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A remote measurement study of PTSD and cannabis use among veterans: Recruitment, retention, and data availability
With the growing availability of cannabis and increasing public support for legalization, cannabis use disorder (CUD) rates have risen, particularly among veterans, who face disproportionately high rates of co-occurring posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and CUD. Veterans often use cannabis to manage PTSD symptoms, yet research suggests cannabis may exacerbate and maintain these symptoms. Predicting symptom escalation remains challenging due to the complexity of PTSD-CUD interactions and a lack of predictive tools. Advances in mobile and wearable technology provide new opportunities for real-time monitoring, integrating active (self-reported) and passive (sensor-based) data to improve symptom prediction and intervention timing. This longitudinal study examined the feasibility of collecting data among recently discharged veterans with PTSD and cannabis use. The study employed the MAVERICK mobile app, integrating passive data (e.g., heart rate, sleep, activity) and active data (e.g., self-report surveys) over three months. Phase 1 involved beta testing with 20 veterans, assessing feasibility and acceptability, while Phase 2 recruited 75 veterans to evaluate recruitment, retention, and data completeness. Findings indicate high feasibility, with 91.9% of participants providing passive data and a 68% response rate for daily self-report measures. However, data availability varied across measures. These results highlight the potential for integrating passive and active data to improve symptom prediction and early intervention efforts for PTSD and CUD in veterans. Future research should explore long-term engagement strategies and clinical applications of these digital tools to enhance veteran mental health care.
A universal method for in situ control of stoichiometry and termination of epitaxial perovskite films
Abstract The perovskite ABO 3 structure serves as the foundation for diverse functional and quantum materials, yet its applications are hindered by challenges in control of film stoichiometry and the precise construction of interfaces, particularly compared to conventional semiconductors. While a layer-by-layer growth mode is frequently cited, we demonstrate that many transition-metal perovskite oxides self-assemble via an energetically favorable layer-inversion mechanism. This phenomenon can be strategically exploited to fine-tune stoichiometry and surface termination at any point during growth. Layer inversion produces consistent behavior in electron diffraction rocking curves and diffracted-beam intensity oscillations during alternating A- and B-site shuttered growth across various polar and nonpolar surfaces. We introduce a model that accurately interprets these oscillations, enabling an entirely in situ method for precise relative and absolute calibration of multielemental A- and B-site fluxes at the percent level. This approach is successfully applied to the growth of a single-phase high-entropy oxide film.
Effect of endemic dietary herb extracts on mitigating acrylamide formation and sensory attributes of potato chips through repeated frying cycles
Study on the microscopic pore structure and seepage mechanism of the Luohe Formation sandstone in the roof of coal seams in the Huanglong Coalfield
Cardiac implantable electronic devices’ longevity: A novel modelling tool for estimation and comparison
Aims Generator longevity is the key issue for patients, and is also important for payers, yet implanters of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices (CIEDs) face a challenge when selecting the appropriate device since battery longevity is only known for previous generation devices and whilst projected longevities are available for current devices, these are not in comparable formats. This study presents a new framework that facilitates an estimation of longevities for all CIEDs of both previous and existing generations that could simplify personalization of the device choice. Methods Longevity can be calculated based upon a simple concept entitled the “power consumption index” (PCI = t x I/C, where t is a constant of 1 hour, I is the current required by the device and C, its battery capacity). We retrieved published data from the user manuals of all commonly used pacemakers including single chamber, dual chamber, cardiac resynchronization and leadless devices. C and the components of current I including background current (Ibackground) and the pacing current (Ipacing) were calculated prior to calculation of the PCI for each device. Subsequently, a set of fictitious patient pool conditions via a Monte-Carlo simulation were used to model CIED survival curves which were then compared with real-life data from the Swedish device registry of previous generation CIEDs. Finally, we modeled survival curves for current generation devices using the PCI model. Results Using the PCI approach we were able to calculate longevities for all pacemaker devices under a variety of settings. The modeled Ibackground matched the data reported by manufacturers, and, under a variety of settings, regression analysis showed a low average error rate between industry-reported and modelled longevities (ratio: modelled longevity/industry reported longevity −1) = 0.1 ± 4.0% and 0.1 ± 0.7% for previous and existing SR/DR devices, 1.0 ± 5.0% and 0 ± 3.0% for previous and existing CRT-P, and 0 ± 4.0% for leadless pacemakers, respectively). More than 50% of the PCI and thereby a significant contributor to longevity was accounted for by Ibackground. Ipacing was the second largest contributor (20% for standard single and dual chamber devices, 30% for CRT-P and 40% for leadless devices). Certain pacing algorithms and IEGM storage considerably impacted specific devices with longevity losses of up to 1 year. The Monte-Carlo analysis demonstrated consistency between projected longevities by the PCI model and real-life data for historical devices and the calculated longevities that stemmed from this were consistent with the real-world data from Sweden. Conclusion The PCI model combining power consumption and battery capacity allows a comparison of longevity across CIEDs and programming options. Such a tool could help implanters improve personalization of device prescription for their patients and payers to make more informed decisions about tailoring device purchases and programming most appropriate for their population.
