bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The association between lymphocyte to high‐density lipoprotein ratio and depression: Data from NHANES 2015–2018
Authors: Chen Junzhi , Huang Yan , Li Xiaolin
Published: March 2024

Introduction

The relationship of lymphocyte to high‐density lipoprotein ratio (LHR) with depression remains uncertain. We aimed to evaluate the association between LHR and depression in US adults.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, a total of 4216 participants were enrolled from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2015–2018). Depressive symptoms were measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9). Participants were classified as having depression if PHQ‐9 scores were ≥10. Multiple logistic regression models were used to explore the relationship between the LHR and depression.

Results

Overall, the LHR was significantly associated with depression (per standard deviation increment; adjusted odds ratio (OR), 1.31; 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.14, 1.50]) after adjusted potential variables. Interactions between LHR with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and body mass index (BMI) on the risk of depression were found in stratified analysis (p for interaction < .05).

Conclusions

A higher level of LHR was significantly associated with higher odds of having depression in US adults, and it was strengthened in participants with MetS or BMI ranging from 25 to 30 kg/m2.
Evaluation of the Antiproliferative Potential of Yellow Jaboticaba (Myrciaria glazioviana) Extracts Against Human Cervical Cancer (HeLa cells line) and the Analysis of Their Chemical Composition by HPLC‐HRESIMS
Authors: Toledo Martins Pereira Mariana , Sardou Charret Thiago , Freimann Wermelinger Guilherme , Soares Ribeiro Nogueira Thalya , Kaufmann Robbs Bruno , Carvalho Castiglione Raquel , Loureiro Simões Rafael , Dantas Machado Ricardo Luiz , Curcino Vieira Ivo José , Abreu Lucas Silva , D'Avila Bitencourt Pascoal Vinicius , Rheder Fagundes Pascoal Aislan Cristina
Published: March 2024

Cervical cancer is a specific type of cancer that affects women around the world, with an incidence of 604 thousand new cases per year and 341 thousand deaths. There is a high demand for new effective antineoplastic drugs with few side effects. In this sense, recent research highlights the potential of compounds of natural origin in treating and preventing different types of cancer. Myrciaria glazioviana is a Brazilian native species belonging to the Myrtaceae family, which has previously described biological activities such as antimicrobial, anti‐inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. This study aims to evaluate the anticancer activity of the dichloromethane extract (MGD) and ethyl acetate extract (MGA) of M. glazioviana leaves against human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa), as well as to identify their bioactive compounds. Using HPLC‐HRESIMS technique, ten compounds were characterized in both samples: quinic acid, ellagic acid, Tri‐O‐methyl ellagic acid, two derivatives of Tetra‐O‐methyl flavellagic acid, quercetrin, Di‐O‐methyl ellagic acid, and three derivatives of pentamethyl coruleoellagic acid. Through MTT assays using HeLa cells and NIH/3T3 cells, it was observed that MGD and MGA were selective against tumor cells, with IC50 values of 24.31 and 12.62 μg/mL, respectively. The samples induced the tumor cell death by apoptosis, as evidenced by the activation of caspases 3/7, cell shrinkage, and pyknotic nuclei. Both samples were also able to inhibit the migration of HeLa cells after 24 hours of treatment, indicating a potential antimetastatic effect. Therefore, the present research highlights the antiproliferative and antimigratory potential of this species against HeLa cells.
Sesquiterpene Acids and Lactones from Inula Confertiflora with their Antibacterial Activities
Authors: Ahmed Bonsa Hussein , Desta Mekonnen Abebayehu , Wami Ashenafi Alemu , Beyene Getachew Tesfaye , Bedane Kibrom Gebreheiwot
Published: March 2024

The phytochemical investigation of the leaves of Inula confertiflora, a medicinal plant endemic to Ethiopia, led to the isolation of 15 terpenoids; 1β‐hydroxy‐α‐costic acid (1), 3α‐hydroxycostic acid (2), isotelekin (3), asperilin (4), carabrone (5), carpesioline (6), graveolide (7), inuviscolide (8), 8‐epi‐inuviscolide (9), 1β,4β‐dihydroxy‐5α(H)‐guaia‐10(14),11(13)‐dien‐8α,12‐olide (10), isoinuviscolide (11), 4β,10β‐dihydroxy‐5α(H)‐1,11(13)‐guaidien‐8α,12‐olide (12), 4β,10β‐dihydroxy‐1β(H)‐5α(H)‐guai‐11(13)‐en‐8α,12‐olide (13), 4β,10α‐dihydroxy‐1β(H)‐5α(H)‐guai‐11(13)‐en‐8α,12‐olide (14), 4β,10α‐dihydroxy‐1α(H)‐5α(H)‐guai‐11(13)‐en‐8α,12‐olide (15). Herein, structural elucidation and full NMR data for compound 1 are presented for the first time. The structures were elucidated using NMR, HRESIMS, and by comparison with literature data. The relative configurations were defined by NOESY correlations and single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography. Herein, crystallography data of 6 and 7 were reported for the first time. The antibacterial efficacy of some of the isolated compounds was evaluated against two commonly dispersed environmental strains of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Compounds 1, 3, 6, 7, and 8 exhibited moderate antibacterial activities against the tested organisms. The chemotaxonomic significance of compounds is discussed.
Palladium(II) Complexes of 4‐Phenyl‐3‐thiosemicarbazone Ligands: Insights Into Cytotoxic Properties and Mode of Cell Death
Authors: Mansour Ahmed M. , Khaled Rabaa M. , Radacki Krzysztof , Shehab Ola R , Mostafa Gamal A. E. , Ali Essam A. , Abo‐Elfadl Mahmoud T.
Published: March 2024

