bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of case management and nursing counselling among caregivers of patients with dementia: A pilot study
Authors: Yu Mei‐Ling , Chen Hung Ju , Chen Kee‐Hsin , Sung Jia‐Ying
Published: August 2024

According to the data released by the Taiwan Ministry of Health and Welfare in 2021, in 2019, 235,000 patients sought medical treatment for dementia‐related diseases at the National‐Health‐Insurance‐participating hospitals and clinics for more than three outpatient visits or had been hospitalised, and the number had increased by 15,000 from the previous year (Ministry of Health and Welfare, 2021). This implies that families are affected, causing tremendous physical, psychological, and economic pressures and burdens on the caregivers and families of the patient. The estimated social cost of caring for dementia families increased from $1.3 trillion in 2019 to $2.8 trillion in 2030 (World Health Organisation, 2021). Thus, long‐term care for the dementia population has become a critical issue in medical care and social services in Taiwan and worldwide. In 2017, Taiwan Ministry of Health and Welfare has been starting Dementia care policy with 10 years long‐term care plan through set up dementia care centre. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of dementia care centre for reducing the burden and improving the quality of life for caregivers of dementia patients. This pilot study adopts a quasi‐experimental research design and uses purposive sampling to select in house informal caregivers of dementia patients who are part of a dementia collaborative care programme at a medical centre in the northern region and were willing to participate in this study. Upon enrolment in the study, subjects were given a pre‐test, followed by a one‐hour face‐to‐face nursing consultation and assessment after 2 weeks. Subsequently, a telephone nursing consultation was conducted once a month for 3 months. Two weeks after completing all counselling sessions, a post‐test was administered to measure the caregiver burden with The Chinese version of the Caregiver Burden Inventory and the quality of life for caregivers with The ‘Chinese Health Questionnaire CHQ‐12’. After providing case management and nursing counselling, the total caregiver burden score significantly decreased from an average of 40.1 (SD = 21.6) at the pre‐test to an average of 38.6 (SD = 21.4) at the post‐test, reaching statistical significance (p < 0.01). The results of this study showed that providing dementia caregivers with case management and nursing consultation services helps improve the overall caregiver burden (particularly emotional burden and physical burden) as well as the health questionnaire scores. However, the social burden and time burden did not improve after receiving case management and counselling among caregivers; instead, post‐test scores of these aspects were significantly higher.
Exploring the relationship between blood platelet and other components utilizing count regression: A cross‐sectional study in Bangladesh
Authors: Honey Umme , Saleh SM Arif Bin , Salan Md. Sifat Ar , Kabir Mohammad Alamgir , Ali Akher
Published: August 2024

Background and Aims

Blood, vital for transporting nutrients and maintaining balance, comprises red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, each pivotal. Imbalances lead to issues—low red cells cause fatigue (anemia), high white cells hint at infection, low counts raise infection risks. Using trendy statistical approaches, investigating the complex link between platelet counts and numerous blood components. Our investigation, leveraging count regression approaches, revealed deep insights into the interaction between platelet counts and other important hematological markers.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study utilized data from 3120 individuals, including both male and female participants, who visited these hospitals between June 16, 2022 and December 17, 2022, to assess their blood samples through testing by using convenience non‐parametric sampling framework. Platelet count was taken into account as a measure of outcome in this research. This specific study region was chosen for its easy accessibility, which helped the seamless execution of the data‐gathering technique. Count regression, negative binomial regression, and quasi‐Poisson regression techniques have been employed for examining relationship of the data sets.

Results

Three different count regression models were utilized to assess the proper association between the response and the relevant covariates and we found negative binomial count regression model (Akaike information criterion = 76.55, Bayesian information criterion = 76.59, and deviance = 3.14) was providing comparatively better performance than others. Based on the chosen model we found white blood cell, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and eosinophils are significant but neutrophil, monocyte, and lymphocyte are not significant. We have also gone through proper model adequacy checking for our selected model and we found enough evidence to justify our model.

Conclusion

From the result, we found insightful remarks into the mechanisms involved in platelet production and regulation, which can aid in developing increased effective treatments and interventions to maintain optimal platelet levels and prevent health problems related to abnormal platelet counts.
Risk factors of children's low birth weight and infant mortality in Bangladesh: Evidence from binary logistic regression and Cox PH models
Authors: Islam Md. Johurul , Chowdhury Mashfiqul Huq , Rahman Mohammad Mafizur , Rahman Zubaidur
Published: August 2024

Background

Low birth weight is recognized as a pivotal risk factor affecting child survival and growth. Although Bangladesh has made commendable progress in public health, an infant mortality rate of 38 per 1000 live births and a 16% prevalence of low birth weight remain significant concerns compared to other developing countries. This situation poses a significant challenge for the formulation of future health policies in Bangladesh. As a result, this study aims to identify potential risk factors contributing to low birth weight and infant mortality among children in Bangladesh.

Methods

The data is extracted from the 2014 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey. The response variables are infant mortality and low birth weight. In the bivariate analysis, Log‐rank tests and Chi‐square tests of independence were conducted. Cox proportional hazards and binary logistic regression models were utilized to determine the impact of risk factors on infant mortality and low birth weight.

Results

This study identified several significant factors associated with children's low birth weight, including wealth index, parental education, birth order, twin births, mother's body mass index, and child sex. Additionally, wealth index, parental education, twin status, media exposure, birth order, antenatal care visits, prenatal care assistance, and low birth weight were identified as potential risk factors for infant mortality in Bangladesh.

