Augmented interpretation of HER2, ER, and PR in breast cancer by artificial intelligence analyzer: enhancing interobserver agreement through a reader study of 201 cases.

BACKGROUND: Accurate classification of breast cancer molecular subtypes is crucial in determining treatment strategies and predicting clinical outcomes. This classification largely depends on the assessment of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), estrogen receptor (ER), and progesterone receptor (PR) status. However, variability in interpretation among pathologists pose challenges to the accuracy of this classification. This study evaluates the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing the consistency of these evaluations. METHODS: AI-powered HER2 and ER/PR analyzers, consisting of cell and tissue models, were developed using 1,259 HER2, 744 ER, and 466 PR-stained immunohistochemistry (IHC) whole-slide images of breast cancer. External validation cohort comprising HER2, ER, and PR IHCs of 201 breast cancer cases were analyzed with these AI-powered analyzers. Three board-certified pathologists independently assessed these cases without AI annotation. Then, cases with differing interpretations between pathologists and the AI analyzer were revisited with AI assistance, focusing on evaluating the influence of AI assistance on the concordance among pathologists during the revised evaluation compared to the initial assessment. RESULTS: Reevaluation was required in 61 (30.3%), 42 (20.9%), and 80 (39.8%) of HER2, in 15 (7.5%), 17 (8.5%), and 11 (5.5%) of ER, and in 26 (12.9%), 24 (11.9%), and 28 (13.9%) of PR evaluations by the pathologists, respectively. Compared to initial interpretations, the assistance of AI led to a notable increase in the agreement among three pathologists on the status of HER2 (from 49.3 to 74.1%, p < 0.001), ER (from 93.0 to 96.5%, p = 0.096), and PR (from 84.6 to 91.5%, p = 0.006). This improvement was especially evident in cases of HER2 2+ and 1+, where the concordance significantly increased from 46.2 to 68.4% and from 26.5 to 70.7%, respectively. Consequently, a refinement in the classification of breast cancer molecular subtypes (from 58.2 to 78.6%, p < 0.001) was achieved with AI assistance. CONCLUSIONS: This study underscores the significant role of AI analyzers in improving pathologists' concordance in the classification of breast cancer molecular subtypes.

Clinical and Prognostic Values of TRPM7 in Colon and Rectal Cancers.

Background and Objectives: Transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7) is a unique channel protein, and functionally responsible for transportation of calcium and magnesium. Physiologically, the TRPM7 channel is involved in homeostasis of calcium and magnesium, and cell survival. TRPM7 expression is up-regulated in many cancers as malignant behaviors of cancer cells, and its deficiency suppresses their growth. Materials and Methods: In this study, we aimed to analyze clinical and prognostic characteristics of TRPM7 expression in colorectal cancers (CRC) using The Cancer Genome Atlas. Results: High expression of TRPM7 was observed in younger patients with rectal cancer (p = 0.0002). By quantitative correlation analysis, TRPM7 was negatively correlated with age (R = −0.239, p = 0.003) and p53 (R = −0.240, p = 0.002). Furthermore, it was positively correlated with APC expression (R = 0.534, p < 0.001) and KRAS expression (R = 0.319, p < 0.001). In colon cancer, there were no variables that showed a significant correlation with TRPM7. Survival analysis found that TRPM7 expression did not have any prognostic value in colon and rectal cancers. Conclusions: Our study highlights that TRPM7 expression in CRC, particularly in rectal cancer, may be a potential marker. Future studies are needed to provide deeper insights into the role of TRPM7 in rectal cancer.

Efficient and additive-free synthesis of morphology variant iron oxyhydroxide nanostructures for phosphate adsorption application.

