bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Graph propagation network captures individual specificity of the relationship between functional and structural connectivity
Authors: Wu Dongya , Li Xin 
Published: April 2023

AbstractFunctional connectivity (FC) network characterizes the functional interactions between brain regions and is considered to root in the underlying structural connectivity (SC) network. If this is the case, individual variations in SC should cause corresponding individual variations in FC. However, divergences exist in the correspondence between direct SC and FC and researchers still cannot capture individual differences in FC via direct SC. As brain regions may interact through multi‐hop indirect SC pathways, we conceived that one can capture the individual specific SC–FC relationship via incorporating indirect SC pathways appropriately. In this study, we designed graph propagation network (GPN) that models the information propagation between brain regions based on the SC network. Effects of interactions through multi‐hop SC pathways naturally emerge from the multilayer information propagation in GPN. We predicted the individual differences in FC network based on SC network via multilayer GPN and results indicate that multilayer GPN incorporating effects of multi‐hop indirect SCs greatly enhances the ability to predict individual FC network. Furthermore, the SC–FC relationship evaluated via the prediction accuracy is negatively correlated with the functional gradient, suggesting that the SC–FC relationship gradually uncouples along the functional hierarchy spanning from unimodal to transmodal cortex. We also revealed important intermediate brain regions along multi‐hop SC pathways involving in the individual SC–FC relationship. These results suggest that multilayer GPN can serve as a method to establish individual SC–FC relationship at the macroneuroimaging level.
ContourGAN: Auto‐contouring of organs at risk in abdomen computed tomography images using generative adversarial network
Authors: Francis Seenia , Jayaraj P. B. , Pournami P. N. , Puzhakkal Niyas 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAccurately identifying and contouring the organs at risk (OARs) is a crucial step in radiation treatment planning for precise dose calculation. This task becomes especially challenging in computed tomography (CT) images due to the irregular boundaries of the organs under study. The method currently employed in clinical practice is the manual contouring of CT images, which tends to be highly tedious and time‐consuming. The results are also prone to variations depending on the observer's skill level, environment, or equipment types. A deep learning‐based automatic contouring technique for segmenting OARs would help eliminate these problems and generate consistent results with minimal time and human effort. Our approach is to design a conditional generative adversarial network (GAN)‐based technique for the semantic segmentation of OARs in abdominal CT images. The residual blocks of the generator network have a multi‐scale context layer that explores more generic characteristics, greatly enhancing performance and lowering losses. A comparative analysis is undertaken based on various assessment measures widely employed in segmentation. The results show substantial improvement, with mean dice scores of 98.0%, 96.6%, 98.2%, and 86.1% for the respective organs—liver, kidney, spleen, and pancreas—in the abdominal CT. The proposed GAN‐based model could accurately segment the four abdominal organs, including the liver, kidney, spleen, and pancreas. The obtained results prove that the suggested model is able to compete with existing state‐of‐the‐art abdominal OAR segmentation techniques.
Outcomes of Pediatric Osteogenesis Imperfecta Patients Requiring Port‐a‐Cath Placement for Long‐Term Vascular Access
Authors: White Andrew C , Byrd Jay J , Schissel Makayla , Strudthoff Elizabeth , Wallace Maegen 
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACTIntravenous (iv) bisphosphonates are widely used to treat the skeletal manifestations of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). Obtaining peripheral iv access in pediatric patients with OI is often difficult and traumatic. Although this may be mitigated with surgically placed iv ports (port‐a‐caths), surgeons may be hesitant to perform this procedure on these children because of the lack of safety data. This study aims to gain better insight into the safety and efficacy of port‐a‐cath use in this population and identify risk factors for port‐a‐cath complications. In the present study, we conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of patient characteristics and the incidence of port‐a‐cath‐related complications in children with OI. Fifty‐three port‐a‐caths were placed in 29 children (21 males and 8 females). Of the 29 patients, most are OI type III (n = 18), followed by type I (n = 4), type IV (n = 4), and type V (n = 3). At the time of initial port‐a‐cath placement, the median age was 52 months (10–191 months), and the median weight was 7.9 kg (5.1–41.1 kg). Most patients (n = 20) weighed less than 10 kg during initial placement. Weight correlated significantly with OI type (p = 0.048), sex (p = 0.03), and vessel used (p = 0.02). Median initial port‐a‐cath longevity was 43 months (1–113 months), and we found no significant difference in port‐a‐cath longevity between sexes, OI types, or vessels used. Most patients (n = 19) required multiple port‐a‐cath placements. There is a significant difference (p = 0.02) between the number of placements and OI type, with type IV having more than type III. Port‐a‐cath removal was almost always due to mechanical complications (n = 19) but also for infection (n = 1) and malposition (n = 1). Eight patients still had their initial port‐a‐caths in place at the conclusion of this study. These findings indicate that complications associated with port‐a‐cath placement are mild and can be used to safely deliver iv bisphosphonates to pediatric OI patients. © 2023 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Cultural humility and cultural competence in counseling: An exploratory mixed methods investigation
Authors: Zhu Peitao , Luke Melissa M. , Liu Yanhong , Wang Qiu 
Published: April 2023

AbstractUsing an exploratory sequential mixed methods research design, we investigated the relationship between cultural humility (CH) and cultural competence (CC), two concepts that have been widely discussed in the multicultural counseling literature. We first adopted a thematic analysis to explore how 14 experienced counselor educators perceived the CH–CC relationship and identified three preliminary themes. Then, we utilized quantitative analyses to test the hypotheses derived from the qualitative themes, based on a sample of 434 adults who received mental health services. Both qualitative and quantitative results supported that CH and CC (a) share conceptual alignment; (b) emphasize on different aspects of counselor characteristics and behaviors in cultural contexts; and (c) both play an integral, yet slightly varied, role during the counseling process. We discuss implications regarding embracing CH and CC in the counseling practice, counselor educator, and future research on multicultural counseling.