Conclusion

This study revealed that maternal and child characteristics, along with knowledge about child health care during pregnancy, can potentially reduce the risk of low birth weight and infant mortality among children in Bangladesh. To improve child health and survival, policymakers should prioritize community‐based health education programs, and encourage parents to seek healthcare information from institutional medical facilities during pregnancy and after birth.
Evaluating the diagnostic potential of gelsolin in gestational diabetes mellitus: A case–control study
Authors: Tokgöz Çakır Betül , Aktemur Gizem , Karabay Gülşan , Şeyhanlı Zeynep , Topkara Sucu Serap , Eroğlu Ömer Osman , Yılmaz Ergani Seval , İskender Can Tekin
Published: August 2024

Objectives

To investigate the association between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and blood levels of gelsolin (an inflammation‐related protein thought to be reduced in type 2 diabetes mellitus) and to determine its role in potential diagnosis and neonatal outcomes.

Methods

This prospective case–control study was conducted at Ankara Etlik City Hospital between November 2023 and February 2024 with 40 pregnant women with GDM and 40 normoglycemic women. Pregnant women aged 18–40 years who were in their 24th to 28th week of pregnancy and had no known chronic disease were included in the present study and it was investigated as to whether there was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of gelsolin levels and neonatal outcome.

Results

Gelsolin level was statistically significantly lower in the GDM group than in the control group (P = 0.004). In patients with fasting blood glucose <96 mg/dL, maternal serum gelsolin levels were associated with GDM, with a cut‐off of 15.38 or less, showing a sensitivity of 73%, a specificity of 67%, and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.703 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.576–0.810, P = 0.002). There was no difference between groups in terms of adverse obstetric outcomes, but gelsolin levels were associated with composite neonatal adverse outcome (macrosomia, Apgar score at 5 min less than 7, preterm birth, need for neonatal intensive care), with a cut‐off value of 16.66 or less showing a sensitivity of 84.6%, specificity of 40.7% and AUC of 0.644 (95% CI 0.529–0.748, P = 0.031).

Conclusion

Gelsolin could potentially serve as a promising biomarker for the diagnosis of GDM.
Association between Life's essential 8 and stress urinary incontinence in women from the National Health and nutrition examination survey 2005–2018: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Xu Xiaoping , Wu Han , Xu Xiaofang , Liu Ruiqian
Published: August 2024

Objective

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) may be associated with cardiovascular disease. Life's Essential 8 (LE8), a recently updated measure of cardiovascular health (CVH), has been investigated for its association with SUI in women.

Methods

The study adopted a cross‐sectional design with national scope, incorporating 9332 women aged 20 and above, selected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey dataset from 2005 to 2018. The LE8 metric, which varies from 0 to 100, was evaluated based on the criteria set by the American Heart Association. SUI was determined based on self‐report. To evaluate these correlations, we employed models with multivariable logistic variables and a restricted cubic spline.

Results

In the cross‐sectional study, a total of 9332 participants were included (weighted average age, 52.23 years), and 4274 had SUI (weighted percentage, 48.64%). Considering potential confounders, it was found that higher LE8 scores were associated with lower odds of SUI (odds ratio [OR] for each 10‐point increase was 0.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.80–0.87). Compared to participants with lower LE8 scores, those with higher LE8 scores had a 57% lower probability of developing SUI. There was a statistically significant association between LE8 score and SUI among participants who were middle‐aged, non‐Hispanic white, had higher levels of education and income, and were living with a partner.

Conclusion

According to this study, there was an association between increase in Life's Essential 8 and reduction in SUI risk. Therefore, promoting optimal CVH may associate with reducing SUI in women.
Cover Image
Authors: Zhou Chongyang , Guo Weibin , Fan Jiayao , Shi Naien , Zhao Yi , Yang Xu , Ding Zhen , Han Min , Huang Wei
Published: August 2024

The unique structure of RP perovskite gives it the possibility of high ionic conductivity. It can potentially become an ideal solid electrolyte, which can further promote its development and application in solid‐state batteries.

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One step further in mistreatment research: Assessing the scalability of the Explicit Discrimination Scale among Brazilian working‐age adult respondents
Authors: Bastos João L. , Bernardo Fabiula R. , Reichenheim Michael E.
Published: August 2024

Though the Explicit Discrimination Scale (EDS) has been subjected to extensive psychometric evaluation in Brazil, the instrument has yet to be comprehensively assessed among working‐age adult respondents in the country. This study aimed to fill this knowledge gap. Data from around 1200 diverse members of a cohort investigation were used to examine: (1) the positioning of respondents along the continuum of the EDS latent trait; (2) how well the corresponding items represent the EDS construct map; and (3) the extent to which the EDS items follow their expected levels of intensity. We assessed these properties with Loevinger's H, Guttman errors, and Item Response Theory parameters. Findings suggest that two abridged versions of the instrument—but especially the eight‐item EDS—may adequately arrange respondents along the latent trait continuum. Analyses also revealed that scale items are reasonably spread over the construct map, with some discrepancy between the expected levels of intensity and their empirical positioning in the corresponding plot. The shortened versions of EDS have good psychometric properties among Brazilian working‐age adult respondents. In addition to examining the invariance of the EDS across multiple groups, future psychometric evaluations should assess the external validity of the scale.
Nrf2‐mediated adenylosuccinate lyase promotes resistance to gemcitabine in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells through ferroptosis escape
Authors: Hsu Tung‐Wei , Wang Wan‐Yu , Chen Alvin , Chiu Ching‐Feng , Liao Po‐Hsiang , Chen Hsin‐An , Su Chih‐Ming , Shen Shih‐Chiang , Tsai Kuei‐Yen , Wang Tzu‐Hsuan , Su Yen‐Hao
Published: August 2024

