bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automated and parallel microfluidic DNA extraction with integrated pneumatic microvalves/pumps and reusable open‐channel columns
Authors: Zhong Runtao , Wang Mengyu , Lin Bingcheng
Published: January 2023

A novel microfluidic DNA extraction protocol based on integrated diaphragm microvalves/pumps and silica‐deposited open‐channel columns was developed specifically for automated and parallel DNA solid‐phase extraction (SPE). The method uses microfluidic chips with a sandwiched structure containing three layers, which are the upper fluidic layer with surface‐deposited silica on glass open channels as the extraction phase, the lower actuation layer with valve actuation channels on a glass wafer, and the middle poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) membrane for reversible bonding of the two glass substrates. These two glass substrates can be reused after thoroughly cleaning and the PDMS membrane can be replaced conveniently, which could effectively decrease the time and cost of chip manufacturing. The normally closed microvalves/pumps were used to automatically control all processes of the on‐chip DNA SPE without cross‐contamination and leakage, enabling the processing of multiple samples in parallel without changing the microvalve control module. Using the microchip device with integrated microvalves/pumps, automated, programmable, and simultaneous λ‐DNA extractions from different samples could be attained, even from complex solutions such as human blood, and the silica‐deposited open‐channel columns could be reused stably and reliably. Results have demonstrated that most of the eluted λ‐DNA was recovered in the second 2 µL of elution buffer with high‐purity suitable for successful polymerase chain reaction amplification, making it possible for further integration into microfluidic devices for fully functional and high‐throughput genetic analysis.
Assessing severity in anorexia nervosa: Do the DSM‐5 and an alternative severity rating based on overvaluation of weight and shape severity differ in psychological and biological correlates?
Authors: Dang An Binh , Kiropoulos Litza , Castle David J. , Jenkins Zoe , Phillipou Andrea , Rossell Susan L. , Krug Isabel
Published: January 2023

Objective

This study evaluated the severity ratings for anorexia nervosa (AN) in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM‐5) and an alternative severity rating based on overvaluation of weight/shape, on a range of psychological and biological variables.

Method

A sample of 312 treatment‐seeking patients with AN (mean age = 25.3, SD = 7.6; mean BMI = 16.8 kg/m2, SD = 2.4) were categorised using both DSM‐5 severity levels (mild/moderate/severe/extreme) and weight/shape (low/high) overvaluation. The severity categories were compared on a range of psychological (e.g., eating psychopathology) and biological (e.g., sodium) variables.

Results

Results showed that the overvaluation of weight/shape appeared better at indexing the level of severity in psychological variables among patients with AN compared to the DSM‐5 severity rating with moderate to large effect sizes. Moreover, the DSM‐5 mild and moderate severity groups experienced significantly higher eating and general psychopathology than the severe and extreme groups. Finally, neither the DSM‐5 nor the weight/shape severity groups differed on any of the biological variables.

Conclusions

This study provided no support for the DSM‐5 severity rating for AN, while initial support was found for the weight/shape overvaluation approach in indexing psychological but not biological correlates.
A novel VCP::TFE3 gene fusion resulting from t(X;9)(p11.23;p13.3) chromosome translocation in TFE3 rearranged renal cancer cell carcinoma
Authors: Kuentz Marie Auvray , Blons Hélène , Gimenez‐Roqueplo Anne Paule , Just Pierre‐Alexandre , Laurent‐Puig Pierre , Mejean Arnaud , Oudard Stéphane , Verkarre Virginie
Published: January 2023

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with rearrangement of transcription factor for immunoglobulin heavy‐chain enhancer 3 (TFE3; TFE3‐rearranged RCC) at Xp11.2 is a rare tumor entity but the most frequent among the microphthalmia transcription factor family translocation RCCs. Here, we report the identification of a new VCP::TFE3 fusion gene as the result of a t(X;9)(p11.23;p13.3) translocation identified by whole transcriptome sequencing. No other relevant molecular alteration was identified by whole exome sequencing. This case showed typical morphological features of TFE3‐rearranged RCC with positive TFE3 immunostaining and positive TFE3 break‐apart fluorescence in situ hybridization. MET was also overexpressed on immunohistochemistry. The patient had metastatic disease and was treated by surgery and five lines of therapy, including 24 months of stable disease on the mesenchymal epithelial transition (MET) inhibitor cabozantinib, with an overall survival of 7 years. In addition to expanding the spectrum of TFE3 rearrangement partners, this report highlights the complexity of these tumors and supports the development of translational programs in renal cancer.
Drug‐induced interstitial pneumonia after intravesical Bacillus Calmette‐Guerin administration for bladder cancer with scleroderma
Authors: Yoshioka Fumie , Kato Taigo , Shima Yoshihito , Hatano Koji , Kawashima Atsunari , Fukuhara Shinichiro , Imamura Ryoichi , Nonomura Norio
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Intravesical Bacillus Calmette‐Guerin administration is the standard therapy for high‐risk nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer and is usually well tolerated. However, some patients experience severe, potentially fatal, complications including interstitial pneumonitis.