Reactions between sodium tetrachloropalladate and 2‐ (or 4−) substituted 4‐phenyl‐3‐thiosemicarbazone ligands (HLR), with various electron‐donating and electron‐withdrawing substituents (R = OCH3, NO2, and Cl), afford square‐planar complexes of the general formula [Pd(LR)2]. Ground‐state geometry optimization and the vibrational analysis of cis‐ and trans‐isomers of the complexes were carried out to get an insight into the stereochemistry of the complexes. Natural bond orbital analysis was used to analyze how the nature of the substituent affects the natural charge of the metal center, the type of hybridization, and the strength of the M−N and M−S bonds. Using spectrophotometry, the stability of the complexes, and their DNA binding abilities were assessed. The Pd(II) complexes showed moderate cytotoxicity against MCF‐7 and Caco‐2 cell lines, two of the assessed malignant cell lines, resulting in all known cell death types, including early apoptotic bodies and late apoptotic vacuoles as well as evident necrotic bodies.
An optimized crypto‐based routing protocol for secure routing in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Khan Khaleel‐Ur‐Rahman , Azeem Mohammed Abdul
Published: March 2024

In Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN), energy‐efficient, reliable routing is the core objective for the data transmission process. Anomaly nodes in the communication environment can affect reliable routing and network efficiency. Therefore, the present research created a novel Arithmetic Optimization‐based Rumor Routing Protocol with SKINNY Crypto mechanism (AORRP‐SCrypt) for secure Routing in WSN. Primarily, the required nodes are deployed in the related WSN environment. The arithmetic function traced the nodes' higher energy consumption and malicious action to avoid security vulnerabilities during data transmission. The sensed data packets are transmitted based on the Rumor routing function of the proposed system. Furthermore, to avoid data access by unauthorized users, it is encrypted using the SKINNY Crypto mechanism. Finally, the network efficiency and security performance are validated in the NS3 platform. The model gained 98.1% network throughput, 95.6% PDR, a lower energy consumption of between 0.001 and 0.01 J, and a 99% confidentiality rate. The developed system provided increased network security and efficiency.
Introducing Photo‐Cross‐Linkable Functionalities on P(VDF‐co‐TrFE) Ferroelectric Copolymer
Authors: Kallitsis Konstantinos , Alvarez‐Fernandez Alberto , Cloutet Eric , Brochon C. , Hadziioannou G.
Published: March 2024

Ferroelectric polymers have emerged as crucial materials for the development of advanced organic electronic devices. Their recent high‐end commercial applications as fingerprint sensors have only increased the amount of scientific interest around them. Despite an ever‐larger body of studies focusing on optimizing the properties of ferroelectric polymers by physical means (e. g., annealing, stretching, blending or nano‐structuring), post‐polymerization chemical modification of such polymers has only recently become a field of active study with great promise in expanding the scope of those polymers. In this work, a solution‐based post‐polymerization modification method was developed for the safe and facile grafting of a plethora of functional groups to the backbone of commercially available Poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐trifluoroethylene P(VDF‐co‐TrFE) ferroelectric polymers. To showcase the versatility of this approach, photosensitive groups were grafted onto the polymeric backbone, enabling them to undergo photo‐cross‐linking. Finally, these modified polymers were used as functional negative photoresists in a photolithographic process, highlighting the potential of this method to integrate ferroelectric fluorinated electroactive polymers into standard electronic microfabrication production lines.
Study on Epitaxial Growth of High‐Quality InSb Materials
Authors: Zhang Jing , Yang Lin , Wang Ping
Published: March 2024

This paper discusses the optimization of the growth temperature and Sb/In ratio of 1 µm InSb thin films grown on GaAs substrates by molecular beam epitaxy due to the InSb materials with larger lattice constants have smaller growth windows. The results show that atomic steps can be clearly seen in InSb thin films grown at 420 °C with a Sb/In ratio of 6. The InSb material grown under this condition has the smallest FWHM, indicating the best crystal quality. At the same time, the highest electron mobility measured at room temperature is 38860 cm2 V−1 s−1. The transport properties and crystal quality of InSb/AlxIn1‐xSb heterostructures corresponding to different Al compositions are also studied. The results show that as the Al component increases, dislocation scattering caused by lattice mismatch affects the electron mobility of the channel layer. The highest electron mobility of InSb/AlxIn1‐xSb heterostructures obtained is 18900 cm2 V−1 s−1 at room temperature.
Perovskite for Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Abdelghafar Fatma , Xu Xiaomin , Jiang San Ping , Shao Zongping
Published: March 2024