Pancreatic cancer has one of the highest fatality rates and the poorest prognosis among all cancer types worldwide. Gemcitabine is a commonly used first‐line therapeutic drug for pancreatic cancer; however, the rapid development of resistance to gemcitabine treatment has been observed in numerous patients with pancreatic cancer, and this phenomenon limits the survival benefit of gemcitabine. Adenylosuccinate lyase (ADSL) is a crucial enzyme that serves dual functions in de novo purine biosynthesis, and it has been demonstrated to be associated with clinical aggressiveness, prognosis, and worse patient survival for various cancer types. In the present study, we observed significantly lower ADSL levels in gemcitabine‐resistant cells (PANC‐1/GemR) than in parental PANC‐1 cells, and the knockdown of ADSL significantly increased the gemcitabine resistance of parental PANC‐1 cells. We further demonstrated that ADSL repressed the expression of CARD‐recruited membrane‐associated protein 3 (Carma3), which led to increased gemcitabine resistance, and that nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) regulated ADSL expression in parental PANC‐1 cells. These results indicate that ADSL is a candidate therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer involving gemcitabine resistance and suggest that the Nrf2/ADSL/Carma3 pathway has therapeutic value for pancreatic cancer with acquired resistance to gemcitabine.
Expression and prognostic value of cell‐cycle‐associated genes in lung squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Xu Xinnan , Jin Kaiqi , Xu Xiaoxiong , Yang Yang , Zhou Bin
Published: August 2024

Background

Lung cancer continues to be a prevalent cause of cancer‐related deaths worldwide, with lung squamous carcinoma (LUSC) being a significant subtype characterized by comparatively low survival rates. Extensive molecular studies on LUSC have been conducted; however, the clinical importance of cell‐cycle‐associated genes has rarely been examined. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between these genes and LUSC.

Methods

The expression trends of genes related to the cell cycle in a group of patients with LUSC were analyzed. Clinical information and mRNA expression data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas via cBioportal. Multiple analyses have been performed to investigate the association between these genes and LUSC.

Results

Three clusters were identified based on the mRNA expression of 124 cell cycle‐associated genes. Cluster 3 exhibited the worst prognosis. A comparative analysis showed that nine expressed genes differed distinctly among all the clusters. Among these nine genes, elevated expression of CDK4 was strongly associated with positive prognosis. Furthermore, the expression of ANAPC11, ANAPC5, and ORC4 correlated with the advancement of LUSC pathological stages.

Conclusions

Gene expression profiles associated with the cell cycle across various LUSC subtypes were identified, highlighting that specific genes are related to prognosis and disease stages. Based on these results, new prognostic strategies, patient stratification, and targeted therapy trials have been conducted for LUSC.
Low‐grade follicular lymphoma with interferon regulatory factor‐4 rearrangement: Expanding the spectrum of interferon regulatory factor‐4‐rearranged lymphomas
Authors: Sakhdari Ali , Sabatini Peter J. B. , Geevar Tulasi , Zhang Tong , Delabie Jan M. A.
Published: August 2024

In recent years, the recognition of distinct lymphoma entities has expanded with advancements in molecular characterization. Large B‐cell Lymphoma with interferon regulatory factor‐4 (IRF4) rearrangement (LBCL‐IRF4‐R) is one such entity. We present a case of classic low‐grade follicular lymphoma with IRF4 rearrangement in a 50‐year‐old male, demonstrating an unusual immunophenotypic and genetic profile reminiscent of LBCL‐IRF4‐R. Molecular analysis revealed mutations in CREBBP, KMT2D, IRF4, and CARD11, with previously unreported variants identified in IRF4 and CREBBP. This case broadens the spectrum of B‐cell lymphomas associated with IRF4 rearrangement by demonstrating a small B‐cell lymphoma with this genetic feature.
Quantification of Cardiac Iron Overload at 3 T MRI in a Rabbit Model Utilizing ME–GRE T2* Sequence
Authors: Liang Linlin , Xiao Fangyan , Li Meicheng , Xu Fengming , Peng Fei , Luo Chaotian , Tang Cheng , Peng Peng
Published: August 2024

Background

Myocardial iron overload can lead to myocardial dysfunction, muscle cell injury, and end‐stage heart failure. The enhanced signal‐to‐noise ratio and technical advancements have made 3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) more accessible in clinical settings. However, 3 T assessments for early diagnosis of myocardial iron overload are scarce.

Purpose

To evaluate the feasibility of myocardial iron quantification using 3 T MRI in a rabbit model of iron overload.

Study Type

Animal model.

Animal Model

Overall, 40 male New Zealand white rabbits were categorized into control (N = 8; no treatment) and experimental (N = 32; weekly 200 mg/kg iron dextran injections) groups.

Sequence

3 T MRI with multi‐echo gradient echo (ME–GRE) T2* sequence.

Assessment

Each week, two experimental rabbits were randomly selected for blood collection to determine serum iron (SI) levels; their tissue was harvested to assess myocardial and hepatic iron deposition.