Iron oxyhydroxide (FeOOH) nanostructures of different shapes were successfully synthesized on flexible textile cloth of polyester using a novel and simple technique based on hydrolysis method. The technique used herein is newly designed specifically to improve the efficiency in terms of energy, simplicity and cost involved in large scale synthesis of nanostructured thin films. Additionally, the morphology of nano-sized iron oxyhydroxide could be tuned into different shapes through variation in the type of precursors used for synthesis. The uniformity and adhesion of the depositions were also found to be excellent as examined by qualitative techniques. The as-deposited samples exhibited monoclinic and orthorhombic structures of FeOOH. A significant variation in the shape of as-deposited FeOOH nanostructures with change in precursor was observed through morphological studies, which displayed lance-shaped, rounded clusters and rod-like growth features in different cases. The nanocrystalline FeOOH can be directly applied to attract and trap phosphate from water reservoirs, thus contributing to environmental solutions. The proposed technique can also be utilized to deposit larger areas, which could be suitable for practical applications.

Priority Given to Technology in Government-Based Mental Health and Addictions Vision and Strategy Documents: Systematic Policy Review.

BACKGROUND: The use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to deliver mental health and addictions (MHA) services is a global priority, especially considering the urgent shift towards virtual delivery of care in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to monitor the evolving role of technology in MHA services. Given that MHA policy documents represent the highest level of priorities for a government's vision and strategy for mental health care, one starting point is to measure the frequency with which technology is mentioned and the terms used to describe its use in MHA policy documents (before, during, and after COVID-19). Yet, to our knowledge, no such review of the extent to which ICTs are referred to in Canadian MHA policy documents exists to date. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic policy review was to examine the extent to which technology is addressed in Canadian government-based MHA policy documents prior to the COVID-19 pandemic to establish a baseline for documenting change. METHODS: We reviewed 22 government-based MHA policy documents, published between 2011 and 2019 by 13 Canadian provinces and territories. We conducted content analysis to synthesize the policy priorities addressed in these documents into key themes, and then systematically searched for and tabulated the use of 39 technology-related keywords (in English and French) to describe and compare jurisdictions. RESULTS: Technology was addressed in every document, however, to a varying degree. Of the 39 searched keywords, we identified 22 categories of keywords pertaining to the use of technology to deliver MHA services and information. The 6 most common categories were tele (n=16/22), phone (n=12/22), tech (n=11/22), online (n=10/22), line (n=10/22), and web (n=10/22), with n being the number of policy documents in which the category was mentioned out of 22 documents. The use of terms referring to advanced technologies, such as virtual (n=6/22) and app (n= 4/22), were less frequent. Additionally, policy documents from some provinces and territories (eg, Alberta and Newfoundland and Labrador) mentioned a diverse range of ICTs, whereas others described only 1 form of ICT. CONCLUSIONS: This review indicates that technology has been given limited strategic attention in Canadian MHA policy. Policy makers may have limited knowledge on the evidence and potential of using technology in this field, highlighting the value for knowledge translation and collaborative initiatives among policy makers and researchers. The development of a pan-Canadian framework for action addressing the integration and coordination of technology in mental health services can also guide initiatives in this field. Our findings provide a prepandemic baseline and replicable methods to monitor how the use of technology-supported services and innovations emerge relative to other priorities in MHA policy during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Diterpenoids from the Roots of Euphorbia fischeriana with Inhibitory Effects on Nitric Oxide Production.

Bioactivity-guided isolation of a methanolic extract of Euphorbia fischeriana led to the isolation of four new abietane-type diterpenoids, fischeriolides A-D (1-4), together with 11 known diterpenoids. Their structures were elucidated based on the interpretation of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic and HRESIMS data. The absolute configuration of compound 3 was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and electronic circular dichroism methods. Compounds 5-9 exhibited inhibitory effects on LPS-induced nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 macrophages with IC50 values in the range 4.9-12.6 µM.

Polyelectrolyte-triggered transformation of various types of AgBr microstructures into AgBr nanophotocatalysts with a single shape and size.

