Computer simulations of entropic cohesion in reversibly crosslinked polymers.

Reversibly crosslinked polymer networks - polymer networks that can undergo bond association and dissociation reactions - rearrange their structures while maintaining their overall integrity, thus resulting in unique properties such as self-healing, reprocessability, shape memory and adaptability. Here, we show that the introduction of crosslinks, whether reversible or permanent, directly impacts the equilibrium polymer density and hence the material's surface tension. For a limiting case where the bonds are the same size as the polymer chain bonds, simulations, Flory hypotheses and thermodynamic calculations show that the crosslinks induce an increased entropic cohesion in the liquid.

The Change in Child Sexual Abuse Victimization Among Chinese Children and Adolescents (2000-2022): A Cross-Temporal Meta-Analysis.

Limited meta-analytical research has examined the epidemiology of child sexual abuse (CSA) victimization among Chinese children and adolescents over the past two decades. It is crucial to evaluate how the incidence of CSA has changed over time in response to the significant policy and sociocultural changes since 2013. This study employed a cross-temporal meta-analysis to explore the trend of CSA victimization among Chinese children and adolescents from 2000 to 2022.

Factors Associated With Depression in Caregivers of Adults With Down Syndrome.

Background: Family caregivers of those with developmental disabilities have higher rates of depression and anxiety compared with caregivers of those without development disability. Few studies have examined factors that contribute to caregiver depression, including the appraisal of caregiving responsibilities and the physical fitness and daily function of the care recipient. The purpose of this study was to identify intrapersonal (caregiver) and interpersonal (care recipient) factors associated with depressive symptoms in caregivers of adults with Down syndrome (DS).

Scoping Review of Cultural Responsivity in Interventions to Prevent Gender-Based Violence in Latin America.

In this article, we review existing interventions to prevent gender-based violence (GBV) in Latin American contexts to evaluate the extent to which this work incorporates cultural responsivity-meaning whether the interventions consider the unique norms, identities, and attributes of specific cultures. We follow Arksey and O'Malley's steps for conducting systematic scoping reviews. We reviewed articles from 2003 to 2023 across 12 databases.

Determinants of Liraglutide Treatment Discontinuation in Type 1 Diabetes: A Post Hoc Analysis of ADJUNCT ONE and ADJUNCT TWO Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Studies.

Introduction: Two phase 3 randomized controlled studies (ADJUNCT ONE (Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01836523), ADJUNCT TWO (Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02098395)) evaluated liraglutide (1.

Limitations in quantum metrology approaches to imaging resolution.

Can a quantum advantage for imaging resolution be realized with the help of quantum estimation theory? We expect so, but we show that, presently, theoretical tools are insufficiently developed to answer this question for extended objects. Still, there is much to be learned from the current state of the art. In this review, we re-examine prominent results in the literature and probe the limits of quantum metrology in addressing imaging resolution.

Non-classicality and the effect of one photon.

The quantum interference effects of mixing the most non-classical states of light, number states, with the most classical-like of pure field states, the coherent state, are investigated. We demonstrate how the non-classicality of a single photon when mixed with a coherent field can transform the statistical properties of the output and further demonstrate that the entanglement of the output is independent of the coherent state amplitude.This article is part of the theme issue 'The quantum theory of light'.

Testing an HPV Vaccine Decision Aid for 27- to 45-Year-Old Adults in the United States: A Randomized Trial.

Background: In the United States, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among 27- to 45-y-olds (mid-adults) is recommended based on shared clinical decision making with a health care provider. We developed a patient decision aid tool to support the implementation of this mid-adult HPV vaccination guideline. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a patient decision aid tool for HPV vaccination, HPV DECIDE, compared with an information fact sheet among mid-adults who have not received the HPV vaccine.

Vicarious Trauma via the Observation of Extremist Atrocities: A Rapid Evidence Assessment.

