundaries between tissues with different magnetic susceptibilities generate inhomogeneities in the main magnetic field which change over time due to motion, respiration and system instabilities. The dynamically changing field can be measured from the phase of the fMRI data and corrected. However, methods for doing so need multi‐echo data, time‐consuming reference scans and/or involve error‐prone processing steps, such as phase unwrapping, which are difficult to implement robustly on the MRI host. The improved dynamic distortion correction method we propose is based on the phase of the single‐echo EPI data acquired for fMRI, phase offsets calculated from a triple‐echo, bipolar reference scan of circa 3–10 s duration using a method which avoids the need for phase unwrapping and an additional correction derived from one EPI volume in which the readout direction is reversed. This Reverse‐Encoded First Image and Low resoLution reference scan (REFILL) approach is shown to accurately measure B0 as it changes due to shim, motion and respiration, even with large dynamic changes to the field at 7 T, where it led to a > 20% increase in time‐series signal to noise ratio compared to data corrected with the classic static approach. fMRI results from REFILL‐corrected data were free of stimulus‐correlated distortion artefacts seen when data were corrected with static field mapping. The method is insensitive to shim changes and eddy current differences between the reference scan and the fMRI time series, and employs calculation steps that are simple and robust, allowing most data processing to be performed in real time on the scanner image reconstruction computer. These improvements make it feasible to routinely perform dynamic distortion correction in fMRI.
Risk assessment of venous thromboembolism in head and neck cancer patients and its establishment of a prediction model
Authors: Li Chen‐xi , He Qi , Wang Zheng‐ye , Fang Chang , Gong Zhong‐cheng , Zhao Hua‐rong , Ling Bin
Published: August 2023

Importance

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is closely relevant to head and neck cancer (HNC) prognosis, but little data exist on the risk prediction of VTE in patients with HNC.

Objective

To study the risk factors regarding VTE in HNC patients and construct a nomogram model for its prediction.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A cross‐sectional retrospective study was implemented to comparatively analyze 220 HNC patients from January 2018 to December 2021. The Lasso algorithm was used to optimize the selection of variables. A nomogram model for predicting HNC‐associated VTE was established using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Internal validation of the model was performed by bootstrap resampling (1000 times). Calibration plot and decision curve analysis (DCA) were applied to evaluate the calibration capability of the prediction model.

Main Outcome and Measure

The demographics, medical history, blood biochemical indicators, and modalities of treatment were included for analysis.

Results

The incidence of HNC‐associated VTE was 2.8% (55/1967) in authors' affiliation. Five variables of risk factors, including surgery, radiochemotherapy, D‐dimer, aspartate transaminase, and globulin, were screened and selected as predictors by Lasso algorithm. A prediction model that incorporated these independent predictors was developed and presented as the nomogram. The model showed good discrimination with a C‐index of 0.972 (95% CI: 0.934–0.997), and had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve value of 0.981 (p < 0.001, 95% CI: 0.964–0.998). The calibration curve displayed good agreement of the predicted probability with the actual observed probability for HNC‐associated VTE. The DCA plot showed that the application of this nomogram was associated with net benefit gains in clinical practice.

Conclusions and Relevance

The high‐performance nomogram model developed in this study may help early diagnose the risk of VTE in HNC patients and to guide individualized decision‐making on thromboprophylaxis.
Biomechanical and physiological responses to allowable load handling limits in Iranian female workers
Authors: Nourollahi‐Darabad Maryam , Mojaddam Maryam , Dianat Iman , Afshari Davood
Published: August 2023

In 2017, load limit values for manual material handling (MMH) tasks were confirmed to protect workers from low back disorders without prior validity investigation for Iranian workers. The present study investigated the applicability and feasibility of the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (WISHA) lifting method as an occupational exposure limit (OEL) for the MMH tasks in a sample of young Iranian female workers using biomechanical and physiological criteria. A laboratory study was conducted with 10 female participants performing lifting tasks as described in the Iranian OEL for the MMH tasks based on the WISHA checklist. Each participant completed 21 lifting task combinations that varied in height and reach with the maximal allowable load. To test the applicability of the WISHA method, the maximum aerobic capacity and the equivalent heart rate (EHR) were estimated for 10 young Iranian female workers using an ergometer and Astrand protocol. Moreover, spinal loads for each lifting task were calculated using a static biomechanical model. From a physiological point of view, approximately 38% of the lifting tasks resulted in an increase in the physical workload. For 33% of the lifting trials, the estimated compression loads exceeded 3400 N. The findings revealed that the weight and lift height of the loads affected the lifting capacity of the participants. It seems that the allowable weight limits for manual lifting are not matched to the biomechanical and physiological capacities of the Iranian women. Therefore, the Iranian guideline for manual lifting is recommended to be revised based on the physiological and biomechanical capacities of the Iranian women.
Service design activities in health services: A systematic literature review based on ecosystem perspective and transformative approach
Authors: Vaz Noé , Araujo Cláudia Affonso Silva
Published: August 2023