AgBr nanostructures with unified shapes and sizes were prepared using simple polyelectrolyte (PE) coatings on various AgBr microstructures that were prepared by mixing silver precursors with hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) under controlled conditions. The AgBr microstructures (plates, rods, and wires), regardless of initial structures or sizes, transformed into cubic AgBr nanoparticles (CNPs) after only three PE coatings. The electrostatic interactions between the PEs and the CTAB in the AgBr microstructures are the crucial factors that control the shapes and sizes of the AgBr microstructures. During the PE coating, the AgBr microstructures were transformed and rearranged into AgBr CNPs with favorable catalytic faces that enhanced the photocatalytic activity. The size- and shape-controlled AgBr CNPs showed excellent photocatalytic performance for the degradation of methylene orange (MO) dyes under visible-light irradiation without deterioration even after multiple uses.

(E)-1-(3,5-Di-meth-oxy-phen-yl)-3-(3-meth-oxy-phen-yl)prop-2-en-1-one.

In the title mol-ecule, C18H18O4, the C=C bond of the central enone group adopts a trans conformation. The relative conformation of the C=O and C=C bonds is s-cisoid. The dihedral angle between the planes of the benzene rings is 29.49 (12)°. In the crystal, weak C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules into chains along [010].

Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoneedles with Hierarchical Structure for Controllable Catalytic Activity of 4-Nitrophenol Reduction.

Catalyst systems with high catalytic activity and sustainability are highly desirable. Here, we report a design for catalytic composites with a hierarchical structure in which polydopamine (PD), multi-metallic nanocatalysts and iron oxide nanoneedles are successively deposited on a magnetic core. PD layers with various thicknesses are coated onto the magnetic core and serve as a template by which to take up multi-metallic nanocatalysts such as Au, Ag and Pt nanoparticles. The iron oxide nanoneedles act as spacers, preventing the nanocomposite from aggregating and increasing the surface area of the composite. The distinctive structures of the controllable template, the multi-metallic catalysts and needle-like layers enable the rapid migration of reactive ionic species and enhance catalytic ability via the synergistic effect of the multi-metallic nanocatalysts and iron oxide nanoneedles. Moreover, due to the strong magnetic property of the catalytic nanocomposites, they can be easily recovered with an external magnet and reused. Our hierarchical nanocomposites for recyclable nanocatalysts provide a new design concept for highly efficient catalysts.

Telepsychiatry services during COVID-19: A cross-sectional survey on the experiences and perspectives of young adults with first-episode psychosis.

INTRODUCTION: Limited evidence exists on the implementation of telepsychiatry within the context of early intervention services for psychosis, the need for which has become even more relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic. To address this gap, we investigated the experiences and perspectives of young adults recovering from a first-episode psychosis (FEP) following their use of telepsychiatry services (i.e. use of video conferencing technology to deliver mental health services to patients in real time). METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey study was implemented between November 19th , 2020 and March 9th , 2021 with young adults recruited from a specialized program for FEP located in an urban Canadian setting. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, exploratory (Fisher's exact test), and content analysis. RESULTS: Among 51 participants (mean age = 26.0, SD = 4.7; 56.9% female), the majority were satisfied with the service (91%, 46/51), perceived that the platform was easy to use (90%, 46/51) and felt secure in terms of confidentiality (82%, 42/51). Satisfaction was related to perceptions regarding ease of use, image quality, and employment/studying status. Several partially or totally agreed that the presence of a third party was essential to login during the first few sessions (35%, 18/51), and some needed technical support (24%, 12/51) throughout the sessions. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that telepsychiatry is feasible and acceptable to implement for patients in the early phase of psychosis recovery. It also highlights the importance of making technical support available, especially in the first few times of using the service, and addressing patient concerns regarding confidentiality, even when using secured health technologies.

Cultural Differences in the Perception of Daily Stress Between European Canadian and Japanese Undergraduate Students.