The development of advanced electrolysis technologies such as anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer (AEMWE) is central to the vision of a sustainable energy future. Key to the realization of such AEMWE technology lies in the exploration of low‐cost and high‐efficient catalysts for facilitating the anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Despite tremendous efforts in the fundamental research, most of today's OER works are conducted under room temperature, which deviates significantly with AEMWE's operating temperature (50–80 °C). To bridge this gap, it is highly desirable to obtain insights into the OER catalytic behavior at elevated temperatures. Herein, using the well‐known perovskite catalyst Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3–δ (BSCF) as a proof of concept, the effect of temperature on the variation in OER catalytic activity and stability is evaluated. It is found that the BSCF's activity increases with increasing temperature due to enhanced lattice oxygen participation promoting the lattice oxygen‐mediated OER process. Further, surface amorphization and cation leaching of BSCF become more pronounced as temperature increases, causing a somewhat attenuated OER stability. These new understandings of the fundamental OER catalysis over perovskite materials at industrial‐relevant temperature conditions are expected to have strong implications for the research of OER catalysts to be deployed in practical water electrolyzers.
Investigating the relationship between sleep disturbances and white matter hyperintensities in older adults on the Alzheimer's disease spectrum
Authors: Kamal Farooq , Morrison Cassandra , Dadar Mahsa
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION

While studies report that sleep disturbance can have negative effects on brain vasculature, its impact on cerebrovascular diseases such as white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) in beta‐amyloid‐positive older adults remains unexplored.

METHODS

Sleep disturbance, WMH burden, and cognition in normal controls (NCs), and individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), were examined at baseline and longitudinally. A total of 912 amyloid‐positive participants were included (198 NC, 504 MCI, and 210 AD).

RESULTS

Individuals with AD reported more sleep disturbances than NC and MCI participants. Those with sleep disturbances had more WMHs than those without sleep disturbances in the AD group. Mediation analysis revealed an effect of regional WMH burden on the relationship between sleep disturbance and future cognition.

DISCUSSION

These results suggest that WMH burden and sleep disturbance increase from aging to AD. Sleep disturbance decreases cognition through increases in WMH burden. Improved sleep could mitigate the impact of WMH accumulation and cognitive decline.
The role of epigenetic mechanisms in the long‐term effects of early‐life adversity and mother–infant relationship on physiology and behavior of offspring in laboratory rats and mice
Authors: Burenkova Olga V. , Grigorenko Elena L.
Published: March 2024

Maternal care during the early postnatal period of altricial mammals is a key factor in the survival and adaptation of offspring to environmental conditions. Natural variations in maternal care and experimental manipulations with maternal–child relationships modeling early‐life adversity (ELA) in laboratory rats and mice have a strong long‐term influence on the physiology and behavior of offspring in rats and mice. This literature review is devoted to the latest research on the role of epigenetic mechanisms in these effects of ELA and mother–infant relationship, with a focus on the regulation of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor. An important part of this review is dedicated to pharmacological interventions and epigenetic editing as tools for studying the causal role of epigenetic mechanisms in the development of physiological and behavioral profiles. A special section of the manuscript will discuss the translational potential of the discussed research.
Growth form, regeneration mode, and vegetation type explain leaf trait variability at the species and community levels in Mediterranean woody vegetation
Authors: Tüfekcioğlu İrem , Tavşanoğlu Çağatay
Published: March 2024

Leaf traits are good indicators of ecosystem functioning and plant adaptations to environmental conditions. We examined whether leaf trait variability at species and community levels in Mediterranean woody vegetation is explained by growth form, regeneration mode, and vegetation type. We studied several plant communities across five vegetation types – semi‐closed forest, open forest, closed shrubland, open shrubland, and scrubland – in southwestern Anatolia, Türkiye. Using linear mixed models, community‐weighted trait means, and principal component analysis, we tested how much variability in three leaf traits (specific leaf area, leaf thickness, and leaf area) is accounted for species, growth form, regeneration mode, and vegetation type. Despite a large amount of leaf trait variability both within‐ and among‐species existed, functional groups still accounted for a significant part of this variability. Resprouters had higher SLA and leaf area and lower leaf thickness than non‐resprouters. However, further functional separation in regeneration mode, by considering the propagule‐persistence trait and the seed bank locality, explained leaf trait variability better than only resprouting ability. Although no consistent pattern was observed in three leaf traits in the growth form, we found evidence for the difference in SLA and leaf thickness between shrubs and large shrubs, and subshrubs had smaller leaves than other growth forms. Vegetation type also accounted for a substantial amount of leaf trait variability. Specifically, plant communities in closed habitats had larger leaf area than open ones, and those in scrublands had higher SLA, lower leaf thickness, and lower leaf area than other vegetation types. Climate and phylogeny had limited contribution to the results obtained, with the exception of a significant phylogenetic effect in explaining the differences in SLA between resprouters and non‐resprouters. Our results suggest that multiple drivers are responsible for shaping plant trait variability in Mediterranean plant communities, including growth form, regeneration mode, and vegetation type.
Restoring freshwater habitat mosaics to promote resilience of vulnerable salmon populations
Authors: Cordoleani Flora , Phillis Corey C. , Sturrock Anna M. , Willmes Malte , Whitman George , Holmes Eric , Weber Peter K. , Jeffres Carson , Johnson Rachel C.
Published: March 2024