Service Design (SD) represents a breakthrough in searching for solutions to health systems challenges, but the activities that support these solutions remain underexplored. This research investigates how SD has been applied in the healthcare sector based on two conceptual models: multilevel ecosystem perspective and SD transformative approach. First, we conducted a systematic literature review in eight comprehensive databases in March 2021. Eligibility criteria returned 990 articles filtered by a search protocol, resulting in 47 studies. After this, we identified 23 studies (49%) with a transformative approach through a thematic analysis. Also, the analysis of these 23 studies allowed the identification of five key aspects necessary for enabling a transformative character of SD initiatives: (1) identification of all the actors that make up the provision of healthcare services, (2) identification of users by ecosystem level, (3) knowledge about the SD tools arsenal, (4) use of technology, and (5) applying the Experience‐Based Design and Co‐Design (EBD/EBCD) approach. The study underlines the role of management for the success of SD in the health sector and suggests an instrument (checklist) to help managers implement SD initiatives successfully.
Retracted: Prevalence of active trachoma infection and associated factors post‐war resettled population in raya kobo districts, North East Ethiopia: A community‐based cross‐sectional study in 2022
Authors: Kebede Fassikaw , Jamal Muhammad
Published: August 2023

Background

Active trachoma infection poses a serious threat to public health, particularly for those who live in an unprivileged area and has practiced open‐field defecation. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of active trachoma infection and associated factors in the post‐war resettled population in Raya Kobo district, North East Ethiopia: a community‐based cross‐sectional study in 2022.

Methods

A community‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted among 602 participants randomly selected in 14 slum villages in Raya Kobo from February 16th to March 30th, 2023. After the data was collected using a semi‐structured questionnaire and entered into Epi‐data version 3.2. The study participants were chosen using a two‐stage sampling process. Binary logistic regression was used to identify factors for active trachoma infection. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were claimed for the strength of association at p < 0.05.

Results

Overall, 602 (99.9%) study participants were included in the final analysis. At the end of the study period, 126 (20.9) participants developed active trachoma infection. On multivariable analysis, were aged ≥45 years (AOR = 7.9, 95% CI = 2.4–25.3), history of eye infection (AOR = 3.7, 95% CI = 2.4–10.4, p = 0.001), were poor wealth index (AOR = 9.2, 95% CI = 2.7–23.7), having separated kitchen (AOR = 4.05, 95% CI = 1.86–8.86), living with animals (AOR = 5.92, 95% CI = 2.31–14.7) and having got administration of mass‐drug (AOR = 8.9, 95% CI = 2.36–33.6) were significant risk factors for active trachoma infection. Whereas, face washing practice regularly (AOR = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.127–0.43), and toilet availability (AOR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.20–0.97) were preventive factors for active trachoma infection.

Conclusion

A significant prevalence of active trachoma infection was reported in the area as compared with previous findings and urgent clinical intervention, and the WHO critical SAFE strategies (surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness, and environmental improvement) implementation is highly needed in the area. In addition, healthcare providers should focus on information dissemination on proper latrine utilization, and washing the face regularly to prevent active trachoma infection is highly recommended.
Common clinicopathological and immunological features of sarcomatoid carcinoma across organs: A histomorphology‐based cross‐organ study
Authors: Morisue Ryo , Kojima Motohiro , Suzuki Toshihiro , Watanabe Reiko , Sakamoto Naoya , Sakashita Shingo , Harada Kenji , Nakai Tokiko , Ishii Genichiro , Nakatsura Tetsuya , Gotohda Naoto , Ishikawa Shumpei
Published: August 2023

Sarcomatoid carcinoma (SC), which can occur in any organ, is a rare disease. To elucidate common characteristics of SC beyond organs, we evaluated clinicopathological and immunological features of SC defined by the single histological criterion beyond organs compared to randomly matched conventional carcinoma (non‐SC) adjusted for the disease stage. Immunological features were assessed by multiplex immunohistochemistry, comparing immune cell density in tumor tissues and tumor programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) expression. A total of 101 patients with SC or non‐SC (31 lung, 19 esophagus, 22 pancreas, 15 liver, 4 bile duct, 6 kidney, 2 uterus and 2 ovary) were identified among 7197 patients who underwent surgery at our institute (1997‐2020). SC was significantly associated with worse survival (HR: 1.571; 95% CI: 1.084‐2.277; P = .017). The frequency of postoperative progression within 6 months was significantly higher for SC patients (54% vs 28%; P = .002). The immune profiling revealed the densities of CD8+ T cells (130 vs 72 cells/mm2; P = .004) and tumor‐associated macrophages (566 vs 413 cells/mm2; P < .0001) and the tumor PD‐L1 expression score (40% vs 5%; P < .0001) were significantly higher in SCs than in non‐SCs. Among 73 SC patients with postoperative progression, multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that immunotherapy tended to be associated with favorable survival (HR: 0.256; 95% CI: 0.062‐1.057; P = .060). Collectively, SCs shared clinicopathological and immunological features across organs. Our study can initiate to standardize the pathological definition of SC and provide a rationale for the investigation and development for this rare disease in a cross‐organ manner.
Learning with the stars: A cross‐national approach to media literacy and reality television
Authors: Rao Dingxin , Lee Changhee , Dressman Mark
Published: August 2023