The current research examines cross-cultural differences in people's daily stress experiences and the role of social orientations in explaining their experiences. Using a situation sampling method, Study 1 collected European Canadian and Japanese undergraduates' examples of stressful interpersonal and non-interpersonal situations they experienced, measuring participants' perception of the intensity and frequency of each type of situation. Studies 2 and 3 examined the effects of culture on participants' reports of stress symptoms under the situations. Study 3 assessed the mediating effects of independence and interdependence between culture and perceived stress. These studies indicated that the situational context moderates the effect of culture on perceptions of stress, showing a different amount of stress from interpersonal situations between Japanese and European Canadian undergraduates. Mediational analyses revealed that independent orientation partially explains the relationship between culture and stress from interpersonal situations. The implications of these results for culture and daily stress are discussed.

Digital health innovation to prevent relapse and support recovery in young people with first-episode psychosis: A pilot study of Horyzons-Canada.

Digital health innovations may help to improve access to psychosocial therapy and peer support; however, the existence of evidence-based digital health interventions for individuals recovering from a first-episode psychosis (FEP) remains limited. This study aims to investigate the feasibility, acceptability, safety, and pre-post outcomes of Horyzons-Canada (HoryzonsCa), a Canadian adaptation of a digital mental health intervention consisting of psychosocial interventions, online social networking, and clinical and peer support moderation. Using a convergent mixed-methods research design, we recruited participants from a specialized early intervention clinic for FEP in Montreal, Canada. Twenty-three participants (mean age = 26.8) completed baseline assessments, and 20 completed follow-up assessments after 8 weeks of intervention access. Most participants provided positive feedback on general experience (85%, 17/20) and the utility of Horyzons for identifying their strengths (70%, 14/20). Almost all perceived the platform as easy to use (95%, 19/20) and felt safe using it (90%, 18/20). There were no adverse events related to the intervention. Participants used HoryzonsCa to learn about their illness and how to get better (65%, 13/20), receive support (60%, 12/20), and access social networking (35%, 7/20) and peer support (30%, 6/20). Regarding adoption, 65% (13/20) logged in at least 4 times over 8 weeks. There was a nonsignificant increase in social functioning and no deterioration on the Clinical Global Impression Scale. Overall, HoryzonsCa was feasible to implement and perceived as safe and acceptable. More research is needed with larger sample sizes and using in-depth qualitative methods to better understand the implementation and impact of HoryzonsCa.

Macrosphelides from Antarctic fungus Pseudogymnoascus sp. (strain SF-7351) and their neuroprotective effects on BV2 and HT22 cells.

Strategies for reducing inflammation in neurodegenerative diseases have attracted increasing attention. Herein, we discovered and evaluated the neuroprotective potential of fungal metabolites isolated from the Antarctic fungus Pseudogymnoascus sp. (strain SF-7351). The chemical investigation of the EtOAc extract of the fungal strain isolate revealed a novel naturally occurring epi-macrosphelide J (1), a novel secondary metabolite macrosphelide N (2), and three known compounds, namely macrosphelide A (3), macrosphelide B (4), and macrosphelide J (5). Their structures were established unambiguously using spectroscopic methods, such as one-dimensional and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (1D and 2D-NMR) spectroscopy, high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS), and gauge-including atomic orbital (GIAO) NMR chemical shift calculations, with the support of the advanced statistical method DP4+. Among the isolated metabolites, the absolute configuration of epi-macrosphelide J (1) was further confirmed using single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The neuroprotective effects of the isolated metabolites were evaluated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced BV2 and glutamate-stimulated HT22 cells. Only macrosphelide B (4) displayed substantial protective effects in both BV2 and HT22 cells. Molecular mechanisms underlying this activity were investigated using western blotting and molecular docking studies. Macrosphelide B (4) inhibited the inflammatory response by reducing the nuclear translocation of NF-κB (p65) in LPS-induced BV2 cells and induced the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in both BV2 and HT22 cells. The neuroprotective effect of macrosphelide B (4) is related to the interaction between Keap1 and p65. These results suggest that macrosphelide B (4), present in the fungus Pseudogymnoascus sp. (strain SF-7351), may serve as a candidate for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Multicomponent Covalent Organic Framework Solid Electrolyte Allowing Effective Li-Ion Dissociation and Diffusion for All-Solid-State Batteries.