Case presentation

A 72‐year‐old female with scleroderma was diagnosed with bladder carcinoma in situ. She developed severe interstitial pneumonitis with the first administration of intravesical Bacillus Calmette‐Guerin after the cessation of immunosuppressive agents. Six days after the first administration, she experienced dyspnea at rest, and computed tomography revealed scattered frosted shadows in the upper lung. The following day, she required intubation. We suspected drug‐induced interstitial pneumonia and started steroid pulse therapy for 3 days, resulting in a complete response. No exacerbation of scleroderma symptoms or recurrence of cancer was observed 9 months after Bacillus Calmette‐Guerin therapy.

Conclusion

For patients receiving intravesical Bacillus Calmette‐Guerin therapy, close observation of the respiratory condition is necessary for early therapeutic intervention.
Factors mitigating the harmful effects of intimate partner violence on adolescents' depressive symptoms—A longitudinal birth cohort study
Authors: Gondek Dawid , Feder Gene , Howe Laura D. , Gilbert Ruth , Howarth Emma , Deighton Jessica , Lacey Rebecca E.
Published: January 2023

Background

Preventing parental intimate partner violence (IPV) or mitigating its negative effects early in the lifecourse is likely to improve population mental health. However, prevention of IPV is highly challenging and we know very little about how the mental health of children exposed to IPV can be improved. This study assessed the extent to which positive experiences were associated with depressive symptoms among children with and without experience of IPV.

Method

This study used data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, a population‐based birth cohort. After excluding those without information on depressive symptoms at age 18, the final sample comprised 4490 participants. Parental intimate partner violence (physical or emotional cruelty reported by mother or partner) when the cohort child was aged 2–9 years. Depressive symptoms were measured with the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ) at age 18 years.

Results

Each additional report of parental intimate partner violence (over six reports) was associated with 0.047 (95% CI 0.027–0.066), or 4.7%, higher SMFQ score. Conversely, each additional positive experience (over 11 domains) was linked with −0.042 (95% CI −0.060 to −0.025) or 4.1%, lower SMFQ score. Among those with parental intimate partner violence (19.6% of participants), relationship with peers (effect size = 3.5%), school enjoyment (effect size = 1.2%), neighbourhood safety and cohesion (effect size = 1.8%) were associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

Most positive experiences were linked with lower levels of depressive symptoms regardless of parental intimate partner violence exposure. However, among those with parental IPV, this association was found only for relationships with peers, school enjoyment, neighbourhood safety and cohesion on depressive symptoms. If our findings are assumed to be causal, nurturing these factors may mitigate the harmful effects of parental intimate partner violence on depressive symptoms in adolescence.
Quantum‐dot cellular automata based design for overflow detection in two's complement arithmetic operation
Authors: Das Jadav Chandra , Debnath Bikash , De Debashis
Published: January 2023

This article describes designing a low‐power novel circuit for overflow detection in two's complement arithmetic operations. The quantum‐dot cellular automata (QCA) is employed to achieve the nanoscale design. For designing the circuit of the proposed arithmetic overflow detector, a new layout of the QCA full adder is utilized. Two different designs of arithmetic overflow detectors are outlined in this article. The designs are compared based on latency, cell count, and device area. Based on the comparison, the best design for an arithmetic overflow detector is presented. The circuit cost for all the designs is also shown in this work. Besides, thermal power's effect on the output cell's polarization has also been investigated. The power dissipation of all proposed QCA layouts is estimated.
Red tilapia by‐product hydrolysates: A new nitrogen source for Bifidobacterium lactisHN019
Authors: Tong Lu , Jiang Dongwei , Chen Shengjun , Zhang Huijuan , Zhang Yan , Hong Hui , Luo Yongkang , Tan Yuqing
Published: January 2023

Background

Red tilapia by‐products possess ample protein and are either discarded or processed into low‐value products. The nitrogen source is the most expensive part of the microbial culture, so finding a cheap alternative can better promote the microbial economy. In this study, different combinations of enzymes were used to hydrolyze the by‐products of red tilapia, and its effects on the growth of Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 were investigated.

Results

The results showed that hydrolysate hydrolyzed by enzyme combination 4 (alcalase: neutrase: papain: flavorzyme = 1:1:2:1) (EC4) obtained the highest nitrogen recovery (53.63%) and >2000 Da peptide proportion (5.07%). Hydrolysate hydrolyzed by enzyme combination 2 (alcalase: neutrase: papain: flavorzyme = 2:1:1:1) (EC2) has less hydrophobic amino acids and could improve the growth rate in 10 h–14 h in 50% nitrogen source substitution but had worst viable count after 24 h cultivation.

Conclusion

These results indicated that red tilapia by‐product hydrolysate was an excellent nitrogen source substitution and suggested that the hydrophobic amino acids in the nitrogen source might be an essential factor affecting the growth of Bifidobacterium lactis HN019. This research enhanced the economic value of red tilapia by‐products, minimized the waste of aquatic resources, and provided directions for the utilization of red tilapia by‐products.
A novel predictive model for postoperative delirium using multiple geriatric screening factors
Authors: Yajima Shugo , Nakanishi Yasukazu , Sugimoto Motokazu , Kobayashi Shin , Kudo Masashi , Yasujima Rikuto , Hirose Kohei , Sekiya Ken , Umino Yosuke , Okubo Naoya , Kataoka Madoka , Gotohda Naoto , Masuda Hitoshi
Published: January 2023

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to develop a new composite score to accurately predict postoperative delirium (POD) after major urological cancer surgery.