Reality television (RT) programming is frequently and rightfully criticized and yet its popularity among adolescent and young adult viewers is also undeniable. In response to the need for media literacy programs to address the pleasures, the problems, and the pedagogy of the genre, we have chosen to take a cross‐national, comparative approach and to model a process for teaching through our own research. Three popular reality tv programs were selected from each of our respective nations (China, South Korea, the United States) from one of three subgenres: Dancing, Restaurants, and Travel. We each watched episodes of all nine programs, inventoried their features and took notes. We then compared and contrasted the programs cross‐nationally and across genres, and identified four themes: Pedagogy; Individualism and Collectivism; Tradition and Modernity; and Globalism and Nationalism. We found striking differences across nations in our analysis that provide important insights into our respective national cultures. In conclusion, we discuss the implications of our process for teaching about RT.
Circ_0006324 regulates cell proliferation, cell‐cycle progression, apoptosis, and glycolysis of non‐small cell lung cancer cells through miR‐496/TRIM59 axis
Authors: Wang Tao , Zhu Xu , Wang Kai , Ding Ronghai
Published: August 2023

Increasing evidence suggests that circular RNA (circRNA) plays an important role in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) progression. This study aimed to investigate the role and potential molecular mechanism of circ_0006324 in NSCLC. The expression levels of circ_0006324, miR‐496, miR‐488‐5p, and tripartite motif‐containing 59 (TRIM59) mRNA were determined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2‐H‐tetrazolium bromide assay, EdU assay, and flow cytometry were carried out to evaluate cell proliferation and apoptosis. The extracellular acidification rate and lactic acid production were examined to assess cell glycolysis. Western blot assay was used to detect protein levels. The target relationship of circ_0006324/miR‐496/TRIM59 axis was validated by RNA pull‐down assay, dual luciferase reporter assay, and radio immunoprecipitation assay. Xenograft tumor assay was performed to reveal the function of circ_0006324 in vivo. Circ_0006324 was upregulated in NSCLC and related to tumor node metastasis stage and distant metastasis. Knockdown of circ_00006324 impeded NSCLC cell proliferation, glycolysis, and promoted cell apoptosis. MiR‐496 was verified as a target of circ_0006324 and circ_00006324 mediated the altering of cell proliferation, apoptosis, and glycolysis of NSCLC cells through targeting miR‐496. TRIM59 was verified as a target of miR‐496, and circ_0006324 positively regulated TRIM59 expression by targeting miR‐496. Overexpression of TRIM59 could reverse the effects of circ_0006324 silencing on the proliferation, apoptosis, and glycolysis of NSCLC cells. Circ_0006324 knockdown impeded NSCLC tumor growth in vivo. Circ_0006324 functioned as a tumor promoter in NSCLC to promote cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and glycolysis and inhibit cell apoptosis via miR‐496/TRIM59 axis.
Turán numbers T(n,5,3) $T(n,5,3)$ and graphs without induced 5‐cycles
Authors: Bluskov Iliya , Heer Jan de , Sidorenko Alexander
Published: August 2023

The Turán number is the minimum size of a system of triples out of a base set of elements such that every quintuple in contains a triple from the system. The exact values of are known for . Turán conjectured that , and no counterexamples have been found so far. If this conjecture is true, then . We prove the matching upper bound for all except .
Review of Hyperpolarized Pulmonary Functional 129Xe MR for Long‐COVID
Authors: Wild Jim M. , Gleeson Fergus V. , Svenningsen Sarah , Grist James T. , Saunders Laura C. , Collier Guilhem J. , Sharma Maksym , Tcherner Sam , Mozaffaripour Ali , Matheson Alexander M. , Parraga Grace
Published: August 2023

The respiratory consequences of acute COVID‐19 infection and related symptoms tend to resolve 4 weeks post‐infection. However, for some patients, new, recurrent, or persisting symptoms remain beyond the acute phase and persist for months, post‐infection. The symptoms that remain have been referred to as long‐COVID. A number of research sites employed 129Xe magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during the pandemic and evaluated patients post‐infection, months after hospitalization or home‐based care as a way to better understand the consequences of infection on 129Xe MR gas‐exchange and ventilation imaging. A systematic review and comprehensive search were employed using MEDLINE via PubMed (April 2023) using the National Library of Medicine's Medical Subject Headings and key words: post‐COVID‐19, MRI, 129Xe, long‐COVID, COVID pneumonia, and post‐acute COVID‐19 syndrome. Fifteen peer‐reviewed manuscripts were identified including four editorials, a single letter to the editor, one review article, and nine original research manuscripts (2020–2023). MRI and MR spectroscopy results are summarized from these prospective, controlled studies, which involved small sample sizes ranging from 9 to 76 participants. Key findings included: 1) 129Xe MRI gas‐exchange and ventilation abnormalities, 3 months post‐COVID‐19 infection, and 2) a combination of MRI gas‐exchange and ventilation abnormalities alongside persistent symptoms in patients hospitalized and not hospitalized for COVID‐19, 1‐year post‐infection. The persistence of respiratory symptoms and 129Xe MRI abnormalities in the context of normal or nearly normal pulmonary function test results and chest computed tomography (CT) was consistent. Longitudinal improvements were observed in long‐term follow‐up of long‐COVID patients but mean 129Xe gas‐exchange, ventilation heterogeneity values and symptoms remained abnormal, 1‐year post‐infection. Pulmonary functional MRI using inhaled hyperpolarized 129Xe gas has played a role in detecting gas‐exchange and ventilation abnormalities providing complementary information that may help develop our understanding of the root causes of long‐COVID.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 5
The high prevalence of occult hepatitis B infections among the partners of chronically infected HBV blood donors emphasizes the potential residual risk to blood safety
Authors: Ye Xianlin , Li Tong , Yu Binghuan , Zeng Jinfeng , Shi Yaoqiang , Xie He , Branch Donald R. , Loriamini Melika , Li Bin , Chen Limin
Published: August 2023