Statistical Tests

Spearman's rank correlation tests were used to evaluate the correlations among R2*, cardiac iron concentration (CIC), liver iron concentration (LIC), total amount of iron injected, and SI levels. P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The myocardial T2* value in the experimental group was significantly lower than that of the control group. An excellent correlation was observed between R2* values and CIC (r = 0.854). CIC moderately correlated with LIC (r = 0.712) and the total amount of iron injected (r = 0.698). A strong correlation was observed between the total amount of iron injected and LIC (r = 0.866). SI levels poorly correlated with the total amount of iron injected (r = 0.205, P = 0.277) and LIC (r = 0.170, P = 0.370) but fairly correlated with CIC (r = 0.415, P = 0.022).

Data Conclusion

A 3 T MRI with an ME–GRE sequence may serve as a noninvasive method for evaluating cardiac iron content.

Evidence Level

N/A

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Prerequisites for Clinical Implementation of Whole‐Heart 4D‐Flow MRI: A Delphi Analysis
Authors: van Schuppen Joost , van der Hulst Annelies E. , den Harder J. Michiel , Gottwald Lukas M , van Luijk Raschel D. , van den Noort Josien C. , Nelissen Jules L. , Coerkamp Casper F. , Boekholdt S. Matthijs , Groot Paul F.C. , Nederveen Aart , van Ooij Pim , Planken R. Nils ,   Delphi Panel Members
Published: August 2024

Whole‐heart 4D‐flow MRI is a valuable tool for advanced visualization and quantification of blood flow in cardiovascular imaging. Despite advantages over 2D‐phase‐contrast flow, clinical implementation remains only partially exploited due to many hurdles in all steps, from image acquisition, reconstruction, postprocessing and analysis, clinical embedment, reporting, legislation, and regulation to data storage. The intent of this manuscript was 1) to evaluate the extent of clinical implementation of whole‐heart 4D‐flow MRI, 2) to identify hurdles hampering clinical implementation, and 3) to reach consensus on requirements for clinical implementation of whole‐heart 4D‐flow MRI. This study is based on Delphi analysis. This study involves a panel of 18 experts in the field on whole‐heart 4D‐flow MRI. The experience with and opinions of experts (mean 13 years of experience, interquartile range 6) in the field were aggregated. This study showed that among experts in the cardiovascular field, whole‐heart 4D‐flow MRI is currently used for both clinical and research purposes. Overall, the panelists agreed that major hurdles currently hamper implementation and utilization. The sequence‐specific hurdles identified were long scan time and lack of standardization. Further hurdles included cumbersome and time‐consuming segmentation and postprocessing. The study concludes that implementation of whole‐heart 4D‐flow MRI in clinical routine is feasible, but the implementation process is complex and requires a dedicated, multidisciplinary team. A predefined plan, including risk assessment and technique validation, is essential. The reported consensus statements may guide further tool development and facilitate broader implementation and clinical use.

Level of Evidence

NA

Technical Efficacy

Stage 5
The Silver Lining of Workaholism: Its Impact on Employees' Creativity and Presenteeism Explained
Authors: Naseer Saima , Bouckenooghe Dave , Qazi Shadab , Syed Fauzia
Published: August 2024

In this inquiry, we highlight that there is a silver lining to workaholism, relying on identity control theory as an explanatory framework. A parallel mediation model established that workaholism fosters employees' creativity but also triggers presenteeism through the mechanisms of thriving and flourishing. The model also shows that a proactive personality is a critical boundary condition that moderates the workaholism‐thriving and workaholism‐flourishing relationship. Two‐source multi‐wave temporally segregated data (n = 305) from the service sector in Islamabad (i.e., Pakistan) were used as a research design. Overall, this study contributes to the workaholism literature by unveiling two new pivotal mechanisms that depict a more balanced perspective to the dominant negative view of workaholics being obsessive‐compulsive addicts.
Caregiver burden and eating‐related guilt during dysphagia rehabilitation: A descriptive cross‐sectional time series study
Authors: Mori Hiroko , Nakane Ayako , Yokota Yuri , Tohara Haruka , Nakayama Takeo
Published: August 2024

Background

Caregivers of patients with chronic dysphasia experience stress and guilt regarding their eating behaviors. Dysphagia rehabilitation, including minimal oral intake with tube feeding, may be vital for caregivers. This study investigated the effects of dysphagia rehabilitation on caregiver well‐being and attitudes toward eating assistance.

Methods

This cross‐sectional questionnaire study was conducted at two dental university hospitals on caregivers of homebound patients with dysphagia undergoing rehabilitation. Caregivers' experiences, with an emphasis on guilt and psychological status, were assessed using the Apathy Scale and Patient Health Questionnaire‐5 Depression Scale. Patients were evaluated at the time of the survey and rehabilitation commencement using the Barthel Index and Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS). Changes in FOIS scores and caregiver guilt were assessed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test and McNemar test, respectively. The impact of oral intake changes on caregiving motivation was assessed using the Fisher exact test.

Results

Between August 2019 and January 2021, 55 of 100 targeted caregivers responded (median age=64.5 years). A significant difference in FOIS scores was found (median rehabilitation duration=9.7 months). Despite 25 pneumonia cases, 65% of the caregivers continued to encourage oral intake. Guilt decreased from 48% during peak dysphagia to 22% at survey time (odds ratio=0.2, 95% CI=0.04–0.70; P < 0.01). No association was found between caregiving motivation and improved oral intake.