Structural insights into SARS‐CoV‐2 main protease conformational plasticity
Authors: Dehury Budheswar , Mishra Sarbani , Pati Sanghamitra 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe spread of different severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) variants underscores the need for insights into the structural properties of its structural and non‐structural proteins. The highly conserved homo‐dimeric chymotrypsin‐like protease (3CL MPRO), belonging to the class of cysteine hydrolases, plays an indispensable role in processing viral polyproteins that are involved in viral replication and transcription. Studies have successfully demonstrated the role of MPRO as an attractive drug target for designing antiviral treatments because of its importance in the viral life cycle. Herein, we report the structural dynamics of six experimentally solved structures of MPRO (i.e., 6LU7, 6M03, 6WQF, 6Y2E, 6Y84, and 7BUY including both ligand‐free and ligand‐bound states) at different resolutions. We have employed a structure‐based balanced forcefield, CHARMM36m through state‐of‐the‐art all‐atoms molecular dynamics simulations at µ‐seconds scale at room temperature (303K) and pH 7.0 to explore their structure‐function relationship. The helical domain‐III responsible for dimerization mostly contributes to the altered conformational states and destabilization of MPRO. A keen observation of the high degree of flexibility in the P5 binding pocket adjoining domain II‐III highlights the reason for observation of conformational heterogeneity among the structural ensembles of MPRO. We also observe a differential dynamics of the catalytic pocket residues His41, Cys145, and Asp187, which may lead to catalytic impairment of the monomeric proteases. Among the highly populated conformational states of the six systems, 6LU7 and 7M03 forms the most stable and compact MPRO conformation with intact catalytic site and structural integrity. Altogether, our findings from this extensive study provides a benchmark to identify physiologically relevant structures of such promising drug targets for structure‐based drug design and discovery of potent drug‐like compounds having clinical potential.
Modeling spin relaxation in complex radical systems using MolSpin
Authors: Gerhards Luca , Nielsen Claus , Kattnig Daniel R. , Hore P. J. , Solov'yov Ilia A. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractSpin relaxation is an important aspect of the spin dynamics of free radicals and can have a significant impact on the outcome of their spin‐selective reactions. Examples range from the use of radicals as spin qubits in quantum information processing to the radical pair reactions in proteins that may allow migratory birds to sense the direction of the Earth's magnetic field. Accurate modeling of spin relaxation, however, is non‐trivial. Bloch–Redfield–Wangsness theory derives a quantum mechanical master equation from system‐bath interactions in the Markovian limit that provides a comprehensive framework for describing spin relaxation. Unfortunately, the construction of the master equation is system‐specific and often resource‐heavy. To address this challenge, we introduce a generalized and efficient implementation of BRW theory as a new feature of the spin dynamics toolkit MolSpin which offers an easy‐to‐use approach for studying systems of reacting radicals of varying complexity.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of digital interventions targeted at individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD), emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD), and related symptoms
Authors: Drews‐Windeck Elea , Greenwood Kathryn , Cavanagh Kate 
Published: April 2023

AbstractObjectivesThe present review investigates the impact of digital interventions for individuals with features of borderline personality disorder (BPD)/emotional unstable personality disorder (EUPD) as digital interventions show promise as therapeutic tools in underserved groups. BPD/EUPD features are identified as clinically relevant, yet previous reviews on the use of digital interventions fail to include subthreshold symptomatology.MethodsFive online databases were searched for terminology in three categories: BPD/EUPD and related symptoms, mental‐health interventions, and digital technology. Additionally, four relevant journals and two trial registers were searched for additional papers meeting the inclusion criteria.ResultsTwelve articles met all inclusion criteria. Meta‐analyses revealed statistically significant differences in symptom measures between intervention and control groups at postintervention and decreases in BPD/EUPD symptomatology and well‐being from pre‐ to postintervention. Service users' engagement, satisfaction, and acceptability of interventions were high. Results support the previous literature on the value of using digital interventions in populations with BPD/EUPD.ConclusionOverall, it was identified that digital interventions show promise for successful implementation with this population.