Interaction-driven giant electrostatic modulation of ion permeation in atomically small capillaries
A novel two-step metabarcoding approach improves soil microbiome biodiversity assessment
Kinematic simulation and trajectory planning of intelligent tunneling automatic mesh-laying robot
Does financial compensation matter for research participation in prevention trials in Tanzania? Perspectives of healthy volunteers
Background Financial compensation is an important aspect of respect for people enrolled in clinical research, yet continues to raise ethical questions. Respondents’ characteristics, shaped by contextual and geographic factors, may influence perceptions of the ethical implications of financial compensation. This study explored the relationship between respondents’ characteristics and their ethical perspective on the role of financial compensation in prevention trials in Tanzania. Materials and methods A cross-sectional survey of 537 participants from two prevention studies within Tanzania was conducted. Participants were eligible if they participated in either the HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Vaccine Trial (PrEPVacc) trial or a non-inferiority trial of low-dose compared to standard high-dose calcium supplementation in pregnancy in Tanzania. A questionnaire was used to collect participants’ sociodemographic characteristics and motivating reasons for research participation. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics for all variables. The chi-square test was used to assess associations between categorical demographic characteristics and binary outcomes scores. Modified Poisson regression models were employed to examine predictors of positive or negative perspectives for each outcome. The P value of < 0.05 was used to ascertain the significant association between the variables. Results Most participants (82.5%) were young adults between the ages of 18–28 years, married or cohabiting (60.7%), and self-employed (55.9%). All participants in the cohort were female. Key motivations for research participation included medical follow-up (96.8%), quality information (94.4%), and disease control (92.2%). The majority also reported feeling a duty to participate (90.5%) with 50.1% indicating that they felt an obligation to the person who requested their participation. More than a third (36.9%) wanted to receive an incentive and reimbursement (38.7%) for out-of-pocket expenses. Financial compensation was a less common motivator among married or cohabiting participants compared to single individuals (APR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.42–0.71, p < 0.001). Participants with primary education were also less likely to report financial compensation motivations compared to those with no formal education (APR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.41–0.78, p < 0.001). Also, participants who had taken part in two or more trials had significantly higher non-financial participation motivations compared to those with only one research experience (p < 0.001). Conclusion Financial compensation matters to certain participant subgroups, but its role varies. While some value monetary benefits, others prioritize altruism and trust in research oversight. A balanced, transparent compensation framework is needed to address financial needs while maintaining ethical integrity.
LassoESM a tailored language model for enhanced lasso peptide property prediction
A quantitative high-throughput screening pipeline to identify small molecule inhibitors of Chikungunya nsP2 protease
Abstract Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne RNA virus that has emerged as one of the most important global arboviral threats in the last decade. Although the first CHIKV vaccine has recently been FDA approved for use in healthy adults at increased risk, to date, there are no available antiviral drugs for CHIKV infection. CHIKV nsP2 protease plays a crucial role in the processing of the viral polypeptide precursor to release enzymes required for viral replication, thus making it a promising drug target for antiviral discovery. Here, we established a high-throughput pipeline to identify small molecule inhibitors of nsP2 proteolytic activity. The pipeline is composed of a suite of 1,536-well in vitro assays to support quantitative high-throughput (qHTS) screening campaigns. Specifically, we developed a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based assay using a fluorogenic peptide substrate encompassing an endogenous cleavage site and purified recombinant protease domain (nsP2pro). Using this assay, we interrogated ~ 31,000 unique small molecules, including those in drug repurposing libraries as well as chemically diverse and medicinal chemistry-friendly compounds. Hits were selected for follow-up validation against full-length nsP2 and an additional peptide. FRET-based 1,536-well assays for Papain, hepatitis C virus NS3-4A, and human Furin proteases were implemented to characterize compound selectivity. Notably, we developed a high-throughput cell-based proteolytic assay using a split nanoluciferase reporter to identify cell-active hits. Novel compounds were found to be potential nsP2 inhibitors and molecular docking analyses were performed to explain the binding mode of selected hits. In vitro antiviral activity was evaluated for a subset of compounds using a high-throughput CHIKV infection assay. To our knowledge, the pipeline presented here is unprecedented for CHIKV antiviral discovery research.