Phenotypic diversity and abundance drive salmon resilience in the face of increasing environmental variability. But what happens when human activities fundamentally alter the habitat complexity that drives this diversity? And how can we restore habitats to recover both diversity and abundance to support salmon persistence in a warming climate? Here, we looked at the impact of a large watershed restoration effort on the abundance and climate resilience of the three remaining core natural spring‐run Chinook Salmon populations in the California Central Valley (Butte, Mill, and Deer Creek). Butte Creek fish, which have floodplain access, had higher overall productivity and faster juvenile growth compared with Mill and Deer Creek populations, and the proportion of floodplain inundation was positively correlated with Butte Creek adult abundance two years later. While Butte Creek exhibited significant increases in abundance post‐restoration (~2000%), it generally exhibited lower phenotypic diversity and only a marginal increase in population stability after restoration based on the coefficient of variation (CV). In particular, Butte Creek salmon tended to exhibit larger drops in escapement following dry years (e.g., return years 2010, 2017) compared with Mill and Deer Creek populations, presumably due to limited inundation of its downstream floodplain. The late‐migrating juvenile strategy (i.e., yearling), which disproportionately supported Mill and Deer Creek populations during droughts, was uncommon among Butte Creek adults (averaging 60% of returns for Mill and Deer Creek vs. 0.3% for Butte Creek). Increased spring‐run stock complex stability was found, post‐restoration, when combining the three spring‐run populations (i.e., lower aggregate CV). However, among‐river pairwise correlations also suggested increased synchronization in population abundances post‐restoration, potentially due to increasing frequency and severity of extreme climatic events (e.g., droughts and ocean warming). This study underscores the importance of restoring a connected mosaic of aquatic habitats across modified landscapes, such as cold water refugia and floodplains, to preserve multiple (across‐population) life history pathways for increasing salmon stock complex stability and abundance. These landscape‐scale process‐based habitat restoration efforts are likely to be crucial for the successful long‐term recovery of vulnerable species in a rapidly changing climate.
DNA from dives: Species detection of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) from flukeprint eDNA
Authors: Robinson Chloe V. , Dracott Karina , Glover Robin D. , Warner Adam , Migneault Amy
Published: March 2024

Northern British Columbia has been identified as an important habitat for several coastal cetacean species, including humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). This species is listed as being of “Special Concern” under Canada's Species at Risk Act, partly due to data deficiencies concerning genetic population structure and demographics in British Columbia. Anthropogenic activities threaten North Coast humpback whale populations, with particular concern for the impact of vessel noise, entanglement, and ship strikes. Current methodology (i.e., biopsy sampling) for obtaining cetacean genetic data is invasive, challenging, and costly; therefore, there is an urgency to develop effective and minimally invasive methodologies for efficiently collecting this data. Environmental DNA (eDNA) has been identified as an ideal tool for monitoring the presence and distribution of numerous species within marine ecosystems; however, the feasibility for cetaceans is not yet well established. In this study, we opportunistically collected targeted 1 L seawater eDNA samples from flukeprints when individual humpback whales were observed diving between the years of 2020 and 2022. A total of 93 samples were collected from individual humpback whales identified using a photographic identification catalogue. We successfully detected humpback whale eDNA in 28 samples using novel species‐specific qPCR primers (~500 mL of sample), with relatively equal successful detection between immediate (0 days) and delayed (up to 10 days) sample filtration. Here, we have validated a qPCR assay for detecting humpback whale DNA from flukeprints and highlighted the future optimizations required to improve the potential application of flukeprint eDNA for conservation management.
Renal ultrasonography predicts worsening renal function in patients with heart failure under tolvaptan administration
Authors: Tanaka Nobukiyo , Furukawa Yoshio , Maeda Takuya , Ishihara Hiroki , Dan Kazuhiro , Teramura Masanori , Ichihashi Kei , Takase Tetsuro , Takahashi Yuya , Tsuzura Daichi , Shinoda Akira , Fujii Masato , Okada Hisashi , Itabashi Fumiharu , Teramoto Tomohiko
Published: March 2024

Aims

Renal dysfunction in patients with chronic heart failure predicts a poor prognosis. Tolvaptan has a diuretic effect in patients with chronic kidney disease and heart failure without adverse effects on renal function. We aimed to determine the effects of tolvaptan and predictors of worsening renal function in patients with heart failure.

Methods and results

This post hoc analysis was a sub‐analysis of a single‐centre prospectively randomized trial on the early and short‐term tolvaptan administration. We enrolled 201 participants with decompensated heart failure between January 2014 and March 2019 (early group, n = 104; age: 79.0 ± 12.8 years; late group, n = 97; age: 80.3 ± 10.8 years). Renal ultrasonography was performed before and after the administration of tolvaptan. Urine output and oral water intake significantly increased during tolvaptan administration. The difference between water intake and urine volume increased during tolvaptan administration. Changes in body weight, blood pressure, heart rate, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in both groups were comparable. The changes in peak‐systolic velocity (PSV), acceleration time (AT) of the renal arteries, and resistance index were comparable. The changes in PSV and end‐diastolic velocity (EDV) of the interlobar arteries increased following tolvaptan administration (Δmax PSV: 0.0 ± 14.8 cm/s before tolvaptan vs. 5.6 ± 15.7 cm/s after tolvaptan, P = 0.002; Δmean PSV: 0.4 ± 12.3 vs. 4.9 ± 12.7 cm/s, P = 0.002; Δmax EDV: −0.2 ± 3.5 vs. 1.4 ± 4.0 cm/s, P = 0.001; Δmean EDV: −0.0 ± 3.1 vs. 1.1 ± 3.4 cm/s, P = 0.003). The renal artery AT was negatively correlated with the eGFR (Δmax AT: beta = −0.2354, P = 0.044; Δmean AT: beta = −0.2477, P = 0.035).