Methods

Our retrospective analysis included, in total, 449 consecutive patients who experienced major urological cancer surgery and a preoperative geriatric functional assessment at our institution (development cohort). Geriatric functional assessments included Geriatric 8, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, and mini‐cognitive assessment instrument (Mini‐Cog). Multivariate analysis was used to identify factors related to POD and combined to create a predictive score. The composite score was externally validated using a cohort of 92 consecutive pancreatic cancer patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy and a preoperative geriatric functional assessment (validation cohort). The predictive accuracy and performance of the composite score were evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) and calibration plots.

Results

In multivariate analysis of a development cohort, the following factors were significantly associated with POD: a Mini‐Cog score of <3 (odds ratio [OR] = 9.5; p < 0.001), disability in the responsibility for medication (OR = 4.1; p = 0.03), and the preoperative use of benzodiazepine (OR = 6.4; p < 0.001). The composite score of these three factors showed excellent discrimination in predicting POD, with AUC values of 0.819 and 0.804 in development and validation cohorts, respectively. Calibration plots showing predicted probability and actual observation in both cohorts showed good agreement.

Conclusions

A combined model of Mini‐Cog, a disability in the responsibility for medication, and preoperative benzodiazepine use showed excellent discriminative power in predicting POD.
Demographics and Clinical Characteristics of Autosomal Dominant Spinocerebellar Ataxia in Canada
Authors: Alshimemeri Sohaila , Abo Alsamh Danah , Zhou Lily , Furtado Sarah , Kraft Scott , Bruno Veronica , Duquette Antoine , Brais Bernard , Suchowersky Oksana , Munhoz Renato P. , Slow Elizabeth
Published: January 2023

Background

Autosomal dominant (AD) spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) encompass a large group of rare disorders, which occurs in individuals of different ethnic backgrounds. To date, demographics, and clinical descriptions of AD SCA in Canada are lacking.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of patients with a genetically confirmed diagnosis of AD SCAs was performed at five tertiary centers across Canada in the provinces of Quebec, Alberta, and Ontario. Demographic, genetic, and clinical information were collected and analyzed.

Results

A total of 203 patients with AD SCA were identified. Weighted estimated prevalence of AD SCA in three large Canadian provinces was calculated (2.25 cases per 100.000) which is in keeping with the figures documented worldwide. We found that the distribution of the most common SCA differed when comparing provinces. The most prevalent SCA diagnosis in Ontario was SCA3 (49%), while the most prevalent SCA diagnosis in Alberta and Quebec was SCA2 in 26% and 47%, respectively. SCA6 was the third most prevalent SCA subtype in Quebec (14%), which was not seen as commonly in other provinces. SCA1 was uncommonly seen in both Alberta and Quebec, despite being common in Ontario.

Conclusions

In this largest Canadian study, we describe the prevalence, distribution, and clinical characteristics of AD SCA. We found that the distribution of the most common SCA differed in the three provinces studied. This finding reflects the heterogenous nature of the Canadian population.
Chemostat models with Monod and Haldane consumption functions and random environmental fluctuations
Authors: Caraballo Tomás , López‐de‐la‐Cruz Javier , Caraballo‐Romero Verónica
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we study the asymptotic dynamics of two chemostat models with random environmental fluctuations modeled by means of real noise, where different consumption functions for the consumer species (Monod and Haldane) are taking into account. For each model, our main goal is to investigate the existence of deterministic attracting sets. This allows us to provide conditions under which the species become extinct or persist, which is the main goal in industrial setup. In addition, we depict different numerical simulations to support the theoretical results. Finally, we present some conclusions to sum up our contribution and we compare how the species behave depending on its consumption function.
Technical note: Energy dependence of the Gafchromic EBT4 film: Dose‐response curves for 70 kV, 6 MV, 6 MV FFF, 10 MV FFF, and 15 MV x‐ray beams
Authors: Chan Maria F. , Park Jeonghoon , Aydin Resat , Lim Seng‐Boh
Published: January 2023

Background

EBT4 was newly released for radiotherapy quality assurance to improve the signal‐to‐noise ratio in radiochromic film dosimetry. It is important to know its dose‐response characteristics before its use in the clinic.

Purpose

This study aims to investigate and compare the dose‐response curves of the Gafchromic EBT4 film for megavoltage and kilovoltage x‐ray beams with different dose levels, scanning spatial resolutions, and sizes of region of interest (ROI).