The Metaverse: A new digital frontier for consumer behavior
Authors: Hadi Rhonda , Melumad Shiri , Park Eric S. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThis work offers a multidisciplinary perspective on the Metaverse, focusing on its potential implications for consumer behavior. We begin by proposing a conceptualization of the Metaverse as being uniquely defined by the convergence of five key elements—it is digitally mediated, spatial, immersive, shared, and operates in real‐time. We then discuss how these components might collectively alter our understanding of consumer behavior in three domains: consumer identity, social influence, and ownership. We conclude by outlining an agenda for future research to help broaden our understanding of the Metaversal marketplace and its impact on consumer behavior. This work serves as a starting point to characterize a shift that is unfolding in the marketplace and to consider, through a consumer behavior lens, the numerous changes it may bring.
Exome sequencing identifies a novel pathogenic variant in RAB3GAP1 causing Warburg Micro syndrome in a Pakistani family
Authors: Ullah Wahid , Ilyas Muhammad , Tariq Muhammad , Imdad Maria , Ullah Ikram , Efthymiou Stephanie , Faheem Muhammad , Abbas Muhammad ,   SYNAPS Study Group, Aamir Muhammad , Nouman Muhammad , Houlden Henry 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundWarburg Micro (WARBM) syndrome is a rare heterogeneous recessive genetic disorder characterized by ocular, neurological, and endocrine problems. To date, disease‐causing variants in four genes have been identified to cause this syndrome; of these, RAB3GAP1 variants are the most frequent. Very little is known about WARBM syndrome in rural populations.ObjectivesThis study aims to investigate the genetics underpinnings of WARBM syndrome in a Pashtun family with two patients from Pakistan. The patients presented with spastic diplegia, severe intellectual disability, microphthalmia, microcornea, congenital cataracts, optic atrophy, and hypogonadism.MethodsMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analysis revealed pronounced cerebral atrophy including corpus callosum hypoplasia and polymicrogyria. Exome sequencing and subsequent filtering identified a novel homozygous missense variant NM_001172435: c.2891A>G, p.Gln964Arg in the RAB3GAP1 gene. The variant was validated, and its segregation confirmed, by Sanger sequencing.ResultsMultiple prediction tools assess this variant to be damaging, and structural analysis of the protein shows that the mutant amino acid residue affects polar contact with the neighboring atoms. It is extremely rare and is absent in all the public databases. Taken together, these observations suggest that this variant underlies Micro syndrome in our family and is extremely important for management and family planning.ConclusionsIdentification of this extremely rare variant extends the mutations spectrum of Micro syndrome. Screening more families, especially in underrepresented populations, will help unveil the mutation spectrum underlying this syndrome.
Quantitative imaging of vesicle–protein interactions reveals close cooperation among proteins
Authors: Cha Minkwon , Jeong Sang Hyeok , Jung Jaehun , Baeg Yoonjin , Park Sung‐Soo , Bae Seoyoon , Lim Chan Seok , Park Jun Hyuk , Lee Jie‐Oh , Gho Yong Song , Oh Seung Wook , Shon Min Ju 
Published: April 2023

AbstractMembrane‐bound vesicles such as extracellular vesicles (EVs) can function as biochemical effectors on target cells. Docking of the vesicles onto recipient plasma membranes depends on their interaction with cell‐surface proteins, but a generalizable technique that can quantitatively observe these vesicle–protein interactions (VPIs) is lacking. Here, we describe a fluorescence microscopy that measures VPIs between single vesicles and cell‐surface proteins, either in a surface‐tethered or in a membrane‐embedded state. By employing cell‐derived vesicles (CDVs) and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) as a model system, we found that integrin‐driven VPIs exhibit distinct modes of affinity depending on vesicle origin. Controlling the surface density of proteins also revealed a strong support from a tetraspanin protein CD9, with a critical dependence on molecular proximity. An adsorption model accounting for multiple protein molecules was developed and captured the features of density‐dependent cooperativity. We expect that VPI imaging will be a useful tool to dissect the molecular mechanisms of vesicle adhesion and uptake, and to guide the development of therapeutic vesicles.