Conclusions

Tolvaptan increased the PSV and EDV of the interlobar artery, which may mean tolvaptan increased renal blood flow. The renal artery AT may be a surrogate for worsening renal function.
Histopathology of congestive nephropathy: a case description and literature review
Authors: Husain‐Syed Faeq , Rangaswami Janani , Núñez Julio , Skrzypek Susanne , Jux Christian , Gröne Hermann‐Josef , Birk Horst‐Walter
Published: March 2024

Congestive nephropathy is an underappreciated manifestation of cardiorenal syndrome and is characterized by a potentially reversible kidney dysfunction caused by a reduced renal venous outflow secondary to right‐sided heart failure or intra‐abdominal hypertension. To date, the histological diagnostic criteria for congestive nephropathy have not been defined. We herein report a case of acute renal dysfunction following cardiac allograft failure and present a review of the relevant literature to elucidate the current understanding of the disease. Our case demonstrated that congestion‐driven nephropathy may be histopathologically characterized by markedly dilated veins and peritubular capillaries, focally accentuated low‐grade acute tubular damage, small areas of interstitial fibrosis, and tubular atrophy on a background of normal glomeruli and predominantly normal tubular cell differentiation.
On the Substrate Scope of Dimethylsulfonium Propionate Lyases toward Dimethylsulfoxonium Propionate Derivatives
Authors: Chhalodia Anuj K. , Dickschat Jeroen S.
Published: March 2024

The six dimethylsulfonium propionate (DMSP) lyases DddQ, DddW, DddP, DddY, DddK and DddL catalyze the elimination of dimethyl sulfide from DMSP and can also cleave the marine metabolite dimethylsulfoxonium propionate (DMSOP) to DMSO and acrylate. In this study the potency of all six enzymes for the conversion of four DMSOP analogs with longer alkyl chains that were synthesized in three steps from 3‐mercaptopropionic acid was investigated. For this purpose, the pH dependency of the enzyme reactions was determined, showing optimal conditions at pH 8 for all enzymes but DddP, for which an optimum of pH 6 was found. Efficient transformations were observed for DddQ, DddW, DddY and DddK, for which the Michaelis‐Menten kinetics were determined for all four substrate analogs. HPLC analysis of the dialkylsulfoxides obtained with the most efficient enzyme DddW revealed that these compounds were obtained with a low to moderate enantiomeric excess (up to 25 % ee), demonstrating that this enzyme has a preference for one of the enantiomers of the DMSOP analogs.
Highly conductive and mechanically robust composite cathodes based on 3D interconnected elastomeric networks for deformable lithium‐ion batteries
Authors: Park Sung Hyuk , Lee Yong Woon , Kim Da Eun , Cho Kyung Gook , Kim Min Su , Park Dong Hyun , Mun Junyoung , Lee Keun Hyung
Published: March 2024

Deformable lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) can serve as the main power sources for flexible and wearable electronics owing to their high energy capacity, reliability, and durability. The pivotal role of cathodes in LIB performance necessitates the development of mechanically free‐standing and stretchable cathodes. This study demonstrates a promising strategy to generate deformable cathodes with electrical conductivity by forming 3D interconnected elastomeric networks. Beginning with a physically crosslinked polymer network using poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene) and 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([EMI][TFSI]), subsequent exchange with a 1 M LiPF6 electrolyte imparts elastic characteristics to the cathodes. The resulting LiFePO4 composite electrodes maintained their resistance under 500 consecutive bending cycles at an extremely small bending radius of 1.8 mm and showed high discharge capacity of 158 mAh g−1 with stable potential plateaus in charging and discharging curves. Moreover, flexible cells utilizing the composite electrodes exhibited superior operational stability under rolling, bending, and folding deformations.

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Old basalts, young soils ‐ Age constraints for the Golan Heights plateau volcanic soils
Authors: Zaarur Shikma , Matmon Ari , Rotshtein Rotem
Published: March 2024

The Golan Heights plateau in northern Israel is underlaid by volcanic rocks ranging in age from ~5.5 to 0.1 Ma. Throughout the Golan Heights, these rocks are covered by shallow soils that rarely exceed 0.5 m in depth. The soils are generally assumed to form a chronosequence, in which their ages correspond to those of the basalts they cover. Such age correspondence would imply that the soils have been slowly accumulating over hundreds of thousands to a few million years, suggesting a generally stable system. The ages of these soils and their temporal correlation to the basalts, however, have never been determined or tested.