A small percentage of couples who regularly donated blood in China tested positive for HBsAg. Although it is well known that blood donors can acquire hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection from a chronically infected sexual partner, the prevalence of occult hepatitis B infections (OBIs) among blood donations from partners of HBV‐infected chronically infected spouses and the risk to blood safety remain poorly understood. Among 212 763 blood donors, 54 pairs of couples (108 donations) were enrolled because one partner tested positive for HBsAg. Several molecular and serological examinations were conducted. The origin of HBV transmission between sexual partners was investigated further. Also evaluated was the potential risk of HBV infection with OBIs. We identified 10 (10/54, 18.6%) sexual partners of chronically infected HBV donors who were positive for HBV DNA, including five samples (9.3%) with OBIs, of which 3 (3/54, 5.6%, 1 in 70 921 donations) passed the routine blood screening tests. Seven of the 10 HBV‐DNA‐positive couples contracted the virus possibly through sexual or close contact. Among infected couples, immune escape mutations were observed. A high prevalence of OBIs was found among the partners of chronically infected HBV blood donors, posing a potential threat to blood safety.
The short and long‐term impact of nonpharmaceutical interventions on the prevalence of varicella in Xi'an during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Bai Yao , Shen Li , Sun Minghao , Yang Zurong , Chen Zhijun , Zhai Jingbo , Xue Mengzhou , Shao Zhongjun , Liu Kun , Zheng Chunfu
Published: August 2023

Varicella is a highly prevalent infectious disease with a similar transmission pathway to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). In the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic, anti‐COVID‐19 nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) have been implemented to prevent the spread of the infection. This study aims to analyze varicella's epidemiological characteristics and further investigate the effect of anti‐COVID‐19 NPIs on varicella in Xi'an, northwestern China. Based on the varicella surveillance data, search engine indices, meteorological factors from 2011 to 2021 in Xi'an, and different levels of emergency response to COVID‐19 during the pandemic, we applied Bayesian Structural Time Series models and interrupted time series analysis to predict the counterfactual incidence of varicella and quantify the impact of varying NPIs intensities on varicella. From 2011 to 2021, varicella incidence increased, especially in 2019, with a high incidence of 111.69/100 000. However, there was a sharp decrease of 43.18% in 2020 compared with 2019, and the peak of varicella incidence in 2020 was lower than in previous years from the 21st to the 25th week. In 2021, the seasonality of varicella incidence gradually returned to a seasonal pattern in 2011–2019. The results suggest that anti‐COVID‐19 NPIs effectively reduce the incidence of varicella, and the reduction has spatiotemporal heterogeneity.
A national survey of helping professionals on climate change and counseling
Authors: Reese Ryan F. , Swank Jacqueline M. , Sturm Debbie C.
Published: August 2023

We surveyed a national sample of helping professionals (N = 382) in ascertaining attitudes toward, behaviors related to, and needs for addressing climate change as part of counseling. Two factors of EcoWellness and a helping professional's personal commitment to climate change contributed to a professional commitment to addressing climate change in counseling.
The gene AccCyclin H mitigates oxidative stress by influencing trehalose metabolism in Apis cerana cerana
Authors: Peng Hongyan , Guo Dezheng , Peng Hongmei , Guo Hengjun , Wang Hongfang , Wang Ying , Xu Baohua , Gao Aiying , Liu Zhenguo , Guo Xingqi
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Environmental stress can induce oxidative stress in Apis cerana cerana, leading to cellular oxidative damage, reduced vitality, and even death. Currently, owing to an incomplete understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which A. cerana cerana resists oxidative damage, there is no available method to mitigate the risk of this type of damage. Cyclin plays an important role in cell stress resistance. The aim of this study was to explore the in vivo protection of cyclin H against oxidative damage induced by abiotic stress in A. cerana cerana and clarify the mechanism of action. We isolated and identified the AccCyclin H gene in A. cerana cerana and analysed its responses to different exogenous stresses.