Organic solid electrolytes compatible with all-solid-state Li metal batteries (LMBs) are essential to ensuring battery safety, high energy density, and long-term cycling performance. However, it remains a challenge to develop an approach to provide organic solid electrolytes with capabilities for the facile dissociation of strong Li-ion pairs and fast transport of ionic components. Herein, a diethylene glycol-modified pyridinium covalent organic framework (DEG-PMCOF) with a well-defined periodic structure is prepared as a multicomponent solid electrolyte with a cationic moiety of high polarity, an additional flexible ion-transporter, and an ordered ionic channel for all-solid-state LMBs. The DEG-containing pyridinium groups of DEG-PMCOF allow a lower dissociation energy of Li salts and a smaller energy barrier of Li-ion transport, leading to high ion conductivity (1.71 × 10-4 S cm-1) and a large Li-ion transfer number (0.61) at room temperature in the solid electrolyte. The DEG-PMCOF solid electrolyte exhibits a wide electrochemical stability window and effectively suppresses the formation of Li dendrites and dead Li in all-solid-state LMBs. Molecular dynamics and density functional theory simulations provide insights into the mechanisms for the enhanced Li-ion transport driven by the integrated diffusion process based on hopping motion, vehicle motion, and free diffusion of DEG-PMCOF. The all-solid-state LMB assembled with a DEG-PMCOF solid electrolyte displays a high specific capacity with a retention of 99% and an outstanding Coulombic efficiency of 99% at various C-rates during long-term cycling. This DEG-PMCOF approach can offer an effective route to design various solid-state Li batteries.

An Ion-Channel-Restructured Zwitterionic Covalent Organic Framework Solid Electrolyte for All-Solid-State Lithium-Metal Batteries.

Organic solid electrolytes offer an effective route for safe and high-energy-density all-solid-state Li metal batteries. However, it remains a challenge to devise a new strategy to promote the dissociation of strong ion pairs and the transport of ionic components in organic solid electrolytes. Herein, a zwitterionic covalent organic framework (Zwitt-COF) with well-defined chemical and pore structures is prepared as a solid electrolyte capable of accelerating the dissociation and transport of Li ions. The Zwitt-COF solid electrolyte exhibits a high room-temperature ionic conductivity of 1.65 × 10-4  S cm-1 with a wide electrochemical stability window. Besides, the Zwitt-COF solid electrolyte displays stable Li plating/stripping behavior via effective inhibition of the formation of Li dendrites and dead Li, leading to superior long-term cycle performance with retention of 99% discharge capacity and 98% Coulombic efficiency in an all-solid-state Li-metal battery. Theoretical simulations reveal that the incorporation of zwitterionic groups into COF can facilitate the dissociation of strong ion pairs and reconstruct the AA-stacking configuration by dissociative adsorption of Li+ ions on Zwitt-COF producing linear hexagonal ion channels in the Zwitt-COF solid electrolyte. This strategy based on Zwitt-COF can provide an alternative way to construct various solid-state Li batteries.

A Universal Perovskite Nanocrystal Ink for High-Performance Optoelectronic Devices.

Semiconducting lead halide perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) are regarded as promising candidates for next-generation optoelectronic devices due to their solution processability and outstanding optoelectronic properties. While the field of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and photovoltaics (PVs), two prime examples of optoelectronic devices, has recently seen a multitude of efforts toward high-performance PNC-based devices, realizing both devices with high efficiencies and stabilities through a single PNC processing strategy has remained a challenge.  In this work, diphenylpropylammonium (DPAI) surface ligands, found through a judicious ab-initio-based ligand search, are shown to provide a solution to this problem. The universal PNC ink with DPAI ligands presented here, prepared through a solution-phase ligand-exchange process, simultaneously allows single-step processed LED and PV devices with peak electroluminescence external quantum efficiency of 17.00% and power conversion efficiency of 14.92% (stabilized output 14.00%), respectively. It is revealed that a careful design of the aromatic rings such as in DPAI is the decisive factor in bestowing such high performances, ease of solution processing, and improved phase stability up to 120 days. This work illustrates the power of ligand design in producing PNC ink formulations for high-throughput production of optoelectronic devices; it also paves a path for "dual-mode" devices with both PV and LED functionalities.