Here, we present age constraints for the soils of the Golan Heights. Soils were surveyed and sampled with their corresponding basalt bedrock. Mass balance calculations based on conservative immobile elements, coupled with 36Cl‐based basalt denudation rates, suggest that the soil ages are decoupled from the ages of the underlying basalts, and represent up to a few thousand years of soil production, at most. This time frame is orders of magnitude shorter than the basalt age, challenging the prevalent assumption that the soils form a chronosequence.

Our findings strongly suggest that erosion is a significant factor controlling soil formation and accumulation on the plateau, despite the generally flat morphology of the Golan Heights. The erosion is associated with tectonic activity along the Dead Sea transform, with the development of the Kinarot and Hula valleys, and with the consequential development of drainage systems of various sizes on the plateau. Throughout the Golan Heights, the timing of volcanic activity in relation to the development of the valleys and drainage systems also appears to strongly affect soil development and accumulation.
Unveiling the promise: Exosomes as game‐changers in anti‐infective therapy
Authors: Chavda Vivek P. , Luo Guanghong , Bezbaruah Rajashri , Kalita Tutumoni , Sarma Anupam , Deka Gitima , Duo Yanhong , Das Bhrigu Kumar , Shah Yesha , Postwala Humzah
Published: March 2024

Extracellular vesicles (EVs)‐based intercellular communication (through exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies) is conserved across all kingdoms of life. In recent years, exosomes have gained much attention for targeted pharmaceutical administration due to their unique features, nanoscale size, and capacity to significantly contribute to cellular communication. As drug delivery vehicles, exosomes have several advantages over alternative nanoparticulate drug delivery technologies. A key advantage lies in their comparable makeup to the body's cells, which makes them non‐immunogenic. However, exosomes vesicles face several challenges, including a lack of an effective and standard production technique, decreased drug loading capacity, limited characterization techniques, and underdeveloped isolation and purification procedures. Exosomes are well known for their long‐term safety and natural ability to transport intercellular nucleic acids and medicinal compounds across the blood‐brain‐barrier (BBB). Therefore, in addition to revealing new insights into exosomes’ distinctiveness, the growing availability of new analytical tools may drive the development of next‐generation synthetic systems. Herein, light is shed on exosomes as drug delivery vehicles in anti‐infective therapy by reviewing the literature on primary articles published between 2002 and 2023. Additionally, the benefits and limitations of employing exosomes as vehicles for therapeutic drug delivery are also discussed.
Explainable machine learning techniques based on attention gate recurrent unit and local interpretable model‐agnostic explanations for multivariate wind speed forecasting
Authors: Peng Lu , Lv Sheng‐Xiang , Wang Lin
Published: March 2024

Wind power has emerged as a successful component within power systems. The ability to reliably and accurately forecast wind speed is of great importance in maintaining the security and stability of the power grid. However, the significance of explaining prediction models has often been overlooked by researchers. To address this gap, this study introduces a novel approach to wind speed forecasting that incorporates a significant decomposition method, attention‐based machine learning, and local explanation techniques. The proposed model utilizes grid search variational mode decomposition to decompose the wind speed sequence into different modes while employing gate recurrent unit with an attention mechanism to achieve superior forecasting performance. Experimental evaluations conducted on eight real‐world wind speed datasets demonstrate that the proposed approach outperforms other popular models across multiple performance criteria. In two specific experiments, the proposed approach achieved a minimal mean absolute percentage error of 2.74% and 1.70%, respectively. Furthermore, local interpretable model‐agnostic explanations (LIME) were employed to assess the influence of factors, highlighting whether they positively or negatively affected the predicted values.
A comprehensive review on recent advances in postharvest treatment, storage, and quality evaluation of onion (Allium cepa): Current status, and challenges
Authors: Kiran Patil Rajvardhan , Aradwad Pramod , T. V. Arun Kumar , Nayana N. Parvathy , C. S. Ramya , Sahoo Monalisa , Urhe Sumit B. , Yadav Rahul , Kar Abhijit , Mani Indra
Published: March 2024

Onion is an important economical and nutritional vegetable crop having a global demand. However, the long‐term storage and availability of quality produce during off seasons remain a constraint. The intricate process of quality degradation in onions, both pre and postharvest, is influenced by internal factors and storage conditions. To preserve the postharvest quality and prolong the shelf life of onions, effective postharvest technologies incorporating quality assessment and preservation treatments are crucial. This paper delves into the key factors associated with crop quality, postharvest treatments, and storage, providing a comprehensive understanding of their cause‐effect relationships. The primary objective of this review is to shed light on diverse postharvest treatments, storage conditions, and structures, along with their effects on the physical, chemical, and biochemical aspects of onions. Additionally, the study explores destructive and non‐destructive assessment technologies to evaluate the quality of onions. Storage and marketability is intricately tied to the advancement of appropriate technology aimed at minimizing losses during various stages of harvesting and storage conditions. This review serves as a preliminary document that can assist in exploring critical factors and advancing technologies to enhance the shelf life and quality of onions, bridging the gap between traditional methods and promising advancements.
Factors associated with consuming unhealthy food in school children: A population‐based study from Hong Kong
Authors: Huang Junjie , Chan Sze Chai , Pang Wing Sze , Chow Shui Hang , Fung Yat Ching , Keung Vera M. W. , Cheung Calvin K. M. , Lo Amelia S. C. , Mui Lancelot W. H. , Lee Albert , Wong Martin C. S.
Published: March 2024

Background and Aims

Unhealthy diets were found to be the main contributor to the overweight problem among adolescents. In this study, we aim to identify the factors causing unhealthy eating habits in adolescents.