RESULTS

The results showed that different oxidative stressors can induce or inhibit the expression of AccCyclin H. After RNA‐interference‐mediated AccCyclin H silencing, the activity of antioxidant‐related genes and related enzymes was inhibited, and trehalose metabolism was reduced. AccCyclin H gene silencing reduced A. cerana cerana high‐temperature tolerance. Exogenous trehalose supplementation enhanced the total antioxidant capacity of A. cerana cerana, reduced the accumulation of oxidants, and improved the viability of A. cerana cerana under high‐temperature stress.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that trehalose can alleviate adverse stress and that AccCyclin H may participate in oxidative stress reactions by regulating trehalose metabolism. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Antioxidants ameliorate oxidative stress in alcoholic liver injury by modulating lipid metabolism and phospholipid homeostasis
Authors: Wang Xiaoxu , Liu Bin , Liu Yanjun , Wang Yuliu , Wang Zhigao , Song Yu , Xu Jie , Xue Changhu
Published: August 2023

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a significant risk factor in the global disease burden. The antioxidants vitamin C (Vc) and N‐acetyl cysteine (NAC) have shown hepatoprotective effects in preventing and treating ALD. However, the correlation between the improved effect of antioxidants and lipid metabolism is still unclear. In this study, AML12 cells and C57BL/6 mice stimulated with alcohol were used to investigate the protective effects and potential mechanisms of two antioxidants (Vc and NAC) on alcoholic liver injury. Results showed that Vc and NAC attenuated intracellular lipid accumulation and oxidative damage induced by excessive alcohol exposure in hepatic AML12 cells. The in vivo results indicated that antioxidants ameliorated alcohol‐induced changes in histopathology, reducing the levels of alcohol metabolizing factors and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), triglyceride (TG), and total cholesterol (TC) contents, which demonstrated that antioxidants effectively mitigated liver injury in ALD mice. Further studies showed that antioxidants reversed the disruption of fatty acid (FA) synthesis and lipid transport induced by alcohol exposure, and restored phospholipid levels. Especially, Vc and NAC increased the endogenous antioxidant plasmenyl phosphatidylethanolamine (PlsEtn). Additionally, antioxidants ameliorated the alcohol‐impaired mitochondrial function and inhibited excessive oxidative stress. In conclusion, antioxidants can regulate lipid metabolism and phospholipid homeostasis, which in turn inhibit oxidative stress and thereby exert protective effects against ALD.
Validity of the Landsat surface reflectance archive for aquatic science: Implications for cloud‐based analysis
Authors: Maciel Daniel Andrade , Pahlevan Nima , Barbosa Claudio Clemente Faria , de Novo Evlyn Márcia Leão de Moraes , Paulino Rejane Souza , Martins Vitor Souza , Vermote Eric , Crawford Christopher J.
Published: August 2023

Originally developed for terrestrial science and applications, the US Geological Survey Landsat surface reflectance (SR) archive spanning ~ 40 yr of observations has been increasingly utilized in large‐scale water‐quality studies. These products, however, have not been rigorously validated using in situ measured reflectance. This letter quantifies and demonstrates the quality of the SR products by harnessing a sizeable global dataset (N = 1100). We found that the Landsat 8/9 SR in the green and red bands marginally meet the targeted accuracy requirements (30%), whereas the uncertainties in the blue and coastal‐aerosol bands ranged from 48% to 110%. We further observed > +25% biases in the visible bands of Landsat 5/7 SR, which can introduce an apparent downward trend when applied in time‐series analyses combined with Landsat 8/9. Users must exercise caution when using this archive for trend analyses, and progress in atmospheric correction is required to foster advanced applications of the Landsat archive for aquatic science.
Pre‐Crosslinking with Hydrogel Microparticles Enhances the Printability of Alginate‐Based Inks
Authors: Hazur Jonas , Röder Jonas , Czwalinna Jonas , Schubert Dirk W. , Boccaccini Aldo R.
Published: August 2023

The main challenge in extrusion‐based bioprinting is to develop inks which must comprise a manifold of characteristics before, during, and after printing. To tackle the challenge of good shape fidelity and printability of low concentration inks, in this study hydrogel microparticles (HMPs) are proposed to produce internally pre‐crosslinked inks. Alginate (Alg) and oxidized alginate (OA)‐based HMPs are fabricated and used as Ca2+‐releasing reservoirs. OA HMPs are used to demonstrate the versatility of this approach and to show its suitability also for chemically modified alginate. Embedded in either fresh Alg or OA solution, HMPs are used to pre‐crosslink the inks. Rheological measurements revealed that HMP pre‐crosslinking increases the yield stress and viscosity while reducing the loss angle of bioinks. Moreover, printing experiments reveal that being able to tailor rheological properties is an effective tool to improve printability. Furthermore, pre‐crosslinking significantly alters the hydogel internal microstructure. In vitro studies show that NIH/3T3 cells proliferate in HMP pre‐crosslinked bioinks modified with gelatin. Altogether, a low‐cost and easy to use setup to prepare HMPs is presented and for the first time, the possibility of using such HMPs as pre‐crosslinking agent to tailor the printability of alginate‐based bioinks is demonstrated.
Mechanical Stability of Liquid‐Infused Surfaces Based on Mussel‐Inspired Polydopamine Chemistry
Authors: Chiera Salvatore , Ghetina Melissa , Zimmermann Thomas , Wintzheimer Susanne , Stauch Claudia , Löbmann Peer , Mandel Karl , Vogel Nicolas
Published: August 2023

