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A synaptic protein, Neuronal Pentraxin 2 (NPTX2), has emerged as a pivotal biomarker for Alzheimer's dementia (AD). We identified candidate miRNAs targeting NPTX2 and performed association and mediation analyses using multi‐omics data (N = 702). Among 44 candidate miRNAs, miR‐133b was significantly associated with AD and Braak positivity. Higher miR‐133b expression was also associated with higher NPTX2 gene expression and better cognition. Mediation analysis showed that miR‐133b partially influences AD and cognition through the NPTX2 protein. Our integrated approach suggests a potential role of miR‐133b in synaptic integrity and offers new insights into AD pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose that individuals differ in their ability to generate creative ideas as a function of the values, beliefs, and norms of their social group's culture they have adopted and routinely use. To generate creative ideas, an individual needs to think differently from their group to generate novel ideas that others cannot, while understanding what the group will view as appropriate and practical. We view culture as a network of cultural elements and decompose individuals' cultural adoption into two conceptually and empirically distinct dimensions. Cultural breadth, which reflects whether individuals have adopted a broad range of values, beliefs, and norms that span the organization's culture, contributes to the novelty required for creativity. Cultural embeddedness, which reflects whether individuals have adopted the core values, beliefs, and norms entrenched in the organization's culture, helps an individual generate ideas that others will view as useful. We predict that individuals with both high cultural breadth and high cultural embeddedness, who we label integrated cultural brokers, will be most likely to generate creative ideas that are novel and useful. We test and find support for our theory in two contexts: an e-commerce firm in South Korea and MBA students at a U.S. university. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Messenger RNA (mRNA) therapy is the intracellular delivery of mRNA to produce desired therapeutic proteins. Developing strategies for local mRNA delivery is still required where direct intra‐articular injections are inappropriate for targeting a specific tissue. The mRNA delivery efficiency depends on protecting nucleic acids against nuclease‐mediated degradation and safe site‐specific intracellular delivery. Herein, novel mRNA‐releasing matrices based on RGD‐moiety‐rich gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) microporous annealed particle (MAP) scaffolds are reported. GelMA concentration in aerogel‐based microgels (µgels) produced through a microfluidic process, MAP stiffnesses, and microporosity are crucial parameters for cell adhesion, spreading, and proliferation. After being loaded with mRNA complexes, MAP scaffolds composed of 10% GelMA µgels display excellent cell viability with increasing cell infiltration, adhesion, proliferation, and gene transfer. The intracellular delivery is achieved by the sustained release of mRNA complexes from MAP scaffolds and cell adhesion on mRNA‐releasing scaffolds. These findings highlight that hybrid systems can achieve efficient protein expression by delivering mRNA complexes, making them promising mRNA‐releasing biomaterials for tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, there has been a rise in public consciousness of the adverse effects of expanded skin contact with sunlight, particularly the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum. UV radiation causes serious health problems like skin cancer, early aging, erythema, pigmentation, etc., due to contact with the skin. Therefore, the highly efficient UV-protection materials were manufactured using polypropylene and TiO2 (PPTO) through cost-effective and easy methods. The designated 7.5 PPTO and 15 PPTO were prepared, varying the amount of TiO2, as well as without using TiO2 (PPNF), which was also manufactured as a control material. All the as-synthesized nonwoven fibers were carefully characterized employing a variety of microscopic and spectroscopic methods, such as X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements. In conclusion, 15 PPTO showed the highest UV-protection ability (87.5%) compared to 7.5 PPTO and PPNF. In addition, 15 PPTO exhibited 1.76 and 1.32 times higher protection than 7.5 PPTO and PPNF, respectively, when exposed to UB-B radiation. The enhanced activity may be due to the amount of TiO2 because TiO2 increased the product's absorption and reflection capability. Overall, the PPTO nonwoven fibers can be applied to block harmful UV radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cystometry is essential for evaluating bladder function. However, children may react negatively to the physical pain of urethral catheterization or anxiety and fear of an unfamiliar environment. These pain responses during the cystometry procedure may interfere with the cystometry procedure and make it difficult to interpret the cystometry result. In this regard, the International Children's Continence Society has advised performing cystometry while holding infants as an effective nonpharmacological pain management method, but there is insufficient evidence to support this. Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the effect of parental holding on reducing pain in children during cystometry. Methods: This was an experimental study in a randomized controlled pre–post test design. A total of 64 participants aged 6–18 months were recruited. During cystometry, the participants in the experimental group were placed on the parent's laps and held in the parents' arms. The participants in the control group were laid down on the examination table. During the procedure, both groups of parents were allowed to touch their children in all ways except holding them and to use the pacifier if they wished. The behavioral (face, leg, activity, cry, consolability scale) and physiological (oxygen saturation and heart rate) pain responses were measured at three‐time points (immediately, 3, and 10 min after urethral catheter insertion). Results: Comparing the two groups, in the experimental group, the behavioral pain response at 3 min after urethral catheter insertion (t = −2.165, p = 0.034) and 10 min after (t = −3.155, p = 0.002) was decreased compared with that immediately after urethral catheter insertion. In addition, oxygen saturation increased more (t = 2.021, p = 0.048), and the heart rate decreased more (t = −2.033, p = 0.047) at 10 min than at 3 min after urethral catheter insertion in the experimental group. Conclusions: This study revealed that parental holding could reduce pain responses during cystometry in children. Further research is required to confirm the applicability and usefulness of parental holding during cystometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a particle-based nonlinear elastic object simulation technique for virtual surgery. Particle-based techniques are used to model and simulate nonlinear elastic objects, such as the skin and internal organs. This enables the simulation to consider various factors, such as location, direction, and depth, when making incisions in the organs. However, the issue with this method is that it can only simulate precisely cut tissue during incision. Objects with elasticity, such as tissue, require the generation of complex debris during incision. This paper proposes a particle-based elastic object simulation technique to model the debris from torn tissue when making an incision in the organs. It can predict where the tissue will tear based on the maximum shear stress (MSS) theory and Tresca's yield criterion when the force applied to the tissue exceeds the maximum stress. Newly generated particles at the predicted location are remeshed with nearby particles. We verified the superiority of our proposed method over traditional particle-based methods by accurately representing more complex debris and comparing the results of incisions in the same area of the body. This allows various incision types, such as stab wounds and lacerations, to be simulated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]