Conclusion

Severe dysphagia impacted caregiver well‐being, indicating preferences for patients' oral intake. To support caregivers, healthcare professionals should explore and integrate new multidisciplinary approaches into dysphagia rehabilitation strategies.
From serials crisis to dollar crisis: The compelling evidence against APC‐based open access in sub‐Saharan Africa countries
Authors: Adegbilero‐Iwari Idowu
Published: August 2024

Key points

The article processing charges (APC)‐based model of open access has constituted a major obstacle to achieving open access in developing countries.

High exchange rates of local currencies to the dollar make sustaining the APC open access model impractical.

Other approaches should be used to achieve equitable and inclusive open access.
Multi‐Object Silicon Photonic Spectrometer
Authors: Ding Zhihuan , Zhang Long , Liu Dajian , Song Lijia , Dai Daoxin
Published: August 2024

A multi‐object silicon photonic spectrometer with N input ports is proposed and realized by integrating a multi‐channel passband optical filter (POF), a tunable narrow‐band optical filter as well as a calibration‐free N × 1 Mach–Zehnder switch (MZS) array. Here, the multi‐channel POF consisting of a multimode waveguide grating (MWG) and a mode (de)multiplexer is used to achieve a broadened working window and an enhanced dynamic range for the present spectrometer, while the narrow‐band optical filter is realized with a thermally‐tunable Euler micro‐ring resonator (EMR) for achieving a very high spectral resolution. The introduction of the N × 1 MZS enables the time‐division‐multiplexed (TDM) spectrum analysis for multiple objects. In this paper, a multi‐object silicon photonic spectrometer with 16 input ports is demonstrated with an on‐chip loss of less than 3 dB and inter‐channel crosstalk as low as −25 dB. This multi‐object spectrometer can be used to analyze the spectra of 16 objects one by one by setting the 16 × 1 MZS, the resolution is as high as 50 pm, and the working window is ≈84 nm.
Long‐Range Disorder MetaSurface Enabled High‐Performance One‐Shot Ultraviolet Full‐Stokes Polarimeter
Authors: Huang Shanshan , Xian Shilin , Peng Jialong , Yang Xiu , Du Jinglei , Hou Yidong
Published: August 2024

The rapidly‐developed nanophotonics enable the realization of highly‐precise, ultra‐compact full Stokes polarimeters. However, realizing large‐area well‐designed structures with complex chiral morphology and subwavelength size is still a challenge to the current micro/nano‐engineering technology. Here, one high‐performance, ultra‐compact, and one‐shot full‐Stokes polarimeters in the ultraviolet waveband for the first time based on the long‐range disorder chiral shells fabricated by the micro‐sphere lithography are experimentally demonstrated. This chiral–shell monolayer owns strong and distinct optical chirality and anisotropy between the shells in adjacent micro‐domains and thus leads to different photo‐electric responses to the incident polarized lights for the photodetectors placed underneath. Through employing the residual convolutional neural network to extract the Stokes parameter , a small detection averaged mean square error (MSE) of <0.5% from 316 nm to 410 nm is realized, and the minimum MSEs at 361 nm can reach recorded values of ≈0.02% (), 0.017% (), and 0.014% (). The influence of exposure time and pixel number, and the system stability are systematically investigated. This work brings new inspiration for the disorder structures based on Bottom‐Up methods, high‐performance polarimeters, and polarization imaging devices.
Influence of the spray angle on thermally sprayed heating coatings
Authors: Bobzin K. , Heinemann H. , Erck M. , Schacht A. , Hopmann C. , Fritsche D. , Kahve C. , Vogels C.
Published: August 2024

Temperature control of mould surfaces is of high relevance for part quality in moulding processes. Due to highly dynamic heating behaviour, heating elements applied by thermal spraying can be an alternative to existing tempering methods. To ensure the feasibility of these heating coatings on industry‐relevant moulds, the coating system needs to be applied onto more demanding non‐flat geometries. For this purpose, the spray angle of the plasma spraying process is varied during the application of the titanium oxide/chromium oxide heating coating and the insulating aluminium oxide coating. Subsequently, the results are related to application‐oriented cavity shapes. Spray angle deviations from the optimal perpendicular angle are leading to decreasing dielectric strength of the coating system and an increase of the electrical resistivity. Additionally, the application efficiency reduces with the spray angle variation. Knowledge of the spray angle's influence on coating properties can help to coat more demanding shapes, including free formed surfaces or corners.
Exploring Analysis Approaches for Using the Dopamine Transporter Striatal Binding Ratio in Early‐ to Mid‐Stage Parkinson's Disease Modification Trials
Authors: Vijiaratnam Nirosen , Girges Christine , Athauda Dilan , King Alexa , Auld Grace , McComish Rachel , Chowdhury Kashfia , Skene Simon , Maclagan Kate , Chaudhuri Kallol Ray , Libri Vincenzo , Dickson John , Foltynie Thomas
Published: August 2024

Background

The dopamine transporter striatal binding ratio (DAT SBR) has been used as an outcome measure in Parkinson's disease (PD) trials of potential disease‐modifying therapies; however, both patient characteristics and analysis approach potentially complicate its interpretation.