Methods

EBT4 film (Lot#07052201) calibration strips (3.5 × 20 cm2) were exposed to a 10×10 cm2 open field at doses of 0, 63, 125, 500, 750, 1000 cGy using 6 MV photon beam. EBT4 film strips from the same lot were then exposed to each x‐ray beam (6 MV, 6 MV FFF, 10 MV FFF, 15 MV, and 70 kV) at six dose values (50, 100, 300, 600, 800, 1000 cGy). A full sheet (25 × 20 cm2) of EBT4 film was irradiated at each energy with 300 cGy for profile comparison with the treatment planning calculation. At two different spatial resolutions of 72 and 300 dpi, each film piece was scanned three consecutive times in the center of an Epson 10000XL flatbed scanner in 48‐bit color. The scanned images were analyzed using FilmQA Pro. For each scanned image, an ROI of 2 × 2 cm2 at the field center was selected to obtain the average pixel value with its standard deviation in the ROI. An additional ROI of 1 cm diameter circle was also used to evaluate the impact of ROI shape and size, especially for FFF beams. The dose value, average dose‐response value, and associated uncertainty were determined for each energy and relative responses were analyzed. The Student's t‐test was performed to evaluate the statistical significance of the dose‐response values with different color channels, ROI shapes, and spatial resolutions.

Results

The dose‐response curves for the five x‐ray energies were compared in three color channels. Weak energy dependence was found among the megavoltage beams. No significant differences (average ∼1.1%) were observed for all doses in this study among 6 MV, 6 MV FFF, 10 MV FFF, and 15 MV beams, regardless of spatial resolution and color channel. However, a statistically significant difference in dose‐response was observed up to 12% between 70 kV and 6 MV beams.

Conclusions

The dose‐response curves for Gafchromic EBT4 films were nearly independent of the energy of the photon beams among 6 MV, 6 MV FFF, 10 MV FFF, and 15 MV. For very low‐energy photons (e.g., 70 kV), a separate calibration from the same low‐energy x‐ray is necessary.
Toward a realistic in silico abdominal phantom for QSM
Authors: Silva Javier , Milovic Carlos , Lambert Mathias , Montalba Cristian , Arrieta Cristóbal , Irarrazaval Pablo , Uribe Sergio , Tejos Cristian
Published: January 2023

Purpose

QSM outside the brain has recently gained interest, particularly in the abdominal region. However, the absence of reliable ground truths makes difficult to assess reconstruction algorithms, whose quality is already compromised by additional signal contributions from fat, gases, and different kinds of motion. This work presents a realistic in silico phantom for the development, evaluation and comparison of abdominal QSM reconstruction algorithms.

Methods

Synthetic susceptibility and maps were generated by segmenting and postprocessing the abdominal 3T MRI data from a healthy volunteer. Susceptibility and values in different tissues/organs were assigned according to literature and experimental values and were also provided with realistic textures. The signal was simulated using as input the synthetic QSM and maps and fat contributions. Three susceptibility scenarios and two acquisition protocols were simulated to compare different reconstruction algorithms.

Results

QSM reconstructions show that the phantom allows to identify the main strengths and limitations of the acquisition approaches and reconstruction algorithms, such as in‐phase acquisitions, water‐fat separation methods, and QSM dipole inversion algorithms.

Conclusion

The phantom showed its potential as a ground truth to evaluate and compare reconstruction pipelines and algorithms. The publicly available source code, designed in a modular framework, allows users to easily modify the susceptibility, and TEs, and thus creates different abdominal scenarios.
Development and validation of the Japanese version of EPDS‐P for indirect screening of paternal perinatal depression based on maternal reporting: Protocol for a prospective longitudinal observational study
Authors: Tokumitsu Keita , Yasui‐Furukori Norio , Fisher Sheehan David , Keta Takako , Yamada Chihiro , Takeuchi Junko , Yachimori Koji , Sugawara Norio , Shimoda Kazutaka
Published: January 2023

Aims

The main purpose of this study is to develop an indirect screening system for paternal perinatal depression based on the female partner's assessment in the Japanese population. The Japanese version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale‐Partner (EPDS‐P) will be used as the indirect screening tool, and its accuracy will be studied in this longitudinal prospective observational study.

Methods

Public health nurses and midwives at the participating community health center are currently inviting couples to participate, and are distributing self‐rating scales to the participants. The primary evaluation scales being used in this study are the Japanese versions of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D) and the Japanese version of the EPDS‐P which evaluates paternal perinatal depression by women. We will evaluate EPDS‐P performance against CES‐D, including accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and correlations.

Results and Conclusions

Perinatal depression is a mental illness that occurs between pregnancy and postpartum within the 12 months, and it is known to increase the risk of adversely impacting on child development. Men may also experience a psychosocial crisis during their partners' perinatal period. Although it was recently reported that the EPDS‐P can indirectly detect paternal perinatal depression, there is, as yet, insufficient evidence of this because the previous studies had relatively small sample sizes and were limited to cross‐sectional studies in the postpartum period. The development of a screening system for paternal perinatal depression using the EPDS‐P will lead to increased awareness of the disease and provide an opportunity to establish a family‐based support system in Japan.
Randomized controlled trial of a novel lifestyle intervention used with or without meal replacements in work sites
Authors: Das Sai Krupa , Silver Rachel E. , Vail Taylor A. , Chin Meghan K. , Blanchard Caroline M. , Dickinson Stephanie L. , Chen Xiwei , Ceglia Lisa , Saltzman Edward , Allison David B. , Roberts Susan B.
Published: January 2023

Objective

Lifestyle interventions have had limited effectiveness in work sites when evaluated in randomized trials. This study assessed the effectiveness of a novel lifestyle intervention for weight loss (Healthy Weight for Living [HWL]) implemented with or without meal replacements (MR) in work sites. HWL used a new behavioral approach emphasizing reducing hunger and building healthy food preferences, and, unlike traditional lifestyle interventions, it did not require calorie counting.