Researchers are increasingly conducting research using primary source data involving observation of, and exposure to, violent extremist individuals, their acts, their online content, and the ideologies that they act in support of. Of concern is that this increased use of primary source material has not occurred alongside a serious investigation of the traumatic outcomes that may result from constant exposure to such materials within the process of conducting academic research. As such, the goal of this review is to conduct a rapid evidence assessment to identify (a) What theories currently exist that conceptualize trauma stemming from vicarious observation of extremist atrocities? (b) In what similar domains (if any) have researchers conceptualized the trauma that stems from vicarious observation of extremist atrocities? (c) What is the current evidence base for these theories? And (d) What are the immediate research needs to extend this research and support the research workforce? Articles were identified using search strings related to types of trauma, and relevant domains of work (e.

Quantification of the Pulmonary Vasculature in Mice under Chronic Hypoxia with Contrast Free Pulmonary Angiography In Vivo Imaging.

Innovative advancements in preclinical imaging have led to the development of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) combined with contrast free pulmonary angiography (CFPA), a novel lung scanning technology capable of assessing lung function and pulmonary vascular morphology. This cutting-edge approach integrates CBCT to provide detailed quantification of the pulmonary vascular tree. The application of this technique to image and quantify changes in the pulmonary vascular tree of mice exposed to chronic hypoxia has not been investigated.

Experience of Intimate Partner Violence and Non-Partner Sexual Violence in Conflict-Affected Settings: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This review aims to contribute to the understanding of violence against women and girls in conflict-affected and fragile settings through a systematic review and meta-analysis to document the available evidence on the prevalence of intimate partner violence and non-partner sexual violence during periods of armed conflict and in post-conflict periods. A total of 45 studies were included. Inclusion criteria were: population-based, observational studies that collected quantitative data with women (aged 15 years or older), included prevalence data on intimate partner violence or sexual violence, was collected in a conflict-affected context (active conflict or within 10 years after conflict) and was self-reported by women themselves.

Raman microscopy of the Cu/LiAlGe(PO) solid electrolyte interphase.

LiAlGe(PO) (LAGP) is a promising solid-state electrolyte (SSE) for solid-state batteries but suffers from side reactions with Li metal resulting in cracking and interfacial resistance rise which hinders its practical application. Herein, in operando Raman spectroscopy was performed to gain insights into local chemical and structural transformations of the Cu/LAGP interface during cathodic polarization.

Population Genomics of Adaptive Radiation.

Adaptive radiations are rich laboratories for exploring, testing, and understanding key theories in evolution and ecology because they offer spectacular displays of speciation and ecological adaptation. Particular challenges to the study of adaptive radiation include high levels of species richness, rapid speciation, and gene flow between species. Over the last decade, high-throughput sequencing technologies and access to population genomic data have lessened these challenges by enabling the analysis of samples from many individual organisms at whole-genome scales.

Conduction System Pacing Following a Double Switch Operation for Congenitally Corrected Transposition of the Great Arteries.

The use of conduction system pacing (CSP) in adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) is growing, however data remain limited. In patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries following the double switch operation, existing CSP tools and techniques require modification to allow for the anterior displacement of the atrioventricular node and proximal conduction system in addition to navigating the tortuous route of the atrial redirection. We report the successful use of CSP focusing on the technique of delivery tool modification to allow stability on the basal septum for deployment to the area of the distal His bundle and proximal left bundle branch.

Quantitative LC-QToF-MS Analysis of Mycochemicals in Amanita muscaria, Psilocybe spp. (Agaricomycetes), and Consumer Products.

The psychedelic mushroom market has expanded rapidly due to changing regulations and increasing consumer demand. Product diversity now extends beyond traditional capsules and tablets to include gummies, powders, and confectionery items, complicating quality control efforts. To assess the quality and potential adulteration of Amanita musca-ria and Psilocybe cubensis-based products, a validated LC-QToF-MS method was developed.

Open-Source Anaerobic Digestion Modeling Platform, Anaerobic Digestion Model No. 1 Fast (ADM1F).

An open-source modeling platform, called Anaerobic Digestion Model No. 1 Fast (ADM1F), is introduced to achieve fast and numerically stable simulations of anaerobic digestion processes. ADM1F is compatible with an iPython interface to facilitate model configuration, simulation, data analysis, and visualization.

A Genetic Variant of Delta-9 Desaturase Is Associated With Latitudinal Adaptation in a Coral from the Great Barrier Reef.