Metal ion-enriched polyelectrolyte complexes and their utilization in multilayer assembly and catalytic nanocomposite films.

The mixing of Ag ion-doped poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) produced Ag ion-doped polyelectrolyte complex particles (PECs) in solution. Positively charged Ag ion-doped PECs (Ag ion PECs) with a spherical shape were deposited alternatively with PAA to form a multilayer assembly. The multilayered film containing Ag ion PECs was reduced to generate a composite nanostructure. Metal nanoparticle (NP)-enriched nanocomposite films were formed by an additional process of the postadsorption of precursors on PECs within the nanocomposite films, which resulted in the enhancement of the catalytic and electrical properties of the composite films. Because the films contain PECs that are responsive to changes in pH and most of the NPs are embedded in the PECs, interesting catalytic properties, which are unexpected in a particle-type catalyst, were observed upon pH changes. As a result of the reversible structural changes of the films and the immobilization of the NPs within the films, the film-type catalysts showed enhanced performance and stability during catalytic reactions under various pH conditions, compared to particle-type catalysts.

Dichloridobis(2-phenyl-pyridine-κN)zinc(II).

In the title compound, [ZnCl(2)(C(11)H(9)N)(2)], the Zn(2+) cation lies on a twofold axis and is coordinated by two Cl(-) anions and the N atoms of two 2-phenyl-pyridine ligands, forming a ZnN(2)Cl(2) polyhedron with a slightly distorted tetra-hedral coordination geometry. The dihedral angle between the phenyl ring and the metal-bound pyridine ring is 50.3 (4)° for each 2-phenyl-pyridine ligand. This arranges the phenyl ring from one ligand in the complex above the pyridine ring of the other resulting in an intra-molecular π-π inter-action, with a centroid-centroid distance of 3.6796 (17) Å. Weak C-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds stabilize the crystal packing, linking mol-ecules into chains along the c axis.

Bis(µ-4,4''-difluoro-1,1':3',1''-terphenyl-2'-carboxylato-κ(2)O:O')bis[aqua(4,4''-di-fluoro-1,1':3',1''-terphenyl-2'-carboxyl-ato-κO)(pyridine-κN)cobalt(II)] diethyl ether disolvate.

The structure of the title compound, [Co(2)(C(19)H(11)F(2)O(2))(4)(C(5)H(5)N)(2)(H(2)O)(2)]·2C(4)H(10)O, comprises two Co(II) atoms in a distorted square pyramidal coordination environment, straddling a crystallographic inversion center with a Co⋯Co separation of 3.1923 (15) Å. Each Co(2+) cation is coordinated by three O atoms of three 4,4''-difluoro-1,1':3',1''-terphenyl-2'-carboxyl-ate ligands, one water O atom and one pyridine N atom, forming a CoO(4)N polyhedron. Strong intra-molecular O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds are observed between terminal metal-bound carboxyl-ate groups and water O atoms.

(E)-3-(3,5-Dimeth-oxy-phen-yl)-1-(1-hy-droxy-naphthalen-2-yl)prop-2-en-1-one.

In the title mol-ecule, C21H18O4, the C=C bond of the central enone group adopts a trans conformation. The dihedral angle formed by the naphthalene ring system and the benzene ring is 2.97 (11)°. The hy-droxy group is involved in an intra-molecular O-H⋯O hydrogen bond. In the crystal, weak C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules into chains along [001].