Methods

Twelve work sites were randomized to an 18‐month intervention (n = 8; randomization within work sites to HWL, HWL + MR) or 6‐month wait‐listed control (n = 4). Participants were employees with overweight or obesity (N = 335; age = 48 [SD 10] years; BMI = 33 [6] kg/m2; 83% female). HWL was group‐delivered in person or by videoconference. The primary outcome was 6‐month weight change; secondary outcomes included weight and cardiometabolic risk factors measured at 6, 12, and 18 months in intervention groups.

Results

Mean 6‐month weight change was −8.8% (95% CI: −11.2% to −6.4%) for enrollees in HWL and −8.0% (−10.4% to −5.5%) for HWL + MR (p < 0.001 for both groups vs. controls), with no difference between interventions (p = 0.40). Clinically meaningful weight loss (≥5%) was maintained at 18 months in both groups (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

A new lifestyle intervention approach, deliverable by videoconference with or without MR, supported clinically impactful weight loss in employees.
Obesity among Asian American people in the United States: A review
Authors: Li Zhaoping , Daniel Sunil , Fujioka Ken , Umashanker Devika
Published: January 2023

Standard measures of obesity, i.e., body weight and BMI, suggest that Asian American people have a lower obesity prevalence than other racial groups in the United States. However, Asian American people face a unique challenge in their pattern of adiposity with central obesity, which raises the risk for multiple comorbidities, such as type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease, at a lower BMI compared with other populations. Several organizations recommend lower BMI cutoffs for obesity in Asian people (BMI ≥25.0 or ≥27.5 kg/m2) instead of the standard ≥30.0 kg/m2 threshold. The risks of obesity and related comorbidities in this population are further influenced by diet, physical activity, perceptions of health, and access to information and therapies. Asian‐specific parameters for assessing obesity should become a standard part of clinical practice. Asian American people should equally be offered subgroup‐specific tailored interventions owing to heterogeneity of this population. Access to medications and surgery should be improved, in part by updating US indications for therapies to reflect race‐specific obesity thresholds and through inclusion of Asian American people of all subtypes with lower BMI values in clinical trials.

image
EPA Moves Forward With Ambitious Regulatory Agenda for Water
Authors: Moody Chris
Published: January 2023

Over the past two years, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) dedicated substantial resources toward moving forward an ambitious regulatory agenda for drinking water.
Improve Pressure Management With AMI
Authors: Berman Joel
Published: January 2023

A New Mexico water utility augmented its advanced metering infrastructure to monitor pressure zones in its distribution system.
How school belongingness in diverse students moderates student perceptions of teachers' cultural humility in predicting student–teacher working alliance
Authors: Slaton Chayla R. , Lammers William , Park Anna
Published: January 2023

Student–teacher relationships and school belongingness are both strong predictors for students' academic success (Goodenow & Grady, 1993; Hattie, 2009). Experiences related to their cultural identities also inform how they perceive their educational environment (Kutsyuruba et al., 2015) and may also predict academic success. Although current literature supports all three constructs as separate predictors of academic success, the current study examined the relationship between student perceptions of their teacher's cultural humility and student–teacher working alliance, with student perceptions of school belonging as a moderator. Sixth‐grade students from an urban, central Arkansas middle school (n = 334) considered a teacher with whom they had prolonged contact (e.g., two interactions a day, including mentoring and academic instruction), and responded to questions from three scales, the Cultural Humility Scale (predictor), the Classroom Working Alliance Inventory (outcome), and the Psychological Sense of School Membership (moderator). Results showed that student perceptions of teacher's cultural humility predicted student–teacher working alliance and that this relationship was slightly stronger for those students with low levels of school belongingness. The importance of all three variables in understanding student success has implications for teacher and school psychologist training programs.
Cyber victimization and suicidal behavior in high school students: The mediating role of psychological problems and perceived social support
Authors: Sarhangi Niloofar , Rostami Mohammad , Abbasirad Reza , Fasihi Mohadeseh , Ahmadboukani Soliman
Published: January 2023

Students who are abused in various ways are at a higher risk for psychological problems such as depression and suicidal ideation. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate the mediating role of psychological problems and perceived social support in the relationship between cyber victimization and suicidal behavior. The participants in this cross‐sectional study were 250 adolescents, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth‐grade students (aged 13–18 years) in Bushehr, Iran. The instruments used to collect the data were the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale‐21 (DASS‐21), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire‐Revised (SBQ‐R), and Cyberbullying/Victimization Experiences Questionnaire. SPSS‐25 and AMOS‐24 software were used for data analysis. The indirect and negative effects of perceived social support showed that support (from family members and significant others) is associated with reduced suicidal behavior in students experiencing cyber victimization. Moreover, the indirect and positive effects of psychological problems showed that cyber victimization increases the risk of students experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, and may lead to increased suicidal behavior in them. The experience of cyberbullying victimization in students is associated with their suicidal behavior. These students need treatment through psycho‐educational interventions or even psychotherapy in some cases.
Increasing cancer rehabilitation awareness and referrals in the Veterans Health Administration—A quality improvement initiative
Authors: Qin Evelyn , Lim Sara , Essman Matthew , Howard Ileana
Published: January 2023

Objective

To expand access to comprehensive rehabilitation services among veterans with cancer by increasing cancer rehabilitation referrals in a Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital.

