Patient digital self-screening tool for familial hypercholesterolaemia: A pilot study.

Background And Objectives: Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is a genetic condition contributing to premature cardiovascular disease. Currently, general practitioners (GPs) do not proactively screen for the condition. This study implemented and evaluated a digital FH self-screening questionnaire administered in general practice.

Autonomic modulation with mindfulness-based stress reduction in chronic kidney disease: a randomized controlled trial.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by overactivation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) that leads to increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programme on SNS activity in CKD patients. Participants with CKD stages III-IV were randomized to the 8 week MBSR programme or Health Enhancement Program (HEP; a structurally parallel, active control group).

signaling encodes early-life memory for adaptive social plasticity.

establishes social clusters in groups, yet the underlying principles remain poorly understood. Here, we performed a systemic analysis of social network behavior (SNB) that quantifies individual social distance (SD) in a group over time. The SNB assessment in 175 inbred strains from the Genetics Reference Panel showed a tight association of short SD with long developmental time, low food intake, and hypoactivity.

Painting Cell-Cell Interactions by Horseradish Peroxidase and Endogenously Generated Hydrogen Peroxide.

Cell-cell interactions are fundamental in biology for maintaining physiological conditions with direct contact being the most straightforward mode of interaction. Recent advancements have led to the development of various chemical tools for detecting or identifying these interactions. However, the use of exogenous cues, such as toxic reagents, bulky probes, and light irradiation, can disrupt normal cell physiology.

Effects of an extra-high slaughter weight and a low-lysine diet on growth and meat quality of finishing gilts.

The present study aimed to find out the feasibility of increasing the meat quality of finishing gilts by increasing their slaughter weight (SW) to an extra-high (XH) level and also by using a low-lysine (lys) diet in XH-weight pig production. Twenty-four gilts and eights barrows were divided into four treatments (T) by gender, SW, and diet: T1 (barrow; 116-kg SW; Medium [Med]-lys [0.80%] diet), T2 (gilt; 116-kg SW; Med-lys), T3 (gilt; XH [150 kg] SW; Med-lys), and T4 (gilt; XH SW, Low-lys [0.

Effects of Italian ryegrass with multi-enzymes supplementation on growth performance, gut microbial, and manure odor emission in finisher pig.

This study investigated the effects of addition of Italian ryegrass with multi-enzyme on growth performance, fecal odor, and microbiome. The experiment had a two-factor factorial design, using three levels of Italian ryegrass (0%, 2.5%, and 5%) and two levels of multi-enzymes (no enzyme and commercially recommended level) to formulate experimental diets.

Next-generation air filtration nanotechnology for improved indoor air quality.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) significantly affects human health, with pollutants such as organic, inorganic substances, and biological contaminants contributing to various respiratory, neurological, and immunological diseases. In this review, we highlighted the need for advanced air filtration technologies to mitigate these pollutants, which are emitted from household products, building materials, combustion processes, and bioaerosols. While traditional HVAC systems and mechanical filtration methods have been effective, they are often energy-intensive and limited in their ability to capture specific pollutants.

Zwitterion Interlocked Diarylethene Molecules Order, Unconnected Diarylethene Molecules Disorder.

A diarylethene-based zwitterionic molecule (DZM) is newly synthesized for the development of smart films exhibiting reversible color change and switchable ionic conductivity in response to external light stimuli. This dual molecular building block is constructed through zwitterionic interlocking and strong phase separation between the dendron-shaped aliphatic tails and the diarylethene head. Uniaxial shear coating and molecular self-assembly result in anisotropically oriented nanostructures, which are further solidified through photopolymerization.

Versatile and Fast Electrochemical Activation Method for Carbon Nanotube Fibers with Diverse Active Materials.

In this study, the challenge of non-electrochemical activity in carbon nanotube fibers (CNTFs) is addressed by developing a modified chlorosulfonic acid (CSA) densification process specifically developed for directly spun CNTFs. This post-treatment method, well-known for enhancing the physical properties of CNTFs, utilizes the double diffusion phenomenon to efficiently integrate a diverse range of active materials, from conductive polymers like polyaniline (PANI) to metal oxides like nickel oxide (NiO), into the fibers. This universal and cost-effective approach not only simplifies the integration process but also significantly boosts both the electrochemical and physical properties of the fibers.

Ideal animal models according to multifaceted mechanisms and peculiarities in neurological disorders: present and challenges.

Neurological disorders, encompassing conditions such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), pose a significant global health challenge, affecting millions worldwide. With an aging population and increased life expectancy, the prevalence of these disorders is escalating rapidly, leading to substantial economic burdens exceeding trillions of dollars annually. Animal models play a crucial role in understanding the underlying mechanisms of these disorders and developing effective treatments.

Neuroimaging findings of adolescent depression: A review by the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework.

This review examines neuroimaging studies on adolescent depression (AD) within the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework, focusing on fMRI, DTI, and EEG findings. The research highlights disrupted connectivity in several neural networks-such as the affective, reward processing, cognitive control, and default mode networks-that underpin emotional and cognitive dysfunctions in AD. Notably, hypoconnectivity in the affective and cognitive control networks correlates with deficits in emotional processing and executive functioning, while hyperactivity in the default mode network relates to excessive self-referential thoughts.

Redox-activatable inhalable mucoadhesive proteinic nanotherapeutics for targeted treatment of lung cancer.