Methods

School‐aged children and adolescents participated in this cross‐sectional observational study with additional school and parental consent. A self‐administered survey was conducted by 30 primary schools and 25 secondary schools. Participants were asked about the frequency of consuming unhealthy food and the types of unhealthy food consumed. A descriptive analysis was performed to demonstrate the proportions of characteristics. The prevalence of the outcome among participants of various factors was also analyzed using separate binary regression models.

Results

A total of 4884 responses were collected. Among primary school students (grade 4, mean age: 10.06), people who (1) were actively gaining weight (aOR: 1.651, 95% CI 1.006–2.708, p = 0.047), (2) went to bed after 11 p.m. (aOR: 1.652, 95% CI 1.065–2.563, p = 0.025), (3) had more than 2 h of gaming (aOR: 2.833, 95% CI 1.913–4.195, p < 0.001), (4) suffered from self‐report depressive symptoms (aOR: 1.753, 95% CI 1.233–2.493, p = 0.002) was more likely to consume unhealthy food. As for secondary school students (grade 3, mean age: 15.28), (1) males (aOR: 1.266, 95% CI 1.0004–1.601, p = 0.0496), (2) average‐to‐high socioeconomic status (Average: aOR: 1.471, 95% CI 1.115–1.941, p = 0.006; High: aOR: 2.253, 95% CI 1.585–3.202. p < 0.001), (3) having more than 2 h of gaming (aOR: 1.342, 95% CI 1.069–1.685, p = 0.011), (4) suffering from psychological distress (aOR: 1.395, 95% CI 1.051–1.852, p = 0.021) were associated with the increased odds of consuming unhealthy food.

Conclusion

Several lifestyle and health factors were significantly associated with unhealthy eating behaviors in school‐aged children and adolescents in Hong Kong, sharing similarities with many other countries. In conjunction with implementing a policy that addresses factors for unhealthy eating habits, further research should investigate potential interventions targeting these factors to ultimately tackle the overweight and obesity concern for children and adolescents in Hong Kong.
Precancerous cervical lesions and associated factors among women on antiretroviral therapy at Dukem Health Center, Central Ethiopia: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Lemma Tamiru Mamo , Bala Elias Teferi , Hordofa Mulatu Ayana , Solbana Lencho Kajela
Published: March 2024

Background and Aims

Cervical cancer is a global public health problem and the second most common cancer which leads to morbidity and mortality among women in developing countries like Ethiopia. In Ethiopia, annually 6294 new cervical cancer cases and 4884 deaths are estimated in 2018 alone. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of precancerous cervical lesions among women on antiretroviral therapy (ART) at Dukem Health Center, Central Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution‐based cross‐sectional study was carried out among randomly selected 257 women receiving ART at Dukem Health Center. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire, medical record review, and visual inspection with acetic acid. Collected data were entered into Epi‐info 7.4 and exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis. The prevalence of precancerous cervical lesions and the characteristics of study participants were identified. Utilizing both binary and multivariable logistic regression models, the existence and degree of association with precancerous cervical lesions were determined with a p value < 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval.

Results

The prevalence of precancerous cervical lesions was 16% (95% CI: 11.7–20.6). Significant association was found between precancerous cervical lesions and a history of STIs (AOR = 4.30, 95% CI: 1.48–12.49), oral contraceptive use (AOR = 6.56, 95% CI: 2.10–20.50), having multiple lifetime sexual partners (AOR = 2.53: 95% CI: 1.05–6.10), and a recent CD4 count of less than 200 cells/mm3 (AOR: 11.33, 95% CI: 2.88–24.58).

Conclusion

In the study area, the prevalence of precancerous cervical lesions was relatively high. Therefore, concerned bodies are recommended to increase awareness of the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and limit sexual partners.
How to choose and apply a uterine compression suture for the management of postpartum hemorrhage?
Authors: Nieto‐Calvache Albaro Jose , Palacios‐Jaraquemada Jose Miguel , Sarria‐Ortiz Daniela , Galindo‐Velasco Valentina , Basanta Nicolás
Published: March 2024

Synopsis

B‐Lynch 1 uterine compression suture is useful for bleeding from the uterine body and “B‐Lynch 2” (transverse B‐Lynch) for bleeding from the lower uterine segment.
I'm Great! I'm no good….: A case illustration of drama therapeutic work with a male offender of domestic violence in a forensic outpatient setting
Authors: van den Broek Elsa
Published: March 2024