Effects of ultrasound on the oxidation and structure of myofibrillar protein in the presence or absence of soybean oil
Authors: Zhou Lei , Zhang Ruyu , Zhang Jian , Yin Yantao , Wei Lanlan , Xing Lujuan , Zhang Wangang 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDUltrasound is widely used as a novel non‐thermal processing technique to improve protein properties. In recent decades, applying ultrasound‐assisted emulsification (UAE) to produce protein‐stabilized emulsion has attracted people's attention. Instead of applying ultrasound to treat a single protein solution, UAE treatment refers to the use of sonication to a mixture of protein and oil. The purpose of this study was to compare the different effects of ultrasound treatment on the properties of myofibrillar protein (MP) in the presence or absence of soybean oil. A suitable sonication power was selected based on the change in emulsion properties.RESULTS300 W sonication power was selected because of its most effectively decreased emulsion droplet size and increased absolute zeta potential. Sonication more significantly increased the protein carbonyl content and disulfide bonds of the MP–soybean oil sample compared with the MP sample. Due to the presence of oil, ultrasound could unfold more protein molecules, illustrated by a lower α‐helix content and intrinsic fluorescence intensity, and a higher surface hydrophobicity. Results of liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry illustrated that sonication enhanced the myosin heavy chain and actin content at the soybean oil interface as well as accelerated the myosin light chain to separate from myosin in the MP–soybean oil system.CONCLUSIONUltrasound treatment could lead to a higher level of protein oxidation and greater protein molecule exposure in the MP in the presence of oil system than in the oil‐free MP system. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Promotive role of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A isoform 3 in ovarian cancer cell growth and aerobic glycolysis through the pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 signaling
Authors: Bai Sha‐Sha , Yan Li‐Wei , Liu Chun‐Hui 
Published: April 2023

AbstractOvarian cancer (OC) represents one of the most detrimental gynecological malignancies. RNA‐binding protein eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A isoform 3 (EIF4A3) is well‐regarded as a definitive oncogene that contributes to the development of multiple malignant tumors. This study sought to elucidate the molecular mechanism of EIF4A3 in OC growth and aerobic glycolysis by regulation of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4) mRNA stability. We determined the EIF4A3 and PDK4 expression levels in OC cell lines and normal ovarian epithelial cells, and subsequently evaluated the cell viability and colony formation by cell counting kit‐8 and colony formation assays. The degree of cell aerobic glycolysis was evaluated by measurements of lactic acid production, glucose intake, adenosine triphosphate level, extracellular oxygen consumption, and protein levels of pyruvate kinase isozymes M2 and hexokinase‐2. Afterwards, we verified the binding of EIF4A3 and PDK4 mRNA via RNA immunoprecipitation, and determined the mRNA stability after actinomycin D treatment. Finally, a series of rescue experiments was performed with pcDNA3.1‐PDK4. EIF4A3 and PDK4 were upregulated in OC cells. Silencing EIF4A3 obstructed cell proliferation and aerobic glycolysis, while the same was annulled by EIF4A3 overexpression. Mechanically, EIF4A3 could bind to PDK4 mRNA to stabilize its mRNA and upregulate its protein levels. PDK4 overexpression inverted the inhibitory role of silencing EIF4A3 in proliferation and aerobic glycolysis. Overall, our findings highlighted that EIF4A3 induced OC progression by stabilizing PDK4 mRNA.
Laryngotracheal Reconstruction Outcomes in Children Born Extremely Premature
Authors: Blumenthal Daniel , Leonard James A. , Habib Andy , Behzadpour Hengameh , Espinel Alexandra , Preciado Diego 
Published: April 2023

IntroductionThere has been a notable increase in the number of neonates born 28 weeks gestational age or younger in the United States. Many of these patients require tracheostomy early in life and subsequent laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR). Although extremely premature infants often undergo LTR, there is no known study to date examining their post‐surgical outcomes.ObjectivesTo compare decannulation rates, time to decannulation and complication rates between LTR patients born extremely premature to those born preterm and term.MethodsWe identified 179 patients treated at a stand‐alone tertiary children's hospital who underwent open airway reconstruction from 2008 to 2021. A Chi Squared test was used to detect differences in categorical clinical data between the groups of patients. A Mann–Whitney test was used to analyze continuous data within these same groups. Time to decannulation analysis was performed using Kaplan Meier analysis and evaluated with log‐rank and Cox proportional hazards regression.ResultsChildren born extremely premature were more likely to incur complications following LTR (OR = 2.363, p = 0.005, CI 1.295–4.247). There was no difference in time to decannulation (p = 0.0543, Log‐rank) or rate of decannulation (OR = 0.4985, p = 0.05, CI 0.2511–1.008). Extremely premature infants were more likely to be treated with an anterior and posterior grafts (OR = 2.471, p = 0.004, CI 1.297–4.535) and/or an airway stent (OR = 3.112, p < 0.001, CI 1.539–5.987).ConclusionCompared with all other patients, extremely premature infants have equivalent decannulation success, but are at an increased risk for complications following LTR.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 133:3608–3614, 2023