Inhalation delivery has been considered a promising choice for treating lung cancer because it can shuttle therapeutic payloads directly to cancer tissues via simple and noninvasive procedures while reducing systemic toxicity. However, its clinical application still faces challenges, especially for delivering hydrophobic chemotherapeutic drugs, due to poor absorption on mucosal tissues and limited therapeutic performance. Herein, we propose inhalable mucoadhesive proteinic nanoparticles (NPs) capable of facilitating reliable pulmonary drug delivery and redox-responsive anticancer therapeutic effects to realize noninvasive, localized treatment of lung cancer in a highly biocompatible, site-specific manner.

Strategic design of emerging (K,Na)NbO-based perovskites for high-performance piezocatalysis and photo-piezocatalysis.

As a leading Pb-free perovskite material (ABO-type), potassium sodium niobate (K,Na)NbO (KNN)-based ferroelectrics/piezoelectrics have been widely used in electronics, energy conversion, and storage due to their exceptional ability to interconvert mechanical and electrical energies. Beyond traditional applications, the piezoelectric potential generated by mechanical strain or stress modifies their energy band structures and facilitates charge carrier separation and transport, drawing increasing attention in emerging fields such as piezocatalysis and photo-piezocatalysis. With excellent piezoelectric properties, chemical/thermal stability, and strain-tuning capability, KNN-based materials show great promise for high-performance piezocatalytic applications.

Evaluation of the Accuracy of FreeStyle Libre 2 for Glucose Monitoring in White New Zealand Rabbits.

Background: Studies are currently being conducted on rabbits requiring serial glucose monitoring. The FreeStyle Libre 2 (FSL2), a serial glucose monitoring device, has been validated in humans, dogs and cats, but not in rabbits.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the FSL2 in rabbits.

Ambient artificial intelligence scribes: utilization and impact on documentation time.

Objectives: To quantify utilization and impact on documentation time of a large language model-powered ambient artificial intelligence (AI) scribe.

Materials And Methods: This prospective quality improvement study was conducted at a large academic medical center with 45 physicians from 8 ambulatory disciplines over 3 months. Utilization and documentation times were derived from electronic health record (EHR) use measures.

Enhancing the Survival of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: Quality Improvement Initiative With a Multidisciplinary Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Team Approach.

Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is the only treatment option that can stabilize patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) with severe pulmonary hypertension. This study assessed the effects of a multidisciplinary ECMO team approach (META) as part of a quality improvement initiative aimed at enhancing the survival rates of neonates with CDH.

Methods: The medical records of infants with CDH treated at a tertiary center were retrospectively reviewed.

Racial disparities and socioeconomic factors associated with post-acute rehabilitation facility utilization among Nevadans with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders and extremity fractures: insights of age-friendly and dementia-friendly state planning in U.S.

Background: Falls and extremity fractures often occur in people living with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders (ADRD). In post-fracture care, these patients are cared for either at rehabilitation facilities or their homes. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic limited the utilization of rehabilitation facilities.

The interactive effects between far-red light and temperature on lettuce growth and morphology diminish at high light intensity.

Phytochromes (PHYs) play a dual role in sensing light spectral quality and temperature. PHYs can interconvert between the active P form and inactive P form upon absorption of red (R) and far-red (FR) light (Photoconversion). In addition, active P can be converted to inactive P in a temperature-dependent manner (Thermal Reversion).

Interspecies transcriptome profiles of human T cell activation and liver inflammation in a xenogeneic graft-versus-host disease model.

Background: Xenogeneic transplantation induces acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD) and subsequent vital organ damage. Herein, we aimed to examine hepatic damage associated with aGvHD using histopathology and gene expression profiles.

Methods: A xenografic GvHD model was established by engrafting human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) into immunodeficient NOD-scid IL2Rγnull (NSG) mice after busulfan conditioning.

LI-RADS Category Can Be a Post-Surgical Prognostic Factor for Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis or Chronic Hepatitis B.

Introduction: The Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) categorization has been proposed as a potential prognostic indicator for primary liver neoplasms in patients with liver cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis B. This multicenter study aimed to determine whether LI-RADS categorization can offer additional post-surgical prognostic value for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICCA) when used in conjunction with the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) guidelines.

Methods: Patients with high risk for hepatocellular carcinoma, surgically confirmed ICCAs, and available preoperative MRI were enrolled.

The effectiveness of care robots in alleviating physical burden and pain for caregivers: Non-randomized prospective interventional study - Preliminary study.

Background: Caregiver burden significantly affects both patients and caregivers but is often overlooked in clinical practice. Physical and emotional strain on caregivers can compromise the quality of care. Care robots are emerging as solutions to alleviate these burdens by assisting with routine tasks, thereby reducing caregivers' physical strain and stress.

Deep-Learning and Dynamic Time Warping-Based Approaches for the Diagnosis of Reactor Systems.

The degradation of clamping force in the core support barrel, which forms the internal structure of a nuclear power plant, has the potential to significantly impact the plant's safety and reliability. Previous studies have concentrated on the detection of clamping force degradation but have been constrained in their ability to identify the precise size and position. This study proposes a novel methodology for diagnosing the size and position of clamping force degradation in core support barrels, combining deep-learning techniques and dynamic time warping (DTW) algorithms.

Development of Robust Lane-Keeping Algorithm Using Snow Tire Track Recognition in Snowfall Situations.

This study proposed a robust lane-keeping algorithm designed for snowy road conditions, utilizing a snow tire track detection model based on machine learning. The proposed algorithm is structured into two primary modules: a snow tire track detector and a lane center estimator. The snow tire track detector utilizes YOLOv5, trained on custom datasets generated from public videos captured on snowy roads.