Liquid‐infused surfaces exhibit remarkable repellency properties toward water, oils, and complex fluids and are widely applied to maintain clean, operational, and high‐performing surfaces in various fields, from the biomedical sector to marine infrastructure. Polydopamine (PDA) forms an ideal base layer for the development of such coatings as it adheres to virtually any substrate and can be chemically modified via amino‐containing molecules to adjust the surface properties. Here, strategies are explored to increase the mechanical stability of such coatings by i) incorporating imidazole during film formation to increase crosslinking, and ii) formation of a composite consisting of the organic PDA and an inorganic siliceous porous coating by infiltration of a preformed porous silica layer with PDA. Both strategies exhibit improved resistance to tangential shear assessed by a sandpaper abrasion test and to dynamic impact assessed by a sand trickle test. These improved mechanical properties are successfully transferred to liquid‐infused surfaces created from such modified PDA base layers. The most durable coatings retain efficient liquid repellency after 25 abrasion cycles, indicating improved resilience in real‐world applications.
Federal bill calls for strategy to boost outcomes in Latino community
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: August 2023

Three members of Congress have introduced legislation designed to help close a gap in access to mental health services for Latino communities. The Mental Health for Latinos Act would direct the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop a strategy to broaden community awareness around mental illness and encourage a public health approach to promoting behavioral health.
988 implementation bill seeks to broaden MH crisis care continuum
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: August 2023

Following a full year of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline being in use, and the introduction of the 988 Implementation Act in 2022, bipartisan lawmakers last month once again reintroduced legislation that would provide more resources for 988 crisis response infrastructure.
UnitedHealthcare grants focus on social determinants
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: August 2023

Community organizations in a dozen states will receive a total of $11.1 million as part of UnitedHealthcare's latest round of grants designed to expand access to behavioral health services and address social determinants of health.
Mathematical analysis of the dynamics of a fractional‐order tuberculosis epidemic in a patchy environment under the influence of re‐infection
Authors: Jabbari A. , Lotfi M. , Kheiri H. , Khajanchi S.
Published: August 2023

In human societies, memory has a significant impact on the procedure of progression and control of epidemics. Therefore, fractional differential equations govern an epidemic model, including the memory effect. Since infectious diseases can spread from one place to another, human movement impacts the prevalence of such diseases. In this study, we present a two‐patch model for tuberculosis with fractional order and exogenous re‐infection, in which susceptible individuals can move without any obstacle between the patches. The present work establishes the effect of population movement and the backward bifurcation phenomenon on the prevalence of the tuberculosis epidemic with fractional‐order derivatives. Furthermore, to show that the proposed model has backward bifurcation, we provide some conditions between the model's parameters, so in this case, the model of tuberculosis has numerous boundary points. We show the tuberculosis model can exhibit backward bifurcation neither in case of exogenous re‐infection, with some conditions, nor in the situation that the model is vacant from any re‐infection. In contrast, the disease‐free equilibrium of the model is globally asymptotically stable when
. Furthermore, we investigate the fractional‐order derivative
on the spread of infection. The results show that
can perform the function of adventure or expertise of people about the disease background.
Exercise promotes growth and rescues volume deficits in the hippocampus after cranial radiation in young mice
Authors: Szulc‐Lerch Kamila , Yeung Jonas , de Guzman A. Elizabeth , Egan Shannon , Yee Yohan , Fernandes Darren , Lerch Jason P. , Mabbott Donald J. , Nieman Brian J.
Published: August 2023

Human and animal studies suggest that exercise promotes healthy brain development and function, including promoting hippocampal growth. Childhood cancer survivors that have received cranial radiotherapy exhibit hippocampal volume deficits and are at risk of impaired cognitive function, thus they may benefit from regular exercise. While morphological changes induced by exercise have been characterized using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in humans and animal models, evaluation of changes across the brain through development and following cranial radiation is lacking. In this study, we used high‐resolution longitudinal MRI through development to evaluate the effects of exercise in a pediatric mouse model of cranial radiation. Female mice received whole‐brain radiation (7 Gy) or sham radiation (0 Gy) at an infant equivalent age (P16). One week after irradiation, mice were housed in either a regular cage or a cage equipped with a running wheel. In vivo MRI was performed prior to irradiation, and at three subsequent timepoints to evaluate the effects of radiation and exercise. We used a linear mixed‐effects model to assess volumetric and cortical thickness changes. Exercise caused substantial increases in the volumes of certain brain regions, notably the hippocampus in both irradiated and nonirradiated mice. Volume increases exceeded the deficits induced by cranial irradiation. The effect of exercise and irradiation on subregional hippocampal volumes was also characterized. In addition, we characterized cortical thickness changes across development and found that it peaked between P23 and P43, depending on the region. Exercise also induced regional alterations in cortical thickness after 3 weeks of voluntary exercise, while irradiation did not substantially alter cortical thickness. Our results show that exercise has the potential to alter neuroanatomical outcomes in both irradiated and nonirradiated mice. This supports ongoing research exploring exercise as a strategy for improving neurocognitive development for children, particularly those treated with cranial radiotherapy.
Case study of combined marine‐ and land‐based passive seismic surveying in front of Nordenskiöldbreen outlet glacier, Adolfbukta, Svalbard
Authors: Stemland Helene Meling , Ruud Bent Ole , Johansen Tor Arne
Published: August 2023