Objective

The aim was to explore how well DAT SBR reflects PD motor severity across different striatal subregions and the relationship to disease duration, and side of onset.

Methods

DAT SBR for the anterior and posterior putamen and caudate in both hemispheres was obtained using validated automated quantitative software on baseline scans of 132 patients recruited for the Exenatide PD2 and PD3 trials. Associations between mean and lateralized SBR subregions (posterior and anterior putamen and caudate) and summed and lateralized motor characteristics were explored using regression analysis. Analyses were repeated considering disease duration and limiting analysis to the less‐affected hemisphere.

Results

Lateralized bradykinesia was most consistently associated with the loss of DAT uptake in the contralateral anterior putamen. There was much higher variance in the posterior putamen, and in all regions in those with longer duration disease, although bradykinesia remained robustly associated with anterior putaminal DAT uptake even in longer‐duration patients. Restricting analyses to the less‐affected side did not usefully reduce the variance compared to the overall cohort.

Conclusion

These data suggest that DAT SBR could be a useful biomarker in disease‐modifying trials, but a focus on anterior striatal subregions and incorporating disease duration into analyses may improve its utility.
Canonical effects of cytokines on glomerulonephritis: A new outlook in nephrology
Authors: Zununi Vahed Sepideh , Hosseiniyan Khatibi Seyed Mahdi , Ardalan Mohammadreza
Published: August 2024

Glomerulonephritis (GN) is an important cause of renal inflammation resulting from kidney‐targeted adaptive and innate immune responses and consequent glomerular damage. Given the lack of autoantibodies, immune complexes, or the infiltrating immune cells in some forms of GN, for example, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and minimal change disease, along with paraneoplastic syndrome and a special form of renal involvement in some viral infections, the likeliest causative scenario would be secreted factors, mainly cytokine(s). Since cytokines can modulate the inflammatory mechanisms, severity, and clinical outcomes of GN, it is rational to consider the umbrella term of cytokine GN as a new outlook to reclassify a group of previously known GN. We focus here, particularly, on cytokines that have the central “canonical effect” in the development of GN.
Fenamates: Forgotten treasure for cancer treatment and prevention: Mechanisms of action, structural modification, and bright future
Authors: Li Junfang , Wang Xiaodong , Zhang Honghua , Hu Xiaoling , Peng Xue , Jiang Weifan , Zhuo Linsheng , Peng Yan , Zeng Guo , Wang Zhen
Published: August 2024

Fenamates as classical nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory agents are widely used for relieving pain. Preclinical studies and epidemiological data highlight their chemo‐preventive and chemotherapeutic potential for cancer. However, comprehensive reviews of fenamates in cancer are limited. To accelerate the repurposing of fenamates, this review summarizes the results of fenamates alone or in combination with existing chemotherapeutic agents. This paper also explores targets of fenamates in cancer therapy, including COX, AKR family, AR, gap junction, FTO, TEAD, DHODH, TAS2R14, ion channels, and DNA. Besides, this paper discusses other mechanisms, such as regulating Wnt/β‐catenin, TGF‐β, p38 MAPK, and NF‐κB pathway, and the regulation of the expressions of Sp, EGR‐1, NAG‐1, ATF‐3, ErbB2, AR, as well as the modulation of the tumor immune microenvironment. Furthermore, this paper outlined the structural modifications of fenamates, highlighting their potential as promising leads for anticancer drugs.
A GCPW slow‐wave transmission line with improved wavelength reduction technique by adopting capacitor array
Authors: Chang Ngu Quyen , Yun Byeonghun , Park Dae‐Woong , Lee Sang‐Gug
Published: August 2024

This letter presents a grounded coplanar waveguide (GCPW) slow‐wave transmission line (SWTL) with an improved wavelength reduction technique by adopting capacitor array. By cross‐interleaving additional capacitors between a signal line and side ground planes, the total capacitance in the capacitor array increases approximately two times compared to the conventional structure, allowing designers to choose a smaller signal conductor's width for higher inductance, thus, improving wavelength reduction performance while preserving the same characteristic impedance. At the 150 GHz frequency of interest, the proposed GCPW SWTL shows approximately 20% and 62.16% reduction in wavelength compared to the reported GCPW SWTL and regular CPW, respectively, with the same characteristic impedance. To prove the effectiveness of the proposed SWTL concept, the proposed GCPW SWTL test patterns are fabricated in a 65 nm CMOS process.
HerbMet: Enhancing metabolomics data analysis for accurate identification of Chinese herbal medicines using deep learning
Authors: Sha Yuyang , Jiang Meiting , Luo Gang , Meng Weiyu , Zhai Xiaobing , Pan Hongxin , Li Junrong , Yan Yan , Qiao Yongkang , Yang Wenzhi , Li Kefeng
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Chinese herbal medicines have been utilized for thousands of years to prevent and treat diseases. Accurate identification is crucial since their medicinal effects vary between species and varieties. Metabolomics is a promising approach to distinguish herbs. However, current metabolomics data analysis and modeling in Chinese herbal medicines are limited by small sample sizes, high dimensionality, and overfitting.

Objectives

This study aims to use metabolomics data to develop HerbMet, a high‐performance artificial intelligence system for accurately identifying Chinese herbal medicines, particularly those from different species of the same genus.

Methods

We propose HerbMet, an AI‐based system for accurately identifying Chinese herbal medicines. HerbMet employs a 1D‐ResNet architecture to extract discriminative features from input samples and uses a multilayer perceptron for classification. Additionally, we design the double dropout regularization module to alleviate overfitting and improve model's performance.