Coral populations across the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) could rapidly adapt to the warming climate if they have standing genetic variation for thermal tolerance. Here, we describe a locus likely involved in latitudinal adaptation of Acropora millepora. This locus shows a steep latitudinal gradient of derived allele frequency increasing at higher latitudes, and harbours a cluster of eight tandemly repeated Δ9-desaturase genes adjacent to a region in the genome where a hard selective sweep likely occurred.

Selective labeling of tyrosine residues in proteins: insights from PTAD labeling and tandem mass spectrometry analysis.

Designing reagents for protein labeling is crucial for investigating cellular events and developing new therapeutics. Historically, much effort has been focused on labeling lysine and arginine residues due to their abundance on the protein periphery. The chemo-selectivity of these reagents is a challenging yet crucial parameter for deciphering properties specifically associated with the targeted amino acid.

Selective termination: a life-saving procedure for complicated monochorionic gestations.

Monochorionic twin pregnancies are a subset of twin pregnancies that face potential complications related to a shared circulation between the fetuses. These complications are related to anastomotic placental vessels connecting the cardiovascular systems of the two fetuses, which can result in significant sequela if one twin experiences intrauterine death. The sudden cardiovascular collapse in this scenario leads to a massive blood shift away from the healthy co-twin, significantly jeopardizing its life and long-term neurodevelopmental outcome.

Indocyanine Green Angiography for Real-time Evaluation of Nasoseptal Flap Vascularity and Perfusion.

Objectives: To investigate the characteristics of the vascular pedicle of the nasoseptal flap (NSF) and its perfusion patterns using intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) angiography during endoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS), and examine the correlation between ICG perfusion patterns and clinical outcomes, including postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and flap necrosis.

Methods: This study enrolled patients undergoing ESBS between January 2017 and December 2021. Intraoperative ICG angiography was performed to visualize the arterial supply of the nasal septum and evaluate NSF perfusion.

Influence of the glycocalyx on the size and mechanical properties of plasma membrane-derived vesicles.

Recent studies have reported that the overexpression of MUC1 glycoproteins on cell surfaces changes the morphology of cell plasma membranes and increases the blebbing of vesicles from them, supporting the hypothesis that entropic forces exerted by MUC1 change the spontaneous curvature of cell membranes. However, how MUC1 is incorporated into and influences the size and biophysical properties of plasma-membrane-blebbed vesicles is not understood. Here we report single-vesicle-level characterization of giant plasma membrane vesicles (GPMVs) derived from cells overexpressing MUC1, revealing a 40× variation in MUC1 density between GPMVs from a single preparation and a strong correlation between GPMV size and MUC1 density.

vacA genes associated with gastric diseases in Trinidad and Tobago.

Objectives: To delineate and understand the genetic variations among strains from Trinidad and Tobago associated with gastric diseases.

Methods: One hundred (n = 100) patients who routinely presented with clinical features suggestive of peptic disease were enrolled in the study and underwent gastroscopy procedures. Biopsy specimens were analyzed using serological and molecular methods.

Gastrointestinal illness among attendees of the FIFA Football World Cup 2022 in Qatar.

Objectives: Mass gathering events may facilitate the transmission of foodborne diseases. We determined the presentations and causative organisms of gastrointestinal illness among the attendees of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association Football World Cup 2022 (FIFA 2022).

Methods: The study was conducted at Hamad Medical Corporation in Qatar, which served as the national reference laboratory for all microbiology testing.

Pro-apoptotic and anti-proliferative activities of cassane diterpenoids on squamous carcinoma cells: An in vitro and in silico study.

Squamous carcinoma of the head and neck is characterized by aberrant apoptosis that prolongs the proliferative capacity of the cells and by uncontrolled cell growth. This study aimed to examine the pro-apoptotic and antiproliferative effects of cassane diterpenoids on squamous carcinoma cells . The cytotoxicity of four (4) cassane diterpenoids {Six-cinnamoyl- 7-hydroxyvouacapen-5-ol(1), pulcherrimin A(2), C(3), and E(4)} isolated from C.