Glaciers generate seismic waves due to calving and fracturing, meaning that recording and following event classification can be used to monitor glacier dynamics. Our aim with this study is to analyse seismic data acquired at the seabed and on land in front of Nordenskiöldbreen on Svalbard during 8 days in October 2020. The survey included 27 ocean bottom nodes, each equipped with 3 geophones and a hydrophone, and 101 land‐based geophones. The resulting data contain numerous seismic P‐, S‐ and Scholte wave events throughout the study period, as well as non‐seismic gravity waves. The recording quality strongly depends on receiver type and location, especially for the latter wave types. Our results demonstrate that hydrophones at the seabed are advantageous to record gravity waves, and that Scholte waves are only recorded close to the glacier. The Scholte waves are used to estimate the near‐surface S‐wave profile of the seabed sediments, and the gravity wave amplitudes are converted to wave heights at the surface. We further discuss possible source mechanisms for the recorded events and present evidence that waves from earthquakes, calving and brittle fracturing of the glacier and icebergs are all represented in the data. The interpretation is based on frequency content, duration, seismic velocities and onset (emergent/impulsive) and is supported by source localization, which we show is challenging for this dataset. In conclusion, our study demonstrates the potential of using seismic observations for detecting glacier‐related events and provides valuable knowledge about the importance of survey geometry, particularly the advantages of including seabed receivers in the vicinity of the glacier.
Infinite‐horizon optimal control for networked control systems with Markovian packet losses
Authors: Wang Hongxia , Li Zixing , Liu Tao , Liang Xiao
Published: August 2023

This article is concerned with the infinite‐horizon optimal control for networked control systems with Markovian packet losses. We focus on the case that packet losses may occur in an unreliable communication channel between the sensor and the controller. This sort of packet loss enables the optimal control problem to fall into the category of optimal output‐feedback control. Also, the output involves multiplicative noise. As well known, the separation principle fails to hold in a multiplicative‐noise setting. Thus the problem is very involved. By solving forward and backward stochastic difference equations and making convergence analysis, we acquire the necessary and sufficient solvability condition and the explicit optimal controller. The achieved results are illustrated by numerical examples.
The management of pain during pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A qualitative study of contextual factors that influenced pain management practices
Authors: Plummer Karin , McCarthy Maria , Newall Fiona , Manias Elizabeth
Published: August 2023

Background

Children hospitalized following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) experience complex and prolonged pain in response to the intensity of this treatment.

Objectives

To describe how pain was managed for children during HSCT therapy and how contextual factors related to the clinical environment influenced healthcare providers' and parents' pain management practices.

Methods

A qualitative case study was conducted and involved semi‐structured interviews at two time points following transplantation (30 and 90 days) with parents (n = 10) and naturalistic observations of pain‐related care provided to children (n = 29) during HSCT therapy by their healthcare providers (n = 10). Semi‐structured interviews were also conducted with healthcare providers (n = 14).

Results

The effectiveness of pain management interventions was hindered by the multifactorial nature of pain children experienced, a gap in the provision of psychosocial interventions for pain and a lack of evidence‐based guidelines for the sustained, and often long‐term, administration of opioids and adjuvant medications. Misconceptions were demonstrated by healthcare providers about escalating pain management according to pain severity and differentiating between opioid tolerance and addiction. Parents were active in the management of pain for children, especially the provision of nonpharmacological interventions. Collaboration with external pain services and the impact of caring for children in protective isolation delayed timely management of pain.

Conclusions

There is a pressing need to create evidence‐based supportive care guidelines for managing pain post transplantation to optimize children's relief from pain. If parents and children are to be involved in managing pain, greater efforts must be directed toward building their capacity to make informed decisions.
Autonomic dysreflexia: Current pharmacologic management
Authors: Solinsky Ryan
Published: August 2023

Background

Autonomic dysreflexia (AD) is a frequent complication of spinal cord injury (SCI), though current clinical practice patterns for medication management of this condition are unknown. Correspondingly, it is unclear if national differences in practice patterns exist.

Objective

To determine trends in current pharmacologic management of AD throughout the Americas.

Design

International survey of current physician practice patterns.

Setting

Academic medical center.

Participants

Sixty physicians managing patients with SCI and prescribing medications to manage AD.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

Presence of a formal pharmacologic AD management protocol, first‐ and second‐line medications, patient characteristics influencing pharmacologic management.