Results

Compared to 10 commonly used machine learning and deep learning methods, HerbMet achieves superior accuracy and robustness, with an accuracy of 0.9571 and an F1‐score of 0.9542 for distinguishing seven similar Panax ginseng species. After feature selection by 25 different feature ranking techniques in combination with prior knowledge, we obtained 100% accuracy and an F1‐score for discriminating P. ginseng species. Furthermore, HerbMet exhibits acceptable inference speed and computational costs compared to existing approaches on both CPU and GPU.

Conclusions

HerbMet surpasses existing solutions for identifying Chinese herbal medicines species. It is simple to use in real‐world scenarios, eliminating the need for feature ranking and selection in classical machine learning‐based methods.
Enhanced sustainable packaging solutions through corn stover‐reinforced polypropylene biomass composites: Characterization, performance, and potential applications
Authors: Du Jian‐Hua , Yao Wei‐Hua , Tsou Chih‐Yuan , Wu Chin‐San , Meng Lei , Hu Xue‐Fei , Tsou Chi‐Hui
Published: August 2024

This research systematically explores the use of corn stover (CS) with polypropylene (PP) and modified polypropylene (MPP) for sustainable food packaging. MPP is produced via melt mixing with dicumyl peroxide followed by maleic anhydride. The study aims to assess the potential of these biomass composites in eco‐friendly packaging applications. Our comprehensive evaluations include crystalline behavior, water absorption rate, contact angle, water vapor permeation coefficients, and oxygen transmission rates. Notably, at 20% CS content, the tensile strength of the MPP/CS composite material is about 120% higher than PP/CS composites. We also observed that CS significantly alters key properties of PP and MPP. The weight loss analysis of vegetables and water vapor transmission rate tests indicate that the MPP/CS composite film with 20% CS has the best effect on water vapor barrier and preservation of vegetables. Additionally, microbial growth analysis reveals that Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus grow less abundantly on composites with lower CS contents, and MPP/CS composites show reduced microbial growth compared to PP/CS. This integrated study demonstrates the optimization of composite material performance through CS variables, revealing innovative potential for CS in enhancing PP and guiding the design of future sustainable packaging materials.

Highlights

20% CS in MPP/CS boosts tensile strength by 120% versus PP/CS composites.

20% CS in MPP/CS gives optimal water vapor barrier and veggie preservation.

MPP/CS reduces E. coli and S. aureus growth better than PP/CS, especially at low CS.

MPP's functional group enhances CS compatibility, dispersion, structure, and crystallinity.

Corn stover‐reinforced PP composites offer a sustainable, eco‐friendly packaging option.
If They'd Said You Should Only Drink Five Units I'd Have Listened: A Mixed Methods Study of Alcohol Consumption Following a Diagnosis of Breast Cancer
Authors: Davies Emma L. , McGeagh Lucy , Matheson Lauren , Bennett Julie , Matthews Sara , Brett Jo , Watson Eila
Published: August 2024

Objectives

As part of a wider study describing the impact of a breast cancer diagnosis on lifestyle behaviours, this paper describes the impact of a breast cancer diagnosis on alcohol consumption and factors influencing consumption.

Methods

Cross‐sectional online survey of 140 people (138 women) and interviews with 21 women diagnosed with breast cancer in the last 10 years.

Results

Of the 100 survey participants who drank alcohol 25% were drinking at increasing or higher risk levels and 17% strongly wanted to change their drinking behaviour. The habitual aspects of alcohol consumption were the strongest predictor of current alcohol consumption behaviours. Social norms and perceptions about conflicting information were substantial barriers to change.

Conclusions

Breast cancer survivors need accurate information about the risks of alcohol consumption and guidelines in order to make informed decisions about making changes to their behaviour. Interventions to support breast cancer survivors to reduce alcohol consumption need to focus on the development of healthy habits and may benefit from a focus which includes partners and friends.
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia and diuretic use in an outpatient setting
Authors: McGlynn Julianne R. , Martin Amanda , Aoyama Brianna C. , Bamat Nicolas A. , Collaco Joseph M. , McGrath‐Morrow Sharon A.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

During Neonatal Intensive Care Unit hospitalization, children born preterm with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) are frequently prescribed diuretics for chronic respiratory symptoms. However, less is known about diuretic use and weaning in an outpatient setting. The study sought to characterize clinical features associated with outpatient diuretic use and timing of diuretic weaning in children with BPD.

Methods

Data was obtained by chart review from 1224 registry participants born <32 weeks gestation, discharged between 2008 and 2023 and recruited from outpatient BPD clinics at Johns Hopkins Children's Center and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (97.4% diagnosed with BPD). Data was analyzed using Chi‐square tests, t‐tests, and ANOVA tests.

Results

Children on diuretics at their first pulmonary visit (n = 737) were more likely to have lower birth weights, earlier gestational age, and severe BPD compared to those not on diuretics (n = 487). Of those prescribed diuretics, most children were on a thiazide alone (46.4%) or a thiazide and a potassium sparing agent (44.8%) with a minority prescribed loop diuretics alone (3.3%) or loop diuretic combinations (4.7%). Most children weaned off diuretics by 2 years of age. Public insurance, early gestational age, technology dependence, home supplemental oxygen use and loop diuretics were associated with slower diuretic weaning.