Experimental and statistical investigation on uniaxial compressive performance of hybrid double skin tubular slender columns
Comprehensive analysis of the influence of loess structure on strength on the Loess Plateau, China
This study examines the influence of loess structure on strength by selecting three representative regions of the Loess Plateau in northern Shaanxi as the research area. Malan loess serves as the test subject, and in-situ direct shear tests, particle flow modeling, and theoretical analysis are employed to investigate the impact of loess structure on the damage process of soil shear deformation and its internal mechanisms. The numerical simulation examines how the alteration of clay particle content, within a range of 1%−10%, affects the strength variation of the soil, as indicated by the in-situ test. The results indicate significant geographical heterogeneity in loess strength indices, with the structural properties of loess being a primary factor contributing to this variability. The primary trend indicates an increase in clay content of loess, a decrease in grit content, a relative increase in cohesion, and a relative decrease in the internal friction angle. Furthermore, the variation in cohesion is more pronounced than the internal friction angle. This article examines the relationship between loess strength and its structural properties, enhancing the concept of strength analysis. The findings will offer a theoretical foundation for investigating regional variations and the regionalization of engineering design in the loess area of northern Shaanxi.
Motion impact score for detecting spurious brain-behavior associations
Abstract In-scanner head motion introduces systematic bias to resting-state fMRI functional connectivity (FC) not completely removed by denoising algorithms. Researchers studying traits associated with motion (e.g. psychiatric disorders) need to know if their trait-FC relationships are impacted by residual motion to avoid reporting false positive results. We devised Split Half Analysis of Motion Associated Networks (SHAMAN) to assign a motion impact score to specific trait-FC relationships. SHAMAN distinguishes between motion causing overestimation or underestimation of trait-FC effects. We assessed 45 traits from n = 7270 participants in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study. After standard denoising with ABCD-BIDS and without motion censoring, 42% (19/45) of traits had significant (p < 0.05) motion overestimation scores and 38% (17/45) had significant underestimation scores. Censoring at framewise displacement (FD) < 0.2 mm reduced significant overestimation to 2% (1/45) of traits but did not decrease the number of traits with significant motion underestimation scores.
Mitigating cold stress in damask rose through zearalenone, melatonin, and bio bloom
The effect of non-stoichiometry in Sb2Se3 films on their phonon and electronic properties in the infrared range
The efficacy of modified bloodless del Nido cardioplegia in isolated aortic valve replacement
This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a modified, bloodless Del Nido (DN) cardioplegia solution in patients undergoing isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR). A total of 370 patients who underwent isolated AVR between 2015 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the cardioplegia solution used: the bloodless DN group (N = 180) and the histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) group (N = 190). To reduce selection bias and adjust for baseline differences, inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis was performed. There was no significant difference in in-hospital mortality between the two groups (HTK vs. DN: 1.2% vs. 0.9%, P = 0.554). However, the rate of spontaneous sinus rhythm restoration without the need for defibrillation following aortic cross-clamp release was significantly higher in the DN group (40.0% vs. 75.2%, P < 0.001). Additionally, the initial postoperative lactate level (3.0 ± 2.6 mmol/L vs. 2.2 ± 1.4 mmol/L, P = 0.002), and the incidence of low cardiac output syndrome (9.4% vs. 1.7%, P < 0.001) were significantly lower in the DN group compared to the HTK group. Other postoperative morbidities did not differ significantly between the groups. The modified bloodless Del Nido cardioplegia demonstrated favorable myocardial protection and early clinical outcomes compared to HTK solution in patients undergoing isolated AVR. These findings suggest that the bloodless Del Nido technique may be a viable alternative, although further validation in larger, prospective studies is warranted.