Design

A rapid cycle improvement approach based on the Institute of Healthcare Improvement's Model for Improvement was used to assess and optimize the cancer rehabilitation referral process. In this quality improvement project, our cancer rehabilitation workgroup developed an electronic screening tool within the VA electronic patient record system to streamline cancer rehabilitation referrals. Providers could complete an optional Cancer Rehabilitation (CaRe) Screen that consisted of 12 questions related to patient symptoms and function. If the screen was positive, a nonvisit electronic consult was automatically generated and sent to a physiatrist for review. The physiatrist would then triage patients to appropriate services including physiatry, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, rehab psychology, and other rehabilitation services.

Results

A total of 90 referrals were placed between 2019–2021. A total of 84% of the patients referred were male, 73% were white. The top cancer types referred were lung (27%), blood (23%), gastrointestinal (12%), and prostate (10%). There were 19 referrals in 2019, 13 in 2020, and 58 in 2021. The electronic screening tool was implemented in mid‐2021. Advanced practice providers placed 48% of consults. Of the referrals placed in 2021, 13% of consults were initiated through the electronic screening tool. The most common rehabilitation‐related referrals placed after initial cancer rehabilitation triage included physical therapy (n = 47, 35.1%), physiatry (n = 28, 20.9%), and occupational therapy (n = 24, 17.9%).

Conclusions

Implementing an electronic screening tool can streamline cancer rehabilitation referrals and increase access to cancer rehabilitation services for Veterans with cancer. Ongoing work is required to refine the referral process and educate providers and patients on the importance of cancer rehabilitation in the cancer care continuum.
Acceptability of a virtual prostate cancer survivorship care model in regional Australia: A qualitative exploratory study
Authors: Heneka Nicole , Chambers Suzanne K. , Schaefer Isabelle , Dunn Jeff
Published: January 2023

Objective

To assess the acceptability of a nurse‐led prostate cancer survivorship intervention adapted for virtual delivery and tailored to post‐surgical care, in a regional Australian hospital and health service.

Methods

A qualitative exploratory study using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA).

Results

Twenty‐two participants took part in a semistructured interview comprising men who had completed the program (n = 16) and health professionals/service stakeholders involved in program delivery (n = 6). Acceptability of this virtual prostate cancer survivorship care program was very high across all constructs of the TFA, from the perspectives of both program recipients and those delivering the program. The quality of care received was seen as superior to what men had experienced previously (burden, opportunity costs). The time afforded by the regularly scheduled video‐consultations allowed men to come to terms with the recovery process in their own time (self‐efficacy), and provided an ongoing sense of support and access to care outside the consultation (ethicality). Clinically, the program improved care co‐ordination, expedited identification of survivorship care needs, and met service priorities of providing quality care close to home (burden, perceived effectiveness).

Conclusions

Findings from this study suggest virtual post‐surgical care delivered via videoconferencing is highly acceptable to prostate cancer survivors in a regional setting. Future research exploring virtual program implementation at scale and long‐term patient and service outcomes is warranted.
Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis: Enhanced Detection of Transparent Materials
Authors: Jamshidi Maryam , Jamshidi Niloufar , Falamaki Cavus
Published: January 2023

This study proposes a novel and simple in‐house design of a nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) device for the online characterization of nanoparticles in an aqueous solution. The particle size distribution of two sets of model nanoparticles, for example, transparent (SiO2) and opaque (TiO2) materials with respect to water as a dispersion medium could be successfully analyzed. Experiments are conducted using two different laser wavelengths of 632.8 (red) and 510 nm (green) and a range of concentrations. The accuracy of the green laser is larger compared to the red laser for all particle concentrations used. The measured average diameter using the presented in‐house NTA setup is in the acceptable range compared to the electron microscopy data. The average diameter of the transparent (SiO2) and opaque (TiO2) samples is calculated as 36.29 and 27.26 nm using NTA, 36.44 and 27.8 nm analyzing field emission scanning electron microscopy images, and 23.97 and 19.7 nm analyzing transmission electron microscopy images. In the new viewing sample holder, nanoparticles undergo mere Brownian motion with no bulk drift velocity. The effect of solid concentration and wavelength of the laser light on the performance of the NTA sensor is investigated, and the optimal concentration range for model particles is reported.
Comparative multi‐tissue analyses identify testis‐specific serine/threonine protein kinase (TSSK) genes involved in male fertility in the melon fly Zeugodacus cucurbitae
Authors: Zhai Xiao‐Di , Zhang Su‐Yun , Chen Dong , Li Wei‐Jun , Wang Jin‐Jun , Wei Dong
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

Zeugodacus cucurbitae is an agricultural pest species with robust reproductive capabilities capable of causing extensive damage. The advent of novel male fertility‐related pest control strategies has been an area of active entomological research focused on the sterile insect technique (SIT) strategy.