Treating perpetrators of aggressive behavior, like verbal aggression, intimidation, and bullying behavior resulting in aggressive incidents with others, is difficult. This group is often diagnosed with personality disorders and when legal measures applied, they are more often treated in a forensic setting for their problems. This article presents the case of a 54‐year‐old man, diagnosed with Borderline personality disorder, narcissistic and antisocial traits, mild depressive symptoms, and loss and grief, who has voluntarily had treatment in a forensic outpatient center to reduce aggression and change destructive patterns in relationships. Hating, judging, and self‐defeating were the main reasons why the patient found himself ending up in the same situation repeatedly. The client received individual drama therapy sessions. The drama therapeutic approach included schema therapeutic elements, such as schema mode work with cards, as well as roleplay, imagery (with rescripting), improvisation, and psycho drama elements. As a result of drama therapy, the client reported less (active) aggression, less aggression in his relationships (partners/children/friends), but also an increased level of loneliness, and mild depressive symptoms. The client was more in touch with his vulnerability and was able to behave in a more adequate healthy way in relationships. Although self‐esteem was still building up, there was a decrease of aggression and less conflict‐seeking behavior as a result. Risk assessment tools (FARE‐2 & HONOS) and Schema therapy scales (YSQ and SMI) were used pre‐ and posttreatment confirming the improvements. This case promotes the use of dramatherapy in forensic outpatient care to be valuable in lowering risk recidivism and changing deeply rooted behavioral patterns.
Phosphorus speciation in manure and fertilizer impacted Mid‐Atlantic coastal plain soils
Authors: Mosesso Lauren R. , Reiter Mark S. , Scheckel Kirk G. , Fiorellino Nicole M. , Toor Gurpal S. , Shober Amy L.
Published: March 2024

Historical applications of manures and fertilizers at rates exceeding crop P removal in the Mid‐Atlantic region (United States) have resulted in decades of increased water quality degradation from P losses in agricultural runoff. As such, many growers in this region face restrictions on future P applications. An improved understanding of the fate, transformations, and availability of P is needed to manage P‐enriched soils. We paired chemical extractions (i.e., Mehlich‐3, water extractable P, and chemical fractionation) with nondestructive methods (i.e., x‐ray absorption near edge structure [XANES] spectroscopy and x‐ray fluorescence [XRF]) to investigate P dynamics in eight P‐enriched Mid‐Atlantic soils with various management histories. Chemical fractionation and XRF data were used to support XANES linear combination fits, allowing for identification of various Al, Ca, and Fe phosphates and P sorbed phases in soils amended with fertilizer, poultry litter, or dairy manure. Management history and P speciation were used to make qualitative comparisons between the eight legacy P soils; we also speculate about how P speciation may affect future management of these soils with and without additional P applications. With continued P applications, we expect an increase in semicrystalline Al and Fe‐P, P sorbed to Al (hydro)oxides, and insoluble Ca‐P species in these soils for all P sources. Under drawdown scenarios, we expect plant P uptake first from semicrystalline Al and Fe phosphates followed by P sorbed phases. Our results can help guide management decisions on coastal plain soils with a history of P application.
Experiences of young people growing up in a family with Huntington's disease: A meta‐ethnography of qualitative research
Authors: Cooper Hollie , Simpson Jane , Dale Maria , Eccles Fiona J. R.
Published: March 2024

Huntington's disease is a genetic neurodegenerative condition with wide physical and psychological impacts. Children of a parent with the condition have a 50% chance of carrying the gene expansion and developing the condition themselves. This systematic review and meta‐ethnography presents a synthesis of the qualitative research on the experiences of young people growing up in a family with Huntington's disease. The MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases were systematically searched, and 13 papers met the inclusion criteria. Through the process of meta‐ethnography, four themes were identified highlighting aspects of childhood that were stolen and fought for: thief of relationships, thief of self, thief of transparency, and search for reclamation. Within the themes, the complex challenges young people faced when growing up in a HD family were explored such as the impact of adverse childhood experiences and the possible effects of HD on attachment and social relationships. Clinical implications are considered, and recommendations are made for future research.
An evaluation of ankle and foot bolus in paediatric modulated arc total body irradiation (MATBI)
Authors: Hering Hannah , Effeney Beth , Brady Carole , Hargrave Catriona
Published: March 2024

Introduction

This retrospective planning study aimed to evaluate the role of bolus in achieving dose uniformity in the ankles and feet in paediatric patients undergoing Modulated Arc Total Body Irradiation (MATBI) treatment and to identify patient factors that may negate or warrant its use.

Methods

The clinically treated plans of 20 paediatric patients who received MATBI treatment utilising ankle and foot bolus (Bolus plan) were compared with two retrospectively generated plans; a plan with bolus removed and no re‐optimisation (No Bolus plan), and a re‐optimised plan without bolus attempting to achieve equal dosimetry to the clinical plan via monitor unit adjustment (MU plan). Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the dose uniformity criteria of ±10% coverage of the reference dose (RD) for each subregion of the ankle and foot for the three plans. The impact of patient height, weight, and age at the time of treatment was evaluated using Spearman's correlation.

Results

Variation in doses >10% RD was minimal across the three plans, with an average D1cc difference < 0.4Gy. For the ankle and foot regions in the Bolus plans, the volume receiving at least 90% of the RD (V90) was on average > 92%. In No Bolus and MU plans, there was an average reduction of 24.5% and 23.2% V90 coverage respectively in the toes. Spearman's correlation suggests height has the strongest relationship to D1cc.

Conclusion

This study validated the continued use of ankle and foot bolus to achieve dosimetric goals for paediatric MATBI treatments, particularly V90 coverage across all heights.