Conclusion

Outpatient diuretic use is common in children with BPD, however variations in diuretic use and diuretic combinations exist across centers. Time to wean off home supplemental oxygen is similar between children on one diuretic compared to none. Timing of outpatient diuretic weaning is influenced by diuretic class, respiratory support, and co‐morbidities.
luxA Gene From Enhygromyxa salina Encodes a Functional Homodimeric Luciferase
Authors: Yudenko Anna , Bazhenov Sergey V. , Aleksenko Vladimir A. , Goncharov Ivan M. , Semenov Oleg , Remeeva Alina , Nazarenko Vera V. , Kuznetsova Elizaveta , Fomin Vadim V. , Konopleva Maria N. , Al Ebrahim Rahaf , Sluchanko Nikolai N. , Ryzhykau Yury , Semenov Yury S. , Kuklin Alexander , Manukhov Ilya V. , Gushchin Ivan
Published: August 2024

Several clades of luminescent bacteria are known currently. They all contain similar lux operons, which include the genes luxA and luxB encoding a heterodimeric luciferase. The aldehyde oxygenation reaction is presumed to be catalyzed primarily by the subunit LuxA, whereas LuxB is required for efficiency and stability of the complex. Recently, genomic analysis identified a subset of bacterial species with rearranged lux operons lacking luxB. Here, we show that the product of the luxA gene from the reduced luxACDE operon of Enhygromyxa salina is luminescent upon addition of aldehydes both in vivo in Escherichia coli and in vitro. Overall, EsLuxA is much less bright compared with luciferases from Aliivibrio fischeri (AfLuxAB) and Photorhabdus luminescens (PlLuxAB), and most active with medium‐chain C4–C9 aldehydes. Crystal structure of EsLuxA determined at the resolution of 2.71 Å reveals a (β/α)8 TIM‐barrel fold, characteristic for other bacterial luciferases, and the protein preferentially forms a dimer in solution. The mobile loop residues 264–293, which form a β‐hairpin or a coil in Vibrio harveyi LuxA, form α‐helices in EsLuxA. Phylogenetic analysis shows EsLuxA and related proteins may be bacterial protoluciferases that arose prior to duplication of the luxA gene and its speciation to luxA and luxB in the previously described luminescent bacteria. Our work paves the way for the development of new bacterial luciferases that have an advantage of being encoded by a single gene.
Insecticidal activities of three recombinant venom proteins of the predatory stink bug, Arma custos
Authors: Wang Xinyi , Li Wenhong , Yang Xiang , Yang Mingwei , Gu Yucheng , Du Zhao , Yang Jingyi , Wen Mingxia , Park Yoonseong , Huang Chunyang , He Yueping
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

Widespread resistance of insect pests to insecticides and transgenic crops in the field is a significant challenge for sustainable agriculture, and calls for the development of novel alternative strategies to control insect pests. One potential resource for the discovery of novel insecticidal molecules is natural toxins, particularly those derived from the venoms of insect predators.

RESULTS

In this study, we identified three insecticidal proteinaceous toxins from the venom glands (VGs) of the predatory stink bug, Arma custos (Hemiptera: Asopinae). Transcriptomic analysis of A. custos VGs revealed 151 potentially secreted VG‐rich venom proteins. Three VG‐rich venom proteins (designated AcVP1 ~ 3) were produced by overexpression in Escherichia coli. Injection of the recombinant proteins into tobacco cutworm (Spodoptera litura) larvae showed that all of the three recombinant proteins caused paralysis, liquefaction and death. Injection of recombinant proteins into rice brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens) nymphs showed higher insecticidal activities, among which a trypsin (AcVP2) caused 100% mortality postinjection at 1.27 pmol mg−1 body weight.

CONCLUSION

A natural toolkit for the discovery of insecticidal toxins from predatory insects has been revealed by the present study. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Contextual resources supporting the co‐evolution of teachers' collective inquiry and classroom practice after the grant ended
Authors: Shim Soo‐Yean , Thompson Jessica
Published: August 2024

We explored how various contextual resources accumulated over multiple years operated together to facilitate a team of high school teachers' sustained and agentive learning after a 4‐year research–practice partnership (RPP) grant concluded. Specifically, we examined constellations of resources that promoted the co‐evolution of the teachers' collective inquiry in the professional learning community (PLC) and classroom instruction, focused on supporting students' scientific explanations. We qualitatively analyzed the video/audio recordings of the PLC members' interactions in eight 75‐min PLC meetings (11 h) and a full‐day professional development (8 h) and classroom teaching (34 lessons) over the period of 6 months. We found that the contextual resources accumulated from the historical 4‐year RPP—including a culture of collaborative inquiry, collegial relationships, structures for teacher collaboration, and expertise embedded in individuals as well as co‐developed tools and practices (cultural, social, structural, and expertise resources)—were important. These resources, in combination with emerging teacher leadership (leadership resource) and timely supports, such as school leadership and district‐based funding for sustaining structures for collaboration (leadership and structural resources), enabled the teachers to launch and drive their own collaborative inquiry and shift instruction after the conclusion of the grant. The harmonized contexts led the teachers to learn across the PLC and classrooms by engaging in co‐evolution mechanisms—setting goals based on classroom data, reasoning about instructional practices using various representations of teaching, and experimenting on a set of common practices across classrooms. This paper is part of the special issue on Teacher Learning and Organizational Contexts.