RESULTS

RNA‐sequencing analyses were conducted using 16 tissue samples from adult male Z. cucurbitae, leading to the identification of 5338 genes that were differentially expressed between the testes and three other analyzed tissue types. Of these genes, 808 exhibited high levels of testis expression. A quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) approach was used to validate the expression of ten of these genes selected at random, including ZcTSSK1 and ZcTSSK3, which are testis‐specific serine/threonine protein kinase (TSSK) genes. Evaluation via a loss‐of‐function‐based knockdown assay showed that the down‐regulation of either of these two genes in males was associated with significantly decreased egg hatching rates. In situ hybridization analyses revealed the expression of both of these transcripts in the transformation zone, and significant decreases in Z. cucurbitae sperm numbers were observed following double‐stranded RNA treatment. Together, these results suggested that inhibiting ZcTSSK1 and ZcTSSK3 expression was sufficient to alter male fertility in Z. cucurbitae.

Conclusion

These transcriptional sequencing results provide a foundation for further efforts to clarify the regulators of Z. cucurbitae male fertility. These preliminary analyses of the functions of ZcTSSK family genes as regulators of spermatogenesis underscore their importance in the processes integral to male fecundity and their potential as targets for pest control efforts centered on the genetic manipulation of males. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Phosphorus adsorption, availability, and potential loss characteristics in an Ultisol‐derived paddy soil chronosequence, using a stirred‐flow chamber study
Authors: Hua Hui , Shi Yangxiaoxiao , Wang Ruhai , Hong Zhineng , Jiang Jun
Published: January 2023

The adsorption characteristics, availability, and a loss risk of phosphorus (P) in paddy soil chronosequences had not been well established. In the present study, P adsorption characteristics of paddy soil chronosequence with 0, 7, 22, or 80 years of paddy cultivation history (PS0, PS7, PS22, and PS80, respectively) were identified by P adsorption isotherm, envelope, and stirred‐flow chamber (SFC) kinetics, along with the assessment of P availability and loss risks. Results indicated that P adsorption and desorption followed the same order of PS0 > PS7 > PS22 > PS80. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed P adsorption capacity was significantly and positively correlated with the concentrations of both free iron (Fe) and aluminum (Al) (hydro)oxides (Fed and Ald, respectively), suggesting that the major P sorbents were Fed and Ald. Findings from SFC adsorption kinetics suggested that the kinetics of both P adsorption and desorption were biphasic, being fast in the first 100 min (75.11%–87.57% of P adsorbed and 79.00%–88.65% of P released), followed by a slow phase for the remaining 180 min. Bray‐P increased with the duration of rice cultivation and reached a maximum of 77.90 mg kg−1 at PS80, along with the highest P saturation degree and equilibrium phosphorus concentrations of 7.56% and 2.33 mg L−1, respectively. Hence, with an increasing duration of paddy cultivation, there was a less pronounced P sink function and a lower P availability, but a higher P loss risk, indicating that P availability in the younger and loss risk in the older Ultisol‐derived paddy soils deserve greater attention.
Experiencing “epistemic injustice” within transgender healthcare
Authors: Bullock Carla G.
Published: January 2023

In this brief report, the author analyzes, “Limiting Transgender Health”, by Reese Kelly and Sonny Nordmarken, and “Whose Feminism Is It Anyways”, by Emi Koyama, and put them in dialogue with a pivotal feminist book, Epistemic Injustice by Miranda Fricker to explore how microaggressions and transphobic experiences are epistemic injustices performed against trans‐identifying people.
Individual frailty excess hazard models in cancer epidemiology
Authors: Rubio Francisco J. , Putter Hein , Belot Aurélien
Published: January 2023

Unobserved individual heterogeneity is a common challenge in population cancer survival studies. This heterogeneity is usually associated with the combination of model misspecification and the failure to record truly relevant variables. We investigate the effects of unobserved individual heterogeneity in the context of excess hazard models, one of the main tools in cancer epidemiology. We propose an individual excess hazard frailty model to account for individual heterogeneity. This represents an extension of frailty modeling to the relative survival framework. In order to facilitate the inference on the parameters of the proposed model, we select frailty distributions which produce closed‐form expressions of the marginal hazard and survival functions. The resulting model allows for an intuitive interpretation, in which the frailties induce a selection of the healthier individuals among survivors. We model the excess hazard using a flexible parametric model with a general hazard structure which facilitates the inclusion of time‐dependent effects. We illustrate the performance of the proposed methodology through a simulation study. We present a real‐data example using data from lung cancer patients diagnosed in England, and discuss the impact of not accounting for unobserved heterogeneity on the estimation of net survival. The methodology is implemented in the R package IFNS.
Laser‐Induced Phase Transition and Patterning of hBN‐Encapsulated MoTe2
Authors: Ryu Huije , Lee Yuna , Jeong Jae Hwan , Lee Yangjin , Cheon Yeryun , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Kim Kwanpyo , Cheong Hyeonsik , Lee Chul‐Ho , Lee Gwan‐Hyoung
Published: January 2023