Results

The majority of physicians (69%) had a formal AD management protocol for inpatient care, with nitroglycerin ointment (82%) being the most common first‐line medication. Strong national differences existed regarding the use of nitroglycerin ointment, with 98% of U.S.‐based physicians using this as first‐line medication and 0% of physicians in Canada or Latin America using this due to recent lack of medication availability. Only 67% of physicians had a preferred second‐line medication, with preferences split between hydralazine (48%) and nifedipine (28%). A systolic blood pressure threshold for pharmacologic management was used by 56% of physicians, wheres 26% considered neurological level of injury in decisions to use medications for AD. Heart rate was used by only 5% of physicians in their decision to manage AD with medications.

Conclusions

As of 2023, U.S.‐based physicians caring for individuals with SCI largely have formal inpatient protocols in place for medication management of AD, with nearly all relying on nitroglycerin ointment as their first‐line medication. In areas outside of the United States where nitroglycerin ointment is unavailable, pharmacologic practice patterns significantly differ.
Direct relationship between crystalline structure and part deformation of polypropylene copolymer parts fabricated by material extrusion additive manufacturing
Authors: Ju Weilong , Gao Xia , Su Yunlan , Luo Faliang , Wang Dujin
Published: August 2023

The high crystallinity and fast crystallization rate of polypropylene (PP) often result in severe warpage of final parts prepared by means of material extrusion additive manufacturing (MEAM). In this work, the effect of bed temperature (Tb) and nozzle temperature (Tn) on the dimensional accuracy and mechanical property of MEAM‐printed PP copolymer parts was investigated. It is found that raising Tb and Tn could significantly reduce the warpage of PP parts by regulating the crystallization behavior of PP. Specially, the amount of γ‐crystal grows obviously while the total crystallinity remains unchanged, as Tb or Tn increases. Moreover, the more the content of γ‐crystal, the lower the warpage height of PP samples is. Hence, a close correlation between the content of γ‐crystal and part deformation of MEAM‐printed PP parts is successfully established. This is mainly related to the large rigidity of γ‐crystal, which significantly reduces the volume shrinkage of PP during MEAM process. Besides, the raise of Tb or Tn also enhances the tensile strength, modulus and the elongation at break of PP parts. This wok provides an effective and convenient method for the manufacture of PP parts with good dimensional accuracy and excellent mechanical properties by means of MEAM techniques.
Applying molecular docking to pesticides
Authors: Hou Yang , Bai Yuqian , Lu Chang , Wang Qiuchan , Wang Zishi , Gao Jinsheng , Xu Hongliang
Published: August 2023

Pesticide creation is related to the development of sustainable agricultural and ecological safety, and molecular docking technology can effectively help in pesticide innovation. This paper introduces the basic theory behind molecular docking, pesticide databases, and docking software. It also summarizes the application of molecular docking in the pesticide field, including the virtual screening of lead compounds, detection of pesticides and their metabolites in the environment, reverse screening of pesticide targets, and the study of resistance mechanisms. Finally, problems with the use of molecular docking technology in pesticide creation are discussed, and prospects for the future use of molecular docking technology in new pesticide development are discussed. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Sublethal effects of nine insecticides on Drosophila suzukii and its major pupal parasitoid Trichopria drosophilae
Authors: Lisi Fabrizio , Mansour Ramzi , Cavallaro Carmelo , Alınç Tuğcan , Porcu Emanuele , Ricupero Michele , Zappalà Lucia , Desneux Nicolas , Biondi Antonio
Published: August 2023

Background

Although the pupal parasitoid Trichopria drosophilae is used in conservative and augmentative biocontrol of Drosophila suzukii infestations, current pest management strategies mostly rely on multiple insecticide applications. In this context, the aim of the study was to investigate the baseline toxicity of nine insecticides on D. suzukii larvae and their multiple sublethal effects (LC10) on immature stages of the pest feeding on contaminated diet and T. drosophilae developing within the intoxicated host.

Results

Chlorpyriphos and azadirachtin showed the lowest and the highest LC10, the values of which were 9.78 × 1013 and 1.46 × 103 times lower than their recommended label field rate, respectively. Among tested insecticides, imidacloprid, malathion and dimethoate were the only treatments that did not affect the juvenile development time of D. suzukii, while spinosad and the organophosphates chlorpyriphos and dimethoate did not influence fly pupal size. No sublethal effects were recorded on T. drosophilae degree of infestation (DI) and juvenile development time. On the contrary, cyazypyr and dimethoate negatively affected the success of parasitism (SP) and the number of progeny of the pupal parasitoid, in association with malathion for the first parameter and spinosad for the fertility. Compared to the untreated control, more female progeny emerged following azadirachtin exposure, while dimethoate caused the opposite effect. Imidacloprid, lambda‐cyhalothrin and spinetoram decreased hind tibia length of emerged parasitoids.

Conclusion

This study provides new insights on the (eco)toxicological profile of nine insecticides and new information needed to support the deployment of T. drosophilae in the field within the sustainable management techniques against D. suzukii. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.