Transition metal dichalcogenides exhibit phase transitions through atomic migration when triggered by various stimuli, such as strain, doping, and annealing. However, since atomically thin 2D materials are easily damaged and evaporated from these strategies, studies on the crystal structure and composition of transformed 2D phases are limited. Here, the phase and composition change behavior of laser‐irradiated molybdenum ditelluride (MoTe2) in various stacked geometry are investigated, and the stable laser‐induced phase patterning in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN)‐encapsulated MoTe2 is demonstrated. When air‐exposed or single‐side passivated 2H‐MoTe2 are irradiated by a laser, MoTe2 is transformed into Te or Mo3Te4 due to the highly accumulated heat and atomic evaporation. Conversely, hBN‐encapsulated 2H‐MoTe2 transformed into a 1T′ phase without evaporation or structural degradation, enabling stable phase transitions in desired regions. The laser‐induced phase transition shows layer number dependence; thinner MoTe2 has a higher phase transition temperature. From the stable phase patterning method, the low contact resistivity of 1.13 kΩ µm in 2H‐MoTe2 field‐effect transistors with 1T′ contacts from the seamless heterophase junction geometry is achieved. This study paves an effective way to fabricate monolithic 2D electronic devices with laterally stitched phases and provides insights into phase and compositional changes in 2D materials.
Emerging Trends of Carbon‐Based Quantum Dots: Nanoarchitectonics and Applications
Authors: Guan Xinwei , Li Zhixuan , Geng Xun , Lei Zhihao , Karakoti Ajay , Wu Tom , Kumar Prashant , Yi Jiabao , Vinu Ajayan
Published: January 2023

Carbon‐based quantum dots (QDs) have emerged as a fascinating class of advanced materials with a unique combination of optoelectronic, biocompatible, and catalytic characteristics, apt for a plethora of applications ranging from electronic to photoelectrochemical devices. Recent research works have established carbon‐based QDs for those frontline applications through improvements in materials design, processing, and device stability. This review broadly presents the recent progress in the synthesis of carbon‐based QDs, including carbon QDs, graphene QDs, graphitic carbon nitride QDs and their heterostructures, as well as their salient applications. The synthesis methods of carbon‐based QDs are first introduced, followed by an extensive discussion of the dependence of the device performance on the intrinsic properties and nanostructures of carbon‐based QDs, aiming to present the general strategies for device designing with optimal performance. Furthermore, diverse applications of carbon‐based QDs are presented, with an emphasis on the relationship between band alignment, charge transfer, and performance improvement. Among the applications discussed in this review, much focus is given to photo and electrocatalytic, energy storage and conversion, and bioapplications, which pose a grand challenge for rational materials and device designs. Finally, a summary is presented, and existing challenges and future directions are elaborated.
Fluorophore‐Decorated Mie Resonant Silicon Nanosphere for Scattering/Fluorescence Dual‐Mode Imaging
Authors: Adachi Masato , Sugimoto Hiroshi , Nishimura Yuya , Morita Kenta , Ogino Chiaki , Fujii Minoru
Published: January 2023

Inorganic nanoparticles with multiple functions have been attracting attention as multimodal nanoprobes in bioimaging, biomolecule detection, and medical diagnosis and treatment. A drawback of conventional metallic nanoparticle‐based nanoprobes is the Ohmic losses that lead to fluorescence quenching of attached molecules and local heating under light irradiation. Here, metal‐free nanoprobes capable of scattering/fluorescence dual‐mode imaging are developed. The nanoprobes are composed of a silicon nanosphere core having efficient Mie scattering in the visible to near infrared range and a fluorophore doped silica shell. The dark‐field scattering and photoluminescence images/spectra for nanoprobes made from different size silicon nanospheres and different kinds of fluorophores are studied by single particle spectroscopy. The fluorescence spectra are strongly modified by the Mie modes of a silicon nanosphere core. By comparing scattering and fluorescence spectra and calculated Purcell factors, the fluorescence enhancement factor is quantitatively discussed. In vitro scattering/fluorescence imaging studies on human cancer cells demonstrate that the developed nanoparticles work as scattering/fluorescence dual‐mode imaging nanoprobes.
Member‐Checking through Diagrammatic Elicitation: Constructing Meaning with Participants
Authors: Sahakyan Taguhi
Published: January 2023

Member checking is one of the key instruments ensuring the quality of qualitative research which is commonly associated with participants' approval of data accuracy. Considering multiple drawbacks of the traditional member‐checking methods, this article presents an alternative technique—diagrammatic elicitation. I illustrate how this approach was implemented in a study of six Armenian EFL teachers' self‐development and motivation. The data were collected in three phases over a period of 6 months using semi‐structured interviews, journal writing, and unstructured classroom observations followed by post‐observation interviews. I argue that diagrammatic elicitation makes member checking more participatory empowering participants and engaging them in the research process resulting in constructing the meaning with the researcher. Furthermore, it stimulates deeper reflections uncovering hidden aspects of participants' experiences leading to a more in‐depth understanding of the researched phenomenon which contribute to the quality of research.